Sofia smiled warmly as she reached into the plastic bag she had carried in.
"I brought a little gift," she said, pulling out the red wine bottle and a small box of gourmet cheese.
She handed them to Park Jieun, who looked genuinely surprised.
"Oh, Sofia, you really didn't need to," Jieun said, her voice filled with gratitude.
"Just having you both here is more than enough. We're already so happy to see you after so long. Something this fancy—it's too much!"
Sofia waved her off with a smile.
"It's nothing, really. Just thought we could enjoy something nice together. It's been too long."
Jieun grinned and gave her a gentle side hug.
"You're too thoughtful."
Soon after, everyone moved to the dining table.
The food was already set—steaming bowls of seasoned rice, grilled chicken with herbs, a fresh salad, and a platter of spicy shrimp dumplings that gave off a mouthwatering aroma.
Jieun brought the last of the dishes to the table and said, "Alright, dig in before it gets cold."
The four of them took their seats around the table. Conversation came easily.
Between bites of food, they talked and laughed—about life, work, the small dramas of daily routines, and old memories that still made them smile.
Sudou Hanato told a ridiculous story about his last trip to Yuta Hills, where he got lost on a hike and ended up following a stray dog that led him back to the main trail.
"Saved by a dog," Roy said, shaking his head. "That's a new one."
"You'd be surprised," Sudou replied. "That dog was smarter than half the people I work with."
They all laughed, the kind that filled the room and warmed the air.
After dinner, Jieun cleared the plates, and they all moved to the living room.
In the center of the room sat a low, modern coffee table. On it were the wine bottle Sofia had brought and the box of cheese, now opened and cut into neat slices.
Jieun brought out four wine glasses and passed them around. The soft clink of glass echoed under the cozy lighting as she poured the wine.
They all sat down, settling into the plush sofas around the table. The vibe shifted—still cheerful, but now with a relaxed, mellow calm that came with the end of a good meal and the start of an unhurried evening.
Sofia took a small sip from her glass, savoring the bold flavor. Roy noticed and leaned in a bit, a playful warning in his voice.
"Don't drink too much," he said. "You know how you get—tipsy after two glasses. And started speaking without a mind."
Park Jieun laughed, covering her mouth with her hand. "Let her enjoy herself! It's not like she drinks every day."
"Exactly," Sofia said, raising her glass slightly.
"It's been ages since I had wine. I think I deserve it tonight."
Sudou chuckled. "I think we all do. Here's to good company."
They clinked glasses and took another sip. The wine warmed them gently, loosening their words, making their smiles linger a little longer. The evening was slow and sweet.
Jieun leaned back, sighing with contentment. "You know, it's nights like this that make everything feel alright again."
Roy nodded. "Yeah. No noise, no rush. Just good people and good wine."
Sofia glanced at him from the rim of her glass, her eyes thoughtful. For a moment, she wondered if this was how life was meant to feel—uncomplicated, honest, and shared with the right people.
There was silence for a few seconds, but it wasn't uncomfortable. It was the kind that made you feel safe.
Park Jieun walked into the kitchen, the others watched her with fond smiles.
Roy turned to Sofia. "So? Still feeling sober?"
She tilted her head dramatically.
"I don't know… The room feels a little softer."
The cheese had been laid out neatly on a small wooden board, along with some olives and crackers Jieun brought out from the kitchen.
"Alright," Jieun said, settling back into her seat and raising her glass.
"Now that we've all officially survived the week… I propose we rate this wine."
"Oh, no," Sudou groaned with a grin. "Don't let her start this again. She's turned wine tasting into a whole ritual now. You'll see."
"It's fun!" Jieun laughed. "Okay, everyone take a sip and describe it in one word. No thinking, just first impression."
They all exchanged amused glances.
Roy shrugged and lifted his glass. "Alright, alright. Here goes."
They all took a slow sip of the wine.
"Smooth," Roy said first.
"Bold," Sofia followed, swirling the wine in her glass like a practiced taster, then giggling at herself.
"Cherry," said Sudou, frowning dramatically. "Or is that just my tongue lying to me?"
Jieun sipped and closed her eyes. "Velvety," she said with satisfaction. "It has that soft finish, don't you think?"
Roy gave her a teasing look. "You sound like you're applying for a job at a vineyard."
"I'd hire her," Sofia said with a smile. "She's got the passion for it."
Sudou Hanato leaned forward, placing his glass down. "Alright, wine round two. But this time—jokes only. Bad jokes. The worse, the better."
Roy smirked. "You sure about that? I don't hold back."
"That's exactly what I'm counting on," Sudou Hanato said, pointing at him like a challenge had been issued.
Park Jieun groaned playfully. "Here we go."
Roy leaned back with a confident grin as he recalled the bad jokes.
"Okay… What did the grape say when it got stepped on?"
They all leaned in.
Roy paused for effect. "Nothing. It just let out a little whine."
Sofia burst into laughter. "That's terrible!"
"Exactly," Roy said proudly. "I'm winning."
"Wait, I've got one," Park Jieun said, raising her hand like a student.
"Why don't we ever trust stairs?"
Sudou groaned. "Oh no…"
"Because they're always up to something."
Everyone let out a mix of groans and giggles. The wine was clearly doing its work.
Sofia held up a finger.
"Okay, okay. My turn. What did the bottle of wine say to the confused corkscrew?"
"What?" Roy asked, playing along.
"'You complete me.'"
There was a pause… then laughter.
"That one's romantic and awful," Hanato said, clapping once.
The mood had shifted into something delightfully light. There was no pressure to be impressive or serious.
Just simple enjoyment, the kind that reminded them all how easy it was to forget the world for a few hours.
Sofia had leaned back in the couch, cheeks slightly flushed from the wine. Her eyes were glowing with warmth and laughter.
She turned to Roy and said with a grin, "I may be tipsy, but I'm still sharp enough to say you're losing the joke contest."
Roy raised a brow. "Is that a challenge?"
The night continued like that—wine and laughter, jokes and dessert, with the occasional teasing remark or fond memory shared.
And as the hours gently slipped by, none of them were in a rush to end it.
Because some nights… were meant to be lingered in.