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“Mark-hyung~” a familiar sound of a sweet laughter rings in Mark’s ears, as he feels a weight down the free spot on the couch right next to him. He looks up from his phone to see two round brown eyes, giddily looking his way.
“Hi, Hyuck-ah.” He smiles right back at the brunette boy. “What’s gotten you all smiley?”
“I’m so glad you asked!” He giggles, grabbing the older’s arm playfully. “You know how Valentine’s Day is approaching, right?” Mark blinked at him, nodding obliviously. “Well, my favourite cafe’s having a thing,” He explains happily.
“Oh, really?”
“Yeah! They’re having this special menu for couples!”
And that leaves Mark even more dumbfounded. Has Donghyuck met someone? Is there something, someone he doesn’t know of? They were supposed to tell each other everything. They’re best friends after all.
And no, telling Donghyuck he’s stupidly fallen head over heels for him does not count.
“But,” Mark clears his throat. “You’re not dating anyone, Hyuck.” He says, almost making it sound like a question. “Are you?”
“Of course m'not!” Donghyuck laughs, once again. Weight off the chest.
“Then,” the older tilts his head. “How are you going to, well, get this discount?”
He’s way beyond confused now.
“That’s where you come in.” He grins mischievously.
“M-me?” Mark stutters. “What do you mean?
“Well, you’re my best friend, aren’t you?” Yeah, he was just that. “I came up with the best plan ever,” Mark swears his heart skips a beat. “You should pretend to be my boyfriend!”
♡
“You should pretend to be my boyfriend!”
The statement lingers inside of Mark’s head.
“Let me get this straight,” Renjun sips on his coffee. “Donghyuck wants you two to pretend to be a couple for the sake of some… coffee discount?” He sounds kind of flabbergasted.
“Uh, pretty much, yeah,” Mark chuckles nervously.
“And you said- what exactly?” The younger shakes his head, furrowing his eyebrows in confusion.
“I said I would think about it.” Mark explains, almost through his gritted teeth, realizing the stupidity of this situation.
“Mark,” Renjun sighs. “You do realise you don’t have to put up with Donghyuck’s shit just because you’re hopelessly in love with him, right?”
“I’m not in love with him!” Renjun raises an eyebrow. No, not even Mark believed the words that have escaped his mouth. That sounded stupid, even for him. “Okay maybe I am- particularly fond of him,” Renjun lets out a laugh, deciding to let it go. “Thing is, it’s Donghyuck. It doesn’t even mean anything to him.” He explains, the words stinging his insides.
“Well, it does mean something to you, though. And you can’t deny it.”
Mark stares into the undefined space in front of him. Renjun is right. They’re both very well aware of it. For God’s sake, Renjun is always right. Only, Mark thinks that admitting it to himself would do more damage than completely ignoring the itching pain at the pit of his stomach. Nothing else really matters, when it comes to Donghyuck. Nothing else has ever mattered since they’ve met. And there was nothing Mark wouldn’t sacrifice for the sake of the boy who shines like the sun. Because who else would brighten up his days? Despite everything, Mark admits - he wouldn’t have it any other way.
♡
The door to their shared apartment opens with a bang. Mark doesn’t even flinch, he has gotten used to it throughout the years. It’s kind of a way Donghyuck makes himself known. The Big Donghyuck Entrance is how Mark likes to call it.
“Hey,” he looks up at his housemate from behind the kitchen counter, getting back to chopping vegetables quickly after sending him a warm smile.
“Hi Markie,” he grins. “What’re you making?” He moved closer, leaning in to smell the food.
“Kimchi-jjigae.” Mark replies, instantly making Donghyuck gasp in excitement.
“You spoil me too much, hyung.” The boy giggles, leaning against the counter.
The room falls silent, the comfortable type. It’s part of a routine for the two at this point - one of them cooking, while the other sits right beside him, telling each other about their days, complaining about assignments and inconsiderate professors. Sometimes they sit in complete silence, simply enjoying each other’s company.
This time around, Mark’s mind is a mess: thoughts wandering around, going in circles. He’s trying to find a perfect moment to bring up their conversation from a few days back. He wonders, what’s so scary about talking about it? Him and Renjun have already established that the topic is exceptionally sensitive for the older. He curses himself out.
Just do it. Rip it off like a bandaid.
“Uh, Hyuck?” Mark speaks finally, his eyes still fixed on the food. The younger hums knowingly in response. “Remember our conversation, from like, a few days ago?” He continues nervously. Donghyuck’s body perks up in response.
“Have you thought about it?” He asked, voice full of hope. Mark swears the boy in front of him holds the whole universe behind his eyes.
“I uh- yeah, I mean it’s just for a day, isn’t it?” He asks rhetorically. “Plus, I like coffee," And I like you, he almost says.
Donghyuck jumps from excitement, wrapping his arms around Mark tightly.
“Thank you, thank you, Mark-hyung!” He pulls away, sending the taller a fond look. “Oh, this is going to be so good!" Mark can’t help but smile to himself at the sight of his best friend’s excitement. What’s a guy to do?
“I was thinking, though,” Mark says, brushing a strand of his hair off his face. “How would this work?"
“Don't you worry your pretty little head, Markie.” Donghyuck shook his head as Mark could feel his heart rate rise abruptly. This boy would be the end of him. “We’re just gonna have to make it look believable.”
Right. Of course, there comes the boyfriend part.
"I mean, we’re already pretty affectionate with each other, so that’s not going to be a problem," Donghyuck states, as he starts walking back and forth, counting on his fingers.
Mark can’t disagree with that. They’ve been friends, best friends, since basically forever. Affection is nothing new to them. Except, well, it’s a different type of affection. Not the pat-on-a-back kind. Or ruffling-each-other’s-hair one. Not even the playful-kicking-each-other-off-the-couch.
There’s more to it. And Mark feels like his heart might jump out of his chest any moment.
“I’ve thought about everything, though.” Donghyuck says proudly. “We should definitely hold hands the entire time we’re waiting in line,” He starts.
And oh, Mark didn’t expect him to get right into it.
Off like a bandaid, indeed.
“Then, pet names.” He ads shortly, stopping in motion. “Would you be okay with any?” The question catches Mark off guard.
Donghyuck must have caught on with his reaction, as he speaks again.
“Sweetheart?” Mark raises his eyebrow. “Sugarplum? Markiepoo?” The brunette lists the cheesiest nicknames one could possibly think of and Mark cringes, a grimace on his face. Donghyuck hums.
“Baby?” The older stills, parting his lips, as he blinks slowly at the boy in front of him. The other chuckles at his reaction. “Baby it is,” he takes a note, a grin never leaving his face.
Mark can only wonder, when has the room gotten so hot?
“There’s also-“ Donghyuck pauses, as he takes a careful look at Mark. As if what he’s about to say was significant. Dangerous, in a way. “Kissing.” He adds and room falls silent, once again.
Mark can’t say he didn’t see that coming. Of course Donghyuck would bring it up. Of course it couldn’t be that easy. And Mark is really going to lose it.
“I’m not- saying we have to,” Donghyuck continues, fear in his eyes. “Not unless you’re okay. With that.”
Is he okay with that?
See, it’s a trick question. Mark would be lying if he said he’s never fantasised about Donghyuck's pink, plump, shiny lips on his. In fact, it's happened way more than he'd ever let himself admit. But those were, well, only fantasies. Thoughts. Desires.
So now, when he has what he’s always wanted, a real dreamscape, in the very palm of his hand, something inside tells him to back off. Warning him, that it isn’t what his heart truly wishes for.
Yet, before he thinks it through, before he even manages to let the itching thought sink in, or before Donghyuck could open his mouth to interrupt the uncomfortable silence creeping in the room, Mark blurts out,
“I would,” He says quickly, avoiding Donghyuck’s eyes. “Be okay with that,” He adds quietly, afraid to look up at the boy sitting in front of him.
“Okay.” Donghyuck replies, smiling sincerely.
“Okay,”
♡
Newsflash, it’s far from okay.
The big day came faster than Mark had expected and nothing has really changed - he still feels like an absolute fool for agreeing to Donghyuck’s sick little plan.
from: hyuck ♡
getting ready @ jaemin’s
don’t wanna spoil the outfit lol
meet me at 5?
our place ;)
Mark sighs to himself as his best friend’s contact name flashes on the screen of his phone. He feels a wave of hot air all over his body.
to: hyuck ♡
should i be scared…
haha just kidding
from: hyuck ♡
mark
stop stressing u worrywart
to: hyuck ♡
???
from: hyuck ♡
pleaseee
i’ve know u my whole life
u can't hide this from me
just relax, okay?
to: hyuck ♡
ugh sure
i'll see you in a bit?
from: hyuck ♡
see u babyyy <3
Baby. Baby?
Mark scolds himself for giggling, like a high-schooler in love, over something so incredibly stupid. He can only hope he didnt make it too obvious, that Donghyuck isn't aware of the effect he has on him.
Hours pass, and Mark realises he’s never spent this much time getting ready to go out. Not even for goddamn prom! But then again, back then he was going out with a girl whom—he’s pretty sure—he had only agreed to take as a plus one to make Donghyuck jealous. Which, well, didn’t go as great. (Donghyuck had the pleasure to spend the evening with Jaemin, whom he used to have the biggest crush on. Or so he thought. It’s a long story.)
Mark dresses in a black knitted sweater with a white collared shirt underneath and some denim baggy pants. Not too casual, yet still very simple, not to overdo it. It’s not like it’s his first date, Mark thinks to himself.
It is, though, his first date with Donghyuck. Even if it’s not a real one, he still tries to make himself look presentable.
He glances in the mirror for the last time, when a sudden familiar bang of an opening front-door can be heard from another room.
And there Donghyuck stands, in all his glory. He’s wearing his clear glasses (Mark guesses it’s for a more boyfriend-like look, since he usually dislikes wearing them whenever he’s going out), a simple white tee, with a black leather jacket over it, and his favourite flared jeans. Mark stops breathing for a second.
“You like it?” Donghyuck bends his knees, as to bow, smiling teasingly. Mark fights the urge to bite his lip as he slowly nods his head. The younger walks closer, slowly reaching out his hand to gently caress the other’s hair, moving his bangs away, his sparkly eyes fondly looking up at him. He delicately brings his fingertips down his jaw, letting the touch linger for a few seconds. Blood rushes into Mark’s cheeks. “You look lovely, Mark.” Donghyuck smiles softly, finally taking a step back as the boy in front of him mouths a quiet thank you, unable to do anything else.
“We- we should get going,” Mark manages to spit out, ready for a wave of teasing. But the wave never comes. Donghyuck only smiles at him.
“Let’s go then, lover boy.” The door opens, and the next thing Mark knows they’re on their way to the coffee shop.
♡
“Look who we have here!” a familiar voice can be heard from the inside of a crowded cafe. Mark feels a sudden shiver down his spine, as he can feel Donghyuck’s warm hand wrap around his. A reassuring squeeze, followed by sudden gentleness . He looks up to meet the barista’s gaze. The boy smiles at him, eyes shaped in half-moons. Mark thinks, that way, he kind of resembles a puppy.
“Hey Jen,” Donghyuck answers, smiling right back at the puppy-like worker. “Busy day?” Jen, apparently, chuckles, looking around.
“Busier than ever.” He admits. “It’s Valentine’s Day, you know?” he points out, as if it wasn’t a well-known fact. Donghyuck laughs at that.
“Obviously,” he answers. Mark clears his throat, slightly annoyed—and totally not jealous—at the conversation. Donghyuck clearly snaps out of it, as he adjusts his posture. “Right, uhm, I’m actually here with my-“ he lowers his gaze to their intertwined hands, as to exaggerate the fact that they came here together.
“Boyfriend.” Mark adds suddenly, surprised at his sudden burst of confidence. Donghyuck parts his lips, forming them into a smile. “I’m Mark.” He smiles at the puppy-like guy. He seems to have gotten amused at the sound of Mark’s name. He sends Donghyuck a knowing look.
“Ah, Mark,” he grins. “I’ve heard so much about you, dude.” He looks at Donghyuck again, making the younger furrow his eyebrows in response, pursing his lips. “I’m Jeno, by the way.” He sends them another warm smile and Mark blinks in confusion.
“ Right. ” Donghyuck says, almost as if through his teeth “We’d like the special Valentine’s Day menu. Please.” He grins cheekily, sending Mark a fond look.
Jeno raises his eyebrow.
“Alright, one couple menu coming right up,” he says anyway. Mark can’t help but notice the weird tension hanging suffocatingly in the air - the two had been acting suspicious since the minute they stepped into the coffee shop. He tries to shake the feeling off, but the weird, unexplainable awkwardness remains in between the walls of the cafe.
Mark’s hand suddenly feels cold, there’s no warm embrace around it anymore - Donghyuck had excused himself to take a phone call.
“So,” Jeno starts, Mark figures, to loosen up the mood. “Donghyuck finally got the balls to confess, hm?” The older stares at him, puzzled. The barista looks around. “Oh, come on, you don’t think I know?” He chuckles. “He kept whining to me about you. Every. Single. Day.” He exaggerates, rolling his eyes playfully.
Mark believes that if he wasn’t still acting, trying to make him and Donghyuck seem like a real, believable couple, his jaw would have already landed on the floor.
He’s never been more confused.
So, he plays along.
“Yeah, he uh- he finally asked me out last week,” He lets out a fake giggle. God, did he wish Donghyuck would come back already. Mark really, really hates small talk. And in this moment, the thinks, he had never hated it more.
“That’s really cool, man,” Jeno sends him a sincere smile. “Seriously, I’m happy for you guys.” His gaze shifts suddenly, to Donghyuck, who, as it turned out, just came back. His concerned look travels from one to the other.
“Stop harassing my boyfriend, Jen.” He laughs, throwing both arms around Mark’s neck, kissing his cheek. The taller blushes at the action. “C’mon baby, I saved us a seat,” he adds, grabbing Mark’s hand again, to guide him to their table.
It’s awkward.
Well, it’s Mark who feels awfully awkward. In the meantime, Donghyuck does most of the talking—as usual—which gives Mark even more space to get lost in his own thoughts, spiralling around.
What on earth did Jeno mean? Does Donghyuck—
Mark feels his chest tighten uncomfortably at just the very thought.
No. There’s no way. There had never been any signs. Besides, Donghyuck used to date around, a lot, during their first year. It was just out of picture.
“Hey , are you okay?” Donghyuck finally interrupts Mark’s inner monologue. He leans closer worryingly. The older’s eyes shoot back at him, as he parts his lips in surprise.
“Y-yeah, yeah.” He gulps. “M’sorry, Hyuck, I spaced out.” Donghyuck chuckles.
“You’ve been spacing out a lot today, haven’t you?” He replies, his voice remaining soft as always. Mark stills with embarrassment. “ It’s okay, Mark .” He reassures. “Let’s finish our drinks and go home, okay? We can order in.” He smiles, gently rubbing Marks hand. And the boy in front of him can only nod shyly in response.
♡
Mark doesn’t want to talk about it.
But, well, he knows he isn’t about to lie to his best friend, either.
The walk home is quiet, Donghyuck’s concerned looks burning the right side of Mark’s face. As bothersome as the tension is, he wishes the time would stop, so he would never have to face confrontation.
Mark likes things the way they are. He likes, no, scratch that, he loves best friend Donghyuck. Roommate Donghyuck. Nothing in the world is worth giving that up. Losing him. He can’t. He won’t.
They step into their shared apartment, no loud bangs of the door. Which is unusual. Donghyuck acts so carefully . Something about each of the tiniest pieces of his movement is so gentle, unknown. The sight is a delight for Mark, almost making him forget about every little bother in the world.
Donghyuck puts a kettle on the stove - force of habit.
“Do you-“ he starts, his back still turned to Mark. He shuts his eyes close. “Want to talk about it?” A turn. Mark freezes in place. His lips part, as he feels like he’s losing control over his body.
“Tea first?” He suggests, both of them aware it’s just to save some time. To put the conversation off. Donghyuck smiles either way, nodding once.
“You know,” Mark breaks the silence, his hands behind his back as he leans back and forth on the kitchen counter. “Jeno. He’s a nice guy,” Donghyuck chuckles.
“Yeah, I guess.” He smiles, pouring the hot water into their cups. “Is this what’s been bothering you? Jeno?” He looks up, raising an eyebrow.
Well, he wasn’t way off.
“Not him, in particular,” Mark explains, scratch his nose. “Just something that he said.” Donghyuck stills suddenly. A slow blink.
“Jeno says a lot of things—“
“Do you–“ Mark cuts him off. “Do you like me?” And there it is. He’s said it. There’s no turning back now.
But Donghyuck stares at him, as if unable to move, or say anything. Silence creeps into the room.
“You weren’t supposed to find out,” he finally whispers in response, eyes fixed on the floor. “I wanted to spend today with you, playing pretend, just for a day and then go back to normal. To being us , again.” Mark doesn’t know how to respond. “Stupid Jeno had to go and ruin everything!” He shouts out, eyes welling up. Mark walks up to him, slow and careful, gently grabbing both his shoulders in his hands.
“Hyuck.” He calls out, in hope to make the boy’s head turn his way. Unsuccessfully. “It’s okay if you don’t want to look at me,” he adds reassuringly. “Let me just– say something, too.” He inhales deeply. Donghyuck sniffs, with his head still down, while Mark holds him, still, delicately. “I think I’ve loved you my whole life.” He says, simply. The boy in front of him blinks, this time raising his head, looking up at him. “I never said anything, I know. Maybe I should have, a long time ago. Maybe then, I wouldn’t have to put up with you going on all those blind dates Jaemin has always been setting you up on. Or see you chasing around other guys, letting them walk all over you. Having you cry in my arms over all those times you’ve gotten your heart broken. Because I’m just such a good fuckin’ best friend. ” Now Mark feels like crying, too. But he’s glad. He’s glad, because his chest has never felt so light. A soft gaze fixed on Donghyuck’s teary eyes. Mark cups both his cheeks carefully. “But we’re here, now. And I’ve never been more in love.”
Donghyuck stares at him for a second, suddenly hitting him in the chest with his fist, playfully.
“Took you long enough!” He says straight to his face. “I’m in love with you, too, you idiot.” He adds, as his gaze softens again, the corners of his lips shooting up, fondly. Mark’s hand gently caresses Donghyuck’s cheek, as he traces his face with his eyes, absorbing the view, as if it’s the first time he ever got to do this.
God, he wants to devour him, he wants to hold him, kiss him all over—
And so he does. He slowly captures Donghyuck’s lips with his own. It’s a quick peck at first - the younger couldn’t resist pulling away, just to see a blush creeping in Mark’s face. He thinks to himself, that’s the prettiest he’s ever looked - their faces inches away from each other, Donghyuck’s right hand on Mark’s flushed cheek. He smiles softly, pressing their lips back together, this time with more force, want, desire .
“ Markie , if I knew that all it would take for you to break is to wear a leather jacket, I would have done it way sooner,” Donghyuck pulls away, breathing heavily, sending him a grin, lips still wet from the shared saliva.
“Well, right now I’d much rather prefer to take it off of you,” he replies, not thinking much, his eyes fixed on the other’s mouth. Donghyuck chuckles and Mark shivers at the feeling of his warm breath on his lips.
“You’re getting bold,” he whispers. “I don’t like that,” he grabs Mark by the collar of his sweater, kissing him again, with more passion.
♡
And so the next time they walk into the familiar coffee shop, their hands intertwined, they know it’s for real this time. They send Jeno a knowing look, as he shakes his head, rolling eyes at the couple.