“Mark hyung …”

“No.”

“But-”

“No buts Park Jinyoung.”

“Are you really upset that I came with Jaebum for Nora’s health checkup?” Jinyoung asks with a pout while holding onto one of Mark's hand. Swinging it side to side to give more an effect for his cute act.

“No, I’m upset with the fact that you made Jaebum change where Nora normally gets her health check up to here instead.” Mark tries to explain ignoring Jinyoung’s effort to get his attention, by getting his hand out of the younger’s grasp to flip over a paper on his clipboard.

“Your point is…?”

Sighing he halts his movement to stare at the idol who already has his eyes on him. “The point is you just stole someone's patient andbusiness.”

The idol’s eyes melt in sweetness and if Mark could draw out the picture right in front of him, he would draw Jinyoung with heart eyes.

“Babe, you have such a sweet heart.”

The nickname threw Mark off causing the older to blush crimson. It wasn't the first time Jinyoung had addressed him with that nickname. He had a few times through text messaging and phone calls. But never in person. It felt different, Jinyoung's smooth voice sending shivers down Mark’s spine.

“S-ss-stop calling me that. I’m not your babe.” Mark protest, returning his gaze back down on the clipboard he was holding. Without looking and just by the tone of Jinyoung’s voice, he could already tell the younger was smiling from ear to ear.

“ Not yet ,”Jinyoung had replied with a teasing tone when the door from the room they were in opens. Jaebum’s head poked in to assess the room first.

“Oh good, you guys are still both dressed.” The leader of Got6 said before entering the room completely. He shuts the door behind him while holding a cat carrier bag with Nora inside. Jaebum’s comment only successfully made Mark grew redder in embarrassment.

Did all the members know about Jinyoung pursuing him?

“In case you are wondering if all the members know about Jinyoung and you, then the answer is yes. He can't stop talking about you.” Jaebum answers as if he read Mark’s mind.

“Hyung,” Jinyoung glares at the male who rudely interrupted his time alone with Mark, “I told you to wait outside for me.”

“Yeah and I did.” The leader replies back with an ‘oh so chic’ vibe. “I waited for seven minutes and you never came out. You said it’ll be quick.”

Sighing because Jinyoung knew he cannot win against Jaebum in this argument he just shook his head. “Fine, just let me say goodbye to him.”

“Sure, but I'm not leaving without you this time.”

Rolling his eyes Jinyoung mutters a ‘whatever’ before turning his attention undividedly on Mark once more. “I have to know that you’re not upset with me before I leave.” Placing a hand on Mark’s cheek, his thumb goes to caress the skin softly. Who's the older one again?

Letting out a soft sigh, Mark shakes his head before meeting Jinyoung’s gaze. “No, I’m happy that you came to visit. Even if it was to tag along Jaebum for Nora’s health check-up.”

“He forced me to change my regular vet place.” Jaebum pipes up causing Jinyoung to whip his head around with a glare.

“Hyung!” Jinyoung whines as Jaebum shrugs his shoulder muttering a non apologetic apology and promising to keep quiet. Returning his attention back to Mark his glares softens to something only Mark was able to see. It was full of love and affection that was directed towards him only. “I’ll see you soon, okay?”

Confuse, Mark, racks his brain recalling any memories he had read about Got6 making a comeback. He came up blank, perhaps it was a movie or drama Jinyoung was announced to be doing? Still nothing. Jinyoung had gone back to caressing his cheeks while waiting for his answer.

“Jinyoung, what do you mean I’ll see you soon?”

The younger was about to answer when Jaebum broke his silence once more. Telling Jinyoung to hurry up because they really had to go now. “Just know that I’ll see you soon, okay?” Without waiting for Mark’s reply he places a chaste kiss on top of his head. Stepping away from Mark he gives him one last smile and left with Jaebum leaving a rather confuse Mark alone in the room.

If Mark had counted correctly it has been fourteen months since Jinyoung had started ‘pursuing’ him. The last fourteen months was the happiest he’s been and being with Jinyoung had changed him. Even his family members and coworkers had said so. He was more outgoing and less shy than the male fourteen months ago. Let’s just say Jinyoung had brought out the best in him. A lot of people had asked Mark if he was dating someone because of this. Moreover, because he was seen texting and chatting on the phone with someone. He had denied it, but he wished he did.

Chuckling under his breath on how cute Jinyoung went beyond his way just to see him, he placed his clipboard on the desk before shaking his white lab coat off. Hanging it on the hanger he glanced at the wall clock. It was almost closing time and he had promised his mom to go eat out together tonight.

Bidding goodbye to his coworker and locking the door to his workplace, he walks down the street towards his car. As he walks down the street passing other business it was decorated with Christmas ornaments. December was here and there were only two weeks left before Christmas. Pulling his coat closer to his body he lets out a breath that could clearly be seen by how cold the weather was.

A few snowstorms had showered down on Seoul covering most part of the place. As Mark made his way to his car he carefully stepped on the footprints in the snow that was made. He was one of those people who finds white snow covering the ground to be beautiful. He hates how ugly the ground becomes when million of footsteps or car tires were made in the snow. It just doesn't look pleasing at all and so by stepping on the footprints already made he hopes to make the ground less pretty. If that was even possible.

Finally getting to his car he unlocks the driver’s side and slid inside. Rubbing his hands together he quickly started his car. The downfall of the cold weather was how easily the car windows could freeze. Turning on the heater in the car he hopes to unfreeze the windows, the front, and back of the car soon. He hates to get to dinner with his mom all angry. He does not want to repeat last year's family gathering again.

Waiting for a few more minutes his front and back view was starting to clear as well as his windows. Rolling down his window he goes to wipe his side view mirrors. Once that was done he was ready to go.

The drive to the restaurant took longer than normal driving where there wasn’t snow. But because there was, cars were moving slower than usual to be safe. Glancing at the clock in his car he was already ten minutes late. Just great, Mark has to prepare himself for Angry Bear Mama Tuan now. Switching on his signal light he waits for the red light to turn green before making a left turn.

Pulling into the parking lot he quickly parks his car before speeding into the restaurant. Walking towards the female standing behind a stand he makes eye contact with her.

“Hi, I made a reservation for two under the name Tuan?”

The female goes to look through her book with her index finger sliding down the page. Giving a short nod as she found the name she looks up to give a smile. “Everything is all set and your guest has already arrived.”

Biting his tongue to prevent himself from asking ‘do you perhaps know if she's angry?’ he gives a curt nod as a reply before following the female who was leading him down the hall. Walking down the hall pass the people eating in the bigger open space, he was led up the stairs to the second floor that was more secluded and quiet. The female worker led him to a table for two by the window towards the left of the room.

His mother came into view and when their eyes met he was relieved to find no sign of irritation or anger in her eyes. Taking the empty seat across from her he thanked the female worker. He orders a glass of water before announcing they could start their course meal. Once the female worker left Mark glanced at his mother nervously.

“Sorry, I’m late mom.” He decides to start the conversation with this.

“Mark, you don't have to act all scared. Yes, I went crazy angry with you at last year family gathering but goodness that was because of all the stress of making the family dinner. You know I'm a sweet old lady.”

That had Mark’s lip turning upwards in a smile, “But mom you're not old.”

Waving her hand as if dismissing his comment she breaks out into a smile of her own. “I’m just glad you got here safely. The road is more dangerous because of the snow. I almost wanted to call you and tell you not to come.”

“I’m here now so let's enjoy our dinner together. How's dad?” Mark asks taking a sip of his water. He watches as his mother goes to unfold the white cloth that was on her plate to her lap.

“Oh, you know same old him. Ever since he retired last year he's been looking at furniture to refurnish our house with. You would think that should be my hobby.” His mom lets out a sigh at the last sentence. Mark could only chuckle at how adorable his parents spoke about one another. Thirty years of marriage and they were still madly in love with each other. He can only wish that when he gets married his relationship with Jinyoung will last as long as his parents.

The thought of marrying Jinyoung like they were already in a longtime relationship had him blushing slightly. His mother must have noticed his growing red cheeks when she asked if he was alright. Assuring her that he was he was glad when their dinner course began. Interrupting any further questions his mother wanted to ask

The prepared food was excellent, no wonder it was titled one of the five-star restaurants. Wiping his mouth as the waiter took away their plates he was delighted to know they would be serving them chocolate ice cream.

“You love sweets too much.” His mother comments watching Mark shoves a spoonful of chocolate ice cream in his mouth eagerly when it arrived. Nodding his head because he couldn't exactly reply back with words his mother tisk at him. “Keep that up and you’ll get a brain freeze.”

As if on cue Mark drops his silver spoon making a clattering noise as his spoon hits the bowl. Clutching his head with his hands he groans whining about his brain freeze.

“I told you.” His mom adds eating her ice cream while watching her son in pain briefly. Once it passed he glares at his mom with a pout.

“Aren't you my mom and suppose to make things better for me?” Mark continues to pout and asks before picking back up his spoon. “Like give reassurance that things are gonna be okay?” His mom rolls her eyes at him at that question.

“You're a twenty-four-year-old man who can take care of himself now. Besides, I think you need to give your father and I the reassurance that you're out and active in the dating scene. Is there perhaps a boyfriend we should know about?” As expected his mother would find a hole somewhere in their conversation to ask this question.

Letting out a sigh as he pushes his now empty bowl of ice cream away from him, his mother does the same waiting for his answer. “Mom, for the last time I’m not dating anyone.”

“Are you sure? Your father and I noticed something different about you the last few times you came to visit us. And it has to be a boy that gives such a drastic change.”

This time it was Mark's turn to roll his eyes at his mom playfully. “Like you said, I’m a grown man who so happens to be growing up still. My personality can change, don't make such a big deal about it.”

“I’m not telling you to settle down Mark. Just to go and find a decent boy to fall in love with.”

Mark almost, almost , wanted to say ‘but I already have’. Biting his inner cheek he gives a short nod of his head as an answer as they both got up from their chairs. Dinner was over and so it was time for Mark to get home and prepare for bed. Another day at work tomorrow. Walking the both of them outside he waits at the street with his mother.

“Is dad coming to pick you up? Or are you catching a taxi? Do you want me to drive you back home?” Mark asks, although his parents may pester about his love life constantly whenever they meet he knows they only meant well. Besides he loves his parents.

“You have work tomorrow don't worry about me. This is another discussion we need to talk about. You work too much Mark. Try to take a few days off and relax. Come visit your parents or-”

“Mom don't you dare.”

“I was going to say ‘go out and mingle with your friends’!”

Shaking his head as a smile spreads across his face he lets his mother cups his face in her hands. “Tuan Yi Eun, you are so handsome!” Kissing both his cheeks he struggles away from his mother grasp whining as she laughs.

“Stop embarrassing me, mom. Now answer me, who’s driving you back?”

“Your father and he better not have another package furniture in the back seat when he comes to pick me up. Or that's going to be the third time this week.” Patting her mom on the shoulder to comfort her he feels a vibration coming from his pants pocket from his phone. Fishing it out he breaks out into a grin because it was a message from Jinyoung.

Just then a honk came from the road, looking up it was his father driving into the parking lot and thankfully not with a packaged furniture in the back seat. As his father pulls up in front of them Mark waves to his father who waves back. Turning his attention back to his mom he gives her a hug before parting away from her. Watching her get inside the car she rolls down the window, “Mark, don't let us wait too long to meet the boy. I saw the way your eyes lit up when you checked your phone just now. Don't deny it. See you on Christmas day!” The car goes to drive off as the window rolls back up. He was struck speechless watching his parents leave. Nothing could escape his mom it seems. Shaking his head finding this all too funny he makes his way towards his own car in the parking lot.

Checking his phone again once he got inside his own car his heart almost jumped out of his chest. Staring at the text message in front of him he couldn't believe his eyes.

Jinyoung

Are you free on December 12th? Would you like to go out with me?   21:10

Mark needed to pinch himself to check he wasn't seeing things. Once he did the message still stood the same to him. Blood rushes through his body where his cheeks grew red. Texting back a reply with his shaky hands he hits send. A reply back came immediately.

Mark

Don't you have a schedule?   21:10

Jinyoung

It's been moved to another day. So what do you say?   21:11

Mark

What about your dating ban?   21:11

Jinyoung

Babe, you ask too many questions. Just answer the question.   21:12

Mark could feel his cheeks growing redder with the nickname Jinyoung always seem to casually throw at him. Typing up a reply he puts his phone down in the cup holder to start his car. The noise of vibration tells him he just received a text. He couldn't help but sport a goofy grin as he drove his way back to his apartment.

Mark

Yes.   21:13

Jinyoung

Great, I’ll pick you up at 10 AM.   21:13

 

Mark was a nervous wreck. He stood in front of his mirror with an outfit he hates and his hair all disheveled because of his constant fingers running through it. He has to fix his hair for the third time again. Letting out an irritated sigh he plops himself down on his bed. Glancing at his clock on his nightstand it was already nine-fifteen in the morning. He was only glad he woke up early because look at the mess he's in right now. He needs to fix his here again and still pick out his perfect outfit to wear for the date.

The word made Mark blush all shades of red. He still can't believe he's going on a date with Jinyoung. Would this make it official between them?

Snapping out of his thoughts he got up in a hurry. He still has things to do and he cannot allow these thoughts to delay him. Thirty minutes later Mark was standing in front of his mirror again. This time pleased with his hair that was kept down. Keeping up with his dirty blonde hair was a bit of work, but Jinyoung had commented that he really liked the color on him. So he figured he could keep it up just to have Jinyoung remind him how much he likes it. Fixing his long black coat he checks his outfit for the second time. He was wearing black jeans that were paired with a thin black turtleneck worn under a long sleeve jean shirt that was under his long black coat. As he puts on his silver watch he hears the sound of his doorbell ringing. Making a quick glance at his wristwatch his eyes widen in surprise. Time went by so fast without him knowing that it was already ten o’clock and Jinyoung was right on time. Dashing out of his bedroom down the hall to the front door he makes himself take in a couple of deep breaths before unlocking the door. Opening the front door Mark regrets not placing anything usable by the front door as a weapon in case of an intruder. Because the man standing in front of him was dressed in all black with a pair of spectacles except for his white mask covering his face. ‘This is it,’ Mark thought, ‘a burglar is going to kill me and rob my house before I get a chance to go on a date with Jinyoung’ . The man in front of him must have sensed Mark’s fear because his eyes turn up into a shape of two crescent moon as he pulls off his white mask revealing it to be Jinyoung.

“Did I scared you with my mask?” Jinyoung asks in a teasing voice. Mark lets out a breath he was holding feeling his adrenaline running through his body as his heart pounds frantically. He wasn’t sure if it was because of the fear or because Jinyoung was standing outside his apartment door. It could be the mix of both. “Are you going to let me in?”

“Oh, yes,” Mark says flustered not expecting Jinyoung to come inside his apartment. He figured they would be meeting outside his apartment and leave before getting a chance to come inside. Opening the door wider he steps aside to allow Jinyoung inside. He watches Jinyoung take off his black leather oxford shoes by the door similar to Mark’s black oxford shoes he was going to wear with his outfit today. Taking in Jinyoung’s outfit he couldn’t help but be mesmerized by the idol’s outfit. He was wearing black jeans paired with a black sweater which was under his black moto jacket. He was wearing a black knit beanie and his pair of black and silver mahogany pantos framed spectacles while stuffing his white mask he just took off in his pocket.

“So this is Mark Tuan’s apartment,” Jinyoung says while looking around Mark’s living room, taking in every furniture that was there. He walks towards the open kitchen before turning his attention back to Mark who stood rooted to his spot. “I’m not going into your bedroom if that’s your concern.”

Making eye contact with Jinyoung he goes to twindle his fingers together stating, “That’s not my concern.”

“It’s not?” Jinyoung asks raising an eyebrow as he breaks out a smile, “Your red ears is stating otherwise. You’re so bad at lying hyung.”  

“Shut up,” Mark mutters looking away as he hears Jinyoung laughs fondly at him.

“So you're okay with me going into your room? Even if you have socks on your bedroom floor? Or dirty clothes still on your bed waiting to be washed?” The younger teases walking towards Mark. Mark waits for Jinyoung to wraps his arms around his waist pulling him into his embrace. When he does he couldn't help but melt into his arms. This feels right, with Jinyoung strong arms embracing him. “Mark hyung?”

“Hmmm?” Mark hums as a reply while placing his head in the crook of Jinyoung’s neck.

“I lied, I’m going to check out your bedroom.” Jinyoung says playfully whilst placing his hands on Mark’s shoulder to draw him away. Dashing down the hall as Mark chases after him he calls after the younger to not go into his room. It wasn’t like he had anything to hide from him. Jinyoung’s had a view of his Got6 collection of goodies in his office room when he asked about it during a video chat. What he didn’t want Jinyoung to see was his messy room of clothes scattered around the floor and bed because of this date.

“Jinyoung don’t open that door!” Mark hollers too late because Jinyoung has his hands on his bedroom doorknob. With a twist of his hand, Jinyoung pushes open the door with a smile. Mark covers his eyes in embarrassment waiting for Jinyoung’s reaction. He hears a gasp comes out of the other’s mouth. Peeking through his fingers he sees Jinyoung eyes trained on him with his mouth slightly opened.

“Babe, I think your closet threw up in your room.”

Mark could only groan at Jinyoung’s act of innocence and playfulness. Covering his face to hide from Jinyoung he hears the footsteps of the younger walking down the hall towards him.

“I didn't know you were this excited about our first date. I love your outfit by the way. I actually love any outfit you wear. My favorite outfit is seeing you wearing that white lab coat at work.” The last sentence had Mark going red because Jinyoung flirting so blatantly towards him was more than Mark could take. Jinyoung goes to snake his arms around Mark’s waist pulling him close to him by the waist. “Don't hide your face from me now. I want to stare at it at all times now that I can do so freely.”

“Jinyoung stop this is embarrassing.” Uncovering his eyes to look up at the younger, Jinyoung beams at him happily. Pecking him on the lips he releases his hold on Mark, “But it's so cute to see you all flustered for me.”

“Shut up,” Mark tries to warn with his voice and a glare that didn't quite look intimidating.

“Only if you kiss you.”

Playing along, Mark tip toes slightly to match his height with Jinyoung’s. He plants his hands on the male’s shoulder before placing a quick kiss on the younger’s lips. Pulling away with his hands still in place on top of Jinyoung's shoulder Mark was sporting a smile. “Like that?”

“Mmmm,” Jinyoung pretends to ponder before snaking his arms around Mark’s waist once more pulling him in so that their chest where touching. “More like this.” He goes to capture Mark’s lips with a sweet passionate kiss. Lips moving against each other in a sweet sensual way. When they both pull away from the kiss it was only because they both needed oxygen. “So, are you ready for our date?” Jinyoung asks when he caught his breath.

“Definitely,” Mark answers eagerly as they both made their way to the front door of his apartment. As they both put on their shoes Mark couldn't help but notice Jinyoung was also wearing back on his white mask.

Noticing Mark looking at him Jinyoung gives him an apologetic look with his eyes because the mask was covering half of his face. “I’m sorry, Got6’s dating banned hasn't been lifted yet. I understand if you change your mind about dating me.” The idol apologizes placing his right hand on the nape of his neck rubbing it cautiously. “Are you mad?”

He puckers his lips slightly without taking his eyes off Jinyoung and crosses his arms across his chest. “Yes I’m mad,” He starts watching Jinyoung look down to his feet. “How come I don’t get a mask to wear?” That caught Jinyoung’s attention as he makes eye contact with Mark who gives him a goofy grin. “I hope you brought me one as well.” Jinyoung slowly moves his hand that was rubbing his nape to the pocket of his moto jacket and brings out an identical white mask he was wearing.

“Would this do?”

 

The feeling Mark is experiencing is beyond what he could explain to someone if someone asked. It was somewhere in between pure happiness wanting to smile at anything and everyone. He was definitely on cloud nine. When they first walked out of his apartment building Mark was hesitant in holding hand even with the white mask they both had on. But all that worried went away when Jinyoung went to grab his hand and entwined their fingers together. Pulling him forward towards the street.

He wasn’t sure what Jinyoung had planned when he had asked the younger just said they were going to go somewhere around his apartment. That way they could walk back easily without having to drive a car. What he hadn’t thought about was it was December and December mixed with the snow meant cold weather. Halfway through their walk, Mark was shaking as Jinyoung apologized for his stupidity, “This was more romantic in my head. Probably because I imagined us walking during the spring season.” He comments while tugging Mark closer to his body to give him more heat and Mark wasn’t complaining.

Mark wasn’t sure how long they were walking, it probably wasn’t that long of a walk but with the cold weather and snow, it just felt long. “So what do you think?” Jinyoung asks when they stopped right in front of an arcade store.

“There’s an arcade store around my apartment?” He asks astonished because he had lived in his current apartment for three years now and he never knew about this place.

“You don’t like it?” Jinyoung asks hesitantly squeezing Mark’s hand he was holding that was in the pocket of Mark’s coat because it got too cold to bear.

“I do!” He quickly explains himself while squeezing Jinyoung’s hand back gently getting his attention. “I was just shocked because I never knew about this place. Should we go inside because it’s cold.” With a smile back on Jinyoung’s face the man giggles like a kid while tugging Mark inside behind him. The place inside was warm thankfully to help warm up their cold bodies. There were a few groups of children playing some arcade games and some couples on a date like Mark and Jinyoung was as well. “So, where do you want to start first?”

Watching the gleam in Jinyoung’s eyes ignite made Mark realize just how much sacrifice Jinyoung made for being an idol. He probably never really got a chance to play someplace like an arcade as a young teenager. Instead, opting to practice singing and dancing in the studio.

“Why are you looking at me and smiling like that?” Jinyoung’s voice draws Mark out of his thoughts.

“Because I”m proud of you.” Mark answers shortly. Giving Mark a quizzical look Jinyoung shakes his head before taking off his mask. “Wait, Jinyoung, what are you doing?” Mark panicked looking around to see if anyone noticed the idol.

“I’m taking off my mask. It gets really hard to breathe in that you know?” Came a reply that states ‘isn't it obvious?’.

“People might see you. Like your fans .”

Shrugging like he didn't care Jinyoung goes to help Mark take off his mask. “I don't care, they can guess what they want. But I'm not going to answer their questions when they ask.” Stuffing both the mask in his moto jacket he tugs Mark’s hand he was holding. “I’m starving, I hope you don't mind eating fast food for breakfast.”

Deciding to trust Jinyoung on this he gives a smile to the man waiting for his reply. “Fair warning, I eat everything and anything Jinyoung.”

“Good thing I can treat you to everything and anything you want to eat here then.” Comes the reply as they both walked towards the food court area.

Jinyoung wasn't kidding when he said he'll treat Mark to everything and anything he wanted there. Mark was jokingly pointing and stating out the food he was going to eat and Jinyoung ended up ordering all of them. When the younger came back with two trays of food both filled up Mark was shocked.

“Jinyoung I was joking when I said I wanted some of that food.” Mark points out to the large fries, chocolate and vanilla shake, hot dogs, hamburgers, etc. “I don’t think we can even finish all the food here.”

Placing the trays down on the table, Jinyoung goes to sit across from Mark while unwrapping a hamburger. Handing it to Mark across the table who takes it willingly he goes to start on the fries. “That’s okay, just eat as much as you can. I just want to spoil you today.”

If Mark was to count how many times Jinyoung had made him blush today it was possibly somewhere over ten times. (It's probably more than that.) Hiding his face with the hamburger, he ate while watching Jinyoung munching on his fries happily. He couldn’t help but admire the younger whenever he was in front of him.

The both of them fell in a conversation that brought out laughter and story sharing. So far no one had bothered them surprisingly. By the time the both of them were stuffed full of the fast food they still had over half of the food left unfinished. They had taken a bite of each and every one of them but it wasn't enough to finish it.

Pouting slightly he watches Jinyoung cleaning up their food. Tossing it away in the trash before getting back to Mark. “Hey, I know you think that's a waste of food but it went to the compost bin! It's gonna be put to good use as fertilizer! I think…” Jinyoung tries to cheer the older up. It worked somewhat, seeing how cute Jinyoung was being helped a bit. “So are you ready to play some games?”

Getting up from his seat Mark made an intention to crack his knuckles. With a grin, “I’m so going to beat you.”

“No fair Mark hyung! You threw that banana behind you at the last minute on purpose!” Jinyoung whines as his game screen display him as the second place winner. Mark giggles as he hops out of the arcade racing game. They had played a few rounds of car racing and air hockey. Mark was not kidding when he told Jinyoung he was gonna beat him. Whining from his fifth defeat Jinyoung gets out of the car racing booth as well.

“So what's next?” Mark asks looking at the next possible game they would be playing.

“How about we exchange the tickets we have for some goods?” Jinyoung offers, holding up the tickets they earned from their previous games. Nodding his head in agreement the both of them walk towards the gift booth.

“Hi! How can I help you guys today?” A female worker at the counter asks when Mark and Jinyoung approached her.

“Hi, we would like to redeem our tickets for prizes.” Jinyoung explains sliding their tickets across the table.

“Sure thing! Just let me have the machine count how many tickets you have thus far.” She explains taking the tickets and putting them in the machine slot for it to start counting. “Alright, it looks like you guys have fifty-two tickets which are enough to get the items at the counters.”

Analyzing the items at the counter there were lollipops, fake tattoos to put on your skin, and small toy figurines. It didn’t take long for them to come to a decision, taking eight pieces of the lollipops that cost five tickets for one and one stack of the fake tattoos for ten tickets. Leaving only two tickets left over which they handed over to two little kids at the arcade.

“You have a good heart.” Mark comments to Jinyoung as they watched the two little kids run off to play more arcade games in hopes of getting more tickets for better prizes at the prize booth.

“I thought you already knew that,” Jinyoung replies back with a grin with the stick of the lollipop he was eating sticking out between his lips. “So, what are we going to do with these?” He asks putting up the pack of fake tattoos to show Mark. “Should we put some on?”

“How about the loser to the next car racing game has to put one on?” Mark suggests receiving some protest from Jinyoung.

“Eh, hyung you already know who's going to win. You just want me to put it on instead huh?” Jinyoung asks already pulling Mark along towards the direction of the car games. It wasn't a surprise when Jinyoung lost to Mark again. Both men ending up at the restroom applying on a fake tattoo below Jinyoung’s left ear. “Well, how does it look?” The idol had abandoned his knit beanie and fake spectacles to do this and didn't bother to put it back on. Instead, stuffing those things into Mark’s coat pockets. Tilting his head slightly for Mark to see while on a new lollipop Mark refrained himself from biting his bottom lip. Jinyoung looked like the bad boy idol that everyone would love to see. Oh, how his fans would kill to see this.

Without a hint of waver in his voice because his heart was beating fast Mark goes to answer, “The little star tattoo looks good on you.”

“You think so?” Comes the response as they both made their way out of the restroom. “You know, my members are going to freak out when I come home to the dorm with this. They might think I went out to get a tattoo with you.”

“The members know you're out with me?!” Mark asks to loudly before lowering his voice a pitch, “And they are okay with this?”

Shrugging his shoulders, “Mmmm they trust me enough and they know how much I want this. So what do you want to play next?” Jinyoung asks switching the topic on his lollipop again.

“I can't believe your members basically know about me.” Mark mutters under his breath to himself. Not expecting Jinyoung to hear but he does.

“My members basically know about us .” Comes the whisper of Jinyoung's voice so close to Mark’s ear. Mark feels the tingles run down his spine as his face grows crimson red while Jinyoung pulls away from his ear. “So what should we play next?” Comes the question again, Jinyoung acting like nothing happened or how Mark was affected by his words and action.

Snapping himself out of his trance he shakes his head taking in Jinyoung’s twinkle of amusement in his eyes. He was enjoying teasing Mark like this. “Why don't I watch you play? This way you can try beating people's high score and win.”

“Aye, are you trying to diss me here?” Squinting his eyes to somewhat glare at Mark as if he's judging him. “Fine, I’ll take up that challenge.” They ended up at a shooting game as Mark on his own lollipop watching Jinyoung finish his game.

“Done. It says I’m first place! Mark, I won first place!” He exclaims doing a silly raise the roof dance.

“You only won because no one is playing with you.” Pointing it out a matter of factly Mark couldn't help but break into a fit of laughter.

“Well, I still won fair and square.” Came Jinyoung’s defense showing Mark his eye whiskers. “Let's move on to the next game.”

The next game they stumble upon was a punching game that Jinyoung was all too excited about. “It must be a game where I can stick on someone I hate and punch them. First...it's manager Kim. There's only one Kim on our team. Our youngest is a Kim. If he became a manager…” Mark watches and listens to Jinyoung rants to him calmly and playfully before he begins punching the dummy with his blue and yellow boxing gloves he put on. Suddenly he stops, “Why does my heart hurt when thinking of this as Yugyeom?” Hugging the dummy while calling out Yugyeom’s name Mark couldn't help but feel his heart swell with love. Jinyoung was beyond cute and sweet with his lollipop still in his mouth calling out to his youngest member in Got6.

“Maybe this is too violent, let's go play basketball.” Mark suggests pulling Jinyoung away from the dummy. Jinyoung was reluctant to go at first but after some coaxing like a child, he went with Mark.

“I’m confident that I’ll disappoint you with this.” Jinyoung comments before putting in his lollipop back in his mouth laughing. Mark shakes his head smiling at the guy he doubts could ever disappoint him. He puts his phone up to prepare to film Jinyoung play.

“Are you ready?!” The machine says loudly.

“No, I’m not ready,” Jinyoung replies back grabbing a basketball in preparation to start the game. “Has it started?” He asks a bit confuse before he begins shooting basketball towards the hoop. By the end of the game, he scored only 107 points not beating the high score of 341 from a previous player.

“Oh my god! You lose! Game over.” The machine announces as Jinyoung turns around to look at Mark with a pout.

Pointing at the machine, “He speaks in a mean way.” A pause. “Can I play one more time?” Jinyoung pleads not admitting defeat.

Shrugging as he adjusts his cell phone to continue recording Jinyoung, “I don’t see why not.”

Taking off his moto jacket to prepare himself, “Oh my god! You lose! Game over.” He says warming himself up by stretching his arms.

“It's going to be if you lose again.” Mark says spiting the younger as the younger glares back at him. Watching him play another round of hoops Mark could only laugh when it came to an end.

“Please don't film the score.” Jinyoung asks laughing along while grabbing Mark by the shoulders so he couldn't turn to film the machine’s score.

“Alright, I won’t!” Mark promise laughing in between his words as Jinyoung lets him go. Ending his video he checks the clock on his phone, it was already three in the afternoon. Signaling him it was almost time to go. As if understanding it was time Jinyoung motions towards the basketball machine once more.

“Should we finish here with one last game of basketball?”

Eyeing him suspiciously Mark crosses his arms across his chest, “Don't you mean you?” He accuses jokingly as Jinyoung breaks into a sheepish smile.

“Looks like I got caught.” He confesses as Mark shakes his head at Jinyoung.

“You like the game too much.”

“That's because I can't seem to win it!” Inserting a coin into the machine, “If I happen to lose again, then I might really cry.” Jinyoung confesses as he begins to grab a basketball to shoot into the hoop a third time.

When the game was over Mark was trying really hard to stifle his laughter because Jinyoung’s score was nowhere near beating the high score a third time. “Goodbye.” He hears Jinyoung says and watch him turn around to leave. Letting out a laugh he turns back around to walk towards the machine and Mark.

“Oh my god! You lose! Game over!” The machine announces again.

“I know,” Jinyoung replies back acting upset. “I know that it's game over.” He puckers his lips and pouts.

“How about we leave and I treat you to some food?” Mark tries to cheer up an ‘upset’ Jinyoung. Hearing the word ‘food’ had the younger breaking out into his million dollar smile. Showcasing his famous eye whiskers as well.

They ended up at a convenience store right across the street from Mark’s apartment. Eating ramen and kimbap inside the store by the window. Mark was already done with his cup of ramen as he watches Jinyoung slurp his ramen up. The idol had put back on his beanie and spectacles when they left the arcade. The male hums to the delicious food in content as he goes to tilt the cup of ramen up towards his lips to drink some soup.

“You know,” Jinyoung says wiping his mouth with a napkin, “when you said you’ll treat me to food I expected going to your apartment. But ramen and kimbap are good as well.” He says popping the last piece of kimbap in his mouth.

“Well, I didn't expect to treat you to food. You said you were going to plan everything.” Mark jabs back noticing Jinyoung stiffening up a bit.

“I’m sorry, I'm a terrible date aren't I?” He asks, Mark feels himself panicking because he hadn't meant to hurt Jinyoung with his words.

“Jinyoung, I didn't mean--I’m sorry--” Mark begins to apologize but stops when he noticed the violent shake of the younger’s shoulders from laughing. “Yah! Are you acting in front of me right now?!” He punches Jinyoung on the arm as the guy doubled over laughing harder. “That wasn't funny. I really thought I hurt your feelings without meaning to.” Mark whines crossing his arms over his chest meanwhile turning away from Jinyoung.

“Mark,” The older hears Jinyoung whine as the chair legs scrape the floor from the attempt of scooting closer to Mark. Ignoring him this only made the younger call for him again. “Mark hyung ,” That got the corner of Mark’s mouth to turn upward slightly. But he wasn't going to turn around and give in to the younger. Jinyoung wasn't going to get away with it so easily. “ Babe .” Was the last attempt that was whisper into Mark’s ear so closely he felt the warm breath tickle his ear. Gasping, Mark jumps up startled by the pet name. Moving away from Jinyoung while covering his ear he looks at the man shocked.

“Y--yy--yyah!” Mark calls, “who said you can call me that?” He could feel his cheeks growing hot under Jinyoung’s teasing gaze.

Arching an eyebrow up, “I can't call you that?”

“No, it's just…”

“You don't like it?”

“No! I--I do! Dang it Jinyoung,” Mark groans covering his red face with his hands, “Just at least warn me when you call me that. You go from Mark to Mark hyung then to...so yeah it catches me off guard.” Mark feels Jinyoung's arms wrap around his shoulder as he leans in to whisper into Mark’s ear once more. “Okay, babe .” Parting his face away from his hands slightly he glares at the man who only laughs with his mouth closed but his eye whiskers were showing.

“Is that Park Jinyoung from Got6?”

Mark hears a female voice says, turning around he finds the owner of the voice was a young female teenager whispering to her friend in the dry food aisle.

“Don’t be crazy, Jinyoung wouldn’t be around in this neighborhood. He’s probably with s practicing or something.” The female friend answers back with a hushed tone but Mark and Jinyoung could hear it as well.

This was the first time since their date that someone had recognized Jinyoung or said anything about it. Thoughts of Jinyoung being caught up in a scandal began to appear in Mark’s head. He could feel the palms of his hands sweating out of nervousness. He didn’t want to harm the idol’s image, Got6 had just started to get a rise in their career. This could destroy everything they worked so hard for.

“Jin-” Mark was about to call out the younger’s name but thought better of it. “Yah, peach should we leave now? You’re done eating right?” He asks standing up from his seat leaving a confuse Jinyoung in his seat alone. Minutes later as Mark waited outside the convenience store for Jinyoung who was left to clean up after their meal, the idol walks out with his white mask back on his face.

“Peach? Is that my nickname?” Jinyoung asks teasingly. Mark feels a hand touch his arm gently, turning around with a small smile plaster on his face not quite reaching his ears from before.

“Let’s get back to my apartment.” Was the only thing Mark found himself saying as Jinyoung follows behind him.

The walk back to his apartment grew quiet. Mark hadn’t meant to make it sound like he was mad. But it clearly came out that way because when they got back inside Mark’s apartment Jinyoung removed his white mask looking clearly upset.

“Did I do something wrong?” He asks following behind Mark into the living room after taking off their shoes. “Mark?” He calls when he received silence as a response.

“Are you certain you want to get into a relationship? Especially with a guy?” Mark found himself asking with his back still facing Jinyoung. He couldn’t bear to look at the younger in the face to see his soft warm brown eyes looking at him. 
“Where is this all coming from?” A touch on his shoulder was all it took for Mark to turn around and finally face the younger face to face.

“You and the members worked so hard to get to where you are right now. I don’t want us being in a relationship especially since I’m a guy to ruin everything you and your members worked so hard for.” Mark tries to explain when he feels Jinyoung hands cup his face so he would look straight into his soft warm brown eyes that he could melt under.

“Nothing can stop me from loving who I want to love. Besides, you don’t think I haven’t thought about this for the last fourteen months? I thought of every bad scenario but I can’t stop thinking about you or want to wrap you in my arms and kiss you senseless.”

“You love me?” Mark asks shocked at the sudden confession.

“Is that all you got from what I said?” Jinyoung asks whilst his lips turn upward in amusement as he pulls Mark closer to his arm. Quite frankly, Mark didn’t fight it melting into Jinyoung’s arm like how he always wants to. He could smell the younger’s cologne that had his heart racing. If they were going to continue to be this close Mark could see himself being addicted to Jinyoung’s scent. “We’ll be careful. Now it’s not like I want to hide you from the world because I want to show you to the whole world .” Twirling them around as they fell on the couch with Mark on top of the younger, Mark lets out a giggle escape his mouth. “Now that’s the face and giggle I want to see and hear.” Planting a kiss on top of Mark’s nose had Mark shifting his position. Sitting on top of Jinyoung’s lap straddling him he wraps his arms around the younger’s neck.

“I love you too.” He confesses with his cheeks painted red. Jinyoung goes to place his hands on Mark’s hip breaking into a bright smile.

“Good because the whole world would soon know Park Jinyoung is a taken man. Perhaps later they’ll get to know I’m taken by a very handsome man name Mark Tuan. But for now, I want to be conceited and keep you all to myself.” Jinyoung promises to place a peck on Mark’s lip.

Biting back a smile Mark goes to return the kiss to Jinyoung’s lip, “You’re going to break a lot of hearts. Besides your members know I exist though.”

“They won’t ever see you.” Comes the quick reply earning a laugh from Mark as Jinyoung goes to pull Mark into a passionate kiss. He wasn't sure how long they ended up just kissing on the couch. They only stopped when Jinyoung’s phone started to vibrate. Whining Jinyoung digs his phone out of his pocket as Mark waited still sitting on Jinyoung’s lap.

“Hello?” Mark hears Jinyoung say, “Yes hyung, I’ll be down in a few minutes. Yes, I won't take long.” Hanging up the phone he stares at Mark while biting his bottom lip.

“You have to leave now?” Mark asks already knowing the answer to that question.

“Yeah, manager hyung is at the parking lot downstairs of your apartment. He’s here to pick me back up.”

“I guess it can't be helped. Thank you for the date.” Moving one of his hand on Mark hip to place around the back of Mark’s neck he draws him closer to his face. Planting one last kiss on his lips. Both of them getting up off the couch headed towards the front door. Neither of them seems to had wanted to end their date quite yet. Instead, lingering by the door staring at each other in silence as if, if no one spoke the spell to their lovely date wouldn’t end or be broken.

“I’ll call you.” Jinyoung says breaking the spell finally when he stepped outside the door.

Nodding his head Mark watches Jinyoung walk down the hall and getting into the elevator. When the elevator door finally closes with Jinyoung out of sight the ladder finally went back inside his apartment. Closing the door behind him he feels his phone vibrate in his pocket. A smile breaks out as Jinyoung's name lit up on his screen. Hitting the answer button he puts his phone close to his ear.

“I didn't expect you to call so soon.” Mark says walking down the hall towards his bedroom. He had a lot of cleaning to do.

“I miss your voice that's why.” Jinyoung’s voice came from the other end of the phone. “So is ‘Peach’ really my nickname...babe?” The pause before the nickname was a nice gesture to allow Mark to prepare himself for his own nickname. Just until he's used to it that is. It was sweet of Jinyoung to remember what Mark had said and actually taken it into consideration.

“I can’t call you that?” Mark asks, repeating what Jinyoung had asked him earlier on their date. “You don’t like it?”

“Are you using the words I asked you on me?” Mark hears Jinyoung scoffed on the other end of the line. Opening his bedroom door he goes to pick up a pair of his blue skinny jeans off the floor. “‘Peach’ is cute, although I wouldn’t mind being called ‘Peachy’. Just because your fansite name is ‘Just Peachy’.” Picking up another of his clothing he plops it down on his bed adding to his other articles of clothing already there piling up.

“I’ll just stick to calling you my Peach.” Suddenly the line goes dead quiet causing Mark to take his phone away from his ear just to check if the call was still going. It was, confused he goes to call Jinyoung on the other line with no response still. ‘ Did Jinyoung get kidnapped while making his way to his manager’s car?’ Mark thought in alarm when he hears a shuffle on the other end of the phone then Jinyoung’s voice was heard once more.

“Sorry, I was taken by surprise by what you said. I can’t believe I’m Mark Tuan’s Peach.” The sweet voice immediately calms Mark’s heart as he pouts even if Jinyoung can’t see it.

“Yah! Don’t do that, I thought you were kidnapped while making your way to your manager’s car!” He yells at the other sitting at the edge of his bed. “Yah are you laughing? Do you find this funny?” Mark asks hearing the chuckles continue only confirms this.

“I’m sorry, it’s just that I can imagine your face and ears all red from being angry. But that just makes you look so cute that I want to pull you against my chest so I can wrap you around in my arms.” The other explains, “Manager hyung is looking at me through the rearview mirror giving me a judging look.”

“Well, that’s because you’re being so mushy.”

“Only towards you.”

That got Mark biting down on his bottom lip from preventing himself from smiling too wide. “We should probably hang up now. I don’t want you getting in trouble from your manager.”

“Wait!” Jinyoung exclaims on the other line, “What are you doing on Christmas day?”

“Christmas?” Mark questions racking his brain for his schedule, “I’m going to my parent’s house for Christmas. We always celebrate together and have a family dinner. Why? You and the boys are attending SBS Gayo Daejun that day right?”

“Always knowing our schedules don’t you? Are you a stalker?” Jinyoung jokes as Mark roll his eyes even though Jinyoung couldn’t see it. Plopping himself down to lay on his bed he stares at his ceiling.

Ignoring his comment, “Why do you ask?”

“I was just wondering to see if I could call or video call you when I’m backstage.”

“Of course you can and you might even be lucky to see Mama Tuan.” Mark jokes.

“I’m holding you to that. I gotta go now. I love you, Mark.”

“I love you too.”

 

It was a week before Christmas when Mark received news that shocked him to the core. After their first date together their love for each other could seem to only grow stronger. Mark had just gotten home from work feeling extra exhausted than normal. He was so busy at the vet today he barely had time to check his phone.

When he got home he immediately went to his couch to sit down on. After a few minutes of relaxing, he gets up to make himself dinner. His dinner consisted of reheating his leftover from last night dinner to eat. Once that was done he makes his way back to his living room to sit on his couch once more. Grabbing for the remote control he turns on the television to find the channel for the news. He was munching on his food watching today’s news when the segment of Korean idols came on.

Got6 was being interviewed for a magazine photoshoot they were going to be featured on. All the boys looked handsome, but Mark always found himself unable to take his eyes away from Jinyoung. The man who he knows loves him and is currently pursuing him.

“So, I received news that Got6 dating ban has finally been lifted. What are your thoughts on this? Do you guys have anyone you want to pursue?” The female interviewee asks the boys who chuckle and laughs lightly from their seat.

Mark drops his metal spoon against his glass bowl shocked. Got6’s dating banned is lifted? Scrambling for his phone that he had tossed so carelessly on his couch he turns on his phone to see so many notifications from his Kpop apps he follows about the boys. Almost all of them were about the news of Got6 dating banned being lifted. Turning his attention back to his television screen he watches the camera go to zoom in on Bambam who was the first member to answer the question.

“I’m still young and want to focus on my career first.” Bambam answers as Yugyeom nods his head answering the question with a similar response. So far all the members had said ‘no’ wanting to focus on their career. Jinyoung was the last member to answer the question. Putting his hand over his heart, he had abandoned his dinner completely on the coffee table. Mark could feel his heart beating erratically waiting for Jinyoung’s answer. He wouldn’t be mad if the younger said ‘no’ as an answer. He was just dying to know what Jinyoung would say in general.

Watching Jinyoung place his microphone closer to his mouth he gives a smile to the camera. “Unlike the other members, I actually have someone in mind I want to pursue.” Jinyoung answers the question calmly as all the members ‘ooh’ and ‘aahs’ at him. Jackson going overboard by jumping up from his chair running around exclaiming his joy.

“Oh my! Does the person know you plan on making a move on them?” The female interviewee asks excitedly, clearly taken aback by the news.

“Making a move sounds so old.” Jaebum comments earning laughter from the members. That successfully averted the interview to another route of questions instead. Jackson and Bambam being excellent diversions on shifting the questions about something else like Youngjae’s ‘hot’ outfit as Jackson and Bambam both said.

Mark turns off his tv when the interview segment ended and a music show was beginning to be broadcast. He couldn’t believe Jinyoung had just admitted to the whole world that he was currently interested in someone. Putting his hands on his cheeks that were burning hot he lets out a strangled squeal. The rest of the night Mark felt like he was on cloud nine. Going on the internet on his phone to look for that same interview segment just to rewatch Jinyoung’s answer again and again in bed. Each time he does he couldn’t help but feel his heart soaring high while kicking his blanket that was covering himself. When sleep came Mark was snuggled under his covers smiling to himself.

The news about Jinyoung from Got6 love interest started blowing up the Kpop news media. Everyone wondering about who it could be or if Park Jinyoung was going to reveal again who he was pursuing. It lasted for three days when things began to die down when Christmas was right around the corner. More important events like Kpop groups attending events like SBS Gayo Daejun to perform or individual events like concerts.

“Mark honey are you listening to me?” Mark hears his mother voice asks before a hand was snapping their fingers right in front of him.

“What?” Mark asks startled while looking around his parent’s kitchen that was decorated with Christmas ornaments.

“I asked if you are alright. You seem to be in a daze the whole day you were here.” His mother says furrowing her brows while placing the cookies she made and had finally cooled down on a plate platter. “It’s Christmas what are you thinking about? Is it work?” She asks bringing the plate of cookies to the living room while Mark follows.

Christmas. That’s right, today was Christmas and Mark was over at his parent’s house to celebrate with them. They had just finished cleaning up after dinner and was now heading to the living room to relax. Mark was only glad his parents decided to just do Christmas with just the three of them this year. No cousins, aunts, or uncles to mingle with. Having to talk always drained Mark especially when it came to family gathering even if he had gotten better at it these last few months.

The world seems to had moved on past the news with Got6 dating ban being lifted and Jinyoung confessing he was interested in someone to date. But not Mark Tuan, he was constantly thinking about it especially since he hadn’t heard from Jinyoung for the last three days after his announcement. But it made sense that he was busy with his schedule especially with Got6’s performance on events like the SBS Gayo Daejun which was today. Sitting on the couch beside his mom who was watching tv he looks around finding his father sitting in his armchair by the Christmas tree reading a magazine.

“So is it about work?” He hears his mother asks again grabbing a cookie from the plate placed on the coffee table.

Shaking his head he goes to grab a cookie off the plate to eat as well. “No,” he says before taking a bite of the cookie. “It’s about something else.” He says feeling both of his parent’s eyes look at him curiously.

“Is it about that boy who texted you last time?” His mother asks carefully, Mark found no reason to hide this news from her. Nodding his head he feels his mom jump up in joy beside him on the couch before sitting back down. She was leaning closer to him in excitement, “Who is it, son? Are you guys seeing each other? Dating perhaps?” She asks question after question without stopping to catch her breath. Mark looks down at his mother who was smaller than him with a smile.

“Stop scaring him or else he won’t tell us.” Mark hears his father say nonchalantly from his chair flipping the page to his magazine he was reading. His father may be acting as if he didn’t care, but the glances he was giving every second his way says otherwise.

“We’re just seeing each other.” He answers when he feels his phone vibrate in his pocket. He places the cookie he was eating back on the plate. Getting up from his seat he excuses himself upstairs to his old room not giving his mom a chance to say anything further. Closing his old bedroom door behind him and locking it because he knows full well his mother may barge into his room like many times before while he was still living here, he goes to sit on his old bed. Everything in his room was kept clean and spotless since his mom dusted it and changed his beddings weekly.

Grabbing his cell phone out of his pants pocket he feels his heart quicken. Jinyoung was video calling him. Quickly fixing his hair and black sweater he was wearing he goes to take the video call. Mark could feel his heart dropping because Park Jinyoung was in a black tuxedo with his hair swept up when the video call connected.

“Mark!” Jinyoung yells happily breaking out into a smile that shows his eyes whiskers that Mark’s been dying to see. “Merry Christmas!”

“Jinyoung aren’t you attending an event right now?” He asks as he watches the younger jutting his lips out slightly.

“You’re not happy to see me?” Sighing out loud, of course, Jinyoung would want Mark to admit he missed him.

“Of course I’m happy to see you. I miss you, alright?” Hearing that had Jinyoung’s pout turning upward into a smile.

“Was it that hard to admit you miss me? Hey, where are you? I don’t recognize the background.” Jinyoung asks squinting his eyes to look more carefully.

“I’m at my parent’s house to celebrate Christmas, remember?”

“Oh right! Now that Got6’s dating ban is lifted and I announced to the whole world I have someone in mind to date. Please let Mama Tuan know his favorite idol is pursuing her one and only son.” Jinyoung says happily before waving someone behind his camera away.

“Jinyoung hyung who are you talking to?” Youngjae’s voice booms in the background before coming into view standing beside Jinyoung. “Oh! Mark hyung nice to see you! Merry Christmas!” He says recognizing Jinyoung’s camera boy as Mark smiles and returns the greetings as well.

“Youngjae go bother Jaebum or Jackson instead. I’m trying to have my one on one time with Mark here.” He hears Jinyoung’s voice say as the camera was lowered down on the ground. There was some shuffling and a laughter before the camera was brought back up to capture Jinyoung by himself once again. “Sorry about that, the maknaes just doesn’t know when to quit bothering me.” Jinyoung jokes while rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.

“They love you that's why.”

“Speaking of love, I love you.” Jinyoung admits when a roar of ‘ews’ and ‘ahhs’ came off the camera.

“Jinyoungie is so cute!” Yugyeom shouts off camera not afraid of teasing the older.

“I’m going to kill Yugyeom when I end my video call with you.” The younger mutters under his breath.

“This is what you get for video calling me when your backstage in a room with your members.” Mark points out crossing his legs on his bed to get more comfortable.

“I know, but I just really wanted to see you after everything. I have to go soon since we're about to go perform on stage, but how's your Christmas going with your parents?”

The conversation went on a little bit longer with Mark filling in on what happened during his stay with his parents. “My mom was not amused with my dad’s Christmas present. But I know she secretly likes it.” Mark explains when Jaebum’s face appears on the screen. Bowing his head slightly to acknowledge Mark on the screen he whispers something to Jinyoung’s ear as the younger nodded his head. As Jaebum disappears from the screen once more Mark already knew it was time to end their call. He also knew this part pained Jinyoung the most, having to constantly stop their conversation abruptly because of his busy schedule. “It's alright Jinyoung I know you have to go. I’m really happy that you made time to call though. So don't you feel bad and give your performance your all.” He encourages watching Jinyoung lips grew upwards slightly. “I’ll be watching it a few hours after when it's online. You better give it your all my Peach.”

Hearing the nickname got Jinyoung to reveal his full smile, “Yes babe!” He shouts while saluting him on the screen with his free arm. Shaking his head at how ridiculous Jinyoung was being before hanging up their video call. When Mark goes to unlock his bedroom door to open it he found his mother and father standing there. Caught red-handed eavesdropping on his conversation with Jinyoung.

Narrowing his eyes at both of his parents he crosses his arm over his chest. “Were you guys listening in on my conversation?”

“I came up to see where your mom went.” His father says throwing his mother under the bus. Mark watch his mother turn to look at her husband with wide eyes.

“I only came up when he hadn't come down for a long while. Also, excuse me, but you didn't stop me in listening through the door!” She responds back feigning anger.

“Alright, enough let's get back downstairs.” Mark redirects ushering his parents down the stairs with him. When all three of them were back in the living room watching tv and reading their magazine he feels a tap on his knee. Looking to his right he arches an eyebrow up in question. His mother was smiling at him sweetly like she was waiting for an approval to talk.

“Yes, mom?” He asks as his mother scooted closer to him.

“That call you took earlier, it was from your boyfriend wasn't it?” She asks eagerly.

“He's not my boyfriend...yet.” That had his mother squealing in her seat out of excitement until she stops abruptly.

“Wait did you say ‘yet’? How come? Is he not serious with you? That's not someone I would approve of Mark.” Jumping to conclusions Mark had to quickly shut them all down.

“Mom it's not like that! He just hadn't asked me yet.” Mark says deciding to save all the trouble of explaining the long story and just making it short.

“Well, I hope he asks you soon. Do you have a picture of him?” She asks as Mark fishes out his phone going through his photo album of a picture of Jinyoung that the younger had taken and sent to him himself. When he found a selca of Jinyoung in a mustard turtleneck sweater he had sent a week ago he turns his phone around to show his mother. He watches his mother peer over at his phone screen before bringing her head up to look at him. She gave him a smile, a smile he knows very well now that says ‘oh honey you are so cute’. Because the next thing she says confirms it while pointing to his father sitting in the armchair.

“And the man I’m cheating on your father with is Lee Minho.” Patting his cheeks gently, “It's very cute of you to be obsessed with your idol honey. I know he just announced he’s pursuing someone and all. It's okay if you’re not seeing anyone no need to lie.”

“Mom this isn't a picture I found on the internet.” Mark tries to explain feeling his cheeks go slightly red because this was embarrassing. His mother thinks he’s so lonely and obsessed with Jinyoung that he's labeling the idol as his soon-to-be boyfriend and using pictures he found on the internet to show her. But Jinyoung was pursuing him and he was going to be his boyfriend soon. Just not yet.

“It's okay sweetie. Your father and I won't push you to find a man. You can do things on your own term. Just don't be too obsessed with your idol okay?” His mother says ending the conversation leaving Mark shocked. His mother and possibly his father didn't believe him. But he wouldn't blame them because Mark wouldn't believe it as well if his friend told him he was seeing an idol. It was just absurd and such a small possibility of that happening. Sitting back on the couch he grew silent as his parents continue on with what they were doing before. Completely moving on past this subject Mark could only sulk by himself.

Tossing around in his old bed the sixth time now Mark lets out a sigh. He could not believe his parents thought he was crazy and is an over obsessed fanboy. Grabbing his phone off the nightstand he taps on his phone for the screen to light up. It was currently one in the morning, checking the weather app it was currently snowing again in Seoul. Sitting up on the bed he goes to scoot closer to the windowsill by his bed. Pulling away from the blinds the snow had covered the ground quite well already. It was all white like white sugar powder.

Getting up from the bed he made his way quietly downstairs to make himself a cup of hot chocolate since he wasn’t able to sleep anyways. Settling down the kettle with water on top of the stove he turns it on before grabbing out a glass cup from the cupboard. Rummaging through the cabinet he found the hot chocolate he was looking for. Opening the packet of hot chocolate he places the content of powder into his glass cup. Tossing the empty packet away his phone vibrates on the kitchen marble countertop. Quickly and efficiently he swipes the message open.

Jinyoung

It’s snowing, would you like to build a snowman with me outside? 01:23

Puzzled, Mark makes his way towards the living room to peek through the blinds of the window. Jinyoung couldn’t be outside his parent’s apartment. He remembers telling him where his parents lived once when they were talking about their own family. But sure enough, Jinyoung was standing outside of his parent’s house with his hands rubbing against each other through the black gloves he was wearing. Dressed in his casual clothes of a navy turtleneck sweater with his black moto jacket and black skinny jeans his face was slightly covered by a similar color scarf like his sweater.

Jinyoung hadn’t notice Mark through the window. Stepping away quickly he made his way to the kitchen to turn off the stove before dashing towards the front door. Putting on his shoes in a hurry he scrambles out of the front door. Running towards Jinyoung who noticed him running his way towards him opened his arms wide to embrace Mark.

Wrapping his arms around Jinyoung’s body as the male does the same to Mark he could feel just how cold Jinyoung was with his clothes. “You’re freezing Jinyoung! What are you doing here in front of my parent’s house? Don’t you have a schedule tomorrow?” Mark asks worried but at the same time happy that the male was here in front of him.

“I do, but it’s in the afternoon. I really wanted to see you especially since it’s Christmas. Well, it’s not Christmas anymore, but still, I wanted to see you.” Jinyoung answers pulling Mark closer towards his body placing his chin on top of Mark’s head.

“You’re a fool.” Mark murmurs finding it pleasing just how his head seems to fit in the crook of Jinyoung’s neck.

“I’m only a fool for you. Mark your shaking you must be freezing in this cold.” Pulling himself away from Mark’s embrace only has the older whining. Tisking at the older for coming out of the house just in his pajamas that consisted of his grey sweats and white sleeve shirt, Jinyoung goes to take off his scarf to wrap it around Mark’s neck. “Let’s go inside before you catch a cold.”

“No, just a while longer. I want to watch the snow with you.” Mark protests as Jinyoung takes off his gloves to hand it to Mark to wear. Dismissing the gloves by shoving it into his sweatpants pocket he takes one of Jinyoung’s hand to entwine together instead. Standing side by side each other with their hands entwined Mark goes to look up at the sky watching the snow silently falling down up above the black night sky.

“Mark?” He hears Jinyoung calls him after a while of silence.

“Hmmm?” He hums in response reaching out his free hand to catch any snow land on his hand. A squeeze of the hand they were holding onto one another fully brought Mark to look at Jinyoung. “What is it?”

“I know I said I was going to make sure you continue to fall for me until the dating ban was lifted. Then take you on our first date officially. But things didn’t go in the order I wanted to. However, it is a starry night sky with snow falling down right now.” Jinyoung begins to say turning themselves to face other. “What I’m trying to get at is, Mark Tuan would you be my boyfriend?”

Mark was frozen in his spot. He had been dreaming of this day since Jinyoung had told him he would be pursuing him the last fourteenth months ago. When the thought finally hit him that Park Jinyoung the man behind the idol had asked him out he nodded his head eagerly.

“Is that a yes?” Jinyoung asks his eyes transforming into the shape of a crescent moon.

“Yes!” Mark exclaims as Jinyoung kisses him on the lips preventing Mark from speaking any further. It might have been the exhilaration or the warmth of Jinyoung’s lip on his that warmed up Mark’s whole body. But he knew he wasn’t cold anymore as their kiss deepens when he hears a shout coming from the house. Breaking away from the kiss both males looks towards Mark’s parent’s house seeing no one at the front door. Looking up Mark sees his parents by their bedroom window propped open. Staring at him with a goofy grin they wave to Mark and Jinyoung.

“I see you weren’t kidding when you said this man was the one you’re seeing son.” Mark’s dad shouted for Mark and Jinyoung to hear. He could feel his ears burning probably turning red in embarrassment as Jinyoung laughs beside him. “Did he asked you out yet?” Another shout coming from his dad.

“Yes, sir!” Jinyoung shouts back pulling Mark against his body as his mother shouts excitedly beside her husband on how Jinyoung was so handsome in Legend of the Blue Sea.

“Go back to bed before we get complaints from the neighbors!” Mark shouts at his parents who just waves him off. Groaning he buries his face against Jinyoung’s chest. His parents were going to embarrass him to no end. “Are you planning on leaving now?” He asks with his face still against Jinyoung’s chest.

“No.” Came the reply as Mark hears Jinyoung’s voice vibrates throughout his body. That got Mark to look up at the younger with a huge smile.

“Would you like to stay for breakfast then?”

“Would you like to stay forever?!” Mark’s mother shouts as Mark shakes his head clearly embarrassed by his own mother.

“Did she just...how on earth does she hear us from all the way over there?” Jinyoung asks confused as Mark begins to pull Jinyoung towards the house. 
“They both have a talent for reading lips.” Came the answer as Mark opens the front door to his parent’s house. “Would you like some hot chocolate? I was about to make some when you surprised with your visit.”

“Yes please, hot chocolate is one of my favorite drinks to have for Christmas.” Shaking off his moto jacket to hang it on the wall Jinyoung follows Mark to the kitchen.

A little while later with the world outside all quiet and still being covered with snow, Jinyoung was sitting beside Mark in Mark’s old bedroom bed recalling his day to him. While their empty cups of hot chocolate was abandoned downstairs at the coffee table completely forgotten about. Mark couldn’t help but reach out his hand to place it against the side of Jinyoung’s face halting him from speaking any further.

“What is it?” Jinyoung asks looking at Mark with a small smile. Continuing to stare at the handsome man before him Mark leans forward. Tilting his head slightly to the side to get a better access to kissing Jinyoung’s soft warm lips who returns the kiss just as tenderly and eagerly.

Park Jinyoung may be the male member of a rising popular Kpop group known as Got6, but behind the idol was a man who loves to play arcade games. Constantly saying he was going to kill the youngest maknae of the group, but was actually really soft feeling sorry for just punching a mannequin who he labeled as ‘Yugyeom’. Mark felt lucky to be able to see the man behind the idol and he felt even extremely lucky to have the man he loves, love him back just as much.

 

 

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Merry Christmas everyone! Here's another dose of markjin to keep you warm and your holiday spirit bright! 🎄

I saw so many of you guys asking for a sequel to the first story so I thought why not be a markjin santa clause and fulfill that wish? 🎅
I'm terribly sorry if this story became somewhat of a mess? (That's what it feels like to me )): but I did have fun writing this.) But I hope you guys liked it. Sorry for any grammatical errors & did any of you catch the Jinyoung VLIVE CH+ I threw in there? (;

-markjinnology