Villain kids

31

The next day rolled in quiet and ordinary, nothing out of the ordinary to shake the calm.

Lunch hour buzzed at the Oredon food court, a river of laughter, chatter, and clinking trays.

Jisung: “So Jungwoo went looking for you? And he pushed you?” he asked low, eyes flicking toward Donghyuck.

Hyuck: “Pulled... but yeah,” he confirmed with a small shrug.

Chenle: “What a prick.”

That one hit a chord, and smiles flickered around the table.

Jaemin: “No pun intended,” he chuckled, and the fairy only just got it.

Hyuck: “I honestly don’t get his problem. I was being honest.” He chuckled, irony dripping from his words.

Suddenly, Mark appeared like a burst of sunlight.

Mark: “Hey, guys!” His voice pulled a few startled looks.

Jaemin: “Hi, Mark.”

Mark settled beside the purple-haired boy, who avoided his gaze. Mark pouted just slightly, but the smile returned as he wrapped an arm around Donghyuck’s shoulder and tugged him closer.

Mark: “How are you?”

Everyone else threw side-eye glances, some playful, some mock-disgusted, but Hyuck only had eyes for Mark, returning a warm smile.

Hyuck: “I’m okay.”

Mark: “Anything I should be worried about?”

Chenle: “Besides Jungwoo shooting daggers at you? Nope.” Laughter bubbled up around the table.

Mark: “I hope you’re not stressing over Jungwoo. I don’t mind telling everyone I like you... Actually, I wanted to talk to you about something... alone, if that’s okay?” His voice softened, eyes hopeful.

Hyuck smiled and nodded. They stood, slipping away from the crowd.

Jaemin: “Hyuck loves it when you get shy.”

The purple-haired’s eyes turned green, and Jaemin blew a playful kiss. Mark just chuckled.

---

Under the shade of a sprawling tree in the park, they settled onto a bench.

Hyuck: “What’s up, Mark?”

Mark: “I... uh... want you to meet my parents.”

Donghyuck froze, words caught in his throat, eyes locked on Mark.

Mark: “They said they want to meet the person who made me dump Jungwoo... or well, the one who has me all up in my feelings, as Mom put it. I didn’t say it was you — just told them I’m 100% sure this is the person I want as my partner. So... will you come to dinner with us tonight?”

Without hesitation, Hyuck nodded.

Mark’s smile stretched wide.

Mark: “And, um... I was thinking I could pick you up from your room. We can take my scooter, maybe have some more alone time... if you want?”

Hyuck: “I’d love that. But, uh, what do I wear? Fancy? Casual? Dressy? Smart?”

Mark (grinning): “Look at you, Mr. Fashion Expert.”

Hyuck: “I’ve lived with Sungchan for over ten years. He’d skin me alive if I got it wrong.”

They laughed, but then Mark’s gaze softened, something deeper shining in his eyes.

Mark: “Donghyuck... I really want you by my side when I get crowned. My partner in crime... for as long as life lets us.”

Hyuck: “Mark... this might be moving fast, but I’m 100% sure I feel the same. What if your parents don’t like me?”

Mark: “Honestly? Then they’re weird. But even if they don’t, it won’t matter—nothing could stop how I feel when I look at you. I know it sounds cliché, but I melt every time.”

Hyuck: “I get shy around you. Not nervous—shy. Never had anyone bring that out in me... and you’re just... so damn hot.”

Mark laughed, then smirked.

Mark: “You’re too adorable. I could just pick you up and carry you around like a baby.”

Hyuck: “I wouldn’t mind that.”

Mark’s smirk grew. He stood, grabbed Donghyuck’s arms, pulled him up, and spun him around.

Mark: “I’ll get your clothes ready. Someone will send them up. Be ready by five.” Holding him close, their faces inches apart, Mark whispered softly.

Hyuck (teasing): “Kiss me.”

No hesitation—Mark closed the gap and kissed him gently.

Hyuck: “I love kissing you. And I wouldn’t mind if you held me like this all the time. But I do have a dinner to get ready for... so maybe you should let me down.”

Mark: “Or I could carry you to your room.”

Hyuck: “No! Too many people. I’d turn into a tomato.”

Mark: “Fine, cutie. But honestly, I wouldn’t mind everyone watching me carry the love of my life to their room. Every day.”

They shared shy smiles, cheeks blooming pink, giggling softly.

Hyuck: “I’ll let you carry me after we’re married, my prince.”

Mark: “I’ll take that as a promise.” He finally set him down but kept his hands on Hyuck’s waist. Turning him, he pulled him close again and held his chin, leaning in once more. The purple-haired didn’t flinch.

When they parted, their smiles were shy, faces glowing.

Mark took Hyuck’s hand and tugged him gently.

Mark: “At least let me hold your hand to your room. Or is that embarrassing too?”

Hyuck (scoffing): “Don’t let go, Mister Touchy Hands.”

Mark: “My hands are curious. Lots to explore.” He smirked, eyes locked on his.

Hyuck: “Oh, prince, you’re nasty.”

He giggled, but Mark’s face stayed serious.

Mark: “Only when I need to be.”

Hyuck gulped, and they continued walking, hand in hand, cheeks still pink and hearts even fuller.