The last plate was cleared.
And just like that...
The banquet hall shifted.
Not physically.
But the air?
Completely different.
Gone was the warmth, the laughter, the soft clinking of utensils.
What replaced it...
Was heavy.
Serious.
Annoyingly serious.
Everyone's expressions tightened, backs straightening, eyes sharpening like they were about to sign a treaty that could end nations.
…Except me.
Naturally.
I pushed my chair back slowly.
Carefully.
Quietly.
One step.
Two...
"Eunji."
I froze mid-sneak.
"…Yes?" I turned, already knowing I got caught.
Keiji didn't even look surprised. Just disappointed.
"Where do you think you're going?"
"…Away?"
His stare sharpened.
"Try again."
I sighed, scratching my cheek.
"Uhmm… am I needed here?"
Silence.
Then...
"What do you think?" Keiji repeated, slower this time.
…Right.
Of course.
Because I'm apparently important now.
Which is still a concept I'm not emotionally prepared for.
