Stay With Me | 2Chan/MarkHyuck (OneShot)

FINAL

Sungchan spotted Donghyuck sitting alone on the empty playground, and his chest tightened. The night had fallen, leaving the area deserted, but he still came for him. He had to.

"Hyuck, are you okay?" Sungchan's voice was barely above a whisper as he crouched in front of his friend, searching for any sign of relief in his face. "Hyuck."

"I'm fine. It's not the first time he's rejected me." Donghyuck's smile was bitter, but his eyes locked onto Sungchan's, trembling with the weight of unspoken emotions. "Please, Sungchan-ah, don't look at me like that."

"How can I not?" Sungchan's voice cracked. "I'm worried about you, and I can't just turn it off."

"I'm sorry. But I told you not to come looking for me." Donghyuck's tone was soft, pleading.

"And I told you I can't help it." Sungchan's brow furrowed, frustration bubbling beneath his concern.

"But... I already told you, Sungchan, I like Mark." The words stung, but Sungchan stayed silent, the ache in his chest growing heavier.

"I know," Sungchan said after a pause, the hurt creeping into his voice. "I know too well." He stood up slowly, forcing himself to breathe through the pain. "Come on, I'll walk you home."

Sungchan knew Donghyuck would never see him the way he wanted. He knew he didn't stand a chance, but he confessed anyway. He had tried to keep his feelings buried, hidden beneath his role as the supportive friend, but the sight of Donghyuck hurting over Mark had become unbearable. Maybe, just maybe, confessing would ease the suffocating weight in his heart.

It didn't.

"Have you eaten?" Sungchan's voice was almost too casual, trying to pretend the words hadn't just shattered the moment.

Donghyuck shook his head, avoiding eye contact.

"Let's get something to eat. The spicy rice cakes are on me." Without waiting for a reply, Sungchan took his hand, pulling him along. The touch was so familiar, but it hurt more now.

"I'm just going to go home," Donghyuck said, his smile weak. He knew Sungchan was tired-worn out from studying, from everything-and that's why he had asked him not to come.

But Sungchan, as always, refused to listen when it's about Donghyuck.

"Alright," Donghyuck gave in softly.

"How's your studying? Found a university yet?" Donghyuck asked, trying to keep the conversation light, but his heart was somewhere else, miles away from this exchange.

"I'm doing alright," Sungchan muttered. "Still figuring out where I want to go."

In reality, Sungchan had already passed the exam. Two exams, in fact. One for the university Donghyuck was going to, and another for a school abroad-where his parents were waiting for him, waiting for him to leave. And he would. The plan was already set in motion. Once Mark finally acknowledged Donghyuck's feelings, Sungchan would slip away, unnoticed.

Donghyuck had no idea about Sungchan's plans. But Sungchan knew what would happen. He'd leave without a word, because Donghyuck's happiness mattered more than anything else. He had loved Donghyuck since high school, a love that made everything in his life brighter.

Why couldn't Mark see him?

Donghyuck was head over heels for Mark, and Sungchan knew it better than anyone. But no matter how much Donghyuck tried, Mark didn't do anything but reject him. Still, Sungchan supported him, quietly standing by as Donghyuck chased after someone who couldn't see him.

"You'll do well wherever you go, you know," Donghyuck said, trying to comfort him, though the weight of everything else hung between them.

"Yeah," Sungchan forced a smile, the same way he'd been forcing his heart to endure. "Thanks."