Irony of Revenge

Chapter 4

The next morning, Jinyoung was given a call and it was from an unexpected person. Jinyoung had no idea of how Mark had got his number but hearing Mark's voice delighted him, for sure.

"Can you come out? I'm at the previous place we met. You don't need to bring anything. Everything's with me," Mark said.

"Right. Just a few minutes and I'll be there."

After the call had been ended, Jinyoung rushed to the bedroom to put on a coat in case it was cold outside. He wore the coat while checking himself in the mirror to make sure he looked okay.

A few minutes later, he was already outside, walking to where Mark was. Mark was indeed there, with a golf bag beside him and even a golf ball set up on the tee before him.

He waved at Jinyoung, with a bright smile, once he saw him coming.

"Have you been here long? And how did you get my number though?" Jinyoung asked.

"Not too long. And from who else would I have got the number? From Hyebin, of course. She knows I come here," Mark said, "By the way, you live here?"

"No, but during the daytime, I'm usually here. I've my own place in downtown. So, you're here to play golf? Great."

"Yeah, and I need my coach's presence," Mark said, sounding amused, "So, is there anything else for me to learn? I'm willing to."

Mark looked so enthusiastic that it also excited Jinyoung. Whenever he talked with Mark, Jinyoung felt that he could forget everything else and fully enjoyed their communication. Maybe, because he had no other male friends and Mark was the only one at the moment.

"I'd love to coach you more," Jinyoung said, "But all I showed you last time, is all there is to know. Maybe, you can practise and I'll watch?"

Mark looked somehow disappointed and said, presently, "But I'm still lacking in it. I'll try but correct me if I'm wrong."

"Of course."

Mark took the golf club and got himself ready, having recalled the right position. Still, he glanced at Jinyoung, who was only a few feet away from him, and was given a nod, in return.

Jinyoung watched, in silence, as Mark took swings after swings. Mark's confidence grew with every swing performed but most of the balls either did not reach the hole or landed quite beyond it.

After what seemed like the eighth swing, Mark halted and looked helplessly at Jinyoung.

"This is just normal for beginners, Mark. Everything can't just go smooth right at the beginning, right?" Jinyoung said, being aware of what was in Mark's mind.

"I guess. But still it's frustrating. Why can't I score even once?" Mark whined. Jinyoung could not help but let out a chuckle at those words.

"Just practise more. Actually, you're doing well, given that it has been more than a week since you last played it."

Mark looked comforted by those words and was about to begin playing again. But he stopped and looked at Jinyoung, "I want to see what a good swing is. Will you show me?"

"Of course," Jinyoung turned to the golf bag to take out another club but Mark handed him his golf club before Jinyoung could reach for another one.

Accordingly, Mark removed himself from where he had been standing, to let Jinyoung be there instead. He watched with the undivided attention, as Jinyoung took one swing. The ball did not enter the hole but landed very close to it. Mark set another ball on the tee and Jinyoung gave the shot, this time it smoothly getting right into the hole.

Mark clapped his hands excitedly and Jinyoung rubbed his neck, not at all having expected this reaction.

"Amazing. I also want to experience something like that. Can you guide me?"

"Well, you only need more practice-"

"No, I mean now."

Jinyoung did not understand what Mark meant and stepped back when Mark returned to the space before the tee. He was just behind Mark, who was already gripping the club back and in the ready position.

"Now, help me get an awesome shot."

Jinyoung chuckled, finally realising what Mark wanted. Then he cleared his throat just to get himself composed and stepped forward a little, till his chest got in touch with Mark's back. His hands were lying on Mark's and his position was identical to Mark's.

"Are you ready?" Jinyoung asked, his voice sounding dark and hoarse. He was well aware of the stir in his chest, which was then going down to his stomach.

"Yes," Mark replied, quietly.

Jinyoung had to collect himself again before tightening his hold on Mark's hands and moving the club for a swing. It must be only luck when the ball did go straight into the hole because Jinyoung had been much distracted and not aimed the shot, porperly.

"You're so good, Jinyoung," Mark murmured.

Jinyoung did not let go of Mark and instead, he was unknowingly leaning closer. When he talked, his breath was fanning Mark's ear and cheek. "You did so well."

"What? It was all under your lead," Mark said, sounding as much distracted as Jinyoung was.

"I don't mean this. Last night, you were amazing. You nailed it."

"So, you enjoyed it?"

"Oh, yes, absolutely. You were stunning, you know that?"

"Last night only?" Mark asked, amused.

"Always, honestly. Well, even now."

"I can say the same to you, you know? Great that I've got to know you. Great that our-" Mark paused, suddenly hesitated. It was as if the reality had finally caught them and Jinyoung, reluctantly, withdrew his hands and released Mark.

"Yes, it's nice that our girlfriends have introduced us," Jinyoung finished Mark's sentence.

Mark turned around so that he could face Jinyoung. A few minutes passed with no words exchanged between them. At last, Jinyoung looked away and suggested that Mark continued playing golf.