The Velvet Lounge Bar
Time-10:30 Pm
The Velvet Lounge buzzed with warmth and elegance, its ambient lights casting a soft glow across the bar, illuminating laughter and champagne flutes. Ria stepped inside, radiating happiness as she made her way to the VIP section. Her friends were already there, their smiles widening as she approached.
"OMG, my baby, you are glowing!" Yun-hee practically squealed, grabbing Ria's hands in excitement.
"Uh-huh, glowing?" Aera's eyes sparkled with mischief. She leaned in, whispering, "You mean... did you do it?"
Ria's cheeks flushed a deep pink, and she shook her head, laughing. "Stop it, Aera. It's not how you think."
Yoo-mi nudged her playfully, her eyes teasing. "Aww, our Ria's all shy now!"
Ria just smiled, brushing it off. "Where's Anya? I thought she'd be here with you guys." She scanned the room, expecting to see her sister-in-law's familiar face.
"She's not here yet," Yoo-mi said, shrugging. "We thought she was coming with you."
Ria frowned, fishing her phone out of her clutch and dialing Anya's number. After a couple of rings, Anya's voice came through.
"Anya! Where are you? Why aren't you here yet?" Ria asked, her voice a mix of concern and impatience.
Anya's voice was slightly breathless. "I'm on my way, Ria. Mom's been acting a little strange tonight, but I'll be there in five minutes, I promise."
Ria ended the call, but the hint of worry lingered. She quickly pushed it aside, determined not to let anything cast a shadow over the night.
She dialed another number, waiting for the call to connect. After five rings, a familiar voice came through.
"Yeah, yeah, I know. We're late," Jungkook's voice came, sounding half-apologetic, half-amused.
"Yah! You idiots!" Ria half-shouted into the phone, though her voice was more exasperated than angry.
"You said you'd be here for my bachelorette party, but neither you nor Jimin is here! What work is so important that you couldn't make it for my last single night?"
There was a pause, then Jungkook's voice softened. "Ria... I'm sorry. We departed here. Trust me, we would've been there if we could, but things took longer than expected."
Ria sighed, her initial irritation melting into disappointment. "It's not the same without you two. I wanted all of you here tonight. You promised."
"I know," Jungkook replied quietly. "But I promise, we'll make it up to you. We'll be there first thing in the morning, okay? Just focus on having fun tonight. You deserve it."
Her heart softened, even though the ache of missing her two closest friends lingered. "Fine," she mumbled, pretending to stay annoyed. "But you both owe me."
YOU ARE READING
Darkness Between Us
Fanfiction"I thought I was content-proud of my achievements. But deep down, there was a void. An emptiness that no amount of success could fill. The loneliness was my only constant companion. My conversations were superficial, my connections fleeting. I was s...
