\\ DUSK\\ Fantasy AU \ ATEEZ Fanfic

// Chapter 8 \\

It is now the day of my birthday.

I couldn't lie as a smile did find its way to my face when I entered the small cozy room filled with only a few guests compared to the thousands a formal ball would've brought. There they all were, in the center of the grey room that's walls were decorated in elaborate designs. The vibrance of the room was brought out in the royal blue carpeting. They all circled a white table where a gorgeous cake sat.

The frosting was white and craftily built in the thickness of it to create a gorgeous white palace. It was like none I'd ever seen— not even like the Night Court. Its arcs and swoops and pillars lead to the top where the frosting was shaped into a simple circle. The white palace sat atop the royal blue cake that was its mountain in such a knowing yet ancient and foreign elegance.

"Surprise, you!"

I had little time to react as Heeyoung crashed into my arms in a warm and friendly embrace. I was surprised at the small chuckle I'd let out as I wrapped my arms around her as well. Somehow, I knew that that sense of happiness would only grow more at home from this gathering. I calmly responded with a sense of pure ease, "Heeyoung, I already knew these festivities were going to be held."

Heeyoung moved her hands from my waist to my shoulders as she backed up to look into my eyes with a surprise I'm sure she wished would be intended for me. I let a smile come across mine as I watched this.

"I could've seen the sun— I believed you didn't know! I could never believe your Nanny would've told you?" Heeyoung baffled as she blinked furiously at me.

I was surprised about the laugh that escaped me at this, "She gave me the idea and wondered if I was up for it," I tilted my head to the side and fanned my face in a dramatic gesture. I lifted my brows as I looked back to Heeyoung with a silly look but my voice was quite sarcastically formal, "And I told her I was."

For the first time in a while, Heeyoung gave me a genuine beam of happiness. Well, it wasn't like her previous bursts of cheer weren't genuine. More-so, she was happy to see the happiness that flooded me. I had to admit the excitement I felt in that one moment was quite genuine. The thought of knowing that made me happier for myself.

"Well, it seems like things are looking bright for you then," An encouraging and friendly voice spoke. I looked past Heeyoung to find Yeosang making his way to us. He gestured his glass of magenta liquor into the air in a way of greeting as he came to stand by Heeyoung.

"Ah, well, I suppose they are," I grinned up at Yeosang in a stupor before I immediately looked away.

I found my cheeks had inflamed from the smile I'd seen resting gracefully on his face. Perhaps it was also the elegantly frilled baby blue shirt he wore which was accompanied by a dark blue jacket that's back fell close to the mid of his thighs. The dark blue bagged pants matched this. All of his attire made the saturated pink-maroon bow laced around his neck area of the shirt all the more vibrant.

Heeyoung glanced at his attire with a pout— almost seemed in what was like envy. As if her attire of a coral cocktail dress with green and dark turquoise gems were no match for his suit. I could've laughed at this or to the fact of Hongjoong's approach to where we stood with almost that same pout formed onto his lips. But I proceeded to laugh at the tightening of his lips when his eyes landed on mine and widened, realizing I'd been watching him.