Work Text:
Let's start now.
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Chapter 1
Mark was not bad at Korean, in fact he used to speak pretty good Korean as compared to all the other korean-americans in his American school. He was proud of it and everyone around him that he would have no problem if he ever had to go to south korea. How wrong they were, mark wanted to laugh.
It's his second week in the Advance Korean University and yet he doesn't have a single friend. His mother said to be positive and everyone else might be feeling the same as everyone is new to university in their first year. Mark wanted to argue that everyone didn't look American and awkward to approach like he does but stayed quiet. Mark chatted with his mother for few more minutes, convinced by her that soon he will be more comfortable.
Moving to Korea was not his decision. He hated leaving his safe environment and diving into unfamiliar territory. His father was never the person to consider his opinion though. Mr Lee said that Mark would study in korea then he would without any questions asked. Sometimes he does wonder how a person like his father and mother can stay together but he doesn't care about it now.
He was walking when suddenly someone ran past him, so fast scaring the shit out of Mark. He stumbled and fell, the day could not get any more worse. Mark got up and was ready to leave when the person came back and stood infront of him.
"Sorry, I was in a hurry but I should've watched my surroundings." He said.
Mark looked and saw the person. First thought that came to his mind was that the boy was very handsome. Many people in this university were handsome and beautiful but there was something that made Mark think about what makes this boy beautiful. Mark wasn't gay or anything but he knew when a boy was handsome.
"It's Ok man, no worries". Mark said.
Honestly, Mark didn't feel offended or angry for falling. Even if he would've felt angry, he words would be the same. He was already friendless, he didn't want to have any enemies now.
"Oh! You're not Korean?" The boy asked.
"I am but I don't stay in korea?" Mark said dumbly.
The boy infront of him smiled. "This is korea and you're staying here".
Mark was embarassed and it was probably showing on his face. He opened his mouth to defend himself but the boy stooped him.
"Just joking! I understood what you mean. I am Yuta by the way. Final year, Economic major." The boy, Yuta said.
"Hi Yuta. I am Mark. Freshman." Mark said with a smile. Yuta gave him a wide smile and once again Mark thought Yuta was handsome.
"I like your eyebrows. They look cute." Yuta said.
Mark felt blush creeping out on his cheeks.
"Th-Thank you"
"Ok Mark, I gotta go now. I hope to see you again." Yuta waved one last goodbye and started once again.
'Be careful' Mark wanted to say but Yuta was already gone.
This is how Mark met Yuta. He never thought that this boy would mean so much to him.
Mark was sitting in one of the university cafe. He looked around and saw many people already in groups so he felt bad. He never had issue with making friends back in America so he didn't understood what was his problem now. He felt little awkward but it was nothing which a cloud sandwich couldn't make better.
He was waiting for his order when he someone called him.
"Excuse me?"
Mark looked up and saw another handsome boy.
"Can me and friends seat here?"
"Oh Mark! Taeyong he is my friend, he won't mind." Yuta said smiling at him.
Mark was not stupid. He knew Yuta and him were not friends and this was Yuta's trick to secure a seat in case he refuse. But Mark didn't truly mind. It was good, he won't look like a looser sitting alone in a cafe.
"Sure" Mark said and nodded at Yuta.
"Taeyong, this is Mark and Mark this is Taeyong. Johnny will also be joining us. Thank you for letting us share your space. Princess Taeyong wanted burger from this cafe only." Yuta remarked causing Taeyong to groan.
" Then I won't give you a single piece" Taeyong said.
Mark looked between them awkwardly. He felt like he didn't belong. Thankfully his order came and he went to fetch it.
Taeyong left to order as soon as he came back with his order leaving him with Yuta alone. Mark didn't know why he was feelt nervous around him. It might be the aura which Yuta emits, not caring about what anyone thinks but presenting himself like everyone would atleast have a glance of appreciation towards him.
"I like your name Mark. It doesn't seem Korean." Yuta said with a smile.
" Thank you. I also like your name. It also doesn't seem Korean." Mark didn't know what to say so he was just saying anything what came to his mind.
" That's because it isn't. I am from Japan actually."
Mark was shocked
"Really?"
"Yes, so I understand what you must be feeling. I've been there. And many people would've already told you this but it really gets better with time. And you can always come to me if you have any problem." Yuta said genuinely.
"You can also come to me. I would help you way better than Yuta could ever. Yuta just brings trouble." Taeyong came and sat down.
"Hey! I am offended." Yuta said but there was still smile on his face.
They started chatting and Mark revealed that he was yet to make any real friend. Everyone in his class is helpful but he just doesn't want to bother anyone right now. In reality Mark was scared that after being close with someone and asking them to walk with him to various places would wear them out and they would leave. It would hurt more than being friendless. Taeyong said he could not relate to him as he was with his high school friends from the start of his university. But he said Johnny's brother, who is freshman in the same university and has the same major has Mark could help him. And Mark wouldn't even feel bad about dragging him to places and wear him out as that little devil deserves every ounce of discomfort. Apparently, Johnny's brother Donghyuck owns something to Taeyong and Taeyong decided this would be a great opportunity to help Mark. During the course of time Johnny joined them and Mark again thought that handsome people befriended only handsome people.
"Mark, this is my number. Feel free to call me whenever you want. I understand what it feels to be alone in another country. I would feel very bad so see worry on such a cute face." Yuta said, Johnny and Taeyong were already out.
"Thanks." Mark blushed.
"I'll make sure to call you. But no take backs now. You offered first so you can't make me leave in the future."
" Never would think of it." Yuta winked and left to join Taeyong and Johnny.
Mark smiled. He didn't feel alone now. He doubted how true Yuta's and Taeyong' words would be yet he still felt happy that atleast he have someone to go to. He hoped this Donghyuck guy would atleast help him till he was a little comfortable in this place.