It was a Monday morning and Mark was sprawled out in his bed, wide awake staring at the ceiling and wondering how the did he end up in such a messed up situation.

Jinyoung had moved in yesterday despite the older’s continuous protests and now Mark didn’t know what to do. He didn’t have any work that could distract him from this dreadful living arrangement and no courage to leave his bed and face what lies beyond his room. He decided it was a good idea to stay cooped up here until he knows for sure Jinyoung left for his idol duties.

He wanted to hate the younger for making him feel like this. It would be so easy. Hate is so easy. Too bad he got tangled up in a much more complicated emotion and all he could think about is that Jinyoung is here, living with him because of him. It wasn’t some formality; he went out of his way to care for Mark. He knew that Jinyoung will face a lot of inconveniences because of his decision to live away from the team and yet he was so determined to stay. For Mark.

Mark groaned and buried his face in the pillow. Maybe he should stop being a selfish prick and respond to all the loving gestures Jinyoung has made ever since he arrived – show a hint of the gratitude he feels. He might end up getting hurt but at least it’s better than hurting Jinyoung for doing so much for him even though he doesn’t deserve it. And who knows if Jinyoung sees Mark is no longer a depressed soul, he might leave him alone.

Plus, it comes with the added benefit of walking to the kitchen right now and filling his empty stomach that has been growling like a monster for the past hour. Yep, that’s a good reason to play nice: Food.

After a minute or two of mental struggle, his hunger won out and he decided to freshen up and leave his room to attack the kitchen.

He opened the door of his room quietly and sneaked a peek at the living room, eyes scanning for Jinyoung. He stepped out stealthily and released the breath he didn’t even know he was holding. He made his way to the kitchen, his steps careful and body fully alert but after a while it was clear that Jinyoung had left for the day and that made Mark relieved and disappointed at the same time. Before he could punch himself for feeling disappointed, he saw a plate of food in the kitchen island, covered with a note on top.

Good morning hyung. Made you some breakfast. Eat well ^^

His heart clenched at this gesture and he bit his lip as he started feeling a buildup of emotions within him the more he stared at the note and the plate of food in front of him. Before he could stop, a single tear made his way down his face, his vision suddenly blurry yet a sad smile on his face. It wasn’t something to cry about but Mark was having a hard time keeping all those pent up emotions in check and these days they have been emerging without any warning.

Shaking his head at his own reaction, he uncovered the food and started eating the pancakes Jinyoung had made for him, ignoring the unrelenting stab of pain that made him want to break down.

The day went uneventfully; Mark searched online for possible jobs (unsuccessfully of course since he was a high school dropout) or just laid in the couch being unproductive and thinking about Jinyoung. It was hard for him to admit but he loved it when Jinyoung took care of him like this; even without being around, Jinyoung always had a way to make Mark feel wanted. No one treated him the way Jinyoung did, which is why it meant the world to him. But that was the younger’s charm: he was caring and kind to everyone and Mark had to keep reminding himself that he wasn’t special – special enough to be his one of his closest friends yes but not special enough to be the only one in the receiving end of Jinyoung’s care and love. He had to stop being so greedy and start learning to be satisfied with what they are now and will be forever: Friends. If he doesn’t want all these cute gestures to disappear, for Jinyoung to disappear, he would have to keep his emotions bottled up even if it hurts.

With nothing to do and bored out of his mind, his eyelids got heavier and within five minutes he drifted off.

He was woken up by someone poking his cheeks and the sound of his favorite voice giggling. Oh.

OH!

His eyes flew wide to see Jinyoung’s face inches away from his. He quickly backed away so that they were not invading each other’s personal space. Jinyoung was grinning, enjoying the disoriented and flustered look on Mark’s face as Mark pushed him off more to get some more space so he can finally breathe. He rubbed the sleep off his eyes and looked at Jinyoung who still looked amused.

‘When did you come?’ his voice was hoarse so he had to clear his voice to make h