Chapter Text
Mark was acting weird. Well, that’s not to say that Mark wasn’t always acting like a weirdo, Hyuck reasons to himself. Just last week he witnessed his Hyung creating the disgusting concoction of putting olives in his ice cream. Hyuck had almost vomited when he was stupidly persuaded to try it. The incident had just further reinforced his determination to never let Mark near the kitchen or food in general ever again.
However, barring Mark’s unnatural taste buds, there was something else which Hyuck has suddenly become aware of.
HIs Hyung had always been camera shy when it came to skinship. Every time Haechan clings too, hugs, or tries to kiss Mark on camera he is jokingly (yet still roughly) shoved away, pinched, or slapped off. When they were rookies Marks' disgust had deeply wounded him. Haechan was a naturally clingy person who craved affection and reassurance from others. Especially from his favourite Hyung.
One day after filming a particularly long round of interviews for their debut album, Mark must have noticed Hyuck sulking due to the rough treatment from his Hyung. All the members had piled back into the company van and though they were exhausted from the day’s activities, Haechan can still remember the underlying energy and disbelief that came from having sat through their first-ever professional interviews. Everyone was smiling and Haechan could feel the pride and love radiating in the atmosphere.
Unfortunately, he couldn't seem to let himself enjoy it. His mind kept replaying one moment from the day over and over. He could still see Mark’s sharp glare and rough hand flinging Donghyucks hand which had been casually resting on Marks shoulder - back into his own lap. Hyuck’s smile hadn’t cracked one bit - he’s a professional- but he was sure that anyone close enough could see the shock and hurt simmering in the depths of his eyes.
Mark had noticed too it seems because he’d pulled a reluctant Haechan into the seat beside him in the van. A rare occurrence at the time which later became their unofficial seats. When Hyuck had refused to look him in the eyes Mark had grabbed his chin and forced him to make eye contact. No words were exchanged between them but Hyuck could read the apology in his friend's piercing gaze. He knew he had gone too far today.
Hyuck being the weak man he was, had instantly melted. Sighing and leaning into Marks side Haechan had been slightly shocked when not only did Mark not resist but also reached over and entwined their fingers for the rest of the ride home. It was at that moment he had understood how compatible he and his Hyung really were. They understood each other’s needs and boundaries without saying a single word. It made Hyucks heart flutter- something which he ultimately decided to ignore and focus on capturing the moment in his memories. That was a problem for future Haechan to analyze.
Since then Haechan and Mark had come to an understanding. Mark was not comfortable with public skinship. It flustered and embarrassed him. This of course never stopped the maknae! It just meant that he was understanding and never offended when he was inevitably pushed away. In return Mark always made sure to return a gesture of affection to Hyuck when the camera’s turned off. This usually consisted of him simply tolerating the boy’s affection. But sometimes he even occasionally retaliated by ruffling his hair, squeezing his arm or ( Haechan’s favourite) linking their pinkies together.
No matter how rough throughout the day Mark has been with him, these little gestures never fail to reassure him and fill his little heart up.
However, recently mark was being weird. His behaviour on screen remains the same but as soon as the camera’s stop rolling he no longer turns to smile at Hyuck anymore. He makes no move to reassure Hyuck. Actually, it almost feels like he moves to the opposite side of the room and pretends Donghyuck doesn’t exist. Whenever Hyuck tries to make conversation he’s met with dry single word responses and nervous glances. Before Mark is quickly making some excuse and bolting as far away as he can get.
It hurts.
Has he done something wrong? What possibly could he have done to offend Mark and make him this uncomfortable around him. What’s worse is that he notices how Mark starts to cling to other members more. Whispering in rapid-fire English with Johnny in the corner and swapping seats so he can lean on Taeyong in the front of the van. Taeil ends up filling Marks empty seat, instead of leaving it vacant. Something which Hyuck is extremely grateful for as it slightly fills up the current gaping hole in his heart knowing that his Hyung can sense he needs some support right now.
But then he watches Mark turns and leans into Taeyongs embrace and relaxes for the first time all day. As much as he hates to admit it to himself … he’s jealous ….and angry ...but mostly hurt. Jealous because it’s always him who Mark turns to at the end of a stressful schedule, who he leans into for physical and emotional support. Comforting each other... it’s THEIR thing.
He resolves to corner Mark about it when they get back to the dorms and hopefully get some answers. Content with his newfound resolve he lays his head on Taeil’s shoulder and rubs his nose into his Hyung’s neck. His chest warms slightly when he feels his Hyung press a soft kiss into his hair in response. Oh well, at least he can get cuddles from his other things. He giggles sweetly to himself before catching Mark intensely staring at where Hyuck has flung his leg over Taeil’s lap. His forehead is creased in the way that makes Hyuck want to smooth it out with his fingers and boop his nose …. Platonicaly ( his mind offers helpfully).
Marks eyes travel up his body -briefly stopping on Taeils hand which is running soothingly up and down hyucks side- before meeting hyucks questioning gaze. His eyes widen comically and he snaps back around in his seat like he’s been caught doing something naughty.
Haechan blinks slowly trying to process what that interaction meant. As he sits there feeling confused and watching the back of Mark’s neck slowly flush red he thinks to himself…
Tonight, ill get some answers tonight.