Some people say that when you can’t sleep at night, it’s because you’re soulmate is also awake unable to sleep. Other’s say that those alert after 3:00am are living a life that lacks love, or have so much love their minds don’t know how to be quiet. Either way, 3:00 am was always Jinyoung’s favorite hour. A time when the world outside was silent, when he could get all of his work done without the droll of human interaction or loud outside distractions.

No, he was not a snobby painter that would go on rants about how the human race prevented him from doing his work. He knew that without the beauty of the outside world he would have no inspiration for his canvas. Although, to be fair, the majority of his recent work came not from what was breathing outside of his small studio apartment but rather visions that came to him when he finally did lay to sleep.

His newest canvas was covered in rough visions of a brown haired boy holding a worn looking violin. A man he’d seen in his dreams countless times. There was no name to match the handsome features, the man was nobody he’d ever seen outside of his slumber that was for sure, but he had appeared behind closed lids several times over the last few months. Jinyoung felt it would be a waste to not try and capture the man’s likeness in the only way he knew how. Working day after day to perfect the of his strong jaw, to do justice to his thin but healthy build, the way his mouth twisted ever so when he was trying not to laugh at something dream Jinyoung said.

The only downside to sitting at his canvas at 3:00 was that Jinyoung didn’t remember much from the dreams. Just enough to paint vague drawings of what happened in them, but every time specific details left his imagination he found that he grew angry with his brush. Cursing at himself for not getting out of bed faster to capture every breathtaking detail.

He had an art gallery in two weeks to prepare for, but none of the mystery man would make it inside. It wasn’t ready. He wasn’t ready. Maybe he was nervous that with his luck the mystery man just so happened to be someone in town that would stumble into a rather ty art showing on that one specific night and be weirded out that his face was plastered all over the walls.

Or maybe it was the fact that Jinyoung wasn’t ready to risk others feeling the way he felt when they looked at those mysterious chocolate orbs that held so much kindness yet, sadness at the same time. Not that Jinyoung felt he could ever do justice to them. No matter how many times his brush went over the canvas, or how many shades he mixed, it wasn’t quite right.

He could sit there for hours, and often did, trying to get this perfect, which he never did.

Deciding that the birds finally chirping outside was a sign that it might be time to sleep, Jinyoung rose from his stool and cracked his back several times before he walked the short distance to his little sink. Cleaning the few brushes he had been using to ensure that they didn’t get mucked up over...morning.

When the cleaning was said and done he shut the lights and made his way downstairs to where his bedroom was. Silently telling himself to actually clean when he woke up. Provided his mystery man didn’t come to him again in his sleep.

Shedding his paint covered clothes, Jinyoung lazily shrugged on his pajamas. Did a half assed job of brushing his teeth, and all but face planted into the sea of pillows littering his bed. Sleep took him shortly after, the warm embrace from his covers a welcome change to the drafty attic helping to lull him into a secure sleep.

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“You’re late.” The familiar voice said, Jinyoung looked up from where he was standing to see those gorgeous eyes walking down towards him. He couldn’t help but smile as he moved closer to meet Mark at the end of the steps.

“It was a long day at work, but I’m here now. That should be all that matters.” He tried to coax himself back into the male's good graces.

“Don’t think you can bat those eyelashes at me and get away with this.” He wagged his finger before moving to take Jinyoung’s hand in his own. Jinyoung couldn’t hide the blush as he was lead down the street.

This wasn’t a town he knew, the signs were all in english but it wasn’t America. Or maybe it was. Not like he’d ever been there to know what specific towns even looked like. All he knew was that it wasn’t Korea. It wasn’t home, even if it felt comfortable in the company of the other.

“Jinyoung, come on. Don’t gawk. The shop is about to close!”

“It’s not fair that you know my name, but I never get to know yours.”

“You never asked me before, see I asked you. I’m smart. Also, I’m Mark.”

Mark. What an American sounding name. So they had to be in America right? The signs on all the buildings would make it so even if Jinyoung didn’t understand english. For some reason in his dream he did, he could also speak it which was the opposite of when he was awake. That probably played a part in his inability to remember details as well as he would have liked.

“Mark we’re fine on time!” Jinyoung assured, he also decided that he loved the way the name sounded rolling off his tongue. He would make a point to say it more often.

They reached the familiar strip of buildings that was close by an expansive strip of beach. Jinyoung made a mental note to try and look up the buildings when he woke up to see if maybe this place was actually real. Mark let their hands drop as he opened the door to the shop and made a beeline for the display of flavors.

“I don’t know why you look time after time when we get the same thing every trip.” Jinyoung teased, moving up behind Mark to rest his chin on his shoulder.

“Maybe I want strawberry today.”

“But you’re going to get the chocolate, with extra sprinkles.” Jinyoung teased before pulling away to order their ice cream, Mark tried to pout but he knew Jinyoung was right. It was exactly what he wanted.

Thanking the woman who handed over the cones, Jinyoung paid for the two of them before they left to head to the beach, Jinyoung never remembering how his shoes came off, or what path they ever took to get to the familiar rocks, but somehow they were sat in the sand with half eaten cones, the waves just barely lapping at their toes. It seemed the dream world was warping their reality. Not that Jinyoung minded.

“Don’t forget, you promised to come to my performance tomorrow.” Mark mused, a stripe of chocolate lingering at the corner of his mouth. Jinyoung smiled brightly and leaned over to wipe it off with his thumb, choosing to it off his own finger.

“Of course I’m coming, how could I ever miss a chance to hear you play. Have you been practicing?” Jinyoung moved to get behind Mark. An odd affection they both shared even if it was something Jinyoung hardly ever did in real life.

“I haven’t had much time the last few weeks. Someone keeps coming around and spoiling me with ice cream. But I’m not complaining, he’s always been enjoyable company so I think it’s worth it.” Mark leaned back so that his head was rested on Jinyoung’s shoulder.

“Yah! Don’t tell me that, I will be late every day now if it means you will practice longer. Don’t give up on that for something silly like ice cream.”

“It’s not silly! These are some of the best distractions. Plus I can only play for so long before my hands start to hurt. If they cramp up too bad then I really won’t be able to play.” Mark looked over for a moment to catch Jinyoung’s eyes.

“Fine. But make sure you are resting too.” Jinyoung couldn’t help but smirk, wrapping his free arm tighter around Mark’s body.

The dreams often went like this. The two of them curled up on the beach talking while they ate their ice cream. Jinyoung’s fondness for the boy growing with every passing dream though he still never opened his mouth about it. He always waited to finish his ice cream since he seemed to wake up as soon as it was done. Waking up meant no longer having Mark in his arms and tonight that just didn’t sound like a desirable outcome.

“Jinyoung, do you believe in soulmates?” Mark mused, snapping Jinyoung from his lost thoughts.

“I believe that there is one person for everyone, so in a way yes.”

“I think that when you’re so connected to someone, that person will find a way to be with you no matter what.”

“It’s a romantic notion for sure, have you found your soulmate then?”

“Who knows. Probably but, I don’t think he’s as close to me as I’d hope.”

“What do you mean?” Jinyoung looked down with a frown, arm possessively wrapping tighter around Mark’s waist.

“I feel as if, this is all a dream. That when I wake up you won't be there.” Mark confessed, and Jinyoung felt the air be knocked from his lungs. It was the first time Mark had ever mentioned them being in a dream world even if Jinyoung knew it to be so the whole time.

“Then don’t wake up.”

“I don’t think I can. I feel like I’m just always here waiting for you to show up. What do you do once I go back home?”

“I go home myself, get back to work.”

“What do you do for a living? Am I allowed to come pester you at work?”

“I’m a lowly painter, nothing serious. I assure you wouldn’t have much fun. A friend and I own a gallery in town where he often lets me display my work.” Jinyoung took another bite of his ice cream, unhappy with how small the cone was getting. He didn’t have much more time.

“I want to come watch you paint one day. Promise I won’t get in the way.” Mark’s big brown eyes seemed to grow, making Jinyoung melt quicker than his ice cream was.

“I would like that. It would help me do justice to paintings I have of you.”

“You’ve painted me! Well then you must let me come see. Take me there now!” Mark smiled wide, moving to better see Jinyoung.

“It’s so far away. I don’t even know where we are.” Jinyoung took another bite of his ice cream.

“Here? The beach silly. How do you not know where we are?”

“I’m not from here. I live in a city.” Jinyoung watched Mark frown, not sure how that made sense to him given the city being so far away from where they were.

“Which city?”

“Seoul.”

“K… Korea?”

“Yeah, why?”

“You come all this way every week to see me?”

“Wh… where is here?”

Jinyoung saw a small flash, his ice cream vanishing from his hand as his world started to go a bit foggy. He tried to call out to Mark, tried to hold on and keep his body from waking up. The last thing he could see was a pair of two very sad looking chocolate eyes looking up at him as his own finally opened to the harsh light of day.

Jinyoung rolled over onto his back and let out a sad sigh, his hand coming up as if he were reaching out for Mark. Snapped back to by the shrill of his phone going off beside him, looking over to see who was calling he made a face and rolled over to grab it.

“Hello, yes yes I’m awake… I can’t I have to… But… Fine. I’ll be there shortly.” Jinyoung hung up the phone and rolled out of bed, quickly rushing up to his studio to get a rough sketch down of what he had seen in his dreams, making sure to include the little swipe of chocolate on Mark’s mouth before he knew he had to leave. He just hoped that while he was out his mind could cling to every memory.

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It was over a week until his dream world brought him back to Mark. No matter how hard he tried to picture those pouty lips and crinkled eyes when he fell asleep he would either dream of nothing, or something different. Yet, however, when he came to it seemed as if not much time had gone by at all. He looked down at himself, dressed in an expensive suit with a single rose in his hand. He was outside of Mark’s house, or what he assumed to be Mark’s house. The boy was coming down the stairs in an equally as gorgeous suit with his hair styled back for the first time.

“You look amazing.” Jinyoung gasped, holding out the flower to Mark who smiled wide.

“You’re not late for once! Also you look great. Come on we gotta get to the concert hall.” Mark put his violin in the trunk of his car before climbing into the driver's seat. Jinyoung moved to climb into the passenger's seat. Not even thinking to look at the license plate to tell where he was.

“How has your week been?”

“Boring. I’m surprised you flew all the way for this concert. You didn’t have to do that.”

“Of course I did. I promised you I would be here did I not?”

“”True. You did promise me.” Mark smiled brightly, moving to rest his free hand on Jinyoung’s thigh. Jinyoung’s eyes went wide at the affection, especially while Mark was supposed to be driving a car.

“You’re not affectionate are you?” Mark added, giving Jinyoung’s thigh a gentle squeeze before he moved his hand back to the steering wheel. Suddenly Jinyoung felt a coldness where Mark’s hand once was, as if Mark was the only thing keeping him warm.

“I don’t have much of an occasion to be.”

“Is that a Korean thing? I know some cultures are strict about affection.”

“It’s not that. I just. I don’t know. I’m not used to it. I don’t do it very often.” He shrugged, Mark didn’t press further and Jinyoung was thankful for it.

As they were driving Jinyoung took the opportunity to look around, he wasn’t familiar with any of the settings, and it seemed that the dream world was warping his perception of the buildings. They all, for the most part, looked the same. Restaurants with artistic signs, faceless people walking around. Jinyoung found it peaceful, not like his city which seemed to never have a moments rest.

When they pulled onto the school campus, Jinyoung looked rather confused, eyes darting around to see just where they would up. Was this a school concert? The both of them were rather young, it made sense for Mark to be in college getting his degree. Jinyoung was just shocked that so much detail went into this university when the rest of their time together all he could really focus on was Mark.

As the car parked Jinyoung looked down to the flower he was holding, having forgotten he even had it. Shaky hands offered it to Mark, a gentle blush covering his cheeks.

“You’re supposed to give me this after.” Mark teased, taking the flower and smelling at the soft petals.

“Why after? You deserve flowers now.” Jinyoung deadpanned and it was Mark’s turn to blush, looking up quickly to lock eyes with Jinyoung’s own. Jinyoung felt nervous, because generally his dreams would end here but they hadn’t yet had ice cream. It couldn’t be over yet.

“You’re very charming, thank you. Go get your seat, I’ll meet up with you after.” Mark smelled the flower again before he got out of the car.

The two walked inside the theater up until Mark had to leave to get ready for his show. Jinyoung watched him walk away with fond eyes before he looked down at the ticket he had been handed. His seat was rather up close, and Jinyoung adored that. It meant Mark wanted to see him. Not that he should pay attention to him when his playing was far more important.

Nobody around them really seemed to matter, he excused himself passed a couple before taking his seat. He adjusted the buttons on his suit before he looked up at the concert about to start. Smiling wide when he saw the small group of performers take their places. Mark was lead out last since he was headlining the show. Jinyoung could only focus on him as the others began to play. When Mark started Jinyoung could have swore he was transported to a world further than a dream world.

Each note stayed with him, the music filled his heart bringing a tear to his eye. He blinked several times to try and chase it away, not wanting his vision distorted for a second. He watched Mark with such admiration he felt as if he was floating every time Mark dragged his bow across the strings, a series of colors and motions that Jinyoung wanted to create with his brush.

Soon the concert ended and Jinyoung rose to his feet to clap, not caring that he was one of the only ones to do it. It was like the room fell quiet, as if they were the only two there. Mark winked at him before bowing his head, Jinyoung didn’t sit until the last person was off the stage. Truly in awe of just how talented the boy was to play with such passion, a passion he himself had when it came to the of his brush.

As people started to filter out he decided it was best to leave as well. He walked through the sea of people and outside to the warm night air. He always knew it was warm where Mark was, even if at times he felt cold around the boy. He stood at the top of the stairs waiting, hands slid into his pockets as he watched the sun set through the distant trees. The night sky painted various shades of fuchsia, orange, and yellow. The expanse of the sky swirls of navy and amethyst as the darkness started to squash the remaining light colors on the horizon.

He felt a tapping to his shoulder and was quick to turn around, smiling brightly at the sight of Mark, rose still pressed to his nose smelling it, and his violin case in the other.

“You were stunning.” Jinyoung beamed, hands coming out of his pocket to take the case from Mark. The smaller of the two thanked him before linking his now free hand with Jinyoung’s arm. The pair of them walked through the parking lot towards where the cars were parked and the sea of people still trying to get out.

“We may not make it in time for ice cream.” Jinyoung said softly, pouting gently as he put the violin case in the now open trunk of Mark’s car.

“It’s still early, there has to be a shop open somewhere. It wouldn’t be us if we didn’t get ice cream. This is Los Angeles! There is always something opened.”

“Los Angeles. America.” Jinyoung said to himself, giving another look around before he reached out to pull Mark close.

“What if we skip the ice cream for a night, we can do dinner instead. There is always dessert after dinner but you played so wonderfully it would be a shame to let this night end so quickly.” Jinyoung let his hand gently grip Mark’s wrist to draw him closer.

“Are you sure you don’t have to fly back soon?” Mark’s voice was almost foreshadowing, like he knew Jinyoung was going to leave even if he wanted to scream that it wasn’t ever voluntary.

“Not until after dinner, I have more time I believe.” He hoped it was true.

God Jinyoung hoped it was true.

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Mark must have thought he was funny when he pulled into a little restaurant in what Jinyoung suspected to be a Korean part of town. Every sign made sense to him, every building looked familiar. It was as if he was home almost. It was funny, though every other time he knew he was in an english speaking country, and was talking in english even though he couldn’t do that in real life, but he couldn’t read any of the signs or lettering around where they were. Probably one of the reasons he never knew where he was. But it seemed that now he could fully understand.

Looking around in awe he said something in Korean, Mark could only giggle from the driver's seat as they got out of the car. Jinyoung read the sign and pointed to it, then looked at Mark for confirmation. He again said something in Korean and Mark just blinked at him, but without a judging look. It was obvious he was confused however.

“Is this a big part of your area? This whole town seems to be in Korean.” Jinyoung finally said in English and Mark was back on track with him.

“This is Korea Town, it’s very big in this state. Like… I don’t know. When you told me you flew all the way out here I wanted to bring you but you had to leave. I don’t know why you take such odd flights back home.” Mark made a face before leading Jinyoung inside, and it was like they were transported back to Korea. The decorations on the wall, the people serving the food, the general aesthetic of the restaurant.

He felt an odd peace wash over him, similar to the one he felt when Mark smiled a bright smile at him. Jinyoung spoke to the woman in Korean and they were seated right away, he thanked her before pulling Mark’s chair out for him, sitting across from him as the grill in the center was prepared for them.

“Do you come here often?” Jinyoung asked looking over the menu, happy it was in both Korean and English.

“I have never been, but my friends said it was the place to be.”

“I am excited for it to be your first time then! Should I just order for us?” He over his lips and looked up at Mark who was smiling that smile at him.

“Yes please. I’m not picky so I trust you. I wanna know how you eat home.” Mark closed his own menu, letting Jinyoung take over once the woman came over to take their food and drink order.

“So, outside of painting and flying to America for ice cream dates with random boys… what do you do for fun?” Mark sat back in his chair relaxing.

“I have a handful of friends I see from time to time. Work at the gallery when I’m needed. I’m afraid it’s nothing exciting. You would like Seoul though, well more I would love to show you Seoul one day maybe. Repay you for your kindness to me while I’m here.” Jinyoung flashed a bright smile, Mark blushed and the slight rose tint to his cheeks matched the flower Jinyoung had given him earlier.

“I’ve always wanted to travel to Korea. It looks like such a beautiful city, and I’ve always had a big interest in music. Could try out for the whole idol thing.” He laughed, perking up as the food was set down on the table. His eyes grew wide at the selection laid out in front of them.

“I figured to get what I would get back home. Have you eat as if you were with me there.” Jinyoung smiled wide, moving to put some of the food on the grill to begin the cooking before he went over all the food so Mark knew what they were eating.

Luckily for Jinyoung he seemed pretty open to everything there, enjoying nearly everything Jinyoung put on his plate. The two managed to get everything eaten without Jinyoung waking up. He must have been more tired than he thought.

“Ice cream now?” Mark asked, setting down his chopsticks before the woman came over and placed the bill on the table. Jinyoung grabbed it before Mark could even think twice and moved to take care of it. Mark huffed about wanting to help but Jinyoung would hear none of that.

Even in his dreams he was a traditionalist.

“Fine, but ice cream is on me then.” Mark made clear before they got up, Jinyoung wouldn’t argue even if he wouldn’t let it happen.

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Again waking up came at the worst possible moment. Eyes blinked groggily at the offensive sunlight pouring in through his shades, he grumbled at the annoyingly loud car that was honking outside of his building. No doubt some annoying brat’s trying to signal another friend near by of their arrival. He shuffled out of bed and over to the window, glaring down at the offence that took him from the beach with Mark. He hadn’t even finished his ice cream.

“COME LETS GO!” a younger boy yelled to someone exiting the apartment building across the street. Jinyoung just scowled at them before moving to check his phone. Several missed called from Jaebum, a few texts from Youngjae, silly game invites from Bambam. He rolled his eyes at all of them and moved to hide out in his studio, content to spend another day ignoring them all as he painted what he could remember of California.

Jinyoung had forgotten that Jaebum had a key, being startled half to death when he turned around to see someone watching him get lost in Mark’s eyes yet again. Jaebum walked closer and scanned over the paintings that littered his best friends room, confused as to what he was seeing.

“Who’s the guy? Is this why you aren’t calling anyone back?” Jaebum teased, holding up the first picture Jinyoung had ever painted of Mark. Jinyoung just snatched it from him and set it back down with the others.

“If I told you, well you would think I’m crazy.”

“I already think you’re crazy. Try me.”

“He.. I see him in my dreams. First it was scattered, but now it feels real. Whenever I go to sleep he’s there, and we hang out together in America.”

“America as in like… what? You don’t know any english.”

“I know, but we talk in english in my dream? I don’t know. He’s American, and plays the violin. Last night I went to see him play then we went on a date.”

“You really need to stop with all these fumes. Some mystery dream man is like… something they would make a movie about.”

“I know I know but he’s real. I know he’s real. Maybe I’m meant to go to America and find him?”

“You’ll get arrested for harassing some poor guy that doesn’t know you, if this kid is even real which he probably isn’t. Just… get some actual rest. You have an art show soon.” Making a face Jaebum reached out to grab Jinyoung’s hand, deciding then and there his friend needed a break, or several.

“I can’t rest… not until I know.”