Just then someone handed us masks. "It's so mysterious yet elegant," I whispered to Lexi, who nodded.

"Care to dance?" Lexi asked with a playful grin, extending her hand to me.

"Why not?" I replied, taking her hand. We made our way to the dance floor, joining the other guests who were already swaying to the music.

The atmosphere was electric, filled with laughter and joy. Jay Park's presence had not only captivated the room but also set the tone for an evening of fun and connection. His magnetic charm and genuine warmth were infectious, making everyone feel included and appreciated.

As we danced, I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the beauty of the moment. The chandelier above cast a shimmering glow, the music was enchanting, and the company was delightful. It was one of those rare nights where everything felt perfect, and I was grateful to be a part of it.

Jay Park himself soon joined the dance floor, mingling with guests and dancing with a natural ease that endeared him even more to everyone present. His humility and approachable demeanour made him the heart of the evening, a true embodiment of grace and charisma.

"You're quite the dancer," Lexi said with a smile, twirling gracefully.

"Thank you, but I think you're giving me too much credit," I laughed.

As I swirled into the dance, changing partners, I locked eyes with a man whose gaze seemed oddly familiar. "Why are you staring so deep into my soul?" the man asked.

"I'm sorry, but your eyes are so gorgeous. Have we met before?" I asked, letting my intrusive thoughts win.

"Maybe, or maybe not," he simply replied.

"You seem familiar," I said.

"Is that your way of flirting?" he asked with a smirk.

"What? No," I said, embarrassed. I couldn't help but smell his cologne. White lotus and timber—it was intoxicating. This man, tall and muscular, with a deep voice, was intriguing. Just as the song was about to end, I remembered where I saw him: at the café. It was him, those eyes.

"Hey, stop, stop!" I called out, running after him, but he didn't hear me as he was on a call. Lexi and the other guests looked at me as if I was a lunatic.

As I was running, the lights suddenly went out, plunging the room into complete darkness. Startled, I lost my balance and slipped, inadvertently grabbing onto someone as I fell. We both tumbled to the floor with a thud.

"Ouch," the person called out in surprise.

"I'm so sorry!" I apologized, still disoriented in the dark.

"Are you okay? Can you walk?" the man asked, his voice deep and concerned.

"I think I sprained my leg," I admitted, wincing as I tried to move. The pain shot through my ankle, causing me to let out a small whimper.

"Let me do the honours," he said, not waiting for my response. Before I could protest, he scooped me up in his arms with surprising ease. His strength was comforting, but there was something else—something familiar about him. As he held me, the scent of white lotus and timber filled the air again, triggering a memory I couldn't quite place.

"Who are you? Where are you taking me?" I asked, trying to peer through the darkness, though I could barely see a thing.

"Why do you ask so many questions? Chill. I'm not kidnapping you," he replied with a chuckle. His tone was light, almost teasing, but it did little to ease my curiosity.

I could feel his warmth through his clothes, and the steady rhythm of his breathing as he carried me. Each step he took was careful and deliberate as if he had navigated these darkened halls a thousand times. The silence around us was broken only by the distant murmurs of concerned guests and the occasional flicker of a flashlight.

As we moved, the scent of his cologne seemed to grow stronger, wrapping around me like a comforting embrace. It was the same scent from earlier, the one that had intrigued me on the dance floor. My mind raced, trying to piece together where I had encountered it before. The familiarity of it gnawed at the edges of my memory, just out of reach.

Finally, we came to a stop, and I could hear him fumbling with something—a door, perhaps? The cool air of a quieter, more secluded room greeted us as he gently set me down on what felt like a plush couch.

"Stay here," he said softly. "I'll find some ice for your leg."

Before I could respond, he was gone, leaving me in the darkness with my thoughts. His scent still lingered in the air, teasing me with its familiarity. Who was he? And why did he seem to know exactly where to take me in this maze of darkness?

"Sian, Sian!" I could hear Lexi's voice echoing around me.

 "I'm here!" I called out, my voice shaky. Moments later, Lexi switched on the lights, followed closely by Jay Park.

"What happened? Is your leg better?" Jay Park asked, concern evident in his eyes as he knelt beside me.

"What happened to her?" Lexi asked, looking confused and a bit panicked.

"How do you know I'm hurt?" I asked, still trying to piece together what was happening.

"The man who brought you here gave me these," Jay Park said, handing me a brown paper bag. Inside were a bandage, some pain relief pills, and a chocolate bar.

"Who is he?" I asked, my curiosity growing.

"Oh yeah, and this too," Jay Park added, pulling out a small note from his pocket and handing it to me.

"A note again," I muttered, my heart skipping a beat. 

"I was right; it was him," I said in disbelief, my thoughts racing.

Jay Park chuckled softly at my reaction, while Lexi stood by, looking like a lost puppy, completely unaware of what was going on.

I unfolded the note, my hands trembling slightly. As I read the words, a familiar feeling washed over me, a mix of excitement and unease. 

The note read, "We were always destined to meet, don't you think?. Take care, our paths will cross again."

The mystery man had left me another message, just like before, and the realization that he was the same person only deepened the enigma surrounding him.

"Why do you look so smitten?" Lexi asked, her eyes narrowing playfully as she noticed my dazed expression.

Before I could respond, Jay Park stepped in, still amused. "She needs some rest. You can stay here for a while. I'll ask someone to drop you both home," he offered kindly.

"No need, thank you. We'll manage," Lexi replied, her tone suddenly shy.

"It's alright, don't be shy. It's my duty," Jay Park insisted, his warm smile putting us at ease.

"But, sorry to trouble you again," Lexi said with a polite bow.

"Feel at ease," Jay Park reassured us. 

"I'll send some food over." With that, he gave us a final nod and closed the door behind him, leaving us in a quiet, comfortable space.

"Mind explaining what just happened? Where did you disappear to all of a sudden? What was that lunatic behaviour, and how did you end up wounded?" Lexi asked, her voice a mix of concern and curiosity.

"You're talking just like my mum," I replied, trying to deflect her questions with a playful smile.

"This did not answer my question, Miss Yoonjoon," she said, raising an eyebrow.

"Okay, okay, I'll tell you," I sighed, realizing I couldn't avoid it any longer. "I met him again, the mysterious guy from the coffee shop." I handed her the note, watching as her eyes widened in surprise.

"Don't you think that's weird?" she asked suddenly, her voice dropping to a whisper.

"I have no idea, girl. I have no idea who he is or why we keep crossing paths," I admitted, glancing out the window at the starlit sky, my thoughts swirling with confusion.

"Well, you know, maybe you're meant to be with him? Destiny," she said with a chuckle, trying to lighten the mood.

I couldn't help but smile at her words, though the uncertainty of the situation still lingered in my mind. "Maybe," I murmured, more to myself than to her, as I continued to stare at the stars, wondering what the universe had in store for me next.