1+1=3? {Meanie}

seven

The next day, the small bookstore was crowded, not by customers, but by Wonwoo's three nosy friends. While Wonwoo was behind the counter trying to work, his friends were on the other side, hounding him with questions about his date with Mingyu. They wouldn't have even known if he hadn't let it slip to Sungcheol that he was seeing Mingyu again. He had no one to blame but himself for the chaos that was ensuing.

"So, how was it?' Soonyoung asked eagerly.

He wasn't even scheduled to work until later that afternoon. He came into the shop early solely to pester Wonwoo with personal questions. Wonwoo couldn't help but think that if Soonyoung put that much effort into his actual job, Mr. Kim wouldn't threaten to fire him every other day. He felt like a bug under a microscope with the three sets of eyes watching him. He didn't get why they were so invested in his life. Had he been that boring of a person that a date was the most interesting aspect of his life? Feeling nervous, Wonwoo messed with the price scanner, avoiding the eager looks from his friends.

"It was alright." He mumbled.

"Where did you go?" Jeonghan asked next.

Wonwoo momentarily hesitated, wondering if his friends would make fun of his date destination. He had to remind himself that Sungcheol and Jeonghan weren't like that and if Soonyoung was, his opinion didn't matter to him.

"Namsan Tower." He finally answered.

Before Sungcheol could ask a question, Soonyoung fired another one.

"Did you sleep with him again?"

Wonwoo nearly threw the price scanner. Luckily, he caught it in time and carefully set it back down before sending a piercing glare to Soonyoung. His annoying friend shrugged, trying to appear innocent.

"I was just asking a question."

"No, I didn't sleep with him," Wonwoo said firmly. "And even if I had, I wouldn't tell you about it, pervert."

"So, you had a date with a handsome man at one of the most romantic spots in Seoul, and it was just alright?" Sungcheol asked, trying to make sure he understood the situation.

"Yeah?" Wonwoo answered.

He was trying not to sound so defensive and was clearly failing. He wished they would drop the conversation already. He didn't feel like talking about it. He had a nice evening with Mingyu, but it was a confusing time and he wanted to be able to sortt though his emotions and thoughts alone without being interrogated.

"What's wrong with Mingyu?" Jeonghan asked.

Out of the three of them, he came close to understanding Wonwoo and how he worked. 

"Nothing," Wonwoo admitted.

Sure, Mingyu was a bit pushy and dorky, but he was a good day who cared for Wonwoo, even if the other still couldn't figure out why.

"Then what's wrong with you?" Soonyoung tried next.

Once again, he was given a sharp glare from Wonwoo, but he had to admit that Soonyoung was somewhat right. It was a problem with him, not Mingyu. Ever since his breakup, he couldn't help but view dating and love cynically. He didn't see the point anymore. He was scared of getting attached to Mingyu and getting his heart broken again. He couldn't put himself through that once more. It nearly killed him the first time. He felt a warm hand on top of his shaking one. His eyes snapped up to find Sungcheol looking at him worriedly.

"Mingyu isn't him." He reminded him softly.

Wonwoo was taken aback. Had Sungcheol read his mind? Then again, he didn't have to. Sungcheol knew best. He had been there to see it all, and he was right on the money.