BLOSSOMED | SEOKSOO FF

PART 53

A week later Jeonghan and Seungcheol's place was buzzing with chatter, laughter, and the faint clinking of glasses. Seokmin had meticulously planned this dinner party for weeks, down to the seating arrangement. The "big announcement" was supposed to be the highlight of the night.

Everyone knew Seokmin was up to something. The way he kept fidgeting with his napkin, constantly adjusting his blazer, and throwing nervous glances at Jisoo was enough to make it obvious.

Jeonghan, ever the perceptive one, leaned over to Seungcheol, whispering, "He's going to propose. Ten bucks says he drops the ring in the soup."

Seungcheol smirked. "You're on."

Meanwhile, Soonyoung was loudly recounting a story about a dance practice mishap. Jisoo was half-listening, but his eyes kept darting toward Seokmin, who was poking at his mashed potatoes like they held the meaning of life.

"Seokmin," Jisoo finally said with a soft smile, tilting his head, "You've been quiet. What's on your mind?"

"Oh, uh, nothing!" Seokmin stammered, nearly knocking over his water glass. "Just, uh... enjoying the moment."

Jeonghan snorted. "You're sweating like Seungcheol during tax season."

Seungcheol shot him a glare. "I'm sitting right here."

By the time dessert arrived-a decadent chocolate lava cake prepared by Jeonghan himself-the air was thick with anticipation. Seokmin cleared his throat, shakily rising from his seat.

"Here it comes," Soonyoung whispered, leaning dramatically into Mingyu's shoulder.

Seokmin's hands trembled as he shoved them into his pockets. "Everyone, um... I have something important to share with you all tonight."

Jisoo's face lit up, his eyes sparkling as he instinctively straightened in his chair.

"It's happening!" Mingyu stage-whispered, clapping a hand over his mouth in excitement.

"I..." Seokmin hesitated, his eyes darting nervously toward Jisoo. The whole room seemed to hold its breath. "...got a promotion at work!"

The announcement landed with a resounding thud.

A beat of stunned silence was broken by Soonyoung's loud, incredulous voice. "That's it? I thought you were finally going to propose!"

Jeonghan smacked Soonyoung's arm. "Subtlety, Soonyoung. Subtlety."

Seokmin flushed a deep red, avoiding everyone's gazes as the table erupted into a mix of awkward clapping and stifled giggles.

Jisoo, ever the diplomat, plastered on a smile, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of disappointment. "That's wonderful news, Seokmin. I'm so proud of you."

But Jeonghan wasn't about to let him off the hook. "A promotion, huh? So that's what all the dramatic sighing and secretive planning was about? Bold move, Seokmin."

Seungcheol leaned back with a smug grin. "You owe me ten bucks, Hannie."

"Congratulations, though," Soonyoung added with a grin that was anything but sincere. "But next time, don't make us think we're about to witness the proposal of the year, only for you to announce you're moving up one cubicle."

The group dissolved into laughter, but Seokmin couldn't shake the guilt gnawing at him as he glanced at Jisoo, whose polite applause felt more like a knife to his chest.

"Well," Jisoo finally said, his tone light but with an edge of teasing, "At least now I know how it feels to date someone who's... career-oriented."

The table howled, and Seokmin sank further into his chair, wondering if he'd ever work up the nerve to pull out the ring.