FRIENDS!? ATEEZ FF

Part 22

we are getting near to the chaos...guys!

It was a late Saturday afternoon when Hongjoong, with that familiar mischievous grin, told you to get dressed. "Wear something nice," he said, his voice full of playful mystery, making your heart skip a beat. You stood in his cabin for a moment, unsure whether to press him for more details, but the glint in his eyes stopped you. He loved surprises, and his excitement was contagious. The twinkle in his eyes as he watched you try to guess what he had planned made it clear that today would be something special.

You hurried to your floor, meeting Seonghwa and Mingi in your way to the elevator.

"Where is the pretty lady hurrying to?" Mingi playfully raised a brow at you. Three of you exchanged smiles and seeing no one was around, you sighed.

"Joong wants me to get dressed nicely and he told me to hurry up. I don't know what's the reason." You said and looked expectantly at them, if they know something.

Mingi nodded his head in understanding but something clicked inside Seonghwa's mind when he smirked and patted your head.

"Then do accordingly. He doesn't want you to be late."

You narrowed your eyes at him, "do you know why is this demand suddenly?"

He raised his hands in defense, "of course not. Neither Mingi."

Mingi nodded his head in agreement, "yeah. How will we know? Also, we are getting late. Let's go, Hwa."

Ignoring their laugh when you hurried inside the elevator k, you waited for your floor to arrive.

rummaging through your closet, finally settling on a soft, flowy dress. As you stood in front of the mirror, you tried to keep your imagination in check. You have called Star earlier and she guided you how to get ready pretty and here all done with her telling you that he might be taking you on a date.

Where could he be taking me? A romantic dinner? A gallery? A stroll in the park? His surprises always left you guessing.

Once you were ready, Hongjoong drove through the bustling city streets, and you could feel the anticipation building. Every time you tried to sneak a peek at the route or ask another question, he'd just smirk and shake his head. The buildings blurred by as it moved deeper into the city center, past familiar landmarks and busy intersections, until you pulled up in front of one of the most luxurious shopping malls you've ever seen.

The towering glass facade of the mall shimmered in the evening light, reflecting the soft glow of the setting sun. Marble columns framed the grand entrance, and inside, you could see high-end boutiques, each one radiating wealth and exclusivity. Your eyes widened as you stepped out of the car, your gaze wandering over the elegant architecture and the sleek, polished displays of designer brands in the windows. The kind of stores you had only admired from afar but never dared to step inside.

"Wait," you said, laughing a little nervously as you turned to him. "Are we... shopping?"

Hongjoong's grin widened as he slipped his hand into yours, pulling you gently toward the entrance. "Something like that," he said, his tone teasing but full of affection. You followed him, still confused but intrigued. The cool air of the mall greeted you as the two walked in, the scent of expensive perfumes and polished leather filling the space. Everywhere you looked, there were glittering displays of luxury — from designer handbags and dresses to elegant jewelry sparkling under the lights.

You walked slowly, hand in hand, passing by brands you had only ever seen on billboards or in glossy magazines. Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton — names that spoke of an unattainable world, a world that felt foreign to me. You glanced at the price tags as you passed, your stomach flipping when you realized how wildly out of reach everything was. Even the simplest pieces were priced higher than anything you could imagine spending.