The Fun Side of Him

Chapter 9

"Say it."

"No."

"I know you're itching to say it. So, just say it!"

"I'm not going to say it."

"Oh, come on! I can handle it!"

"Focus."

"I can't. It's bothering me."

"What are you, nine?"

"Just say that I'm stupid, Mingyu!"

Mingyu's patience was wearing thin. He leaned back in his chair, the wooden seat creaking under his weight. His fingers drummed impatiently on the table's surface, sending a faint vibration through the stack of Lisa's scattered law books and notes. The late afternoon sunlight streamed through the kitchen window, casting a warm glow over the scene. Lisa sat across from him, her brows knitted in concentration, her usually calm demeanor now marred by frustration.

"I'm not going to say that, Lisa," Mingyu said firmly, trying to suppress his growing irritation.

"It's all over your face. You're losing patience with me!" Lisa shot back, her voice rising slightly.

Mingyu's eyes widened in disbelief. "I can't believe you're picking a fight over this."

"Yes, I'm that petty," Lisa retorted sarcastically, rolling her eyes in exasperation. Her cheeks were flushed, adding to the overall tension in the room.

Mingyu, sensing that the situation was spiraling, casually pulled out his phone. The persistent buzzing and flashing notifications on the screen briefly distracted him from the argument. Before diving into the group chat with his friends, he glanced at Lisa, before opening the group message with his friends. It had been two hours since he had arrived at her apartment, having rung the doorbell and found himself surrounded by the chaotic jumble of Lisa's study materials. His intention had been to help her with her studies, but the afternoon had devolved into a heated debate.

After sending his last message, Mingyu slid his phone back into his jeans pocket and rested his elbows on the kitchen table. He leaned his chin on his palm, He observed Lisa, who was furrowing her brows in concentration and pouting in frustration. She reached for her glass of water, her movements slow and deliberate, hoping that a sip might clear the mental fog that had settled over her.

Seizing the opportunity, Mingyu flashed a teasing smirk. "Do you want to go on a date, mama?"

The effect was instantaneous. Lisa's eyes widened in shock, and she spilled the water she was drinking, the liquid splashing across the table. She coughed violently, her face a mixture of surprise and embarrassment. Mingyu's laughter rang out, a deep, genuine sound that filled the room and clearly delighted in her reaction.

Once Lisa managed to compose herself, she glared at him, her cheeks still flushed from the outburst. She set the glass down with a decisive clink and rose from her seat. With a burst of energy, she lunged at him. "You are such a jerk!"

Lisa's small frame collided with Mingyu's, and she wrapped her arms around his neck, her fingers tangling in his hair—not enough to hurt, but enough to make her frustration clear. Mingyu chuckled, a low, rumbling sound, as he effortlessly stood up. He gently pushed her into the corner of the kitchen, her back meeting the cool surface of the refrigerator. His hands encircled her wrists, holding them above her head, but his grip was firm yet gentle.

They stared at each other intently—Lisa's expression a mix of anger and vulnerability, Mingyu's eyes dancing with amusement. "Let go of me!" she spat, her voice laced with frustration.

With a soft smile, Mingyu leaned closer, his breath warm against her cheek. "I'm serious. Let's go out tonight."

Lisa blinked, her anger momentarily replaced by confusion. "You know I need to study, right? And what even came to your mind? That is so out of the blue."

Mingyu's smile widened slightly as he continued, his voice low and persuasive. "My friends were invited to the opening night of a nightclub. Drinks are 50 percent off. I thought you might want a break from studying."

Lisa's heart pounded in her chest, caught between the temptation of spending more time with him and the looming pressure of her studies. She could feel the warmth radiating from Mingyu, his proximity making it hard to think straight. The idea of his suggestion, away from the books and the stress, was undeniably appealing, yet terrifying in equal measure.

"Do I get a plus one?" Lisa asked, her voice tinged with curiosity, though she was secretly nervous. The idea of being alone with Mingyu and his friends was daunting—she needed a backup, someone from her circle of friends―well anyone of them could handle themselves. They were all baddies, after all.

Mingyu released her wrists, only to let his hands slide down to her small waist, pulling her closer. The warmth of his touch sent a shiver down her spine. "What are you talking about? You are my plus one."

Lisa hesitated for a moment, her thoughts racing. Without realizing it, her hands found their way to his chest, resting against the solid muscle beneath his shirt. Their actions were instinctual, as if their bodies were moving on their own, responding to an unspoken connection neither dared to acknowledge. "Then, can your plus one get a plus one?" her voice barely above a whisper, all of a sudden Lisa felt shy.

Mingyu threw his head back in laughter, the sound rich and genuine. His grip on her waist tightened just enough for her to notice, his thumb brushing against her skin in a way that felt almost too intimate. The simple gesture made her heart race uncontrollably, and she wondered if he had any idea of the effect he had on her.

"You amuse me," Mingyu chuckled, his eyes sparkling with a mix of affection and mischief. He looked down at her, his gaze lingering on her flushed cheeks, and for a brief moment, the world outside of their little bubble ceased to exist.

"So?" Lisa prompted, her voice wavering slightly as she tried to maintain her composure.

"Bring Minnicha," Mingyu replied with a smile and a casual shrug. "Joon will be delighted to see her."

The casual way he mentioned Minnicha broke the spell slightly, bringing Lisa back to reality. But even as she nodded, the weight of his hands on her waist and the closeness of their bodies made it hard for her to focus on anything other than the electricity crackling between them.

"Can you let go now?" she asked, her cheeks burning red.

Mingyu's smile slowly morphed into a teasing smirk. "I thought you liked it this way. You seem pretty comfortable in your position." His teasing tone made Lisa suddenly aware that she wasn't the only one clinging—she was holding onto him just as much.

"You're so damn annoying, Kim Mingyu!" Lisa exclaimed, pushing him away as another boisterous laugh escaped him. He was clearly enjoying her discomfort, what was she to him? A clown?!

"I don't think I can drink anymore!" Lisa shouted over the deafening bass that seemed to thrum through every part of her body. The dance floor was a frenetic whirl of movement, a pulsating sea of bodies bathed in a cascade of shifting, colorful lights that flashed and danced in sync with the relentless rhythm. Nicha, determined to escape a persistent admirer, had dragged Lisa from their VIP room into the heart of the pulsating crowd.

The sudden transition from the relative calm of the VIP area to the chaotic energy of the dance floor left Lisa overwhelmed. Nicha was dealing with a relentless suitor, and despite the flirtatious attention, she was anything but impressed. Namjoon's ego was grating on her nerves. His charming dimpled smile and smooth lines might be enticing to some, but Nicha wasn't buying it. She knew the type—guys who thrived on the chase but were never serious about commitment. The thought of becoming just another name on his list made her shiver.

As the lights flickered and the music thumped, Nicha tried to keep Lisa close, shielding her from the unwanted advances. Lisa, struggling to find her footing amidst the swirling chaos, tried to focus on the beat and ignore the dizzying array of colors and sounds that assaulted her senses.

When Lisa had invited Nicha out, she had envisioned a carefree girls' night, just the two of them. However, the moment she arrived at the address Lisa had sent, her expectations were quickly upended. Outside the bustling nightclub stood Lisa, with Mingyu towering beside her. They were clearly waiting for Nicha before making their entrance.

As Nicha stepped inside, she was immediately engulfed by the vibrant energy of the club. The venue was a sensory overload: pulsating lights flashed rhythmically across the room, blending seamlessly with the relentless beats of the music. The crowd surged and swayed, creating a sea of color and motion. The air was electric, thick with the mingling scents of perfume, cologne, and the faint trace of smoke from the dance floor. Bobby, the high-energy Korean-American club owner, manned the DJ booth with infectious enthusiasm, ensuring that the beats never missed a step. Thanks to Mingyu's connections, drinks were on the house, which made the evening feel like an exclusive, high-spirited celebration.

The night unfolded with exhilarating chaos. Nicha found herself deftly sidestepping Namjoon's advances, expertly dodging his flirtatious remarks. Despite her best efforts, his charm and persistence made it a challenge to enjoy the night fully. Meanwhile, Lisa and Mingyu, along with Mingyu's four friends, became a spectacle of their own. One of Mingyu's friends, clearly interested in Lisa, made a bold attempt to flirt with her, only to be swiftly and possessively brushed aside by Mingyu. "Bug off Jae; Eunseo has already taken an interest in her," ―Lisa, caught in the spotlight, was a flustered mess. Her face turned a deep shade of red with each attempt at conversation, her stammering responses betraying her nerves. Having recently emerged from a complicated relationship, she was overwhelmed by the attention and struggling to keep her composure. Nicha noticed though how Mingyu never strayed far from Lisa's side.

"We've only had three cocktails and two tequilas!" Nicha shouted, her voice barely piercing through the pounding music. She moved to the beat, trying to keep her voice clear amid the chaos. Lisa, clearly frazzled, shook her head and tugged Nicha to a stop in the center of the dance floor.

"Exactly! I don't want to get drunk!" Lisa's eyes were wide with a mixture of concern and fatigue as she scanned the swirling lights and the throng of people moving around them. The music pulsed relentlessly, and she struggled to keep her balance in the midst of the frenetic energy.

Nicha laughed, her eyes glinting with playful mischief as she observed Lisa's evident discomfort. "Relax, it's supposed to be fun!" She squeezed Lisa's hand reassuringly, her gaze drifting towards the VIP area where Wonwoo was lounging. "Wonwoo's pretty cute, don't you think?"

Lisa turned her head to the side, her eyes following Nicha's line of sight to the VIP section. Wonwoo was indeed attractive, the quietest of Mingyu's friends, his reserved demeanor standing in stark contrast to the rowdy energy around them. He rarely spoke unless necessary, but Lisa noticed how his interactions with Mingyu brought out a more boisterous side of him. Despite Wonwoo's endearing qualities, Lisa couldn't help but feel a magnetic pull towards Namjoon. His intellectual charm and engaging conversation were hard to ignore, and she suspected Nicha was merely deflecting her attention.

"Give the other guy a chance," Lisa suggested with a gentle nudge. "He seems nice!"

Nicha's eyes narrowed, a flicker of disapproval crossing her face. "Oh, really? Have you heard about his fan club of nurses and patients at the hospital?"

"True, but he seems to be focused on you," Lisa pointed out, nudging her chin toward the VIP area where the guys are.

"No, Lisa. I am not interested," Nicha insisted, shaking her head firmly.

"If you say so," Lisa replied, surrendering to her friend's decision.

Nicha let go of Lisa's hand and leaned in, her voice dropping to a playful whisper. "I'm grabbing us another drink. Stay put!"

As Nicha slipped through the sea of bodies, effortlessly navigating the crowd toward the bar, Lisa stood at the center of the dance floor, feeling the rhythmic pulse of the music vibrating under her feet. The swirl of neon lights spun overhead, casting fleeting shadows across her face as her thoughts swirled just as fast. Maybe she'd had enough for the night.

"You okay?"

The familiar voice startled her, and she instinctively stepped back, only to feel strong hands slide around her waist. Her heart leaped, but the scent of his cologne calmed her immediately. She turned to find Mingyu's soft gaze already on her, his expression as steady as ever.

"Oh, it's you." Lisa laughed, though she could still feel her pulse racing. Her hand drifted to her chest, trying to calm her heart. "You scared me for a second."

Mingyu's lips twitched into a subtle grin. "Didn't mean to. Don't worry, I've had security keep an eye on you two."

Lisa raised an eyebrow. "I didn't think you were the type to enjoy clubs like this. Kinda surprising."

Mingyu shrugged casually, his eyes scanning the vibrant crowd. "I had my share of wild nights back in college—especially when you have friends like Jaehyun and Bobby, who live for this stuff."

She chuckled. "That tracks. You seem like the more... calm and collected type."

Mingyu's smile deepened, never quite leaving his lips. "How about you?"

Lisa glanced around, feeling slightly out of place amidst the chaos. "I don't know if you noticed, but I'm not exactly a fan of crowds."

"I noticed." His tone was warm, understanding. "We can leave early if you want. Just say the word."

Lisa blinked, surprised. "Seriously?"

Mingyu nodded. "Of course."

She was about to respond when she spotted Nicha weaving back through the crowd with two shots in hand. A groan slipped out of her. "I think Nicha's bringing me more to drink, but I'm not trying to wake up at your place with a hangover again."

Mingyu chuckled, a rich, deep sound that only made her more flustered. "Agreed. You should probably avoid that tonight."

The smile he gave her was almost too much—bright, charming, and effortlessly disarming. Lisa could feel her heart threatening to leap out of her chest again, and she realized she needed distance before she completely lost her composure.

Before she could slip away, Mingyu's gaze shifted as Nicha approached, holding up the two shots triumphantly. "Looks like your friend's back. Have fun, yeah?"

He released her, the sudden absence of his touch leaving her unexpectedly cold. Lisa turned toward Nicha, who was already halfway to her, and met her in the middle.

"Thanks!" Lisa grinned, grabbing one of the shots from Nicha's hands. "Wish me luck." Without waiting for a response, she tossed back the drink in one swift gulp, wincing at the burn.

Nicha raised an eyebrow, confused. "For what?"

Lisa didn't answer, instead spinning around and heading straight toward Mingyu, who hadn't made it far.

Watching her friend chase after him, Nicha smirked knowingly and muttered under her breath, "You owe me one, bitch." With a sigh, she turned back to the VIP area, where Namjoon, Jaehyun, and Wonwoo, ready for a bit more company.

As soon as Nicha reached the VIP area, she collapsed onto the plush seat beside Jaehyun. She held a plastic cup between her teeth, its contents sloshing dangerously close to the edge. Jaehyun raised an eyebrow as he took in her exhausted expression.

"Where's Lisa?" he asked, his voice barely audible over the thumping bass of the music.

Nicha shot him a side-eye and scoffed. "More like, where did the two lovebirds run off to?" She settled more comfortably in the seat, tossing her hair back as her eyes swept across the three men lounging nearby. "Anyway, are you guys kind enough to get me home after, say... four more drinks? Work's been a nightmare, and I need this."

Her dramatic complaint earned chuckles from the group. Wonwoo, always laid-back, smirked. "Four more, huh? Fine by me."

Namjoon shot him a look, his brow furrowed in mock concern. "Seriously, dude?"

Wonwoo shrugged, unfazed. "What? She's best friends with Gyu's new... baby mama," he teased, causing Nicha to choke a little on her drink, laughing.

Namjoon's lips curled into a pout, crossing his arms childishly. "I knew her first."

Nicha blinked in surprise, momentarily stunned by his sudden petulance. Is he actually drunk? She eyed him warily, trying to figure out if he was serious or just messing with her.

Before she could respond, Jaehyun leaned in with a mischievous grin. "Forget about them. How about a dance, Nicha? Let's leave these two idiots to their bickering."

"Hey, you two better stay close!" Wonwoo shot back, wagging a finger at them, though his tone was far from serious. Namjoon, still sulking, shot them a half-hearted glare.

Nicha smiled, amused by the playful chaos around her. "Alright, Jaehyun, let's dance." She grabbed his hand and stood up, glancing back at Namjoon, who was still pouting. "Don't wait up, sulky boy."

Namjoon groaned dramatically, throwing his head back against the couch. "Why is she like this?"

Lisa was still deep in her thoughts as they approached his apartment, the quiet of the early morning amplifying every footstep. She glanced at her phone—1:00 a.m. No wonder the streets were nearly empty. They'd walked home in silence, and the stillness now felt suffocating as the memory of what happened at the club replayed in her mind.

The scene was still fresh. Lisa had been following him through the rowdy crowd, her eyes fixed on Mingyu's retreating figure. She was trying to keep pace when he suddenly stopped, and that's when she saw it—an attractive woman leaning into him. They exchanged words she couldn't hear before slipping out the backdoor together.

Lisa hesitated, unsure if she should follow, unsure if she could handle what she might see if she did.

But her stubbornness won out. She pushed through the door, stepping into the alley. Laughter echoed in the darkness, bouncing off the walls. In that moment, she became painfully aware of the gap between them—age, status, everything. She was still just a student, while he'd already accomplished so much in his career. A wave of self-pity washed over her. Cursing under her breath, she stormed back to the bar and ordered two more drinks—the strongest shots they had. Downing them quickly, she felt the burn in her throat but pushed it aside, returning to the back exit as fast as she could.

She was still catching her breath when she made it back.

The door creaked open, and there they were. The girl was practically draped over him, her fingers tracing the nape of his neck, her laughter grating against Lisa's nerves. Mingyu glanced her way, their eyes locking for a split second before he took a drag from his cigarette. He didn't push the girl away. Instead, he stood there, letting her whisper in his ear, even letting her teeth graze his skin.

That was enough. Lisa strode forward, her jaw clenched, her heart pounding in her chest. "Let's go home," she said, her voice steady, though her emotions were anything but.

The girl froze, slowly turning her head to give Lisa a venomous glare. "Excuse me? Who the hell are you? We're in the middle of something."

Lisa didn't even bother to look at her. Her focus was entirely on Mingyu. "I said, let's go."

Mingyu exhaled a plume of smoke, his gaze lingering on Lisa for a moment before he finally spoke. "Okay."

The girl blinked, shocked. "What?!"

Mingyu gently removed her hands from around his neck, pushing her aside with a casual ease that sent Lisa's mind spinning. He didn't even seem rattled, as he continued to ignore her.

"You're leaving with that common-looking girl?" the woman sneered, her words dripping with disdain.

Mingyu flicked the cigarette to the ground, crushing it under his shoe as he turned to face the girl. "Don't flatter yourself. I came out here for the smoke. And that 'common-looking girl'? She's my girl."

The memory felt like a slap every time it resurfaced, but Lisa pushed it down, focusing instead on the present. They were only a few steps from his apartment now, the cool night air stinging her cheeks. As they reached the door, Lisa noticed the fresh cut on the back of his hand—a result of the stray cat they'd encountered on their walk. It had been friendly until a motorbike sped past, startling the poor thing into scratching Mingyu.

Without thinking, Lisa reached out and grabbed his hand, stopping him mid-step. "Wait," she said, her voice firm. She examined the cut, her thumb brushing against his skin. "Open your apartment. Let's clean this up."

Mingyu raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Bossy all of a sudden, aren't we?"

Lisa shot him a look, her grip tightening on his hand. "Just open the door, Mingyu."

The silence between them stretched for twenty minutes, thick and heavy, only broken by the soft hum of the warm lamps and the distant glow from the kitchen. Lisa focused on carefully tending to Mingyu's wound, her movements slow and methodical. She pressed the bandage into place and looked up, catching the faint smile tugging at his lips, amusement glinting in his eyes.

There it was again—that expression. Mingyu, who always seemed too composed, found himself letting his guard down around her. He bickered, teased, flirted, but somehow, it always felt like he was holding something back, something buried deep, as he will set all of those emotions aside like it was nothing.

Lisa sighed softly, standing up as she gathered the first aid kit. She moved toward the kitchen cabinet, but before she could get far, his hand shot out, gripping her wrist and pulling her back to him.

She glared at him. "What?" she asked, her tone sharp.

"You shouldn't have followed me earlier," he replied, his voice low but flat, his eyes unreadable as he stood up, towering over her.

Lisa rolled her eyes and tried to yank her hand free, but his grip tightened. "I wanted to go home," she snapped, clicking her tongue in frustration. Here they were, arguing again.

Mingyu reached out, taking the first aid kit from her other hand and setting it on the coffee table. Then, without a word, he turned back to face her. "Don't let what she said get in your head."

Lisa scoffed, narrowing her eyes. "What, when she called me common? But she's right."

He stared at her, quiet for a moment, his expression unreadable. "Eunseo calls you Lalisa," he said, his voice deliberate, dragging each word out slowly. Before Lisa could process his meaning, he bent down, effortlessly lifting her. One arm wrapped around her back, the other hooking her leg around his hip. Lisa instinctively clung to his neck, her legs wrapping around him as her breath hitched.

"Do you know how fucking beautiful Lalisa is?" he murmured, his voice low, almost teasing, as his hand slid to rest on her thigh, his touch firm but gentle. "Kids don't lie, Lisa."

Lisa's heart raced, her chest tight as she searched his eyes for some kind of explanation. But all she found was intensity—no teasing, no amusement. Just Mingyu, looking at her like she was something he couldn't quite figure out but didn't want to let go of.

Every part of her wanted to step back, but his arms anchored her in place, as if leaving wasn't even an option.

"I always wondered why my daughter likes you so much. You're nothing like her mom."

The words sent a jolt through her. Lisa's brow furrowed, her hands twitching with the urge to push away. "I don't want to talk about that." Her voice came out sharp, edged with tension. "I should go."

"Stay."

It wasn't an order. It wasn't a plea. Just a single word, said with enough weight to make her pause. Her hand slid to his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath the fabric. "Why?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Mingyu remained silent for a moment, eyes glinting with a mixture of something she couldn't quite place. Then, to her surprise, he threw his head back, letting out a low chuckle. He sank back onto the couch, pulling her with him so she was now straddling him, knees sinking into the cushions at either side. "I don't fucking know," he said between laughs, like he was suddenly realizing how absurd the situation had become.

His laughter made her blood boil. This wasn't a joke, not to her. The push and pull, the way he never gave her a straight answer, left her teetering on the edge of something she didn't want to name. Frustration bubbled up, and before she could stop herself, she glared at him, her fingers itching to pull at his hair, make him stop tormenting her with his infuriating casualness.

But then, just as suddenly, he dropped his forehead to her shoulder, arms tightening around her waist. The air in the room shifted, the teasing moment evaporating as his breath warmed the side of her neck. She could smell him—tobacco, mint, wood, a scent so rich it clouded her senses. She felt his lips brush her skin, feather-light. "It's so fucking crazy, right?" he murmured, voice low, husky.

Lisa's breath hitched, her entire body tensing under his touch. "Gyu..." she whispered, her words stumbling over themselves. "I... I think I should go home."

"You should," he agreed softly, but his lips didn't stop. They trailed up her neck, pressing warm, delicate kisses that sent shivers down her spine.

Her mind screamed at her to pull away, but her body, traitorous as it was, leaned into the touch, every nerve alight. Madre mía... What the hell is happening?!! her mind shouted.