Markson - The Unexpected Journey

Chapter 3

Third person

Shortly after Mark left the building, Jackson ran out after him. Mark made his way to the exit while looking at him phone as he put his headphones in. Jackson panicked as he noticed a car coming his way. "Mark!" Jackson shouted but he didn't hear anything as his music was on. Jackson sprinted across the playground towards him. he reached out and grabbed onto Mark's arm, pulling him backwards. Mark stumbled backwards, falling into Jackson's homely arms. The car swiftly went by without a care in the world.

Mark got back to his feet as he looked over to Jackson. "Are you okay?" Jackson asked with worry. "Yes... Thank you." This time, Mark smiled with kindness but also a hint of awkwardness. All the emotions soon died into nothing as Mark put his earphones back in and carried on walking out of the school grounds. Jackson stood there for a moment to process what had just happened. "Mark." he shouted again but no reply was given. Jackson thought to give up but instead he decided to take that red-head's phone as Mark was really starting to bug him.

Jackson, once again, ran up to him and hastily took Mark's phone out of his hands. He turns around and smiles with a little giggle towards him before running away from Mark as he saved his number into Mark's phone and texted himself. Mark ran after him, "Give me my phone back!" Jackson ran out of the school grounds and down the street. Jackson thought that if he could get Mark into the basketball court he could try to get to know him. He soon made a run for the basketball court and stood in the middle waiting for Mark to catch up: It didn't take him long. "Come on, give me my phone back" Mark ranted

"Alright, alright." Jackson said while handing Mark's phone back to him. "Want a game?" Jackson asked as he picked the ball up from the side of the court and he put his bag down. "Eh, I'm not sure if I should." Mark said nervously as he bit his lip. Jackson pulled off his shirt as it is an wonderful day and started bouncing the ball. Mark froze for a second as he wasn't expecting it but blushed slightly and looked away. "Well, I assume you want to play as you are just standing there." Jackson threw the ball at Mark, startling him.

Mark gave in and put his bag to the side of the caught, "Ehm, I haven't played for a while so I'm a little rusty." Mark walked into the middle of the court as Jackson got into a defensive position waiting for him to throw the ball into the hoop. Mark bounced the ball several times before running and leaping into the air, throwing the ball. The ball went straight into the hoop. "Wow! I thought you said you are rusty!" Jackson cutely complained while pouting. The game lasted an hour of them swapping positions and throwing the ball around aimlessly.

They both collapsed onto the court, laid next to each other, sweating. They laughed as they were exhausted and had some fun. Jackson noticed that Mark still had that black shirt on, "Why don't you take your shirt off? You will cool down easier." Jackson suggested as he thought that Mark must be burning in that top as the sun beat down upon them. Mark suddenly fell silent and became uncomfortable. "I-it's fine. I'm fine like this." Mark said defensively. Jackson sat up as he turned annoyed, "What's up with you anyway? You are very 'isolated'. Why is that?" Mark didn't want to answer and picked himself up from the floor, "I-I-I have to go." "What? Where are you going?" Jackson asked sadly.

Jackson saw Mark pick up his things and start to leave. Jackson grabbed his things and ran after Mark. Jackson suddenly paused, "Wait, why am I chasing after him? I haven't done anything wrong I think." Jackson looked back up to see no sign of mark. He scuffed his own hair in frustration. Jackson looked at his phone to see the time, "Wait, I put my number in his phone." as he saw the text that he sent himself on Mark's phone previously.

(Texting)

Jackson: Hey Mark, I apologise if I upset you earlier.

Mark: How did you get my number and how is your number in my phone?

Jackson: You know when I took your phone off you earlier...

Mark: Please delete my number.

Jackson: Oh, come on Mark. Please let me in. Why can't you make one friend while you are here?

Mark: No.

Jackson: Have you got a girlfriend in a different county? And she doesn't like you talking to anyone apart from her?

Mark: No, I don't have a girlfriend. Why would you think that?

Jackson: When you were on the phone earlier, you were talking and laughing with someone in a different language.

Mark: Please, just leave me alone. I don't have time for these games.

Jackson: I'm playing around with you Mark.

Mark: Please...

Jackson: I'm not giving up on you just yet. You just know that.

Mark smiled at that last text before walking into his apartment building, "Why am I happy about this! I don't want friends." he mumbled to himself. The receptionist shouted over, "Welcome back Mr Tuan!" Mark bowed slightly and walked up to his apartment, forgetting about his previous conversation. Mark opened the door to his apartment and sat on the sofa, launching his bag next to him. As he unlocked his phone, his and Jackson's messages were still up. Mark sat without moving for a few seconds before gripping either sides of his phone.

Jackson waited for a reply as he walked home, dragging his feet as he felt a little guilty but a little angry. It took him a moment to realise he probably won't get a response as they are boys and all. Jackson slipped his phone into his pocket in disappointment. There was nothing else to say or do. Jackson's phone vibrated as he opened the door to his house. He took his phone out of his pocket, surprisingly to see...

"One New Message"

"Mark: I'm sorry. I... I'm just a reserved person."

Jackson grinned at his phone as his heart fluttered a little. His mother looked at Jackson so to say, 'what have you done now?' but instead said, "Get changed, dinner is in 20 minutes." Jackson ran upstairs and changed his clothes. He clicked on his phone to see the time but instead read back on the last message Mark sent him. 

Jackson realised he has a chance to break Mark's walls down.   

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Thank you for reading. 

Let me know what you think so far.