Chapter Text
"Did you know there's a new transferee in third year?"
"Yeah, I heard he's from Canada!"
Donghyuck was just minding his own business i.e. trying to put a fake cockroach on Renjun's head as unsuspectingly as possible while the older was trying to teach Jaemin some geometry formulas because the younger was sleeping in class but instead of the maths, he was too busy staring at Renjun with a smitten face.
"I also heard he entered the basketball club and they even handed him that captain position!"
"Woah, is he that good??"
"I also heard he used to be a topper in his old school!"
The cockroach fell right on Renjun's hand and he let out a sharp shrieking scream that got the whole class staring at him. The boy turned red with embarrassment and anger as he held the culprit in a chokehold who was struggling to free himself and spontaneously laughing like a maniac.
"I should have recorded that," Donghyuck said between his loud laughter, "you scream like a dying chipmunk!" Jaemin who had a love struck expression at the poor boy was busy quitely busting his lungs in a corner.
"Ya Lee Donghyuck, I swear to God you will not get to see the new episode of penthouse this time because I will," Renjun tightened his grip causing the boy to turn blue. The 'kill you' was left unsaid but Donghyuck understood it.
"Okay okay, that's enough. Renjun let him go or he'll die-" Jaemin stepped in after getting done with his laughing session.
"That's exactly what I'm trying to do!" Renjun said furiously but then let him go anyways. "We have to go watch Chenle's game today."
"Oh, his game is today?" Renjun and Jaemin continued their conversation as if Donghyuck wasn't in the back coughing and panting after a near death experience.
"Chenle told me about the transferee. He's in the same team as him, said he's really cute and dorky or something like that."
"Geez," Jaemin laughed. "Does your brother already have a crush on him?"
"Nah, it's far from that!" Renjun sighed and frowned. "He calls him his son! Even though that guy is like two years older that him!"
"That's Chenle for ya!"
The bell rang meaning the start of their chemistry class. Donghyuck got up from the floor, suddenly curious about the new guy. Truthfully, he actually had seen all that hype about the new Canadian boy gracing their school but he did not saw the guy, yet. Now if Chenle liked him that much, it only means the boy must be something.
He sounds like someone who's fun to tease...
After class ended, the trio arrived at the basketball court because today is apparently a really important game for the team and as much as Renjun and Chenle fight and can't stand each other, Renjun still loves his brother nonetheless. Enough to drag his non-sports loving ass and uninterested friends in the game, just to cheer for him.
"Oh, isn't that Mark?" Jaemin pointed out at the blonde boy who came out to the court while munching popcorns as if he was in the theaters.
Oh, the new boy!
From this big distance, Donghyuck could see him not too well. But his blonde hair definitely made him stand out from the rest of the people in the court. He couldn't see his facial features that clearly but still could make out that the boy has high cheekbones and is probably as tall as him. Despite everything, a big smile was clear on his face.
He wouldn't admit it out loud but he found it really endearing.
Now, Donghyuck doesn't know two shits about basketball, the only thing he knows is you get points when you pass the ball through the net. And as always, very effortlessly, Chenle scores lots of points and the trio starts shouting even though they know it annoys the shit out of the people sitting near them. The opponent team played quite well for a while making it really difficult to score for their team. He could see Renjun tense up a little beside him. The tension was short lived until Mark threw the ball from quite far away but managed to get it pass the net.
That was really cool, wow! Donghyuck for the first time got a little bit interest in basketball.
Cheers broke abruptly on their side and then the game went on smoothly and their team won in the end. Renjun was proudly yelling Chenle's name, a scene you'd always see when the younger wins any game.
Both teams bowed to each other and Mark ran straight to the audience and and waved at everyone smilingly.
That's when their eyes met.
Donghyuck didn't know if Mark was looking at him or someone else but his own eyes were only looking at Mark's.
Huh- he's so cute... Donghyuck's cheeks flushed a bit at the thought. He was in his own world until he felt Renjun shaking him and asking, "You okay? You look constipated."
"Shut up, I don't!" Donghyuck frowned and puffed his cheek. By the time Donghyuck looked back at the court, Mark was nowhere to be seen. He sighed and followed Renjun and Jaemin to wherever they were headed to.
Never in a million years Donghyuck would admit to himself but, he was very interested in Mark even though he only saw him like once from distance and heard a few stories about him from Chenle yesterday when they went to have a celebratory feast.
He told him about that one time during practice Mark accidentally called the coach 'dad' and was so embarrassed he ran to the locker room. Also that one time he got hit by a ball and started acting really goofy which was the moment Chenle started to take him under the wing. Chenle was right though, Mark is quite dorky.
Now, Donghyuck will find out more about Mark himself.
"Mr. Kim! Can I go to the washroom please?" Donghyuck got up and went out after he got the permission.
But he did not go there to actually go the bathroom.
Now, the people of NeoCity are not exactly normal. They are born with powers. Big or small, everyone has a power. Like everyone, Donghyuck does too. He was blessed with the power of invisibility which he's really happy to have since he could easily steal his favorite glazed donuts from Mr. Park's bakery, enter the theaters without tickets and enjoy the movies free and also sometimes annoy random people by scaring them aka making it look like objects are floating in mid air. Although it's all quite harmless.
Even though using powers in school premises is banned, Donghyuck will still use it this time to spy on Mark. He's gonna be invisible, not like anyone will be about to see him anyways.
He went inside the washroom and came out in his invisible state. And ran straight to the third year floor, although he was quite enough so that his footsteps are not heard.
He found Mark's classroom easily because Mark's blonde hair really does stand out like a sore thumb. He saw Mark from the indoor window and boy, he's super attentive. Donghyuck aspires to be like that.
He quitely enters the classroom and crouched right beside Mark's table. Now he could see Mark's features very clearly.
Mark really does have high defined cheekbones and a small mole on his cheek as well. His big doe eyes really seem to sparkle a bit or maybe it's just the lighting. He really took his sweet time to inspect Mark's face as if he was a new discovered species.
"Man, you're really adorable!" Donghyuck whispered as his cheeks heated up. Mark seemed to be looking around the whole classroom and Donghyuck assumed that Mark probably heard his voice.
Donghyuck stood up with the thought, Yikes it's been too long I've been here. Everyone will probably think I'm taking a big shit or something... I gotta go. And with that he headed towards his classroom, although not before he hid the current teacher's book under the table and causing a little chaos in the classroom.
Mark is honestly so attractive. He really has this adorable expression when he was so attentive listening to whatever that complex thing he was teaching... Realisation made his eyes widen. Man... I'm so down bad already? It's been a while I've simped like this for someone, the last time was Jaehyun hyung since he graduated... Donghyuck sighed as he bumped his face flatly on the table. I don't even know Mark that well...
According to his plan, he followed Mark to home too. Now that was a challenge for him because Mark rode a bicycle to home. But he had to run behind him, never in his life Donghyuck ran like that except that time he mixed neon green hair dye in Renjun's shampoo only to realise he wasn't in his invisible form and had to run for his life.
He finally could catch a breath when Mark finally stopped in front of some bushes and got off his cycle.
Huh, is he here to pee? But then he saw the older opening his backpack and bring out a box. At first didn't understand whatever was happening but then he went closer to the boy and what he saw kinda surprised him.
Here was Mark crouching down to feed some meat, he assumed he didn't eat his lunch and kept it for them, to a few stray puppies. Mark was smiling as the puppies happily eat and honestly Donghyuck's heart grew a place filling respect for Mark.
He watched Mark getting up after patting each of the puppies on the head and then murmuring a small bye at them before getting on his cycle and heading to home. Donghyuck didn't follow him this time. He just stood there looking at the puppies energetically playing with each other.
Mark looks like a perfect man... he feeds puppies his food, he's so...
Donghyuck followed Mark the next day too. He thought it would be a challenge again but surprisingly Mark didn't bring his cycle and walked to home. Donghyuck walk right beside him. To him it looked like a wordless comfortable walk to him with his friend but Mark obviously had no idea.
Donghyuck really wishes he could walk with Mark without being invisible next to him.
After a few days, the invisible boy came to an obvious realisation, Maybe I like Mark...
"Hey Jaemin, don't you think Donghyuck has been acting quite weird these days?"
From all the observations, Donghyuck understood one thing very clearly. Mark is really kind. Like very selfless and caring. Saving his lunch for the puppies, helping an old lady to cross the road, helping the students with their English lessons even when he's busy and he has heard enough from Chenle how he is the best captain ever. Even though it's been a while for him with that team, they all feel comfortable with him. He's a very friendly and warm person too.
"Weird how?"
But even after all these, why is it so damn hard for him to approach Mark like a normal person??
"I don know. He's really quite and secretive these days."
"Your highness, he's in love!" Renjun let out a scandalous gasp.
"Wha-what?" Donghyuck returned to the reality.
"Are you in love?"
"What the fuck-"
"Look at him blushing like a high school girl with a crush." Jaemin laughed but then looked serious again, "So, who is it?" the duo looked at him intensely as if they would hold him hostage if Donghyuck didn't answer.
"Shut up. I'm not in love." Donghyuck said firmly and look a way too big bite out of his sandwich.
"It's Mark hyung, isn't it?"
The boy chocked on his sandwich. He wanted to saw something but he was too busy to stop his coughs while his friends were enjoying his pain thoroughly.
"I saw the way you looked at him in yesterday's game. You were way too immersed and only on him! And no, don't you say it's because you love basketball! We know you hate sports and you only tag along for the food." Jaemin reasoned. He was right though. On the second game he really just looked at Mark wherever he was moving as if he was a Mark fancam camera. He has to admit Mark is really cool when he plays basketball, he'd even dare to say he looked 'sexy' when he threw the winning shot.
"Okay fine, maybe I like him. A little bit. Just a teeny tiny bit!" Donghyuck said in a small voice. He did not see the small genuine smiles on the duo's face when he admitted that. "He's really nice and um..."
"Man... I did not even see you talking to him even once. C'mon you should go talk to him!" Jaemin said excitedly squeezing the life out of his hands as the boy shriked in pain.
"Knowing this devil's spawn, I think he'd follow Mark around," Renjun made a hand gesture, "invisibly."
Donghyuck's eyes widened and then the other two's did as well.
"Don't tell me you actually followed him like that!"
"I did not!"
"Liar! You make that face whenever we catch on on your pranks!"
"I was just surprised that you gave me a good idea, not like I'd do it, that shit is creepy-"
"You fucker, you did the exact same thing with Jaehyun hyung."
Donghyuck sighed and knew now is the time to give up. His dirty act has been caught red handed yet again. "Okay, I did! Not too much though! I only saw him feed the stray puppies his lunch! That he saved for them! And he looks at them with those affection filled eyes as he watches them eat! As if those puppies are his sons! Isn't he the cutest ever-" he slapped his own mouth when he realised he rambled about his crush just like that. His cheeks were burning as he continuously hit his forehead on the table.
Renjun sighed and scratched his head, "You could really just talk to him like a sane normal person."
"You think I did not try that? I did!" Donghyuck looked down at his feet that were fidgeting, "I just get really nervous..."
Albeit after all the conversation with his friend and the promise he made with them that he'd have a conversation with Mark today, he did not hesitate to turn into his invisible self to follow Mark again. Donghyuck's parents went to a party so since they will not be home, he decided he'd follow Mark to his home this time.
When they arrived, Mark swiftly unlocked the door with his keys. Wait what, he lives alone? Donghyuck also entered the home like I t was his own. He realised there really is no one else in the home other than Mark. The hell? He really lives alone?
Donghyuck just looked around while Mark was freshening up. There really was nothing impressive, rather the place was extremely messy. Geez... Mark hyung probably didn't clean up his apartment even once since moving here... He stopped gagging when he saw Mark, fresh out of the shower with towel around his neck wearing a hoodie and shorts.
Donghyuck's face burned at that sight. How the hell does he look that attractive? He's unreal...
"Man... Hyung didn't leave leftovers for me?" he heard Mark say in a dejected voice. "He's probably coming late, looks like I have to cook." he sighed.
And boy oh boy, Donghyuck realised Mark really is not the perfect guy he thought he was because Mark was disastrous in cooking. He burned the egg and the hot water he boiled for ramen just overflowed from the pot. Mark was visibly panicking while Donghyuck just gave him a 'are you kidding me?' look even though he couldn't see him.
Man, he's hopeless. Donghyuck so badly wanted to appear in front of him without being invisible and like the angel of cooking to rescue Mark from the clutches of hunger but,
He obviously can't.
"Damnit, what do I do now..." he muttered, frustrated. Mark cracked another egg and put new water on the pot again and skipped to receive the call as if he did not just left food cooking on the stove.
"Is he an idiot?" Donghyuck said out loud this time. "The hell..." he lowered the heat of both stoves and added more oil to the egg and flipped it. I hope Mark doesn't freak out or something that his food is cooked automatically...
When Mark arrived, his eyes sparkled to see a perfect egg on the stove and the water hot enough to put the ramen in.
He didn't suspect anything? He asked himself as he saw Mark happily search up ramen cooking tutorial on YouTube. Should I be concerned...
He sighed in sighed in heavy relief after Mark was done his ramen without burning down his apartment although he did once touched the pot without wearing mittens and almost burned his hand.
So there is something he can't do... he's such a lost cause in cooking. I'd like to be his culinary teacher... Donghyuck flushed as he smiled at the imagination of him and Mark cooking together and all the cliche stuff that happens in between.
After the meal, Mark took out his guitar and sang intention perfectly that got Donghyuck awestruck. HE CAN SING AND PLAY THE GUITAR, MOM I LOVE HIM!
This moment was short lived until both of them heard a noise of a plate breaking from the kitchen. Mark stood up alarmed and the younger followed him.
"Oh fuck-" Mark cursed under his breath.
A thief.
Donghyuck saw Mark looking at the door and he understood, Mark forgot to lock the goddamn door. Man, why is Mark so clumsy?
It wasn't a even a second later the thief was on his way to attack Mark. Naive unsuspecting Mark didn't see this and didn't have any weapon in his hand either. Just as the thief was about to land a punch on Mark, Donghyuck stepped in front and pushed him away. The thief looked a bit startled for a while. He probably thinks Mark's power is telepathy or something.
Mark also looked shocked that an unknown force just saved him from getting a black eye. But he was still in the middle of crisis about what to do.
Donghyuck couldn't handle it anymore and decided to take matters on his own hands and sneakily took the frying pan to hit the thief while Mark wasn't looking (which is stupid because a thief is literally behind him and he's probably having an enteral monologue about his life thinking that would be the end for him).
Mark, call the police now. Donghyuck was actually getting way too much annoyed because the thief could wake up any moment.
Finally after a few more seconds of panicking, Mark (thank you for finally getting the hint!) called 911 and surprisingly the police arrived really quickly. They took the thief and left and both of them were alone in the home again.
He looks really shaken up huh, Donghyuck sat on the floor, hugging his knees. Wish I could tell him he's not alone now... I am here. Donghyuck didn't get up from his position when he saw Mark finally calming down and sitting on his table and immediately started writing something. He still did not get up to see whatever the older was writing. Maybe Donghyuck was shaken up as well. He just sat there, hugging his knees and admiring Mark's side profile.
Mark is such a dumbass... he can't cook and his mind goes haywire in the middle of danger... but, Donghyuck's cheeks turned red and eyes softened. "He's still so..." he face palmed on his mouth because man, he started talking out loud. Seeing no reaction from Mark, he concluded Mark was just too immersed in his work and didn't notice someone talking out loud while he's all alone. That would turn into a whole horror movie.
Donghyuck might be a (shameless, as his friends dubbed) stalker but he was not horrible enough to demolish other's privacy. That's why he didn't peek at whatever was doing. He just sat there in the dimly lit room comfortably, light on from only Mark's table lamp, thinking about particularly nothing.
After about a few minutes Donghyuck heard the doorbell ring and Mark rushed to open the door. By the time Donghyuck got up to see whoever it was, Mark was engulfed in a (probably bone crushing because he could see Mark struggling to breathe) hug by a man.
"Thank god, you're okay, Mark! I heard from Mrs. Park what happened here. Why the hell did you not call me?" the man released him and he frowned and looked mad. He looks kinda like Mark...
"Hyung," Oh, so it's Mark's brother? "I'm fine! I didn't want to worry you... But I am perfectly okay now."
"Do not pull that stunt ever again." he scolded in a more 'strict mother' manner. "How did he even come in?"
"Well I..." he could see Mark getting small and fidgeting, "kinda like, forgot to lock the door..."
Now Donghyuck witnessed the most disapproving look ever.
Although before anything else could happen, Donghyuck took the chance to get out of the apartment, before they lock the door again.
Next day, he didn't follow Mark anywhere. This one was a pure coincidence when he went to the library to just fix the love life of the librarians who are his juniors. He had a nice plan this time. Donghyuck really couldn't handle all the pinning everytime he went there to do his homework.
Even though his own love life was a whole damn mess.
Should I go and speak? This would probably the first time we could talk... he thought to himself, peeking from behind the shelves completely forgetting his original mission that made him go there in the first place. Why is my heart beating so fast? He put a hand on his chest, calm down, its just Mark...
He decided to leave all the thoughts behind and started to move forward without second thoughts. I really can only do stuff when I do it on impulse huh-
His approach was almost a success. Why almost? Because the second Mark looked at his way he turned invisible.
Fucking hell how did I become invisible now? Mark probably saw me... Donghyuck ran out of there, unawares for the fact that he accidentally shoved the two libraries on top of each other.
God when did I become such a coward... I can't even talk to him... He screamed inside his head crouching beside the exit. Suddenly, he felt someone tap on his shoulder lightly and when he looked up,
Mark.
WHAT THE- Donghyuck's mind was hazy. This was his first interaction with Mark and he was a whole mess right now.
"Hey," Mark handed him a book he has no idea about, "I think you dropped it there accidentally. Um, here."
Donghyuck really doesn't know when he grabbed it but after a second he realised he did impulsively grabbed a book to hide his face and guess he left it there while running out.
"Y-yeah," he stood up and grabbed the book. He may seem calm and collected but only he knows how he's waiting for the Angel of death of arrive right then and there. "Thank you, I guess." the last statement came out a whisper.
"No problem!" Mark smiled and Donghyuck might just melt there. "So you like this series?"
"Oh," he glanced at the book, honestly he doesn't know two shits about it, "Not yet but my friend recommended it to me so..." he came up with an excuse.
"I see, but if you didn't start yet and then wouldn't it be better to start with the first volume?" Mark chuckled and Donghyuck could feel his cheeks warm up because of embarrassment when he realised the book on his hand was the third volume of the series. "Oh, uh, I guess I grabbed the wrong book!" Donghyuck tried to laugh off his embarrassment.
"It's really good by the way. I read all the volumes last year and I really loved it." Mark said and looked down his watch, "Oh no, I have basketball practice now, I have to go."
"Oh, okay, bye." Donghyuck said but he actually wanted to be with Mark more but decided today he would watch his practice, because if he remembered correctly, the intra school basketball semi finals' game was the next day. Part of him just loves to see Mark play because he looks extremely hot while playing.
"Bye." Mark turned around and mouthed while giving him a small wave. God, he's so fucking adorable I can't do this anymore.
Donghyuck didn't actually plan to read whatever random book he picked up but since Mark said they are good, he took the whole series home that day.
When he arrived at the court for the semifinals with Renjun and Jaemin, he realised the setting was a bit different this time. Like it looked more festive. Probably because it's a way important game. Their basketball team did come a long way winning against all the other teams. If they win this time, they would advance to the finals.
"Now what is this?" he asked as he sat down with a whole bucket of fried chicken looking at Renjun pop out a huge banner from his backpack.
"Chenle's banner." Renjun frowned. "That brat made it himself and made it extra bigger this time."
Jaemin takes the banner from him and said, "Don't worry, leave this to me!" and ran off.
"Where did he go?" Renjun questioned before taking a bite from a chicken drumstick and Donghyuck did the same.
"I don't know, he's probably gonna set it up somewhere so you don't have to hold it and embarrass yourself." Renjun flushed a little bit at that. Shesh, Jaemin is so fucking whipped for him but can't do shit other than dancing around him and laughs at my progress with Mark. He chewed on the chicken furiously.
When he saw Mark coming out, he had an overwhelming urge to cheer on him, yell a good luck to him or just tell him that he's gonna do great.
Actually ya know what, he's gonna do that.
"Renjun, hold this. I'll be right back." Donghyuck sat up abruptly and shoved the fried chicken bucket on Renjun and stormed of before the older could ask anything.
Mark was sitting on the bench while others were discussing something else. He seemed to be quite relaxed and calm at the moment. Donghyuck saw the rest of the bench empty so he sat beside him, nobody could see him anyways.
Huh- what do I do now? Why do I keep using my invisible power in front of him? He was bawling inside. Hell, I can't do what I came to do here...
He looked at Mark for a second and at the coach when he said, "Okay, team get ready, the game's gonna start soon." the rest of the speech was gibberish to his ears because he was only looking at Mark, once again.
Before Mark could get up to get ready for the game to start, Donghyuck slowly leaned in and pressed a feather light kiss right on the side of his cheek, too light that Mark could probably not feel it but it was there. He breathed a small 'good luck' before leaning back and smiling. Mark looked at him for a second but Donghyuck brushed it off thinking he probably felt some kind of ghostly presence beside him.
It took a while for Donghyuck to realise what he had done and the burst into flames. Oh fuck, I kissed him what the hell okay oh my god this is so- his thoughts cut off when he was almost about to be squashed by the coach who almost sat on him. He jumped up and ran to audience's seats while hiding his face in his hands resulting him to bump into someone on the way.
When Donghyuck sat on his seat he felt a hand on his forehead and he was still panting as if he ran on a 500m track race.
"You look like you're burning up, do you have a fever or something?" Renjun asked, he actually looked a bit concerned too.
"No no, I'm absolutely fine!" Donghyuck muttered comically and chugged down the whole cup of cola that Renjun bought for himself, much to his dismay. This time if Donghyuck turned red, it was because Renjun choked the life out of him.
The game went smoothly and roughly at times but in the end, their team won yet again advancing to the finals. Renjun's scream was obviously the loudest as he ran down to glomp his little brother. Oh how Donghyuck wanted to do that with Mark but the basketball captain seemed to be busy celebrating with his own teammates. Donghyuck just smiled from afar.
Donghyuck didn't go near Mark at all the next day. One, becauuse he was mortified for the stunt he pulled right before the game and two, he realised he hadn't been spending much time with his friends for the past few weeks because Mark Lee was the his only priority for that time, so he figured he should start spending more time with the duo rather than hopelessly wandering around a boy who doesn't know about his presence.
Jaemin and Renjun was talking about this new drama Donghyuck had no clue about but he just sat the in the far end corner of the cafeteria table with them, quietly eating his sandwich. He started to take a sip from his favorite banana milk and heard a familiar voice.
"Hey guys, can I sit here?" Donghyuck choked on his milk.
"Oh hey, Mark hyung!" Jaemin greeting and Renjun smiled curtly, not caring their friend is coughing because of choking on milk. "Of course!"
"You okay?" Mark looked slightly concerned, he handed his bottle to him but Donghyuck didn't want to embarrass himself further and went to the washroom. He came within a second and saw his two (demonic) friends laughing with Mark. For a second Donghyuck felt like Mark could actually see him. He took a seat beside Renjun, invisible and all, just to see if his powers are getting any weaker or something.
He made all those weird mocking faces at his friend and mouthing the word "idiot!" and took a sip off his strawberry milk until it was finished. He looked around and still everyone happily laughing at whatever they were talking about.
"Donghyuck seems like a really fun guy!" Donghyuck's ears perked up as soon as he heard his name, coming from the voice that makes him feel giddy.
"Eh, he's a doofus. But his embarrassing stories are quite entertaining. Also, that one time he went to the teacher's room, he saw some chocolates on the table and thought he was really sneaky to quietly put them inside his pocket only to realise miss Kim was watching him from behind, like she saw everything and made Donghyuck put them back. I think about five other teachers were in the room that time too." as soon as Renjun finished everyone burst into laughter while they probably had no idea Donghyuck was actually aware of all the slandering they are doing to him.
Renjun, you're so dead! Telling all these in front of Mark! He took Renjun's meatballs from his lunch but Renjun was too busy making fun of Donghyuck to notice. Maybe I was overthinking... they can't see me after all. If they did Renjun would be strangling me to death while Jaemin would be preparing my grave as he dead that. He sighed and now re-entered the room without his invisible form.
"Hyuckie! We actually asked Mark hyung to help for our English test! And he agreed! Isn't he the kindest?" Jaemin said in his cute voice and Mark just shyly chuckled.
What the heck is going on...
Before Donghyuck could say anything, Renjun pulled him by his arms and whisperd in his ear, "Since you're a coward, we decided to do you a favour. You can thank us by paying for out bubble tea tomorrow!"
"What the hell- I didn't ask for help and I don't have money!"
"Suck to be you!" Renjun shrugged as he pulled away. "Where's my meatballs..."
"You probably ate them already and forgot." Jaemin rolled his eyes.
"Oh please, you took them while I was talking to him!"
"I did no such things!" Jaemin looked offended but he just pouted. Mark just laughed looking at the banter.
Even his laugh is so!! Adorable... God why is he so perfect? Donghyuck's cheeks turned way too red for his liking when Mark gleaned at his direction. Damn I'm so pathetic.
Even though Renjun said the plan was for him and Jaemin to not show up 1and let Donghyuck and Mark have their alone moment, they showed up anyway and Donghyuck couldn't be mad even if he was mad because he probably wouldn't be able to function if he was alone with the boy of his dreams. Not in his non-invisible form at least.
Still he couldn't help but ask in a detestful voice, "And why did you two come here?" he had to be extra quite because they were in the library, Mark still didn't arrive yet though.
"Well thought we'd actually use some of Mark hyung's help. We are not passable good English either, ya know." Renjun said and sat on the chair while taking out his books. "And Mark hyung seems like a fun person too. The only thing good about you in your taste in men, I'll give you that!" Jaemin winked at him and sat beside Renjun. Donghyuck glared like a angry bear but Jaemin didn't notice.
"Sorry to sabotage your date!" but Donghyuck knew they weren't sorry at all.
"Wasn't even supposed to be a date anyway..."
Donghyuck wondered when was the time he started liking Mark. He always heard those stuff about Mark when he transferred to their school and he was a little curious, especially when he heard he was a foreigner. But when did he get infatuated? It probably not the first or second meeting, when he only thought Mark was really cool and adorable. Was is when he saw Mark feeding those puppies with outmost care and affection. Or was it when he followed the older to his home and spent one sided hangout with him? He figured, Mark is a person he would really like to spend the rest of his day with. Even if they didn't speak nor Mark knew that he was actually not so alone in home that day, Donghyuck felt oddly comforting just being next to him.
Mark's survival instinct is non existent, and Donghyuck is good in that category We'd make a good match! He concluded and became flustered at his own thoughts. He probably started liking Mark after watching over him in the basketball practices when he stayed at school in his invisible form just for that purpose. Not only Mark is cool and hot! while playing basketball, a game in which the younger boy had no interest about until Mark happened but also Mark is an amazing leader. He saw how Mark leads them and teaches them some tricks and techniques to them while the coach stands behind him, proud. He had seen how that one time one of the players fell and hurt his knees, Mark rushed to him and gently helped him get his knee bandaged.
It's all these sincere, kind and caring side along with his goofy, silly cute side that made Donghyuck fall for him.
But...
Mark hyung doesn't even know I have all those feelings for him and don't even know what to do now. If I confess, he'd probably ask me why I like him even without spending one moment with him... I can't say I have been stalking him all this time. He'd spit on me... or maybe not because Mark is nice like that but nothing good will happen if he knows my dirty work... and if I don't confess then... Donghyuck's mind rambling was stopped when Mark gently tapped on his shoulder.
"You okay? Is there something you're having any problem with?" Mark asked softy. He was wearing glasses today and that made him just 20 times more cuter that once Donghyuck looked at him he lost his ability to talk or move.
"Oh uh, no!" Donghyuck stuttered when he felt a little bit concerned about his dignity. Had he stared at Mark with those heart eye a bit more, he'd never see the ending of the teasing from the two demons, Renjun and Jaemin and the object of his affection would think he's a lunatic. No thank you, Donghyuck would rather eat his detestful seaweed soup for a hole week than THAT. "I'm fine, just brainstorming." he chuckled although his cheeks felt warm so he looked away.
"If you need help you can ask me, you don't need to be shy!" Donghyuck could hear his two friends snickering and glared at them but they showed no sign of stopping. Thankfully, Mark went on with writing his own assignment while he gave some English quizzes to his juniors.
Donghyuck felt pathetic. Mark is such a nice person, so friendly and so warm. So what's stopping him from striking a normal conversation with him instead of following him like a creepy stalker? Believe it or not Donghyuck suddenly felt really guilty following Mark the last few weeks and also breaking into his house that one day (the only reasons Donghyuck didn't beat himself up about it because Mark would probably be dead or totally just not in a right condition if he wasn't there that day.) but still it didn't feel right to him.
He told himself he should have just talked to him when the two gremlins told him to. He could have been Mark's good friend by now and maybe something more? But he knew it wasn't too late. There's still time to befriend him. So he proceeded on his new mission right after the study session ended,
"Hey, Mark hyung!"
Donghyuck's mind went blank. What would he say now? 'Let's hangout?' but is it too early for that? Moreover they were literally next to each other for the past 30 minutes. 'Let's walk home together?' nah, Donghyuck place is literally in the opposite direction. 'Let's ditch the two idiots and go on a date!' no fucking way!
"Mark dude, don't forget we have extra practice today!"
"Sure man!"
Oh.
"So, what is it?"
"Oh, I just wanted to say... you're a really good tutor!"
"Um, thanks! I'm glad I could help! I have practice now, see ya!"
"You're so awkward with him, it looks painful." Maybe this time, Renjun was the one in Donghyuck's chokehold.
Donghyuck was stressed. And when he was stressed, it's junk food time! Food really reduces stress,to Donghyuck at least. That's why he headed to the nearest fast food. But there was one problem,
I spent all my allowance last week... because of that stupid bet with Renjun. He stopped for a while to turn back to his home. Should I just steal some food invisibly... I'll give tips next time I get money. Yeah I'll just do that!
Universe must have something either against Donghyuck or it itself is his wingman or something because Mark was, coincidentally, there too. With some other people who seemed older than him. They all were chatting and eating, about three huge pizzas on the table and lots of cola.
Man, why is he here? Donghyuck scoffed. He's the reason my hair is prematurely greying and I came here to block those thoughts but how can I do it when he's right in front of me? God do you hate me?
Should I join them and invade their food? But that's gonna look so... Mark will get a bad impression of me... Donghyuck put his hand in his hoodie pockets and sighed. He felt something in his hand and when he took it out, his face lit up.
What the hell was this 5$ doing in my pocket? Man, I think I can get a little bit of the spicy chicken with this? He immediately came out of his invisible stance and ran to the counter and ordered what he wanted. For a second he forgot Mark was there so when he spotted him and called him out, Donghyuck stood frozen.
"Hey Donghyuck! Good to see you here man!" Mark smiled and gestured him to sit with them. "You wanna sit with us?"
"Oh, hey Mark hyung! What a coincidence!" Goddamn it what is happening?
"Yeah wow. This is so cool. Please, sit with us." Now Donghyuck would say he was going to eat at home or amake any other excuse but when he looked at Mark he physically couldn't refuse him.
"Okay..." Donghyuck sat beside Mark, somehow not being able to get anything out of his mouth like the word keep dying there. This is so embarrassing... I'm so awkward, I'm never like this...
"Hyungs! This is Donghyuck, my friend, I guess you could say that. And Donghyuck, these are my friends, who are like my older brothers. Johnny hyung, Taeyong hyung and Doyoung hyung." He introduced them. Something about the way Mark spoke made Donghyuck fell giddy. And did Mark just call him his friend?
"Ah, yes nice to meet you too." They all smiled at the youngest. They seem like really nice people.
"Have some pizza. We ordered a bit too much..." Mark chuckled nervously and at first Donghyuck wanted to refuse but then thought nothing can stop him from getting free food when the opportunity comes.
"It's all Taeyong hyung's fault!" Doyoung scoffed and Donghyuck saw the cat fight between the two unfold while Mark tried to stop them and Johnny was too preoccupied in shoving pizza in his mouth.
Donghyuck admitted he had a fun time. Perhaps, running into Mark wasn't THAT bad. He'd love to hang out with Mark more.
"Do you want a lift?" Mark asked before getting in Johnny's car. "We don't mind."
"No, uh, it's fine! My home- it's really close!" Donghyuck said swiftly. He didn't want to give them more trouble and his home was really very close from that place.
"Oh, okay then." Mark gave him a one arm hug before getting in the car and smiled and waved one last time at the younger. "See ya tomorrow!" Donghyuck smiled and waved back and when the car was out of sight, he stood there like a statue for a while particularly thinking of nothing.
Mark and Donghyuck didn't see each other in school next day at all. Renjun said the basketball team had extra practice since the finals are in two days and Donghyuck figured that's the reason there was no sign of Mark. He's extremely dedicated to the sport, he knew it.
He told his friends about the little impromptu meeting he had with Mark yesterday and they broke in squeals.
"Please, for the love of God! Ask him out!" Jaemin said, rather demanded.
"I don't know if he likes me..."
"You'll know if you tell him that ya know, if he likes you then wonderful! And if he doesn't then it might happen eventually when you guys spend time together. But you gotta do something. You can't- you shouldn't follow him around in your invisible form by the way, that's creepy as hell." Donghyuck hated it when Renjun was right. He really needed to do something.
He went home, didn't stay to watch Mark secretly. Maybe next time he does that, he could do it while everyone can see him there.
"Donghyuck, can you come down?" Donghyuck was laying on his bed doing nothing so he ran down when his mother called. "Here," She handed him a piece of paper right after he appeared before her. "Here's the list, go buy these!"
"Now?"
"Yeah now. Why would I call you down and give you this list now otherwise?" She said sarcastically and went back to her room. "I feel tired today maybe I'll take a nap."
"Okay..."
No, because the universe really works in a funny way because how the hell did Donghyuck meet Mark again in the convenient store just like that? Now it's too coincidental to be a coincidence.
Are we soulmates or something? Donghyuck eyes were wide open but then he realised he turned invisible right before Mark looked his way. Wait, why am I invisible now? How did this happen- how do I turn into this whenever I'm around him? Donghyuck! This is your chance! Talk. To. Him. Mark looked like he was scanning the nutrition facts of all the cereal boxes and Donghyuck found them adorable, screw that, he finds everything Mark does very adorable. Or maybe I could just stay like this for a while and admire his face...
Mark really puts all his attention to something when he's serious about it, something Donghyuck learned being with him for the past weeks. He was wearing glasses now too and his hair was messy and he wore oversized sweater and pants. Everything about him is so cute... I want to give him a kiss. And on that thought his eyes glanced at Mark's lips. They were kinda chapped but Donghyuck would dive into it, no questions asked. The brunette's outmost concentration from Mark broke when he felt someone bump into him from behind.
"This kid-" He heard the man curse under his breath while he was glaring at Mark. Donghyuck felt like this man was somehow familiar.
Wait a damn minute- it's that old geezer who broke into Mark's home! Donghyuck immediately turned back to Mark but he seemed to have no idea, he was probably thinking it was just another person buying stuff in the store. He wanted to tell the cashier or security guard outside but didn't know if it was the right thing to do since the thief didn't steal anything.
Yet.
The man started to shove some candies inside his shirt while Mark was too preoccupied reading the labels, boy probably didn't have any idea a chocolate robbery was going on right behind him. He tapped Mark from behind to make him witness the scene unfolding in the back.
He glanced at the thief and audibly gasped. Donghyuck face palmed. What kind of store is this? Why's there no fucking security cameras? And Mar, my dude, please tell the-
"Ayo, mister thief, why are you stealing candies?" Mark asked him in a totally clueless manner. What the fuck-
"Hello, kid, we meet again!" The man laughed evilly but low enough that no one in the store could hear him. He looked a bit startled getting caught by Mark but he's probably now enjoying Mark's innocence.
"Again? Have I seen you before somewhere?" Donghyuck could see the thief dumbfounded. He cleared his throat and before he could he could say another word. "Yo, are you really stealing candies? Not cool, dude, keep them back!"
Just tell the goddamn security guard! Donghyuck internally cried. Wait, why am I not doing that- He stopped in his track when he saw the thief grab Mark's wrist and squeezed really tightly because Mark seemed to wince at the touch.
"Listen kid, just pretend you didn't see me now and go home or else," He squeezed him even more tightly. Mark looked slightly scared but seemed to cook up something in his mind while Donghyuck didn't know what to do and kicked his crotch from behind. The thief let go of Mark and cried in pain while grabbing his thing and Mark took the chance run to the cashier to tell her everything.
While everyone was out of sight, the thief was trying hard to get up and hide but Donghyuck grabbed his hair and whispered in his ear, "If you go near Mark again, it will be worse than this." the thief gasped as if he saw a ghost and was in shock for a second that he forgot he was trying hide and got caught red handed.
Apparently, he had ran away from the police the day he was caught in Mark's home and was stealing food here because he was staving. Mark sighed in relief and went in the store to grab his items and payed and left like it was just another normal trip to the store, as if the whole incident did not happen at all.
Donghyuck thought he'd go home but for some reason his feet took him to trail behind Mark. Before he was rudely interrupted by the foolish thief, he was thinking all about kissing Mark and this time the thought came to him again. Just once...
He didn't know what came over him, it was probably adrenaline that he took a discarded can that was by the trash and dropped it behind Mark. Mark looked back.
The plan had worked. Of course, when Donghyuck is determined about something, nothing can stop him, no matter how dumb or difficult that thing is.
He tiptoed a bit, just because Mark is a teeny tiny bit taller than him and leaned up and pressed his lips lightly on the older's. It's fleeting and he was sure even though Mark couldn't see him, he could feel it. Donghyuck felt a spark as soon as their lips touched but he leaned back quickly enough with his cheeks all red. Now, he might have done something extremely ridiculous just now, he knew he shouldn't go over board.
Before he could internally scream about the one sided kiss he scored, or cry about what he did just now, or swoon over how soft Mark's lips were or anything like that, he felt two hands grabbing both sides his cheeks and once again felt the lips on him.
Maybe the kiss wasn't so one sided after all.
He made a muffled sound as Mark kissed him this time and his eye went all flying saucers and mind went haywire. Donghyuck gained his composure in a second because what the fuck? and he realised something.
He pushed the older, slightly harsher than he intended to and took his sweet time to scream like a pterodactyl for a second or two. Mark looked very red at the moment and he took the shopping bags on his hands again which he obviously dropped on the road to cup the younger's cheeks.
"You- what the hell? You can see me?" Donghyuck's voice was shaky. He doubled checked himself that he was in his invisible form. Then how? "Does this mean my powers doesn't work? Did everyone see me doing all the shit I do in this form?" he gasped loudly. "Don't tell me Jaehyun hyung saw me following him to the gym and ogling at his abs?" Truthfully, Donghyuck was at the verge of crying.
"Hey hey, calm down." Mark crouched down because at this point Donghyuck was laying flat in the middle of the street. "Your powers work fine! It's just me who can see you... I guess?"
"What do you mean?"
"I have this power of X-Ray vision... I honestly didn't know I could see invisible people with this power-" Mark paused for a while when he saw the man walking beside them gave him a weird look. "And can you please come out of your invisible form? People are thinking I'm a lunatic talking to air." Donghyuck gulped but did that. All he could feel at that moment was shame and humiliation.
"Why didn't you say anything then...?" Donghyuck mumbled. He really wanted to disappear. So Mark saw him do ALL THAT and didn't say anything?
"I just- look, I'm sorry I couldn't. I just don't know why. I didn't know how to confront you about this. I'm... really sorry." Mark genuinely looked remorseful. If Donghyuck didn't know Mark he would have never forgiven him even in a million years. But he knew the older was sometimes not too good in communicating and he guessed it really was something he couldn't just say upfront. Just like how Donghyuck himself couldn't bring himself to talk to Mark and followed him invisibly.
"Uh... it's fine. Can you just do something for me now?" Donghyuck's voice was small. He felt like the kicked puppy at the moment. Mark looked eager to fulfill whatever request he was about to give and that made Donghyuck feel a tiny bit better. But... "Can you just kill me right now? We even have the dumpster here. You can leave my body right here too."
Mark looked horrified. "What are you saying? I- I can't do that!"
"Please, this all is so much embarrassing." Donghyuck hid his face behind his face because he knew the tears are on their way. But Mark removed his hands and smiled in a gentle way, the one Mark smile he loves the most. He wiped the tears with his thumb and ruffled his hair.
"You like me, right?" Donghyuck heart nearly burst because when did Mark get so bold? He felt his whole body steam as he was struggling to say something witty to avoid this conversation but Mark beat him to it. "I actually really like you too!"
"Wha-what? I- I literally followed you like a crazy stalker!"
"That, you did. But you still let me have my privacy, I guess. I mean you could have done anything but you didn't try to. And I kinda also enjoyed your company... why he walked together and that day you were in my home. Also those times you stay behind to watch my practices... Chenle said you weren't interested in basketball so I kinda had this urge to impress you! Also you... you saved me from that thief! Twice!" Mark stated fidgeting without realising, his cheeks got red. "And I loved the times we were together, ya know, without you being invisible... you're really a fun and cool person. And you're really pretty..."
If Donghyuck wasn't blushing before, he was burning now. He somehow managed a squeal and asked, "So, you like me too?"
"Yeah... why else would I kiss you back-" Mark stopped on his track. "Oh."
The two probably forgot about the little kiss they shared that started it all. Both of them were red head to toe, looking everywhere but the other. There was a long awkward silence, none of them ready to say another word about that.
Donghyuck's eyes wandered everywhere but Mark and when his eyes landed on Mark's shopping bags, he realised something. Holy shit-
"I forgot to buy what my mom told me to-" And with that he ran off, not looking back at Mark at all. For now, he didn't want to talk about all this. He really needed 3-5 business days to process all the things that went on in that dark lonely street.
Next day when Donghyuck woke up, he almost thought everything that happened last night was a good dream.
That's what he thought until he saw Mark waving at him with a shy smile on his face. "Fucking hell... so all that was really real?" Donghyuck's cheek heated up as he waved back.
"What's really real?" Renjun asked sneakily. "And you and Mark on talking terms now?" Jaemin chuckled.
"Oh it's more than that!" Donghyuck grinned and ran to Mark, leaving his friends confused. They still have time to discuss, but at least their feelings are mutual. When he looked at Mark, it felt like a silent agreement that they are something now. And he didn't want to trouble Mark right before his big day.
Aka the basketball finals.
This time Donghyuck went to Mark and everyone could see him. Mark indulged the brunette to accompany him the way everyone knows they are now together. And Donghyuck never felt this happy ever. He couldfinally stand beside Mark, walk with him and do stuff with him without his power anymore.
"Good luck, Mark hyung! I know you can crush them into piece!" Donghyuck punched the air and Mark just laughed. He leaned down a little bit and tapped the right side of his cheek. "No good luck kiss like last time?" Donghyuck stopped his cheers and looked like a boiled tomato as he stuttered, "W-what? You sneaky-"
"What? What?" Chenle came to them with sparkling eyes and Donghyuck knew its because he heard what Mark said and now he's not gonna hear the end of it.
"Oh God, kill me please." He groaned but did what Mark asked for anyway.
Needless to say, their team won again.
All Donghyuck could think as he saw Mark celebrating their victory with his teammates on the court was Gosh... this person is gonna be my boyfriend. How did I get so lucky?
Maybe his weird way of being with Mark wasn't really ideal, screw that, it's the worst way one could earn a lover. But it still worked out for Donghyuck, right?
And that's all that matters.