Intricate: Our Bittersweet Love | MARKNOMINHYUCK(bxbxbxb)

Chapter 8

C H A P T E R  8 : Scent of you

-----Donghyuck-----

"Come on guys, hurry," Jeno says hurriedly, taking quick steps to the school's exit, dodging every body in the way. Usually, that would look amusing, the way that he went in zig-zags, sudden stops, starts to dance with someone, not knowing which way to go... scratch that, it is funny, especially considering why he was in such a hurry. I would have expected Jaemin to behave this way considering how layback and nonchalant Jeno was about basically everything. It was rather delightful and entertaining and heartwarming all at the same time- how stirred he got at the thought of Mark being back home. 

I glance at Jaemin and we both let out smiles while I let out a breathy chuckle, quickening my steps, just as desperate to get to the bus station as Jeno. Jaemin seemed to agree with me since he matched the speed of my steps right away.

By the time we got to the car parking lot, I could see the black-haired man getting into my car in the driver's seat. For a second, I was stuck in the dilemma of if letting him drive was a good idea but eh it's better than me having to drive. Plus, by how he was walking, his driving will be the same... of course, maybe a little safer. As long as there's no car crash and we get to see Mark by the end of the ride, everything is okay.

"What was that shrug for?" The boy beside me asks, laughing slightly. 

I shrug again as we get closer to the car. 

"Hurry in," Jeno says, his window down just to tell us that before putting it back up. His voice was nonchalant but it made me smile. 

Jeno was becoming more and more like he was in the past. I don't think I've ever admitted it but when Jeno was younger, he was a sweetheart, a people-pleaser. The type of kid to be running around the whole house, get into trouble and still continue doing it just for the thrill of it. The type of young adolescent to skip a class to be somewhere with his friend, to once in a while sneak to go to a soccer game, to get good grades, and whose eyes would sparkle with pride whenever he was proud of himself or his brother. He hides that now... I've had times for the past couple of years--those times that come when you can't sleep at night--that I thought back to the old him. It probably stopped when we started high school. The smile he always wore and the melodious sound that used to be familiar to the ears. Obviously, back then, it was annoying and maybe I was a little jealous, but I miss those things these days. The way that he would fight back my petty arguments that I made just to get his attention out of boredom every time we had Friday dinner. He used to be so innocent and sweet and now I can't help but wonder; what broke him?

I turn my head to watch him as he drives, examining his face before looking back out the window, my eyebrows furrowed in thought.

-----Jaemin-----

As soon as I saw Mark-Hyung's blonde hair, I rushed over, ignoring the calls for me that I could distinctly hear from behind. I jumped into his arms that although were unready were ready. He instantly put his arms tightly around me and I did the same, putting my head between his neck and shoulder, inhaling the scent that I missed for the last two weeks. I teared up slightly, just out of how emotional I am. I got a little embarrassed but I didn't really care at the moment. Mark-Hyung was here. We were all together again. That's what mattered.

"Na Jaemin!" Donghyuck shouts in frustration, catching his breath. "Why did you run?! And why so fast?! Gosh."

I laugh into Mark-Hyung's neck, turning my head to look at him and stick my tongue out mockingly. "I wanted to go first." That was a lie. I was so needy for him that I ran as soon as I saw him, okay? Sue me. 

For the first time today, I heard the Canadian's voice, or rather his laugh. I look up at him and see him smile widely, instantly making me reciprocate. "I missed you guys so much," he states, walking closer to the other two, not letting me go, and pulling them to us. I was in front of Mark and the others were behind me, making me in the middle of all the warmth. 

I couldn't help but sigh in delight.

"We should get going," Jeno says blatantly, ruining the moment though it didn't feel ruined. 

It was perfect, actually. 

When we separated, I almost whined at the loss of contact but I didn't have a lot of time considering that the guys were quick to drag me out of the station. We sauntered to the car but there was anticipation and desperation surrounding us. We just wanted to be alone. Just the four of us. We were desperate for it even though we had spent the last three months just like that. 

"Mark-Hyung, what if you bring Jungwoo-ssi with you next time?" I ask, letting my thoughts out and accidentally interrupting what he was saying about the said man. "I mean, it would be nice to meet your closest friend," I add, my cheeks turning hot when I suddenly received everyone's attention. 

Mark-Hyung coos, turning from the passenger seat and reaching over to squeeze my cheeks. I scrunch my nose, trying to get his hands off my face. "Of course, I'll ask him if that's what my baby wants." He chuckles lowly, repositioning himself on his seat. I roll my eyes, looking out the window.

The ride continued full of chatter, Mark-Hyung teasing Jeno once in a while with the goal of seeing him blush. (P.S. It worked by the third time he tried.) Donghyuck and I maintained a conversation amongst ourselves and when Jeno parked the car in front of his house, we were the first ones to get out, already knowing our way around and having been here for almost every single day the last couple of months, we made ourselves home. 

We walk straight to Jeno's room, racing down the halls. Call us childish but... but nothing it's fun and so we'll continue doing it. 

We continue running to his room until we suddenly hear a voice,

"Jeno?" 

A/N: Apologies for skipping two weeks of updates. I've been lacking energy, motivation, and ideas. I hope to update lots for the next three weeks, however, considering I'm now on winter break!!