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“Thank you for choosing to fly with us today, please enjoy your flight,” the flight attendant smiled towards the cabin before taking his seat and, in this exact moment, Mark knew he was done for. Seeing that glowing smile unlocked a surge of regret inside of Mark; he just had to pick today to ignore the cabin crew introductions. The love of his life was right in front of him yet Mark hadn’t even bothered to listen to his name. He had to get that mystery flight attendant’s number, but he had three issues: He’s shy, he only has seven hours to get over said shyness, and, after getting over said shyness, he couldn’t even be sure the ridiculously handsome flight attendant was even into men. Basically, a disaster in the making.
The next time Mark caught a glimpse of the love of his life was well after they’d reached the dizzying heights of 40,000 ft. Well, that’s what the pilot said the cruising altitude was in his pre-flight announcement (which Mark did actually listen to), and if the level fuselage and the lack of the seat belt sign light meant anything, they’d definitely stopped climbing a while ago.
Luckily (or unluckily depending on how he was trying to look at the situation), the flight attendant serving him and the rest of the right hand side of his specific section of economy wasn’t the best looking man he’d ever seen; it was actually a lovely woman who didn’t even bat an eyelid when he ordered not one but two double vodka and orange juice’s not even forty-five minutes into the flight.
“She’s probably used to stressed working men drinking away their problems or rowdy barely legal teens enjoying the holiday vibes,” Mark thought once he was handed his two hopefully lifesavers in cheap, plastic cups. He really did appreciate the lack of judgement and also the liquid confidence slowly entering his bloodstream.
Mark was never the best at flirting, but even him and his lack of skills knew that alcohol wasn’t the answer (only after his two drinks hit him maybe just a little bit too hard during his first trip to the loo). Slurring his words and just being a general embarrassment in front of the man of his dreams was a situation he was definitely keen to avoid; tipsy was good enough and safe enough for Mark.
Scrutinising observations and three hours later, Mark was becoming desperate. The fake confidence he acquired had disappeared a while ago and it didn’t feel like his situation was ever going to improve. There was only one outcome; Mark was going to be alone forever.
“I need to find Dorothy,” Mark mumbled aloud, “maybe she’ll help me like she did the lion and I’d finally receive some fucking courage.” It was a blessing that no other seat next to him was occupied or he’d be getting some very strange looks, but no attention at all felt like a sad home to him so a lack of reaction gave him just a little comfort before plunging him back into despair.
Sadly, Mark was painfully aware that he wasn’t Hermione and didn’t possess the gift of the usefulness of a time turner which, in his desperate situation, was needed. The constant reference to films was making Mark realise just how much of his time he used during this flight making his way through the never ending in-flight entertainment system instead of formulating a plan. He just kept wasting his precious time, with no solution on how to stop wasting it. All he knew of the flight attendant was that he was the most mesmerising man he had ever seen and that his name tag read a beautiful ‘Haechan.’
“That name is very fitting,” Mark thought, “as he truly is the sun in human form, just so bright and beautiful and demanding of attention.”
Mark didn’t want to ever look away, even if he knew the longer he looked, the harder it would burn once he had to leave the flight and most likely never see him again. But the Sun does burn, and it always will.
Time was running out, the seatbelt signs were on and the end of the flight was imminent. He had no chance with Haechan now but he wasn’t really expecting anything else. He just couldn’t get over his shyness and it was too late now.
---
"Thank you for joining us on this flight today, we wish you well and a safe journey to your final destination," the pilot spoke over the tannoy, signalling the end of the most agonising flight of Mark's life. He reluctantly unbuckled his belt and retrieved his backpack from under the seat, knowing that his chance was over and he would be forever alone.
As if life couldn't get any meaner, the human embodiment of the Sun, Haechan, just had to be the one at the plane's front door wishing him well. It felt like a kick in the teeth but at least he could savour the moment and replay that tiny exchange over and over in his head forever, wishing things could be different. But they couldn't be, and Mark had to get to his hotel.
The last glance Mark got of the love of his life, the one that got away, was at baggage reclaim where life was teasing him; he could only witness him walking away, never getting to see his face again.
---
"Hi I booked a room under the name Mark Lee," Mark told the receptionist, who was very happy to help.
"Unfortunately Mr. Lee, our last guest checked out late from the room you booked and we haven't been able to get it up to our standards yet. I understand you've travelled for a while already but would you mind waiting a little bit longer? Feel free to make your way to the bar, drinks and snacks are on us." Mark internally groaned but thanked the receptionist and made his way to the hotel bar.
"A double vodka and orange juice please," Mark asked the barman, sticking to his signature drink. It had been a long day and all Mark wanted was his bed, but he'll have to wait just that little bit longer.
"So, where are you from?" the barman asked Mark, starting a friendly conversation.
"I'm from Seoul," Mark replied, "I'm here just for the night before travelling even further away from home."
"Oh cool, well I hope you enjoy your night, let me know if there's anything you need from me."
"I will do, thank y--" Mark's head turned. He couldn't actually be seeing this with his own eyes. That couldn't be the pretty flight attendant. Haechan couldn't have just walked into the bar inside the hotel HE was staying in. None of this could be real.
"This is my chance," Mark thought, "I'm meant to talk to him, I'm gonna have to do this. The universe is looking out for me, I can't let it down again."
"A double vodka and orange please," Mark heard Haechan ask the barman.
"So you have great taste in drinks I see?" Mark asked Haechan, having no idea where his confidence came from.
"Oh so you're a man of culture I see," Haechan replied, a slight tease in his tone.
"Of course. So what brings you here tonight?"
"Well I came to relax after probably the longest flight of my life, having to watch the prettiest man ever just walk away from me." Mark's mind went blank. This couldn't be about him could it?
"So, you here for business or pleasure?" Mark asked, trying to change the subject. He couldn't take the heartbreak of that not being about him, that was too cruel for sleep deprived Mark.
"I think we both know why I'm here, sweetheart." Haechan carefully moved closer, his hand landing on Mark's thigh. He really couldn't believe this was happening. "You weren't the only one dying to speak to a random man you find hot for hours, but at least I have an excuse, I was on the clock! God I'm so glad you're here."
"M-m-me too," Mark forced out, still in shock and barely able to string a sentence together. This was going too well.
They talked for what felt like hours, hitting it off straight away, with no end of the conversation in sight.
"Excuse me Mr. Lee, your room is ready," the barman said, walking over to burst Mark and Haechan's little love bubble. He'd been talking to the receptionist yet Mark had barely noticed, too mesmerised by Haechan sitting right beside him.
"Oh yes thank you I'll be right over," Mark replied. He turned towards Haechan, "and what's your number, love?" Mark handed Haechan his phone and he quickly filled out his contact details. "Look out for a text, come find me then," Mark teased before he got up and made his way towards reception.
"I can't wait," Haechan replied, hastily finishing his drink. This was going to be a good night.