FADED | YOON JEONGHAN and JOSHUA HONG

{3} BENEATH THE LIGHTS

"The brightest nights cast the darkest shadows."

ISEUL LEE POV

The mirror reflected a version of me that I didn't quite recognize. Prom night had arrived, and I was supposed to feel excited, but all I felt was this heavy weight in my chest that I couldn't shake off. I had spent so long hiding my feelings for Jeonghan, hoping for something that would never come, that I had nearly forgotten what it felt like to just enjoy a moment. 

But tonight... tonight was supposed to be different. 

I had promised myself I'd get through this night without letting my heart take the wheel.

I slipped the dress on, the shimmering fabric catching the light, and ran my fingers through my hair one last time. I had done my best and tried to look my best, but deep down, I knew it wouldn't matter. Jeonghan would be with Ara, just like always. He wouldn't notice me.

I grabbed my clutch from the bed, absentmindedly checking the inside for my journal—just out of habit. My heart skipped a beat when I realized it wasn't there. 

Where had I left it? 

I tried to shake the thought from my mind, knowing that it wasn't the most important thing tonight. But my mind kept drifting back to it, to those fragile, secret thoughts written in its pages—feelings I hadn't meant for anyone to see.

As I stepped into the car and headed to the venue, my thoughts were consumed with Jeonghan. 

He looked incredible tonight, of course. 

He always did. 

But tonight, something in his smile was different, as if he knew something I didn't.

When I arrived at prom, the gym was decorated like a dream, a haze of colours swirling around. The music was loud, but my heart was thundering louder. I found Jeonghan right away, standing by the punch bowl, laughing at something someone had said. He caught my eye and waved, a soft smile spreading across his face. I smiled back, my heart fluttering, but quickly masked it with a casual air.

"Hey, Jeonghan," I greeted him, walking over with my best attempt at a calm smile.

"Iseul!" He greeted me with that same warmth, and for a moment, it felt like everything was right in the world. "You look amazing."

"Thanks," I said, my voice a little shaky. "So do you."

We talked for a while about the usual things—school, our plans for the summer—but there was an undeniable tension in the air between us. I kept glancing at Ara, who was dancing with some of her friends. 

Jeonghan seemed to notice, but he didn't mention it. 

Maybe he didn't notice after all. I tried to convince myself of that.

Just as we were talking, I heard a voice behind me, and my stomach sank.

"Hey, everyone!" It was Joshua. Of course, it was Joshua. "I think it's time for a little secret reveal, don't you think?"