MOONTALK EN

Chapter 2: Soju: The Alcohol of Happiness

The music pulsed, wrapping the Pocha in an electrifying atmosphere. Luna felt increasingly at ease, surrounded by new faces and a wave of energy. Joon, with his charming smile, had captured her attention. They had shared a few laughs and drinks, and Luna couldn't help but wonder if this moment could lead to something more.

"Come on, Luna! Show us what you've got!" shouted Min, enthusiasm palpable in his voice.

Luna hesitated, her smile faltering slightly. "I'm not a singer, but I can take on an alcohol challenge instead!" she proposed, ready to have fun her way.

"Challenge accepted!" Nolan exclaimed, already preparing to pour her another shot of soju.

But Joon, looking at her with sparkling eyes, stepped forward. "What better way to break the ice than a little dancing?"

Luna turned to Yuri, seeking her support. "I'm not dancing alone, you know!"

Yuri, a bit tipsy but full of energy, wouldn't let her best friend embarrass herself alone. She jumped onto the table first, laughter spilling from her lips. "Come see this!"

Luna burst into laughter, realizing that shyness had no place tonight. With their unique bond, they began dancing together, forgetting the world around them. It was as if the entire universe vanished, leaving room for their inseparable friendship. Other patrons of the Pocha watched them, amused, while the duo improvised a messy yet joyful choreography.

Their movements were a blend of craziness and freedom, and each laugh exchanged deepened their connection. In that moment, no thought or memory of Jake could reach them. They danced as if their lives depended on it, even drawing Nolan and the others into their momentum.

As the music reached its peak, Luna and Yuri ended their dance with a synchronized move, raising their arms in the air. The room erupted in applause, and Luna turned to Joon, who looked just as dazzled as she felt.

"That was amazing!" Joon exclaimed, reaching out his hand to help her down from the table.

At that moment, a newcomer slipped into the space. Gun, Joon's friend, had just arrived. He was tall, with soft features and a friendly gaze. As he entered, he surveyed the scene with an approving smile.

"Hey, Joon!" he greeted, approaching, then his gaze fell on Yuri. "Who is this beauty?"

Joon, with a knowing smile, replied, "This is Yuri. She's with me and Luna. You should talk to her; I think she caught your eye."

Gun stepped closer to Yuri, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Nice to meet you, Yuri. I'm Gun. You danced like no one was watching; it was impressive."

Yuri, taken aback by the attention, looked up at him, her heart racing a bit faster. "Uh, thanks... I just like to have fun."

Gun smiled, his soft voice resonating. "I like that. If you want, I can make you a special cocktail. You seem to need a little sweetness after that dance."

She nodded, amused yet a bit flustered. He made her want to let her guard down, but she was still cautious. She wasn't used to this kind of attention. "That would be nice, thanks."

At that moment, Joon, who had been observing the scene, approached Luna. "Want another shot, or would you prefer to dance again?"

Luna, smiling, hesitated. "Why not a bit of both?"

The night continued, filled with promises and explorations. Luna and Joon slowly grew closer, while Yuri began to let go, confronted by her own demons but intrigued by Gun's presence. Each of their stories intertwined in this festive atmosphere, blending laughter, friendship, and a hint of flirtation.

As the music continued to echo and bursts of laughter filled the air, Luna thought about the magic of that night. Perhaps it was time for them to embrace the unexpected and let themselves be carried by the moment, hoping that the adventure would never end. In such an euphoric ambiance, anything seemed possible.