You Belong With Me

Chapter 27: Dressed to Impress

The party unfolded in a venue that resembled a palace from a bygone era-an opulent ballroom that oozed grandeur and extravagance. Chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, casting a warm, golden glow on the gilded decorations that adorned the walls. The floor was a polished marble expanse, reflecting the shimmering lights and the elegant guests who glided across it.

The attendees had dressed for the occasion in the most formal of attire. They were a sea of sophistication and refinement, a testament to the lavishness of the event.

Yeji arrived at the venue alongside Chaeryeong, and her first order of business was to obtain a glass of champagne from a passing waiter. She couldn't help but feel a bit overwhelmed by the opulence of the place and the formal attire of the guests.

As she started sipping the champagne while walking through the elegant ballroom, Yuna approached them with a playful admonishment.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Way too early for that," Yuna teased, her eyes glinting with amusement.

Yeji, her nerves on edge due to the extravagant setting and the air of luxury that surrounded them, responded with a mixture of humor and nervousness.

She raised the glass to her lips and, in a slightly exaggerated gesture, gulped the entire contents down in one shot.

"This place and the people scream luxury; it's making me anxious," Yeji admitted, her words tinged with a hint of self-deprecating humor as she tried to mask her unease with a touch of bravado.

Yuna, as always, exuded grace and poise in her attire. She wore a floor-length, midnight-blue gown with intricate beadwork that sparkled like a starlit sky. Her dark hair was styled in loose waves, cascading down her shoulders.

Chaeryeong had chosen a stunning emerald-green dress that accentuated her graceful figure. The gown's flowing silhouette and delicate lace details made her look like a woodland nymph brought to life. Her hair was elegantly swept up into a loose bun, with a few tendrils framing her face.

Yeji, the epitome of chic sophistication, donned a black evening gown that clung to her curves and featured a daring thigh-high slit. The dress was adorned with subtle sequins that caught the light with every step. Her hair was styled in loose waves that framed her face, and she wore minimalistic yet striking jewelry.

As they ventured further into the venue, they came upon Hyunjin and Heejin, who were sharing infectious laughter over an inside joke only they understood.

Heejin looked dazzling in an elegant, form-fitting gown that exuded confidence. The dress featured a sleek, tailored silhouette with a daring thigh-high slit, allowing her to move with grace and flair.

Hyunjin, equally stunning, wore a classic black gown with a fitted bodice and a flowing skirt that trailed gracefully behind her. The dress was accentuated with subtle, shimmering details that caught the light as she moved. Her confident demeanor matched the elegance of her attire.

"Hi," Chaeryeong greeted with a warm smile.

Heejin reciprocated the greeting with a cheek-kiss and a playful grin. "Hi yourself," she quipped, their camaraderie evident.

At the far corner of the opulent ballroom, Lia sat gracefully, an embodiment of elegance and poise. She wore an exquisite floor-length gown in a deep shade of sapphire blue, adorned with delicate lace patterns that cascaded down the bodice. Her hair was swept up into an intricate updo, accentuating her graceful neck and shoulders.

Beside Lia, Seungmin appeared entirely disinterested, his attention absorbed by the glowing screen of his phone. Despite the impeccable fit of his formal attire, he seemed like a solitary island of indifference amidst the sea of grandeur. His boredom hung palpably in the air, a stark contrast to the lively ambiance of the event.