Different: A Markson Story

Chapter 18: Playing With Fire

The seven boys had finished practicing. Mark and Jackson stayed behind like always as the five other boys started leaving. "You're looking awfully bright today Jaebum...you too Bambam," Youngjae remarked. 

"It's nothing. Today just seems like it's going to have a beautiful ending," JB smirked. Bambam nodded in agreement. Jackson and Mark had both confessed to their respective besties, who of course, ended up telling each other. Bambam and JB both hoped things would work out. They were both super supportive and tried to pep talk the two boys into confessing to one another. Bambam was over the moon to find out that today Jackson would make a move.

Mark and Jackson waved goodbye to their other members, being left alone in the big practice room, something that was becoming common for them. "So what's the game plan today?" Mark asked the younger. 

"I just wanna talk," Jackson replied, patting the floor in front of him. This prompted Mark to sit in front of Jackson. 

"You're boring," Mark dully cried out. 

"No, I'm wild and sexy," Jackson smirked.

Mark rolled his eyes, "Whatever you say...more like annoying," he giggled. "Jacks I'm so tired today." Mark sprawled out laying on the floor, his head resting on Jackson's lap.

Jackson looked down at the sight. Mark's eyes were shut. His dark hair was shining, his skin smooth and soft. His lips plump and a soft shade of pink. He had just looked so perfect to Jackson and Jackson never wanted this moment to end. He started stroking Mark's hair to which Mark somewhat purred in delight.

"Mark," Jackson softly said with a sweet whisper. Mark opened one of his eyes to peek up at a smiling Jackson. 

"Markiepooh... who would've thought that just a few months ago we would be so close like this." Mark giggled in content closing his eyes again. 

"I would've never thought...but I'm happy it happened. You make me a happier person more than anyone I've ever met. Every time we're together I have fun and I never want these moments to end." 

Mark stretched a bit, adjusting himself. "What are you trying to say, Gaga?" 

"Mark look at me." Jackson sat Mark up and grabbed his hands. He held one of his hands up with Mark's. "Look." Mark gazed over at their two hands, his heart beating a bit faster and faster.

"Do you feel this connection?" Mark blushed and slowly nodded. Jackson lowered their hands and intertwined their fingers. Using his other hand, he took Mark's free hand and placed it on his chest. Mark could feel Jackson's heart racing, making the two blush. 

"And do you feel that? My heart...it's going to beat out of its chest." Mark looked down in embarrassment, still feeling Jackson's chest and keeping his other hand intertwined with Jackson's. "It's you who's making me feel like this." 

Mark wanted to bury his face and hide so Jackson couldn't see him like this. "What are you trying to say Jacks?"

Jackson took a deep breath. "I like you, Mark." Mark looked up, face still flushed. His eyes met the younger's, also blushing. He was speechless. He searched for words but none would come.

"I think...I hope...I know you like me too. I know it because our connection and bond are undeniable and so strong. I'm happy Mark. But make me even happier...the happiest person alive and be my boyfriend," Jackson sweetly confessed.

Mark was still speechless. He had a worried expression on his face, still blushing, and looked like he was about to start crying. Jackson connected both their hands and sat them on Mark's laps. Undoubtedly the silence the older was giving him was worrying. "Mark please say something."

Mark started thinking, his mind traveled deep in thought...which was always a dangerous thing, especially in situations like these. Mark thought of the past, back when Jackson and he didn't get along when Jackson was basically bullying Mark and constantly putting him down. Mark even remembered how it felt to not like Jackson. What if all of this came back because they entered a relationship. Mark could get tired of Jackson, or even worse, Jackson could get tired of Mark. The more and more Mark thought, the more and more he began to fear the thought of being in a relationship with Jackson. They were too different from one another and entering a relationship is just setting themselves both up for heartbreak and Mark feared that. Mark was beyond scared.

His heart wanted to say yes. But for some reason, he couldn't say it. Instead, he told Jackson quite the opposite. "I...I can't." 

"What?" Jackson muttered, his expression becoming worried. 

"I said I can't!" Mark yelled.

Jackson became wide-eyed. Everything came so left field. This wasn't what he pictured at all. "Wh--Why?" 

"We're too different! We're just setting ourselves up for heartbreak! There's no way we'll work out! Don't you remember how we were! What if we go back to that!" Mark started tearing up. 

Jackson rubbed his back slowly. "You're being irrational...you deserve a happy ending. Let me give it to you," he swayed. 

Mark shrugged Jackson's hand off. "Not all endings are happy. How would we go on as members of this group if we were to break up! This could affect all of us! It's better if we just stop this now. You might get tired of me--" 

"I'd never get tired of y--," Jackson began to say. 

Mark continued talking cutting Jackson off from finishing that sentence. "--I might get tired of you."

Stunned Jackson stood up. Hearing Mark say that was like a shot to the heart. That's one of the things Jackson has always hated about love...as sweet as it can be, it can also sting like a bitch too. Jackson felt like he was playing with fire, and Mark just shoved him into the heart of the flame. "If that's how you feel then fine...goodbye Mark." Jackson left the practice room, tears falling like a waterfall, and there was nothing he could do to stop it. Mark started crying too and buried his hands in his face. He felt so cold and so empty now that Jackson had left. What mess did he just create?

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I'm sorry! I really want Markson to be together! But dramaaaaaaa! Ugh Mark such an idiot sometimes. I hope you guys like this! The next few chapters have been my favorite to write :)