[Soon Duho]

This new party is already on everyone's lips; nevertheless, I don't feel like going. Seolha mentioned in the invitations that we're all supposed to show up in pairs, which is a huge bummer. Who wants to come with me? I can ask Kkotnim, but I can't guarantee she's going because she isn't in the list. Seoyeon is.

However, Yongho believes I should try and sneak Kkotnim in regardless of her absence from the list. "She'd be your partner, wouldn't she?" He's right. Why should I care? I mean, Seolha herself is the queen of showing up unannounced at other people's parties; therefore, she shouldn't be hard on anyone bringing partners from outside.

"You know what? Fuck limitations. I'll ask her and, if she says yes, we're set." I don't show any signs of hesitation as I prepare to come up with a plan to invite Kkotnim. I'm sure Seolha will like her. Yeah, I have a lot of good reasons to believe so.

I retreat to an empty study room and start jolting down my invitation as part of a heartfelt letter.

'Dear Kkotnim,
I know, I've waited for your answer first and really long for you. I'm glad you're already out with ideas for hanging out together. But there's something I really need you to ask.

The thing is, Song Seolha has recently announced a party taking place at the end of the month. I'm not really into parties, but I accepted because so many people want me to be there.

There's an important condition to respect: I must go there with a partner. In a way, I'm expected to find one in a timely manner and then inform Seolha about my choice.

Mine is clear: I'd like you to come with me. I can't think of anyone else who'd make a great partner. You're simply perfect. I know, it's a little too much, too early, but I'm into you.

I hope you can accept my invitation.

See you soon,
Duho.'

When I'm done, I fold it and stuff it in my pocket. I haven't got time to find an envelope, which means that, the moment I set sight on Kkotnim, I'll hand her the letter directly as it is.

To my surprise, Kkotnim is nowhere to be found. Instead, I bump into Seoyeon, whom I haven't seen properly in days. Not that it makes a difference anymore, since I'm into Kkotnim. That other girl doesn't know. I wonder if staying out of touch is one of her multiple disastrous strategies to impress me.

Seoyeon shocks me by asking, "How are you, Duho? You look more radiant than ever. Have you won the lottery, by chance?" Who does she think she's fooling? Do I look like someone who'd bag such an amount of money in little time?

Nonetheless, I don't give her the satisfaction to look miserable or absorbed in my thoughts. Thus, I answer, "Well, I kinda feel like I've won the lottery. Do you know Oh Kkotnim, the new girl? I think I'm already into her."

"Oh, I've heard of her, but I've never had the chance to meet her in person. I look forward to that moment, though." Yeah, it's safe to say Seoyeon has moved on. The fact that she doesn't hold a grudge against me over someone new on my side is a positive sign to me.

"By the way, are you aware that Seolha has thrown another party?"

She shakes her head. "I know... I have a huge problem: I haven't found a partner yet. I don't think I can go, then."

I scoff. "Well, good luck finding one. You're a party girl, after all. I thought guys would line up for you." I barely retain laughter as I'm about to leave, with my letter still in my pockets. I've already wasted a lot of time with Seoyeon.

Then, an idea comes to my mind. It's a little risky, but I think it'll pay off. "Can I ask you a favor?"

"Sure."

"It looks like your friends also know Kkotnim and have already met her in person. Can you hand this letter to them so that they can give it to Kkotnim? I wish I could see her in person today, but-"

She swiftly cuts me off. "Don't worry. I can pass it to her myself if you need me to. I'll ask the others where her room is." I give Seoyeon the folded paper, then mutter a 'thank you' before leaving. I don't know how much I can trust her in doing what I've asked.

I can't afford to be diffident, though. I can't risk turning Kkotnim off because of my distrust of Seoyeon. The former would call me out if she found out I'm still quite cold and act distant towards the latter.

***

Surprises have piled up lately. Kkotnim has already received my invitation and answered it. I don't care if I'm in an area filled with people; I read the message anyway. If anyone's in the mood for judging, so be it. It's none of my business.

I read aloud in spite of Taehyung and Duhun passing by.

'Duho,
I don't need you to come up with lot of words to ask me to join this party.

I say yes. I think parties are a good way to broaden our horizons, to discover new songs, new trends and, why not, try new drinks.

So, I'm really looking forward to it. I'll pick a nice outfit. If you can, please ask Seolha if I have to follow a dress code.

Thank you so much!

See you soon,
Kkotnim.'

In fact, as I'm done with my read, the other two guys cackle. But not to make fun of me, just out of validation. Duhun exclaims, "Lucky you! You've already bagged a partner for the party! PB and I, on the other hand-"

Taehyung nudges Duhun to interrupt him, then glares at him. "Stop! How many times do I have to tell you not to be so open about... you know what..."

I finish the sentence for them. "What? Your failures? Are you so afraid of losing face? Come on, you two should be the last two people to be scared. There's no way girls reject you." I don't know how much of this statement is true, but it's enough for the two to restart being cocky.

"Good luck with Kkotnim, Duho! Make sure to treat her well!" Duhun laughs like an idiot as he and Taehyung leave. What is the problem with those two? I don't hate them, but being constantly around them is tiring at times.

I mean, I'm very different from them personality wise, which isn't a bad thing per se. Even Kkotnim mentioned it's okay for me to broaden my horizons. While she specifically referred to the party environment, I think her reasoning applies for every context.

Now, I have to figure out if I'm supposed to follow a dress code. I carefully fold Kkotnim's letter and place it in an internal pocket in my backpack. Then, I notice some commotion not far from me.

Two girls are rudely addressing Seolha. "What do you mean I'm out of the list? You can't be serious!" The first girl is really angry. She must've been a regular at Seolha's parties... until now.

The other girl yaps. "If you don't remove Ham Seoyeon and add us instead, you're in for trouble. Stop bringing in fools that only embarrass you!"

Seolha tries to defend herself. "Seoyeon has never embarrassed me. You, on the other hand-"

The two shrieking idiots shut their mouths as soon as I pass by; then, they run away, clearly intimidated by me. Seolha smiles at me as a way to thank me for "saving the day." Her words, not mine.

I take advantage of her presence to ask her the dreaded question on dress code. Her answer is as simple as it can be. "It's a pool party, so..." She struts away without finishing her sentence. Another pool party. This can be a déjà vu. I must do whatever is in my power not to let it happen.