Our Little Secret [Bbangsaz]

-Chapter 3-

Minji.

Being in the kitchen alone, surrounded by unfamiliar faces, creates a sensation I've never felt before. It's a strange blend of nervousness and excitement, like stepping into a completely new world.

The hum of chatter and laughter around me is a constant, and I can't help but feel both a part of something and yet completely out of place at the same time.

The air is thick with the mingling scents of various drinks, food, and the unfortunate smell of sweat, which, honestly, is the grossest part of the whole party.

The soft glow of string lights adds a cozy yet unusual atmosphere to the room, casting a warm cast over everything. It's a strange combination—the warmth of the lights with the unfamiliarity of the situation.

This is my first time at a house party like this, and every moment feels like a cautious step into uncharted territory.

It's as if I'm exploring a place of similarity, but an equal amount of difference. It's hard to explain.

As I stand by the counter, nervously pouring some unknown liquid into a red Solo cup, I can't help but feel a little overwhelmed.

The music is loud, different colored lights flash across the walls, sometimes hitting my face, and conversations blend into an unintelligible murmur. I watch as people dance, talk, and laugh with ease. I can't help but wish that I wasn't so introverted.

Maybe if I wasn't, this party scene wouldn't be so new to me. Maybe I would have more friends, or I might even enjoy myself a little.

I notice that people in the house conversate with each other so effortlessly. It's like they're all part of an exclusive club, one that I've somehow stumbled into without an invitation.

Lost in my thoughts, I almost don't notice when a girl approaches me.

She looks a bit nerdy, with glasses and obvious awkwardness. She's about my height, maybe even a little taller. Her brown hair is neatly tied back, and she's wearing a simple but neat outfit that makes her stand out in the crowd of more extravagantly dressed party-goers. Her nervous body language and the uncertain expression on her face suggest that she's just as new to this scene as I am, and she seems to be scanning the room, possibly looking for something—or someone—familiar.

"Uhm... sorry to bother you, but do you know where the water is?" the shy girl asks, her voice barely audible over the noise of the party.

I put down the bottle in my hand and scratch my nape, trying to think of a helpful response. There's something almost comforting about her presence like we're both outsiders in this unfamiliar place.

"Uhh, I'm not too sure where it is. Maybe check the fridge?" I suggest, hoping I'm pointing her in the right direction.

The girl gives a small, relieved smile. "Oh, right. Good idea." She hesitates for a moment as if gathering the courage to continue the conversation. "Im...Hyein, by the way," she adds, lifting her hand slowly for a handshake.

I return her smile and shake her hand. "Minji. So... are you new here?" I ask, trying to keep the conversation going.

Something is reassuring about talking to someone who seems just as out of place as I feel. Hyein nods, looking a bit more at ease.

"Yes. My sister said it was a good idea to experience my first house party, but I'm not too sure now," she admits, glancing around the room.

The uncertainty in her voice mirrors my own feelings. It's comforting, in a way, to know that I'm not the only one feeling out of place.

She pauses again, seeming to choose her words carefully. "I came up to you because you looked... nerdy. Like me. No offense," she says, a hint of a blush coloring her cheeks.

I can slightly admire her honesty, and I find myself smiling despite the slight awkwardness of the situation.

I find myself a little happy due to the fact that she isn't putting on a facade, and just being real. Usually, people tend to want to fit in, which causes them to act like everyone else, despite their real personality being the opposite.

I can't help but smile at her candidness. It's refreshing and, honestly, quite cute.

"No worries," I reply, trying to put her at ease.  I'm glad that she chose to come up to me. I feel like we could get along well. Besides, who knows what would've happened if she went up to some jerk?

For once, I'm actually happy that someone pointed out why nerdy appearance. After a brief pause, I decided to extend our conversation.

"You know, if you didn't come with anyone, you could come back to my table. It's just my friends there. No pressure," I offer, hoping she feels welcome.

I'm genuinely curious to get to know her. There's something about her that makes me feel a little less alone in this chaotic environment.

Hyein stays silent for a moment, considering my offer, before cracking a slight smile. "Okay, I guess that couldn't hurt," she agrees.

As we walk back to my group, I introduce her to my friends, who are all welcoming. They're a mix of personalities—some more outgoing, others more reserved—but all of them are kind and friendly.

I'm glad I have them, especially in situations like this where everything feels new and intimidating.

As the evening continues, I start to loosen up a bit. The initial awkwardness dials down, replaced by a growing sense of comfort.

My friends, especially the ones who are more accustomed to these social settings, help put me at ease. They include Hyein in the conversations, and she too starts to get more comfortable.

We talk about everything and nothing—music, movies, random funny stories. It's a welcome distraction from the constant feeling of being out of place.

At one point, one of my friends suggested we play a game, as an attempt to break the ice and allow Hyein to learn a little more about everyone.

Hyein and I end up on the same team, and we share a few laughs over our failed attempts to win. It's nice to see her relax and enjoy herself. She's got a great sense of humor, and I find myself genuinely enjoying her company.

The Game was pretty stupid, considering you had to do ridiculous things, but I could tell Hyein was getting more comfortable.

The night progresses, But the party is still very energetic. After the game, we all continue to talk, but I can't shake the feeling of being watched.

It's almost like a 6th sense thing. Every once in a while, I catch Hanni glancing at me from across the room. Her expression is barely readable, and I can't tell what she's thinking. Every time I catch her, she looks away like she wasn't doing anything. Weird.

Questions start to flood my head. Is she wondering about Hyein? Or perhaps she's just curious about why I'm here. Is she judging me? Who knows.

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A/N: sorry my upload scedule is kinda choppy. I just started school again and they are already giving us tons of work. anyways, I hope you guys enjoy!