1+1=3? {Meanie}

six

Time passed quicker than Wonwoo would have liked. Before he knew it, he went from standing in front of his closet, hating every single article of clothing he owned, to standing in front of Mingyu's door with a gift for his daughter. It wasn't much, just a purple pony, but it was the thought that counted, right? He knocked and let out a nervous breath. He couldn't believe he agreed to a date. He had promised himself to walk away from the situation as painlessly as possible, but Mingyu made it difficult. He hated seeing how dejected Mingyu looked every time Wonwoo turned him down, almost like a kicked puppy. It wasn't like Wonwoo wanted to be that way, nor did he hate Mingyu. He just wasn't looking for the same thing. When he slept with him, he assumed that was where it was going to end, but it seemed Mingyu had other ideas. Before he had the chance to reflect any further, Mingyu opened the door and smiled at him, making Wonwoo's heart skip a beat. It made him feel warm inside. Mingyu just had that vibe. He was handsome and muscular, but he also seemed like a good and wholesome person. Wonwoo couldn't help but wonder why someone like Mingyu was trying so hard to pursue someone like Wonwoo. He wasn't anyone special.

"Hi." Wonwoo greeted, almost shyly. He held up the bag he was holding. "Is Danbi here? I brought her a gift."

Mingyu smiled at the bag and Wonwoo. "She's at my friend's for the night, but I'm sure she'll love it."

"It's nothing much." Wonwoo started as he handed it over.

"She'll love it." Mingyu reassured him as he glanced into the bag.

"So, where are we going?" Wonwoo asked, trying to divert the conversation.

Mingyu smirked, setting the bag on a nearby table. "It's a surprise."

Wonwoo tried hard not to sigh in frustration. He wasn't a big fan of surprises. Why couldn't Mingyu just tell him? He stayed quiet, however, and followed Mingyu. They must not have been going far as they were walking and not driving or taking the subway. Unfortunately, it seemed Wonwoo had been wrong about that, as they had been walking for over half an hour and they hadn't stopped yet. He was getting sweaty in his jacket and he stopped in place to catch his breath. Mingyu was polite and stopped as well.

"You okay?"

"Fine." Wonwoo breathed out.

He wasn't used to this much exercise and he briefly wondered if he was going to have a heart attack in the middle of the street.

"Are we close yet?" He asked after he caught his breath.

Mingyu nodded. "It's just up here." He reassured. "You sure you're okay? Your face is pretty red."

"I'll be fine," Wonwoo stated as he stood upright. "I just don't understand why we didn't take your car, the subway, or even a taxi if it was this far."

Mingyu seemed embarrassed. "Sorry. I didn't think ahead. I'm used to walking everywhere. I forget that not everyone is like me."

"When my lungs return to their proper places, I'll forgive you."

Mingyu finally stopped, signaling they had reached their destination. Wonwoo looked up from the pavement and was shocked to see Namsan Tower in front of him. It seemed Mingyu was going all out for their first date. Despite living in Seoul for most of his adult life, Wonwoo had never been to Namsan Tower. He had thought about it a couple of times but thought he would have looked pathetic alone among the plethora of couples around. He was excited to finally go but was skeptical and cautious. Namsan Tower was usually for more established couples. He sincerely hoped Mingyu wasn't going to buy a lock for them to initial and lock on the gate. He would have to put the stops in then.

To his surprise, they went straight to the top, via elevator, much to Wonwoo's relief. At the top was a five-star restaurant that overlooked the city in a three-sixty style with windows all around. It all looked so magical with the nightlife and glowing lights below. It was breathtaking as if they were on top of the world. They were led to a table and were offered expensive wine that Wonwoo cringed at just looking at the price. Mingyu, however, didn't even blink as he ordered the most expensive one.

By the time their food arrived, Wonwoo had downed two glasses. He was too nervous to look at Mingyu. The man was too good for him. He was handsome, had an amazing job, and had a cute and dorky personality. An all-rounder and exactly Wonwoo's type. What did he want with someone like Wonwoo? He couldn't understand it. Why was Mingyu trying so hard to pursue him? Even though he had shoved Mingyu away constantly, there was a small part of him that was glad the other continued to chase after him. He wouldn't admit it, but he was slowly bringing light back into his life. From across the table, Mingyu was watching him with curiosity and interest.

"Everything okay?"

Wonwoo snapped out of his thoughts and gave him a small smile. "All good. This is just a lot to take in. It's gorgeous."

"You like it then?" Mingyu asked, a hint of nervousness in his voice.

"I do," Wonwoo confirmed. "Thank you for all of this."

Mingyu smiled this time. "Thank you for agreeing to go out with me." He picked up his wine glass and tilted it toward Wonwoo.

"To new beginnings?"

Wonwoo picked up his glass and clinked it with Mingyu's.

"To new beginnings."