Friday night arrived far sooner than Taehyung had anticipated, each passing moment a cruel reminder of her absence. The emptiness she left behind wrapped around him like a suffocating fog, anchoring him to his bed in a state of melancholy he couldn’t escape.

The rest of the week passed without him setting foot in school, his heart too heavy and his mind consumed by the haunting thought of Y/N leaving. Jimin, ever the loyal friend, noticed his disappearance and showed up unannounced with video games and pizza—a feeble attempt to coax Taehyung back to his usual self. But no amount of lighthearted distraction could pull him from the depths of his despair. What surprised Jimin most was Taehyung’s abrupt and uncharacteristic agreement to attend Na-yeon’s party when he casually suggested it.

The pair found themselves standing outside Na-yeon’s house once more, the crisp night air laden with an unspoken tension. While Jimin brimmed with excitement at the rare opportunity for a second invitation, Taehyung could feel anxiety clawing at his chest, tightening its grip with every passing second.

"Try not to freak out too much, Taehyung," Jimin said, nudging him playfully. "She invited you personally, so don’t make her regret it."

Taehyung offered a weak nod, his attempt at a smile faltering under the weight of his unease. Together, they stepped inside, but the scene that greeted them was far from what they had expected.

The house was oddly quiet, devoid of the pulsating music that had defined the previous party. Instead, faint voices echoed from the living room, where they discovered the so-called “party.” It wasn’t the bustling crowd they’d anticipated; rather, it was an intimate gathering of eight people, including Na-yeon.

“Finally! You guys took your time. Now we can start the party,” Na-yeon declared, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She marched up to the boys, took their hands, and led them to the center of the room with a commanding presence. “Sit!”

Confused but compliant, Taehyung and Jimin exchanged uncertain glances before lowering themselves onto the couch.

“Welcome to my private party,” Na-yeon began, her voice carrying an air of theatricality. “While I thoroughly enjoyed the last one, I thought something more intimate would be perfect for those I’m closest to.”

As Na-yeon distributed drinks with the help of a friend, Taehyung hesitated, his fingers curling around the cold can of alcohol. Jimin, ever the carefree spirit, downed his drink in a single gulp, but Taehyung only managed a few reluctant sips, grimacing at the sharp taste of vodka. Na-yeon’s watchful gaze prompted him to take another sip, though the effort nearly ended in a sputtered mess when he caught the faint smile she directed his way.

Despite the small group’s easy chatter, Taehyung felt more isolated than ever. He scanned the room, his gaze darting away whenever someone glanced in his direction. The only reason he had agreed to come was the faint hope that Y/N might show up, but that hope dwindled with every passing moment.

Na-yeon’s voice cut through the room like a bell. “Okay, now that we’ve all got a little liquid courage, it’s time for the first game: Spin the Bottle!”

Cheers erupted from the group, save for Taehyung, who felt his anxiety surge. Jimin dragged him into the forming circle, the empty bottle placed at its center like a symbol of impending doom.

One by one, spins decided the participants' fates, their laughter and cheers filling the room as hesitant kisses were exchanged. Taehyung’s discomfort grew with each turn, his gaze flickering away from the heated displays of affection.

When Na-yeon’s turn arrived, she spun the bottle with an enthusiastic flourish. Taehyung’s heart pounded as the bottle slowed to a stop—pointing directly at him.

The room buzzed with excitement, cheers erupting as Na-yeon stood and crossed the circle. She knelt before him, her gaze fixed on his trembling form.

“Looks like it’s our turn to kiss,” she murmured, her voice a mix of challenge and allure.

Time seemed to freeze as she leaned in, her lips brushing against his with practiced ease. Taehyung’s mind reeled, his eyes wide with disbelief. The cheers faded into a distant hum, replaced by the deafening roar of his own heartbeat.

But reality came crashing down the moment he noticed her.

Y/N.

She stood frozen at the doorway, her expression a mask of heartbreak and disbelief. Beside her, Jungkook glanced down at her with quiet sympathy, his hand resting gently on her arm.

“Oh! Y/N... and friend. Nice of you to finally join us!” Na-yeon chirped, pulling away from Taehyung with a triumphant smile.

Taehyung’s heart plummeted as he turned to face Y/N. Her frown deepened, and before he could muster a word, she spun on her heel and disappeared back into the night.

His chest tightened, the weight of his regret crushing him as he watched her retreating figure. All he could hear now was the deafening echo of his silence.