POV Jaemin
I really thought everyone knew about VXN.
How come this pretty girl doesn't even know me?
Wow…
She's really something.
And I can't lie—I can't wait to have her.
That thought stayed in my head as I walked back to the car.
My phone rang.
"Sungjae."
"Hey man, where are you?" he asked immediately.
"I'm on my way home," I replied.
"Good. Tell your driver to bring you back where I'll text you the address."
"Okay."
"By the way… are you with Taejun?"
"Yeah?" I asked.
Sungjae sighed. "Bro, girls are all over him right now. It's crazy."
I chuckled lightly. "Of course they are."
"Just come quickly," he added.
"Alright, I'm coming," I said, then ended the call.
Leah's POV
I was already home.
After taking a bath, I changed into my nightwear. The house felt unusually quiet—my father still hadn't come back.
I was about to sleep when I heard a knock at the door.
Is he home already? I thought, getting up slowly.
"Why is he knocking again?" I muttered as I walked to the door.
I opened it.
But it wasn't my father.
It was Daniel.
My expression changed immediately.
His eyes quickly scanned me from head to toe, and I felt uncomfortable under his gaze.
"Why are you here?" I asked, folding my arms.
He scratched the back of his neck, a little awkward. "Sorry… my friend is throwing me a welcome party. He's there with his friends already."
"So?"
"I thought… maybe you could come with me. I also said we have a lot to talk about."
I sighed. "Daniel—"
"Please," he interrupted quickly. "Just come with me. I'll drive you home after. I promise."
I hesitated.
"And your dad isn't even home," he added quietly.
I frowned at that.
Not like he even cares anyway…
"Fine," I said finally. "But listen—when I say I want to leave, we leave immediately. No arguments."
Daniel nodded quickly. "Yes, yes. I promise."
"Good," I said.
I closed the door and went back inside to change.
A few minutes later, I stepped out.
I wore a short, fitted dress that hugged my body softly. It wasn't too revealing, but it made me feel a little more confident. My hair was slightly loose, and I added a light touch of lipstick before leaving.
When I came out, Daniel's eyes widened slightly.
"Wow…" he said. "You look really good."
I ignored the compliment and picked up my bag.
"Let's go."
"Yeah," he said quickly. "Let's go."
And together, we left for the party.
We arrived at a private lounge.
It was huge—luxurious in a cold, intimidating way. The lights outside were dim, and about eight security men stood firmly at the entrance, barely moving as we passed through.
Daniel walked ahead of me and opened the door.
The moment it swung open, loud music and flashing lights hit me at once.
And then I froze.
Inside, there were girls everywhere—half-dressed, dancing, laughing, surrounding three guys sitting casually in the middle like they owned the world. The atmosphere was wild, almost unreal.
Daniel had mentioned a "welcome party," but I wasn't prepared for this.
I stepped in slowly, my eyes scanning the room.
There were only four guys in total—including Daniel. The other three wore nose masks, just like him.
I frowned slightly.
Why is everyone covering their faces?
Only the girls and Daniel had their faces fully visible.
I stayed close to Daniel as confusion built inside me.
Who are these people?
Daniel suddenly turned to me. "Sit here," he said, guiding me toward a seat.
Before I could respond, he spotted someone and rushed forward.
"Hey bro!" he said, pulling one of the guys into a quick hug.
"Daniel," the guy replied with a small laugh. "Thanks for coming."
"Anything for you," Daniel said easily.
I stood there awkwardly, still taking everything in.
The guy Daniel hugged—Sungjae, I think I heard—leaned back on the couch and spoke again.
"You should understand why we're all wearing masks," he said casually. "It's because of these girls."
He gestured around like it was normal.
Then his gaze shifted toward me.
"Wait… you came with someone?" he asked Daniel.
His eyes narrowed slightly. "I can't even see her face properly."
"Yes," Daniel replied quickly. "She's my friend."
Something about the way he said it made the room feel heavier for a second.
The girls around suddenly started moving away, almost like they were being dismissed. One by one, they left the main area, still laughing and whispering to each other as they disappeared into the other side of the lounge.
I stood there, even more confused now.
Why are they leaving so suddenly?
"Hey, Leah," Daniel called gently. "Come sit over here."
I hesitated, then slowly walked toward the table.
And that was when I saw it.
My steps slowed.
My heart dropped slightly.
Because sitting there… was someone I didn't expect to see.
Someone I had already met.
And someone who was looking straight at me.