Affinity // (GOT7 Markson)

Chapter Eight - Inhale: Pt. I

Mark's first day at work was both stressful and emotionally exhausting. It took all of his mental capability to be a respectable employee to his bosses while also ignoring the boss' brother. Jackson stuck around for a couple hours, sitting in the cafe's office, playing with his phone and sipping pitifully on his blue Gatorade. The bags under his eyes matched the beanie on his head - dark grey. He looked emotionally vacant, and Mark could only imagine how much he had drank the night before.

Every time Mark would walk by with plates and cups on his way to the sink, he would peek into the office to secretly check on Jackson. A small part of him wanted to go in and rub Jackson's back, and offer to get him anything he needed; however, those thoughts were short lived. 'Why should I take care of him. Where's this ~Sunday Funday~ woman, and why can't she look after him?' he muttered to himself.

Jackson left the cafe while Mark was using the restroom, which sort of disappointed Mark, but he at least had a clear head to focus on the last couple hours of his shift. The work wasn't hard, and Mark found himself settling in quickly. The customers were respectful, and Mark enjoyed having little talks with them as he made their drinks.

"That was a good first day, Mark. I'm proud of you." Nessa said smiling at him, "Be here Wednesday same time for second day of training? We will email you an official schedule later today."

"Sure, see you then!" Mark said, zipping up his sweater and heading for the door. 'This means I will have Tuesdays free for dance class,' he remembered.

***

Krystal was sitting outside her door bobbing her head along to her headphones when Mark returned home from work, with Bruiser chewing what looked like a plastic bone beside her. "How was day one?" she asked, looking up at Mark in a serious tone.

"It was... Interesting." he slowly answered, "Jackson was there, so there's that. I'm still not talking to him, but he doesn't know it yet."

"Gawd you're worse than my twelve year old sister with her boy problems." she bugged. "You'll come around."

Before Mark unlocked his door, he noticed a small bruise on Krystal's arm. As he knelt down to her level and lifted her sleeve, the bruise was revealed as much bigger than he first thought. It was nasty and green, with purple outlines, painting her pale arm like tye-dye. "Jesus, what happened to you?" he demanded.

Krystal quickly pulled her sleeve down. "I went to the doctor's office for my Hep B shot today." she grumbled. "My skin is so sensitive I guess the needle made me bruise. It looks yucky, hey?"

"Don't worry my skin does the same thing." Mark reassured. "Get some rest Kris. You look like you could use it."

***

The next day at dance practice Mark came in determined as ever to improve his skills. He had a white bandana draped across his forehead, which his blonde bangs nearly hid. He had white skinny jeans on, paired with an oversized striped shirt. The other students greeted him when he walked in, but his eyes instinctively darted around in a quick saccade for Jackson's face. When he didn't see the Hong Kong native, he felt a mixture of sadness and relief.

Through the entire class Mark hit every beat, and executed every line that the choreography demanded. The instructor patted Mark on the shoulders, acknowledging his progress. Every time the song would end, Mark would take a swig of his water bottle and do a one-over, checking the door for signs of Jackson. As the class got nearer and nearer to the end, Mark abandoned hope of Jackson ever coming.

"Damn, you sure know your way around a dancefloor." a deep voice said from behind Mark.

Mark turned his head to put a face to the voice, and standing before him was someone that he hadn't seen in the class before. "S-sorry, you are?" Mark stuttered leaning in to shake the boy's hand.