The Party Crasher

Chapter 17

The lively hum of the tablao buzzed around Lisa, the rhythmic clapping of hands and the sharp tap of flamenco heels filling the air with energy. The warmth of Spain mingled with the rich scent of tapas and sangria, wrapping around her like a familiar embrace. Laughter floated through the room, and Lisa found herself smiling at Minnicha's joyful outburst as Niki twirled in her bold navy-blue dress, the high slit revealing her slender legs in a playful spin.

Minnicha, the center of attention, was stunning in a vibrant red flamenco dress, the ruffles swirling with every movement she made. Jihyo, standing beside them in a silky emerald-green dress, her fan fluttering in rhythm with the music, chatted animatedly. Her elegance was effortless, as always. Lisa adjusted the delicate lace sleeve of her simple black dress, a sleek number with an open back that felt understated compared to the vivid colors around her, but the way it hugged her frame filled her with quiet confidence.

As the music swelled, casting a spell over the room, Lisa's attention was drawn to the door as it swung open with a gentle creak. The sound of approaching footsteps pulled her gaze, and for a moment, the world seemed to slow.

Mingyu stepped into the tablao, flanked by Jaehyun and Namjoon, dressed in casual yet sophisticated attire that set him apart from the crowd. He scanned the room, a small smile playing on his lips as he took in the scene. But the moment his eyes found hers, something shifted in the air.

Lisa's heart gave an unexpected jolt as their gazes locked. It was always like that. She didn't know when it started, but it had become so natural for her—she may deny it all day, but it didn't change the fact that her heart beat for him. Mingyu, too, froze for a moment, his expression softening, eyes widening ever so slightly. She watched as his gaze traced the delicate lace on her sleeves, then drifted down the open back of her dress. The air between them crackled, the simple black dress suddenly feeling like the most daring thing she'd ever worn under the weight of his stare.

Heat crept up her neck, her pulse quickening. The lively chatter around them faded into a distant hum as Mingyu's focus remained locked on her. He looked... stunned, as though he was seeing her for the first time. It was crazy.

Beside him, Jaehyun and Namjoon exchanged amused glances, but neither spoke. Mingyu, usually so composed, seemed momentarily struck speechless, his confidence faltering as he took a slow step toward her, drawn like a magnet.

"Mingyu!" Minnicha's bright voice cut through the moment, shattering the silence as she waved him over, her laugh sparkling like the festive lights overhead.

Lisa blinked, her breath catching as she tore her gaze away. Her cheeks felt warm, but she managed a small smile, trying to steady her heartbeat. She knew she shouldn't react like this—not with him—but something about the way he looked at her made it impossible to ignore. She let out a hearty laugh when he suddenly winked. Earlier today, Lisa had asked if he could make it, and Mingyu had said he'd try because he had things to handle, so his presence was a surprise.

Mingyu finally reached her, his steps slow and deliberate. "You've outdone yourself this time, mama," he murmured, his voice low and sincere, as if he couldn't quite believe what he was seeing.

Lisa blinked, her breath catching slightly at the intensity in his tone. "Shut up, you cleaned up well too," she quipped, rolling her eyes playfully. "Where'd you leave Eunseo?"

He didn't respond right away, his eyes lingering on her like she was the only person in the room. It made her feel self-conscious, but also... special. The simple black dress, the delicate lace, even the lively warmth of the tablao seemed to blur into the background. His gaze felt like a secret—something only the two of them shared.

"I might've let her abuela next door keep an eye on her," he finally said, a smirk tugging at his lips.

Lisa's eyes widened in surprise, her mouth falling open into a smile. "You did not?!"

Mingyu chuckled softly, nodding in confirmation.

Just then, the rest of the group reached them, breaking the moment. Minnicha was the first to greet them, her hands landing on Lisa's shoulders as she shook her excitedly. "You guys made it! I was starting to think Lisa here wasn't going to tell me a thing!"

"Are we late? This place is incredible," Jaehyun remarked, looking around the room appreciatively.

"You're right on time," Jihyo chimed in with a smile, her fan fluttering as she gestured toward the room. "The party's just getting started."

"Happy birthday, Nicha. You look absolutely stunning tonight," Namjoon said, his voice carrying a touch of shyness as he stepped forward, holding out a single red rose.

Minnicha's lips curled into a playful smile as she accepted the rose, her fingers brushing lightly against his. "Thanks, Doctor Kim," she teased, her tone a mix of flirtation and casual charm. She twirled the rose between her fingers before casting a pointed glance toward the nearby tables. "But I saw you swipe this from one of the decorations over there," she added with a wink.

Namjoon winced dramatically, his hand going to his chest, playing along. "Hey, a rose is a rose! Besides, it still has all its petals, doesn't it? That counts for something."

Minnicha giggled, tapping him lightly on the shoulder with the rose. "Alright, you're off the hook—this time. But I'll expect a bouquet next year."

Namjoon let out a laugh, but Minnicha's eyes quickly scanned the group, a puzzled look crossing her face. "Wait a minute... you guys aren't all here. Where's Wonwoo?"

Mingyu shrugged. "Stuck in traffic. He'll be here later."

"Great! The table next to us is empty, feel free to roam around and have fun! Just don't get too close to the gossiping tías and abuelas—they'll snoop about your lack of marriage," Minnicha teased with a wink.

As the night progressed, Lisa found herself enjoying the lively rhythm of the party. The soft strumming of the guitar and the spirited clapping of dancers on the stage filled the tablao, but she couldn't stop her gaze from wandering to where Mingyu stood, now deep in conversation with Jaehyun and Namjoon.

For a while, she allowed herself to relax, leaning into the playful banter of her friends. Minnicha's laughter echoed beside her, and Jihyo's fan fluttered in time with the music. But then the door swung open again, pulling Lisa's attention.

The sound of heels clicking against the wooden floor signaled an arrival, and when Lisa looked up, she spotted a familiar figure: Wonwoo, slightly out of breath, with a hand buried deep in his pocket. Lisa's smile started to grow, but it froze halfway when she noticed someone trailing behind him.

Jongseo.

Her white dress clung to her like a second skin, a stark contrast to the vibrant, fiery tones surrounding them. The low murmur of conversation in the room dipped as a few heads turned to glance at the new arrivals. Lisa's chest tightened, her eyes narrowing slightly as she watched Jongseo scan the room with calculated ease.

Wonwoo greeted everyone with a nod, but Jongseo made a beeline straight for Mingyu.

From where Lisa stood, she could only see Mingyu's back, but the way Jongseo sidled up to him, her arm brushing against his as she leaned in to whisper something had Lisa's pulse quickening. The carefree vibe of the party seemed to twist into something tense—at least, for her. Her fingers curled tighter around her glass of sangria, the cool condensation slipping through her fingers as she tried to ignore the unfamiliar churn in her stomach.

Jihyo, ever the sharp observer, cocked her head. "Uh, who's that?" she asked, her tone laced with curiosity as her gaze flicked from the short-haired woman to the rest of the group.

Minnicha's eyes narrowed slightly. "I didn't invite her," she muttered, crossing her arms. "That's for sure."

"Maybe she's Wonwoo's plus-one?" Niki chimed in with a casual shrug, taking a sip from her drink.

Minnicha snorted. "Please. Wonwoo wouldn't bring a date if his life depended on it."

"That's Jongseo," Lisa said, her voice a little quieter than she intended. She didn't want to be the one explaining, but the words slipped out.

Jihyo perked up instantly. "Wait, you know her?" Her curiosity went from a casual flicker to full-on investigative mode, eyes gleaming with interest.

Lisa reluctantly tore her eyes away from the scene unfolding, forcing herself to focus on the conversation at hand. But it was impossible. Her ears were tuned in, picking up the low hum of Mingyu's voice as he responded to whatever Jongseo had whispered. She couldn't make out the words, but the tone felt way too casual—way too comfortable.

And then, it happened.

Jongseo laughed, a sharp, almost performative sound, before reaching up and placing her hand on Mingyu's arm, her fingers lingering for what felt like an eternity. Lisa's chest tightened, heat rushing to her face. Was it just her, or did that laugh sound like nails on a chalkboard? And just for a second—barely a heartbeat—she saw Mingyu glance over at her. His expression? Unreadable.

But that didn't stop Jongseo from moving closer, her face turning serious. Whatever she said next seemed to hit a nerve. Mingyu's posture stiffened, his jaw clenched, and before Lisa could process it, he gently grabbed Jongseo's forearm, pulling her toward the door, out of the tablao and into the open area beyond.

Lisa's heart sank.

Niki raised an eyebrow, leaning forward. "So... is she, like, friends with Mingyu or something?"

Lisa's grip on her glass tightened as she watched the two figures disappear outside. "A childhood friend. From Korea," she muttered, taking a deliberate sip of her drink, hoping it would drown the rising tide of unease.

Jihyo, ever unfiltered, scoffed. "Childhood friend? Girl, please. She's way too touchy for someone just reminiscing about recess." She punctuated her point with an exaggerated eye-roll.

"Are you okay?" Minnicha asked, her voice gentle but laced with concern. She rested a hand on Lisa's arm, sensing the shift in her mood.

Lisa plastered on a smile that felt more forced than natural. "I'm fine. It's just... hot in here, right?" She set her drink down a little too quickly and stood. "I'm going to get some air." Without waiting for a response, she made her way toward the open balcony on the second floor of the tablao, hoping the cool breeze would keep her composure. Mingyu and her already talked about this three weeks ago, she got nothing to worry about, she's overthinking too much.

The cool night air wrapped around them as Mingyu led Jongseo out of the tablao, his expression unreadable but his clenched jaw giving away the irritation simmering beneath the surface. The faint sounds of flamenco music and laughter still floated from inside, but out here, it was just the two of them— and the tension that crackled like electricity between them.

Jongseo leaned lazily against a pillar, arms folded, a pout forming on her lips as she waited for him to speak. She thrived in moments like this, where all eyes were on her—or at least where she could make someone squirm.

"What are you still doing here?" Mingyu's voice cut through the silence, low and dangerous. His eyes narrowed at her, knowing full well she didn't care about the scene she could cause. She loved it—the drama, the attention.

Jongseo's lips curled into a mock pout, her voice dripping with feigned innocence. "What's wrong with staying a little longer? I'm starting to enjoy myself," she teased, her gaze sliding over his shoulder, back to where the party continued without them. Her posture smug.

Mingyu exhaled sharply, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You weren't invited. Go home, Jongseo." His tone was clipped, strained, as if every word he uttered required restraint.

She ignored him, smoothing the fabric of her dress—white and tight, designed to command attention. She spun slowly, the glitter of the fabric shimmering under the lights, her smile wicked. "Leave? In this dress? I'm doing this party a favor by staying. You should be grateful, Mingyu. Look at me."

His patience was fraying, and she could see it. The subtle twitch in his hand, the rigid set of his shoulders. Mingyu wasn't the type to lose control, but she liked to see him near the edge.

"You're here to cause trouble," he said coldly, eyes narrowing. "Go home. Back to Korea. Stop bothering—and me."

Jongseo's eyes sparkled with amusement as she stepped closer, her voice lowering to something sultry and playful. "Is that any way to speak to your best friend?" She traced the word "friend" with sarcasm, leaning in just enough to make him uncomfortable, but not too close to incite anything more. Yet.

He didn't respond, but the shift in his demeanor was unmistakable. His jaw clenched tighter, his hands balling into fists at his sides. Jongseo could see it—the anger, the frustration. And she loved it. This was the Mingyu she liked to toy with, the one who struggled to keep his composure around her.

She sighed dramatically, as if she were giving up, her shoulders dropping in a show of defeat. "Fine, fine," she said, but her eyes were anything but resigned. In fact, they were already drifting past him, toward something—or someone—else. And when she saw what she was looking for, her lips curled into a sly smile.

Miss babysitter.

That's when Jongseo decided to roll the dice. Jongseo leaned in again, close enough that her next words were meant only for him, but her voice carried enough to catch the edges of Lisa's awareness. "You can't play house forever, Mingyu," she whispered, her tone venomous beneath its sweetness. "When are you going to stop pretending and take the family's offer seriously? Your father expects you to stop fooling around and marry me."

Mingyu's entire body stiffened, his hand flexing in an effort to contain the rising anger. "There is no agreement," he hissed, his voice dangerously low. "I told you, Jongseo—I'm not marrying you."

Jongseo's lips twitched with amusement, her eyes flicking briefly to Lisa before she looked back at Mingyu. "Really?" she drawled, her smirk widening. "Because from where I'm standing, it looks like you're delaying the inevitable. Or maybe..." She tilted her head, eyes glinting with malicious curiosity. "Is it because of your girl?"

The implication hit its mark. Lisa felt it like a sting, a wordless accusation hanging in the air. Her pulse quickened, her gaze darting to Mingyu, who stood rigid, the tension between him and Jongseo thick enough to cut with a knife.

Mingyu's voice came out sharp, seething. "Back off, Jongseo. You don't know anything about her, or me."

"Oh?" Jongseo's laugh was soft, but there was an edge to it—a wicked satisfaction at having hit a nerve. "You can't hide her forever. Your family will have their say. And when they do, do you really think she'll still be around? She's just... what, a babysitter?" She delivered the insult with a cruel smile, as if her words were a weapon designed to hurt.

Mingyu's entire demeanor shifted. His eyes flicked toward inside the tablao, searching for her, then back to Jongseo, his expression a mixture of anger and something deeper—something protective. Territorial, even. His hand flexed again, but this time it wasn't out of frustration. It was ownership.

Before Mingyu could respond, Jongseo's voice lowered to a whisper, though Lisa could still make out a few key words: "Or is it more complicated than that? Are you really going to throw everything away for a pretty face? For someone who can't even be a part of your world?"

The words that came next from Jongseo were softer, a final jab meant to leave a mark. "You're going to have to choose, Mingyu. Someone from a family that matters... or some pretty distraction." Her smile widened, knowing she had drawn blood.

Mingyu stepped closer, his presence towering over her, his voice a low growl. "That's enough." His dark eyes flashed, anger barely contained. "I'll handle this, and I don't need you—or anyone else—telling me who I can or can't be with."

Jongseo's smirk didn't falter, but she took a step back, clearly satisfied with the chaos she'd sown. "Whatever you say," she hummed. "But remember, you can't run from your family forever."

With one last lingering glance at Lisa, Jongseo turned on her heel, her heels clicking against the pavement as she sauntered away, leaving Mingyu standing there, fists clenched, breath heavy with barely restrained fury.

Lisa watched from a distance, her heart racing, unsure whether she should be furious or flattered—or both. She could still feel the weight of Jongseo's words, but more than that, she felt the intensity of Mingyu's gaze as he glanced toward her.

Right then, behind her worries flashing in her expressive brown eyes, Mingyu pocketed his hands in his slacks and smiled warmly at her. Without saying a word, he began walking inside the tablao, his steps measured as he made his way up to the second floor.

He found her standing on the veranda, her arms hugging herself as the night breeze tousled her hair. The glow of distant city lights flickered in the background, but the world around them felt muted, as though they were the only two people that mattered. She wasn't crying, but the rigid tension in her posture spoke louder than words— She was upset, and Mingyu knew it, even if she wouldn't admit it.

Mingyu approached her silently, the sound of his footsteps swallowed by the cool night air. He stopped just behind her, letting his presence speak before he did. "Lisa," he said softly, his voice carrying a tenderness she wasn't used to hearing from him. "Are you okay?"

She stayed quiet for a moment, her gaze fixed on the dark horizon, as if it held the answers she couldn't find. When she finally spoke, her voice was barely above a whisper, fragile and edged with something raw. "Don't you want to take your fiancée home?"

Her words hit him like a punch. Mingyu's jaw tightened, his hands balling into fists in his pockets as a wave of frustration washed over him. He stepped closer, his voice firmer now. "She's not my fiancée," he said, his tone clipped. "And she wasn't even invited. She showed up unannounced, said ridiculous things. I'm not about to chase her down like it's my responsibility."

Lisa turned then, her eyes searching his face, looking for something—anything—that would tell her what he really meant. "I don't belong in your world, Gyu. Your family, people like Jongseo... I'm just—"

"Stop." Mingyu's voice cut through the air, sharper than she expected. He grabbed her arm gently but firmly, pulling her closer. The night seemed to pause around them, as if holding its breath for what might come next. "You're not just anything. And you don't need to belong to their world. You're already part of mine."

Her breath caught in her throat at the intensity of his words, her heart racing. She had never seen him like this—so raw, so exposed. The tension that had always simmered between them now felt like a confession waiting to happen. But Lisa knew more than to be hopeful about it.

Mingyu's grip on her arm softened, his thumb brushing her skin in a way that sent warmth rushing through her veins.

"I don't care about them," he murmured, his voice low, his eyes locked on hers. "I care about you."

Time seemed to stop. The distant hum of traffic, the muffled sounds of the party—they all faded into the background. It was just them now, standing on the edge of something they'd been avoiding for too long. The weight of unspoken words hung between them, heavy and undeniable.

Lisa pulled away, her brows knitting together in frustration. "Then why do I always feel like I'm on the outside?" Her voice cracked, a mix of anger and hurt. "You keep me in the dark, and then someone like Jongseo shows up acting like she knows you better than I ever will."

There it was, the frustration that had been gnawing at her for weeks, if not longer. She had been fine with the charade at first, with keeping things light. But as the lines between what was real and what wasn't blurred, so did her feelings.

Mingyu's chest tightened at her words, guilt gnawing at him. She was right—he had been keeping her at arm's length, afraid of what would happen if he let her in too deep. He stepped closer, taking both her hands in his, holding them between his own. "You're right," he said quietly, the weight of the admission pressing down on him. "I haven't been fair to you. I'm sorry. I'm trying to fix it."

Lisa's eyes softened, but the hurt lingered, a shadow that refused to disappear. "Then stop keeping me at a distance," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Let me in, Mingyu."

He squeezed her hands gently, his gaze never leaving hers. "I will," he promised, his voice thick with sincerity. "I will..."

Mingyu swallowed, his defenses crumbling, but doubt still clung to his words. "If it's okay with you to be with someone like me, if it's okay with you—"

"Eres tonto?!" Lisa erupted, the frustration she had been holding back crashing over her like a wave. She lightly punched his chest, her tears hovering dangerously close to the surface. "Of course it's okay that it's you! Why are you acting like me being with you is some kind of curse? I want it to be you! Haven't I made that crystal clear?!"

Mingyu's brows knit together in surprise, the intensity of her reaction leaving him momentarily speechless. But Lisa wasn't finished. "I was supposed to be the one asking that! Is it okay that it's me? I haven't even graduated yet. I don't know if I'll pass my bar exam. I have scars on my thighs that I'm embarrassed about! And for God's sake, I'm not even as pretty as your usual type! Why do you have to be so beautiful?!"

Her voice cracked, each word spilling out like a confession, raw and vulnerable. "It's not fair... I don't even know if I'm on your level!"

Before she could say anything else, Mingyu pulled her into his chest, his hand cradling the back of her head, his other arm wrapping securely around her waist. "Lisa-yah," he murmured against her hair, his voice soft and filled with emotion. "The moon is beautiful tonight, isn't it?"

For a second, confusion clouded her mind as she pulled back to look up at the sky. But there was no moon, only stars and the distant lights of the city. When she looked back at him, she melted into his embrace, understanding the tenderness in his words, the way his hand gently stroked her hair, soothing her.

"You're enough," he whispered, brushing a tear from her cheek. "More than enough for me."

His words hung in the air, thick with unspoken feelings, but Lisa's heart raced in confusion. He pulled back just enough to cup her face in both hands, his thumb tracing her cheekbone, but there was an urgency in his gaze that made her pulse quicken. Yet, a storm of doubt clouded her mind. Why was he saying this now?

He smiled at her, crouching slightly, but there was something different in it—too warm, like he'd just realized something he couldn't let go of. He closed his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath.

"Let's stop fake dating," he said, and the words hit her like a slap.

Her breath caught in her throat, a mix of shock and disbelief flooding her senses.

With those words, he pulled her back into his embrace, his heart pounding against hers. The warmth of his body surrounded her, drowning out her fears.

To all be damned.

"Lisa-yah," he murmured, his breath hot against her ear, "I'm done pretending."