If I Could Dance With You Again

IICDWYA: 40

Chapter 40

The night had descended into revelry, leaving many in the group intoxicated by the allure of laughter, music, and perhaps a bit too much celebration. Amidst the chaos, the boys remained steadfast, sobriety serving as their anchor in what had become a whirlwind of merriment. Realizing that the girls needed to be escorted home safely, they took it upon themselves to ensure no one was left unattended. The added challenge was that each girl lived apart, making the task more intricate.

Soonyoung, ever the leader, surveyed the situation. Woozi was entrusted with Ruby and Wonwoo with Wren, while Soonyoung himself took on the responsibility of Aaliyah. Each scenario brought its own complications. Ruby, known for her resilience, was not heavily affected by the drinks. She was composed enough to walk, though her heavy-lidded eyes betrayed her growing weariness. Wren, on the other hand, had stepped into the realm of tipsiness, her habitual good-natured demeanor softened into giggles and unsteady steps.

Then there was Aaliyah. She had surrendered entirely to the night's excesses, and her state was far worse than Ruby or Wren. Her words came incoherent, her balance failing her at every turn. Soonyoung, with a mixture of concern and resolve, hoisted her up and carried her, mindful of every stumble and sway. It was a humbling yet telling moment — the chaos that a single evening could bring, and the care it required to navigate through it.

The boys worked efficiently, splitting up to ensure each girl arrived safely to their respective homes. Woozi, quiet and focused, guided Ruby with gentle instructions, his calm demeanor a contrast to the evening's earlier energy. Ruby, though drowsy, managed to follow his lead with minimal trouble. Wonwoo, too, was methodical, keeping Wren steady and engaging her in light conversation to distract from her imbalance. She responded with a mix of laughter and slurred sentences, her innocence shining through even in her tipsy state.

Meanwhile, Soonyoung bore the weight of Aaliyah, figuratively and literally. It wasn't an easy journey, but his determination kept him moving forward. Aaliyah, completely out of sorts, occasionally mumbled incoherent phrases or broke into sudden laughter, but Soonyoung carried her with a quiet patience. He understood the importance of his role that night, and nothing would deter him from ensuring her safety.

As the boys prepared to split up for their responsibilities, Soonyoung's eyes lingered on Woozi. Though Woozi had a quiet confidence, Soonyoung couldn't help but feel a flicker of worry; Woozi had just gotten his car and was still new behind the wheel. "I will be fine," Woozi assured him with a calmness that carried over the ambient hum of the night. Ruby overheard them and, with the boldness that tipsiness often lends, chimed in, "I can still drive even when I'm tipsy, or I'll call my driver to come pick me up."

Woozi, perhaps sensing Soonyoung's unease, hushed Ruby with surprising conviction. "I took an overtime class just to learn how to drive," he said, his voice steady but with an undertone that resonated deeply with Soonyoung. It wasn't just a statement about driving—it was a glimpse into Woozi's quiet determination, his effort to prepare himself for moments like these, even if no one else was watching.

Soonyoung held onto that thought as he adjusted Aaliyah's weight in his arms, drawing strength not just from his own resolve but from the camaraderie that bound them all together. There was a quiet reassurance in knowing that, even amidst the chaos, his friends carried their own burdens with a sense of purpose.

As the group had begun to unravel the evening's logistics, Wonwoo revealed an unexpected advantage. A while ago, Wren, always the one to think ahead, had anticipated the potential chaos. With her characteristic blend of foresight and practicality, she had handed Wonwoo a card that contained not only the addresses of the three girls but also their contact numbers for emergencies. When Wonwoo first glanced at it, he had been momentarily stunned, his sharp intuition catching the depth of her preparation.