The Morning of Friday came too soon and you wished Mark didn’t need to leave for work.
He spent the night dozing off, watching you sleep soundly at his side, knowing a chance like this wouldn’t come again.
As a result, he yawned himself up, and got ready for work while you slept.

"Babe… " he whispered and put his face near yours "I’m heading out now.."



You awoke and found his freshly shaved face the first thing you saw, and smiled. Recollections of resting in his arms late last night after watching TV came to mind.

"Already?" You asked with a reluctant pout that only made it harder for him to go.
He kissed your forehead lightly and stroked your hair with a sigh.

"Well… someone decided to skip work on their own…" he said while rolling his eyes.

You tugged at his already done tie that was neatly around his crisp white shirt, and pulled him gently to you. “Well, I can always make it up to you when you get home tonight…..”
suggestively you said, expecting him to get embarrassed.

"I’ll be looking forward then." Mark replied without even batting and eyelid with an even more flirty look in his eyes.

"Omo. Someone’s gonna be late!" You pushed him back quickly and sent him going.
As you walked him out of the door, he couldn’t hide the excitement that came over him.
Hugging you from behind, his arms conveniently slid under the band of your bra and you quickly adjusted his hands a little lower in surprise.

"Mmmmmm, C’mon… Just a little….?" he whined from behind your ear.

"No!!" You giggled and squirmed to break free from his embrace only to be greeted by a firmer hold. You attempted to pry away his surprisingly muscular arms beneath his slender appearance, but to no avail.

"Okay! okay! Hajima!" Came his firm cheerful voice that made you stay still while he released his grip over you slowly. As you turned around he had a weird frown on his face. "Look what you’ve done now…"

Looking down you saw that his crisp white shirt had a bunch of serious crinkles across his torso.

You gasped in shock and put your hands over your mouth. Quickly you tried to straighten them, with your hands.

He stopped you and held your wrists. “No………silly, i’m not talkin about that.”

"Huh?? Then what??" He shot your clueless look a glare in return and pressed his lips together in disapproval.

"Kwenchana." he said and let go of your hands, and headed out the door.

"Oh wait, your coat!" You rushed over to the couch to get it for him. "Here."

Just then you realised he was shifting uncomfortably tugging at his pants. It then dawned upon you that he was gently aroused in the midst of the tousle, probably when you had your back towards him, rubbing him up and down, all around. Pretending not to notice, you handed him his coat at arm’s length, and quickly waved him off.

As you strolled around his house, you heard a vibrating sound coming from somewhere. Tracing to its source you found your phone abandoned by the table. It was a call from JR, your chummy buddy that you had just seen yesterday.

JR: Hey sweetie
You: Jinyoungie! What’s up?
JR: Nah just thinking of you.
You: (Laughs it off) Yeah right, don’t you have schedules today?
JR: I don’t, it’s my free day, so I wanted to see if you had time for lunch with me.
You: Oh, it’s my off day too, I could do breakfast right now really.
JR: Jjincha?? Ok give me a bit, I’ll head over —
You: Uhh… wait, how about let’s just meet at the eatery round the corner? I…….. am already leaving my place…
JR: Why don’t you wait for me to pick you I can—
You: It’s okay, I’ll see you there, take your time!

Gee, what was this feeling? It seemed like you had to hide the fact that you were in Mark’s house from JR but why? You weren’t sure yourself but it just didn’t feel right to say it out, perhaps you didn’t want JR to feel too hurt. After all, it was just yesterday that he had nearly confessed his feelings before you made your stand on your friendship with him instead. For some reason, you felt that you had to keep this from him - at least for now.

Happily, you got dressed and headed out for breakfast.

At the office, Jackson noticed that you were absent and decided to show you some concern.

Jackson: Hey Mandy, I saw you weren’t here today? You okay?

You read his message and smiled to yourself while walking down the street, Jackson was not only a sweet guy but also the kind that would pay attention to every detail, as far as he could. He knew you were pretty exhausted although you didn’t show it for the past few days, while working on the project together.

You: Hey you, thanks. I’m okay =) Everything cool at work?
Jackson: Yeah, Mark looks particularly happy that you’re not here tho. HAHA

Grinning at the message, you knew it was the aftermath of spending the night together that probably kept his spirits up. Of course not to mention the goodbye-door-activities……..

Just then Jackson sent a stealth shot he snapped of Mark from a weird angle, almost like paparazzi style. In it showed Mark, laughing happily with a few female colleagues you recognise, to be those who always tried to make small talks with him at break times. It did seem that he was extra cheerful.

You: What’s the topic that’s making everyone so happy since I’m not there?
Jackson: You can hear it for yourself.


A video clip loaded again from the same weird angle capturing their conversation.

Girl 1: Oppa~ but don’t you have a girlfriend?
Girl 2: Eyyy, you must have lots of them isn’t it? (Giggles and hit him on the arm)
Mark: Nah, I don’t.
Girl 1&2: REALLY??? Oppa!! (Squeals in high pitch and hooks their arm in his)
Mark: Hajima-yo… (he playfully shrugged in surprise but did nothing to shy away from their advances)

At this point, you felt your heart beating faster and faster, as you stopped the video. What was that? You never knew Mark to be such a flirt? Or was it that you never observed, since you had rejected the idea of having office relationships in the first place. It was a strangely disturbing feeling. How could Mark deny that he didn’t have a girlfriend behind your back after what happened last night? It wasn’t even 24 hours that he turned your friendship into a love confession but what was that all about?

You calmed yourself down as you went into the eatery, sitting by the window and sorting out your jumbled thoughts. That wasn’t the Mark you thought you knew. He had always been a restrained, cool headed, and shy sort, with a mind of his own and kept distance with strangers in awkwardness.
Lost in your thoughts, JR had entered and sat beside you, watching you with his chin rested on the palm of his hands, but you hadn’t noticed.

It wasn’t until the waiter came by to take your order, that you realised he had been there all along.

"AH, Jinyoungie, why didnt you say something?" embarrassed that he had been waiting and watching you silently, you quickly tried to order.

He looked at the waiter and calmly ordered 2 drinks, and told him it was fine for now, knowing you had not even read the menu yet.

"Why is my princess looking so flustered early in the morning?" he asked, with the smile that brightened his face instantly.

Seeing the familiar face and hearing his voice seemed to put your thoughts at rest.
You took a deep breath and decided not to deal with it now, and to make the most of the day without Mark, doing whatever you wanted on your well-earned rest day.

"The princess is hungry that’s what it is." you answered.

"Omo, it’s my bad for letting you wait - but don’t worry, look what I got?" JR took out a box from behind his back. It was a box of treats filled with all sorts of chocolates, candies, biscuits, that you had never seen.

"WOW!!!" u gawked at the sight.

"Tell me you like it, don’t just stare…" he frowned cutely at you. "I got them while I was at the airport yesterday and forgot to give them to you."

Touched by his sincerity, you even felt guilty for sending him off rather abruptly when he appeared at your door yesterday. ‘It was all Mark’s fault’ you muttered at the thought.

"What?" JR asked
"I LOVE IT, Jinyoung, it’s so awesome… ! You know me so well." you had not received a gift of such sort in a looooooong while and you were the kind of girl that would really be moved by little gifts and notes.

After the meal, you had a long chat with JR, catching up and laughing about the old times, about JB, and just about anything under the sun. You realised JR had not changed one bit and was still the charming little boy only now in a much taller and grown up body. He still cracked jokes to make you laugh and took the words out of your mouth. You couldn’t believe that time had passed so quickly, and it was midway into the afternoon.

JR suggested to go check out one of the old places you guys hung out when you were younger which had now turned into an amusement park. As it was a work day, there weren’t many young girls and families, which would probably recognise JR. He walked around leisurely, only with a few stall holders who waved at him, while he greeted them politely. His casual laid back nature with no airs made you forget he was a celebrity.

“Jinyoung-ah, should we get going before the peak hour?” worried that fangirls might start coming around soon.

It was the least of his worries since he had always wanted to spend time with you and a chance like this was rare. “Sure, if you want to.” he said, while heading back to the parking lot.
“Actually, I wanted to ask you something.” Jr scratched his neck in obvious hesitation.

“What is it? Just say it.” you urged as you both strolled along.

“Am I really… just a friend to you? Please, tell me the truth.” he stopped in his tracks and gently raised the question.

You honestly knew that JR was 100% boyfriend material and despite his public image, he came right at you in a bold manner, just like on the few times whenever you both met. He never missed the chance to show how he felt about you, unlike JB, or even Mark. You knew deep down that if you wanted a guy that didn’t shy you away in public but instead proudly show you off, it would be JR.

He paused for a few moments, and stroked the back of your head. “Kwenchana babo-ya, you didn’t do anything wrong why say sorry?” He lifted your head with both his hands, cupping your face to look at you.

As your eyes met his, you wondered what was wrong with you to keep turning down his sincerity time and time again. He was anything a girl could want - good looks, kind heart, loves you over his ego…. but why was it that you only felt comfortable with him and not the flutters in your stomach? You couldn’t explain.

---

(In the office)

“What? Ha! You’d better not let her hear that.” Mark replied.

“C’mon! Admit it already, I’ve never seen you happier than today!” said Jackson.

He whipped out his phone and showed Mark the photo of him laughing with the girls around him. “Wait till Mandy comes back on Monday, and then I’ll see what she thinks about this.” Jackson had no idea that you and Mark had progressed and still thought he might stand a chance with you.
“Wait, you sent this to her?” Mark asked with wide eyes.

“Yeah of course! She’s my boss even though you’re my bro!” Jackson smirked and continued, “anyways she’s not your girlfriend isn’t it? you said so yourself to the girls.”

Unable to answer, Mark kept silent. So Jackson went on.
“In anycase, since everyone knows you’re single now, the big news has practically spread to every pantry in the department. There isn’t a female in this WORLD that doesn’t know it.”

Mark’s worries came true, “Mandy included?” he asked.
“Oh please! She’s the one that everyone was wary of and since she wasn’t here today you have no idea how glad the girls were. Its the news of the day bro, even if I didn’t tell her someone else would!” he exclaimed.

“Look Jackson, i gtg catch you again.” At light speed, Mark rushed to head home, finally checking his phone only to find that there were messages and friend requests from random colleagues but not a single message from you. “Shoots.” he uttered, knowing that he made a grave mistake. “I must be out of my mind.”

---

JR drove you back home, not showing a sign of disappointment. Chatting light heartedly, he tried to make you feel comfortable by telling you amusing stories of his concerts and shows. In no time, you were at your door.
“Thanks Jinyoungie, I really had fun today and I promise I’ll pick you from the airport the next time you need me.” you took out your pinky and waved it to him - that was the best you could offer.

His smile grew wider and his eyes brightened, “REALLY? OMO… like really? you will?”
“Of course, I owe that to you the very least from the last time… and…” your voice trailed off not sure what to say.

“Arraseo.” He took your pinky in his and kissed it. “Sealed with a kiss” he grinned.

Laughing at his sweet silliness, you got out of the car to head home. Reluctance written all over his face as he watched you go into the door.
When he was sure you were out of sight, he let out a long sigh and rested his head on the backrest. As he closed his eyes, a small tear dropped from the corner and trickled down his cheek.
“Mwoyah… “ he rubbed it away. For once, he tried his best but couldn’t change your heart to make you love him. Helplessness, fear, and sadness all at once, came over him. Just what was he supposed to do?

Just then, your phone rang and he realised you left it there. Wanting to bring it to you, he took it and accidentally answered the call. It was none other than Mark.
“Babe, I’m sorry. I was a fool, talk to me PLEASE, you know that it’s only you for me and no one else, Babe please!” came a fast and urgent voice of a male. JR couldn’t make a noise and continued to hold the call in silence. The voice went on, “just where did you go? baby please!”
JR heard enough to figure out the pieces and hung up. He turned off your phone and went to your door.

“Hey Princess!” he smiled again as you opened it.

“Hey why haven’t you gone?” you asked in surprise.

“There’s somewhere we need to go, come with me.” he grabbed your hand and left, shutting the door behind you.

“But, but, but.. Jinyoungie I —-”

“Shush, we gotta move fast.” he swung you back into the car and took off his coat and covered you, seeing that you were thinly dressed. With no haste he drove off, this time, clearly knowing why you couldn’t accept him, and now, why you should.

Notes

Hey my dears!
Thanks for the responses to Got7 Short Stories… I have no idea why but it seems the readership for the fanfics aren’t very much! *cries* Your likes and reblogs, and follows motivate me to write more and I enjoy reading the comments of the stories. So please help to grow the reach of Gotstory!