typos

The world seemed to stop as Jinyoung and Jaebum looked at each other. Jinyoung wanted to walk towards him and do something that’s as painful as how he left Jinyoung hanging few years ago. He wanted to be mad. He wanted to yell or maybe a simple slap might do, but he just can’t. After all, he already forgave Jaebum. His knees stiffened as all the feelings inside Jinyoung’s heart instantly got jumbled.  It’s not that the old feelings are rushing back; it’s just that Jinyoung wasn’t expecting to see the man that shattered his heart and lived like nothing happened.

Mark felt anxious for no reason. The urge of pulling Jinyoung away from the situation was really strong. But he can’t just do it. He’s not in the place to do it. He was tightly gripping on the basket as he watched the two with a heavy heart. His throat seemed to dry and not a single word can be produced.

“Hey.” Jaebum broke the silence and Mark can see the way he looked at Jinyoung; it was filled with longing.

Jinyoung gulped as he tried to calm down but nothing changed. “Hi.”

And without any warning, Mark spoke. “J-Jinyoung…We have to go.” Mark hated the fact that he needs to tell a lie. Of course he wanted Jinyoung to spend a little more time with an old friend but what if Jinyoung realizes that his feelings for Jaebum were still there? Sadly, all his words happened to be inaudible for the two. Both of them are searching for the right words as they awkwardly stand facing each other. “It was nice to see you again.” Jaebum spoke with a slight joy in his words.

Jinyoung nervously smiled and nodded. “Same here.”

“Nyoung, we still have a model to finish!”

Jinyoung turned around and saw Mark; he was lightly shaking and it was too obvious that there’s something wrong. Maybe going home was the best option at that point. He looked back at Jaebum and tried to give a delicate beam. “We have to go. Bye.” He bowed and turned his back on Jaebum without even waiting for his reply. It’s impolite but things are getting worse each passing second. Mark dragged Jinyoung towards the counter as they paid for the items. His heart was beating way to fast and he knew that acting this way in front if Jinyoung is very weird.

After getting all the stuff needed, the two went back to the car without any words spoken. Jinyoung’s mind was blank. He can barely think after all that happened. Jaebum always remained as a pleasant memory. A reminder that once in his life, he got hurt by someone whom he trusted the most. It was just confusing how all the things turned out. The car started moving when Mark made the move and talked. “You okay?” he asked after seeing how Jinyoung rested his head on the glass window with his eyes closed.

Jinyoung stayed still but he nodded. “Yeah. Just sleepy.” He murmured.  Mark tried to focus on his driving. Of course, Jinyoung would say that he’s fine although Mark can feel that he’s not. Most of the people do that; saying that they’re fine, that nothing’s wrong and they’re just tired but in reality, they’re breaking.  He wanted to hug Jinyoung and allow the boy to pour all his troubles. It’s saddening to know that Jinyoung’s undergoing a new level of pain just by seeing Jaebum randomly.

It was too risky to ask about it but due to his undying curiosity, Mark gave it a try. “Is it because of Jaebum?” he bitterly intrigued.

With his eyes still closed, Jinyoung replied.  He took a very deep breath before speaking. “I’m not sad or angry or what. I was caught off guard. I just don’t know how to react.”

“But I thought your feelings for him were gone?” Mark answered. He tried to act like it’s not bothering him inside. It would be really weird if Jinyoung would see him panicking over that issue. At the moment, Mark would gladly take an ‘of course my feelings were gone’ from Jinyoung and that’s the only response that could make his heart settle in harmony.  He waited patiently and hoped that his nervousness won’t affect his driving.  He can’t let Jinyoung see how tensed he was. He can’t let Jinyoung feel how scared he was. He can’t let Jinyoung know that for the first time in his life, Mark felt really terrified to the point that he wanted to stop the car, step out of it and run towards an unknown place to hide himself.

Jinyoung lifted his head off the window and opened his eyes. “Yes, it’s gone. I convinced myself that those were all gone.” He took a deep breath. For a short while, Mark lost it and he ended up stopping the car at the middle of the empty road. He met Jinyoung’s tired at confused gaze. “I moved on, Mark. No more special feelings left for Jaebum and I’m totally fine with that.” The younger added.

A small smile of relief was shown on Mark’s lips upon hearing those words. “Good for you. You deserve to be happy.” He said before starting the car once again. It feels so great to know that after all that happened that day, Jinyoung managed to remain on his current track and live up to his decisions. They drove back home as Mark allowed Jinyoung to rest for more minutes. No one tried to talk since everything was so exhausting; from the office up until the supplies store.

In less than an hour, they arrived home. As expected, all the lights were now off. Even their dog, Melon, was already peacefully sleeping on its comfy kennel. Mark unbuckled his seatbelt and tapped on Jinyoung’s thigh. “Jinyoung, we’re home.” He called as he turned the engine off. But it seemed like the younger was deeply sleeping. He can’t blame him thought. Jinyoung did a hell of a hard work that day. He did most of the tasks. After few moments, Mark stepped off the car and lifted all the material to place them in their room.

Once he’s done, He went back to the car and carefully carried Jinyoung towards their room as well. Mark gently placed the tired boy on the bed and pulled the blankets over his body. Waking up the younger never crossed his mind. After all, Jinyoung needs some rest. All the model stuff was Mark’s anyway. Jinyoung just volunteered and in fact if he didn’t extend his help, he should be sleeping now. Mark was more than thankful to have Jinyoung with him.

Jinyoung moved a little and curved his body as he grabbed a pillow. He hugged it immediately as Mark swore that he wanted to be that pillow just for a night. The pillow was securely held against Jinyoung’s chest with his face buried on it. Mark wasn’t able to control himself so he decided to watch Jinyoung sleep. How can he be so perfect even when he’s sleeping?  Mark smiled to himself. Finally, he recalled the unfinished work. Without fully knowing it, he planted a soft kiss on Jinyoung’s cheek.  The younger’s cheeks are so soft; his lips might yearn for that same sensation for the coming days.

The next day, Mark went to work and left Jinyoung at home. He brought the physical model and the floor plans that Jinyoung did. Due to tiredness, Jinyoung was still lost in his slumber when Mark went to the office.  Back in the office, the meeting was done. Fortunately, the board members were impressed with the model especially with the floor plans that the younger did. Mark did his best and promised to himself that he’ll make all their efforts count. The entire board gave their congratulatory words to Mark and asked him to send some of their messages to Jinyoung too. Mark was just happy at that moment.

When the meeting ended, Mark got to see his phone. There were a lot of texts from Jinyoung; asking him if he’s fine, if he already ate his lunch and other stuff about the meeting. It bought a huge beam on Mark’s face. He just loved the fact that Jinyoung cares for him. He sat on his chair before removing his coat and replying to all of the messages. He patiently waited for the replies but suddenly, someone went inside his office.

“I guess this calls for a small celebration, dude.” His best friend, Jackson, cheered. He was holding two bottles of whisky in his left hand and two glasses with some ice in the other. Jackson’s dad is a board member of the company and his father’s close friend that’s why their friendship started way back pre-school days. Their personalities were somehow contrasting. But despite of this, they still established a very strong friendship. They both studied in L.A. but they took different courses as Mark took business administration and Jackson took advertising. Jackson is from Hong Kong but their nationalities never became a barrier.

Mark beamed as the Hong Kong native went close, putting the bottles and the glasses on the table. “You did well! How’d you do that?” he added after sitting on the chair across the table. Mark sat as well. He took the liquor by his hand and poured some on both of the glasses; filling them up. Mark took a sip and let out a deep breath. “Jinyoung made everything. Well, almost everything.” The boy replied as Jackson did the same.

“Where’s Jinyoung?” He intrigued.

Mark took gulped. “At home. I asked him to rest. He’s physically, mentally and emotionally stressed.”

Jackson widens his eyes. “How’d you know?”

“Although he’s living a good life right now, he still misses his brother so much. He usually calls his brother but the call wouldn’t last for too long since Youngjae’s too busy with school. He misses his parents. Last night, he did the floor plans and my physical model. And he saw the man who gave him his first heartbreak.”

Jackson noticed how Mark’s vibrant face got dull at the last part of his statement. He understands that Mark feels bad for Jinyoung because he needs to turn his back on his past life and start another one with another batch of people that he doesn’t even know.  But Mark never cared this much for someone. He’s pretty certain about that.  “Do you like him?” Jackson blurted out all of a sudden, making Mark spit some of the whiskey. Mark wiped of some off the table as he listened to Jackson’s annoying laugh.

Mark rolled his eyes. “Of course! We’re friends and --”

“Shut the hell up and tell me the truth.”

Mark loosened his tie and reclined on his chair. “I don’t know.” He answered looking the ice cubes slowly melting and blending with the drink. Jackson smiled to himself. Another job well done. Despite of Jackson’s easy go lucky attitude, he’s really is a reliable friend. For years, he waited for Mark to talk about this topic; about liking someone. But it seems like no one got his attention like how Jinyoung did. “What happened last night between Jinyoung and his first love?”

Mark cleared his throat and managed to make another sip on his whiskey. His heart was caving in with every thought. “They greeted each other and Jinyoung…he’s shocked I guess. I asked him about it but he clarified that he’s no longer feeling anything special for Jaebum.” Mark spoke in a very tender tone. Jackson liked how all the things played out; the atmosphere inside the room, the drinks and even the way Mark speaks, it’s from his heart.

“What if Jaebum wants to try it again with Jinyoung? I mean, who knows Jinyoung’s open for second chances.”

And those were all the needed words for Mark to finally step out of his comfort zone and defend his side. This is the part that Jackson was anticipating the most.  “Last night, all I wanted was to pull Jinyoung away and take him home. Hug him to sleep and never let him go. It hurts to see him like that. I know that after all, he’s still in pain because of Jaebum.” Mark admitted. All that left his mouth were utter truth.

Jackson kept his sly smile. “Answer me. Would you let Jaebum and Jinyoung begin again?”

“No. I’m scared that he might hurt Jinyoung again. Besides, I don’t think this is the right time for him to love again.” Mark countered. Jackson knew that there’s a part of Mark that keeps on halting him from saying his real feelings. There’s something that’s pulling him back and Jackson wants him to release it. After all, you can’t lie to yourself and believe it at the same time; that’s plain stupidity.

Jackson poured more on his glass. “You can’t control Jinyoung’s feelings.” He snorted. Mark agreed. It scared him a little. “All I’m saying is that Jaebum isn’t the right man for him!” Mark replied, his voice slightly rising as his heart raged badly. Jackson laughed again. “What if I like Jinyoung? Would that be fine for you? Will you let me date him?” the younger asked, moving closer to Mark.

Mark widens his eyes and placed the glass back on the table. “N-no!”

Jackson smirked. “See? You don’t want to see him with someone else because you want him for yourself. You like him, Mark. Just admit it.”

And maybe Jackson was right from the very beginning. All the uncertain feelings are now clear. Everything that he felt for Jinyoung isn’t just pity or a small act of thoughtfulness.  It all happened naturally because deep down his deepest core, Mark likes Jinyoung so much more than anyone could imagine. Mark sighed, followed by a subtle smile. Now, he’s sure that he’s into Jinyoung.

He reached for his phone. It’s getting late and he wanted to hear Jinyoung’s voice. He dialled his number. After few seconds of waiting, the line was busy. He tried again, still it was busy. Jackson stared at Mark with a somehow worried expression. “Maybe he’s talking to Youngjae.” Mark said, trying to keep positive and swatting the idea of Jinyoung talking to someone else.

Just to be sure, Mark called Youngjae. He waited for a while but with all his surprise, the phone rang and Youngjae answered. “Mark hyung?” The younger said on the other line.

“Yes, Youngjae. Are you talking to Jinyoung earlier?” Mark nervously asked. He stood up and begun walking from side to side. 

“Nope. But he kept on sending me messages. Why?” Youngjae responded.

Mark froze. “O-oh. Nothing. Anyway, Thank you Youngjae.” And the call ended after they bid goodbye. Jackson eyed Mark as the elder sat back on his chair with a very indefinable expression. “Paranoid?” he asked, controlling his laugh. Mark furrowed his brows and in less than a minute, Mark received a message.  

From; Jinyoung

I accidentally dropped my phone that’s why it’s not functioning properly. I missed your call. I’m sorry! ^^

Mark beamed to himself. “Of course not!”

“Defensive it is.”

Mark was calmly driving home when his phone suddenly buzzed. He picked it up and immediately answered it. “Hello?” he said. A familiar voice from the other line was heard. “Mark.” Jinyoung called. His voice was so weary and it was obvious that he’s troubled. Mark slowed down and settled on the busier lane of the road. “Are you okay? It’s almost 12 in the midnight. Why are you still up?” Mark intrigued.

“I can’t…” Jinyoung yawned. “…sleep.”

Mark smiled to himself. Jinyoung’s voice sounds so damn good. “Wait for me, okay?” and Jinyoung mumbled a low ‘okay’ before hanging up. At least Jinyoung would wait for him no matter what. He speeded up again, rushing to get home and spend more time with Jinyoung.

When Mark got home, he instantly went to the younger’s room. Jinyoung was back in his own room that’s why he can’t sleep. He saw Jinyoung, facing the other side and tightly hugging a pillow. He waited for Mark long enough that he already fell asleep. Mark got rid of all his clothing except his shorts and his tank top. He can’t let Jinyoung sleep alone cause he’s sure that he’ll miss everything about Jinyoung; the cuddling and all the heart fluttering things that they do before sleeping.

Mark gently slipped himself beside Jinyoung, removing the pillow and throwing it somewhere. With all his surprise, Jinyoung snuggled closer. Mark blushed as he wrapped an arm around the younger. All the fatigue inside Mark’s body seemed to disappear. They remained silent. Jinyoung has his eyes closed and limbs wrapped around Mark while the other does the same. It’s just that Mark’s other hand was playing with Jinyoung’s hair. They’re too soft and irresistible. “You smell like whiskey. Are you drunk?” Jinyoung spoke sleepily, his face buried on Mark’s neck.

Mark shook his head. “Nope. I drank but I’m not drunk.” He muttered. Jinyoung chuckled lightly. “Are you going to sleep beside me?” he asked, earning a nod from the elder. Jinyoung giggle again but this time, it’s more tuned down. “Why?” Mark questioned, turning more to finally get a glimpse of Jinyoung’s ever so alluring façade. Jinyoung just smiled before opening his eyes. “You missed me. Admit it.” he playfully said.

Mark’s blush got bloomed even more. “Yup. I missed you.” He shyly admitted.

“I missed you too.”

And Jinyoung drifted back to sleep with that vibrant smile on his face. Waking up for a couple of minutes wasn’t a bad idea after all. After hearing those words from Mark, it made everything worth it. 

a/n: Hey guys! Sorry for the super late update :( i settled a lot of things for the past week. anyway, feel free to leave all your comments and insights below :) also, i'm getting quite inactive on twitter because i don't have enough time. but i'll be more active when im done w/ all of the stuff that im currently into.:)) HAPPY HOLIDAYS GUYS! STAY SAFE! LOVE Y'ALL! ♥☺