Chapter 31 - New Changes 2

Minwoo had decided to use the architectural library to study ever since he stumbled upon the beautiful figure at the lake since the beginning of the semester. Aside from the obvious reason, he actually prefers the interior and the amenities of this particular library in comparison to the old, plain one of the medics where there are only vending machines instead of a cafe, nor do they have a comfortable study space.

Of course, while he is not planning to use all those features and most of the time he will be staring at the books so the interior should not matter, the small chance that he may stumble upon that man is enough for him to commute for 20 minutes using the shuttle bus to this particular building every day. And he is not even that diligent of a student.

And today too, with the hope of stumbling upon Seo Wonho, he walks around the library like he always does, on the first floor - the common study, the second floor - architectural section and the fifth floor - the hobbies section.

Sure they share a class together, and gets to spend some time together after lecture but, there is always Chansol in the middle. And that boy really cannot read the room. It is as if the alpha is not aware of his interest in the beta. 

Seriously, is it not obvious that he gave the guy Seungyun's information in exchange for Wonho's for the same reason that Chansol wants it in the first place?

Minwoo almost finishes his round, and yet again, feels a bit disappointed that he is unlucky. But, he is used to it. As the medic student about to make his way down the stairs, to his delightful surprise, he eyes catches on the man he had been looking for.

At the furthest bookcase, on the carpet, lying with his back against the wall, sits Seo Wonho, flipping some book. He looks really comfortable in that position as if it is the most normal thing to do.

'Why're you on the floor?'

Wonho winces before looking at him with his usual poker face. Minwoo always finds that adorable, the few milliseconds of shock turning expressionless every time he calls the man's name for the first time. The said man lifts both his shoulders, hoping the other will take that as an answer, and continues reading the book in his hands.

'Is this comfortable?' Minwoo sits beside him and closes their distance, sandwiching Wonho in between him and the wall, just so he too can lean against the pillar. He grabs some random book and opens the first page. 'It's kinda hard.'

'Uh-uh' Wonho answers nonchalantly, to Minwoo's despair. He moves his shoulders around, trying to find the best position to read. 'My back hurts.'

'It's getting stuffy.' Wonho states, turning over to show his annoyance. And coincidentally, Minwoo has his face turned as well, delighted by the long answer. Their face are now just inches apart he can feel the other's breath on him and he swear he can smell something sweet coming from the other man. 'Wow-'

Wonho pushed the alpha slightly as sits up from the wall to Minwoo's disappointment and walks away. Not letting it bother him in his quest, Minwoo stands up as well. 'Where're you going?'

'Somewhere more comfortable.,' is the answer and Minwoo follows behind, like a duckling. He flops down on the bean bag he never realized is there, right beside Wonho's and turns to face him.

'Why are you following me?'

'You're comfortable.' He replies and Wonho looks back at him in disbelief. 'I find your presence calming.'

To that Wonho laughs, sarcastically. Is that some kind of weird pick-up line? And also, that really didn't answer his question. If only the other knows how messed up his emotional and mental state is, he would never even think of even saying that absurd thing.

'I like your laugh. Though I can feel the sarcasm from the lack of nose crinkle.'

'What are you going on about? Shut up. This is a library.' Wonho instinctively holds his nose at the comment. Suddenly feeling awkward at the remark, he scans to where he left off, trying hard to focus. He flips the page, thankful that the tan man is finally giving him peace, and continues reading. Something feels wrong though, because for as long as he knows Minwoo, during their meetings, the other is never really quiet. Wonho shifts his gaze from the book to peeks at the man.

Of course he is silent. He is focused on something else. 'You're staring again.'

'Yes.' Minwoo grins before realizing what he just said. He clears his throat and opens the book he has in his hand, positioning himself upwards out of embarrassment. 'I'm trying not to make any sound.'

'Can you only do those two things? Staring or talking?'

The alpha pouts bemusedly. He never had to do anything actually. He just has to exist, and people would be flocking over him. How should he know what to do to get this silent, nerdy beta's attention? 'I can also stalk.' Referring to him following Wonho stealthily into the woods about a month ago.

'You're creepy.' No, I'd be a good alpha hunter if we still live in the jungle, Minwoo wants to add but chooses to shut his mouth.

'I'm strong too. By the way.' I can protect you.

'Well I am too.' Wonho replies and the alpha bursts out laughing. It is loud enough to earn glares from other students around them. The former gives him a sharp look as a warning and Minwoo bows his head apologetically, embarrassed.

'I'm sorry. No, I'm sure you're strong.' But no betas are ever as strong as a normal alpha, let alone a noble. 'You just lack energy.'

The other smirks at that remark, remembering how much the taller was feeding him during the hiking trip when all he wanted to do was sleep. Maybe he does need some energy. 'Maybe I am.'

'Don't worry. I'll make sure you'll never starve.' I can take care of you.

He is not sure why Minwoo is so set on feeding him. Is he really that thin? Wonho peeks down at his body covered in the oversized shirt. Everything looks oversized on his body even though they fit his shoulders perfectly.

'You're perfect.' He hears the soft murmur, so subtle that he thought he is hearing things and glances at the other yet again. Minwoo has his whole body turned to face him again, his book already gone.

'You talk too much.' Wonho changes the subject as he feels something weird flowing from his stomach up to his cheeks. 'And you're staring again. Stop it.'

'Sorry. Some people love the attention so I thou-'

'I'm not them.'

Minwoo agrees. Seo Wonho is something else. He is more complicated. 'You don't like attention? I'm-'

'I've been stared enough to last a lifetime.' Wonho interrupts, suddenly recalling that night when all the alphas were staring at him while chasing them, like predators targeting their prey. And while watching him being taken mercilessly against his will, enjoying his screams of pain.

Minwoo, on the other hand, smiles at that answer, thinking the other was telling him he is popular enough to not need another fan. But he is obviously not just another fan, and he does not care about other rivals either because he knows what he can offer that the others can't. Protection, security, wealth, not to mention great sex. He is superior in all of those.

Wait, something is wrong...

Minwoo frowns when he realizes the other acting strange. Wonho's sharp jaws are tightened and his eyes are starting to dilate. He looks as if he is trying to hold his pain. It is worrying the alpha, 'Hey, are you hurting somewhere?'

There is no reply hence the future doctor decides to look for the cause. He may still be lacking in knowledge, but he knows what he already learned. As he holds out his hands, Wonho's eyes starts wandering around, his breathing disorganized. Minwoo stops. He knows this look. It is not physical. And he has no clue how to handle it without making a scene.

He attempts to hold the man, to bring him back to reality from wherever place he is heading in his mind, but the other recoils and pushes him away, breathing getting heavier as tears starts forming in his eyes. Minwoo bite his lips, feeling sorry for whatever his action might have caused the other to re-experience. Out of reflex, he holds Wonho's head against his chest, hoping his own heartbeat can calm the other. 'I'm sorry. I won't stare. It's okay.'

It takes a while and a bit of forcing before the struggling man relaxes in his arms. And when he finally did, Minwoo places his chin on Wonho's hair, as his hand brings the other's face to rest on the crook of his neck so he can breathe easily.

And damn, Wonho's hair smells so good.