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The invitation - placed center stage on their freezer, held up by a little magnet shaped like a baby cheetah - makes Mark feel nauseous.
It’s not that he isn’t happy for his cousin, ‘cause of course he is.
Johnny has been in love with his fiance since he first caught sight of him on his orientation day when Johnny was a sophomore and Ten was a freshman. Mark remembers fondly how much Johnny was aggrieved over Ten not giving him the time of day. He also likes to think about the day Johnny came bursting into his room, proclaiming that Ten had finally given in. Ten also liked to retell that story to people they’ve just met, reminiscing on how he’d kept Johnny chasing after him for almost two years.
So yes, Mark is happy for his dear cousin, happy he gets to marry the love of his life, and proud that he gets to stand by his side while it happens.
However, a wedding in the family means seeing his mom and seeing his mom means interrogations on why he’s still single in his last year of university. For some reason, his older brother is excluded from the barrage of questioning, but Mark thinks that’s because his brother is in residency and automatically the favorite son. Therefore, he does not have to provide grandchildren quite yet.
Apparently his sighing and lamenting his existence was too loud because his shoulder is suddenly shoved, swiveling his attention around to one of his roommates, who’s glaring at him.
“What, Hyuck? Can’t you see I’m despairing here?”
Donghyuck only rewards him with a roll of his eyes. “Yeah, great, but you’re doing it in the middle of the kitchen. Go do this on the couch or your room.”
Mark lets his bottom lip pout out, hoping to win over Hyuck’s soft side. Instead, Donghyuck shoulders him out of the way so he can pull the fridge open. “You’re a bad best friend,” Mark murmurs, finally moving from the kitchen so he can collapse onto the couch. He hears Donghyuck snort but doesn’t respond, choosing to ignore him as he pulls ingredients from the fridge and pantry. “Just ‘cause your life is going well doesn’t mean you can ignore how awful mine is.”
“What the hell are you talking about? You’re a senior in college whose parents pay for his schooling and rent and you live with two of your best friends.” Mark sees Donghyuck’s head peek up around the counter from where he’d been digging around for a pan. “Awful? Your life is fantastic.”
Before Mark can retort with another childish reason on why his life is so terrible, their other roommate makes his appearance.
He’s sleepy and yawning, his bleached hair a ruffled mess on the top of his head, but when he sees Donghyuck in the kitchen, his face blooms in a smile. Jeno beelines to his boyfriend, wrapping his arms around his middle and planting his head into the crook of his neck.
Donghyuck only smirks when Mark makes a loud gagging noise. Jeno pulls away, his bleary eyes searching until he finds Mark spread out on the couch, his whole body taking up their too-small sofa. Too small for all three of them anyway. Jeno and Donghyuck fit on it just perfectly together. Mark tries not to be annoyed by that fact.
“What’s bugging him this morning?” Jeno asks Hyuck, letting his chin fall back down onto his boyfriend’s shoulder while he prepares some kind of breakfast for them.
“He’s being dramatic about the fact his mom will ask him about why he isn’t dating.”
“I’m not being dramatic !” Mark huffs, throwing his head back onto the arm of the couch, smacking into the corner of the table in the process, cursing his luck loudly.
The couple both laugh at his sad state, fondly looking at their friend as he rubs at the sore spot at the back of his head.
“Well,” Jeno says, detaching from Hyuck to find a spot at the little dining table, “the wedding is still a month away. Maybe you’ll be able to find someone by then.”
Mark lets out an unattractive snort. “And what? Make our cousin’s wedding the first date?”
Jeno shrugs, turning his gaze back to the kitchen, watching his boyfriend. “Just a thought.”
“You know, I may have a solution.” Donghyuck is at the stove now, pouring what looks to be pancake batter into a pan. “My friend told me about this app where you can get a fake date.” He waves around the spatula he’s attained in front of him. “Like tinder but for situations like this. He used it for a date to his art exhibit so his creepy professor would finally back off.” Donghyuck smiles proudly, looking at Jeno for confirmation that his idea is sound.
Mark thinks for approximately two seconds before vetoing the idea. “That would never work. My mom would see right through that.”
Jeno nods at the thought, freezing when he finds Hyuck’s glower on him. “Uh, maybe just think about it some more. Renjun could always give you an idea of how it works.”
“That’s my friend,” Donghyuck adds.
“I guess I’ll think about it.” Mark sits up straighter, mesmerized by the pancakes stacking up on the plate next to Donghyuck. “I just don’t think it’ll work.”
It’s approximately four days later when Mark gets a call from his mother.
When he had moved from Toronto to Chicago for school (and to be closer to his cousins), he knew he would miss his parents and older brother. He loved his family and he’d never been apart from them for more than a couple of weeks, ever. But when his brother got into medical school in New York and his parents didn’t really see a reason to keep the family home anymore, they packed up and moved to the US as well.
They found a cozy apartment near the same suburb Johnny and Jeno had grown up in, where their parents still lived. Mark’s aunts (Johnny’s and Jeno’s mothers) were excited to have their brother around again, and for the first couple of months, Mark shared in that excitement.
And then the spontaneous check-ins had begun. His mom stopping by to drop off food (which was, admittedly, pretty great), to pinch his cheeks and make him show her his grades online, but worst of all: to ask him how his love life was going.
This wasn’t a random pop-by, luckily, but Mark knew what this phone call would entail.
“Hey, eomma .” He was standing on the sidewalk outside the lecture hall he’d just finished his last class of the day in. Students walk around him, hustling this way and that to their other classes, the library, or trudging their way to the campus cafe to relax after a long day.
“Mark.” Her voice is soft, just like every time she says their names. And then it sharpens up. “Your cousin’s wedding is soon.”
He can't help the tired sigh he releases. “Yes, I know. I am a groomsman. I’m well aware of the timeline.”
“Don’t give me attitude, Minhyung.” Mark winces at the use of his Korean name. “Do you have a date yet? You’re an important part of this wedding, you can’t come to it without someone accompanying you.”
“ Eomma , I don’t think Johnny or Ten are gonna care-”
“But everyone else will! You know your aunts are going to ask me why you’re still single when both their kids are happily taken. What will I say? ‘Oh, you know Mark. Satisfied with having no one, being alone.’ I can’t say that, Minhyung.” He wonders when his mom will take a breath. “You may not care about our image, but I do. And your brother! He’s working on becoming a doctor but he’s still bringing a date, all the way from New York!” Mark questions why his own brother would betray him like this. “Minhyung, please, if you can’t find anyone, why don’t I? I know some nice girls from church, and there’s a boy who works at our favorite restaurant, maybe one of them will be willing? If I flash your picture around I’m sure-”
“Mom!” Mark doesn’t even think, just says the first thing he can think of that will stop his mother’s incessant tirade. “There’s no worry about me coming alone. I have a boyfriend.”
The other line is quiet for a moment, his mother obviously trying to process this new information. “Since when? Why didn’t you tell me?”
Mark takes a breath, brain cells firing at a rapid speed, attempting to supply him with the best excuse. “It’s still kinda new. I didn’t want to jinx anything.”
“Oh, this is just great! I can’t wait to meet him! Make sure he looks nice for pictures-” His mother is cut off by someone in the background of her call. “Oh, I have to go. See you soon, love.”
They exchange goodbyes and it isn’t until after Mark lets his hand drop to his side that he realizes what he’s done.
“Fuck,” he curses, bringing his phone back up to type out a message.
To: donghyuck🌞
ok… u win. what’s the app renjun used?
From: donghyuck🌞
ohohohoh
don’t worry bud. u won’t regret this
Mark thinks that he probably will, in fact, regret this.
Two days later, Mark and Hyuck are sitting across the table from Renjun. He's a good friend of Donghyuck’s, meeting sometime during their sophomore year, and even though they should have contradictory personalities, they go well together. He's small and quick-witted, his angles sharp and attractive, and when he excuses himself to the bathroom at one point, Mark leans over and asks why he can't just be set up with him.
The laugh Donghyuck lets out results in people staring at them and Mark slaps his hand over Hyuck’s mouth, a sheepish smile on his face and a blush high on his cheeks. When Hyuck has calmed down, Mark punches his friend’s shoulder and hisses, “What the hell, man? What was that about?”
Hyuck almost starts cracking up again but manages to control himself this time. “The image was just so funny.”
Mark cocks his head to the side, not understanding what Hyuck could mean. “What image?”
“The image of you and Renjun.” His eyes are big and sparkling with mirth and Mark immediately brings his fist up to punch his best friend again. “First of all, if you punch me again, I will abandon you here,” Mark’s hand drops back into his lap. “Secondly, even if the thought of you two wasn't ridiculously laugh-inducing,” Hyuck swipes at the tears gathered at his eyes, “Renjun is taken.”
“What?” Mark squeaks. “I thought you said he used this service before.”
“He did.” Donghyuck picks up his cup of tea to swirl the ice around inside. “And then he started dating the guy he was matched with.”
Mark leans back in his seat, eyes training on the hallway that leads to the bathroom. “Really?”
Hyuck nods, sipping from the straw. “Yeah, he and Yukhei just hit it off so well, and Yukhei asked him out after a couple of dates. Renjun said yes ‘cause he'd enjoyed their time together. Six months later and they're still going strong.”
“Does that always happen?”
His best friend shakes his head. “Don't get your hopes up, Markie. Pretty sure they’re a one in a million chance.”
“I wasn't getting my hopes up, Hyuck,” he sniffs, crossing his arms defensively. “Just curious.”
Donghyuck hums, but Mark knows he doesn't believe him. Instead of challenging him (which he knows will only end in pain for himself), Mark just sips at his own drink.
When Renjun appears again, they chat some more before they finally get down to business.
He explains that the app is really simple to use, a lot like tinder but with a way smaller chance of getting harassed by jerks. They set up his account, choose a couple of photos that Hyuck deems his “best looks”, and fill out his details, including why he needs a date.
“Looking for a date to my cousin’s wedding so my mom won’t bug me,” Donghyuck snickers, trying to type that into the prompt box.
Mark snatches the phone back, ignoring the pout on his best friend’s face. “That sounds awful, Hyuck.”
“Yeah,” Renjun laughs, leaning his elbows against the table. “Let the writing major figure it out.”
Mark grins at his newest friend, cocking an eyebrow at the gagging noise Donghyuck makes. “You’ll only make his crush worse,” Hyuck grumbles, but it's loud enough for the table to hear.
“Donghyuck!” Mark cries just as Renjun reddens and chokes out “His what ?”
The youngest at the table completely freezes, smacking his hand over his mouth, he looks between the two of them before smiling his most charming smile. “I didn't mean to say that out loud.”
“Well you did,” Mark grumbles, collapsing in his chair dramatically.
“I’m sorry, Mark.” Hyuck’s voice is soft, his hand wrapping around the closest arm to him. “I didn't mean to, I'm sorry.” When Mark doesn't budge, he turns his big eyes to Renjun’s still red face. “It was just a joke anyway. It's not true. Mark doesn't have a crush on you.”
“Why not?”
They all jump, turning to the head of their table to see a tall man watching them curiously. Renjun perks up, reaching out a hand for the stranger to drag him into the spot next to him. He looks over them all, taking stock of Hyuck’s blown wide eyes and Mark’s dodgy gaze.
“Damn, Junnie,” he laughs, wrapping an arm around the smaller boy’s shoulders. “You just can't help making people fall in love with you, huh?”
“Yukhei,” he whines, face turning pink.
Mark realizes the giant is Renjun’s boyfriend, so he starts planning his escape from the US in his head. Maybe he could go back to Canada? They’d probably look for him there though. He could return to the motherland, his grandparents would love to see him again. But even that might be too obvious-
“Chill out, man,” Yukhei laughs again, slapping a big hand onto Mark’s shoulder. “I don't bite. And I’m definitely not the type to get all up in arms over something like this.” He turns his gaze to his boyfriend and smiles. “Renjun is awfully pretty, and smart. Of course he has people falling in love with him all over the place.” His gaze lands on Mark again. “Just don't try anything and we won't have a problem.”
Mark gulps, nodding as he raises his hands in surrender. “Of course not.”
Yukhei smiles wide, leaning back in his seat. “So what are we up to?”
Yukhei is actually a welcome addition to the group because he’s able to give them an idea of how the app works on the side of the date. They’re matched with jobs based on criteria they've filled out before and they have the option to decline or approve the match. He mentions that the type of date Mark is looking for is one he used to see a lot of, and that eases some of the tension in Mark’s shoulders.
Before they part for the evening, Renjun declares his profile ready, and they all watch as Mark presses the publish button.
It should've been handled two months ago, but due to an exam that Mark couldn't miss, his last suit fitting comes two weeks before the wedding.
He feels like a showhorse with the way everyone stares at him on the dais. The tailor picks at the seams on his suit jacket, and Ten watches closely over his shoulder like he’s trying to absorb the tailor’s expertise through sight alone. Jeno is there too, somewhere off to the side, out of view of the mirrors, but Mark is sure he looks bored out of his mind. His boyfriend is in a lab and Hyuck refuses to text in the one class he actually enjoys this semester. Next to Jeno on the couch is Johnny, and Mark just knows that his gaze is fixed to his phone, only peering up when he senses Ten is looking his way for thoughts.
Mark’s mother and aunt had both got on to him for putting an exam above wedding preparations, but the grooms had done damage control right after that family dinner, assuring him that he was right to put school first.
Ever since he lied to his mom about having a boyfriend, she’d been pestering him to send pictures, or at least tell her his name. And after he was yelled at by Ten for letting his mom inform him of his relationship status, he’d had to come clean to his dearest cousin and his fiance.
Johnny had laughed, slapping Mark’s shoulder and hollering about how he had at least had pride in winning his boyfriend. After Ten thoroughly rolling his eyes at that blatant lie, he hugged Mark and said, “It’s good we know though. At least now we’ll know we need to lie as well.” And then flicked Mark’s ear.
Blaming Donghyuck only got him flicked again, so he just ducked his head and apologized.
When the tailor wanders away, mumbling under his breath about custom ties, Ten moves away from Mark, heading in the general direction of Johnny and Jeno. He can hear the three of them discussing the suits, so he takes the chance to look over what’s been chosen for the wedding party.
The suit is dark navy, fitted along his shoulders, drawing a handsome line down his front. The slacks hug his thighs snugly and he’s more than a little impressed at how good the fit is. There are only a few pins in the suit jacket’s lapels, a small marker for the tailor so he knows where to bring the material in. Ten chose black for the dress shirt on Johnny’s side of the aisle, pale pink for his own groomsmen. Even though he’s not really looking forward to this wedding (mostly due to his mother’s pushiness), at least he’ll look good in all the photos.
His cell phone isn’t on him, lost somewhere in the cushions of the couch his cousins sit on. But he can still distinctly hear when it chirps, catching his attention.
“Jeno, can you throw me my phone?”
“Nuh-uh.” Ten intercepts the toss, tucking Mark’s phone into his back pocket. “No distractions right now. I don’t need you accidentally pulling out any of the pins.”
The younger boys roll their eyes, Jeno stifling a laugh at their future in-law.
“What if it’s my mom?” Mark simpers, raising an eyebrow at Ten, whose face falls at the thought.
The phone appears again, but only for Ten to check his notifications, causing Mark to let out an indignant shout. “Not your mom,” he says, turning the phone toward Jeno.
Jeno smirks, swiping the phone out of the older’s hand. “Oh ho,” he chuckles, quickly typing Mark’s passcode in so he can open whatever app sent the alert.
“Hey!” Mark goes to move off the dais, but the glare Ten sends him freezes him in place once again. “At least tell me what it is,” he whines, pouting at the other boys.
“That app Hyuck made you sign up for,” Jeno mumbles, focused intently on the screen.
“And?” Mark’s voice pitches too high, an obvious sign of the anxiety he’s starting to feel with everyone but him staring at his phone.
Ten smiles, walking over to the panicking boy to smooth his hair down. Mark watches in apprehension as Jeno’s face lights up. Their cousin’s fiancee pats Mark’s shoulder. “You got a match.”
He looks toward Jeno who finally gets up to show Mark his own phone. The screen displays the profile of his match and he can’t help the gulp he swallows down at the face of the boy he’s matched with.
“Wow,” he says, quiet and soft in awe.
“Do you know him?” Jeno asks, watching Mark closely. He shakes his head no and Jeno turns the screen away again. “I think he goes to our uni.”
“That’s good,” Johnny pipes up, shifting on the sofa. “Won’t have to pay for his gas to get here.”
Mark swallows again, the picture of the boy burned into his mind. “Who says I’m gonna accept it?” That boy is much too pretty to pass as my boyfriend, fake or not.
They all look at him like he’s insane. Jeno turns the phone his way. “You don’t have much of a choice.” The app displays a bright pink “MATCHED” over the other boy’s profile. “I already accepted it for you.”
They agree to meet the following Monday after classes.
Jaemin doesn’t have much time between classes, and he sounds matter-of-fact and cold through the app’s messaging system.
Admittedly, Mark isn’t exactly looking forward to the meeting. Obviously, the boy is gorgeous but other than that, Mark can’t decide why he should take this person. So he keeps his profile open in the hope of finding a more amiable date. (He ignores, however, the repeated messages from his friend Jungwoo- who refuses to LEAVE HIM ALONE!)
They’ve agreed to meet at the cafe closest to the veterinary school. 1. Because it’s in a convenient spot, and 2. Because it’s Mark’s favorite. Which has no correlation to the fact that vet students and techs run the dogs in a fenced-off field across from the coffee shop’s biggest window.
The assumptions he made - that Jaemin is cold and quiet - are proven incorrect almost immediately.
He greets Mark with a big, warm grin, showing off his perfectly white teeth. Jaemin pats the spot next to him on the small couch. When Mark sits, he finds that the other is not only radiating heat, but he smells great. Like mint and expensive cologne.
“I like this spot because you can see the dogs when they first come out,” is the first thing Jaemin says. He smiles at Mark. “They’re always so excited for the chance to run.”
Mark can only nod, completely enamored.
After collecting his order preference (“ Six shots?!” “Well, that’s down from eight.” “Oh, ‘cause two less is so much better.” “Exactly!”), Mark places their orders and takes a moment to observe Jaemin.
His eyes are focused out the window, quietly giggling every time a dog zooms the length of the fence. He’s dressed in sweats and a comfy-looking t-shirt.
Mark sits next to him again, placing the drink into his hand.
“So,” Jaemin starts. “What’s your major?” He sips his coffee and sighs like he didn’t just literally drink the devil’s blood.
The older gulps down a drink of his smoothie, gathering his courage. “I’m a creative writing major.” He can’t help the way his voice drops low in embarrassment. His friends didn’t usually tease him over his career choice (anymore), but people that didn’t know him sometimes thought it was free real estate.
“Really? That’s so cool! You’ll have to show me your writing sometime!” Mark is shocked into speechlessness. “I wish I could write, but only academic writing seems to be in my cards. What do you like to write?” Jaemin’s eyes find Mark’s, completely frozen and locked onto his face. “Mark? You okay?”
“Huh?”
Jaemin laughs, finally knocking Mark out of his stupor. “I know I’m pretty but dang. Did I really take your breath away?”
The older laughs this time, grasping onto his cup tightly.
“Sorry. I’m just not used to people being nice, never mind actually being interested in my major.” Mark takes a shaky drink. “I like to write love stories.”
“Really?” Jaemin sounds surprised.
Mark laughs again. “In a way. Love stories about people learning to love themselves. And, when I’m feeling particularly smart, I pretend I can write thrillers.”
The younger looks impressed, but right as he opens his mouth, an alarm goes off on his phone. Jaemin scrambles to grab his phone, reading the alarm label, and then he’s looking at Mark apologetically.
“I’m so sorry. I have to get to my lab. I’ll see you later, though!” Jaemin pulls his backpack on, pats Mark on the shoulder, and gulps down his devil’s blood as he walks to the trash can. He throws a wave over his shoulder to Mark and the baristas behind the counter.
He’s polite , Mark thinks.
It’s not until the coffee shop comes back into focus that Mark notices there’s a piece of paper on the little table in front of him. Jaemin's written his number down, his handwriting cute and sharp. Somehow.
Mark wonders when the heck he had time to write it.
But then he adds the number to his contacts.
To: jaemin🖤
hey~
it’s mark😅
They spend the rest of the week messaging back and forth, not finding the time to meet between classes and Jaemin’s mysterious internship. Mark still doesn’t know what Jaemin’s major is, and the younger basically refuses to tell him.
From: jaemin🖤
you should guess😉
To: jaemin
guess?
why?
cause it’ll be fun
for who?
me😂
And the next time they meet seems to be by complete chance.
Mark and Hyuck are studying in a different cafe, one that puts them closer to the apartment versus dogs. So it’s a complete (but wonderful) surprise when Mark looks up and sees Jaemin walk in with a couple of other people, all of them decked out in scrubs.
“Isn’t that the guy you’re in love with?” Donghyuck says, a bit too loud and obnoxious for Mark’s taste.
“Shut up . I am not in love with him.” Mark sighs when Jaemin smiles and laughs at something his friend says. “I just want to hold his hand a little.”
“Ew. You’re disgustingly whipped.”
“You’re one to talk, Mr. ‘oh Jeno has such dreamy eyes, Jeno is soo gorgeous’,” Mark mimics, shoving Hyuck’s shoulder when he sticks his tongue out at him.
“Mark!”
They both sit straight up, looking up only to find Jamin smiling down at them.
“H-hey,” Mark stutters, flushing deep red, instinctively running a hand through his hair to smooth it down. “You’re in scrubs.”
The table is quiet, Mark’s face is burning, and both of the other boys are just… staring at him.
Hyuck clears his throat and reaches out a hand for Jaemin to shake. “Sorry about him. We’re still trying to train him, but he’s not cooperating.” Mark blushes - somehow - even hotter. “Would you wanna donate to the gofundme we’ve set up? All in the name of finding Markie a better trainer-”
“Hyuck, stop,” Mark pleads, grabbing his best friend’s arm.
“Fine, fine,” he concedes. “I’m Donghyuck. Best friend and future in-law.”
“Oh,” Jaemin smiles. “Are you the one getting married?”
“Nope,” Hyuck says. “I’ll be marrying Mark’s younger cousin. Though if Ten hadn’t snatched up Johnny, I think I could’ve been in the running there-”
“No,” Mark says quietly.
“I’m Jaemin, um,” he looks over at Mark warily, “a friend.”
Hyuck smirks. “Don’t worry,” he says quietly, conspiratorially, “I know who you are.” Satisfied that he’s got them blushing, he gives Jaemin a once-over. “Mark’s right. You are in scrubs. What do you do?”
“Yeah,” Mark pipes up. “Tell Hyuck what you do.”
Jaemin smiles, a playful thing that makes Mark feel happy. “I can’t tell you. Mark has to guess.” Hyuck laughs which makes Jaemin smile wider. “He hasn’t used his guess today.”
“Well go ahead, Mark, guess,” Hyuck teases.
“I don’t know,” he grumbles. “Nursing major?”
“Hm,” Jaemin murmurs, shaking his head and giggling. “But you’re getting closer.”
Mark groans, “I’m just gonna give up at this point, Jaemin.”
“Nah,” the younger giggles. “I trust you get it. Someday.”
“Jaemin, come on!”
“I’ve gotta get back. But I’ll see you soon, yeah?” Mark nods, fighting down yet another blush. “It was nice to meet you, Donghyuck.”
“You too. I’ll see you at the wedding,” Hyuck says.
“Yeah,” Jaemin laughs before walking away, flashing one last smile over his shoulder before he’s out the door with his friends.
“He’s cute,” Hyuck smirks, patting Mark’s arm. “I see why you’re in love with him.”
“Shut up,” Mark mutters.
From: jaemin🖤
is this okay for the wedding?😅
*classic jaemin mirror selca*
To: jaemin🖤
thts ok for everyday
😒
thx tho
😉
The week of the wedding, they get to hang out a bit more often. Enough that Mark feels like he’s really dating Jaemin. And he wonders if that is part of the normal routine with these things.
“Sounds like he likes you, dude,” Yukhei says between slurps of ramen. “Like me when I was crushing on Renjun. Always making excuses to see him even when not as an official date.”
Yukhei and Mark had really hit it off as well, becoming fast friends after that initial meeting. It was their weekly ramen and soju night at an Asian fusion place they both love. They’d run into each other by accident once and made it a tradition to come every Wednesday night after yukhei got out of his internship.
“You’re crazy, there’s no way he likes me.”
“Oh come on,” he says with a mouth full of food. “You two hang out almost as much as Renjun and I do, minus the sleepovers. And he’s totally flirty. Don’t forget I’ve seen your texts.”
Mark blanches. “ When? ”
Yukhei rolls his eyes. “When you leave your phone on the table and go to the bathroom. You’re practically begging me to.”
“That’s not an excuse to go through my phone!” Mark takes a shot from his soju glass. “How did you even know my passcode?”
“Um, duh. It’s your birthday. You’re a writer, not a spy, you’re easy to figure out, man.” Yukhei refills Mark’s glass.
“I think I need new friends.”
“Nah.” The older takes a sip from his own glass before gazing across the table at Mark curiously. “So, have you figured out what his major is yet?”
“No,” Mark shakes his head. “I know it’s something in health, but there are so many options. Our university is basically all health students.” Mark takes another swig.
“You know his full name?”
“Yeah.”
“You could ask around. See who knows him,” Yukhei suggests.
“No. that kinda takes the fun out of it.”
Yukhei gives him a look. “For who?”
Mark shrugs. “For Jaemin.”
“Ah, man. You’re so whipped.”
“Why does everyone keep saying that?” he grumbles, staring grumpily into his bowl.
“Cause it’s true,” Yukhei laughs loudly.
“Well,” Mark smirks, “takes one to know one.”
Yukhei chokes on his sip of broth.
On the day of the wedding, Jaemin tells Mark he’ll have to meet him at the venue because of a meeting with his boss. Despite Jaemin trying desperately to prevent it, Mark has learned that Jaemin takes a full course load every semester and that alongside the internship, he also works.
At the very coffee shop where they had their first dat- meeting.
Mark had come in for a study session with Jeno (who also liked to look at the dogs) and was greeted by a loud gasp and the sound of falling plastic, only to turn and see Jaemin’s head disappearing beneath the counter.
“Jaemin?”
Mark had never heard Jaemin be unsure about anything, but when he and his cute head popped back up, he stuttered out an “h-hey. What are you doing here?” He looked panicked toward Jeno.
“We came to study. This is my cousin Jeno, the one dating the crazy boy you met last week.” Mark pointed over his shoulder, not taking his eyes off the steadily reddening face of Na Jaemin.
“Would you like your usual?” Jaemin asked.
“Sure.” Mark smiled, suddenly feeling unsure of what to do with his hands. He told Jaemin what Jeno’s order was as well before paying and walking off to a table next to a window.
“You didn’t know he worked here?” Jeno asked, a weird smile on his face.
“No, I didn’t. He likes me to guess these things.”
“Wow.”
“What?” Mark asked, brusk ‘cause of his cousin’s tone. “Like you did?
Jeno’s smile grew bigger. “Yeah,” he says, “I did.”
“Wha-”
“Mark!”
Hearing his name being called, Mark only took the time to send his cousin a glare. Jaemin stands at the counter, a blush still evident on his cheeks.
“Here,” he says, voice low.
There’s a prominent heart drawn on the side of his cup. Cute.
“Hey, so, how come Jeno knew you worked here? Do you know each other?”
“Oh, um,” Jaemin’s hands balled into the apron he was wearing. “Not really. But he must recognize me, I guess.”
“I feel bad. I come here all the time and I never did.”
“It’s okay, Mark. You didn’t come in a lot when I worked upfront,” Jaemin said, trying to give Mark what must be an encouraging smile.
“Wait- did you recognize me? ”
“Oh,” Jaemin choked. “Um… yes?” The smile he gave was pained.
“Oh my god. I’m literally the worst person ever, I’m so sorry.” Mark wanted to bang his head against the countertop.
“No, Mark!” Jaemin whined like he could read Mark’s mind. “It’s okay, really. Usually, people never remember their baristas, it’s fine!”
“But Jeno remembers you!”
“Jeno’s different,” Jaemin said, a whine still in his voice. “He’s in my-” he stopped, snapping his mouth closed and looking at Mark with wide eyes.
“He’s in your what?”
“We shared an elective course during freshman year.”
Jeno says from beside Mark suddenly, causing them both to jump.
“Um, yeah. That was it,” Jaemin nodded, smiling uneasily.
“Okaaay,” he said, looking between the two youngers. He grabbed the drink he’d left on the counter and nodded his head toward their table. “We’re gonna go study now.”
“Okay!” Jaemin squawked. “I’ll see you later.”
But they haven’t had the chance to hang out, and the day before and the day of the wedding were spent in preparation mode. So all they had left were texts.
The ceremony was starting in 5 minutes and Mark still hasn’t seen Jaemin come rushing in. He is only now really starting to worry that Jaemin has ditched him. And it wouldn’t be that big of a deal if he hadn’t already told his mom all about him. Plus the whole thing about him growing actual feelings for the guy.
They were t-minus 2 minutes away from walking down the aisle when a flash of black and white went streaking past him. In true Jaemin fashion, he paused long enough to send Mark a feisty grin over his shoulder, making Jeno laugh and shove the older.
During the ceremony (except for the vows because Ten threatened them all within an inch of their lives), Mark spent it watching Jaemin at the back. He was dressed in a fitted black suit with white flowers and multicolored butterflies all over, his hair styled so some of it fell over his eyes.
When Jaemin noticed Mark staring at him instead of the couple, he grinned, mouthing for him to “pay attention.” Mark can’t help the smile on his face that Jaemin’s own inspires.
After Ten and Johnny exchange their vows and have their first kiss as husbands, the crowd explodes in applause and whoops. Mark finds that Jaemin looks in awe, a happy smile on his beautiful face. For a moment, he wonders what type of man Jaemin will grow into. Surely he’ll be someone even more caring and devoted. Someone who always tries to do their best (and usually succeeds). He’s already a fine man, but Mark just knows he’ll continue to grow better every day.
And he kinda hopes he gets to see it.
The thought makes the blood leave his face and he turns to Jeno in utter horror, the younger just looking confused.
“What? You look like you just saw a ghost.”
Mark unsticks his tongue from the roof of his very dry mouth. “Is two weeks too short a time to fall in love with someone?”
Jeno grins wolfishly. “Not when it’s someone like Jaemin.”
From: jaemin🖤
you looked great up there😉
save me a dance😊
The groomsmen and husbands are outside, still taking pictures around the venue’s gardens.
Ten and Johnny are so in love and their friends couldn’t be happier, except for Mark (who’s still having a bit of a breakdown) and Jeno (who has to deal with Mark). When Johnny notices that Mark can't force more than a grimace, he punches his younger cousin and tells him to “cheer up, dude. The photographer is expensive.”
When they’re finally done with pictures, Jeno calls Hyuck so they can stage an intervention.
“Snap the fuck out of it, Mark Lee.”
“But it’s crazy! I’ve only known him for two weeks! He’s gonna think I’m weird.” Mark throws his arms around, completely at a loss for what to do with himself.
“So don’t tell him,” Jeno helpfully provides.
“I can't lie to him.”
“Don’t bring it up.”
“Jeno, just tell him,” Hyuck interjects.
“Jeno cannot tell him!” Mark screeches.
“Not that, you idiot,” Hyuck simpers. “Tell you the truth .”
“About what?” Mark looks between them, hating how panicked Jeno looks. “Tell me the truth about what?”
Jeno sighs, dropping his head. “Okay, fine.”
From: jaemin🖤
where are you??
ten and johnny did their dance already
ten looks pissed…
Mark is feeling - and looking - much more chipper when they finally make it to their table. Jeno looks glum, Hyuck ecstatic, and Ten looks angry.
“Where the hell have you guys been?” Ten fumes, pinching the sides of their necks until the spot turns red. “You know what? I don't care.” Ten releases them so he can smooth back his hair. “Just don't screw anything else up. My day, got it?” Ten walks off then, heading toward Johnny.
Despite the assault, Mark still feels giddy. Looking around the floor, he spots Jaemin sitting at the same table as his mom and aunts. He’s got them all smiling and laughing, which makes Mark’s smile grow even wider.
He makes his way to them, greeting his mother with a kiss on her cheek, and each of the aunts. They look proud. Like he’s done well.
He thinks so too.
“Mark!” his mom shouts one too many glasses of wine in already. “You didn’t tell us that Jaemin was in Jeno’s major.”
Jaemin looks up at Mark, a sheepish expression on his face that Mark wants to coo at. Admitting he was in love sure made him sappy.
“Well, I was actually quite taken aback too. Jaemin made me play this guessing game so I could figure it out.” The aunts laugh and Jaemin blushes. “But Jeno ended up spilling the beans anyway.” At that, Jaemin turns to face Mark slowly, the truth in that revelation all over the smirk the older looks down at him with. “Excuse us, we haven’t had a moment to talk yet today,” Mark says, reaching out to pull Jaemin up from his arm.
His mom stops him, making him lean down into her space so she can whisper, “Well done with this one, honey. I think he’s a keeper.”
Mark looks over at Jaemin, who's worrying his bottom lip between his teeth, staring at Mark in what he can only describe as terror. “Me too, mom.”
The two boys make their way outside to the gardens, Mark having clasped their hands together as they walked.
The sun is beginning to set, making the garden around them glow as solar-powered lights began to turn on one by one. Flowers were starting to droop from the loss of their sunlight, but still gave off a powerful scent that enveloped them.
“Mark?”
The older looks over at Jaemin, giving him an encouraging smile.
“What all did Jeno tell you?” Jaemin asks, trying to maintain eye contact.
“Oh,” Mark smirks. He can’t help it. Jaemin unsure was adorable and made him want to kiss his face all over. “Just a little something about how you’d overheard the conversation with Renjun and that you’d complained to Jeno - who just so happens to be your lab partner - until he put two and two together. And that you two hatched a little scheme to make sure I got matched with you because, and I do quote, you ‘have had the biggest crush’ on me forever. Ever since my sophomore year.”
Jaemin looks downright horrified. “Oh god. He did tell you everything.” He rips his hand away from Mark's so he can hide his face. “I’m so embarrassed. He said you’d never find out.”
“Yeah we’ll Jeno isn’t the most trustworthy, and besides, he was just trying to calm me down ‘cause I’d realized that I love-” Mark stops, eyes wide.
Jaemin's mouth has dropped open, also wide-eyed. “You love what?”
Mark shakes his head.
“You love what ?” Jaemin repeats, moving closer into Mark's space. So close that Mark can see the different specks of color in his irises. He can see freckles and a couple of wrinkles and the shininess of the gel in his hair.
“I love you,” Mark expels on a puff of breath.
He doesn’t know what he’s expecting Jaemin's response to be (though he does imagine it would be positive) but he’s more than pleasantly surprised to find out the response is kissing him.
Jaemin grabs his cheeks and tugs him forward until he can plant his plump, chapped lips over his. They kiss for a long moment, just breathing the other in. When Jaemin finally lets go, he’s got a dopey grin on his face.
“That’s dumb,” he laughs. “You’ve only known me two weeks.”
“And you’d never talked to me beyond shouting my name. We’re all a little dumb, okay?”
Jaemin laughs again, a loud, full-bodied thing that makes his cheeks go pink and his eyes water a little. “Okay. That’s true.”
Mark smiles and wraps a hand around Jaemin's wrist so he can pull back into another kiss.
“So,” Jaemin murmurs between kisses, “what’s my major then?”
Mark chuckles, low and throaty, and kinda feeling the whiplash of the question. “Hm,” he stalls, pursing his lips for a kiss. “I’m gonna guess public health.”
“Very good.” Jaemin smiles. Then he pulls away, quirking an eyebrow up at the older. “But what’s my next step?”
“What do you mean?”
Jaemin smirks. “What am I doing after I graduate? Am I going to be a hospital staff member, work for the government, go to med school?” He leans away from Mark, pulling out his grasp. “You still have more guessing to do, Mr. Lee.” With that, he turns around to walk back into the reception hall, a sway in his hips as he goes.
And Mark watches. Watches and smiles and silently thanks Donghyuck for suggesting that stupid idea.
Not that he’ll ever do it in person.