As the afternoon stretched into early evening, the beach party remained in full swing. Laughter and lively conversation filled the air as friends exchanged stories, jokes, and anecdotes. The vibrant energy of the celebration was palpable, yet despite the festive atmosphere, Gin couldn't escape the absence of Jeno. His absence was a shadow that lingered in the back of her mind, a stark contrast to the cheerful buzz surrounding her.
Gin wrestled with a rising frustration. She had hoped for some acknowledgment, even a simple message or a phone call, but as the hours passed with no sign of Jeno, her disappointment grew. The thought of confronting him—or even expressing her feelings—seemed overwhelming, and she didn't want to let it overshadow the day she had worked so hard to enjoy.
Determined not to let her emotions spoil her birthday, Gin made a conscious choice to focus on the positive aspects of the celebration. As the evening wore on, she decided to immerse herself fully in the revelry, and soon enough, the effects of the drinks began to take hold.
Gin found herself becoming increasingly tipsy, the alcohol loosening her inhibitions and helping her to temporarily forget her worries. The world around her took on a slightly wobbly but manageable quality. Her laughter came more easily, and the edges of her frustration began to blur into the background.
She mingled with her friends, joining in their stories and jokes, allowing herself to be swept up in the camaraderie and joy of the moment. Despite the underlying sadness and the unanswered questions about Jeno, Gin's decision to indulge in the festivities and let herself enjoy the evening was proving to be a small, yet effective escape from her earlier anxieties.
As the sun dipped lower in the sky and the beach party continued into the twilight, Gin found solace in the warmth of her friends' company and the carefree spirit of the celebration. For the time being, the worries about Jeno were pushed aside, allowing her to savor the happiness and connection that surrounded her.
As the evening deepened and the effects of the alcohol started to take their toll, Gin's friends decided it was time to move the celebration to a nearby function hall, just a short distance from the beach. They guided her toward the entrance, their voices filled with playful banter and excitement. Gin, slightly tipsy but still able to follow along, felt a mixture of curiosity and anticipation about the next phase of her birthday celebration.
They led her to the entrance of the function hall and paused for a moment. Gin, with her senses pleasantly dulled by the alcohol, was eager to see what lay beyond. Her friends exchanged knowing glances, their smiles hinting at a surprise.
"Okay, Gin, you can go in now," one of her friends said, her voice tinged with excitement.
As Gin stepped into the darkened room, her surroundings were shrouded in an almost magical darkness. The transition from the bright beach to the dimly lit hall was striking, adding an element of mystery to the moment. Just as she began to wonder about the darkness, the lights suddenly flickered on, revealing a stunning scene.
At the end of the aisle stood Jeno, holding a lavish bouquet of flowers. The arrangement was vast and vibrant, a breathtaking array of blooms that seemed to glow with their own light. The room was beautifully decorated with twinkling fairy lights and elegant streamers, creating an enchanting ambiance.
In front of the room, a large, illuminated sign read, "Happy birthday, beautiful girl." The warm glow of the sign and the gentle illumination of the decorations made the setting feel intimate and special, a stark contrast to the earlier confusion and hurt Gin had experienced.
For a moment, Gin was taken aback, her mind struggling to reconcile the sight before her with the frustrations she had felt earlier. Jeno's presence, the flowers, and the heartfelt greeting were an unexpected and poignant surprise. Her heart fluttered with a mix of emotions—surprise, confusion, and a deep, lingering sense of unresolved feelings.
Jeno stepped forward, his expression earnest and full of warmth. As he approached, Gin felt the weight of the day's earlier disappointments begin to lift, replaced by a rush of hope and tentative joy. Her friends watched with smiles, clearly delighted by the reaction they had orchestrated.
With the room filled with heartfelt celebration and Jeno's genuine gesture, Gin found herself caught between lingering frustration and the newfound warmth of this unexpected birthday surprise.
Gin stood frozen for a moment as she processed the scene before her. The sight of Jeno, standing at the end of the aisle with a bouquet of flowers, was both unexpected and overwhelming. Her friends, who had been tight-lipped about any involvement of Jeno in the day's plans, had clearly orchestrated this surprise with impeccable secrecy.
The romantic instrumental music that filled the room added to the dreamlike quality of the moment. It was a soft, sweet melody that seemed to float through the air, creating an atmosphere of intimacy and nostalgia.
Jeno's gentle nod was a silent invitation, urging her to continue walking toward him. Gin's heart raced as she took her first steps down the aisle, her senses heightened by the combination of the music and the emotional weight of the surprise. Each step seemed to carry a blend of anticipation and the lingering questions she had about Jeno's recent behavior.
As she reached the front of the room, Jeno took her hand with a tender smile and guided her to the center of the stage. The spotlight seemed to shine just for them, casting a warm glow over the pair. The dance floor was beautifully lit, adding to the sense of magic that surrounded them.
With a graceful motion, Jeno extended his hand to Gin, offering her a dance. The gesture was both romantic and sincere, a stark contrast to the distance and coldness she had felt earlier. Gin hesitated for a brief moment, her emotions a whirlwind of surprise and lingering frustration. But the warmth of the gesture and the sweetness of the music began to soften her feelings.
She placed her hand in his, and they moved to the center of the stage. Jeno drew her close, guiding her into a slow, intimate dance. The music swirled around them, a tender accompaniment to the delicate sway of their bodies.