Satisfaction [NCT]

37.

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Saturday, October 18
A Saturday swim meet was taking place today. Today's meet was one of the more important ones. Schools from all across the Northeastern section of South Korea were gathered for this competition. The competition lasted so long that everyone had to be there by 8:30 and the races would end at about 6. Luckily for Taeyong and Mark the competition was still located in Seoul, but in the richer section so they still had an hour and a half drive. Jaehyun wanted to go with the team so he can show his support. He also slightly hoped that maybe he could fill in for someone if they didn't make it, even though he doubted that would happen.

Taeyong first arrived at Mark's house, where Haechan had spent the night. He picked them both up with Mark sitting in the front seat, talking about how they felt about today. There was a mix of excitement and nerves taking place. Haechan sat alone in the back on his phone. He wasn't a morning person at all. He wanted to be sleeping right now and planned to take a nap on the way there. Once they arrived at Jaehyun's house, Mark moved to the back with Haechan, allowing Jaehyun to sit in the passenger seat. There was very subtle conversations going on throughout the car. Sometimes Jaehyun would chime in on a conversation. Every time Taeyong heard him try to speak, he would smile.

Taeyong has noticed the progress that Jaehyun has made. He obviously spoke before, but most of the time, he only spoke when spoken to. Now, he speaks when he has a thought to share. He doesn't have to talk, but he chooses to, and that's what makes Taeyong happy.

"I'm glad you came with us." Taeyong told him whenever Mark and Haechan started a conversation with themselves.

"I'm glad I did too. I'm sure it'll be fun, -maybe a bit -boring, but I will have Haechan- to talk to." Jaehyun smiled.

"You can get all the tea on Mark. All the shi- stuff he isn't telling us." Taeyong thought aloud. Luckily, Mark wasn't listening.

"The-tea on him?" Jaehyun asked confused. He wasn't aware of the phrasing of the sentence.

"Sorry, get information, like gossip or secrets." Taeyong laughed as he explained. It felt like explaining teenager lingo to an elderly person.

"Oh okay." He smiled and let out a small laugh. "I'll try."

"Yay!!" Taeyong over dramatically cheered.

In the backseat, Mark was making conversation. He was steering the conversation from any topic that would be too serious. He knew that recently, too many of their conversations have been serious, and it's not the time to talk about those.

While they were talking, Hyuck kept yawning. Part of the reason is because Mark is boring. Another part is because Mark's voice in the morning is very monotone and sounds a bit soothing. The other part is because he didn't sleep until 1 am last night. Whatever the reason, he was tired and wanted to nap. He laid his head down on the open middle seat. The top of his head pressed against Mark's leg, but he didn't mind. The upbeat music sounded through the car, filling the void whenever no one spoke. Mark got on his phone, checking for any texts from his girlfriend. They talked last night about her coming up to watch him swim but she never said if she would. He figured she would text him a good luck message, but maybe not. At least she still has another hour until they get there.

Haechan shifted uncomfortably due to the lack of space he had to lay down. He tried to move to a couple different places but gave up. Mark rested his hand on top of Haechan's hair, running his fingers through it. Haechan took that as an invitation to lay his head on Marks lap. Mark continued to run his fingers through his hair until he fell asleep.

In the front seat, Jaehyun was watching as road signs passed. Each one he would sound out aloud, but quietly. Taeyong focused on the road ahead of him but would occasionally glance at the other passengers. He looked in the back to see Haechan asleep in Marks lap and Mark slowly drifting off into sleep. "Jaehyun," He said to get his attention.