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Initially, when your boyfriend, Sunghoon, invited you to this event as his plus one, you declined as you weren't fond of large crowds. However, he was adamant and pleaded for you to attend. So here you are, sat at a round table, holding your drink in your hand as he sat next to you.
You could feel the taunting eyes upon you, critiquing glances that made you self-conscious and weary. As if you hadn't wanted to be there in the first place, all these looks that other guests, specifically Sunghoon's parents, gave you made you want to shrivel up and cease to exist.
"I'm going to use the washroom," Sunghoon whispered to you. "I'll be right back." he excused himself, and before you could protest, he was already headed away. It was as if fate had turned against you.
You sat silently, occasionally sipping your drink as Sunghoon's relatives chattered. You couldn't stand the awkwardness of sitting in a group of people you had just met. The feeling gnawed at you, quietly dying inside as discomfort rose from your presence.
"Your name's yn, right?" Sunghoon's mother asked with a feigned grin. You nodded, wishing for the conversation to end at that.
Unfortunately, the universe had other ideas. "I was just curious..." her voice trailed, looking toward the others for reassurance before proceeding. "Why are you with our son? He's way too good for you." She chuckled, sitting back in her seat.
You glanced at the faces that laughed along before looking back at her, shocked by the disrespect. She looked attentively at you, mocking you for even attending and criticizing every aspect of your appearance.
"That top would look better on a dog. It's not flattering at all, and the color is disgusting," You couldn't even defend yourself before Sunghoon's mother suddenly sat straight, her eyes focusing past you with yet another fake smile.
As Sunghoon sat back down, you could feel the apparent change in the atmosphere from just seconds ago. Your face was burning from the blatant embarrassment that was placed upon you. You stayed silent, avoiding judging eyes while tears welled up in your own.
You felt yourself break inside. You wanted to go home and sob into your pillow but didn't want to upset Sunghoon by going home early. Suddenly, you felt his hand grab yours from under the table while the others continued talking and laughing. One look at his face, and you felt the warmth radiate from his presence. You squeezed his hand gently in yours, tears daring to fall.
"You want to go home?" He whispered, his breath lightly caressing your skin. You nodded, relieved he suggested it rather than having to sit through this dread.
