"Let me take another look at that rock!" I projected my voice to cut through the pulsating rhythm and thumping bass of the nightclub's music. The VIP section we occupied to celebrate the proposal was an oasis of relative calm, a tranquil haven amidst the frenetic energy of the dance floor. Although the music's decibel level was significantly lower in our area, we still had to raise our voices slightly to ensure we were heard.

The rock in question, as Poppy extended her left hand towards me, glinted in the dim light. Jimin had put some thought into selecting the perfect engagement ring. The top half of the sleek yellow gold band was embellished with a row of small, round-cut diamonds, expertly set in a pavé setting to create a dazzling, continuous sparkle that seemed to dance in the light. At the centre, two larger, round-cut diamonds sat side-by-side, their brilliance amplified by their proximity. As Jimin strolled over to us, a beaming smile on his face, I couldn't help but praise his good taste.

"Oh, you did great, Jimin!" I exclaimed, just as he swept his now-fiancée into his chest and kissed her cheek. The two of them radiated happiness and excitement.

Yoongi beamed with pride as he patted Jimin on the back. "I'm so proud of you, little bro," he said, his voice filled with admiration. "And Poppy, it's amazing to finally have you officially part of the family. Honestly, I've always thought of you as my sister from the moment you moved here."

"Yoongi, you're gonna make me cry again," she pouted, her voice trembling as tears welled up in her eyes. Fortunately, Jimin had anticipated her reaction to his proposal and made sure she had the necessary makeup in his office for touch-ups.

I turned towards the door when the VIP area was suddenly electrified by the boom of loud music and the chatter of familiar voices. My face lit up with a warm smile as Hongjoong, San, and Wooyoung swaggered in, their arms loaded with champagne bottles and delicate glass flutes that sparkled like diamonds under the soft lighting. I leapt up from my seat, swiftly relieving San of three of the five champagne bottles, noticing his slightly unsteady hands—a tell-tale sign that he'd already had a few too many drinks. Meanwhile, Yunho and Yeosang jumped in to assist, expertly unloading and arranging the glasses in a neat row.

With a flick of his wrist, Yoongi popped the corks off the bottles, releasing a celebratory hiss, as I began pouring the bubbly liquid into the waiting glasses. Michelle stood by, ready to distribute them with a beaming smile. Amidst the commotion, Wooyoung, ever the doting husband, had thoughtfully remembered to bring a bottle of ginger beer for Leilani, so she could join in the toast. Her eyes shone with gratitude as he passed her the glass and pressed his lips on her growing bump.

Seonghwa and Yoongi stood up, facing the couple with beaming smiles. "Jiminie, you're the best older brother anyone could ask for," Seonghwa said, his eyes sparkling as he began his toast. "You've been my best friend my whole life, always there for me from the moment I was born. Even when you were hurting after Mum and Dad passed, you were always there to make me smile. Poppy, I have no doubt in my heart that Mum, Dad and Pa Min would love you, especially with how happy you've made Jimin. I know that right now they are in heaven, celebrating your engagement."

Hwa's heartfelt words caused a stinging sensation in my eyes as tears welled up, ready to burst forth. It was sweet how he'd mentioned their parents, both biological and their adoptive father. Yoongi had mentioned how the three guys didn't speak to Mrs Min; they were three other members of the 'Children of Bad Mothers' club.

As I gazed around the room, my attention landed on Poppy and Jimin, who were snuggling as if they were one entity. Poppy's cheeks glistened with moisture, her head cradled on Jimin's shoulder as she leaned into his muscular chest. His arms wrapped around her, holding her close as if he didn't want to leave their bubble of love.

Yoongi then stepped forward, his voice warm and heartfelt. "Jimin, I've never considered you or Hwa to be my cousins or adopted brothers... you're both my brothers. Period. I am so proud of both of you and the lives you've created for yourselves.

"Jiminie, seeing you so happy with Poppy fills my heart with joy. And Poppy, like I said earlier, welcome to our family. You've brought a light into my brother's life that we all see and appreciate. Together, you two are unstoppable."

He raised his glass as he continued his toast. "To Jimin and Poppy, may you both find endless joy and love in each other's company. May your journey together be filled with more laughter, adventure, and unwavering support with each passing day. I hope that your love story is as beautiful and timeless as the stars above. Here's to building a future where every day is brighter because you have each other. Cheers to a lifetime of happiness and cherished memories!"

The room erupted in applause and clinking glasses as everyone celebrated the newly engaged couple. As Jimin and Poppy shared a tender kiss, the cheering reached a fever pitch.

When Yoongi came to sit beside me, I turned to face him. "That was a beautiful toast, you have a way with words," I complimented him, meaning every word. In the time I'd spent with Yoongi, I'd learnt that he truly had a gift for expressing himself in a way that resonates with others. I couldn't help but notice the soft, gentle pink that crept onto his cheeks.

"Life is too short not to tell people how you feel about them." Yoongi's sincere words hung in the air, his piercing eyes locked onto mine as if he were trying to convey a profound message.

I felt a surge of curiosity. I was about to ask him to elaborate, to explain the deeper meaning behind his statement. But before I could, Mingi and Seonghwa began herding our group towards the dance floor like a pair of diligent sheepdogs. As I reluctantly followed the others, my feet moving to the rhythm of the music, my mind remained fixed on Yoongi's enigmatic words.

What was he trying to tell me? Was there a secret message buried beneath the surface, a private declaration meant only for my ears? Or was he attempting to gently nudge me into taking a leap of faith, encouraging me to confess my feelings and see where the moment might lead us? The more I pondered it, the more convinced I became that there was a hidden layer to his words, a subtle undercurrent I couldn't quite grasp. It felt as if he had tossed a pebble into the water, leaving me to navigate the ripples in search of the truth beneath.

As I stepped onto the dance floor, I was swept up in a whirlwind of music and movement, leaving my question for Yoongi unasked. Suddenly, I found myself dancing with Mingi and Yunho, two towering figures who seemed to engulf me on either side. The sensation was surreal, like being Thumbelina in a giant's world, as they moved effortlessly around me on the crowded floor.

As we moved to the rhythm of the music, I couldn't help but catch the piercing gazes of the girls around us, their eyes flashing with envy like sharp knives. Their faces contorted in agonised jealousy, lips pursed and eyebrows furrowed, as they witnessed the guys' unwavering focus on me... and each other. Not once did the girls' eyes relocate, their gaze remaining fixed on us, as if we were the only ones who mattered in that crowded room.

After a few songs, Yeosang yanked me into his little circle, which included Jongho, Hongjoong, and San. The five of us engaged in a hilarious dance battle, each trying to outdo the others with ridiculous moves that left us giggling. When the iconic 'Call On Me' by Eric Prydz blasted through the speakers, I completely lost my mind. It was one of my warm-up songs for practising new dances for Copacabana. I was fully immersed in the moment, moving my body with the same sass and flair I used to embody when I performed as the fiery Lola.

I began grinding and twerking against the person closest to me, who turned out to be Jongho. Initially, I worried he might take offence at my sex-fuelled dancing, fearing he'd be put off by my energetic and suggestive moves. But when I tried to break away, his hands firmly grasped my hips and tugged me closer. It was my sign that he was enjoying the dance as much as I was.

I gazed up at my roommate, hesitating for a moment. I was unsure if this was crossing a boundary. It was still the early stages of Yeosang and Jongho's relationship, and I didn't want to overstep my bounds and risk offending Yeo. However, there was an unmistakable spark in his eyes, a flame burning with an intensity I'd never witnessed before. As Yeosang approached us, his gaze locked onto us like a magnet, and he licked his lips with a slow, deliberate motion, reminiscent of a predator sizing up its next meal. The air seemed to vibrate with tension, and I could sense a primal energy emanating from him, like a lion stalking its prey on the savannah.

Once again, I found myself sandwiched between two attractive men, their bodies grinding against mine to the pulsating rhythm of the music. As much fun as I was having with Yeosang and Jongho, they weren't who I wanted to be dancing with. Instead of Yeosang, I wanted Yoongi's body to be pressed against me as he slipped a leg between mine. I wanted to be feeling Yoongi's hard chest against my back and not Jongho's.

I spotted Yoongi, surrounded by his brothers and their lovers, on the other side of the dance floor. The collective energy of their carefree laughter and beaming smiles drew my gaze like a magnet. The pulsating lights of the club danced across the gathering, casting an otherworldly glow over the scene. Yoongi seemed to be illuminated as he danced, as if a beacon was shining down on him, guiding me towards him.

As I observed him from a distance, an intense yearning washed over me. Yoongi's effortless moves showcased his charm and magnetic presence, pulling me into his orbit. The way he commanded attention without even trying, his joy infectious and genuine, only intensified my longing, making me wish I could be closer, to bask in the warmth of his radiant smile.

Yeosang leaned in close, his lips brushing against my ear. When he commanded, "Go dance with him," the vibrations of his words sent a shiver down my spine, prickling my skin with goosebumps from their intensity.

I flashed a bright smile in Yeo's direction before plunging into the sea of dancers. As I navigated through the crowded floor, I was bumped and jostled by enthusiastic partygoers, making every step a struggle. The strobing lights and pounding music made it difficult to focus, but I kept my eyes fixed on the spot where Yoongi was laughing and dancing with the others. After what felt like an eternity of wrestling through the throng, I finally reached the striking figure with the captivating long hair, whose bold confession earlier had sent my heart racing and my thoughts spinning.

Yoongi flashed a sly grin as he beckoned me over, his dark eyes sparkling with mischief and something deeper. As I approached, he leaned in close, his warm breath fanning across my cheek and ear. "Is it finally my turn for a dance with you, Beautiful?" His low, husky tone sent shivers down my spine. His words dripped with confident charm, like a skilled performer captivating the crowd. I felt as though I was being drawn into a private world, one where the music and laughter faded into the background, leaving just the two of us, suspended in a moment of seductive tension.

Instead of answering, I turned around, my back melting into the firm plane of his chest. One of my hands instinctively reached up, weaving behind his neck like a vine, securing me as I surrendered to the rhythm. My hips swayed back and forth against him, my dress a whisper away from his legs as he guided my movements with his own. The skin beneath the fabric grew hot and sensitive where his hands grasped my hips, his fingers digging gently into my curves as we moved as one to the pulsing beat.

"Fuck, you feel so good, Angel," his voice was so deep and sexy that I wanted to hear more of it as he whispered all the dirty and depraved things he wanted to do to me. He pressed his hips into me further, his hardening length against my ass proof of what I was doing to him.

I was consumed by an overwhelming urge to feel Yoongi's lips on mine, my body aching with anticipation. So, I turned into his embrace, my heart racing, and gently guided his head towards my own, our faces mere inches apart.

But just as our lips were about to meet, he unexpectedly turned his head to the side, his breath warm as he murmured in my ear, "Not yet, Babygirl. Can we talk first?"

The sudden interruption left me breathless, making me feel as if I'd been rejected. However, a part of me was curious, wondering what lay behind the hesitation in his voice and his request to talk. It felt like a storm had suddenly swept in on a calm day, catching me off guard and leaving me gasping. I felt as though I had been unexpectedly pushed away, rejected without warning. Yet, I couldn't shake my curiosity, like a detective searching for clues, pondering whether his hesitation stemmed from fear, doubt, or something else entirely.

As I stood there, surrounded by what felt like half of Honolulu, I knew with certainty that lingering wouldn't bring me the answers I sought. So, when he suggested we head back to his place for a private conversation, I agreed. We bid hasty goodbyes to our friends before stepping out into the cool evening air. The bright lights of Waikiki glowed like a beacon as Yoongi raised his hand to hail a taxi.