RIIZE | Tuesdays with You 《Anton》Completed✔

Chapter 5: Red and White

It was Friday evening, and Lola stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the sleek, red dress she had bought just this morning. The dress wasn't just any dress—it was the one Anton had casually mentioned would look perfect on her during their last date. She smiled at the memory as she checked her reflection, the soft fabric hugging her figure perfectly. The dress was simple but elegant, fitting for Bobbi's birthday party, which was no ordinary celebration. Held at a fancy hotel, it required formal attire, and Lola knew that tonight would be an event to remember.

She made her way to the lobby, where guests were already arriving, dressed in glamorous gowns and sharp suits. As she waited for her friends, she took a few photos of herself, intending to send them to Anton on their next date. She wanted him to see how well the dress fit, and maybe hear him say how beautiful she looked.

Lola's phone buzzed, but before she could check it, she heard a familiar voice behind her.

"Wow, you look... incredible."

She turned to see Sungchan, her ex-boyfriend, standing there in a tailored black suit. His eyes were wide as he took in her appearance. He had always been handsome, but tonight there was something different about the way he looked at her, like he was seeing her for the first time.

Lola felt a flicker of excitement, a brief moment where the old spark between them resurfaced, but it quickly faded. Sungchan might have been charming and handsome, but something inside her had changed. He no longer held the same power over her that he once did.

"Thanks, Sungchan," she replied with a small smile, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. "You look great too."

Sungchan stepped closer, lowering his voice. "I don't have a date tonight... You don't either, right? So, how about it? Be my date for the night."

Lola blinked, surprised by his boldness. Before she could respond, he added, "Just for tonight. You can break up with Anton for a few hours, right?"

His tone was teasing, but Lola felt a pang of irritation. She forced a laugh, her gaze shifting to their friends who had gathered nearby, watching them with curious eyes. They seemed pleased, as if seeing Lola and Sungchan together again was a long-awaited reunion.

"Very funny," Lola said, trying to keep the mood light, though she couldn't ignore the sting of his words. She went along with it, letting Sungchan lead her into the party. The moment they entered, their friends greeted them with cheers and smiles, and for a brief moment, it felt like old times. Sungchan, ever the center of attention, basked in the admiration of their friends. But as Lola glanced around the room, she realized something was off.

Sungchan had always enjoyed being in the spotlight, but tonight, it felt different. He seemed almost... desperate. The way he held her close, the way he smiled too brightly for the cameras, it wasn't the Sungchan she remembered. Something had shifted between them, and Lola felt it in the pit of her stomach.

Later in the evening, Sungchan pulled her aside, away from the crowd. His tone was more serious now as he asked, "So... what's the deal with you and Anton?"

Lola raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

Sungchan leaned against the wall, crossing his arms. "I mean, it's pretty obvious you're using him to make me jealous, right? Come on, Lola. This whole thing... it's not like you."

His words hit harder than she expected. Lola felt her chest tighten. She had been so caught up in making Sungchan jealous that she hadn't stopped to consider how it looked to others—or to Anton.

"Sungchan, that's not—" she started, but he cut her off.

"You always needed attention," he said, his voice lowering. "It wasn't that I didn't love you, but you kept wanting more, as if nothing was ever enough. Now you're with Anton... and for what? To get my attention? Or everyone else's?"