Intricate: The Beginning of Us| MARKNOMINHYUCK(bxbxbxb)

40: Suddenly

Mark

One second, we were on our way to step inside the cafe and the next, Jaemin was suddenly crouching down next to the entrance, his face in his hands as he cries quietly.

I wasn't disturbed or mad or annoyed by the happening, I was confused. Just completely and utterly full of confusion. As I look around the outside, I can only smile at the people who look at us judgmentally. Yes, I was a little embarrassed and self-conscious but the one thing I could think about was comforting him.

So, I did just that. I crouch down next to him and pull him to me, and run my hand up and down his shoulder. He's not wailing, sobbing, or being loud but I can tell there are many tears falling from his eyes, I can see them. A silent cry.

I wonder what he was thinking about and why he so abruptly changed moods.

I frown, thinking of everything but I didn't open my mouth. I decided to give him some time, instead.

Only about 3 minutes later was I finally gonna open my mouth when I saw a pair of feet in front of us. My eyes trail up and I instantly scowl when I see who it is. "What do you want? What are you doing here?" I ask in annoyance. I wouldn't admit to him that I was curious and that it outweighed the other emotions.

"What's wrong with him?" He responds nonchalantly, his eyes on Jaemin. I couldn't help but notice the slight fondness in his eyes and the slight concern in his voice. He tried not to show it, I can tell, but it was able to seep through at least a little bit. Enough for me to catch it.

I stare at him for a couple of more seconds, he doesn't notice since he's too busy looking at the pink-haired boy but as I look at him, I can see so many things in his eyes.

At that moment, I realized that he has already fallen for Na Jaemin.

I want to curse and tell him to leave but that wasn't me, and deep inside, that's not truly what I want to do. This will make Jaemin happy, I know, so I don't say anything and keep everything inside. Everyone has fallen for Jaemin--I knew Donghyuck had or they wouldn't have kissed. But Jaemin didn't know this and... and frankly, I didn't know if I want him to know.

Something that I'm certain of, however, is that I want to keep my word, and if Donghyuck and Jeno gave me a chance, I would try.

"Will you respond or not?" Jeno asks exasperatedly, finally looking at me, his eyebrows knit together and his lips tilted downwards.

Jaemin finally turns his head up, at Jeno, specifically. His eyes glossed over and red, his cheeks covered in drier tears, and a sad pout formed on his lips. I can't help but swoon at how innocent he looks though I quickly shake my thoughts away.

"W- what happened, Jaem?" I find myself asking.

He stares at Jeno for a few more seconds and they maintain eye contact until he finally looks at me. He looks into my eyes before looking at the ground, as if ashamed. I instantly put my arms around him, placing my chin on top of his head. "It's alright. I was just worried," I murmur to him. "Is everything alright?"

"I, um, I'm sorry. I just suddenly got so overwhelmed that I broke down," he mumbles. "I just suddenly started to think of all the what ifs and I started to think of all the times that I would sit in my bedroom and think of..." he trails off, looking up at the third boy who had remained extremely quiet. "I'm sorry."

"It's alright. I mean it," I state sternly, helping him get back onto his feet.

"God, I'm embarrassed," he says under his breath.

Jaemin

It was so weird. Something like this had never happened to me.

I was happy and then nervous then out of nowhere, I was breaking down. What the fuck had happened? What was wrong with me?

Every time I blink, I remember, though. The imagines that went through my head before I just sat down and put my hands on my face. They were scenarios I had made up before, fantasizing about being with the people I like. Please tell me that I'm not insanely crazy. I mean, everyone has one or two thoughts when they're crushing on someone. The images I had were not something excessive, it was just like laughing with the other three or leaning into one of them with smiles on both our faces. Handholding and all that PG stuff.

The reason I broke down is that I saw it so within my reach; suddenly, those factors of my imagination became so possible that they made me cry. I think it was out of happiness. Out of fear, as well, I guess.

"Tell me when you're ready to go in," Mark-Hyung tells me, looking at me with a gentle smile, instantly making me return it. A tight-lipped smile, but a grin nevertheless.

I glance at Jeno who was sitting in front of us, simply observing. His intent gaze quickly made me nervous. I wanted to ask why he was still here but I couldn't find it in myself. Not because I was scared, oh no no, but because I was worried that if I asked him he would leave and behind I would be left with the want of his presence. It's not hard for me to acknowledge that having them next to me made me feel amazing, all giddy and stuff. Donghyuck was missing, though and somehow I could feel it inside.

"So," the voice extends the last letter, and when I look over my heart instantly drops. Not in a bad way, in the 'oh-wow-my-crush-is-looking-at-me' type of way. "Are you guys ever going to come in?" Donghyuck questions, looking fidgety and with a shaky smile stretched onto his lips.

"I, um." I glance between the two of them who were looking at me expectantly. Jeno's stare was bored while Mark-Hyung's was basically just questioning millions of things at once. "We're going."