The Hindmost {Markson}

Chapter 37

(*Author's POV)

"Missed you too Mark." Jackson replied with a warm smile.

Mark just gave a short giddy chuckle as he then went about saying hello to the rest of the gang. Hugs and short greetings were spread out through the familiar faces.

It was such a wonderful moment of a reunion but Jackson couldn't enjoy it completely as a certain somebody was still waiting just behind them.

And it didn't take Mark very long after saying hello to his friends to notice Jiho leaning on the stiff chair nearby.

"Jiho...!" Mark perked up at seeing another old friend.

Jiho at hearing his name straightened his posture and turned to see Mark walking up to him.

"Mark hey." Jiho responded letting a sentimental look appear on his face.

"You made it." Mark spoke with a grateful smile.

"Yep. Worked my butt off to get here on time. Took a shower and everything." Jiho responded gesturing to himself with a chuckle.

"You didn't need to but thank you." Mark tipped his head in appreciation.

"Of course. I wouldn't allow anything less for you." Jiho said glancing at the gang behind Mark observing everything.

Their faces told of a caution some stiff and curious others hardened and disapproving. It was an infuriating feeling to see them look at him as though he was some sort of outsider. Jiho had been Marks friend longer than any of them. And yet there they were standing their ground with a confidence.

Their conference lay in the young man who was sending Jiho the dirtiest look. It made his jaw clench and blood boil to know there was not just a line but a picket fence between him and Mark. It wasn't new news that Mark and Jackson had a thing going on.

It was made so very clear when Mark told him how they confessed and were going to save money for a place together. It pained him to hear these exciting updates from Mark. But Jiho knew better than to scheme or pout. That was no way to stay in anyones' good graces.

"Aha well, thanks."

"Oh and before I go here...it's just some random things I wanted to gift you." Jiho spoke holding up a large present bag with some thin white paper peeping from the top hiding what was inside.

"Oh wow thank you! But you don't plan to join us?" Mark asked taking the present handed to him.

"Ah, I'm afraid I have things to get to. Work follows me back home." Jiho gave a sad smile knowing he'd liked to pull an all-nighter if he could spend some more time with Mark.

"Ahh I understand and I'm sorry if this trip here threw you off schedule." Mark bit his lip a bit.

"...No no, it won't. Thanks for the concern though." Jiho shook his head softly.

"Always. But we'll have to hang out again to catch up properly." Mark smiled giving two thumbs up.

"I'd like that...uh aha I guess I should be going. It was so good to see you again Mark." Jiho spoke unevenly as he felt the pressure to leave but also the longing to stay.

"You too Jiho. We'll have to make plans soon." Mark nodded.

And as it was evident Jiho was leaving the others were coming in closer as though they'd absorb Mark back into their group and away from him.

It made him stop in responding as though this was one of the very few times he could have Mark's time alone like this. If you could consider this 'alone'.