It seemed that the events earlier were still haunting them, considering that the environment they shared was filled with unwanted, heavy tension. It took Mark a while, before his mind processed everything that had happened. But, it was finally sinking in.

Simply put, Jinyoung told Jackson’s grandfather about the deal they had.

He had been trying to think of the reasons why Jinyoung actually did that. It was out of character. But really, did he really know the true Park Jinyoung? Was it out of anger? Out of jealousy? He didn’t know what to think, at this point.

The damage had already been done, and the words were already said. There was nothing he could anymore.

One thing was for sure, it all started with a choice.

Jinyoung chose to do that.

He chose Jackson.

Jackson chose to fight against his family.

Choices, they were all made by making choices.

Was this the right choice? As much as he didn’t let words bothered him, Jackson’s Grandfather was right. He didn’t have anything to offer. Really, what did Jackson see in him?

“Hey”

“Yeah?”

“You’ve been awfully quiet.”

“I’m sorry”

“Mark, don’t let his words get to you. They don’t mean anything.”

He knew that. They were just mere words, but why were they stabbing him like daggers? Why was it so painful to hear them? Was it because they had truth in them?

Insecurity could lead to over thinking. Over thinking would ruin anyone, even the strongest person in the world.

Stop, please. He shook his head, trying to brush everything off. I don’t want this.

“We’re here.”

“Thanks for the ride.”

“Mark, wait.” He looked at Jackson. “I’m sorry-“

“Why do you like me, Jackson?”

“What?”

“Why do you like me? I mean, why me? You could’ve had Min or Minki. You could have anyone in Korea or even the world. Why me, of all people?”

Insecurity was a .

“I’m nothing, Jackson. Compared to everyone else, I’m barely an average person. Do you really love me? Am I just a phase you’re going through?”

“Mark, stop.” There was this sudden warmth on top of his hand, and the familiarity of it instantly soothed him. “Please, stop.”

“Tell me, please. I need to know.”

“I love you, because you’re you. I can give you a million reasons why, but it will all go down with me loving you for who you are.”

“Jackson, I don’t understand.”

“In other words, I love all of you. Your mistakes, your flaws, your insecurity, your innocence, everything.” And now, here he was, blushing. “You’re not perfect, no one is. But one thing’s for sure, I love you.”

“I’m sorry I asked. I was just bothered by your grandfather’s words.”

“Don’t be. Everything will be fine, I promise.”

“Thanks” He sighed. “What about Jinyoung?”

“Let’s give him time to find himself. He seems a little lost, right now. Everything will be fine.”

That was one thing Mark was hoping, for everything to turn out fine.

---

“Let me go! I told you, I’m not drunk!”

“Look, kid. We don’t want anyone causing trouble in our club. Your buddy’s on his way here, right now.”

Buddy? Jinyoung wasn’t expecting anyone. He snatched his phone away from the bouncer, trying his best to focus on the gadget in front of him. God, why did he drink so much? Too much for his liking. Who did this guy even call?

It wasn’t his fault he was kicked out. He was just having a good time. But, it seemed that others found it a little bit too much. Especially, when he kept spilling other people’s drinks.

“Who did you call?” He asked, not caring if it was a bit loud that he was actually causing a scene. At this point, he didn’t care anymore. “I said, who did you call?”

“I’m here.” His eyes blinked lazily and finally recognized the person. “Sorry for the trouble he caused.”

“You called him? Why not Mark?”

“The Mark person had his phone turned off.”

Well, that wasn’t much of a surprise, considering how he almost ruined Mark’s relationship with Jackson. The two were probably together, consoling each other.

“I’m really sorry. I’ll take him home now.”

He tried to break away from the guy’s grasp, but he was not in the right mind to do anything right now. Eventually, he allowed himself to be dragged to the person’s car. The minty scent inside Jaebum’s car was actually relaxing.

“Where do you live?”

“I don’t want to go home.” He said, closing his eyes. “I don’t want my dear mother to see me in such a state.”

No more words were said. Wherever Jaebum was taking him, he didn’t bother asking. He couldn’t go home like this; he didn’t want to disappoint anyone, especially his mother.

But, what seemed to be forever, soon ended.

“We’re here.”

“I can walk by myself.” He said, seeing how Jaebum was letting out a hand for him. It seemed that even walking was a hard thing to do right now. “I said I’m fine-“

“Shut up and just let me hold you, dumb .”

And again, he allowed himself to be dragged to where he assumed was this guy’s apartment. He wasn’t really sure how Jaebum managed to carry him all the way to the elevator. Being in this kind of state, all he wanted was to stay in one place, but the guy managed to drag him all the way here.

At some point, his body stopped resisting. He just allowed himself to be carried to a place he didn’t even ask where. Though, the minty scent soothed him, still. Everything was a bit fuzzy now, and his headache wasn’t helping.

“Don’t pass out on me, Junior. We’re almost there.”

All he could do was groan, but he was glad they were almost there. All he wanted to do right now was rest. Soon, they stopped. He could hear buttons being pressed and soon enough, the d