𝓕𝓪𝓿 | 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐡𝐲𝐮𝐜𝐤

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧

Haechan paced around his friend's living room, his phone pressed to his ear. The conversation with Mark had caught him off guard, but he was looking forward to the distraction.

"I didn't expect you to call me," Haechan said, trying to keep his tone light despite the upheaval in his life.

"It's been a week. Why didn't you tell me your apartment building caught fire?" Mark's voice held a note of genuine concern.

Haechan shrugged, though Mark couldn't see him. "I didn't think we were on terms like that."

"I just wanted to know if you were okay," Mark replied, sounding a bit defensive.

"I've been staying with a friend," Haechan explained. "Plus, I've been planning on moving out of that apartment building anyway."

"You sure you're okay?" Mark pressed, his concern still evident.

"Yes, Mark. Why are you so worried?" Haechan asked, a hint of frustration in his voice.

"Just because I saw you that day," Mark said, his tone softening.

"Okay, is that all you called me for?" Haechan asked, eager to shift the focus.

"No," Mark said. "I was thinking if you could join me, Jaemin, and some friends at a karaoke bar tonight."

Haechan's curiosity piqued. "Sounds fun. I wouldn't mind. I'm surprised you're going."

Mark chuckled. "I like to drink, so why not?"

"Alright," Haechan said with a smile in his voice. "Send me the details, and I'll see you tonight."

The karaoke bar was alive with energy, and Haechan navigated through the crowd to join Mark's group at the booth. As he approached, he was greeted by two new faces.

"Wassup," Haechan said, trying to sound casual despite his nervousness.

"Mark was right, you're—" Johnny began, a grin playing on his lips.

"So kind and sweet," Mark interjected, giving Johnny a pointed look.

"Oh, okay," Haechan replied, slightly amused.

Yuta chimed in, "He told us a bit about you—how you're his therapist and now a new friend."

"Yeah, funny isn't it?" Haechan said with a chuckle, taking in the lively atmosphere.

Jaemin returned from the bar, carrying a bottle of Hennessy. "I got us some Hennessy."

"Damn, that's strong as hell," Haechan remarked, raising an eyebrow.

Jaemin laughed. "I know, right? That's why I got it."

Johnny leaned in, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Come on, first round of shots. My goal is to make Mark drunk. He's so sweet."

Mark smirked. "You can try."

Haechan laughed. "Funny. You should have seen me back in college."

Mark raised an eyebrow. "Is that a challenge?"

Haechan met his gaze with a confident grin. "Yes, it is."

After several rounds of drinks and karaoke performances, the night had taken its toll on everyone, but especially on Haechan. As the group began to disperse, Mark noticed Haechan swaying slightly, a drunken pout forming on his lips.

"Alright, buddy, time to get you home," Mark said, placing a steadying hand on Haechan's shoulder.

Haechan blinked up at him, his usual sharp wit dulled by the alcohol. "But I don't wanna go home yet. I'm having fun."

Mark sighed, pulling out his phone to text Renjun, knowing that he'd be the one to take care of Haechan in this state. However, Renjun's reply came quickly: Working a late shift. Can't make it tonight.

Mark looked down at Haechan, who was now leaning heavily against him, mumbling something incoherent. Realizing he had no other option, he decided to take Haechan back to his mansion.

"Come on, you're coming with me," Mark said, guiding Haechan out of the bar.

By the time they arrived at Mark's mansion, Haechan had transitioned from a slightly tipsy state to a fully whining and clinging mess. Mark managed to get him inside, though it was a challenge with Haechan dragging his feet and complaining about wanting to go back to the bar.

"I don't wanna leave, Mark," Haechan whined, stubbornly refusing to let go of Mark's arm.

"You need to sleep this off," Mark said gently, trying to coax him toward the stairs. "You'll thank me in the morning."

As they finally reached Mark's bedroom, Haechan plopped down on the bed, looking up at Mark with a dazed expression. "You're too nice to me, you know that?"

Mark chuckled softly, sitting down beside him. "Only because you need someone to look out for you."

Haechan's gaze lingered on Mark, a sudden intensity in his eyes that caught Mark off guard. For a moment, it felt like the air between them changed, charged with an unspoken tension.

"You're really something, Mark Lee," Haechan murmured, his voice softer now.

Mark's heart skipped a beat as he leaned in slightly, unsure of what was happening but drawn to Haechan in a way he couldn't quite explain. Their faces were inches apart, and Mark could feel Haechan's breath, warm and tinged with alcohol, against his lips.

But just as their lips were about to meet, Haechan's eyes fluttered shut, and he slumped back onto the bed, falling fast asleep.

Mark sighed, a mix of relief and disappointment washing over him. He carefully adjusted Haechan so he was lying more comfortably on the bed, then grabbed a spare blanket to cover him.

As Mark watched Haechan sleep, he couldn't help but feel a strange protectiveness over him. The man who had initially been just his therapist had somehow become someone Mark couldn't ignore, someone who mattered to him more than he cared to admit.

With one last glance at Haechan, Mark turned off the lights and left the room, closing the door behind him as he tried to make sense of the emotions swirling inside him.