Outcast || Meanie

06

The next day, Mingyu finds himself unable to shake off the lingering warmth from his time spent with Wonwoo. Thoughts of their night skating under the moonlight dance through his mind, leaving him with a sense of excitement and anticipation.

As he sits in class, his gaze immediately drifts towards Wonwoo, who is quietly immersed in his book. Mingyu can't help but feel a tug at his heartstrings, a newfound attraction blooming within him.

His best friend, Jun, who happens to be his deskmate, notices the change in Mingyu's behavior. Jun furrows his brows, a puzzled expression crossing his face as he observes Mingyu stealing glances at Wonwoo.

"What's up with you today, Mingyu?" Jun whispers, nudging Mingyu discreetly. "You've been staring at Wonwoo all morning."

Mingyu flinches slightly at Jun's observation, his mind racing to come up with an excuse. "Oh, um, nothing. Just... zoning out, I guess," he mumbles, trying to play it cool.

But Jun isn't convinced. He shoots Mingyu a knowing look, his lips pressed into a thin line. "Come on, Mingyu. I know you better than that. Did he do something that upset you? If so, just tell me. I'll fight him for you. Plus, he's an easy target. He's a loser after all."

Mingyu shakes his head, a small smile playing on his lips at Jun's protective nature. "No, Jun, it's not like that," he replies softly, his gaze drifting back to Wonwoo. "I... I think I might like him."

Jun's eyes widen in surprise, a mixture of shock and amusement evident on his face. "Whoa, Mingyu, really? Like, like him like him?" he whispers back, barely containing his excitement.

Mingyu shakes his head quickly, his cheeks flushing. "No, Jun, it's not like that," he clarifies, his voice earnest. "I just think he's... interesting. And I want to get to know him better."

Jun's expression shifts from surprise to a frown, his brows knitting together in disapproval. "Are you serious, Mingyu? Wonwoo? That guy's a total weirdo. Everyone avoids him for a reason."

Mingyu feels a pang of frustration. "That's not fair, Jun. Just because he's different doesn't mean there's something wrong with him. Maybe he's just shy."

Jun scoffs, crossing his arms over his chest. "Shy? More like creepy. I've seen the way he talks to himself sometimes. And he never joins any group activities. What could you possibly see in him?"

Mingyu sighs, running a hand through his hair. "I don't know, Jun. I just... I feel like there's more to him than what we see. When we went skating last night, he was really cool and fun. It was like I saw a different side of him."

Jun rolls his eyes. "Yeah, well, maybe that side isn't real. Maybe he's just pretending."

Mingyu shakes his head again, more firmly this time. "I don't think so. And even if he is, that's his business. I want to give him a chance, Jun. Can't you at least support me in that?"

Jun stares at him for a long moment, his expression torn. "No."

Mingyu feels a heavy silence settle between him and Jun. He knows his best friend means well, but Jun's reluctance to understand his feelings about Wonwoo leaves him disheartened. Mingyu's attention is soon diverted when the classroom door opens and Seungcheol, the new kid, saunters in with an air of arrogance.

Seungcheol scans the room briefly before his eyes land on Wonwoo. With deliberate steps, he makes his way toward him. The room grows quiet as Seungcheol stops in front of Wonwoo's desk, casting a shadow over the book he is reading.

"Hey, weirdo," Seungcheol sneers, loud enough for the entire class to hear. Wonwoo looks up, his eyes guarded but calm. "What are you hiding behind that book for? Afraid to show your lonely side so you pretends to be engrossed with something,huh?"