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Mark had always considered himself a pretty laid-back guy.
He didn’t pry into people’s business—he didn’t care if his roommate Jeno stayed up late, ate cereal at 3 a.m., or played obscure lo-fi beats at full blast while studying.
But Jeno’s weird walks were testing his limits.
It started small. Jeno leaving the dorm at odd hours, returning with his shoes caked in mud or his hair dripping from the rain.
But then it got weirder.
Once, he came back completely soaked in what Mark swore smelled like cherry Kool-Aid. Another time, Jeno was humming some creepy tune Mark didn’t recognize, his hands full of wildflowers that he casually tossed onto Mark’s desk like some bizarre offering.
“Bro,” Mark said one day, watching Jeno lace up his sneakers as thunder cracked outside. “Why do you do this? It’s raining cats and dogs.”
Jeno didn’t even look up. “I have my reasons,” he said cryptically, tugging on his hoodie.
Mark narrowed his eyes. “Are you meeting someone? Like, secret girlfriend? Are you in a cult? Should I be concerned? Blink twice if you’re being blackmailed.”
Jeno finally turned to him, his expression calm but amused. “Mark, if you must know…” He paused dramatically. “Nah. You wouldn’t get it.”
Mark stared at him in disbelief as Jeno disappeared into the stormy night, leaving nothing but the faint sound of the door clicking shut.
Mark decided he would get it.
He started shadowing Jeno, keeping a safe distance as his roommate wandered through alleyways, parks, and once—confusingly—an abandoned playground.
But every time he thought he was getting close to figuring it out, Jeno would vanish. Mark would find himself standing alone in the pouring rain, wondering if Jeno had unlocked some kind of teleportation ability.
Finally, Mark had had enough. He waited until Jeno was leaving again and blocked the door.
“Nope. Not this time, dude. You’re going to tell me what this is about, or I swear I’m calling the RA.”
Jeno sighed and crossed his arms. “Mark. These walks are… important.”
“Why, Jeno? Are you secretly Batman?”
“Do I look like Batman?” Jeno deadpanned, gesturing at his paint-splattered sweatpants.
Mark threw up his hands. “Then why?”
Jeno hesitated.
Then, with a shrug, he said, “Fine. I’m writing a book. I get inspiration from my walks. It clears my head.”
Mark blinked. “That’s it? You’re just… thinking?”
“Yeah.” Jeno smirked. “Well, mostly. Sometimes I go looking for frogs, but that’s a side mission.”
Mark stared at him, slack-jawed. “You’re telling me you’ve been creeping around in the middle of the night, drenched in Kool-Aid, humming creepy songs… for frogs?”
“And ideas,” Jeno added helpfully.
Mark glared at him as Jeno pushed Mark’s arm away from blocking the door, “I’ll lock you outside I mean it.”
Jeno only shrugged, his signature sly smile tugging on his lips. “Then I’ll be the one calling the RA. Your choice.”
🚶🏻➡️
Mark wasn’t really buying it.
Jeno’s explanation about “writing a book” and “finding frogs” might have worked on a casual observer, but Mark Lee was no casual observer.
He knew Jeno was lying.
The way his roommate’s left eye twitched when he said “frogs”? Dead giveaway.
So, Mark devised a plan. He wasn’t just going to wait for Jeno to slip up—he was going to make him.
“Going for another walk?” Mark asked casually, leaning against the door as Jeno reached for his jacket.
Jeno sighed, already sensing the trap. “Yes. Got some… big frog ideas brewing tonight.”
“Cut the frog nonsense, Jeno.” Mark folded his arms. “You’re not leaving this dorm until you tell me the real reason you go on these weird walks.”
Jeno raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by Mark’s determination. “What’s it to you?”
“It’s driving me insane, dude. You’re out there in rainstorms, snowstorms, Kool-Aid storms—”
“Hey, that was one time.”
“—and you come back acting all cryptic, like you’re in some spy thriller. So spill. What are you actually doing out there?”
Jeno tilted his head, pretending to think. Then, he gave Mark a sly grin. “Fine. You want the truth?”
Mark nodded eagerly.
“I’m searching for the city’s secret underground squirrel mafia.”
Mark blinked. “…Come again?”
“They’re everywhere, Mark,” Jeno said seriously. “You think squirrels are just cute little rodents? Think again. They’re running an empire. Nuts, seeds, smuggling operations. I’m getting close to exposing them, but they’ve been on to me lately, so I’ve had to change my routes.”
Mark stared at him, his brain short-circuiting.
“You’re joking.”
“Am I?” Jeno smirked.
“Yes.”
Jeno shrugged. “Suit yourself.”
Mark wasn’t giving up that easily.
The next night, when Jeno grabbed his coat, Mark blocked the door again. “Try me. What’s the excuse this time?”
Jeno didn’t even miss a beat. “There’s a portal to another dimension in the park. I visit to keep the balance between our worlds.”
“Liar.”
“I’m meeting a wizard who owes me rent money.”
“Absolutely not.”
“I moonlight as a ghost hunter. Gotta keep the spirits in check.”
“Jeno—”
“I’m in an underground street racing club. Winner gets a year’s supply of ramen.”
Mark groaned, running his hands through his hair.
“Why can’t you just tell me the truth?”
Jeno shrugged, his expression unreadable. “Maybe because the truth is boring.”
Mark froze at that, his frustration giving way to curiosity. For the first time, Jeno’s voice sounded less teasing and more… somber.
“What does that mean?”
Jeno hesitated, then gave Mark a tight-lipped smile.
“Goodnight, Mark.”
And before Mark could say anything else, Jeno slipped past him, disappearing into the night once again.
🚶🏻➡️
Mark flopped onto the couch with a dramatic sigh, his head sinking into the cushions. Chenle sat next to him, earbuds in, eyes glued to his phone as a basketball highlight reel blared through the tiny speakers.
Mark had been talking for at least five minutes straight, but Chenle’s only contributions so far had been the occasional “Mhm” or “Yeah.”
“I’m serious, man,” Mark said, waving his hands in frustration. “Jeno’s excuses are getting wilder every time. Last night? He told me he’s investigating an underground squirrel mafia. SQUIRRELS, Chenle. What kind of psychopath even thinks of that?”
“Mhm,” Chenle replied, not even looking up.
“And before that? He said he was meeting a wizard who owes him rent money! A wizard! It’s like he’s actively trying to drive me insane.”
“Yeah,” Chenle muttered, scrolling through his phone.
Mark narrowed his eyes. “You’re not even listening, are you?”
Chenle sighed, finally pulling out an earbud. “Mark, we’ve had this exact same conversation, like, ten times. I know. Jeno’s weird. His excuses are weird. You think he’s weird.” He popped the earbud back in and turned back to his video.
Mark sat up, offended. “It’s not just that he’s weird, Chenle. It’s that he’s hiding something. There’s a difference.”
Chenle sighed again, louder this time, and paused his video. “Okay, fine. Let’s say he is hiding something. Why do you even care? You’re not close. You barely talk unless you’re cornering him about these stupid walks.”
Mark opened his mouth to argue but hesitated. Why did he care so much? Jeno was just his roommate. They weren’t best friends or anything. But every time Jeno left for one of his mysterious walks, Mark couldn’t stop himself from wondering.
“I don’t know, man,” Mark said, shrugging. “It’s just… I guess I don’t like feeling out of the loop, you know? Like, why can’t he just tell me the truth?”
Chenle raised an eyebrow, looking far too amused.
“Uh-huh. Sure, it’s about the truth.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Mark asked, squinting at him.
Chenle leaned back, smirking. “I’m just saying, maybe you’re this worked up about him because you’ve got a little crush on him.”
Mark recoiled like he’d been slapped. “What? A crush? On Jeno? No. Absolutely not.”
Chenle held up his hands in surrender, laughing.
“Alright, alright. Relax. Just putting it out there.”
“Don’t put it out there,” Mark snapped, his face heating up. “I don’t have a crush on him. I’m just… concerned. Because it’s weird behavior. And we live together. And—ugh, forget it.”
“Whatever you say, dude.” Chenle shrugged, reaching for his phone again.
“And anyway,” Mark continued, as if he hadn’t heard him, “last night he came back covered in glitter. Glitter, Chenle. He wouldn’t even explain it! Just said something about a unicorn parade. Like, how does someone even make that up?”
Chenle shook his head, chuckling. “Man, you’ve got it bad.”
“I do not!”
But Chenle was already putting his earbuds back in, leaving Mark in the weird mess of his thoughts.
A few minutes more and Mark leaned back on the couch, staring at the ceiling as Chenle’s basketball video played softly in the background.
His mind drifted, unbidden, to the first time he’d met Jeno.
It had been move-in day at the dorms. Mark, being the overly enthusiastic extrovert that he was, had practically burst into the room with a wide grin and a loud, “Yo, what’s up?!”
He’d been ready to make a new best friend, someone he could vibe with for the rest of the semester.
And then he’d seen Jeno.
Mark wasn’t proud of it, but his brain had short-circuited for a second. Jeno was leaning against the desk, wearing a black hoodie with little cat ears on the hood and a pair of grey sweatpants that fit just right. His dark hair was a little messy, but in that deliberate, effortlessly hot way that looked like he’d rolled out of bed but somehow still belonged on a magazine cover.
But what really got Mark were his eyes—dark and sharp, but soft at the same time. And when Jeno smiled (briefly, politely, when Mark first introduced himself), they crinkled into perfect crescents.
Mark had felt his heart do a weird little flip-flop.
Oh no, he’d thought. This guy is totally my type.
Unfortunately, that’s where the magic ended. Jeno had barely spoken to him that day—just a few clipped sentences about where he wanted his stuff to go and a noncommittal grunt when Mark asked if he wanted to grab dinner together.
It wasn’t like Mark expected instant friendship, but something about Jeno’s whole vibe felt… off.
In the weeks that followed, things didn’t improve. Jeno wasn’t around much—he came and went at odd hours, and when he was in the dorm, he mostly kept to himself. Mark tried to be friendly, as he always did. He talked about classes, basketball, random funny stuff he’d seen on TikTok—but Jeno didn’t seem interested. He’d nod or hum in acknowledgment, but he never really engaged.
It was weird.
Mark never had trouble making friends.
People liked him—he was easygoing, funny, the guy who could strike up a conversation with literally anyone. But with Jeno? It was like talking to a brick wall.
At first, Mark had brushed it off, figuring Jeno was just shy. But as time went on, he started to wonder.
Maybe Jeno didn’t like him.
Maybe he thought Mark was annoying, or loud, or talked too much.
Mark frowned at the memory. Why did that even bother me so much? He’d met plenty of people who didn’t like him before, and it wasn’t a big deal. But with Jeno, it was a big deal.
For some reason, he wanted Jeno to like him.
“Ugh,” Mark groaned aloud, dragging a pillow over his face.
Chenle glanced over, raising an eyebrow. “What’s your problem now?”
“Nothing,” Mark mumbled into the pillow. “Just remembering how my roommate probably hated me from the moment we met.”
Chenle smirked. “I told you, you’ve got a crush.”
“I don’t!” Mark snapped, throwing the pillow at him.
Chenle caught it with ease, grinning. “Sure you don’t.”
Mark scowled, sinking back into the couch. But as he stared at the ceiling again, he couldn’t shake the memory of Jeno’s crescent-eyed smile—or the pang of frustration that came with it.
Mark let out an exaggerated sigh, staring at Chenle like a puppy who had been kicked too many times.
“Be real with me, man. Do I… do I talk too much?”
Chenle, still lounging on the couch, didn’t even look up from his iPad. “You think too much, Mark. That’s your real problem. You overanalyze everything, including yourself.”
Mark groaned, flopping face-first into a pillow.
“You’re not helping.”
“I’m always helping,” Chenle replied, poking Mark’s side with his foot. “You’re just too busy sulking to notice.”
Mark didn’t respond, and Chenle sighed, setting his iPad down. “Okay, fine. Come here.”
Mark peeked out from the pillow. “What?”
“Get your blanket. We’re gonna cuddle, and you’re gonna shut up while I educate you on basketball highlights.”
Mark blinked at him, unsure if he should feel offended or comforted.
Chenle rolled his eyes. “Do I look like someone who would suffer through your sulking without compensation? Come on, Mark, I’m giving you prime Chenle time. Take it or leave it.”
Mark let out another dramatic sigh but grabbed his blanket anyway, shuffling to his bed.
“Fine. But if you drool on my pillow, we’re done.”
“No promises,” Chenle said with a grin as he followed, settling under the blanket with Mark and propping his iPad on his knees.
They’d barely gotten through a few minutes of a particularly chaotic highlight reel when the door swung open, and Jeno walked in.
Mark froze.
Chenle froze.
Jeno… did not freeze.
He was completely underdressed, his lean torso on full display. His abs—actual abs, Mark noted in panic—were ridiculously defined, and the black slacks he wore hung low on his hips, fitting his narrow waist and long legs like they’d been tailor-made. Jeno paused for half a second when he saw them, his eyes flicking from their wide-eyed stares to the blanket they were sharing.
“Oh,” Jeno muttered, looking mildly confused. Then, without further explanation, he turned on his heel, mumbling, “I’ll just… go for another walk.”
The door closed behind him, leaving the room in stunned silence.
It was Chenle who broke it. He turned to Mark with an expression that was equal parts impressed and exasperated.
“If you don’t have a crush on that man,” Chenle said slowly, “can I get his number?”
Mark opened his mouth, but no sound came out. He blinked, his brain still short-circuiting from the sight of Jeno’s stupidly perfect abs.
“I don’t even have his number.” Mark didn’t even know if Chenle heard him. It was barely audible.
Chenle just shook his head, letting out a low whistle. “Dude… you’re so screwed.”
So he did hear him. And his best friend was probably right.
Probably.
“I’m telling Jaemin,” Mark finally got his voice back to normal. “Shut up.”
🚶🏻➡️
The next morning, Mark was a mess.
He was sitting at their shared kitchen table, trying to focus on his cereal, but every time Jeno moved—reaching for something on the counter, brushing past him to grab a mug, or even just standing there existing—Mark’s brain betrayed him.
All he could think about was the scene from the night before. Jeno’s stupidly perfect abs, his stupidly perfect waist, and the way his stupidly perfect slacks hung on his hips.
It made breathing a real challenge.
Mark risked a glance up and immediately regretted it. Jeno, clad in an oversized hoodie and sweatpants, looked way too casual for someone who’d walked in shirtless like it was no big deal.
Worse, Jeno caught him staring.
“You’re quiet today,” Jeno said, breaking the silence as he plated a waffle. His voice was calm and even, but Mark noticed the faintest flush creeping up Jeno’s neck. “Kind of weird, coming from you.”
Mark nearly choked on his spoon. “W-what’s that supposed to mean?”
Did he just say I was weird for being quiet?
Jeno didn’t answer right away. Instead, he set the plate of waffles down across from Mark, glancing at the stack. “I made too many. You want some?”
Was I too quiet?
Mark blinked, the sudden offer throwing him off. Jeno never shared breakfast. Heck, Jeno barely even acknowledged Mark most of the time. Jeno didn’t wait for Mark’s answer, sliding the plate toward him, and for a moment, it was quiet again.
What the hell?
But the silence didn’t settle—it buzzed, heavy with unspoken words.
Did he really mean that?
Then Jeno spoke, his tone so nonchalant it almost seemed rehearsed. “By the way, I didn’t mind the PDA or whatever last night. It’s just… a heads-up would’ve been nice.”
Mark froze, a piece of waffle halfway to his mouth. “PDA?” he echoed, voice cracking.
“Yeah.” Jeno leaned against the counter, crossing his arms casually. “You and your boyfriend or whatever. Just tell me next time if you’re gonna… you know, cuddle.”
Jeno thought Chenle was his boyfriend. But Mark barely had time to process that because his previous thought hit him harder.
You know what, Mark thought. Fuck this.
“You do think I talk too much,” he blurted, his frustration bubbling over.
Jeno blinked. “What?”
“You think I talk too much,” Mark repeated, his voice sharper now. “That’s why you don’t like me, isn’t it?”
Jeno’s brow furrowed, a faint flicker of confusion crossing his face. “I didn’t say that.”
“You didn’t have to,” Mark snapped, standing abruptly. “You just said it. ‘You’re quiet today.’ ‘Weird, coming from you.’ You’ve always thought I’m annoying, haven’t you? That’s why you don’t talk to me. That’s why you’re barely ever here. You just can’t stand me, right?”
Jeno straightened, his own expression hardening. “You’re putting words in my mouth, Mark. I didn’t say—”
“You didn’t have to.” Mark interrupted, his voice rising. “It’s so obvious! And you know what? Fine. Fine. I get it. I’ll stop trying to talk to you, and I’ll stop asking you why you go on your stupid walks. I won’t bother you anymore.”
Jeno stared at him, his lips parting as if to respond, but Mark didn’t give him a chance.
“Whatever,” Mark muttered, grabbing his bowl and stalking off to the sink. “Enjoy your waffles.”
🚶🏻➡️
It had been a week since Mark last stepped foot in his dorm or had a proper conversation with Jeno.
And honestly? It felt like he was dying.
He’d been crashing at Chenle and Jaemin’s apartment, which should’ve been great. Chenle was one of his closest friends, and Jaemin was easygoing enough that they rarely clashed. But the longer Mark stayed there, the more he could feel the tension in the air—the kind that wasn’t aimed at him but because of him.
“Seriously,” Chenle said as they walked down the hallway of the campus building. “You need to just apologize to Jeno. You blew up in his face because of your own overthinking, and now you’re homeless and dragging me down with you.”
“I’m not homeless,” Mark grumbled, adjusting his backpack on his shoulder. “I’m taking a break from my dorm.”
“Sure, yeah. A break.” Chenle’s tone was sarcastic, but there was an edge of concern. “Mark, you’re miserable. And I’m miserable because Jaemin keeps giving me those sad puppy eyes every time you fall asleep on our couch. I love you, man, but you’re cockblocking me.”
Mark rolled his eyes. “Jaemin doesn’t mind.”
“He does! He’s just too polite to say it,” Chenle shot back. “Unlike me. So please, do us all a favor, go back to your dorm, and fix things with Jeno.”
Mark scoffed.
“You’re just mad that Jaemin likes me more than you.”
“Mark, he’s my boyfriend.”
The dry way Chenle said it made Mark snort, but the playful banter died in his throat when he caught sight of a familiar figure in the distance.
Jeno.
He was walking ahead of them, his posture as perfect as ever, but what made Mark pause was the fact that he wasn’t alone. Beside him was someone Mark didn’t recognize—a slim guy with sharp features and an effortless vibe that matched his good looks.
They were walking close, their conversation relaxed, and Jeno actually looked… at ease.
Chenle noticed, of course. “Oh, that’s Renjun,” he said casually. “He’s a fashion major. Really cool guy.”
Mark couldn’t say anything, his mind too busy spiraling.
Since when did Jeno talk to people willingly?
Chenle, as usual, wasn’t done. He glanced at Mark, a sly grin forming. “Do you want me to ask Renjun if he’s in a relationship with Jeno? You know, since it’s clearly bothering you so much.”
Mark shot him a frustrated glare.
“I don’t care what their relationship is.”
Chenle raised a brow, his smirk growing.
“Oh, you totally care.”
“I don’t,” Mark snapped, quickening his pace to avoid the conversation entirely.
But as they walked away, Mark couldn’t help but glance over his shoulder at Jeno and Renjun, the scene burning itself into his brain.
He didn’t know what to feel—jealousy? Frustration? Curiosity?
All he knew was that his chest ached, and it had everything to do with Jeno.
🚶🏻➡️
Mark hadn’t planned on returning to the dorm that night. But after Chenle’s constant nagging and the image of Jeno with Renjun burned into his mind, he found himself standing at the door to his room, debating if it was worth it to turn back.
In the end, the desire for his own bed won.
When he walked in, the first thing he noticed was the sound of voices—Jeno’s and someone else’s. His presence startled them both, and the dorm went silent as Mark stepped inside, dropping his bag by the door.
“Mark?” Jeno said, his voice laced with surprise.
Not today, Satan.
Mark ignored him, too exhausted and still too frustrated to deal with whatever this was. He moved past them, heading straight to his side of the room, but the other guy stopped him.
“Hey,” the stranger said, stepping forward with a friendly smile. “You must be Mark. I’m Renjun, a good friend of Jeno’s. It’s nice to finally meet the roommate he won’t stop talking about.”
Huh? Mark froze.
He turned to Renjun, eyes wide and full of confusion. “He… what?”
Jeno shot Renjun a look, his jaw tightening.
“Renjun, that’s enough.”
Renjun ignored him, grinning as if he hadn’t just dropped a bombshell.
“It’s true! Jeno talks about you all the time. It’s kind of cute, actually—”
“Okay, time to leave,” Jeno interrupted, practically shoving Renjun toward the door. “We’re done here.”
Renjun laughed, throwing a quick wave over his shoulder as Jeno herded him out. “Nice meeting you, Mark! Don’t let him fool you—he’s got a soft spot for you!”
The door shut with a resounding click, leaving Mark standing there, still processing what he’d just heard.
Jeno turned back to him, his expression a mix of embarrassment and frustration. “Don’t listen to him,” he muttered.
Mark didn’t reply.
He was too caught up in his own whirlwind of emotions—confusion, frustration, and a twinge of something he couldn’t quite place.
No. Stop it, Mark.
Without another word, he climbed into bed, pulling his duvet over his head.
“Mark,” Jeno said, his voice softer now. “Can we just—”
Nope. Nope. Nope. Not listening.
Mark didn’t let him finish. He shifted under the blankets, turning his back toward Jeno.
The room fell quiet, save for the sound of Jeno’s sigh. Mark lay there, eyes wide open, heart pounding as he heard Jeno pacing back and forth.
Then, after what felt like an eternity, Jeno stopped.
“I’m going for a walk,” he muttered, his voice barely audible. The door opened and closed, leaving Mark alone in the silence of their dorm.
🚶🏻➡️
The next day, Mark found himself sprawled across Chenle and Jaemin’s couch, dramatically recounting the events of the previous night. He waved his arms for emphasis, his voice full of frustration as he tried to explain the bizarre dynamic between him and Jeno.
“…and then Renjun says Jeno doesn’t stop talking about me! Me. Like, what does that even mean? Does he hate me so much he has to complain about me to his friends, or—”
“No, no. No, honey—sweetheart... You’re missing the point,” Jaemin cut in, his eyes wide with excitement as he sat cross-legged on the floor, a bowl of popcorn in his lap. “Renjun said Jeno talks about you all the time. All. The. Time. That’s not something you say about someone you hate.”
Mark groaned, throwing a couch cushion over his face. “You’re not helping, Jaemin.”
“No, no, I’m with Jaemin on this one,” Chenle said, leaning back in his chair with his own bowl of popcorn. “I think Jeno likes you or something. I can feel it.”
Mark sat up so quickly the cushion fell to the floor. “You can feel it? What kind of lame superpower is that? Be serious.”
“I am serious!” Chenle raised an eyebrow, tossing a kernel of popcorn into his mouth. “Okay, sure. Let’s say he doesn’t like you. But then why does he bring you up to Renjun, hmm? Why does he care if you’re sulking or if you’re mad at him? Face it, Mark—dude’s probably into you.”
Mark sputtered, his face heating up as he pointed at Chenle accusingly. “You’re supposed to be my friend! Why are you siding with Jeno?”
“I am your friend,” Chenle replied, smirking. “That’s why I’m telling you to stop whining about this and do something. Anything.”
“Yeah, totally.” Jaemin nodded enthusiastically, chiming in between bites of popcorn. “Yeah, like, confess or something! Or at least ask him why he’s so weird about you. The tension between you two is driving me crazy.”
Mark buried his face in his hands, groaning again.
“I can’t just ask him! What if he really does hate me? What if he thinks I’m annoying, and Renjun was just messing with me?”
Chenle rolled his eyes. “Mark, you’re making this way harder than it needs to be. Just talk to him. Like a normal person. You know, without yelling or running away this time.”
“Or hiding under a blanket.” Jaemin added.
Mark glared at them over his hands. “You guys are making me feel worse. I hate you.”
“No, you hate that we’re right,” Chenle shot back, leaning over to steal some popcorn from Jaemin.
“And we always are,” Jaemin clapped his hands together, clearly enjoying the drama. “Okay, here’s the plan. Tonight, when you see Jeno, you’re going to ask him why Renjun said he talks about you. Simple, direct, no running away.”
Mark shook his head, already regretting coming over. “Again. I hate both of you.”
Chenle smirked, kicking his feet up on the coffee table. “You’ll thank us later when you and Jeno are married.”
Mark grabbed the nearest cushion and threw it at him.
🚶🏻➡️
Mark had spent the entire evening pacing around the dorm, hyping himself up for the confrontation. He’d rehearsed every possible scenario, every argument, and every potential response Jeno might throw at him.
Tonight, Mark was finally going to get answers.
But the moment the door opened and Jeno stumbled inside, everything Mark planned flew out the window.
Jeno looked terrible—his clothes were soaked through, his hair clung to his forehead in wet strands, and his skin was pale except for the feverish flush on his cheeks. He barely made it past the threshold before collapsing against the wall, muttering something incoherent under his breath.
“Jeno? What the hell—” Mark darted forward, grabbing his roommate before he could hit the ground. Jeno was burning up, his skin hot to the touch despite being drenched in cold rain.
Shit.
“Are you insane?” Mark snapped, his voice rising in panic. “What were you even doing out there?”
Jeno groaned weakly, his head lolling against Mark’s shoulder. He murmured something, but it was too faint for Mark to catch.
“Okay, this is—This is bad,” Mark muttered to himself. He slung Jeno’s arm over his shoulder, struggling to drag him to the bed. “You’re burning up, you’re so fucking soaked. You couldn’t have picked a worse time to act like an idiot.”
It took all of Mark’s strength to get Jeno onto the bed. Once he was lying down, Mark stood back, hands on his hips, staring at him in exasperation.
“You can’t stay like this. You’re going to get pneumonia or something.”
Jeno didn’t respond, his eyes fluttering shut as he let out a soft groan.
“Great,” Mark muttered, running a hand through his hair. “Guess I’m doing this myself.”
Am I really doing this?
He rummaged through Jeno’s drawers, pulling out a dry hoodie and sweatpants. Returning to the bed, he sat Jeno up with some effort.
“Hey, you need to change out of these wet clothes,” Mark said, tugging at Jeno’s soaked shirt.
Jeno grumbled, weakly swatting at Mark’s hands. “Don’t…”
“Don’t what? Let you stay in wet clothes and get worse? Not happening.”
Jeno tried to push him away again, but he was far too weak to put up much of a fight. Mark huffed in frustration, managing to peel off Jeno’s shirt and tossing it to the side. He tried to ignore the sight of Jeno’s lean, toned body, but his traitorous brain immediately flashed back to the other night when Jeno had walked in shirtless.
Oh… fuck.
“Focus, Mark,” he muttered under his breath, slipping the hoodie over Jeno’s head and guiding his arms into the sleeves.
Right. Right.
“This isn’t the time to lose it.”
Once Jeno was in dry clothes, Mark gently pushed him back down onto the bed and grabbed a towel to dry his damp hair. “You’re a mess, you know that? I was supposed to yell at you tonight, but now I’m stuck playing nurse.”
Jeno only mumbled something incoherent in response, his head rolling to the side.
Mark sighed, setting the towel aside and grabbing a washcloth. He soaked it in cold water, wrung it out, and pressed it to Jeno’s forehead. His heart clenched at how peaceful Jeno looked despite the fever. The usual sharpness of his features had softened, and the faint flush on his cheeks made him look… cute.
What the hell man.
“Why do you have to be like this?” Mark whispered, brushing a stray strand of hair off Jeno’s face. “You’re so frustrating, and yet…”
He shook his head, trailing off as he adjusted the washcloth.
Before he could move away, Jeno’s hand shot out, grabbing his wrist. Mark froze, his heart skipping a beat.
“Jeno?”
Jeno didn’t respond, his eyes fluttering shut as his grip on Mark’s hand tightened. Even in his feverish state, he refused to let go.
Mark tried to pull free, but Jeno’s grip was surprisingly strong. Resigning himself to his fate, Mark sat down on the edge of the bed, their hands still intertwined.
“You’re really something else,” Mark muttered, watching Jeno’s chest rise and fall with each labored breath.
The confrontation could wait. For now, all that mattered was making sure Jeno was okay.
🚶🏻➡️
When Mark woke up, his head was pounding, and his body felt sluggish from a severe lack of sleep. Something about his pillow felt off—it was firm, unyielding, and definitely not his usual soft, fluffy one. Groaning, he shifted slightly, only to freeze when he realized something was wrapped around him.
His eyes snapped open, and his breath hitched at the sight before him. Jeno was lying there, sound asleep, his face mere inches away from Mark's. The morning light filtering through the curtains illuminated his features—his long lashes, his sharp jawline, and the slight curve of his lips.
He looked serene, almost angelic.
Holy shit.
Mark’s brain short-circuited.
Wait…
Is this a dream?
Then, reality hit him like a freight train.
Fuck. No it isn’t.
He wasn’t on his bed. He was on Jeno’s bed. Under Jeno’s covers. Cuddling with Jeno.
Cuddling!
“What the—?” Mark shot up, heart pounding so loudly he thought it might burst out of his chest. The sudden movement jostled Jeno awake, his eyes fluttering open groggily.
Jeno blinked up at him, his gaze unfocused for a moment before recognition dawned.
Mark stumbled as he used his knees to get out of the bed, laughing nervously. “Uh, morning! Great, you’re awake! Fever’s gone—awesome! Okay, well, I gotta go. Classes, you know? Super important!” He waved awkwardly, already inching away to step out of Jeno’s bed and out the door as fast as he possibly could.
Jeno’s hand shot out, grabbing Mark’s wrist before he could escape.
“Not so fast,” Jeno murmured, his voice hoarse but steady. He pulled Mark back with surprising strength, sending him back onto the bed laying flat in his back.
“W-What are you doing?!” Mark stammered, struggling to wriggle free as Jeno pinned him down, one arm resting on either side of him.
“You’re the one who stayed and slept with me,” Jeno said, his expression unreadable as he looked down at Mark. “So you don’t get to run away now.”
“What? I didn't sleep with you. We were just on the same bed… uh, sleeping… and not together at all! There was enough space!” Mark swallowed hard, his face heating up under Jeno’s piercing gaze. “I-I stayed because you were sick! Don’t make it weird!”
“I’m not making it weird,” Jeno said, his tone calm yet firm. “But you’re acting like something happened. Nothing did.”
Mark’s heart was still racing, and his thoughts were a jumbled mess. “Then let me go!”
“Not until you stop freaking out.”
“I’m not freaking out!”
Jeno raised a brow, clearly unconvinced. His grip loosened slightly, but he didn’t move away.
“You didn’t have to take care of me, you know.”
Mark stared up at him, caught off guard by the sudden shift in Jeno’s tone. It wasn’t cold or detached like usual—it was soft, almost grateful.
“Well, someone had to,” Mark muttered, avoiding Jeno’s gaze. “And I couldn’t exactly let you just… die on the floor.”
A small, rare smile tugged at Jeno’s lips. “Thanks.”
Mark felt his cheeks burn even more. Damn it, Mark. It’s just a smile. Get a grip.
“Y-Yeah, whatever. You’re welcome. But seriously, you wouldn’t need me to take care of you if you just stopped going on those stupid walks!”
Jeno sighed, leaning back slightly. “I already told you—it helps me clear my mind. Besides, it’s not a big deal.”
Mark crossed his arms, narrowing his eyes. “Not a big deal? You literally passed out on the floor, drenched in rain, and with a fever so high you were burning up!”
“It’s… part of my meditation routine,” Jeno said casually, though the faint twitch of his lips betrayed his amusement.
Mark groaned loudly, throwing his hands up. “Meditation? Seriously? That’s the best you’ve got? You know what? I’m done. Done. I’m not even going to ask anymore.” He stormed toward the door, frustration radiating off him.
Jeno smirked as he watched Mark leave, his playful expression making Mark’s blood boil even more.
“Hey, don’t forget to meditate on your way to class!” Jeno called out teasingly.
Mark whipped around, glaring. “God, I hate you!”
“Sure you do,” Jeno replied with a chuckle, leaning back against the bed as Mark slammed the door behind him.
🚶🏻➡️
Later that day, Mark sat slumped at a café table, his face buried in his arms as Chenle and Jaemin stared at him with a mixture of disbelief and judgment.
“And you just… left?” Jaemin blinked, tilting his head like he hadn’t heard correctly.
“Just like that?” Chenle repeated, leaning forward as if he could extract some logic from Mark’s brain by sheer proximity.
Mark lifted his head and frowned. “What? What was I supposed to do? Stay there and keep arguing with him about his walks?”
Chenle sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose like he was dealing with a particularly dense child. “Babe?” he said sweetly, turning to Jaemin with a too-calm smile. “Don’t try to stop me when I strangle my best friend for a little bit, okay?”
Jaemin snorted, clearly amused but also trying to keep a straight face. “I mean… as long as you don’t leave a mark, go ahead.”
Mark blinked in confusion. “Uh, what?”
Chenle tried to grab Mark, but Mark dodged just in time, his eyes wide and mouth agape. Did he really just…
“Dude!”
“You,” Chenle’s eyes narrowed, and he pointed an accusing finger at Mark. “You are so hopeless. Do you realize how ridiculous you sound right now?”
Mark raised his hands defensively. “What did I do now?”
Chenle groaned, throwing himself back in his chair. “You had the perfect opportunity to get answers, to make things less awkward, to finally get some clarity on Jeno, and instead, you stormed out like a drama queen!”
“I did not storm out!” Mark argued, crossing his arms. “I made a strategic retreat. There’s a difference.”
“Strategic retreat?” Chenle mimicked, his voice dripping with mockery. “Mark, you were practically begging for death from embarrassment when you came here. Just admit you chickened out.”
Mark spluttered, turning red. “I didn’t chicken out! I was just… frustrated. And tired. And… he lied again, okay?”
Jaemin sipped his coffee thoughtfully before chiming in. “Did you ever think maybe he’s lying because he doesn’t want to tell you the truth? Like, maybe there’s a reason behind the lies.”
Mark paused, frowning. “What kind of reason?”
Jaemin shrugged, his expression turning teasing. “Maybe he thinks you can’t handle the truth. Maybe it’s personal. Or…” He leaned in with a sly grin. “Maybe he’s messing with you because you’re so fun to rile up.”
Chenle clapped his hands, nodding. “Oh, I like that theory. Jeno’s totally messing with you. The smirk you mentioned? Classic smug behavior.”
Mark groaned, slumping back in his chair. “You guys are the worst friends. You’re supposed to be on my side!”
“We are on your side,” Chenle said, grinning. “We’re just also on the side of logic. And the logical thing to do is to stop running away from Jeno and confront him properly this time. No storming out, no overthinking. Just talk.”
Jaemin nodded in agreement. “Or you can keep running, and Chenle and I will just sit back and enjoy the show.”
Mark glared at them both, but deep down, he knew they were right. If he wanted answers—and maybe some peace of mind—he’d have to stop avoiding Jeno and actually address whatever was going on between them.
“Fine,” Mark muttered, reluctantly standing up. “I’ll talk to him.”
Chenle smirked. “Good. Now go get ‘em, tiger.”
“Don’t call me that.”
“Chicken.”
“I swear to God—”
“Bok, bok! Bok, bok!”
“You—”
“Oh chicken does sound lovely, babe.”
“We just literally just ate!”
“Well we didn’t eat chicken!”
🚶🏻➡️
The following days felt like a never-ending cycle of silence and tension between Mark and Jeno.
Every time Jeno casually strolled into their shared dorm room, Mark would roll his eyes at whatever ridiculous excuse Jeno would offer about his walks.
The lies came one after another—everything from "I just needed to stretch my legs" to "I was getting some fresh air." Mark didn’t even bother asking why anymore; he was so fed up with the never-ending stream of half-baked stories.
Jeno, for his part, didn’t seem to mind Mark’s disinterest. He’d say his piece, shrug, and go back to whatever he was doing as if nothing was wrong. But Mark could tell that Jeno wasn’t giving up easily. He was persistent, despite the cold shoulder.
Then, on the fourth day of this weird, silent treatment, Jeno completely caught Mark off guard. They were sitting in the living room, Mark trying his best to focus on his textbook, when Jeno casually leaned against the doorframe.
“Hey,” Jeno began, his voice unusually soft, like he was testing the waters. Mark didn’t even look up, too preoccupied with his thoughts. Jeno hesitated, but then pressed on.
“Would you... want to go on a walk?”
Mark’s eyes snapped to him, and for a split second, his mind went completely blank. "What?" he blurted out before quickly recovering. "A walk? With me?"
Jeno gave a nonchalant shrug, his expression calm.
“Yeah. I mean, we’ve never really gone for a walk together, and you’re always so busy with your studying... thought it might be nice to... I don’t know, clear your head a little. You could use a break, right?”
Mark felt his heart race a little, caught off guard by the request. He opened his mouth to reply but couldn’t think of an excuse fast enough. His brain scrambled for something, anything, to avoid the situation.
“I, uh, I don’t know... I have a lot to do,” Mark stammered, his eyes darting to his textbooks as if they could save him from the awkwardness. “I’ve got to finish this stuff, and, well, you know, it’s not like I’m in the mood for a walk, anyway.”
Jeno didn’t seem dissuaded by Mark’s avoidance. In fact, he stepped closer, closing the gap between them, and Mark felt a sudden shift in the air around them.
He froze.
Before Mark could react, Jeno gently reached out and brushed a hand against Mark’s arm. The touch was light, but it made his pulse spike. Jeno leaned in just enough for Mark to catch a faint, almost teasing glint in his eyes.
“You’re not fooling anyone, Mark,” Jeno said, his voice low, almost a whisper now. “You’ve been avoiding me, haven’t you?”
Mark’s breath caught in his throat. His mind was racing, and he suddenly felt like everything was spinning out of control. The closeness, the directness in Jeno’s words, and the playful yet serious edge in his gaze made Mark feel like he was losing his grip.
“I—uh—" Mark stuttered, his words faltering as Jeno’s face moved closer, his lips curling into a smirk. Jeno’s fingers lingered on his arm, sending a strange, electric feeling through him.
Then, without warning, Jeno’s hand slid up Mark’s arm to his shoulder, and Mark’s body tensed in surprise. Before Mark could react, Jeno leaned in even closer, almost close enough to kiss him, and whispered,
“If you’re really not interested in taking a walk, I’ll leave you to your studying... but I think you are.”
Mark was frozen in place, the words coming out of Jeno’s mouth making his chest tighten with both confusion and something else he wasn’t quite ready to admit. And just when he thought he couldn’t be more flustered, Jeno’s lips brushed against his ear with a breathy chuckle.
“Let’s go on that walk, Mark. What do you say?”
Mark didn’t know whether to punch Jeno, kiss him, or scream. His mind was a complete mess as Jeno backed away, waiting for him to make a decision, his smirk never leaving his face.
Mark opened his mouth, but nothing came out.
And that was the moment Mark realized that Jeno wasn’t just playing games anymore. The question wasn’t about the walk anymore. It was about everything that had been building up between them—the tension, the unspoken words, the lies, and now, this.
Jeno was pushing him. And Mark wasn’t sure if he wanted to push back or let himself be dragged along.
Mark’s heart raced in his chest as he stared at Jeno, feeling both bewildered and overwhelmed. He had no idea how they had gotten here, standing in this charged, tense silence. He was still caught off guard by Jeno's request for a walk after days of avoiding him, but there was something else swirling in the air now—something Mark wasn’t ready for but couldn’t quite push away.
Mark finally found his voice, though it wavered a little, betraying his nerves. “Why did you suddenly ask me for a walk? All the times before, you just... ignored me, like you didn’t even want to be near me. It's not like we're friends. You always acted like you couldn't stand being around me."
Jeno didn’t respond immediately.
He just stared at Mark, his gaze intense and unwavering. His eyes roamed over Mark’s face, from his eyes to his lips and back again, like he was studying him, trying to figure something out. Mark shifted uncomfortably under his scrutiny, the silence between them thickening.
Finally, Jeno spoke, his voice low but steady.
"Why do you think I didn’t want to be around you?" His eyes locked onto Mark’s, searching them as if he could see straight through him.
Mark’s mind blanked, and the words died on his lips. The tension between them was palpable, a magnetic pull that made his skin tingle. He couldn’t answer, couldn’t even begin to explain why he thought Jeno felt that way. He had no idea how to unravel this knot of feelings, especially with the intensity in Jeno's gaze making him feel exposed.
Jeno’s gaze softened for just a moment, then he sighed. "You don’t get it, do you?"
Mark could barely process anything. Jeno continued, his voice turning quieter, but still edged with something vulnerable.
“I wouldn’t have done any of this if Renjun hadn’t told me that you and Chenle weren’t even together. He said you were still single, and Chenle... he has a boyfriend."
Jeno shook his head, letting out a small laugh. "It made me feel so stupid. I’ve been making up excuses, telling myself I couldn’t see you, couldn’t be close to you... all to feel less guilty about wanting you for myself."
Mark’s mind was reeling. The revelation hit him like a punch to the gut. He hadn’t even realized Jeno had been harboring all of this—had been making excuses, avoiding him just to keep himself from acting on whatever it was he felt for Mark. But hearing it out loud made his chest tighten, a mix of confusion, surprise, and something else—something unfamiliar and exciting.
Jeno’s voice was softer now, almost raw with honesty. "The real reason I’ve been going on these walks is because I couldn’t stand not being close to you. I tried so hard not to like you, but I couldn’t. Every time I saw you, I just wanted to be near you. And whenever I felt like I might walk over to you and suddenly kiss you, I went on a walk to get away from it."
Mark’s breath caught in his throat.
Jeno went on walks every single day. Did that mean—
His heart was hammering so loudly in his ears that it felt like it might burst. Everything Jeno had said—the tension, the confessions, the way Jeno’s eyes were so intent on him—had built up to this moment. Mark’s thoughts spun in circles as Jeno’s words lingered in the air.
Without thinking, without fully understanding what was happening, Mark finally blurted out two words. Two words that he wanted to tell Jeno the first time he saw him.
"Kiss me."
The words were out before he could stop them, and he was left staring at Jeno, who was completely still, processing what Mark had just said. Jeno looked at him, uncertainty flickering in his eyes.
“Are you sure?” Jeno asked, his voice barely above a whisper. The question hung between them, and Mark, with his heart racing and his body buzzing with anticipation, nodded once.
Without another word, Jeno closed the distance between them. His hand cupped Mark’s face gently, and Mark’s breath caught in his throat. And then, in the next heartbeat, Jeno kissed him.
It wasn’t slow or gentle. It was sudden, full of pent-up need, and it took Mark by surprise, sending a jolt through his entire body. His mind went completely blank for a moment as Jeno’s lips pressed against his, but then everything clicked. Mark kissed him back, hands threading into Jeno’s hair, pulling him closer as if they had been doing this forever, as if this was the most natural thing in the world.
Jeno’s lips were warm and insistent, and Mark responded with equal intensity, feeling the tension that had been building between them for so long finally release. The kiss was everything: messy, hungry, full of emotion and desire, but underneath it all, there was something more. Something that neither of them had been able to acknowledge before now. And as Jeno pulled away slightly, both of them breathless, Mark realized that everything had changed.
Jeno didn’t pull away for long. His hands were still gently gripping Mark’s face, his thumb softly tracing the curve of Mark’s jaw, as if memorizing the feel of him. Mark’s pulse was erratic, his chest rising and falling quickly as he kissed Jeno back, feeling like he was floating and grounded all at once.
The kiss deepened, a quiet urgency building between them. Jeno’s lips were soft yet firm, exploring Mark’s like he had been waiting for this moment, this chance, just as long as Mark had. Mark’s hands, which had instinctively found their way into Jeno’s hair, tugged him closer, pulling their bodies flush against each other. He could feel Jeno’s warmth, the steady thrum of his heartbeat against his chest, and it was enough to make his head spin.
Holy shit.
Every flick of Jeno’s tongue against his lips, every soft gasp that left Jeno’s mouth made Mark want more, made him want to drown in the sensation of being wanted, being needed. And Jeno wasn’t holding back either. He kissed Mark with the kind of fervor that spoke of all the things they had both been too scared to say before—of all the times they had danced around each other, pretending like nothing was happening.
Mark’s thoughts started to cloud as Jeno’s lips trailed to his jawline, nipping and kissing along the sensitive skin there. He felt the heat of Jeno’s breath against his neck, and the sensation sent a shiver down his spine.
"Jeno," Mark breathed, his voice shaky as he pulled away slightly, his chest heaving. His hands were still gripping Jeno’s shirt, not wanting to let go.
Jeno’s eyes were darker now, but there was something soft in them too, something that made Mark’s heart flip. He had seen Jeno guarded, aloof, and unsure, but now there was only raw honesty in his gaze.
“Mark,” Jeno murmured, his voice low and husky, like he had never wanted anything more in his life.
Mark took a shaky breath, trying to gather his thoughts. “Why… why didn’t you tell me sooner?” His fingers brushed against Jeno’s cheek, his thumb grazing the softness of his skin as he searched Jeno’s face for any hint of doubt.
"Why make me feel like you didn’t want to be near me?"
Jeno’s expression softened even further, and he took Mark’s hand, gently kissing his palm. “I didn’t know how to say it,” he admitted quietly. “I didn’t know how to tell you that I couldn’t stop thinking about you. That every time I saw you, I just wanted to be close to you... and I didn’t know if you felt the same.”
Mark’s heart fluttered at the vulnerability in Jeno’s words. He had never seen Jeno like this before—open, unsure, and so incredibly honest. The moment felt fragile, like it could slip away at any second if they weren’t careful.
“I feel the same,” Mark whispered, his voice trembling. It was almost impossible to believe, to let the words escape him, but they felt so true. "I’ve been... I’ve been wanting this too. I just... I didn’t know."
Jeno smiled then, a small, almost shy smile, but it was enough to make Mark’s heart stutter in his chest. It was a smile that told Mark everything he needed to know—that this wasn’t a mistake, that there was no need to second-guess their feelings.
And before Mark could say another word, Jeno kissed him again. This time, it was slower, more tender, as if they were both savoring the moment, trying to piece together everything they had been too scared to say. Mark’s hands found their way back into Jeno’s hair, and he tugged him closer, deepening the kiss as if he never wanted it to end.
The world outside seemed to fade away, leaving only the sound of their breathing, the soft press of their lips against each other. In that kiss, in that moment, they were both letting go of everything that had kept them apart for so long. There was no more confusion, no more doubt, just a quiet certainty that this was right.
When they finally pulled away again, their foreheads rested together, their breaths mingling in the space between them. Mark smiled softly, still feeling the heat of Jeno’s lips on his, and whispered, “I never thought it would be like this.”
Jeno chuckled, the sound soft and genuine. “Me neither,” he replied, his hands sliding down to rest on Mark’s waist. “But I’m glad it is.”
Mark laughed, the sound light and carefree. For the first time in a long while, he felt like he was exactly where he was supposed to be—right here, with Jeno.
“So, uh,” Jeno began, hesitating just a bit. “I was thinking… if we’re going to be doing this—” He gestured between them, the subtle intimacy of their shared space filling the gap. “You know, kissing and all that…"
Mark raised an eyebrow, his heart unexpectedly racing. “Yeah?” He couldn’t hide the little nervous laugh in his voice, but there was something hopeful in his chest, a spark he hadn’t realized was there before.
Jeno swallowed, glancing away for a second before looking back at Mark, his face flushed. “I want to know if you… if you want to be my boyfriend.”
Mark blinked, caught off guard. His heart seemed to skip a beat. “Wait, you’re asking me… to be your boyfriend?” he repeated, unable to fully believe what he was hearing. Jeno looked almost embarrassed now, running a hand through his messy hair, clearly nervous for the first time in what felt like forever.
“I mean… I’ve kind of been wanting to ask you for a while now. But I wasn’t sure if you’d feel the same. I didn’t want to make things weird or anything, but... yeah,” Jeno said quietly, biting his lip, his gaze shifting between Mark’s eyes and his lips. “But if you don’t feel the same way, it’s fine, I just wanted to ask.”
Mark’s heart fluttered, and before he could say anything, Jeno quickly added, “You don’t have to answer now, I just wanted to—”
Mark cut him off by pressing a soft kiss to his lips, a gentle but meaningful gesture. When he pulled away, he couldn’t help but grin. “Well, if you really want to know…” he started, his voice soft but teasing, “I think I’d like that. Being your boyfriend, I mean.”
Jeno’s eyes widened, and a relieved, goofy grin spread across his face. He chuckled, clearly embarrassed but overjoyed. “You would? Really?”
“Yeah,” Mark replied, his smile growing warmer. “I’d really like that. I just... didn’t know if you’d want that with me. You made it so hard to read you, you know?”
Jeno laughed, a soft, happy sound that made Mark’s chest swell with affection. “Well, I guess I’m just bad at this whole ‘feelings’ thing.”
“Bad? You went on walks just to avoid your feelings for me.” Mark said with a grin. “You have no idea how stupid and cute that is at the same time.”
Jeno’s smile softened, and he leaned in to kiss Mark again, this time with more certainty, more of an understanding that this was the beginning of something real. When they pulled apart, Jeno let out a contented sigh, his arms finding their way back around Mark’s waist.
“So about that walk you asked earlier…” Mark teased, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Jeno pouted, his arms wrapping around Mark tightly as if he never wanted to let go. “I’m not going on walks anymore if I get to hug and kiss you like this,” he muttered, his voice soft but firm.
Mark raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. “What? Why?” he asked, the teasing still evident in his tone. “You actually looked cute when you came back from those walks. Like a puppy. A big puppy.”
Jeno’s eyes widened, and he pulled back just enough to look Mark dead in the eyes, his expression a mix of mock disbelief and genuine surprise. “Did you just call me a dog right after kissing me?”
Mark only shrugged innocently, trying his best to suppress the laughter bubbling in his chest. He wanted to tease Jeno just a little bit more. “Ah, like a Samoyed! You definitely look like one.”
“A what?” Jeno blinked, clearly confused by the sudden comparison. “Did you just—”
Mark burst out laughing at the confused expression on Jeno’s face. “A Samoyed! You know, those fluffy white dogs? Like a big, cuddly teddy bear?” Mark continued to chuckle, unable to stop himself.
Jeno’s face flushed a little as he stared at Mark in disbelief. “I’m not a dog, Mark!” He pushed playfully at Mark’s chest, his pout deepening. But there was no real anger in his voice, only amusement mixed with affection.
Mark just grinned wider, clearly enjoying the playful back-and-forth. “I mean, you’re fluffy and warm like one, and you always come back from your walks looking all wet and adorable.” He leaned forward, pressing a quick kiss to Jeno’s cheek. “Big, adorable puppy.”
Jeno’s face was a mixture of exasperation and fondness as he stared at Mark, but there was a soft smile tugging at his lips. “I swear to God, you’re the most annoying person I’ve ever met.”
But there was no heat in his words—just a quiet contentment, a feeling that had grown between them over time. Mark felt it too, a quiet certainty that they had crossed some unspoken threshold. They were finally here, together.
Jeno exhaled dramatically, collapsing back against Mark’s chest with a sigh. “I can’t believe you just called me a puppy.”
“Well,” Mark said with a shrug, the smile still on his face, “you kind of are one. Just a really cute, really stubborn one.”
Jeno muttered something under his breath, but he didn’t fight it. He just stayed where he was, in Mark’s arms, enjoying the closeness they now had. Neither of them said much more after that, but there didn’t need to be any more words. In the stillness of the moment, they were content just being together. And for the first time, Mark didn’t mind how quiet things were.
At least now Mark knew why his roommate went on all those walks— and now he had a boyfriend.