As I strolled into Serendipity Dance Studios, my heart raced with excitement, my arms comfortably linked with Yoongi on one side and Yeosang on the other. The moment we stepped inside, a wave of nostalgia hit me. The expansive wall of mirrors stretched out like a familiar embrace, instantly transporting me to a time when dance was woven into the fabric of my life. It felt like revisiting an old haunt, stirring memories of countless hours spent in studios like this. But as I gazed at the mirrors, a pang of loss settled in. I had once been passionate about dance, and being here highlighted how much I missed dancing since I had been in the WITSEC program. A void had been left in my life that I couldn't fill, no matter how many new experiences I had here in Hawaii.

As Yoongi broke away to congratulate the birthday couple, Yeosang's gentle tug on my arm drew me closer. His whispered question, "Are you okay?" was filled with concern, his eyes searching mine for any sign of distress. Yeosang was the one person in Hawaii who knew the full truth of my past. It was reasonable that he would sense the turmoil bubbling beneath the surface, his empathetic gaze silently asking if this place brought back too many painful memories.

I glanced around the room, noticing the familiar equipment. The sleek computer connected to the speakers was a modern upgrade from the clunky setup at Miss Hooper's childhood studio in Sydney, yet the memories of her tough but rewarding drills flooded back. In Boston, I could still recall the countless times I'd carefully stowed my dance shoes, water bottle, and towel in cubbies like the ones here, now standing empty. The polished wooden floor beneath my feet gleamed in contrast to the worn, scuffed floor of the New York studio I'd once practised in, a testament to Jimin's meticulous upkeep of this space.

I exhaled slowly, my shoulders relaxing as I turned to Yeosang, a small smile spreading. "I'm okay," I whispered, my voice soft. As I met his gaze, homesickness washed over me. "I just miss this part of my old life," I confessed, nostalgia wrapping around me like a warm breeze. Yeosang's worried expression softened, and he gave my hand a comforting squeeze. At that moment, I knew he understood—he always did.

With a charismatic smile, Yeosang suggested, "How about we grab some drinks and get this party started?" His eyes sparkled with excitement, and I couldn't help but be swept up in his energy.

He gently pulled me toward the bar set up in the corner, its sleek wooden surface gleaming under the soft lights. The bartender, a friendly woman with a purple pixie cut, greeted us with a warm smile. After we grabbed a couple of the signature blue cocktails, Yeosang and I wandered through the crowd, mingling with the other guests.

The birthday bash was a lavish affair, with about 80 guests filling the room. As Yeosang became engrossed in a conversation with Jongho and some others, I found myself drifting through the crowd alone. But it wasn't long before Yoongi, Yunho, and Mingi spotted me, their eyes locking onto mine like magnets. As we chatted with another couple, Yoongi's hands absently traced the intricate patterns of my velvet dress, his touch soft and soothing.

I was grateful for Yoongi's keen eye for fashion with the suggestion he'd given me back in my bedroom. The navy mini dress was the perfect choice for tonight's festivities. Although I was initially drawn to the longer cobalt dress, I realised it would be more suited to a romantic evening for two rather than a night out with friends. The mini dress, on the other hand, was a bold and stylish option that would allow me to blend in. As I scanned the room, I noticed that others were wearing much fancier dresses than the cobalt one I had considered. If I'd worn it, I would have felt underdressed and out of place. That would have shattered my confidence for the rest of the night.

When I caught up with the birthday couple, I couldn't help but gush over how amazing they both looked. After I said so, Jimin proudly declared that as they were getting out of their Uber, his girlfriend had stopped traffic with her dazzling presence. While he looked dashing in his navy blue suit with shimmering lapels, Poppy's halter-neck dress was a true masterpiece. The high neckline framed her face, and the plunging keyhole cut-out at the bust accentuated her femininity. Her mini dress shimmered like the night sky, transitioning from lighter blue sequins at the top to larger, darker ones at the bottom, evoking the image of a starry galaxy. At first glance, I was reminded of a stunning, shimmering nebula—ethereal and otherworldly. But when I caught Jimin's gaze lingering on the curves her dress showcased, his hands irresistibly drawn to her like a magnet, it hit me... Poppy was a modern-day siren, luring in admirers with her irresistible charm.

When Wooyoung and his wife joined us, Leilani embodied the essence of a vibrant, pregnant Grecian goddess. Her sleeveless, flowy dress was a masterpiece of design, reminiscent of a breathtaking sunset. The navy-blue hue gradually transitioned into a kaleidoscope of colours, evoking the warm tones of a summer evening, until it finally burst into a vibrant orange. The dress's clever design had a striking effect: when Leilani stood head-on, the intricate pleats concealed her pregnant belly, creating an optical illusion that made her appear slender. However, when she turned to the side, the cinched waist highlighted her growing bump, proudly showcasing her expectant state. Wooyoung, dressed in denim on denim, looked like the proudest father-to-be, his hand protectively placed on her stomach.

Much like Jimin was with Poppy, or Yoongi with me, I noticed that Seonghwa couldn't seem to tear his hands away from Michelle. It was as if he couldn't resist the urge to touch her or let others know she was with him, and honestly, who could blame him? Michelle looked stunning in her knee-length bodycon dress, which hugged her curves like a second skin. The rich, royal blue velvet fabric shimmered in the light, drawing attention to her curvaceous figure. Every inch of the dress was designed to accentuate her best features—the square neckline and thin shoulder straps highlighted her long, elegant neck, while the ruching along the entire length showcased her exquisite hourglass shape. It was no wonder Seonghwa's hands had been glued to her all night, stroking the luxurious fabric as if mesmerised by her beauty. His actions were a testament to Michelle's undeniable charm and the captivating effect she had on him.

⋆⁺₊⋆ 🖤 ⋆⁺₊⋆

Jimin had transformed the back car park into a whimsical oasis. The billowy tent housed a dazzling canopy of fairy lights, creating a magical atmosphere where we would dine beneath an artificial starry night sky. I took my seat at a table surrounded by our close-knit group of friends, comfortably nestled between Yoongi and Poppy. As Yoongi engaged in an animated conversation with his youngest brother, seated to his right, his hand rested casually on my thigh—a gentle, reassuring gesture that felt both familiar and comforting. Meanwhile, I savoured the rare opportunity to connect one-on-one with Poppy.

In the past, our gatherings had often been loud and lively, with the collective energy of our friend circle dominating the scene. I was grateful for this quiet, intimate moment with my dear friend. I listened intently as she opened up about her students. Despite her efforts to remain impartial, it was clear she had a soft spot for one student in particular. Her eyes sparkled with pride as she recounted the young boy's triumph in mastering a tricky science equation—a feat that had left her beaming. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and I couldn't help but share in the sense of joy and admiration for the student who had captured my friend's heart with his determination and academic prowess.

The sound of clinking silverware against delicate crystal resonated through the festive atmosphere, instantly silencing the excited chatter within the elegantly decorated tent. Jimin rose from his seat, his radiant smile illuminating the faces of the guests as his gaze swept across the room. With the microphone in hand, his voice was amplified, ensuring every word reached the farthest corner of the gathering.

"On behalf of myself and Poppy..." Jimin's eyes crinkled at the corners as he gazed at his girlfriend, his warm, sincere expression a testament to the deep affection he felt for her. The tender way he looked at her made it clear that Poppy was not just the love of his life; she was his solace, his comfort, and his home. "I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for taking the time to join us on this momentous occasion—our 30th birthdays." Pausing briefly, he added, "Before we get back to our meals, I hope you'll indulge me in a brief speech."

The atmosphere was electric as Seonghwa and San, their faces flushed with excitement, began chanting 'Speech, speech!' at the top of their lungs. Their voices echoed off the tent's roof, drawing the attention of everyone around. Contagious giggles filled the air, with a hint of anticipation lingering as the guests wondered what was about to unfold. It felt as though the entire room was holding its collective breath, waiting for the main event.

Poppy's voice cut through the chatter at our table, her sequinned dress shimmering in the light, making her sparkle even brighter. With eyes gleaming in amusement, she playfully chastised the two men, silencing them instantly.

"Let Jimin speak, or I'm cutting you off from the dessert to come—and trust me, you don't want that." She rested a hand on Jimin's shoulder, her bracelets jingling softly as she gave him a reassuring squeeze. "Keep going, Cutie. You're doing a good job."

Jimin's voice was only audible to those close by as he whispered, "Thanks, Mouse," before gently pressing his lips to hers. The brief kiss was filled with deep affection that seemed to resonate throughout the room. As he straightened up, microphone in hand, a warm smile spread across his face. "For those who don't know the story," he began, "let me tell you how I met the love of my life. I owe it all to a freak power outage in San Francisco."

He paused, gathering his thoughts before continuing. "I was attending a conference on harnessing social media to boost your company's success. It was the perfect opportunity for me to network and learn from the best. But on the second day, disaster struck. The venue lost power, and without it, the conference came to a halt. Instead of waiting around, hoping the power might return, I decided to explore the city." Jimin's eyes sparkled as he recalled the memory. "As I wandered through the streets, something pulled me towards a charming old bookstore. It was as if the universe was nudging me towards her. And that's where I found Poppy, looking like an angel surrounded by dusty tomes and the musty smell of aged paper."

I couldn't stop the smile that spread across my face as I imagined the serendipitous meet-cute the couple had. It made me admire them even more; how many people could turn a chance encounter into such a successful relationship?

"Mouse, from the moment we met in that cosy bookstore in San Francisco, I knew my life was about to change. I truly believe that fate brought you to me, especially since you were there on holiday." Poppy beamed up at her boyfriend and murmured how she felt the same. "The debate we had over which of our favourite books was better may have gotten us kicked out of the bookstore, but it also led to our first coffee date and an unforgettable dinner."

Poppy's mischievous grin appeared. "I still maintain that The Blooming of Flora is better than The Princess Bride," she teased, sending a wave of amused chuckles through the guests.

"Is not," he retorted, sticking out his tongue.

"Jimin," Yoongi admonished, shaking his head with a chuckle.

"Sorry. As you can see, we're both still passionately debating our favourite books all these years later." Laughter erupted as Jimin's playful apology filled the air. "Mouse, the five days we spent together in San Francisco were so magical. To me, it felt like we were in a dreamy haze of happiness. When we discussed the possibility of a long-distance relationship, I was overwhelmed with emotion when you agreed to take the leap with me. Even though the distance between Denver and Hawaii was challenging, your decision to move to Honolulu showed me the depth of your love and commitment.

"For three years now, you've been my safe haven, my trusted advisor, and my soulmate. Your unwavering support has been the anchor that has held me steady, even in the most turbulent times. I can't imagine my life without you, Poppy," he said, looking at her with the softest, loving look I'd ever seen in someone's eyes. "You've filled my days with joy, my nights with dreams, and my heart with love. I promise to cherish you, support you, and love you unconditionally for the rest of my life.

"Poppy Scriver, will you marry me and let me spend forever proving how much I love you?"