Johnny always has a sheepish smile hanging on his face that Haechan thinks comes with an abundance of confidence. To be fair, he deserves to be that smug about his existence when he owns so many acres of land and has so much respect from other noblemen. Even his master has always been a bit antsy preparing himself to meet the tall, big man. Mark is never one to be easy to read but Haechan could always tell he is nervous, which is a rare sight to see when his foot seems to be tapping without rhythm. 

And Taeil, oh Taeil. Just thinking about him makes his nauseous self feels all type of weird way. He and the younger count always come attached, in a package. In a way, he has always secretly admired how the man carries himself so effortlessly yet effectively. He doesn't need a facade, doesn't need to be big or tall, or showcase his wealth, that's a job for Johnny to deal and all he does is just...radiate. The man always never makes you feel distanced but always a bit hard to breathe. They say it all the time, willow are weak but they bind woods. That's what Haechan feel fascinated by, yet he can never learn, because he has, is and will always be yearning for the attention of the only man he has ever cared about.

"Oh my young Lee, dear friend, it's always a pleasure to see you. You have grown so much more into your figure", Johnny said with a big smile, but the smile is not sincerely enough to convince him the older is mocking his master.

They're all in the living room, the seats are big but Haechan has insisted, even to Mark's dismay that he could be standing behind him, just like the good pup he is. He didn't say the last part, having the Suh counts here have already frustrated Mark out enough.

"I have always been myself, thank you Johnny. And one thing I have always been also is respectful of one's property. I cannot say that I am not taken back by the visitation without firsthand regard from your butler", Mark's voice is groggy.

"Well, I supposed I should inform first but, funnily enough, I came here by the invitation of a fellow Lee heir. Isn't that right, Doyoung?", Taeil tips his teacup, "And if Doyoung insisted, who am I to ever deny such a request"

"Doyoung is no longer a Lee heir. He is just the ordinary Jung court", Mark rolls his eyes, "He got his piece and bit some more"

"Don't you dare say that!", Doyoung snaps, "I'm always a Lee heir at heart. I am the oldest son of this family, just because I let you drive the front seat, it does not equivalent to my ownership of that car!"

"Jeez, didn't know drama is served as an appetizer today", Johnny clicks his tongue, "Isn't that right 0606?"

 Suddenly addressed into the conversation, Haechan's eyes were blown wide. They have only met a handful of times before, why does Johnny talk to him now? 

"I don't see you sitting next to your dear master today, is there a problem in paradise perhaps?", Johnny's quirk is not welcomed because as soon as the words come out of his mouth, Haechan knows Mark is so furious.

"How I deal with my people is my business Suh. I would appreciate it much more if you get to your point and get out. We have many problems at hand to solve, entertaining you is, fortunately, not on the list"

"You're not fun anymore Mark. You were much cuter when you were younger", Taeil cocks his head. "Well, you were less bit of a bore after you get 0606, but you're grumpy again today"

 Mark sighs, closes his eyes and rubs them with his thumb and pointer finger. He's stressed. His master is stressed because of him yet he has not been called to soothe him. Haechan is just itching to be called, for Mark to rub his hand on his nape as always, pressure added and all. But, Mark is so upset with him that he has been looking down and him and scrutinising his existence for the last few days that it makes him feel his heart could break into a million pieces every moment he is not getting any attention or acknowledgement from the older. 

"Well, I do plan to make Mark feels freshened up", Doyoung takes a sip from his tea, a polite smile on his face as he tips the cup to Johnny.

 And everything falls into place. Haechan gets it now.

"I don't despise my master, I want him, I would never leave him unless he tells me to"

"Get rid of him"

 "He is worthless now"

"He will be leaving soon Mark, take your time and admire him as much as you could!"

No. No. No. No. No.

Everyone in the room is looking at him. He knows it. He sees it. Everyone except Mark. This is a spread buffet, and the main course is his master and him, by the way, Mark is still refusing to pull his hand down.

They know he is smart enough to know what shenanigans is going on, and they're all waiting for him to take his cue. Haechan gulps.

 Does he wants to be 0606 or does he wants to be Haechan forever? Haechan feels like there's a lump in his throat that he cannot swallow down. If he follows Doyoung's order, who will he become?

 And if he does stay with his master, will he ever be a being? Will he ever truly be Mark's?

Think, Donghyuck.

 Think.

"Haechan, I'd like you to think for not only yourself but also the future of the Lees", Doyoung taps the teacup.

Right. The future of the Lees, whom he serves. He lives and breaths and exists solely for the Lees, for the one and only that represents it, he lives for Mark. He is nothing without his superior.

"Master, would you like me to leave or stay?"

Mark stands up abruptly, his cane hitting the floor as he takes a look around the room, stern as always and then his eyes stop at him, making him feel so more, so tiny like he's supposed to be forever under Mark's embrace like that's exactly where he belongs. 

"As I stated Haechan, I do not want your existence to linger around this mansion no more"

And his world crumbles.