The Hindmost {Markson}

Chapter 29

(*Author's POV)

Why was it so hard to be comforted? Everything was going to stay the same. They would still be friends. And yeah...they'll continue to be. Jackson will surely follow through. Things won't change.

Jackson wanted to prove to Mark that he was fine with being his friend; so that same night they even shared a bed. But with the unspoken rejection, Mark hadn't fallen asleep easily. He was turned away as Jackson threw an arm over his shoulder.

It was torture.

Jackson had woken up the next morning having plans set to cheer Mark up. On the other hand, it conflicted Mark to see Jackson so upbeat as it seemed he was the only one hurt.

So when Jackson shook the older awake it was his to confused glee that the younger wanted to go out first thing for breakfast.

"Mark come on get up sleepy. We're going out for breakfast." Jackson's voice suddenly entered his ears as he was gently patted.

"...Huh?"

"We are going out. Come on it's about time you actually get some vacation time out here. I was thinking we can go walk around my favorite plaza. They have a bunch of stores and food places. There's also a slew of new movies out on the theater nearby." Jackson spoke excitedly as he pulled the blankets off pulling the older up.

"...Oh." Mark nodded pulling his hands away rubbing his eyes.

It was impossible for Mark to so quickly recover from last night yet Jackson acted as though nothing had happened. He was quick to keep his word.

"I hope that's a good 'oh' because I have a whole date planned." Jackson said noticing the redness on Mark's face and decided to help him along by moving to pick out his clothes.

"..." Mark said nothing as he just watched Jackson comb through the different choice of outfits. Mark's stomach feeling nauseous but the mood Jackson had was much too cheery to deny.

"How about this? I think this'll work." Jackson spoke taking a shirt and pair of pants to Mark setting them on the bed.

Mark just blinked twice before nodding.

And like that Mark conceded to Jackson's persistence and hurried his pace in getting up and getting ready. He still hadn't said a word just giving a nod or shake of the head as a response. Jackson took this in stride and hoped once they were out Mark would perk up more.

Stepping out of the connected bathroom Mark was dressed and washed up. Jackson who had been waiting for him on the bed stood and usher them out of the bedroom barely giving Mark time to grab his wallet and phone.

When they were finally downstairs they said their goodbyes to Mrs. Wang who had been up for a bit now and was enjoying her own breakfast as it was already nearing ten o'clock.

Soon they were out the door in the car and on the road. It took them only ten minutes to get to their destination. For most of the ride, Jackson had briefed Mark on what he had in mind of exactly where he wanted to go and what they should do.

Slowly but surely Mark's quietness was giving into small talk as they arrived at a small family restaurant. It's was a cozy and warm environment as they took their seat on a side table. There they ordered with minor translation.

"You know this is one of my favorite restaurants. Their breakfasts are the best. But there is an even better restaurant that me and my peers always go here after we win a game or something good happens. It's kind of in a sketchy area but the food is the best. Like it was made by your grandma; you know that kind of meal."