RULES. seungjin.

【Ｃｈａｐｔｅｒ ３】

The next day, a Saturday in particular, most regular people will probably sleep in because of the weekend. Seungmin, unlike most people, wakes up at 6 am. He does his morning routine and eats cereal in front of the TV. His parents are away on a business trip, so he has the whole house to himself. Although Seungmin enjoys the silence and having time to himself, he couldn't help but notice this kind of loneliness. Even if his dog is literally right next to him trying to catch his attention, Seungmin only frowns at this longing for something else. Or someone else.

Forgetting about the TV show in front of him, Seungmin takes the time to just think. He finished all his homework yesterday night, so he didn't have to worry about that. His thoughts are wandering all over the place. First, he wonders if he should meet up with his friends to see what they were up to, but that thought is quickly thrown out the window. He is FAR too lazy to leave his house and socialize. Even his dog, Brownie, knows that. Seungmin stands up and walks towards his window with the best view of the sky. Unlatching the hook, he pushes the doors of the window out and a cool breeze blew in, instantly refreshing Seungmin. He takes a moment to breathe in and just appreciate the beauty of nature. His eyes trail down to the streets and notices one or two couples holding hands and taking pictures together. Looking at that, Seungmin is reminded of "The Choosing" talk from yesterday's class. Personally, Seungmin never thought badly of The Choosing. The Government deciding who deems fit for someone and pairing them together in order to decrease the divorce rates worldwide. Seungmin feels it is a good system to go with. In fact, he is excited for New Year and to find out who his match will be. Seungmin smiles at the thought of his future companion. He closes his eyes and starts to hum, dreaming of the type of person they would be. He wonders why anyone would think that The Choosing is such a terrible thing. I mean like, who wants to go through bad relationships and situations like cheating if the government is going to do all the work and pair everyone on the planet with the person that is going to be perfect for them anyway?

Seungmin pauses at that thought and remembers a certain classmate of his who didn't seem fond of Seungmin's explanation about The Choosing. Hwang Hyunjin. Seungmin scowls at the name. Hyunjin is one of the most popular students at school, meaning that everyone. Loves. Him. And Hyunjin doesn't seem to mind all the attention he gets. Like, at all. He just smiles at the fangirls and doesn't remind any of them that he will soon be matched with someone. Just how can someone be so careless if they're soon going to be paired with someone by the Government? Will he continue to act like that even after he is paired?

'Very likely' Seungmin says to himself. He is disgusted by such behavior.

'I feel bad for whoever is going to be Hyunjin's match.'

Seungmin sighs loudly and stretches his tired muscles. He takes a look at the time and sees that it is the afternoon. He should get some lunch, he decides and quickly changes into a pair of skinny jeans, a black shirt, and a flannel. He grabbed his keys, put on his converse, and petted Brownie before leaving.

Strolling through the busy streets, he makes his way to his favorite diner. He opens the doors causing the bell to ring and is met with a heavenly smell of black coffee and meat dishes that the diner is famous for. He looks over at the back and sees that his usual seat is free. Seungmin perks up and skids to the still available spot. The bell from the door rings once more, signifying that more customers are here.

"Hey, Seungmin! Not surprised that you're here," a familiar voice laughs. Seungmin looks up from his phone and smiles at who arrived.

"Hey, Woojin-hyung."

More people are behind Woojin, only Bang Chan, Woojin's match is someone Seungmin recognized.

"Mind if we sit with you?" Chan asks with his cute smile. Seungmin smiles back and nods.