It's funny how one can experience a rollercoaster of emotions within twenty-four hours, or less even. They say we should start our day right—with bright smiles on our faces and a positive outlook—and for sure, it will end well. But that isn't always the case, because a mere second can change everything.

To: Asher ♥
Hello, senior! This is Lilac of K4RMA, I got your number from Ki-Ryeong. I just want to greet you happy birthday! Enjoy your day :)

Lilac started the day full of courage. Once the text was sent, she immediately threw her phone down the bed before burying her face on her pillow and squealing. She felt so giddy! It's her first text to her long-time crush and she is actually waiting for this day—his birthday—so she has a reason to finally send him a message without being creepy.

Minutes after, she felt her phone vibrate, causing her to sit up breathlessly. She tried to regulate her heartbeat before picking up her phone, and reading his reply.

From: Asher ♥

Hey Lilac! Is this really you? Whoa... I only used to hear about you from Seom and Jade! Thank you for the well wishes. Why don't you come with them tonight? I will celebrate my birthday in a rented villa, and we'll have a new year countdown too!

"Oh my God!" she exclaimed, standing up from the bed and running towards the kitchen where Seo-mi is busy preparing breakfast.

"What are you running for? You're not a kid anymore, Lilac," the eldest immediately reprimanded as she set a plate of bacon and eggs down the table.

The girl slept over her apartment before going home to her family for the new year. She actually invited her to spend the holidays with them like usual, but recently, she realized she can't always be their guest every year. She's thankful of course, but she's starting to feel like a bother.

Besides, her parents were initially planning to fly to Seoul to spend time with her, but she's the one who told them to accompany her grandparents instead, and organize a family reunion for them. That's why the pair will only arrive in South Korea on the third.

Jada, on the other hand, has been staying with her mom since Christmas while Reiko's been with her sister—who visited from Japan—since the twenty-nineth. So she was really ready to spend the new year alone... until this invitation came.

"You didn't tell me you're invited to Asher's birthday celebration," she took her usual seat in front of the dining table.

Seo-mi sat adjacent to her with an eyebrow raised, "so you finally texted him, huh?" She then playfully poked the youngest's waist, earning a protest from her.

"Seom!" Lilac uncontrollably laughed. "Can I come? He invited me!"

"We didn't tell you because we won't stay there for long. Jade and I are just going to drop by, greet Ash and some of our friends, and give the celebrant our presents. We'll leave after an hour tops."

"Then I will stay."

Seo-mi looked at her questioningly, "will your friends be there?"

"Ki-Ryeong will, he's a friend."

She watched as a shocked expression masked the leader's face. "When did you ever start considering him as a friend? You hated him, right? Did I miss something?"

"Come on, we've been on good terms lately! He's not that bad," she smiled.

There's still a hint of suspicion on Seo-mi's face but she chose to nod in the end. "Fine, you're old enough to handle yourself. Besides, your dearest Asher will be there so you will surely avoid doing something that will embarrass yourself."

"Exactly!"

And so, she spent more than half of the day getting ready and feeling very happy. She must do everything to have a conversation with him and get closer to him! She can do that, right? She's been waiting for this for years, she must not waste any more time.

Her eyes travelled down her gift which is now laid on her bed. She knew Ash loves art and paintings in general, so she personally contacted one of his favorite painters and bought an eighteen-by-twenty-four-inch artwork from him. The transaction was easy because the painter already knew the guy, and when he found out it was for him, he especially painted a new one for his birthday.

At this point, she doesn't care if it's too much. If he ends up assuming she has feelings for him, then won't that be great? It's better to show her intentions now so she won't be friend-zoned later.

"Gosh Li, when did you even prepare that gift?," Jada laughingly asked from the driver's seat, as she glanced at her through the rearview mirror. The second eldest picked them up from her apartment using one of her mom's cars.

"Last month," she shrugged.

Seo-mi laughed from the passenger's seat, "you were already sure back then that you will be able to give one to him?"

"I can just ask either of you two to give it to him, if ever."

Jade scoffed, "but an expensive painting? That's too much! I bet you've been planning to make your move since you found out he's single again. Be honest."

"I still waited for three months, okay? You know, for the three-month rule," she reasoned out. They didn't get back together and the girl is even dating someone else now, she can slowly enter the picture.

"What if Ash still loves—"

"Jada," Seo-mi immediately cut the second eldest off. "Let her be, at least she's not the same awkward, insecure girl anymore." She then slightly turned on her seat to directly look at Lilac, "you know when to stop, right?"

The latter let out a sigh, "of course! I'm not stupid, have some faith in me. This painting is just something material that I can afford and give any of my friends. It's nothing compared to my heart that will only be completely given to someone who can pluck the stars for me."

The pair on the front seats instantly burst into fits of laughter. "God, that's cringey," Jada teased earning a playful frown from the youngest. "At least you know your worth and boundaries, but I don't know if your confidence is a blessing or a curse."

After a half-an-hour drive, they parked in front of a villa at the outskirts of Seoul, the scenic view of the Han River serving as its very own backdrop. The structure looked like something out of a Korean drama. It has a modern façade with floor-to-ceiling glass windows and dark stone walls which makes it look sophisticated. It's the perfect example of a bachelor's home. 

Did Ash really just rent this out, or is the house actually his?

Because they are already an hour late—fashionably late, as Jada repeatedly pointed out—booming music and voices are already coming from inside. The dancing lights also kept on escaping through the curtain walls, and silhouettes of people can be seen once you're in the front yard.

Her companions said the party is just a casual one, so Lilac didn't bother to be too dressy. She went with a pair of wide-legged jeans, a black body-fitting turtleneck shirt and a vintage Balenciaga leather jacket. On her feet was a pair of low-heeled Prada ankle boots.

Jada is wearing a matching light gray checkered trousers and blazer with a simple white cropped top under, while Seo-mi has a pair of dark skinny jeans on, a white button-up and a beige trench coat.

"We'll bring our gifts out before leaving later, how about you?," the second eldest asked once she stepped out the car.

"I'll just do that as well." Her gift is too eye-catching, maybe she can ask Kio to help her later.

"Okay, let's go." Jada walked first while Seo-mi went arm-in-arm with her. "Why are you outside?" They suddenly heard her say before going towards a tent set up in front of the house. Under it is a wooden table, a pair of reclining chairs and some kind of a portable fire place. Someone stood up from one of the chairs and they finally saw who it was.

"Too noisy in there," Haneul nodded towards the house.

"So you rather be alone here? You're such an introvert," Jada chuckled before hugging the guy and kissing his cheek. Haneul did the same before looking at the two who were just left watching them.

Ah... she can never understand this pair's relationship. The two oldest members of her group have been friends with Asher since debut, but she would have never imagined Jada getting closer with Haneul. 

Seo-mi once mentioned that it was after Jada's breakup with her infamous ex, when the two suddenly became close and very comfortable with each other, but they never confirm nor deny if they're dating.

"Hey," Haneul smiled at both of them, before turning to the girl in his arms. "I was with Hei-won, he had to go inside to greet some acquaintances."

"Hmm... I'll accompany you here then," Jada smiled sweetly.

Lilac and Seo-mi looked at each other and smirked, before the leader eventually decided; "we'll go inside first."

"I'll follow you both in a bit."

Li teasingly raised her eyebrow, "no, take your time."

"Shut up," the former rolled her eyes, earning chuckles from the two.

"You're here!" Yohan immediately welcomed them once they entered the house. He hugged Seo-mi before turning to her, "oh Lilac's here too, hello."

"Hi, senior," she bowed.

"Wait, where's Ash," the guy looked around, causing her to follow suit, and her jaw almost dropped seeing familiar faces in the crowd.

How can she forget? Asher also debuted as an actor! And of course he got actor friends! All of a sudden, she felt like she's watching one of her favorite Korean dramas at home. This party is so star-studded!

Okay, you need to calm down, Lilac. You expected this! You're a famous idol too, so you better act accordingly.

"Here he is," her line of thought was interrupted when Yohan spoke again. When she turned to her left, she was met with the grinning birthday boy walking towards them.

Christ, he's so gorgeous.

"Happy birthday!" Seo-mi jumped away from her co-leader and met Ash with a big hug. Once she squeezed him enough, she stepped away and messed his hair up. "And you said you're only going to have a simple party!"

The guy laughed, "it was supposed to be! But you know, Hei-won." He then caught her eyes and his smile seems to stretch even wider, "Lilac! I'm glad you came!"

She definitely felt her cheeks heat up but thanks to the darkness of the room, no one noticed. "Hi, happy birthday, senior. Thanks for inviting me..."

The hell? Where did that girly voice come from? Even Seom can't believe what she just heard, she suddenly looked creeped out.

"Believe me, some of our friends wanted to meet you for so long now!"

What about you, Ash? Don't you want to meet me?

Okay shut up, inner hoe. This isn't the time.

"Right!" Seo-mi suddenly exclaimed. "So why don't you come with us, Li? Let's go, let's go!"

•°.⏳•.°

"I've been looking for you all!" she complained before plopping down the seat in between Enzo and Kio.

When she heard that some of the '97-line are invited, she's been secretly glancing around the room for them, while Seo-mi chatted away with her friends. Asher left them ten minutes after introducing her to some of the guests to entertain others, which she understood of course. It's his party so she can't really cling onto him the whole time.

She found her friends quietly drinking out the veranda at the backyard, where the river is much closer and a boardwalk can be found only a few meters away. Their set up is similar to Haneul's at the front yard, but instead of reclining chairs, they have regular wooden chairs. 

Only Minhwan and Enzo are present (with Kio, of course) and she instantly realized that these are the ones whose families are also residing in Seoul, so it's fine for them to be here for a while and just go home later.

"The superstar is here, finally escaped your fans?," Minhwan teased and she just looked at the boy with an unimpressed face.

She reached for a can of beer and passed it to Enzo. The guy immediately understood what he had to do and opened it for her before giving it back. Kio gave her a plate of tteokbokki and some grilled meat which she happily ate. Minhwan put the box of tissues closer to her seat, knowing how messy the girl eats when she's not in front of the camera.

"Don't tell me you haven't had dinner," Enzo commented.

"I had an early one but all these introductions tired me out and made me hungry," she complained as she kept moving her hair away her face.

"Is your hair tasty?," the guy then quipped, seeing some stubborn strands inside her mouth.

"It's so windy out here!"

"You just arrived and you're already full of complaints, we had no problem earlier," Kio said, earning a glare from her.

"Here, tie your hair," Minhwan suddenly handed an elastic.

She looked curiously at her friend, "why do you have one?"

"You girls always ask for it and complain when none of us have one, why would we even bring elastics with us? The only elastic we carry are con—"

"Here you go, idiot," Enzo abruptly put a piece of meat inside the guy's mouth, almost choking him.

Lilac rolled her eyes, "I know what you're about to say, you perverted son of a—"

"Just eat."

It was Ki-Ryeong who fed her a piece of rice cake this time. Followed by another piece... and another. She slapped his hand away once her mouth is full, making the four laugh. These freaking assholes!

"So what's up?," she asked, mouth still slightly full and the side of her lips stained with the sauce. Kio pulled some sheets of tissue paper and handed it to her. "What are you all talking about here? Is there some tea?," she wiped her lips.

"Apparently, Kio forgot Hei-won has a girlfriend," Enzo shrugged.

"He was so confused when Aera greeted him earlier! You should've seen his face," Minhwan chuckled.

"Really? Even I knew about them." She remembered Jada was the one who told her back then.

Aren't they the closest? Him and Hei-won? Hei was the only one who knew about his ex, so of course he should know about his latter's relationship, too. Not only that, the couple's relationship is rather known among the idol circles.

"I told you, it's been a while since I last saw her, that's why," Ki-Ryeong reasoned out, annoyance evident in his tone.

"I'm telling you man, you've been acting weird lately, like you're not yourself. Remember when you forgot about our planned ski trip so we had to move it next week? We were planning it for months and you just..." Minhwan drawled before shaking his head. He meant to sound light-hearted but she could see the serious dismay in his eyes.

Lilac just kept on eating and let the boys talk while she attentively listens. She thought she was the only one who noticed, but of course, these boys are closer to Kio than her, they will definitely see through him as well.

Really, what's up with you, Ahn Ki-Ryeong?

"Is it the stress from work? Are you having memory loss? Bro, should you visit a therapist? Get a full-body checkup?"

The guy in question threw an empty can on Minhwan, causing the latter to laugh. "Fuck off, you're exaggerating it."

"Well, the fact that you started treating Lilac well all of a sudden, was a surprise too," Enzo added.

"Hey! I'm not that irritating!" she protested. Though she knows her friend had a point.

"You are, you're a pain in the ass," Minhwan made-face.

"You had the audacity to talk!" she rolled her eyes at the annoying idiot, and turned to Enzo. "Ki-Ryeong and I had a deal, that's why."

She decided to help her partner-in-crime once she remembered that no one knows about his situation among their friends. For real though, does anyone else—apart from her and Hei-won—even know? How can he hide his past relationship from literally everyone?!

"A deal?," Enzo crossed his arms.

"I asked for him to be my wingman. He's gonna help me get closer with Asher," she beamed.

"It's Ash! Asher Choi! Don't be ridiculous," Minhwan taunted, as usual.

"Shut up, dumbass!" she hissed before facing the guy who she is originally talking to. "That's why we're suddenly on good terms."

"And what's Kio going to get in return? You said it's a deal, he had to benefit from it too, right?"

She looked at Kio, only to see him smirking and looking like he doesn't care at all that there's a possibility of her spilling his secrets.

What? I'm helping you out here jerk! Should I just say the truth then? 'I'm helping him wake up from his stupidity and get over his ex who he cheated on.' Hmm... that would be so climactic, for sure!

"Ki-Ryeong likes someone too," she smiled. The other two all turned to the guy. She did as well, and was met by his scowl. Now you have a reaction, ha!

"You do?," Minhwan asked in disbelief.

"I'm going to be his wing woman as well. It's a win-win for us."

"You never told us," Enzo accused, looking at his friend like he's offended.

Before Kio could explain himself, she hurriedly spoke again; "I just found out by chance. Believe me guys, this one is different! Ki-Ryeong is willing to change for her so we decided not to tell anyone for now. Don't jinx it."

"Is that true?," Enzo asked.

Kio snickered and rubbed his temple, "yeah, sure." He then gazed at her with a raised eyebrow and for some reason, she instantly read his expression;

What the fuck?

Well... to be honest, this was just a spontaneous idea to save him from revealing the truth at first, but as she kept dwelling on the thought, she realized it's not that bad.

Aren't they on the same page? She's going to enter Asher's life to mend his broken heart and Kio needs someone like her in his life, too. He needs someone to be his Lilac, and she's going to help him look for one! Perfect!

She felt this day is really going so well for her. Of course, it's her man's birthday, what could possibly go wrong?