I felt a wave of relief when Jimin and Poppy announced the theme for their joint 30th birthday party. Since she was just a day younger than him, they decided to celebrate with one big event. Poppy mentioned that Jimin had come up with the name, and she laughed about how his dirty mind had influenced it. Their party, dubbed 'Blue Cocks & Tails,' had a playful, risqué twist, and the invitation requested cocktail attire in shades of blue.

A couple of weeks before the event, Yeosang and I set out on a mission to find the perfect dress for me. We spent hours browsing through racks, trying on different styles, and laughing together as we imagined how I'd look at the party. In the end, I found a stunning dress I couldn't wait to wear.

Knowing we had a wild night ahead, Yeosang and I decided to take it easy that day. We lounged around the house, too lazy to do anything productive, and spent the morning in our pyjamas. We binged an entire season of the TV series we'd been streaming in one sitting, lost in the drama and plot twists as the hours flew by. Yeosang, being his brilliant self, suggested we order our favourite comfort food, which was delivered right to the door. The only times we left the couch were for drinks or bathroom breaks.

We both needed this lazy day to ensure our batteries were fully charged for tonight. Jimin, Michelle, Seonghwa, and Wooyoung were explosive extroverts, but Yeosang and I were introverts. We needed this quiet morning to recharge before plunging into the chaos of the evening's festivities.

As the party loomed at 7 p.m., the buzz of my 4 p.m. alarm alerted me that it was time to get ready. I reluctantly peeled myself off the couch, groaning as I stretched out my sore muscles from being in one position for too long. Yeosang, softly snoring beside me, had dozed off during the last episode. I quietly cleared the coffee table so he wouldn't have to do it later, then loaded the dishwasher, setting it to run in two hours so we could both enjoy full water pressure for our showers.

I retreated to my bedroom, a peaceful oasis after the adrenaline-fueled chaos of the TV series. The warm afternoon light filtered through the curtains, inviting calm. The plush carpet cushioned my feet, a welcome contrast to the cool tiles of the living room. As I inhaled deeply, the familiar scents of sandalwood and vanilla from my unlit candle instantly relaxed me.

I made a beeline for my closet, swinging open the door to reveal a treasure trove of clothes. With tonight in mind, I carefully pulled out the two dresses I'd bought. Unable to decide at the time, I had taken both, thinking one would feel right by now. But, standing there, each still called to me. So, I laid them on the bed, knowing I'd make the final choice once I was ready.

One was a stunning cobalt blue, midi-length bodycon dress made from a richly textured fabric that shimmered like the surface of a still ocean on a summer morning. Its sleeveless design and high, rounded neckline gave it a sleek, modern silhouette, while a unique cut-out just below the neckline subtly showcased my cleavage, enhanced by the built-in bra. The bra was essential due to the intricate lace-up design on the back, which wove from the upper back down to just above the waist, resembling the delicate threads of a spider's web. The moment I slipped into it, I was mesmerized by how the dress clung to my body like a second skin. I looked—and felt—sexy in it.

The second option was an equally striking mini bodycon dress that demanded attention. Its two-toned design created a dramatic contrast between the top and bottom, drawing the eye. The navy-blue velvet upper part, with long sleeves and a daring plunging neckline, exuded elegance and sophistication. Below the waist, the skirt was adorned with shimmering sequins, transitioning from navy blue at the waist to a rich rose gold at the hem, reminiscent of a sunset's golden hues. Like the first dress, it hugged my curves, perfectly flattering my pear-shaped figure. When I'd slipped into it while trying it on, I felt an immediate rush of confidence, glamour, and undeniable sex appeal. It felt as though the dress had been custom-tailored to accentuate every inch of my body.

Next, I selected the perfect pair of shoes—shimmery nude strappy ones that would add just the right touch of sophistication to whatever dress I chose. Finally, I carefully pulled out my favourite lingerie: a delicate black lace bra and matching panties from my dresser drawer. I always felt sexy whenever I wore this set; the cheeky cut made my backside look fantastic, and the bra gave my girls a perky lift.

Satisfied with my outfit choices, I walked over to my dresser, the soft carpet muffling my footsteps. I reached for a small, intricately carved wooden box that held a treasure trove of memories. Both jewellery boxes I owned held sentimental value, but this one, a cherished memento from my father's side of the family, felt particularly special. I'd never had the chance to meet my grandmother, yet her box connected me to her in a profound way. As I lifted the ornate lid, it creaked softly, like an ancient door revealing a hidden past. The sound alone transported me back in time, to an era when my grandmother's skilled hands had carefully placed each piece of jewellery inside. I ran my fingers over the velvet-lined interior, tracing the gentle ridges and feeling the weight of history that came with it.

Wanting my dress to be the focal point, I opted for simple diamond studs. But these weren't just any earrings; they were a gift from Seokjin on my birthday last year. I quickly shut the box, the snap of the lid a deliberate act to push back the bittersweet memories of our lost friendship.

With plenty of time to prepare, I decided to indulge in a longer-than-usual shower routine. I began with my usual hair care, carefully washing and conditioning my locks. Next, I treated myself to a nourishing hair mask, letting its hydrating properties soak in while I exfoliated my skin. My experience as Lola had taught me the importance of self-care, and I had maintained the habit of regular full-body waxing. The silky smoothness it gave my skin was a luxury I cherished, along with the convenience of not having to shave as frequently.

As I emerged from the warm shower, the cool air enveloped me, bringing with it a refreshing sensation. I took my time drying off, ensuring every inch of my skin was free from excess moisture. I then applied my skincare, making sure to not use too many layers so my makeup would layer properly on top. Next, I reached for my favourite body lotion, its rich scent of vanilla and caramel filling the air as I massaged it into my skin. The lotion absorbed quickly, leaving my skin feeling silky smooth and well-hydrated. With my skin pampered and nourished, I felt like a new person—clean, revitalised, and wrapped in a subtle yet alluring fragrance that filled me with confidence.

As I re-entered my bedroom, the bright face of the clock on my bedside table startled me—it was already a few minutes past 5 pm. I needed to get a move on; I still had to apply my makeup, do my hair, get dressed, and make my way to the restaurant.

I slid my finger across the screen to unlock my phone and instantly tapped into my 'Glow Up' playlist. The upbeat rhythms and empowering lyrics were the perfect backdrop to my beauty routine, much like my styling products and makeup brushes. As I began to get ready, the music transformed my bedroom into a mini salon, filling the air with energy and confidence. With every note, excitement and anticipation for the night ahead washed over me. The playlist, carefully curated with tracks from fierce female artists like Beyoncé and Ariana Grande, was my trusted companion, helping me tap into my inner strength and unleash my best self.

While I grooved to Nelly Furtado's 'Maneater', I slipped into the lingerie; if I opted for the textured dress, I could easily remove the bra later since it had a built-in one. For years, I had always applied my makeup and styled my hair in my underwear. I tended to be a bit messy with these tasks, so wearing as little as possible alleviated the stress of ruining my outfit.

I stood in front of the bathroom mirror, carefully lining my eyes with a precision that would make a surgeon proud. It was fortunate I finished just as the upbeat tempo of 'Confident' by Demi Lovato filled the air. My hips have never been able to resist swaying and swivelling to the beat of that song; it's been my 'ready to take on the world' anthem for years.

As I let the music wash over me, my hips swaying in time, the notes resonated deep within my soul. But in an instant, a low, piercing wolf whistle shattered the serenity, freezing me like a deer caught in headlights. The sound was unmistakable—a distinctive call that sent a shiver down my spine, reminiscent of a cold winter breeze. My heart raced with anticipation, pounding in my chest like a drum. My gaze shot up, locking onto the reflection in the mirror, and that's when I saw him.

Yoongi looked incredibly commanding as he casually leaned against the doorframe of my bathroom. His piercing gaze raked up and down my half-naked body like a slow, deliberate burn. His eyes seemed to linger on every curve, every contour as he took me in. I felt a flush rise to my cheeks as if he'd physically touched me. The air was electric, charged with tension, and I could hardly breathe as our eyes locked. I wondered whether my eyes conveyed the same desire and heat that his did.

"Don't stop on my account, Angel," he smirked, biting his bottom lip.

I stood transfixed in front of the mirror, my gaze locked onto his reflection. The gentle curve of his lips seemed to whisper secrets whenever his tongue darted out to touch the soft, plump skin. Last week, I'd decided to stop fighting my attraction to him, allowing myself to see him as more than just a friend.

He looked undeniably appetising, like a full meal rather than a mere snack. The worn, faded blue skinny jeans clung to his legs like a second skin, while a crisp white t-shirt hinted at toned pecs and abdominal muscles. A pale blue and white colour-block sports jacket, adorned with embroidered bird motifs on either side of his chest, added a refreshing pop to his look. My eyes zoomed in on the way he casually pushed up his sleeves. I tried to rein in my desire when he revealed the veins that snaked across his forearms and hands like a roadmap of his inner strength. My efforts were all in vain, and my panties thoroughly ruined, when he brushed the long, curly tendrils of hair off his forehead.

The way Yoongi strode into the room, his long legs swiftly closing the distance between us, made my heart quicken and caused my panties to become even more saturated. Each deliberate step brought him closer until he finally halted mere inches from me. His hands splayed on the vanity, forming a barrier that penned me in. The heat radiating from his chest was palpable, even with the tiny gap between our bodies, making my skin prickle with awareness.

He lowered his head until his lips brushed my ear and whispered in the most seductive tone, "Though, to be honest, you look more like a siren drawing me to her rather than a heavenly being."

"Yoongi," I whimpered. He was getting dangerously close to activating my praise kink. It was too soon for him to know that side of me. Hell, we hadn't even kissed yet. "D-did you need me for something?"

Yoongi pressed his lips onto my shoulder, humming as he took in the scent of my skin. One of his hands moved off the cold marble vanity to sit on my hip and pull my body into his. As his thumb rubbed circles into my skin and set my skin ablaze, I could feel the proof of his arousal as it rested against my lower back.

"Seeing you dressed in so little like this, there's a hunger growing within me." A sensual groan slipped from his lips as he pressed himself into me while peppering the softest of kisses across my neck, shoulder and upper back. "I came to let you know that we're leaving in 15 minutes."

I whimpered as Yoongi's lips travelled up to my ear, his teeth nibbling on my lobe. I nodded, whispering a soft, "Okay. I'll be ready by then."

"I can help you get dressed if you need me to?" he murmured in a seductive, teasing tone. "I saw the two dresses on your bed. I like the shorter and darker one."

I spun around and brought my lips up to his, stopping just shy of kissing him. "Thanks for your input, but I've got this." My lips brushed against his with each syllable I spoke. I pressed a soft kiss to the side of his lips, a promise of what I hoped would come later. "You might need that 15 minutes for yourself," I teased, running a finger along the long length of his member. I felt powerful watching him hiss and groan with need from my light touch.

I took a deep breath, my palms splayed across Yoongi's broad chest as I firmly but gently pushed him away from me. The hint was clear, and with a sly smile, he turned to leave the bathroom. But I couldn't resist one last playful gesture. As he stepped almost out of range, I swiftly spanked his toned ass, the sound echoing through the small space.

Yoongi's head spun around, his bright eyes wide with surprise, and I couldn't help but beam with mischief. "Save me a dance later, Handsome," I called out, my voice laced with flirtation.

"Only if you wear the one I suggested," he replied from the doorway to my bedroom. Even as he disappeared from view, walking down the hallway, I could hear his rich, deep chuckle resonating back to me, the sound lingering until the apartment door closed behind him.