The All-Rounder || Karina X Male Reader

17. Supernova Love-Bomb?

Jaeyoung stood outside the villa for a long moment, letting the crisp night air clear his head. The faint sound of music and laughter drifted from the party, a stark contrast to the turmoil inside him. He took a deep breath, his hands buried in his pockets, before turning back toward the villa. He wasn’t ready to face anyone, but the thought of drowning out his thoughts with another glass of whiskey seemed better than wandering aimlessly under the stars.

The warm buzz of the party hit him the moment he stepped inside. The room was alive with chatter, but Jaeyoung felt like an outsider looking in. He made his way to the bar, avoiding eye contact, and poured himself another drink.

Jaeyoung leaned against the counter, his glass of whiskey in hand, the weight of his conversation with Jimin still fresh in his mind. He stared at the amber liquid, swirling it aimlessly as he tried to ground himself in the moment. The last thing he needed was more confusion.

“Drinking alone? How tragic,” a teasing voice interrupted his thoughts.

He turned to see Wonyoung leaning casually against the doorframe, her cheeks flushed, her steps slightly unsteady. She was dressed in an elegant, shimmering dress that seemed to catch the dim light of the villa’s lounge. Her hair was tousled, and her lips curled into a mischievous smile as she approached him.

“You’re drunk,” Jaeyoung said, his tone neutral but laced with concern. He set his glass down, watching as she walked toward him.

“And you’re brooding,” Wonyoung shot back with a sly grin, ignoring his comment. She plopped herself onto the barstool beside him, resting her chin in her palm as she studied his face. “You always do that, you know? Get all serious and quiet like the weight of the world’s on your shoulders.”

Jaeyoung raised an eyebrow. “And you always get this talkative after a few drinks.”

“Maybe,” Wonyoung admitted, her smile widening. “But at least I’m fun when I’m drunk. You, on the other hand, look like you could use some fun.”

“I’m fine,” he replied, but his voice lacked conviction. He wasn’t in the mood for games, especially not tonight.

Wonyoung, however, wasn’t one to be easily deterred. “Oh, come on, Jaeyoung,” she purred, leaning closer to him. “You can’t just sit here looking all handsome and mysterious and expect me not to bother you.”

He let out a short laugh, shaking his head. “Is that your way of flirting? Because it needs work.”

“Flirting?” Wonyoung echoed, feigning innocence as she tilted her head. “Who says I’m flirting? Maybe I’m just pointing out the obvious. You’re brooding and handsome. That’s a dangerous combination, you know.”

Jaeyoung gave her a pointed look. “Wonyoung, you’re drunk.”

“And you’re avoiding my compliment,” she countered, undeterred. Her tone was playful, but there was a certain intensity in her gaze as she leaned even closer, her face now mere inches from his. “What’s wrong with letting someone make you feel good for a change? You deserve that, don’t you?”

Jaeyoung felt a flicker of something—an uneasy mix of amusement and discomfort. Wonyoung’s words were bold, but there was something vulnerable beneath her teasing demeanor, something he couldn’t quite place.

“Wonyoung,” he said gently, his voice softer now. “You’ve had too much to drink. Maybe you should get some rest.”

Her smile faltered for a brief moment, but she quickly masked it with a laugh. “You’re no fun, you know that?” she teased, leaning back slightly but keeping her eyes on him. “Here I am, trying to lighten the mood, and you’re playing the responsible one.”