Mark didn’t thought it was possible. But it was.

 

The redhead woke up to a nest of hair burying underneath his nose. Slightly confused at first, Mark moved his head to correctly map out the situation. His heart almost stopped. And he blushed.

 

Again.

 

He didn’t thought it was possible.

 

But it was.

 

Jinyoung curled up against Mark and eyes still closed, sleeping peacefully while tugging at every heartstrings of a certain fool-in-love. The smile that adorned Mark’s face was enough to blind the sun itself. Carefully, he tried to remove his unmannered hand from the sleeping boy’s waist. Jinyoung stirred a bit and whined softly as he scooted closer, adjusting his head against Mark’s chest, mumbling something about being cold.

 

Mark bit back a giggle as he reached over and covered his crush’s body with the blanket. Jinyoung stopped whining and moving. Mark held his breath. How did they ended up in this position, the redhead wasn’t sure. But he wasn’t complaining. Nope. Not at all. He’s enjoying Jinyoung’s slow breathings fanning on his neck. Although it does switch on a lot of lights within him, Mark still stayed exactly how he was so Jinyoung could continue drifting off to dreamland. If Jinyoung needed warmth, then oh well, too bad.

 

“Cute…” Mark grinned, gently patting the back of Jinyoung’s head. Mark would have never guessed that he’ll ended up wrapped in Jinyoung’s arms like this. Everything was moving a lot faster than Mark had expected. Now he feels shy. His cheeks reddened and he smiled to himself like an idiot. He really did fell hard for Park Jinyoung.

 

What happened last night between them would always be something Mark decided to hold dear. He still couldn’t believe it. Jinyoung really went and did that. In that moment, Mark thought he was invincible. He thought he could do anything. That’s how much Jinyoung’s words had affected him. Jinyoung was so sincere and so adorable that Mark just couldn’t help it. He just couldn’t help falling deeper and deeper into those honest eyes and caring lips. Jinyoung is the first for Mark. And probably will be the last.

 

The redhead sighed, recalling the day he first laid eyes on this nerd he now loves so much. It was during Freshmen year, the year that Mark probably dreaded the most before seeing Jinyoung. Mark remembered rushing to the library, desperately trying to find a damn book about metamorphosis because his assignment was due the next day. Amidst the stress and constant curses for his stupid biology teacher, Mark managed to find a picture book on butterflies. Shrugging carelessly, he opted to use it as his resource because that awful biology teacher. When Mark was about to head over to the librarian to check out that children’s book, something, no, someone, caught his eyes. By the window, where the sunlight bled through the glass and kissed his face, an angel sat, flipping through pages of the book he’s reading in silence, making every other existence envied of his grace. Mark stood there and stared for the longest time. There was no way he could take his eyes off of something so… Ethereal. He only snapped out his trance when the librarian called him with a tint of annoyance in her voice. Eyes never leaving him, Mark got his book scanned. Mark was so into it, so into staring and admiring such angelic grace, that the librarian hassled him out of the library in her exasperated tone. After that, Mark unknowingly let his legs led him back to the library to stalk that pretty boy. Mark was so occupied by his stalking that even his friends started questioning his existence since he disappeared so much. Soon, Mark learned that his name was Park Jinyoung and he’s the school’s smartest kid and also easiest target. Mark felt bad. He really did. Whenever he happened to see other kids bullying Jinyoung, Mark felt sick. And angry. Mostly angry with himself for not having the guts to protect Jinyoung. With a guilty heart, Mark stopped going to the library.

 

But that doesn’t mean he stopped paying attention. Once Sophomore year came around, Park Jinyoung became crowned as the school’s nerd, the school’s biggest loser. Everywhere Mark went, Jinyoung’s name would be brought up in several of conversations that weren’t so nice. Mark hated it. He hated himself for not doing about it. Instead of helping, he’s just in the back, watching. Mark had thought about how important was his reputation and abandoned the feelings he felt. It was stupid. It was dumb. But Mark did it anyways.

 

Junior year began and the weight on Mark’s heart grew heavier. He was trying so hard. Or started to. He’d also started handling stuff behind the scene. Mark would call out Jinyoung’s bullies and fought with them until he won and made them swore to not come near Jinyoung ever again. Mark didn’t show it, but he started to care less about how others viewed him and more on how he actually felt. The feeling he harbored tortured him everyday. Tortured him to the point he went crazy if he didn’t happened to passed by Jinyoung in the halls or seen Jinyoung at all during school hours. Mark’s circle of friends a lot about it, saying he’s lovesick and an idiot. Mark had agreed and, together, all of them stressed about it. Adding on to Mark’s never-ending heartache, Jaebum suddenly showed up with a new boyfriend, which, honestly, shocked everyone within the circle (eventually the entire school was shook). Mark frowned, Jaebum and Youngjae were so sweet and caring to each other that Mark felt envied. He admired Jaebum for giving no s about everybody else and just went and courted Youngjae. He admired Youngjae for giving no flying s about everybody else and accepted Jaebum. Mark envied them so much. Mark wished he were that brave.

 

And so the final year finally arrived, knocking at Mark’s heart like an uninvited visitor. Mark didn’t plan anything special. He wasn’t going to do anything. But then the world didn’t seem to hate him all too much. Mark’s heart jumped and stuttered and leaped and did all these insane flips as soon as he saw the Park Jinyoung walked into his class. Never in his wildest dreams did he expect Jinyoung to be in the same class as him. But it was reality. And Mark had no complaints. Mark won’t shamelessly lied that he didn’t stare at the back of Jinyoung’s head all day, even if Eric was blocking the view most of the time, Mark still felt all giddy and excited inside. And of course, Jackson would about it, but the fencing captain was very happy for his best friend. Mark started enjoying class more, going to school everyday with a bright smile on his face because he knows he’ll be seeing the love of his life. It got to be the best feeling ever.

 

Because of Jinyoung, Mark decided to give it his all.

 

Because of Jinyoung, Mark decided to step forward, revealing himself and not hiding in the shadows.

 

Because of Jinyoung, Mark decided to do something.

 

Because of Jinyoung, Mark decided that he wasn’t scared of anything.

 

Because of Jinyoung, Mark changed.

 

Everything started with Park Jinyoung, Mark came to realized as he felt himself falling and falling and falling and kept… Falling…

 

But Mark likes it.

 

He likes falling.

 

Softly running his fingers through his love’s hair, the redhead smiled sweetly. If only this moment could last forever. If only he could hold Jinyoung like this forever. If only…

 

“Mmmhmm…” Jinyoung’s eyebrows knitted together, a whine escaped his lips again. He turned his head a bit, puffing his cheeks and whining again and again, rubbing his face against Mark’s chest and snuggled closer.

 

The redhead just laid still and lets the nerd do whatever he wants. Mark didn’t dare to move. If Jinyoung wakes up, then this moment will be gone. Mark didn’t want that. Though, Life doesn’t tend to favor Desire too much.

 

Jinyoung’s eyes fluttered open slowly. What greeted him was the chest of his partner. Jinyoung slowly lifted his head up, and his eyes came in contact with Mark’s. Mark smiled, “Good morning.”

 

Acting out of reflex, Jinyoung immediately sat up and scooted away. With widened eyes and hands grabbing at his chest for no reason. “M-Mark! I-I’m so sor-sorry…”

 

“No, it’s all right,” Mark chuckled, pulling himself to sit up like Jinyoung. “You’re cute.”

 

It was like someone took a red crayon and quickly colored Jinyoung’s cheeks. Jinyoung just stared at the redhead, obviously in shock. His heart was beating so fast. He couldn’t believe that he’d done that. Jinyoung shook his head, refusing to believe that he must have hugged his partner all night long. How embarrassing!

 

“We’re about to meet up soon. Go on freshen yourself up, Jinyoung-ah.”

 

“Okay…”

 

“…”

 

“…”

 

“You’re not going?”

 

“H-huh? Oh, yeah, right, um, okay…” Jinyoung nodded and turned his back towards Mark to looked into his duffle bag.

 

Mark then suddenly laughed outloud, scaring Jinyoung, “You’re so nervous! Don’t worry, I didn’t do anything to you while you slept. I’m not that type of person. You can relax.”

 

Biting his lip, Jinyoung wanted to slap himself. It just got a lot more embarrassing now that Mark had mentioned it. Grabbing his stuff in a hurry, Jinyoung turned and quickly bid a “see you later” and exited the tent, leaving Mark just giggling to himself.

 

God, he loves Park Jinyoung so much.

 

 

 

 

%%%

 

 

 

 

“-Damnit, Youngjae! ing talk to me-”

 

“Why are you like this? There’s nothing to talk-”

 

“Choi Youngjae!”

 

“Hey, hey, hey, what the Hell is going on here?” Mark dashed over to the table. Jinyoung followed close behind, worried crossed over his face as he saw the two captains standing and glaring at each other. Mark sighed, “What happened? Why are you two suddenly like this?”

 

Jackson scoffed, “Isn’t it obvious? Oh, hey, Jinyoung-ssi. How’s your leg?”

 

Jinyoung blinked, completely surprised that Jackson is speaking to him with formality and not the usual rudeness. “Uh… It’s better…”

 

The fencing captain smiled, “That’s good! Mark took are of you well! But would you still be able to participate later?”

 

“I think so-”

 

“Here,” Yugyeom suddenly stood up and moved over to Bambam’s side, “Sit down, Jinyoung-ssi, you’re still hurting.”

 

Jinyoung hesitated as he looked over at Mark, who just smiled kindly and led him to sit. It was a weird feeling for Jinyoung. He would have never thought there’d be a day when he gets to sit with the school’s popular group. It felt strange, but at the same time, everyone was welcoming him, so it made his heart warmed up a little. Besides, there’s Mark.

 

“Ignore them,” Jackson rolled his eyes as he picked up a strip of bacon and popped it in his mouth. He and Jinyoung watched Jaebum grabbed Youngjae’s wrist and dragged him away from the table. “They’re the weird ones. Always fighting over stupid . And by the way, just so you know, I don’t hate you. But I have to, so Markie boy here could act tough and stands out, so you would notice him. I guessed that didn’t worked out to well since you hated him instead.”

 

Bambam and Yugyeom laughed while Mark reached over and smacked both of their heads. Jinyoung lowered his head, feeling embarrassed all of a sudden. Jackson smiled, “I’m really sorry for everything I’ve done. Would you forgive me and we could be friends?”

 

“O-of course…” Jinyoung replied, “And also thank you for yesterday.”

 

“No problem! You’re Mark’s husband now so that means we all have to protect you!”

 

“H-husband?”

 

In a split second, Mark had Jackson in a neckhold, “You piece of ! Shut your big mouth!”

 

“Let me go! Jinyoung-ssi! Help me! He’s killing me!”

 

Immediately, Jinyoung got up and put a hand on his partner’s arm, “I think he can’t breathe. Let him go, Mark.”

 

Mark looked over and saw the worried in Jinyoung’s face. “You’re too soft-hearted, Jinyoung-ah.” The redhead lets go but wasn’t satisfied until he shoved his best friend a little, earning laughter from the two youngest. “You lucky Jinyoung’s a nice person.”

 

“God, bless me,” Jackson clasped his hands together and closed his eyes in prayer. “Jinyoung-ssi, please, teach our Markie the righteous ways.”

 

“Just Jinyoung is fine. No need to sound that formal.”

 

Bambam grinned, “Then can we also call you ‘hyung’?”

 

Nodding, Jinyoung responded with a smile, “Of course.”

 

“Nice~” Yugyeom made a fist pumped at the air, “We’ve all been wanting to since forever!”

 

Mark just shook his head, already tired from his group of shameless friends. Jinyoung looked at everyone amusingly and turned to Mark. “Do you always talk about me?”

 

That caught Mark off-guard. Quickly, his cheeks turned red as he tried to avert his eyes elsewhere, “I… I-”

 

“Trust me, hyung,” Bambam giggled, “Your name is the only thing Mark-hyung repeats more than ten times a day.”

 

“Yeah, Mark-hyung legit talks about you all the time. Even more this year since you’re both in the same class.”

 

“Gave him reasons to talk about you and sound less like a stalker, because before, Mark totally sounded like a creep.”

 

“I can’t believe you all going to expose me like this,” Mark sighed and facepalmed, wondering why and how he’s stuck with these heartless people.

 

Jinyoung smiled and looked down, a little streak of crimson jogged over his face. His heart suddenly picked up its speed. He looked over at Mark and bit his lip, “That’s actually… Actually… Quite flattering, Mark. Thank you.”

 

“W-what… What a-are you saying…” By now, Mark’s face was nowhere to be found; it all blended in with the color of his hair.

 

The three bystanders couldn’t help but giggled and smirked at the couple. It’s a rare sight to see their friend, who’s usually this cool and awesome basketball captain, succumbed under just some words from his crush. They realized how much had Park Jinyoung affected their dear friend.

 

“Mark-” Jackson called but only to be cut by angry voices approaching their table.

 

“Youngjae, why the are you acting like this?! Talk to me so I can know goddamnit!” Jaebum growled, fists balling and face red with controlled rage.

 

Youngjae stopped walking and turned around, facing his boyfriend, “I already said it’s nothing! Stop bothering me!” Then he turned back around and began walking again in a very fast pace, taking advantages of all those running that he had done everyday as part of training to strengthen his legs and polished his speed.

 

Jaebum wasn’t too far behind. He caught up and grabbed Youngjae’s wrist, forcing the other to turned back to him, “Stop ing lying! Something’s wrong and you’re not telling me. You have to tell me, Youngjae-ah. I’m trying to work this-”

 

“I’ve already told you! Nothing’s-”

 

“Enough! I know you’re lying! Tell me what the is wrong!” Jaebum yelled, making Yougjae flinched back a bit at the volume but still stood his ground.

 

Jinyoung looked over at Mark with a concerned frown, “Are they okay?”

 

Mark just sighed, “They’ll be okay. They just need to talk.”

 

“But it seems like Youngjae-ssi doesn’t want to?”

 

“Look, Jinyoungie,” Mark smiled, “Those two are the ones I’ve always been jealous of because of how sweet their relationships are with one another. They’ll be fine.”

 

Jinyoung decided to take Mark’s words on that, but he couldn’t help but felt worried as he watched the couple screaming over each other. It seemed pretty serious.

 

Jaebum ran a hand through his hair in frustration, “If this is about Suzy then-”

 

“Of course it’s about Suzy!” Youngjae shouted.

 

A moment of silence passed through them. They stood there, staring at each other for God knows how long. Jaebum broke the stare first and sighed. He closed the distance between them and took Youngjae’s hands into his. “I’ve already told you. There’s nothing for you to worry about. Youngjae, you know I only love you.”

 

“Nothing?” Youngjae questioned, hints of annoyance laced his usual cheerful voice, “How could it be nothing when you’re ing sleeping in the same tent as your ing ex-girlfriend, Im Jaebum?!”

 

“You’re being ridiculous,” Jaebum shook his head, “There’s really nothing. And there are teachers to monitor us. Stop thinking so much-”

 

“This isn’t fair!”

 

“What-”

 

“You get jealous all the time so why can’t I?!” After saying that, the soccer captain regretted it. One, his face was now probably the color of that cherry tomato that Bambam’s refusing to eat. Two, the look on Jaebum’s face is worrisome.

 

“Oh. So you were jealous, not worried?”

 

“Jae-”

 

The bad boy tried to hold in his laugh. He really did. But it left him anyways. Still holding onto his lover’s hands, Jaebum’s eyes disappeared into crescents as he laughed wholeheartedly. Youngjae wanted to dig a hole and buried himself in it.

 

“S-stop laughing! It’s not fun-funny!” Ripping his hands from Jaebum’s grasps, Youngjae annoyingly stormed back to the table. Jaebum followed but didn’t stopped laughing.

 

Mark nudged Jinyoung’s arm, “What did I told you? They’re always like that. Don’t worry. And it’s good to see Youngjae’s jealous, because that only happen during a blue moon. Can’t you tell how happy Jaebum is right now?”

 

Jinyoung brought his attention back to the couple. Mark was right. Jinyoung had never seen the cold bad boy smiled this wide before. Jaebum was known to be intimidating, but the fact that Youngjae could make someone like Jaebum smiled like that is pretty fascinating to the nerd.

 

He doesn’t know why, but he felt a lot better now that he sees those two back together again. It’s like that relief washed over when you sees your friends, the ones you really cares for, get along again. Although Jinyoung doesn’t know for sure if they considered him as that special of a friend, he still felt a lot lighter seeing Jaebum and Youngjae all cuddly again. It’s Jinyoung’s first time being surrounded by so many welcoming people, so he might be overdramatic, but he likes it already.

 

“Come on, Jae-ah~” Jaebum cooed, still smirking viciously, “You know what’s between Suzy and I happened a long time ago, and now I’ve got you, I don’t need her. Stop being this way.”

 

“Leave me alone,” Youngjae pouted, arms crossed against his chest and cheeks burning red, “I don’t want to talk to you. Jackson-hyung, get this parasite off of me, please.”

 

Jackson quirked an eyebrow, “Um, excuse you, I ain’t yo maid.”

 

Jaebum wrapped his arms around his boyfriend and smiled against his ear, “You missed me already? Want me to come and sleep with you instead?”

 

“What are you-” Youngjae tried to wiggled out of Jaebum’s hold but no luck.

 

“That’ll be great! Sana won’t have to sleep with you and I won’t have to worry that you two-”

 

At this, Youngjae turned around, facing Jaebum, anger bred upon his eyes, “What does Sana has to do with this?”

 

Jaebum scoffed, “So you’re reacting all defensive when I mentioned Sana and then getting upset with me about Suzy? How does that-”

 

Yugyeom sipped on his apple juice, “Here we go again.”

 

“Well, Im Jaebum-ssi-”

 

“Don’t call me that-”

 

“-Sana isn't my ex. Sana isn't the girl I’ve ed back during Freshmen year. So-”

 

“Youngjae.”

 

“What?” The soccer captain snapped.

 

Jinyoung flinched. Mark noticed and puts a hand on his partner’s shoulder.

 

Jaebum sighed, “Why are you so insecure about Suzy? She has a boyfriend for ’s sake and I love you not her.”

 

No words were exchanged for a while. The table was drowning in silence as Youngjae’s eyes softened and ached with so much emotion. Finally, he spoke up, “I know. I know you love me. I love you, too. But it’s just… I just…” Youngjae sighed and laid his head on the cold surface of the wood, “Just… Why aren’t we in the same year, Jaebum-ah? We could have been teamed together…”

 

Leaning down, Jaebum kissed his sulking boyfriend’s cheek, “This isn’t you, babe. I’m not used to this.” Kissing Youngjae’s cheek again, “But I’m not complaining. It shows you actually cares.”

 

“I always cares, idiot,” Youngjae mumbled, hiding his blushing face behind his hands.

 

Everyone wore the same smile on the face as they watched Jaebum pulling Youngjae up for a hug and a few pecks on Youngjae’s pouting lips. Jinyoung looked away in embarrassment. He heard rumors about how sweet they are but never witnessed it. So seeing Jaebum taking care and coddling Youngjae while the younger returns the same amount of love makes Jinyoung wants to hide away, melting at their cuteness. Now he knows why Mark envied them so much.

 

“That could be us,” Mark suddenly whispered into Jinyoung’s ear, “If you aren’t playing hard-to-get.”

 

The tip of Jinyoung’s ears turned bright red as his body radiated heat. He felt hot even though the early morning’s weather was blessed with chilly winds. He heard Mark chuckling before feeling something heavy draping over his shoulders. Jinyoung glanced back at his partner. Mark just smiled, “You seemed cold. Use my jacket for a bit.”

 

“Thank you…” Jinyoung looked down, finding the wood material of the table incredibly interesting.

 

“Anything for you,” Mark said, sincerity laid itself on those promising words. “As long as I can be by your side, I’ll do anything.”

 

 

 

 

%%%

 

 

 

 

“Mark, come here!”

 

Abandoning whatever he was doing, Mark hurried over to Jinyoung’s side. “Yeah? Did you need anything?”

 

Jinyoung shook his head, “Here,” he held a bandana in his hand and reached up to wiped away the sweat on his partner’s forehead, “Rest for a bit.”

 

Mark looked down at Jinyoung, unsure of what to do. None of his friends had told him what to do when your crush suddenly wiping away your sweat. So Mark just bent his knees so Jinyoung didn’t have to reach so far and tired his arm. Jinyoung laughed, “You could sit you know. Here, come sit next to me.” He scooted over, leaving space for Mark.

 

The redhead nodded and sat down obediently. Jinyoung continued wiping Mark’s face. After he was done, Jinyoung reached into their supply bag and took out a water bottle and a wrapped sandwich. He handed to Mark, who accepted with a “thank you” while smiling brightly.

 

Jinyoung watched Mark munched on the sandwich, occasionally reaching over with a napkin to wipe the redhead’s mouth. Jinyoung didn’t why he became like this, but he just thought how much he cares. It embarrassed him of course, but he wasn’t planning on displaying it.

 

“Have you eaten?” Mark asked, wiping his hands with the napkin Jinyoung had gave him.

 

Jinyoung nodded, “Are you going to go back to look for it?”

 

“Yeah, stay here. I got this,” Mark winked and dashed off to where he was just minutes ago. “And thank you, Jinyoung-ah! You’re so sweet!”

 

Okay, that undeniably made the nerd blushed hard. Jinyoung craned his neck, trying to catch a glimpse of his partner. But all he could was a nest of fiery red hair behind a big boulder. Jinyoung pouted, wanting to go over there to help as well, but Mark had insisted him to stay seated here instead.

 

They’ve been searching for such a long time. Jinyoung dug into the bag and took out a watch. The time read one thirty-two. It’s been almost three hours since their mission was given out. In another five they would have to report back with their mission completed in order to gain points. Jinyoung sighed, “This mission is stupid.”

 

“JINYOUNG!”

 

Mark’s scream got Jinyoung up to his feet in a flash and bolted down towards the boulder. “What is it? Are you hurt?” Jinyoung did a quick scan over his partner’s body.

 

The basketball captain just grinned like a child succeeding his first recite of the alphabets, “I’ve found it! See? Look!” The redhead jumped up and down excitedly as his eyes sparkled under the sunlight, pleading at Jinyoung as if waiting for praise.

 

Jinyoung took the piece of folded origami from Mark’s hand and gifted his partner a smile, “Of course you would! I knew you could!”

 

“Open it! Open it!”

 

Carefully unfolding the origami piece, Jinyoung noticed how close they were. He kept himself calm and ignored that fluttering feeling. When he could finally get the paper to unfold, Jinyoung sighed, he turned the paper to the right side and read,

 

“Winds blow peacefully.

Greens danced gracefully.

Upon a height, where the world could be seen,

A thousand miles of nothing but Nature’s greatest beauty.

The Sun would creep up with its teen,

Spreading nothing but the warmest security.

Winds blow peacefully.

Greens danced gracefully.

You and I,

Together,

We’ll conquer the world and its innocent grace.”

 

Mark tilted his head and raised his eyebrow, “Okay, so, um, wh-what?”

 

Jinyoung bit his lip, “Another riddle? Come on, we’ve been through, like, ten of these already in the past three hours!”

 

“Hey,” Mark laughed, finding Jinyoung’s whining ridiculously adorable. “It’s okay! I think this is the last one? The color is different from all the others.”

 

“I’m tired. This is stupid,” Jinyoung sighed, leaning against the boulder, looking absolutely defeated.

 

Holding out his hand, Mark smiled, his canines baring attractively, making Jinyoung blushed just from taking a tiny glance, “Come on, you’re super smart! We’ll figure out in no time!”

 

Hesitating, Jinyoung honestly didn’t want to go anymore. His introverted self gnawing at his own flesh, begging him to stay in the shade or sit somewhere and enjoy a book rather than moving around actively like this. But who could resist such a charming smile? Jinyoung exhaled and nodded, slipping his hand into Mark’s.

 

They made their way back up, hand-in-hand, each have his own heart but feeling the same. Mark swung their hands lightly, humming to a random tune, nodding with a cheerful smile waltzing on his lips. Jinyoung cleared his throat and asked, “So what do you think?”

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“About the riddle. What do you think?”

 

Mark wanted to laugh, because why would someone like Jinyoung ask him something like that? He would be the last person to ask about the answer to a riddle that made no sense to him whatsoever. The redhead shrugged, “I don’t know. I don’t understand it. Not really.”

 

Jinyoung frowned, obviously frustrated, “But I also don’t know.”

 

Immediately, Mark apologized, “I’m so sorry!”

 

“What for?”

 

“I’m so sorry for not being able to help… God, I swear I’m so stupid.”

 

Pulling on Mark’s hand, Jinyoung shot the redhead a warning glare. “What did I said? You’re not stupid.”

 

“Just slow?”

 

“No!”

 

Mark burst out laughing, “It’s okay. You don’t have to be nice.”

 

“I’ll leave right now if you keep that up.”

 

“Okay, okay, okay, I’m sorry. I’ll just shut up now.”

 

The wind picked up its speed as the two stayed in silence. Trees and flowers around them swayed with the rhythm of the nonchalant song played by the breezes. Mark squeezed Jinyoung’s hand for no particular reason at all. He just wanted to know that this is real and not a dream. Jinyoung looked over with tinted cheeks, unknowingly finding comfort in the redhead’s protective hand. The feeling of having each other’s warmth took time away from them. The mission was long forgotten. Mark was just leading Jinyoung through fields and fields of blooming flowers.

 

Mark said, “Hold on tight, I don’t want to lose you again.”

 

Jinyoung snapped out of his thoughts and looked up in confusion, “H-huh?”

 

“I can’t tell which one’s flowers and which one’s you,” Mark whispered into Jinyoung’s ear.

 

Flinching away at the sudden hot breath fanning over his ear, Jinyoung couldn’t help the reaction of his body as blood rushed all over his face. “Y-you al-always whispering weird things in my-my ear…”

 

Mark just smirked, “I could do a lot more, but you’ll probably won’t like.”

 

“What…”

 

“Hmm?”

 

“What m-more could you do…?”

 

Jinyoung’s timid question stopped Mark’s track. Mark’s face changed for a touch of a second before his signature smile grazed his lips again, “A lot more,” he answered, confidence wrapping around his body like a second skin.

 

“Like what…?”

 

“You’re really doing this, are you?”

 

If Jinyoung had his notebook with him right now, he’ll definitely write down ‘digging his own grave’ to be one of his specialties. “I don’t understand…”

 

Before another second ticked by, before another flower petal fell off from its crown, before the trees could continue gossiping through the winds, Mark closed the gap between them. He leaned in. Leaned in until his lips gently touched soft skin. And when it did, a million butterflies escaped their nests. When Mark pulled away, eyes opening slowly, a perfect smile planted on his lips, Jinyoung’s world froze over.

 

Jinyoung’s hand reached up to touch his cheek, the cheek that was harassed by those soft lips just seconds ago.“Y-you… You k-kissed me-me…”

 

Mark chuckled, “Yes, I did. Just so you know, I could a lot more than that, too.”

 

“M-Mark… You…” Jinyoung still couldn’t believe what had happened. His fingertips grazing over that same spot over and over again as if trying to soak in the sudden attack just now. “H-how-”

 

“Jinyoung! Look!”

 

The enthusiasm in his partner’s voice made Jinyoung forget what he was about to say next. His eyes followed where Mark’s finger was pointing. A cliff laid ahead of them. Jinyoung squinted his eyes and tilted his head. What’s the meaning of Mark’s excitement? What was he trying to point out?

 

“Jinyoung,” Mark said, voice calm and soothing to Jinyoung’s ears, “I don’t think this is right, but it’s worth a try since you’re also stuck…”

 

“What?” Jinyoung’s full attention diverted back to Mark, “What is it? What did you found out?”

 

“That cliff,” Mark pointed, “Isn’t that it? I mean… It’s very high up there. You basically could see everything from there. And there’s winds. And there’s greens everywhere, the trees, grasses. A-and from up there, we could see the sun setting!”

 

The smile painted on Jinyoung’s face was blinding. “I knew it! I knew it!” His eyes crinkled adorably as he smiled wide.

 

Mark flustered, seeing too many beautiful things all at once resulted to be too overwhelming for him. “W-what-”

 

“Mark! You’ve figured it out! You did it! You solved it all by yourself!” Jinyoung lets go of Mark’s hand and pulled him in for a hug. “See? You’re not stupid or useless! You’re awesome!”

 

A content sigh escaped the redhead’s lips as he returned the hug, “Wow… Am I really that dumb?”

 

“What?”

 

“I mean your reaction is kind of…”

 

Jinyoung pulled his face away from Mark’s shoulder and looked down at their position. Jinyoung has his arms around Mark’s neck. And Mark has his arms around Jinyoung’s waist. Blinking a couple of times, realization damned upon the nerd. Quickly pulling away, Jinyoung coughed awkwardly. “Sorry… I didn’t mean…”

 

“It’s all right. If this is what I get for getting correct answers, then I’ll glad be correct all the time,” the redhead playfully wiggled his eyebrows in a suggestive manner, earning himself a hit on his chest from a very embarrassed Jinyoung. “I’m just kidding! But do you think I could be a doctor now with the new knowledge I just found?”

 

“Erm… Well, not really…” Jinyoung tried to find the right wordings that wouldn’t hurt his partner’s feelings.

 

The redhead laughed, “I know. Med school is hard.”

 

“I could help you, if you want,” Jinyoung offered shyly, rubbing the back of his neck as his eyes casted down to the colorful flowers below.

 

A nice breeze flew by as Mark reached out to take a hold of Jinyoung’s hand again, “Thank you. I’d love that.”

 

The tingling feeling that’s settling at the bottom of Jinyoung’s stomach won’t go away. No matter how much Jinyoung tried to waved it off. It won’t leave him alone. Instead, it just grew more vigorously every time Mark touched him. “Okay…” He replied quietly.

 

“But let’s go now,” Mark said with a smile that Jinyoung was sure even the sun would get jealous of. “Remember we’re the representatives. We have to win this for our class.”

 

“Yeah, let’s go-”

 

Those lips landed on Jinyoung’s cheek again, “And most importantly, I want to impress you,” Mark whispered as the wind’s melody rippled through a field of vibrant dancing colors.

 

 

 

 

%%%

 

 

 

 

The prints didn’t seem to be so captivating to Jinyoung anymore. He sighed for the fourth time since starting that page. He exhaled softly and started from the top again, determined that he’ll get through at least this paragraph before having to reread because he wasn’t paying attention. Though, of course, he ended up rereading for, probably, the eighth time now.

 

Why is he feeling this way?

 

Jinyoung closed his eyes.

 

In a snap of a finger, memories came flooding in.

 

 

They were on that cliff. The outstretched beauty of Nature laid, , and exposed in front of them. It was breathtaking.

 

Mark looked up to the tree with leaves stained green and bark fledged a beautiful hazel. Upon the tree tied a waving red scarf, as red and deep and profound as the color of Mark’s hair.

 

Jinyoung smiled, proudness expressed on his gentle face. They looked at each other, grinning and, in that moment, forgetting where they were or what they were supposed to do. All they could see were the sparkles in each other’s eyes as the sunlight shone through.

 

“I’ll get it,” Jinyoung said, “You’ve done a lot today. I’ll do it this time.”

 

Mark couldn’t object, because Jinyoung had already made his way towards the tree. It’s funny how he felt no pain, even though the injury from yesterday hasn’t fully healed. It’s funny how he felt no worries, no fear, but the only feeling erupted within him was pure happiness. Jinyoung would never have thought.

 

“B-be careful!” Mark had said.

 

Climbing the tree wasn’t the problem. Untying the scarf wasn’t a problem. Jinyoung found ease in doing them all. He had no problem. But Mark was very worried. And so when Jinyoung happened to missed a step as he was climbing down, Mark panicked.

 

Jinyoung didn’t mind it. If he fell, it wouldn’t be that bad. The tree wasn’t that tall. Based on physics, Jinyoung would be fine with no serious injuries. But Mark didn’t thought so.

 

The fall was short, but Jinyoung didn’t landed on the ground like he had calculated. But he did land somewhere.

 

He found himself in Mark’s arms when he opened his eyes.

 

He wouldn’t call it awkward, because it wasn’t.

 

The stare they shared through the callings of the winds, through the glory of defined Nature’s beauty, through the vast of angelic voices of the mid-autumn breezes, through the shy giggles of the fresh air wrapping around them, knocked on the doors to their beating hearts.

 

Jinyoung wouldn’t call it awkward.

 

“I told you to be careful!” Mark looked upset. “Do you know how dangerous it is? You should have let me get it instead! You’re still haven’t fully recovered from yesterday. Sit still and stop making me worry so much. If anything… If anything happens to you, I won’t be able to forgive myself. So please-”

 

Maybe because it’s the heat of the moment.

 

Maybe because the calming atmosphere acted as an encouragement.

 

Maybe because it’s the loving look in Mark’s eyes.

 

Or maybe because Jinyoung was falling faster than he had thought he would.

 

And maybe because Jinyoung didn’t want Mark to look so upset and stressed out because of him.

 

And maybe…

 

Maybe…

 

No.

 

There’s no ‘maybe.’

 

Mark’s words left Jinyoung’s ears when Jinyoung had closed that unbearable distance between them and brought their lips together.

 

It was innocent.

 

It was embarrassing.

 

But did Jinyoung regret it?

 

No.

 

Not in that moment.

 

Not when the winds blow peacefully and greens danced gracefully.

 

 

Jinyoung hit his head with the hardcover of his book. The shame clawed at his throat as he grabbed his pillow and pressed a frustrated scream against it. After that eventful scene, not only did Mark not talked to him at all, but the redhead seemed to disappeared as soon as the both of them made it back to the campsite with the scarf and successfully recorded their points. Jinyoung was confused when he turned around and his partner was nowhere to be seen, but he came to understand.

 

“Argh! I’m so stupid!” Jinyoung pouted, beating himself up mentally, “Why did I kissed him?!” His rosy cheeks weren’t making the situation any better.

 

Sighing heavily, Jinyoung abandoned his book and lay down, hugging his pillow against his chest. He thought about it. He thought about it a lot, actually. After it happened, that was the only thing Jinyoung could think about. It bothered him for the rest of the day.

 

Reaching up to touch his lips, Jinyoung’s face grew redder. Immediately, he turned to his side with both hands covering his face and whined, “You’re crazy, Park Jinyoung!”

 

He squirmed and kicked his legs in embarrassment over something he did himself. Jinyoung didn’t stopped struggling with his newfound stupidity until another fit with himself over how crazy he’s becoming.

 

Jinyoung turned to lie on his back, hands plopped to his sides, as he sighed. “Great. Now Mark won’t talk to me… Where did he go…” Jinyoung pouted, “It’s going to be bedtime soon…”

 

He lay there. Staring up at the ceiling of the tent, counting sheep as he tried his best to stay awake. He was worried, but there’s not much he could do. He just hoped Mark would come back to their tent safely.

 

The alarm blared loudly throughout the campsite, probably wrecking a couple of kids’ eardrums in the process. Jinyoung tugged on his blanket as his pout grew. Was it that bad that Mark didn’t want to see him anymore? For some reason, Jinyoung felt sad. And hurt.

 

Yet, he still decided to stay awake for Mark.

 

But the redhead never came back.

 

Jinyoung was tired.

 

But above everything else, Jinyoung just pitied himself for believing in so many things.