So Close Yet So Far - Mingyu x Reader

Chapter 5 - Dinner Plans

        As classes let out for the night, you were relieved to be heading home. Seeing Mingyu had exhausted you more than you thought, and hearing him talk about the fun that he had on his trip only made you feel worse. You needed some space from him for the night, to think over all of the emotions swimming in your brain. You stepped out of your last class of the day, the sun already beginning to set over Seoul. "Maybe I can get Jeonghan to cook again." You muttered.

"Don't push your luck." You heard a voice, and when you looked over, you saw Jeonghan at your side, linking your arm to his. Without a word, you felt your other arm being snaked around, and you looked to see Joshua. "I'm exhausted."

"I didn't even know angels got sleepy like that." You said. Jeonghan nodded, a sleepy look already starting to form on his face as you chuckled. "Whatever, fine. I might have some leftovers. Just take me home."

As the three of you walked out, you were stopped by the sound of your name being called. When you looked towards it, you saw Hoshi hurrying over to you. It seemed he was with Minnie, Seungkwan, and Mingyu, and you felt a small hint of dread tickle the pit of your stomach. Hoshi smiled as he finally reached you.

"We were waiting! Do you guys want to come to karaoke?!"

"Karaoke?" Joshua asked.

"Yeah! We were just talking about how it's been a while. With Mingyu back, we're all together again and we can go."

"Uh, well-." You began to stammer. "I was feeling a bit tired."

"Mingyu wants you to come." He smiled, knowing that comment alone would work to convince you. Turning your head, you saw Mingyu catch your gaze. Even from a distance, you could see him smile and wave to you. "Please. Only for a few songs, and then you can leave." You couldn't help but smile.

"Fine." You said. Hoshi pumped his fists in childlike glee, and before you knew it, Mingyu and the others were headed your way. As they approached, you shimmed out of Joshua and Jeonghan's grasp, hearing them playfully complain.

"Hey. You're coming?" Mingyu asked. The genuine happiness on his face made you unable to hold back a bit of excitement. Karaoke, despite everything, did feel nice. Besides, there was no reason for you to be upset. Mingyu was back, woman was not on his arm, which was what you wanted.

"For a little bit."

"I said we should stop and get something to eat first," Minnie said. "I'm starving."

As Mingyu watched you listen to the plan set so perfectly by Minnie and Seungkwan – kind of, it was mainly Seungkwan – he saw your smile slowly drop. He saw you rub your arm, grab your bag, anything to make your hands look busy. It didn't take a genius to notice something was bothering you. As the group began walking away, Mingyu instead approached you once again. "Are you okay?" He asked. You felt him put his hand on your forehead. "You don't feel warm."

That feeling must not have lasted long, because you felt your cheeks burning as if someone was turning on an oven low up to high in a matter of seconds. "I'm fine." You assured. "Just been a long day. Maybe I need to eat."

"Ah." Just then, feeling two people looking in their direction, he turned his head to see Joshua and Jeonghan suddenly at your sides. He frowned a bit. "You guys are coming to, I guess?" He sounded displeased. You looked between the two men at your sides.

They simply responded by looping their arms once again with yours, smiling up at the taller man before them. You couldn't help but hold back a chuckle. Mingyu's frown only deepened a bit.