“Your birthday is coming! I can’t believe that you are going to be officially 26!” Jiyoung clapped his hands happily. Seunghyun, however, didn’t show any interest of the topic.

“Why aren’t you happy? You are supposed to be happy that you will be having your birthday!” Jiyoung quickly said as he noticed his friend disinterest.

“For what? For a year closer to death?” Seunghyun said jokingly.

“Well, why are you so pessimistic?” Jiyoung put on an annoyed face, but deep down inside he was quite amused, because Choi Seunghyun hardly got ease and joked around. He was always the serious and mysterious man.

Seunghyun shrugged as he kept his eyes on the papers. He scratched the back of his head. To be honest, he was actually needing a bit relaxation because the works were overloading his mind.

“You’re no fun!” Jiyoung pretended to be mad as he was aware that Seunghyun was completely ignoring him.

“Said who?” Seunghyun asked suddenly while straightening his position.

“Said everybody in this universe! All in your mind is those files and I can’t believe I survive with you all this year!” Jiyoung got a sudden urge to blurt out everything.

Seunghyun seemed to be a little taken aback by his partner sudden frank confession, but he understood anyway. He smirked to Jiyoung when they met eyes and Jiyoung was perplexed on what the other guy was thinking. “Why are you smirking like that? It’s really not you and it doesn’t suit you.” Jiyoung commented.

“Well, you said I’m no fun, eh? Well, how about a party next week, at Sunflower Club?” Seunghyun’s smirk got even wider as he looked his partner shocked expression. It was like Jiyoung just being struck by a thunder.

“You what?” Jiyoung couldn’t help but to ask to confirm his hearing because that was definitely not Choi Seunghyun that he knew. The Choi Seunghyun that he knew would not even attend a party that he was invited to, and now, he just said that he would throw a party at one of the most prominent night club in Seoul. Jiyoung thought that this was really unbelievable.

“You heard me. Invite everyone that you want, make sure that it will be crowded.” Seunghyun said and made everything clear to Jiyoung. Jiyoung could hardly process everything that Seunghyun just said. It was, for him, very unbelievable and he just heard it from the Choi Seunghyun directly. However, his face turned into a concern expression as he recalled what he said earlier. He just blurted things out without considering Seunghyun’s feeling and it hit him hard that maybe Seunghyun was hurt by his words.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. I know that words can’t be taken back, but I just –The words just suddenly slipped from my tongue. You don’t have to do that, you don’t mind what I just told you.” Jiyoung said hurriedly and this time, Seunghyun was the perplexed one.

“What the hell you are talking about?” He asked as he didn't get what Jiyoung was talking about.

“About the ‘you--are-no-fun thing’. Do not take it seriously.” Jiyoung was trying to explain, but Seunghyun had stopped him halfway as he said, “No, I don't feel offended. I guess you are right. Besides, I need to relax. These papers are killing me. I guess it would be a nice idea to forget about all this s even for only a night. What do you say, partner? Are you with me?” Seunghyun smirked playfully.

It took Jiyoung a minute to process things again. He felt like a complete idiot now. He was wondering why his mind was working and processing things so slow at that day and he couldn’t help but to blame Seunghyun’s sudden changes.

“Well, I am always with you anyway.” Jiyoung said finally and they both laughed.

“This is really going to be a trending topic in the agency. I bet it can last for like 2 weeks or perhaps even longer! Gosh! I can’t believe Choi Seunghyun is going to throw a party!” Jiyoung said excitedly. “I’m going to call everybody I know, literally everybody!” He was so excited that he didn’t even bother to wait for Seunghyun’s complain as he already exited the room with a fist pumped in the air. People that saw him might think he was crazy or he won a lottery or other shocking events. Jiyoung himself was not an open person, except to Seunghyun, but he was not as cold as Choi Seunghyun either.

“Choi Seunghyun is going to throw a party!” Jiyoung announced when he went to the technical room. The moment he said that, everybody in the room, and literally everybody stopped whatever they were doing and just stared blank at him with perplexed expression on their faces. They of course didn’t believe it as they went back to work without even asking Jiyoung further questions.

“What’s wrong with you guys? Didn’t you hear me, Choi Seunghyun is going to throw a party!” Jiyoung looked a bit annoyed as everybody was ignoring him and probably thought he was crazy. As he said with such manner, everybody once again stared at him. Eventually, the head of the technical approached him, “You don’t kid here.”

“I am not! He is really going to throw a party, and he wants me to arrange the party and he wants me to make sure that the party is going to be as crowded as possible. Oh, I get full authorization on whomever he is going to invite. I just invited you guys, and this is your response?” Jiyoung said annoyedly and in an unbelievable manner.

“What the hell just you said? Choi Seunghyun is throwing a party?” Mrs. Park asked. Jiyoung nodded his head without hesitation, “Yes.”

“That Choi Seunghyun?” She asked to make sure.

“Who else? There is no other Choi Seunghyun in this office, even in this entire building!” Jiyoung was losing his patient. He understood completely that this was a very hard to believed news. Nonetheless, he still thought that they shouldn’t act like he was joking.

“Are you sure? Because the last time I checked, we surprised him on his birthday and he asked us to get out from his office room right away. Now you’re telling us that the same Choi Seunghyun is throwing a party? Do you know how doesn’t make sense it sounds?” A man around 26, with tall figure stood up and walked approaching Jiyoung.

“Well, I was also surprised, like you guys when he told me that. But, yeah, he wasn’t joking, okay? You guys also know that Choi Seunghyun hardly jokes.” Jiyoung said, trying to convince the people there.

“Yeah, I know, we all know. Geez! I still can’t believe this is happening!” The man poked his own forehead, but sure everybody in the room was happy.

“Where and when is the party?” A lady asked. Jiyoung was positive that he had talked with her, but he couldn’t recall her name. He saw her nametag and figured out her name –Jung hana.

“Next week, on Saturday. At Sunflower Club.” Jiyoung smirked.

“No way! That is so impossible!” He could hear some of those murmurs.

“Are you –Are you sure that your partner isn’t being possessed or something like that? Although I personally don’t believe such things exists, but this is really impossible to happen if you are telling me that the same Choi Seunghyun is still sane.” The same man said.

Jiyoung took a deep breath before spoke, “Look okay? I’m trying my best to announce this happy news. I know that this is so hard to believed, but I don’t expect you to be this hard to be convinced. Hence, I’ll just leave this to you guys, whether you believe me or not. Come to the place at 8.p.m if you believe, now, excuse me, but I still have to announce this to others.” Jiyoung then left the room, leaving all human being there speechless.

Jiyoung then announced the news to all people in the building and he always received the same reactions like the first one. He didn’t know that Seunghyun’s impression was that thick to other people. He heaved a sigh as he really got exhausted trying to convince all the people. He finally went back to Seunghyun’s office and threw himself to the seat across Seunghyun’s table.

“How’s it?” Seunghyun did notice his partner’s grumpy expression and he couldn’t help but to grin mischievously.

“Not so good, but I guess you’ve expected it. I feel deaf now. Everybody was throwing me the same comments and even the exact same questions! Pheuh! In the end, I just leave it to them. Just hope they are curious and they will come. They are really hard to be convinced by the way.” Jiyoung said as he started to cool down.

“Well, the day will come soon. Do you want to book the club for the night or are you okay it’s opened to public?” Jiyoung asked.

“No. Make it an exclusive party. Book it for a night.” Seunghyun said and Jiyoung smiled in satisfaction. The next thing happened was Jiyoung being busy arranging things for the party. 

“What’s your name, Miss?” A guard that Jiyoung had hired to guard the main gate of the bar asked a beautiful young lady. Yes, Jiyoung had hired 3 guards to make sure that the bar would only be filled with people who had the invitations.

“Hwang Aerin.” The lady said and the guard furrowed his brows as he tried to find her name on the list.

“I’m sorry Miss, but you are not allowed to come in.” He said with an apologetic smile.

“Why is that? I’m the regular customer here.” She asked as she usually was permitted directly.

“I’m sorry, but today the bar is booked for a private party.” The guard said once again. She looked sad but didn’t argue more. When she was about to walk away, a voice held her back, “Let her in.” She turned around and found the most attractive man she had ever seen –Tall, broad chest, no moustache, y, charming, yet giving an impression of a mysterious guy.

“But Sir, Mr. Kwon –“The guard tried to explain him about Jiyoung’s reminder.

“She is with me.” Seunghyun said and the guard nodded.

“What’s your name?” He asked her.

“I’m Hwang Aerin.” She smiled a bit as she continued, “So, this is your party, eh?”

“Yes.” Seunghyun nodded as he led her to the table near the corner.

“What’s the occasion?” She asked again.

“My birthday.”

The lady seemed to be surprised as she chuckled and quickly said, “Well then, happy birthday –“She forgot to ask his name.

“Seunghyun. Choi Seunghyun.” He said.

“Yes, happy birthday, Choi Seunghyun.” The lady smiled and surprisingly, Seunghyun got stiff out of the blue. Choi Seunghyun had seen a lot of pretty ladies before, but he was sure he had never felt this attracted to a lady. He felt a strange feeling inside his heart and his palms got sweaty suddenly. ‘What’s with me?’ He wondered as he held his chest.

“What made a guy like you celebrate his birthday in this kind of place?” She asked him as she made eye contact with him. Seunghyun suddenly even forgot how to breathe and his hear beat became uneven. Seunghyun was really perplexed on what was going on him and he couldn’t help but to wonder on this strange feeling he felt towards the lady.

It took him a while before he finally could responded to her. He let out a small chuckle as he poured wine to two glasses. “Well –What do you mean by a guy like me?” He asked back instead of answering her question.

Aerin laughed as she answered, “A guy like you. You’re not a guy that is fond of crowds. If I may continue, I think I can mention your personalities well.”

Seunghyun raised one of his brows, “Well then, let’s see your interpretation.” He challenged and Aerin smiled before she answered, “You are a tough guy, probably the toughest I’ve ever met. You have been through a lot of hard times, though I don’t know what they are, but I guess, one of them is you came from a broken family. Back to your personality. You do not like to open up to other people, you do not like being seen weak in front of others. You are afraid of failures. Let’s see again. Hmmm you have a soft heart but you are very persevere. You give an aura that you are mysterious, but you also radiate aura of safety. So, people will most likely feel safe when they are around you.”

Seunghyun was beyond amused that someone who just met him could tell everything about him. He chuckled in amusement as he spoke, “What are you? A psychologist?”

He was just joking, but to his surprise, she nodded, “Yes, master of psychology from Princeton University.”

“What the hell? No wonder you are very good.” Seunghyun praised.

Aerin stared at him and said, “You haven’t answered my question.”

“What question?” Seunghyun suddenly became such a forgetful man.

“What made a guy like you celebrate his birthday in this kind of place?” She repeated her question. Seunghyun heaved a sigh before he spoke, “To prove that I can have fun too sometimes.”

Aerin smiled in victory as she said, “See? You always want to prove to people about something that they think you can’t.” But then, her face saddened as she continued, “I wonder why people like to fake feelings. It’s really awful! You know, one characteristic of people nowadays is that they pretend that they are someone else until they forget who they were and lost themselves. I find  it’s just so pathetic. People are born unique, not even one can be same like others, but that what makes world beautiful. What a waste that people try to be someone else.”

Seunghyun completely understood what she was saying and he couldn’t help but to agree to her.
“It’s society needs.” Seunghyun suddenly uttered.

“Society needs, eh? So, tell me, do you like to have fake friends?” She asked. Seunghyun was surprised by her question. He thought about Jiyoung and recalled all the things they had been through together. Jiyoung was the only person that saw the real him, the only one that probably knew all the s happened in his life, the only one that he thought knew him the most. However, he felt like he just met someone that knew him in only 15 minutes of their meeting.

“Of course not.” He said as he recalled Jiyoung. Seunghyun was very sure that Jiyoung was not a fake friend. He always stood by him whenever he needed help and he helped him even though he never asked for a help.

“See? It doesn’t feel right to have fake friends. Believe me, it is also not a good feeling to be fake. So why do people need to be fake? Just be yourself and you can be proud if someone approaches you and wants to be your friend. It’s better to have one good friend than having thousands of fake friends around you.” She explained.

“Strange.” Seunghyun muttered. Aerin turned to look at him as she asked, “What?”

“People.” Aerin nodded. They stayed silent for a while before Seunghyun said again, “Do you know what is stranger and more complicated than people?” Aerin shook her head.

“Love is.” Seunghyun said and Aerin smirked as she shook her head, “You’re getting the wrong idea. Love is not strange nor complicated, but people are. People tend to not recognize their own feelings and eventually blame the feeling itself. What has the feeling ever done to you? Nothing. You simply feel it. But people make it complicated by trying to get rid of the feelings. The more you try, the more it becomes harder. I believe you’ve heard about it. That’s right by the way. The more you’re trying to get rid of the feelings, that means, the more you feel it. How can you get rid of that feeling if you yourself are trying to feel it even more?” She uttered. Once again, Choi Seunghyun was amused by someone he barely met.

He was about to say something when Jiyoung waved to him and patted his shoulder lightly, “Hey bro!”

“Hey, how’s it?” Seunghyun asked.

“Well, they are all looking for you. C’mon you’re the artist for the night, you’ve got to get down to the dance floor” Jiyoung said. He still wasn’t aware of the appearance of a beautiful lady beside Seunghyun.

“Errr.. Jiyoung, meet Aerin. Aerin, met Jiyoung.” Seunghyun introduced both of them. Jiyoung just suddenly realized that there was a young lady beside Seunghyun and he quickly shook his hand with hers. “Kwon Jiyoung.” He said instantly. “Hwang Aerin.” She smiled.

Jiyoung could sense something fishy between them, and he leaned towards Seunghyun and asked him with a low voice that only Seunghyun could hear, “You owe me a lot of explanations.”

Seunghyun just nodded and gave him a look that only Jiyoung could understand.

“Well Aerin, Seunghyun has to come to the dance floor, but the thing is he doesn’t have a partner. What a coincidence that you’re here. Do you by any chance want to be my friend’s dance partner tonight?” Jiyoung asked. At that moment, Seunghyun was very sure that Jiyoung was his guardian. Aerin looked a bit surprised by his sudden invitation. Nevertheless, not long after that, she nodded with a smile. “Sure, why not?”

“Thank you.” Seunghyun said as he stood up and led Aerin to the dance floor. He was aware that all people’s eyes were on him, probably wondering who the girl beside him was. He knew that he always acted cold towards girl that tried to seduce him, so this was probably quite sensational that he led a lady to the dance floor.

“Well guys, here is the birthday boy! Have a great night! This chance is probably not going to come twice, so enjoy the moment! Let’s dance, DJ, play the music please!” Upon Jiyoung finished his speech, all the spotlights started to direct to the dance floor and then more and more couples started to dance at the dance floor. Seunghyun and Aerin laughed together as they tried to move as fast as the beat, but who could blame them for being ers at dancing?

“I have never had this fun before!” He shouted in attempt that Aerin could hear him in the middle of the crowds even though she was just in front of him.

“Then I’m glad you now have it!” She also shouted and they smiled together. That night was very memorable for Choi Seunghyun. Unfortunately, God had to be fair, the night had to end as quick as the other nights. The party had to end when the clock showed it was already 4 in the morning and Aerin had to leave for home.

“Go after her! Ask her number!” Jiyoung pushed Seunghyun forward.

“What?”

“You are so stupid! Where else you could find a girl like her? Don’t be so stubborn, this is really not a time to be stubborn. Now, you listen to me, go after her, and ask her number!” Jiyoung pushed Seunghyun even harder and Seunghyun nodded his head. Seunghyun ran towards Aerin that was just about to reach her car. His palms were sweating and his heart beated unevenly. This was his first time doing this and he was quite nervous.

“Hey!” He called her and she turned to face him instantly.

“Yes?”

“May I know your number?” He smiled and asked hopingly.

Aerin smiled to him and nodded as he handed her his phone. Aerin punched some numbers there and then handed it back to Seunghyun. Seunghyun smiled in satisfaction as he saved her number and said, “Thanks for tonight! I’ll be in touch!” Aerin nodded her head as she got into her car. Before she drove away, she put down her can’s window and bid him a goodbye.

“Man, you’re so obvious” Jiyoung was suddenly already standing beside him. Seunghyun raised his brows as he asked, “Obvious about what?”

“C’mon don’t deny it.” Jiyoung tried to persuade Seunghyun to admit the very obvious fact.

“Deny what?”

“That you are falling for her.”

“I am not.”

“There you are denying it.” Jiyoung .

“I don’t love her, okay?”

“Tell your heart, don’t tell me.” Jiyoung said as he left his friend speechless. Seunghyun shook his head severely as he reminded himself –Love is only a destroyer. However, when he looked again on the contact that now was in his phone, he suddenly was not very sure about it anymore. He really did not know what was happening to him, but he was also afraid to know what the strange feeling was.

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