𝐢 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 ; 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐡𝐲𝐮𝐜𝐤

𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧

The weeks following Jaebum's capture were a blur of police interviews, legal proceedings, and readjusting to a semblance of normal life. The gang disbanded, each member trying to find a new path away from the violence and crime that had defined their lives for so long. Donghyuck worked tirelessly to make amends, determined to leave his past behind and build a future free from the shadows that had once consumed him.

For Mark, life seemed to fall back into a routine, but with a new undercurrent of tension and uncertainty. He and Jenna spent more time together, their relationship seemingly stronger after the ordeal. They went on dates, laughed together, and shared quiet moments that reminded Mark why he cared for her so deeply.

But no matter how much he tried to focus on Jenna, Mark couldn't shake the lingering feelings he had for Donghyuck. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Donghyuck's face—brimming with intensity, pain, and the unspoken bond they had forged in the midst of chaos.

Mark found himself thinking about Donghyuck at the most unexpected times. He'd be sitting with Jenna, watching a movie, and a scene would remind him of Donghyuck's fierce determination. He'd be out with friends, and a song on the radio would bring back memories of the night they got drunk together. The feelings gnawed at him, a persistent ache he couldn't ignore.

One evening, Mark and Jenna were at her apartment, cooking dinner together. Jenna was chopping vegetables while Mark stirred a pot on the stove. The comforting sounds of their domestic life should have put him at ease, but his mind was elsewhere.

"Mark, you've been quiet lately," Jenna said, looking up from the cutting board. "Is everything okay?"

Mark hesitated, stirring the pot more vigorously. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a lot on my mind, I guess."

Jenna put down the knife and walked over to him, placing a hand on his arm. "You can talk to me, you know. About anything."

Mark looked into her eyes, feeling a pang of guilt. He knew he needed to be honest with her, but the truth was complicated. "It's just... everything that happened with Donghyuck. It's hard to forget, you know?"

Jenna nodded, understanding. "I get it. That was a really intense time. But you don't have to carry it all by yourself. We're here for each other."

Mark smiled weakly, appreciating her support. "Thanks, Jenna. I'm trying to move past it."

She leaned in and kissed him softly, a gesture of comfort and love. But even in that moment, Mark's mind flickered to Donghyuck, and the guilt twisted his insides.

Later that night, as Jenna slept beside him, Mark lay awake, staring at the ceiling. The weight of his unresolved feelings pressed down on him, making it impossible to rest. He knew he needed to talk to Donghyuck, to find some closure, but he didn't know how to begin.

The next morning, Mark made up his mind. He sent Donghyuck a text, asking if they could meet up. Donghyuck responded quickly, agreeing to meet at a quiet café downtown.

When Mark arrived, he found Donghyuck already there, sitting at a corner table with a cup of coffee. Donghyuck looked up and smiled, but there was a tension in his eyes that mirrored Mark's own turmoil.

"Hey," Donghyuck said as Mark sat down. "How've you been?"

"Hey," Mark replied, trying to find the right words. "I've been... okay. Busy, you know?"

"Yeah, I get it," Donghyuck said, taking a sip of his coffee. "It's been a lot to process."

They sat in silence for a moment, the hum of the café filling the awkward gap between them. Finally, Mark took a deep breath and plunged in. "Donghyuck, I need to talk to you about something. Something that's been on my mind since... everything happened."

Donghyuck set his cup down, his expression growing serious. "What is it, Mark?"

Mark struggled to find the right words. "I can't stop thinking about you. About us. I know it sounds crazy, but... I think I have feelings for you. And it's driving me insane."

Donghyuck's eyes widened in surprise, and for a moment, he didn't say anything. Then he leaned forward, his voice soft but intense. "Mark, I... I've been feeling the same way. But I didn't want to mess things up for you and Jenna."

Mark felt a wave of relief mixed with confusion. "I don't know what to do, Hyuck. I care about Jenna, but these feelings won't go away."

Donghyuck reached across the table, taking Mark's hand in his. "We'll figure it out, Mark. Whatever happens, we'll face it together. But you need to be honest with Jenna. She deserves to know how you feel."

Mark nodded, knowing Donghyuck was right. "I'll talk to her. I just... I needed to know where we stood."

Donghyuck gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. "We'll get through this, Mark. No matter what."

As they sat together, holding hands across the table, Mark felt a glimmer of hope. The path ahead was uncertain, but with Donghyuck by his side, he knew he could face whatever came next. For now, it was enough to know that they weren't alone in their feelings, and that they would navigate this complicated new reality together.