It was really disturbing to Jinyoung to see Mark - he still wanted to refer to the guy as 'the thief' - in his clothes. It seemed Mark was getting on very well with Jinyoung's uncle and they had got to know each other while Jinyoung had been in the yard with the children the whole day.
When Jinyoung had finally showered and came out into the living-room for dinner, Sangchul and Mark were already seated around the table. There were more dishes than usual. And was it just his empty stomach or did they all look more yummy than ever?
Jinyoung glanced at Mark with an intimidating air, before sitting down. He still could not understand why his uncle had let a stranger, not to say 'a criminal', live with them. And he did think Mark did not deserve this charity. On top of everything, he would have to share his room with this guy. It was frustrating. Not just the room, but now the clothes as well.
"Let's eat," Sangchul said, "Mark, don't hesitate. Take anything you want. Consider us your family now."
"Thank you, samchon."
Samchon? Seemed like he would have to share his uncle too. Mark's beaming face was like provoking Jinyoung.
"Don't get too content. You're not gonna live here for a lifetime," Jinyoung stated. Mark smiled at him like Jinyoung could say anything to him and he would not mind. Jinyoung knew it was all because of his uncle's presence.
"Jinyoung, watch your mouth. Don't ruin the mood. Don't be discouraged, Mark. Eat."
"I'm fine, samchon. He has the right to be mad. After all, I've invaded your life," Mark said, sounding good-natured.
It was all an act, Jinyoung could see that. The guy was just trying to be in his uncle's good books. Jinyoung snorted while Sangchul was not looking at him and just dug into the dinner.
"Do you like bean soup? Here's tofu stew," Sangchul put a spoonful of the stew on Mark's plate. Honestly, Jinyoung felt jealous. It had been such a long time since his uncle had ever made such caring gestures towards him. He could still tolerate it but that was only until Sangchul gave Mark the fried chicken breast.
"Samchon, that's unfair!" Jinyoung complained, "You know it's my favourite. I want to eat that part too!"
"You've been eating it for your whole life. What's wrong with letting Mark have it now? Let's give him a great meal. I'm sure he's been longing for it."
"It's okay, samchon. If it's his favourite, he should have it." Mark was about to move the chicken breast in question but Sangchul stopped him.
"No need, Mark. You have it. Jinyoung's being a spoiled kid today. No more arguments. Let us eat in peace," Sangchul said, addressing the last two sentences to his nephew, who was not at all appeased.
As soon as the dinner was finished, Jinyoung retired to his room while Sangchul and Mark remained in the living-room. The less he had to see Mark, the better it was for him. He spent the early hours of the night translating articles.
It was when he came out of the bathroom, having cleaned himself and ready to go to sleep that Mark entered the room yawning with energy.
"So sleepy," Mark muttered, noticing that a pillow and a blanket were laid on the long couch against the wall. It seemed he was supposed to sleep there. He did not mind. It looked warm and cosy.
"You sleep there," Jinyoung nodded at the couch. "I'm gonna sleep in my bed alone. I'm not sharing it."
This guy had got on Mark's nerves during the whole dinner and him declaring his own right with a superior air annoyed Mark.
"Your bed's wide enough for two people," Mark said, just to piss Jinyoung off. "Why're you so stingy? You're not the only one who wants the warmth of bed and bed sheets."
"You've got a blanket anyway. Don't forget what we're talking about is my bed. My bed. Do you understand? If you aren't satisfied, you can go sleep in samchon's room."
Mark snorted. "I'm not gonna trouble samchon. Fine. I'll sleep on the couch. I thought you were a generous guy when you treated me to lunch."
"I'm, for your information. But not to this extent. And when are you gonna stop wearing my clothes?" Jinyoung said, looking at Mark from head to toe.
"You made it sound as if I'd been wearing your stuff for my whole life. I've no money to buy anything, okay?" Mark headed for the bathroom to wash himself. Great, this Jinyoung guy was really hard to approach. When he came out again, he found Jinyoung already settled in bed, deep under the thick duvet.
"Where's the light switch?" Mark asked, although he could see where it was. He just wanted to disrupt Jinyoung's too comfortable state.
"Geez, search, yourself."
Soon they were both in the dark. Mark felt his way to the couch and got on it. It was so nice to sleep like a human again. He could not get enough of this reassuring feeling. He liked this place already although it seemed Jinyoung was going to be a real pain in the ass. Mark wanted to get to know him though. Maybe, they could become friends after some time. He doubted that though.
"Are you asleep?" Mark asked and was given no response. "Don't pretend you're asleep already. Are you someone who tends to fall asleep the moment their head touch the pillow?"
"Shut up and sleep!" Jinyoung hissed.
"I'm sorry, you know? I didn't mean my life to be that fucked up. If I'd got at least a degree, my life wouldn't be as miserable as now. Samchon said you graduated with a degree in Japanese language. I envy you. I also was in college for two years. But I had to leave it to work. My aunt had that habit of gambling. Her circle of friends was not so good."
"Let me sleep," Jinyoung groaned.
"Consider it a bedtime story." And Mark continued, "I worked. But you know, they were prejudiced against someone like me who hadn't finished the education. More so because of my background. My aunt's reputation was pretty bad, to say the least. I've an aunt, who's useless, and you've an uncle, who's supported you. It must feel nice to have someone like that as a relative. Are you asleep?"
No response. Mark assumed Jinyoung had already fallen asleep. Little did he know that Jinyoung was awake and had heard everything he had said.
