Mark’s grin flickered, playful but a little wounded. “You really thought I was like that? That hurts.”

Donghyuck rolled his eyes, arms crossed but the corner of his mouth twitching upward. “Well, I’m sorry, but hot people are usually like that.”

Mark raised a brow, smirking. “You think I’m hot? Thank you, Hyuck. You’re very beautiful yourself.”

Hyuck flipped an imaginary strand of hair, a confident smile lighting up his face. “Stop that—I know I’m beautiful.”

Mark chuckled softly, but then grew a little serious. “But for real…”

Hyuck shrugged, eyes glinting mischievously. “Well, you’re on the basketball team, can sing and dance, you’re super good-looking and the principal’s son. Who wouldn’t think you’re some cocky flirt who bullies anyone not on your level?”

Mark’s smile softened, his gaze steady. “I never liked attention that much. I value everyone because everyone has a purpose in life. Why would I be the one to ruin it, when I should set a good example for my father?”

Hyuck nodded slowly, a softer note in his voice. “Must be tough… being the son of a school principal.”

Mark sighed, running a hand through his hair. “It is. It’s hard keeping straight A’s, perfect attendance, perfect attitude... but if I want a good future, I have to try.”

Hyuck’s eyes sparkled with admiration. “You’re amazing, you know that?”

Mark shrugged, cheeks tinged pink. “I wouldn’t say amazing… lucky, maybe?”

Hyuck laughed, shaking his head. “I’d be dead if I had to keep perfect grades and attitude. My grades barely scrape Cs and I have to study my ass off.”

Mark smirked. “Want me to tutor you?”

Hyuck snorted, nearly choking on his juice. “That’s so Wattpad.”

“What’s that?” Mark asked, genuinely confused.

“It’s a site where people write fanfiction. One of the popular plots is a student struggling with grades who gets help from a cute guy—and they fall in love.”

Mark’s grin grew wider. “Well, I wouldn’t mind that.”

Hyuck’s eyes went wide, and he laughed, nearly spitting juice again. “Wait, so you actually like me? Like, me—me?”

Mark leaned in, voice dropping to a shy whisper. “Is that so hard to believe? You’re always cheerful, funny, and full of life. It’s really nice seeing you smile… sometimes I want to be the reason behind that smile.”

Donghyuck’s lips stretched into one of the biggest smiles he’d ever worn, cheeks flushing a deep red.

Mark looked at him with shy triumph. “Ah… I did it.”

Hyuck giggled, warmth spreading through his chest. “I’m really glad I got to know you better, Mark. You’re actually really sweet. And, if you want… maybe we can do this again?”

Mark’s smile lit up the room. “Make Star Cafe our official date spot?”

Hyuck nodded, eyes sparkling. “That, and… well, just go on dates.”

The older male’s grin widened, heart fluttering at the words.

Hyuck’s smile softened. “Thanks for helping me take my mind off Leo… I had a lot of fun.”

Mark’s voice lowered, earnest. “Let’s not say goodbye yet.”

Hyuck glanced at the clock. “It’s already 7 PM…”

Mark rubbed his neck, eyes hopeful. “I wanted to walk you home… if that’s okay.”

Hyuck nodded, warmth blooming. “I’d like that.”

“Okay, let’s go.”

---

Later, Mark approached the seated Donghyuck, smiling down at him with genuine fondness.

“Hey there.”

“Hi.” Hyuck returned the smile, standing to wrap Mark in a warm hug.

Mark grinned, eyes crinkling. “You look amazing.”

Hyuck struck a pose, flipping his imaginary hair again. “Stop that—I know I’m beautiful.” He giggled, recalling their first date.

Mark sighed dramatically, then chuckled. “Nothing’s changed.”

Hyuck nearly toppled over laughing.

“I forgot how amazing your laugh is… music to my ears.”

Mark teased, “My laugh can’t be that good. You’re a music teacher—you should be strict about that kind of thing.”

Hyuck played along with a mock bow. “Right, sorry Mister Lee. It is a true masterpiece and the only thing that got me through high school.”

Mark’s eyes softened. “I really missed your laugh. You, in general.”

Hyuck smiled, teasing. “Well, whose problem is that?”

“Oh, c’mon. I actually tried, okay?”

“Really? Did you tell your daddy your love for me is everlasting?”

Mark smirked. “I did.”

Hyuck grinned. “And how’d that work out for you?”

“If you weren’t this darn cute, I’d hit you.”

“You can only hit on me, which you already succeeded at, anyway.”

“That’s good. No false hope then.”

“Nope, you don’t.”

They shared a look—smiles soft and eyes sparkling—two souls slowly weaving together under Seoul’s fading light.