Love Strikes Twice

Maybe

The days following their outing to the theme park were a whirlwind of wedding preparations and family gatherings. Jeonghan and Seungcheol were busy finalizing details for the big day, and naturally, Wonwoo and Mingyu found themselves spending more time together.

Wonwoo couldn't deny it anymore—he was starting to look forward to Mingyu’s company. Whether it was during wedding planning sessions or casual family dinners, there was something about Mingyu’s presence that brought a smile to his face. Yet, a part of him remained cautious, wary of letting his guard down too quickly.

One evening, after a particularly long day of helping Jeonghan finalize the guest list, Wonwoo decided to take a walk to clear his head. He was lost in thought, pondering the complexities of his feelings, when he heard someone call his name.

"Wonwoo!" Mingyu jogged up to him, slightly out of breath. "Hey, I saw you heading out and thought I’d join you. Mind if I walk with you?"

Wonwoo hesitated for a moment but then nodded. "Sure, I could use the company."

They walked in comfortable silence for a while, the sounds of the evening city life filling the air. Mingyu occasionally glanced at Wonwoo, his expression thoughtful.

"You’ve been quiet lately," Mingyu remarked. "Everything okay?"

Wonwoo sighed, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah, just a lot on my mind. The wedding preparations are...a lot."

"I know," Mingyu said sympathetically. "But you’re doing great. "Seungcheol says he is lucky to have you helping out."

"Thanks," Wonwoo replied, feeling a warm flutter in his chest at Mingyu’s words. "It’s just...sometimes I feel like I need a break from all the chaos."

Mingyu nodded, understanding. "I get that. It’s important to take a step back and breathe. How about we grab a coffee? My treat."

Wonwoo considered it for a moment before agreeing. "Alright, coffee sounds good."

They found a small, cozy café nearby and settled into a corner booth. Mingyu ordered their drinks, and they chatted about lighter topics—favorite movies, recent books they’d read, and funny anecdotes from their pasts.

As they sipped their coffee, Mingyu’s playful demeanor surfaced. "You know, I’m really glad we’re spending more time together. I feel like I’m getting to know the real Wonwoo."

Wonwoo chuckled. "Oh? And what’s the 'real Wonwoo' like?"

Mingyu leaned forward, his eyes twinkling. "He’s smart, kind, a bit reserved, but also incredibly interesting. And he’s got a great sense of humor."

Wonwoo felt his cheeks warm at the compliment. "You’re flattering me."

"Just speaking the truth," Mingyu replied with a grin. "But seriously, I enjoy your company, Wonwoo. A lot."

Wonwoo met Mingyu’s gaze, feeling a mix of emotions. He smiled, feeling a sense of reassurance. "Thanks, Mingyu."

Their conversation flowed easily, and as the evening wore on, Wonwoo realized that he genuinely enjoyed these moments with Mingyu. He still felt cautious, not wanting to rush into anything, but the barriers he had built around his heart were slowly starting to come down.

As they left the café and walked back towards their respective homes, Mingyu walked closer to Wonwoo, their shoulders occasionally brushing. It was a small, yet comforting gesture.

When they reached Wonwoo’s house, Mingyu turned to him, his smile warm and genuine. "Thanks for tonight, Wonwoo. I had a great time."

"Me too," Wonwoo replied. "Goodnight, Mingyu."

"Goodnight," Mingyu said softly before turning to leave, "Oh and also say hi to Jeonghan from me!".

Wonwoo laughed as he watched Mingyu go, a thoughtful expression on his face. He was still cautious about his feelings, but there was no denying that he was looking forward to the next time he would see Mingyu. The cautious optimism that had taken root in his heart was beginning to grow, and Wonwoo couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation for what the future might hold.
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