The very first community meeting since Mark had been here was held. It kicked off at 9am, by Sangchul's greeting. He continued to report on the updates on the fund, reading out the additional amount having been received, and then welcomed the members to address any issue concerned with the community.
Jinyoung and Mark were in the kitchen, getting refreshments ready. Gimbap, fish cake balls, fried chicken, apple slices and soft drinks. Once the meeting came to its end, they were distributed among the members, who were now scattered around in the hall and in groups of their own choice.
Mark was a new face to them and as his uncle had told him, Jinyoung introduced him as a friend of his. There was always someone talking with Sangchul and Jinyoung and Mark could not approach him either as they were themselves busy with serving food to the members.
Once their duty was done, they slipped out of the hall and into the yard, which was so quiet compared to the inside of the hall. Byeol was lying near the entrance and nuzzled against them as they came out.
"He likes when there're a lot of people," Jinyoung said, planting an affectionate kiss on its head. "Hey, why don't you go in? You do know you're the ladies' favourite, don't you?"
"He's familiar with them?" Mark stroked its belly and Byeol lay on the ground with satisfaction.
"Yes. Sometimes he even stays with them. They don't mind. They love him. He gets all restless when he sees crowds."
"That's cute. Hey, buddy. You do know how to socialise, huh?" Mark loved how Byeol tried to catch his hand and play with him. But he and Jinyoung left it afterwards and continued to the bench in the yard. From where they could still catch glimpses of what was happening in the hall.
"Who's that man, the one samchon was talking with when we left? He looks really close with samchon," Mark said.
"Oh, that's Jinho hyung. Actually he's a little reserved. He's not very fond of crowds. I guess samchon is the only one he's truly comfortable with. And he's a bachelor."
Just then, a middle-aged couple came out and Jinyoung quickly bowed to them as they left. Mark just stared at them till they were out of sight.
"Hmm, let me guess they don't like crowds either? Don't you think their eyes were a little judgmental?"
"They're not judgmental," Jinyoung said, "It's just their habit. Both of them are professors. And you know they look at everything like that. Like they're examining whatever they're seeing."
"Being professors, they must have expected my bow as well," Mark snickered.
"What's wrong with you?"
"Relax, I'm just joking around. Let's criticise them a little. It's fun. Loosen up. You look tired," Mark remarked, looking at Jinyoung.
"You didn't expect me to get tired after that draining activity?"Jinyoung leaned back against the back of the bench. He was just about to close his eyes but instead moved with a jerk as he felt Mark's hands on his shoulders. "What're you doing?"
"Don't you want a massage?" Just playfully, Mark moved his hands. He felt Jinyoung suddenly tense and then his hands were batted away.
"D-Don't. It's weird."
"What? Being treated nice is weird?" Mark reproached.
For some reason, Jinyoung got flashbacks of that day when he had been pushed against... He shook his head in alarm. It was so embarrassing to think of that again.
"You're weird," Mark mumbled under his breath.
"What?"
"Nothing. Hey, look," Mark nodded towards the hall. "Who's that girl?"
