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Mark’s phone buzzed against the nightstand, disturbing the soft moment Mark and Donghyuck were enjoying as the aftermath of their hookup. Donghyuck made a noise of protest into Mark’s shoulder, face half-buried there.
Mark considered ignoring it but then realised it might be Jeno or Jaemin, wondering where he disappeared from the party. He immediately picked up the phone and Jaemin’s name stared back at him.
He answered it quickly, “Hey.”
“Hey, dude, where the fuck are you?” Jaemin sounded breathless, like he had been running laps, “I cannot find Donghyuck either, which is concerning because the cake is literally right here and Jeno keeps asking about you guys. “
Mark squeezed his eyes shut. From the corner of his vision, Donghyuck lifted his head just enough to look at him, already annoyed. “We’re, uh,” Mark started, and then stopped because there was absolutely no version of this sentence that didn’t end in disaster, “We’re coming. I’ll be there in a minute.”
“You need to be there ASAP,” Jaemin pressed, “Because the candles are already lit and the guests are threatening to blow them out themselves. ”
“I will be there in a minute,” Mark said quickly. “I swear.”
There was a pause on the other end, loaded. “Okay,” Jaemin said slowly. “But hurry. Jeno’s getting mad.”
The call ended before Mark could respond, the line going dead in his hand. He stared at the phone for a beat too long. “We gotta go,” he said finally.
Donghyuck groaned, long and dramatic, rolling onto his back and throwing an arm over his eyes, “You are joking. I cannot emotionally handle this many transitions in one night.”
“I’m serious,” Mark said, already sitting up, already scrambling, “The cake is about to be cut.”
“That’s tragic,” Donghyuck muttered, “We were having a moment.”
Mark leaned over him, hands braced on either side of Donghyuck’s head, close enough that Donghyuck dropped his arm just to look at him. Their faces were so close and for a second Mark forgot entirely why he was panicking. “Baby,” he said, softly, “Please.”
Donghyuck sighed, the fight draining out of him. “You owe me,” he said, pushing himself up anyway.
“Yeah,” Mark said, kissing him softly, “I will make up for this.”
They immediately changed into their clothes before rushing outside the room. By the time they stepped back into the hallway, the noise of the party rushed up to meet them, music and voices and laughter bleeding up the stairwell.
Jaemin was at the bottom of the staircase.
Mark saw him before Donghyuck did, his stomach dropping in a way that felt almost comical. Jaemin was just standing there, arms crossed loosely, head tilted like he already knew what they just did.
Donghyuck slowed, just a fraction. Mark felt it immediately, reached out without thinking, fingers brushing Donghyuck’s wrist before curling around his hand properly. Donghyuck stiffened, then relaxed into it, thumb pressing once against Mark’s knuckles like a silent okay.
Jaemin’s eyes flicked down to their joined hands and then back up again, mouth twitching. Donghyuck said nothing. He stared straight ahead, jaw tight, like if he spoke he might combust on the spot.
Mark swallowed. “So,” he started, hating how thin his voice sounded “About that.”
Jaemin uncrossed his arms. “What’s going on between you two?” he asked, blunt as ever.
The silence stretched. Donghyuck’s grip tightened. Mark could feel his pulse, quick and uneven, under his thumb. He took a breath, then another, and decided to stop being a coward.
He held Donghyuck’s hand a little higher, a little more obvious. “Um,” he said, “We just hooked up. And we’re gonna date now.”
For half a second, Jaemin’s face went completely blank.
Then he squealed.
It was loud, sharp, impossible to miss. He actually jumped in place, hands flying up to cover his mouth like he was about to explode. “Oh my god,” he said, bouncing. “I called it. I literally called it. I knew you two had that tension, I knew it, I wasn’t hallucinating, I always thought that you looked at each other weird and then I thought that maybe I was being dramatic but I was indeed not being dramatic.”
Mark and Donghyuck stared at him, stunned.
Donghyuck blinked. He felt a strange relief wash over him. If Jaemin knew, talking to Jeno would definitely be easier.
Jaemin waved his hands, “Anyway, this is incredible. I feel so validated.”
Donghyuck finally exhaled, shoulders dropping a little. “You’re not mad?” he asked, cautious.
“Mad?” Jaemin scoffed, “Please. This is the best thing that’s happened all night.”
Then his expression shifted, excitement dimming just enough to make room for something more serious. “Wait,” he said, letting the pause stretch, “What about Jeno.”
Mark felt that familiar weight settle back onto his chest. “Yeah,” he said quietly, “About him.”
Jaemin frowned, thoughtful now. “He won’t be happy,” he said after a moment, “Not because of you two, but because he’s gonna panic. He’ll start spiraling about what if it doesn’t work out, what if he has to pick a side, what if things get weird.”
“I know,” Mark said, “I’ve been thinking about that.”
“Well,” Jaemin said carefully, “Don’t tell him today.”
Donghyuck glanced at Mark, “What?”
“It’s his birthday,” Jaemin continued. “If you tell him tonight and he freaks out, that’s gonna be all he remembers. Give him time. Let him enjoy this.”
Mark nodded slowly. “Yeah. Okay. We’ll think of something.”
Jaemin smiled, softer now. “You’re not terrible people, obviously,” he said. “Just bad at timing. So, come up with a perfect time.”
Before Mark could respond, a familiar voice cut through the air. “Guys, where the fuck were you?”
Jeno appeared at the edge of the staircase, eyebrows drawn together, and eyed them with concern. He looked between them, clearly about to say more, then stopped himself. “Never mind,” he said quickly, “Just come. I gotta cut the cake before Renjun loses his mind.”
Relief and guilt tangled together in Mark’s chest as Jeno turned away. They followed him into the living room, slipping back into the crowd like nothing had happened.
For one second, just one, Mark felt Donghyuck’s fingers lace with his again behind Jeno and Jaemin, hidden from view. Donghyuck looked over his shoulder at him, smiling.
Mark smiled back, heart pounding, and squeezed his hand once before letting go.
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Mark had thought very sincerely and very stupidly that if he planned this like a grown-up, it might actually go like one.
The café was his idea. Not just any café, either, but one of those places Jeno liked a lot because of good coffee and decent seating. Mark had chosen it like it was his terrain before a battle, except his battle involved confessing that he was dating his best friend’s younger brother.
He had thought about timing, too. He had suggested late afternoon, where Jeno would be well fed. Donghyuck had watched him pace around his room the night before, listening to him mutter through pros and cons like he was pitching a business proposal, and had eventually rolled over, propped his chin on his hand, and said, “You know what’s really annoying about you?”
Mark had paused, mid-spiral, “What?”
“You spend so much time on these useless plans, when you can instead just makeout with me, right now.”
Mark had groaned and thrown a pillow at him, which Donghyuck had caught easily, grinning. He had been like that all morning too, unbothered and careless. He also spent the ride to the café scrolling through his phone like this wasn’t the most precarious social maneuver of their lives.
“You’re quiet,” Donghyuck had said, glancing up from his screen as they walked.
“I’m focused,” Mark replied.
“That’s worse,” Donghyuck said cheerfully, “That means you’re about to do something very very stupid.”
Mark didn’t bother with a response. He pushed open the café door instead, letting the smell of coffee and sugar and warm bread wash over them. The place was busier than he’d hoped. He immediately looked for the nearest emergency exit, in case he needed one.
They got a table near the back. Mark chose it carefully, pulling out a chair for Donghyuck without thinking, which earned him a slow, knowing look.
They ordered drinks. Mark barely registered what he asked for. His mind was already running ahead, slotting this into the mental script he had practiced. Reassurance first, then honesty and absolutely no defensiveness.
Jeno arrived ten minutes later, hair still damp like he had showered in a hurry. He waved, weaving through tables, and Mark’s chest tightened in that familiar, reflexive way. This was the problem, really. Loving people too much. It made everything harder.
“Hey,” Jeno said, dropping into the chair across from them. “Sorry I’m late. Jaemin wouldn’t shut up about some dance practice thing.”
Donghyuck laughed, “That’s alright..”
Jeno grinned at him, then glanced between them. “You guys get here okay?”
“Yeah,” Mark said. “All good.”
Jeno nodded, relaxed, already reaching for the menu. He looked comfortable and att ease. That should have been a good sign. Instead, it made Mark’s throat close up.
They made small talk about nothing, really. Jeno complained about his schedule. Donghyuck mocked him for it. Mark chimed in where appropriate, his attention split between the conversation and the quiet, creeping awareness of how normal this all felt.
Mark waited for a lull. One would come, he told himself. He had planned for it. He took a breath, opened his mouth.
And the table next to them erupted in laughter.
Mark flinched despite himself, his focus splintering. Jeno looked over, smiling politely at whatever joke he had missed, and Donghyuck leaned back in his chair, completely unfazed.
“Relax,” Donghyuck murmured under his breath, kicking Mark lightly under the table. “You look like you’re about to confess to a crime.”
“It is a crime,” Mark muttered back.
Donghyuck’s mouth twitched.
Their drinks arrived. Mark thanked the barista, fingers curling around his cup like it might anchor him. Jeno took a sip of his coffee, sighed contentedly, and leaned back.
“This is nice,” he said. “We should do this more often.”
The words landed like a punch.
Mark felt the plan wobble. He could still do it, he knew that. He had to. That was the whole point. He reminded himself of the logic, public places meant witnesses and thus social pressure to keep things civil. This was the safest way.
Donghyuck, however, had gone very still beside him.
Jeno kept talking, oblivious, “I feel like we’ve all been busy lately. It’s kind of nice to just sit.”
Mark swallowed. This was not in the script. He was supposed to talk first.
He tried again, “Jeno, there’s actually something-”
“Whoa,” Jeno interrupted, holding up a hand with a grin. “Is this serious conversation? You’re doing the Mark during exams season.”
Donghyuck snorted. Mark shot him a look.
“I’m not doing a voice,” Mark said.
“You are,” Donghyuck said. “It’s very hot.”
Jeno blinked, “Am I interrupting something?”
“No,” Mark said too quickly. “I mean, yes. I mean-”
He stopped. Donghyuck’s knee brushed his under the table, grounding him in a way that was both comforting and deeply unhelpful.
“Mark hyung,” Donghyuck said quietly, turning to him, “You okay?”
Jeno followed the exchange with mild confusion, “What’s going on?”
This was it. This was the opening. Mark felt it like a door swinging open in his chest, terrifying and necessary. He could say it now.
And then Donghyuck leaned closer, his shoulder pressing into Mark’s arm, his voice dropping so low it was almost lost under the café noise.
“If you say it here,” he murmured, eyes flicking briefly to the surrounding tables, “And he freaks out, he’s going to do it in front of strangers.”
Mark froze. The image twisted something in his stomach.
Jeno was still looking at them, expectant now, “You guys are being weird,” he said, laughing a little. “Should I be worried?”
“No,” Mark said automatically.
Donghyuck straightened, flashing Jeno a smile, Relax,” he said. “We were just arguing like usual over nothing.”
Jeno laughed, shaking his head. “Sounds about right.”
The moment closed around them like a fist.
Mark felt the chance slip through his fingers. He hated himself for it. He hated how relieved he felt, too.
They pivoted, seamlessly, into safer conversation. Jeno talked about work again. Donghyuck chimed in too and Mark followed along.
But his mind wasn’t in it anymore.
He watched Donghyuck out of the corner of his eye with the way his hand gestured as he spoke and how cute he looked. Mark really liked him, he realized suddenly and with alarming clarity.
Jeno finished his drink and checked his phone. “I should head out,” he said. “Jaemin wanted to meet.”
“Of course he does,” Donghyuck said fondly.
They stood and Mark hugged Jeno. “We’ll hang out soon,” Jeno said.
“Yeah,” Mark said, “Definitely.”
Jeno waved and left, disappearing into the afternoon crowd.
Mark sank back into his chair the moment he was gone, hands coming up to rub his face. “I chickened out,” he said, muffled.
Donghyuck watched him for a second. Then he reached out and tugged Mark’s hands away gently. “You didn’t,” he said, “You just didn’t do it today.”
“That’s the same thing.”
“No,” Donghyuck said, tilting his head, “It’s really not.”
Mark looked at him, searching. “You stopped me.”
Donghyuck shrugged, “It just didn’t feel right, I don’t know why..”
Mark’s chest tightened again, “I was ready,” he said quietly.
“I know,” Donghyuck replied, just as soft, “But still, baby.”
They sat there for a moment, the café noise swelling around them again now that the tension had gone. Mark exhaled slowly. “So,” he said finally. “Plan one failed.”
Donghyuck smiled, bright and unapologetic, “Spectacularly.”
Mark huffed a laugh, shaking his head. “I hate you.”
Donghyuck leaned in, pressing a quick kiss to the corner of his mouth, “No, you don’t.”
Mark smiled despite himself. He really, really didn’t.
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By the time Mark proposed movie night, he had already convinced himself that this was the smartest version of the plan they were ever going to come up with.
Public spaces were too exposed while private sit-downs felt like ambushes. The solution, therefore, was obvious. Mild distraction with something that would soften the moment, make it less like a confession and more like a casual truth slipping out.
Movie night had history on its side. It was the kind of thing they had done a hundred times. Mark liked that.
Donghyuck had listened to the plan sprawled across Mark’s bed, legs kicked up against the wall, reading a book. He had hummed thoughtfully while Mark talked himself through the logic, nodding at the right places, interrupting only once to say, “You sound like you’re defusing a bomb.”
“It kind of is,” Mark had replied.
Donghyuck laughed, “Okay, Mr. Mission Impossible. What’s the exact moment?”
Mark had hesitated. He said finally. “After the movie. When everyone’s relaxed.”
Donghyuck had rolled onto his side to look at him, expression unreadable in that way that always made Mark feel like he was missing something important. “And if he’s having a good time?”
“That’s the point,” Mark said. “He’ll be in a good mood.”
Donghyuck smiled slowly, “You’re cute when you lie to yourself.”
Mark threw a pillow at him again. Donghyuck had caught it again. It was becoming a pattern.
The night itself unfolded with unnerving normalcy. They gathered at Jeno’s place. Jaemin was there, of course, immediately commandeering the couch and making commentary about the movie selection. Jisung and Chenle brought snacks while Renjun complained about the volume. It was loud and familiar in the way Mark both needed and resented.
Mark sat on the floor at first, back against the couch, knees drawn up, trying to ground himself in the physicality of the room. Donghyuck flopped down beside him, leaning back until his head rested against Mark’s shoulder without asking.
“You’re tense,” Donghyuck murmured, lips close to his ear.
“I’m fine,” Mark said.
“Liar”
Donghyuck shifted slightly, more comfortable now, fingers brushing Mark’s wrist where it rested on his knee. He looked around to check if Jeno was watching but the older was too busy making out with Jaemin in the back.
The movie started. It was some action-comedy Jaemin had insisted on.
It was quiet at first, just a breathy exhale against Mark’s shoulder at some stupid joke, but then it escalated. Donghyuck laughed with his whole body, head tipping back, shoulder shaking against Mark’s chest. Mark felt it every time, but he kept his eyes on the screen, jaw tight, pretending his heart wasn’t trying to crawl out of his ribcage.
Jeno sat cross-legged on the couch above them, leaning forward, fully invested in the movie despite having seen it before. Every so often he would comment on a scene, pointing something out, and Donghyuck would reply without looking at him, still next to Mark.
The movie stretched on. Someone paused it halfway through to grab more snacks. Mark stood to help, grateful for the movement, the excuse to put distance between himself and the warmth at his side. In the kitchen, Jaemin shot him a look that was equal parts smug and curious.
“You good?” Jaemin asked quietly, tossing popcorn into a bowl.
Mark nodded. “Yeah.”
Jaemin hummed like he didn’t believe him but wouldn’t push. “You’re doing great,” he said, which was unhelpful for reasons Mark couldn’t articulate.
They returned to the living room. Donghyuck reclaimed his spot immediately, tucking himself back into Mark’s side with a contented sigh. Mark swallowed hard, his resolve wavering in the face of how comfortable this felt. He tried not to think about what that meant.
By the time the credits rolled, the room was relaxed. Mark felt the shift. This was it. This was the exact emotional temperature he’d been waiting for.
He straightened slightly, heart picking up speed. Donghyuck noticed immediately.
“Oh,” Donghyuck murmured, “Is it time?”
Mark didn’t look at him, “Yeah.”
Donghyuck tilted his head, studying him, “You sure?”
Mark nodded once. He was sure. He had to be.
Jeno stood to toss some trash, back turned. Mark took a breath, opened his mouth-
“Hey,” Jaemin said suddenly, clapping his hands, “Who’s up for ordering food?”
The room responded instantly and suggestions flew, and the relaxed atmosphere quickly disappeared.
Mark’s shoulders slumped. Donghyuck leaned back, disappointed but unsurprised. “Wow,” he whispered. “Fate really said no.”
“It’s fine,” Mark said, though it very much was not.
Food arrived and everyone got busy with it. Later, when people started filtering out and the room thinned, Mark tried again. Jeno sat back down, this time closer, the three of them clustered together on the couch. The TV glowed idly, menu screen looping.
Jeno sighed, relaxed. “That was fun,” he said. “I needed that.”
Mark felt something inside him twist. “Jeno,” Mark spoke. “There’s something-”
Jeno spoke at the same time. “Hey,” he said, “Thanks for always being there for Hyuck.”
The words landed wrong. Mark froze while Donghyuck went completely still.
Jeno continued, unaware. “I know he gives you a hard time, but it means a lot. To see my best friend and my brother vibe along and be just good friends.”
Donghyuck looked down, jaw tight.
Mark felt the plan crumble in real time. This wasn’t the moment. This couldn’t be the moment. Confessing now would feel like betrayal. Mark swallowed. “Of course,” he said instead, “He’s important to me.”
Donghyuck shot him a look.
Jeno nodded, satisfied, already leaning back again. “I’m glad,” he said, “Anyway, I should clean up before Jaemin comes back and ruins my life.”
He stood, conversation closed, the opportunity gone.
Mark sat there, stunned, the words he hadn’t said burning in his throat. Donghyuck didn’t tease him this time. “I should have said it,” he said, “I should have just done it.”
Donghyuck pouted, “Maybe. But he wasn’t ready,” Donghyuck said, “And neither were you.”
Mark frowned. “I was.”
Donghyuck shook his head gently. “You were ready to say it,” he corrected. “Not to deal with what came after.”
Mark opened his mouth, then closed it again. He hated how right that sounded.
Donghyuck stepped closer, reaching out to tug lightly at Mark’s sleeve. “Hey,” he said. “We’ll tell him. Just not like that.”
Mark looked down at their joined hands, at the way Donghyuck’s thumb brushed over his knuckles without thinking. “This is getting harder,” he admitted.
Donghyuck smiled, small and tired. “Yeah.”
He leaned in, resting his forehead briefly against Mark’s shoulder, just for a second. “Next plan,” he murmured. “We make it worse.”
Mark snorted despite himself, wrapping an arm around him instinctively, “You’re evil.”
“I know,” Donghyuck said, satisfied.
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By the time they arrived at Plan Three, Mark was done trying to outthink fate.
There was no manifesto, no late-night pacing or no bullet-point list made with every single pro and cons mentioned with colour coded highlighterss. Overplanning just made things worse, so Mark stopped holding it like glass.
“We’re just going to say it,” he said one afternoon, when he and Donghyuck were just chilling around.
Donghyuck looked up from where he was stretched across the couch, upside down, hair falling into his eyes. “Say what,” he asked lazily, already smiling like he knew.
“The truth,” Mark said, “No timing it or setting any ambience..”
Donghyuck blinked once, then twice. “Oh,” he said, “So you’ve finally snapped.”
Mark ignored that, “We catch him alone. We say it. That’s it.”
Donghyuck studied him for a long moment, expression unreadable. Then he rolled onto his side, propping himself up on his elbow, “You’re serious.”
“Yes.”
“Like,” Donghyuck continued slowly, “No speeches? Not even a ‘so there’s something we’ve been meaning to talk about’?”
Mark shook his head, “One sentence.”
Donghyuck grinned. “Hot.”
“Donghyuck.”
“I’m agreeing,” he said innocently, “This is good. I support you.”
Mark narrowed his eyes. “You’re not allowed to mess with me this time.”
Donghyuck’s grin softened. “Okay,” he said. “I promise.”
Mark hesitated. “Actually?”
“Yes,” Donghyuck said, “I won’t interfere.”
They chose the moment carefully, because even the honesty ambush had rules. Jeno had to be alone, he had to not be mid-crisis and there couldn’t be an audience.
It took three days. On the fourth, it finally lined up.
They were all at Jisung’s place for what was supposed to be a lazy hangout. When he saw Jeno step out onto the balcony alone, phone in hand, he felt something settle into place.
This was it.
Mark nudged Donghyuck gently, “Now.”
Donghyuck glanced up, followed his line of sight, then nodded once, “Okay.”
They slipped through the sliding door and onto the balcony. The night air was cool, the city humming softly beneath them. Jeno stood near the railing, phone pressed to his ear, nodding as someone talked at him from the other end.
Mark stopped a few steps away, waited.
Jeno ended the call with a sigh, rubbing the back of his neck before turning around. “Hey,” he said, smiling when he saw them. “What’s up?”
Mark felt the words line up in his chest, clean and terrifying. He took a breath.
“Hey,” he said. “So there’s something we need to tell you.”
Jeno’s eyebrows lifted, “Okay.”
Mark opened his mouth.
“Hold on,” Jeno said suddenly, glancing back at his phone. “Sorry, I just got a message.”
The interruption was small. Mark told himself not to panic. This was fine and he could wait five seconds.
Jeno’s expression changed as he read.
Mark didn’t notice at first. He was too focused on the words he was about to say. He watched Jeno’s face shift and the line between his brows deepen.
“Everything okay?” Mark asked.
Jeno looked up, distracted. “Yeah, no. I mean. Kind of.”
Donghyuck stiffened beside him.
Jeno pocketed his phone, exhaling slowly. “Sorry,” he said, “I got into an argument with Jaemin, so yeah, it’s been a bad day.”
Mark’s heart sank. “Oh,” Mark said. “We can-”
“No, it’s fine,” Jeno said quickly. “What were you saying?”
This was the fork in the road. Mark could still do it. The sentence was right there and he could drop it now and deal with the fallout.
He glanced sideways at Donghyuck.
Donghyuck’s jaw was tight and it looked like he was assessing Jeno.
Jeno followed the look. “What?” he asked, confused.
Donghyuck inhaled, then stepped forward slightly. “Hyung,” he said, “You look tired.”
Jeno laughed weakly. “That obvious? It was a lengthy argument.”
“Yeah,” Donghyuck said.
Jeno shrugged. “It’s whatever.”
Donghyuck shook his head. “It’s not. And whatever Mark was about to say-” he shot Mark a look, apologetic and firm all at once “-it can wait.”
Mark stared at him.
Jeno blinked, “Are you sure?”
“Of course,” Donghyuck said quickly.
The silence that followed was thick and uncomfortable, stretching longer than Mark wanted. Jeno looked between them, clearly sensing something was off.
“You guys are being weird again,” Jeno said carefully, “Is everything okay?”
Mark swallowed. This was the closest they’d been. The words pressed against his ribs, aching to be released.
But Donghyuck was right. Jeno wasn’t in a place to hear this.
“Yeah,” Mark said finally, forcing a smile, “Everything’s fine.”
Jeno searched his face for a moment, then nodded, choosing to believe him. “Okay,” he said. “I will see you guys later.” He clapped Mark lightly on the shoulder, squeezed Donghyuck into a brief hug, and disappeared back inside.
The balcony door slid shut behind him.
Mark didn’t move.
For a long moment, neither of them spoke. The city noise filled the space where the confession had almost lived.
Donghyuck broke first, letting out a laugh that was half hysterical, “Wow.”
Mark dragged a hand down his face. “This is so annoying.”
“I know,” Donghyuck said. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s not your fault baby.”
Donghyuck’s expression softened, “It just wasn’t a good idea to do it right now.”
Mark leaned back against the railing, frustration curling hot in his chest. “Then when?” he demanded. “When is it ever going to be a good idea?”
Donghyuck stepped closer, “I don’t know,” he said honestly.
Mark let out a bitter laugh, “Every plan fails.”
“Yeah,” Donghyuck said. He turned away, gripping the railing, breathing through the swell of emotion that threatened to spill over. He was tired.
Behind him, Mark stepped closer, pressing his forehead briefly to Donghyuck’s shoulder.
“He’s going to find out,” Donghyuck murmured, “Probably in the dumbest way possible.”
Mark huffed, “At this point, I hope so.”
Donghyuck smiled into his shoulder, “You’re going to hate it.”
“Probably.”
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They agreed that they would come up with a better plan. Tonight, they would just chill and let the stress fade for a day.
They were at Donghyuck’s place. The lights were dimmed, the kind of warm yellow glow that made the living room feel softer. Someone had left a window cracked open, letting in the distant sound of traffic and voices from the street below. A fan hummed lazily from the corner, while yhe TV was on with some show none of them were really watching.
Donghyuck was sprawled across the rug on his stomach, chin propped in his hands, legs kicked up behind him. He was scrolling on his phone, occasionally snorting at something and refusing to share with others. Mark sat on the couch, one foot tucked under the other knee, half-leaning against the armrest, his attention split between the screen and the way Donghyuck kept humming under his breath.
Jeno was in the kitchen, rummaging through the fridge. “This is tragic,” Jeno announced. “Why do I have six kinds of sauce and no actual food?”
“Because I ate everything else,” Donghyuck said without looking up.
Mark smiled faintly.
Jeno came back with a drink anyway, dropping onto the other end of the couch. He took a sip, then glanced at Donghyuck like he just remembered something.
“Oh,” he said casually, “Hyuck, I met that kid today.”
Donghyuck didn’t react right away. “What kid,” he asked, still scrolling.
Mark’s attention shifted from the TV.
Jeno tilted his head, thinking, “Uh. Minjae? I think that was his name. Tall guy. Dimples. You had that whole thing.”
Donghyuck’s scrolling stopped.“Oh?” he said, finally looking up.
Mark frowned, “Who’s that?”
Jeno glanced at him, surprised. “You don’t know? He was the guy Donghyuck had a crush on for like two years.”
The room shifted. Mark’s chest tightened, something unpleasant and sharp blooming behind his ribs. “Oh,” he said, because it was the only word that came to him.
Donghyuck rolled onto his side, propping himself up on one elbow now, phone forgotten, “Where did you meet him?”
“Just at the local diner. He is working a summer shift there,” Jeno said.
Donghyuck nodded, “I see.”
Jeno took another sip of his drink, clearly not sensing the landmine he was standing on. “Anyway,” he continued, “He asked about you.”
Donghyuck raised an eyebrow, “Did he, now?”
“Yeah,” Jeno said. “Asked how you were doing and if you were seeing anyone.”
Mark’s stomach dropped.
“And,” Jeno went on, “He asked for your number.”
Donghyuck blinked, “Oh.”
Mark’s fingers curled into the couch cushion without him realizing.
“I told him,” Jeno said, “That I’d give him mine and check with you first. He seemed like a good guy. Polite and a little awkward.”
Donghyuck smiled faintly, “I see.”
Jeno noded, “So. Are you interested? If you are, I’ll share your number.”
The question hung there, deceptively simple. Donghyuck opened his mouth.
Mark didn’t let him answer. “He isn’t,” he said.
The words came out steady. Both of them turned to look at him.
Donghyuck’s eyes widened, surprise flashing across his face before something sharper replaced it. “Mark,” he said slowly, “What?”
Jeno frowned, “You don’t know that.”
Mark swallowed, heart pounding so loudly he was convinced they could hear it. “I do,” he said, “He isn’t interested.”
“Since when do you answer for Donghyuck?” Jeno asked, eyebrows deepening, “What’s happening.”
“I’m sorry,” Mark said, looking at Donghyuck, “I didn’t mean to speak over you. That wasn’t fair.”
Donghyuck crossed his arms, studying him.
“But,” Mark continued, “I couldn’t listen to that conversation happen one more second without saying something.”
Jeno straightened, “Mark.”
Mark finally looked at Donghyuck then, really looked at him. “I don’t want you talking to him,” he said, simply, “Because you’re not available.”
Jeno went very still. Donghyuck didn’t speak.
“He’s not available,” Mark repeated, voice trembling now despite his best efforts, looking at Jeno, “Because he’s with me.”
The silence that followed was absolute. The fan clicked as it changed direction. Somewhere outside, a car honked. Inside the room, everything felt suspended, like they were all holding their breath at once.
Jeno stared at Mark, “You’re what?”
Mark’s hands shook at his sides. He didn’t try to hide it. “We’re together,” he said, “Me and Donghyuck.”
Donghyuck inhaled sharply, “Mark.”
Mark shook his head slightly. “It wasn’t planned,” he said, turning back to Jeno. “It wasn’t something we meant to do. But it happened, and it’s real, and we’ve been trying to tell you for weeks and failing every time because I didn’t want to hurt you or blindside you or ruin anything.”
Jeno’s face went pale. “You’re serious,” he said.
“Yes,” Mark said immediately.
Jeno looked at Donghyuck. “You?”
Donghyuck hesitated for half a second, just long enough for Mark’s heart to seize, and then he nodded. “Yeah,” he said, “I’m serious.”
Jeno exhaled slowly, sitting back against the couch like his legs had given out. “Okay,” he said faintly, “Okay.”
Mark and Donghyuck just stood there, trying to give the man space.
Jeno rubbed his face with both hands, “You could’ve told me before.”
“We tried,” Donghyuck said softly.
Jeno frowned, “You were obsessed with Minjae.”
“Yeah,” Donghyuck said, “Two years ago.”
Jeno glanced at Mark again, “And now you’re with him.”
Mark nodded, “Yeah.”
Jeno was quiet for a long moment. Then he laughed, short and disbelieving, “You really just said it like that.”
Mark let out a shaky breath, “You gave us an opening.”
Donghyuck snorted despite himself.
Jeno shook his head, a smile tugging at his mouth even as his eyes stayed serious, “You’re unbelievable.”
“I know,” Mark said.
Another pause. This one was heavier, but not hostile.
“So,” Jeno said finally, “You’re not interested in Minjae.”
Donghyuck leaned back on his hands, glancing at Mark sideways, “Nope.”
Jeno followed his gaze, “Because you’re with Mark.”
“Yes.”
“And you’re happy.”
Donghyuck didn’t hesitate, “Yeah. I really really like him.”
“And do you like my brother just as much?” Jeno asked, glancing at Mark.
Mark looked at Donghyuck, his gaze softening, “Yeah, I do. I really do.”
Jeno looked down at his drink, then back up again. “Okay,” he said. “Okay.”
Mark’s shoulders sagged, relief flooding through him so fast it made him dizzy. He hadn’t realized how tightly he had been holding himself together until the tension finally cracked.
“I’m sorry,” Mark said again, “For not telling you sooner.”
Jeno waved a hand weakly. “I get it,” he said. “I mean, I don’t love this, but I get it.”
Donghyuck shifted closer to Mark without thinking, their arms brushing “You should’ve let me answer,” he said quietly.
Mark smiled, sheepishly, “I know.”
“But,” Donghyuck continued, eyes bright, “That was kind of hot.”
Jeno groaned, “I hate both of you.”
Mark laughed, “He made things hell for me until I gave in, and trust me, I tried really hard to avoid this. You have to give me a medal for that.”
Jeno leaned back, staring at the ceiling. “So that’s why you’ve been weird,” he muttered.
“Yes,” Mark and Donghyuck said together.
Jeno sighed, “Figures.”
Mark and Donghyuck looked at each other, breaking into a small chuckle. This was like the biggest burden being taken off their shoulders.
After a moment, Jeno sat up and looked at them seriously. “You better not hurt him,” he said to Mark.
Mark nodded without hesitation, “I won’t.”
Jeno turned to Donghyuck. “And you better tell me if he does.”
Donghyuck smiled, “Deal.”
“What about me? Am I still not your best friend?” Mark asked, jokingly but he had a small fear etched in his heart.
“Of course you are, idiot,” Jeno chuckled, “If he ever gets too annoying, tell me. I will beat him up.”
Mark smiled, “Noted.”
Jeno glanced between them, then huffed, “God. I need a snack.”
Mark laughed, tension finally bleeding out of his body.
Donghyuck reached for Mark’s hand openly this time, threading their fingers together without hiding it. Mark squeezed back, heart light for the first time in weeks. They looked at each other, smiling before they started to lean in, ready to kiss without any fear.
“Hey,” Jeno cut in, not even looking at them, voice firm, “One rule. You won’t kiss in front of me.”
Donghyuck huffed, already rolling his eyes and about to say okay. Mark didn’t let him.
He leaned in and pressed a quick, unmistakable peck to Donghyuck’s mouth. The younger froze, stunned into silence for once, breath caught between his words. Mark pulled back just enough to meet Jeno’s gaze and then rolled his eyes as the other gagged.
Jealousy, it turned out, didn’t make Mark reckless. It just finally made him tell the truth.
⋆｡‧˚ʚ💡ɞ˚‧｡⋆
They barely made it into Donghyuck’s room before the door shut behind them, the click of the lock echoing in the room.
Donghyuck didn’t even give Mark time to breathe, he backed Mark into the door with a hand fisted in his hoodie, eyes bright, mouth already curved into that knowing, wicked smile that always meant trouble.
“You know,” Donghyuck said, fingers sliding up to curl into Mark’s hair, “You’re really hot when you’re jealous.”
Mark laughed under his breath. He leaned in, forehead brushing Donghyuck’s, lips grazing the corner of his mouth, “Yeah, baby?”
Donghyuck’s grin widened, smug and delighted. “Mhm. Like dangerously hot.” He rocked forward just enough for their mouths to meet properly this time, slow at first, testing, before it deepened into something heavier, “I think I just figured out how to get you to do anything now.”
Mark groaned softly as Donghyuck kissed him again, longer this time, unhurried, like he was savoring the reaction. His hands slid down to Donghyuck’s waist, thumbs pressing into familiar dips. “Oh yeah?” he murmured against Donghyuck’s lips, “And how’s that?”
Donghyuck pulled back just enough to look at him, eyes shining, absolutely pleased with himself. “Easy,” he said, “I just gotta make you jealous.”
Mark laughed and leaned in to kiss along Donghyuck’s jaw, then lower, mouth warm against skin, lingering at the spot just beneath his ear. “You better not use that against me, baby,” he said..
“No promises,” Donghyuck replied instantly, breath hitching despite the bravado, hands tightening in Mark’s hair as if to prove he still had the upper hand.
They drifted toward the bed. Mark sat back against the mattress and Donghyuck followed, straddling him with easy confidence, palms resting on Mark’s shoulders. Their mouths found each other again, slower but deeper, kisses stacking on top of each other until Mark forgot what they were even supposed to be talking about.
Mark’s lips traced a path down Donghyuck’s neck, lingering there, kissing and nipping gently until Donghyuck let out a soft, involuntary moan that made Mark smile against his skin.
Then Donghyuck stilled. “You know,” he said quietly, fingers tracing idle patterns on Mark’s collarbone, “You haven’t paid attention to me for so long.”
Mark kept kissing him, “Have I, baby?”
“It’s been three weeks,” Donghyuck continued, “It’s always Jeno this, plan that, timing, logistics, thinking, overthinking.” He huffed out a small laugh, but it didn’t quite hide the frustration underneath. “I get it. I do. But I just need you to fuck me, hyung.”
Mark's lips stilled on Donghyuck's neck, the warmth of his breath lingering as he absorbed the words hanging in the air. "Three weeks, huh?" his voice came out low, almost a rumble, his thumb digging into the tender spot just below Donghyuck's lower lip. "You think I haven’t noticed, sunshine?” He increased the pressure, tilting Donghyuck's head upward, forcing his throat to arch and bare itself. The pulse there fluttered wildly under Mark's skin, “You haven’t been touched in three weeks. You want me to make it right, don't you, baby?"
Donghyuck's breath caught, his chest rising and falling quicker. "Yeah, hyung. Please. I can't take it anymore." His hands gripped Mark's hoodie, knuckles whitening as he tugged, trying to close the distance. The frustration from before melted into pure need, his body leaning in, seeking contact.
Mark's smirk widened. He shoved Donghyuck on the bed. The mattress dipped under the impact, Donghyuck's body bouncing once before settling, his legs splaying open instinctively. Eyes wide, lips parted, he stared up at Mark with that mix of defiance and surrender that always fueled the fire.
"Get on your knees," Mark spoke, fingers working the buckle of his belt. The leather slid free with a sharp clink. Slowly, he unzipped his pants, letting the fabric pool at his ankles before kicking them aside. His boxers followed, and his cock bobbed free, thick and heavy, already swelling with arousal, the head flushed and glistening.
Donghyuck moved fast on his knees. His hands shook as he reached out, palms pressing against Mark's thighs for balance. He looked up, gaze fixed on the hardening length in front of him, tongue darting out to wet his lips. The sight of Donghyuck like this sent a jolt straight to Mark's dick.
"Show me," Mark said, voice rough. He tangled his fingers in Donghyuck's soft hair, the strands slipping through like silk before he gripped tight, pulling just enough to make Donghyuck winnce. "Show how much you need my cock."
Donghyuck didn't need more urging. His fingers wrapped around the base, stroking once, twice, feeling the heat pulse under his touch. He leaned in, mouth opening wide to take the tip between his lips. His tongue pressed flat against the underside, lapping at the slit to collect the drop of pre-cum there. Slowly, he sank down further, lips stretching around the girth as he sucked, cheeks hollowing with effort. Inch by inch, he worked his way along the shaft, until the head bumped the back of his throat.
"Deeper," Mark growled, his free hand bracing on Donghyuck's hair. He pushed forward as Donghyuck gagged, eyes watering instantly, but he relaxed, taking more. Saliva built up quickly, coating Mark's length.. Donghyuck's head bobbed, pulling back to swirl his tongue before plunging down again, faster now. Wet sounds filled the room, mingling with Mark's low groans and Donghyuck's muffled moans.
Mark's control frayed at the edges. The sight of Donghyuck's lips wrapped so snugly, chin slick with spit, drove him wild. He tightened his hold in the hair, yanking Donghyuck's head back sharply. The cock slipped free with an obscene pop, strings of saliva bridging the gap. Donghyuck gasped, coughing lightly, but his eyes burned with want. "Look at you," Mark murmured, thumb wiping a tear from Donghyuck's cheek before smearing it across those swollen lips. "Such a messy little slut for my dick." He slapped the head against Donghyuck's tongue once. Then he thrust back in, setting a punishing rhythm, fucking into that hot mouth with deep strokes.
Donghyuck took it all, throat working around each intrusion, gagging less now as he adjusted. His own cock throbbed in his jeans as he sucked harder, tongue pressing relentlessly, desperate to please.
Mark's breaths came in pants, hips snapping forward. Donghyuck's jaw ached, but he didn't stop, humming and moaning to send shivers up Mark's spine.
Finally, Mark pulled out, chest heaving. He hauled Donghyuck up by the arm, muscles flexing as he spun him around and pushed him on the pillows. Donghyuck's mouth pressed into a pillow while his ass was up. "Clothes off," Mark ordered and immediately, Donghyuck scrambled, belt clattering as he yanked his jeans down, kicking them free along with his underwear. His cock hung heavy between his legs, leaking steadily, ass cheeks parting slightly .
Mark stepped closer, hands gripping his ass, kneading the flesh before spreading them wide. Donghyuck's hole stared back at him. He spat directly onto it, watching the saliva trickle down. He grabbed the lube that the younger kept in the bedside table before coating his fingers. He pressed one against the rim, circling before pushing inside. Donghyuck whimpered, pushing back, hips rocking subtly.
"Stay still," Mark snapped, adding a second finger without pause. He twisted them, scissoring to stretch the walls, feeling the heat envelop him. His other hand snaked up Donghyuck's back, fingers wrapping around his throat from behind.
He squeezed, not choking fully yet, just enough to make Donghyuck's breath hitch, his body tensing in response. The pulse raced under Mark's palm, and he leaned in close, lips brushing the shell of Donghyuck's ear, "You love this, don't you? My fingers in your ass, choking you. You're practically dripping for it."
Donghyuck nodded frantically, voice strained. "Yes, hyung. More. Please." His hole fluttered around the fingers as Mark curled them, dragging ove. A sharp cry escaped Donghyuck, body arching, cock jerking untouched. Mark thrust the fingers deeper and faster. He tightened his grip on the throat, cutting off air for a few seconds, long enough for Donghyuck's vision to spot with black, pleasure spiking like electricity through his veins.
When he released, Donghyuck sucked in a ragged breath, moaning loudly, "Fuck, do it again." Mark obliged, choking him in time with the fingers still fucking him, building the rhythm. Donghyuck's ass burned, the mix of pain and bliss. His hands clutched the pillows, nails digging in, body trembling from the overload.
Mark withdrew his fingers abruptly, the sudden emptiness making Donghyuck whine. He gripped his own cock, poured lube over it, and lined up the head with that prepared hole. He snapped his hips forward, breaching the ring in one forceful thrust. Donghyuck's cry was raw, body locking up as Mark bottomed out.
"So fucking tight," Mark grunted, holding still for a beat to let him adjust. His hand returned to the throat, squeezing as he pulled back and slammed in again. The pace built quickly, hard, deep thrusts that rocked Donghyuck forward with each impact. Skin slapped against skin, the bed creaking under them. Mark's free hand dug into Donghyuck's hip, bruising the skin to hold him in place.
Donghyuck's moans turned choked, the hand on his neck restricting his air in pulses. It heightened everything. Stars burst behind his eyelids, body on fire and cock throbbing painfully. "Hyung, harder," he gasped when air returned, voice hoarse and broken.
Mark obliged, pounding relentlessly, the room echoing with their moans and wet slides. He shifted angles, hitting that spot perfectly, making Donghyuck sob with pleasure. Sweat slicked their skin, Mark's chest pressing against Donghyuck's back as he rutted deeper..
Mark's hand left the hip to wrap around Donghyuck's cock, stroking roughly. "Cum," he ordered. Donghyuck broke, body convulsing as cum left his cock in thick spurts, painting Mark's hand. The sensation tipped Mark over, then he thrust once more and came into Donghyuck’s hole, which dripped onto his thighs.
They stayed locked like that, breaths syncing as Mark eased his grip on the neck, peppering kisses along the shoulder.. He flipped Donghyuck over gently, drawing him into his lap for a deep, languid kiss. "All yours now," Mark whispered against swollen lips, “Forever yours.”
“Forever yours too,” Donghyuck smiled, “Telling Jeno the truth today was definitely a good idea.”