1+1=3? {Meanie}

one

It was a normal Friday afternoon at the bookstore where Jeon Wonwoo worked. Named, The Nook, the store was right outside of Seoul's bustling Hongdae district. It was a quaint little store that had the coziness of home. It received decent business that grew last spring with the addition of adding albums to its stock. Wonwoo wasn't an avid read, but he sometimes found comfort in books as they provided him an escape from his sad and mediocre life. It let him clear his thoughts and pretend that his life wasn't his own for a minute. Plus, there was unlimited coffee and tea available to the staff. It wasn't a bad job.

The Nook wasn't always quiet, though, as Wonwoo's friend, Sungcheol, liked to drop by every day during their shared lunch hour. Choi Sungcheol was his friend from university. They had originally gone to high school together, but never actually knew one another due to being in separate years. After joining a literature club in university, they connected over their favorite books. Sungcheol wasn't an avid reader either. He much preferred sports and was well-built from his many years of playing soccer and swimming. He even worked next door at a gym as a trainer. However, he, like Wonwoo, could appreciate books and the escape they provided. Perhaps that was why he enjoyed hanging out there during lunch. He never bought anything and stayed past the lunch hour. If the owner, Mr. Kim, ever found out how much of a solicitor Sungcheol was, Wonwoo was sure he would be fired for letting it happen. Mr. Kim was a nice person, but Wonwoo was aware that niceness could only go so far.

Today, as if on cue, the bell attached to the main door jingled, alerting Wonwoo of Sungcheol's arrival. The older had a bag in his hand and plopped it on the counter Wonwoo was working behind with a cheeky smile.

"Is it your break time yet?"

Wonwoo gave him an annoyed look as he came out from behind the counter. "You come here every day at the same time, yet you still ask me if it's my break. I would hope you'd know by now."

Sungcheol shrugged. "It's a type of greeting at this point."

Wonwoo just sighed as he grabbed the bag off the counter. Inside, was food from the food stall that was down the street. It served various snacks and lunch items that were popular in their district. Ever since they tried it for the first time last year, it had been their favorite. Now, Sungcheol always tried to get them food from there before the large lunch crowd surged.

Wonwoo took the bag to one of the multiple tables that surrounded the store and sat down. He searched through the bag until he found his usual order of rice cakes with kimchi and an energy drink. He passed it to Sungcheol who took his kimbap and water.

"Oh yeah," Sungcheol started as if he just recalled something, "do you have any plans tonight?'

Wonwoo resisted the urge to scoff. Sungcheol knew him better than anyone. He knew without a doubt that Wonwoo's plans consisted of making himself ramen without burning the house down before playing games until dawn. Regardless, he tried to play it cool as he shrugged.

"Maybe, why?"

"Jeonghan and I are going to a new club tonight and I thought you'd want to come along." He offered.

Maybe Wonwoo had spoken too soon. Sungcheol didn't know him at all. At what point had he ever expressed interest in going to a club? Not to mention, the idea of third-wheeling with Jeonghan and Sungcheol didn't appeal to him much. Jeonghan was Sungcheol's long-term boyfriend. They had been dating for over three years after a chance meeting in the bookstore. He was handsome with long dark hair and gentle features. He was well-spoken, coy, and charming. He wasn't afraid to speak his mind and gave great advice. He and Wonwoo got along well and Wonwoo regarded him as a close friend. That still didn't mean he was eager to tag along on one of their dates. Wonwoo was about to decline his friend's offer when another person's voice was heard from across the store.