The four friends happily cleaned up their area once they were finished, carefully making sure not to leave a single piece of rubbish behind.
Asher, naturally, inspected the area twice.
"You know," Jean said while stuffing the last wrapper into a rubbish bag, "normal people would leave one bottle behind accidentally."
"And normal people are lazy," Asher replied calmly.
Once everything was packed away, they slipped back into their hiking clothes, shoes, and backpacks before beginning the trek back toward the carpark.
By the time they returned to the Lee estate later that afternoon, everyone was exhausted in the best possible way.
The second they arrived home, the four scattered to shower and freshen up.
Not long after, they slowly regrouped in Dasom's room wearing comfortable oversized clothes and pyjamas, hair still slightly damp from their showers.
Bee immediately flopped face-first onto the carpet. "I'm never moving again."
"You said that after Finland too," Jean reminded her while sprawling dramatically across the couch.
Dasom sat cross-legged on her bed while Asher leaned comfortably against the side of it, scrolling through his phone.
Soon enough, the conversation dissolved into playful teasing.
Mostly directed at Dasom.
"So," Jean started smugly, "should we rank the candidates?"
"There are no candidates," Dasom argued immediately.
Bee snorted. "Daisy, you currently have unresolved tension with at least three men."
"That is such an exaggeration."
"As someone unbiased," Asher added calmly, "it's really not."
Dasom threw a pillow at him in betrayal.
The conversation quickly spiralled from there into reminiscing about old high school classmates, awkward teenage phases, mutual university friends, breakups, scandals, and random gossip they had all missed while studying in different countries.
"Do you remember when Jisung confessed to Bee in front of the whole cafeteria?" Jean asked through laughter.
Bee covered her face. "I BLOCKED that memory out!"
"And then he fainted," Dasom added while crying laughing.
Asher actually laughed aloud at that one.
Eventually the laughter softened into sleepy conversation as the exhaustion from the hike finally caught up to them.
One by one, the room gradually fell quiet.
Jean ended up asleep across the couch.
Bee and Asher lay side by side on the soft bedroom carpet, Bee using his arm as a pillow while he absentmindedly rubbed her shoulder even half asleep.
And Dasom drifted off peacefully in her bed nearby, sunlight filtering softly through the curtains while the quiet sounds of her closest friends filled the room around her.
----
When they eventually woke from their naps, the golden afternoon sun was beginning to settle lower in the sky.
The four friends slowly emerged from Dasom's room looking considerably more alive than they had after the hike.
"That nap saved my life," Bee declared dramatically.
"You say that after every nap," Jean replied.
"Because every nap does save my life."
With no immediate plans, they wandered outside to the estate pool area.
The water itself was a little cool for winter, so they ended up spending most of their time relaxing in the oversized hot tub overlooking the gardens.
Steam drifted lazily into the air while they soaked their tired muscles from the morning's hike.
Jean leaned back against the edge and sighed happily.
"This is the life."
"You're twenty-four and already sound retired," Dasom laughed.
"I was born retired."
Bee rolled her eyes.
The conversation eventually shifted toward the evening.
"So…" Bee began suspiciously. "What are we doing tonight?"
Nobody answered immediately.
Then Bee suddenly sat upright.
"Let's go dancing!"
Jean agreed before anyone else could even speak.
"YES."
He pointed directly at Dasom.
"Daisy missed our night out on my birthday because of the jet lag."
"I was dying," Dasom defended.
"You were sleeping."
"Same thing."
Before the argument could continue, Asher casually spoke up.
"I actually have a club set tonight."
Three heads immediately turned toward him.
"You what?" Bee asked.
"The club I DJ at called earlier. They wanted to know if I was available tonight."
Jean's eyes lit up.
"Oh we're absolutely going."
Asher shrugged.
"If you guys want to."
Dasom laughed.
"Want to? I've never actually seen you perform a proper club set before."
"Then it's settled."
The decision was unanimous.
After climbing out of the hot tub, the four headed back inside to get ready for dinner.
The estate kitchen was already alive with activity.
The smell of freshly prepared food filled the house as the staff brought dish after dish to the large dining table.
The moment they sat down, Dasom's grandparents immediately welcomed them into conversation.
"How was the hike?" Grandma Lee asked.
Bee instantly launched into an exaggerated retelling of Jean almost slipping on a wet rock.
"I did NOT almost fall."
"You absolutely did."
"You screamed."
"I was expressing concern."
"You squealed."
Dasom and Bee dissolved into laughter.
Grandpa Lee shook his head fondly.
"You four haven't changed at all."
"We'll take that as a compliment," Jean replied proudly.
"It wasn't."
The table erupted into laughter.
Dinner carried on like that for over an hour.
Stories were exchanged.
Plans were discussed.
Grandpa Lee spoke proudly about Mingyu's upcoming transition into leadership, while Grandma Lee fussed over whether everyone was eating enough vegetables.
Asher somehow ended up discussing business with Grandpa Lee.
Bee and Grandma Lee began talking fashion.
Jean charmed every member of staff who entered the room.
And Dasom simply sat there smiling.
Watching everyone.
Listening.
Feeling grateful.
For the first time since returning to Hassano, everything felt balanced again.
The chaos.
The family.
The friendships.
The future.
It all felt a little less overwhelming.
And as the conversation shifted toward what outfits they were going to wear to the club later that evening, Dasom found herself genuinely excited for the night ahead.
----
Asher wore an all-black outfit that Bee had personally styled for him, much to his delight. It subtly matched her own outfit while maintaining a distinctly masculine edge. The coordination wasn't obvious enough to look planned, but anyone paying attention could tell they belonged together.
Bee had outdone herself.
Dasom wore a fitted mini dress that accentuated her figure beautifully. It highlighted her curves without being overly revealing, striking a balance between elegant and playful. Combined with her long dark hair and silver accessories, she looked effortlessly stunning.
Meanwhile, Jean looked as though he had just stepped off a runway in Milan.
His outfit was perfectly tailored, his jewellery understated yet expensive, and his confidence somehow made everything look even better.
"Jeanie, you always impress me with how you style your hair," Bee praised while inspecting him.
Jean dramatically ran a hand through it.
"Well, thank you Bee," he replied smugly.
"So trendy, but not mainstream at all," Dasom added.
Jean pointed at her.
"See? Daisy gets it."
Bee gave everyone's outfits one final inspection before nodding in approval.
"Perfect."
The others exchanged amused glances.
Nobody argued with Bee when it came to fashion.
- - - -
At Steam Nightclub…
As expected, the walk from the car to the club was absolute chaos.
Camera flashes exploded from every direction.
Paparazzi shouted names.
Fans called out for photos.
The four friends simply ignored the commotion and allowed security to do their jobs while they headed straight for the VIP entrance.
Near the front of the line, Steam's famous promoter, Jonathan Stowe, was currently dealing with a very loud woman.
"Do you know who I am?" she demanded.
"No, babe. And it's not my problem," Jonathan replied without missing a beat. "You're not on the list."
The woman gasped.
"Listen here, Mister! I'm Stacey Goldwe—"
"Congratulations."
"What?"
"You're now banned by name."
Jonathan pointed toward the exit.
"Move along, sweetheart."
The woman looked absolutely scandalised.
"NEXT!"
Then he turned.
And immediately spotted the approaching Four Don heirs.
His entire face lit up.
"My, my, my," he exclaimed dramatically. "As I live and breathe!"
"Diva!" Bee shouted.
"Divaaaa!" Jonathan shouted back.
The flamboyant promoter hurried over, arms spread wide.
The man needed no introduction.
Everyone in Gold City knew Jonathan Stowe.
"DJ Ash!" he greeted enthusiastically. "Miss Zhang! Miss Lee! Sir Nicia! Tonight is officially saved."
Jean laughed.
"You say that every time."
"And every time I'm right."
Jonathan placed a hand over his heart.
"Hee, darling, I knew your friends would have style, but this?" He gestured dramatically toward the group. "This is offensive."
Bee giggled.
"You know I wouldn't allow them to arrive here looking tragic."
"Bless you for your service."
Jonathan's eyes drifted across the group.
He paused.
Then looked at Dasom.
Then looked again.
His eyes widened.
"Oh."
The others immediately noticed.
"Oh?" Bee repeated suspiciously.
Jonathan pointed dramatically at Dasom.
"No wonder every man in this city suddenly wants to attend tonight."
Dasom immediately groaned.
Bee burst out laughing.
Jean looked delighted.
Asher simply sighed.
Jonathan placed a hand on Dasom's shoulder.
"Sweetheart, I need you to prepare yourself."
"For what?"
He leaned in conspiratorially.
"The second you walk through those doors, somebody's son is going to lose his mind."
"Oh my God," Dasom muttered.
"He's right," Bee agreed.
"I hate all of you."
Jonathan laughed loudly before clapping his hands.
"Right! Enough standing around."
He gestured toward the entrance.
"Steam awaits."
As the group entered the club, the bass from the music immediately vibrated through the floor.
Lights danced across the ceiling.
The crowd was already packed.
And from the DJ booth upstairs, a staff member spotted Asher's arrival and excitedly waved him over.
Looks like DJ Ash was expected.
-----
Jean, Dasom, and Bee followed Asher through the maze of VIP booths toward the elevated platform beside the DJ booth.
Jonathan had not been exaggerating.
Steam was absolutely packed.
Every table was occupied, the dance floor was shoulder-to-shoulder with people. The bass reverberated through the floor and into their chests while moving lights painted the club in flashes of blue, purple, and gold.
The VIP section overlooked the entire venue.
From their table they could see almost everything.
Bee immediately grabbed Dasom's hand.
"Oh my God, this is going to be fun."
Jean was already greeting people he recognised from across the room.
"Of course you know everyone here," Dasom laughed.
"It's a gift."
"It's a disease."
Before Jean could defend himself, the music suddenly faded.
The crowd collectively groaned before a familiar voice boomed through the speakers.
"Okayyyyy!"
The audience immediately erupted.
The MC grinned. "Introducing tonight's surprise performer!"
The lights began sweeping across the venue.
"A local from Hassano Island!"
Cheers.
"The prince of the entertainment industry!"
Louder cheers.
"Hailing from one of the Four Don families…"
The anticipation grew, then the announcer practically screamed.
"DJJJJJJJJJJ ASHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
The club exploded and the crowd roared with cheers.
Bee immediately started screaming. "THAT'S MY MAN!"
Dasom nearly choked laughing.
Jean pointed dramatically at her. "Control yourself."
"I WILL NOT!"
Asher simply shook his head and laughed before standing.
For someone normally reserved, the second he stepped toward the stage there was a noticeable shift in him. A calm confidence.
He exchanged greetings with the venue staff and slipped on his headphones.
The crowd was still cheering.
Dasom leaned against the railing. "He's actually cool."
Jean looked offended. "Actually cool?"
"Okay, very cool."
"Thank you."
"You aren't Asher."
"I'll accept it on his behalf."
The lights dimmed further, then the first beat dropped and the crowd lost their minds.
Asher's opening track hit hard and the entire dance floor immediately came alive.
People jumped.
Sang.
Danced.
The energy surged through the entire venue.
Bee was practically glowing. She watched him with the same expression she'd worn since she was twelve years old. Completely smitten.
Jean noticed.
"So…" he said.
Bee didn't look away from Asher. "What?"
"You're marrying him."
"Obviously."
Dasom burst out laughing.
Across the room, Asher looked up from the booth just in time to catch Bee staring at him.
His lips curved into a small smile.
Bee immediately melted. "Oh my God."
Dasom grabbed her arm dramatically. "Girl stay with us."
"No promises."
For the next half hour the three friends danced, laughed, and watched Asher command the room.
It wasn't difficult to understand why the club kept inviting him back.
The crowd adored him.
And he was genuinely talented. Then, halfway through one of his transitions, Jean suddenly stiffened.
Dasom noticed immediately. "What?"
Jean's gaze had shifted toward the entrance of the VIP section.
"…Well."
Dasom followed his line of sight. Her stomach dropped slightly.
Entering the club were two very familiar men.
One was impossible to miss... Yixing Nicia.
And walking beside him— Oscar Sparks.
Jean slowly looked at Dasom.
Bee slowly looked at Dasom.
Dasom immediately knew exactly why they were looking at her.
"No way."
"Yes," Bee replied.
"No."
"YES."
Jean looked delighted. "Oh this night just got significantly more interesting."
The music was pumping through the venue, the crowd completely absorbed in Asher's set.
----
Then, halfway through one of Asher's transitions, Jean suddenly stiffened.
Dasom noticed immediately. "What?"
Jean's gaze had shifted toward the entrance of the VIP section.
"…Well."
Dasom followed his line of sight, her stomach dropped slightly.
Entering the club were two very familiar men.
Both were dressed surprisingly casually considering who they were.
Yixing Nicia wore a fitted black shirt with the sleeves rolled to his forearms, dark trousers, and a watch that probably cost more than most people's cars. Nothing flashy. Nothing trying too hard. Somehow that made him stand out even more.
Beside him, Oscar Sparks looked equally relaxed in a charcoal button-up and dark jeans. The more casual clothing somehow made him appear younger and more approachable than his usual secretary attire.
The moment Jonathan spotted them he nearly ascended.
"MY CORPORATE PRINCES!"
Several nearby guests turned to look.
Yixing visibly looked unimpressed by the nickname. He merely nodded once in acknowledgment.
Oscar on the other hand chuckled. "Good evening, Jonathan."
The flamboyant promoter dramatically blew air kisses at both men.
"My favourite workaholics!"
"We'll pretend you don't say that to everyone," Oscar replied.
Jonathan clutched his chest. "The disrespect."
While Jonathan continued his theatrics, Oscar's gaze wandered across the VIP section.
It didn't take him long to spot Dasom.
His expression immediately softened. Not dramatically, hust enough to be noticeable.
He offered her a small smile.
Dasom smiled back automatically.
Beside him, Yixing's attention had already found her as well.
Unlike Oscar, he didn't smile.
His eyes simply drifted over her.
Taking in her dress.
Her hair.
The fact that she was laughing moments ago.
His expression remained unreadable, but his gaze lingered a second longer than necessary before he finally looked away.
Jean noticed.
Bee noticed.
Unfortunately for Dasom, they noticed.
The pair eventually reached the VIP tables.
Jonathan was about to direct them toward their reserved section when Yixing quietly leaned over and said something.
Jonathan immediately looked toward Dasom's table then back at Yixing.
Then grinned. "Why not?" He gestured dramatically toward the group.
"You're all familiar with each other. Do as you please, Sir Nicia."
Yixing nodded once, but before acknowledging anyone else, his gaze settled on Dasom again.
"Cousin Jean."
Jean raised his drink. "Yixing."
"Bee."
"Corporate Prince," Bee greeted.
Yixing ignored that, then his eyes landed on Dasom.
There was the slightest pause.
"Daisy."
The nickname somehow sounded different coming from him.
Dasom wasn't entirely sure why. Maybe because of the way he said it. Either way, she suddenly became very interested in her drink.
Oscar thankfully broke the moment.
"I hope you don't mind us crashing your party," he joked.
Bee immediately waved away the concern.
"No, of course not!" She enthusiastically gestured toward the empty seats at their table.
"Sit!"
The table attendant appeared almost instantly.
"Can I get anyone a drink?"
"Whiskey," Yixing answered.
"Old Fashioned for me," Oscar added.
Jean ordered something equally expensive.
Bee requested a cocktail entirely based on its colour.
And Dasom ordered a simple soda.
The attendant disappeared.
For a moment there was a strange silence, not awkward.
Just… new. The group dynamic had suddenly shifted.
Bee and Jean exchanged a glance.
Oscar sat comfortably.
Yixing sat directly across from Dasom.
And neither of them seemed particularly interested in looking anywhere else.
Bee watched this unfold for approximately three seconds before deciding it was the funniest thing she'd seen all week.
She immediately kicked Jean under the table.
Jean nearly spat out his drink trying not to laugh.