“Oh! Malrang! (squishy)” You blurt out of shock. You immediately cup your hands after uttering the words. Stupid. “I’m sorry, I forgot your name.” You chuckled nervously.

His hand automatically withdraws from the book. “H-hello. And it’s Minseok, by the way.” He bows, eyes shifting nervously everywhere. He relaxed a bit when he saw you wearing his scarf. “Oh, you’re using it?”

 It was your turn to feel embarrassed. “Yeah, I decided to borrow it today before I return it to you tomorrow. But I can return it to you now if you want.” You started unraveling the cloth from your neck.

“No, it’s okay. You can borrow it until tomorrow. “ He stops you and smiles, cheeks forming into soft buns again. You circle the scarf on your neck back to place.

“So, what are you doing here? And what’s that?”  You look at the stack of books on his hand.

He winced and looked uncomfortable again, his arm quickly concealing them from view. But you were fast enough to snatch it away from his grasp. You hold them out quickly one by one and read the titles aloud as fast as you can. Your voice lowers down to a murmur when you realized the genre they belong.

“You like… shoujo manga?” You ask him, slowly giving all of them back.

He receives them warily, blushing with embarrassment. “Nee. I’m weird, right?” He laughs uneasily.

You stare at him blankly for a long time.

“Weird? Are you kidding me?” You said, a big smile slowly spreading across your face. “That’s actually so cool!” You burst into laughter.

Judging by the look on his face, he totally wasn’t expecting that kind of reaction from you. But even though he appeared surprised, he seemed to be relieved at the same time. He eventually smiled and joined laughing with you. You snatched his hand and began dragging him.

“Wait, where are we going?” He refuses to budge, confused.

“We are going to buy those.” You point your free hand to the book he’s holding. “And you’re going to read it today at a café with me.” You commanded. “After that, you’re going to let me borrow, right?”

He blinks, still taking in all what you’ve said. “Uh, well, sure. I got plenty of others at home. Do you…” He hesitates for a bit. “…want to borrow them all?” You abandoned all the shilly-shallying and nod like a crazy maniac, thinking,

 This guy is going to be my new bestfriend.

~

After the revelation incident, you two have become closer than ever. In fact, you found him more interesting as you spent more time with the guy, especially when he starts talking about manga. The moment he begins discussing about it, he simply gets lost into his own world. He’s not called a shoujo manga otaku for no concrete reason. You would know. The box full of it is proof.

And although your relationship with him has gotten better, that doesn’t mean that you’ve forgotten Minah – or Luhan. As a matter of fact, you now spend more time with them than expected. The four of you spend lunch together, and even go out often. Because basically, you’re Minah’s bestfriend and Minseok is Luhan’s.

“You like him, don’t you?”

Minseok asked you one lunch time. He caught you gazing at Luhan lining up to buy food.

 “Is it obvious?”

“Well, for others, it might not.” He takes a sip of his drink. “I’ve read too many mangas, I know it when a girl likes a guy with her constant lingering looks.”

“Ah, of course. “ You cup your chin. “Uhm, do you also know when a guy also likes a girl back?”

“Hmm, I’m not sure. “ He pauses. “It depends if he’s one of the major characters.”

“Major characters?”

“Yep. Like the main couple. If you’re one of the major characters, then you’ll most likely end up with each other. That is, “ he takes a break. “ If the story isn’t a tragedy. Or if one of them won’t do anything to fight for their love and stuff. “ He chews on a beef jerky. “And these characters may vary depending upon the story lines. Like the classic ‘Girl likes Boy and Vice Versa But They Won’t Know They Like Each Other Until Some Significant Event Happens and… what?” He stops and stares at you weirdly.

“Wow. “ You stare back at him. “You’re just… daebak.” He pretends to ignore the compliment.

"So, i'm just curious... Have you ever been a major character?"

He his head to the side in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"Like, have you ever been in love? " You ask, clarifying a bit. "Authors often describe love in mangas as that little unexplainable chest pain the person gets when one is with the other. Or those electric currents between two people." You explained. "Have you ever felt something like that?"

He adjusts his glasses and gazes at you for a long time under the thick-rimmed specs.

"Well..." He breaks away and looks down shyly, murmuring, "Maybe.”

Awkward silence follows. You think about something to change the topic. “So why do you li—“

“Annyeong~!” Minah cuts you off mid-sentence, both hands slamming the table. “What are you talking about?” She innocently remarks. The two of you remained silent. Of course, you can’t tell her Minseok’s secret.

“Oooh, am I missing something here? You two have been really close lately. “She alternately looks at the both of you with suspicious shifty eyes. “Are you dating?”

“No!” The both of you protested together at once. “That’s too bad. You should! You look good together. Right?” She asks Luhan, who just arrived from buying his lunch and sat beside Minseok. He just smiles at her question, but doesn’t say anything. Does that mean he doesn’t agree with her?

“Anyway,” Minah sits beside you. “What are your plans for Christmas break?”

~

Holidays. Sighing, you look at the white specks of snow falling while walking.  I wish I could spend it with him.

You heard Minseok say something but didn’t quite get it. “Pardon?”

“Uhm, are you free on the 24^th?” “He murmured again, but louder this time.

“Hmm, let’s see…” You thought loudly. “Most probably I’ll just stay at home. Why?”

“Nothing.” He whispered.

You finally arrive at the usual place. “Thanks for walking me again.” You stopped and faced him. “See you next year. Merry Christmas!” You greet and sent him off with a wave.

“Merry Christmas...” He bows in return, and turns his back to leave.

You did the same, and started to step home. But he suddenly called back and jogged to catch up with you.

“Wait…” He took a deep breath. 

“What is it? Did you forget something?”

“Well, sorta. “I.. I just thought that if it’s okay.. that…” He clears his throat. “Uh… to buy manga… with me on you know, the 24^th?” He stammers.

“Okaaay… Just buy manga? That’s all?”

“No!” He exclaims. “I mean, we can also have coffee after or… skate!” he stutters. “…and you can help me buy some other gifts, too. “ He explains nervously. “I mean, Luhan is busy, and I don’t have anyone else to go with me, so… But it’s okay if you don’t, though…because  if you’re busy on that day-“

“Whoah, slow down there, buddy. Are you high on caffeine right now? Relax!” You interrupt him, laughing heartily. “Sure, I’ll go with you. It would be nice to spend Christmas Eve outside once in a while.”

“Shinja? You’re going?” A smile slowly spreads across his face. “Thanks.” He huffed in relief, his breath forming hazy circles of fog. “I’ll go back now, then.” He turns again and jogs back his way, disappearing from sight.

What a weird guy. Oh well, at least this Christmas would be a little different. You smile to yourself and continued walking home.

~

By afternoon, you were already treading along the sidewalk, looking at busy streets lit up with colorful Christmas lights. Jolly Christmas songs and aromas of mouthwatering dishes fill the air. Stores on sale are jam-packed with last minute shoppers that rush back and forth. It’s still the same. You thought, comparing the scene years ago. You just haven’t spent Christmas outside for about a while now.

You enter your favorite manga shop again, the one where you met Minseok and found out about his unusual addiction. You pass through shelves, scanning section by section to look for new releases.

For about five minutes of continuous searching for good mangas, someone poked your shoulder. You were expecting to see Minseok but instead you were confronted by handsome stranger. You gawked at him.

“I’m sorry I’m late..” He apologized breathlessly and scratched his head, shifting uneasily. No way.

“Minseok?” You checked if your suspicion was correct. He gawked back at you, and smiled.

“Do I look weird?” He laughs nervously.

No, you look handsome. “No. You look… different.” You blushed at the silent thought. “Where’s your glasses?”

“Oh, I lost them.” He explained. “So I got contacts. Why, do you like me better with glasses?”

“No… not at all.” You mumbled, still unsure of what to do or what to say. You totally did not expect he’s had good looks hidden under the thick specs. Maybe because the spectacles made his eyes look smaller. You can’t believe you didn’t realize it before.

“So, did you find anything good to read?” He innocently asks, snapping you back to reality.

“Uh, yeah. W-wait a minute…” You stuttered, shakily looking for something to recommend. Luckily, you remembered one that got you interested. But it was at the top of the shelf, so you tried to desperately reach out for it.

“Wait, let me help you with that.” He says from behind and reaches out to get it, his hand lightly brushing against yours. A jolt of electricity runs through you from the sudden contact, making you flinch a bit and your heart racing. That was nothing. I’ve experienced lots of static electricity with Minah, too. No big deal.

“Hmm, the plot is interesting. I’ll buy it.” He flips through the pages. “Go help me look for other good ones.” Minseok requests. “I’ll go check if SG has released a new volume.” He turns and disappears behind the other bookshelf.

He is the legit Minseok, okay. That’s no doubt. You clarified your doubts the moment he mentioned SG. He’s the same dorky shoujo manga otaku. He just got contacts. You’re just surprised, and the jitters is because of that. That is all. You convince yourself, and did just what Minseok requested.

Usually, walking with him doesn’t bother you at all. But because of that one tiny sudden change with his appearance, you can’t help but notice the appreciative looks of random girls while you pass by. Tch, they have no idea.

You take a quick peek at him. He has no idea, too. His perfectly slanted eyes were too busy using their contacts to study the lively surroundings to notice the looks.

“Special Christmas promo! Taste our very delicious cake for a very affordable price! ” Your food-sensitive ears tingles upon hearing. You abruptly pause or a moment, making Minseok stop in his tracks, too, wondering why you stopped. He traced your gaze.

“Offering half the original price now for couples!” The endorser shouts. “Come inside and buy now! We only have five cakes left!” You look at Minseok, and continued walking straight like you heard nothing. No, you’re not gonna convince him to pretend that you’re a couple so that you could eat cake. You told yourself.

But before you could get away completely, he yanked your hand and dragged you towards the shop. Wait, what is he planning to do? Don’t tell me he just read my mind?

“Good evening and welcome to Sweet Delights! Ah! You’re just right in time, sir. We have a special couple promo for the Cream cakes.”

“Honey, which one do you want to buy?” He pulls you closer to his side and smiled. You stood there wide-eyed at his bold words and actions. Honey? You murmured, dazed and confused.

He throws you a ‘hurry and play-along’ look. “Oh, yeah. Uh… “ You look up at the list. “Uh… Strawberry..” This guy can sure act.

“Okay. Strawberry-juseyo. “ He orders, his hand still on your waist. You feel heat rise up your cheeks from the contact. Oh hell no. I am not blushing.

He held you like that for the few minutes until he reached for his wallet to pay for it. He was about to claim the cake from the clerk’s hands when she snatched it away.

“But before you get the cake, we would like proof that you’re really a couple.” I have a bad feeling about this.

“Sure. How can we do that.”

“Bbo bbo.” She said flatly. What?

Minseok hesitated for a while. He was clearly surprised by it, too. “Uh..” He laughs nervously. “We’re really a conservative couple. We don’t like kissing in public.” He alibied.

“But we will not hand the cake to you, sir, if you don’t give us proof.” The clerk smiles slyly.

“Hmm..” He hummed. “A kiss, you say?” He asks, thinking hard. The lady nods.”Then we have no choice…” He leans in closer towards you, and you close your eyes in preparation.

But to your disappointment, he only pecks you on the cheek and withdraws quickly. “There.” He turns to the lady. “Bbo bbo.” You open your eyes.

The staff mockingly groans, and then finally hands the cake to him. He receives the cake and drags you out, stomping triumphantly.

The moment you step out at a safe distance from the store, Xiumin releases your hand and heaves a big sigh of relief. You both look at one another blankly for a second and burst out in laughter together.

“That was actually something refreshing. I’d love to do that again.” He grins, and hands you the cake. “Here. It’s for you. That’s for coming with me today.”

You took it and thanked him. “No problem. I had fun, anyway.”

There was the silence between you again. Nothing but the howling of the cold wind and the drowned Christmas carols playing together accompanied you. He looked at you, his eyes boring deeply into yours – his beautiful eyes that you never once noticed. Your heart beats faster just by knowing those eyes were looking at you right now.

“Thank you.” He spoke softly. “Not just today, but since that day that you decided to be still friends with me even though I have this weird hobby some people don’t understand.” Smiling sweetly, he takes a step closer and gazed at you.

“I-“

“Minseok?” A voice from behind interrupts the moment. You flinch reflexively, flushing an intense shade of red, heart pounding hard inside your chest. The both of you turned toward the person.

It was Luhan.

“And you’re here , too.” He looked at you. “What are you two doing here?”

“Uhm, we… I asked her to help me with buying gifts. “ Minseok told him.

“Oh,  I see.” Luhan nods.

“Where’s Minah.?” You ask him.

“I’m alone. We’re not together so why does she need to be with me?” Luhan replied. “I don’t really like her anyway. She’s annoying.” He laughs. “And I like someone else.” He stared at you.

Wow, isn’t that a bit … harsh? You gape at him, shocked. And kinda pissed off. Well he has a point but that doesn’t mean have to broadcast it. Especially to her bestfriend.  And he likes someone else?

Without saying a word, he looks at Minseok, as if telling him something. Minseok gapes back at him for a few seconds, and then turns to you.

“I… I have somewhere to go first.” He pats your shoulder.  “Good luck. I hope you’ll be happy.” He took a long look at you, and left. There was something in his face – his last expression – that bothered you. Regret.

What the hell was this all about? What on earth is going on? Where is he going?

“Hey.” Luhan steps closer, stopping you before you had the chance to go up and ask Minseok  why he’s leaving.

He revealed a bouquet of flowers behind him. “Uhm, I really don’t have a way with words. So here you go.” He hands the flowers, his hand accidentally brushing as you received it. There was no electricity. Not even a little buzz. You felt nothing.

“I know this is a bit sudden and you might’ve not noticed it but…” He clears his throat and took a deep breath.

“I like you.”

You stood there, stunned at his confession. Your heart jumped a bit, but it was out of surprise, not happiness. That’s weird. I should feel thrilled… right? But why do I have this empty feeling instead?

“I-I…” you stammered, looking for the right words to say to his expectant face.

And before you knew it just came out.

“I’m sorry.”

You looked for Minseok, running everywhere your legs could take you. After minutes of tracing your steps and trusting your gut feeling, you finally found him sitting on a bench, head lowered down. You walked over and stopped right in front of him.

He slowly looked up at you, and when he did, he appeared flabbergasted to find you there.

“Why are you here? Where’s Luhan?” He tries to peek behind you.

“I rejected him.” You breathlessly told him.

“You what? “ His eyes widened more. “But I thought you like him?”

“Actually, liked. “ You corrected.

“But why?”

“ I don’t know.” You sat beside him. “Let’s just say that he wasn’t the other major character in my love story, like how I thought he would be.”

“Oh. “ He uttered. He looked like a heavy burden has been lifted up his shoulders. “So, how should I help you?” He asked.

His questioned got you confused. “What do you mean help?”

“Like, help you find another possible major character?” He chuckles gently, avoiding your gaze and playing with his fingers.

“You don’t need to.” You murmured lightly. He looks your way with a confused look.

"Why not?"

Wasting no time, you leaned and planted a sweet kiss on his lips.

You break away and smiled. 

 “Because I already found him.”

A/N: Sooo, how was it?  Sorry for the crappy ending, my headache was acting up. > .<

and I feel a little bad because I made Luhan look bad here. /sweat 

I'm just curious, what would you do if you found out your crush was a shoujo manga otaku? LOL

Just comment your reactions and answers below. I would love to read them <3

Oh and if you have free time, you can check on my first EXO chaptered story, Turquoise ,  starring you (yes you) Kris and Suho. It's still ongoing, though. ^^ 

Saranghaeyo~