Chapter XXIX – The After Party

It was finally nighttime. Arthur kept staring at the gifts he received all day long. Meanwhile, Tjay and Max wouldn’t stop competing against each other at Just Dance and Karaoke. They looked ridiculous, especially when Tjay tried to improvise moves during the dance breaks. They were having so much fun that you couldn’t even tease them about it.

Don surprised everyone with his singing voice. Turned out that he was part of the school choir before high school. Arthur found Sophie’s and Ari’s voices just as impressive, though it was more to do with their feminine and gentle voices.

Irene on the other hand had an angelic singing voice. Her mother sent her to a music academy as an extra activity, though she has stopped perusing further education last year when she entered high school. She claimed to know how to play the piano as well as the basics of an acoustic guitar. Along with those Irene had singing lessons which she diligently attended. It was safe to say that Irene was always hard working under the influence of her parents.

Arthur refrained from singing knowing he’s pretty bad at it. His excuse was not knowing the songs which others found acceptable, thus haven’t forced him to try. Though he could tell that eventually, they won’t take no for an answer.

Hanging out all day, the group had enough time to sober up before late into the night. Everyone was having a blast and couldn’t wait for another gathering like this.

“Tjay split the cab with me,” Max said.

“Sure. . . It’s been a blast, but goddam I can’t wait to hit the bed.”

“Pretty sure you guys can crash for the night,” Arthur offered.

“Nah, I got to help out with family stuff tomorrow,” Max said. “Next time for sure though.”

“Truth is, I’d love to stay but. . .” Tjay exaggerated the ‘but’ before sighing and scratching his head. “My father is coming over tomorrow morning, and it’d be best if I was home.”

“Your dad’s coming back?” Nabi asked surprised.

“Ye. He finished with his business trip. Hadn’t seen him in almost a year.”

“What does your dad do?” Arthur questioned.

“Ah, something business related. I don’t really pry. . .” he avoided the question.

“My dad’s arriving soon so Ari if you want we can drop you off again,” Nabi said.

“Oh, thanks. . . But I’ll stay the night.”

“Alright,” Nabi turned to Don. “You’re not that far off, want a lift?”

“Are you sure?”

“Ye, no worries!” Nabi smiled.

“Thank you. . .” Don accepted.

“What about you Irene, wanna stay the night?” Sophie asked holding herself by the elbow.

“Hmm,” Irene pondered before glancing towards Arthur. “You cool with that?”

“Why wouldn’t I be?” Arthur asked her back making her chuckle.

“Then I’ll be staying the night. Thanks for having me.”

Sophie cheerfully jumped around grabbing Ari and Irene by the hand with loads of ideas as to what to do. Saying their goodbyes, the four had the house to themselves.

“That was quite the party, wouldn’t you agree Oppa?”

“Yeah, it truly was. I’m glad everyone came as well.”

“We made quite the mess though. . .” Irene pointed out.

She walked forward and grabbed some of the empty food boxes and cans before folding them up and putting them in an empty bag.

“What are you doing?” Arthur asked with a smirk.

“If we’re hanging out longer, I wanna help get things cleaned up a bit.”

“We don’t have to do that now. . . Let’s just go to my room,” Sophie said.

“I don’t mind helping out either,” Ari added approaching the table and adding stuff to the garbage bag.

“Seriously, drop it. I’ll clean up in the morning,” Arthur sighed.

“At least let’s get the garbage sorted out so we can throw it once we leave tomorrow,” Irene suggested refusing to leave things as they are.

“Fine. Thanks. . .”

Within a few minutes, most of the living room was cleared up. Even cleaning was fun when done with company. Finishing up, the doorbell rang. While others were surprised and wondering who it might be at this hour, Sophie rushed to the door remembering that she left the key in. Following behind her upon returning to the living room was their grandfather.

“Hey kids,” he said wearing his work uniform. “Did you have fun?”

“Hello sir,” Irene said holding her hands together.

“Hi Mr. Park,” Ari said with a smile on her face. “Will you be joining us?”

“Oh no, I wouldn’t impose on your fun,” he chuckled.

“Don’t be silly Grandpa,” Arthur cut in. “You’re a delight to converse with.”

“Did you take a day off tomorrow Gramps?” Sophie asked.

“Ah. . . No,” he shook his head. “I’ve been asked to work the whole week and the next. But. . . They offered a sizable bonus. One of the workers got sick so I’m filling in.”

“Grandpa, you’ll overwork yourself,” Sophie complained knowing how hard he already works.

“Don’t worry Sophie. . . Your Grandpa is tougher than you give him credit for,” Ryung reassured her.

“Would you like anything to drink?” Irene asked.

“Oh, thank you dear. If you don’t mind, I’d love a simple glass of water.”

“You don’t have to Irene, I’ll get it. . .” Arthur cut in.

“It’s fine, you should stay with your Grandpa. I’ll be right back,” she smiled giving him a wink while heading into the kitchen.

“Such a sweet kid,” he commented.

“Yeah, she is,” Arthur stated.

“So Mr. Park, how was work?”

“Ah it was uneventful, but that’s what I like about it. At my age, you enjoy predictable things,” he explained as Irene returned with the water. “Thank you dear.”

“Think nothing of it,” she chuckled.

Finishing up his glass, he took a deep breath feeling refreshed.

“Well kids, I’ll be leaving you to it. Don’t stay up too late.”

“We won’t Gramps,” Sophie reassured him.

With Ryung leaving once more, Arthur felt somewhat disappointed. He’s been here for a while now, but never actually got the chance to get to know his Grandfather. While he understood that the man works long hours, he was somewhat determined to eventually catch him and spend a day getting to know him.

“Let’s hit up my room,” Sophie said.

It was a bit surprising since Arthur never had the pleasure of actually entering Sophie’s room. She always either kept it locked when she was out, or he had no real reason to enter. He always assumed it was just messy and she didn’t want to admit it.

Standing behind her as she opened the door, the four made their way into the girliest room Arthur could imagine. The walls were painted light pink, the floor covered by a warm, soft, light grey carpet, and the large king-sized bedsheets were pink with nearly a dozen pillows atop. The room itself was a bit larger than Arthur’s, and the work desk and the white wardrobe were covered in stickers. Her widow view was similar to his, unsurprising since they overlooked the same side.

Surprisingly childhood dolls were sitting on shelves along with other trinkets. Her bookshelf held an impressive collection. However, the biggest surprise of all was the large poster of a girl group labeled Blackpink that she had on her door.

“Now this is a decorated room,” Irene said taking in all the details before glancing back at Arthur.

“Sure is. . .” Arthur sighed. “I still can’t believe this is the first time I’ve entered your room.”

“Wait it’s your first time seeing it?” Sophie asked confused.

“Yeah? You never showed it to me.”

“Why didn’t you tell me or you know, just enter?”

“You always lock your room when you’re outside.”

“That’s an old habit cuz you used to just forcefully enter without knocking!”

“How was I supposed to know that?”

Ari and Irene chuckled exchanging glances.

“Well. . . Whatever. . .” Sophie sighed. “Welcome to my room I guess.”

“Thank you,” he chuckled. “Honestly, looks great.”

“Umm. . .” Sophie blushed. “Thanks. . .” she glanced down to the ground before mumbling to herself. “Not what you thought of it before. . .”

“You into Blackpink?” Irene asked.

“Don’t get her started!” Ari giggled. “She is such a fangirl.”

“How can I not be? Haven’t you heard them?” she smiled brightly staring at the poster. “I wanna go to their concert so badly.”

“I’m sure you’ll get the chance,” Ari said sitting down on her favorite spot, the pink bean bag.

Sophie meanwhile preferred sitting on the carpet. Arthur couldn’t resist the bed and thus threw himself on it, realizing how inferior his truly was.

“How come you get such a good bed?”

“Hmm, I wanna see,” Irene said sitting down next to him. “Oh my. . . I’d kill for such a bed. . .” she sighed dropping on her back looking up at the ceiling.

Irene complained about her bed in the past as well.

“You’ve always asked for useless expensive things, and I’ve asked for a bed. . . So can’t blame me for that.”

Arthur couldn’t really argue since he had no idea what his previous self preferred. His bed wasn’t bad either, having enough room for two to squeeze in and sleep relatively fine.

“So soft. . .” Irene mumbled.

Arthur followed along and laid down next to her. It felt like he sank into clouds. His entire body relaxed and if he wanted, he would’ve fallen asleep within seconds.

“Man, what a day,” Arthur smiled.

“It’s been a blast,” Irene turned her head towards him. “Maybe we could do that again sometimes.”

Glancing at her, he realized just how close the two were, their shoulders nearly touching. Before he could say anything and probably because he was tired and relaxed, but he ended up mesmerized by her eyes. His glance eventually dropped to her heart-shaped lips which were slightly apart. He couldn’t help but slightly blush.

“Art?” Irene whispered.

“Yeah. . .” he sighed averting his gaze hoping she hadn’t noticed. “Today was amazing. Tho I’m feeling kind of sleepy now. . .”

“It really was,” she said sitting upwards. “Girls, now that the party is over I wanted to ask if you all are free tomorrow morning. Maybe we could go somewhere?”

“I don’t have plans, so I’m good. . .” Ari mentioned. “Maybe we could go to that place you’ve mentioned Soph.”

“You mean F&I?”

Arthur sat up as well. “That’s actually a great idea.”

“So we all down for it?” Irene asked.

“If you can get me out of bed, I’ll be all for it,” Sophie said as Irene and Ari exchanged glances nodding to each other.

“Don’t worry,” Ari said with a mischievous grin.

“We’ll get you up,” Irene confirmed looking suspicious as well.

Sophie kept glancing back and forth panicked a bit and with an awkward smile. “Oppa. . . Can I stay in your room tonight?”

“Goodnight girls,” Arthur said getting up and walking towards the door. “Don’t stay up too late.”

“Oppa. . .” she mumbled helplessly.

“Goodnight Art,” Ari said with a smile.

“Sweet dreams,” Irene said turning towards the two as Arthur left the room. “Now. Girl talk. . .”

Without looking back, Arthur made his way towards his room. Entering, he took a deep breath and leaned against the door before sliding down on the ground closing his eyes briefly. Opening them, he noticed the moonlight which made its way through the window and shined onto him. The night sky was truly beautiful.

He sat there for a while thinking back to the whole day. Arthur could still hear muffled chatter coming out the Sophie’s room. They were laughing every few minutes.

Getting up, he took off his clothes and put on the bottom part of his pajama. He preferred to sleep without a shirt, finding it easier to sleep like that. Though as he uncovered his sheets, he noticed a small wrapped-up gift and a red notecard.

“From Irene”

What’s this?

Turning over the card, he noticed a handwritten letter.

“Dear Arthur,

Though I don’t know you for long, I’m glad we met. There are still far too many things we don’t know about each other, but with time I’m sure that’ll change. Maybe I’ve forced our friendship, but I couldn’t help it. Ever since you’ve helped me and we first spoke, I was intrigued knowing you’re not that simple. You’ve surrounded yourself by great people, those who are truly capable of caring for one another. That’s rare, so keep them close.

I hope you like the gift. It’s nothing flashy, but a token to remember how we first met. I wish you a happy birthday Arthur.

With Love,

Irene”

Arthur held the card in hand and kept looking at it for a bit with a soft smile on his face. The girls finally went quiet. He assumed they fell asleep. Placing the card on the pillow, he took the wrapped in blue gift and sat down. It was a handful. Carefully removing the tape in order not to rip the wrapping paper, he found hidden within a black leather wallet. Even if she said it wasn’t anything flashy, Arthur could tell it was high quality. Much like the backpack, his was overused.

With multiple pockets, a leather strap that bent downwards with a hidden pocket, and a dozen card slots, Arthur held the wallet in hand and brushed his finger along the sturdy leather. The first thing he put into the wallet was the notecard once he folded it to fit.

“This girl,” he sighed still having a soft smile on his face. “Thank you. . .”

It felt strange not being able to thank her.

Dropping onto the bed, he glanced out the window once more.

Maybe I could do something nice for her on Monday.

Closing his eyes, he tried falling asleep.

Two hours passed as Arthur struggled to fall asleep. His mind was too preoccupied to rest even if he felt somewhat tired. His excitement kept him up when he actually felt sleepy during the party, and now once it was over he kept recalling the memories over and over again.

“Ugh. . .” he mumbled sitting upwards. “Maybe I should just stay up all night. Not like I’ve never done that before.”

Getting out of the bed, he sighed and headed for the kitchen to get a glass of water.

Maybe a shower would help. . .

Without making any sound, Arthur observed the moonlit hallway. Descending down the stairs, with his eyes half shut, he entered the kitchen.

“Hmm?” he mumbled as he saw Irene standing with a glass of water in hand and a bottle from the half-open fridge.

She quickly turned to him and blushed as she stood half-naked in the middle of the kitchen, wearing just her black lace underwear and a loose white T-shirt that Sophie gave her to sleep in.

“Art-” she stopped herself before taking a deep breath. “I wasn’t expecting anyone to walk around the house at this hour. Sophie said it was fine. . .”

Arthur couldn’t help but stare for a moment before averting his gaze flustered.

“I couldn’t fall asleep, so just came to drink some water,” he explained quietly.

She couldn’t help but look at him as well as he stood shirtless. Blushing, she sighed and grabbed another glass pouring him water.

“Here,” she said handing it over to him.

He turned back to her but kept his eyes up. Even without any makeup, she was beautiful.

“Thanks. . .” he said grabbing hold of the glass and downing it.

While drinking with haste, a few drops of water slid down his chin and dropped onto his chest gliding across his body. Irene failed to resist looking.

“Ahhh. . . That felt refreshing,” he said with a sigh of relief. “Why are you up?”

“Couldn’t sleep either. Your sister loves to kick a lot,” she chuckled.

“So I’ve heard. . .” he chuckled along.

The two stood in silence for a few seconds exchanging glances.

“So. . .” he mumbled. “Thanks for the gift.”

“Oh! Right,” she smiled glancing into his eyes. “Did you like it?”

“Loved it.”

“Good. I’m glad.”

“So, you going to sleep?”

“Yeah. You should too,” she gave him a soft smile.

“I’ll try. . .”

“Well. . . Good night Art,” she whispered walking past him.

“Oh, before you go. . .”

“Yeah?”

“When’s your birthday?” he asked averting his gaze then looking back at her waiting for her response.

“My birthday already passed. The 13th of January.”

“I see. Wait. . . You’re older than me?”

“Only by a few months, but ye I'm 17 too.”

Arthur couldn’t help but smile. The two went together back upstairs as Arthur couldn’t help but glance once or twice.

“Later,” she said as the two finally split off.

Reentering their rooms, they exchanged one last glance.

Alone again in his room, Arthur looked out the window once more and thought to himself just how happy he was. Feeling refreshed, he dropped onto the bed and fell asleep with a smile on his face.

Chapter End.

Thank you for reading.