The party had started out fine.

You had come with your best friend, sticking close to her side as the house slowly filled with people, music, and the kind of loud energy that made conversation nearly impossible unless you were shouting. Most of the night had been spent leaning against the kitchen counter while she talked and laughed with people she knew better than you did.

Then a guy came up to talk to her.

At first it was harmless enough—just casual conversation. But after a few minutes their voices dipped quieter, the two of them leaning closer together. Your friend glanced at you once with a look that already told you exactly what was about to happen.

Sure enough, she nudged your arm.

“Don’t hate me,” she whispered quickly. “I’m gonna go upstairs for a bit.”

Before you could even properly react, she was already backing away, throwing you a guilty smile.

And then she disappeared into the crowd with the guy.

Just like that.

You stood there for a moment, suddenly very aware that the person you actually knew at this party had just vanished.

Around you, people were laughing, yelling over a card game in the living room, and pushing past each other to get drinks. Someone turned the music up even louder.

For a second, you considered just leaving.

Then a familiar voice came from the kitchen doorway.

“Wow. She really ditched you, huh?”

You turned to see Yunho leaning casually against the wall, arms loosely crossed as he watched the staircase your friend had disappeared up.

Your best friend’s older brother had clearly been observing the entire situation.

His eyes flicked back to you, amusement already written all over his face.

“That’s rough.”

He pushed himself off the wall and walked over, weaving easily through the crowded kitchen until he stopped beside you. Yunho had always had this relaxed presence about him, like nothing ever really fazed him.

Even here, in the middle of a chaotic house party, he looked completely at ease.

He glanced around the room once before looking back down at you with a crooked grin.

“Well,” he said, shrugging lightly, “guess you’re stuck with me now.”

For a moment he just stood there beside you, like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Then he nudged your shoulder gently with his.