Slopes

n i n e

<^>

"God, you're such a brat." Doyoung sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose as he watches Donghyuk's antics. The boy was jumping around Doyoung with his board, ice flying everywhere as they waited to rush down the hill. And the bunny-like boy was getting fed up with his "pupil's" actions.

"Aw he has to go soon Doyoung, let the boy have a bit of fun before school," Johnny says, walking over to them, Donghyuk's cheerful laughing ringing in his ears.

Doyoung eyes his friend in annoyance and crosses his arms over his chest. "That's easy for you to say, you got the calm one." He gestures to Mark who pays them no mind and instead continues to watch the other plays on the hill.

Johnny shrugs, smiling fondly at the tanned-male who just called over to ride down. "He's good though. Really proving his name."

"Who?"

"Donghyuk." Johnny points to the boy who was now racing down the hill, his figure soon becoming a tiny black dot in the distance. "He has amazing skills for someone his age. And he's crazy fast."

Doyoung hums. "I heard he used to practice with adult teams when he was 16 because his own teammates couldn't keep up."

"Wouldn't be surprised. But," Johnny pauses, fully turning towards the man beside him. "I overheard him pleading with someone to let him stay at practice."

"Huh?"

Johnny shrugs again. "Don't know the details or anything, but he was begging someone to let him stay for practice at night."

Doyoung raises an eyebrow in confusion. "I haven't seen him at night though." He normally stays until around 10 pm every night to get some practice in and to lock up.

"He comes at midnight." The two 24-year olds turn to Mark, who had unclipped his shoes from his board and walked over to them. "We usually find each other here at around midnight. And he usually leaves after me. And I finish my night practice at around 1 am." He says, his voice and face showing no emotion before walking off towards the crash room to go to the bathroom.

Johnny and Doyoung share a look, both a bit amazed. "He comes at midnight?"

"Who comes at midnight?" Donghyuk blinks at them in confusion, only just entering their conversation after hopping off the ski-lift. Like Johnny said; Lee Donghyuk is crazy fast. 

<^>

Mark and Donghyuk stand in front of Coach's desk, the man smiling up at them.

"So how are you two settling in? It's been a good first two weeks I hope?"

Mark and Donghyuk both nod. "It's been good," Donghyuk says for the both of them, not sparing a glance to the boy beside him.

"Perfect! How're you both handling it with school?"

"The half-days are a bit stressful but nothing I can't handle," Donghyuk says dismissively.

"Midnight classes are going fine. It's super flexible." Mark adds, speaking for himself.

Their Coach nods along happily. "And have you two been getting along well?"

Mark and Donghyuk look at each other, the older shrugging and the younger sending a glare at his nonchalant-ness(??). "Just peachy," Donghyuk says through gritted teeth. In all honesty, he was not a fan of Mark Lee. The boy was too emotionless and stoic for his liking. It's like everything bored him. What really pissed Donghyuk off though, was that Mark was so fucking good. Of course, he had to be, seeing as this is the Olympic team, but seriously. He wasn't trying to show off, which was annoying. He was just that good. Like, so was Donghyuk, but the tanned male basically lived off of others' approval. This guy though just does these crazy tricks without breaking a sweat. It both irritated and scared Donghyuk. Mark Lee was one interesting character.

"Glad to hear it! Donghyuk, you have to leave in a few minutes for school right?"

The boy's head hangs low but he nods. "Yeah, unfortunately." He laughs off his bad mood though, not wanting to worry his coach. "Don't have too much fun without me."

"Wouldn't dream of it." Coach smiles warmly. "You should go get changed now though, I don't want your teachers sending me angry emails of your delay." He chuckles, clearly making a joke.

"Of course not." Donghyuk laughs with him before fully leaving the room after saying a final goodbye. Mark watches him leave, not missing the disappointed look in Donghyuk's eyes.

"So Mark," Coach snaps him back to the moment at hand. "Is everything ok? No one being a brat to you I hope? Ten not picking on you too much?"

Mark shakes his head. "No sir."

"You're so professional. I heard from your old coach that you didn't talk much. I do hope you find someone who will help you out of your shell a little bit. I don't want any of my players to be a lone-wolf, hear me?"

Mark nods. "Yes sir."

Coach smiles happily, whacking his hand through the air. "Aight kiddo, get outta here and back into the snow. And let loose a bit!" He calls after Mark, who left the office silently.

It's not that Mark wanted to be an outcast, he was just a silent guy. He didn't talk much and focused more on the task at hand; whether that be homework, cooking, or snowboarding. He didn't feel the need for small talk. If Coach wanted him to break out of his shell, then he would have to try very hard.

<^>