NOSEBLEED; heejake

05.

Heeseung adjusted the collar of his costume awkwardly as he stood in front of the manor, feeling the thump of the music vibrate under his feet. The party was in full swing full of laughter and chatter; lights flashing in rhythm, casting colorful patterns across the grand facade.

He took a deep breath and stepped forward, the imposing double doors opening to reveal a scene straight out of a dream. Inside, the hall was alive with energy, the pulsing lights illuminating the extravagant Halloween decor.

The walls were draped in deep crimson and black velvet, while a massive chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting eerie shadows across the room. Guests in elaborate costumes mingled, their faces partially obscured by masks and elaborate makeup.

The scent of spiced cider and smoke from the fog machine filled the air, mingling with the faint aroma of candle wax and pumpkin. Heeseung's gaze swept over the crowd, searching for familiar faces among the sea of partygoers, spotting Jia in the crowd. She wore an angel costume; she really didn't need it as she was an angel without it.

Heeseung could not have asked for a better friend than Jia. He pushed through the crowd, not ready to face her yet. As he approached the kitchen, he noticed Jaemin among the several people gathered around the counter, drinking and conversing animatedly.

This all felt familiar—almost natural to Heeseung and to say he didn't miss it was an understatement. He shook off his nerves before stepping into the kitchen. He was here to have fun and make the most of tonight.

Heeseung approached Jaemin, who looked up with a broad smile. His costume, a sleek vampire ensemble.

"Heeseung! Glad you could make it!" Jaemin exclaimed, his eyes twinkling with excitement. "Nice joker costume."

"Thanks," Heeseung replied, trying to match the enthusiasm in his voice. He accepted a cup of punch from a passing server, taking a sip to settle his nerves.

"This is unbelievable." Jaemin shakes his head but his smile never left. Heeseung nodded. "Yeah, I needed it."

"I'm glad you're here. I was gonna head out for a smoke if you wanted to join." Jaemin smirks.

"Uhm.." Heeseung felt his body stiffen at the notion of smoking with Jaemin again, the familiar anxiety of falling back into old habits washing over him. But, it wasn't like he was going to overdo it like he used to.

"I guess it wouldn't hurt."

Jaemin's eyes flashed with surprise but was quickly masked by a cheer. "That's the spirit! Let's go then." Heeseung nodded, following Jaemin out of the kitchen, through the crowd and toward the back door of the manor.

The night air was crisp, a refreshing change from the warm, crowded atmosphere inside. As they stepped outside, the sound of the party faded to a distant hum, replaced by the soft rustling of leaves and the occasional chirp of a cricket.

"Now, this isn't like the cigarettes."

Heeseung tilted his head, curiously. "What do you mean?" Jaemin pulled out a sleek silver case from his pocket, opening it to reveal a row of thin, hand-rolled joints. "Weed."

Heeseung hesitated, memories of past indulgences flashing through his mind. He remembered the escapism he once sought, and the consequences that followed. But tonight was different. He took a deep breath and accepted a joint from Jaemin, who lit it with a flick of his lighter.

Taking a tentative puff, Heeseung felt a warm sensation spread through his chest, the familiar yet distant feeling calming his nerves. He let the smoke curl out from his lips, watching it dissipate into the night air.