“Don’t you think that Mark guy is kinda cute?—I mean he’s kinda nice…” Haechan whispered, eyes fixed on Mark across the room.
They were clustered together with the others, still buzzing from dancing—or, more accurately, grinding—against each other. Mark was currently engaged in conversation with Johnny, having been gently nudged away from the group.
Jaemin widened his eyes. “You already like that guy?” he asked, curiosity lacing his tone. “I mean, I *know* Mark’s nice, but don’t you want to get to know him first?”
It was late, and Jaemin had decided to head back to the house, a sulking Haechan trailing behind him. Haechan couldn’t shake the image of Mark—beautiful, gorgeous Mark Lee—from his mind.
Donghyuck found himself undeniably drawn to Mark. But beyond the initial attraction, he craved something more. What did Mark think? Could he possibly reciprocate these feelings, or even find Haechan interesting?
---
It was midnight when Donghyuck decided to indulge in his usual late-night craving. He grabbed his hoodie and a pair of thick sweatpants, locking the door behind him.
“Oh? Donghyuck, right?” a voice called out, making Haechan jump.
He turned to see the same man he’d seen at the bar. A small smile tugged at his lips.
“Mhm…” he replied, observing the man approach.
The man awkwardly rubbed his nape. “Where are you heading to?” he asked, attempting to ease the awkwardness.
“Just grabbing some snacks,” Donghyuck said, slipping his keys into his pocket.
A hopeful glint appeared in the man’s eyes. “Can I join?” he asked, gesturing towards the darkness. “If you’re comfortable, of course.”
Donghyuck nodded, and they walked side-by-side towards the convenience store. A walk with a stranger might not be so bad after all.
Inside, they browsed the aisles, searching for the perfect midnight snack.
“Woah! You also liked those?” Donghyuck asked softly, pointing to a carton of banana milk in the man’s hand.
Mark swore that was the softest voice he’d ever heard. He nodded, a shy smile playing on his lips, his gaze fixed on Donghyuck. Haechan was doing the bare minimum, and yet, Mark felt his heart threaten to explode.
---
Donghyuck woke up staring at the ceiling, a smile stretching across his face. He'd never felt like this before—Mark’s impact was overwhelming, and words felt inadequate to describe it.
He rolled around in bed, grinning, then leaped up, bouncing on the mattress. Jaemin entered the room and immediately saw the chaos: pillows scattered, sheets tangled, and a body bouncing with unrestrained energy.
“What’s up?” Jaemin asked, trying to contain his disbelief. It was far too early for this. Where did this energy come from?
“I like him,” Donghyuck quietly mumbled, but loud enough for Jaemin to hear.
“I like him…” He stopped jumping, turning towards Jaemin with wide eyes. “I like him!”
Jaemin furrowed his brows, staring at the grinning man. What was he talking about?
That entire midnight encounter had solidified Donghyuck’s feelings. Mark was kind, genuinely kind. He made Haechan’s heart do a chaotic dance—a rapid *boom, boom, boom*.
“Donghyuck, it’s six in the morning,” Jaemin said, placing a mug of hot chocolate on the bedside table. “Where did you get this energy?” He shook his head, utterly bewildered.
He playfully rolled his eyes and sat on the edge of the bed. Perhaps they should ask Mark Lee—exactly what had he done to Haechan’s heart?