At the End of Summer || Mark Lee (NCT)

Special Chapter. Autumn

- September 9, 2018 -

Sunday

"Want some doughnuts? I know a place near here. My treat."

Mark asked me, grinning.

We were sitting on the steps of Mr. Johnny's front porch, just relaxing and talking about what we'll do once we go back to Seoul. Today was our last day here in Canada, and we are heading home tomorrow.

Mr. Johnny's house was small, but it was nice and cozy. He was so kind to let us stay in his house in Mark's old neighborhood for ten days, just for this vacation.

His niceness doesn't even end there. He even paid for my plane ticket, including Mark's, so my parents only had to pay for theirs.

And the whole hot air balloon ride? It was free.

We didn't pay a single coin for it. He was so generous when it comes to Mark that he was even willing to do that for me, who was just a friend.

Mark was so lucky to have his uncle in his life.

"Um... yeah, okay." I said, smiling thinly.

As we both stood up from the steps, I looked at him, but quickly averted my eyes.

"Can you maybe, um, wear something else?" My voice trailed off.

"Hm? Wear what?" He asked innocently.

"Don't you think you should wear a different shirt? It's a bit... warm today. You might get a sunburn." I told him, unable to look at him directly.

I heard him chuckle, then he went behind me and squeezed my shoulders, tickling me in the process.

"Mark!" I yanked away from his hands and ran towards the ground.

He just burst out laughing, while I narrowed my eyes at him.

"Why'd you want me to change my shirt? Don't you like seeing my muscles? Oh, wait. You're jealous of it." He flexed his right arm to show off his muscles.

"Shut up. Where'd you even get that? I don't see you working out." I just rolled my eyes at him and chuckled.

I have to admit, he was pretty fit for an eighteen-year-old. Not to mention, his veins were scaring me. I don't remember seeing him working out or exercising, so it was questionable.

"I do work out. You just don't see it. Anyway, I'm good. It's not that hot, I won't get a sunburn." He went down the steps and started walking towards the streets, his hands inside his pockets. "Come on, let's get some doughnuts."

I just frowned and followed him.

Mark loved teasing me. I don't know if it's because he knows that I like him, though I never actually confirmed it in a sober state, or if it's because there's that possibility that he likes me too. Although, there's still a part of me that doubts that.

I didn't want to go jumping into conclusions because I'm just not that type who likes to assume things. Though, ever since we arrived here, Mark has been exhibiting strange behaviors towards me.