Hearten Me ∵ woojin

VI;

The chimes hanging above the door jingled as I walk into the small restaurant with hesitant steps. Donghyun follows behind me with his hands on my shoulders, though it is almost like he is leading me instead of following me. We were here as he and Youngmin insisted on treating me for my success at my first evaluations.

They knew how difficult it was for me as they were there when I struggled with the idea of even performing. Along with Sohee, the two were an important part of my 'success' at the evaluations as they boosted my confidence a lot. They complimented my performance often, still doing so even now when we were walking to the restaurant. Despite my outward annoyance with it, I was still grateful for their support.

However, it is not the only reason we are out. MXM's pre-release songs are supposed to come out tonight which means the boys will finally be debuting. It is a special event for them as they have been anticipating this event since the day they became trainees years ago. So, I suggested we celebrate that too.

The night is a special one for all of us, I guess.

"Hello! Please sit at any table." The elderly lady says from behind the counter at the back of the restaurant. I nod and scan the room for a spot, however, Youngmin already decides on a table before I can even properly glance around.

"Let's sit here," He says and grabs my wrist to lead Donghyun and I to his desired table. We decide to sit at a four-person table by the window where we are able to see outside onto the busy street.

I am second at the table after Youngmin, who is already sitting, and decide to sit across from him. As I am settling into my spot, I notice Youngmin pull Donghyun to his side before he is able to sit beside me. I look at the two confused especially when Youngmin is whispering into Donghyun's ear. The boy nods with a smile and gladly sits beside Youngmin, abandoning his original intent to sit next to me. 

Despite how strange their behavior is, I just shrug it off and look at the menu.

"What's good here?" I ask the two boys after a while. They supposedly frequent the restaurant, which is why they wanted to take me here to experience the food myself. The two were always ranting and raving about the place, so I was ultimately curious about the quality of the food and was happy to visit. 

"We usually just get the tteokbokki as we normally come here for snacks. But I heard the samgyetang is also good." Donghyun explains and shows me where they are located on the menu. I nod and keep the two as options but continue to scan the menu for something that fits my taste a bit more. 

As I am browsing for something to eat, I hear the chimes from the door sound once again, meaning the door has been opened. Out of curiosity, I glance to see who it is and am shocked to find Park Woojin walking in followed by Lee Daehwi. I didn't expect to see either of them here.

"Over here!" Youngmin smiles as he waves the boys over. My cheeks redden in embarrassment as I realize this was planned. No, the boys didn't know of my small liking towards Woojin. However, I assume they wanted to celebrate together as well and I should have expected that. I am only embarrassed over the fact I would have to talk to Woojin again. After hearing about Woojin's abnormal behavior in the dance studio, I was nervous to confront him again. But I knew this would come eventually and definitely should have prepared for this better.

Woojin and Daehwi walk over to us hesitantly eyeing the only chair left beside me. I am sure neither of them wants to sit next to me as I am someone they barely know. My gaze drops to my lap, even more, embarrassed about the fact.

Despite our lack of familiarity with each other, we still greet one another warmly when they arrive at the table. After glancing towards Daehwi, I see Woojin slowly making his way over to the empty chair and my heart begins to race as he does.

When he finally sits next to me he shyly smiles my way, showing off his snaggletooth. I swoon at the sight, however, I keep my composure and do the same, quickly turning to Daehwi to hide my growing blush.

The nice lady brings a chair for the younger boy which he thanks her for before he sits as well. Silence takes over the table and I feel burdened to bring something up with the two unfamiliar boys beside me. Donghyun notices the tense atmosphere and begins to speak to the two about their time in Wanna One to make conversation.

I learn that they have been busy with many schedules, although that wasn't hard to establish on my own. Whether it be preparing for their debut, filming for commercials, their music video or even their reality show, they don't stop working. I feel bad that they aren't able to rest often.

"Ah, Jaeeun," Daehwi suddenly speaks after a pause in the conversation. It was as if he remembered something to say just now and it surprises me for a second, "You did the Red Velvet song for evaluations right? I really loved it!"

"Thank you, Daehwi." I blush at the compliment which Youngmin laughs at.

"This girl was so worried about how she would do but I would say she was the best one." He says and I glare at his constant compliments, it almost seems like he is out to tease me non-stop. Youngmin only smiles at me sheepishly in response before instinctively fixing his hair, a habit I notice he does often.

Before we can continue speaking, the food we ordered a while ago finally arrives which is very much in my favor. I have never been more grateful when I notice the boys are too focused on eating to speak about my performance anymore. It is not like I disagreed with the fact it was an applaudable stage, however, I hated being the center of attention. 

As I begin to eat, I must say the dishes we ordered are delicious, especially for such a quiet restaurant like this. I guess that's homemade cooking at it's finest, I find that it's always better. Acknowledging the quality of the food, I take as much as I can to eat as I know the boys will have it all if I don't.

I am too focused on eating to notice that Youngmin, Donghyun and Daewi begin to start up a conversation with each other. The only thing I can hear is the sound of my chewing, see is the food on my plate, and taste is the impressionable taste of the food; it's just too good.

"Jaeeun." I hear a small voice from the only person to my side. Confusion takes over me as I don't expect the voice to belong to Woojin, but it is his. He has usually spoken to me in a very confident and strong tone of voice however his tone now contrasts everything I knew him as before.

"Are you going back to practice tonight?" Woojin suddenly asks when I turn my head in his direction. I nod, dreading the idea of practicing until my muscles are sore. I am sure he is allowed a break as he is only here for a little while before returning to Wanna One for their schedules, and I am jealous of the fact.

He nods for a second as he thinks about what to say. I watch him in curiosity, waiting for something along the lines of an explanation to his bizarre question.

"I'm planning on heading back too. Do you mind if I tag along?" He asks hesitantly almost as if he is afraid of rejection. I blink for a second, unsure of how to respond. 

Woojin? Wanted to go back to the company... With me? Was this a dream?

"Oh-um, sure," I say as calmly as I can to mask my true emotion. I was excited and now very nervous. Though if he saw me freaking out like I do with Sohee, he would be intimidated for sure. 

"Perfect. We'll go together, then." Woojin smiles and I nod before watching him return to his plate of food. The smile on his lips lingers as he takes a bite of his food and I can't help but wonder if it is because of me. Though I am taken out of my thoughts when Donghyun calls for Woojin's attention. 

His head snaps up to acknowledge the older boy and unknowingly, so does mine. I realize Youngmin has noticed my action and can't help but smirk as he looks at me. 

At that moment I knew he knew something was up, and I hoped it wasn't his realization of my small crush on Woojin.