Mark watch Jinyoung happily scoop a spoonful of ice cream before putting it in his mouth. The young male hums in content while swinging his feet from dangling off the bus bench both of them were sitting at, waiting for Jinyoung's bus to pull up.

“Did you lie about cookies and cream being your favorite ice cream?” Mark asks arching his eyebrow up in suspicion. He clearly remembers Bambam picking out a scoop of cookies and cream when Jackson had bought it for him. But right now Jinyoung was holding a cup of plain vanilla ice cream.

“Maybe...maybe not.” Jinyoung responds back taking his last spoonful of ice cream into his mouth. “I just wanted ice cream and I got it.” He says smiling with his spoon still in between his lips.

“You little twerp.” Mark retorts shaking his head in disbelief as Jinyoung leans to the side to bump Mark's shoulder playfully.

“Thanks for taking the bus home with me by the way.” Jinyoung says while throwing his now empty ice cream cup in the trash can that was near the bus stop. “It's very kind of you.”

“Don't worry about it.” Mark waves it off when Jinyoung’s bus rounded the corner. Nudging the younger male on the arm to call for his attention they both got up from their seat.

There wasn't a lot of people on the bus gather that it was rather late in the evening. But there were still a few people on the bus, a young female high schooler, a mom and her child, an old man, and a young businessman dressed in his suit and tie. Mark and Jinyoung decided to take a seat in the back of the bus away from the people sitting in the front and middle of the section. Mark took a seat by the window as Jinyoung took the seat beside him. Both of them bringing their backpack to hold or hug in front of their chest.

“It takes about thirty minutes to get to my bus stop.” Jinyoung says grabbing out his phone to text somebody. Mark nods his head before discreetly trying to look over Jinyoung’s shoulder to see who he was texting. As if noticing Mark’s gaze, Jinyoung bites back a smile before answering Mark’s lingering question. “I’m texting Jaebum to see if Youngjae got to his lesson yet.”

“I wasn't thinking about-”

Jinyoung gives him a knowing look while still holding his phone in his hand.

“Okay, fine, but did he? Make it to his lesson alright, I mean.”

“Yeah, Jaebum is waiting for the bus to take him home now.” Jinyoung answers before turning his attention back to his phone. Mark goes to grab out his earphones from his pocket before plugging it into his phone and ears to listen to some music. He goes to offer an earpiece to Jinyoung who took it happily. Humming to the song Mark was listening to before saying he likes the song that was playing.

He wasn’t sure when Jinyoung had put away his phone because quite frankly he was too absorbed in playing a game on his phone to notice. He does notice it finally when Jinyoung’s head lands on his shoulder softly. Bringing his attention to Jinyoung, the younger male had fallen asleep still holding onto his backpack towards his chest. Looking around the bus, Mark saw that almost all the people on the bus had got off leaving only Mark, Jinyoung, and the young female high schooler.

All of a sudden the bus driver had gone through a bumpy road causing Jinyoung’s head to bop up and down rolling down Mark’s shoulder. The older male slowly and cautiously placed Jinyoung’s head back on his shoulder. He took notice how peaceful the raven hair looked while sleeping. He had nice plump red lips that seemed soft if you kiss it and lashes that are a bit longer than any usual men, curling slightly up at the end. This man was gorgeous in Mark’s book since the first time he saw him.

Drinking in the sight of sleeping Jinyoung he resists the urge to brush the hair that fell down on his face. Just then the intercom on the bus announced Jinyoung’s bus stop that was coming up next. the younger male on the head he feels Jinyoung stirring from his sleep.

“Wake up, Jinyoung the bus is pulling up to your bus stop.” Mark hears Jinyoung whine of protest before the male pulls his head up off of Mark’s shoulder. Blinking a few times to adjust his vision Jinyoung turns to his side to look at Mark with a pout.

“I was having a nice nap.”

The older male could only roll his eyes, “I know, you used my head as your pillow. Now come on we’re really going to miss your bus stop if we don’t get off soon.”

As the both of them got off the bus as the bus pulls away Jinyoung points down a street to the right. “Jaebum house and mine are just down that street.” With a nod of his head, the both of them began walking in that direction under the growing night sky and street lights.

“How long have you’ve known Jaebum?” Mark asks making small talk with Jinyoung. He watches as Jinyoung place a finger on his chin who was thinking.

“Mmmm, I think since we were ten years old? So six to seven years now.” Jinyoung answers, “Why do you ask?”

“I don’t know,” Mark shrugs in the process, “I just always wonder how long you guys had known each other to develop this telepathic communication you guys have with one another.”

“Is that what you call it?” Jinyoung furrowed his brows in thought, “I mean, we just know what the other is thinking sometimes.”

A silence seemed to hang over them as they walked down the street. It wasn’t an uncomfortable silence where both people are struggling to think of what to say next. Rather it was a comfortable silence where both males seem to understand talking isn’t necessary. They could just enjoy each other’s company in silence, simple as that.

When they finally reached Jinyoung’s house just a few feet away the younger male turns to look at Mark giving him a smile, “Thanks for walking me home Mark hyung.”

“Like I said, I wanted to make sure you get home safe.” Mark couldn’t help but gaze into Jinyoung’s eyes who was looking back at him as well. He could tell there was a twinkle of something in Jinyoung’s eyes, but he wasn’t quite sure what it was. Before he could say something else Jinyoung engulfs him in a quick hug. 
“I’ll see you tomorrow at school Mark hyung. Get back home safely.” Replying back with an ‘I will’ Mark watches Jinyoung walk towards his house in a trance.  

Mark had figured out his uality since middle school. When he came out to his parent he was surprised that his parents seemed indifferent to this news. They seemed to had figured out Mark’s uality even before Mark did himself. Saying how when he was younger he would tell them he would marry iron man because that was his favorite hero. That brought numerous other embarrassing stories for Mark to know that he wasn’t quite that subtle about his uality when he was younger. He had always found both female and male equally attractive. He dated a few females back in middle school. However, he always found himself attracted to male more. So when he first met Jinyoung he was instantly drawn towards the younger male by his good looks.

As Mark watches Jinyoung reach his front door he seemed to finally understand his own feelings towards the younger male. He was pulled from his thoughts when his phone began vibrating in his pocket. Fishing it out the caller id was telling him it was his mother calling. Hitting answer he brought his phone to his ear only to hear his mom yelling at him.

“ Tuan Yi Eun ,” His mother says his birth name in clear annoyance, “where the hell are you?! It’s getting late!”

Mark watches Jinyoung fish his keys out of his backpack and unlocks his front door. Instead of going inside his house, the younger male turns around to look at Mark giving him a goodbye wave.

“I was walking-” Mark goes to say before stopping himself because he almost said ‘friend’. But Jinyoung was more than a friend now that he realized his own feelings towards him.

“You were walking who home?” His mother asks on the other line, bringing Mark back from his own thoughts.

“I was walking someone home.” Mark answers with a smile while returning Jinyoung’s wave. He watches a bit longer after Jinyoung had entered his house safely.

“Someone?” He hears his mother asks suspiciously.

“Yes, someone mom and I’m going home now. I’ll see you when I get back.” Hanging up his phone call with his mother he slides his phone back into his pocket.

The word ‘ someone’ was definitely better than the word friend because ‘someone’ could be anyone. Like your crush.

The next day, Mark definitely noticed a shift in friendship and he wasn’t talking about himself with Jinyoung. He was talking about Bambam and Yugyeom. The two boys would normally be attached hip to hip when stepping into the school gate of their school. Instead, Yugyeom and Bambam came to school separately. That wasn't a concern really because they could come to school separately for once. But what Mark noticed was how they avoided standing beside each other or talking to one another while being in their circle of friends. He was sure he wasn’t the only one that noticed the change between the two youngest. The glances were thrown between Jaebum, Jackson, Jinyoung, Youngjae, and he says so. They were just too afraid to address the issue and hope it resolves itself.

Unfortunately, not all things get resolve like that especially when the two youngest were determined to not make up.

“Jaebum hyung, can you pass me some napkins?” Bambam asks. Jaebum looks up from his food to look at Yugyeom sitting to his left who was much closer to the napkin dispenser. Jaebum was clearly waiting for Yugyeom to see if the younger would grab some napkins off the napkin dispenser to hand over to Bambam. He was met with the taller boy just ignoring his gaze and was continuing to eat his sandwich. Reaching across from Yugyeom, Jaebum grab a few napkins to extend his hand across the table to Bambam who thanks him. This was ridiculous thought Mark as he chews his food silently. He felt a gentle kick to his shins under the table. When he looks up to see who had kicked him he met eyes with Jinyoung. The younger male glances at Bambam and Yugyeom rolling his eyes before looking back at Mark with a small smile that makes his eyes crinkle. Mark couldn’t help but smile back as well, but quickly hiding it behind his food so the others wouldn’t notice.

When school was officially over for the day Mark quickly gathers up his things to dash down the school hallway. But that was interrupted when a classmate wanted to talk to him about an assignment he didn’t quite understand. Trying to explain as fast and as best as possible so his friends didn’t have to wait long, he finally bid farewell to his classmate ten minutes later. Avoiding students from left to right he makes it out of the building without bumping into anyone. He was expecting to find all of his friends by the school gate waiting for him to go to the internet cafe as per usual. Instead, he found only Jinyoung and Youngjae by the gate standing there unsure. Walking towards them his brows arches up in confusion.

“Why is it only you two standing here? Are the others still inside the school?” Mark asks, motioning to the school building behind him. Coming closer to the two boys he notices the concerned look displayed on Jinyoung’s face. “What’s wrong?”

“Earlier the six of us were waiting for you. Yugyeom said something about Jungkook and that angered Bambam. So an argument broke out between them. Jackson hyung tried to calm them down and then Jaebum hyung tried to help as well.” Youngjae explains shifting from foot to foot uncomfortably.

“Where are they now?” Mark asks anxiously.

“Jaebum took Yugyeom somewhere to calm him down while Jackson took Bambam to do the same.” Jinyoung answers crossing his arms across his chest protruding his bottom lip in deep thought. “Youngjae and I were waiting for you to inform you that hang out day at the internet cafe are canceled.”

“So what now?” It was a stupid question that the answer should be obvious. But Mark couldn't help and ask before he could stop himself. Jinyoung was nice enough sparing Mark the knowing look. Opting to answer the older male instead.

“That's up to you I guess. The plan is canceled so just do whatever you want now.” Jinyoung says shrugging his shoulders. “Youngjae where you going?” He asks turning to look at the younger boy beside him.

“Since I don't have piano lessons today I’m just going to head straight home.”

“And play online games I assume?” Jinyoung asks narrowing his eyes on Youngjae who smiles back at him sheepishly.

“Gotta play some rounds before my parents come home and I'm forced to do homework.” Youngjae states honestly earning an amused smile and head shakes from Jinyoung. With a pat on Youngjae’s shoulder both Mark and Jinyoung bid farewell to him. Watching him turn the corner disappearing from their view Mark turns to Jinyoung.

“Are you going home as well?” He asks receiving a head shake as an answer.

“I have to run to the supermarket to do some grocery shopping.”

“Can I join?” Mark asks all too quickly and eagerly. Biting his bottom lip feeling his cheeks grow hot in embarrassment he hopes Jinyoung doesn't notice.

“Sure, why not. I like the company.” He hears Jinyoung said happily before he was dragged down the street. They both walked in comfortable silence as Mark contemplated what to say to start a conversation. This never happened before. Usually, Mark was content either the silence he and Jinyoung always had. Maybe it was because he realized the crush he has on Jinyoung that he makes him want to talk to the younger.

“So, did your mom send you on this errand?” Mark decides to ask to start a conversation.

“No, I actually just live with my dad. My mother passed away two years ago.” Jinyoung replies as Mark’s eyes widen in horror. He hadn't meant to ask a question that brought up painful memories to the younger. He didn't even know Jinyoung's mother passed away at all. No one brought that up to him.

“Jinyoung, I’m so sorry. I didn't know. I didn't mean to bring up painful memories.” Mark panics as Jinyoung waves it off.

“No, it's okay Mark. It's been two years, I’m fine now. I just miss her now and then you know? Anyways, normally my dad will go buy the groceries. But he's really busy this week so I offered to do it.”

“Who does the cooking then?” Mark glances sideways as the both of them stroll down the street.

“I do.” Jinyoung answers confidently with a small smile spreading across his face.

“Really?” A smile couldn't help but appear on Mark’s face too. He could picture Jinyoung wearing a cute house apron.

“What? Don’t you believe me? I’m a decent cook now after two years of burning pots and pans.”

“And the food?” Mark suspects only having that proven true when Jinyoung covers his mouth with one hand to laugh.

“Yeah, my father and I ended up picking at the food that wasn’t burnt the first few times.” There was a twinkle in his eyes. Like he was reminiscing that part of his life that brought fond memories to him. “Anyways, if I end up buying too many groceries to carry on my own you’re helping me. Jinyoung teases as Mark could only grin back at him accepting the request.

When the both of them reached the supermarket, Mark quickly grabs a cart to push. Following behind Jinyoung who had grabbed out a piece of paper with the list of groceries he needed to buy. It wasn’t a strange scene to witness. Two high schoolers going grocery shopping because there were a few high school students from other schools going grocery shopping as well. But none of them had a shopping cart with them because they weren’t about to buy items like vegetables and meat. Instead, they were holding a shopping basket to buy junk food. Mark wasn’t bothered by that until he noticed a few female high schoolers giggling from behind them. They were following from afar talking amongst themselves while glancing at him and Jinyoung.

“Hey Jinyoung,” Mark calls quietly while pushing the cart up to walk side by side with the boy, “a few female high schoolers are following behind us.” He was feeling a bit uncomfortable with the attention he was getting. Mark was never good at or comfortable with dealing with social interactions. He never liked having the attention on him.

“What are you talking about,” Jinyoung says nonchalantly whilst looking at the many packaged red beef meat. “They’re looking at you Mark hyung. I’m just an average looking guy compared to you.” Looking up from the meat he turns around to stare straight at Mark. “You’re gorgeous.”

Mark opened his mouth to say something along the line that ‘you’re handsome too’. When he realized what Jinyoung just said. It was a compliment that had his heart picking up its speed and his cheeks flushing red.

“I mean, you and Jaebum have such strong facial features. It’s impossible not to draw girls around to stare. Don’t tell Jackson that. He’s handsome too.” Jinyoung adds on turning his attention back to the meat while grabbing a package to put in the cart. Mark feels his heart aching a bit from having his hopes up. But that’s what he gets, he knows the younger male would never be interested in him like that. Just as soon as he had admitted his crush on Jinyoung to himself he’ll have to tell himself to stop just as fast. He’ll end up getting hurt in the long run if he doesn’t. A little crush was all he had on Jinyoung, Mark told himself as they made their way to the checkout station. This small crush would fade away soon enough. Eventually, the group of girls went away when they noticed Mark and Jinyoung checking out.

Turns out Jinyoung bought enough groceries where he didn’t need Mark’s helping hand. Unwillingly, he waves goodbye to Jinyoung as he part ways with the boy. He had no reason to follow Jinyoung back home. A sigh escapes his lips before he pocketed his hands inside his pants pocket to walk home. His mother was surprised to see her son home early when he had stated he was hanging out after school today. Picking up Joey in her arms to follow Mark she asks if everything was alright.

“Everything's fine mom, just that our plan got canceled today that’s all.” Mark answers climbing up the stairs to his room as his mom continues to follow.

“Why was the plan canceled?” She asks shifting Joey in her arms.

“Two of our friends got into an argument. They’ll sort their problems out.” Opening his bedroom door he drops his backpack on the floor before plopping himself down on his bed. Resting his back on the mattress he stares at the ceiling knowing his mother was by the doorway looking at him. “I’m tired, I think I’m going to take a nap before doing homework.”

A hum came from his mother by the door as she goes to grab his bedroom door knob. “Alright, I’ll call you when dinner is ready.” Bidding thanks to his mom the door clicks shut leaving Mark alone in his bedroom in peace. It’s been awhile since his family had moved into their new place. About ninety percent of their things are all unpacked. That included Mark’s room as well. The only thing left for him to unpack was some pictures and posters he had hung up on his wall in his old bedroom before. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to hang those up in his new bedroom, if not he figured he could just put them aside in his closet. Closing his eyes sleep came to him quickly. Again, Mark knew he should end his little crush on Jinyoung soon. For now, though, he thinks it’s okay to bring himself to dream of the particular raven hair for just a bit longer.

Sorry for the long wait of a new chapter. It's been a slow process for this story...