Jongin has never felt nervous around girls, but not because he was extremely confident or aware that he was good-looking. First of all, he has never felt the urge to have a girlfriend. As opposed to his classmates, all that he wanted to do in high school has been dancing. Sure, he didn’t say no to pretty girls every once in a while, but strong feelings were something hard for him to achieve. He only had 2 long, stable and strong relationships, but things went natural, smooth, without any doubt or insecurity from any side.

But now, 2 hours before  Baekhyun’s party was about to start, it was the first time he felt a bit nervous. Why, would you ask. Well, that was the problem. He didn’t really have any reason to feel nervous about. The only person he was thinking about was Samantha. Samantha’s eyes. Samantha’s smile. Samantha’s voice. Samantha’s giggles when she would pet Haru. Everything about her seemed to pop in his head, not letting a second pass without smiling when thinking about her.

It was useless to deny that he liked her. Quite a lot, actually. Sure, he kind of expected it, but he didn’t expect the sudden urges he had when being around the girl. He felt like all he wanted to do was hold her in his arms, protect her from everyone and everything. All he wanted to do was be with her, talk to her and make her let out that gorgeous laugh of hers.

After that day at the mall, his relationship with the girl went from good to even better (not that he liked to brag ). They would text each other everyday, go for walks or go to the coffee shop he discovered she liked so much. Sometimes, she would come over to see Haru, those moments being  precious to Jongin, simply because he had the chance to look at the image that made his heart flutter every time: Samantha, with Haru in her lap, cooing or rubbing her tummy, all smiles and giggles.  Call him a lovesick teenager, but Jongin felt like he was in Heaven when looking at her and his cat.

So yeah, he didn’t know why he suddenly felt so overwhelmed by the situation he would soon be in. He wasn’t new to this thing, but why did it seem so?  Maybe because, just like Hyoyeon nicely reminded him, parties always bring with them all kinds of situations, you never really know what to expect. And now, that Samantha would be there, it was useless for Jongin to deny that he had thought of all kinds of scenarios in his head.

But it was wrong, because building your hopes up makes it easier to be disappointed.

“What are you wearing tonight?” Hyoyeon shouted from the other room, her head in her closet, making her voice sound muffled.

“Don’t know.” The girl replied, her shoulder resting on the doorway. “What are you wearing?” she then added, to which the blonde girl just shrugged.

“By the way, one of us is supposed to meet with Sehun.”

“What? Why? Where?” Samantha asked, frowning.

“Whoa, easy there.” Hyoyeon laughed while tossing some skirts and tops on the bed for her to choose from. “Apparently, his father knows the woman that wants to rent us her small apartment. You know, for the festival.”

“Ok.” The girl nodded, trying to comprehend the situation. “But what does Sehun have to do with this?”

“Didn’t I tell you?” the blonde girl leaned her head to one side, finally looking Samantha in the eyes. “ Chanyeol wants to come with us. Sehun can’t, he has some things to do, but he said he’ll be happy to help us.”

“Oh.” it was all Samantha could mutter. The idea of Chanyeol coming along was great, but they still needed two people. It was good though, because even if they didn’t manage to find other 2 people,  they could go just the three of them, and split the rent.

“Do you mind if you go with Sehun?” Hyoyeon said while looking at herself in the mirror. It was deeply amusing for Samantha to watch her best friend struggle to look especially good. Who knows, maybe her friend would find someone interesting at the party. As for her,  she didn’t feel like she needed to look for someone, for in her head there was already a name, though it was still hard for her to admit it.

“Sure. After all, we both know you need more time to get ready.” She joked, even if it was actually true. “But what do I actually need to do? Is it going to take long?” Samantha asked nonetheless, trying to make a schedule in her head, so that she’ll be able to get ready, go with Sehun to solve whatever was there to solve, and then make it in time for the party.

“It’s not going to take long, you just have to sign some papers. You know, that we confirm the fact that we’ll rent it, blah blah. Don’t worry about the time, Sehun’s going to take you to Baekhyun’s anyway.”

“Is he coming too?”

“No. But he’ll take any chance to spend time with you.” Hyoyeon joked, winking at her teasingly.

“Shut up.” She mumbled.

“Hi.” Sehun grinned, leaning on the hood of his car.  A sport’s car. Ok, so he’s rich.

“Hi.” The girl replied before taking a good look at his car. “This is really impressive.”

“You think so?” the boy said rather excitedly, his brows raised in such a manner, that he seemed both pleased and surprised by the girl’s words.

“Yeah, well..it’s huge.”

“You’re into cars?” Sehun said while opening the door for her, motioning with his head for her to get in. Samantha assumed Hyoyeon told him that they didn’t have time to waste, because it was already around 7 PM, and the party started at 8 PM.  The girl got in, failing to see the way Sehun checked her out from a distance. She wasn’t dressed fancy, but she was, maybe, showing a bit more skin than usual, with the way her top was a bit shorter, exposing her belly. Also, the jeans may have been a little ripped at her knees, but it wasn’t anything drastic. She just figured that, rather than looking impressive, she wanted to feel comfortable.

“I’m not really into cars, but I do admire when I see a nice one.” She smiled towards Sehun, who was now at the steering wheel, turning the engine on.

The rest of the ride to the supposed office was full of laughter, though Samantha tried to hold a normal conversation. She asked him about the connections his father had, taking in consideration he was helping them with something so unusual. Sehun told her all about her dad’s job, and how he knew all sort of people all around the country, because he was working in the tourism section.

Things got boring when they arrived at the office, because besides the fact that Samantha got some weird looks because of the way she was dressed (Sehun made sure to and lightly make fun of her ), the old lady they had to meet was unusually annoying. She told them about the house, and that she really cared for it, that they should be careful with the fire, and all that stuff.  Samantha made an effort to nod every 3 seconds, making sure she looked mature and responsible ( not that she wasn’t ).

It was around 7:45 PM when they finally left the office, which made it the perfect timing. They hoped up in the car, Sehun turning on the engine while Samatha struggled to give him directions towards Baekhyun’s house.  After she explained everything, Sehun  told her it’s not far, so it was perfect.

She seemed to jump to conclusions too fast, because they soon found themselves stuck in traffic.

“God, it’s 8:15. Why are there so many cars?” Samantha whined in her seat, her seatbelt too tight around her body.

“Well it’s Saturday, everyone is out right now.” Sehun muttered before cursing some drives that switched lanes without assuring themselves.

“I’m sorry you have to be stuck with me here.” The girl continued, resting the back of her head on the window, her eyes trailed on him. Her hands, though, seemed to not let go of the seatbelt, which apparently got stuck.

“No problem.”  The boy said quickly, before clearing his throat rather awkwardly. “I, um.. I actually enjoy spending time with you.” He said, turning his eyes to her, the car now stopped at a red light. “You need help with that?” he then asked, expression confused as he looked at Samantha’s seatbelt.  

“Kinda.” She said, feeling quite embarrassed. She didn’t expect Sehun to lean towards her, one of his hands circling her waist from the front to reach the end of the seatbelt, tugging it a few times. It wouldn’t have been so weird, but his face was too close to her neck, her warm breath tickling her skin. It wasn’t a nice feeling, but actually uncomfortable. The boy pulled back before she had the chance to really get everything in, smiling to her as the girl finally felt herself able to move in her seat.

“Um, thanks.” She muttered awkwardly, the car now filled with a weird tension.  Maybe she was the only one feeling it, because Sehun was as relaxed as before, though his smile seemed a bit more excited than before. “So, um.. how much do you think we’ll be stuck in here?”

“Not too long, it’s getting clearer now.”

“Great. Maybe I won’t be too late.” The girl said, figuring that maybe if she talked the weird atmosphere would go away.

“So, what plans do you have for the party?”

“Plans?”

“You know..like, who do you want to hang out with? Do you drink? Like.. are you a light-weight or something?”

“..Sehun, what are you saying?” she giggled.

“I just mean..you know, guys could be a little erted, and if they see a drunk girl they can easily-“

“Sehun, are you saying that I should be careful so that guys don’t take advantage of me?”

“ Yeah.” He admitted, shyly looking away.

“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of myself. I’m a big girl.” She ginned.

“Jongin, where the hell are you?” Baekhyun shouted over the loud music booming through the whole house. Fortunately, they managed to get one of Baekhyun’s friends to let the host the part over his house, because his parents  were out of town. Jongin didn’t want to know how what would the neighbors do to them the next day.

“I’m here, Baek.” Jongin popped up from behind him, only to widen his eyes.

“Do you think you can clean that?” the birthday boy asked sweetly, blinking cutely at his best friend. “I would do it myself but there are some people-“

“Sure, just go.” Jongin rolled his eyes, faking annoyance, when in fact he was more than happy for Baekhyun. It was only 8:30, but Baekhyun already seemed to have so much fun, so many people coming to see him and wish him the best.  The  mountain of gifts was also impressive, but Baekhyun seemed to care more about how much alcohol he had, rather than how many gifts.

He took the trash out, trying to avoid bumping into people. There were mostly people from their college, but there were also a few ones from their high school days, a thing that surprised Jongin, but he changed a few words here and there nonetheless.

However, his mind wondered to Samantha, which apparently was late. When he asked Hyoyeon, she told him she would be there on time, but it was already half past 8, and she was nowhere to be seen . He didn’t want to seem like that  overly attached boyfriend ( he wasn’t even her boyfriend, but still ), and start calling her or texting her, asking where she was.

He dumped the trash in the huge metal bin, and was about to turn around and enter the house when he heard a powerful engine purr from behind him. When he turned around to look at the person that possessed the car that seemed out of a movie, his eyes went wide, his heart skipping a beat as he saw none other than Samantha get out of the car so gracefully. He didn’t know what to look at first, the car, it’s owner, or the girl that seemed more beautiful than ever ( no matter how cheesy that sounded ).

“Jongin, hi.” Samantha chirped, waving softly before turning back, to talk to the one who was at the steering wheel.  Unfortunately, Jongin couldn’t see his face, nor hear what was Samantha saying to him, but judging by her body language she was probably  thanking him for dropping her off.

He tried to control his jealousy, but he couldn’t help but wonder who was the guy that dropped her off. Was he rich and handsome? Was he close to Samantha? Was he the reason she was late?

All his thoughts were trailed off when he suddenly found himself face to face with the girl, finally being able to see her from up close. She definitely didn’t try to look too glamorous for tonight,  judging by the fact that she wore skinny black jeans and a top, nothing too extravagant. Her hair wasn’t big deal either, just some soft curls.  Let’s not start about the make-up. Some girls might think she was crazy for only wearing a bit of foundation and mascara, but for Jongin it didn’t matter.

She was gorgeous, a simple as she was. She didn’t seem like she tried to hard, she was just..her. And it was blowing Jongin’s mind. Especially when looking at how good her legs looked in those skinny jeans. God.

 “Earth to Jongin. Is something wrong?” Samantha asked, giggling as she waved her hand in front of Jongin’s face.

“What? N-no, nothing.” he mumbled, looking at the ground, before raising his eyes and sending a smile her way. “Who was that? The one in the car?” he said,  praying to God he didn’t sound too desperate or jealous. He was really not.  

“ He’s Sehun. A friend of Hyoyeon’s.” the girl shrugged, passing Jongin to go to the front door of the house, which was still wide open for any late comers. Jongin followed her, but couldn’t help but let his mouth speak by itself.

“Sehun? As in, Sehun from my high school? That kid?” Jongin said rather curiously, never thinking Sehun would hang out with people like Hyoyeon, much rather with Samantha. “What were you two doing anyway?” he questioned, but after seeing the way Samantha stopped in her way and grinned, there was only one word in his mind. Dumb. Dumb. Dumb.

“Are you jealous, Jonginnie?” she asked, feigning innocence, her eyes wide and wondering, but her voice was as teasing as it could get.

Damn it, Baekhyun. Why did he tell her about his childhood nickname?

“Of course not!” he scoffed, trying to defend himself, as well as praying to God (again) that she didn’t see how his cheeks turned a shade redder. “Why should I?”

“Don’t know. You tell me.”

He stopped in his movements, looking at her. It would be useless to deny that he thought about telling Samantha how much he actually liked her, but then again, why rush things?

Right now it would be a good moment though..  Why would I be jealous? Maybe because I can’t stand the idea of other guys being with you. Making you laugh, or even touch you.

Then again, taking in his surroundings, it wasn’t really a romantic atmosphere, not even pleasant for such confessions.  Though the sunset was pretty from their spot, they were in a yard, in front of a house from which a strong bass could be heard. People were already a bit tipsy, laughing and dancing around. Everything was so loud and wild, in Jongin’s point of view the whole atmosphere being completely inappropriate. He sighed.

“Let’s just go inside, okay?”

“Do you want something to drink?” Jongin asked once they were inside. It was a bit awkward, because they had to shout in each other’s ear to hear something, the action making him stand really close to Samantha. The girl nodded, before shouting in his ear back.

“Yeah, just something light. Not too much alcohol, okay? I’m going to search for Baekhyun and wish him happy birthday.”

Jongin gave her a thumbs up before turning her back, making his way to the kitchen. 

Samantha tried finding the birthday boy, but it was so hard because of how many people there actually were. She didn’t really think they would host such a big party, but there were probably more than 50 people there.  Because it was still early there weren’t too many drunk people or couples making out, but she soon realized that this was, indeed, going to be one of those crazy parties.

She spotted Baekhyun on one of the couches, talking to a girl she couldn’t really see the face of. She pushed a couple of people out of her way, muttering small sorry’s   before  finally finding Baekhyun talking to none other than her best friend. What surprised her, though, was that Hyoyeon had a hand on his shoulder, laughing at something he might have said, the two extremely close, their noses almost touching.

“Happy birthday Baekhyun! “ Samantha sing-songed before  hugging the small boy tight, wishing him all the best of wishes. “I see you met my friend.”  She then added, sending a flirty, teasing wink to Hyoyeon, who seemed to get the message because she looked down shyly.

You like him, don’t you?

Yeah.

They chatted for a bit, Samantha asking him if he liked the gift.

“Are you kidding? It’s one of the best video games on earth. You now, you and Jongin really make a great team.” He grinned, elbowing her.

“It was actually my idea, not that I like to brag.” Samantha said, faking confidence, her hand on her hip.  “Speaking of him,  I should go find him. I’ll leave you two here, lovebirds.”

Hyoyeon raised herself from the couch, muttering in Samantha’s ear:

“Did you see how good Jongin looks tonight?” she teased, reminding Samantha that no, she didn’t actually take a good look at Jongin up until now.

“Oh, Samantha, before I forget..” Baekhyun said, a smirk on his lips.

“Yeah?”

“Be careful tonight, okay? You and Jongin should use protection.” He said, blinking as he spoke the words in a motherly tone.

The girl slapped his chest playfully, muttering a small, almost incoherent “Jerk”,  but she couldn’t help the blush on her cheeks.

A/N

heyooo

how are you guys doing? I don't know why I ask that, because nobody actually answersm, but oh well ^-^

I wanted to make the party chapter a single one, but it's too long so I'm splitting it,.

face a good day, take care ♥