"To be together, As a Fated Pair"

Hookup Culture After Party Shenanigans

Music pulsed through the streets of downtown Montaveraiours, the bass thudding in sync with flashing neon lights. Limousines crawled down the old dirt road that wound through the towering trees of Akoshi Forest. Hidden behind the thick foliage stood a massive, modern mansion, its walls glowing under LED lights. The loudspeakers blasted down the road; practically a calling for all the neighborhood teenagers to crash the party—commoners and royals alike.

As one white limo pulled up to the sleek black gates, all eyes turned to see who was inside. The door swung open, revealing BingXiang, Yujin, and Shukiyo, stepping out one by one, dressed to impress. Right behind them, their "trusted" adult, Sarah Vixen—also known as Shukiyo's mom—climbed out, looking far less enthusiastic about attending.

In the exact order came BingXiang, dressed in a tight black dress that clung to her features—elegant silver jewelry draped down the sides of the dress, resting gently on her thighs and connected to the front to rest over her womb as well. She wore a silver, diamond-encrusted necklace that rested down to her chest; she would be, what many would call it, slightly overdressed. But that was just her style; who could hate her for that? On the other hand, Beside her was Yujin, a stark contrast to his girlfriend. He sported a more laid-back look: a loose black shirt layered over a white long-sleeved shirt, paired with cuffed beige pants. Gold jewelry glinted under the lights, adding a touch of flair, and black-and-white sneakers completed his casual vibe. Together, they embodied the classic "overdressed girlfriend, underdressed boyfriend" trope, yet still managed to look perfectly matched.

Following the romantic duo came Shukiyo. Compared to BingXiang, she fits the "after party" vibe a lot more. Her look was effortlessly party-appropriate, balancing style with comfort. She wore a white, lace-textured dress that stopped mid-thigh, slightly transparent but stylishly modest. The thin, airy material gave her a free-spirited, fashionable look. The dress had long, flowy sleeves made of opaque lace, contrasting nicely with the more delicate fabric of the dress itself. To top it off, Shukiyo accessorized with a silver bracelet and necklace, along with a white garter featuring a heart-shaped charm that hung just above her knee, completing her chic ensemble.

Beside her, Sarah Vixen walked with an air of reluctance, still dressed in the same attire from the ball. She hadn't bothered to change. Her messy black tuxedo, paired with a simple orange tie, gave her a sharp but unassuming look—classic and understated. Shukiyo, always one to add flair, had forced Sarah to wear matching silver jewelry for that extra "wow" factor. It wasn't Sarah's scene, but she made it work.

The group made their way toward the mansion, the night buzzing with energy. Laughter and music filled the air as more guests arrived, the vibe of the after-party already electric.

As they approached the entrance, Shukiyo looked back at Sarah, who sighed heavily but couldn't hide the faint smile tugging at her lips. It was clear the night had only just begun.

Once inside the mansion, Cross strolled confidently along the stone path, his light-blue ripped jeans and tight black shirt sculpting his frame. A black-and-white plaid flannel hung loosely over his shoulders, paired with white sneakers. To contrast the muted tones, he wore silver jewelry: a cross necklace, a sleek watch, and his usual gold ring. His hair, styled into its signature messy mohawk, added to his effortlessly cool look.

Trailing behind him was his younger brother, Heartbeat. In stark contrast to Cross's polished appearance, Heartbeat wore a black hoodie and baggy cargo pants. His fluffy hair was tied up in a loose man bun, accented with a quirky golden clown charm.

Now that everyone had made their way inside, the party truly began. Shukiyo immediately broke away from her group, her gaze locked onto the backyard bar. With so many people swarming the mansion, there were endless opportunities to mingle and make new friends. Before long, Shukiyo found herself in one of the quieter guest rooms, having clicked with Heartbeat during a game of truth or dare.