Blooming Day

2. One Night

When Cherry Bomb was released, Donghyuck was riding a high that lasted weeks. His 17th birthday was just a few days earlier and the music video was gaining views at a rapid pace. Everything was going so right.

He was finding that everyday NCT felt more and more like a family to him and he was so content. Most of the celebratory dinners and "Parties" they would have at the dorm have since become a blurry mess in Donghyuck's memories. He remembers this night and this night alone.

All of NCT was spread out throughout the dorm chatting, laughing, eating, and anything else they felt like doing that wouldn't affect their ability to promote the next day. Mark and Haechan were a package deal back then. Looking back, Donghyuck sees how clingy he was towards the older boy, but Mark clung to him his fair share.

"Our little Haechannie is actually growing up..." Taeyong said from the end of the dinner table. They were watching one of their most recent TV performances before the food had arrived. now they were all gathered around the table eating like this was their first meal in months while Taeyong really seemed distressed by his new revelation. Donghyuck scoffed from his own place at the table wanting to protest that he was already grown up, but to focused on his current task of playing with Marks fingers under the table.

"oh god, what are we gonna do when he's all grown up and can dress and bathe for himself in the mornings? What will we do with all that extra time?" Johnny mocked.

Donghyuck knew he was doing it to make fun of Taeyong and his maternal instincts, but the mocking of his age still made him pout. "guyyyyyys, Mark Hyung isn't even a full year older than me and you never make fun of him like this."

Mark let out a laugh next to him. "you're really proving how mature you are by pouting over a joke, Hyuckie"

Sometimes he really wanted to hit Mark. He looked over at Mark with what he hoped was an intimidating glare, but Mark just smiled even wider. Donghyuck looked down and continued tracing the lines on Marks palms.

"Yeah, Haechan, and we aren't even making fun of you, were just talking about how we probably need to talk to the stylist Noonas about covering you up, cause the suns getting a little too hot these days for only having just turned 17." The whole rest of the table seemed to get the joke because they all started to laugh. Donghyuck on the other hand just deepened his pout in confusion.

Mark squeezed Donghyuck's thigh where his hand had been resting for the past like 20 minutes to get his attention and Donghyuck complied looking the other in the eyes with furrowed brows. "They're implying that your sexy, Hyuck." Mark deadpanned. Donghyuck felt his face and ears heat up immediately and he looked away from the older just as fast. He'd never heard his name and the word "sexy" in the same sentence, and the fact that it came from Mark made him feel funny. He picked up Mark's hand from his thigh and laced his fingers with the elder's. "Ah, gwiyeobda. all that talk just to get shy over a compliment." Mark cooed at the younger, squeezing his hand tighter and ruffling his hair with his unoccupied one.

"Yeah, we are all just proud of our sexy pudu" Johnny seconded.

"ugh, its gross coming from you." Donghyuck complained, scrunching his face up in disgust.

Johnny's eyes lit up with mischief "Ah but it's okay when Mark says it."

"Hyuuuuuung" Donghyuck whined as his cheeks heated up, the rest of the room erupting into giggles and coos. Mark stayed silent next to him.

Johnny shrugged "Nah, it's okay, Haechannie, we all know where your love lies. I should know better."

Donghyuck didn't even try to fight that point although he knew these sorts of topics made Mark feel uncomfortable. He thought that maybe he was supposed to be embarrassed or scared or uncomfortable like Mark knowing that his Hyungs were aware of his feelings toward his best friend (maybe not all of his feelings, but still) but in a weird way it made him feel almost giddy. Like what he imagines it feels like to bring a significant other to a family get together for the first time and seeing them fit in perfectly. He trusted his Hyungs so much and they were basically family already. It just felt nice to know that everyone knew. There was nothing to hide, they could just be and everything else would fall into place.