MIX-UP (JossGawin)

Chapter 25

Tong woke to the mouthwatering scent of something sizzling in the kitchen. Still half-asleep, he shuffled out of his room, expecting to find Joe scrambling for a late breakfast or maybe nothing at all. What he found instead made him stop dead in his tracks.

Mark—yes, Mark—was standing in the kitchen. But this wasn't the usual disheveled vampire lounging on the sofa with a book. 

No, this Mark wore a fitted black shirt that hugged his lean, muscular frame, paired with tailored black pants. An expensive, sleek watch gleamed on his wrist as he expertly flipped a sandwich in the pan with the ease of a seasoned chef.

Tong blinked, rubbing his eyes, half-convinced he was still dreaming. "What the hell am I looking at?"

Mark glanced over his shoulder, flashing a dazzling smile that somehow made him look even more infuriatingly handsome. "Good morning, sleepyhead."

Tong cautiously made his way to the kitchen table, still trying to process the sight before him. "Morning...?" he muttered, disbelief thick in his voice.

Mark turned back to the stove, his movements smooth and confident. He picked up a perfectly toasted sandwich and held it out. "Here. Breakfast."

Tong accepted it automatically, still gaping. "Since when do you cook? And what's with the whole 'rich bachelor' aesthetic?" He gestured vaguely at Mark's outfit.

Mark chuckled, low and amused, looking down at his attire as if noticing it for the first time. "Felt like changing things up. Thought I'd surprise you."

Tong bit into the sandwich, the savory flavors waking him up a bit more. "Well, consider me officially surprised." He glanced at Mark suspiciously. "And the watch? You've never even owned a phone, let alone something this fancy."

Mark leaned against the counter, smirking. "About that." He held out his hand. "Let me see your phone."

Tong raised an eyebrow but pulled it from his pocket, handing it over. "Why?"

Mark tapped in his number, the motion swift and efficient, and handed the phone back. "Save my number. You know, just in case."

Tong stared at the phone like it might explode. "Wait—*since when do you have a phone*?"

"Last night. Decided it was time for an upgrade," Mark replied, his tone casual, as if this sudden tech-savvy, well-dressed version of himself was perfectly normal.

Before Tong could press further, Joe burst out of his room in a frenzy, clearly late, tugging on a wrinkled shirt. He skidded to a stop, mouth dropping open at the sight of Mark in the kitchen. "What the actual hell is going on here?"

Mark shot him a lazy grin. "Morning, Joe. Want a sandwich?"

Joe blinked rapidly, as if trying to reboot his brain. "Am I still dreaming?"

Tong sighed, handing Joe a sandwich without a word. "Nope. It's real. Somehow."

Joe took the food, eyeing Mark suspiciously. "When did *he* become a chef? And why does he look like he's about to walk a red carpet?"

Tong shrugged, taking another bite. "Beats me."

Still bewildered, Joe scarfed down the sandwich, muttering, "Well, whatever. I'm late. Thanks for the food... I guess?"

Mark saluted him with a smirk. "Anytime. Have a good day, Joe."

Once the door slammed shut behind Joe, Tong leaned back in his chair, narrowing his eyes at Mark. "Alright, spill. What's this really about? You're up to something."

Mark leaned on the counter, the teasing glint in his eyes softening just a bit. "Maybe I just wanted to show you something different. Something unexpected."

Tong crossed his arms. "And why exactly do you think I need 'something different'?"

Mark tilted his head, a rare sincerity in his voice. "Because you've been worried. Stressed. I thought a little change might help."

Tong stared at him for a long moment, the usual irritation giving way to something softer. He snorted, shaking his head. "You're unbelievable."

Mark grinned, his usual mischievousness returning. "Keeps things interesting, doesn't it?"

Tong rolled his eyes, though a small smile tugged at his lips. "Just don't start pulling more weird stunts, alright?"

"No promises," Mark said, laughing—a rich, genuine sound that, despite everything, made the room feel lighter.

Tong sighed, but the smile lingered. Maybe, just maybe, this new side of Mark wasn't so bad. After all, their chaotic lives could use a little shake-up every now and then.