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It took hours to complete filming for the music video. At least, the first part of it. After taking off the outfits the production picked out for us. All nine of us headed out into the night. Instead of driving we walked on the streets of Seoul to the restaurant. To not cause a commotion on the calm cool night. We covered ourselves up and didn't walk in a big group together. Instead we walked in partners of twos or threes.

Sunny intertwined our arms when we decided that it would be best to be partnered up. Ahead of us were Yuri and Yoona laughing. Sooyoung and Seohyun chatting with Hyoyeon. While Jessica stuck with Tiffany speaking English to each other.

Once we entered into the restaurant building, a man quietly tried to call us over by gesturing to the nine of us. Sooyoung immediately left both of Seohyun and Hyoyeon's sides to warmly embrace the man. The smile on his face indicated that it was Sooyoung's boyfriend, Jung Kyungho.

He bowed to us as we did the same greeting. Although, we know Kyungho well and consider him a friend. He remains formal.

"Did you wait long?" Sooyoung asked him as we took our seats around the table.

"Not at all." He answered with a pleasant beam, "Even if I would. I understand." Sooyoung returned to him a smile of her own. The other girls quietly watched the couple, envy hidden in their eyes.

Sitting down in our chairs at the long table setup with menus and eating utensils. I was seated between Jessica and Kyungho, who had Sooyoung right next to him.

Scanning over the many options, I decided to have the meal that I would order often during my trainee days. Once I finish ordering my meal to the waitress, I glance down at my phone face down on the Mahogany table.

"Is Minjae coming?" Jessica quietly asked. I shake my head. I called him earlier to see if he could but he said he was working on a new article that he had to finish by today.

"He said he was busy with work." I explained.

"Really? That's too bad." Jessica had a glint of sympathy in her eyes.

"I know everyone was looking forward to meet him." I let my eyes fall onto the table.

"There will always be a next time." She remarked.

"I know but I just feel bad..." The girls have been interested in knowing him ever since I told them about him. Despite the fact that we are married now and had everyone's blessing. Minjae was shrouded in mystery to the most important people in my life. I wanted him to know them. Be friends with them like Kyungho was.

"Don't. It's fine." Jessica patted my shoulder. "Let's just have some fun together. It's not often we go out and have fun, Taeng."

She was right. These days the individual activities and living situations separated us more than before. Years and years of living in a close proximity to each other, seeing each other meant everything.

"Your right."

Taking in Jessica's words. I let myself forget about the other things in my mind. Enjoying the dinner and people I was with.

I watch Seohyun, Hyoyeon, and Tiffany sing loudly along with the restaurant's music.

Fortunately, it's a late night barely any souls were in the place to care. I let out a much needed laugh when Kyungho joins the trio in their musical.

Invested in my time with all the girls. I failed to notice eyes watching us even the phone vibrating on the wood for the last five minutes.

"Taeyeon." A voice called me rather stern yet smooth. Moving my eyes away from everyone. I focused in on the figure dressed in professional clothing standing a few meters away from our table.

I could see and hear everyone quiet down once they track the owner of my attention. Eyes shifting depending on which party was speaking.

"Minjae? What are you doing here? I thought you..." I trailed off when I noticed he wasn't even looking at me instead to my left towards Sooyoung's boyfriend. 

"I finished early." His eyes made their way to mine. A glint in them that I haven't seen before. 

Is he okay? I thought. 

The atmosphere increasingly becoming uncomfortable and tense that I can't help shifting in my chair from his intense stare. Kyungho's voice broke through the unexpected tension, "Take a seat and join us. We haven't eaten just yet." He gestures to the new chair placed between us with a subtle smile.

To which Minjae did not return instead wordlessly traveled over to his spot without acknowledging me. 

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My friend helped me create this chapter. Thank you to Drama_Queen_Enid.

-Moonbae🌸