then again, ends mean new beginnings ; nct markhyuck

5/?

Barely aware of his own body's actions, Donghyuck started to walk towards Mark, his pace picking up with each step. His heart started beating even louder than before. His mind started racing faster than he was walking.

That was, until a thought appeared—

What if he isn't the same as he was before?

Donghyuck's steps suddenly slowed down. His heartbeat did, too.

What if he is seeing someone else now?

He was still walking, but he felt like the floor was swallowing him, starting with his feet.

What if...

What if...

What if he isn't in love with me anymore?

What if he wasn't in love with me in the first place?

Soon enough, Donghyuck decided to settle with walking, but he stopped, because he was already in front of Mark, anyway.

He looked at Mark, who looked back at him and smiled.

He found himself smiling back.

That's...

That's okay.

At least he's right here in front of me right now.

That's all I ever asked for the last five years.

"Hey, Hyuck," Mark greeted. His voice was slightly deeper than the last time Donghyuck heard him talk, but nevertheless, it still didn't fail to make Donghyuck's heart skip seven beats all at once.

"Hey, Hyung," Donghyuck greeted back.

With that, Donghyuck waited, the sudden feeling of dread spreading in his chest.

His dreams of him usually ended right there, where they exchange greetings, spoken or unspoken.

...but it didn't.

Time went on. The people around them kept moving. Donghyuck was still there, and so was Mark.

He smiled a little wider, relief overcoming him.

It wasn't a dream after all.

"You didn't even take a look at my texts," Mark said, his lips becoming a pout.

Donghyuck rolled his eyes, grinning. "What's the point? You're here already."

Mark laughed. "Oh, right. Okay, a point was made."

Donghyuck just snickered. "You're still as dumb as ever."

"And you're still as ill-witted as before." Mark raised an eyebrow at him and crossed his arms. "Not much changed despite five years passing by, huh?"

"That's what you think. Care for coffee drinking and catching up?"

Mark smiled, and Donghyuck could have sworn the sun shone brighter and everything became way more beautiful than before.

"Of course. Your treat, though."

"Oh, my God. Whatever."