Archive of Our Own

“Haechanie, wake up” there is a gentle voice disrupting Haechan’s sleep. As he tried to open his eyes, a painful headache suddenly attacked him causing him to frown. 

The person who woke him might have noticed his abnormality as they placed their slightly cold hand on top of Haechan’s head and caressed him. 

“Uri maknae, wake up now. We have practice soon. We only get an hour to get ready” 

Haechan fights over his discomfort and slowly opens the lid of his eyes only to see their leader, Taeyong, who is sitting on the edge of his bed with concern written on his face. 

“Hey baby, are you okay?” Taeyong softly asked Haechan who was still staring blankly at him. This question broke Haechan away from his preoccupied thoughts. 

“Yeah, I think I am fine. I will go wash up now, hyung” With a reassuring smile, Haechan stood up from his bed to go to the bathroom outside their shared room. 

After washing up, Haechan habitually joined his teammates for breakfast and took a seat next to the left side of a half-awake Jaehyun. They enjoyed their breakfast even though they were still tired from the excessive practices they had these days. 

It was at this moment that Haechan noticed something off. He looked around him but he couldn't find the silhouette of his best friend. He scanned them and it seemed like no one noticed anything missing between them but  Haechan.

“Hyungdeul, did any of you see Mark hyung?” 

The expression they gave to Haechan made the maknae awkward. They glanced at each other before Taeil took the chance to ask their maknae. 

“Which Mark, Channie?” Haechan was bewildered by this simple question. Seeing his teammates’ reaction, it did not seem like they were faking things. Could it be…

“Eumm, Mark Lee? One of the best rappers in our group?” – Haechan

“No baby, there are only 8 of us” – Taeyong

“Are you asking about the Canadian solo rapper? The only person I knew with the name Mark Lee was him” Johnny’s statement caught Haechan off guard. He stared at his teammates in shock. 

“Could it be that our Haechanie was dreaming that Mark lived with us? You like him, huh?” Jaehyun who was staring into space all this time teased their maknae. He gives the younger one a playful smirk that earns him a slap on the arm from Taeyong who sits on his right. 

“Can you not tease Haechan like that? Eat your food and stop daydreaming” 

Despite his hyungs' worried glance over him, Haechan tried not to trouble them and finished his breakfast before their manager arrived at their dorm. 

 ✿✿✿✿

Throughout the ride to the company, Haechan pretended as if he had not asked out of the ordinary and played games on his phone to distract himself. Jungwoo, who was so eager to sit next to him, had already fallen asleep. 

Haechan took this opportunity to search about Mark Lee on the internet. When he found the information about Mark, he was once again dumbfounded. 

[ Mark Lee, a Canadian male who debuted under Jhones Sources rocked the world with his powerful rap that could outstanding the worldwide record owned by Aminam. He has a total of albums and 3 mini albums released in the past 3 years after debuting. 

It was well-known by his fans how strict Mark is in terms of his career and private life. By far, we have not seen any scandals or bad rumors going on about him. He was once rumored to be the mysterious actress named Hailey Browns yet Mark took this rumor off the internet with just one sentence, “I am gay, not necessarily wanting to find another half at this moment”. The whole internet was shocked by his straightforwardness but his fans soon calmed down and understood Mark did not want to be coupled with anyone just because of the short words spoken between them etc,.. ]

Reading the article explaining Mark’s life makes Haechan uncomfortable. This Mark Lee was not his Mark. Not his best friend who debuted twice in the same group with him. Not the one who said that he almost left the company because of Haechan. Tears welled up making Haechan’s vision blurry. He looked down on his empty finger with no engagement ring on it. 

It seems like he had come into an alternate universe wherein he and Mark did not grow up together. In this world, they had never met each other because they were in different countries to begin with. 

He wiped off the tears with his thumb and closed his eyes to calm his nerves. He had been exhausted thinking about all the possibilities of Mark since this morning. 

✿✿✿✿

“Okay good! You guys can rest for 10 minutes before we start the next part!” The boys disperse, finding a spot for them to rest. Johnny has been watching Haechan who looks lost in thought since they stepped into the practice room. He approached the younger one and crushed him with a bear hug that strangely, according to Haechan, made him feel safe. 

Surely, the moment Haechan’s entire body was enveloped by the hug, he silently cried but from how unstoppable the tears were, Johnny knew he was hurt by something deeply. Johnny patted him on the back soothingly. He could feel their maknae was troubled with something but if he did not want to tell them, he would not force him. 

After a few minutes of crying, Haechan wiped his tears on Johnny's shirt making the older one shriek but in a joking manner. Haechan giggled at Johnny’s exaggerated action. Thanks to Johnny, Haechan finally feels a little bit better. 

“Done crying, bear?” What Johnny hated the most was when his baby bear bottled up everything to himself and in the end, it made Haechan depressed. 

Haechan nodded his head and patted the back of Johnny’s back to reassure him. Because of Johnny and Haechan hugging in the corner, Doyoung noticed Haechan’s swollen eyes the moment he saw Haechan look up. 

“Hey, is there something wrong?” He stroked Haechan’s hair when he received only a sad smile from their maknae. 

“How many minutes of rest do we have?” – Haechan

“There are 6 more minutes left, why?” – Doyoung. 

Haechan signals Johnny to let him go before hugging Doyoung’s torso. He gives Doyoung a knowing look, he wants Doyoung to buy him drinks and snacks from the vending machine not far from their practice room. 

Doyoung sighed as he returned the warm hug and left the practice room with Haechan still hugging him. Johnny smiles with ease the moment Haechan starts smiling and acting like a spoiled child again. 

“Hyung, hyung! Look! Doyoung hyung offered to buy me some snacks. Haechan excitedly went over to Taeil and Taeyong who were sitting on the double sofa. 

“Oh how nice of you Doyoungie” Taeyong sent a teasing smile to Doyoung making the latter grunt in annoyance. 

“I did not offer anything. It was this spoiled brat that wanted me to buy them” 

Haechan sat down on the floor while leaning on the sofa as he opened the package of his snack. Taeyong lovingly played with Haechan’s hair while Taeil took one of the snacks to eat it. 

“But hyung, you did not even refuse when I begged you to buy me these” Haechan gave an innocent look at Doyoung who looked so done with Haechan’s shenanigans. 

Without any words to retaliate against their evil maknae, Doyoung could only tackle the younger one with a hug and tickle him.

A cheerful laugh fills the spacious practice room. 

✿✿✿✿

After adjusting to three days in this new world, Haechan sat down at his desk while murmuring a few songs he had heard before. It was at this moment his brain finally worked as he recalled Mark in the other world loves his listening to his voice so much that they even made an album with them duet together. 

He wrote down the lyrics of the song and immediately composed the music by himself. It was five hours later when he finally completed recording, composing, and singing the song.  

With a sigh of relief, Haechan sent an email to Mark’s company with the hope that Mark would be able to listen to his voice. But the tricky part is that Haechan only sent half part of the song with the intention that if Mark wants to listen to the entire song, the rapper has to come to eSeM company himself to meet him. 

Two days later, in Jhones Sources. 

Mark Lee arrived in the recording room with his two assistants and manager while reading every comment his fans had left under his newly updated Instagram photo. 

“ Hey, I was just notified that there is an email address for you. Would you like to listen to it?” Mark’s manager spoke as he stood in front of Mark who was sitting on the couch while waiting for recording to start. 

“ What email? Is it a threatening email again? ” 

“ No, but you have to read it yourself. I assure you it was nothing out of the ordinary, maybe just fans sending a heart-warming email for their artist ” 

Mark eyed his manager who shrugged his shoulders at him. He took the iPad from his manager and opened the email that was mentioned. 

[ Greetings! First of all, I am so sorry if my English is not good because I am still learning it. Well, I am sending this email to Mark Lee in hopes he will enjoy listening to the song I composed by myself for him. Please reply if you are interested in having further communication with me. 

With love, Lee Haechan. ] 

There was a music file attached under the email with the title ‘Our Serenade’. It made Mark’s curiosity level up so he immediately downloaded the file and transferred it to his phone. After connecting his earphones to his phone, he listened to the song and was taken aback by the voice of the singer. 

The manager and assistants saw his reaction and wondered what kind of song he was listening to. 

The song only took one minute and a half and it was not even complete. It took Mark a few seconds to register what was happening before he started checking if the song was only that short. 

Seeing Mark’s action made their curiosity deepen. 

“ What's wrong, Mark? ” 

“ This sender only sends half of the song! Do they send another email saying anything? Go, respond to this person, and let them send me the complete one! ” Mark impatiently urged his manager to reply to the email according to his order. 

But his eagerness to be able to listen to the complete song was disturbed when the producer entered the recording room and told Mark to get ready. 

“ If there is a reply, tell me immediately, understand? ” With the final word, Mark left in hurried steps. 

✿✿✿✿

Haechan suppressed the urge to scream as he read the replies he received after he returned from practice. He glances around to see if their leader is in the room but the absence of a purple towel on the towel rack means that Taeyong is in the shower right now. 

Haechan could not wait any longer so he went to find his reliable hyung, Johnny, to listen to his rambles. 

“Hyung! Hyung! I received replies from Mark’s team!” Haechan exclaimed as soon as he stepped into Johnny’s room. 

Johnny who was lying down on his bed looked up at his bear who was looking excited by the way his face lit up. 

“Which Mark? It couldn't be Mark Lee, right?” Johnny’s suspicion has roused since he remembered a few days ago when Haechan asked them about Mark Lee. He can also feel that Mark was the reason why his baby bear was crying the other day. Now seeing him being happy like this, the suspicion has risen. 

Haechan happily throws his small body on top of Johnny’s making the older one cough heavily. His bear is surely gonna kill him with that jump. 

“Hehehehe… how do you know it was Mark Lee?” Haechan shyly asked Johnny. His red face makes Johnny frown. 

“Intuition I might say. What did he reply?” 

“They agreed to come here to meet me!” With that scream, Haechan rolled over Johnny’s body and the older one immediately stopped him by positioning Haechan lying down beside him instead of crushing him to death. 

“Why would they meet you? Did you threaten them or what?” 

“Why would I threaten them? Mark wants to meet me so he can listen to the complete song that I composed” There was a slightly proud tone in his voice making Johnny amused. 

“Why didn't you let me listen to it first? Also, why did you send him your song? What's your motive here?” Johnny’s question gets sharper and harder to answer. Haechan bit his lips in nervousness and tried to run away but was caught by Johnny’s long arm. 

“You better not run, tell me now” Haechan regrets approaching this papa bear of his that he often forgets how protective and scary he can be when it comes to Haechan. 

“I… I want to meet Mark. I just want to collaborate with him. Do you remember that the company recently permitted me to make a solo album before New Year?” Johnny nodded his head to the last word Haechan spoke. 

“I thought… I thought maybe it would be a good idea for me to collaborate with Mark!” 

“Why does it have to be him? There are still more famous rappers out there. It doesn't have to be him, right?” – Johnny

“B-But, the fans said my voice is the perfect companion with Mark’s voice,” Haechan said in a low voice while fiddling with his fingers.

Johnny doesn't have the heart to destroy his bear’s determination to sing a solo album but the thing is that Haechan wants Mark to duet with him. It's fine if Mark is willing to do that, but he remembered how fierce Mark’s fans are ever since Mark declared he does not want any scandal of him published on the internet. 

Johnny might seem to be a man who goes with the flow but Haechan is the person he protects with all his heart. What if Mark’s fans comment bad things to him, well, bad comments can still be tolerated but what if they physically hurt him? Johnny will never allow such things to happen to Haechan. 

After persuading his team members of his decision, eventually, the day Mark arrives in South Korea has been decided. Once both of them are done with their work, Mark and Haechan will start discussing their collaboration. 

Mark put on his sunglasses, lowered the hood of his hoodie, and wrapped his red scarf around his neck to hide half of his face that was occasionally being photographed by fans surrounding him. He had been to South Korea before but it was 7 years ago, when he had not started his career as a rapper yet. 

His manager and assistants together with the bodyguards pushed away those fanatic fans who wanted to be close to Mark. Even though he felt a bit of anxiety from the crowd of people surrounding him, Mark tried to keep his cool and hurriedly walked toward the nanny van that was parked outside the airport. 

Once he securely sat in the car, he let out a heavy sigh and checked to see the response of his fans to his arrival in Seoul. 

“ Hey, Mark. Hae-chan’s manager called me and told us to live in an apartment they had rented temporarily for us ” 

“ Yeah, thanks Hans ” 

“ Are you okay though? These people are so scary sometimes. I almost got shoved out of the formation if not for the bodyguard's fast reaction ” Hans, Mark’s manager complained as he scrolled his iPad to check through his artist’s schedule. The two assistants have not spoken any words since they arrived and do their job in silence. 

“ I am pretty fine, I guess. Being in Canada for so long made me forget that some fans are scarier than ghosts ” Mark said with an exhausted smile as he took off the scarf that was wrapped around his neck. 

His assistant who was wearing glasses hands over a bottle of water to Mark. 

Suddenly Hans’ phone rang. He received a phone call from Haechan’s manager again. 

Mark paid no attention to whatever arrangements they were discussing, he just stared out the window as the car drove through the busy highway. 

Mark can feel that his ‘dream’ is closer to him, his heartbeat accelerates at the thought of meeting Haechan in person after seeing the other’s photo on the internet. 

✿✿✿✿

“Chan, are you sure you don't want any of us to accompany you?” – Taeil 

“Yeah, what if Mark was a pervert? If not, maybe he is a bully?” – Johnny

“That’s right. He is an English speaker. You can bring Johnny or Jaehyun to be there to help you communicate with him” – Taeyong

Haechan, Taeil, Johnny, Taeyong, and Jungwoo are having a mini-meeting in the living room with the three oldest guys on their team standing in front of Haechan who is sitting on the couch with a fed-up expression plastered on his face. 

Haechan yawned as he listened to his hyungs’ restless excuses so that he would take any one of them to go with him. Jungwoo did not join them but sat beside Haechan with a bowl of popcorn as if he were watching a drama. 

Yuta and Doyoung are nowhere to be seen. Yuta might be inside his room either sleeping or watching his anime. For Doyoung, he has a radio interview which will end after lunch. If he is in the dorm, he might also join the protective team. Oh, also Jaehyun, he went home to have dinner with his family.

“Hyung, aren't you gonna join them to persuade me?” Haechan whispered to Jungwoo as the others were preoccupied with their discussion. Jungwoo shook his head. 

“Nah, I know how stubborn you are once you make your decision. Persuading you too much will make our brothership restrained. Watching this drama is better than being involved in it” Jungwoo joked before he shoved a mouthful of popcorn into his mouth. 

Haechan almost slapped his forehead with Jungwoo’s calmness. He gives his hyung a helpless glance before stopping the other three guys from talking about his affair. 

“Hyungdeul, I will bring Jaehyun with me tomorrow. Aren't all of you going to be busy tomorrow? I should bring him since he also knows how to speak English” Haechan gave his final word and made his brothers give him triumphant smiles. 

Their reactions made Haechan roll his eyes in annoyance but he could not hate them, he loved them too much to be mad. 

As promised, Haechan together with a sleepy Jaehyun went to their company to meet Mark Lee and talk about collaboration. Haechan has been feeling nervous since he woke up. He wonders if his Mark is still the same as the world he lived in previously. 

Jaehyun tagged along with the nervous but excited Haechan while acting cold as if he had not fallen asleep during the car ride to the company. 

The moment they arrived at a meeting room on floor 5, their manager went over to open the door. 

‘He looks so much like the man in my dream!’

‘It is really Mark hyung’ 

Just now when Mark meets Haechan’s eyes, these thoughts echo inside their mind. 

Hans noticed his artist being stunned and facing the questioning look from the NCT manager, Hand secretly hit Mark on the back. Mark, who was disturbed from staring at Haechan, glared at his manager. 

“ Come on, let's start our meeting ” – Hans.

“ Well, if Mr. Mark is fine doing publicity together with Haechan for this album, it will be great ” the manager skillfully spoke in English of his idea after they had discussed the details of the album.

“ I don't think Mark will be oka– ” 

“Okay, I will do it. I am willing to promote with Haechan” Mark immediately cut off Hans’ words and sent a shy smile toward Haechan. 

“Oh, you can speak Korean?” The NCT manager and Jaehyun were shocked the moment Mark spoke in Korean even though the accent was pretty stiff. 

“Yeah, both of my parents are Korean so of course we use the Korean language at home” Mark explained with a bashful smile making Haechan couldn't stop staring at him. 

After the short breaks, Haechan sent over the complete song to Mark once they exchanged numbers with each other. 

The making of the lyrics took a week and composing the music almost took 2 weeks. After finalizing everything, the song is named Closer Again. Mark and Haechan have contributed some of the lyrics added to the song such as…

Mark  

The dream I had of you was blurry

But I know it was you

The way your voice sings to me

Bring me closer to you again

Haechan  

No matter how many worlds and universes they are

I will always find you (even in the darkest night)

I know what you like (what you like) 

I know what you feel (what you feel)

Mark

Hoping my dreams were true

It hurts me every time I try to chase you

Please tell me, baby

I want to be closer to you again

Your honey voice brings us closer again

Your smile melts everything 

My heart, my soul, my mind, my body

It's yours from now on

Haechan read the lyrics which had been finalized this morning while waiting for others to arrive. Johnny, who was in turn to accompany Haechan, drank his iced Americano with ease while watching some funny videos on his phone. 

While humming to the melodies of the lyrics, there is an incoming phone call from Mark. Haechan takes a glance at Johnny who is still unaware of the caller. Haechan stood up and answered the call two meters away from Johnny. 

“Hello…”

“Hey, Chan. Have you already arrived there?” Haechan can hear Mark’s hoarse and sexy voice on the other end of the line of the phone call. 

“Eumm… are you already on your way? Also, today it's Johnny hyung’s turn to accompany me here” Haechan whispered while glancing at Johnny a few times. 

Ever since their first meeting, Haechan, and Mark always talked about pretty much anything about themselves. Even the matter of taking turns in accompanying Haechan has been told to Mark. Mark was laughing so hard when Haechan told him about this matter. 

Mark admits liking being close to Haechan because he found out from their first meeting that Haechan’s voice is the same as the man in his dream, the one he has secretly fallen in love with. He never thought about being able to meet someone in real life who has the same voice as the man in his dream. 

This might be the reason why he couldn't help but want to be close to Haechan even though there were fierce bodyguards guarding Haechan. 

“I am going to stop by a nearby cafe, what do your hyung like?” 

“Just bring some sweets and two cups of ice Americano. He likes having his favorite drink in the morning” 

“Alright then, it might take 15 minutes before I get there. Don't miss me too much, okay?” 

Haechan’s face turns red because of Mark. He quickly ended the call to ease the fast heartbeat. 

“What are you smiling about? Who called you just now?” Johnny’s stern voice interrupts Haechan’s daydream. 

“It was our manager. He told me to record well” Haechan instantly answered with an awkward smile on his face. Johnny looks unconvinced but chooses not to pry more into detail and returns his attention to his phone. 

Haechan silently sighed and wiped away the cold sweat on his forehead with the sleeve of his sweatshirt. 

Mark pulls his phone out of his pocket while secretly glancing at Johnny who sits straight, hoping Johnny won't notice him trying to record Haechan who was recording his singing part. 

Throughout the recording, Haechan was so focused that he did not notice Mark filming him. Behind the phone, Mark fondly smiles as he watches Haechan make a little mistake when he tries to sing a high note. Mark loves it when the heart-shaped lips of Haechan pout as he focuses on reaching the correct tone of the high note required. 

“I can see that you're interested in my bear” 

Mark was so horrified by the sudden voice beside him that he almost threw away his phone. He turns his head just to see Johnny staring at Haechan with adoration and a proud look. 

“Eumm…” Mark didn't know how to respond to Johnny’s words. He stops recording and places the phone on the table in front of him cautiously. 

“But, have you had any thought of pursuing him?” Johnny voiced his thoughts that had been bothering him since the moment he saw Mark and Haechan interact with each other. He knew they had only known about each other just 2 weeks ago yet the way they acted as if they had been together for 10 years already. 

Just an hour ago, Haechan was eating a red velvet strawberry cake bought by Mark and the attentive Mark Lee saw a bit of pink cream on the corner of Haechan’s mouth, he gently wiped away the cream with a tissue causing Haechan to blush. 

Johnny, who was sitting next to them felt like he was watching a scene from a romance drama wherein the male lead flirted with the female lead the same way as Mark did. Even though he is not pleased that Haechan has feelings for Mark, he only wants Haechan to be happy with the one who truly loves Haechan. 

Hearing that, Mark is once again dumbfounded by Johnny’s straightforwardness. He could not predict what was going on inside his mind that he could say such things although Mark knew Johnny was guarding Haechan from him. 

Having known Haechan for this short time brings joy to Mark. He never felt this flustered and happy when it was about Haechan. This is the first time for him to feel such complex feelings. 

“I might have to consider that first. Haechan is an amazing person I ever encountered in my life, so I have to make sure I can bring all happiness to him before I make him mine” 

The seriousness in Mark’s tone brings a sense of reassurance to Johnny but his face gives no expression as if what Mark has said was nothing to be considered. 

Haechan who was done with his recording saw the two awkward adult men sitting next to each other on the sofa with different expressions on their faces. 

“Did something happen while I was working?” Haechan asked before squeezing himself between Mark and Johnny. He calmly takes a sip of his drink while glancing at them with inquiry in his eyes. 

“Nothing, bear” Johnny hastily gives him a sweet smile before engulfing the younger man with a warm hug. Mark who sat beside Haechan stared at them with an envious look in his eyes. He wishes he could have the courage to hug Haechan like this too. 

“Alright, if you say so” 

The day the album was released was set on Valentine's Day. However, because there was a clash in Mark’s schedule with the album release day, he could only join the live promotion shooting online. Haechan was sad about this but he kept himself busy with practices so he would not look miserable. 

After confirming everything had been completed, Mark hurriedly went to the airport to take his flight before the boarding time. As soon as the plane landed at Vancouver International Airport, he walked through the VIP passage so he could go back home smoothly without any fans blocking his way. Once he entered the van, he turned on his Instegram Live to tell his fans about his collaboration with Haechan.

“ Hey guys, I have now safely arrived in Vancouver. I have seen some fans questioning the reason why I went to South Korea the past three weeks, well, I was invited to collab with an idol for his solo album ” 

Mark was smiling as he read through his fans’ comments. The time showed it was already 7:45 in the morning, so most of his fans were already up to watch his Instegram Live. 

[Mark, who is that idol?]

[This is the first time Mark has collaborated with someone from South Korea]

[Do you have a good time in Seoul?]

“ It was someone from NCT. You guys will know it once the album is released. Just wait for the MV teaser on the 12th of February ” 

[NCT?!! Was it Taeyong?]

[It must be Taeil, right? He is the King of vocals in NCT! Can't wait to see you both performing!] 

[Can you at least give a hint of who he is? We are so curious] 

Mark was amused by their guess. He wants to directly say Haechan’s name but it won't be good if his popularity will bring a calamity to Haechan before the album is released.

“ You will know it when the time comes. Well, today I had a good meal on the plane… ” 

After dropping the bits of hints, Mark diverts his fans’ attention by talking about random stuff as the van drives past the green traffic light. 

Because of the time difference between Vancouver and Seoul, the moment Haechan learns that Mark is giving hints about their collaboration on Instegram Live, it is already midnight. His manager who has called him told him to do a Live too so he can also drop a little bit of hints about his upcoming album. However, he was not allowed to tell his fans about his collaboration with Mark in case some haters were gonna make trouble, making him unable to release his solo album. 

Haechan was still sleepy but to gain his fans’ interest in his album, he drowsily went to the bathroom to wash up before entering Johnny’s empty room. He set up his phone on the desk and steadily sat on the cozy chair. 

He informed his manager before starting his Instegram Live. Once the number of audience watching his Live reached 1k, he greeted them with a sweet smile. 

“Hi everyone. It seems like some of you are not sleeping yet” Haechan chuckled as he read the comments. 

[How can we sleep when you are not sleeping yet? We should stay up late together!] 

[You look so tired. You should go to sleep now] 

[Wahhh Haechan is on Live. Will you sing us a song again tonight? (starry eyes emoji)]

“I will sing for you all but not now. I want to chat with you guys first” 

[Talk about what? Let's talk until I fall asleep]

[I can smell something unusual here. Are you going to drop spoilers again? (laughing emoji)] 

“How do you guys know?” Haechan acts surprised before laughing. He put on his glasses before staring at the phone screen to observe his reflection. 

“As you guys have been informed, the company decided to let me release a solo album by the 2nd week of February. All of you are obligated to go and stream my album, okay?” 

[Of course! This is your first solo album. We are going to support you no matter what]

[Yes yes! I will go streaming your album once it's released!] 

[OMG, I can't wait to buy your album] 

[Releasing a solo album in February? Are you the one who collaborated with Mark Lee?] 

[You are one of the NCT members, right?]

[Such a mediocre person, why would Mark want to collaborate with you?] 

All of a sudden, the rhythm of comments on his Live changed making Haechan somewhat puzzled. He has gotten used to bad comments from haters but these commenters somewhat ruin his spirit to promote his album.

[What's wrong with those commenters upstairs? Do they have no brain?! Ruining such a good atmosphere!]

[Haechanie, don't mind them. Let's talk more about your album]

[Don’t read the hate comments baby! They are not worthy of your expensive attention]

Seeing his fans' comments made a warm smile appear on Haechan’s gloomy face. He listened to his fans and ignored the haters by chatting about some topics with his fans making the abandoned haters mad. 

✿✿✿✿

As Mark has informed his fans, they anxiously sat straight while waiting for any news of the MV teaser being released today. A college girl named Hannah, who has been a fan of Mark since day one was scrolling through eSeM’s YouTube channel page to see if there was any update. 

After waiting for fifteen minutes, she throws the mouse in her hand on the table with a light force before sighing in frustration. 

“Could Mark prank us? I hope it was not that Haechan guy though. He is too mediocre and Mark hasn't collaborated with anyone because it's hard for him to harmonize his voice with anyone” 

Hannah muttered to herself as she read the messages she received from her friends who were also fans of Mark. 

[Guys! Go check the eSeM YouTube channel. They just released the MV teaser]

[Shit! It is indeed Haechan!]

[Out of everyone in the NCT group Mark chose Haechan. Why though?]

The girl turned off her phone and quickly went back to the channel she left earlier. She saw the first video on the top with NCT Haechan and Mark’s name on the title. 

She clicked the video to see the reason why Mark chose to collaborate with Haechan. 

In the video, the camera zoomed out from a desk full of colorful notes and books. Someone is sitting on the chair next to the desk and they are seemingly writing down something in a hasty manner. 

Suddenly the scene changes to a new environment where a young man is sitting on the green grass surrounded by people who are doing their own business. The young man takes the guitar on his left before playing a tune at the same time as the background music of the MV teaser. 

The next scene goes to the young man in the first scene as he walks to a green field and is strangely attracted to the music played by the second young man. 

The video never shows the faces of the young men, only their backs and hands but this is enough to let Hannah recognize the first young man is Mark. From the moment the music started to play she was like a moth attracted to the light as she was immersed in the short clip of the video. 

[I've seen the video! I don't know why I get hooked by the music. Just for 5-second music on the video!] 

[It might be hypocritical of me to say I hate the video. I have mixed feelings here and I don't know why, but I want to hear the full video now!] 

[I know, right?]

Haechan reads the comments under the MV teaser with relief. He thought Mark’s fans would continue giving bad feedback yet he received positive feedback instead. 

He glanced at his group members who were also watching the video. They seem focused and Johnny who was reading the comments smiles upon reading positive feedback from the fans. 

He scrolled the comments left under the video with a small smile on his face.

[I never knew the combination of voices between Mark and Haechan could bring such phenomenal music to us] 

[At first, I kinda resisted the idea of Mark collaborating with Haechan but I realize I should not be prejudiced against others just because of jealousy]

[great! The MV teaser was so great! I can't wait for the MV release date]

On the day of the live promotion, Haechan sat on the yellow bean bag that was placed in the middle of the studio while holding an iPad so he could read comments from his fans.

The company invited a well-known emcee, Kim Jongseok, as the host for this live show. He went through the script provided by the staff before he noticed Haechan who kept biting his nail while unaware of him being seen. 

“Are you perhaps feeling nervous?” Jongseok questioned Haechan with a kind smile. Haechan hesitated to answer before he nodded his head. 

“You should relax, don't worry. You will be fine. I will help you if you get stuck on saying anything later” Jongseok chuckled as he patted the younger man on the shoulder reassuringly. 

Haechan became a bit calmer thanks to Jongseok’s words. He sincerely thanked him right before the live show started. 

In front of them, there is a large screen where they can monitor themselves and there will be a small square on the corner of the screen where Mark will interact with them online. 

Two minutes before the live show starts, Mark turns on his camera and greets both Haechan and Jongseok. From the screen, they can see Mark was wearing a blue flannel denim paired with a white shirt inside. And somehow, his flannel denim shirt coincides with Haechan’s blue loose-fit sweatshirt. 

Haechan tried hard not to blush when Mark gave him a sweet smile. At this moment, the live video screen was filled with many comments from fans all around the world. 

After receiving a signal from the director behind the camera, Jongseok professionally started the promotion. Haechan calmly greeted the audience with a bright smile followed by short greetings from Mark too. 

“The audience must have some questions about the production of the new album, right? So let's see what question will be answered first?” As the MC, Jongseok took the iPad and scrolled down the comment barrage to search for a comment related to today’s live promotion. 

Haechan sat straight as he also read the comments. Mark, who was video-calling them did the same. 

“Okay, the first question from ID Hyuckchan00, why did Haechanie think of collaborating with Mark?” Jongseok glanced at Haechan. 

“Eumm, honestly I am a fan of Mark Lee. I always listen to his songs and I even dreamed of being able to duet with him in any song. It was thanks to the opportunity given by my company that I could release a solo album and collaborate with Mark” Haechan responded with a calm demeanor as he flashed a sweet smile toward the main camera. 

Instantly the comment barrage was filled with sweet and praising words for Haechan.

“The second question was directed at Mark. From id Mwarkmelon, when Haechan asks for cooperation, why did you agree to him?” 

Hearing the question given to him, Mark let out a low chuckle. 

“It was because Haechan tricked me by sending me an email with an unfinished song personally produced by himself. I was bewitched by his angel-like voice, so calming that I got agitated the moment the song stopped after the pre-chorus. So yeah, that's how I agree to collab with him” 

Mark gave such a long explanation, making his fans amazed. Haechan was a blushing mess when he heard Mark telling the real reason why he agreed. The gaze Mark threw at him was also the reason why he could not help but stutter when Jongseok asked him if it was the truth. 

“Y-Yeah, I did that and successfully got him to work together with me” 

The next questions are all related to his solo album and both Mark and Haechan replied to each of the comments. When the live promotion ended, Haechan’s manager handed the idol’s phone in a hurry saying there was a phone call from someone. 

Haechan did not glance at the caller’s name as he answered the call immediately after holding onto his phone. 

“Hello?”

“ Hey, are you busy after this? ” It was a phone call from Mark. 

“I don't think I have anything to do tonight. Why?” 

“ Can you help me fetch a present from my friend who is staying in the Shimmy Hotel? ” 

Haechan raised his eyebrow at the request. He glanced at his manager and seemingly the older man was fine with Mark’s request. It seems like Mark has consulted this matter with Haechan’s manager earlier. 

“Alright then, do you have anything else to say to me, hyung?” Haechan said as he eyed everyone on the recording set when his makeup artist approached him to help him remove his makeup. 

“ You can just directly go to room 119 on floor 3. Knock on the door three times and the last knock must be 5 seconds after the second knock ” 

“Why do I have to go to his room? Can I just meet him in the lobby? What if any paparazzi caught me going to the hotel? There will be hot news of me tonight” 

Haechan pouted his sexy lips as he questioned Mark. Mark’s laugh can be heard from the other line. 

“ Trust me, babe, nothing bad will happen to you ” Haechan once again went red all over after hearing Mark saying ‘babe’. This is enough to make him agree to Mark’s request. 

After settling his business in the set, Haechan followed by his manager drove to the hotel as per Mark’s request. 

After getting out of the nanny van, Haechan went inside the hotel by himself. He glanced around him and saw that none of the hidden paparazzi or sasaeng could be seen. 

He hastily walked into the hotel and entered the elevator with a weird rapid heartbeat. He didn't even know why he felt nervous. 

Soon after he reached floor 3, he searched for room number 119. Once he found it, he nervously knocked on the door according to Mark’s instructions.

He waited for a moment before the door was open from inside. In front of him stood Hans, Mark’s manager. 

“ Oh hello. I am here because Mark said to take his present ” Although Haechan is not fluent in English, he still greets Hans respectfully. 

Hans greets him back and lets him enter the dim room. Haechan suspiciously scrutinized the room and walked in small steps as his hands trembled.

“ To tell you the truth, there is no Mark’s present here but yours. You have to take it from the master room. I will get going now ” Just like that, Hans left Haechan who was already dumbfounded at the doorstep. Before he could stop Hans from walking out, the door timely closed, hindering Haechan from going outside. 

It was at this moment he heard music coming from the master room. He was scared but there was another part of him ushering him to go to the master room. 

He decided to follow his instinct. He carefully approached the closed door of the master room. After opening the door, he was shocked and motionless. 

What shocked him was Mark Lee was sitting on the couch beside the bed. He even gave Haechan a bewitching smile making Haechan blush once again. 

After returning to his senses, Haechan cleared his throat before saying,

“Hyung, I remembered you said you couldn't come to Seoul. Why… why are you here?” 

“Do you not welcome me?” 

“N-No, why would I do that?” Haechan awkwardly stood outside the master room and did not look at Mark at all. 

Mark gave a low chuckle before he stood and strides toward the nervous Haechan. 

“What did Hans say to you earlier?” Mark asked as he took two steps closer to Haechan. Haechan wants to retreat a few steps but Mark stops him by hugging his waist with one arm. 

“He said there is my present here…” Haechan avoided Mark’s gaze and tried to break free from the hug but it was in vain. 

“That's right. Do you know what your present is?” 

Haechan shook his head. Mark was amused by Haechan’s reaction. 

“Me. Your present is me” Mark whispered in his low and sexy voice to Haechan’s ear making the younger man shudder. 

“Huh?” 

“Honestly, I was truly busy with the preparation of my upcoming album but three days ago, I had a weird dream. Not so weird to be honest. It was a memory of mine from another world” 

Mark’s words made Haechan speechless. He stared at Mark with his boba eyes and slightly open mouth showing two bunny teeth of his. 

“I saw another version of me being in the same stage as you, living in the same apartment with you, growing up together with you, and proposing to you under the mistletoe Jungwoo hyung set on the kitchen’s door frame. I have that version of me having such a beautiful life that I have not felt yet. To have a pretty and wonderful lover like you by my side…” 

Mark’s gaze softened as he traced his finger on Haechan’s cheek. His finger stopped on Haechan’s soft lips and he pinched it slightly to see if the lips were soft. Haechan could not think of anything, his mind blank after listening to Mark’s words. 

‘Mark, he came here because he had a dream of us in the other world? He had the memory of him confessing to me, declaring his love for me when he proposed to me on Christmas Eve?’ 

Hundreds of questions lingered in Haechan's mind. He did feel the finger touching his lips but he was so preoccupied with his thought that he did not notice Mark slowly closing the distance between their faces. 

It was when he felt dry lips on top of his soft lips that he returned back to his senses. He was frozen, his mind went as he tasted strawberry and red wine when Mark pried open his lips. 

Haechan subconsciously kissed him back and the atmosphere slowly heated up with the hot kisses exchanged between the two. 

Mark was the first one to pull away from their kiss. He lovingly stares into Haechan’s brown eyes. 

“Now I know why you approached me first. Every time I closed my eyes, I could only hear your voice as if it was calling for me. When I received the memories from the other world, I could finally confirm why it was you whom I was yearning for” Mark leaned his forehead on Haechan’s forehead as the younger man sobbed silently. 

“Hyung… Can we be happy in this world too?” Haechan asked in a low voice, gaining a firm nod from Mark. 

“I love you. No matter what world we will be in, it will only be you who I am falling in love with. Even if I lost my memory, my heart knows who owns my heart” 

“I love you too, Mark hyung. I am so happy, so happy that you remember me” Haechan hugged Mark’s torso tightly and the older man hugged him back before kissing the lips he had been thinking of lately.