The kiss was soft and comforting in a way that Nayeon wasn’t able to put words into. There weren’t any fireworks kind of feeling like the first time Jinyoung kissed her either. It wasn’t like the movies; that kiss was formal and mechanical.

Suddenly, Mark pushed away almost as if he got burned. He stood up immediately, turning away from Nayeon with a hand in his pocket as he brushed his hair back in frustration, mentally cursing at himself.

“I’m sorry.” That apology came out as a quiet mutter but Mark’s back was still facing an equally flustered Nayeon who had her face covered by her long hair. She kept her gaze on the ground, not knowing how to react.

It was silent again and this time, for the first time in forever, the silence was awkward. No one knew what to say. Mark still had his back facing Nayeon; Nayeon’s grip on the swing’s chain got a lot tighter. After what seemed to be a long uncomfortable moment, Nayeon stood up and muttered quietly.

“I… I will be going first.”

Mark didn’t reply, neither did he insist on sending her back like how he used to. He merely gave her a light nod, sneaking a glance at her back to make sure that she’s alright.

“Damn you, Mark. What have you done?” He finally cursed out loud, kicking against the bottom of the slide in front of him.

Nayeon half ran, half walked away from the playground. After a distance away from it, she paused for a moment and messed up her hair, groaning quietly to herself, which got her a few weird glances from the people who’re on the same sidewalk.

For some odd reason, Jinyoung was nowhere to be seen at that point of time. However, that didn’t came across her mind; instead, she was still thinking about what happened. It felt surreal but she knew that it did happened. Getting more and more frustrated, Nayeon let out a loud groan, shaking her head eagerly as if she’s trying to get the thoughts out from her mind. She stomped on her two feet briefly before she walked home again.

She had wanted to sneak in, not wanting Jeongyeon to see her in such a flustered state. But heaven’s definitely not on her side. Jeongyeon walked out from the kitchen, with her working glasses on and a mug in her hand.

“Where’s Mark?” That was the first question that Nayeon got from her, “Wasn’t he together with you?”

Nayeon cleared , getting flustered again.

“I don’t know.” She muttered out the first three words that came to her mind, hurrying back into her room with her hair covering her reddening face again.

That night, while everyone’s asleep and when the town was quiet, two people were turning and tossing in bed. The night had always been silent but this time, in the midst of the end of Autumn, the silence was deafening. It was definitely loud enough for both Mark and Nayeon to hear their own thoughts.

Mark turned to his side again, closing his eyes as he continued chanting ‘go to sleep’ repeatedly. He knew that probably wouldn’t work but it’s worth a try; anything to make his thoughts and the memory of what had happened go away. He had tried counting sheep, which definitely didn’t work; it had never worked on him.

He sat up suddenly, messing his hair again then dropped back down onto his bed.

You’re an idiot, Mark Tuan.

Groaning, he kicked his blanket away violently, thrashing on his bed at the same time.

On another apartment certain apartment, Nayeon was equally wide awake. She had been staring at the ceiling with her blanket wrapping around her for at least two hours. It’s not that she hadn’t tried sleeping but everytime she closed her eyes, all she could think of was the kiss. She couldn’t help but remember how warm Mark’s lips were on hers. What made it worse was that, she actually liked it. In her whole life up until now, Jinyoung was the only one who had kissed her. She had never thought that she would like another man’s lips on hers but now, she did.

She blinked at her own thoughts then covered herself up to her head, groaning again.

Stupid brain, why wouldn’t you let me sleep?

Sighing quietly, she grabbed the teddy bear, which was under the blanket with her and hugged it tightly. She couldn’t help but wonder if Mark was feeling the same way as she was.

-

It took him a while but eventually, Mark fell asleep and that was with the help of some quiet music. However, it seemed like even in his dream, the memory haunted him badly.

It was a familiar scene, Nayeon walking on the sidewalk quietly after work and he found himself on the other side, following her quietly. He had been watching her quietly, making sure that the girl would be safe. Thinking that he should give the girl some privacy, he didn’t appear in the café everytime her shift ended. He would just be following her from the side like this, like a knight protecting his princess in a quiet way. Now that he’s watching the scene, he realized that he acted like a creep.

What the hell is happening here?

Mark opened his eyes wide, sitting up on his bed and messed up his already messy hair. What kind of stupid dream is that?

“Awake?”

“Jinyoungie, it’s not mornin-”

There was a silent pause.

Mark blinked, stopping in his actions, as he felt awake completely. He looked up then rubbed his eyes.

Blink again.

“HOLY!”

Jinyoung who’s standing beside Mark’s bed burst into laughter. He knew Mark would get surprise but he wasn’t expecting a scream like this from the man himself.

“Hello?” Jinyoung gave him his signature teasing smile, “Miss me?”

Mark stared at the male standing in front of him, still feeling a little incredulous. What the hell is happening?

“Jin… Jinyoungie?”

“The one and only.” That smile was still plastered on Jinyoung’s face, “Also, it’s almost winter; can you at least wear a shirt to sleep?”

Mark glanced down at his bare upper body then back to Jinyoung again before he quickly grabbed his covers and held it against his body. That action made Jinyoung laugh even more.

“Bro, I’ve seen everything I need to since we were kids.”

There’s still no reply from Mark; he’s still staring at the male in front of him. Jinyoung raised a brow of his then waved a hand in front of Mark.

“You can see me, don’t you?”

Mark lifted his head slightly then rubbed his eyes again, staring at the face of his best friend. The incredulous expression was obvious on his face but, he still managed to utter his next few words out.

“Is this a dream?”

Jinyoung shook his head.

“Then why…”

“You’ve always believed Nayeon, didn’t you?” Jinyoung’s smile got gentler and warmer as compared to the teasing one he had earlier. “I tried to talk to you in your dreams but I guess I was still a rookie ghost. You always wake up before I could actually talk to you.”

“You’re the one who’s haunting my sleep?” Mark pointed his finger at Jinyoung in disbelief, almost blaming him too. “Do you know how messed up I was the next day?”

Jinyoung looked amused at Mark’s words. It’s pretty amazing how he’s taking everything so casually. It was almost like they’re the same again and for a moment, Jinyoung almost forgot that they were actually from two different worlds now, literally.

“I can’t believe that’s the first thing you talk about in this current situation.”

“What were you expecting?”

“Well,” Jinyoung paused for a while, giving Mark another of his cheeky grin. “For one, I was hoping you will let out that girly scream again, like the one earlier.”

“You’re still an .”

Jinyoung chuckled quietly at those words and said nothing, letting the silence of the night take over the room. No one said anything even after a while; it wasn’t awkward either, it’s almost like the both of them were just enjoying the presence of each other after a long time.

“Anyway…” Mark started first but hesitated after.

“You want to ask about that day, right?” Jinyoung whispered, a smile – one that’s filled with sadness – on his face.

It was raining that night but the weather wasn’t enough to dampen Jinyoung’s and Nayeon’s mood. Jinyoung had a hand on the steering wheel while hisother hand held onto Nayeon’s tightly. They were on their way home so they could announce their new relationship status to everyone.

“Ah the weather’s really bad.” Jinyoung muttered quietly, giving Nayeon’s hand a gentle squeeze.

“It’s okay tho,” Nayeon smiled cheekily, “It’s not like they would affect us. Just thinking about those words from you earlier is enough to make me feel like the sun is shining brightly.”

Jinyoung took a brief glance at his fiancée then back onto the road.

“You’re not going to let that off right?”

“Nope.” Nayeon grinned even wider before she leaned her back against the seat again.

The rest of the ride was filled with the soft music coming from the radio as both of them enjoy each other’s presence, their hands still intertwining tightly together. That silence was similar to what others would call it the peace before the storm.

Jinyoung yelling Nayeon’s name was what broke the silence first as the car screeched loudly. Everything happened in a flash; first it was the blinding light then it was the loud honking from the outside.

And before anyone could react, there was a loud crash.

“If I didn’t swerve the car to the other direction, the one alive probably would be me and that thought, I hate it…” Jinyoung muttered, trailing off at the end.

Mark gave no response to what Jinyoung’s had told him. That was what Nayeon meant by it should be her. Jinyoung sacrificed himself for her life and he probably wasn’t thinking then either. Knowing him, Mark knew that it was purely out of instinct.

“You would have done the same, wouldn’t you?”

That question caught Mark’s attention who lifted his head up to look at the Jinyoung again. That question threw him off guard and for that short while, Mark’s mind went blank. But again, he didn’t need to answer that question either. Jinyoung hadn’t meant it as a proper question; in fact it’s most likely a statement.

“You don’t have to say anything and don’t you dare deny it either.” Jinyoung continued, seeing how Mark’s not giving him any response. “After what I’ve shown you in your dreams, are you still going to hide that feelings of yours deep in your heart?”

Again, Mark said nothing.

“You’ve always been protecting her since we were young. You can argue that you’re looking out for all of us but did you not see how your gaze on her is a lot gentler than on any others?”

“Jinyoung, listen-”

“No, you listen.” Jinyoung cut Mark off before he could even come up with excuses again, “Stop being a wuss, you ! Stop thinking about me or how I would feel; I am dead. You better not be denying now, I saw that kiss.”

“You did!?”

“I was actually happy that this best friend of mine had finally found some courage within himself and is finally ready to face his feelings. But,” Jinyoung sighed loudly and shook his head. “You’re such a disappointment.”

“Are you mocking me right now?” Mark let out a quiet scoff and rolled his eyes. However, Jinyoung could definitely tell that Mark’s trying to cover up the fact that he’s embarrassed.

“Are you shy?” Jinyoung being Jinyoung would never let go of a chance like this to tease his best friend but his voice got gentler after. “I’d rather it be you than anyone else.”

“Huh?”

“I’d rather it be you who will take care of Nayeon for the rest of her life than anyone else.” Jinyoung explained, a sincere smile on his face as he looked at Mark. “You will make her happy, I know that. And true, I miss her and sometime, I wished I’m still here with her.

Not knowing anything and having to just accept the farewell, that’s too cruel and painful. But what can we do? I’m done being selfish, Markiepoo. I want both of you to be happy. I need the both of you to be happy.”

“Jinyoungie…” Mark whispered quietly, looking up at the other male in front of him who just gave him a small smile as a response.

-

For the next few days, neither Mark nor Nayeon could find any peace.

Nayeon had been thinking about what happened that day. Weirdly, Jinyoung hadn’t appeared in front of her since that day too. Did he see what happened? Was he mad? However, most of the time, Nayeon was wondering what’s going on in Mark’s head at that moment.

Jeongyeon had asked her about Mark too since she hadn’t been seeing him around lately, which was weird. But all Nayeon did was to change the subject as quickly as possible.

As for Mark, he couldn’t stop thinking about the conversation he had with Jinyoung that night. He had thought that it’s all a dream but the fact that Jinyoung had appeared in front of him a few times with that signature teasing smile of his, Mark knew that it wasn’t a dream at all.

“Hey Jeongyeon.” He greeted the other on the other side of the phone, “Do you need something?”

“Not really…” Though it’s not that obvious, Mark could still hear how she sounded a little hesitant. “I just wanted to ask you something.”

“What is it?”

“You see, I really didn’t want to be a busybody but,” She let out a nervous laughter, “What is going on with you and Nayeon. She had been spacing out a lot lately and whenever I bring you up, she changed the subject completely. Did you guys fight?”

Mark couldn’t help but chuckle at what the other girl had said. The way she worries about Nayeon can be really endearing sometimes.

“I will tell you next time.”

Jeongyeon could only sighed at the other end of the line.

This situation went on for about a week. Occasionally when Jaebum or Bambam visited Nayeon, they were surprised that Mark wasn’t already there. Usually, he would be when it’s almost the end of Nayeon’s shift.

Until one evening, Mark finally decided to heed Jinyoung’s words.

“Nayeon, your friend’s here again.” Nayeon’s shift partner nudged her gently while she’s packing to leave. Nayeon followed her gaze and noticed Mark stepping into the café then towards her.

“Yo.”

---------

this is the second last MAIN chapter, but there will be two more special chapters but my point is, we are really really reaching the end. the long waited markjin "confrontation" finally happened. but it's not exactly a confrontation, i partly wanted to depict the bromance/friendship between them. there has to be some difference between them and with bambam or jaebum. also, let's all give mark a round of applause for finding courage finally!

again, votes and feedbacks are very welcomed! hope you guys enjoyed this chapter!