Reluctant Hearts ✔️

Chapter - 32

Later that evening, the friends gather around the table, laughter filling the air as they sip their drinks and talk about life. The vibe is relaxed, and all eyes are on Jungkook when Bambam claps him on the back. "Man, first round cleared! You're killing it!" he exclaims.

Yugyeom grins, lifting his glass. "We gotta toast to that, don't we?"

Eunwoo nods, raising his own glass. "To Jungkook, and to many more rounds of kicking ass!"

Jungkook chuckles, shaking his head modestly as he raises his glass. "Thanks, guys. I wouldn't have made it this far without your support."

After the round of congratulations, Bambam leans forward, his eyes mischievous. "Alright, enough about Jungkook! Let's talk about something else. Like, I don't know... Mingyu and his mysterious bartender friend!"

Mingyu flushes instantly, glaring playfully at Bambam. "Oh, come on. Really? We're doing this again?"

Bambam nods enthusiastically. "Absolutely. Spill. How'd you two meet?"

After a lot of persistence from Bambam, Mingyu sighs, realizing there's no way out of this. He rubs the back of his neck awkwardly and starts explaining, but in a vague way, leaving out the more personal details. "Alright, fine. So... one day, I got a little... well, wasted. Totally passed out." He winces at the memory. "Eunwoo was supposed to help, but he had to back out last minute."

Eunwoo raises a hand in defense, stifling a laugh. "Hey, I had a work emergency, okay? Don't blame me."

Mingyu continues, "Anyway, Wonwoo found me, took me to his place. I had to summon all my courage just to apologize and thank him the next day. He told me to treat him to lunch as payback, and somehow... we just clicked. We've been hanging out ever since."

Jungkook raises an eyebrow, intrigued. "Sounds like quite the story. I'm guessing you two hit it off pretty well."

Mingyu turns a little red. "Yeah, he's a good guy."

Just then, Wonwoo walks over with their orders, balancing drinks and plates effortlessly. "Here you go, guys," he says, his usual friendly demeanor intact, but there's something off-his energy feels a little distracted.

Mingyu notices immediately and stands up to help him with the last few drinks. "You okay?" he asks softly, but Wonwoo brushes him off with a smile. "Yeah, just busy. The bar's packed tonight."

Wonwoo leaves to attend to other customers, but Mingyu stays standing, glancing over at the bar with a thoughtful expression.

Jungkook, sitting at the table, notices Mingyu's concern. "Go check on him if you're worried," he says, giving Mingyu a supportive nudge.

Mingyu hesitates for a moment, but eventually nods, making his way downstairs to the bar. He stands at the counter, waiting for Wonwoo to notice him. When Wonwoo finally sees him, he looks surprised and confused. "Mingyu? Why are you down here? Shouldn't you be with your friends?"

Instead of answering, Mingyu leans closer, his voice gentle but firm. "Why do you look so down? Did something happen?"

Wonwoo's eyes widen slightly at the question, and he quickly turns away, trying to brush it off. "No, nothing like that. Just tired. My shift's almost over, so I'll be out soon."

"You sure?" Mingyu asks, not entirely convinced.

Wonwoo nods but then pauses. He turns back to Mingyu, his expression more serious. "Can I ask you something?"

"Of course," Mingyu replies, his curiosity piqued.

Wonwoo hesitates for a moment before asking, "Are you... still waiting for Jungkook?"