The Grapevine

Chapter Twenty Two

It started as a quiet Saturday afternoon. Sean sat in one of the university lounges, a book open on his lap, the late autumn sunlight streaming through the wide windows. The muffled sound of students laughing and chatting nearby created a soothing background hum. Sean's world was calm, undisturbed, just the way he liked it. His fingers idly turned the page of his novel, eyes skimming the text, though his thoughts were only half-immersed.

"Sean-ah!" Hyun Jin's voice rang out, shattering the tranquil silence. She plopped herself into the armchair across from him, her usual bright energy practically bouncing off the walls.

Sean glanced up briefly, his expression neutral. "What now?"

Hyun Jin grinned, leaning forward with her elbows on her knees. "Tonight. Gangnam. Club. Be there."

Sean's brow furrowed as he closed his book with deliberate care. "No."

"No?" Hyun Jin gasped, placing a hand over her heart like he'd just insulted her entire family. "You didn't even think about it!"

"I don't need to think about it. You already know the answer." He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms.

"But Sean!" she whined, practically sliding off her seat in melodramatic desperation. "You never go out with us! Don't you want to spend time with your friends? Have some fun for once? It's not just about the club—it's about bonding!"

Sean raised an eyebrow. "I spend time with you and Daniel almost every day."

Hyun Jin shook her head fiercely. "No, no. This isn't the same. You, Me, Daniel, and the others—it'll be a proper night out! Drinks, dancing, no stress. We even reserved a private area for you so you don't have to deal with the crowd."

"Private area?" Sean's skepticism softened, just a fraction.

"Yeah!" Hyun Jin's eyes lit up, sensing she was gaining ground. "The mezzanine level. You can see the whole dance floor and the bar below, but you won't have to deal with the noise or people bumping into you. It's perfect for you! I picked it with you in mind, Sean-ah."

Before Sean could respond, Daniel walked up, holding two coffees in hand. He handed one to Hyun Jin before sitting on the armrest of her chair. "Still not convinced, huh?" he said, giving Sean a teasing grin.

"Not even close," Sean replied flatly, though there was a glimmer of amusement in his eyes.

Daniel sipped his coffee, then added casually, "Eric's coming, by the way."

Sean blinked, caught off guard. "Eric?"

"Yep," Hyun Jin chimed in, her grin turning sly. "He said he'd go if you went. So really, it's up to you."

Sean sighed, knowing he was cornered. "You two are impossible."

Hyun Jin clasped her hands together, her tone turning pleading. "Sean, please. Just this once? You don't even have to stay late! Just come for a little while. Sit with us, have a drink, and if you hate it, we'll never bring it up again. I swear."

Sean gave her a long, scrutinizing look. "You swear?"

"On my next bubble tea order!" she declared dramatically, holding up three fingers in a mock scout's promise.

He couldn't help the soft laugh that escaped him. "Fine. Just for a couple of hours. But if I'm annoyed, I'm leaving."

"Yes!" Hyun Jin cheered, bouncing in her seat. "You won't regret it!"

Sean shook his head, already wondering if he would. Pulling out his phone, he quickly texted Eric:
Sean: "Do you know about Hyun Jin's plan?"