SMILE | NCT Markhyuck

03

In the heavy rain, Mark found himself on the receiving end of a thrashing from a group of delinquents from the neighboring school.

"Come on, is that all you got? You were all tough a few minutes ago," the boy with shaved sides of his head mocked. His friends joined in with laughter. "Have you finally learned your place, kid?" He kneeled down and pulled Mark's hair to force eye contact. "...Well?"

"Shut up, assholes!"Shut it, old man!" Mark spat, mustering the little energy he had left. This only further infuriated the bullies.

"What?! Hey, how about we take a couple of his fingers?" 

"Hahaha, good idea!" 

"Please stop." Suddenly, a shadow stood between Mark and the bullies. Oddly, those words triggered a small memory of young Donghyuck sitting on the ground, shielding him from harm with his outstretched arms. The person now shielding him was indeed Donghyuck, once again stepping up to protect him. "Isn't this enough? Can you let him go?" He pleaded with the bullies.

" Huh? Are you with him? I suggest you scram if you don't want to get hurt!"

"I will if you leave him alone" Donghyuck negotiated.

"Look, someone's trying to be a hero here," the boy with the shaved head pulled out a knife, "can you even fight?"

Most people would back down at the sight of a knife, but Donghyuck stood his ground, focused on Mark's safety. "Nope. But I can at least take his place?" 

"Hyuck, just get out of her-" Mark tried to desperately plead with his friend.

"I assume the method doesn't matter?" Donghyuck said, moving closer to the knife-wielding boy. He grabbed the boy's hand and, taking a deep breath, thrust the knife into his own lower stomach. The boy, in shock, let go of the knife and stumbled back. Mark, with a pale face, remained motionless on the ground as if his heart had stopped. Everything seemed to rush around him while he lay frozen, shaken by what had just occurred. Blood stained Donghyuck's white uniform. "Will this be sufficient? Do we have a deal?" 

"Nah, this is bad! Let's get out of here!" The bullies took off in all directions.

Donghyuck collapsed to the ground, landing on his knees. He clutched the fresh wound, wincing in pain. "Hyuckie, hang in there! I'll call an ambulance!" Mark shouted in panic.

"It's okay, I already did it before," Donghyuck turned to Mark and smiled. How could he smile in this situation? "Why the long face, Mark? You look better when you smile, you know," the wounded boy teased. Mark was in disbelief. "...Anyway, I have a favor to ask."