The Third Party // { markson } ✅ COMPLETED ✅

Chapter 1

It was one of those typical mornings where the university looked eerie with all the old buildings, the dimmed weather and a few students that have their morning shifts. But Mark's class doesn't start until the afternoon. He just prefers to come to school early because it gives him a sense of direction or purpose all throughout the day. Whenever he wakes up a few hours before his class, he would usually feel like he's just starting his day even though it's already in the afternoon. So, as much as possible he would wake up at six and go to school at eight.

However, it wasn't the only reason. The university's fencing club has their trainings from Monday to Friday at nine in the morning. And his best friend, Jackson Wang, is one of the team's best players.

As soon as his car arrived in front of the university gate, he hurriedly walked towards the direction of the gym where the fencing members are doing their morning routine. He briefly smiled at the security guard by the entrance and almost ran because he was too excited. He always loves seeing Jackson sweaty and working so hard to shape his body and just having fun while doing his most favorite sport. Jackson would smile so endlessly after practice and Mark would remain silent as Jackson animatedly talked about this and that.

Upon reaching the gym, he could hear a few grunts, some clicking and squeaking noises. He entered through the door and saw everyone in their fencing gear, playing against each other while some of their coaches would facilitate and give the players pieces of advice on what to do. Mark found himself sitting by the corner of the bleachers, where he would usually sit, and looked around to see if Jackson is playing or not. Knowing fully well his best friend's stance─thanks to the practices he'd watched─whenever he plays, he easily spotted him by the middle of the gym.

It never fails to amaze Mark how Jackson is so fast and so brief. It looked like his every movement is fluid and very well calculated similar to someone who's dancing to his very own beat. He would stay still for one moment then he's on the move the next. Either he would take a step back or forward while clutching onto his sabre straight in front of him. Mark could see how the other's wrist would snap aiming for his opponent. Those strong legs supported the upper buff body and Mark wonders how Jackson could be so flexible with all the muscles. But then again, who was he to complain when it made Jackson more appealing to his eyes.

And that's one of his secrets. He's in love with Jackson. He hadn't told anyone about it because he fears that they would judge him for being in love with someone of the same gender. Mark is completely aware that people nowadays were becoming more open-minded. But he still felt unsure whether his feelings would be acceptable or not because some are still protesting for same-sex relationships, well, not that he's sure that they'd be together. That's not the point, though.

He was snapped out of his reverie when the head coach shouted for break time. Mark looked at his wristwatch, it was already ten. When he lifted his head, he already saw a sweaty Jackson running towards his direction with the brightest smile plastered on his face. It made him look younger, so child-like, and full of innocence, mischief and fun. So, Mark reciprocated the smile of the same brightness.

"Mark!" Jackson had his arms spread wide. Before Mark could even say his greetings, Jackson's body crashed into his causing him to let out a grunt. He felt arms wrapping around his mid-section and Mark's instant reaction was to wound his arms around Jackson's broad shoulder and nuzzle on his shoulder.

When he felt Jackson getting comfortable onto the embrace, he playfully scrunched up his face, "Hey, you're sweaty. Get away from me." Much to Mark's disappointment, Jackson pulled away with his hands now resting on Mark's sides. The disappointment vanished when he saw the pout on his best friend's face. He looked like a kicked puppy, so sad and fluffy. This is one of those moments when Mark would have this urge to keep Jackson inside his pocket, if that was even humanly possible. "Just kidding. Come here, you Wang puppy." He beckoned.