A Distraction // Bangchan

Chapter Four

It was finally the weekend, and the air buzzed with the promise of a night out. Lauren had been looking forward to it all week. Jess and Nicole, her two closest friends in Seoul, had been planning the outing for days, insisting that they needed a break from work and a chance to just let loose at one of their favorite clubs. It wasn't a typical weekend for Lauren—she didn't go out to clubs often—but after the intensity of her workweek, she decided to let herself enjoy it. A night out with her friends sounded like the perfect way to unwind.

Jess and Nicole were coming over to her apartment to get ready together. It was one of the traditions they'd kept since they'd all met—a few drinks, loud music, and hours spent picking outfits and doing makeup while chatting about life.

As she tidied up her living room, Lauren heard the doorbell ring. She smiled, already knowing it was her friends, and headed to the door to greet them.

Jess was the first to burst through, her vibrant energy filling the space as she held up a bag full of makeup and hair tools. "Lauren, we're here to make you look fabulous! You better be ready for a wild night."

Nicole followed close behind, more laid-back but just as excited, grinning as she gave Lauren a quick hug. "Jess is on a mission tonight, so I hope you're prepared."

Lauren laughed, stepping aside to let them in. "I'm ready, I promise. But if you're planning to make me look 'fabulous,' I'm going to need some of those drinks you promised."

Jess held up a bottle of Tequila she had brought with her, wiggling her eyebrows playfully. "Way ahead of you."

The next hour was filled with the kind of easy laughter and light-hearted conversations that always came with nights like this. They set up in Lauren's bedroom, each of them taking over a different corner—Jess spreading out her makeup collection on the vanity, Nicole lounging on the bed while scrolling through her phone for outfit inspiration. They talked about everything from work drama to the latest gossip, the energy in the room buzzing with excitement.

Lauren sat at the vanity, carefully curling her long dark hair as Jess fussed over her own makeup. But even as she chatted with her friends, her phone kept lighting up on the counter beside her, pulling her attention in a way she had to hide. It was Chan again, and every time his name popped up, she felt a little thrill run through her. He'd been texting her casually all day, small messages that felt so normal yet so thrilling at the same time.

Chan: What's the plan for tonight? I feel like you're up to something fun. ;)

She couldn't help but smile at his message, but she had to be careful. Jess and Nicole didn't know about him. In fact, she hadn't told anyone, partly because she still wasn't sure where things were going with him, and partly because she didn't want to risk putting him in an awkward position. Chan had made it clear from the start that he had to be careful, and Lauren respected that. There was something exciting about having this little secret, something that was just for her—for now, at least.

Lauren quickly typed a response, keeping her phone angled away from her friends.

Lauren: Just going out with some friends. Girls' night. Nothing too wild, don't worry. What about you? Do idols get weekends off? ;)

His reply came in almost immediately, and she felt that familiar flutter as she read it.

Chan: Girls' night, huh? Sounds like fun. And nope, no weekends off for me. I'll be in the studio late tonight, but texting you is my break 😊

"Who's got you smiling like that?" Nicole asked suddenly, her voice teasing as she glanced up from the bed.

Lauren quickly set her phone down, forcing a casual laugh as she reached for her lipstick. "Oh, no one important. Just a work thing."