Laughter mixed with music while some boys with Adrian gathered around pool tables and some couples danced under the colorful lights or the rest of them chatted in small circles.
Lucas was now talking comfortably with a few students. The awkward atmosphere from earlier had disappeared after Ryan stepped in.
Jack nudged Ryan with his elbow.
"You know... I think everyone's mood is lit up."
Ryan nodded with a faint smile.
"That's great for him to make Allies or friends that will help him in future."
Just then Ryan's phone started vibrating.
Bzzz…
He takes out phone to check who is calling him at this time.
ID 'Mom' shows on the phone screen.
A smile unconsciously appeared on his face.
Jack noticed immediately.
"Oho...That smile. Who is calling?"
Ryan rolled his eyes.
"It's my mom."
Jack laughed.
"I wasn't thinking anything weird."
Ryan shook his head helplessly.
"I'll be back."
Jack waved him away.
"Go. Mothers always have the highest priority."
Ryan walked out of the private room and into the quiet place. The loud music became distant as he came into the lobby.
Ryan answered the call.
"Hi, Mom."
A warm voice immediately came from the other side.
"Ryan. Are you still at the party?"
"Yeah," His voice naturally became softer he continued, "We're just hanging out."
His mother sounded relieved.
"Oh you scarce me, I thought you were working late at your father's office. But don't stay out too late. You have classes tomorrow."
Ryan smiled.
"I know. Mom, I will be home by 1:00."
There was a brief silence before she asked another question.
"Did you eat dinner? Or you eat at home?"
Ryan chuckled.
"Mom... it's embracing."
"Okay," She laughed gently.
"But you'll always be my son."
Ryan's heart warmed.
"I already ate."
Ryan looked down at himself before laughing.
"See you later, Mom."
"Good night, Ryan."
The call ended and he put the phone back inside his pocket.
He felt a warmth of his mother's love that he really missed. He can't express his feelings that are new for him but he started accepting them as real parents.
A peaceful smile remained on his face.
In his previous life where nobody had ever asked him simply whether he had eaten or not expected only one person to be grandma ( Incharge of orphanage.)
He quietly slipped his phone back into his pocket.
'Having a family...It really feels nice.' he thought.
He turned around to head back inside.
At that exact moment—
Thump!
Someone rushed through the doorway from the opposite direction.
The young woman lost her balance as her heel slipped slightly on the polished floor.
Without thinking further Ryan reached out grab her one of hand and pulled towards himself, while placing his other hand around her waist caught before she could fall.
They were so close to each other that they could hear each other's heartbeat and mix two perfume scents into their breath.
For a brief moment neither of them moved.
They look at each other's eyes with focus.
Her long black hair brushed shoulder.
Cold yet elegant eyes and a delicate fragrance drifted through the air.
Sophia Laurent.
Ryan quickly realized what had happened now.
Ryan immediately released his hand and took a respectful step back.
"I'm really sorry, because to me you're about to get injured. It's all my fault for not paying attention."
Sophia gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear then composed her calm and elegant personality.
Her expression remained calm.
"No...It's not entirely your fault either, mine too."
She looked at Ryan for a second.
Then she spoke softly.
"Thank you for saving me."
Ryan smiled politely.
"It happens."
For a few seconds...
Neither of them spoke.
Ryan noticed that up close, Sophia didn't carry the cold arrogance many students described.
Instead...
She looked surprisingly composed.
Almost lonely.
Finally, Sophia broke the silence.
"Thank you."
Ryan smiled politely.
"You're welcome."
Before either of them could continue—
Another cheerful voice interrupted.
"There you are!"
Emily walked out of the another private room, she was carrying a small handbag.
"How could you come out before party begins." She said to Sophia.
When she noticed Ryan standing beside Sophia, a playful smile immediately appeared on her face.
"Are you Ryan right?"
"So you actually came to the party."
Ryan nodded.
"My friends invited me."
Emily glanced through the glass doors into the lounge.
"Oh?"
"Which friends?"
Ryan pointed toward the crowd inside the next private room beside their room.
"Jack and Lucas."
Emily followed his finger before smiling.
"I see, you are next to our private room."
Ryan looked at both girls and said with a smile.
"If you have time…Would you like to join us?"
Emily looked at Sophia.
Sophia thought quietly for a second before gently shaking her head.
"I'm sorry, we're actually about leaving."
Emily sighed dramatically.
"We only came to greet a few people. And now Sophia wants to go home."
Sophia gave her a helpless look.
Emily simply laughed.
Ryan didn't insist.
"No problem, there'll be more opportunities in the future after all we are in the same university."
Sophia gave a small nod.
"...Perhaps."
Only one word came from her mouth, but somehow...It sounded less distant than before.
Emily waved her hand happily.
"See you around, Ryan."
"Good night."
Ryan smiled.
"Good night."
The two girls walked toward the parking area.
As they left...
Emily leaned closer to Sophia and whispered something into her ear.
Sophia glanced at her before lightly shaking her head, though the corners of her lips seemed to lift ever so slightly.
Ryan watched them disappear into the night before turning back toward Aurora Lounge.
He never noticed...
Just before getting into the waiting car...
Sophia paused.
For a brief second...
She looked back.
Her eyes found Ryan standing beneath the warm lights of the lounge entrance.
She watched him for only a moment before she entered the car without saying a word and the closed car's door.
The luxury car model GTT-888 start smoothly and car disappearing into the city lights.
Inside the car Sophia rested her chin against the window.
For reasons she couldn't quite explain...
The image of the polite young man catching her before she fell lingered in her thoughts.