To: Minhee

Can you come out for a moment?

To: Myungsoo

Alright! Give me five minutes! ^-^

Capping her pens, Minhee changed into some presentable clothes and was about to rush downstairs. Then, she paused. Turning around, she grabbed her wallet and messed up her hair a little. Unlocking her bedroom door, she was greeted by her parents sitting at the dining table. Her father was browsing through some office files which he brought home while her mother was reading newspapers.

“I’ll drop by the convenience store to grab some canned coffee. Do you need anything?” she asked politely.

“Come back quickly. It’s getting late.” Her mother instructed.

With a relieved smile, Minhee nodded and waved goodbye to her parents. She then rushed out of the wooden brown door and skipped her way down the streets. One of the lamp posts was blinking dangerously, making her feel slightly scared and paranoid. Shaking her head, she fished out her phone.

To: Minhee

I’ll see you at the cross junction!

For a moment, she thought she heard noises so she turned back quickly. However, she was faced with an empty, deserted street. The wind grew stronger and her surroundings begin to turn chiller than ever. Scenes of movies with creepy ajuhsshi stalking young girls flashed in her mind. Clutching her wallet closer to her body, Minhee quickened her pace. She crossed her fingers and reassured herself that everything would be fine.  

“Scared?”

Minhee jumped a little, turning around to face Myungsoo who was smiling away. She made a face and slapped him on his shoulder for his senseless prank.

“Yah.” She protested and he thought she looked cute.  

He smiled in response.

“Don’t worry. When you’re scared, your almighty boyfriend will sense it and appear like a superman.” He joked lightly and ruffled her fringe.  

“So full of yourself.” She said in a disapproving tone.

At the same time, she couldn’t help but feel a smile creep up her face.

“Only for you.” Myungsoo did a fake salute and bowed.

“Oh. By the way, why did you want to meet me?” she recalled.

“Ummm… That…” Myungsoo couldn’t seem to find the right words.

She looked to him suspiciously but waited for him to continue.

“My friends want to meet you. I was just thinking whether you…”

“I’ll go.” She agreed.

Myungsoo widened his eyes at her answer. It came too fast and ready that it caught him off guard.

“I’ll text you the details later.” He said.

“Okay. Uhm, I got to drop by the convenience store.” She said with a bright smile.

“I’ll go with you.” He suggested.

The two of them walked beside one another without speaking. While Minhee went in to get what she needed to buy, Myungsoo waited outside. He knew better than to join her and get recognized by the cashier who might speak to her mum. He could tell she wasn’t ready to disclose their relationship yet and he respected her decision. The store’s glass doors slid open and Minhee exited.

“For you.” Minhee said as she shoved a packet of warm milk into Myungsoo’s hands.

The scene was very much familiar. Myungsoo smiled and she realized the reason behind his smile. Blushing, Minhee walked ahead first. Myungsoo caught up with her and felt pure bliss hit his tongue as he took another sip. Minhee felt her heart race. She hadn’t once imagined herself walking beside a boy at this hour, together. Myungsoo peeked at her swinging hand for another time and cursed silently. She didn’t seem to realize anything.

Pretending to be casual, Myungsoo took her hand in his. She jumped a little at his gesture and looked at him in confusion. He chewed on his lips a little before flashing his rare innocent smile. She looked away shyly after realizing it was just normal for couples to hold hands. Smirking, he tightened his grip on her. The distance back home seemed shorter than before.

“I got to go in. See you tomorrow.”

“Can’t you stay longer?” Myungsoo asked.

“Sorry.” She apologized and he patted her head.

“I understand. Get going.” He said.

She jogged to her doorsteps and couldn’t help realize he didn’t kiss her like before. Smacking herself mentally, Minhee returned home. She scurried upstairs without a second word and hurried to her windows. She saw Myungsoo staring at her house door and she wondered what was on his mind. His expression was unreadable.

That night, Minhee realized she doesn’t know Myungsoo that well, after all.   

-

“I’m going out!” Minhee said as she grabbed her bag.

“With Jieun and friends?” she asked.

Minhee bit her lips and nodded. She knew it was wrong to lie but she had to.

“Come home early. Your school work isn’t complete yet.” She said knowingly.

“I will.” She confirmed and slipped out of house.

Sometimes, she wondered what else was her mother concerned about her, apart from her studies. Sure, she knew studies were important. She knew very well that she wanted her to study hard, get good results and subsequently, find a good job to support herself and them. Is that it? She couldn’t help but wonder. Minhee sighed and played with her fingers.

All along, she thought it was mostly only girls who would be late but today, she realized guys were no exception. Minhee heard a huge commotion advancing towards her so she looked up. She caught herself staring at five very well-dressed boys and one of them appeared to be her boyfriend. He waved at her brightly and she admits- she found him attractive. She couldn’t help but feel slightly underdressed before them who shone like gems.

“Hello.”

“Hey.”

“Yo.”

“Nice to meet you.”

“Uhm, hello.” Minhee stood up and greeted back nervously.

“Did you wait long? Ugh. It’s all Woohyun’s fault for keeping us waiting. Mianhae.” Myungsoo apologized.

“Ani. I didn’t wait for long. I reached not long ago too.” Minhee reassured with a smile.

“Gosh, someone in black looks so love-struck.” Sungyeol commented.

Myungsoo checked his attire and glared at him when he finally realized he was referring to him.

“Where shall we go?!” Dongwoo asked excitedly.

“To the movies? Call?” Woohyun suggested.

Everyone else nodded and without wasting another second, they boarded the next bus. Minhee smiled as she sat in the middle. The boys were quite loud during the journey but they would hush themselves once in a while and she was amused. Ignoring the stares from members of the public, she looked to L. She saw him staring at them, implying for them to behave themselves. She giggled. He felt like a zoo keeper tending to a bunch of animals. And no, she didn’t mean anything negative with that expression.

Standing before the row of posters, they boys were squabbling over what to watch. Hoya wanted an action film, but Woohyun wanted a romance comedy movie. Dongwoo wanted to watch an animated movie but Sungyeol wanted to watch a magical fantasy one. They couldn’t make up their minds and it seemed like they were nowhere near a mutually acceptable conclusion.

“STOP.” L growled dangerously.

They all fell silent and looked to him obediently.

“Minhee, what would you like to watch?” Myungsoo asked with a sweet smile as he turned to her.

“That was an instant change of attitude.” Sungyeol whispered to Dongwoo.

“Yah, Lee Sungyeol. I can hear you.” L said.

The five of them landed their eyes on her and waited for her decision.

“I’m fine with anything.” She said.

That sent the four of them into another round of squabbling. It was only after a good half an hour did they find themselves standing before the ticket counter. In the end, they agreed on watching the romance comedy film for Myungsoo caught Minhee peeping at the poster. They entered the cinemas quietly and settled themselves at the side. The show began and halfway through the show, Minhee felt something hit her. She turned behind and saw popcorn flying in her direction. Picking it off her fringe, she frowned at their childishness.

“You guys aren’t kids anymore.” L told them off.  

“But we always do that in the past.” Dongwoo pouted and pointed out.

Nonetheless, they stopped playing with food and focused their attention on the big screen.  

L bit his lower lip and glanced over to Minhee worriedly.

When the show came to an end, some of them could feel their sides ache from all the laughing. Minhee looked down at her feet to find the red carpeted floor strewn with caramel flavoured popcorn. When a female janitor approached their group, she hurriedly followed the guys who were ready to escape. From the corner of her eyes, she spotted Dongwoo apologizing to the janitor and at that, she could feel the ends of her lips twitch a little.

“They aren’t that bad, after all.” She thought.

“What’s the plan next?” Myungsoo asked with his mouth full of food.

When he realized Minhee was together with them, he swallowed the food down before speaking again.

“You’ll know soon.” Woohyun said and winked.

Myungsoo was informed that they had plans for the night and it would remain as a secret till the time comes. They were walking on the crowded streets and Myungsoo held Minhee protectively. She smiled gratefully at his sweet act and matched his pace. Myungsoo thought he found the surroundings familiar and then, realization hit him.

“Yah, Nam Woohyun. Are you bringing us to-”

“Welcome to… Paradise.” Woohyun announced and winked seductively.

Minhee looked up and realized she was standing before a club, a place she hasn’t been to.

Author's Note:
I'm sorry that the next update came so late. :X
This story is picking up quite slowly but I hope you guys are enjoying it.
Today is the eve of Christmas eve and I wish you a merry christmas in advance! <3
It would be nice if you guys commented. <3
Thank you for reading 'Never Meant to Be'! ^^