Ok, you can do this! You can do this! You can earn his trust back, you can..

The door swung open just in the middle of his thoughts. He was expecting to greet the lovely lady which invited him over but the one that opened the door was not her, it was Jinyoung.

“Hi-“

Jinyoung slammed the door in front of Mark’s face before he could continue talking. “Mom! Why is he here?” asked Jinyoung in the house, obviously not happy.

On the other hand, he could hear Jinyoung’s mom rushing from the kitchen, scolded Jinyoung and open the door quickly, “Hey! Come in! I am waiting for you!”

“Hello miss, thanks for having me over.” Said Mark with a bright smile. The wind was blowing hard and the dark clouds gave him a nasty vibe, demanding for rain. Not much people decided to be outside that day, it was just like everyone knew they were going to have a bad day. Mark was guessing the same thing too. He knew that going here was not the greatest idea at the moment, and this situation couldn’t be any worse. However, he decided to give it a shot.

It was the first time Mark went to Jinyoung’s house and it was not the best impression he got. The front door lead to the comfortable living room where things were in place but not tidy. It was as if the room was that way because Mark was coming over. The house was dark but the lights made it just enough to identify some objects. The lights were not on and the curtains were closed. The bright side was the air conditioner is on, Mark wasn’t allowed to turn his air conditioner on before he was going to sleep. Due to the chill, the room itself felt depressing.

On the far side of the living room, the kitchen was clearly visible. Jinyoung sat on one of the chairs at the edge, sitting lazily with his head rest on the chairs back. He was staring deeply onto his empty plate while playing with his spoon. The dishes were there, ready to be eaten but Jinyoung took no interest in it. He kept playing with his spoon. He didn’t even bother to get mad when Mark stepped in.

“Come on, let’s have lunch together.” Offered Jinyoung’s mother as she led him into the kitchen where Jinyoung was sitting where she took a seat nearest to Jinyoung. Jinyoung’s mom expected Mark to sit across her. However, with Jinyoung’s horrifying stare, he did not dare and sat right beside Jinyoung’s mom awkwardly. His mother looked confused but failed to pick up some clues. “So, I invite Mark over because both of you have not met in a while and you are obviously skipping dance lessons, I would like Mark to see you and check your condition.”

Jinyoung nearly spitted out his food, “I’m fine mom! You don’t need to bring someone here,” said Jinyoung trying to act casual, “Don’t tell me Yugyeom was here because of you.”

“Hahah no! He came here by will,” smiled Jinyoung’s mom, “anyway, what are you waiting for? The food is going to get cold!”

The lunch was rather awkward. Jinyoung was not sparing a glance on Mark and neither of them were talking. Jinyoung’s mom was ranting of random things that was happening in the modern days that Mark had no idea about. As the result, Mark just laughed a little bit in response. However, the food was great, it was mostly his favorite, and Jinyoung’s favorite……

“Oh no! I should be sending that report! You guys have fun in Jinyoung’s room, I will be working in my room okay?” asked Jinyoung’s mom while she gathered all the dirty dishes.

Without second thought, Jinyoung stood up, “Mom, let me help you with your work.”

“”No, its ok sweetie, your friend’s here, give him company will you?”

Jinyoung’s room was not too big but it fit a king size bed, a medium sized closet and a study table. Even though he was not a child anymore, his wallpaper remain a blue background decorated with car stickers. It was cute. Jinyoung was sitting at the chair of his study table, staring as if he got no eyelids. Mark just stood there not knowing what to do.

“Emm… can I sit on the floor?” asked Mark finally, breaking the silence.

“You are not even welcome here.”

“Look, Jinyoung, we need to talk. Like a damn serious talk.”

“Sure, talk all you want, I will be here listening to loud music.”

Mark grabbed Jinyoung’s earphones and phone just before he could use them, “Seriously Jinyoung! I have something to tell you!”

“ you no! I don’t want to listen to whatever you have okay? I am imagining a playboy Mark right now. I seriously hate you Mark, I don’t want to be heartbroken any further. You make me believe that you actually like me back!”

“I do!” shouted Mark back.

“Bull!” shouted Jinyoung back as he waved his arms in the air. “You give me hope to break me down!”

“I don’t mean it,” said Mark softly, lowering down his pride, “I really do like you. Can you please listen to me for one second?”

“I prefer not,” said Jinyoung, obviously surprised by Mark’s sudden surrender, “come on, let’s just not talk about it and move on. I am sick of this already.”

“No, Jinyoung, if you just listen to me!” said Mark, tears filled his eyes, blurring his vision.

“Get out Mark, I do not wish to see you again.” Jinyoung’s eyes were also teary.

“Jinyoung.. I”

“GET OUT!” screamed Jinyoung, his face was as hot as lava while tears poured down his face, trying to overcome his anger.

Mark knew it was not the best time to tell him. Not if Jinyoung was just full of hatred.

“Are you okay?” asked his mother in the softest tone which she always used to comfort him when Mark was barely 7.

Dinner was either joyful or depressing. Apparently, Mark’s parents were the best at bringing back memories and talk about them whether they meant it or not. Unfortunately, bad memories were in their list too. It was the best situation for Mark to tell them the truth behind everything. The cricket outside sung their song and the atmosphere was not too thrilled. It was as if the mood itself could detect something wrong.

“Yeah, I am fine.” Replied Mark, faking a smile. The truth is Mark was shattered in pieces inside. For some reason, the words Jinyoung spat out stung his heart like a knife. Mark felt like a total jerk for knowing his true feelings after Jinyoung confessed, for letting him fool himself by trying to like 2 boys, for lying. “How’s work?”

“It’s still improving! Your father and I have not been expecting this! Thank you for your extra help, Mark. To be honest, I wouldn’t thought that you will make a huge difference at first but you really impress me. The money you earned did help us way more than I imagined, sorry to interrupt your school life.” Apologized his mother, “I promised that I will buy you something in a few while.”

Mark thought about how he gained money in the past. It was good times, true memories deserved to be treasured. Being Jackson’s paid boyfriend, Jinyoung’s tutor and Mark remember clearly how sick BamBam used to be. From that experience, Mark knew the struggles of earning a fortune. It was not as easy as he thought it would be.

“Mark?”

Mark glanced at the woman sitting in front of him. Never thought that he would be thinking deep about life like this. “Yay!” smiled Mark with his best ‘awesome’ tone, “Emm.. can I take a walk outside?
I need to clear my mind off things.”

“Sure, I guess,” said his mom a little bit confused

“Don’t be home too late sweetheart, it’s not noon anymore.” Added his father.

Mark stood up from his seat, grabbed his jacket and smiled at both of his parents.