PARADOX - SEULRENE

spiked

you had a few more drinks before byulyi started hitting on some girls. it didn't take long before a pair agreed to dance with the two of you.

you danced, hoping to get closer to irene and maybe get the courage to finally ask her out. but irene and her friends disappeared after a little while, making you lose your interest with your current dance partner.

you feigned enjoyment for another round until you found the perfect timing to escape, leaving byulyi to enjoy the dance with some of her girls.

you went up to the rooftop for some fresh air. you climbed up the area near the antenna and lie on your back for a starry-night watch. you can still hear the drumbeat from downstairs but the cold wind and the dark starry sky relaxes you.

byulyi's advice won't leave your mind. you and hyojung have been sweet friends for some time now and you know it wouldn't hurt to try it with her.

you dialled her number. the first ring hasn't even ended yet when she picked up.

"hey, seulgi..."

"hey. are you back in town?"

she hums. "just got home a few minutes ago. you're still in the party?"

"uh-huh."

"how's it?"

"fun," you said, still secretly disappointed for not getting any progress with irene. "byul and i were dancing earlier. i left her because girls are swarming over her now and i can't keep up."

hyojung chuckles. "can't say i didn't expect that. and you, i'm surprised you lasted this long."

"i'm part of the program committee, that's why," you said. you didn't let her respond and went straight to fulfilling your plan. "hey. um. do you think you can swing by my place tomorrow?"

"and help with general cleaning again? nah. i'll pass."

it's your turn to chuckle. "nah. i just feel like cooking something for lunch and... you know... maybe you'd like to come over for some movies?"

there was a short silence first. "are you drunk-asking me out?"

you laughed. "i've had a few drinks, okay? but i'm very much capable of making adult decisions," you said, and she chuckles again. "just let me know if you're not available and i would understand."

"make sure you have new movies available."

you smiled. "copy, ma'am. i'll see you tomorrow?"

"yup."

she hangs up and you stare at your phone, not sure if you're doing the right thing.

asking hyojung to be your girlfriend is the only solution you came up with to help yourself forget irene. you promised yourself if hyojung will say yes to you tomorrow you're gonna say goodbye to irene for good.

clank!

the clanking of the door below disturbed your thoughts. you didn't bother to look thinking it's the janitor. unless he climbs up, he won't be able to see you from down there.

"where should we put her?" to your surprise you heard a female voice.

"let's just bring her to that bench," another female answered.

you're fine with ignoring them until you heard a familiar voice.

"what... are... we... doing here...?" the third girl asked, her voice slurred.

you pushed yourself up. you know that voice. you could not be mistaken. although you can't see them, you are one-hundred per cent sure it was irene's voice. you've memorised the timbre of it.