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So Close Yet So Far - Mingyu x Reader - Chapter 20 - A Surprise in the Fields

Synopsis: Your college friend, Kim Mingyu, has had a grip on your heart since the first day you met. Over the past few years, as you acquired more friendships and memories, those feelings only grew. However, recently, Mingyu has seemed a bit more distant, at least when it comes to any ideas of romance. It only gets worse when rumors fly that he's off to Japan to receive a marriage proposal! Unsure what to do, you wonder how you can keep Mingyu by your side without jeopardizing your friendship or your growing feelings. You never expected that waking up one drunken morning next to two hot angels would be your ticket into Mingyu's heart.

Genre: Romance, College!AU, Modern Fantasy, Comedy, Angsty

Length: approx. 6.7k words

Chapter 20 - A Surprise in the Fields

Mina saw all of their eyes widen as the room fell into silence. However, she only smiled.

“…What?” Her father asked.

Mina didn’t falter in her statement. She said it again. “I’d like to end my engagement.”

Now Mingyu piped up. “What?” he asked. Mina looked at him again, shaking her head as a cue for him to sit back and watch. She looked back to her father, who looked mortified. “I’m sorry, Father. I recently fell in love with someone else. Back home. We reconnected when I went back to visit Mother. I just…Mingyu isn’t the man I want to be with anymore.”

“…Was it the flower choice?” Mingyu asked. The unexpectedness of that comment had Mina chuckle a bit, and when she turned to Mingyu once again, he had a genuine look of concern on his face. “It thought they were really pretty and Christmassy.”

“How did this happen?” Mr. Miyou asked. Mina smiled.

“We met at a party.” She said. “It was really romantic. He introduced himself and when some drunken fool tried to bother me, he protected me. He told the guy off and stayed by my side the rest of the night. He and I only knew each other that day but he made sure I had a good time. He was so nice.” Mingyu’s shoulders dropped as he listened, biting his lip. Mina turned to Mingyu again, smiling sadly. “And then he took me to Tokyo Tower and we had lunch the next day. We had a great time. I knew then that would be the person I was destined to marry. That guy.”

Her father looked stunned as Mina’s eyes sparkled during her story. “Who is this guy in Japan?” Mina’s father asked. For some reason, despite completely expecting her father to ask such a question, she had not spent any part of the ride preparing a response that would make sense. She pursed her lips.

“Taro Yamada.” She said quickly. Mingyu immediately recalled the “drunken fool” from her Christmas party that was trying to bother Mina. He chuckled a bit in amusement.

“You can do better.” He said simply, putting his hands in his pocket. Mina smiled.

“The point is, I don’t want to be with Mingyu anymore. We have spent time together trying to make this work but…it seems we both love different people. And I know Mingyu won’t end the relationship. He’s too kind. So, I will. I don’t want to be in a miserable marriage.”

“It was absolutely the flowers that did it,” Mingyu said under his breath. Mina pulled her ring off her finger, gently setting it on the table before her.

“I’m sorry, Father. I want to return home as soon as possible.”

“Mina.” Her father gasped, but Mina was already heading out the door. Mingyu watched her for a moment before his father called to him.

“Mingyu, what did you tell her?” He asked. Mingyu frowned. “Go talk to her and fix this.”

Mingyu looked down at the ring that had been sitting on his finger since the engagement. He simply slipped it off, setting it beside Mina’s. “No.” He said simply, before walking out of the office and closing the door behind him. He saw Mina stop at the top of the step and hurried over. “Mina.” He called.

Mina turned to him when she heard the footsteps. He looked grateful but also confused. “I told myself I wouldn’t win your heart unfairly. Even when I tried to, I failed.” Mingyu blinked. “I want you to be happy. I want you to smile. You can act well I’m sure, but you’ll never truly be happy with me. That’s just as miserable for me.”

“Mina…” Mingyu sighed softly. “I’m-.”

“Don’t you dare...” She said quickly. “I should apologize. I’ve taken two months of your life that you should have been spending in bliss with someone else. I won’t take her spot anymore. It hurts now, but I’ll be okay.” Mingyu nodded. “You should go find her.”

Mingyu’s head was still reeling from the experience. “I don’t think she wants to see me.” He said.

“She does,” Mina assured. “She has all of your presents still displayed in her home, and when she talked about you today, her eyes still had that same sparkle in them.” Mingyu watched Mina step closer to him. She got on her tiptoes, balancing herself by holding onto his arm as she kissed his cheek. He felt his ears heat up, and he looked away from her for a second. It made her laugh.

“Even so, she’s upset with me.” He said. “I messed it all up.”

Mina shrugged. “I know exactly what will make her feel better.” She suggested. “If I’ve learned anything about the both of you, a gift is the one thing she always expects from you when you’re away for so long.” Mingyu finally felt a real smile form on his face, and Mina once again was hit by its infectiousness.

“Okay.” He said. “I’ll take you back to the house and then-.” Mingyu stopped his mind immediately beginning to think. She watched him; her smile still prevalent as she waited to see what he would come up with. “I have an idea. I need to make some phone calls.” Mina watched as Mingyu prepared to stro forward, but stilled. Mina caught his gaze. “Come on.” He said.

“Hm?”

“I’ll take you home.” He smiled. “I also need your help.”

“My help?” Her eyes widened. “Even after all of this?” Mingyu nodded.

“I need to know what you think of my idea.” Mina hesitated for a minute, unsure if she should go. She remembered what happened the last time she tried to help him. However, the longer she stared at his beaming face, the harder she was finding it to say no.

“Okay…” she finally breathed out, before approaching him. Mingyu grinned, and the duo descended the steps. It only took a second for Mingyu to look in her direction.

“You’re not actually going to Japan to marry that ‘drunken fool’, right?” Mina had to laugh, covering her mouth.

“Over you? I’d rather spend the rest of my life alone.”

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You watched as Joshua and Jeonghan paced the room in front of you. They seemed stressed, but a different kind of stress than they have expressed ever since your contracts flashed red in the first place. You had no idea what to say because you were just as lost as them, and you simply waited with bated breath for one of them to speak.

Finally, Jeonghan chose to. “We have another shot.”

“How?” Joshua asked. “Mingyu is living with another woman and has a ring on her finger.”

“Thanks for the mental image.” You said. Joshua quickly offered you a sympathetic look.

“Well, if it’s not red any more then that means we didn’t fail. It’s back at neutral.” Jeonghan said simply.

“I know that.” Jeonghan put his hand on his hips.

“We should really call Seungcheol now.” He said.

“I think you just want to see me get beat up again,” Joshua said.

“No.” He sighed. “But he’s the only one who knows exactly what is going on. He can tell us what this means.”

“That makes sense.” You finally popped up. “If he’s the head angel of your group, then he must be in the loop with how everything is going. Maybe he can give us more details.”

“I can if you want.” The three of you looked towards the new voice that popped into the conversation, eyes on the balcony. Seungcheol stepped in, closing the balcony door behind him. He put his hands in his pockets. “I was hoping I wouldn’t have to see you again.”

You pursed your lips together, confused by how jovial he sounded as he said that. “Thanks?” Seungcheol grinned at your question.

“Is it just you?” Jeonghan asked.

“Yeah.” He clapped his hands together. “I told them that if you two don’t screw this up royally again, they can all come with me to welcome you back home.” The duo shared a glance before Seungcheol began to explain. “I can’t say much, but I do know that both of you are so incredibly lucky. Whatever happened to Mingyu and this girl, probably won’t last. You need to act right now.”

“But what do we do?” Jeonghan asked.

“What even happened?” Joshua asked. Seungcheol glanced at you, the intensity of his stare making you shiver.

“Don’t be too upset with him, okay?” He suggested. “Hear him out.”

“Okay.” You said softly.

Seungcheol walked up to the two angels before him, patting their shoulders. “I can’t really say much else.” He said. “If he comes to you, help him out. Even if you’re upset with him-.” His eyes shot at Joshua, who immediately avoided his gaze. “I can’t stay around or do anything to interfere. But I’ll have my eyes and ears on everything.”

“Okay,” Jeonghan said.

“I feel like we’re about to rob a bank.” You said. You didn’t expect the trio to give you absolutely disgusted looks even suggesting something like that would happen. “I’m kidding.” You emphasized.

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Mingyu was pacing the floor of his living room frantically. “Please pick up. Please.” He begged to himself, listening as the phone continued to ring and ring. Finally, when he heard a confused ‘Hello’, he gasped. “Hyung!”

“…Mingyu?” Hoshi sat up at his desk, pencil in hand and phone on the other. He looked over at his bed, where Jihoon was propped against the side. His eyes immediately rose from his phone.

“Hyung, I need your help. Minnie and Seungkwan won’t pick up.”

“They’re not happy with you.” He pointed out.

“Hyung, I need to make this right and I have my chance. I really need all of your help.”

“What about Mina?”

His eyes darted to the woman in question as she turned her phone off, sticking it into her pocket and examining her luggage, the one time this would probably ever happen. “I’ll explain everything to you when we meet. Please.”

He heard Hoshi hum on the other line and he was beginning to grow impatient. However, he had no room to make demands on Hoshi or any of his friends. He heard the bedroom door open and saw Mina pull a few suitcases into view. He hurried over, grabbed them, and helped her bring one to the living room, his phone still pressed between his ear and shoulder. It seemed she was on the phone as well, listening to the other person on the line. “Hyung, please.” He begged. “You don’t have to talk to me anymore after this if you can’t forgive me. Just help me.”

“Fine.” Hoshi finally said. “I’ll call the others and talk to them.”

“Thanks, Hyung.” He said. “I’m going to get dinner in an hour. If you guys help, please meet me there, okay? I’ll put the address in a group chat”

“Okay,” Hoshi said before hanging up. The uncertainty in his friend's voice made Mingyu exhale a deep sigh of anxiety. Looking down at his phone, he watched his background pop up. He had yet to change it since getting it back from his father, one of you, and him at the fireworks on the beach, holding up a half-burnt sparkler. It was one of the ones that did not get the entirety of the fireworks in the background. He could see Hoshi in the corner of the screen, remembering him and Seungkwan running around with their sparklers. He pulled up his photos, scrolling to that one and the others that surrounded it. His phone was a wall of similar pictures stacked beside one another of the both of you at the fireworks. He scrolled a bit farther, coming across photos of the group of you the morning of your birthday, stuffing their faces with muffins and coffee. Mingyu pulled up a picture of you standing with Hoshi and Minnie, Hoshi’s hands reached up to put a little birthday crown on your head. Even behind his arm, he could still make out your amused grin.

“Are they going to help?” she asked. Mingyu looked over, thumb ghosting over the photo before he could swipe. Mina offered him a little smile.

“I hope.” He said. “I can’t blame them if they don’t.”

“If I know anything about your friends, they’ll come through. They just seem that those kinds of people.” She walked over, catching sight of the photo on his phone. Mingyu held back the urge to stick his phone in his pocket when Mina reached out and took it. She looked at the picture. “I regret not coming downstairs for presents and stuff.” She said. “I was too emotional about everything. I made Jihoon tell everyone I was asleep.”

“Oh,” Mingyu said. Mina motioned the phone back as if to ask if she could continue to scroll silently. Mingyu, though a bit hesitant, nodded. She smiled, her finger swiping through each photo.

“She looked really pretty.” She said. Looking over at Mingyu, she smiled. “Must have been romantic.”

“Aha…” Mingyu’s cheeks turned red, averting his eyes. Mina handed his phone back with an amused giggle.

“No need to tell me the details. I know,” she said. “I saw.” When she saw Mingyu’s nervous smile turn into a stunned and embarrassed expression spread across his entire face, she laughed a bit. “Don’t look at me like that. You did it right in the open in front of the house. I’m sure everyone saw.”

“You think?”

“I’m almost confident,” she said, leaving Mingyu to groan in embarrassment at his hands. She simply strolled to the front door and patted her luggage. “Now, let’s get this by the door so they’re ready for my car.”

“Your car?” Mingyu’s eyes widened.

“I called while you were on the phone. I’ll be heading to the airport right away and going home.”

Mingyu waited with Mina outside of the house for her car, the one that would take her to the airport. “Are you going to be fine waiting at the airport?” he asked. Mina laughed a bit, nodding her head.

“Yes. I can easily have the family plane sent over to get me. If not, I have enough money for a ticket. My father won’t let me go back without a good enough explanation and I’m not really ready to explain everything yet. Besides, I miss home. Living in Korea forever would have eventually made me really homesick.” She turned to Mingyu, who stuck his hands in his pockets and rocked on his heels as a way to pass the time. “Make sure you actually get her to forgive you, okay?”

Mingyu’s expression soured. “You think she won’t?” he asked.

“No,” Mina assured. “I do. I’m just saying to make sure it will work.” Mingyu nodded. “And if you’re not planning to stop talking to me after this, I hope we can still work together one day.” Mingyu chuckled to himself, nodding.

“Maybe,” he said. Mina nodded her head. “Only if you promise to not marry that sleaze.”

“I told you I won’t.” She said behind a laugh, and Mingyu chuckled along with her. She felt a warm bubble in her stomach as his laugh hit her ears, a feeling she had long missed since all this happened. “This is exactly what I wanted,” she said, looking up at him again. Mingyu cocked an eyebrow, unsure of what she meant. However, she turned her heel, watching as the car she called for was approaching. “Ah. There.” she motioned to the car as it pulled up to them, the driver stepping out to help with bags. Mina turned to Mingyu one final time. “Go get her back, okay? Don’t let my sacrifice be in vain.”

“Oh, sacrifice, hm?” Mingyu again had to chuckle in amusement. He picked up her heaviest luggage, sticking it into the trunk before closing it. The driver opened the passenger’s door for her, and she offered him one more look. "Get home safe,” he said. Mina nodded her head politely.

“Bye.” She said, before slipping into the car. Mingyu crossed his arms over his chest as the car started up, pulling from the house and onto the street until it was out of his sight. It was then he felt his phone going off in his pocket a mile a minute, and he had to keep himself calm, the only indicator of his excitement being the corners of his lips curling into a smile. He immediately returned to the house to get his own things and head to the restaurant.

He would fix all of it. He just needed to plan.

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Mingyy sat at the table of the restaurant, eyes darting nervously around the room. Servers were brought out food, patrons strolled in and out. The longer he waited, the slower time seemed like it was going. Therefore, the more anxious he got. Leaning back in his seat, he covered his eyes. They said they would come. Where are they? He thought to himself. Did they change their minds?

“Are you falling asleep over here?” A familiar voice alerted Mingyu straight ahead, watching as Seungkwan and Hoshi nestled in the booth across from him. Minnie plopped at his side, setting her bag on the table in front of her. He glanced at the figure at the edge of the table, where Jihoon was standing. Awkwardly. It was obvious that without Joshua, Jeonghan, or you in the mix, Jihoon kind of looked like the adult who was unfortunately placed at the kids dinner table.

Sensing the moment of awkwardness, he nodded his head. “...I was at Hoshi’s when you called.” He said simply, motioning to the flustered individual at his side. Mingyu couldn’t help but chuckle a bit, nodding his head.

“No, it’s a good thing you came. I didn’t know how to get in contact with Joshua or Jeonghan without…” his voice trailed off, but he shook his head. “That’s not the worry right now. I’m glad you guys came. I really thought you wouldn’t want to.”

“I was debating it,” Minnie said. “After the shit that happened at the engagement party.”

“I know.” Mingyu sighed, running a hand through his hair.

“Where is she anyway?” Hoshi asked, looking around. “Mina.”

“She…” Mingyu needed another deep breath, his heart beating in his chest like a wild animal attempting to escape its cage. “She went back home.” The stunned expressions from the table were expected, and Mingyu continued. “We uh…she ended it.”

“You’re fucking kidding.” Minnie gasped, eyes wide. Mingyu nodded sheepishly.

“Yeah. That’s why I called. I want to make things right. With everyone. You guys first.” He was clearly getting embarrassed the more he thought about it. “I fucked everything up and I am so sorry. All the help you guys offered me for her birthday plans at the beach house and I threatened all of it because of my father and his stupid fucking threats.”

“...Threats?” Hoshi asked soft worry in his voice.

Seungkwan’s “threats?” were laced with so much curiosity that his eyes widened. Mingyu nodded.

“He has files on all of you from school. He’s been keeping tabs since I started school and I had no idea. When he heard I had started a relationship he threatened all of your futures.” He shook his head.

“You really hurt her,” Minnie said, and Mingyu nodded in agreement, eyes cast down on the table. “I don’t think she’ll ever recover.”

“I know. And instead of sticking up to him and calling his bluff, I sat my ass down and took it.” He shook his head. “It’s almost laughable now. I’m so embarrassed.”

“You should be,” Minnie said. “It was a stupid decision that came out of nowhere.”

“I know,” he said. “But that’s why I need your guy's help. I want to make it right. Please.” he glanced at Jihoon, who simply listened, his eyes cast out the window. He scanned his friend's faces, all of whom took the silence to process what Mingyu had said. None of them looked shocked, but none of them looked angry either. The neutrality in their faces seemed to fuel the dread in Mingyu’s chest even more. “Please…” he said again. “Do I need to get on the floor and deep bow? I will.”

“...Absolutely, Hyung,” Seungkwan said, only to receive a stern look from Minnie. “What? He offered.” Before Minnie could convince Mingyu not to, he got out of his seat in the booth. The group looked around at the surrounding patrons, all of whom bore witness to this six-foot man kneeling down on the marble restaurant floor, hands pressed at his sides as he lowered his head all the way to the floor.

“I’ll stay here as long as I have to. Until you agree to help me. Not forgive me, but help me. Please, I cannot lose her over this. Or you guys….”

When silence filled the booth, he waited for the sound of squeaking shoes to follow. He knew it was coming, so he closed his eyes, forehead pressed firmly to the cool floor. However, instead of squeaking shoes, he felt a hand on his shoulder. Finally propping himself up, he saw Seungkwan leaning over.

“I was kidding,” he said in amusement. “Of course we’ll help.” Relief washed over Mingyu and it took every fiber of his being not to cry. He got up, sliding back in the booth. Just as he was about to open his mouth, Seungkwan stopped him. “We cannot listen to your plan on empty stomachs, Hyung.”

“You’re shameless,” Jihoon commented with a grin, and Seungkwan’s shield of confidence immediately crumbled him into a blushing mess. Mingyu, however, simply grinned.

“Order whatever you guys want,” he said, motioning for Jihoon to finally sit. “Before my father cancels my card. Max it out for all I care!” He leaned forward, calling over his waitress to finally begin serving them before finally diving into his plan.

As his table melted into the familiar chatter he had long since missed, he knew he could do this. ‘

Suddenly, Seungkwan’s eyes widened behind his drink. “Minnie! Give me my money back!”

“What? Why?!” She gasped.

“I told you the engagement would end!”

“You place a bet on me?!” Mingyu gasped.

“I said that he would end the engagement.” Minnie snapped back. “So technically you don’t win.”

“Neither do you!”

“...You place a bet on me?!” MIngyu asked again when he realized he was ignored the first time. Jihoon patted Mingyu on the shoulder, shaking his head.

“They’ve placed about 3 bets on you.” He said simply. Mingyu rolled his eyes in annoyance, watching as the duo argued well through the meal.

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It was the following day when Joshua and Jeonghan were planning lunch. Joshua went to get it, assuming it would be you, returning from a needed stroll that you had decided to take in hopes of clearing your head. However, he was shocked when Hoshi and Jihoon were standing at the door.

“Not the pairing I would have expected, but I am pleased regardless.” He saw Jihoon sneak him a displeased sneer. “What do you need?”

“Mingyu needs your help.” Joshua could hear Jeonghan hurrying towards the door as well when the sink turned off, poking his head into the conversation. “We need to all meet at the campus as soon as possible. Do you have any art supplies?”

“Would the school not have art supplies?” Jeonghan cocked an eyebrow. “Why?” He brushed off the side eye from Joshua.

“What does he have planned?” Joshua asked curiously. Jihoon and Hoshi shared a look.

“How much time do we have before she gets home?” Jihoon asked curiously.

“A little while, I guess,” Jeonghan said.

“Let’s go,” Hoshi said, motioning them out. “We’ll explain on the way.” Despite being confused, Jihoon and Hoshi simply took the duo’s wrists and led them out of the apartment, Jeonghan struggling to close and lock up as he was being tugged away.

By the time you had gotten home, the apartment had been quiet for some time, the sun already dipping further behind the horizon. You saw the counters in the kitchen were filled with food mid-prep, an unusual sight. “Did they forget something?” You mumbled to yourself. Simply brushing your confusion off as nothing, you headed into the bathroom. “I need to shower. Even when it’s getting cold, I sweat.” With your arms stretched over your head, you made your way into the bathroom and closed the door behind you.

A warm shower was just what you needed to loosen your tight joints and muscles, some of which were still sore from the walking you were doing around the block. When you stepped out, you immediately sensed something. The same stillness that welcomed you home was still looming through the apartment. Tugging your shirt over your torso, you poked your head out of the bathroom again. “Hello?” you called. Nothing. “…Joshua?” You called. “Jeonghan?” Again, nothing. “Huh.” You stepped into the living room, sinking onto the couch and crossing your arms.

For only a moment, the peace that being alone left you with made you feel just that, peace. You turned the TV on, flipped through a magazine, and scrolled your phone. However, even with the buzz of the TV before you low, the silence was deafening. You looked over to the door, then the balcony. Nothing.

“What am I supposed to do?” You muttered to yourself. “I can’t remember what being alone feels like.” You hummed at the thought. Joshua and Jeonghan had been by your hip this long, being alone felt like a new experience. Even when you felt at your loneliest, they were always there to try their best to cheer you up. Looking down at your hands, you balled them into fists. “I really screwed everything up for them, hm?” you mumbled to yourself. It wasn’t cold, but your hands rubbed one another as if they tried making friction to warm up. “How many people can say that they fuck up a contract with two angels? It’s once in a lifetime and I completely missed the mark.”

You rose from the couch once more, making your way into the bedroom for some pajamas, ready to nestle into something comfy and end your day with a warm meal and maybe a beer. All you saw to even begin to remind you that they have been living in your apartment for the past few months was a few photos of the three of you along the college campus, and the beautiful burgundy dress that was hanging out of your closet. You walked over to it, gently tugging at the cloth. Your fingers brushed against it, tickled by the gentle feel of the fabric along your fingers. “This will be nice to wear for Christmas.” It was at the mention of the holiday, which was still two months away, but felt so close to you, that Mingyu popped in your mind for the first time in a while. His smile danced through your mind as he held out your birthday present. His hands ghosted along your neck and collarbone and he adorned it on your neck. You sighed, finally pushing the dress deeper into the closet and closing it, hoping to completely block the memories from resurfacing again.

It was then you heard the door opening, and you returned from your home. Expecting Joshua and Jeonghan, you were stunned to see Minnie. She turned to you, tugging her hair into a ponytail and smiling. “Hey.” She said.

“Hey.” You walked over. “What are you doing here? Everything okay?”

“Oh, everything is more than okay.” She said. “In fact, we need to go out.”

“What?” You asked. “Right now?”

“Right now.” She said simply. “Go get dressed.”

“I’m already dressed.” You said. Unimpressed eyes scanned your tee shirt and jeans, before staring directly at you with another wide grin.

“Go get dressed into something else.” She corrected. When you opened your mouth to respond, Minnie only pointed. “Go. There’s no time to argue with me. Trust me, okay?”

“What should I wear?” you asked, finally walking back into your room. You heard Minnie following behind. “I was planning on staying in tonight.”

“Wear something cute. Maybe a skirt and a cute top? Oh! Or maybe-.”

“Nicha Yontararak.” You said. Minnie’s eyes widened at the mention of her Thai name. “You did not set me up on a blind date, did you?”

“What?” Minnie scoffed. “No.”

“Minnie.” You said, unimpressed by her attempt to lie.

“I really didn’t!” She said quickly. “Trust me! Now, get dressed so we can go!”

She watched as you scanned your drawers for an outfit that better matched her very vague description of ‘cute’. “You’re going to 100 percent thank me later.”

“I very highly doubt that, considering how confused I am.” Grabbing a long-sleeved striped tee shirt, you made your way to the closet. Digging through, your eyes hit your red dress again, but you immediately pushed it from view in favor of a pair of denim overalls. “There. Better?” Minnie watched you hold the outfit up, her hands stopping mid-text on her phone. It took her a second, but she smiled.

“Perfect.” She said. You watched her look down, typing away on her phone once again.

“Who are you texting?” you asked curiously. “He’s waiting.”

“You’re date.” She grinned.

She only laughed as you groaned. “Minnie, what?!”

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“I hope everything goes well,” Mingyu said.

“It will,” Hoshi said in assurance.

“Unless it doesn’t. Y’know, being horribly last minute and everything.”

“Why do we still invite you to things?” Seungkwan asked, looking down at the grinning Jihoon as he walked over to a collection of items everyone had brought.

“Hoshi told me to come.”

Hoshi had to cover his face when he felt Seungkwan give him a very amused side glance, choosing to ignore his friend as he continued to work. “I think this will be amazing, Mingyu!” Hoshi said frantically, hoping to divert Seungkwan’s attention. He was holding a few string lights in his hands, smiling.

“You think? Jihoon-Hyung’s right, it’s last minute.”

“It’ll be fine,” Jeonghan said. He patted Mingyu on the shoulder, making the broader individual look over. “She’ll love it.” He nodded, eyes wandering over to Joshua. He was sitting at one of the picnic tables, markers, and papers from the art room spread in front of him. He was scribbling something down, eyes focused on his job: making a few signs. He had already done 3, and this was going to be his fourth. Mingyu excused himself from Jeonghan, who watched him approach Joshua. Jeonghan crossed his arms before Jihoon called him over to help with collecting lights from a box. “Aaah, I’m already too tired for this.” he groaned, only to be ignored when a fistful of lights were stuffed in his arms.

Mingyu sat down across from Joshua, only the movement of the table making him look up. He set his markers down. Mingyu, flustered, looked down at the current sign. It was white, the only color coming from the red and pink hearts surrounding what looked to be the pencil sketch of a saying.

“Do you have everything?” Joshua finally cut through the silence. Mingyu nodded, patting his pocket in reassurance.

“Yep.” He said simply. Joshua nodded, eyes darting back down to color in one of the hearts. “Do you think she’ll forgive me?” He asked softly. Joshua could hear the worry and uncertainty in Mingyu’s voice, directing his attention back to the man across from him. Mingyu pressed his hands together in a tight ball. His eyes were shaking with unanswered questions. Setting the marker down, Joshua shrugged.

“I can’t say for sure,” he said.

“You spend more time with her than anyone,” Mingyu said. “That’s kind of why I’m here asking you.” Joshua nodded his head. “I can tell you’re still mad at me. I don’t blame you.”

“I’m not mad,” Joshua said, crossing his arms and leaning back. He scrunched his nose as he thought, finally nodding his head. “Just disappointed.”

“Oh come the fuck on.” Mingyu groaned with a slight chuckle, palm pressed to his forehead. He heard Joshua chuckle a bit and looked up once again. Joshua spun the sign towards Mingyu. A red marker spun in his direction as well, and Mingyu cocked an eyebrow. Joshua looked down at the paper, a small smile on his lips. “What?” Mingyu asked.

“You have to write the ‘I love you’ of course,” Joshua explained. When he saw Mingyu’s cheeks tint pink, Joshua only pushed the marker closer.

“Why can’t you write it?” Mingyu asked.

“Because if I do then I know someone over there will absolutely make it a bigger deal than it is.” Joshua pointed to the group of individuals who crowded the rest of the supplies. Mingyu chuckled, finally reaching out and taking the marker. Joshua leaned his cheek on his hand as he watched Mingyu write the phrase. “Besides. She wants to hear it from you, not me….” Mingyu’s hand stopped writing for a second, glancing up at Joshua as he simply reached for another color, leaning over and adding a few little doodles and decorations in the corners.

“...She really thought it was me she was confessing to?” He asked. Joshua nodded his head.

“Yeah. It was kind of cute.” he chuckled to himself. “She’s crazy about you, Mingyu. Did you know the first night I met her she was drunk and crying about you going on vacation?”

“Shut up, she was not.” Mingyu’s eyes widened. Joshua nodded, the duo chatting over the first night you and Joshua met as they doodled around the rest of the poster.

Nighttime got closer, which meant you were on your way with Minnie. Knowing this made Mingyu’s palms sweaty, and he paced the area in hopes of calming himself down. He felt his heart pick up, and he let out a shaky breath. “Oh, God I might throw up.” He put his hands on his hips, walking a few paces back and forth. “What if she doesn’t forgive me?”

“Mina’s still available,” Jihoon said. Hoshi hit him in the arm as he laughed. Mingyu took a few deep breaths.

“You think she’ll like all of this?” he motioned to the scene before him, to his friends who all once again banded together to help him out in a bind. Mina was right, they all really were there when it mattered.

“If we didn’t think it would work, we wouldn’t be here,” Seungkwan said simply, peeling at a few boxes of wrapped lights. “Just tell her how you feel.”

“I did that already. Like twelve times.”

“Do it a thirteenth,” Jeonghan said.

Mingyu ran his hand through his hair and snorted. “Oh wow. Thanks…” Among the snickering individuals, he heard someone calling his name. When he looked over, he saw one of the lingering students chatting to someone, pointing to the group in the field. Mingyu sprinted over to the edge of the field, where a woman in a pair of slacks, a bun with a baseball cap, and a polo shirt with a company logo on it. She had a white bag gripped in her hands. Mingyu studied the logo and saw it read Byeong Florist.

“Kim Mingyu?.” She asked. Mingyu nodded and was given a white bag. He took it from her hands, muttering a quick thank you before the woman nodded her head. He watched her walk away for a minute.

“What the…?” Mingyu looked down, opened it up, and looking inside. He was immediately met with a little bouquet of flowers, and his eyes widened. “Hm?” He pulled them out, seeing a note fall to his feet. He knelt down and picked it up, flipping the paper open.

Don’t worry. They’re not meant to be from me to you. Give them to her, okay? She’ll love them. Good luck! - Mina

When Mingyu looked up, the florist delivery woman was already gone, and Mingyu couldn’t help but chuckle. “Alright, then…” he said. Turning his head, he admired the scene before him. “She’ll probably be here soon,” he said.

“Minnie said they were on their way about 5 minutes ago,” Seungkwan said.

“What!?” Mingyu’s eyes widened. “Oh, crap. Okay, what am I supposed to do? Uh-.” Joshua watched as Mingyu rambled to himself, trying to figure out exactly what else he could do to make this perfect before you arrived. He reached out, putting his hand on Mingyu’s shoulder once more. Mingyu looked over, confused as to the sudden increase in Joshua’s physical touch at the moment. Joshua smiled.

“If you stress, she’ll notice.” He said simply. Mingyu felt his shoulders relax, and Joshua could feel his fingers tingle just a little bit. “You’ll be fine.”

“Okay.” Mingyu breathed out, nodding his head. “Fine.”

🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶So Close Yet So Far🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶

“Why are we going to the campus?” you asked, looking at Minnie. “Aren’t classes just about done for the day?”

“Yeah,” Minnie said. “That’s the perfect time for a date. Nobody is there to bother you. The guy is really nice. He goes to our school.”

“How do you know him?” you asked.

“We are in the same economics class.” She said simply. You hummed. “Just give him a chance. You should get back out there instead of crying over Mingyu.”

“I’ve done no such thing.” You huffed in embarrassment. Minnie’s eyes pierced you. “…Recently.”

Minnie eyed the school as it came into view, and you gulped. The idea of going on a date with someone when you spent all of your college life pining after Mingyu seemed…weird. You didn’t think you’d ever do something like this. However, Minnie reached out and took your hand. “Don’t worry.” She said. “I promise I wouldn’t steer you wrong.”

“Okay.” You said softly. “I guess I’ll trust you.” Your friend smiled in excitement, before picking up the pace. As the both of you headed onto campus, you looked around. Most of the buildings were dark, and closed for the night. A few handfuls of students were still around campus, most heading home for the night or to the library for a late-night study session. You caught a few glances in your direction. In fact, a lot of people were looking in your direction. You looked at Minnie once more. “Why do I feel everyone we see is staring at us?” you asked. “Do I look ridiculous?”

“No. You look cute.” She assured. “Don’t mind them.” Minnie led you down one of the paths on campus, towards the fields where you and Mingyu had originally planned for your birthday weekend. You could remember Mingyu eagerly telling you how he had planned everything for you already, and how excited that made you. The memory made you smile, and Minnie seemed to notice. “You haven’t even seen everything yet, and you’re smiling?”

“Everything?” you asked. “I thought we were meeting one of your classmates.”

“I lied, dummy.” Minnie grinned. Before you could ask for further information, you and Minnie both turned the corner. When your eyes landed on the field a few feet away, they immediately widened.

Mingyu was standing on the field. It was dark, but you could make out his basic features. He was pacing the feet around him, seemingly deep in thought. You looked at Minnie, who shook her head.

“Idiot, I told him to put all of the lights on early so we can all see. It’s getting too dark.” She muttered. “HEY! Mingyu!” Immediately he looked up, and you felt a gust of wind beside you. When you turned to check it, Minnie was already long gone, hidden back around the corner. You could see her long black hair poking out a bit under one of the campus street lights. You turned your attention back to Mingyu once more, and he only smiled in your direction. You hesitated as you stepped onto the field, trying to get a better idea of what was going on. The light of the moon and the few lights still on only left you with a basic and dim view of Mingyu and his attire, standing in front of what looked to be a tree. You watched him turn to you.

When he called your name, you felt your heart speed up, pounding in your ears as the lights turned on.

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