Red Strings

Chapter Two

Satang arrived at the bar with Marc, his steps hesitant as they approached the loud, neon-lit entrance. He still wasn't entirely sure if coming was the right decision. Parties weren't his scene—too much noise, too many people—but he didn't want to let Poon down after being invited so enthusiastically.

"You good?" Marc asked, leaning closer to be heard over the booming bass as they stepped inside.

Satang gave a small nod, though his uncertain expression didn't go unnoticed. "I'm fine," he said, his voice barely audible.

Marc chuckled and clapped him on the back. "Stick with me, and you'll survive."

They wove through the crowd, neon lights flashing across their faces in vivid streaks. The place was packed, with groups laughing and drinking at scattered tables while others danced in a pulsating mass near the DJ booth. Satang's eyes darted around, his nerves kicking in as the chaotic energy threatened to swallow him whole.

"There!" Marc said, pointing toward a corner where Poon was enthusiastically waving them over.

As they approached, Poon jumped up, his bright smile as welcoming as ever. "You made it!" he exclaimed, pulling Marc into a quick hug before turning to Satang. "And you brought Satang! I knew you wouldn't ditch me."

"I try to keep my promises," Satang said quietly, offering a polite smile.

Poon beamed and gestured toward the group sitting at the table. "Alright, come on. Meet everyone!"

Poon quickly ran through introductions, each person greeting Satang warmly, though the noise made it hard to catch all their names. Then, P'Don, a confident-looking guy with an easy smile, leaned forward, his voice cutting through the chatter.

"It's nice to finally meet you," P'Don said, his tone friendly but curious. "Poon's been talking about you earlier. Something about you being 'way too quiet for your own good.'"

Satang's eyes widened slightly, heat rushing to his cheeks. He glanced at Poon, who grinned unapologetically, then back at P'Don.

"I... didn't know I was a topic of conversation," he mumbled, his shyness making him fidget slightly.

P'Don chuckled, his laugh warm and disarming. "Don't worry. It was all good things."

Poon nodded eagerly. "Of course! I just told them how cool you are and that they'd love you. No pressure, though."

The light teasing and the group's laughter put Satang at ease—just a little. He offered a shy smile and a quiet, "Thanks."

Marc leaned in, nudging him playfully. "See? Not so bad, huh?"

Satang nodded again, though he couldn't help but feel slightly out of place. Still, as he settled into the group's dynamic, he found himself relaxing little by little, even if he was still the quietest one at the table.

Just as Satang started to relax, a voice he knew all too well cut through the lively chatter, making him freeze in his seat.

"Sorry I'm late..."

Satang's eyes widened, his breath hitching as he turned toward the source of the voice.

"Winny!" P'Don exclaimed, his grin lighting up the room as he pulled Winny into a tight hug. "I thought you weren't coming tonight!"

Winny laughed, his signature warm chuckle sending a jolt through Satang. "P'Don, didn't JJ and Tee tell you?"

"They did," P'Don admitted, pulling back from the hug, "but I thought they were messing with me. You never show up for these anymore!"