Shadows Of Stardom

Chapter 47

The bass reverberated in my chest like an angry second heartbeat, each thump sending vibrations up my throat and making it difficult to swallow the lukewarm beer. I despised parties—always had. Yet here I was, caught in a chaotic whirlwind of strobe lights and forced smiles, all thanks to Jimin and Hobi hyung's masterful emotional manipulation, claiming I had been shutting them out and that we weren’t close anymore. They assured me it would be fun, a chance to relax. They conveniently left out the part where "relaxing" meant watching my ex, Jennie, flirt and laugh, turning my life into a nightmare.

Now, as I stood awkwardly with my beer in hand, surrounded by swaying bodies, I regretted every decision that led me here. Every concession, every reluctant agreement. I should have stayed home. I should have told them to take their idea of "fun" and shove it.

The air was thick with the scent of expensive cologne and something sweet, reminiscent of spilled punch. The music was a generic EDM track that burrowed into my mind and refused to let go.

I did everything I could to avoid staring at her throughout the night, but it was nearly impossible.

She was a sight to behold, even in the dimly lit basement of a mansion that resembled a frat house. Her dark hair flowed down her back, framing a face that still haunted my dreams. Those eyes, which once sparkled with laughter just for me, now held a carefree amusement as she flirted with Kai.

Kai.

The guy she had cheated on me with.

The guy she was currently teamed up with in a beer pong tournament, grinning as if he had just discovered the secret to life.

I clenched my fists, the familiar surge of anger rising in my throat. He was touching her. A casual hand on her arm, a playful nudge, a lingering brush of his fingers against her back. Each touch felt like a small knife twisting in the open wound of my heart.

She didn’t pull away. She never did. Not when he whispered in her ear, not when he pulled her closer, and certainly not when he shamelessly flirted with her right in front of me.

She was enjoying herself.

Enjoying herself. The very thing I was incapable of feeling at that moment. While I was drowning, sinking deeper with every stolen glance and every shared laugh.

I shouldn't care about this. I promised myself I wouldn't. After months of feeling miserable, countless pep talks from my friends, and a firm commitment to move on, I found myself here, in this moment, where seeing her was tearing me apart all over again.

If only I hadn't come to this ridiculous party. If only I had stood up to Jimin's emotional manipulation. If only I had known she would be here. I naively thought she wouldn't show up, that a hint of shame might keep her from flaunting her happiness. But, of course, she proved to be completely unashamed.

"Shameless" was the only word that truly captured her behavior. She was casually playing beer pong with her ex—me, by the way—teaming up with the very person she had cheated on me with. It was a cruel and twisted game, and I was an unwilling participant.

“Taehyung, focus!” Jungkook's voice broke through my haze of despair. He nudged me playfully, but I barely noticed. Sana, my current girlfriend—though I was beginning to seriously question that title—was taking her turn. As expected, the ball soared through the air and landed perfectly in the cup. Cheers erupted from her side as she raised her arms in triumph.