𝔇𝔢𝔰𝔦𝔯𝔢 | ɴᴏᴍɪɴ

ᠻꪮꪊ᥅

The park was quiet, with the gentle rustle of leaves and distant laughter of children playing acting as a serene backdrop. Mark and Haechan found a secluded bench under an old oak tree, its branches sprawling above them like a protective canopy. The autumn air was crisp, and the fallen leaves crunched under their feet as they settled in.

Haechan turned to Mark, a playful yet curious expression on his face. "So why didn't you tell me you liked me earlier?"

Mark chuckled, but there was a hint of nervousness in his laugh. "Neither did you?"

"Don't tease me now, Mr. Prince," Haechan retorted, nudging Mark gently with his elbow.

Mark took a deep breath, his gaze wandering over the serene park before returning to Haechan. "Honestly, you joke a lot. Maybe I would've thought you were playing."

Haechan feigned a hurt look, placing a hand over his heart dramatically. "How could you?" he exclaimed, only half-joking.

Mark reached out, taking Haechan's hand in his own, their fingers intertwining. "I mean it, Haechan. Sometimes, I couldn't tell if you were serious or just having fun. I didn't want to risk our friendship over a misunderstanding."

Haechan softened, his playful demeanor giving way to sincerity. "I get that. I... I've always liked you, Mark. But I was scared it would mess up what we have, especially with you being a prince and all."

Mark squeezed Haechan's hand reassuringly. "You know, being a prince doesn't define me, not in the ways that matter. What defines me are the moments I spend with you, how you make me laugh, and how you see me as just Mark."

The simplicity of his words struck a chord in Haechan, who smiled warmly. "I do just see you as Mark. My Mark, who happens to make terrible puns and can't dance to save his life."

Mark laughed, the sound rich and genuine. "Hey, I can dance... kind of."

They both laughed, the tension easing between them as they enjoyed the lightness of the moment.

"So, are we okay?" Mark asked after a moment, his tone more serious.

"We're better than okay," Haechan replied. "We're honest, and we're together. That's what counts."

They spent the rest of the afternoon talking, planning, and occasionally lapsing into comfortable silences. As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the park, Mark and Haechan stood up, reluctant to leave but knowing the day was drawing to a close.

"Come on, let's get some hot chocolate on the way back," Mark suggested, his eyes bright.

"That sounds perfect," Haechan agreed, his heart content.

As they walked out of the park, their steps in sync, both felt a deep sense of connection. The confessions of the day had not only cleared the air but had strengthened their bond, proving that honesty was indeed the foundation of something truly special.