Chapter Text
It was finally the end of another busy day for Jinyoung at Songdo inc.
Although it was only Thursday, the fact that with every passing moment the weekend was closer eased his tiredness a little. As a normal working man he couldn't wait for the weekend; but his reasons wasn't as any other man's - to take a break from duties and sleep off the busy week. He hoped to finally talk to Mark on the phone, not only through messages as they usually did on the normal week days; he hoped Mark will be less busy and actually reply to his messages, which he didn't do for the past three days. Honestly, Jinyoung was bitter about it, he felt a pang of disappointment whenever he looked at his phone, the blank screen was making him even more paranoid. What if he forgot about him? What if he found someone else? But at the same time, he tried to be understanding. It wasn't like it was only Jinyoung who was working hard, right? Mark is a manager at a prestigious and a thriving cafe in Los Angeles, he has a lot of tasks and duties for which he was responsible for. Jinyoung tried really hard not to be selfish, but at times like this his emotions were bubbling and reaching the surface - though with the remnants of dignity and common sense he erased every word of accusation and plead for him to come back he typed on his phone. Who could blame him, though, Mark was gone for almost 8 weeks now and Jinyoung wanted to see him; or at least hear his voice as much as he could to feed his yearning heart.
After he closed the doors to his office, he rushed to Mr Tuan's; apparently his boss asked for him, just as Youngjae have told him before he left the office for the day. Jinyoung was supposed to meet with his friends at Four Seasons as soon as he finished his work (lately Youngjae and Lisa joined this group also, all the hate Youngjae felt for Jinyoung suddenly withered), but he couldn't turn his boss' (the father of his boyfriend) command, right?
When Jinyoung entered Mr Tuan's office on the other side of the company's hallway, the man was talking on the phone, but gestured to Jinyoung to sit down with a swift motion of his hand. Jinyoung obeyed, flashing him a polite smile, while his insides were churning. After all those weeks, after all those praises the man send toward Jinyoung, the younger still couldn't be relaxed around him.
"I'll look forward to it, goodbye," Mr Tuan said, as he pulled the phone away from his ear, hanging up. He turned to Jinyoung, "Good you haven't left the office yet, because I have a favor to ask of you." He began and Jinyoung tilted his head in confusion, what could that be? "Tomorrow, I was supposed to have a meeting with the representative of the Japanese contractor company to discuss the terms of our collaboration, but unfortunately I won't be able to go. The management board is holding an important meeting on which I must be present, for obvious reasons. So I would like you to go to meet him, since you're working in that department." Mr Tuan explained, and Jinyoung felt the color drained out of his face, as he stared at him, speechless. He had never been thrown on such deep waters by his boss and he wasn't that confident in his capabilities, but could he refuse? Mr Tuan had to detect Jinyoung's doubts, as he chuckled before continuing in a bit firmer tone of voice.
"You don't want to? Is it too difficult for you?"
"No- No, of course I can do it," Jinyoung heard himself say, there wasn't a way to say otherwise.
"That's what I wanted to hear. It's delightful to see your confidence lately."
"Thank you," Jinyoung bowed at the praise, but he hadn't even realized he was getting any more confident in what he was doing, maybe missing Mark and drowning himself in work turned out to be an advantage in at least one sector of his life. Mr Tuan gave him an envelope with documents and the address of the restaurant Jinyoung will have to meet the Japanese representative. Even though Jinyoung was fluent in Japanese, he hasn't used the language in a while, so he'll have to prepare himself for tomorrow. Another reason to not drink today at Four Seasons.
"Thank you, I will do my best,"
"Of course you will. Thank you for your hard work," Mr Tuan said dismissively, but Jinyoung stood rooted in place, maybe Mark was contacted with his family? Maybe his father knows more about Mark's supposed arrival? Jinyoung was tired hearing Mark's "I'll visit you soon," and the younger wanted to know how soon is soon actually?
"Ah, excuse me, Mr Tuan,"
"Yes?"
"Do you know, by any chance… When Mark will come to Korea?" A few months ago asking his father about Mark would be ridiculous, since the two of them were on bad terms, but their relationship is slowly getting better, as Mark told Jinyoung one time. His mother calls him and sometimes she hands the phone to her husband; Mark can't stand the awkwardness of their conversations, but at least there's a progress. Jinyoung's chest fills with warmth, realizing that after all those years of not talking to each other, all those years when Mark's father couldn't accept him, they're trying to fix this, one step at a time, slowly and steadily. He knew that even though Mark seem indifferent about it, Jinyoung noticed how light and soft his voice sounds while the elder is talking about the issue.
"I have no idea. Why are you asking me? Did you two fight?"
"Ah, no, we didn't," He shook his head and bowed, "I'll leave first,"
Jinyoung is going to kick Mark's ass when he'll see him; for all those silent days and the promises he made to come back to him as soon as possible.
"Ah, hyung, you look so pathetic between them," Bambam spoke, his voice was a little muffled by the loud music in the Four Seasons, when Jinyoung felt the vibrations in his pocket. Maybe sitting between the two lovey-dovey couples wasn't such a good idea after all, "Are you some kind of a chaperone? You don't even drink any alcohol!" The younger laughed, and Jinyoung tried so hard no snap at him, his mood was bad enough already and if it's possible it even get worse when he noticed that the vibrations of his phone didn't announce a message from Mark, but from his father.
From: Father
How are you, son? Are you eating well?
Jinyoung's father acts like that for some time now. Since the day everything was revealed, the lies and the truth he was hiding away from Jinyoung just for him to marry Lisa. His father was apologetic and Jinyoung understood that. It wasn't easy for Jinyoung to turn a blind eye to everything his father did to him, almost ruining his future, but he slowly learned to forgive. He was only a human, right? Jinyoung couldn't help, but he felt lonely; there was a time when he missed his mother and even his father, their conversations, the time they spend together on a daily basis when Jinyoung was still working in JR Group. Even if Jinyoung's father hurt him and disappointed him back then, he couldn't bring himself to hate him. His heart acted by itself when it comes to the people he cared about; he was on the right track to forgiving him, he just couldn't face him yet.
He tapped a quick reply stating that's he's okay, when he heard Jackson's cooing voice.
"Don't be too sad, Jinyoung-ah! Mark will come to you soon!"
"Yeah, I know that," Jinyoung said bitterly, after he took a sip of his drink - a carbonated water, "I know he'll come soon, he repeats this phrase every time I ask about it, but it's so vague, so it might as well mean nothing at all,"
"No, this time it's true, he'll come-" Jackson's sentence was repressed by Jaebum's hand pressed to his boyfriend's mouth. He locked his eyes with Jackson, as if the two of them had a wordless conversation between them.
"Oppa, did you two fight or something?" Lisa asked, her voice sounded concerned as she looked at Jinyoung with furrowed brows. Youngjae leaned out slightly to also take a look at him.
"No. We just haven't talked with each other for a few days," Actually, it was almost four days now, Jinyoung sighed.
"He's busy with a lot of things and the time zones are probably a big hurdle, right?" Youngjae asked, earning a nod from Lisa and Jinyoung knew about it the best, honestly, time zones were the worst. Their talking sessions took place at various hours because of it. Even though Jinyoung didn't mind waking up at ridiculous hours, he was happy to hear the sound of Mark's voice, he wasn't sure if he would live like that; a long distance relationship wasn't easy for them at all. "Mark-hyung wouldn't lie to you, if he says he'll be back soon, then he means it. He's just probably having some... inconveniences," He added, to which Jinyoung squinted his eyes, why does it feel like everyone knows more about the matter than Jinyoung? Why do they sound so confident about it?
"Do you miss him that much?" Bambam spoke, as he was polishing the glasses, there wasn't a lot of people on Thursdays, Bambam had time to annoy the shit out of Jinyoung by his stupid remarks.
"Are you serious right now?"
"Yeah, I totally understand you, Jinyoung-ah! I'll miss Jaebum-hyung so much when I'll leave for Hong Kong next week," Jackson spoke as he grabbed Jaebum's hand, looking at him with a pout on his face. Jaebum laughed, jabbing him in his ribs with his elbow playfully.
"Ey, you'll leave only for a few days, don't compare it to months!"
"Why? Won't you miss me, then? Because it's only a few days?" Jackson asked, as he wriggled his palm out of Jaebum's grip and brought it to his chest, clutching at his shirt dramatically, making the rest of the group laugh. Jaebum was laughing too, but when he realized Jackson was serious about the matter, he wrapped his arm around Jackson's shoulders, pulling him closer in a side hug, as he whispered something into his ear; the gesture wiped off the offended expression from Jackson's face successfully. Jinyoung snorted at the sight.
"Ugh, I'll better get back to work, before I'll get diabetes," Bambam murmured, as he scrunched up his face with disgust, when Youngjae stopped him.
"Wait, wait, we have an announcement," He stood up and turned to his friends, Jinyoung had a feeling what was coming. Youngjae was acting strange today at work, he was constantly asking if Jinyoung will be present at Four Seasons today, so it has to be something important, right? "We, I mean, Lisa and I-"
"We're getting married," Lisa interrupted, and to say that Jinyoung or anyone else was shocked at the statement that left the girl's mouth would be a great exaggeration. Everyone could expect it was coming, sooner or later. The two of them were head over the heels in love with each other, after all.
"That's a great news!" Jackson boasted, as the others congratulated the couple, "But, Lisa, weren't you in love with Jinyoungie? He was the one you wanted to marry, right?" He laughed, making the girl's cheeks crimson red in embarrassment.
"Oppa! Why would you bring that up?! You know that it was a misunderstanding!" Lisa defended herself, covering her face with hands, and Jinyoung couldn't help but smile at the memory; it might not be a laughing matter back then, but the situation brought him to Mark a second time, he was able to get to know him and fall in love with him. His heart sank and his eyes burned, he took a sip of the water trying to swallow down the lump that formed in his throat; he should celebrate with a huge smile on his face right now, he should show how happy he is for Youngjae and Lisa, how happy he is for his best friend Jaebum and Jackson, because he definitely was happy for them, seeing how well their relationships are blossoming- but he was just missing his boyfriend a lot more at times like this, and he couldn't hide that even if he tried.
When he came home, he felt a bit buzzed. Bambam offered that he'll drive him home, but Jinyoung was reluctant to give him the keys to his own car, knowing that the younger had a license only for a month. But it was Jinyoung's fault, he told himself not to get drunk, and he was doing really good, drinking water for almost the whole evening, but after Youngjae and Lisa announced their engagement Jinyoung couldn't say no to celebrate their happiness. He raised his glass a few times that night, wishing the best for them ("Don't ever ignore each other's messages" - this one came out after fourth glass).
After he leaned on the bed, his head was spinning a little and his eyes were droopy, he tried to keep his eyes open as he checked his phone just to see a blank screen. The absence of any messages from Mark triggered him, as the emotions took over him and the tears gathered under his eyelids, making him even more miserable.
He opened a new message and typed out. He would hate himself in the morning, but he couldn't stop now.
To Mark-hyung, 00:49:
Are you so busy you can't even reply?
To Mark-hyung, 00:51:
Fine, then work hard
To Mark-hyung, 01:01:
Wouldn't you at least let me know you're alive or something?
He drifted off to sleep while typing another message, before he could make a bigger fool of himself.
Jinyoung almost got a heart attack when he woke up to the sound of an incoming message, the loud sound made his drowsiness disappear immediately. He covered his face when the memories of yesterday's night flashed through his mind, why did he send those messages?! Why did he sound so bitter?! He tried so hard to not let Mark know how much he misses him not to bother him, he didn't want to seem clingy, but alcohol always brought out the emotions buried deep inside him anyway.
From Mark-hyung, 11:13:
I'm really sorry, Jinyoungie, I miss you so much! I promise I'll call you soon!
Jinyoung's heart sank, he wanted to scream at how much he hated this word. Soon. He almost threw his phone into a wall of his bedroom before he realized he should get ready for work.
He cursed at himself for drinking yesterday, he felt his stomach twisting at the fact that he has an important meeting with Japanese representative and he hasn't even prepared himself with the Japanese language, not to mention he hasn't even looked at the envelope with contracts Mr Tuan gave him yesterday. He was doomed.
After a long wandering around the city, Jinyoung finally found the restaurant where he was supposed to meet with the Japanese company's representative. The place was located at the very end of the city, Jinyoung couldn't find the place, because he wasn't a frequent visitor in this area. Fortunately, when he reached the restaurant, he sighed with relief; Mr Moriuchi hasn't arrived yet.
He was led by a waiter to the reserved table, when his phone rang, announcing a new message; the quiet and sophisticated restaurant's guests looked at him with displeasure, as he bowed politely apologizing for interrupting their time.
From Youngjae, 14:02:
Hyung, Mr Moriuichi's plane was delayed because of the bad weather, so he won't be able to attend the meeting
"Are you kidding me?" Jinyoung murmured, he was wandering for almost an hour just to find out the meeting won't goint to happen. He felt just a bit annoyed about this though; his stomach relaxed from all the nerves at the same time, as the relief washed over him. It was hard to admit, but he was sure that Songdo would lose the Japanese counterpart, because he wasn't fully prepared for the meeting anyway, so it was a gift from heaven that the meeting wouldn't take place after all. He stood up and turned to leave the restaurant when he heard a familiar voice. His heart started to beat faster at how annoyingly familiar it was. No, it's not possible, he told himself as he continued to walk through the place; he mistook some people thinking it's Mark for a few times before and he was sure it was one of those situations. But this voice-
The brown-haired owner of the voice, who was standing by the entrance with his back facing Jinyoung, laughed and Jinyoung was sure- he knew the sound of it, he knew it was- But who was the man beside him? Who was the handsome man Mark was touching the shoulder of? Why were the two of them laughing so heartily? Why Mark had brown hair? Why Mark was even HERE? Among the questions piling up in his mind, Jinyoung felt the sudden rush of adrenaline in his veins, as he saw the two of them leaving the restaurant; his legs reacted by themselves, taking him after the couple, as his heart was beating frantically.
"Mark-hyung?!" He shouted and the man turned around, yes, Jinyoung wasn't wrong, it was Mark. A part of him wanted to jump on him and wrap his hands around his boyfriend, kiss him till he'll be out of breath, but the other part was hurt and disappointed in him, he couldn't believe what he was experiencing right now. He was lied to again, Mark was supposed to be in LA working hard for his dreams, while he was here, cheating on Jinyoung with another guy.
"Jinyoung?" Mark asked, shocked and Jinyoung hated himself for the skip of a beat his heart did, as he admired how gorgeous he looked with brown hair, even if this situation, "What are you doing here-"
"No! What are you doing here!? Aren't you supposed to be in the states?! Who is this guy?!" Jinyoung yelled, drawing the attention of the people passing them, as they were standing in front of the restaurant. Jinyoung didn't care, he felt his stomach burning with anger, just like his face, the fire spreading on his whole body, swallowing him whole.
"Jinyoung-ah, please calm down, I'll explain it-"
"Then explain it to me! I was blindly waiting for you and you, what?! Going out with some other guy while I thought you're working hard in LA?! Were you even there in the first place?!" Jinyoung felt the angry tears gather in the corners of his eyes, but he promised, he won't show his weakness anymore. Before Mark could say anything to defend himself, the guy beside Mark smiled sheepishly, as he was rubbing the back of his neck, an uneasiness flashing on his features. Jinyoung hated how tall and handsome he was, he hated how good Mark looked beside him; their handsomeness matched.
"I'm really sorry, but I think you misunderstood-"
"Shownu-hyung, we'll leave first, thank you for everything, really," Mark interrupted him and grabbed Jinyoung's wrist, pulling him away from the curious gazes of the passerby's.
"Ah, okay, no problem, Mark-ah," They heard the man say, and when they were in the parking lot a few steps away, Jinyoung wriggled out of Mark's grip with a sharp movement of his arm. He was panting by now, it was really hard to contain the anger and jealousy bubbling and mixing up in his stomach.
"Thank you for everything?! What is this!?"
"Jinyoung-ah, please calm down, I'l explain everything," Mark pleaded, his hands grabbing Jinyoung's again, but the younger took a few steps back away from him.
"I can't believe it- I'm so dumb! I though you really miss me, while you were cheating on me-"
"I wasn't cheating on you! Never! I was just resolving an important matter!"
"Important matter?!" Jinyoung asked in disbelief, "Wouldn't the meeting with me be more important than some other guy?!" He asked and Mark sighed, raking a hand through his brown hair uneasily. Jinyoung was fighting to be adamant, though it was difficult, despite the hurt he felt, despite all of the questions clouding his mind in that moment, he still loved Mark and wanted to feel the warmth of his body in his arms again.
"Jinyoung-ah, I'm sorry, I wanted to meet you quickly- That's why I came here just after I landed this morning, I wanted to meet you in the evening, after I make sure the surprise will come out well-"
"Surprise?"
"Yes, Jackson said you were free this evening, so-"
"He knew when you'll come back?"
"Yes," Mark nodded, making Jinyoung's eyes widen a little. The feeling that bugged Jinyoung for all this time, that everyone was hiding something from him turned out to be true. People should be happy about surprises, right? Then why Jinyoung was so hurt and uncertain of what was going on? "I asked him not to tell you, because my surprise would be more effective then-"
"What's the surprise then?" Jinyoung asked, watching as Mark was approaching him slowly and reaching to touch his shoulder, but Jinyoung dodged it.
"Jinyoung-"
"What's the surprise?!"
"Let's talk somewhere else," Mark turned around and walked to the car parked a few meters away. Jinyoung followed, sitting on the passenger seat. The moment they closed the doors, Jinyoung spoke.
"I'm waiting,"
"Don't be angry, please," Mark pleaded, looking at Jinyoung with doe-like eyes, Jinyoung felt himself melting at the sight; his hands squeezed into fists on his laps, as he held the urge to kiss Mark's pouty lips.
"Then explain it to me," His voice wasn't that cold as before, but it was strict enough to get the answers he wanted, when Mark started to talk.
"Shownu-hyung is a real estate agent. I was trying to buy that one specific place, there were a lot of other people wishing to buy it, since it's located in the heart of Seoul, but I really wanted to buy it and he was just helping me to get it. That's all," Mark explained, the honest look in his eyes and the softness of the touch of his hand on Jinyoung's fists made Jinyoung's cheeks blush. He felt his heart speeding up, but not from the anger as it was before, but from the embarrassment he felt the moment he realized he made a fool of himself. He saw Mark slowly leaning torward his face, his lips were inching closer to his own, but Jinyoung lowered his head before they could collide, as he swallowed.
"W-Why would you buy..."
"That was supposed to be a surprise, but I guess you won't let me kiss you if I won't explain it now..." Mark's said softly, with a hint of playfulness in his voice, as he fidgeted a bit in his seat, searching for something in the pocket of his jeans. The jingling sound of the keys resounded, as Mark finally took them out of his pocket, Jinyoung watched as they dangle in front of his face as the elder held them in the air, "I bought it. I'm going to open my own cafe there and move to Seoul for good," He said lightly, a bright smile appearing on his face, and Jinyoung couldn't take his eyes away, he tried to comprehend the situation-
"What?"
"I was planning to do that since we got together, and after I left I couldn't stop thinking about you, I really missed you... I don't want to live in the states anymore. I want to live here with you," Mark said as he reached his hand to Jinyoung's cheek, his fingers caressing his skin softly.
"Hyung, are you... A-are you serious?" Jinyoung's voice was barely a whisper, he was suddenly out of breath, he felt overwhelmed; he only hoped it wasn't a dream, it can't be-
"Yes," Mark whispered, as if he was scared to ruin the serene atmosphere around them, "Jinyoungie... I don't want you to be away from me ever again. That's why... Would you want to move in with me?" The elder asked, the honest smile appearing on his soft features and Jinyoung's stomach flipped; his body reacted faster than words, as Jinyoung wrapped his hands around Mark's neck, pulling him closer, nuzzling his nose into Mark's neck.
"Of course I want to, hyung," Jinyoung couldn't stop the smile that grew on his face at the realization that it wasn't a dream, he had Mark in his arms, it was real. Jinyoung was inhaling the scent of Mark's cologne he missed so much, when Mark pulled an inch away from him, just to lock their lips together a second later, Jinyoung responded to the kiss immediately, tilting his head to the side slightly, letting Mark's tongue enter his parted lips. Jinyoung's stomach burst with butterflies, as the warmth of Mark's soft lips pressed against his heated his whole body in such a cool October day like today. Mark's hands were still on Jinyoung's waist, caressing his sides, when they parted, a faint blush covering their cheeks.
"Hyung, I missed you so much," Jinyoung whispered when they were still in each other's arms, "Why didn't you reply to my messages, I was so worried-"
"I was busy with finishing things there, I'm so sorry," Mark's eyes travelled around Jinyoung's face, as if he couldn't decide on what part he wanted to focus on, before it finally settled on Jinyoung's eyes, which were already looking at him. "I love you," Mark confessed, his eyes sparkled with affection, when he leaned in again, brushing his lips against Jinyoung's tenderly; Jinyoung closed his eyes, as he let himself be lost into the kiss, the love and the yearning spilling out of his heart in this moment.
They sat in the car for a while more, cuddling and whispering sweet nothings into their ears, trying to make up for all the time when they were away from each other. Their kisses were slow and sensual, full of longing and relief that they can finally be together; that the warm flame that light inside, the heat that filled their chests, giving them the safety and certainty that they won't part their ways ever again, will be there forever.
When they finally pulled away from each other, to Jinyoung's great displeasure, Mark turned the engine and took him to a place that he bought; the place that will be a café he dreamed of opening for a long time. Jinyoung couldn't help the smile that spread on his face at how enthusiastic Mark seemed about showing it to him; his eyes sparkled as he jumped out of the car and rushed to Jinyoung's side, pulling him out by his wrists towards the place.
The place was located in a small building, sandwiched between two local convenience stores. Its oak colored exterior made the place look cozy and warm, matching the future use of the premise so well. Mark's hand was still wrapped around Jinyoung's wrist as they were climbing up on the few steps leading to the entrance; Jinyoung could see the empty insides of the place through the large ceiling-to-floor windows beside it.
Mark fumbled with the keys as he tried to find the right one to open the doors, and Jinyoung chuckled at his clumsiness, he sensed the slight nervousness in the elder movements.
As the doors finally opened, Mark turned on the light, the only light bulb hanging from the ceiling faintly illuminated the place. Jinyoung looked around, he could see the potential of the place, and although there was nothing here yet but white walls and the small recess behind the counter at the end of the room, the excitement which Mark talked with about the place, what he plan to change here, on what color to paint the walls, what kind of interior he would like to buy here, made Jinyoung stare at him fondly, as he stood rooted in place. He had never seen Mark being so genuinely overjoyed to the extent he was losing himself to the flood of ideas that washed over him at the moment, the joyful spark in his eyes and the swift motions of his hands surprised Jinyoung considering how Mark was always a bit secretive when it comes to showing his real feelings. Jinyoung was proud of him; after everything he went through in his life, having no one to believe in him, he was the one who believed in himself, without giving up, striving to fulfill his dreams. It wasn't possible to be happier for him Jinyoung was now; Mark's dreams came true, just as Jinyoung's.
"-and, look at the scenery outside the window here, it's amazing how in the middle of the city such a beautiful garden is located, don't you think? Jinyoung?" Mark turned around, trying to draw his attention to the view, but Jinyoung only nodded absent-mindedly, as his heart seemed like it's going to burst out of his chest; the corners of his mouth turned up, while his eyes couldn't leave Mark even for a second, "Why are you staring at me like that?" Mark asked, as his eyes widened, when a shy blush covered his cheeks realizing that he was rambling for the whole time.
"I'm happy you're going to make your dreams come true here, instead of LA... I'm actually relieved," Jinyoung confessed, feeling his face getting red at the bluntness of his words. But he shouldn't hide anything now, he should be honest in showing his feelings without any resistance. Mark should know how he truly felt when he wasn't around, he should know how much he missed him. "I was scared you won't come back to me- I was scared our long distance relationship wouldn't last long seeing how the two of us were engrossed in our work and all..." Jinyoung said, as he took a few steps toward Mark who took his hands when they were in his reach immediately.
"Don't worry anymore, I promised to come back and I'm here," Mark intertwined their fingers together, pulling Jinyoung closer to him, "I would always come back to you,"
"But... Aren't you scared about the future? Won't you regret leaving everything there and coming to Korea, staring everything anew?" Jinyoung asked hesitantly, his eyes studied Mark's features, for any changes in his expression, but saw none. Mark only smiled, leading Jinyoung's hands to wrap around his neck, before leaving them there, as his own embraced Jinyoung's waist.
"I realize that opening this cafe could be a bad idea, it may be a total failure... But I'm willing to try. I'm not scared, I feel like everything will be okay as long as you're with me," Mark said, his low voice made Jinyoung's heart skip a beat, and the way he looked into Jinyoung's eyes made his insides melt, "I couldn't live without you any longer... Jinyoung, you're really important to me, more than anything,"
"H-hyung, you're doing it again..." Jinyoung huffed, trying to compose his restlessly beating heart, but he blushed nevertheless, earning a teasing smirk from Mark.
"What, Jinyoungie?"
"T-the cheesy lines!"
"Ah, this is only the beginning, I have a lot of them under my sleeve. You would have to get used to it, because I'll shower you with them every day, since we'll live together now. I feel the need to assure you of my love to you on a daily basis," Mark explained, as his hands were resting on Jinyoung's hips, brushing against them slowly.
"You-You don't have to, I-I get it-"
"Well, I'm not sure you get it, you thought I was cheating on you a few hours ago, didn't you?"
"It's because- It's-" Jinyoung averted his gaze away from Mark, but it was hard when his hands were hooked around his neck, making their distance almost non-existent, "I was angry, okay? I was jealous, because I missed you so much, and I wanted to see you quickly, and when I finally did, I saw you with a guy who's more handsome than me and-"
"Don't you ever say that again," Mark warned, "At this point, I'll make it my mission to assure you how much you mean to me, to make you understand that you're the most handsome, most amazing person in my eyes, that you're the one who I adore with all my heart, Park Jinyoung," He placed a quick kiss on Jinyoung's lips, making an impact to his confession, "Okay?" Mark asked, and before Jinyoung could comprehend the situation and that he was supposed to answer somehow, Mark's soft lips pecked his own again, and again, and again, until Jinyoung giggled at how ticklish the touch was and finally answered.
"Okay," Jinyoung nodded, the word making Mark's whole face lit up, before he yawned and leaned into the embrace, placing his head on Jinyoung's shoulder. Jinyoung tightened the hold around his neck, as he relaxed his body in this comfortable warmth he craved for the past few weeks when Mark was away.
"Let's go to my place, I need a nap after the flight... I want to cuddle with you some more before we'll go to a dinner with my parents in the evening," Mark spoke, but none of them moved away from the pleasant clasp of their bodies.
"With your parents?"
"Apparently Lisa and Youngjae want to make a statement of some sorts..."
"I wonder what it is," Jinyoung chuckled, what made Mark pull away a bit, raising his eyes at Jinyoung, an amused smile playing on his lips, seeing how the corners of Jinyoung's eyes wrinkle by the wideness of his smile.
"So, you know about it, too," Mark stated and Jinyoung nodded, "It's been two months and she found herself a new fiancee," The elder laughed, leaning into Jinyoung's embrace once again, his hands wrapped around his waist placed on the younger's back, caressing them.
"But at least they love each other,"
"Yeah," Mark whispered against Jinyoung's neck, the warm breath hitting Jinyoung's skin send shiver down his spine, "Everything went into rightful place in the end," And Jinyoung couldn't agree more; after everything he went through this year, the disappointment he experienced when the people he cared about betrayed him, and even though he could forgive his father, he would never forgive Hanbin for everything he did to him. Jinyoung cringes every time he remembers how blinded he was by love towards him, letting him get away with everything, being unhappy for almost three years - he thought it was love. But now, he know how wrong he was back then. He knows now that the supposed love he felt towards Hanbin wasn't love at all, it has been just attachment and fear of being alone. He didn't know what love felt like before he met Mark - he was the missing piece of the puzzle in his life for all this time; now being finally together, the jigsaw was completed. The wet sensation of the elder's lips attached to the skin of Jinyoung's neck snapped him from his thoughts, as he pulled away from him.
"Hyung," Jinyoung's heart was going crazy beneath his chest, even though it wasn't the first time he was going to say this, those words were important to him. Does Mark even know how much he means to him? He drew in a long breath, what earned him a confused look from Mark, as he tilted his head slightly at the firm tone of Jinyoung's voice. Jinyoung swallowed, "I-I love you," Mark's facial expression brightened in an instant, while Jinyoung's eyes was still locked with his. Mark nodded, as he inched forward, his lips grazed over Jinyoung's.
"I love you too, Jinyoung-ah," He purred, before he closed their distance again; the passionate kiss that sealed the deal - their vows and promises to one another, the kiss that sealed their love.