Intricate: The Beginning of Us| MARKNOMINHYUCK(bxbxbxb)

41: It's time

Jaemin

The cafe was empty with the exception of the outside tables which were mostly occupied. I guess people were taking advantage of the good weather, good for them.

I cast glances at Mark, then Jeno who was sitting at the opposite corner of the store, then Donghyuck who was behind the counter, pretending to do his job. No one to attend to, anyway. I sigh and keep my eyes on him. "Um come... come sit with us?" I ask hopefully. Then, I turn my head to look at Jeno. "You too? Please?"

Jeno

It was probably the way he looked at me. It made his request undeniable. 

I think the other two thought similarly.

Jaemin

Donghyuck jumps slightly at the sudden noise since we were previously drowning in silence. "I guess there's no point staying here, right?" He laughs awkwardly before walking over to us, and taking a seat in front of me.

I look at Jeno expectantly and surprisingly enough, he obliged.

We stay silent for a while more. Jeno was staring down at his cup of hot chocolate, Mark-Hyung was looking down at our intertwined hands, Dongyuck's eyes were going everywhere except us while his right leg bobbed up and down, and I bit down on my lip, my eyes on the table.

I was thinking and thinking and thinking some more. 

Our plan was to pursue Donghyuck first since Hyung now knew that he was one of the other two boys that I like. But... is it stupid to think this was some sort of sign? Us suddenly all being in the same room. Being in all their presences gave me this huge urge to just tell them just how much I like them. I wanted to. I wanted to so bad. 

I look up at Mark who was already looking at me, leading to us making eye contact. Somehow, through that gesture, I knew he had something to tell me. That something is that he knows. He knows what I want to do and he knows that Jeno is the third person I like.

I furrow my eyebrows at him but he simply gives me a slight nod, giving my hand a squeeze in reassurance.

Mark

Was I really ready for this? 

I don't know. I really don't know but somehow the time just seems right. 

I'm nervous because I don't know how this will go. I mostly worry about Donghyuck's reaction since I am risking my friendship with him but I just know that he wouldn't be petty enough to stop talking to me, to stop being who he is. I hope so anyway.

Jaemin

I let out a shaky breath and look forward.

"Can... can we talk?" I cut in through the thick silence and in synch, everyone looks at me before I tilt my head to have my gaze look down at the table, feeling my hands get increasingly sweaty.

I don't know how to start. Of course, I don't. How did you start this type of conversation? With a simple, 'so I have this huge crush on both of you and want to date you. Oh, Mark-Hyung? He's cool with it. I kinda wanna date you all three. Yep, a polyamorous relationship.' 

Oh, god. I'm gonna go crazy.

"So. Are you guys dating anyone at the moment?" I was surprised when I heard the words that came from the person beside me. I'm glad he stepped up, however. I don't think I would have been able to get another word out of myself.

The two boys look at each other before looking back forward at us. Donghyuck was the one to answer. "Actually, we, um," he looks down at his hands, "We recently started to date each other," he clicks his tongue, looking rather uncertain.

I honestly don't know what would be the appropriate reaction to that statement. Except, to think that it was a pleasant surprise. When I look over at Mark, however, I instantly notice his rigid posture.

Was this the right time? I wonder. But then, Mark gave my hand another squeeze and that was enough for me.

"If I tell you guys something super crazy can you guys just please promise me to not run away as soon as I say it?" I ask nervously, looking between them both. 

They both instantly nod albeit both extremely confused.

"I like you. I like you both. You three, actually," I tell them, my voice weak, nerves skyrocketing as I waited for a reaction anxiously. My leg couldn't stop shaking and I could feel sweat traveling through my nape.

"What?!" Was Donghyuck's reaction, full of shock. His eyes were wide and his mouth gaping open and close. He was looking at me with an incredulous look. "T- that day. The- the first time we properly hung out. Yo- you meant-?"

Donghyuck

Who would have thought? Not me, certainly. I was bewildered, surprised, and shocked, I wasn't sure on what to think, exactly. I simply keep looking between the other ones. Jaemin looks ashamed and I want to do nothing more than to reassure him that it's fine but I'm frozen with all these feelings surging through my body. 

If they ask what I think they will ask, how would I answer?

I don't know. I simply don't.

Jaemin

I slump in my seat, nodding at what he meant in embarrassment. I was slightly surprised that he still remembers that day but I don't comment on it, I just nod and hide. 

Jeno was quiet. Too quiet with a frown etched onto his face as if he was trying to decipher what was going on. "Am I the only one not understanding what's going on?" He asks with that frown, looking between the three of us for an answer. 

I instantly look back down, unable to look at any of them. However, when neither of the other boys says anything, I look back up to meet their expecting gazes. Right, this was on me. It's my thing to confess. I don't know if I'm glad or not.

"Okay, so, um," I slide back up my seat, sitting up as straight as possible. I clear my throat, squeezing Mark-Hyung's hand for emotional support. "I like you three. Like a lot. Equally. And- and I want to be with you three." As I went on, my voice got quieter and quieter, my demeanor more and more vulnerable by the second.

I feel ashamed, I guess. Morally, what I was saying was weird and not natural. But this is what I wanted. What my heart wants.

I, yet again, let out a shaky sigh, closing my eyes before having the courage to look at them. "I- I know this is all sounding super weird to you and maybe disgusting," Mark squeezes my hand, "But I- um, I just needed to confess to you," I shrug.

Once again, silence embraces us. 

A/N: I was really debating on whether to publish this today or not but I decided to stick to my schedule so hear ya go! Plus, I got started on the next chapter and it's pretty solid, I'll say.

Okay, so this story will probably have only around fifty chapters but I've really been thinking deeply about making a sequel where Mark is in college and they go through all the struggles and joys that come with being in a relationship.

I am still not one-hundred percent sure since I am working on other projects but I will still be thinking about it. Ugh, I don't know, what do you guys think??

Anyway, love you all and I hope you enjoyed this chapter!