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     "You're how old now? C'mon, man. It'll just be one date. I don't see why you won't just let me help you out. Maybe you'll fall in love." It was always the same proposition. No matter how hard Taeyang tried to show that he didn't need his friends help, they kept insisting that he let them. At first it was just Rowoon, but eventually everyone got on board. The thing that got him every time, was that they always told him they could help him find love. He didn't need their help finding love. 

     It was amusing to him, honestly. Here they were, constantly telling him he needed their help, when really he was already set. His relationship with Youngkyun had been going on for a few months and his friends still had no idea. It wasn't like he was trying to keep his relationship a secret either, he had occasionally dropped hints here and there. His friends were just too clueless to pick up on any of them. Anyone else would be able to tell even if he hadn't said it explicitly.

     They had met when Youngkyun was staying in town for a friend's birthday. Taeyang couldn't remember what drew him to go into the record store he once spent all his days in, but he knew now that it was all worth it. His heart felt like it stopped when he saw the other, but after receiving an enchanting smile, he knew he would just beat himself up if he didn't say anything. Youngkyun was almost sickeningly sweet and they found themselves talking for over an hour before exchanging numbers and going on their ways.

     They texted all day for weeks and others were oblivious. Conversations were effortless and almost never uncomfortable. They got along so well, you wouldn't have believed they hadn't known each other for long. Texts became calls, and calls became facetimes, and facetimes became seeing each other whenever they were free and one of them was able to travel a few hours. It truly was inevitable that they would end up dating. They were perfect for each other.

     Now Taeyang is getting elbowed in the ribs as his friends are telling him about the next person they would like to introduce to him. He didn't know how to politely tell them he couldn't care less and was in no need to meet a potential love interest as he didn't want or need another person. He was in a very happy and committed relationship. It was hardly his fault they were all to stupid to pick up on that.

     "My dude, you aren't even paying attention. Can't you just consider meeting her?" Dawon practically begged him as they sat waiting for their food to arrive at the table. Taeyang lightly rolled his eyes and sighed. 

     "I'll consider meeting her when Rowoon finally talks to that guy he always talks about." He joked taking a sip of his water. Rowoon's eyes widened and he rapidly shook his head. 

     "That's not fair. I don't like this. You're cruel." He sputtered out unnecessarily fast. His cheeks were red and he seemed as if he retreated into himself.

     "I was kidding. But still, I'm not going on a date with someone else. I'm fine with what I have." Taeyang said, emphasizing that he did indeed have something. His friends seemed to miss this which only made him sigh again.

     "No no no, if that is what it takes, then we'll do it. Tomorrow, we're all going down to the pet store and forcing Woonie to talk to his soulmate." Dawon said as the food arrived. Rowoon looked at Taeyang, hoping he could help him, but the other just sat there and began to eat. 

     "Dawonie, I love you, you know I love you. If you love me, you won't do this. You shouldn't do this. It's cruel. I wo-"

     "So it's settled. Her name is Miyeon and she's very sweet. I'm sure you two will get along very well." Dawon said, beginning to eat as well. Rowoon frowned and looked down at his food.

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     Dawon pushed Rowoon through the pet store door and Taeyang followed them in. As Taeyang looked around, Rowoon stayed rooted to his spot. He stared at the floor and refused to speak. Dawon kept trying to get him to say or do something and sighed when he wouldn't budge.

     "I'm gonna go entertain some puppies. Have fun trying to do whatever it is you're planning." Taeyang said before walking away from them.

     "He's not here. I guess that means we can leave. What a waste. Let's go." Rowoon said quickly before turning and beginning to walk away. Dawon grabbed his hand and dragged him to the counter. A boy came out of the back and greeted them. By the way Rowoon stiffened at his voice, Dawon was sure this was him.

     "Hello, sir. We're hoping you can help us with your pet expertise. My friend here recently got a hamster and he needs everything to make sure his little furry friend can live a long, happy, hamster life. Could you please help him? I'll be with my other friend over there. Thank you." Before the boy could even answer, Dawon was walking away and smiling. When he approached Taeyang, he put a hand on his shoulder. "It's over, my dear. He's surely talking to him now. So I'll tell Miyeon you guys are on for tomorrow at lunch? Great."

     "Would it make you happy? If I went out with Miyeon?" Taeyang asked, annoyance very evident in his voice. Dawon took a deep breath, knowing he needed to choose his words carefully.

     "Taeyang, it would make me happy seeing you go out with anyone. It doesn't have to be Miyeon. I'd just really appreciate it if you could just see her once. You might like her. Just once. Please?" He asked. He grabbed the other's hands and looked into his eyes. Taeyang sighed and nodded. "Thank you."

     He pulled out his phone and opened up his conversation with Youngkyun.

I'm going on a date tomorrow

Kyun~ah🌼💕🌼💕
What time should I be there?

I'm sorry angel but it's not with you

Kyun~ah🌼💕🌼💕
Your friends again, huh?

I promise I'll take you out as soon as I can

Kyun~ah🌼💕🌼💕
I'm not mad or anything

Are you annoyed? Doesn't it bother you at least a little?

Kyun~ah🌼💕🌼💕
Maybe when I first read it, but I know you

What does that mean?

Kyun~ah🌼💕🌼💕
You like me too much to cheat

You do know me

Kyun~ah🌼💕🌼💕
Also, why would you have told me? See you soon xoxo

     Taeyang smiled and locked his phone. He looked up to see Dawon giving him a weird look.

     "What's got you so smiley? Is it Park Chanyeol again because he sure makes me smile." He asked looking at his phone and then back up at him.

     "Nothing, nothing."

     "I did it. Are you happy?" Rowoon asked, his face red and his hands filled with bags.

     "Oh my god, did you actually buy stuff?" Dawon asked with a laugh. 

     "What was I supposed to do? Tell him my friend lied and forced me to talk to him? You better give me money to cover this." Rowoon said.

     "Give me the receipt." Dawon groaned. When he took it he smiled and handed it back to Rowoon. "You might want to keep this."

     Written at the bottom of the long receipt was a phone number. His face became, almost impossibly, more red.

~~~~~~~~~~

word count: 1236

WOWIE I'M BACK! I hope you guys liked this! I'm very excited for what is to come!

Let me know what you think

~~Peachy~~

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