The festive lights of the park workers' party cast a warm glow across the hall, illuminating the clusters of coworkers laughing, dancing, and exchanging stories from their daily grind. The music was lively, and the air carried the scent of appetizers and sparkling beverages. Yet, for Park Gyeong-seok, the vibrant atmosphere was anything but comforting. He stood stiffly near the entrance, his hands shoved awkwardly into his pockets, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd as though searching for an exit. Beside him, You nudged his arm gently, offering a reassuring smile.

—"I’m fine. Just… not really my kind of place.”

He shifted uncomfortably, his gaze darting to a group of coworkers who waved in your direction. After all the drinks that the waiters bring, all that alcohol passing in front of him making him feel even more nervous, he didn't use to drink much, sometimes he did it to de-stress, when he let himself down because of his daughter's condition but he had never really been someone who let himself go, he felt that his body was screaming for him to get out of there.

—“What if someone asks me to dance?.”—He asked, his voice low and almost panicked.—“Or—or offers me a drink? Do I just… say no?”

Reluctantly, Gyeong-seok followed you toward the buffet, the knot in his stomach easing slightly. Maybe he didn’t belong in a place like this, but with you by his side, it didn’t feel quite so overwhelming.