Chapter 151: Chapter 151: Afterglow Bonds

The front gate clicked shut behind them, and Mirae followed Harin up the stone steps to Seo Yura’s townhouse, the lights spilling warm onto the drive. Even from outside, the place exuded quiet confidence—a blend of design-magazine elegance and lived-in comfort. There were pots of peonies on either side of the door, a trace of jasmine and bergamot wafting on the evening air, and through the wide living room window, the glow of television flickered softly.

Harin rang the bell, but it was Min-kyung who pulled open the door before it even finished chiming, one hand already waving in the air. "Well, look who finally decided to grace us with their presence! Kwon Mirae, Seoul’s newest reality TV darling. Welcome to the jungle." She wore a floral kimono over a lilac nightgown, dark hair spilling over one shoulder, and the kind of smile that made everyone feel instantly included and slightly on edge.

Inside, the living room looked like the set of a lifestyle shoot: low couches, designer throw blankets, hints of Yura’s brand everywhere—from the elegant candle collection to the perfectly fluffed pillows. Yura herself was settled on the far side of the sofa, legs curled up beneath a rich navy robe, a glass of sparkling water balanced on her knee. The television played quietly, the final episode of "Jeju CafeDays" rolling through panoramic shots of sun-washed terraces and beachside laughter. Mirae saw herself on screen for a fleeting moment, in the background with Joon-ho, then looked quickly away.

Min-kyung’s eyes followed her gaze, never missing a chance. "Our starlet! Caught with her leading man. Tell me, was that chemistry real or just excellent editing?"

Harin slipped an arm around Mirae’s waist in a loose, protective gesture. "Trust me, Min-kyung, if you think their chemistry is good on camera, you should see them off." Her grin was pure trouble, but there was affection underneath.

Yura stood, her greeting gentle but steady. "Mirae, it’s really been too long. The last time I saw you, you were terrified of my office and wouldn’t even drink the coffee." Her gaze held something deeper—a warmth layered with the memory of old fears, now replaced by something bolder. "But tonight is different. Tonight, we welcome you not as a guest, but as one of us." The words landed with more weight than Mirae expected. She managed a grateful nod, still shy but comforted.

Min-kyung rolled her eyes at the sentiment, but it was clear she approved. "Let’s see if you survive the night before we hand you the crown."

It was all laughter and teasing, but the undercurrent was real: Mirae was not an outsider anymore.

Harin released her, tossing her bag by the foot of the stairs. "Yura-unnie, if I pass out, it’s not the wine—it’s exhaustion. I spent the whole day running around, trying to keep up with Joon-ho and his new agency plans. The man’s possessed. I need carbs, not contracts."

Min-kyung was merciless. "Sure, blame the agency. Or maybe it’s just that Joon-ho wore you out last night. Should we be worried about the condition of your back?"

Harin, unfazed, puffed up her chest in mock pride. "Let’s just say he worked for every hour of sleep I lost. I’m nothing if not thorough."

The laughter was immediate, bright, and genuine. Mirae felt her cheeks burn; she’d never been part of conversations like this before, where affection and innuendo were tossed like confetti.

Yura, always poised, only smiled. "You’ll all be pleased to know I’ve spared you cooking duties. The best Italian in Gangnam is on its way—truffle pizza, carbonara, and a ridiculous amount of tiramisu. Wine is chilling, and I expect at least two of you to be asleep before dessert."

Min-kyung clapped. "Best hostess ever. Mirae, you’ll want to freshen up. Harin’s already drooping. Also—" She pointed at the wardrobe down the hall. "I raided my boutique and stocked the closet. Everything from silk slips to French lace. Tonight, comfort is non-negotiable."

Harin snorted. "That’s Min-kyung speak for ’no ugly pajamas allowed.’"

It was all so easy, Mirae thought, as she followed Harin down the hallway. Easy and new.

They split off into separate bathrooms, the house echoing with water pipes and distant laughter. Mirae took her time, letting the hot shower wash off the nerves of a long day. She toweled dry, stepping onto heated tiles, and found the guest wardrobe exactly as Min-kyung promised: a riot of textures and colors, playful and sultry and soft. Mirae hesitated over the options, fingers trailing over silk, lace, and chiffon, but finally settled on a delicate baby doll—pale blue, with tiny embroidered daisies at the hem. She slipped it on, covering up with a light floral kimono.

When she stepped out, Harin was already in the hallway, fussing with the ties on a sheer lace apron set, her confidence on full display. She looked up, grinned at Mirae’s choice, and gave a little thumbs-up.

"Cute. You’re going to fit in just fine, Mirae." Harin’s voice dropped, a little softer. "Are you okay? You don’t have to pretend with us."

Mirae’s reply was shy but honest. "I’m a little nervous. But it feels... nice. Like I belong, even if it’s still new."

Harin’s smile turned warm. "You do belong. That’s what tonight is for—no work, no fans, just us. If anyone gives you trouble, you let me handle them, okay?"

Mirae nodded, feeling her anxieties slowly unwind.

Back in the dining area, the table was set with gleaming plates and a centerpiece of white peonies. Takeout containers arrived soon after, sending up clouds of savory steam—herb-laden pasta, thin-crust pizza, fragrant with truffle oil and charred cheese. Yura poured the wine herself, handing each glass around with quiet authority.

With a dramatic flourish, Min-kyung declared: "Loungewear off, ladies. Tonight, we dine like queens—queens in lingerie, at least." She untied her kimono, revealing a scarlet slip, and the others followed suit—laughter bubbling up as each revealed their chosen look. The energy in the room shifted—still playful, but intimate now, a space where flaws and secrets felt less dangerous.

Glasses clinked, wine flowed. Harin raised hers, eyes glinting. "To new beginnings, new agencies, and to Mirae—our official recruit."

"To Mirae!" the others echoed, and Mirae felt her face flush with embarrassment and gratitude.

Conversation started light—favorite collections from Seoul Fashion Week, gossip about disastrous hair and wardrobe malfunctions, horror stories from past shoots. But as the meal settled in, Min-kyung steered things into juicier territory.

"Alright, spill it. Jeju CafeDays. Was Do-jin really as much of a nightmare as everyone says?"

Mirae spearing a forkful of pasta. "Worse. The man made every shoot a mess—late to set, always hungover, rude to everyone except the sponsors. PD-Kang almost fired him on day two, and I think he would have decked him if he’d had one more glass of soju."

Min-kyung turned to Mirae. "But our hero here—she got the full knight-in-shining-armor treatment, didn’t you? Joon-ho showing off for the cameras, protecting the damsel in distress..."

Mirae tried to protest, but Harin chimed in. "She loved it. Didn’t you, Mirae? All the drama and a happy ending to boot."

It was impossible not to laugh. Mirae put her hands up, mock-defeated. "Okay, yes, I loved it. Jeju was a dream—even with the chaos. And... well, the rest was pretty good, too." She bit her lip, her face glowing, and the others hooted and cheered.

The wine loosened everyone’s tongues, the teasing became affectionate, and Mirae realized she wasn’t an outsider at all. She was in the center of a circle she had only ever watched from the edge.

After the plates were cleared and dessert made its appearance—layers of tiramisu melting on their tongues—the conversation took a more serious turn. Harin reached across the table, laying a hand on Yura’s arm.

"Yura-unnie, are you really going through with the divorce?"

Yura didn’t answer immediately, swirling her wine, eyes thoughtful. "He wants out. He doesn’t want me or my father having any say in Hanzenith now that it’s finally making real money. Crypto’s booming, and he’s convinced he can take over the world with a few AI programs and a new lover to front the brand."

Min-kyung scowled. "Is it true he’s pushing that European model for the campaigns? The one who can’t even pronounce ’Hanzenith’?"

Yura smiled wryly. "She’s lovely, but no—she’s not the problem. It’s the arrogance. The family elders are all siding with him, ready to kick my father out. And honestly? I’m relieved. I’m tired of pretending. Dad and I are both better off without the leeches."

Harin leaned in, eyes sharp. "You should’ve left that place years ago. It’s a mess now—nothing but junior staff making decisions, AI updating the software, no proper testing. I barely survived my time there."

Yura nodded. "I know. That’s why I made sure all our assets were separate from the start. There’s nothing to fight over. I’ve already talked to Park Jae-hyun—he’s handling the paperwork. My husband agreed as long as I don’t ask for compensation."

Mirae, quiet until now, found her voice. "I’m sorry, unnie. That sounds so hard. But you’re not alone—not anymore."

Min-kyung echoed the sentiment, squeezing Yura’s hand. "We’re here. And I’d rather see you happy and free than queen of that mess."

Yura’s smile trembled, then steadied. "Thank you. All of you. For a long time, I thought being alone was safer. But tonight, I feel strong. I have you, and that’s enough."

They raised their glasses again, this time in solidarity, the moment heavy and warm.

The night deepened. The lights of Gangnam twinkled through Yura’s windows, music humming soft in the background. Yura excused herself after a while, claiming exhaustion, and curled up on the sofa, watching the others with a gentle, almost maternal affection.

The remaining girls lingered at the table, voices dropping to whispers, laughter now a little slower, a little softer—old stories, secret fears, whispered dreams. In that cocoon of candlelight, silk, and laughter, Mirae felt the world narrow to something small and sacred.

They were women in the city, at the crossroads of ambition and heartbreak, beauty and survival. And for tonight, at least, they were exactly where they belonged.