SMILE | NCT Markhyuck

09

It was a new day, and Mark found himself slowly walking to school, the weight of uncertainty heavy on his shoulders. His steps carried the burden of unspoken words, and he couldn't shake the feeling of awkwardness that enveloped him. What if Donghyuck didn't want to see him? How should he approach him today? These thoughts circled in his mind, leaving him sighing involuntarily.

"Skipping morning practice again, Mr. Ace?" a voice broke through Mark's contemplation, causing him to swing around. Donghyuck's familiar voice cut through the tension, "Good morning, Markie!"

"Ah!...uh...G-good morning!" Mark stammered, feeling an unexpected stiffness in his demeanor.

"Don't you have club practice today?"

"N-nope, there was a timetable change..."

"I see, that makes today a study day!" Donghyuck gushed, showcasing the smile Mark believed he'd never witness again. "Don't forget to stay back after class is over."

"O-okay..." Donghyuck continued smiling at Mark, and, as if by some unspoken agreement, everything seemed to return to normal.

They haven't brought up the issue since then. Their friendship remained seemingly unchanged...

As if nothing ever happened...

✨✨✨

In the student council room, where the air hung heavy with the warmth of approaching summer, Donghyuck complained about the heat, fanning himself with his hand. Seated beside him, Mark couldn't help but wonder about the unspoken words that lingered between them since the confession. It had been three days, yet the air felt charged with unresolved tension.

"It's almost summer," Mark mused.

"Want to go somewhere during summer break?!" Donghyuck's excitement filled the room.

"Oh, I haven't thought about that. I've been so busy studying for a test."

"Ohhh~ well aren't you hardworking" Donghyuck chuckled. "So, how were your results?"

"I got full Marks"

"Wow! Great!"

"Well, all the questions were from the chapters you pointed out to me. It was all thanks to your 'prophecy'." Mark beamed a toothy smile as he held his right fist to his chest, earning a burst of laughter from Donghyuck.

"Hahaha, don't doubt your own efforts, Mark. You should reward yourself for the hard work." Mark took his words seriously, his thoughts lingering on what Hyuck thought of him. He needed an answer to his confession.

"In that case...Could I have your answer?" He averted his eyes to the desk, away from Donghyuck.

"Oh..."

Mark lifted his head, trying not to appear pushy again. Desperation colored his voice, "I just want a clear answer from you, even if it's a 'no.'" 

"I guess I shouldn't be running away from it... I'm sorry," Donghyuck shyly chuckled, his turn to look away. "Say, Mark, do you really like me?"

"O-Of course I do!" Mark protested.

"Even though I'm a guy?.."

"I'm well aware of it."

"Aren't you afraid..? Everyone might judge you for that?"

"I don't care!" Mark declared, placing both hands on the table and leaning in closer to Donghyuck. "...As long as I can be with you..."

"..." Donghyuck chuckled in disbelief, running his hand through his hair. "You really are brave, aren't you?... I'm jealous."

"But...You already have someone you like. right?" Mark sat back down in his seat, intertwining his fingers, fidgeting with his thumbs, "w-what kind of girl is she?" Actually, he didn't really want to know.

"I don't have anyone like that." 

"Huh?!" Mark shot up, meeting the smaller boy's soft stare. 

Donghyuck, shyly sinking into his seat, looked over to Mark with a loving gaze. "But I think I just found someone right now."

Mark once again placed his hands on the table and leaned forward in shock. "D-does that mean...?!"