THE EERIE CRIES

CHAPTER-ONE

“Cheers!” The room erupted in a chorus of laughter as colleagues clinked their champagne glasses together, the sound ringing like festive bells in the air.

“Hiya, Kim Taehyung! Don’t you think your husband should be here too?” a man with striking blonde hair called out, his voice playful and loud.

Taehyung smiled softly, glancing around at the familiar faces. “I know, Jimin hyung, but you all were so desperate for the wedding treat that I had to plan it without him.”

“Forget about that! We’ll have the treat with him when he returns,” Yoongi chimed in, mischief in his eyes. “But tell us about your first night!”

Taehyung felt his cheeks heat up at the teasing, a blush creeping across his face. “To be honest, nothing happened that night. We planned to do it on our honeymoon,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Liar! A person like you would never wait until the honeymoon!” Seokjin declared, laughter dancing in his tone. Taehyung, flustered and embarrassed, reached out and playfully smacked Seokjin on the back of his head, trying to hide his grin.

The playful banter continued, filling the air with warmth and laughter, each teasing comment weaving a tapestry of camaraderie and joy. Taehyung, despite his embarrassment, felt a sense of belonging among his friends, their teasing a reminder of the love that surrounded him.

The restaurant doors swung open, and a young lady strode in, her presence brightening the dimly lit space. Hoyeon walked toward their table with an infectious energy, her eyes sparkling with mischief. As she approached, she playfully smacked Seokjin on the head.

“You all started the party without me?” she exclaimed, hands on her hips, feigning annoyance.

Seokjin gasped, clutching his head in mock agony. “Why is everyone hitting me, huh?” he cried out dramatically, a pout forming on his lips.

“Because you deserve it, hyung!” Bogum chimed in, a teasing grin on his face as he leaned over to hand Hoyeon a glass. “But don’t worry, it hasn’t really started yet; it’s just about to end!”

The laughter at the table erupted, and Hoyeon rolled her eyes playfully at Bogum. The atmosphere was warm and lively.

As the evening wore on, Taehyung glanced at the clock on the wall, realizing how late it had gotten. “Well, guys, it’s already late. Kook will be reaching at the airport early in the morning, so I have to pick him up. I’ll be heading out now, You all pay the bill” he proclaimed, sliding into his long black coat, the fabric draping elegantly around him.

“Excuse me, Mr. Kim? It’s your wedding treat—you need to pay!” Jimin shot back, folding his arms with a sass that made everyone chuckle. “I don’t even have a card on me!”

“Yeah, yeah, I’m paying,” Taehyung replied, shaking his head with a grin. He reached for the guest check and slipped cash inside, the gesture both begrudging and lighthearted.

With a final wave to his friends, he turned and headed toward the door, the warmth of their laughter following him as he stepped out into the cool night air. The streetlights flickered softly, and he felt a sense of anticipation bubbling within him as he made his way back to his apartment, eager to see Jungkook again after a long separation.

As Taehyung strolled through the narrow, empty streets, the cool night air wrapped around him like a gentle embrace. The quietness was comforting, allowing his thoughts to drift toward the excitement of seeing Jungkook again. Suddenly, his phone buzzed in his pocket, jolting him from his reverie.