𝐀𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐫 || 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐖𝐨𝐧

Chapter 14

The drive-in theater was about half-full, which seemed just Wonwoo’s level of comfort. The omega sat on the passenger side of the truck, tense and anxious as he glanced around them.

“You’re not even getting out of the truck,” Mingyu reminded him. “Any problems, we just drive right out of here.”

“There’s a lot of people,” Wonwoo said softly, glancing around and looking in the car’s mirrors.

“People just like us, here to munch on popcorn and see a movie. Their attention will be all on the screen and not on us.”

“It’s not that.” Wonwoo twisted around in his seat, turning to face Mingyu. “What if something in the film upsets me or I freak out?”

“Then we drive home.” Mingyu kept his tone patient. “I chose an outdoor theater so you could try being around people without being hemmed in by them. This is a good place to test yourself, because there’s no difficulty getting away if we need to. No one will even notice. We’re right at the back, and the exit is just there. As soon as you’ve had enough, just say the word, and we’ll be out of here.”

He waited and watched as Wonwoo took all that in. The omega’s hands, fisted in his lap, slowly loosened, and his shoulders sagged.

“You’re right. I’m over-thinking things.”

“Hey, it’s been a while since you’ve been out in public. You need some adjustment time. That’s what these outings are all about. You need to build back up some trust in yourself while getting used to being in company that’s not me or the others.”

“Not that I’ve been spending much time with the others,” Wonwoo admitted.

“Avoidance is the easiest way to deal with how you’re feeling. It’s the natural choice that people in your situation make. But it’s not a good way to handle it. It tends to reinforce the problem rather than help you tackle it. In the long run, the only true way to get better is to face your feelings, and your fears, head-on. This is all a part of that. And you’re doing great.”

Wonwoo managed a weak smile.

“You said something about popcorn?”

“I did.” He glanced around, spotting the refreshment stand. “Are you okay here for a minute while I get our snacks?”

The screen in front of them lit up.

“Yeah, I’ll be okay,” Wonwoo said, his eyes drawn to the movie trailer starting up.

Mingyu stepped from the car and walked around the edge of the yard to join the line for popcorn and drinks. He glanced back at Wonwoo a few times, making eye contact, and smiling. When he reached the front of the line, he ordered quickly and paid, eager to return to the truck before the movie started. They were still showing trailers as he climbed back in and shared his bounty with Wonwoo.

“Soda, popcorn, and chocolate. That should keep us going.”

The smell of popcorn filled the truck, and Mingyu inhaled deeply, reminded of happier times.

“I haven’t eaten popcorn in ages,” Wonwoo murmured happily, taking a handful, and munching through it.

Mingyu watched him, pleased by Wonwoo’s enthusiasm and the way that the food acted as a good distraction for the anxious omega.

After a minute, Wonwoo peered over at him, one eyebrow raised. “You are aware you’re supposed to be watching the screen over there with all the bright colors and not me, right?”