The Han residence glimmered like a jewel against the night sky, draped in strings of fairy lights that twinkled across the manicured garden and ornate façade. Inside, the air was filled with the mingling scents of roasted meats, fresh flowers, and delicate pastries. A grand chandelier sparkled over the ballroom, reflecting in the polished floors where the academy students cautiously treaded, trying not to stumble in their formal shoes.
Soon Hae stepped inside, holding her dress down as she scanned the crowd. Her heart thumped like a drum in her chest not from the size of the event, but from the thought of Lu Han possibly being here. She felt a small wave of panic but squared her shoulders, determined not to look like a complete disaster.
"Try not to trip over the carpet this time, clumsy rabbit," Fang Yu whispered from behind her, grinning mischievously.
"I swear, if you trip, I'm not catching you this time," Bai Cao added with a soft chuckle, keeping her hands tucked neatly in front of her, as though she was trying to keep the peace.
Soon Hae muttered under her breath, "I'm fine, thank you." She adjusted her dress and stepped further into the hall.
Before she could even make her way toward the refreshment table, a familiar voice rang behind her.
"Ah, the clumsy rabbit! Mind if I join your party disasters tonight?"
She turned to see Jong Seok leaning casually against a pillar, one eyebrow raised. Her stomach twisted. "Jong Seok, please, can't you just..."
He cut her off with a dramatic flourish, "No chance! Someone has to keep you in check. It's tradition!"
Soon Hae groaned, wishing the walls could just swallow her whole. Even here, Jong Seok had found her. Fang Yu snickered quietly, clearly enjoying her discomfort.
Across the room, a wave of laughter and chatter drew her attention. Kim Nana had arrived. Her dress shimmered like starlight, and she immediately found Lu Han, wrapping her arm around his as she peppered his cheek with affectionate kisses. "Hello lu Han," she cooed, her tone dripping with sweetness.
The crowd immediately leaned in, eyes sparkling with envy and delight. "What a perfect couple!" a student whispered. "I wish we could be that cute."
Heat rose to Soon Hae's cheeks. She had tried to focus on the other guests, accepting a glass of juice Fang Yu discreetly handed her. Even that small act, however, couldn't keep her from staring as Nana clung to Lu Han like a magnet. The air around them practically hummed with attention.
The evening continued with a mix of laughter, music, and small games organized by Mr. Han himself. Jong Seok, refusing to let her relax, leaned in at every opportunity to tease her: "Hey, clumsy rabbit! Careful with that tray! Don't drop the caviar!"
Soon Hae jumped slightly and swatted his hand away, muttering, "It's fine, I've got it!" but her grip on the tray wobbled dangerously. Fang Yu leaned over and whispered, "You're lucky you didn't spill on anyone yet."
Meanwhile, Nana had made herself completely at home, draping herself over Lu Han's arm and laughing at every joke he made. Soon Hae tried to look away, but her eyes kept darting to the pair. She felt a pang of frustration. Nana had everyone wrapped around her little finger, and she couldn't help but feel overshadowed.
Even Mr. Han seemed oblivious to the subtle tensions brewing in the corners of his grand hall. "I'm so glad to have all of you here!" he announced with a booming voice. "This year has been wonderful because of everyone's hard work!"
Soon Hae offered a polite smile, trying to hide her growing determination. She wouldn't let Nana make things easier for herself. Not here. Not in front of everyone.
As the night progressed, Soon Hae, Fang Yu, and Bai Cao found a small corner of the room to escape the crowd. Fang Yu sipped his drink and muttered, "At least we survived without major humiliation."
Bai Cao nodded. "We observed a lot. Social interactions can be tricky, but there's always something to learn. Especially how alliances shift."
Soon Hae clenched her fists subtly under the table. "I'm not going to let someone like Nana make everything easier for herself," she whispered. "I'll prove my place, in the academy, and in front of everyone."
Just as she said that, Jong Seok appeared beside them again, this time with a mischievous grin and a small tray of appetizers. He placed it carefully in front of Soon Hae. "Here, rabbit. Consider this a peace offering… or maybe a trap."
Before she could respond, she heard a gasp from across the room. Nana had just leaned closer to Lu Han, whispering something that made him chuckle. The sound sent a jolt of irritation through Soon Hae. She knew it wasn't fair to compare, but seeing their easy familiarity made her own clumsy attempts feel heavier.
Not wanting to show it, Soon Hae forced a laugh and tried to join Fang Yu and Bai Cao in casual conversation, but her eyes kept flicking to Lu Han and Nana. Fang Yu noticed. "Careful, rabbit. Don't get distracted."
"Too late," she muttered under her breath, gripping her glass a little too tightly.
Meanwhile, the music shifted to a softer, more intimate tune. Couples began to sway gently on the dance floor. Nana immediately took Lu Han's hand, her gaze fixed on him with a sweetness that made the room swoon. Soon Hae felt a strange combination of admiration and envy.
Jong Seok leaned close and whispered, "You know, if you want to outshine her, now's your chance. Dance, sing, spill a drink… make a scene."
Soon Hae gave him a sharp look. "I don't need to make a scene. I'll do it my way."
The trio quietly observed as the adults mingled, laughter echoing against the walls. Fang Yu leaned over and whispered, "You're seriously thinking about showing off your boxing moves at this party, aren't you?"
"Not exactly," Soon Hae replied, eyes narrowing. "But I won't just fade into the background either. There's more than one way to get noticed."
The party's climax came when Mr. Han called for a toast. Glasses were raised, and Soon Hae's mind swirled with thoughts of determination, jealousy, and strategy. Even amid the glittering lights and warm laughter, she was plotting how to prove herself not just as a student at the academy, but as someone who could stand on equal footing with anyone, including Lu Han and even Kim Nana.
As the evening wound down, the academy students were escorted back to their dormitories. The night had been a test not of combat, but of social endurance. Soon Hae walked alongside Fang Yu and Bai Cao, her thoughts still lingering on the pair of stars at the center of the room: Lu Han and Nana.
"Tomorrow," she muttered quietly, "I train harder I get stronger and I make sure no one especially Nana gets in my way."
Fang Yu snorted. "And maybe stay upright while doing it?"
Bai Cao smiled gently. "You'll find your balance, Soon Hae Step by step."
The trio disappeared into the night, the glow of the Han residence behind them, carrying both the warmth of celebration and the silent tension of battles yet to come.