THE RHYTHM OF US: RYEJI

Chapter 25: Distractions (not going home alone)

Ryujin's POV

"Wanna taste those lips right fucking now," she said with a boldness that resonated with the pulsating beats.

"Those lines are way too familiar; I hate it," I quipped, meeting her gaze.

Yena's hands found the nape of my neck as we danced, my own resting on her waist.

"I bet you secretly love it," she countered with a playful smirk, the lights of the dance floor reflecting in her eyes.

I chuckled, the energy between us sparking a teasing exchange. "Well, you caught me. I'm a sucker for familiar lines."

She leaned in, her lips grazing my ear. "Sucking sounds so good to the ears," she said with a boldness that made me chuckle.

I smirked, matching her intensity. "Flirting in stereo, huh?"

The atmosphere was charged with a playful energy as we swayed to the beat.

But of course, who am I to deny that I am thinking about someone who's probably not watching (or maybe she is)? I could only hope, but hope is a strong word I never trusted.

"I can't wait to take you home," Yena whispered, her voice a sultry promise that sent a shiver down my spine.

I played along, a glint of mischief in my eyes. "What are we waiting for exactly?"

Yena chuckled, her fingers tracing patterns on the back of my neck. "I like a girl who's not afraid to take the lead."

With a smirk, I retorted, "I can be very bold when I want to be."

Her laughter echoed in the vibrant atmosphere, blending seamlessly with the music. And I could only think about how the fuck am I feeling weird right now when these things aren't new to me?

Maybe because this time, instead of just being on my mind, Yeji's here physically.

I wrestled with conflicting emotions, torn between the enjoyment of the moment and the persistent thoughts of Yeji. However, I resolved not to let it dampen the night; I was determined to revel in the present, with or without her in my arms.

Lia's interruption sliced through my contemplations. "I don't want to ruin your moment, but it's getting late, and I need to go home."

Turning to her, aware that we had arrived together in my car, I asked with playful nonchalance, "Your ride?"

Lia winked, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Don't worry, darling. I've got my ride tonight."

She left, leaving an air of mystery in her wake.

"Let's go," I said to Yena, beckoning her to join me in the next part of the night.

"Don't wanna cease the fun, but let me go to the restroom," Yena responded, her voice carrying a playful tone.

I smiled, and we navigated our way through the pulsating crowd. Bodies swayed to the music, and the air was thick with the night's energy.

I washed my hands inside the restroom, teasing her with a playful remark. "Don't be too long; I might just leave."

Yena's laughter reverberated in the confined space, casting a lively energy that clashed with the turmoil within me.

"I still haven't tasted those lips; don't you dare," she playfully warned, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

I forced a smile, trying to shake off the unsettled feeling that lingered beneath the surface. Ryujin, be cool and be confident. I mentally coached myself.

Most importantly, don't think about her.

As I scrutinized my reflection in the mirror, the restroom's atmosphere took an unexpected turn. The door swung open, revealing Yeji's determined expression and simmering anger in her gaze.

Without uttering a single word, she grabbed me by the collar, bringing our faces dangerously close.

The tension in the air crackled with unspoken emotions, and in an abrupt move, Yeji guided me outside and forcefully distanced me from the vibrant pulse of the bar.

"What do you think you're doing?" I demanded, a mix of confusion and frustration tainting my tone.

"Go home," she asserted, her voice firm.

"Who are you to tell me that, my mother?" I retorted, attempting to walk past her.

She held onto my arm, directing me back to my place. "You're drunk; go home."

"First off, I'm not drunk. Second, it's for me to decide when to go home. And lastly, I'm going home with someone," I declared defiantly, my face dangerously close to hers.

Yeji's silence prompted me to make another attempt to move past her.

"Please don't go back there," she softly implored.

I paused, sensing a plea beneath her stern exterior. "I say, focus on your boyfriend. He's probably wondering where you are right now," I added with unexpected softness.

"Please," she repeated, her voice carrying a weight that tugged at my emotions.

As I glanced back, I found her seated on the floor, her hands covering her face. She looked defeated.

"Stand up, what are you doing there?" I scolded, unable to hide my concern.

Reluctantly, I moved closer and crouched beside her. With a gentle touch, I fixed the strands of hair obscuring her face, tucking them behind her ears. "Let's go back inside," I uttered softly.

Yeji looked up, and in a surprising turn of events, she lunged into me for a hug. "I miss you," she whispered, her voice carrying the weight of a long and tiring day, "too much that it hurts."

Holding her close, I listened as she spoke once again, vulnerability coloring her words. "Please, take me out of here."

"Where are we going?" I questioned, my voice betraying a mixture of uncertainty and concern.

"Anywhere, just take me with you," she said.

I was about to interrupt her with a reminder of her earlier insistence that I go home when a sudden realization hit me.

In that flicker in her eyes, I understood-whether I liked it or not, anywhere with her was home.

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A/N: Alright, folks, let's call this the "I'm all out of ideas" chapter because, truth be told, the creative well is running a bit dry right now 😔.

Oh, by the way, don't let my writer's block stop you from enjoying some good tunes-ITZY just dropped their album BORN TO BE, and there's a jaw dropping new music video for "Untouchable." If you've got a moment, join the streaming party and show some love! 🎶📀