Party time! A couple special guests will make appearances, so it'll be interesting hahha Fair warning: don't get too cozy at the party. I mean, you can, but there may be a party crasher. ..just saying. Also, long chapter!

Any minute now, Seung Gil will arrive at my door, dressed in his royal blue suit with peak lapels; I was asked to approve of his choice before he got ready and was impressed with how the suit fit him, even through our phone cameras. I have yet to put on my own jacket, but my makeup is a higher priority at the moment. I sigh when I have to face the fact that my liquid liner is nearing its end, frustrated at my luck. On the other end of my video chat, Yuuri giggles at my pain. "I can't have one lined eye and one bare!" I groan, but he doesn't grasp the severity of the situation and smiles on.

"You can start a new trend." A glare is my only response, to which Yuuri rolls his eyes. "Or grab the one from your travel bag."

How did I forget I had a backup liner?! I find myself grinning, rushing to find the forgotten cosmetics in my bag in the closet. As Yuuri somehow recalled, it's safely in the front pocket and ready for use. I hold it up triumphantly for my best friend to see, making him laugh again. "Hallelujah!" There's little time to celebrate; gotta finish up before Seung Gil gets here! "Thank you for reminding me. I'd be lost without you, dearest."

The smile he flashes is just short of smug as he finishes fixing his hair away from his face. "Don't I know it." Another figure appears beside him, nearly pushing him aside. "Victor, don't shove!" Yuuri scolds.

"Well, we have to leave and you're still gracing the mirror with your stunning presence." That's his nice way of saying Yuuri is hogging the mirror. Victor glances at the phone, promptly returning his gaze to his reflection to straighten his tie. "Phichit, you haven't left yet?"

"He's waiting for Seung Gil." Yuuri informs him, elbowing his husband to the side so he can properly fix Victor's tie. As if on cue, my doorbell chimes loud enough for both Yuuri and Victor to flinch at the sudden sound. "Is that him?"

"Yes, it has to be!" I grin, unable to hide my excitement.

"Don't make him wait too long." Yuuri smirks. "We'll see you at the party, then, okay? Love you, Phichit!"

I nod, scurrying to put my shit away and stand from the dresser. "Yeah, we'll see you there. Love you both!" My socked feet almost betray me when I rush from my room, squealing and flailing to keep my balance and get to the door. "Shit." I mutter before composing myself. When I open the door, my jaw drops at the man on my welcome mat. Now, as mentioned, I approved of this outfit over the phone so I've seen it on Seung Gil before, but damn: my boyfriend could stop traffic. His suit looks like it was made just for him, though I know he doesn't have a tailor; the jacket cuts right at his waist, pants hugging his hips in all the right places. The color brings out the cool greys of his eyes, flattering the brown hues just as nicely. Has there ever been a more tantalizing cologne than the one he owns? Stuff should be illegal. If we didn't already have plans, I might just pull him by his tie to my room and stay in for the night. He blinks at me before giving a little wave. As his face starts to turn pink, I realize I'm staring and haven't invited him in. "Hi." Excellent conversational skills, right? I shake my head and step aside, vowing to stop ogling Seung Gil before we've even left. "Sorry, come in. I just have to finish getting dressed and we can leave." With a nod, he follows me and shuts the door. "Glad it isn't as cold as it was earlier this week." Good thing I left my shoes nearby; I slip them on and check my reflection again, sweeping my hair to the side; not off my forehead, but away from one eye. Over my shoulder, Seung Gil is looking forward but his eyes aren't focused on anything in particular. His bottom lip looks abused, hands clenching and unclenching at his sides. He is a man of few words, but not a man of none: something's up. My smile fades at his far-off expression; if I could loan him some of my enthusiasm, I would. Turning, I card my fingers through his hair, running them against his scalp. Seung Gil shuts his eyes, exhaling softly. With a bit of styling cream, I coax the dark strands into a relaxed style, just enough to reveal more of his face than he normally shows. I want to know that he's okay and that he really is up for the party, but somehow I don't think asking him straight out will be helpful. Slowly, I hold his face in my hands, stepping close enough to block his view entirely. "Whenever you're ready."

His eyes ease open, one hand gripping my wrist with the lightest of touches. His other hand rests on my shoulder, pressing down. "Thank you." I was expecting Seung Gil's voice to sound tired, or raspy; instead, it simply sounds small. He kisses me softly, lingering near my lips with a steadying breath. "If things get overwhelming, I'll tell you." He pulls away to look me in the eye.

I nod in agreement. "And you can let me know if you need air or if you want to leave, and we can come back home if need be."

Seung Gil nods, trying to smile. "Right. We've got this."

In silence, I finish dressing and lead the way out of my apartment. Even though both our cars are in the lot, we agree to take mine: I'm familiar with the venue and want my boyfriend to be comfortable during the drive over. The least stressed he is going into the party, the better. I hold his hand about halfway through, squeezing for comfort; I don't overlook how hard he squeezes back. A pang of guilt hits me when we have to let our hands go to step out of the car; it's silly, I know, but I want to support Seung Gil as much as I can. When I get to his side of the car, our hands reconnect and I make a silent vow to not let him go again until the night is over or he gives me permission. He nods after taking a couple deep breaths, gesturing with an arm for me to lead the way again. "First we'll scope the place out. Then I'll introduce you to Yuuri and Victor. Don't feel pressured to act a certain way, or talk more than you want to. Be you, okay?"

"Okay."

The slush below our feet slows our progress; we're not wearing boots or anything, and I know I don't want to ruin my shoes. Seung Gil somehow seems to have more solid footing than I do, helping me take slow steps to avoid slipping while carrying both of our neatly wrapped boxes in a gift bag. The tip of my nose quickly turns to ice while we cross the parking lot; I don't mention it, trudging forward in silence. It's not that I'm afraid to say the wrong thing, but that I don't want to break this focus he seems to have. Yesterday, I gave him a chance to back out one last time and was met with a stubborn insistence that he wanted to go and that's final.

Once inside, warm air rushes against my face without warning. My coat is suddenly stifling, but luckily there's a man checking coats near the door, all too happy to take our outerwear. "Is it too warm for you?" I ask, looping my arm through Seung Gil's. He shakes his head no, taking the smallest of steps closer to me. Not that I don't believe him, but I want to make sure everything is all good, especially with so many things going on in here. For whatever reason, I wasn't expecting so many people: small groups dot the large room, mostly clustered in front of a long table piled with refreshments, chattering and laughing over mellow music. Some bodies move about, weaving through tables and staff to get to the food and drinks. The lighting bounces off every piece of jewelry, every piece of tableware and crystal flute. It doesn't take more than a few seconds to spot Yuuri and Victor laughing over champagne; their smiles are easy, like they've been here a while. Hopefully this will put Seung Gil at ease. I tug on his arm, taking the gift bag with me. "Ready to meet Yuuri?"

With a nod, he replies: "Okay."

"Phichit, you're here!" Yuuri waves just before we've reached them. I pat Seung Gil's arm and he releases me, embracing Yuuri with happiness that bubbles out in a laugh.

"The one and only." I take a step back after hugging Victor, too, noticing both of them staring over my shoulder. Seung Gil is standing there, eyes not quite at our feet but not making contact with anyone else's eyes, either. I pat his arm, testing a smile out. "Guys, this is Seung Gil Lee. Seung Gil, this is Yuuri and Victor."

Yuuri opens his arms, stepping forward. This makes Seung Gil immediately step backward…I think he just walked away from a hug; I'm not sure I've ever seen anyone do that before. A light sting hits me on Yuuri's behalf, but a twist of discomfort settles in for Seung Gil's sake. Yuuri's arms return to his sides, smile morphing into a confused frown. Seung Gil is now a bit red in the face, chewing on his bottom lip. Before I can grab for his hand, he reaches out. "Um, sorry. I…" He mutters, offering a handshake. Yuuri accepts, shaking his hand with something like a smile.

"It's, um…well, it's nice to finally meet you in person!" Yuuri manages to respond. "I've heard so much about you."

Why is Seung Gil looking at him like that, like he's speaking another language? He points at my best friend, brows drawn in confusion. "Your voice." Yeah, that's not really making his behavior any clearer. Yuuri raises his brows, lost as much as Victor and me. Trying to shake off the redness in his face, Seung Gil waves his hands as if to erase something. "I mean I recognize your voice. I think I'd know it anywhere."

A knowing smile flashes on Yuuri's face, chased by a light flush. "Ah, you mean from the radio."

Victor's face lights up, too, draping an arm over his husband's shoulders. "You're an Eros fan! You have excellent taste."

Again, Seung Gil points a finger, this time at Victor. "And you're Victor Nikiforov, legendary sax player, right?" He takes the offered handshake, then the champagne flute, from Victor who's wearing a smug smile. The last thing Victor needs is an ego boost, but I suppose it doesn't hurt him to meet a fan familiar with his work.

"That's right, but outside of work, I'm Victor Nikiforov-Katsuki." Naturally, he flashes the gold band on his ring finger to emphasize this fact. Any trace of uncertainty is gone from Victor's face, but a hint remains in Yuuri's eyes; it'll take more effort to gain his favor.

I take the flute Victor offers me, drawing Seung Gil in with the other arm. "He'll remind you of that every chance he gets." I warn him, loud enough for the others to hear. The timid smile I earn from my boyfriend melts away some worry: things are going well, considering that awkward avoidance right out of the gate, but even small steps are a win in my opinion.

"So how are you, Seung Gil? Phichit says you're busier lately with work." Yuuri mentions.

"What is it you do again?" Victor asks.

He silently clears his throat before answering. "I'm an accountant. I've a new project that involves some research into consumer habits. It's easier with Otabek helping out where he can."

Surprise washes over Victor. "Oh, you work together?"

"Yeah, his desk is across from mine." Seung Gil nods.

"Speaking of, have you two seen the couple of the evening yet? We have a gift for them." Every time I scan the crowd for Yuri or Otabek, I come up empty. Yuuri smirks, warm eyes gleaming without his glasses.

"Late, as usual."

"To their own party, of course." Victor laughs. "I heard from Mila they're on their way."

Seung Gil opens his mouth, as if to speak, but a loud greeting interrupts, followed by a grinning Minami. He isn't wearing a jacket, leaving his suspenders exposed. "You all are here!" He doesn't seem to notice Seung Gil, turning instead to Yuuri. "You look so different with your hair back. It's a good look." He nods with a short laugh.

Before Yuuri can even reply, Victor brushes his fingers through my best friend's black hair, taming the strands just a bit. "There we go: perfection."

Yuuri blushes under his attention; perhaps now is a good time to find more people to introduce Seung Gil to. I tug his sleeve, leaving the gift bag to hang at my elbow. "Hey, Minami: can you help us find Mila? I want to ask her something."

Renewed enthusiasm brightens Minami's smile. "Yeah, she's over by the DJ. I can take you."

I nod, waving at Yuuri and Victor who have entered their own world of whispers and giggles behind champagne again. "We'll see you two in a bit! Gonna find Mila." I explain. They bid us a temporary farewell, noting how nice it is to have a face to Seung Gil's name. I gesture at our newly acquired guide. "Seung Gil, this is Minami. Minami, this is Seung Gil."

Minami walks backwards for a moment to shake his hand with both of his, eyes sparkling. "Hi! Good to meet you, finally. Phichit says such nice things about you."

An easy smile rests on Seung Gil's face; this is going really well! He hasn't seemed tortured so far, and smiles are sure signs he's doing alright. "That's a relief." This makes Minami laugh as he turns around, somehow avoiding running into anyone. "I've heard of you, too: the newest member of the radio family?"

"That's me! After hearing Eros in my college days, I just knew I wanted to have my own show, too." Minami plays with his suspenders, not knowing what to do with his hands with such a slow beat playing softly. "Well, not that you can compare our shows. Not only is Yuuri more talented and experienced than I am, we play way different types of music and our personalities are totally different, and stuff. But our shows are important to us, and I think that's one of the reasons why Yuuri is so good at it: he works hard because he wants to." He could wax poetic indefinitely, but a glimpse of bright red hair nearby keeps his ramblings to a minimum; I commend Seung Gil for hanging in there, and not egging on this Eros rant. The DJ is settled at a small table, laptop in front of him and Mila beside him. I think he's one of Otabek's friends, but I could be mistaken. He's trying to ignore Mila, or brush her off, but she's practically sitting on his table, gesturing at the songs in his playlist. "Mila, you're off the clock." Minami giggles.

Mila rolls her eyes, pointing at the screen. "I know, but he could get a better flow if he listened to me. I do know what I'm talking about."

"Don't pester the man." I roll my eyes, too, and turn to the DJ. "Sorry for her lack of tact. She thinks because she has a radio show, she's good at being a DJ." Her jaw drops, but even the DJ laughs with Minami and Seung Gil. If my boyfriend can laugh, he's doing much better than expected! Mila retreats from the table so she can get in my face.

"Listen, you." She laughs. "You don't even have music on your show."

I laugh, pulling Seung Gil closer to me. "Mhmm. Seung Gil, this is Mila." She smiles, sly glimmer in her bright blue eyes. "Mila, my boyfriend Seung Gil."

"So you're the famous Seung Gil Lee we've been hearing about." Mila winks my way. "Glad to see you're not a phantom: you were starting to sound too good to be true." Of course she wouldn't hesitate to say something like that. I mean, I don't mind but I can't tell if it's making my boyfriend uneasy. He's sort of smiling, sort of blushing.

"So you do talk about me often."

For some reason, this makes Mila and Minami laugh. "When he likes the topic, Phichit can fill a novel with his words." Minami adds, just in case it wasn't clear that I like to talk.

When I turn to Seung Gil, his eyes take my breath away: beautiful, honest care resides in those eyes. I want to say that look is one of adoration, but I don't want to put words in his mouth. Instead, I squeeze his hand before kissing the back of it. "This is true." On this rare occasion, I don't have much else to say. "Mila, do you know when Yuri will be here? We have a gift."

"Soon enough, I'm sure." She turns her attention to Seung Gil. "Phichit says you're an avid listener. Do you always stay up to listen to his show?"

Seung Gil licks his lips after sipping at his champagne, nursing it like there aren't a dozen other bottles nearby. "Most nights."

"That's late for weeknights!" Minami mentions. "Don't you get tired?"

When he doesn't answer immediately, I keep my eyes on him; maybe the others will get the hint to let him take his time finding the right words. I know his insomnia is hard to explain to others since they simply can't wrap their minds around the concept, so I let him be. "Well, I don't need a lot of sleep and have insomnia on top of that, so…not really. Our schedules actually mesh pretty well."

"That's a first." Mila nods in appreciation. Her attention is quickly stolen, however, by a slender brunette walking over with a glass in each hand. The woman is striking, red lips and black hair fixed to frame her violet eyes. When she hands Mila one of the glasses with a sweet smile, it clicks: this is the girlfriend I have yet to meet! I've seen photos of her, but don't recall having ever seen her in person. "Thank you, lovely."

"Sara?"

Wait, was that Seung Gil's voice? How does he know this woman and I don't? The others look about as confused as I feel until Sara's smile returns. "Seung Gil, hi!" She steps in, arms outstretched for a hug, and actually gets one! Okay, maybe it's brief and very light, but she's somehow earned his trust enough for a hug when Yuuri didn't even get that privilege. I'm beyond lost, so I finish off my drink and watch this play out. "I had no idea you'd be here."

"You two know each other?" Mila asks, pointing back and forth between them.

Sara nods, standing next to the redhead once again. "Yeah, we work together! Remember how I was talking about the new consumer project with surveys and stuff?" Mila nods for her to continue. "He's the one who thought of it."

"I didn't think up the whole project." Seung Gil insists.

"But it was your idea to begin with." Sara smirks. "So modest."

I knew one of the ladies from the office had a hand in this project, but I never would've guessed she's the girlfriend of my friend: small world, that's for sure. "Well, guys, this is Sara: my girlfriend." Mila introduces her with a growing smile. "We've been friends for years, so I'm sure you've heard me talk about her." She points to me, then Minami. "Phichit and Minami, coworkers by day, family by night." I wave at Sara, grateful for her presence; a familiar, friendly face is good for Seung Gil. They even chat a moment, until Sara decides to get to know Minami with Mila's two cents interjected here and there.

While the three talk a bit, I rest my chin on the royal blue shoulder by my side, the owner blinking back. "What?" Seung Gil asks softly.

I smile in return, unsure how to phrase my thoughts. How does one say they don't wanna jinx it, but they're proud of someone and want them to feel good about progress made? "I hope you're having a good time so far." I decide to say. He nods, little smile just for me.

"I'm still alive." He kisses the top of my head. "Thank you for staying with me."

As if I had any other plans. I stand upright, looking him directly in the eye. "There's no way I wouldn't support you." For emphasis, I take him by the hand again; the trembling is gone. "Is there any way I can make the night a ten?"

"Take me to the food."

A small space surrounding the table is clear, used for shuffling around the refreshments with cloth napkins and tiny serving utensils. Seung Gil and I taste and try different things, abandoning our champagne along the way to keep our hands free. After every bite, we exchange either criticisms or praise in hushed voices, only heard by our ears; even in the din of indecipherable conversations, every word he says is clear. I laugh when he eats too much and he teases me when I drop a fork. I almost forget that there are other people around, lost in our own little world, a place filled with shy smiles and soft laughter over finger foods. Mingling with others is good fun, but being with just Seung Gil is another experience altogether.

Suddenly, the music comes to a halt. Focus shifts over to the DJ, microphone in hand. "Now arriving: your guests of honor." He announces their names along with the occasion we're celebrating, but I don't see them yet. Seung Gil picks up on this, my frantic searching probably a giveaway, and gestures towards the front door. Duh, right? Where else would they come through? Yuri is dressed in black and more black; his tie, however, is an impossibly metallic gold. In contrast, Otabek is in mostly white with a dark green vest and tie. Neither of them holds back a smile but I have to point out that their eyes are pretty much locked on to each other and nothing else. That is, until a pop from up above proceeds a shower of gold, silver and bronze confetti.

"No way!" I laugh, whipping out my phone to capture as much of the action as possible. My quick reflexes allow me to get footage of the couple sharing a quick kiss under the foil rain; what a great angle, too! "Perfect." I mutter before pocketing my phone. "Nobody else will have that on video." If only I'd known, I could've gotten the entire entrance on film.

Seung Gil shakes his head, smirking. "Only you, P."

The couple is instantly swarmed by their guests, stopping only to briefly say hello and give their thanks; they seem to have a destination in mind, and if Yuri's sharp green gaze is anything to go by, it's the snack table. "Move, shithead." Yuri grumbles under his breath as he shoves me out of the way, ignoring the rest of the table he could've gone to. Before I can even scoff, he smirks over his shoulder, helping himself to an entire plate. "Thanks for coming."

I roll my eyes, pulling their gift bag away. "I was going to give you something, but I've changed my mind." I turn, looking for Otabek. "I'll just hand it over to…" Yuri's other half is stopped nearby, laughing with a guest. I blink, realizing something major: that guest is Seung Gil! Like nothing, he's just casually carrying on a conversation with Otabek, both laughing. How often does Otabek even laugh? Seung Gil mentioned that they're friends, but it still makes me smile to see him look so relaxed around someone other than Sara and me. Yuri nudges me, still chomping on the bite-sized food straight from a tray. I scoff: "I see your manners still need work."

He rolls his eyes, hitting me again. "It's my party. Why are you staring like a creep?"

"I am not."

"You are. Who's that guy, anyway?"

I toss Yuri a napkin. "Such a pig. That's Seung Gil Lee, my boyfriend. I'll introduce you in a minute, when they're done talking."

"Oh, that's him?" He rudely points. "I've heard about him. They'll never stop talking."

"What?" I laugh. "When did I ever tell you anything like that?"

Again, he rolls his eyes. "Not from you, genius. Otabek talks about him." He exchanges the serving plate for another, like it's just for him, and nods their direction. "Come on: introduce me. I wanna see what the present is."

I smile, pulling the bag away but walking over with him. "Easy, tiger. You'll get your gift." When we reach the two, Otabek waves and takes the plate from his husband. I laugh, even though nobody else does. "I tried to stop him, but he's too crafty for me."

"No you didn't." Yuri scowls. "And besides, I'm fucking starving, waiting around to leave the house for what I'm sure was forever."

"I told you my family would call." Otabek may be wearing a poker face, but the twinkle in his dark eyes and softness of his expression has love written all over that mask. "Good to see you, Phichit." He acknowledges me. I trade him the plate for the gift bag. "What's this?"

I loop my arm through Seung Gil's, giving a little tug. "Just a couple gifts from us to congratulate you both!"

Yuri pinches my arm, ignoring my pained yelp. "You're supposed to introduce me."

Ugh, he can be so bossy. I roll my eyes, yet again, at the blonde. "This is Seung Gil. Babe, this is Yuri. He's violent." This time, Yuri's the only one not laughing. He shoots Otabek this look of betrayal, which is acknowledged by a shrug. "Otabek, you already know Seung Gil." He nods, opening the gift bag on a nearby table, decorated and set up with a guestbook. "A little something to remember the special date."

At first glance, the champagne bottle looks like any ordinary bottle of bubbly. On closer inspection, which Otabek makes on his own, the bottle is actually from their wedding year. Oh, and the specific date also happens to be etched on both of the champagne flutes in the accompanying wrapped box. Well, it's not wrapped anymore: Yuri made sure of that. Both men are silent for a moment. Like, maybe it was the absolute wrong thing to get them? I look to Seung Gil, wondering if maybe he's gleaned any information from this. He simply shrugs, biting at his lip in anticipation. Our questions are answered by a simple nod from Otabek, and two words from Yuri, trying to hide his pink face behind his hair: "Thank you."

Mila and Victor eventually pull Yuri from the refreshments, parading him around to greet other guests. It surprised me at first when I learned that Yuri had actually grown up with Victor, playing piano for him during some performances. It didn't take Yuri very long to decide he hated being treated like some kind of windup toy, playing for a crowd he held no fondness for. Even now, his tense shoulders and slow walk are obvious signs he'd rather be elsewhere. Otabek tells Sara and Seung Gil about the call from his family and why it lasted longer than it should have. I feel like I worried over this party for nothing: Seung Gil has had several conversations with all of my friends, and looks at home with these two, eyes light and small smile present. I think maybe now's the perfect time to take a restroom break. "Will you be alright if I head to the bathroom for a minute? I won't be long, but I'm taking Yuuri with me." I gesture over my shoulder at both my best friend and the men's room. Seung Gil blinks, taking a second to think before grabbing one of my hands.

"I think I'll be fine. Thanks for checking on me." That sweet smile kills me! "But I don't know that I want to stay too much longer. I'm getting pretty tired."

I nod, patting his hand. "Okay, we can talk about that when I get back."

The mirror in the bathroom isn't all that flattering, but that doesn't stop Yuuri and me from taking up residence in front of it. "Should've checked on my hair before taking all those pictures." Yuuri mumbles, brushing his bangs back again.

"I mean, it's not like it looks bad. You always look cute."

"My contacts are getting itchy." He sticks his tongue out at his reflection. "Is it too soon to head home, do you think?"

Shaking my head, I wave him off. "Nah. Seung Gil was talking about dipping, too." Ahh, he hasn't said anything about meeting my boyfriend yet! We've been around him the whole time, we didn't even get the chance to talk about what happened. I grin, suddenly reinvigorated. "Speaking of…what do think of him?"

"Hm?" Yuuri turns to me, fixing the knot in his tie.

"What do you think of Seung Gil?"

He laughs, turning back to his reflection. "Oh, sorry. You're right: he is quiet. I don't think that's a bad thing, though. He's observant, like you, but in a different way." Yuuri leans on the sink, done with looking at himself for the time being. "And I think he's kind of funny, which is good for you. You get bored when people can't make you laugh." This is a very strong point; if my man can't make me laugh, what the hell are we supposed to do with our lives? "He seems very real, too, like he doesn't pretend to be any kind of way." With a nod, he smiles. "Yeah, I think I like him." That's exactly what I wanted to hear! I shout with excitement, pulling Yuuri into a hug that doesn't let him breathe. "Phichit, don't strangle me!" He laughs, trying to get an inch of space. "He seems good for you, so I approve. Remember to stick to who you are, so you don't lose any of yourself."

It's a fair warning, so I nod and let him breathe again. "Done and done. I'm so glad you like him!" I cheer again, relieved that nobody showed any outward signs of disliking my boyfriend. Not that it would make me dump him, or anything, but I like the people I'm closest to getting along with each other; I'd be sad if that didn't work out. Arm in arm, we head back out to the party. We don't get very far before a hand grips my shoulder, stopping me in my tracks.

"Phichit!" That voice turns my blood to ice, so familiar yet so distant. I turn, squeezing Yuuri's arm, and let my eyes fall on Christophe: my ex. "Where have you been hiding?" Chris laughs, throwing an arm around me in some type of hug. "And Yuuri, of course. How are you?"

Yuuri's words escape him only for a moment, smiling softly. "Hey, Chris. I'm doing well. I didn't know you were in town."

"I wanted to surprise Victor." Chris rolls his eyes, taking a step back. "But my agent called, and I can't stay for long." Chris and Victor have been good friends for years. I want to say they're best friends, but Victor seldom uses the term himself, so I'll refrain. He sends his green eyes back my way, squeezing my shoulder. "Phichit, you haven't said a word! Aren't you having a good time?"

Things with Chris didn't end as suddenly as he thinks they did. Maybe officially, but I'd been unhappy before we broke up, even if I didn't say as much. A big part of me wants to be angry and wants to hate him, but it just wouldn't be right: he didn't really do anything wrong. I can't force a smile, but I can at least be cordial. "Sorry, I didn't expect to see you here." I shrug. "I was thinking about calling it a night soon, but it's been a great evening. How are you?" Not too curt, not too friendly.

"Been terribly busy, sweetheart. Work is good, but keeping me on my toes." Chris' smile is bright, probably enough to blind someone. "It's been too long!"

Why is his hand still on my shoulder? It's too warm, too persistent. I want Seung Gil, but I don't even see him in the crowd. Yuuri grabs my hand, holding tight. "Not that long, right? We saw you after New Year's, but you had to leave right away." He responds so I won't have to, a true best friend. "You're always so busy."

Chris sighs, smile finally fading. "I know, I know." His hand slides down to my back, resting at my waist. "But I'm here now. And you look wonderful, by the way." This comment is directed at me, but I'm not sure what to do with it. He's always been one for flattery, and it used to be something I welcomed. We don't have that kind of relationship now, though, and his words have me at a loss. I can feel my face reddening under his gaze.

"Um, thank you." As his hand travels further down, I flinch and back away. "Chris, I'm here with someone." Wherever he is, anyway. He glances around, looking genuinely shocked.

"I don't see anyone! Why isn't he here with you, instead of Yuuri?"

"He's with some friends, but we were just about to go find him." Yuuri nods. "Did you catch up with Victor? He should be around with Yuri, I think." He starts to pull me with him, away from Chris, but he follows us. "Keeping him on his best behavior." Yuuri chuckles.

Chris laughs, keeping our pace. "I'm sure. We talked for only a moment, but then I ran into you two." Again, he snakes his arm around my waist.

It's too much; I stop, turning to Chris with what I hope is a frown. "Okay, enough." He blinks, shocked at my reaction, but no words come out. I hold a hand out, keeping him at a distance. "You know we're not what we used to be, and you know I'm here with someone else."

"If he had any sense, he'd never let you out of his sight."

"Chris, come on." I sigh, rubbing my forehead. Talking with him can be tiring. Yuuri taps my arm, eyes on a group coming towards us. At the front of the group is Seung Gil, frowning with confusion blurring his earlier excitement. I pat Yuuri's arm so he can let go; he releases me after giving my hand a firm squeeze. "There you are." I reach for Seung Gil, taking him by his arm like it's a lifesaver in the open sea. He doesn't say anything, staring over my shoulder, instead. "Babe?"

"Wait, that's your boyfriend?" Chris practically gasps.

What the hell kind of reaction is that? "Yes, this is Seung Gil: my boyfriend."

"I see." Chris nods with a smile, hands to himself. "Quite a surprise."

"What do you mean by that?"

An awkward laugh leaves Chris' mouth as he waves his hands dismissively. "I didn't mean anything by it! Just…not what I expected. I know you, so I'm simply surprised, that's all." The moment the words are out there, all the life drains from Seung Gil's eyes. My stomach sinks, snapping my heart in two; his pain is my pain. The chatter around us has dulled to a chorus of whispers, focus uncomfortably settled over our discussion. If now isn't the perfect time to make our exit, I don't know what is. I shake my head, dragging Seung Gil behind me.

"Have a good evening, Chris." I mutter. When I reach Otabek and Yuri, both looking like they're ready to attack, I give them an attempted smile. "Congratulations, and thank you for having us. We had a wonderful time." We exchange hugs.

"You don't have to leave, you know." Yuri comments while his husband hugs Seung Gil, walking him to the door and telling him something I can't hear.

I nod, smiling for real this time. "I know, and thank you, but we really were heading out. It's getting late." That, and I feel like puking after seeing my ex break my boyfriend's spirit. I say a few more goodbyes, desperate to get out of the party. Otabek stops me at the door. "Thanks for everything. It was—"

"You should take him home." He sighs.

I agree, rushing out into the cold without my coat. "Seung Gil?" I don't know where he is; he could be at the car by now, but it's so dark and Otabek didn't tell me anything of use. I tug at my hair, frustrated at not knowing where my boyfriend is or if he's alright. As soon as I find him, I have to apologize for how the night turned out. The guilt isn't sitting well in my gut. "Come on." I groan, making my way around the building. A seated figure catches my eye, hidden under a pile of jackets in a dark bundle. "Seung Gil Lee, what're you doing?" I help him into his jacket. The way he lets me move his arms, pliant and unresisting, makes me worry. "Look, I'm sorry. I really am." Putting on my own coat gives me something to do, something to focus on while my mouth runs. "I didn't know he'd be here, and I never wanted to put you through that. I'm sorry he had to be there, and for what he said. The night was going so well, and I wish it'd been different. He ruffles feathers, but I'm fine. Are you okay? I'm sorry."

Slowly, Seung Gil lifts his head. "Can we go, please?"

Silence follows us to the car, a cold wind at our backs. The ride back to my apartment is wordless while the heater does its best to thaw us. At my place, when we change and wander to my room, that silence is still with us. What is there to say? Even under the covers, this stifling quiet weighs on us until I can't take it anymore. "I'm sorry, Seung Gil. I shouldn't have made you go tonight." I'd take it all back if it meant never having to see that look on his face. In the dark, I can't see his expression, but I can hear him sigh and feel his hand cover mine.

"I'm not mad at you. You didn't make me do anything. I had fun." He says that, but does he mean it? "People have looked at me that way before, friends of exes included. What business do I have with someone like you? What the hell am I doing in a place like that?" Another sigh. "How did I manage to find a relationship like this? I get it."

Oh, hell no. No, he shouldn't get anything like that; it's bullshit! "No, that's not true. None of that is accurate, okay?"

"I get it because I know how things look. You're artwork, and I'm some sketch, but they don't…they don't know me. People like to judge, and I hate it. I fucking hate it, P, but they do it and I have to deal with it. They don't know a thing about me. Your ex doesn't know shit about me, or how I make you feel. He lost out, and that's his problem." His voice sounds strange, almost raspy, and tired. "I'm not mad. I had a good time. But now I'm just tired." He sighs. "I'm grateful to have met your friends, to know you, to have a job and not be broke. I'm grateful you care about me, and want to help make my life better." The first time I heard him say what he's grateful for at night and list what he can change in the morning, I nearly got choked up: he sincerely took my advice to heart, even before we really knew each other.

On an exhale, I try on a weak smile. In spite of the way Chris looked at him, and how uncomfortable the whole thing made us, Seung Gil is okay. I kiss his hand, trying not to blurt out how amazing and strong he is; he needs rest. "I'm so proud of you."

"Tomorrow."

I don't know what'll happen tomorrow, but hopefully it'll be a better experience than this.

Apologies if that got too angsty. I swear, I have nothing against Chris, BTW; he's not a bad guy in this, though he may seem like it. It's all about perspective, yo. The next chapter is sweeter, so look out for it~