𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱 ➪ 𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙝𝙮𝙪𝙘𝙠

47

"don't go. i love you."

"i'll miss you, you know i love you too."

"please, mark. promise me things will work out."

"i promise. even if it doesn't, nothing will end in bad terms. i need you just the same as you need me."

"stay safe, okay? happy early new years."

"sunshine, you know i'll be there for that."

"i don't care. happy early every celebration that exists."

and he got pulled into a hug tighter than it already was. mark wished he could kiss donghyuck right then and there, but his parents were around and that would be risky. they shared a kiss before leaving for the airport and it conveyed everything they wouldn't be able to do in the current moment. for now, only their words and long embraces would work.

they pulled away, a burning feeling in their chests as mark glanced towards his family to see if they were looking. they weren't. he pressed his lips against donghyuck's forehead and let it linger for a few seconds before pulling away. mark gazed into the younger's eyes with great emotion and ran his thumb across his cheek while caressing his face.

mark gave a quick firm nod and left donghyuck's arms. it was painful, yet it hurt just as much as he thought it would. preparation was a desperate attempt at trying to claw away from the feeling of instant loneliness and sadness. the gratification of being physically present with his boyfriend had began to fade. this was their reality. things weren't necessarily ending, it was simply a new beginning for the couple. a beginning they weren't ready to face.

the entire night yesterday was spent with just the two of them cuddling and taking in whatever they could all at once. sweet whispers and hushed laughter was exchanged, not that anybody would care if they were louder. they could only spend those moments with gratitude and love for the other. it would be hard to never see the other and be able to feel their touch. everything about their relationship would be hard— and that's what they feared the most.

mark grabbed his luggage and stood by his parents side. he waved at the six boys with the biggest smile he'd ever mustered. he took in the appearance of their loving faces, aggressive waving, and what they felt behind it. he'd miss their goofy and wild times together, even if it was the most energy consuming thing he'd ever done.

every moment was now a memory left to cherish.

this was goodbye for a long time.