☦︎︎ 𝘿𝙀𝙄𝙏𝙔 [𝙈𝘼𝙍𝙆𝙃𝙔𝙐𝘾𝙆]☦︎︎

☦︎︎ 34 ☦︎︎

5 Years Later

Today is an important day for the Haechan-Mark household, it is their dog's 3rd birthday!

"Wow, Moon, you are the big 21 today," says Mark to the pitch-black dog, roughing its fur in excitement, "are you looking forward to it?"

The dog gazes back at Mark with black hole eyes - the reflection in his eyes giving a starry appearance.

"Of course he is excited," waltzes in Haechan, "all his best friends are coming too!" Haechan pats the dog on the head and smiles at Mark lovingly before planting a small kiss on his cheek.

"Are you excited?" says Mark to Haechan, "it's been a few months since we've seen them all."

Haechan nods and makes his way to the kitchen, with Mark trailing behind him, "I'm a bit nervous and excited. Well, mainly excited." He smiles at Mark and signals for him to help prepare the food.

*KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK*

"I'll get it!" Haechan chimes as he rushes to answer the door. Mark eavesdrops while he continues the food preparation, listening to the excited and quick conversation between his boyfriend and the guest. After a few minutes of chit-chat, Mark hears the pair make their way to the kitchen to greet him.

"Mark!"

Mark turns around to see Johnny, holding a giant cake in the shape of a dog. Mark drops what's in his hands and smiles widely, taking the cake from Johnny and putting it quickly on the counter.

The two engulf in a hug, making Haechan smile at their loving and boyish nature, before leading Johnny to their living room.

"Ah, there's the birthday boy!" says Johnny as he sees the very polite black labrador sitting next to the table, watching the guest come in, "Happy birthday, buddy!" Johnny gives the dog a stroke before sitting down on the couch and looking around the room, "nice place you've got here."

"Thank you! Courtesy of a little help from Mark's mom," Haechan responds, "we've invited her too, she loves Moon." He signals to the dog.

"Ah that's his name, is it?" Johnny watches the dog get up and plod around the table, nonchalantly sniffing the food that has been prepared.

*KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK*

"I'll be right back," says Haechan, smiling at Johnny and skipping to the door. Mark takes a seat next to Johnny and hands him a drink.

"So, you had no trouble finding this place then?" Asks Mark.

"No, was easy! It's nice you're living together - still going strong, hm?"

Mark nods as he takes a sip of his drink. Johnny does the same.

"Remember when you had that crush on him at the start," Johnny laughs, "You were frustrating the hell out of me! I wished you'd asked him out sooner!"

The pair laugh together before two more guests enter the room.

"Well if it isn't Jaehyun and Taeyong," starts Johnny, getting up from the seat, "it's been a hot minute since I've seen you two. How are you both?"

The group exchanged hugs and greetings before sitting down on the couch together. Haechan joins them, bringing in drinks for the two new guests before plonking himself down on an old armchair in the corner.

"So are you two fully together yet or...?" asks Mark to Taeyong and Jaehyun.

Jaehyun puts his arm around Taeyong and nods enthusiastically, making the other three squeal (especially Johnny).

"FINALLY!" shouts Johnny, "Dude, you guys were even more annoying than these two." He points to Mark and Haechan who exchange glances before laughing to themselves.

Taeyong moves Jaehyuns arm off him and takes a swig of his drink, "Well, let's just say I tolerate him... sometimes..."

"So that means you love me then?" asks Jaehyun.

"Nope. Never," Taeyong responds.

"Will you guys give it up already?!" says Johnny holding his head in his hands, "you got me all excited a minute ago..."

The group laughed and conversed for a while, reminiscing on all the memories they made in University and on their various travelling expeditions following their graduation. They even had so much to talk about that they got on the subject of high school, with the four boys arguing over who looked the best and who looked the worst in high school, showing pictures to Haechan and letting him decide the winner. He voted that Mark looked the worst which everyone cheered for, except Mark of course.

*KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK*

"Oh, that must be your mum, Mark," says Haechan, "do you want me to get it?"

"No, you stay here." Mark puts his drink on the table and smiles at the group; as he leaves, he scruffs Haechan's hair up, making himself grin.

Haechan smiles while sorting his hair out again before rejoining the conversation. But it is not long before Mark calls for him at the door.

"Who is it, Mark?" asks Haechan, walking up to the door.

"Hello, Donghyuck. Long time no see."

Haechan's eyes widen and his mouth drops open in shock. Never did he think he would see the figure in front of him again, and here he was.

"Qian Kun."