A click closer || Ren

16

Soon, they arrived at the grand venue where the party was being held. As they stepped out of the car, their excitement quickly faded.

Their eyes swept over the crowd-elegant gowns, expensive suits, shimmering jewelry. Meanwhile, they stood there in their casual outfits, sticking out like sore thumbs.

She exhaled sharply. "I told you we couldn't trust them..."

Gorya sighed, clearly realizing their mistake.

Kaning, ever the optimist, patted both of their backs. "It's alright! We still look beautiful." She smiled, trying to lighten the mood.

With no other choice, they walked further inside. She glanced around, her initial frustration momentarily forgotten as she admired the artwork displayed on the walls. The intricate paintings and sculptures held a certain charm, drawing her in.

But before she could lose herself in them completely, a shift in the atmosphere caught her attention. A murmur spread through the crowd, and all eyes turned toward the entrance.

She followed their gazes, seeing F4-or rather, F3-making their grand entrance. Thyme walked in first, exuding his usual confidence, followed by Kevin and MJ. However, Ren was noticeably missing.

She blinked, wondering why he wasn't here yet. Ren wasn't someone who enjoyed flashy events, but it still felt strange not to see him.

Before she could dwell on it further, Gorya's voice pulled her back to reality. "I'll be in the pool area," she said before walking off.

She watched her leave, then turned back to the artwork, deciding she might as well enjoy what little she could of the night.

Kaning had stayed back, getting caught up in conversation with someone, so she wandered toward the pool area alone. But before she could reach Gorya, she saw the three girls-the very ones who had tricked them-standing in front of her with smug expressions.

Her stomach twisted in irritation. She quickened her steps and went to stand beside Gorya.

The leader smirked, flipping her hair. "Oh, look, the other one has arrived."

She narrowed her eyes. "What's your problem?"

One of the girls scoffed. "You! You both actually think you can stand up against F4?"

The leader took a step closer, tilting her head as if speaking to a child. "Your world and our world are different. You can't change that. Know your place, waitress."

Before she could react, the leader shoved the plate Gorya was holding, sending food spilling all over her dress.

Gorya gasped, looking down at the mess.

Before she could react, she instinctively stepped forward and slightly pushed the leader back. "Are you stupid?!"

The two other girls gasped dramatically, like she had just committed an unforgivable sin.

The leader's expression darkened, but before she could do anything, one of her minions-clearly angrier than she was-shoved her instead. Hard.

She stumbled back, losing her balance. The impact wasn't too bad, but her elbow and palm scraped against the ground, a sharp stinging pain spreading through them.

Gorya gasped, about to move forward to help, but before she could, a hand gently rested on her shoulder.

"Take this. You've got stains all over," a calm voice said.

She turned to see Ren standing beside her, holding out a handkerchief. His expression was neutral, but there was a knowing softness in his eyes.

Meanwhile, Mira, dressed in a sparkling gown, gracefully approached her. Without a word, she extended her hand.