{ TEN }

“Thanks for driving me,” Joori said with a smile.

Baekhyun nodded. “No problem. Have fun at Tao’s birthday. Call me if you need me to pick you up or anything.”

She was about to nod when he suddenly blurted out, “Wait, uh, no. Don’t call me. I-I’m busy! Yeah I forgot – I have something with Sehun … and Kyungsoo too!”

She raised an eyebrow. “Uh, okay. I’ll find my own way home. Don’t worry…” She replied hesitantly. He’s acting strange again.

She decided to shake her curiosity away. She was going to hang out with Jongdae – they were all going to dinner and then somewhere fun.
She thought it was strange that she didn’t feel quite as excited as she thought she would. She watched Baekhyun drive away before walking into the restaurant.

“Happy Birthday, Tao!” She said nervously, walking in to a crowded table. She didn’t know anyone very well besides Jongdae.

Tao gave her a friendly hug and told her to sit across Jongdae, which she gladly did.
 

“Glad you came,” Jongdae whispered, giving her a flirtatious wink.

She blushed slightly and nodded. “Glad to be here.”

The atmosphere was kind of awkward for the first hour or so as she ate mostly in silence, talking a little to Jongdae and just simply listening into the conversations.
She didn’t want to be rude, but after about half an hour, she began to answer Baekhyun’s texts.
Thankfully, they all moved to a nearby club as it got dark outside. The fun atmosphere and alcohol helped her feel much more at ease.

“One more birthday shot for Tao!” Kris roared, holding up his shotglass.
Everyone cheered, even strangers, as they all raised theirs as well and downed it in one go.

Joori blushed as she felt Jongdae rest his head on her shoulder.

“Heh, sorry… I’m feeling a little dizzy,” he slurred with a tipsy smile. He suddenly grabbed her hand, making her heart pound. “Let’s go dance. I’m a dancing machine, you know.”

The guys began to cheer him on, laughing in