1+1=3? {Meanie}

Summer: Jeongcheol Side Story

"Hana, where is this shop?" Yoon Jeonghan asked into his phone as he observed the many buildings and stores around him in central Hongdae.

It was nearing the end of summer and the weather had went from hot and muggy to bearably warm. Jeonghan was thankful for his choice of light clothes as he was starting to get sweaty from walking around a crowded district for over an hour. He was on a mission. In just three weeks, he would resume his full time job as a teacher. He needed to stock his classroom with new children's books as the ones he owned were outdated and worn. One of his co-workers had told him of a quaint little bookstore in Hongdae that had a wide selection of children's books. What she had failed to mention was just how hard it was to find said store. Jeonghan was beginning to think Hana had gotten her locations mixed up.

"Where are you right now?" Hana's clear voice asked through his phone.

Jeonghan observed his surroundings. "I'm looking at a bulgogi restaurant and a record store."

"You walked too far. Walk back until you see a tea shop and then The Nook will be on your right." She informed.

Jeonghan sighed. "This shop better be worth it." He warned. Otherwise, I just wasted an hour of my life." He grumbled.

"It's worth it." Hana promised. "Call or text me and tell me what you got."

"Will do, thanks." Jeonghan said as he hung up.

After some backtracking, he finally found the store crammed between a tea shop and a dry cleaners. Hana was right, it was quaint. He could see and feel the charm in it. He entered the store with an open mind and hopeful heart. The bell jingled announcing his arrival and three heads shot up to look. He felt flustered and gave a curt bow.

"Excuse me," He decided to address all three of them, hoping that at least one of them worked there and could help him. "Where are the children's books?"

The three men looked at him, then glanced at one another before one of them stood from the table he was sitting at. He was tall and muscular and would have been intimidating if it hadn't been for the cute little smile gracing his face. He was handsome and just Jeonghan's type, he couldn't deny that.

"I'll show you to the section." He offered kindly.

Jeonghan found himself smiling almost shyly. "Thank you."

He was shown to a wide array of colorful children's books and was left alone to browse. However, he didn't miss the curious stares or whispers from the three men up front. He tried to ignore them as he started grabbing books. Ten minutes later, he had a sizeable stack and he carefully made his way to the front counter. The three men stood up straighter, acting as if they hadn't been staring at and whispering about him. He expected the one who led him to the book to ring him up, but it was passed to one of the others instead. He was tall too, but didn't seem as friendly as the first one. His face was blank and his tone was neutral as he spoke to Jeonghan.

"Will this be all for you?"

Jeonghan nodded. "Yes."

The atmosphere was a bit awkward and silent as the books were rung up one by one. The first man was nearby writing something down frivolously while the third one smirked. After the books were placed in a strong reusable bag and Jeonghan paid for them, the first guy handed him the paper he had been writing so intensely on.

"If you text the number written here, it will lead you to a survey where you could have the chance to win something." He informed him.

The second guy rolled his eyes while the third held back a laugh. Jeonghan smiled coyly. He had been hit on enough times to know that it was currently happening, however, a cheeky part of him decided to play along.