The midnight I met him

the midnight I met him part 3

    Previous story part continues
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     As they wrapped up their brainstorming session, Haru's phone buzzed with a text from Sophia: "Party at my place tonight! 10 PM. Come ready to roar!"

Haru's eyes widened as she showed the message to the others. "Looks like Sophia's got a surprise for us!"

Hangul squealed with excitement, while Yuna's eyes sparkled with intrigue. Joonoh raised an eyebrow, but a hint of curiosity lurked in his gaze.

As they packed up their things, Haru wondered what Sophia had planned. A night party at her lavish mansion? It sounded like the perfect setting for secrets to spill and surprises to unfold...

As they parted ways, Haru couldn't shake off the feeling that tonight would be a night to remember. Little did she know, Sophia's party would be the catalyst for a dramatic turn of events that would change their lives

    Sophia's eyes gleamed with malice as she pulled up beside Haru. "Hey, loser. Tonight's party? There's a dress code. And if you don't follow it... well, let's just say you won't be the only one looking foolish."

Haru's heart sank. What did Sophia have planned now?

"What's the dress code?" Haru asked warily.

    Sophia's smile grew wider. "Come as your true self. Or, in your case, your true loser self. I'm sure you'll figure it out."

With a snicker, Sophia sped off, leaving Haru feeling uneasy and unsure of what to expect at :

Haru walked away, her eyes welling up with tears. She couldn't believe Sophia's cruelty still got to her.

Joonoh noticed her distress and quickened his pace to catch up with her. "Hey, Haru, wait up," he said in a deep, gentle voice. "What's wrong? You seem upset."

Haru tried to brush him off, but her voice cracked as she spoke. "Why do you care, Joonoh? We're not even friends." She quickened her pace, trying to escape her emotions.

Joonoh kept pace with her, his concern evident. "That doesn't mean I can't be concerned about you, Haru. You're clearly upset, and I want to help."

Haru's eyes welled up further, her voice barely above a whisper. "Just leave me alone, Joonoh. I can handle it."

But her words betrayed her, revealing the vulnerability she tried to hide. Joonoh's eyes softened, and he reached out as if to comfort her, but Haru pulled away, not ready to accept his support... yet.
          
  Joonoh respected Haru's boundaries, but he still walked alongside her, keeping a safe distance. They walked in silence, the only sound being their footsteps on the pavement.

As they approached Haru's home, she slowed down, her eyes fixed on the ground. Joonoh halted his pace, allowing her to enter her house without him.

Just as she reached the door, Haru turned around, her eyes meeting Joonoh's. For a moment, they locked gazes, and Haru felt a flicker of gratitude towards him.

"Thanks, Joonoh," she said softly, her voice barely audible.

Joonoh nodded, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Anytime, Haru. Take care."

With that, Haru slipped into her house, feeling a mix of emotions: sadness, frustration, and a hint of hope. She realized that Joonoh's kindness had cracked open a door in her heart, a door she thought she had locked shut long ago...

  Haru took a deep breath, pushing aside her emotions. She had a party to get ready for, and she wasn't going to let Sophia's cruelty ruin her night.

She showered, dressed, and styled her hair, trying to shake off the lingering sadness. As she applied her makeup, she noticed a text from Joonoh: "Hey, Haru. You okay? Want me to come over and walk you to Sophia's party?"

Haru smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. Maybe this night wouldn't be so bad after all.

"Thanks, Joonoh. I'll meet you outside Sophia's house at 10," she replied, a hint of excitement creeping into her voice.

As she finished getting ready, Haru felt a newfound confidence. She was ready to face whatever the night had in store, with Joonoh by her side...
             ~To be continued ~