The Second Choice

Red Strings Are Tangled

When Y/N returned to her table, she saw Sines and Rhonda grinning like Cheshire cats. Rhonda leaned in, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Look at you, Y/N! You and Taehyung are like the perfect pair tonight. It's like you're in your own little world."

Sines snickered, adding, "Yeah, and Taehyung is just so your type. Look how you two match. It's like you've been rehearsing this."

Y/N rolled her eyes, but she couldn't suppress a smile. "Come on, you two. It's not like that. We're just friends."

Jin, who had been listening intently, raised an eyebrow. "Wait, so he's not your boyfriend?"

As Y/N settled back at her table, the playful banter between her friends was almost more lively than the music. Sines and Rhonda couldn't help but tease her about her interaction with Taehyung.

"You two are totally matching tonight," Sines said, smirking. "And the way you act around each other—"

"—it's like you're pretending he's just a friend," Rhonda chimed in, winking at Y/N. "Come on, what's the deal?"

"No baby he's not her boyfriend ," Sines replied, stretching the word 'boyfriend' theatrically. "He's her—I quote—'best friend.'" Y/N shot a mock glare at Sines, who was grinning widely.

Before Y/N could respond, Rhonda excitedly shifted the topic. "Anyway, I've been talking to Namjoon. He's been flirting with me all night!"

Y/N raised her eyebrows, intrigued. "Oh, really? That sounds fun."

Rhonda's smile broadened. "Yeah, it's been great. And we're just getting started!"

Just then, the host of the event took the stage, signaling that it was time for everyone to dance again. The room buzzed with excitement as the cultural dance, a cherished tradition, began. Namjoon, his face alight with enthusiasm, approached Rhonda.

"Would you do me the honor of dancing with me?" he asked with a charming smile.

Rhonda's eyes sparkled. "I'd love to!"

Jin, watching the scene unfold, turned to Sines with a thoughtful look. "I guess that leaves us then." He extended his hand with a playful grin.

Sines stood up, taking Jin's hand with a twinkle in her eye. "Lead the way."

The host's eyes soon found Y/N and Taehyung. With a friendly but insistent gesture, the host beckoned them to join the dance. "You two must dance together," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Y/N and Taehyung exchanged a shrug and stood up, making their way to the dance floor. As the music swelled, the crowd gathered, each person holding a red string. Y/N watched with curiosity as pairs began to join hands, the strings wrapping around them in intricate patterns.

The host explained the tradition. "This is the Dance of Fate. The strings represent couples and the union of fated partners, destined to be together for a lifetime. It symbolizes the bond between soulmates."

Y/N glanced at Taehyung. "I suppose this could work with friends too, right?"

Taehyung nodded, his smile reassuring. "Yeah, platonic soulmates exist too."

As the host and his assistants moved through the crowd, tying strings around everyone's hands, Y/N and Taehyung felt their own hands bound together. The host adjusted their positions, pushing them closer.

Taehyung, taking the lead, wrapped one hand around Y/N's waist, pulling her into a more intimate embrace. Y/N followed his lead naturally, her movements syncing with his as they danced.

Across the dance floor, Namjoon twirled Rhonda, guiding her gracefully through the steps. Y/N stole a glance at Jin and Sines, who were deeply focused on each other. Sines's eyes were fixed on Jin, her expression a mix of admiration and affection.