Chapter: Strangers in Suits, Secrets in Shadows
The gala sparkled like a dream made of money and expectations.
Tim, already scanning the room for fun, made a beeline for the wine counter.
"Red. Full-bodied," he told the bartender with a grin.
As the glass slid toward him, Tim's eyes caught on someone nearby — tall, well-dressed, with dark, quiet eyes and a face that didn't need to speak to be noticed.
Perfect.
He leaned casually closer. "Hey there. What's your name?"
The man didn't glance his way. "Yanan," he replied, voice low and sharp.
"Yanan?" Tim blinked. "Wow. Sounds too similar to someone we're trying to find. Coincidence?"
Yanan turned slowly, gaze cool. "I don't know what you're talking about."
Tim smirked. "I asked if you knew anyone named Yan."
"No."
One-word answers. Not a single blink.
Tim gave an exaggerated sigh. "Okay, Mr. Attitude. You're handsome but definitely not my type."
Yanan raised an eyebrow, picked up his glass, and walked away without another word.
Tim blinked. "What the hell… What an actual jerk."
---
The Boys Arrive
East appeared beside him, adjusting his blazer like he'd just aged ten years.
"You're already causing drama?"
Tim raised his glass. "Not me. Rude hot guy."
William strolled up and laughed. "That's your karma for flirting too fast."
Jun arrived last, distracted and unusually quiet.
"He dumped you on sight, didn't he?" William teased.
"Pfft," Tim scoffed. "He wasn't even that hot. I feel like vomiting."
Jun didn't respond.
He was staring across the room, into the crowd… eyes locked on a familiar silhouette.
A chill ran down his spine.
That face. That walk. That aura.
Was it… Yan?
Jun didn't wait. He slipped away from the group, weaving through strangers, eyes chasing shadows. He reached the corner where he thought he saw the man—
No one.
He stood there, silent. Heart racing.
Was it him? Or is my mind playing tricks again?
But as he turned back toward the party—
A man stepped into his path.
Black suit. Same face Tim flirted with.
Yanan.
"You're Jun, right?" the man said calmly.
Jun stopped cold. "…Do I know you?"
"Not yet," Yanan said. "But I think… we've met in the future."
Jun's breath caught. "What do you mean?"
But Yanan didn't explain. He gave a small nod… and disappeared into the crowd.
---
Outside the Hotel
East stood by the entrance, annoyed, scrolling his phone.
He looked up just as Jun emerged from the side hallway.
"Where the hell did you go?"
Jun looked startled. "Just needed air."
"You always do this. Wandering off. No warning. Do you know how many excuses I've had to make tonight?"
Jun sighed. "Sorry… Let's go back."
---
The Party Continues
Inside, the music pulsed. Glasses clinked. The night blurred.
Jun met his father, smiled for photos, greeted board members — all mechanical.
Later, the four friends found their corner again, laughter louder now.
They drank more. Tim flirted shamelessly — with boys and girls.
William leaned on East's shoulder.
Jun, glass in hand, said little. He was still thinking of him.
The Ride Back
Their car cut through Bangkok's night like a shadow.
One by one, the boys were dropped off.
Jun collapsed into bed.
Tim mumbled something about "hot jerks" and passed out.
William and East vanished into their flat like usual.
East's Discovery
East kicked off his shoes, barely awake. He fell into bed and checked his phone—
1 New Email.
He tapped.
Subject: YAN– FULL BACKGROUND REPORT
Photos. Police files. Hospital records. Surveillance screenshots.
His eyes widened.
He scrolled down.
Status: Missing – Presumed Dead
Then suddenly… t
he screen flashed.
For a split second — Yan's face appeared.
East sat up, stone cold sober.
"What the hell…?"
Then, the screen turned black.
Chapter end !