#13: What's me if there's no you? 

"Jackie, do you want to head for lunch straight after this?" Jinyoung asked, eyes looking at the other whose zoning out beside him.

Bambam who were seated at the back seat just watch the quiet Jackson, it's already been three weeks since Jackson Wang turned into a zombie who only knows work, home or looking for Mark.

He wasn't that bubbly, loud or teasing hyung that Bambam had always adore any longer, everything about him turned dark and depressing after Mark left and it hurt him to see the older that way.

"Jackie!" Jinyoung nudged, earning Jackson's attention this time round as he slowly turned to face his best friend.

"Hmm.." Jackson hummed, forcing a smile on his face even though it's obvious to the other's eyes, he was trying hard to put on that facade that he's fine.

"I asked if you wanted to head for lunch straight after this?" Jinyoung asked again, shamelessly ignoring that fake smile.

"Sure" was Jackson's only reply before he goes back to staring out of the window, back in his own trails of thoughts again.

The rest of the ride continues in silence until they finally reached the Lee's company carpark, they are here for the announcement of the proposal's result that they been waiting anxiously for since it clearly took longer than usual.

"Do you think everything's alright?" Jackson asked nervously, looking at Bambam as they ride up the lift to the designated floor.

"Don't worry too much." Bambam encouraged, patting the older's shoulder while Jinyoung just smirked at the other side, thinking his plan it's gonna hit on them soon.

As they waited for Mr Lee, Jackson couldn't help but became more nervous because they can't afford to lose this deal too or things will really go downhill for the company.

“Good afternoon, guys." Mr Lee greeted, entering the room which caused the trio to quickly stand and bow out of respect before settling down again.

"I'm sure you guys are wondering why I called you in for this meeting when usually I would give a call on the result." Mr Lee started lightly, smiling which caused the trio to nod while Jackson's heart almost drop in anticipation.

"Well, firstly I will like to congratulate you guys because I had picked your proposal for my new resort spa. It was such a splendid proposal that I just can't pass it on, good job guys." Mr Lee shared the first good news causing Bambam and Jackson to grinned at the news, high fiving under the table while Jinyoung look taken back.

"Secondly, I will like to have you guys work on the chain of restaurants I'm planning to open in Shanghai and Hong Kong." Mr Lee added causing the duo to mentally jumped in happiness while Jinyoung just stare, not expecting this result.

"Thank you so much, Mr Lee. We won't disappoint you." Jackson thanked the elder sincerely, grateful for that wonderful news.

"Oh boy, I'm excited to see what you guys come up with and luckily Mark didn't sent in a proposal or I would obviously have a hard time picking between the two of you. Tell him I said hi and thank you." Mr Lee chuckled lightly causing Jackson to dumbly nod, shocked by the news but he wasn't the only one.

"What do you mean he didn't sent in?" Jinyoung questioned out, loudly without realizing which surprise the others in the room, staring at him like as if he grows another head.

"Yes, I bet his busy especially with his work being well loved like that. You are lucky indeed, Jackson." Mr Lee teased after explaining causing Jackson to smile proudly even though Mark wasn't by his side any longer.

Jinyoung slowly calmed himself down, his hand clenched into a fist because his freaking plan didn't work again.

With that being said, they continue on with the discussion on the details but Jackson couldn't help but to notice how a frown were clearly on Jinyoung's face throughout the meeting.

It ended about half an hour later with them shaking hands with Mr Lee, sealing the deal before the trio headed for the carpark.

"Why do you look annoyed, Jinyoung? Aren't you happy for us?" Jackson questioned as they ride the lift, Bambam watching the exchange silently.

"Of course, I just wasn't feeling well." Jinyoung lied, faking a smile for his best friends whose wasn't convinced at all but didn't push on the subject.

As they were walking towards Jackson's car, Yugyeom pops out of nowhere which surprise the duo excluding Bambam who were expecting the other like planned.

"Jackson hyung, can you and the others please follow me somewhere? " Yugyeom asked with a serious tone which got Jinyoung a bit suspicious but he stayed quiet.

"I'm sorry but I'm not in the mood today." Jackson apologized, obviously wasn't in the mood to face the older 's best friend who claimed that he didn't know Mark's whereabout.

Yes, Jackson is sulking at Yugyeom for not telling him because it's obvious the younger knows something.

"Come on hyung, don't sulk. My boyfriend is just trying to be nice here." Bambam pouted, hanging himself on the now blushing Yugyeom's arm.

"Your what?!" Jackson asked in shocked, totally caught unaware by that sudden news that dropped in like a bomb.

"My boyfriend, we got back together a week ago." Bambam answered happily, surprising the duo even more.

"Back together?" Jackson pointed out, just to make sure he wasn't hearing weird things at this point.

"Yes but we will explain it later, let's head over there first." Yugyeom persuade with a pout, the very first one that Jackson see coming from the usually chic younger.

"Fine." Jackson sighed, giving in as he watched the pair excitedly headed to Yugyeom's car with a small smile before he and Jinyoung heads for his car.

Jackson needed to follow after Yugyem's car since he didn't know the location, he was obviously surprised by the destination that greeted them, his home.

"What's going on? " Jackson questioned himself as they entered the mansion, no words being exchanged and there inside, they were greeted by his parents, his parents in law, Mrs Im and 
Youngjae which just confused him even more.

"Hyung, we all gathered here today to share the truths and expose all the lies that been going on since twelves years ago." Yugyeom started as he passed the data collected on how Mr Park had gotten hand on the proposal first and played on both companies to cause that huge 'rift' twelves years ago.

"What? Park?" Jackson whispered in shock as he reads the documents over and over again before slowly looking up at Jinyoung who clearly had panic in his eyes.

"Jinyoung, do you know about this?" Jackson croaked out, almost like as he didn't want to hear the answer to that question.

"No Jackie, I know nothing." Jinyoung lied, putting out a desperate front to feed Jackson and the so called audience's eyes.

He tried to move closer, trying to convince the younger Wang but Jackson only took a step backwards every time he took a step forward.

"Don't you believe me, Jackie? Why would I be lying to you, I know nothing." Jinyoung asked, playing his usual pitiful self but this time Jackson didn't buy that play, he didn't know what to believe anymore.

He let out a dry laugh, surprising everyone because it's obvious to them that Jackson was already broken, he finally caught on to the reality that he fail to see all these while.

"How do you explain Mark's proposal in your bag? You still know nothing about that?" Jackson questioned which stumped up Jinyoung who didn't see that coming, he totally forget about those stupid papers.

"How about this too, hyung?" Bambam asked, shoving the pictures to Jinyoung while Jackson's eyes just widen when he saw those snapshot, it was unbelievable to him.
Jinyoung was beyond speechless at the sudden attack left and right, how did he got caught in action.

"You are misunderstanding, I can explain." Jinyoung exclaimed but Jackson just laughed mockingly, his brain is going loco at this point.

"I would love to know how you sell out our company proposals." Jackson mocked, throwing the documents to the floor, he had enough.

"Aren't you going to explain about me too?" Jaebum’s voice was heard as he appeared behind Jinyoung who acted like he didn’t know the reporter.

“Jackie, listen to me. Don’t listen to them, they are lying. I don’t even know him.” Jinyoung begged, holding on to Jackson so that the overwhelmed other can focus on his.

Jaebum smiled, knowing this was bound to happened since Park Jinyoung has always been shameless about everything.

He pulls out his handphone before playing a recording that’s loud and clear for everyone to hear.

“Can we just stop this mess? How far are you gonna take this?” Jaebum’s tired voice was heard in the recording before those words were responded by an amused laughter.

“Shut it, I paid you to destroy them so just do as I ordered. Why would a trash like you who's always digging through people's dirty laundry starting to feel guilty? Remember, I can mess with your mother and her company anytime.” Jinyoung warned after snickering at the poor reporter.

“Don’t you dare mess with her, I’m doing as ordered so back away.” Jaebum hissed at the laughing other who didn’t sound even a bit threatened by the reporter’s words before the recording ended.

Jackson just stare at his best friend, hoping that someone would come up to him and say that everything is just a prank but nothing like that, only Jinyoung low chuckles suddenly filling the air to everyone surprise

“Wow, you guys needed so much people to just reveal me out in the open. I appreciate the effort.” Jinyoung said in amusement before chuckling some more, taunting everyone in the mansion that’s against him.

He snatched those pictures from Bambam, ripping it into pieces before throwing it at Jackson’s face, shocking everyone.

“What are you going to do now, Jackie? Believe me or them? I would love to see your pick.” Jinyoung asked in clear amusement, smirks replacing his lost and flustered expression from before almost instantly.

“Jinyoung, why are you doing this? I even defended you when Mark told me the truth.” Jackson asked, voice cracking as he watches the side of his best friend that he never witness before.

“Ah.. I’m amused that you stupidly kicked him out of your life by yourself. It was so much fun watching you suffers, it has been entertaining.” Jinyoung sighed in happiness at the thought, acting like as if those words aren’t hurting Jackson.

“You..” Jackson hissed as he stormed directly to Jinyoung and grabbed him by his collar, losing all his cool at this moment.

“I thought we were best friend , how can your dad and you do this to us?" Jackson hissed, watching the other only smirked at him in amusement, an expression he never witness before.

“Best friend? Did I existed in your life before Mark walked out of yours? You only called me your best friend because you only had me after everyone left, right? I'm just your replacement for him." Jinyoung snickered, causing the grip on the collar to loosen as the words hits Jackson.

“Why, speechless? Well, you wanted a replacement, I wanted you and my dad wanted both companies out his way so it's was a win win situation. I had nothing else to lose anyway." Jinyoung said so easily causing everyone in the mansion to look at him in disbelief, not tiny hint of guilt on his face.

“You think of other's life as fun and games?" Jackson choked out in disbelief, he really can't make out a what's lies or truth anymore.

Jinyoung just laughed at Jackson's words before moving closer to whisper into his ear.

“I thought you like fun and games, I was just playing along. You can't blame me." Jinyoung whispered causing Jackson's blood to boils before a punch landed on Jinyoung's face, sending him to the floor.

“I trusted you, I treasured you more than you can even imagine, I was so thankful to found you in my life. How can you do this to me?" Jackson hissed in pure anger, glaring at the other whose with a burst open lips and laughing like a maniac.

“Oh, poor Jackie is hurt. What can you do now even if you know everything,  report me up? You dare? " Jinyoung mocked, challenging Jackson who he knows has a soft spot for him.

Meanwhile, unknown to everyone except Yugyeom and Jaebum, Mark was outside of the mansion, watching everything through the window while waiting for the police.

“Mr Tuan." A familiar voice called out causing Mark to quickly turn, greeting the chief and his team.

“Sir, Park Jinyoung is in there." Mark informed after passing a folder filled with evidences that he and Yugyeom collected.

The man nodded before signalling his team to follow his lead, knocking on the mansion's door.

Picking up that as a signal, Yugyeom quickly open the door like as planned  and were greeted by the familiar chief.

“We are here looking for Park Jinyoung. " The chief announced, earning a nod from Yugyeom before letting the chief and his team in, heading straight towards the taken aback Jinyoung.

“Park Jinyoung, you are under arrest for blackmailing and selling out company information." The chief said, showing his badge to the quiet Jinyoung who tried to slip away but luckily Jaebum who's the nearest to them managed to stop him.

The chief quickly signalled his men to take over Jinyoung from Jaebum, the captured man started laughing like crazy.

“I'm a trash..I'm a trash..." Jinyoung mumbled over and over again as he was being dragged away, like as if he already lose it.

Jackson's legs almost give up on him as he watched Jinyoung being escorted out of the mansion like a madman whose half laughing, half crying while  mumbling at the same time.

“Ka Yee." Mrs Wang approached her son before holding her baby in her arms.

“I'm so sorry." Jackson chanted over and over again for being stupid and blindly keeping their enemy by his side all this while.

“You don't need to apologize, son. It's our fault for not sharing the truth with you for the start, we let Yi En carried all this burden by himself." Mr Wang said while patting his son's back, comforting the sobbing Jackson while the Tuan pair just smile sadly at their son in law.

Mark smile sadly watching Jackson in his Mommy's arms, knowing that the younger would be alright without him before walking away, his job here is done.

Once Jackson had calmed down, they all settled down and explained everything including on what actually happened twelve years ago up to what has been Jinyoung doing behind his back.

Jackson 's mentality broke down as he absorbed everything especially the fact that Mark carried everything by myself all these while when he could easily shout out the truth to him at any time.

“He protected me all these while but all I know is to torture him for hurting me. I'm the worst person ever." Jackson exclaimed in disgust with himself, he hurt Mark without even knowing the truth.

“Please,tell me. Where is Mark? I need to find him." Jackson begged, watching how everyone stayed quiet even his parents.

“I'm sorry, Ka Yee. Yi En wants to be left alone for now, please understand. " Mrs Tuan said, sending the message to poor Ka Yes like how her son requested off her.

Jackson sighed, he had spent the last three weeks searching for Mark but to no avail and it didn't help that no one is telling him anything.

“Fine but if he ever contacted you, Ma. Please tell him that I will never sign the divorce paper because what's between us now, it's not over yet." Jackson said firmly before getting up and heading for the backyard, he needs some fresh air for his headache.

“Are we really not telling him anything? He is clearly suffering." Bambam asked, pitying his poor hyung who he knows still trying to deal with the whole Jinyoung mess.

“Don't worry dear, if he truly loves Mark, they will find their way to each other eventually. Trust me." Mrs Wang assured, knowing well that her son won't give up so easily.

Bambam nodded, trusting the elder's words before receiving a reassuring squeeze on his shoulder from Yugyeom.

With the matter settled, the Wang and Tuan didn't forget to thanked everyone that's involved today while feeling grateful that they are surrounded by wonderful peoples.

####

“Hey, you ok?" Yugyeom asked as he took a seat after retrieving their drinks from the counter as Bambam seems zoned out.

“I guess, I'm still shakened by the whole thing, the fact that he was someone I called best friend but he betrayed us without a single ounce of guilt in him." Bambam said, receiving the ice coffee thankfully from his boyfriend.

“I know, it must be hard on you but it's the truth and we can't denied it." Yugyeom pointed out, smiling sweetly before pulling the other closer, to snuggled in his arm.

“I just didn't imagine our friendship to end this way you know, we are like brothers who's always striving for the best together." Bambam exclaimed, resting his head on Yugyeom's chest.

“Of course, you are always together, It's natural for you to be affected by this but at least the truth is out now for Mark hyung and Jackson hyung. It's time for them to put their relationship back to place." Yugyeom said, feeling happy for the pair that deserves all the happiness in the world.

Hearing those words coming from Yugyeom, Bambam decided it’s time for him to tell the other the truth behind his sudden departure six years ago.

“Gyeomie, you know how I never really explained to you the reason behind why I left six years ago even after we got back together?” Bambam started, looking up at Yugyeom who nodded slowly to his words.

“I actually got a call from my mother after she found out about us. She was against us and forbid me to fly back to Korea when I went back home to explained everything to her. It was a torture for me as she used means and ways to get me away from you, away from Korea but a few months later I found out the reason why she did that. 

She was terminally ill and if she lets me return back to you, she is scared that I will forget about her and my siblings back home. It was a tough decision but I choose to stayed and carried out my duties as her son until the end, it was her wish to have me by her side until her last breath after all.” Bambam explained everything, pouring out everything that he has been bottling up with tears dripping down his cheeks.

“It was the right thing to do, Bammie. I’m glad that you are with me now, nothing else matters.” Yugyeom said, smiling as he wiped away those precious tears with his thumb.

####

Mark watches as the rain hits his window pane, a month has passed since the whole Jinyoung fiasco where he spend his time hiding in this tiny rented apartment that he could work in without any distraction or disruption away from everyone’s eyes especially Jackson’s.

It keeps his mind off Jackson, at least when he is here with work piled up but he would be lying if he said his fine now, he’s clearly and slowly trying to let go of Jackson Wang.

The doorbell rang, signalling that Jaebum already there to pick him up as he had promised his parents to finally return home back to the Tuan mansion.

His mother has been calling on a regular basis the past month to check on him and at the same time dropping hints on how Jackson’s suffering without him.

Of course he was dead worried about him but he controlled himself and ignored those news each time but after some persuading from his Ma, who stated that she would just be happy even if Mark decided to just return home first so being the soft hearted son he is, he gave in to his mother.

“Hey, you ready?”Jaebum asked, the moment the door swung opened which earned a nod from the young CEO before they make a move and headed straight for the Tuan mansion.

Jackson watches as the mothers chatted away about some wedding that he had no idea about but since he will be bored to death at home alone on the weekend when his parents is over here at the Tuan mansion to hang out including Mrs Im, he decided to just tagged along 

The younger Wang sighed at the thoughts of the missing older whose whereabout he still had no idea of even after spending all his free time, day and night looking for him.

“Ka Yee, why don’t you join the dads?” Mrs Wang asked after noticing how her son was zoning out at the single seater sofa but Jackson just shooked his head, he wasn’t in the mood to chat about fishing either as he looked at the two dads chatting over at the backyard.

“You aren’t kidding when you said he gotten quiet.” Mrs Im commented as she whispered over, making sure Jackson didn’t overheard her, earning a soft sigh from Mrs Wang.

“Don’t worry, I managed to persuade Yi En to come back home first, hopefully we can help to fix things up.” Mrs Tuan said, cheering up her best friend who nodded with a small smile.

The doorbell rang causing Mrs Tuan to quickly excused herself before answering the door, she couldn’t help but to smile in pure happiness when she saw the face that greeted her behind those door.

“I miss you, son.” Mrs Tuan muttered before pulling her only baby into a tight hug that caused Mark to chuckled at his mother’s happiness upon seeing him.

“It’s good to be home, Ma. I miss you too.” Mark said, holding her tighter as he had missed his parents so much all these while.

“Everyone, look who's here.” Mrs Tuan announced, dragging her son into the living room with Jaebum in tow, Mark was surprised to see everyone there including the shocked looking Jackson.

Jackson, the face that he avoided thinking off this whole time but now seeing him again, makes Mark realized how much he had missed the younger.

The elders gathered around, saying how much they had missed him while busy exchanging hugs while Jackson could only stare, asking himself whether if this was a dream.
The chatters quieten down when they saw Jackson slowly approaching Mark, watching quietly as how he would react to the younger.

 “Dimsum.” Jackson croaked out, staring straight into Mark’s eyes while the older only looked away, he wasn’t ready to forgive the other just yet.

“JB, help me carry my belonging upstairs.” Mark said, smiling at Jaebum which earned a hesitant nod from the other before he trailed after Mark who's heading for the stairs.

“Let me help.” Jackson exclaimed, trying to grab the backpack out Mark’s hold but the older only avoided his help, looking stare at him with a nonchalant expression.

“I didn’t ask for you. Go!” Mark said, firm and clearly before climbing up the stairs making Jackson’s heart drop upon hearing his tone.

Just like a sad puppy, he spend the next few hours seating at the sofa nearest to the stairs, waiting for Mark to climbed down with Jaebum.

“Ka Yee, dinner time. Come..” Mrs Tuan called out to her son in law who looked like somebody stole his candy, so sad and depressed.

“But Mark…” Jackson muttered sadly, pointing at the stairs which cause Mrs Tuan to chuckled before patting his shoulder.

“I will go and get Mark now, wait for us at the table.” Mrs Tuan assured causing Jackson to nod before slowly heading to the dining room.

“Sweetheart, it’s dinner time.” Mrs Tuan called out after knocking, peeking in to see the two whose chatting at the couch paused upon her appearance.

“I will wait for you, downstairs.” Jaebum said, excusing himself since he wanted to give the mother and son some time alone.

“Aren’t you joining us for dinner?” Mrs Tuan asked again after seeing the hesitation on her son’s face as she slowly enters, taking over Jaebum’s spot.

“He..” Mark started but paused his words, he didn’t know how to expressed his feeling into words.

“I know, he hurts you a lot. He even told us the truth behind that bed photo, he apologized for being a bad husband to you and a bad son in law to me and your dad.” Mrs Tuan said, surprising Mark because he didn’t expect Jackson to apologized for all that.

“Yi En, I’m not telling you to forgive him now or easily but at least give him a chance to redeem himself and if things still didn’t work out between you guys, at least you can divorce him without any regrets.” Mrs Tuan advised her son which earned a nod from Mark, knowing what his mother said was the truth.

“Come, let’s go. Everyone is waiting.” Mrs Tuan said before dragging her pouting son out of his room.

As they arrived at the table, Mark just frowned more upon seeing Jackson seated right there beside his Mommy, staring at him.
“Mark.” Jaebum’s voice was heard, causing him to turn his attention towards the opposite side where Jaebum were seated beside Mrs Im, Mark immediately plopped down on the empty seat beside him rather than the empty one beside Jackson.

The parents quickly started chatting around, lightening up the intense atmosphere while Jackson just stuffed things into his mouth while glaring at the two whose busy flirting right in front of him.

“You know he’s watching us, right?” Jaebum asked, whispering over as he could clearly feel a pair of eyes watching his every movement.

“Let him, none of my business.” Mark said, noticing the knowing smile coming from his best friend upon his words.

“What’s so amusing?” Mark asked, pouting which caused Jaebum to mouthed ‘nothing’ before sticking his tongue out at the younger Tuan who ended up pouting more.

“Did he upsets you, Mark?” Mrs Im asked jokingly upon noticing the pouting Mark who nodded cutely.

“He is being a meanie.” Mark accused jokingly which earned Jaebum a light smack on his arm from his mother which caused him to wince.

“You..” Jaebum exclaimed, causing Mark to laugh before running away from the other who already start chasing him around the dining room causing everyone to laugh at their childishness except Jackson.

“I’m not gonna let you go.” Jaebum exclaimed when he finally caught the other by his waist, tickling his side which causing Mark to plead.

“JB, I’m sorry. You are very good looking.” Mark pleaded, not forgetting to throw in some insincere praise at the same time.

“Now, that’s more like it.” Jaebum said smugly, finally letting go of Mark who only smirked playfully in return.

“Good looking, not!” Mark said before sticking his tongue out before running off back to the table, plopping back down in his seat before Jaebum joining him, pinching his cheeks as a revenge.

“Be glad that I adore you.” Jaebum said, chuckling which cause Jackson to immediately lose his appetite, he wasn’t ready for this.

The dinner continued on with more chatters, after that Mark had offered to help with the clean up while the others rested in the living room and when Jackson thought he finally had a chance to talk with the older after he was done, Jaebum and Mark had exited out to the backyard all alone.

“Why did you dragged me out here, you want to date under the moonlight?” Jaebum teased as they took a seat on the bench causing Mark to lightly chuckled, noticing Jackson who's watching them from inside.

“I just wanted some space away from him.” Mark answered, eyes looking a the calm night sky, stars twinkling bright tonight.

“Do you really hate him that much?” Jaebum asked, causing Mark to sighed as he shrugged his shoulder.

“I just feel so suffocated around him now, it’s like I can’t stand being around him.” Mark exclaimed, knowing that he still loves the younger but at the same time he hates him too, it’s so conflicting for him.

“So complicated, my mind can’t handle it.” Jaebum commented lightly causing Mark to smile sadly at his new best friend.

“I’m sorry I put you through this even when I know how you feel about me.” Mark apologized because he knows, it must be hard for Jaebum to go through this mess with him.

“Hey, I had a choice and I choose to stay by your side and be a good friend so don’t think about it too much.” Jaebum assured, smiling causing Mark to nod before pulling him in for a bear hug which just trigger the jealousy in Jackson even more which caused him to approach them.

“Hey!” Jackson greeted awkwardly before squeezing in between the two on the bench causing Jaebum to snickered while Mark just rolled his eyes at the obvious jealousy.

“Hi, Jackson. Nice to see you again.” Jaebum greeted awkwardly back while Mark ignore him, just like usual.

“What were you guys talking about?” Jackson awkwardly asked causing Mark and Jaebum to share an amused look behind him.

“Our next date.” Mark answered nonchalantly , looking at the shocked Jackson who immediately frown upon the news.

“No, he is just kidding. We were just talking about random stuffs.” Jaebum exclaimed quickly, trying to clear things which caused Mark to pout at him.

“JB, let’s just go inside.” Mark whined before reaching over to grab Jaebum’s hand and dragged him inside, leaving the poor puppy behind.

Jackson sighed for the tenth thousandth time today before dragging his pathetic self back into the house to only realise that’s everyone was getting ready to leave including his parents.

As everybody leaves, he noticed a certain someone hiding behind his Ma, acting like as if he’s invisible or something.

“Aren’t you going to leave?” Mark asked, glaring at the poor Jackson who thought that he will never get caught.

“Yi En, Ka Yee is staying. He's your husband after all.” Mr Tuan pointed out causing Mark to sigh, knowing he can’t win against his parents,

“Fine, I’m going to bed. Goodnight.” Mark wished, giving his parents a good night hug each before climbing up the stairs.

When Mark got out of his shower, he was surprised to see Jackson seating at the foot of his bed looking zone out.

“Get out.” Mark said firmly, immediately gaining Jackson’s attention before he looks down in guilt, he knows he wasn’t welcomed in there.

“Please, let me sleep here with you.” Jackson croaked out, looking up again at the older with puppy eyes which Mark tries hard to resist.

Sighing Mark grabbed a pillow before putting it on the floor, beside his bed.

“I’m not gonna share a bed with you.” Mark stated clearly while putting his towel away and waited for Jackson to move.

“Thank you.” Jackson said happily, jumping up to pull him into a hug which caused Mark’s heart to race without his permission, he quickly pushed the younger away.

“Sorry..” Jackson muttered sadly before making space for Mark to climb into bed before he positioned himself on the floor.

Mark laid himself on the bed, back facing the younger whose staring into space with million of thoughts in his mind.

“Mark, I’m sorry. I know it won’t solve anything no matter how many times I said it but still I want to say it, I’m sorry to you for a lot of things.” Jackson said in mandarin, the language that seems to be their secret code during their childhood days.

Mark listened to those words, that cracking voice and that meaningful language, how he wished that it was that easy to forgive this time round but no, not this time round because those words that Jackson said that day just broke his heart into pieces.

“Goodnight, Yi En.” Jackson said again in the same language when he didn’t get any response from the older before turning to get some sleep.

When Mark finally heard that faint snores, he slowly turned to look at the sleeping face that he loves, it was something he adore even until now.

“Why do you make everything difficult for me, Ka Yee?” Mark muttered under his breath in the same language before slowly slipping into dreamland.

####

“So..” Yugyeom urged, looking at the older whose busy flipping through files with curious eyes as they just finished a discussion on the new project.

Mark hummed acting like he didn’t know what the younger meant causing Youngjae to chuckled at the poor younger.

“Jackson hyung.” Yugyeom pointed out, rolling his eyes at the older as he helped Youngjae unpacked their newly delivered lunch.

“What about him?” Mark asked nonchalantly as he puts his files away, looking at the younger.

“Well, is he trying to win you back?” Yugyeom asked out, causing Mark to sighed before pulling his handphone out for the younger.

From: Ka Yee
Good morning, have a lovely day. I’m already missing you.

“Aww, cute." Yugyeom exclaimed, laughing before sharing it with Youngjae who chuckled along.

“Cute? He is just being creepy." Mark commented, totally not used to this overly sweet side of Jackson Wang.

The duo just share a laugh before a knocking can be heard.

“Come in. " Mark called out, putting down his noodles to welcome their visitor but instantly regretted it when he saw the face that greeted him.

“Hey everyone." Jackson greeted, grinning as he comes in with three boxes of pizza.

“Why are you here? Can't you leave me alone? " Mark sighed, staring at Jackson who ignore his words and plopped himself down beside Mark.

The older let out another sighed of distress before getting up and ready to leave the room but where surprised by Jaebum's appearance when he wanted to exit.

“Huh? Where are you going? " Jaebum asked lost since he was supposed to meet up with Mark to discuss on some project they are working together.

Jaebum had quit his job as a reporter and now holds the vice president position over at Im Group.

“Guys, I'm going with JB. If anything, just beep me up." Mark informed, taking it was  a chance to escape before dragging Jaebum out of there.

“You guys go ahead and enjoy it." Jackson said referring to the pizzas, smiling sadly before leaving the office.

Yugyeom and Youngjae sighed knowing that things aren't gonna be easy for Jackson this time round.

The rest of the day, Jackson just swarmed himself up with work that it even worries Bambam when he didn't take a break.

“Ka Yee, you are back." Mrs Tuan greeted her son in law as she got ready to wear her heels.

“Are you going somewhere, Ma?" Jackson asked, curious to see the elder all dressed up.

“Yes, we are attending a charity event." Mr Tuan said, appearing in a slick black casual suit.

“If we are late, don't wait up for us. Go to sleep first, also Yi En isn't back yet." Mrs Tuan informed before saying goodbye to their son in law.

After the pair left, Jackson makes a beeline for the shower to freshen up before having a light dinner while watching some random shows on television.

He waited and waited until almost midnight that he heard a car drive into the driveway, causing him to take a peek from the side window just to see Mark and Jaebum chatting by what seems like Jaebum's car since it's obviously not Mark's.

“Thank you, Mark. You totally saved me today, there's so much things I don't know. If you didn't guide me, I would do everything wrongly." Jaebum thanked sincerely, grateful that the other helps so much on working on the new hotel project that he recently was put in charge.

“You are still new to this, take it slow and aren't we best friend. Of course we help each other out."Mark said grining, hugging it out after a long day at work.

“Aww man, you are making it hard for me. You are too dangerous, I need to keep away." Jaebum commented as they pulled apart which caused Mark to playfully punched him before they broke into laughter without realizing that Jackson is watching everything.

Jackson feels like his heart got stabbed watching Mark laughing and smiling but he wasn't the reason of it.

Mark enters the mansion after Jaebum drives away just to be surprised by the figure that standing in the living room, staring at him.

He remains calm before walking past Jackson but a hand holds on to his wrist.

“Are you serious with him?" Jackson asked, twirling the older around to face him straight on.

Mark kept quiet as he studies Jackson's conflicted expression, almost like as if he is battling with himself.

“Give me a chance to change this, I know there is still us. If you could stay by my side for all these twelves years when I had treated you the worst, you deserve the best from me now." Jackson said, pulling Mark into his embrace with tears pooling in his eyes.

“It's a lie if Mark unaffected by this but no, he needs to stay strong, he won't wavered because of this.

“When are you going to sign those papers?" Mark asked, pushing Jackson away which obviously hurts the younger.

“It's that the only thing you can say to me?" Jackson asked in disbelief at the calm older, almost too cold for his liking.

“What else can I say? There's nothing left for me to say." Mark said calmly before continue his track up the stairs and straight into his room.

Jackson feels like punching himself, trying his best not to let the tears drip, it is so frustrating being treated like that by the person he loves.

Mark feels like a jerk but he needed to do that, he have been too nice all this while, taking a deep breath he throws away all his guilt and headed for the shower in attempt to relax himself.

When he finally got out of the shower, he was surprised to see a mug with a sticky note seating on top of his bedside drawer.

It was hot chocolate with a note that reads 'I'm sorry and good night Dimsum'

Smiling at the note, Mark was tempted to drink but he decided to pass on it because he still angry at Jackson and he wants him to suffer just a little longer so with all the effort in him, he ignored the drink and snuggled under his blanket after leaving a pillow on the floor for Jackson.

Slowly drifting off with a small smile on his face as he reads the note once before closing his eyes.

By the time Jackson finally had the courage to enter the room, he was greeted by the faint snores coming from Mark.

He was upset when he saw the drink untouched but his not gonna give up because Mark Tuan worths everything.

####

Days passed by and it's almost been a month since Jackson stayed with the Tuan, a month of trying to win Mark but nothing really change, just that Mark started drinking the hot chocolate he prepared every 
night starting last week.

It was such a small change but it makes Jackson so happy that he could fly.

Yawning, he slowly dragged himself to the shower and get ready for the day before climbing down the stairs, noticing that's it's super quiet not like every other days.

He was greeted with the sight of Mark eating cereal alone at the dining table.

“Where is Pa and Ma?" Jackson asked when he noticed no sight of the older couple.

“Trip." was Mark's short reply before stuffing more cereals into his mouth while mentally scolding his parents for leaving him alone with Jackson Wang this weekend.

He hates it because he can't resist the younger well these days, thanks to those overly sweet post it note that he write for him every night and the times he exploded in cuteness just for him.

“Ah, I'm hungry." Jackson exclaimed before taking a scoop out of Mark's bowl and into his mouth.
Mark shake his head at the action before pushing his half eaten bowl to Jackson, staring at the younger whose happily eating.

“Why are you trying so hard?" Mark asked which surprise the younger but he stop eating and look at the older.

“It's because it's you, you are worth everything to me." Jackson said seriously,  tugging a heartstring of Mark who nodded before slowly getting up.

“Where are you going? " Jackson asked but Mark just shrugged before going upstairs, he needs to distract him from Jackson.

When he finally spotted the older again in the  afternoon, he was chilling out in the living room which caused Jackson to plopped beside him before resting his head on Mark's lap which surprised the older.

“It's so comfortable." Jackson sighed in content causing Mark to secretly smile, letting him enjoy it for a bit before slowly getting up.

“Ah..I'm feeling dizzy..Mark help me.." Jackson exclaimed dramatically, holding on to Mark's hand which cause the older to roll his eyes at the younger.

“What do you want?" Mark asked, playing along even though it's obvious that Jackson is just fine.
Water" Jackson croaked out like as if he gonna faint but Mark just nodded before heading to the fridge to grab a bottle of water.

“Stop being so extra, here is your water." Mark scolded lightly, passing the bottle to the pouting younger.
Mark shook his head once more before finally leaving, Jackson smiles as he watched the older walked away, gulping down on his water.

Jackson's happiness was short lived though as soon the doorbell rang and he was greeted by Jaebum when he answered.

"JB" Mark called out excitedly, waving from the stairs to join him upstairs.

Jaebum greeted Jackson quickly before making a beeline upstairs, excited for their movie Marathon.

Jackson waited and waited for the pair to reappear downstairs but they never did so after an hour or so, he goes up to check and was glad that bedroom door was slightly ajar.

As he got closer,  he could hear their voices so he decided to just take a listen for now.

“Do you know how precious you are to me, I love you so much." Jaebum's voice was heard causing Jackson to be alert, praying hard he won't hear a response back.

“Aww, I love you too JB." Mark's voice was heard, at that moment everything fall apart as he run out through the back gate to a nearby park, he needed some fresh air.

“Thanks, Mark. We will always be the best of friend from now on." Jaebum exclaimed earning a nod from Mark who's genuinely happy for his best friend.

“You better try hard, it's not easy to get Youngjae." Mark teased which Jaebum replied with 'yes sir' 
motion.

His phone suddenly beeped signalling a voice mail and when he opened it, he was lost to as why Jackson send him a voicemail.

- I just don't want us to part
Why do I still come across with a smile?
I do not have this kind of talent
To tolerate you accepting him - Silence By Jay Chou

Upon listening to it, Mark quickly runs out to find for the younger with a lost Jaebum trailing along.

“JB, look after the house for me." Mark said when he noticed the back gate is opened, earning a sharp nod from Jaebum.

As he run towards the garden, he immediately spotted the figure that he's looking for seating on a bench.

Mark soon noticed flames which caused him to speed up but he slowed down when he notice the younger burning something.

His movement was paused when he heard those words, words that seems to be confession from Jackson's heart.

“Why didn't I say those words earlier? why didn't express my feelings earlier? If I had said those words that night, it won't turn out like this. Why do I keep denying you when it's already you from the start, it's the worst mistake in my life but loving you is the greatest decision in my life. I don't ever regret it and I won't let you go so easily." Jackson exclaimed, pouring out his feeling as he watch the divorce paper burning slowly in his hold.

“You denying me was your best decision because it makes us realize how much we are in love with each other. How crazy we are for each other especially with the things I go through just for you, Ka Yee." Mark said out, startling Jackson who dropped the paper before turning back to look at the teary Mark.

“Do you know how much I love you, Ka Yee?" Mark choked out causing Jackson to nod before running straight to the older and hold him in his embrace, tears in his eyes himself.

“I love you too, Yi En. I really do, I'm sorry you waited so long." Jackson said, tears dripping down his cheeks.

“Promise me, please don't leave my side ever again." Jackson said as he wiped Mark's tears with his thumb.

“You better behave, idiot." Mark said, half joking before pulling the younger into a sweet kiss.
 

A/N: Hello everyone, how did you all enjoy this last chapter? It feels lacking to me but I still hope that everyone still fully enjoys it. I would also like to apologize for skipping last week as I fall sick again due to the crazy weather here so please forgive me. Please share with me your thoughts of the end and thank you to everyone who had followed this story till the end. Take care until I'm back with a new story, hopefully soon ~

<3 InfinitelyCassie