[Soon Duho]

The last place I thought I'd be is at a pool party. Not that I dislike parties; however, I don't go to a lot of them. Plus, I'm a bad swimmer. I have a lot of other charms that make up for it, though. Anyway, since Seolha included me in the invitation list, I couldn't just say no.

Girls line up at my sight, but I only recognize a few of them. Cha Sumin, Won Yujin, Jo Bohee... They're all nice and all that jazz, but I'm not sure either of them would be my type. They're loud party enjoyers who would throw mega bashes at the first chance coming to them.

Before they raise their already high expectations further, I say, "Not now, girls. Maybe later." Disappointed at my response, they scatter throughout the area, going back to minding their business. Too bad I can't find a spot for myself. Since I can't stay in peace, I'll look for drinks.

At the open bar, I find Paeng Taehyung, chatting with two other guys. They're all sipping drinks and laughing like idiots. The two guys talking over Taehyung sound drunk as fuck. They definitely need some help to get back on their feet.

"I never expected Ham Seoyeon to be so bad at flirting," says one of them, slurring his words, much to Taehyung's annoyance.

The other guys bursts into laughter. "She's crazy. She thinks everyone will fall for her just because she's outgoing and into parties." Is he serious? Who does he think he is to judge her solely for that? I may not be that close to Seoyeon, but I don't like how that dude is talking down on her behind her back.

The first guy incinerates the other with his glare. "Are you serious, Seungyeol? You have the audacity of calling her crazy when you've finished a bottle and a half of vodka by yourself!"

Taehyung doubles down. "For real, Seungyeol. She isn't the only one who made a poor figure. You did it, too. Admit it."

The guy named Seungyeol lowers his head, knowing he's in for more and more shaming. I shouldn't judge him for that. After all, I'm as bad as him, if not worse, with girls.

Irritated by Seungyeol's poor judgement, Taehyung makes an unexpected decision. "Duhun, stay over here with Mr. Drunk. Duho and I will look for some hangover remedies." Not knowing what I'm into, I shrug and follow him.

By the moment we reach for Seolha, Taehyung wobbles before stumbling in the pool. I have to dive and rescue him or else he'll drown. I call for help. "Please! He fell inside. We may have to call 119." As we're both out of the pool, he lets out a scowl.

"What! Why am I in your arms, Duho? What happened?" he asks, much to my confusion.

"The remedy. We were supposed to go and grab some, but then you feel in the pool." No matter how scared I am, he finds it amusing to the point that he burst into hysterical laughter. What's the problem with him?

I remark, my tone firm and unwavering. "No more booze for you, Taehyung, nor for those two bozos. You've all done enough damage, okay? Just stay put." He accepts not to do any more over the top stuff for the remainder of the party, then lets me go.

***

The party begins to tone down as several guests prepare to go back home. This includes Taehyung and his little gang, who seem to have called a taxi. I hope no-one is driving while intoxicated. I'm not keen on seeing anyone arrested over that.

Among the ones who're staying, there's Seoyeon. She seems unbothered by the Seungyeol fiasco, or at least she is on the outside. I don't think it's a good idea to insist on that topic. I'll just share some small talk with her—if she wants, of course.

She's doing what seems to be a cheap burlesque performance from a B movie. She earns attention for that, though, between applause and a few whistles here and there. Like, what the heck! Does she approve of them?

I make my way toward her, only for her to stop dancing. Her impromptu performance is over. I wonder what's her next move. She runs her hands through her hair, then turns to an improvised breakdance freestyle. I have to admit she's a good dancer. She'd put many others to shame.

"Great performance over there! You're stylish," I comment, hoping to garner a reaction from me. She smiles at me, but that's it. She turns her focus on her friends. At least she noticed me. I would be upset if she completely ignored me.

However, I can't be fully satisfied. I wish she had actually responded to my compliment. I'm not sure if she truly appreciated it. The more I dwell over it, the worse. I also doubt Seoyeon's my type. She's into parties and would go to one every single day as far as I know.

I, on the other hand, am far more selective when it comes to this stuff. This time, I came only out of curiosity and because of PB's insistence. I could've stayed at home; but, hey, this has been a great opportunity for me to break the ice.

If I have to choose one moment that defines my participation in this event, it has to be when everyone turned at me when Taehyung fell in the pool. They were all surprised that I didn't lose my cool even when I was about to break down.

I don't know why others find me charming. I try to be polite, that's it. There's something inside me that makes me drip confidence, but I don't think it's always true. I just believe rudeness shouldn't be acceptable. Too many people leave others aside, focusing only on themselves.

These thoughts guide me on my way back home as I walk down the road leading me there.

***

Two days have passed since Seolha's party, which will be remembered for all kinds of reasons. There wasn't a single moment when I was bored. Still, between that and saying I'd rush to another party in a heartbeat there's a long way to go.

I take a look at my phone to check notifications. Expecting anything from Taehyung, I'm surprised to see no message from him. Instead, it comes from Jeong Yungyeom, another member of his clique, whom I barely saw at the party.

'Go and look on TikTok! You're a hero! You literally saved Taehyung's and Seungyeol's asses.' I don't understand how the heck I helped Seungyeol besides getting hangover remedy for him.

Oh, now I get it. I saved him from the lashings he'd have got over dumping Seoyeon while drunk. I hope he reaches out to her and apologizes to her as soon as possible. I do think she was hurt by his erratic behavior, but he didn't mean any harm.

Instead of giving Yungyeom a proper reply, I just send him a thumbs up. Then, I check TikTok. Clips of me pop all over my timeline. All of them have gone viral. Does this mean I stole the show? From Seolha herself, too? I hope she won't hold a grudge against me over that.