To say that Jinyoung was worried was an understatement. He was beyond that. Mark said he's done with Jackson, because of wht happened earlier. But what was this? The red head suddenly had a change of heart. Jinyoung knew Mark needed money, and he was willing to lend him some, but no, Mark still went to Jackson. Of course Jinyoung agreed. It will always be Mark's call, but Jinyoung couldn't help but wonder, why? Why couldn't Mark accept his offer? Why did Mark choose Jackson again? Why?

It was out of desperation, probably. Was Jinyoung jealous? Maybe a little. His pride got stepped on, crushed, destroyed. It was like Mark chose Jackson over him.

Why did that even matter?

Going back, Jinyoung was worried, why? Because of Jackson. His best friend wasn't the friendliest person in the world, and Jinyoung's worried, that he might make Mark cry again.

And Jinyoung made a conclusion, seeing Mark cry was a big no-no. Even in his tall frame, the red head looked so fragile, so weak, so vulnerable.

Jinyoung wanted to protect Mark. Just because.

When he drove the red head to the Wang's, he gave Mark a constant reminder, to text him before and after dinner. Mark did the first, saying that Jackson wasn't there yet, and Mrs. Wang welcomed him. But for the other one, still no text came. How long does dinner take? It was already fifteen minutes past eight, and still no text.

He decided to call Mark, just to have some piece of mind.

"Hey, Mark-"

"No, this is Jackson." Jackson? Jinyoung pulled the phone away from his ear and double checked who he dialled. The screen showed Mark Tuan.

"Jackson?"

"Yup" Jackson has Mark's phone, why?

"Where's Mark?" Jinyoung tried to know where they were, though the background was quiet. Where they in the park?

"He's buying some ice cream." Jackson said. "Anything you need?" I want you to give Mark the damn phone.

"No, just tell him I called." Jackson hummed, and Jinyoung ended the phone call.

Mark and Jackson, together.

So, they went somewhere after dinner. Jinyoung's hand found it's way to his chest. What was this heavy feeling?

Why was he even worried? Mark's a friend. And as far as Jinyoung knows, he's straight, right? He isn't even sure anymore.

Jinyoung brushed it off, and laid himself to bed.

And as hard as he tried, Mark Tuan couldn't leave his mind.

---

Maybe Jackson was so used to having only Jinyoung next to him, that this little hang out with Mark felt so awkward. Jinyoung was the sole friend left he could trust.

So, all this time, Jackson never bothered to be with anyone else anymore.

But, maybe, Jinyoung was right. Maybe Mark isn't what he thought the red head was. Mark is far from Jinyoung. The guy looked so awkward, well at first he did. But after talking a bit more, Jackson realized that his awkwardness was his charm.

Awkward, shy, timid, it was all Mark Tuan. Jackson wasn't even sure if he should be doing this. Of course he was still hesitant with Mark. He still doesn't know him that much, so Jackson tried to test Mark.

At one point in their conversation, Jackson bragged everything he'll be owning. If Mark got all excited because of that, then he's the same as everyone else.

But to his surprise, Jackson didn't see anything. He'll usually see it in people's eyes- Greed. He got used to people so much that he can see it in their eyes.

But Mark didn't show anything. In fact, he seemed genuinely happy for Jackson, but not really caring about the other things.

So his guarded usual self slowly broke free from it's shell. His test turned into a casual conversation, and Jackson's not gonna lie, Mark was really fun to talk to.

Behind all that shyness, was actually a very talkative Mark Tuan.

And Jackson found Mark ice cream very distracting.

Mark was cute, or acts cute. It's pretty much the same thing.

At around nine pm, Mark told Jackson that he needs to go home, and he'll drop by the hospital tomorrow.

"So, thanks for, you know... This." Mark shyly said. What was this anyway? "Just call me if your mom needs me."

Jackson just gave him a small nod. After standing there, Mark gave one last wave before leaving.

Offer him a ride, idiot. Jackson mentally slapped himself. He should give the red head a ride. It was the least he can do, after the red head saved his sorry again.

"Mark" The red head stopped and turned around. "I-"

"Yeah?" Just say it, stupid.

"I- uh, take care." Was that disappointment in Mark's face?

"Okay" The red head said, turning around once again. Jackson tried calling him again, but no words materialized. Mark's frame slowly got smaller and smaller, until Jackson can't see him anymore.

He even forgot