Substitute Soulmate

Tonight's Lucky Guy

Shoving the shirt back onto the rack Namjoo blinked quickly. Embarrassment written all over her face, she couldn't look at him. They weren't in a relationship nor were they close enough to know such personal information. Sure, he was embarrassed but he didn't mind.

"You should look."

He couldn't help smiling. Reaching for another shirt in deep blue he said, "This one."

He caught her glancing toward the shirt then away. Another grin stretched across his face.

"Looks like we're done here," he said. "I'll go check out."

"Oh...ok," Namjoo quietly muttered. "I'll wait outside for you."

He watched her exit the store and walked toward the counter stopping when he saw a display of jewelry and headbands. Glancing toward the exit he saw Namjoo staring off into space. She probably didn't dare look back now. Returning to the display he eyed the head pieces and picked up a sparkly hair pin.

"I'm done," he announced when he stepped out.

"There's a pet store," Namjoo said. "I'm going to stop by. Do you want to wait outside?"

"I'll go with you." He offered and took the initiative to walk ahead.

The owner of the store had a golden lab that walked up to them with tail wagging. Namjoo rubbed its head before it traveled over to him with a sleepy smile on its face. As Namjoo spoke with the owner, Sehun massaged the dog behind the ears and glanced around the treats and toys arranged throughout the store. He had spotted biscuits at Namjoo's house but she didn't dress Olly up.

Lifting a costume off the rack he nudged her, "What about this?"

Namjoo gave one glance at the sheep costume before shooting him an absurd frown that had him laughing. When Namjoo finished purchasing some homemade treats he took the bag from her. "I'll carry it."

"It's not heavy," she said.

"I'll carry it," he repeated. Placing a hand at her back he led her forward, "Lets get something to eat. That place doesn't look too busy. You're not a picky eater, are you?"

"N...no."

"Good, me either," he smiled. Stepping up to the counter he gazed up at the menu. "If I treat you today that means you'll treat me next time, right?" Sehun couldn't help but grin again when Namjoo glanced at him upon the suggestion. Without waiting for her to answer he said, "Good. So, what do you want?"

After getting their food they sat together at a circular table. Activity buzzed around them but she was all he could see. If this counted as a step to getting to know her it could also be considered a step closer to dating her.

"Have you met Mr. Go's family before?" Sehun asked. He wanted to talk to her, not sit in silence and swallow his food. Progress needed to be made.

"I've only heard about them," Namjoo answered.

"Oh, I see," he nodded then poked at his food before glancing up at her hesitantly. "The other day when your mother came..."

Namjoo glanced at him then timidly looked down at her food. "Oh...they're good friends of the family's. I mean, his mother is. We kind of grew up together."

"That's why he called you munchkin."

"That was when we were young."

"Can I call you munchkin?" he teased. When she glanced at him he breathed out a laugh. "I'm kidding."

He earned a scoff in return. Grinning to himself he bit his lower lip and ate. Reaction was good. They left the mall after dumping their trays. The ride back was sadly too short compared to the trip to the store.