Pour Up

PULSATING LIGHTS blind him as his mind drifts whilst approaching the chosen club for the night. Dean is rather against the plans written for him without his knowledge. Yet the promise of a night to rid him of his troublesome heartache drew him to comply. However, as the car skids through the night air, he begins to regret his compliance.

A breath escapes him as he ponders his hectic life. Between the music and the girl he thought would be by his side forever, he is barely holding on to the thinning rope dubbed life. The relationship began on a flowery note—the soft displays of smiles and the treasured times. Yet over time, it began to rot. Her eyes began to change as her heart froze. Dean was left to chase and piece the puzzle together, desperate to figure out what was wrong. She gave no answer as she left his embrace without warning.

His life was left shattered as he tried to keep up with the pace of the running world. Thankfully, his friends are right by his side to pick up the pieces. Hence, the plans for midnight.

"Aye," Jiho calls out to the daydreaming Dean. "We here, come on."

Dean nods slightly in confirmation as he readies himself for the night.

Both men exit the vehicle, releasing their keys to the awaiting valet. They approach the looming, older man, seeming to be the bouncer. Quickly hearing the mention of the artist's name, he quickly turns to open the bulky doors.

Darting lights blind his pupils as he trails behind Jiho—both hike up the steps as they find their designated private room for the night. Opening the noir door, they're greeted by numerous friends and shapely women.

"Ya, you fucking made it!" Jiho moves to shake hands with his friend, Won-Shik. "You finally got him out, almost didn't recognize you," Won-Shik chuckles as he greets Dean.

"Yeah fuck you too," Dean rolls his eyes playfully.

"Aye, I just ordered drinks, and we got some entertainment, come on!" Won-Shik beckons them further, inviting them onto the couch. Dean stumbles forward as he finds a spot next to Hyun Jun, who gives him a welcoming nod.

Won-Shik begins to hand out auburn liquid-filled glasses as he begins his toast. With his wild smile and stumbling words, Won-Shik gives a grand speech as the party finally starts.

Yet as the night went on, his skin began to crawl with the familiar feeling of anxiety. Dean's obvious sighs led to signs of obvious discomfort. None of the beautiful women in the suffocating atmosphere offered a distraction from his dying heart. All that he truly desires is to leave the room.

His weary legs straighten as his mind refocuses, hazy from the number of drinks he had been handed.

Separating his swollen lips from the young woman, Won-Shik drunkenly tilts his head at his anti-social friend, "Ya! Where are you going?"

Dean heaves a heavy sigh as he fibs to his friend, "Hyung, I'm going to the bathroom."

Won-Shik releases an intoxicated chuckle, "Hurry back, her friends are on the way."

Dean gives an uninterested nod before disappearing from the scene. His eyes instantly lower at the strobing lights as he staggers down the swirling staircase.

Making his way to the lengthy wooden bar, he finds an empty stool and quickly takes a seat. A tired sigh escapes him as a fling of his wrist beckons the bartender over to hear his drink choice. After a quick flash of his identification, the bartender nods and starts a tab under his name.

Pinching the glass with his fingertips, Dean sluggishly gazes at the neon dance floor. The heated bodies humping one another, careless of the consequences the morning will bring. Sharp gazes float around, yet a set of catty eyes land on his figure.

His breath hitches as the alluring presence saunters toward him with devilish, silky lips. Her pupils appear shadowed by the blanket of dimmed lights. Her luscious, shining hair flows behind her as she approaches his side.

Dean gazes upward as his words fall short in her stunning presence.

Suddenly, a second crystal-like glass slides between them, adding to their unexpected tension. Her eyes practically light up as she grabs his drink before placing it against her plump lips. The liquid moves through her as his eyes lie still on her, watching the slightest of movements. Her tongue drags against her lips as he gulps down his eagerness. The woman grins as her lips stretch to each side, as she lazily leans in close enough to inhale his rich, alluring scent.

"Do you wanna dance?" Her honeyed voice reaches his ears.

His eager nod pleases her as he reaches to intertwine their fingers to lead them to the vast dance floor. A sultry tune swims through the club as the two face each other. Their bodies smash against one another as he reaches to pull her harshly by her clothed hips.

The rhythm flows naturally as she grinds passionately, making the fact that they are practically strangers fly from their lusty minds. He spins her around quickly as her breath hitches at their proximity. The heat of the moment draws them to close the gap as she flutters her wispy eyelashes, inviting him in. Her eyes dart fastly, asking the suddenly timid man for permission.

His quick nod allows her to place her lips on his own, allowing the electrifying connection to flow through them. The soft tangle grips them both until a close shout draws them away from the short embrace.

"Ya, Nari! Du-yeong's party is starting, let's go," five young drunken ladies stumble upon the scene, beckoning her away.

A dissatisfied sigh slips from her lips before she faces him for the last time, "It looks like I have somewhere to be. I had fun."

He nods his head, dripping with disappointment as she slips through his fingertips.

As she fades through the closing crowd, his pupils widen as Dean realizes he never caught her name.

THE PLUSH headphones sit atop the busy man's head as his angelic voice flies through the recording room. Dean has been recording vocals over the melodic tracks all morning and hadn't planned to stop. Alas, he didn't account for his troubling thoughts distracting him.

The separation still leans heavily upon his mind as he tries his best to give his all to the melody. A long sigh is released from his chest as he finally sets himself in his chair. He lifts his cell phone into view to check any silent notifications he may have received whilst he was focusing on his music.

Dean found a few missed calls from Won-Shik. A tired sigh flies from him as he guesses his intentions behind the call. Knowing the man, he's probably reaching out to get him away from his home for a few hours. Or perhaps the entire night, as Won-Shik has a hard time considering everyone's liquor and social limits.

However, a differing opinion crosses Dean's mind.

There is a difference between the night three days ago and his friend's failed attempts to make him forget the great heartbreak.

That woman.

At the mere mention of her, Dean folds his lip as his heart thumps. The short moment between him and the anonymous woman was electrifying. It almost stings that he doesn't have a name to pin to the glamorous face. And those lips... so soft and sweet.

He quickly shakes his head, hoping the thoughts will dissipate as he decides to return Won-Shik's missed calls.

"Hey," Dean monotonously answers the call before being cut off by an energetic tone.

"Ya! Where have you been? I called like three times!"

"Chill. I was recording, I had my phone on silent." He calmly explains as he leans his phone away from his ear to escape his ringing voice, "What's going on?"

"Alright, so, you know Hye-Jin, right?"

"The girl you broke up with two weeks ago?" Dean checks his facts.

"Yeah," Wonshik chuckles at the poor reason he had given her, "Anyways, she contacted me and said she's back in town. She said she wanted to hang out. I asked if we're bringing friends, and she said we could make it a group thing. So, how about it? Same club as last week?"

Dean pauses as the obvious decision is no, yet his mind wanders back to the flirtatious woman.

"Hello? You still there?" Won-shik checks that his friend hasn't clicked off the call.

"Yeah, I'm here. You know what, I'll go," Dean agrees to the plans with a hidden motive.

"Oh shit! You serious?" Won-Shik jumps at the unexpected answer, "Ya, I thought I was going to have to drag you out again."

Dean gives an empty chuckle, "Yeah, not this time."

"Alright, be ready in about twenty. We bout to hop in the car, peace."

"Alright, hyung. Bye," Dean pushes the red button to end the call. He heavily sighs as determination fills his senses. He shuts his laptop and unplugs various cords before beginning to get ready for a hopefully lively night.

Fishing through his closet, Dean settles on a short-sleeved black shirt. Matching black slacks cover his legs as he searches for a stylish belt. Glancing at his appearance in the elongated mirror, Dean decides to unbutton a few white buttons on his top for a sexy flair. Dean reaches for a few silver rings and his flashy diamond studs to accentuate the outfit. He turns to his bathroom to fix his black locks into place.

Coincidentally, Dean's phone gives an alerting buzz to Won-Shik's arrival. He quickly hypes himself up before grabbing his necessities and slipping his feet into his suede shoes. He flees down the picturesque staircase to meet the party men outside.

"Wow," Won-Shik humorously drags before taking a hit of his dirty cigarette. "You look nice."

Dean rolls his eyes at the joking man before taking a seat in the back.

As the men enter the busy roads, Won-Shik shifts in his seat to face Dean with a goofy expression. "Who's the getup for?"

"Mind your business," Dean deflects Won-Shik's question, trying to remain playful.

"Oh my bad," Won-Shik holds his hands in the air and releases a haughty laugh. "This prick already found somebody!"

The rest of his friends pipe in with boisterous laughter, riding on Won-Shik's accusations.

"Ya, is that true?" The men bombard him with questions.

"No, no, it's not," Dean tries to shut their questions down, but Won-Shik continues to pester the quiet man. Dean's secrecy isn't a secret among the group, as he prefers to keep his business to himself. They all respected him to a degree, yet it seems that Won-Shik can't bring himself to lighten up.

"Ya, it took you months to let us know about the last one. How can we believe you now?" Won-Shik chuckles as the radio blasts loudly with the carrying air from the open windows.

"I only did that because I wanted to make sure it was perfect, but that doesn't matter anymore. I don't have someone new. And besides, it's too early," he reasons as he fidgets with his hands. The reason speaks to the truth, so why does his brain constantly run the image of the woman without a name? "Anyways, look, we're here," Dean tries to shift Won-Shik's focus, which he easily succeeds in.

Won-Shik quickly turns his attention to the blasting club and hurries everyone toward the busy entrance. Yet again, with the sheer mention of a famous name, they're let in ahead of the lengthy line.

The group moves through the crowd of bodies and upward to their section, where the women lie waiting for their arrival. Won-Shik greets the girls with high spirits, waiting for someone to pass him a glass full of alcohol. The rest of the men follow his lead, each of them taking a girl's side as Dean sticks to the railing with his own agenda.

As the lasers beam loudly, Dean has begun to lose his sense of time. His eyes raid the crowd searching for a glimpse of familiarity.

However, it never arrives.

He turns back to his friends, trying to secure a woman to accompany them for the unplanned night. His sigh goes unheard by the booming music, as he wonders if they ever grow tired of the routine. Dean decides he has had enough for the night and turns to flee downward toward the exit. He plans to text the others later about his early departure because if he turns to notify them, he'll be stuck for the rest of the night.

The doors squeak open as he stumbles from the entrance into the contrasting nippy midnight air. Leaning off towards the side of the building, Dean reaches into his pockets, fetching a cigarette. He knows he shouldn't be lighting the substance, but he continues to light a fire.

Another group of partygoers passes him, although his ears land on a single, distinctive voice. Dean's head snaps in the woman's direction, hoping he's correct.

Fortunately, there she is.

A deep, purple dress clings to her figure as she struts happily. The dress's slit landing on her lower body hypnotizes Dean. Her face is beautifully painted with colors to match her outfit for the night.

As Dean continues to let the woman pass as he relentlessly gazes, it seems she notices his stare.

Her tongue swipes her lips as she tilts her head, recognizing the man from one of her previous visits to the club. She slowly smiles as she closes the distance that lies between them.

"Well, well, well," she greets the stunned man as she gently takes the cigarette and places it on her lips. "Looking for me?"

He quickly gulps down his nerves, "Maybe." She giggles, handing him back the cigarette covered in mocha lip gloss.

"Well, then, a maybe for me too," She admits as he doesn't catch on.

"What do you mean?" Dean calms himself as he almost trips on his words.

"Maybe, I've been looking for you as well," she spells it out for him. "My friends can't leave this place alone, and they've been dragging me along. You would think my recent breakup would tell them to leave me in my pajamas with a tub of ice cream. But they never seem to catch the hint."

Dean's head tilts as her story is relatable, "It seems we've been living the same lives. Another party and another invitation, but I'd rather be at home."

She surprisingly meets his eyes as she didn't expect an answer from him. Yet, her head quickly turns to her impatient friends. "It seems our time is cut short once again," she kindly smiles as she begins to step away.

Dean grits his teeth as his hand reaches for her waist. He roughly pulls her back in as he gazes at her with sudden confidence, "If you're going to go, I might as well get your number this time. You know, so we can continue this conversation."

She giggles at the request; nonetheless, she proceeds to type her number into the eager man's phone. "Call me whenever," she moves to speak his name, but realizes they had never exchanged names.

"It's Dean," he chuckles.

"Nari."

Dean gives a small grin as her friends grow louder. "Well, Dean, I do have to go, but use my number," Nari leaves a touch of her lipstick shade on his cheek.

Dean bites his cheek as he watches Nari fade away into the nightclub, yet his heart glows at the promise of something more.

HER LOUD heels resound throughout the room as he silently trails behind her, begging her to converse. He had promised to hold himself back, as it was the only way she would come to retrieve the last cardboard box stuffed with her personal belongings.

Alas, it seems he isn't capable.

"So... How are you doing these days?" He gulps as his composure begins to unravel. His teeth grind as she ignores his small talk and continues to check for her belongings in the box.

How can she ignore the attachment that existed between the two of them? To pass one another as if nothing occurred.

"How about that bastard?" Dean spits the question at her as his upper lip lifts in writhing disgust, "Are you satisfied?" It seems he hit a sore spot as she releases a low scoff as he asks about the man who has taken his place.

His heartbeat begins to thump loudly as she grabs the box off the table and heads for his door.

"How's he? Still annoying?" Dean huffs as the woman finally faces him. His eyebrows tremble at the disdainful gaze she holds.

"You have no right to ask me that."

A gasp coated in hurt is released as her words dig at his heart, "No-No right? After you walked out on me!?"

Her tongue pushes against her cheek as she remains unaffected by his tantrum, "Act like a man."

"Why does your voice sound unaffected?" He stares at her glaring eyes.

"Maybe because I am." Her dry tone exits the apartment and slams the door.

The silence swarms his senses as her footsteps no longer linger in the outer hall. His feet stutter as he reaches for the door handle, wishing he could chase her down and make her realize that they never should have parted. He clenches his wobbling lip as the hot tears trickle down his flushed cheeks.

His body slowly descends to the wooden floor, defeated by the last words she left him with. There is no willingness to lie in the duvet that covers his bed, only succumbing to the icy feeling of the wooden floorboards as his body balls up.

Time fades as her words ring loudly with his social media blinding his mind. Anything to distract himself, but truthfully, he is beginning to grow bored with his cellular device.

Dean rolls over, placing his back on the floor, mindlessly staring at the bland ceiling above. However, his body gives up as his mind consumes him. Feeling the hateful words linger in his heart, he tries to breathe steadily.

However, it leads to another thought, the thought of Nari. He shouldn't be thinking of her. It is illogical, especially when he doesn't even know who she truly is.

No matter what, Dean's mind always finds a way to whisper thoughts of the provocative woman. Her unique eyes stamp on his thoughts as he tries to conjure a distraction. The emotional ache lifts as his body unintentionally reaches for his phone. As if he has no control over his limbs, he scrolls to her contact, his thumb hovering over the neon call button.

Dean's mind fights to debate his next move, but he knows what his heart yearns for.

A distraction.

There will be no way of telling if she will agree to it unless he reaches out.

The haunting ringing fills the empty residence as he anxiously anticipates her voice.

"Hello?"

Nari's sudden voice startles the man out of his negative thoughts. "Hello, Dean? Is that you?"

"Uh, yeah. Sorry, I didn't think you would answer," he nervously laughs it off.

"Well, I'm full of surprises. What's up?"

"Are you busy? I could use some company if you don't mind coming over," the stammering cracks in his voice speak to the quick beating of his heart. Will she consider it? Is it too early for him to ask, especially pertaining to the state his ex left him in?

"Sure."

"Wait, you will?"

"It seems like you want me there kinda badly, right?"

"Maybe," he shrugs his true feelings to the side as his voice picks up.

"Well, I'm free, so why not? Just send me the address so I know where I'm going," her tiny giggle carries through the phone, making his heart slowly feel at ease.

"Can't have you lost, can I? I'll send it, get here quickly, hmm?" Dean plays along with her silly comments.

"I'll be there, bye now," she clicks the red button, leaving the man with a growing smile as he lifts himself from the cold floor below him. A huge sigh flies from Dean as he finds hope in ending tonight on a good note, a way to forget the treacherous events.

His eyes dart at the messy surroundings as an idea springs to life. Dean decides to make the place a little more welcoming for the lady who shall be arriving.

As he set things into their rightful places, he decided to try to impress her with a small outfit change. A slightly baggy black tee halfway tucked into navy blue slacks. One petite gold chain hangs around his ivory neck with his jet-black hair somewhat slicked back.

The expected knock at Dean's door distracts him from checking his appearance in his small bathroom mirror. He hustles to the door, attempting to prepare himself to greet her for minimal awkwardness.

The open door reveals a grey bodycon dress adorned with a lacy hem and bustline. Light silvery tones in her makeup complement the rather simple outfit. Nari greets him with mesmeric eyes and a pleasant smile as she reveals the wine bottle in her manicured hands, "You called?"

"I did," he opens the door wider, allowing her to step in. "I see you brought a gift?"

"Yes, I do, I thought it was a perfect occasion for a bottle of Pinot," she smiles widely as he takes the bottle off her hands, placing it on the counter. They quickly arrive at small talk as Dean takes two tall glasses from the cupboard.

"So, how have you been since the last club I saw you at?" The wine trickles into each gleaming glass as Dean keeps the conversation natural.

"Working and partying, I never say no to a little fun," she winks as she picks her glass from the counter, as Dean leads them to the couch. Dean tucks himself into a plushy corner as she settles down before swinging her legs to rest on the sofa.

They sip on the alcohol quietly before Nari sets her glass on the low table before them and sets her eyes on the nervous man before her. The wine loosens her self-restraints as she leans closer, letting their body heat mingle. "Do you want to tell me the real reason you called me?"

Dean's eyes fluttered onto her relaxed pupils before forcing out an awkward fit of laughter, "Do you really want to know?"

"Yes, but you don't have to talk, we can just sit together," she says, rubbing his exposed arms.

He sucks a quick breath in before revealing what happened. "My, um, ex-girlfriend came over today. Said some things that got under my skin, and I couldn't stop thinking of you. Then I called, and here we are."

Nari's eyes fall to the wooden floorboards, making Dean instantly regret opening up. "I-I didn't mean to make you feel like that. Like a distraction."

"But it's what I am," she meekly smiles. "But I'm not mad at you, I understand."

Dean's eyes dart over to her at the unexpected confession, "You're not?"

"No, I'm not. Remember when I mentioned my breakup? I might need it too," she glances at him with smiling eyes.

Dean's tongue swipes at his lips, looking at the hungry look in Nari's eyes. Nari shifts slowly, placing her body atop Dean's. Settling her hips above his lap, letting her hands wander. Her manicured hands drag through his slick hair and flush cheeks. Nari's glossy lips hover above his nude pair before she drops to his bare neck.

"Let me take care of you."

THE DAYS have faded into one another as they've spent endless moments in one another's company. The endless pleasure felt intoxicating. However, the sexual tension has led to another component: comfort.

Slowly, they have started to lose the agreement of having no feelings involved. Whether they have admitted to such thoughts aloud doesn't erase the fact that current moments like this seep into their hearts.

As the hours have passed since their bodies joined, the two begin to enjoy the television show in front of them. The comforter lay softly on their naked bodies as her head rests on his chest while stroking his stomach with her acrylic nails. Her wall lights contrast with the television screen, creating a pleasing atmosphere. Pleasant until the loud ring of Dean's telephone destroys the calm.

His hand grips his phone to glance at the caller's name. He suddenly jumps up, answering the call with a nervous tone. Nari's eyebrows knot as she picks up on the female voice belonging to the caller.

"Yeah, sure, I'm not busy. I can come right now, don't worry," Dean rises with no care as Nari's head flops on the bed loudly, and he rushes out.

She confusedly whips around as he hurriedly collects his belongings. "Who was it?" Nari questions the strange call.

Dean pauses as he gulps loudly, avoiding her question. "It's nothing, I have to go," he pulls his shirt on before heading for her bedroom door.

"It was your ex, wasn't it?"

Dean's hand rests on the doorknob as he pauses, knowing his silence confirms her suspicion.

Nari's laugh drifts into the air as her hand pushes her hair to the side out of exasperation. "I thought she slammed a door in your face? On top of that, didn't she ignore you for weeks? You're leaving for that?"

He loudly sighs, turning to loosely reassure her, "I'm not ending anything we have going on, I'm just going to talk to her. I don't even know why you're this worried about it. We aren't even together."

His statement makes her heart sting, as she loses her words momentarily. "Yeah, I'm not your girlfriend, but I can fuck you and spend time with you like I am yours," Nari's voice trembles as a lone tear escapes her.

"You're being ridiculous! You said we should do this! Not me, you!" Dean blames her for the guilt suddenly surging through his body.

Her head lifts, facing him with quivering lips, "Yeah, you're right, I did start this. Yup, you're right, I don't know why I'm overreacting. I hope you realize she's wasting your time. Bye." Nari climbs to the top of her bed, reorganizing her pillows as she lies down, readjusting the sound to drown him out. A few tears slip down her face as she tries to calm her quickening heartbeats.

"I'll call you later, I mean it," he turns to leave her space. Dean's mind begins to race as he becomes torn between Nari and his former love. One offered him comfort yet ended with an agonizing separation. The other gives him astounding pleasure and hope of a blossoming relationship. However, the thought of amending the past pulled him away from Nari. Though he hopes she'll forgive him.

SHE GAZES in the mirror at her seductive appearance. The satin, beaded sangria-colored dress drapes Nari's figure as the black heels cling to her feet. Delicate crystals adorn her ears as she slides a few rings and bracelets to complete her look.

She shoots a text to her friends signaling that she's on her way before grabbing her purse. Nari walks around her apartment doing a quick check before she's startled.

Her head whips around as her bag escapes her hand, and she is spooked at the sudden knock on her door. "For fuck's sake," she mutters with a scowl, snatching her bag and placing it on the nearby marble counter. She grabs the doorknob to find the source of the scare she was treated to.

Her eyes grow cold as her gaze sharpens, her mood sours instantly at the sight of his face. "What are you doing here?"

Dean faces the unhappy woman, feeling all his previous courage vanish at the sight of her rigid posture. "I-I want to talk. You won't answer my calls, so I thought I should come see you," he clears his throat, trying to rid the anxiety from his voice.

Hearing her scoff, his eyes find her eyes rolling unimpressed at the gesture, "How sweet." Yet, Dean can tell she didn't mean it. He can tell she wants to see him walk away so she can enjoy her night. Seeing her attire, Dean can only imagine the events she and her friends have planned for the young night.

However, he doesn't care.

Dean doesn't want her to leave to be around other men looking as radiant as she does. He wants to grovel and earn her forgiveness; this is his chance.

Dean watches as Nari completely ignores his stare and grabs her keys and mini black purse. She heads straight toward him, so he backs away from the door and watches her lock up. He begins to gather his words, but she moves past him, heading for the elevators.

"Please! Nari, hear me out at least. Then you can walk away, and I won't bother you ever again," he desperately calls out to her.

He watches as hope returns to him as she turns around with heaving shoulders, muttering a single word, "Speak."

"When I left, I went to go meet her, and we talked. And I slowly realized that she only wanted me back because," Dean stumbles as he sees her beginning to lose in the conversation. "But that's beside the point. I came back because I want you to know how much I regret what I did, how I regret leaving you like that. I shouldn't have, I was stupid."

He pauses as the hot tears cascade down his flushed face, "I betrayed your trust, and I disrespected you. You stuck by me, knowing it was risky... you loved me. And I... love you."

Nari stares at him with quivering pupils, "Do you know how awful that felt? Watching you run to her without a second thought? You know the night you called me and asked me to come over when she came over? My ex called me right after and asked me to go to him. And I said no because I knew you were waiting for me."

Dean's jaw drops as he feels far guiltier than before. He cautiously walks toward her, watching the first tear roll down her perfectly painted face. Dean's hands softly grasp her chilly arms as she trembles. "You don't know how much that shit hurt when you couldn't do the same for me."

"I-I didn't know that," he meekly responds as she rolls her eyes.

"That was the fucking point... because I thought I found something better," Nari softly speaks, taking a short breath.

"But I can still be that! I can be that, just take me back and I can be that for you," he says, gripping her a little harsher as he grows more desperate.

Her head droops as she takes a moment. Everything between them was great before he slipped up. But there is the aching feeling of him perhaps breaking her trust again. But somehow it seems worth it.

"You better be glad you're so cute," she sniffles as she offers him a small smile, stepping fully into his arms.

Dean's heartbeat fastens as he cups her chin, "You won't regret this."

"I better not," Nari breathlessly mutters, her breath hitching as she leans in, her lips capturing his.