Reputation

Chapter 17 - Party reunion

After a week of working on the history project, it was finally the weekend again. It was a Friday afternoon, and the boys were chilling at our house, brainstorming what to do tomorrow.

"Mingyu invited us to his party tomorrow," Scoups mentioned casually while engrossed in his video game.

"Mingyu? Whoa, let's go! We haven't seen him in a long time," Joshua said, sounding excited.

"Yeah, I'm in," Jeonghan added, looking up from his phone.

"A, do you wanna come with us?" Joshua asked, turning his attention to me.

"Mingyu? As in the guy who moved away?" I asked, a bit surprised.

"Yep," Scoups replied, not taking his eyes off the screen.

"Sure, I guess. I didn't know you all still talked," I said, intrigued by the sudden plan.

"Once in a while we do," Scoups replied, shrugging.

"Sounds like it could be fun," I said, thinking about the last time we all hung out with Mingyu. "What time are we heading over?"

"We'll head over around 8 PM," Scoups said. "It's a house party, so it'll probably go late."

"Great, I'll get something nice to wear," I said, already thinking about outfit options.

"Just don't outshine us," Jeonghan teased with a smirk.

"Oh, please, like that's even possible," I shot back playfully.

The rest of the evening passed in a comfortable haze of video games and snacks.

The next day, I literally slept in until Scoups came into my room with chicken nuggets to wake me up.

"Rise and shine, sleepyhead," he said, waving a nugget in front of my nose.

I groaned, pulling the blanket over my head. "Why are you waking me up with chicken nuggets?"

"Because it's almost noon, and we have a party to get ready for later," he said, plopping down on the edge of my bed. "Plus, I know you can't resist nuggets."

Peeking out from under the blanket, I saw him grinning at me. "Fine, gimme those," I said, reaching for the nuggets.

He handed me the box, and I sat up, munching on one. "What's the plan for today before the party?"

"Just chill, I guess. Maybe hit the mall if you need anything for tonight," Scoups said, leaning back against my pillows.

"Yeah, I could use a new outfit," I admitted. "Wanna come with?"

"Sure, let's make it a sibling day out," he said, getting up. "I'll let the guys know we're heading out."

"Cool, thanks for the wake-up nuggets," I said, giving him a playful salute.

"No problem. Meet you downstairs in 15," he replied, heading for the door.

After getting dressed and freshening up, I grabbed my bag and headed downstairs. Scoups was waiting by the door, car keys in hand. "Ready?"

"Ready," I said, and we headed out.

After a successful shopping trip and some more relaxing at home, it was time to get ready for Mingyu's party. I picked out a cute dress and spent some extra time on my hair and makeup. By the time I was finished, I felt confident and ready to have a good time.

"You look great," Scoups said as I came downstairs.

"Thanks, you clean up pretty well yourself," I replied, noting his stylish outfit.

The guys were already in the living room, waiting. "Ready to go?" Joshua asked.

"Yep, let's do this," I said, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves.

The party was already in full swing when we arrived. Mingyu greeted us warmly, and it felt like old times catching up with him. The house was packed with people, music blaring, and everyone seemed to be having a great time.

While I was partying on the dance floor, I bumped into someone. "Wonwoo?" I said, shocked.

"Ara? Hey, what are you doing here?" he said, giving me a hug.

"Enjoying the party," I replied, clinking my cup with his. "Nice to see you again. How have you been?"

"Life is boring as per usual," I said, smiling.

"Want to go somewhere quieter?" he whispered into my ear.

"Sure," I giggled. Must be the alcohol. He grabbed my hand and led me out of there, and we arrived at a balcony on the second story.

"So, you still look beautiful," Wonwoo said, smiling at me.

"Thanks, and you are still as charming as ever," I chuckled.

Wonwoo was my middle school crush. We used to study and read together; it was our go-to hobby. "Do you have any plans tomorrow?" he questioned.

"Nope, why?" I asked, curious.

"Well, I was hoping we could catch up," he said.

"Is Mr. Jeon asking me on a date?" I said, smiling.

"Yeah, if you'd like to," he laughed.

He suddenly leaned in close to my face, and I don't know if it's the middle school feelings coming back or the alcohol rushing to my brain. Because I did something crazy: we kissed.

It was a really hot kiss. "I'll take that as a yes?" Wonwoo said, slowly pulling away, smirking.

"Yeah, I guess so," I replied, breathless.

Jeonghan's POV:

While catching up with the guys, I noticed Ara and some dude getting pretty close on the dance floor. "Who's that guy with Ara?" I asked Scoups, trying to keep my tone casual.

"Oh, that's Wonwoo, our middle school friend," he explained.

I watched as Wonwoo led her away from the party. My curiosity got the best of me. "Hey guys, I gotta head to the washroom real quick," I said, slipping away before anyone could ask questions.

I followed them quietly, keeping a safe distance. They headed towards a balcony on the second floor. I found a spot where I could see them without being seen.

They were talking and laughing, and then they kissed. I couldn't believe it. I felt a surge of protectiveness and frustration.

After they pulled away from the kiss, Wonwoo smirked, "I'll take that as a yes?"

"Yeah, I guess so," Ara replied, looking a bit dazed.

They started walking towards the beach. I knew I couldn't follow them without being noticed, so I stayed put, watching them disappear into the night.

Feeling the need to clear my head, I headed back to the party. When I rejoined Scoups and Joshua, I tried to act normal.

"Everything okay?" Joshua asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, just needed some fresh air," I replied, forcing a smile.

Scoups glanced at me. "You sure you're good?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," I said, shrugging. "So, what were we talking about?"

I knew I had to figure out what to do next, but for now, I just needed to play it cool.