University of Wonderland

Chapter Eight

I could tell him about my quest to start a farmers' market in this ever-disappearing, rural town - the only project my parents had striving toward before it died with them. But it didn't seem like an appropriate time to spill my sad story. So I just said, "Answers."

His beath caught. "To what questions?" He leaned against the car, arms crossed, attempting to look casual even though his face betrayed his interest. when I didn't clarify, he said, "Better question. Are you sure this is the best place to find them?" Sehun raised an brow. "Sulli doesn't seem like your type of friend."

"And you don't seem like the type of person who would work at Samwon Garden." I swept my hair behind my ear. "Besides, I told you. No one else gets it."

He opened the back door for me. "Look, Sulli has a hard time trusting people, and you didn't exactly make yourself seem trustworthy."

"I didn't tattle on her about the paper." I climbed onto the back seat, and he leaned over me, door still open. I felt like a little kid waiting for her mommy to strap her into the car seat. "I really didn't mean to freak her out."

"I know that. Do something that will get her attention. Impress her," he said. "If you want to, that is. I personally think it's in your best interest to stay away."

"A few minutes ago you stood up for me. And now you're contradicting youself."

Sehun shrugged. "Sometimes both paths are right."

"Why should I stay away?"

He pursed his lips. "What we do - sometimes it's not really . . . stuff we can brag about. You could get in trouble. I don't want that for you."

"I already figure that out. What with Principal Yoon threatening expulsion."

"That's not the kind of trouble I meant." Before he could clarify, Sulli walked over to the car. Sehun slammed the door on me and moved to the driver's seat. Sulli plopped into the passenger seat.

"What did Minho say?" Sehun asked.

"I said I'm coming," a new male voice yelled. "Out, Sulli. I called shot-pot."

He yanked open the passenger door and pulled on Sulli's arm to pull her out. He wore the same all-black ensemble as the guy from the warehouse, mud dotting surface. Had he arrived to complete whatever order Sulli had given him by the warehouse? My fingers curled around the back-door handle just in case.

She stuck out her tongue at him. "You can't control-alt-command me." She pointed a finger-gun at Sehun. "Start the engine."

Minho looked at his watch, then brushed his hands over his beanie, pulling it off and taking the hoodie with it. A short crewcut remained. It looked more like a five-o'clock shadow on the pallor of his naturally white skin. He slammed the front door and opened the back one. After plopping down next to me, he set his eyes on me, lashes so thick it looked like he's wearing eyeliner. (Baekhyun moment!) If he could turn the stare from death to flirty, he might be cute. He'd probably have to get rid of the scowl, though.

"What are you looking at?" he asked me.

"Minho, you can't ask that when you're the one staring," Sulli said.

He leaned closer. "No, she's up to something. I can tell." He narrowed his eyes. "If you're trying to crack the mysteries of the universe, don't bother. I've hidden them in a seed and buried them in the ground."

He seemed to be waiting for an answer. "I - I'll keep that in mind if I ever get the urge to try," I said.

He scoffed. "What did I just tell you? You can't try." He thrust his hand out to me and I flinched, but he only pointed. "You a narc?"