Archive of Our Own

Junior Panachai had never learned how to love quietly. It was not because he had never tried, he simply did not know how and he’s just not afraid to show his feelings. For him, what's the point of having feelings if you're scared to let someone know about it?

Affection seemed to spill out of him in ways he knew how to, impossible to contain once it started. If he missed someone, he said it. If he was happy to see someone, he showed it. If he wanted to hold someone’s hand, his hand was already reaching before his brain could remind him that there were cameras nearby.

And Mark Jiruntanin, unfortunately for his own peace of mind, was the person Junior loved most.

Everyone knew it.

Their friends, managers, and coworkers knew it.

Their fans certainly knew it.

Mark, meanwhile, seemed perfectly content to let Junior orbit him like an affectionate planet while he remained at the center, calm and composed, occasionally reaching out to tug Junior closer whenever he felt like it.

It was not that he loved less. He simply loved differently, in his own quietly loud way. He remembered and noticed things, even if it's a small matter.

He knew when Junior had skipped breakfast without needing to ask. He carried extra medicine because Junior always forgot where he put his. He knew which side Junior preferred to sleep on and which drinks he would complain about being too sweet but finish anyway. When Junior gave flowers, he remembered to water them.

Junior loved loudly and Mark loved in lowercase.

And for five years, perhaps the funniest thing about them was that everyone assumed Junior was the clingier one.

They were not wrong, but they just did not know what happened when Mark finally decided to be affectionate loudly.

—

l.

The first time their staff and team realized just how incapable Junior was of behaving normally around Mark happened during a magazine shoot.

The studio was already awake by the time Junior arrived. Sunlight shines through the tall glass windows of the studio building, turning the polished floors gold in places and catching against the silver handles of equipment cases being wheeled through the corridors.

Inside, the magazine's production team was already moving. Racks of clothes stood along one wall, each garment covered in translucent plastic. Makeup artists arranged brushes and palettes across long tables. Someone was testing the lighting for the first set, causing enormous rectangular softboxes to brighten and dim while the photographer examined the shadows on the backdrop.

Junior walked into the middle of it with a coffee-colored tote slung over one shoulder and paper bags of bread and drinks in his hand.

He greeted nearly everyone he passed. "Good morning! How’s everyone?"

The team greeted back with smiles, answering him. He grinned, satisfied.

So while letting the staff prepare the set, Junior had settled into one of the lounge areas near the windows and started preparing the light breakfast he bought, not just for himself but also for Mark when he arrived.

There was a matcha latte and an americano sitting on the small wooden table in front of him now, condensation already beginning to gather along the side of the cups. Then a paper bag containing several pieces of soft bread, some sweet, some savory, because Junior could never remember exactly what Mark would want and therefore preferred to provide options.

Junior knew by now that Mark would claim he wasn't hungry. Then, an hour later, he would quietly eat half of whatever Junior had. And Junior had long ago accepted that this was simply how things worked.

He sat there scrolling through his phone, one leg bouncing lazily beneath the table, when he heard the familiar sound of the studio entrance opening.

He barely looked up, until he heard someone say, "Mark's here."

His head snapped up immediately, heart racing, and his entire face changed, turning off his phone. It happened so quickly that the makeup artist sitting nearby actually laughed.

"Look at him."

Junior was already standing, lips twitching in a smile. "What?"

"You're that excited, huh?" She teased and Junior's smile widened as he winked at her, starting to walk towards Mark.

Mark looked effortlessly put together. His hair was still natural, without the styling that would come later. He wore a simple outfit beneath a denim jacket, a bag hanging from one shoulder, and he still carried the faintly sleepy face of someone who had been awake for a while but had not yet fully entered the world.

Mark's eyes swept across the room seeing the preparations happening, then they found Junior and his mouth curved upward immediately. That made Junior cross the room before Mark could even put his bag down.

"You're here."

Mark barely had time to respond before Junior wrapped both arms around him. The hug was warm and comforting with Junior practically folding himself around him, one arm around Mark's shoulders and the other around his back, pressing his cheek against Mark's shoulder as though they had been separated for weeks instead of merely since yesterday. Not caring of all the staff and crew looking and giggling at them.

Mark laughed softly. "Good morning to you too. I thought you were going to let me put my things down first."

"I missed you, baby." Junior whined.

"We saw each other last night." Mark snorted, but he still also wrapped his arms around the other.

"That was last night,” Junior pulled back just enough to look at him. "Do you know how long twelve hours is?"

Mark stared at him, eyes crinkling in a smile. "Hmm… Apparently long enough for you to become this clingy?"

“What do you mean? I’m always clingy.” Junior looked at him like he'd been betrayed.

Mark laughed again, and Junior's expression immediately softened at the sound. He reached up and gently fixed the collar of Mark's jacket. Then he brushed a tiny strand of hair away from Mark's forehead, looking at him again.

"Did you eat?"

Mark shook his head and Junior smirked, "I knew it."

"I wasn't hungry."

"That's exactly what you always say." Junior stepped back a little, raising his eyebrow at Mark.

"I'm fine."

"No, you're not. Come here."

Junior took Mark by the wrist gently and guided him toward the table. Mark followed without protest, shaking his head in fondness. Junior pointed proudly at the breakfast waiting there.

"I ordered this for you."

Mark looked at the table seeing his favorite drink and a paper bag of bread from their favorite pastry shop.

"You ordered matcha?"

"Of course,” Junior took Mark’s bag and guided him to sit down. “It's your favorite. I can't be the best boyfriend if I don't know all your favorites, right?”

Mark's expression softened. "Thank you, Phi."

Junior smiled, putting Mark's bag in a chair along with his things and sitting close beside Mark instead of in front of him.

"I got you, baby."

Mark chuckled then picked up the matcha and took a sip. His shoulders seemed to relax almost immediately. Junior watched him with the satisfaction of someone who had accomplished something important before also drinking his americano.

By the time makeup began, Junior had somehow managed to remain within arm's reach of Mark.

They were assigned separate chairs, naturally. The magazine had planned individual portraits before bringing them together for the couple shots.

Junior sat in front of his mirror while the makeup artist worked around his face, but his attention kept wandering. Every few minutes, he will glance towards Mark in the mirror. It's either to watch the stylist work on Mark's hair, putting make up on his face, or just simply admiring him. Mark truly is beautiful. Ethereal even.

Mark noticed eventually and their eyes met through the mirror.

"What?"

Junior smiled, "Nothing."

"You've been staring at me."

Junior’s smile widened. "I like looking at you."

That made Mark smile with his eyes almost disappearing, much to the makeup artist’s amusement.

"Can you please stop making him smile? I'm trying to fix his makeup."

"Sorry, Phi." Junior immediately apologized, looking at the makeup artist while smiling sheepishly. She just shakes her head fondly at his antics.

Once their prep was done, the first individual shoot began around midmorning.

They first do their individual shoot, with Junior and Mark effortlessly getting into their character that suited the theme. And since they’re already familiar with shoots like this, it was finished easily.

Until the photographer finally called them both onto the set. "All right. Couple shots."

Junior's expression immediately brightened and Mark looked at him.

"Why are you so excited?"

"Because you're finally mine," then Junior wrapped his arms around Mark in a side hug.

Mark just shook his head and just let Junior do whatever.

The photographer laughed when he saw them before gesturing to take their position. "Okay, get into position."

They both then stepped in front of the camera, close enough that their shoulders were touching. Junior moved to face Mark and Mark doing the same. Their eyes met and both of them smiled automatically. That was the thing for the both of them, no words needed.

Then the camera clicked. The photographer nodded his head, clearly enjoying their chemistry.

"Don't change anything," the shutter of the camera is the only sound as the two become engrossed in their own world.

"Junior, put your arm around him."

And Junior's arm immediately settled around Mark's shoulders. Mark leaned slightly into him.

Another click.

"Mark, leaned closer and let your noses touch."

He did and Junior's breath caught for half a second. This is the person who had accepted Junior's affection so many times without ever making him feel like it was too much. Junior's smile became impossibly tender.

The photographer noticed and hummed in satisfaction. "That's beautiful. Hold that."

Junior whispered, barely audible, "You're pretty."

Mark's lips twitched, but he almost rolled his eyes. "Shut up and focus.”

"I am focusing.”

That made Mark giggles, still looking at Junior’s eyes. “I know.”

Junior almost melted then and there, Mark’s smile and happiness is his weakness.

The camera kept clicking again and again.

"Don't stop talking. Whatever you're saying is working."

Junior looked delighted, "see? I'm useful."

Mark shook his head at him. "Don't get too proud."

"I already am,” Junior smirked.

And when the photographer finally called, "That's a wrap," Junior didn't move away.

He stayed where he was, beside Mark as they both thanked the photographer and his team, bowing at them. Then his arm unconsciously wraps around Mark’s waist as they walk to change their clothes.

Mark glanced sideways at Junior. "You know we're done, right?"

Junior just nodded.

"Then why are you still holding me?"

Junior considered the question for a moment before answering with complete sincerity. "Because I like holding you."

Mark stared at him, expression softening and letting Junior cling onto him.

"Okay."

He didn't move away either and continued to walk.

And around them, the staff quietly exchanged knowing looks. They heard and knew about how Junior is clingy with his partner, yet witnessing it firsthand, they realized that this is not just a simple thing between them. It’s something much deeper and special.

ll.

Sometimes, loving someone doesn’t need only skinship and spending time together. It also speaks on how you think about them.

And that's the thing about Junior who loves to think and include Mark in everything.

He had arrived earlier than his call time, as usual. He has a solo brand promotional event and he couldn't be more excited to meet the fans again.

He greeted the staff, went through his briefing, checked the schedule, and spent a few minutes in the dressing room before being called backstage. His hair had been styled neatly, his outfit chosen to match the campaign without looking overly formal, and there was a small microphone clipped discreetly near his collar.

Junior had done enough of these events to know exactly how to settle into them. He could switch effortlessly between being an actor, a brand ambassador, and simply himself. He knew how to make the audience laugh without losing the thread of the conversation. He knew how to answer promotional questions naturally rather than sounding as though he had memorized an advertisement. Most importantly, he knew how to make fans feel like they were part of the event rather than merely watching it.

The audience cheered as Junior finally came out. He waved, smiled, and greeted everyone warmly before taking his seat.

"Good afternoon, everyone. It's really nice to see so many familiar faces here today. I hope you've all been waiting comfortably, because I'm very excited to spend the afternoon with you."

The audience answered with another wave of cheers. The host smiled.

"Let's give it up for Junior, everyone!"

Then the event began with some small talks and questions from the host. Junior answered easily, giving genuine details while occasionally slipping into little jokes that made the audience laugh.

The conversation moved naturally until the host looked down at her cue cards and her smile widened.

“Okay, since you've been talking about your daily routine, who usually knows the most about what you're doing every day?"

Junior didn't even hesitate to answer, "Mark."

The answer came so quickly that the audience erupted in several noises.

The host slowly lowered her cue cards with a knowing smile. "That was very fast."

Junior realized what had happened and he laughed, rubbing the back of his neck.

The host leaned toward him. "Why Mark?"

"Because we're together a lot."

"That's it?"

Junior thought about it, then smiled, "he's the person I usually tell things to first."

The audience made another collective noise that made him smile playfully, wiggling his eyebrows at the audience.

The host immediately pounced, taking advantage of the topic. "But what kind of things do you tell him first?"

“Hmm..” Junior considered the question. "Small things, mostly. If I find a coffee shop I like or I know he'll like, I'll send him the location so we can visit it together some time. If I see something funny, I'll send it to him. If I have a long day, I'll tell him. Sometimes I don't even realize I'm doing it."

His voice had become softer without him noticing. He looked down at his hands for a moment before continuing.

"I think he's just become part of my everyday life. So when something happens, even something completely unimportant, he's usually the first person I think of."

There was a brief silence as the audience were all holding back their screams and trying not to swoon. The host looked at him with a knowing expression.

Junior immediately laughed at her. "No, Phi. Don't look at me like that."

The audience laughed and Junior shook his head as the host kept on giving him a teasing look.

After that, the event continued. This time, there was an activity with the fans.

"All right, here's how it works. We're going to choose a few fans from the audience, and each of them will have a little challenge involving the product. Junior gets to judge their answers or their performance, and if they complete the activity successfully, they receive a special prize from the brand. Are you ready?”

The audience erupted in cheers with Junior smiling at them.

"Good. Let's begin.”

A fan was selected from the crowd, and she walked onto the stage looking both excited and nervous. Junior immediately welcomed her with a bright smile, making the nervousness disappear a little.

"Don't be nervous. We're just playing.”

The fan nodded, smiling shyly.

The host explained the first challenge, which involved creating a small promotional display using several of the brand's products. The fan carefully arranged everything while Junior watched from his chair.

When she finished, the host turned toward him. "All right, Ju. Judge her work."

Junior leaned forward. He examined the arrangement seriously and made the audience laugh because his expression had suddenly become ridiculously focused.

"Hmm."

The fan waited as Junior looked at the display from one angle to another. Then finally he nodded.

"Honestly, I think she did really well."

The host raised an eyebrow, smiling. "Really?"

"Yes."

"Are you sure you're not just being nice?"

Junior shook his head.

"No. The arrangement is balanced, and she chose the products well. I think she has good taste.”

The fan smiled, bowing a little to thank him. Then she suddenly pointed at the display. "Is it really beautiful?"

Junior looked at her, then at the work she had done, "It is.”

The fan smiled wider, thanking him again.

“But of course, not as beautiful as nong Mark, kub…”

The entire venue exploded. The lucky fan covered her mouth in shock and giddiness along with the host who also starts to tease Junior.

“Oho.. Ju!”

Junior smiles playfully at the audience and host. “What?”

The host looked at the fan. "Are you okay?"

The fan nodded enthusiastically, still covering her mouth as she couldn't help but to smile uncontrollably. "Yes!"

"Did you expect that answer?"

"No!"

Junior looked at her, smiling apologetically. "Sorry."

She shook her head quickly. "No, please don't apologize."

Junior laughed.

"Then congratulations. You passed."

The event continued until the final lucky fan was called.

This time, she asked Junior to choose between two things. One of them was a brand-related question and the other was a playful personal question.

Junior picked the personal one and the host immediately read it.

"Who is more likely to apologize first after an argument, you or Mark?"

Junior laughed. "Me."

"Really?"

"No, I mean we didn't really fight, like I think we don't ever fight at all,” he laughed a little. “We're both mature people despite us having different perspectives on things, we still meet each other in the middle. But to answer the question, if hypothetically we fight, I know it will be me.”

"Why?"

Junior leaned back thoughtfully. "Because I don't like staying upset for too long."

The host nodded in understanding. “And Mark?"

"He's calmer than me. Sometimes he needs time."

"Does that bother you?"

Junior shook his head, "no. I've learned not to force him." His expression softened, "if he's upset, I can tell. So I usually give him some space, but I don't disappear. I stay nearby."

The audience became quieter but clearly deep inside, they’re melting with how Junior is considerate and sweet towards Mark.

"Then when he's ready, we'll talk."

The host smiled. "That's very mature."

Junior shook his head, "I just don't like fighting with him. Even if we're annoyed at each other, I still want to know that he's okay."

The fans cooed at Junior along with the host. Junior just smiles bashfully at them since it's the truth and he wouldn't have it another way.

Eventually, the activity ends with the fans getting their prizes and benefits. The host this time looks at her cue cards one last time.

"I have one final question for you. Since you've spent so much time talking about Mark today, and since he isn't here with you at this event… If you could say one thing to him right now, what would you want to say?”

For the first time all afternoon, Junior didn't answer immediately. He looked toward the audience, seeing their expectant expressions, as he thought of Mark.

"I think I'd tell him that I hope he's having a good day,” he chuckled. "He's probably busy right now, so I hope he's eating properly and not working too hard. I know him well enough to know that when he gets focused on something, he can forget to rest."

A few fans smiled and Junior continued.

"And I'd tell him that I'm proud of him. I say that sometimes, but maybe not enough. He works really hard, and there are probably days when he doesn't realize how much effort he's putting in because he's already thinking about the next thing he has to do." He paused, then smiled faintly. "So, Mark, if you're watching this later, don't worry about anything I said today."

The audience laughed which made him laugh too. "Actually, you can make fun of me. I know you will. But seriously..." His expression softened again. "I hope you know that I'm always cheering for you, even when I'm not there. I hope you know that you don't have to do everything perfectly all the time. When you get tired, you can always come to me."

The venue grew very quiet. Junior's thumb brushed against the microphone then he smiled straight to the camera. "And I miss you na ja~"

The audience screamed, and he immediately laughed, ducking his head. "Okay. That's enough. I'm done."

The host smiled warmly. “Alright, that's very sweet."

Junior looked down, a little embarrassed now. "Thank you, everyone. And please support the brand."

The audience cheered and Junior waved at them, smiling and thanking them for attending. That day is shown enough that even when Mark wasn't with him, everyone could still tell exactly where his heart was.

lll.

Junior knew he was getting sick before anyone else did.

It had started as something small, almost easy to dismiss. A slight heaviness behind his eyes when he woke that morning, a faint soreness in his throat that made swallowing uncomfortable, and a strange warmth beneath his skin that he blamed on the weather. None of it seemed serious enough to justify changing his schedule. He had work, after all, and he had always been the kind of person who would rather push through an uncomfortable day than make everyone rearrange their plans around him.

So he got dressed, went to work, and told himself he was fine.

By lunchtime, he wasn't so sure.

He sat quietly in the corner of the studio during a break, a bottle of water held loosely between his hands. Around him, the production team continued moving through the set, calling for lights to be adjusted and discussing the next scene. Junior could hear everything, but the sounds seemed strangely distant, muffled beneath the dull pressure building inside his head.

He hadn't even noticed Mark approaching until a familiar voice reached him.

"P’ Ju."

Junior looked up and saw Mark was standing in front of him, still wearing the outfit from their previous scene. His hair had been slightly tousled by the styling team, and there was a faint crease between his eyebrows as he studied Junior's face.

Junior immediately gave him a smile despite now feeling the heaviness in his head. "What's wrong, baby?"

Mark crouched in front of him, resting one hand against his knee. "That's what I should be asking you. You've barely said anything for the past hour, and you've been sitting here every time we get a break. Are you feeling sick?"

He wanted to deny it at first, the answer was already forming in his head but before he could say it, Mark reached up and pressed the back of his hand against his forehead. The simple gesture made his eyes close for a moment. Mark's palm was cool, and comforting enough that he hadn't realized how warm he felt until then.

"You're warm," Mark murmured.

"I’m always warm, you know," he smiled a little. “I'm probably just tired.

He opened his eyes and found Mark watching him with that particular expression he always wore when he was worried but trying not to make it obvious. It made something in Junior's chest soften.

"I'll be okay," he insisted quietly. "We only have a few more things to finish."

Mark didn't argue and simply looked at him for another moment, then glanced toward the half-finished bottle of water in Junior's hands.

"When was the last time you ate?"

Junior chuckled awkwardly and looked away. He actually forgot the time but he ate a little before leaving for work.

Mark sighed, "P’ Ju..."

"I had breakfast."

"What did you have?"

"Some bread."

"What time?" Mark didn't keep his eyes off of Junior and that made him hesitate to answer.

"Before I left."

Mark's eyebrows immediately formed in a frown.

"It's almost lunchtime, phi." He muttered exasperatedly.

There wasn't any scolding in Mark's voice, only worry that always comes out whenever Junior didn't take care of himself properly, which somehow made him feel guiltier.

Mark stood and offered his hand.

"Come on. Let's talk to our manager."

Junior looked at his hand, then up at him.

"Do I have to go home?"

"You should."

Junior sighed, he didn't particularly want to leave. More than that, he didn't want to cause trouble for the production team. But when he looked at Mark again, he could already tell there would be no convincing him otherwise.

So Junior placed his hand in Mark's.

"Okay."

Mark's fingers closed gently around his. And for the first time that day, Junior stopped pretending he felt fine.

By the time they reached Junior's condo, Junior was exhausted enough that even the short walk from the entrance to the living room felt longer than it should have.

He dropped onto the couch and leaned back, closing his eyes. Mark placed their bags down before disappearing into the kitchen. He listened to the familiar sounds of cupboards opening and closing, followed by the quiet running of water.

He should have stayed where he was, but instead, after a few minutes, he found himself getting up.

His body felt heavy, and his head throbbed when he moved too quickly, but he made his way toward the kitchen anyway.

Mark looked over his shoulder. "You should be resting. I’m just getting you something to eat."

"I can help."

"No need.”

"I can at least sit here."

Mark turned toward him fully, a small smile appearing on his face. He walked toward him and gently placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Go back to the couch, teerak. I'll bring everything to you."

Junior didn't argue this time despite wanting to be closer to Mark. He returned to the living room, pulled a blanket over himself, and settled into the corner of the couch.

When Mark came back, he brought a bowl of warm porridge, a glass of water, and the medicine Junior needed.

Junior ate slowly, taking only enough to settle his stomach before taking the medicine. Mark didn't pressure him to finish and simply sat beside him, occasionally asking whether he needed more water.

He found himself watching the younger. Mark had changed out of his work clothes and was now wearing something of Junior's oversized shirt and shorts as he moved around the living room collecting the things Junior had left scattered earlier.

It was comforting watching his boyfriend navigate his way through his place. Maybe it was because he felt awful, or maybe it was because Mark had a way of making ordinary things feel safe. Whatever the reason, he found himself reaching out when Mark passed him.

His fingers caught lightly around Mark's wrist that made the other stop and looked over at him. "Hmm? Do you need something?"

Junior smiles up at him. "Can you sit with me for a while?"

Mark's expression softened and he nodded. "Of course."

He sat beside him and Junior shifted closer until his shoulder rested against Mark's arm. He felt Mark's hand come to rest gently against his hair, fingers moving slowly through it.

He closed his eyes, the warmth in his body was still uncomfortable, but somehow it didn't feel quite as unbearable anymore now that Mark was taking care of him. They stayed there until he slowly succumbed to sleep.

By the time Junior woke sometime later, it was to an unfamiliar silence. For a moment, he didn't know where he was. Then he felt his head throbbed a little and the slight heaviness, making him remember he got sick and Mark is taking care of him.

But right now, Mark is nowhere to be seen. His heart immediately jolted in panic.

"Mark? Baby?"

That’s when he heard movement from the kitchen.

"Here."

Relief washed through him immediately as Mark appeared a moment later carrying a glass of water.

"You're up."

Junior nodded, "I thought you left."

Mark stopped beside the couch, shaking his head. "I was just getting some warm water for you."

Mark handed it to him and he took a few sips before setting the glass down.

"You feeling any better?"

"A little."

Mark hummed, "good." Then he sat down again beside Junior who immediately leaned against his shoulder.

He simply rested there, eyes half closed, listening to Mark's breathing.

After a moment, Mark asked quietly, "Do you want to go to bed?"

"Later."

"Okay."

Junior smiled at that. He liked that Mark never made him feel childish for wanting comfort. He just accepted it.

Maybe that was why Junior found himself more affectionate whenever he was sick. When his body was tired and his mind wasn't busy keeping up appearances, the simplest things became the things he wanted most. A familiar voice that talks to him oh-so softly, a warm hand that holds and takes care of him, someone sitting beside him as he rests and be quiet for a while, and someone who would still be there when he opened his eyes.

His fingers found Mark's hand resting between them and he intertwined them loosely. They sat quietly for a while and let themselves find the comfort they both needed. The room was dim now, evening light fading beyond the windows. The noise of the city drifted faintly through the glass, but inside the condo everything felt slower.

After a while, he murmured, "Thanks for coming home with me."

Mark turned slightly toward him, hand tightening a little against Junior.

"You don't have to thank me for something this small, phi. You know that."

"I know."

"Then why are you still thanking me?"

Junior just shrugged and curled more beside Mark. "Because I like knowing you're here and I want you to know how much I appreciate you."

He just felt Mark shake his head before also leaning more onto him.

Later that evening, Junior finally went to bed with Mark helping him settle beneath the blankets. The younger placed a glass of water on the bedside table along with his medicine, before laying down beside him.

For a few moments, neither of them spoke.

Then Junior murmured, "aren't you worried that you can get sick too for being this close and taking care of me?"

Mark smiled, looking over at him.

"I wouldn't be here if I’m afraid of getting a little sick. I also like taking care of you from time to time, you know?"

Junior meets the younger’s eyes, seeing the love in his gaze for him. That made his heart warm and he moved closer to latch on Mark, burying his head on his neck. The younger just giggled, reciprocating his hug tighter.

"I love you so much,” he muttered, pecking Mark’s neck softly.

Mark combed through his hair, putting a little pressure to massage his head that made him relax.

"I know, and I love you more."

Then Junior's eyes began to grow heavy again. Before he drifted off, he felt Mark kiss his forehead. And somehow, that small gesture was enough for him to realize that sometimes it's okay to be vulnerable and let others take care of him too.

lV.

There were days when Junior's affection for Mark was so ordinary that nobody bothered reacting to it anymore. A hand resting on a shoulder while they walked through the hallway, Junior leaning against Mark while they waited for a call time, the casual way he would reach over and fix Mark's collar or steal a sip of his drink before handing it back as though it had always belonged to both of them. Their friends had long since accepted that Junior loved loudly and without much embarrassment. If Mark happened to be standing within reach, there was a good chance Junior would eventually end up touching him somehow.

They were all now gathered at the company's building for a meeting and a few promotional schedules, with several artists coming and going through the lounge area between appointments. Mark had finished his own makeup and was sitting on one of the long couches near the windows, scrolling through his phone while waiting for the staff to call him. Junior had been sitting beside Mark, one arm loosely wrapped around his waist while his head rested against Mark's shoulder, lazily watching whatever Mark was doing on his phone.

Nobody questioned it or bat an eye their way as it got to the point that it's the norm for the two.

Until Book arrived, he walked into the lounge carrying a drink in one hand and his phone in the other, immediately spotting Mark on the couch. His face brightened.

"Mark, I've been looking for you. I wanted to ask you something about—"

He stopped, eyes travelling from Mark's face to the arm wrapped securely around his waist, then slowly up to Junior, who was looking at him with the most innocent expression imaginable.

Book raised his eyebrow at him. "Are you serious?"

Junior challenges his gaze and also raises his brow. "What?"

"I wanna talk to Mark."

Junior glanced at Mark as though checking whether Book had a legitimate complaint. Mark, who had already figured out where this was going, pressed his lips together to hide a smile.

"You can talk to him," he said, shifting slightly but making absolutely no effort to release his hold. "I'm not stopping you."

Book stared at him in exasperation, "your arm is literally around his waist."

"And?"

"How am I supposed to talk to him when you're attached to him like that?"

Junior shrugged, "It's not like I’m holding your mouth. You can still talk."

Book walked closer and pointed at his arm.

"Move."

"No."

"Ai shi– Ju!"

"Alai?!"

Mark couldn't hold anymore and laughed. "Can you two please not start?"

Book looked at him helplessly. "I just want to have a conversation with you, but your boyfriend has apparently decided you’re private property!"

The said boyfriend immediately lifted his head from Mark's shoulder. "That's a very strange way of describing it."

"Then let go."

"No."

Book stared at him for several seconds, ready to throw hands.

"Why?"

Junior thought about it, then settled his cheek back against Mark's shoulder.

"Because I don't want to."

Book looked toward Mark helplessly, "are you going to do something about this?"

Mark merely smiled and continued scrolling through his phone, shrugging. "I don't think there's anything I can do."

“Yeah, you really are a match made in hell,” Book groaned.

Junior's arm tightened slightly around Mark's waist. “I don't know, I can hear your jealousy from my love life.”

Book rolled his eyes, but the corners of his mouth were already twitching.

He knew Junior too well to genuinely be annoyed. Their friendship had always been constant teasing, ridiculous arguments over things that didn't matter, and an almost competitive need to get the last word.

Still, Book wasn't going to surrender that easily. So he moved around the couch and sat on Mark's other side. Junior immediately looked at him, frowning. Like the thought of him getting closer to Mark was a crime.

Book smirked, "fine. If you won't move, I'll sit here."

Junior's eyes narrowed. "Why?"

"Because I wanted to talk to Mark."

"I'm telling you, just talk."

Book turned toward Mark. This time, Mark shook his head, finally putting his phone away. "You're both acting like children."

Book immediately pointed at Junior.

"Talk to that octopus boyfriend of yours."

Junior just smirked, “jealous much?”

"I'm not jealous!"

"Then why are you yelling?"

"Because you're annoying!" Book stands up before pointing at Junior. “You know what? If I see Mark alone, I'll take him away from you!”

Junior laughed hard as Book walked away, earning him a soft slap on his arm from Mark.

It might have ended there if Great hadn't arrived. He was one of Mark's closest seniors in the company, and he and Junior had developed their own peculiar relationship over the years. Especially now that they're going to act in the same series soon.

Great walked into the lounge and immediately spotted Mark.

"Markji, there you are. I need to talk to you about the Dr. Ally event next week. The team sent over—"

He stopped, gaze landed on Junior. He nodded at him in greeting and Junior did the same. This time, Great seems to hesitate as he looks at the both of them.

"Can I borrow Mark for five minutes?"

Junior's expression immediately changed, head lifting slightly from Mark's shoulder. "No."

Mark rubbed his forehead as he looked at Junior in a half playful and half warning, "P’ Ju."

Junior just tightened his hold on his waist as he acted fool. Mark just sighed, looking back at Great, smiling a little in apology.

Great walked closer, holding out the tablet in his hand. "I need to discuss the upcoming Dr. Ally event with Mark. We're both ambassadors, and there are changes to the schedule. It's work."

Junior nodded seriously, “sure, okay."

Great waited but Junior didn't move.

"Okay?" Great repeated.

"Yes. So you can discuss it while I'm here.”

Great looked at Mark in question, "is he always like this?"

Mark glanced down at Junior, whose cheek was resting comfortably against his shoulder again.

"Yeah, I'm used to it at this point."

Great sighed when he realized Junior is serious about not moving away from Mark, and pulled a chair closer instead.

"Fine. I'll talk here."

He opened the tablet and began explaining the event schedule, the appearance order, and the changes the brand team had made to the program. Mark listened carefully, occasionally asking questions about the rehearsal time and whether the artists would be separated for individual segments.

Junior remained quiet beside Mark throughout. He’s just there listening and being comfortable and letting Great and Mark talk, it's work so he's not going to get in the way.

"The important part is that there will be a joint segment with the other ambassadors. Since we're all representing Dr. Ally, they want the interaction to feel more natural instead of having everyone simply stand there for photographs."

Mark nodded, "hmm, alright."

Junior immediately looked toward Great. "Are you going to be with him during that segment?"

Great raised an eyebrow.

"Of course. We're going with Joong, Force, Perth and other brand ambassadors. Why?"

"Just asking."

"Why?"

Junior shrugged. "No reason."

Great smirked knowingly. “What? Afraid someone will steal your boyfriend?"

Junior immediately glared at him. "You're his senior. Don't push it."

Mark burst out laughing and Great just shook his head before bidding the both of them goodbye.

Later, Prem and Nani arrived together.

They weren't there for the event itself. They had simply stopped by after finishing another schedule and wanted to find Mark.

Prem spotted him first.

"P’ Mark."

Mark looked up and Prem smiled, not noticing Junior at first.

"There you are. We were wondering if you're free sometime this week. We wanted to go out and eat."

Nani nodded. "Nothing complicated. Just dinner or coffee, depending on everyone's schedule. We've been trying to find a day when we're all free. Winny will go too"

Mark immediately smiled. "Sure. Let me check my schedule."

He unlocked his phone, Junior's arm was still around him. Prem finally glanced at Junior and now realized that Mark isn't alone. His eyes widened, looking at Nani before he cleared his throat.

"Uh.. Should we come back later?"

Junior immediately shook his head on Mark's shoulder looking at the two.

"No, it's fine. Just ignore me"

Nani laughed awkwardly. "We couldn't exactly do that phi, when you're attached to Mark like that."

The latter snorts in laughter before turning off his phone. “I'm free this Friday if both of you don't have any prior schedules?”

Prem and Nani shook their heads in unison. Mark hummed and nodded, “alright, then it's settled.”

“We'll just message at the gc for the time this Friday, Phi.” Prem said before him and Nani turned to leave the two love birds alone.

When the two of them were left again, Mark reached over and gently squeezed Junior's hand on his waist. Just a habit whenever he got nothing to do with his hand.

Junior looked down at their hands and smiled. He knew he was being ridiculous. But there were some days when he simply wanted to stay close to Mark, even if there was no particular reason.

And Mark, as always, never made him feel foolish for it. It wasn't that Junior wanted Mark all to himself. He loved their friends, loved the noise and chaos that came with having people around them. He enjoyed watching Book be pissed at him, listening to Prem and Nani make plans, and being surrounded by people who had become part of their lives.

He simply liked being close to Mark, and that was it. Being close enough to feel the warmth of Mark's shoulder against his. Knowing that if he reached out, his hand would find Mark's. He loves all of it, and loves Mark the most.

V.

When rehearsal finally ended, the room had emptied and neither of them noticed when they became the last two people left.

Junior stood near the center of the room, hands resting on his hips as he took a deep breath.

He was tired. Not the kind of tired where he's all worn out, exactly. It was the kind of exhaustion that came after finishing something properly, when every muscle seemed to remember the day's work and his mind was finally quiet enough to notice how much energy he had spent.

Across the room, Mark picked up their bags and checked his phone.

"We should go before the traffic gets worse," he said, slipping his phone into his pocket. "If we leave now, we might still get home at a reasonable hour."

Junior nodded automatically.

"Yeah."

Mark walked toward the door, their bags hanging from one hand. Junior watched him, not following.

Mark reached for the handle but turned his head to look over at Junior. He frowned when he noticed him still standing. "P’ Ju?"

"Can you give me five minutes?" Junior asks, staring at him.

Mark frowned in confusion as he turned around to fully face him.

"Five minutes for what?"

Junior hesitated, searching for the right explanation. He felt ridiculous trying to put it into words because nothing was particularly wrong and he just wanted Mark.

After a whole day of rehearsals, conversations, choreography, and people constantly needing something from them, Junior wanted a few quiet minutes where he didn't have to be anything except Mark's boyfriend.

"I just need to recharge," he finally said, his voice softer than it had been a moment before. "Just five minutes. Then we can go home."

Something in Junior's expression made Mark understand immediately. So he nodded. "Okay."

Junior's face immediately softened with relief. Mark set their bags down near the wall and opened his arms without saying anything else.

Junior crossed the room immediately. He slipped his arms around Mark's waist and rested his cheek against his shoulder, letting out a long breath as his body finally relaxed.

Mark wrapped his arms around him in return, one hand settling comfortably between Junior's shoulder blades while the other rested against his back.

For a while, neither of them spoke. The silence enveloped them in a comforting bubble. It was the kind of silence that existed only between two people who were comfortable enough not to fill it.

Junior closed his eyes. He could hear Mark's breathing, could feel the slow rise and fall of his chest. The warmth of him seeped through the fabric of their clothes, and somehow that simple familiarity made the exhaustion in Junior's body feel lighter.

"There," Junior murmured after a while. "This is what I needed."

Mark smiled against his hair. "You could have just said you wanted a hug."

"I did."

"You said you needed five minutes."

"Because I need five minutes of this."

Mark gave him a gentle squeeze, chuckling. Junior smiled at the sound and stayed there for another few moments before lifting his head.

Mark looked down at him, raising his eyebrows in question. Junior's expression had changed and there was a tiny pout forming on his lips. Mark already knew that expression.

"What now?"

Junior clicked his tongue, "you didn't kiss me today."

Mark almost choked by his own saliva with Junior's statement. "That's what this is about?"

Junior looked deeply offended. "Don't say it like that. It's serious."

Mark laughed at his antics. "Teerak, we've been together all day."

"So? I'm talking about a kiss."

Mark shook his head, grinning. "You're unbelievable."

Junior leaned closer, his hands still resting loosely around Mark's waist.

"Baby, I'm close to wilting away…" He dramatically said while clutching his chest.

"You're standing perfectly well."

"That's because I'm using the last of my strength."

Mark laughed again and Junior's pout deepened. "You're not taking me seriously."

"I am,” Mark tried to keep his face serious but his lips kept on twitching in a smile.

Junior stomps a little, almost whining. "You don't look like it."

Mark laughed at him and slowly pulled him close.

"Okay, okay. Come here."

Junior didn't need to be asked twice. He stepped closer, and Mark leaned to give him a gentle kiss.

It was soft and brief, barely more than an acknowledgment of the request. Junior opened his eyes afterward, lips still pouting and Mark immediately knew what that meant.

Mark shook his head, "no."

Junior looked at him innocently. "I didn't say anything."

"I know you by now, P’ ju."

"I just think five minutes isn't enough anymore," he tightened his hold on Mark's waist.

Mark glanced toward the door. "What if someone walks in?"

Junior also took a glance towards the closed door.

"Then they'll see two people standing in an empty rehearsal room."

"That's not what I'm worried about,” Mark looked at him for a moment and saw him just waiting for whatever Mark would do. So the younger sighed, fondness hitting him. He knew he had already lost. "You're very demanding."

Junior smiled at that, he won. "Only with you."

Mark shook his head, but the smile remained.

Then he leaned in again. This time, the kiss lasted longer. Their lips met in an unhurried kiss. It was simply warm and familiar, full of affection that came naturally after spending an entire day together and still finding yourself wanting another moment before leaving.

Junior's hands rested lightly against Mark's sides, and Mark's hands settled comfortably around his shoulders. The room seemed to disappear around them as they got lost with the feeling of each other. All of it faded into the background until Junior was only aware of the familiar warmth of Mark standing close, lips moving against his, and hands tightening on his shoulders.

After a few minutes, Mark pulled back for a breath, their foreheads nearly touching. Junior smiled, eyes closed as they both breath in each other's space.

"I told you I needed to recharge."

Mark laughed softly, foreheads bumping lightly by the movement.

"You call this recharging?"

"Yes,” Junior whispered, opening his eyes to see Mark already looking at him.

"Then your definition is strange."

Junior's smile widened. "Does it matter if it works?"

Mark didn't have an answer for that. So instead, he leaned in again.

The next kiss was just as gentle, lingering in the comfortable way that made time feel strangely unreliable. Junior's fingers curled slightly into the fabric near Mark's shoulder, while his other hand went up to his neck to angle his head better. Mark's hand moved slowly to pull Junior closer if that's even possible with how there's no space left between them.

Junior could feel the tension of the day gradually leaving his shoulders. Every time he exhaled, he felt a little lighter. Every time Mark's hand moved reassuringly against his back, another piece of the day's exhaustion seemed to disappear.

It was almost funny, he had asked for five minutes because he thought he needed a brief moment to recover. Instead, the five minutes became something neither of them seemed particularly interested in counting.

At some point, Mark's hand drifted to Junior's cheek, his thumb brushing gently beneath his eye. Junior smiled against the closeness. He deepened their kiss and bit Mark's bottom lip before pulling back. He laughs when he sees Mark glaring at him while licking the part of his lip that Junior bit.

"P’ Ju!"

“Sorry, baby. Can’t help it,” he smirked when Mark rolled his eyes.

"That stings, you know?" Mark complained.

Junior laughed again and reached for Mark's arm.

“Alright, phi is sorry na~” Mark didn't fight his hold and let himself be pulled closer. “Want me to soothe the pain?”

That earned him a weak slap on the arm.

“Shut up.”

Then Mark glanced toward the clock and saw that they've been in there for almost 15 minutes now.

"P’ Ju we should go, five minutes is over."

Junior also glanced at the clock and sighed. Well, it was fun ‘til it lasted.

Junior picked up their bags and reached for Mark's hand as they made their way to the door.

+1

Mark never knew that his day would turn out like this.

It was one of those days when every little thing seemed determined to go wrong in sequence, each annoyance arriving just as he had recovered from the previous one. His alarm had gone off earlier than he remembered setting it, his coffee had somehow ended up tasting wrong, and the shirt he had planned to wear had been left at the laundry. Then, on the way to work, the traffic had been worse than usual, leaving him sitting in the car staring through the window while watching the minutes disappear from his schedule.

By the time he arrived at the building, he had already convinced himself that perhaps the day would improve once work started.

It didn't.

The first rehearsal went badly. Nothing major, but enough small mistakes accumulated to make him increasingly frustrated with himself. He missed a cue he normally wouldn't have missed, forgot a movement he had practiced repeatedly the night before, and had to redo a section several times because he couldn't seem to get his timing right. Nobody was angry with him. The choreographer was patient, the staff reassured him that it wasn't a big deal, and the others were just as tired as he was.

That somehow made it worse. Mark hated making mistakes when he knew he was capable of doing better.

By the second rehearsal, his body was already aching. His shoulders felt heavy, his legs were tired, and the dull headache that had been hovering behind his eyes since morning had settled in properly. He drank water between takes, wiped his face with a towel, and tried to convince himself that if he could just make it through the remaining schedule, he could go home, shower, turn off his phone, and disappear into bed.

Every tiny inconvenience from the moment he had woken up had accumulated somewhere inside him until he felt like one more thing going wrong would be enough to make him quietly lose his mind.

But then Junior walked into the room. He had just finished another schedule and was carrying a drink in one hand, his hair still styled from whatever event he had been attending earlier. He looked tired too, but there was still that familiar brightness about him, the kind that seemed to follow him even on long workdays.

Usually, Mark would have smiled when he saw him, would have greeted him normally, asked how his schedule had gone, maybe teased him about something.

That day, however, Mark just stared until Junior noticed. When their eyes met, Junior knew something was wrong. So he walked over, stopping in front of Mark.

"Hey, baby. You look exhausted. Are you okay?"

Mark didn't say anything but instead quietly reached out and caught Junior's wrist. He simply pulled him closer until the other was standing close in front of him.

He looked down. "I've had a terrible day."

Junior's expression softened and he immediately held Mark's arms. "What happened?"

"Nothing important. That's the problem. Everything is just... annoying today. I keep making stupid mistakes, things keep going wrong, and I'm tired enough that I don't even want to think about any of it anymore."

"Then don't think about it for a while,” Junior gave him a brief hug. “I’m here."

Mark nodded, trusting Junior. Because that's the easiest way to do, trust him.

The next break came about half an hour later. Everyone scattered around the studio, some grabbing drinks while others sat on the floor and stretched.

Mark had been sitting on a bench near the mirrors when Junior walked over and dropped down beside him. Without thinking too much about it, he shifted closer. Junior looked surprised when he rested his head against his shoulder and went completely still.

Mark noticed and smiled a little. "What's wrong?"

Junior shook his head, "Nothing."

"You're tense."

"I'm still just not used to you doing this, I guess?" Junior wrapped his arm on Mark's shoulder. "But I like it."

Mark sighed in content when he felt Junior's hand come up and gently brushed through his hair. The gesture was so familiar that he felt some of the tension leave his shoulders immediately.

He closed his eyes and stayed there before they were again called for another round of rehearsal.

By the time the next break arrived, Mark had discovered that he had become unusually unwilling to let Junior out of his immediate vicinity. He wasn't normally like this since Junior was the clingy one. Mark just isn't one to initiate, content on just loving silently. But since his day isn't going well, he just wanted to be with Junior.

When Junior sat down during the break, Mark looked at him for a few seconds before quietly asking, "Can I sit with you?"

“Of course," Junior nodded and didn't bother looking up from his phone. “You didn't even have to ask.”

Hearing that, Mark carefully settled onto the other’s lap, turning slightly so he could rest comfortably against Junior's chest.

Junior made a surprised sound at the action, phone almost slipping from his hand as he immediately placed his arms on Mark's waist. Mark relaxed immediately, his body feeling the warmth of the older enveloping him slowly. Meanwhile, Junior looked like he was trying very hard not to explode. He really thought Mark would simply sit beside him and rest just like what they usually do. Not on his lap and curling like a cat. He simply can't handle it when Mark acts like this with him.

Mark can hear the fast rhythm of Junior's heart under his ear plus the way Junior's fingers keep on flexing on his sides so he can't help but to be confused. "Teerak, you okay?"

Junior looked down at him, biting his lips as he nodded. "I'm fine."

"You sure?"

Junior chuckled nervously. "I'm just... happy."

Mark laughed quietly for the first time that day. "You're cute."

That somehow made Junior even more flustered.

Mark closed his eyes, feeling the comfort of Junior's body against his. It made him relax and not think of anything for a while. He hadn't realized how much he needed it until he had it.

After several quiet moments, he lifted his head. "P’Junior."

"Hm?"

Mark closed his eyes when Junior combed through his hair. "Can I have a kiss?"

He felt the older’s hand froze for a while before continuing. He opened his eyes and met Junior's gaze.

"You want a kiss?"

Mark nodded.

"Now?"

"Yes."

Junior looked around the room and saw several people were still nearby, though everyone was busy with their own conversations. He admits that he doesn't have any ounce of shame when he clings and shows his love to Mark in front of many people. But when it was Mark himself who asked and did the first move, Junior doesn't know how to act and what to do.

Mark followed Junior's gaze before looking back at him. "Just one."

Junior smiles a little, "you've never asked me like this before. You're sure you want it right now?"

"Very," Mark starts leaning closer.

He saw Junior's expression softened and he gently pressed a kiss to his forehead.

Mark frowned when the other leaned back to look at him. "That's not what I meant."

"I know,” Junior laughed. “But are you really okay with it?”

When he saw Mark starting to move away and starting to sulk and pout, he panicked and immediately leaned closer to give Mark a brief, gentle kiss.

When they parted, he saw Mark smiling a little. Junior however, looked like he was struggling to maintain composure. Mark is unstoppable when he wants something.

"You're going to kill me today."

Mark laughed before grabbing Junior's neck, giving him an aggressive kiss on his cheek. Junior felt like ascending.

As the day continued, Mark became increasingly affectionate. Although he didn't become loud like Junior about it, his affection appeared in small, almost instinctive ways.

He would reach for Junior's hand whenever they were walking between rooms. Rest his head against Junior's shoulder while waiting for the next rehearsal. Or would quietly ask Junior to sit beside him during breaks. And every now and then, completely without warning, he would lean closer and ask for another kiss, on either his cheeks or he'll go straight for Junior's lips.

The first few times, Junior looked startled, shy and flustered even. By the fourth time, he had begun smiling before Mark even finished asking. His baby is really cute, but being too much like this, he's afraid that he'll combust soon.

Eventually, rehearsal ended.

Mark sat on the floor near the mirror, stretching his legs while Junior packed their things. For the first time all day, Mark felt the weight of exhaustion catching up with him.

He looked at Junior. "Can I go to your place tonight?"

"Of course," came the other’s reply easily without looking at him. “Why are you even asking, baby? It's not like you don't have half of your things there already.”

Mark just tilted his head and grinned at him. “For formality.” He didn't particularly want to go back to his own condo alone. Not tonight. "I don't really want to be by myself."

Junior stopped packing and the expression on his face softened immediately. "You won't be."

Then he walked over and crouched beside Mark, reaching out and gently touching his cheek.

"Do you want to talk about your day?"

Mark shook his head and leaned on Junior's palm. "Not yet."

"Okay."

"Maybe later."

Junior gently caressed his cheek with his thumb. "Whenever you're ready."

Mark stared at him. He's really thankful that he met the most kind, sunshine personified person and got to love and be loved by him.

Then he leaned forward and rested his forehead against Junior's shoulder, as Junior wrapped his arms around him.

He closed his eyes, letting himself be swayed and feel the presence of his beloved around him.

The day had been awful, but sitting there in Junior's arms, with the silence of the room enveloping them and the promise of going home together afterward, it finally felt like it was ending.

After a while, Mark murmured, "Teerak?"

"Hm?"

"I think I understand now."

Junior just looked at him in question.

"Why you're always clinging to me."

Junior laughed softly. "Do you now?"

“Mhm..” Mark nodded against his shoulder. "It feels nice."

Junior's arms tightened gently around him. "It does."

"I might do this more often."

Junior pulled back just enough to look at him, eyes widening. "Really?"

That made Mark laugh. "Alai? You look terrified."

“Nothing,” Junior shook his head, smiling. "I'm just not prepared for you to suddenly become affectionate and be all over me. I think I'll die early if that happens"

Mark laughed again, then he leaned forward and gave Junior a small kiss. When he pulled away, the other stared at him with an expression so openly fond that Mark couldn't help smiling.

"Can we go home now?"

Junior smiled back at him and nodded. "Yeah."

He gathered their bags while Mark stood.

The day isn't one of Mark's favorite days. He'll probably put it in his journal as one of the most hellish days he experienced. But with Junior anchoring him throughout and will surely take care of him, maybe it's bearable enough.