(Mark’s pov)

 A marvelous smell woke me up early in the morning. It was a warm, comforting smell that was so strong it could get impregnated in every corner of the dorm. It came tickling my nose as if it was trying to wake me up. Not knowing if it was dream caused by the frustration of sleeping with an empty stomach or if someone was actually cooking I started to salivate as I tried to guess what kind of food produced such a fragance.

My phone started buzzing again. Before I could turn it off Coco jumped on the bed and started my face. I hugged and kissed her so hard she immobilized in my arms too tired to struggle.

« Coco, I don’t want to wake up, what should I do ? » I whined while kicking the bed.

Coco didn’t seem to care as she was falling asleep in my arms.

« Stop complaining and come eat, would you ? » someone said at the door.

I looked up to see how it was but before I could, I found Jinyoung in an apron already kneeling down next to my bed, patting both me and Coco. He gave me a big smile and I smiled back.

« Man, it smells so good, what did you cook ? » I asked.

« Come and see by yourself. No wonder you like the smell so much it’s american food. » he said playing around, so proud of himself.

Jinyoung can’t really cook but he’s so into cooking he put a lot of efforts everytime he tries to cook. No matter if it’s good or not, we try to compliment him not to hurt his feelings. Well maybe, except for the maknaes who like to so much.

I jumped out of bed and went straight to the kitchen without washing up. It was empty, the others were still sleeping or already out.

Surprised by all the food disposed on the table, I asked : « Wow, you had time to cook all this. When did you wake up ? »

« I went jogging very early and I couldn’t get any sleep when I came home so I decided to cook everyone breakfast. How is it ? I made pancakes, fried eggs, bacon, hot chocolate milk... I boiled water for those who like tea...like me. »

Not thinking straight in front of the food, I already sat down as he was talking and began eating.

« It’s delicious Jinyoung, thank you. » I mumbled between two bites.

He gave me a big eye smile and sat to sip his tea.

We heard some noise in the rooms.

« Seems like the others are waking up. Good it’s better to eat when it’s hot. » He said looking around.

It was a calm and sunny morning but the house was still dark as the window blinds were down.

« Wow daebak hyung, you cooked all that ? » Bambam yelled, walking in.

« Yes, take a sit. Tell me what you think about it. »

« It will be good anyways the ingredients are delicious and easy to cook even for someone who can’t. » he replied without noticing Jinyoung’s dubious face.

Jinyoung said, « So you are saying I can’t cook ? »

As expected, Bambam didn’t put much thought into his words before he spoke, hurting Jinyoung’s susceptibility. 

« No I’m not refering to you. I’m saying the food is delicious either way but thank you for your good cooking skills, » Bambam giggled, trying to escape from the mess he got himself into.

I glanced at Jinyoung but he was staring at Bambam, obviously offended by the latter’s words.

« Jinyoung-ah we are free this afternoon, wanna go hike or go for a walk at the park ? »

He thought about it for a couple seconds and answered, « Sure, why not ? It’s such a beautiful day it will be nice.»

I nodded, satisfied.

Jinyoung stood up and I did the same. He went to the sink and began doing the dishes. I put my plate in the sink and gave him a back hug.

« Ya, what are you doing ? » He said as he grinned.

« I ate well thank you for the food. No wonder it’s you who baked it. »

He laughed as he always do at my chessy comments. He hated them but somehow it would always cheer him up. He tried to push my hands away but I hugged even tighter before I went back to my room, leaving our Bambamie stuffing his face with food.

After a photoshoot and two meetings I finally get to go join Jinyoung at the park. Somehow, Jackson joined him. They were sitting on the grass, waiting for me.

« Markkkuu you finally finished!! » Jackson said as he jumped to my neck.

I nodded with a relieved smile, finally able to chill with Jinyoung.

« You are here ? How was it ? » Jinyoung asked still sitting down, with curious round eyes.

« It was okay but I still have a lot of work for next week. » I sighed and sat down. I put my head on his shoulder and wrapped my arms around him.

He giggled, not moving an inch. He then said with a big grin, one hand covering his mouth, the other pointing at something, « Look at him ».

Without me noticing him, Jackson went playing ball with some kids and a dog, a few inches from us.

I look at them playing joyfully and turned to Jinyoung. He was staring at them, so happy. He loved both kids and dogs and of course Jackson’s joyfulness. It was like he wanted to go play with them but didn’t because only the sight of it was satisfying enough for him.

There was kimbap on the picnic blanket we were sitting on so I took it and started eating. There was also hot enough tteobooki which I also started chewing up.

Jinyoung was tidying up his belongings before he laid down, his head on his hands, taking a deep breath as he daydreamed watching the sky. He liked to think and relax more than anything. We weren’t talking and it was okay for the both of us. When we were with Jackson, the two of us didn’t even need to because Jackson did all the work. As Jackson loved to annoy Jinyoung they would probably - most likely - end up fighting. And they were always asking us to take sides but we did not.

When we are only the two of us, I even seem to become the talkative one because he likes to listen and is good at it. I would like him to talk more sometimes but he is always so busy in his little organized world and I love watching him do so. It’s enough for me, being around him.

All smiley and sweaty, Jackson came to sit up after a few minutes. He was wearing a black top and a black tracksuit with black boots. As he likes to call it « the easiest and comfiest outfit that’ve ever existed ».

He patted Jinyoung’s chest to wake him up.

« Ahjussi, are you sleeping ? » He shouted.

I broke into a loud laugh. I just loved how he always made fun of him. Jinyoung grinned for an answer and pushed his hand, playfully.

«  Come on guys, come kick the ball with us it’s fun. Or do you want to play at the arcade, the kids told me it’s fun. » As expected of him, he was always great to break the silence, and get people into action.

Jinyoung and I, both took time before answering as if we were actually taking a big decision.

However, Jinyoung seemed way too determinated not to move, all comfy and dreamy. He was looking at him, thoughtful. Jackson looked back at him with big eyes, mimicking him. We both laughed at his expression and Jinyoung hit him, slightly offended yet amused. 

« We’ll join you later, go first or just keep playing with the kids for now. I want to rest more. » He solemnly uttered, lightly standing up after giving it more thought.

« Why we ? You didn’t even ask Mark, maybe he’ll come. Come Mark let’s go. »

Before I could even answer – I did not actually thought of a response nor did I wanted to answer in the first place to be honest – Jinyoung took the lead and replied, « No, he’s staying with me. »

He hugged me and sticked his tongue out for Jackson to see.

He knew it meant « Go away, we are fine together, we don’t need you. » to Jackson. We all knew how Jackson honestly loved people and how he loved to share time with each one of them.

He did not mean it of course but Jackson still took it personally and sulked. He stood up, took his stuff and acted like he was going, leaving us alone. 

Jinyoung, already feeling remorse, stood up and went after him.

« Oh Jackson-ah, I’m kidding, don’t go. »

He was trying to embrace him but Jackson kept pushing him away.

Of course, after a few seconds, he hugged him back and even carried Jinyoung into the air. Jinyoung kissed him on the cheek as a sign of apology and Jackson grinned. They were always fighting like cat and dog but loved one another very much. It was so obvious I was feeling nauseous.  I made a gesture to beckon Jinyoung over here.

As he was told, Jackson went back to play with kids, waiting for us. We didn’t know for sure we were going to play at the arcade but it was nice to plan and think of fun things to do together as if we were ordinary people going to play or for a drink after school or work.

Youngae was the only who would still go play a lot at arcades or other places. He played outdoor and indoor to the point his hands were always shaky. He would come running if he knew we are about to go there – if he was not already there playing.

Jinyoung came back to sit, still grinning while looking at Jackson.

« You didn’t want to stay alone, that’s why you didn’t ask for my opinion? »

I was obviously lying.  But I wanted to hear him say he wanted ME by his side. Not Jackson but me. He knew I was not interested by any of it anyways. I’m always thankful to him for understanding my feelings and thoughts and speaking up when I wouldn’t.

He kept silent for a few seconds and stared at me. He seemed a little taken aback, probably guessing my hidden intention.

« No, I truly appreciate spending time with you. I find it soothing. » He answered seriously.

Not entirely satisfied with his answer, I looked away and nodded.

« What is this half smile ? You are sulking too ? » 

« No, no I’m fine. Thank you, I do too. » still lying.

« But you don’t seem to, you always show how happy you are with Jackson but not with me. How is that an enjoyable moment if no one talks ? » I thought to myself, playing with the grass lightly pouting.

« Why are you acting so cute uri Mark ? You do seem angry. » He whispered, tiggling me. He would always get playful whenever I feel down.

Unable to take it, I started to gesticulate to the point we were rolling down on the grass. I looked at him, satisfied to finally get his full attention.

« See I’m smiling it’s okay. » 

« I really really mean it. I like spending time with you the most Mark, it’s like we understand one another in silence. I’m more present than you think I am, alright ? Don’t pull such a face with the beautiful face of yours, you hear me ? »

I nodded, fully satisfied, hugging him while laying my head on his chest and closing my eyes.

I’ll remember this day, Jinyoung-ah.

TO BE CONTINUED