Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Jinyoung is pissed to the core. The whole day was a disaster. Every single person he met today was at least impolite to him, if not outright rude. The painter he had to interview today was conceited and acted nothing but bitchy during the whole meeting. There wasn't a moment he didn't want to throw her off a cliff. Still he gave everything to be professional and treat her kindly and with respect. But she arrived two hours late to the arranged meeting and that resulted in him missing his flight from Tokyo back home to Seoul. The taxi driver didn’t know the correct direction to the airport, booking another flight for today was a nightmare plus pretty expensive, and the overpriced sandwich he purchased at the snack bar (from a very annoyed-looking staff) tasted like something rotted between slices of dry bread.

Now that he finally is sitting in his seat on a plane which would bring him home, he feels completely emotionally drained. Jinyoung would prefer to shut the rest of the world out, if possible. The only tiny ray of hope is the window seat he's currently occupying. He likes to look outside during flights. It always gives him a little sliver of peace and elicits a feeling of freedom in him, which he usually misses in his everyday life. Another advantage of this seat of course is that he doesn't necessarily have to talk to anybody. He wouldn't need to stand up to let another person pass and nobody would ask him to get something from the hand-luggage compartment for them. And luck seems on his side from now on, since the middle seat next to him is still vacant a couple of minutes before the departure time. Just two and a half hours of peace and freedom are lying ahead of him.

He is almost ready to let his mind and body slip in a much desired state of relaxation as he hears the cooing voice of one of the flight attendants. Jinyoung looks up and watches as the source of the voice personally escorts a blonde guy, talking to him in an overly sweet voice and making heart eyes at him. And the worst thing happens, they both come to a halt at Jinyoung's seat row. The flight attendant takes the hand-luggage from the guy to store it away and wishes him a “superb flight”. The blonde guy maneuvers himself right to the seat next to Jinyoung and lets himself plop down. It costs all of his willpower to suppress an annoyed groan. There goes his elbowroom. But he tries not to be too bugged by it. His window seat and his peace and freedom can't be taken from him. The plane takes off as scheduled and after the first, always a little exciting, minutes of the ride, Jinyoung feels the welcomed haziness setting in.

This state unfortunately doesn't remain for long. Only a few minutes later terrible noises are invading his ears. The analysis doesn't take long, seems like blonde-middle-seat-guy is listening to something that few people would describe as music, way too loud. And this is enough to make Jinyoung lose it. Nobody is supposed to annoy him here and now but this reckless person next to him is accomplishing exactly this! Jinyoung is wildly tapping on the other's shoulder. At least blonde-middle-seat-guy is reacting immediately and takes off the earphones to look with wide, brown doe eyes at him. Jinyoung's facial expression probably looks like he wants to blow up the whole plane, nevertheless blonde-middle-seat-guy is sporting a small smile and quietly says “Hi”.

“You're disturbing me. Don't you realize that the volume you listen to this horrible, music-like disaster is brain-melting? It's freaking annoying. Probably even the people back in Tokyo can hear this sound-catastrophe coming from your earphones. Damn, show some consideration for others!” Jinyoung rants.

But blonde-middle-seat-guy only tilts his head a little and continues to look at Jinyoung. For a short moment the thought that the other guy maybe doesn't understand him hits his mind. He tries to gather some proper Japanese words, but then the other eventually replies. “You know, it would have been enough to just tell me that it's too loud. I would have understood even without the hate speech,” the guy smirks. Jinyoung is speechless for a few moments.

Honestly??? He's annoying everyone here and still has the audacity to criticize ME???

Jinyoung gasps for air until he gets out a scandalized, “Excuse me?”

“Yeah, no problem. I excuse you. I gladly turn down the volume for you,” the other casually says and puts on his earphones again, now without undefinable sounds coming from them. He still observes Jinyoung, but Jinyoung is flustered and enraged because of the current situation, and now he can't even reply because the other one can't hear him anymore. He doesn't know how to react. Eventually he huffs loudly, crosses his arms in front of his chest and turns back to the window. But he can't enjoy the view any longer and every chance for resting is gone. He is boiling inside.

How can a person be as impertinent as this guy?! How do I deserve such bad luck anyway?!

The next hour Jinyoung is mulling over everything, silently fuming.

That is until he notices the 'fasten seat belt sign' flashing above him. A little confused, he looks around but then realizes the slight shaking of the plane. Well, turbulence are a common event during a flight. But the shaking is increasing pretty quickly to a point he never experienced it before. He tries to detect anything outside but it was dark by now and there wasn't much to see for him. The stronger the turbulence gets the louder the murmuring of the passengers becomes. Jinyoung feels sick. He doesn't know what's going on, there is no announcement or any kind of information the crew usually would provide. He feels his hands clawing into the armrests, his back presses as much into the seat as possible. His whole body is rigid and he feels sweaty. Some passengers are noticeably panicking already and that doesn't do any good for his current state. He closes his eyes and silently prays, while the shaking still gets stronger.

A calm deep voice suddenly reaches his ear. So calm, it doesn't really fit the situation. “I'm sure it's nothing much,” the deep voice murmurs. Jinyoung opens his eyes and turns his head, finding that his outrageous seatmate is currently looking at him with a composed expression, earphones gone. Jinyoung doesn't reply. What is he supposed to say to this anyway?! The plane was shaking like a kid would shake its birthday gift before unwrapping it. And the stranger next to him claims it's nothing much?!

Why is this guy so calm?! Is he on drugs?

Blonde-middle-seat-guy chooses to continue, “I always watch the crew in these situations. If they are calm, there's nothing to fear.” Right then a stewardess is practically sprinting down the aisle and the gazes of both guys are following her. Jinyoung's eyes snap back to the blonde guy to scowl at him. He catches Jinyoung's gaze, sucks in some air and bites on his lower lip, finally with a hint of uneasiness.

The next moment a particularly strong vibration shakes the plane and the lights go off. People are right out screaming and praying all around Jinyoung by now. The next thing he knows is the lights are back on and he is hugging the arm of his seatmate, his head tightly secured on the other's shoulder. Jinyoung feels the other's eyes on him but by now he doesn't care anymore. He needs something or someone to hold on to in all this madness. And this guy is available so he has to deal with it. Jinyoung has his eyes squeezed shut as he suddenly feels a hand remove one of his own hands from the stranger's arm. One warm and strong hand squeezes his reassuringly, the thumb carefully caressing it. “It's fine, it's fine, everything will be fine...shhhhh,” the gentle deep voice reaches his ear. And indeed it works to calm Jinyoung down a tiny bit. He probably had squeezed the other's arm so much that no blood is flowing anymore but he just can't detach himself. This is the only thing that keeps him sane right now and there's no way he can let go of that. He focuses entirely on the soothing voice and the soft, reassuring touch.

After what felt like hours, Jinyoung notices a change in that voice, no longer that gentle but laced with concern. The hand was gone from his hand, too and instead he feels a light tapping. Jinyoung slowly opens his eyes and tries to get used to the sudden brightness again.

“Hey, are you alright?” Jinyoung detaches his head from the stranger's shoulder and looks up, directly into beautiful doe eyes. He blinks up at them, staring into brown, endless deepness. He finally catches up with reality and after a few seconds of confusion, Jinyoung realizes that the plane is no longer shaking and people are no longer screaming and panicking.

Jinyoung quickly lets go of the blonde's arm and presses himself into his own seat. He fixes his eyes on the headrest in front of him. There must be a blush by now, at least his face feels like it's burning. Stammering he asks, “I-is it over?”

“Yes, there was even an announcement in case you didn't...uhm....notice. The crew apologized for the lack of information, but it seems they were surprised as well by the extent of the turbulence,” the deep voice next to him explains.

This is probably the most embarrassing situation he's been in a long time. He was scared to death and he couldn't do anything else than practically jump the stranger next to him and accept his undeserved care, just like that.

Should I say thank you? Would that be appropriate? No..oh god, no, it's already so embarrassing, it will make everything only more awkward. Ugh...

So Jinyoung opts to clear his throat and looks out of the window again. He just murmurs a quiet, “Aaah, I see.” The guy next to him doesn't respond with anything and after a few minutes Jinyoung slightly turns his head to see what he is up to. The blonde guy is currently absorbed in playing a game on his phone, happily tapping away like they didn't just stare death in the face.

The remaining time Jinyoung catches himself again and again sneaking glances at his seatmate. He admires his relaxed demeanor but also the handsome face, which he didn't really notice before due to his bad mood. Perfect skin, pretty eyes, long lashes, high cheekbones and full pink lips make him look almost unbearably attractive. He has pretty hands, too, Jinyoung observes. Pretty, slender, long fingers are currently operating the phone. Jinyoung believes he can spot some remnants of paint on them, but he isn't quite sure about it. Anyway, after his embarrassing performance Jinyoung can cancel the chance to ever chat up the other male. He eliminated every little piece of hope himself and so he just sighs and waits for the flight to end.

After touch down he snatches his hand luggage and quickly makes his way out of the plane. He has to jostle a bit but anything is better than letting his pathetic self remain under the eyes of his hot-blonde-seatmate any longer. Jinyoung still feels his eyes on him as he quickly makes his way past the other passengers.

He is finally home. It's much too late and exhaustion makes his body feel like it weighs a ton. He's just glad he's alive even if he disgraced himself in the process. A small sigh of relief escapes his lips when he finally slips under the covers of his comfortable bed. One last time the pretty doe eyes flash before his eyes. Then he quickly drifts off to sleep.

XXX

Jinyoung only had a few hours of blissful sleep. Even if he worked several hours overtime yesterday, it surely doesn't mean he can slack off today. So he found himself inside the office on the way to his cubicle as usual. He plops down into his swivel chair and not a second later his best friend and cubicle neighbor Jackson rolls over to him. “Hey pretty, how was your trip to Japan?” he cheerfully asks.

“Rough to say the least. The painter I interviewed was a total bitch. All her answers to my questions were haughty, just snobbish jabbering. I really don't know how I can pull it off to turn it into something mildly interesting,” he sighs and slumps deeper into his chair.

“Uuuhhh, my pretty puppy, don't despair yet. Up until now you always managed to do the trick,” he happily comments and roughly pats Jinyoung's head.

“Still the boss is always yelling at me. So in the end it probably doesn't matter anyway, I guess,” Jinyoung scoffs.

“He's a mean old man and basically yells at everyone. Don't take it to heart.”

“Well he doesn't yell at you. Ever,” Jinyoung says dryly and raises an eyebrow.

“I correct, he's a mean BIASED old man.” Jackson shrugs. “But you know my time will eventually come,” his friend predicts in the most meaningful tone of voice.

“Like all the others, you have to pay the price one day. Eventually he will try to set you up with his daughter,” Jinyoung grins.

“It could be Cinderella, a whole visual with the best personality and a beautiful singing voice, able to communicate with little birds and squirrels and stuff, but with a father like that I wouldn't even go near her,” he scoffs.

“But what will you do, if he takes action and actually makes you meet her?”

“I'll do what I always do in situations like this, I pretend I don't understand Korean,” Jackson smiles satisfied.

“He does know you understand him though.”

“Then I'll pretend I suffer from memory loss.” Jinyoung just shakes his head in disbelief. Jackson continues, “Or I tell him I am already married for the past 4 years? Or I say I have to join the Chinese army? I can tell him I am actually a spy and can't attach myself to anyone. Or taking the easiest way out, I tell him I am in love with my gorgeous best friend, Park Jinyoung,” Jackson chuckles.

“Don't selfishly throw me under the bus. I don't want to have anything to do with this and I certainly don't need another reason for him to yell at me,” Jinyoung warns, frowning as much as his face lets him without breaking.

“We will see,” Jackson singsongs.

Suddenly Jinyoung thinks back to yesterday and to the handsome blonde boy and he can't stop himself as he says, “I met a very pretty boy yesterday.”

Jackson perks up immediately. “Where? What is his name? When is your first date? Tell me tell me tell me!”

“Plane. I don't know. And there is none,” Jinyoung sighs. Jackson's face falls and Jinyoung quickly continues, “I embarrassed myself in front of him to no end. Oh and before that I actually hissed at him because my mood was disastrous. So after my glorious performance I concluded it would be hopeless to try to hit on him last minute,” he explains bitterly and rubs his palms over his face.

“Wow, you fucked up big time.”

“Yeah, thank you for the clarification. What would I do without you?” he dryly asks and ignores Jackson's dramatic expression. “And now I have to get to work to write this stupid ass interview.” Jinyoung opens his bag, which he had placed on the desk in front of him. But what he finds inside aren't his expected working materials. “W-W-What is this?”

Jackson immediately attaches himself to Jinyoung and stares together with him into the questioned bag. “Not yours?”

“N-No!” He digs through several sketch pads and pencil sets inside. “Oh no, this can't be true. I probably grabbed the wrong bag on the plane.” He lets his face disappear behind his palms again.

“Here's an address sticker,” Jackson mentions and pokes at something inside the bag. Jinyoung quickly observes it. “Okay, I have to go there and swap the bags.”

“What? Now?”

“Of course now. I need to get my stuff to work.”

“But you also need to be present at work. What if mean old man notices that you're gone?”

“I guess you have to lie for me then. After all you're super good at that.” Jinyoung pats his best friend's back, snatches the bag and leaves quickly.

XXX

Even if the circumstances are unlucky, Jinyoung is still glad he doesn't have to travel far to reach the address. He stands in front of the respective door in a broad and bright street. Oddly this street calms him down. Yes, he is stressed and he has enough reason to be annoyed but when he looks around, Jinyoung actually feels nothing but peace. It's a quiet neighborhood. Everything looks clean and tidy. The sun engulfs everything and Jinyoung feels the pleasant warmth on his face. He closes his eyes and stands still for awhile. Then he remembers his initial mission and with a sigh rings the doorbell.

A minute later the door swings open and Jinyoung's eyes widen. In front of him stands blonde-middle-seat-guy. And if possible he looks even more gorgeous than he did the day before. He stares back at Jinyoung, both bathing in bright sunlight. Jinyoung can't stop gaping at the boy. Light blue, ripped skinny jeans look amazing on him. He wears a white t-shirt which is too big for him and reveals his flawless collarbones. Different colors are smudged all over the whiteness of the material of his shirt. His blonde hair, a little messy but amazing, catches the sunlight in a way that makes Jinyoung breathless. This boy looks like an angel.

“Hey, grumpy prince,” the pretty boy smiles adorably. So adorable that Jinyoung almost misses what he says, only almost.

“W-What... what grumpy prince?” he asks confused.

“You are the grumpy prince who was on the flight with me yesterday, right? I remember that handsome face,” he says with a slight chuckle and Jinyoung wonders if he is able to survive this attack on so many of his senses at the same time. The chuckle sounds sweet and the smile gets brighter and reveals more of his beautiful teeth. Jinyoung is too astonished to answer so the other continues. “Did you miss me so much that you came to visit me at home? How did you even know where to look for me?” he asks, still grinning.

“I...ohh...uuhm...this!” Jinyoung stammers eloquently and raises the bag in front of him. “I think it's yours. And I really hope you have mine.”

For the first time the smile on the other boy's face gets replaced with an expression of confusion. “Oh, you mean we accidentally took the wrong bags with us?” The blonde angel tilts his head a little and Jinyoung questions if it's normal that his heart beats faster just from this tiny, adorable gesture.

“You didn't check your bag?” investigates Jinyoung. He tries his best to respond without a two minute delay now.

“No, not yet. But I will do now. Please come in.” He makes way for Jinyoung to step in and closes the door behind him. Jinyoung glances around. He probably shouldn't be as surprised as he is, when he sees a studio, high ceiling, large windows, canvases everywhere, big shelves full of different colors. The inrushing sunlight makes it all look almost unreal.

“You like it?” the blonde beauty next to him snickers and Jinyoung notices that he is very impolitely gaping at his surroundings. “You are a painter!” he exclaims and is finally able to tear his eyes away from the interior to look back at the other guy. But that only leads back to the initial thought in Jinyoung's mind.

Wow...he is dazzling.

“That's very true,” he smiles. “Would you like something to drink? Want to sit down a bit while I go and fetch your bag?”

“Uhm...would it be a problem, if I take a look at your works over there?” Jinyoung asks a little unsure. He doesn't want to come off as rude (even if the nickname “grumpy prince” indicates that it's too late for this cautiousness) but he spotted some interesting canvases and even from where he stands in the entryway they already look impressive.

“No problem at all. Look all you want. I'm back in a bit.” The blonde boy takes the stairs, which probably lead to the living area. Jinyoung makes his way over to the art works. And what he sees hits him like a tank. Most of the pieces are portraits but not typical portraits. Every face on their respective canvas has a prominent distinct emotion. The emotions are so well-elaborated that Jinyoung can’t take his eyes away. One painting in particular, a portrait of a girl looking over her shoulder, fascinates him.

“Do you like her? It's Sad Girl,” the deep voice way too close to him snaps him out of his daze. He flinches a little and turns his head to look back at blonde-angel-boy right beside him.

“I-It's beautiful. Unbelievably beautiful. And Sad Girl, yes....that's very suitable,” Jinyoung murmurs and pins his gaze back to the portrait. “She looks so hurt. There's so much pain in her eyes that it makes me want to cry on her behalf. Like whatever is going on in her mind, whatever happened to her is so tragic that everything is bound to be sorrowful from this point on. The emotion on her face is so strong that it sweeps you off your feet and engulfs you completely.”

He feels the stare of the blonde boy and turns to search his eyes again. “Well, thank you.”

Yep, his stunned face looks beautiful as well.

“You're welcome. It's...it's just really awesome.”

“I know.”

“Well, someone isn't humble at all,” Jinyoung comments with raised brows.

The painter chuckles sweetly. “As an artist there isn't any good in being too humble, at least when it comes to skills. You need to believe in your own talent and ability. Because if you don't, how can you expect other people to believe in it?”

“Well, you have a point there, I guess,” Jinyoung smiles softly. “What's your name?”

“I'm Mark. And you are?”

“Mark who?”

“Uhm...Mark Tuan.”

“That's strange. You're not listed. How the heck has someone with skills like this gone unnoticed by us?” Jinyoung murmurs more to himself than to the other.

“I have absolutely no idea what you are talking about and unfortunately I still don't know your name,” Mark says and Jinyoung catches the slight frown on his face.

“Oh, sorry. It's Jinyoung. My name is Park Jinyoung. Nice to meet you.” Jinyoung tries to make up for his lacking manners by smiling as brightly as possible. And that brings back the sunshine on Mark's face, too.

“It's indeed nice to meet again without being scared to death,” he smiles.

Riiiight...there was that.

“Yeah, that...uhm...yesterday, I am very sorry. I behaved like a rude brat. I just had the worst day and was in a freaking bad mood. This isn't an excuse for my behavior of course. And still you were so kind to calm me down in the middle of this turmoil. So thank you so much and..please forgive me?” Jinyoung asks ruefully.

He hears the blonde-angel-boy laughing his cute angel laugh again. “You're very welcome and you shall be forgiven.”

“Oh, being a poet on top of being a painter,” Jinyoung smirks.

“No, really not. Being a painter is enough for me.”

“And what a great painter you are,” Jinyoung praises and he thinks he sees a slight blush on Mark's face. It's definitely worth a special entry in his diary:

Dear diary, today I made an angel blush. Is this a miracle or a sin?

Nevertheless he quickly gathers his senses and asks, “So this is Sad Girl. And this is?” Jinyoung points to a canvas with an amiable looking elder on it.

“This is my grandpa.”

“Really?” Jinyoung can't tell if Mark makes fun of him right now or if he tells the plain truth.

“Yep.” Jinyoung searches the other's face and finds proudness and reassurance and another beautiful smile on it.

He nods slightly and turns back to the canvas. While looking at Sad Girl made him almost cry in despair, this painting does the absolute opposite to him. The old man radiates such friendliness and sympathy, it makes Jinyoung feel at ease immediately. “This is the epitome of positivity,” he marvels.

“Great, exactly what I was going for.” Another grin from blonde-angel-boy.

God, this boy has a name, your head should learn how to use it!

“Okay, honestly. This is so stunning. Every painting I see here is amazing.”

“Thanks.”

“You only paint people?”

“Almost, yes,” he hesitates slightly. “I only want to capture liveliness. A certain kind of energy. Unmoving, dead things aren't my style.”

“What about animals?”

Blonde-ang- MARK, seems to flinch the slightest bit. He then rubs the back of his neck with one hand. “Animals are kind of an exception.”

“But they are lively and funny and stuff, aren't they?”

“Indeed. A little bit too much, if you ask me,” Mark says with a sheepish smile. “You see, animals doesn't listen to instructions very good. And I, when I paint, have a certain vision in my mind before I start. But for example, a cat will most likely end up licking its butt and not give a flying fuck about my vision. That’s not an image I think I can elicit emotions with, which is what I’m usually going for.” Mark makes a face and Jinyoung can't hold back his laughter as the image of a desperate Mark, who's trying to scold an indifferent cat, pops up in his head.

“Okay, understood,” Jinyoung snickers. “But what about them?” He points to a painting of three toddlers, enjoying themselves in a sand box. “Did they listen very well?”

“Oh it's different with kids. Kids are just carefree and happy and energetic. That's mostly what I am going for, when I decide to paint them. So they don't need any instructions to show these qualities.”

“You sure make your own rules.”

“I'm sure allowed to do that,” Mark smirks.

Jinyoung shrugs. “Was just stating facts here.” And that earns him another smile. “You need to come with me.” Now Jinyoung has done everything to bring back the confusion on the other's face.

“Pardon? Where to?”

“Oh wait....let me start anew. My name is Park Jinyoung and I work for a lifestyle magazine. A very successful one, I'd like to add. It's called “HIGHER”. You might have heard about it.” He doesn't see any recognition on the other's face. Before the panic bubbles up in him, he quickly decides to go on. “It's the best selling magazine in South Korea these past 5 months. Anyway, we currently have a series going on. In every issue we publish an article about a talented artist, painters to be precise. We introduce their works and their motivation and inspiration and also have an interview with the respective artist. And after what I saw here, I think you definitely have to be part of this series.” Jinyoung honestly expected his statement to have a greater impact. But Mark doesn't respond. He just seems to mull over it in his head, his face wearing a slight frown.

Jinyoung knows he has more convincing to do. “You see, it would be a win for both sides. We would have the pleasure to release an article about a fantastic painter and your works would receive more exposure to the general public.” Jinyoung tries his best to sound enthusiastic but Mark looks rather amused at him.

When he still doesn't respond, Jinyoung gets more and more unsure. “Uhm...soooo?” Jinyoung smiles. He knows it must look desperate but he can't manage anything else now. If he would be able to bring such a talent into the magazine, it would be his greatest success for sure. And it would probably get his nagging boss off his back for awhile.

“Okay, you're still hesitating. But I can convince you. You just-”

“Beg for it!” Mark suddenly demands. His face is sporting a smirk and he slowly crosses his arms in front of his chest.

Jinyoung needs a minute to comprehend what he said. “E-Excuse me?” Jinyoung asks incredulously.

“Beg for it and I might agree.”

What the heck is happening? Where's the angel?

Jinyoung really wants to write this article so he quickly decides to do what he has to do. He clasps his hands together in front of him and tries to bring out his most puppyish expression. “It would mean a lot to me personally as well as it would contribute to the ongoing success of the magazine. I would be very grateful to you so...uhm...p-pretty, please?”

And that's it. Mark bursts out laughing a high-pitched and breathless laughter. He even has to support himself with his hands on his knees in order not to topple over. Jinyoung stands there, trying to understand what is going on, while the other seems to have the time of his life. After calming down, Mark finally cares to explain.

Still chuckling a little, he says, “I'm so sorry, it was a stupid joke. I didn't know you'd really beg.”

Jinyoung is so done with him. A death glare possesses his face as he hisses, “What the heck! I have a very serious request and you're just making fun of me?”

“Oh no, grumpy prince is back. I'm sorry. I am really sorry. Please forgive me.” He is still trying to catch his breath and his stupid smile is still very prominent.

Well it's still a gorgeous smile but I just have to think of him as stupid. It's a pride thing.

“Hmpf!”

“I am really very honestly sorry, okay?”

Damn, must he look so cute?

“And of course I will agree. I would have agreed before, but now I think I kind of owe it to you.”

“You do?” Jinyoung is a little dumbfounded now. Another twist he didn't expect.

Mark nods in an optimistic manner, looking like a cute deer. “But why do I have to come with you?”

He is tilting his head in this adorable way again. Why?! He's so cute I'M MELTING!

“You see, all the artists get pre-selected. To bring in someone new might be a bit difficult now. So my plan is to introduce you to my boss and show him some of your works. I assume he then will understand that it is essential for us to include you.”

Again Mark is nodding. “So, you're coming?” Jinyoung tries to incite.

“Yes, sounds fun,” the blonde grins. “So should we take Sad Girl and my gramps with us?”

Relief floods Jinyoung's system. He didn't expect to be blessed with this level of cooperation after the painter reacted so cautiously at first. Now Jinyoung has all the reasons to be pleased and let that mood slip in a bright smile as well. “That would actually be great.”

He helps Mark to wrap up the canvases and slip them carefully in a special transport bag. Jinyoung almost can't stand still. He's highly motivated to finally get going. But Mark stops him. “I can't leave like this.”

“What do you mean?”

Mark smirks. “I should at least wear a clean t-shirt, when going out, don't you think?”

Jinyoung tries to come up with a reply but all of his attempts get blown into pieces as the other casually takes off his color stained shirt and throws it on a chair.

Breathe, Jinyoung! Breathe! He doesn't look that great. Despite...he really looks FREAKING AWESOME.

Mark wanders around in search for a shirt, completely oblivious to the fact that Jinyoung almost suffers a heart attack. Jinyoung yells inwardly, yells at himself to look away. But he simply can't. It seems Mark has the exact same effect on him as his paintings have. Mark is slim. His waist is comparatively slender, his strong looking chest and shoulders forming a nice contrast to it. Chest and abs are visibly defined as well as his upper arms. Mark's skin looks smooth and flawless in the sunlit room. It costs all of Jinyoung's willpower to stay put. Because all of his instincts are telling him to march over to the other male and to drag his hands and his lips all over the exposed skin. His thoughts get interrupted when the painter finally finds another, obviously proved to be good enough, dark blue t-shirt and slips it over his head.

“Uhm...Jinyoung? You alright?” Mark looks unsure and slightly concerned at Jinyoung. And Jinyoung decides that he has to get himself together before he embarrasses himself yet another time.

Calm down, P(ervert)ark Jinyoung!

“YES,” he unintentionally yells. He inner facepalms as he notices how Mark slightly flinches.

What was the plan with the no additional embarrassment?

He sighs, absolutely done with himself. “Yes,” he says a lot more softly. “Can we leave now?” He turns around and is almost ready to grab the doorknob when Mark speaks up again.

“Jinyoung?”

He turns around and raises his brows in question. “Hmm?”

“How about taking your bag with you?” Mark suggests with a smirk.

“Oh yeah, right.” He marches back to the display of canvases where he had dropped it a while ago. He snatches it up quickly and is halfway back to the door when he hears the angel chuckle again.

“Jinyoung?” He turns around again, a little irritated about the recurrent delay. “I mean your bag. No nation's being saved by taking mine with you again, right?” Mark points at the bag in his hand and his smirk turns into a full blown grin. Jinyoung hides his face behind his free palm.

STOP. EMBARRASSING. YOURSELF. NOW!

He makes his way over to Mark and swaps the bags, a sheepish smile on his face. Mark seems to have the time of his life, still laughing about Jinyoung's performance of idiocy, as he grabs the bag with the paintings and walks over to the door. “I guess now we're good to go.”

XXX

Jinyoung maneuvers Mark into his office. He's lucky, Jackson isn't located at his desk. “You can sit here while I have to prepare some things,” he suggests and offers him his own swivel chair.

“No, it's fine. If you need help, I would be glad to assist.”

“Jinyoungiiiiiieee, you're back.” Jinyoung turns around and sees Jackson coming down the corridor. He moves swiftly to meet him before he arrives by their cubicles. “Hey Jacks,” he says rather loudly as he meets him in the corridor. He quickly whispers into the other's ear. “Over there, this is the cute guy I met on the plane yesterday. Turns out he had my bag and is a freaking good painter.” He catches a glimpse of Jackson's stunned expression but is quick to lead him to their cubicles, where Mark is waiting. “Jackson, meet Mark Tuan, a talented painter, who I want to feature in our series. Mark, this is Jackson, my colleague and friend.” They greet each other and shake hands.

“Well actually I am a little more than a friend. I am his best friend, the light of Jinyoung's life, his happy pill, his source of wisdom, Jackson Wang,” the blonde boy says with a charming smile.

“It's not true at all. Please ignore him,” Jinyoung comments dryly and he loves to listen to Mark's soft chuckling again. “I have to find mean old man, you know where he is?” he addresses Jackson.

“No, but Kyungha should know.”

“Alright, I'll go find her and be back in a minute,” Jinyoung ensures and starts to make his way down the corridor. He can still hear Jackson talking to Mark. “You see, he says it's not true but I tell you, I am really the light of his li-”

Jinyoung turns around while he walks and yells, “HE'S NOT! DON'T BELIEVE ANYTHING HE SAYS! HE'S MENTALLY INCOMPETENT.” And while he turns around again he hears Mark's loud, high-pitched laughter and Jinyoung just can't suppress his smile.

He made quick work of finding Kyungha and asking her to bring their boss over.

When he comes back to his cubicle he can see both guys talking to each other animatedly. Yes, Jackson is his very best friend but when Jinyoung sees Mark smiling at him he can't help but feel a pinch of jealousy.

Calm down, Jinyoung. You know him for less than 24 hours. No reason there to be a bitch.

“Okay,” he announces a little too loud, “Kyungha will bring mean old man and I will set up the meeting room adequately.” He takes the transport bag from Mark and steps into the meeting room right across the corridor. “Wait, I'll help you,” Mark says and follows him. Jackson follows as well but he seems not willing to do anything more than watching.

Jinyoung and Mark are busy, moving chairs and tables. Suddenly Jackson clears his throat. “So Mark, you're pretty hot, aren't you?!” Jinyoung looks up to see surprise and a blush on Mark's face.

Well, that is adorable. But what the fuck, Jackson Wang?

“Uhm, don't know about that,” he answers meekly and scratches the back of his neck.

Jinyoung bursts out laughing. “How is it possible that you have so much confidence in your skills but get insecure about your ridiculously good looks?”

“Y-You think I am good looking?” Mark asks amazed. Jinyoung didn't see the shy side of Mark so far. But he decides that it is cuter than one hundred baby bears.

“Hey, I said it first, okay? It was me. Do you hear me? Am I a ghost?” Jackson makes sure to be extra dramatic.

“Yeah, I hear you, I mean you are sure talking loud enough,” Mark retorts with a straight face.

Okay, shy Mark retreated so confident Mark can kick Jackson's ass. This gets better by the minute.

Jackson is so taken aback, he can only gasp for air, trying to stomach this answer. Jinyoung can't help but slump over one of the tables, laughing.

“How can you laugh?” Jackson asks, still in shock.

“So f-f-f hahaha...so funny.”

Mark watches the whole scene with an amused look on his face but then decides to speak again. “Okay, but honestly Jinyoung, you think I look good?”

Jinyoung rubs his eyes dry, removing small tears of laughter. “Who on this planet wouldn't think that?” Jinyoung smiles at Mark. But Mark quickly avoids his eyes and looks down.

Does he have to blush so adorably again?

“Don't ignore me, you two! I am still here.”

Jinyoung huffs. “Yeah, like we can miss that. It would be nice if you'd help a bit as well, you know? Go and get some coffee, please. I hope that will appease mean old man a little.”

“Since the both of you aren't appreciating my presence enough, I might as well do that.” They watch Jackson stalk out of the room like a petulant kid. And they both snicker in response like little kids as well.

“So what's all the mean old man business about?”

“Oh...yeah, that's the nickname for our boss. But he doesn't know about it...obviously and....uhm...you are actually here for a business matter so you shouldn't know this fact as well. Please forget.”

“I'm in the midst of forgetting...3-2-1- all gone.” Mark smiles his cute ass smile and Jinyoung is almost melting.

“Dork,” Jinyoung grins.

“Jinyoungie, mean old man will be here in five.” Jinyoung looks up to see Kyungha standing in the doorframe. “Thanks, Kyungha. I think we will be ready then.” She nods in confirmation. Her eyes only then seem to register the other person in the room and Jinyoung notices the firework-like sparks in them.

“What the heck, is today the Take-your-model-friend-to-work-Day and nobody told me?” she exclaims dramatically as she scans Mark from head to toe.

He probably already thinks everybody here is crazy. Don't add on to that!

Jinyoung at least wants to try to calm down his spirited coworker a little. “No, actually this is-”

But she is quicker and cuts him off. She takes a few quick steps towards Mark and invades his personal space. “Hi, I am Nam Kyungha, fully employed and single. Nice to meet you,” she uses the full force of her most flirty voice. Mark takes a step back, probably because he, like most people, is a fan of personal space.

“Uhm...hi...I'm Ma-”

Jinyoung steps forward and wedges himself half in front of Mark. “Kyungha, this is Mark Tuan, a painter we plan to include in our interview series. And we are in the middle of preparing a presentation.”

All her playfulness disappears from her face immediately. “You mean....he's here for business...like...he's not your model friend?”

“Nope.”

“Oh.....oh my god, I am so so sorry. Please forgive me,” she pleads and frantically bows repeatedly. Mark seems a little overwhelmed but then swiftly grabs her shoulders to stop her from continuing. “It's fine. It's fine. No big deal. You basically just complimented me so who would feel offended by that?”

Can he not smile this sweetly?

She looks up at him with a pout. “Well, I met a few painters before and some of them were so snobbish, they felt offended just by me breathing the same air as them.”

“Okay, I am not like that. So feel free to breathe all you want,” he snickers.

“Good, I am very relieved then. So...are you single?” she smirks alluringly at Mark. Obviously she regained her playfulness in the blink of an eye.

“Kyungha!” Jinyoung almost yells, by accident.

“Alright, alright, I leave you now and come back after the presentation.”

“Not necessary, really. Just don't come,” Jinyoung says with a straight face.

“Charming, Park. Very charming,” she dryly retorts as she leaves.

He turns back to finish the preparations but from the corner of his eye he notices how she frantically pantomimes to Mark to call her. Jinyoung is DONE with his coworkers. “NAM KYUNGHA!”

“Alright, I am already gone, buzzkill!”

Jinyoung sighs deeply and rubs his eyes.

“Is it always like this here?”

“Yeah, pretty much. It's basically a madhouse.”

“I like your coworkers. They seem so....energetic,” Mark concludes.

“Yeah...something like that.....” He pleadingly hopes this “like” is just a like how one likes flowers or candy or a nice patterned wallpaper. But Jinyoung wonders. After all Jackson and Kyungha are two of the most fetching people he ever met. Jackson is a charming ball of energy, active and obliging and good-natured to the core. Blonde styled hair, a well defined body and a bright smile, which rarely seems to leave his handsome face, make him visually appealing as well. And Kyungha is smart and witty with a bright and entertaining personality. And she is as pretty as if she just fell out of a drama. Her red dyed hair, green contact lenses and stylish clothes are indeed attractive. If Mark would show interest in one of them, Jinyoung wouldn't even think it was weird. But still he silently begs that this wouldn't be the case. Of course these two are his friends and he doesn't want to imagine his life without them but still he saw Mark first. And that has to count for something.

Mark places the paintings on one of the tables so that they are leaning against the wall. Jinyoung grabs a white tablecloth and puts it over the two art pieces.

“Why are you hiding them?” Mark asks puzzled.

“I'm not hiding them.”

“Then why are you dressing them up in a ghost costume?” Jinyoung freezes to look up and search for the other's eyes. When he sees a cheeky grin on Mark's face, a relieved exhale escapes his lips.

“For a second I thought you really meant that,” Jinyoung snickers.

“No, I don't. But I wonder why you're doing that.”

“It's a tactic. He's not supposed to see your paintings right away when he walks in. We will use the moment of surprise so the unbelievable beauty will hit him like a truck.”

Mark looks a little in doubt but then shrugs. “I guess you know what you're doing.”

“Hey fans, here's the coffee,” Jackson announces as he puts down the coffeepot and a few mugs. “It's Wang's special, best coffee in town. Enjoy, my dear boys.” Jackson winks at them and leaves the room.

“Uhm....wasn't he very upset with us just a minute ago?”

“Yep, that's Jackson for you, not really the resentful type.” They both shrug and it's almost funny to Jinyoung how Mark accepts all of this maniac behavior of the people here just like that.

“Oh, he comes,” Jinyoung whispers when he spots his boss coming down the corridor.

“What should I actually do?” whispers the painter back at him.

“Not much really. Let me do the talking and you can be just your amazing painter-self. And it would be nice, if you'd act kind of enthusiastic over the prospect of being featured in the magazine.” Jinyoung gives him one last reassuring smile before his boss enters the room and closes the door behind him.

“So what's up, Park? Ordering me here must have a good reason, I hope?” he grunts, a piercing stare directed at his employee.

“Yes, I found this young man here. This is Mark Tuan, a talented painter and I would love to include him in our artist interview series.” Jinyoung gestures towards Mark. He can see the old man's stare getting softer and even his eyes widen as his gaze wanders to the young painter.

His boss decides to speak. “Nice to meet you. Are you single?”

And right in that moment Jinyoung wishes to be swallowed by a big black hole so he never has to face such embarrassment in his life again.

His boss is just as unique/outrageous as some of the other employees. But he's the boss so he can do whatever he wants and he happily takes advantage of that. Jinyoung is glad for Mark's calm demeanor. He seems to accept his boss' impossible behavior as easily as everything else. Mark also is skillful to dodge the answer to the question Jinyoung's boss decided to initiate the conversation with. Jinyoung is quick to take up the thread and lead the talk to the presentation he has in mind. Surprisingly his boss doesn't seem to hate what he's saying. He also obviously is very fond of Mark and as Jinyoung lifts the tablecloth/ghost costumes and reveals the paintings, it seems to be a full success. Of course his boss is impressed by these art pieces.

“Alright, Mr. Tuan. It was a pleasure to meet you and I am glad we can work together for our series,” his boss says in an unusual honey-voice, while he shakes Mark's hand.

“I am very enthusiastic about this,” Mark smiles.

“Good. Park? Ask Kim Dongyul to get ready for the interview with Mr. Tuan and to contact him with the information for time and place of it.”

Jinyoung's face falls. He found Mark all by himself, he did a very good presentation and now this stupid mean old man wants to rob him of the deserved chance to carry out the interview. But he's speechless. Nothing appropriate comes to his mind.

“Excuse me,” Mark speaks up, voice firm. “I agreed to this interview under the condition that the interview would be conducted by Mr. Park. If this won't be the case then I'm afraid I have to decline.”

Jinyoung whips his head around to stare astonished at Mark, whose eyes are fixed on his boss'.

He really did say that, right? I didn't hear wrong?

Finally Jinyoung's boss seems to give in. “Fine, Mr. Tuan, if this is your wish, we certainly can do it that way. We won't let this new formed bond be broken by a triviality like this,” he smiles mildly and in return gets Mark's angel-smile.

“Very well,” Mark answers.

“Park, I hope you won't mess up this chance. After your last few articles, I am prepared for a disaster but I would be glad to see some good content from you for a change,” his boss snarls.

It was okay if he got yelled at in front of other coworkers. He even got used to it. And after all, almost everyone gets yelled at by their boss from time to time, just some on a more regular basis than others. But to be slandered by him in front of a business client, in front of Mark, is just the worst. And once again, he can't say anything back. He can't tell this jerk that his behavior is not only rude but also highly unprofessional.

“So Park, this is your chance. I want you to take special care of Mr. Tuan. We don't want him to change his mind, right?” He stands up and steps towards the door. “Good day, Mr. Tuan,” he addresses Mark and leaves the meeting room. Jinyoung is frozen to the spot. His brain is still trying to catch up on what just happened. On the edge of his mind he registers Mark shuffling next to him.

“Honestly, you should change to call him mean old fuckhead,” Mark grumbles. “Jinyoung, are you okay?” His voice is soft now, soft like fluffy marshmallows and Jinyoung feels the sudden need to not make the other worried.

“Yes, yes, I'm fine. Everything is fine of course,” he tries to say it cheerfully. But if Mark's concerned expression is anything to go by it might not be working. “Really, I mean we can do the interview and that's great. So what is there to be not okay about?! Haha..”

Park Jinyoung...small reminder that you never should plan to be an actor because you're shit at this!

“It's outrages how he spoke with you. Honestl-”

“I'm sorry you had to witness this. It was unprofessional. Really, I am sorry,” Jinyoung says, his voice full of distress.

“Why do you apologize? You did nothing wrong. You held an awesome and 100% convincing presentation. And honestly, I don't see why you wouldn't be able to write just as awesome. I don't believe the first thing what mean old dumb guy just said about you.”

That pulls Jinyoung out of his daze. He was so worried about the bad impression Mark must have of him now. He was scared Mark would even want to cancel the whole interview because who would want to work with a supposed amateur? But the fact that he doesn't seem to think in that direction at all, makes the world a little brighter again.

“Thank you,” Jinyoung murmurs.

“You did well, Park Jinyoung.” Mark raises his hand and gently pats Jinyoung's hair. It's something he didn't see coming at all. This gesture combined with the reassuring smile which Mark offers to him, holds so much affection that Jinyoung almost stops breathing. “And let's not forget, you should take care of me now, right? So that I won't change my mind,” the blonde now cheekily grins.

“Huh?”

“Pack your stuff! We're leaving,” Mark orders with so much confidence that Jinyoung almost obeys without asking anything else. Almost.

“I don't understand. I can't leave. I have to work. And leave where?” He doesn't even try to hide his confusion.

“I, your business associate, wish to grab coffee with you to celebrate this triumph. Plus mean old jerk basically gave his okay when he said that you should take care of me. So come on!”

Jinyoung doesn't see any sense in fighting back. If Mark wants him to come, he'll just tag along. After they tidied up the conference room and put the paintings back into the transport bag, they exit the room. Jackson just manages to drop a few questions, which Jinyoung answers as short as possible before Mark urges him out.

Mark smiles happily the whole way and Jinyoung just doesn't know what to say. Part of him is still trying to catch up on what happened since yesterday evening. So he is more than a little confused when he notices that they are back in front of Mark's studio.

“I thought we would grab coffee?”

“We do. But we do it here. You know, Jackson is not the only one who can make nice coffee.” Mark winks at him and Jinyoung's mind is in turmoil.

HE DID NOT JUST DO THAT?? HE IS FLIRTING! No he isn't! BUT WHY WINK? I don't know, but he can't be flirting...he just can't.

He feels Mark's hand on the small of his back, gently pushing him inside. The studio is still sunlit and peaceful and that calms Jinyoung down a bit. Mark leads him upstairs and offers him a chair at his kitchen table. Jinyoung sits down and observes the other boy while he makes coffee.

“You're unusually quiet this past half hour,” Mark points out.

“Still less than 24 hours of acquaintanceship and you already use the word 'unusually',” he retorts amused.

“Mhhhh,” Mark hums, his deep voice sounds just so pleasing to Jinyoung. “It's because I am good at that. I can read people well. And you are usually one to talk back,” the blonde's face has a reassuring smile on it, signaling Jinyoung that it's not meant as criticism. He joins Jinyoung at the table, putting down two mugs. “I hope you come back to life again after you tasted my super good coffee. I put milk and hazelnut syrup in.”

“How do you know I like that?”

You can't be that obvious.

“Wild guess,” Mark grins.

Jinyoung tastes the coffee and it actually is delicious. “Ok, this is awesome.” Mark quietly parties over his praise with a childlike charm.

“So Park Jinyoung, at your workplace you might have Jackson Wang and his great coffee. But is there anything else what keeps you there?”

“What do you mean? It's my job. I get paid. Basically that is keeping me there.”

“I heard other companies are paying their employees, too. Crazy, huh?” Mark lazily smirks while his pretty doe eyes are searching Jinyoung's.

Jinyoung chuckles slightly. “Yes, crazy for real. But I like writing, you know? It's not that I would prefer just any other job.”

“Maybe one where a jerk boss wouldn't scold you for no reason at all?”

“Never heard of a painter who worked as a part time employment adviser.”

Mark snickers. “I am sorry, I probably come across pretty pushy here but I am just wondering why you're working there and get treated like that. And why? Why the heck is he such an ass to you?”

“I would guess it's because he knows I am gay.” Jinyoung usually doesn't throw that information about himself out that fast. And he didn't think about what to do in case Mark gets irritated by it. It just felt right to say it. And now it also seems right because Mark doesn't bat an eyelash at this exclusive information.

“Ouch, so he's straight out bullying you?” Mark asks and his eyebrows are scrunching.

“It's not really like that. Let me explain. He desperately tries to find a man for his daughter. He is nice to all potential candidates, which I am obviously not a part of. He once in a while urges an employee a.k.a. candidate to meet his daughter. When she's dissatisfied, he gets thrown back into the pond and ends up on the yell-list, together with me, all of the females and all of the rejected guys before him,” Jinyoung finishes with a sheepish grin.

“You're kidding me.”

“I'm afraid not. But that's the reason why I don't really feel specially bullied. He yells at almost everyone because of that.”

“And yes, it's obviously better, if the boss yells at the majority of his staff. Sounds super sensible,” Mark comments dryly, taking a sip from his mug.

Jinyoung can't hold back his laughter. “Well, when you phrase it like that, it sounds pretty stupid.”

Mark scrunches up his face cutely. After Jinyoung calmed down and is focusing back on Mark he notices the other boy searching his eyes. These amazing brown deep eyes are piercing into his, observing, searching for something in Jinyoung's eyes. But for what he is looking, Jinyoung doesn't know. He just gets a little unsure every time the other's attention lies solely on him.

“Jinyoung, did you always want to become a journalist? Or a writer? Or just something associated with writing?” Mark asks casually as he supports himself on his elbow and puts his chin in his palm.

“Writing in the broadest sense, I'd say,” Jinyoung almost whispers and breaks eye contact to pin his gaze on the tabletop.

“And that means?”

Jinyoung remains silent. He hasn't talked about this in a long time and he ponders if this is the time to spill it, to a guy he doesn't really know.

“Jinyoung? You okay?”

“Yeah, it's not just something I'd like to talk about.”

“Why? Does it make you sad?”

“No, it's more like it's embarrassing. Because back then it was just a silly dream. And it was obvious that it wouldn't come true. And now I just feel stupid that I thought about it in the first place.” Jinyoung still can't look into the other's eyes. But he indeed feels his face and ears flushing.

“I'm sure it's not as stupid as you think. I promise I won't laugh. You can tell me, okay?” Mark tries to coax him. “Pleeeease?”

At the buttery sweet voice and the cute last word Jinyoung's head snaps up. And yes, he sees a soft and understanding expression on the angel's face.

How to fight back when he looks like this?

A sigh escapes his lips but when he starts to finally talk, his eyes are downcast again. “As a kid and teen, I loved singing. I actually still do. But back then....I uhm...I still thought I could be a singer. And I started to write songs and learned to play the guitar. But of course it wasn't enough. I was never good enough. How conceited and stupid could I be?” Jinyoung huffs, angry with himself. He feels how his shoulders had slumped while he was talking. He probably looks miserable.

“Aren't you a little hard on yourself?”

Jinyoung is taken aback to hear the other's voice, soft like snowflakes. But he can't bring himself to look up. He just stays put, as miserable and stupid as he is. Suddenly he feels Mark's warm and soft hand encircling his own in his lap. His head automatically snaps up and he looks into those reassuring eyes. “Jinyoung, you were very young and you had a dream. There is nothing wrong with that.”

“But I should have known it was dumb, even back then. But I learned that I didn't have a chance pretty quickly, so it's fine.” Jinyoung tries to give his best 'I'm alright'-smile. Judging by Mark's frown, his best 'I'm alright'-smile tragically failed him.

“What happened?” The painter's voice is quiet and laced with concern.

Jinyoung sighs as if he carries the whole world on his shoulders. With his free hand he harshly ruffles his hair. “I was rejected by a lot of entertainment companies, again and again. Eventually I gave up and realized that this wasn't my thing......obviously.”

Mark slowly caresses Jinyoung's hand with his thumb. And even though Jinyoung feels as terrible as back then, when it all happened, this little gesture brings him comfort.

“Just because you didn't fit into their concepts, doesn't mean you're not talented, you know?” Mark's voice remains soft but in this sentence a little dare could be heard as well.

Jinyoung snorts. “It's nice of you to say this. Even though you don't have the slightest idea about my skills but it's still nice. Nevertheless I learned my lesson.”

“You should believe in yourself more.”

“How should I believe in myself, when nobody else believes in me?”

“Why should the others believe in someone who doesn't believe in himself?” That brings back the conversation from this morning to Jinyoung's mind, when he initially accused Mark of not being very humble. And it brings a mini-smile on his face. “Touché!” Jinyoung retorts. “But anyway....it's all said and done. I am a journalist now and that's just fine.”

“Are you still writing songs?”

“Uhm...yeah. It's a nice way to relieve some stress. And I still sing,” Jinyoung says abashed. “Just in private of course,” he adds in a hurry.

“I want to hear,” Mark demands with a confidence that is hard to refuse. “Sing for me!” But then Jinyoung's warning bells in his head start to ring fiercely.

What the hell is he doing to you??? You almost sang for him without thinking.

“No,” he straight out rejects.

“No?” Mark seems rather amused.

“No, we still don't know each other even 24 hours and you want me to sing for you. Where's the logic?”

“Oh yeah, I forgot about the international law that says you only can perform a song for somebody when you know them longer than 24 hours. Stupid me, how could I forget?” Mark declares with so much drama in his voice, he could have been trained by Jackson. “How come Ed Sheeran didn't know when I attended his concert?”

Jinyoung rolls his eyes in mock annoyance. “My point is, it's embarrassing.”

“My point is, I don't care.” Mark raises his brows in a challenging way but the small smile on his lips betrays him.

“Just read my lips! I. WON'T. SING!” Jinyoung moved his mouth as exaggerated as possible.

Mark starts to snicker and retrieves his hand from Jinyoung's. Jinyoung almost forgot that it's there. It felt so natural and now, as it's gone, it feels like something important is missing.

“So you just won't listen, yeah? No problem, I can wait,” the blonde smirks. “But since your boss instructed you to be nice to me, I have something else to ask you for.”

Jinyoung doesn't know if he should be glad or afraid, hearing that statement. He just nods slowly to signal Mark to continue.

“Jinyoung, let me paint your portrait.” Jinyoung is more than surprised. Dumbfounded he holds Mark's gaze. The blonde's eyes sparkle with enthusiasm.

SAY SOMETHING, IDIOT!

“W-Why?”

Mark breaks out into a beaming smile. “Because I wanted to paint you since yesterday, since I saw you for the first time. It would turn out perfect. I just know it.”

Mark is a huge flood wave and Jinyoung is a tiny island. Mark is a whirlwind and Jinyoung has nothing to hold onto. His rapture washes over Jinyoung and there's nothing he could do, nothing he could put up against it.

“Oh....okay?...I guess?”

“Awesome!” Mark yells delighted and jumps up. “So come on!” He grabs his arm to pull Jinyoung to his feet as well.

“W-What? Right now?”

“Yes, of course!” Mark's excitement seems unstoppable, if not for an angry grumble resonating from Jinyoung’s stomach. Mark stills and looks slightly confused at the other boy. Then he adorably starts laughing.

Isn't there a limit of how often someone can embarrass oneself in one day?!

“Change of plans, we order food and eat and then I will paint you.” Mark smiles his sweetest smile at him and Jinyoung is seriously afraid that his legs will give up on him. He is quick to take a seat again when Mark turns around to look for his phone.

They order Chinese food and once it is placed in front of them, smelling all delicious, they dig in and there's no room for conversation. Afterwards Mark leads Jinyoung downstairs and places him on a chair. Mark positions himself in front of him, a white canvas between them.

“Jinyoung.....can you please think about yesterday? About how you felt on the plane while it was shaking and the light flickered,” Mark says carefully.

Jinyoung scrunches his eyes shut. “Is this necessary?” he almost whines.

“I'm afraid so. I need that face of yours, full of emotion, full of worry and fear,” he explains softly. “Please. Please open your eyes. I need your pretty eyes for that.”

Jinyoung is a tiny bit happy over the casual compliment but it almost vanishes as the feelings of the previous day overwhelm him. He takes a few deep breaths and opens his eyes wide, as wide as they were yesterday, when he was looking around in panic. When he heard all the people desperately scream and he felt so scared and so helpless like never before.

“That's it, Jinyoung. You're doing so well. Stay that way,” Mark encourages and quickly gets to work. Jinyoung focuses on his breathing and on the emotions he's currently reliving. So much that he at first doesn't notice Mark as much. But after a couple of minutes the images in his head slowly fade and he takes in how beautiful Mark's face looks as he works. His features show concentration and seriousness but also sublime ambition. It's intriguing. Jinyoung's eyes trace every centimeter of the other's face in awe.

“Jinyoung, focus!” Mark urges. “Where are your thoughts?”

All over your pretty, pink lips!

“Sorry, give me a moment.” Jinyoung gets back on track and focuses on the past events.

“Yes, there you are again. Thank you.” Mark continues and Jinyoung gives everything he has to not let his thoughts stray again. To go through this range of negative feelings once more is exhausting. Yesterday, he panicked and anxiety boiled up to take his body and his mind as prisoners. He remembers how his body reacted. An unbearable heat grew on him and sweat soaked his clothes. Today is different. He goes through the same emotions but his subconscious knows he isn't in mortal danger right now. Instead of the panic and the heat he feels a paralyzing chill in his bones. A chill that comes with the thoughts of the possibility that he could have lost his life yesterday. There was a chance that he wouldn't have seen the light of a new day. And these appalling thoughts are intensifying every negative emotion that runs through his head right now.

“Okay, we're done.”

Jinyoung's eyes focus on Mark. The blonde's voice pulled Jinyoung out of the gloominess of his own head. Jinyoung takes a quick glance at his watch. Indeed he was sitting there for hours already. He didn't notice. The time just flew by.

“We are done?”

“Yeah, it wasn't easy, right? But you did so good, Jinyoung.” Mark smiles a little apologetically at him. “Won't you come and take a look?”

Jinyoung gets up and as he feels his stiff joints he then believes that he was sitting still for quite a long time. When he takes a look at the canvas, he is immediately captivated. It's him. It's his face, but in a way he never had seen it before. The fear that is emitting from his features is almost overwhelming. It's like the other portraits which Mark painted. It grabs you by the heart and pulls you in.

“Do you like it?” the quiet voice next to him asks. “You're staring for at least two minutes without saying a thing.”

“Oh.....,” Jinyoung tears his eyes away from the canvas and looks at Mark. The painter seems a little unsure, a tiny bit nervous. “Mark, it's perfect. It's...I don't know what to say. It's breathtaking.”

Mark exhales, his expression full of obvious relief. Jinyoung smiles at him. “What's the reaction for? Did you honestly think I wouldn't like it? It's art. It's real art. To think that my face would be associated with art someday.....it's unreal,” he laughs and shakes his head incredulously.

“Really? I thought your face was handsome from the first moment on....even with this grumpy expression gracing your features.” All signs of uneasiness disappeared and a teasing smirk was back on his face.

Well...that was fast.

“Yeah, whatever,” Jinyoung says to say anything at all. He turns his back to the painter to get a moment for himself but turns around again shortly after. “Uhm...about yesterday, can I ask you something?”

He looks a little surprised, but after a second Mark nods and smiles at Jinyoung reassuringly.

“Yesterday, when the turbulence was at its peak and I freaked out, well everyone freaked out, how come you remained so calm?”

Mark takes a few moments to think. Then he slightly shrugs. “You know, I am not unusually brave or cool or something. I probably would have freaked out like everyone else there.”

“But?”

“But you were clinging to me, so incredibly scared and I just thought that I can't panic now. I told myself to stay calm because you just needed some calmness at the moment. So in a sense you helped me out.”

Jinyoung is stunned. “Does that even make sense? I never heard of somebody reacting like this.”

“I guess I can be stronger for others than only for myself. I'm sorry, if it doesn't make sense but just take it as a pretty unique charm of mine.” The blonde offers a soft smile.

Jinyoung returns it, again accompanied by some head shaking. “Unique indeed. As unique as your talent for capturing emotions on canvas, I would say. Thank you for painting me so beautifully like that,” he says and lets his eyes stray over the portrait again.

“No, thank you for letting me paint you. I want you to know that I am not taking it for granted. Thank you for your time and your patience.”

DON'T SMILE LIKE THAT!

“Uhm....it was nothing. Really.”

It got late and Jinyoung decides it's best to leave before he'll take the chance to embarrass himself some more. They decide on a date for the interview and exchange phone numbers in case anything would come up. When Mark escorts Jinyoung to the door, he has his hand on the small of Jinyoung's back and Jinyoung has a very hard time to hide his giddiness. Mark opens the door and before Jinyoung can slip out, Mark locks him in his arms. It's something Jinyoung didn't expect at all so it takes him a moment to return the hug.

The blonde lets his arms drop and takes a step back, all smiles and sparkles. “Thank you again, Jinyoung. This was an interesting day.”

“Yeah, that's true,” he giggles bashfully.

STOP GIGGLING, YOU DAMN GRADE SCHOOLER!

“Bye.”

“Bye, Jinyoung. Get home safely,” Mark says and offers an adorable small wave.