𝓕𝓪𝓿 | 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐡𝐲𝐮𝐜𝐤

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭

Chenle leaned against the counter, eyeing Haechan with a mix of curiosity and concern. "So, are you gonna do it?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

Haechan shrugged, stirring his coffee absentmindedly. "Maybe," he replied, though his tone was anything but certain.

Jaehyun, seated across from them, leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "I mean, I'll support you because I'm your boss and your friend, but it is a little weird," he said, his voice tinged with caution.

Chenle smirked. "What if he likes you?" he teased, nudging Haechan's shoulder.

Haechan rolled his eyes. "No way. I don't even like him like that."

Renjun, who had been quietly observing the conversation, finally spoke up. "You sure about that? After he asked y—"

"Shut up," Haechan cut in quickly, shooting Renjun a warning look.

Jaehyun chuckled. "Not you having the mafia leader wrapped around your finger," he teased, though there was a serious edge to his voice.

Haechan shook his head. "He is not wrapped around my finger. He's just someone who needs support emotionally, like any other client."

Renjun wasn't convinced. "You've always helped people, but this is different," he pointed out, his tone more serious now.

Haechan sighed, leaning back in his chair. "It's not like that," he insisted. "You know I like a good challenge."

Renjun studied him for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Donghyuck, if you want to go through with this, then do it. But I suggest you proceed with caution," he advised, his concern evident.

Chenle nodded in agreement. "He's right. I don't trust him until I meet him."

Jaehyun added, "Me too. Or your brother would kill me."

Haechan groaned, rubbing his temples. "Do not tell Taeyong. He'd kill me first," he said, half-joking, half-serious.

The room fell into a brief silence as everyone exchanged looks. Haechan could feel the weight of their concern, and it only added to the already overwhelming decision he had to make.

"But seriously," Chenle said, breaking the silence, "whatever you decide, just be careful, okay? This isn't just some random client."

Haechan nodded, his mind racing with thoughts and possibilities. "I know," he replied softly. "I just... I'll think about it."

Haechan led Mark to a scenic trail, the sun casting long shadows across the path. The forest was quiet except for the rustling of leaves and the occasional chirp of birds. Haechan turned to Mark, a mischievous glint in his eye.

"So, I see you agreed," Mark said, his voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and skepticism.

Haechan smirked. "Shut up, because I actually disagree."

Mark raised an eyebrow. "Anyways, why a run?"

"Because you always run away from issues," Haechan replied with a grin.

Mark chuckled. "Good joke, I guess."

Haechan's grin widened. "I'm gonna chase you."

Mark looked at him, bewildered. "Weird."

"Yes, it is," Haechan said, his tone light but determined. "But I'm gonna chase you, and if I catch up to you, I'm gonna beat you."

Mark's eyes narrowed. "Is that a threat?"

"Yeah," Haechan said, his voice dropping to a playful, serious tone. "And one, two, three!"

Before Mark could fully process what was happening, he saw the change in Haechan's calm demeanor. Haechan's playful expression was replaced with intense focus, and Mark realized this wasn't a joke. He bolted.

Haechan took off after him, his legs pumping with surprising speed. Mark, caught off guard by the sudden burst of energy from Haechan, sprinted down the trail, adrenaline fueling his flight.

Despite the head start, Haechan's determination and agility allowed him to gain ground quickly. Mark glanced back, seeing Haechan gaining on him, and pushed himself harder, the sounds of Haechan's pursuit spurring him on.

The trail twisted and turned, offering few opportunities for Mark to slow down. He could hear Haechan's laughter behind him, a sound that only drove him to run faster. The challenge was exhilarating, but the idea of being caught by Haechan added a playful urgency to his escape.

Finally, Haechan closed the gap. With a burst of energy, he reached out and tagged Mark, bringing them both to a halt. Mark, breathless and laughing, turned to face Haechan.

"Looks like I won," Haechan said, his breath coming in ragged gasps but his smile unyielding.

Mark, catching his breath, shook his head in disbelief. "You're crazy."

Haechan's grin softened into something more genuine. "Maybe. But sometimes it takes a little crazy to make people face what they're running from."

Mark's expression was a mix of amusement and contemplation. "Alright, you caught me. What now?"

Haechan shrugged, catching his breath. "Now, we talk. But not here. Let's head back and find somewhere to sit."

Haechan and Mark found a quiet spot near the trailhead, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows across the ground. They both settled onto a grassy knoll, catching their breath from the run.

Haechan broke the silence. "How are you feeling?"

Mark shrugged, a slight smile tugging at his lips. "Better. You're a little more confident than most."

"Because I don't obey you," Haechan said, his tone light but earnest.

Mark nodded. "Yes, by being your own person."

Haechan's eyes were thoughtful. "Did your father make you feel like you weren't your own person?"

Mark's expression darkened. "Yes, like he owned me."

Haechan leaned forward slightly, his gaze steady. "Well, you've been free for a while. You should start acting like it."

Mark looked at Haechan, a mix of curiosity and caution in his eyes. "Why do you do that?"

"Do what?" Haechan asked, his brow furrowed in genuine confusion.

"Look at my..." Mark hesitated, searching for the right words.

"Look at your?" Haechan prompted, his curiosity piqued.

Mark's voice dropped to a softer tone. "My soul."

Haechan's gaze softened. "You're more than what you display on the outside."

Mark's eyes searched Haechan's face. "Is that why you don't do what I say?"

"Yes," Haechan replied. "Because I listen to you."

Mark raised an eyebrow. "Do you like listening to me?"

Haechan's mouth opened, but before he could answer, Mark's phone buzzed urgently. He pulled it out, his face instantly shifting to concern as he read the message.

Jaemin's name flashed on the screen, accompanied by an urgent message: "Emergency. Call me now."

Mark's expression hardened. "Looks like something's come up. I need to take this."

Haechan nodded, understanding the urgency. "Go ahead. We can talk later."

Mark quickly dialed Jaemin's number, stepping away to take the call. Haechan watched him go, the unspoken words hanging in the air. The conversation had opened a window into Mark's vulnerabilities, but the interruption left both of them hanging, each contemplating the implications of their discussion.

As Mark paced a short distance away, Haechan remained where he sat, deep in thought. The day's revelations had shifted something within him, and he knew that whatever came next would be influenced by the unexpected connections they had begun to form.