Chapter Text
Prologue.
“Should anyone present know of any reason why this couple should not be joined in matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace”
The room remained silent.
“No one? It doesn’t have to be a big thing, it can just be that someone has smelly feet or something…I know for a fact he farts while he sleeps”
“I do not, shut up! Enough with the movie theme, no one’s objecting, carry on”
Taeil chuckled quietly.
“The rings, please”
Jaehyun and Johnny stepped forward and delivered the wedding bands to the couple. Once they finished putting them in each other’s finger, Taeil continued.
“By the power invested in me by the shadiest website I’ve ever seen, and my brother, I now pronounce you husband and husband. You may kiss the groom, no tongue please, there’s people watching”
Everyone laughed and began clapping, as Jeno gently approached Jaemin and sealed the ceremony with a kiss. They joined hands and giggled while making their way out of the room. Taeil quickly followed, flanked by his fiancé.
“You did amazing babe…” the younger smiled and pecked his cheek softly.
“Thank god it’s over, I had to watch a bunch of romcoms just to get it, I’m so done. We’re watching scary movies for months, so I can get it out of my system”
“You don’t even like them”
“Ok, anything that doesn’t end with a shitty feel-good song it’s fine with me” Taeil mussed.
“Babe, you know you loved them, you made me watch them with you and you even cried” Hyuck teased.
“Some of them! And I did not cry, I had something in my eye”
“Are you guys fighting already? Is the honeymoon phase over?” Jaemin’s voice came.
“There’s still time to back out Illie, just say the word and I’ll start the car”
“Jen…come on, really? Still?” Hyuck huffed.
The newlyweds chuckled in unison.
“I’m just joking, there’s no way in hell he’s leaving you, I’m gonna have to get used to you…the sacrifices we make for love” he finished, stroking Jaemin’s hair softly. Hyuck pouted.
“Ugh you’re so annoying! You know I love you” Jeno added.
“Excuse me? Did I hear right?”
“I can retract myself if you want” Jeno admonished.
“No way, there’s witnesses, you’re screwed!” Hyuck laughed, enveloping the other man in a hug. “Congratulations, I’m really happy for you”
“And we’re happy for you” Jaemin chirped, embracing his brother. “When are we planning your wedding? Don’t you dare get hitched in Italy or I’ll never forgive you”
“Jaem, we just got engaged, we’re not getting married soon” Taeil appeased him.
“Why not? I’m sure we can work something out, they can fly over with mom and dad…or we can elope and shock everybody” Hyuck countered.
“Baby…” Taeil began, taking his hand. “All our friends are here, my parents are here, and your parents can come if we give them enough time. There’s no rush”
“But…”
“I promise I’m not going anywhere without you. This is forever”
2 weeks later
“Jeez Illie was not lying when he said we’d be busy, Yuta already booked 7 events over the next two weeks, and his email said there’s more to come” Doyoung sighed, half relieved, half scared of the sudden workload, on top of their other clients.
“We’re gonna need more people, and we might have to start doing the events separately. He’s not playing around” Taeyong confirmed his partner’s suspicions. “Remember what we discussed when Illie and Hyuck left? I think it’s time”
“You’re right” Doyoung confirmed. “Mark! Can you come over, please?" The first man called for the younger, who was preparing the tables for their upcoming job.
“What’s up?”
“You’re being promoted” Doyoung stated. Mark’s eyes went wide.
“Promoted? To what?”
“Supervisor” Taeyong sat down at one of the tables, inviting the rest to do the same. “Your performance’s been nothing but stellar since you began working with us, you’re always on top of everything and Doie and I agree you’ll do great leading the current and new staff. I know this may not be your dream job considering we’re a growing company, but…”
“I’ll take it!” Mark almost jumped with joy. “I’m still figuring out what to do with my career and my degree, but working with you guys it’s amazing, and it’s a huge opportunity from my standpoint”
“Really?” Doyoung queried.
“Do you want me to say no?” Mark joked.
“Damn, I almost forgot you and Hyuck are cut from the same cloth for some things” the older huffed. “Just know we already have a lot of work coming our way, we need to start recruiting immediately, and you’re going to be choosing your team”
“Why do we need more members? We have like, one or two events per week, we can handle it”
“Make that 7 for the following ones and counting” Taeyong corrected.
“What?! How did that happen?”
“Yuta” Doyoung added.
“He’s not even here yet, how…” Mark trailed the question, seeing the amusement in the other’s faces. He was still trying to get more information on the mysterious man, not expecting him to already be moving the strings from afar.
“You’ll understand once you meet him. The fact he’s not here doesn’t mean he hasn’t been doing the work since the moment Taeil and Hyuck left after Jaemin and Jeno’s wedding. But don’t worry, we’ll help you out, we have a couple of people already on sight, you just have to vet them”
“But I thought you’ll be handling that”
“Mark, your new position starts right now. Time to jump on the deep side and swim”
~*~*~
Taeyong, Doyoung and Mark managed to put together a new team with a mix of new and seasoned people, and although Mark could seem quirky and inexperienced, he succeeded in winning them over in just one gig. He knew the procedures and rules like the back of his hand, and everyone was following him around like ducklings. He even nicknamed his team the dreamies, all young, but hardworking and filled with energy.
A few days went by, and the whole team - including Jaemin and Jeno - arranged a small gathering at the new hotel to introduce Yuta to everyone – mostly the catering team, considering the rest of them were acquainted to different degrees -. It was also a chance to lay out a plan for the upcoming weeks and iron out the details. Yuta refused to be picked up at the airport, trying to blend in with the group’s dynamic.
Still, he hadn’t lost his touch to make a grand entrance. He opened the door to the salon and yelled.
“Guess who’s back again!”
“Yuta!” Jaemin screamed, running to embrace him. Three years had passed since their last meeting, and the older could not hide his delight.
“Who’s this? You can’t be my little Nana, this man is all grown-up and married!” he returned, hugging him.
“I’m the same, just hitched. Jeno! Come here!”
Jeno knew Yuta through videocalls, but the familiarity of their interactions was there, regardless.
“So this is the man that managed to make you commit! I’m impressed!”
“I forced him, but now it’s legal and he’s stuck with me forever” Jaemin chirped.
“I can still divorce him, if he doesn’t kill me first” Jeno countered. “Nice to finally meet you”
“Likewise. Where’s Doie, Tae and the J’s?” Yuta asked.
“The J’s are busy today, but Taeyong and Doyoung are in the back with everyone else, come, come!” Jaemin nearly dragged him, pointing at the group at the end of the room. Yuta recognized almost everyone, except the new staff. And one particular stranger caught his attention.
Taeyong heard all the noise and called for his team to make the introductions.
“Guys, this is Yuta, he’s going to be filling in for Taeil while he’s away”
Yuta nearly ignored the greeting, walking straight to the stranger he’d been eyeing from afar.
“Who’s this delightful creature? Is he part of my staff? Damn, I’m gonna have to rethink the whole no dating subordinates policy” he uttered, trying to get into his space. Mark took a quick step back.
“I’m not your employee” Mark spat, annoyed. In the few seconds he had before the meeting, he realized the newcomer was painfully beautiful, but that didn’t give him the right to embarrass him in front of his new team. “I’m the team’s supervisor” he finished, straightening his posture.
“Great then, no conflict of interest” Yuta smirked.
“Yuta, leave him alone” Taeyong intervened. “Can’t you at least wait a few minutes before being…well, yourself?”
“I don’t hear him complaining”
“He’s too polite to call you out, but I will” Doyoung intervened.
“You haven’t lost the motherly side” Yuta kidded, patting his friend’s back. “I can’t wait for you to have kids, and for me to spoil them rotten”
“Our children will never be safe with you around” Taeyong joked. “Be nice to Mark, he’s an important asset for our group”
“I am being nice, and I can be eve nicer, if he wants”
Doyoung was about to interrupt when Mark beat him to the punch. He was not going to allow Yuta to talk about him like he wasn’t even present.
“As I said, I’m Mark, the team’s leader, and I guess you must be Yuta” he extended his hand, and the other shook it, lingering the contact. Mark retracted his hand fast. “I realize we don’t know each other, but let me get one thing clear, I’m not a pushover, and though I’m young, I’ve been with Doyoung and Taeyong for a long time. I know how to get things done, and I’ll assist at the best of my capacities. But…” Mark paused, considering his next words “This is my job and I take it seriously, so I’d appreciate if you can maintain a polite and professional communication with me. I do not work for you, but for them, and I don’t appreciate being mocked by strangers, is that clear?” Mark tried his best to keep a straight face while going toe to toe with Yuta, recognizing a bit too late that it might cost him his job.
“I couldn’t have said it better myself” he heard Doyoung’s encouraging words.
Yuta’s smile dropped, and his gaze became intimidating.
“You got balls kid, I’ll give you that, no one’s spoken to me like that in a while”
Mark contemplated apologizing, when the other resumed.
“But you’re right. Sorry if I said anything to make you uncomfortable, however….” Yuta stopped, noticing he was about to continue flirting and trying to get under the other’s skin. “Never mind, we’ll have time to get to know one another”
Mark heard the phrase both as a threat and a promise.
“Great. Now, let’s discuss our plans for the months you’ll be here” the younger took charge of the conversation, and Yuta listened and made a few comments. The rest of the group pitched in, but overall, it was a good meeting. They overlined a simple and flexible strategy, bidding their goodbyes later.
~*~*~
The first week was a busy one for the group, and Taeil and Hyuck were enjoying the surroundings, starting to meet people and developing their plan while in Italy. Nonetheless, Taeil maintained constant communication with everyone, including his brother and Jeno. They decided to delay their honeymoon until the business abroad was finished.
By the end of the second week, Taeil became aware of the other situation happening miles away.
“So, how’s everything going? Any news?” he queried, watching the whole bunch cramped in front of Jaemin’s screen.
“Business is good, we’re booking a lot of events” Jaemin paused. “And…Yuta’s chasing Mark”
“No I’m not. It was love at first sight, what can I say?”
“Love my ass, he could not give you the boot faster” Jaemin laughed, waving at his brother.
“I’m going to assume since you have time to fool around, I won’t be bankrupt by the time we come back, right?
“How dare you say that, I’m hurt! I’m on top of everything here, I can make time for love. Besides, you got your fiancé out of this company, who says it won’t happen to me?”
“The fact that Mark already hates your guts” Taeyong provided.
“I’ll make him come around…” Yuta grinned, mischievously. “I think I may be staying longer than anticipated”
“Yuta, come on, you don’t even know him” Taeil tried.
“What’s going on?” Hyuck asked his fiancé, sitting on the couch. Taeil muted his mic and spoke.
“It seems like Yuta likes Mark”
“Mark? My Mark?”
Taeil couldn’t help but laugh.
“I’ll pretend that didn’t sound suspicious” he cocked an eyebrow. “But yes, your Mark”
“He’s been there for what, 2 weeks? How the hell can he like him, has he even met him? How many times?”
“He says it’s love” Taeil added.
“Can you vouch for him? Is he serious? I’m not going to let him play with my friend…let me talk to him” the younger requested.
“Hyuck…” Taeil tried, but the other was already moving the laptop towards himself.
“Illie, are we boring you? Hello?”
“I have something to say to Yuta” Hyuck joined Taeil on screen. “If you’re trying to lure my friend into bed, don’t. He’s not a thing for you to play with, and I’ll come back and kick your ass if you hurt him” he spat with a menacing tone. Yuta laughed.
“You’re everything I imagined you’d be and more, you’re perfect for Illie” Yuta smiled, but realized the other wasn’t convinced. “I’m not trying to fuck your friend, and I don’t sleep around, regardless of what people might think of me”
“Says every fuckboy in the world”
“Donghyuck!” Taeil stared at him.
“What? He looks like one! And Mark’s like my brother, I’m not going to allow some rando to use him and drop him, just for fun”
“How about you know me first, and then form an opinion?” Yuta challenged.
“You have 10 seconds”
“I’m a business graduate just like Taeil, I’m intelligent, stable, fun, and I can actually stay if I decide to, Taro can take over the business whenever he wants, I’ve been preparing him for it”
“Your brother?” Taeil wondered.
“You’re not the only one with a little genius in the family, Illie” Yuta countered. “And I know I don’t know Mark the way you guys do, but I want to, and I’m going to try my best to get there. This is not a game for me, I felt something when I met him”
“Being horny it’s not the same as being in love” Jaemin pitched in.
“Not to be a buzzkill, but how can you know? You’ve barely spoken” Jeno interjected.
“How did you know you were in love with Jaemin?” Yuta asked. “Or you Hyuck, from what I’ve heard, your situation was similar than mine, minus the part when you tried to take advantage of my friend”
Hyuck faced away from the screen, embarrassed.
“Yuta, don’t” Taeil warned.
“I’m not bringing it up to make him feel bad, but you two have a weird history, and it worked out. Why can’t that happen to me?”
Hyuck considered his whole history with Taeil and decided to give the other a chance.
“Are you serious about him, yes or no?”
“Yes, I am. Any advice?” Yuta queried, watching the approving nod from Hyuck.
“Yeah. Do nothing” Hyuck declared.
“Pardon?”
“Mark’s used to fight for the things he wants. If you deliver yourself on a silver platter, he won’t be interested. It’s nothing against you, it’s just how it is. He likes attention, but the one he can earn himself. Oh, and he’s also very competitive, I think those are the basics, now it’s up to you to develop a strategy with that information. However, my warning stands. Don’t you dare hurt him, or I’ll hurt you back”
“Should I ignore him then? That’s your suggestion?” Yuta was taken aback.
“Not completely but stop coming onto him. If he’s interested, wait for him to make a move. It might take a while though, Mark’s not very…smart when it comes to relationships. But, if he wants you, he’ll show you in his own weird way”
“How will I know then?”
“You’ll know. He’s slow, not subtle” Hyuck chuckled. “Take care of him, he’s incredible and deserves to be loved”
“Thank you” Yuta grinned. “I’ll give it my best”
~*~*~
Yuta managed to do amazing things with the position. He booked more events for the subsequent weeks and began to follow Hyuck’s advice. He wasn’t purposely avoiding Mark, but decided to take a step back and watch things develop. The action also gave him time to observe the younger doing his thing. Even when he was still green in terms of experience, the way he carried himself was impressive. There were some mistakes in his performance, but the other managed to solve them without asking for help. Yuta observed from the sidelines, and only intervened at the end of each venue, addressing the points to be improved to the whole team, never undermining Mark’s authority.
After a week, he decided to put Hyuck’s theory to the test. He asked Doyoung and Taeyong to give specific instructions to the man for the upcoming event. The couple agreed to help.
“Mark, you’re flying solo today” Taeyong declared while the group was planning for the day. “We have a lot on our plates, and Doie and I will be managing other jobs. Nothing new here, you’ve done this a lot of times and we’re confident. If you need anything, Yuta will be in his office, but he said not to bother him unless the place, or someone’s on fire”
“Why in his office? Why not here making sure I don’t fuck up, like usual?”
“Nah, he trusts us, ergo, he trusts you”
“Really?” Mark eyed the other suspiciously. It’d been three weeks since he’d met Yuta, and besides the rather strange encounter they had, the older hadn’t approached him since. He attended a few meetings and gave some general instructions and comments but seemed oblivious to Mark’s presence. What should come as a relief, caused the exact opposite effect. Mark kept wondering what had changed.
“You don’t need supervision Mark, you’re the one leading everything, and Jaemin will be here in an hour. I thought you’d be more than fine with it, you don’t seem to like him” Doyoung added.
“I don’t, but he’s supposed to be the new boss”
“We’re still your bosses. Although, if you want to talk to him or ask him a question, you can go to him”
“That won’t be necessary, I can manage” Mark replied swiftly, pushing his annoyance away. He had no reason to be upset, did he? But not even a hello or a thank you for running the whole thing? Rude.
“It’s settled then. Go do your thing, and if anything happens, you know what to do”
Mark had no trouble getting the place ready and his team in place for the upcoming event. He’d secured his old crew - Jisung, Chenle, and Yangyang - and the new kids – Renjun and Sungchang – were fast learners and proved to be an asset for the group. Everything was good to go an hour prior to the arrival of the guests, but Mark felt his displeasure come back the second he stopped running around and giving instructions. He paced restlessly, trying to entertain himself by folding napkins or moving glasses aimlessly. It got to the point where he could not contain his body, marching towards Yuta’s office without a second thought. He knocked on the closed door, waiting to be let in. When he opened it, the older stared at him, surprised.
“Mark? What’s going on? Did I get the time wrong? We’re not supposed to start for another 30 minutes. Is Jaemin not coming? Is the place on fire?” Yuta queried.
“You’re right, and no, Jaemin will be here, we’re on time, and no fires yet...” he trailed the phrase. “I was wondering if you planned to check everything before we began” Mark countered, trying to relax. He knew the impromptu meeting wasn’t required, still, he wanted Yuta to be aware he was more than capable of handling things by himself. And why not, a small portion of him wished to see Yuta, to get some sort of reaction out of him. His rational brain was urging him to leave and avoid any further embarrassment.
“I thought I was clear with Doie and Tae” Yuta replied, calmly. “I’m not going to be breathing down your neck or questioning your actions. You know what to do and I trust your judgement. Besides, Jaemin will be there for you”
“Jaemin should be somewhere else, isn’t that the whole reason for you to be here? Aren’t you supposed to be filling in for Taeil? If not, what’s the point of having separate events?” Mark provoked. Jeno was leading another venue – taking a different position since Taeil and Hyuck left – and when they had more than two at a time, Johnny or Jaehyun pitched in. Yet, Mark felt the need to poke the bear. And he succeeded, if the way Yuta was staring at him was any indication.
“Excuse me? I don’t recall asking for your advice on how to conduct the business” Yuta tried to sound neutral, but he was delighted. Mark had taken the initiative to come look for him, despite the instructions he’d received. He was overstepping the boundaries, trying to rile him up. He was interested. Hyuck was right.
Mark’s cheeks went red as he tried to find an answer. Yuta didn’t give him time to recoil.
“If you want me to be there, I will, you just have to ask” he continued. “Nonetheless, I thought you made it clear from the start that you didn’t appreciate me being near you or involved in your job, and I was under the impression you preferred it that way, but if that’s not your stance anymore, I’ll be more than happy to do it”
Alarms went off inside Mark’s brain. Fuck, Yuta was calling his bluff.
“I didn’t say I needed you there”
“And that’s not what I asked. I asked if you wanted me there. I know you don’t need me”
“I don’t want you there either!” Mark nearly yelled. What the hell was wrong with him? He should be pleased the other was showing confidence in his performance. He should be overjoyed that Yuta wasn’t trying to flirt with him or diminish his position. He should be feeling a lot of things, except the annoying sensation of wanting the other to pay attention to him.
Crap.
“Just forget it, I’m going back. If anything happens, I’ll let you know” the younger hurried the words, and turned back, leaving the office. Yuta smiled to himself while watching him go.
~*~*~
Mark walked back to the salon, however, he took his phone out and called the only person that could give him advice. He knew it was late there but took a chance.
“Hello? Mark? Are you ok? Are you hurt?” a sleepy voice asked.
“No, I’m not”
“What is it? Mark, hello? What’s going on?” The concern in Hyuck’s voice made Mark aware he’d made the wrong move. And made him realize how late it was in Italy. His friend was asleep, and he was waking him up for the stupidest reason.
“I’m…”
“Mark! What’s going on!! I’m up, just let me leave the room, Illie’s sleeping” he heard footsteps and a door closing, then another opening. “Shit it’s cold here, Mark, it’s 3 in the morning, what the fuck?!”
“I’m running my first event alone…I’m…”
“Please don’t’ tell me you woke me up for a pep talk, we could’ve done this when we spoke earlier!” the other huffed. “Isn’t Yuta there? Or Jaemin?”
“Yuta is here, Jaemin’s coming later” Mark acknowledged how ridiculous he was being, but he’d already shat the bed. “Yuta’s in his office, and refusing to come out”
“What?! What happened to him?” Hyuck was now getting worried. “Do I need to wake Illie?”
“No!” Mark attempted to explain in a way that wasn’t moronic, like his actions. “He told me not to bother him unless the place was on fire, I mean, he’s not even checking the place out! Why is he here then? Why is he…”
Mark’s rambling managed to fully wake his friend. Hyuck laughed.
“Why is he what, Mark?”
“It’s like I’m not even here! He’s ignoring me!” Mark spat.
“Seems the opposite to me, he’s trusting you…why are you so upset?”
“I’m not upset!”
“Yes, you are” Hyuck replied playfully. “Mark…are you mad because he’s not paying attention to you?” Hyuck already recognized his friend’s dilemma and decided to push things further. “Do you like him by any chance?”
“I don’t!!! What are you saying?”
“Mark, come on” Hyuck lowered his voice. “You hated the fact he tried to flirt with you when you met, and now you’re giving me shit because he’s not doing it? It’s obvious, you miss it”
“I…” Mark’s words died in his throat. Was Hyuck right? No. He didn’t like Yuta. He knew nothing about the other, it was impossible. Every information he had on the older was through other people, they were strangers. How could he possibly like him?
“Mark?”
“Yeah?”
“It’s 3 am. I’m tired, get your shit together” Hyuck said, much to his surprise. “If you’re interested in him, do something about it other than calling me at the wee hours of the night to bitch about the fact he’s not trying to get in your pants. You’re more than capable of asking him out or do whatever it is you want to do” Hyuck knew how to get Mark fired up, and used exactly that strategy. Apparently, the advice he gave to Yuta was working like a charm.
“I don’t want to date him, if that’s what you’re implying, I’m only pointing out he’s neglecting his duties”
“He’s not. You’re not a baby, he doesn’t need to hold your hand every step of the way. If you want him by your side, just go and ask him”
“Excuse me?”
“Mark, you’ve been complaining about him a lot, it’s half of our conversations. Get a grip. I’m going back to sleep”
“Hyuck!” Mark pleaded.
“It’s for your own good, you’ll thank me later. Deal with it”
“Hyuck!” Mark called, but his friend had already ended the conversation. He glanced at his phone, flabbergasted.
“I’m not interested in him, I’ll prove it to you” Mark stared at his phone, as if he was trying to deliver a secret message to his best friend.
The younger tidied his clothes and went back to the salon, gathering his team for a short conversation before everything began. Yuta didn’t show up, but Mark was determined to never behave the way he had. He would not allow his impulses to take over, ever again.
He would soon find out it was easier said than done.
~*~*~
Another week went by, and Yuta began to question his actions. Mark was completely ignoring him, and even tried to convince Doyoung to place him with Jeno for the upcoming commitments. Despite Hyuck’s prior reassurance – they were now on a biweekly call basis – he dreaded he’d gone too far.
“I don’t think I want to do this anymore. I’m getting the opposite reaction from him, he won’t even say hello or let me know when he’s leaving” Yuta complained. “Has he said anything to you?”
Surprisingly, Hyuck appeared to share his concerns by the end of the month.
“He doesn’t bring you up anymore. It’s so weird, I was so sure…maybe you’re right”
“What do I do now, huh? I can’t just force him to talk to me, or like me”
“How about some honesty for a change?” Taeil’s voice was clear in the background. Yuta watched him come near his fiancé and sit down. “No more games. Just tell him the truth. Tell him you want to get to know him, either as friends or something else if he’s open to it. Take it slow”
“Are you sure? Hyuck, what do you think?” the other queried.
“I don’t know man…but doing nothing is not working anymore. Do you still like him?”
“I do” Yuta replied. “Even when I haven’t made any progress in getting to know him, I want to”
“Perfect then. Change the strategy and keep us posted on the progress!”
“That’s it? You guys are leaving?”
“We’re very busy Yu” Taeil explained. “But you’ll figure it out, and we’re here if you need us!” the man waved goodbye and ended the call.
~*~*~
Mark waited until Saturday to pour his thoughts onto his friend.
“I think you were right. I think I’m…interested” he declared, without preamble.
“Beg your pardon?” the answer came. However, the other wasn’t finished.
“In Yuta. But I don’t think he likes me anymore, he’s totally unaware of my presence, and only addresses me if we’re working. Not even when I’m alone, he hasn’t tried anything”
“I warned you dude. He probably got tired of waiting for you to notice him, and sorry to point this out, he’s hot enough to get whomever he wants. Playing hard to get didn’t work this time”
“I wasn’t doing that! It’s just…I was…” Mark hesitated. “So that’s it? I’m fucked?”
“I didn’t say that. I’m just pointing out that you may need to be proactive now and make a move. He did it first, now it’s your turn.
“Taeil, care to comment?” Mark spoke louder, knowing the older was listening.
“Yuta is a good man, Mark. Don’t write him off because he’s handsome, there’s more to him than that. Get to know him, ask him about his family, about what he likes, his hobbies”
“But then I’ll lose. I’ll be giving him exactly what he wanted in the first place!” Mark huffed.
“Do you like him Mark? Yes or no?”
“Maybe?”
“Yes or no?” Taeil pushed.
“Fine, yes. I mean, I don’t know, but I want him to look at me the way he used to, is that crazy?” Mark wondered.
”It’s not” the other assured. “However, it takes two to build a relationship, you need to do your part. Be honest, tell him you want to get to know him, either as friends or something else if he’s open to it. Take it slow”
Mark seemed to ponder the advice, and nodded gruntingly.
“Perfect” Hyuck encouraged. “Keep us posted, we need to go now, lots to do here!”
“But it’s the weekend”
“There’s no rest for the wicked, talk to you soon” Hyuck waved goodbye, and ended the call.
As soon as the screen went black, he turned to Taeil.
“See? I told you my plan was going to work”