Loving A Triple Threat

The finale closed to a standing ovation. The third and final performance was now complete and the only thing keeping the actors on their feet was the adoration from the crowd.

It was a testament to their schools that they were able to sell out all 1632 tickets, they were not cheap.

Gi shared a dressing room with Suzie and Misha, who were the three leading female actors. And after several bows and giving of flowers they found themselves back in the well-adorned room.

"Oh Gi," Misha cried, as she ran to Gi and hugged her tightly.

"Misha," Gi said while having trouble breathing. And then she hugged her rival turned friend, back. "I'm happy too." They both cried as they hugged.

They were emotional wrecks. The stress of the play and the impact of their performances wore on their inexperienced hearts. Only Suzie, the toughest of the three, was able to hold back tears.

She had out her phone and started taking selfies of the trio.

"Please Suzie," Misha cried, "My make-up!" Tears of joy and relief had made a mess of her face.

Suzie laughed and published the photo despite the protests from Gi and Misha.

They took turns in the shower and began to change for the after party. Gi was last, and as she stepped out of the shower she noticed both girls were dressed, and reapplying makeup.

"Did you see Hyuk in the front row?" Misha asked Suzie.

The question surprised Gi, she hadn't noticed anyone, and she immediately wondered if Sena was with his two friends. Did he brave the principal and teachers to watch her play?

Suzie grinned, "I did, and it cost a lot for front row. I think I'll surprise him and invite him to the after party as my plus one."

Gi listened as the two girls discussed Seok and Hyuk. She thought about Sena who texted her all the time until she lightly rebuffed him, just the once, and he suddenly stopped. Most guys couldn't take a hint, Sena took the tiniest of hints and left her alone. She went to open her mouth and mention him, to ask if he was with his friends, but she closed it. She was with Ren, it was wrong to discuss her brave hero. The wannabe criminal with a heart of gold.

"Okay, I will invite Seok then," Misha stated as she rebuffed one of Suzie's barbs.

Suzie laughed at Misha, who pursed her lips in annoyance.

"Hyuk may be toned, but Seok is smarter than all your boyfriends added together," Misha protested.

Suzie laughed harder wondering why that even mattered. It was Misha logic she concluded.

The three girls finished their makeup. Misha and Suzie hurriedly texted the boys a cryptic invitation, and the address of the after party, as they ran to the subway.

Gi felt bad for leaving Ren behind, but she would stay with her rivals and meet him at the after-party at the Glad Hotel Mapo.

Ms Ling and Mr Head requested the drama sponsors host the after party at the luxury hotel. The hotel bar, which was usually open to the public and guests was reserved for the students, their plus ones and VIP guests.

Gi didn't have a plus one, so she invited her sister the future doctor. Who, annoyingly, sent a text while she was on the subway stating that she couldn't make the after-party after all. Gi wasn't too concerned, Ren would be there and he was really her plus one. It's not like she could invite Jae-Sun, Sena or had any friends who weren't already attending.

When they exited the subway it was a short walk to the Glad Hotel Mapo.

"Collect here please," Ms Ling said, as she corralled them into a hidden corner, in the foyer.

"Why Ms?" Suzie asked.

"We will make an entrance together as a group, Mr Head will bring the boys over here soon," Ms Ling replied.

Mr Head smiled and nodded at Ms Ling as he passed her in the foyer, following him was Ren, and the other Daeil boys.

Ren headed straight to Gi and hugged her.

"I missed you," he said sweetly.

She giggled they were together less than half an hour ago.

He slyly pulled out a white card, showed it to her and slipped it back in his pocket. He then smiled like he ate a Christmas turkey all by himself.

"What's that?" Gi asked quietly. Given the circ.u.mspect way he hid the white card she spoke softly and secretively.

Ren rolled his eyes and then whispered in her ear, "Room key."

Gi's mouth opened and closed as she realised what it meant.

She leaned into him and whispered back, "I hope you have other necessary items."

Ren looked confused.

She hit him playfully, "Stop acting."

He flashed her one of his charming grins.

Ms Ling clapped, "Okay students, its time to make our entrance. Ensure you mingle with the VIPs and thank them for their support. Otherwise, next year's play will be on the grass out the front of the school."

Ren took Gi's hand as they were the last to enter the hotel bar to a round of applause. Gi looked around at the crowd as they clapped and beamed at her and Ren. An older lady adorned with Jewels came directly up to them as they finished their entrance.

Ms Ling nodded and smiled at Gi. As the lady took both their hands in hers.

"Oh, I very much enjoyed you both. So handsome, "she pinched Ren's cheek and to his credit, he didn't flinch, "and you young lady. I swear are you two in love?"

Gi blushed slightly and smiled shyly. She quickly hung her head to hide her discomfort.

Ren laughed loudly, "How could any Daeil boy withstand her charms, Mrs Lim. Look at her, she is gorgeous."

Mrs Lim smiled, she was an older lady approaching seventy but she looked very healthy and her teeth shone, "Mr Byun, you are a dangerous charmer." She then looked at Gi, lifting her chin gently with a hand, "Miss Reyn, I like you so I will give you some advice from an old wise hand."

"Gather your power while you are young. Your brain is forever but your looks with wither. So do not delay, grab all the power you can while you are still young and beautiful. The sort that cannot be taken away from you." She nodded at the last, Mrs Lim was serious with her advice.

Gi was surprised by the strength and wisdom from Mrs Lim and looking at her expensive jewellery she knew what she was talking about.

Ren bowed to Mrs Lim, "Such wise words. But Mrs Lim, you lie. You are still beautiful and well past Miss Reyns age."

Mrs Lim shook her head at Ren, "You are a dangerous boy. If I wasn't too old I would teach you a lesson." And with that declaration, she left them to talk to other guests. Her words not only flattened Gi but Ren as well. He did not enjoy imagining Mrs Lim teaching him a lesson.

Gi stayed by Ren's side all night, the VIPs loved it, and she enjoyed the protection of his charm and wit. Their hands rarely unclasped.

As the night wore on, a few guests left and the crowd thinned. Although she was offered alcohol Gi declined, as she was one of the few from the cast who was not yet eighteen. Not to mention the fact that alcohol was packed with calories.

Even Ms Ling and Mr Head had a few drinks. And as their formal duties had come to an end Gi imagined them together. She watched them as Ren talked to a guest. She only had to add a word now and then.

Ms Ling took Mr Head by the hand and kissed it. Gi giggled, it was a role reversal, which was typical of Ms Ling, she liked to take things into her own hands. Mr Head looked surprised at first and then beamed a smile at her. Gi's heart melted, it was adorable. Ms Ling must have agreed, she had had a few drinks and so she fell dramatically into his arms. He only just caught her. Stopping her fall. He tried to stand her up, but Ms Ling was wily. She held him in an embrace and snuggled into the crook of his neck.

"Gi. Gi!" Ren interrupted her spying.

She looked back to Ren, "It's almost midnight," he said holding up his phone, "Our work here is done." He smiled weakly at the last.

"Can we stay just a little longer?" Gi asked.

He looked apprehensive, "Why?" he asked and she could tell he was feeling the room key burning in his pocket.

Gi nodded towards Ms Ling and Mr Head who were now kissing.

Ren swore, "Shit," and proceeded to pull up two stools to the closest table. "We have to watch this." He grinned like it was the best thing ever.

Gi joined him at the round little table.

"One drink?" he asked without taking his eyes off the teachers.

Gi shrugged, one wouldn't hurt, surely.

"Should I video it?" He asked fiddling with his phone.

Gi shook her head, "No. Let's not."

He turned to her and smiled, "You're so kind. I'd film it and put it on Insta in a heartbeat." He then sighed at the lost opportunity. "I'll be right back." He stated and ran off to procure two drinks.

A brown swirling liquid in a short glass with ice arrived back in front of her a few minutes later.

"What's this?" She asked.

"Canadian Club and dry," he replied. "It goes down easy. You might like it."

Gi had never drunk alcohol before and she had no idea Ren had gotten her a double.

She took a sip and it was awful. But she didn't want to appear young and inexperienced so she downed the glass in one foul gulp.

"Geez," Ren said. "You like it?"

"Nosh," she replied. The drink hit her fast and hard.

"Oh," Ren said realising what had just happened. "Maybe I shouldn't have given you a drink." He watched her wobble in her seat.

He caught her before she fell.