It's Always You | MarkHyuck | Currently Updating

#12: Left him alone.

Chapter Twelve: "Left him alone."

One thing about NCT Dream was their professionalism. Mark and Haechan who were by far the most professional members of the team, had successfully pushed their issue to the back of their heads and gave it their all during their performance.

With not much of the show left, it passed by in a daze and Haechan was relieved when it was finally over and they won their first place again.

As Jisung and Chenle chatted animatedly, Jeno and Renjun waved professionally to their fans as they walked. Jaemin grinned alone, waving and twirling around which gave the others second hand embarrassment.

Mark and Haechan brought up the rear of the group, not exchanging words and instead quietly bowing to the fans and other idols along the way as they left the stage after their encore.

"Guys," Haechan called for their attentions when they were finally back in their allocated dressing rooms. "I don't think I want to attend the after party."

It was not exactly a party but as this marked the end of promotions of yet another successful era for NCT Dream, they were all going out with their managers and staff who were close to them and worked hard on the album. The official one will be at the agency a few days later and this was an informal dinner and karaoke session so Haechan felt that it would be okay to excuse himself.

Jeno was the first to frown, checking up on him. "Why? Are you sick?"

"No," he shook his head. "Just tired. You guys go ahead. I'll head back to the dorm first."

"I'll go with you."

Haechan's eyes found the owner and Mark looked right back. In all honesty, as much as Haechan loved Mark, he was not eager to have his company at the moment. However, they did need to talk and so Haechan did not argue, nodding instead.

"Thanks hyung."

The members bid them farewell, Jeno giving Haechan a pat on the back and Jaemin hugging Mark before they separated.

In the car, Haechan looked out the window and ignored Mark who was sitting next to him. Mark did not react. They would not be able to discuss the incident in the vehicle with their manager anyway.

Though when they finally arrived at the parking lot of their dorm building, Haechan did not wait for Mark as he usually would. Instead, he walked out first. The manager looked questioningly but Mark covered for him, saying he was too tired.

"Haechan," Mark called him as he caught up to the younger man at the lift lobby. "I messed up. I'm so sorry."

Haechan shook his head. "Later hyung. Not now. I just- I can't right now."

Mark's guilt made his heart heavy as he saw Haechan's state. He wished he could undo what he did but the least he could do right now was to respect Haechan's wishes and let him take his time.

Hence, he nodded in understanding and made no move to force Haechan into talking.

Quietly entering the empty dorm, it did not help that they were roommates. To give Haechan privacy, Mark decided to stay in the living room. Seeing that, Haechan hesitated but ended up shutting the door to their room.

Mark rubbed his forehead with his fingers. He was still in his outfit from before and though he had removed the jacket, the shirt was thick and made it stuffy. But he was not going to change, seeing that his clothes were in their room.

Haechan closed his eyes as soon as he entered their room, evening his breaths. He felt an air of nervousness around Mark. Rushing to remove his clothes, he stepped into the shower. Showers always helped him when he had too much on his mind.