𝓕𝓪𝓿 | 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐡𝐲𝐮𝐜𝐤

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟒

The news of Haechan moving in with Mark had spread quickly among their friends, and it wasn't long before they found themselves gathered in Haechan's soon-to-be-vacated apartment, ready to grill him on the details. Chenle and Jaehyun, in particular, seemed determined to get the full scoop.

"So, you're gonna be living with him," Chenle said, leaning back on Haechan's couch with a mischievous grin.

Haechan, who was packing up some last-minute items, glanced over at him and nodded. "Yep."

Jaehyun, who had been lounging in an armchair, leaned forward, a smirk playing on his lips. "Y'all fucking or something?"

Haechan stopped what he was doing, giving Jaehyun an exasperated look. "As my boss, why are you asking me that?"

Jaehyun shrugged, unfazed. "What? It's a valid question. Y'all haven't?"

Haechan rolled his eyes, crossing his arms. "No, and even if we did, why would I tell any of y'all?"

Chenle snickered, enjoying the back-and-forth. "I'm just saying, you're moving in together and you haven't done anything? How do you even know he's attracted to you?"

Haechan shot him a look of disbelief. "That's what's wrong with you people these days—all you think about is sex."

Chenle raised his hands in mock surrender, grinning. "Hey, I'm just being practical here. You're moving in with the guy. You should at least know where you stand."

Haechan sighed, setting down the box he was holding and sitting on the edge of the coffee table. "Actually, now that I think about it... he stares at me a lot. Even when he thinks I don't know."

Chenle leaned forward, his grin widening. "So that's it? He just stares at you?"

Haechan huffed, giving Chenle a light shove. "It's not just that, okay? It's the way he looks at me, like he's trying to figure me out. And the way he talks to me, how he's been more open lately. It's not just about attraction, Chenle. It's... deeper than that."

Jaehyun nodded, a rare moment of seriousness crossing his face. "Sounds like he cares about you, Haechan. That's more important than anything else."

Haechan smiled softly, grateful for the support. "Yeah, I think he does. And I care about him too. That's why I'm not worried about the other stuff. We'll figure it out as we go."

Chenle nodded thoughtfully, his earlier teasing replaced by genuine interest. "Fair enough. Just make sure you both know where you stand, so there's no confusion later on."

Haechan chuckled, leaning back on his hands. "Don't worry, I've got it under control. Besides, it's not like we're rushing into anything. We're just... taking it one step at a time."

Jaehyun smirked, crossing his arms. "Just remember, if he stares at you too long, maybe give him something worth staring at."

Haechan blushed, throwing a pillow at Jaehyun, who laughed and dodged it easily. "You're impossible," Haechan muttered, shaking his head.

Chenle grinned, standing up and stretching. "Well, I'm happy for you, Haechan. Seriously. Just know we're here for you, no matter what."

Haechan's smile softened, and he looked at his friends with gratitude. "Thanks, guys. I really appreciate it."

As they continued chatting, the mood in the room lightened, the earlier teasing giving way to genuine support and excitement for the new chapter in Haechan's life. He knew that moving in with Mark was a big step, but with friends like Chenle and Jaehyun by his side, he felt ready to face whatever came next.