Chapter Text
One thing about Mingyu is that his adult life is always inside the ordinary rather than it being so peculiar and eventful, everyday happenings are repeated without any delay. On work days—Monday to Saturday, he would wake up at 6am to cook breakfast and eat it before getting ready for work. He'd work his ass off all day until 5pm then after work he'd either be walking home or he'd go buy groceries and treat himself with meals outside. On Sunday mornings, he'd sleep all morning and wake up when he gets hungry then Netflix all day long. That's just how his life goes but he loves it this way, because he chose this kind of life willingly…
He was currently on his lunch break, head resting on the chair while a lollipop in his mouth. “I love peace so much” he mumbled to himself, letting himself relax before once again resurfacing to do his job later on. As a fresh (1 year already….) graduate he had decided to first apply at a cafe for an experience (which btw wasn't related to what he finished) and so far everything was fine. He wasn't tight on money because his parents still wanted to give him a monthly allowance, probably because of the guilt inside of them and his pay was also enough for daily necessities.
Suddenly a memory flashed in his mind, earlier he had seen a group of high school students enter the cafe. Which was quite normal because teenagers nowadays like coffee. But what caught his attention was the little boy behind them, he seemed like a little duckling following his mother as he was following the others around. The boy definitely looks like he wants to speak up and join the conversation but every time he opens his mouth, a new topic arises so he rather not talk at all. His heart strings were pulled at the scenario, it was pure heartbreaking watching someone left out, to watch someone who almost had the same experience as he did. That's why before the little boy left the cafe, he made sure to give him the widest smile he could muster.
Just maybe he could brighten up someone's day just how he wanted his day to be brightened back then. Just a simple smile from someone who you don't even know. Because this thought has always fascinated Mingyu, even as a kid. Isn't it strange how some people can easily smile at others?
Amusement was what he felt when he saw the boy smile back at him shyly.
He is right for choosing to live this kind of life.
His life wasn't always this radiant, before Mingyu was right in the middle of chaos. Being the only son of the Mayor had put him in the limelight and this did not only take away his privacy but also took away his social life. Mingyu was a kid who was full of energy and wanted to always talk with people but apparently him being the mayor's son made him so indifferent.
It was a normal Wednesday after his father was newly elected mayor of their town. That day he suddenly felt that everyone from his school was eyeing him as he walked through the hallway. He tried to shrug off the feeling because maybe he was just being paranoid but when he had tried to talk to someone, that person suddenly backed away and looked at him with utter disgust. After that moment his high school life drastically changed. He never really knew what the cause of the mess was, he never wanted to know because he was sure that it involved his father's candidacy, instead he just continued on with his life. The once happy, giggly, and chatty min was replaced with the quiet and infamous mayor's son.
But oh well, that was all in the past now. After turning 18 his only wish from his parents was to let him move out of that horrid town. After getting his parents approval, which almost had him kneeling on the ground just to achieve it. He decided to stay in the humble town of Changwon. Which brings him to what he is now.
The happy and content “ordinary” Mingyu.
“Gyu, lunch break is finished!”
“Coming!!!”
–
Wonwoo grumbled under his breath as he read through the proposal for their new product. Eyebrows furrowed, face close to the monitor, and hand gripping on the mouse tightly. He definitely did not like the contents of it, he thinks it's pure bullshit. Not wanting to sound too rude, he just replied with a quick “redo this” before slumping his back on his chair and closing his eyes.
As he was about to close his computer, a knock was heard from the door. He mumbled a quick “come in”, then there emerged a familiar employee. Wonwoo may be the CEO but he just doesn't give too much care on knowing everyone. He has Chan to do that, he says.
“Good morning, Sir.” the employee started which Wonwoo acknowledged with a nod, also gesturing him to continue. The employee did, as the said employee talked further, a scowl on Wonwoo's face was becoming more evident. None of the employee's reports were any good news at all. “Does anyone in this company even do their work right?!” he angrily muttered, now glaring at the employee who was sadly interrupted because of his sudden outburst. Shock was evident from the man standing in front of his boss, he had nothing to answer which resulted into him just lowering his head. “I'm terribly sorry, sir”. At hearing fear and hesitation from his employee's voice, he quickly realized his behavior. But being prideful, he didn't say sorry not softened at all. All he replied was “Get out. Don't you dare come back if you don't have good news.”
After the employee left, the room was now filled with silence and the weigh of the conversation earlier. Wonwoo knows that he should work on his temper but how can he when he can't even get out of this god-damned office.
Oh boy did his head hurt so bad, he hasn't had any good sleep for days. He was so busy since summer time was close by and their projects had been planned since last year, he just couldn't afford to fail this.
“Sir?” right in cue, his secretary—Chan entered his room, voice full of worry. “I’m okay, Chan” he mumbled, eyes still closed, too tired to open it but still didn't want his secretary to worry. As he heard shuffling towards his direction he became curious which led him to opening his eyes. There he was met with a view of Chan holding a plate of food, cheekily smiling at him. “ah..you caught me. Time to eat, sir. I'll leave you to it, bye!” Chan happily grinned, obviously trying to lighten up Wonwoo's sour mood. Which may have worked, that kid, he thought as he shook his head and started to eat the food in silence.
Wonwoo had always indulged with Chan's words because he knew that the younger one genuinely cared for him. He didn't want to see that face of pure worry in that kid's eyes ever again, especially if it was because of him.
Five minutes in, Wonwoo's phone screen had suddenly lit up. Indicating that there was a message for him. His eyebrows furrowed once again, he did not remember having any important meetings with anyone. Without any more waiting, he quickly looked at his phone and saw a text message from someone.
Mayor K.
Does your offer still stand, Mr. Jeon?
“Oh well. Look at what we have here, finally something interesting” Wonwoo's eyes brightened.
—
Humming to his current favorite song, Mingyu quietly walked towards his apartment. Today was partially tiring but it was bearable. All he wanted to do was to rot in bed in the quickest way possible and maybe he'd call Cheol later to invite him for some pasta. Mingyu smiled at that thought, it has been a while since he'd seen his best friend.
Suddenly, a sound of ringing interrupted his thoughts. He then looked at his phone and saw contact Dad calling, which had him excited. Ever since he moved out of Anyang, his parents became even clingier, to which he had no complaint at all. He loved that attention after all. Without any hesitation he quickly answered the call and in a happy tone he spoke “HIIII DA-” but he was interrupted by his dad's voice, what he heard from the phone had his jaw dropping.
“Huh? What do you mean I'm engaged??!”