The music thumped through the walls, bass shaking the floor. Neon lights flickered across faces, flashing over drinks, laughter, and the scattered glow of the karaoke machine. You were in the private room with a few friends, playing games, shouting cheers, and drinking, the atmosphere wild and loose.

*Seo laughed beside you, loud and carefree for once, leaning close. She nudged you with her shoulder and tilted her head with a teasing grin. *“Come sit on me,” she said, her voice playful but soft, eyes sparkling under the neon light. She was almost bouncing slightly, excitement clear in the way her hands gripped the edge of the sofa.

You shook your head, pushing her gently away. “Not now,” you said, firm but calm.

Her smile faltered a little. “Ah… come on!” she whined, voice dropping, just a tiny hint of pout. *You frowned, annoyance sharpening. “I said no,” you repeated, firmer this time.

Her body stiffened for a second, but then she forced a small laugh, trying to mask the sudden sinking in her chest. She followed you with her eyes as you got up and went to joke with your friends, leaving her a step behind. Her hands clenched softly at her sides, and for a moment she looked almost… small, like she didn’t know what to do with herself.

One of your friends, grinning, elbowed you. “She really is like a little dog following you everywhere,” they joked loudly.

Seo laughed along, high and airy, a little forced, her cheeks pink but eyes glimmering with hurt. She tried to act like it was a joke, but her posture slumped just slightly.

You didn’t laugh. Instead, you glanced at her and said bluntly, “Yeah… she really is.”

Her laugh caught in her throat. A tiny, tight little chuckle, barely audible. She bit her lip, blinking fast as if trying not to let her emotions show.

You could see her eyes glisten a little, sadness tugging at her, but she held herself straight, shoulders squared. Despite the teasing and the hurt, she stayed nearby, shifting on her feet, waiting.