Do Not Open The Gallery! || Markhyuck

2

—"Are you dealing candy now?"

Mark asked as he saw two classmates approach his friend's stand, where Donghyuck pulled out two lollipops and took their payment.

—"Gotta rise out of poverty, my dear Mark."

At this, Mark laughed and ruffled Donghyuck's hair.

—"Rising out of poverty dealing candy? Well that's new Hyuck"

—"Of course, but it's not a big deal, besides, how else am I supposed to afford Nakamoto Yuta's new album? I have to save up and make some cash."

He was Donghyuck's favorite artist—his idol. He'd give anything for an album, a lightstick, a concert ticket, a fan event, or any related merchandise or activity. Nakamoto was his inspiration, his drive to keep pushing forward despite his circumstances. He was his Japanese.

—"Well, keep at it. I'm not planning on buying you another album. It wipes out my entire paycheck."

—"Mark!"

🌸

The morning passed quickly, and Donghyuck was now lying on the ground with his headphones on, listening to a Yuta's song. The melody, paired with Yuta's sweet, soulful voice, was a balm to his soul. Music was Donghyuck's comfort zone. His head rested on his backpack, allowing him to relax while taking in the view of the school and students energetically playing soccer.

This peaceful scene was interrupted by Mark's arrival, holding a large strawberry smoothie.

Upon seeing him, Donghyuck immediately sat up, noticing Mark had not one but two smoothies. He figured the second was for him.

—"Hey, idiot."

—"I missed you too," Mark replied sarcastically, extending the second smoothie as he sat down beside Donghyuck.

—"Take it before I change my mind."

Donghyuck accepted it and began drinking, oblivious to what was running through Mark's mind at that moment. Mark was in a mental spiral, wrestling with feelings he had recently developed—feelings linked to Donghyuck.

Lately, something had shifted. Perhaps not in his surroundings, but in his thoughts. Every night, as he tried to sleep, his sleepy friend would appear in his mind, as if stopping by to say goodnight. It was tormenting.

It wasn't confusion between friendship and love—Mark could distinguish between the two. He had been friends with Donghyuck since childhood. Donghyuck was his little ray of sunshine, lighting up his days with his heartwarming smile—brighter than the sun and sweeter than sugar. He was Mark's little sun.

While Donghyuck sat on the floor with his usual cheeky grin, he suggested:

—"Mark, we should go skateboarding. We haven't done it in ages."

It was more of a hobby—something they did to enjoy each other's company in the afternoons.

Mark agreed, making Donghyuck ecstatic. While waiting for Mark, Donghyuck watched others skate—some with impressive skill, some learning and laughing at their mistakes. It gave him déjà vu, reminding him of when Mark had taught him to skate.

Lost in thought, Donghyuck's phone buzzed. He smiled at the caller—it was Mark.

—"What's up, idiot?"—Donghyuck greeted, his tone playful.

Mark's laughter echoed through the line. Between chuckles, he teased, —"You know, your smile is the cutest when you're genuinely amused. Too bad I can't see it now."