In the living room, Kyungho froze and stared at his sinful hands. He hadn't meant to do it.
"Sorry, are you okay? It's all wet..."
"It's okay. I'll do it," Jiho said quickly, catching the hands that reached out, fumbling. He'd rather not trust this half-drunk fool right now.
He felt the dampness soaking into his pants and grabbed a napkin, wiping it off quickly.
Luckily, it was only around the knees.
Kyungho mumbled, still sounding worried.
"Are you sure you're fine? Should I grab you a change of clothes?"
Jiho paused. That... actually sounded like a great way to escape this situation.
But then he looked at the guilt on Kyungho's face, brows knitted together like a guilty puppy.
This guy might act like a clown, but he was surprisingly sensitive. After all, we are talking about someone who cried for six hours straight when he broke up with his first love in elementary school.
Forget it.
"I'll go to the bathroom and handle it. Don't mind me. Enjoy yourself."
Saying that, Jiho stood up and made his way through the crowd.
Finding the bathroom was easy; the apartment layout was similar to his own. It was right beside the bedroom.
He stepped inside, ran the water carelessly, and rinsed his hands.
Jiho glanced down at his pants. The material was light, soft, should dry quickly.
He bent down, dabbed more water on the spot, and gently cleaned the area. He didn't want to smell like alcohol all night.
Speaking of... he felt a little lightheaded.
Jiho frowned, suddenly remembering the drink he had earlier.
He was definitely a one cup and pass out kind of guy.
Another reason he didn't like attending these parties, there was no point if he couldn't even stay conscious for the fun.
He dried his hands and turned to leave—
At this time, footsteps echoed just outside the bathroom door.
"If you have something to say, let's get it over with."
A slow yet deep voice uttered.
"I'm not pretending. It's always been you," a soft, feminine voice replied.
Jiho's hand freeze in motion when he recognised the voice. Seo Minjae.
He held his breath instinctively. If he... go out now, it'd be… weird, right?
Outside, Han Yujin stepped closer to Minjae.
"Minjae-ya, how long are you going to keep ignoring me? You love me, don't you? I'm your first love."
Minjae stood still, letting her words hang. Han Yujin had always been bold, beautiful and a master at playing games.
She smiled lightly, eyes glinting.
"I know you're doing this for Sangmin, but... you've never asked who I love."
"Seo Minjae... it's you." She gaze into his eyes. "Even back then, If you didn't suddenly transfer out. I would've chosen you."
She said it at last. Seven years of holding back, all poured out in one breath.
If he were a normal man, maybe he would've fallen.
His first love confessed to him but—
But Seo Minjae simply looked away, scoffing faintly.
"Han Yujin... are you hearing yourself? Don't be dramatic. Maybe Nam Joonki will believe your lies... but not me."
"It's the truth! Did Joonki say something? We're just friends. You know he used to be jealous of you…"
She tried to grab his hand, but he flicked it away.
That heartbroken look on her face, who was she trying to fool?
If he hadn't known how she used to badmouth him, calling him a stalker after he transferred schools... maybe he would've believed her.
But Seo Minjae had thrown this "first love" in the trash a long time ago.
"Han Yujin, don't play these stupid games." He warned softly. "Be a good girl and leave after you've had your fun."
He brushed the spot where she'd touched him, as if wiping away a stain.
"I'll pretend tonight never happened."
And with that, he turned and walked away.
"Minjae! Seo Minjae!" she called after him, fuming.
She refused to believe he was over her. How could he be?
Then she smiled faintly. So what if he was? She could just make him fall again.
Wasn't it said that a man's first love is always unforgettable?
***
Inside the bathroom, Jiho remained stiff as a statue.
Was he hallucinating from that one accidental drink? Because he definitely didn't want to hear that.
Curiosity kills the cat and now he was the cat with way too much knowledge.
So Han Yujin... huh. That's Minjae's first love?
Well, she was very pretty. He could imagine it. But wait—
It's not like he wanted to know any of this! So it should be fine... right? He doesn't need to feel guilty!
Jiho tossed the tissue into the bin and walked out of the bathroom.
The hallway was empty now. Back in the living room, everyone was gathered around the low table.
Food and bottles were pushed aside to make some space.
Kyungho spotted him first, holding up a playing card.
"Jiho-ya! Come quickly, we're playing the King's Game!"
"Alright, alright. Stop pulling me," Jiho grumbled, letting himself be dragged.
He was definitely not up for this.
The King's Game. That stupid game where the person with the King card could order anyone to do anything.
Jiho had played this game for years and could confidently say, he had never once drawn the King card.
And to make matters worse, he was now seated between Kyungho and... a very annoying person. Someone who'll be responsible if he had a heart attack one day.
Seo Minjae tilted his head lazily. Rarely, his hair was softer and falling naturally.
The alcohol had mellowed his voice into a silky drawl.
"Where did you go? I was looking for you."
Jiho opened his mouth, ready to refute his unreasonable claim, like he didn't know what this guy was doing a few minutes ago.
"Stop messi—"
But Jiho felt himself losing his voice the moment Minjae leaned in and rested his head gently on his shoulder.
"Let me borrow your shoulder," he murmured. "I've got a headache..."
Jiho: "..." Gulp.
Okay. He needed to retreat.
Immediately.