The Hindmost {Markson}

Chapter 34

(*Author's POV)

The unexpected turn had Youngjae sending a long but hurried text to Jinyoung asking if what Jiho has asked would be okay and what he'd made the other to believe. Soon after sending the message he got the okay for them to come over.

And so with little wait, Youngjae and Jiho were on their way to Jinyoung and JB's place. Hoon had wanted to join but remembered he had homework to attend to. That left the other two with an awkward silence all during their ride to their destination.

It wasn't that they were troubled by each others presence rather it was just that there was much on their mind and lots of words that needn't be heard by the other; all of this was prevalent in the way they made no move to converse. And although not mean or hostile it was a relief for them both once they did finally arrive.

Youngjae grew even more regretful for his lies as Jiho was very obviously eager to see Mark who was indeed not there. As they went up to the correct apartment it was clearly written in Jiho's demeanor and how he moved with anticipation.

And after Jiho's quick knocks on the door stopped the door swung open just a second later. As expected but to Jiho's disappointment, it was only Jinyoung.

"Ah hello hello come in." Jinyoung spoke stepping aside going back in to let them follow.

"Hello sorry, this is probably an unexpected intrusion I'm sure." Jiho replied and he and Youngjae took off their shoes before coming inside with the door shutting behind them.

"It is but we're always welcome to fix things." Jinyoung responded putting on a smile.

"Fix things?...Am I to assume he's here then?" Jiho asked confused as he saw no one else other than Jinyoung and JB inside.

"He? Oh, you mean Jackson? No, he's been in HongKong for quite a while now." Jinyoung shook his head as Youngjae shuffled away from Jiho just a bit further behind JB and Jinyoung.

"Then it's just Mark?" Jiho asked as he would like to believe Mark to be resting in one of their rooms.

"Mark hyung?...No he's not here either." Jinyoung slowed his speech just a tad already putting up an act.

"What?? But I thought- Youngjae said he would be here." Jiho made eye contact with the younger.

"A-aha I guess I was wrong. I'm sorry hyung." Youngjae replied sheepishly lowering his head.

"Wha-...Did you trick me? Why?" Jiho asked sensing foul play.

"It's not like that. Take yours being here as you will but we did need to speak to you either way." JB spoke up.

"And why would I want to speak to you on such grounds and about what?" Jiho crossed his arms not the least bit pleased with being lied to.

"It's not about your sister, Jackson, you, or us. It's about Mark hyung." Jinyoung answered.

"Mark? What about Mark?"

"...We just recently got into contact with Jackson and it seems Mark has already left to America over a month ago. And he informed us that Mark hasn't been in contact with him since. He won't even respond to our calls or text. Nothing whatsoever." Jinyoung explained.

This had Jiho go quiet in thought but in understanding, he knew what and why Mark would be doing this.

"...So he's decided to let go." Jiho sighed.

"We just want to get in contact with him. And since you and him are friends we thought maybe you'd be able to call him for us." Jinyoung asked hoping he could somehow keep the sympathy card in hand.