Chapter Text
Jackson was on the edge between dreamland and reality. Unconsciously he knew that he had to get up again, but the warmth beneath his body was too intoxicating. He snuggled further against it and and a comforting scent filled his nostrils. The scent of home. A hand ran through his hair, softly patting it. “Jacks,” he heard the deep timbre of his best friend's voice. The whine that crept up his throat was not intended, but it left his mouth anyway making the older chuckle. The vibration coursed through both of their bodies, and woke Jackson a little more in the process. Guess, it was over with dreamland.
Slowly he blinked his eyes open, only to be met with the bright artificial light of Mark's phone through which the older lazily scrolled. Jackson turned his head into the crook of the older's neck. Mark laughed again at that and ran a thumb across Jackson's forehead. “Come on, you have to get back to your dorm, otherwise I won't hear the end of this from Jaebum, you know how he is.”
“Five more minutes.” The hand on his head stopped for a moment, only to get back to its previous work. “Okay, but not more than that.” Jackson knew Mark only meant good. The older lived off campus, not that far away, but still a thirty minute ride on the subway. Jackson on the other hand had no money to spent living within the hustle of the big city. Also basketball practice was five times a week and driving back and forth to campus would suck balls, so this was the easy way. It even allowed Jackson to spend extra time at the gym, improving his body and skill set. Win-win.
Although he was pretty busy all week, whenever Jackson had a few hours off, a visit to Mark and Jinyoung's apartment was fit into his crazy schedule. The days could be hectic and demanding, tiring him out, but as soon as he settled down on the couch, head in Mark's lap everything stopped. Mark was his rock, his calm, his piece. He needed Mark to recharge and his best friend humored him like he always did. Jackson must have been a pretty decent person in his previous life to deserve someone as caring as Mark.
“Come on, Jackson. It's already one, the last train will be in twenty minutes. You have practice first thing tomorrow morning. Jaebum will have your head.” Jackson knew Mark only meant well. “Why again am I staying in the same dorm as my captain?” He asked while slowly sitting up and taking in all his surroundings. “Because he is also your friend,” Mark answered. The older stretched out his limbs. Jackson felt a little bad for Mark, he had been sleeping on him for over an hour and the other didn't even say a word. “You could have woken me up earlier,” he pointed out for Mark, but the older just waved him off. “Wasn't the first and probably won't be the last time your heavy ass will fall asleep on me. At least this time you didn't drool.” The older looked at his shirt with a smirk on his face. That was enough.
Jackson grabbed Mark's neck and put him into playful headlock. “You see what my heavy ass can do? It's all muscles, no need to be jealous.” Mark just laughed and raised his hands as a sign to give up. Jackson squeezed his arm once more before he let go of the giggling Mark. A look at his wrist told Jackson to hurry or else he had to order a taxi to get home and he'd rather not spent his money unnecessarily like this.
With swift motions he gathered his books from Mark's desk, feeling a little bitter about his weak attempt at trying to study but failing miserably. But the thought was fleeting, exams were still a mile away, he'd have enough time to study more during the semester. “You have no classes tomorrow, right?” Jackson asked despite knowing the answer by heart. Mark shook his head. “But I'll probably still come to watch your practice,” he said with a small smile playing around the corners of his lips. “You don't have to.” Jackson meant it. He knew Mark rather stayed in his apartment watching the new netflix show he got obsessed with, and even though it made him feel warm, it was laced with an awful taste gnawing on his bad conscience.
The younger wasn't the best at keeping his thoughts to himself generally, but even worse when he was drunk. So in a weak, tipsy moment, he had confided in Mark that he loved when people not only came to their games but also to their practice since it made him give one-hundred-twenty percent every time. Ever since then Mark made sure to drop by whenever he was free. Jackson gave up fighting about this long ago. He had tried it once making it the worst fight of their friendship of seven years. So nowadays instead fighting it off, he tried to embrace it and be grateful for his best friend.
A stern gaze was sent his way.
“Never mind,” Jackson lifted his hands in a pacifying manner, when his eyes glanced at his wrist again. Mortified he realized there were only four minutes left. Hastily Jackson grabbed his jacket pressed Mark against him and smacked a smooch on Mark's right cheek, making the other scrunch his nose. “Have to hurry, see you tomorrow then. Don't eat beforehand, I'm gonna invite you for breakfast after practice.” He raised a hand in a rushed wave, before he was out of the door and sprinting towards the station, just making the train in time, but only with the help of a girl holding up the door for him to jump in. Thankfully Jackson nodded at her.
Jackson thanked all the stars in the universe for Jaebum's heavy sleep, when he crept inside the dorm promptly falling over the mess of shoes gathered in front of the door. Then and there he prepared for a long speech about sleep and rest for the team. And even though it was only a university team and Jackson was quit sure he wouldn't fit to pursue a carrier as a professional player, others from the team could get scouted, so it was a team effort to support the best one's and make them shine. Furthermore the university league held a quite nice amount of price money for the winner in the end.
Carefully not to wake Jaebum, after he almost screwed up once, Jackson got ready for bed and after setting his alarm he was off to dreamland within minutes.
Morning practice started at seven and his classes luckily at twelve, so there was enough time to treat Mark to a nice breakfast at the little café down the street. He couldn't think about it anymore as soon as he entered the court.
“Wang, mind your position and leave the distance actions for the shooting guard,” his coach screamed at him. It wasn't Jackson's day, he couldn't focus and he knew his teammates were getting frustrated with him. “Repeat the play once more and then you can have a break. Focus this time Wang.” Jackson's gaze skipped through the rows, immediately filtering out Mark, who lifted his right hand and crossed his middle finger over his index finger, shaking them a little.
Like always just looking at Mark, made him feel calm. All the stress of not being sufficient enough fell from his shoulders and this time, they went through the move perfectly.
After the practice was finished, Jackson hopped under the shower, quickly rinsing off the sweat from his body. He returned to the changing room and slipped into his boxers. “Jackson, where was your mind today?” On point, he thought. Jaebum stepped up next to his locker. “Don't know captain, just a bad day.” Jaebum nodded in response and patted his back. “Well, happens to all off us. You have been too stressed out lately anyway and I know you sneaked in late last night. You didn't really think your graceful entrance wouldn't wake me, did you?” He laughed. Oops. “Well, I hoped so,” Jackson grinned at him. “But I promise all I did was sleep at Mark's place.”
“Ah that reminds me, I should tell you to hurry, Mark waits outside and he is hungry. Enjoy your date,” he grinned at him. Jackson just hit his shoulder in response. “Just to your information, we will. It's a friend date. You should try it too, or wait you don't have friends,” he threw over his shoulder as he walked outside. “Consider yourself eliminated from my last will, Wang,” was all he heard before the door closed.
Jackson walked down the corridor before he saw Mark standing outside talking to their manager. As soon as Jiyeon spotted Jackson, she waved him over. “Jackson, please don't tell me Mark is coming so often, because he is out for my job,” she fakely cried into her hands. “And you're almost a decent player now, all my hard work stolen.” The playful jab at him normally wouldn't hurt him, but something was just off today, but he knew how to mask his emotions. So he just put a fake smile on his face and threw an arm over Mark's shoulders. “We have been plotting it since forever, I just like him more than you.” They all laughed and the guys were about to step away when Jiyeon called them once more.
“Don't forget we're going out for drinks after the game this Saturday,” she told them. Jackson turned around and gesturing a thumbs up to satisfy her.
They made it quietly to the café, where Jackson fell into the armchair jadedly. While he sorted himself out Mark had already put in the order for their food at the counter and to Jackson's horror he saw Mark pull out his card, which was directly swiped through the cash register.
Mark returned with the electronic alarm, which would go off and blink whenever their order was ready for them to pick it up.
“Why?” Jackson whined, as Mark sat down again. “I wanted to invite you.” But Mark just smiled sweetly at him. “You can buy the drinks on Saturday, if you wanna pay so badly,” he shrugged his shoulders. This satisfied Jackson. Sometimes he felt Mark did way too much for him, not that he complained, but he would like their friendship to be more balanced, and if it was just for his own ego, because he knew Mark didn't care at all.
“You don't have to come all the time, you're aware of that right?” Mark cocked his head to the side. “I'm not disturbing your concentration, am I?” The was this slight unsure undertone in Mark's words, which let Jackson cringe inside. He surely didn't want to project his own worries on Mark. “Nah, I just mean I don't want to impose on your time, especially since I know that you hate getting up early. And let's be real, the schedule of the training sessions are pure torture.” Jackson clutched his chest and shook his head in sadness. Mark giggled. The older was about to say something, when the device on their table started to vibrate intensely. “Be right back.” Before Mark could even react Jackson got to his two feet and walked to the counter getting their drinks and food.
His mouth started to water as he took in the sight of the beautiful sandwiches. With effort he tried to tune out the voice in the back of his head stating the number of the calories and his minutes on the treadmill rising. This part he hated the most about being an athlete. Not that their coach persisted on them eating less (they had Jiyeon for that), but Jackson had found out over time, that a good, stable diet was a key factor in succeeding in sports. Unfortunately he had the type of body to have a slow metabolism. Whenever he ate too much junk food, drank alcohol or couldn't withstand his sweet tooth, he had to put in more time at the gym.
Jackson put their order on the table in front of Mark and only now did he realize the scandalizing piece of blueberry cheesecake. “Mark, how can you do this to me?” He almost screeched. “Are you planning to get rid of me? Dump me in the gym all day long?” This made the other grin. “Aren't you way too dramatic. Also only eat as much as you like.”
“That would be the whole cake under this circumstances. You know I live by the principle what you don't buy, you won't eat. That's why I never have any shit like that at my place.” Mark just took the cake and started to eat it, before Jackson snatched it with a Hey out of his greedy hands. “I think you go even further, since you don't ever have anything at your place.” Jackson punched his shoulder lightly.
“I just thought you seemed particularly down after practice and wanted to cheer you up.” Mark reached for his sandwich and ripped off a huge bite. Jackson ate another piece of the cake before he started to chew his own sandwich. Delighted he realized the wholewheat bread. “What made you think so?” Even though he was aware that Mark knew him like the back of his own hand and could see right through his fake smiles. So it wasn't a wonder when the other just gave him a look. “I don't know,” Jackson sighed and put down the bread. “I couldn't focus at all and normally I am at least two plays ahead. That is my job.”
“Come on, Jackson, we all have bad days. It is totally normal, so don't get into your head too much.” Mark flicked his forehead, which earned him a pout. Jackson rubbed the sore spot. “Has anyone ever told you that you have a nice forehead?” Jackson frowned. “Ehm, no. Thank you I guess,” he paused, “is this still you trying to cheer me up? Then you are doing a really shitty job.” Mark laughed again. “No, no don't worry I could come up with a far better compliment if I did it for getting you in a nicer mood.”
“So my forehead is not worthy to mention?” Jackson wailed fakely. “Do you want me to flick it again?” Quickly the younger protected his forehead with both hands, which caused them both to start laughing. Until it was broken, when Mark started to yawn. “You're tired. Mark seriously, you don't have to come all the time.”
“Nah, it is all good. I like to watch you improve and it also reminds me a little of the good old times, it's unfortunate I cannot play anymore.” Jackson's face grew sad. Mark loved to play basketball.
They had met during a game in middle school, where they were on rivaling teams. At some point during heated body contact (now Jackson wiggled his eyebrows, whenever he told the story), but then it was intense ending with Jackson crashing his elbow into Mark's face full speed. All spirits be thanked that he didn't actually break his nose. Jackson was mortified not only had he hurt someone, but also it could be counted as a personal foul, whereon it was absolutely legitimate to disqualify him.
To his horror as soon as he turned around to see what his body collided with, blood sprang out of the other boy's nose and his face was scrunched up in hurt. The referee blew into the whistle announcing the foul and a break. The slim boy was sent to the first aid ward, while the referee decided that the foul wasn't on purpose giving Jackson a warning to watch it. The game continued and some moments later the boy from before was switched back in. After Jackson observed his face for a few seconds the hustle of the game caught him once again.
As the game had finished the players shook their hands for a fair game. When Jackson reached Mark he had to swallow twice, before locking eyes with the other quickly spitting out his apology, still feeling bad for almost breaking his nose. But the boy's eyes just wrinkled as he laughed wholeheartedly about the whole incidence. It was then and there that Jackson knew, he needed this laugh in his life. So he asked Mark, as the boy introduced himself if he could buy him ice cream some time to make up for the almost broken nose. The boy nodded excitedly.
They quickly bonded. Mark had moved to South Korea only three years ago and a slight American accent was always present, but Jackson found it rather cute. Jackson had moved in his early childhood and spoke Korean without any accent, but he could understand the struggle of having to learn the language since he was eight when he came. He visibly remembered being the new kid and having to learn the hard pronunciation so different from both his native languages.
They graduated from middle school and begged their parents to attend the same high school, but unfortunately Mark still had to take Korean classes on the side and the school Jackson's parents wanted Jackson to go to didn't provide that. So they had to wait another three years until College. Mark continued to play basketball at his school, while Jackson played for the team of his own. At some point they developed the habit of watching as many games as they could, if time allowed it. So, when the accident happened Jackson was looking right at Mark, as another body slammed into him mid jump and the older fell onto his leg with full force. Nausea crept up Jackson's body at the hurtful scream, which left Mark's mouth.
Jackson waited in the hospital as the doctor treated Mark's leg. After three hours his parents informed the younger, that Mark was on pain medication and deeply sleeping now. First thing in the morning an operation was scheduled and Jackson just blanked at the thought.
Rehabilitation was hard, even walking was difficult on some days. But Jackson went with Mark through it all and eventually the other got better. His basketball days were over though.
“How is your leg these days?” The blonde man asked as he licked off the remains of tea from the spoon. “It's really great, I only notice it after especially exhausting days now. So I am all good, don't worry yeah?” Mark smiled at him. “And before you start to worry again, no it doesn't make me sad to see the court, I still love the sport to my heart contents.” The younger nodded and drank another sip. They talked a little more about the upcoming game, while they finished their sandwiches and the cake, until it was time to get to his lesson.
They walked out of the café and Jackson attached himself to Mark, like a starved koala and the older let him. Just before the parking spots Jackson let go of the other and waved at him, before he made a ran to his classroom wanting to be on time. Professor Lee wouldn't let him live it down if he came late. Again.
A little sweaty he plopped down next to Jinyoung, in the second row. Curiously Jackson turned his head around to observe the rest of the classroom, only to find out that a lot of seats in the back were still unoccupied. “Why are we sitting in the front again?” Jinyoung didn't even look at him when he answered. “So you can pay attention. You're welcome.” Jackson just wanted to punch him then and there.
After the lesson was over Jackson was a lot more weary, yawning constantly. Maybe he should skip the last seminar and head home for a short nap since he still had to work that evening. As he mentioned it to Jinyoung the other hit the back of his head. He guessed that meant no.
“So excited for your game on Saturday?” Jinyoung asked. They were walking to the room of the last class of the day. Jackson shrugged his shoulders. “Excited wouldn't be the word I'd choose. Rather nervous. It will be a big game as it is against the leading team. Anyway we're heading out to get some drinks after the game, you should come as well.” Jinyoung eyed him for a moment. “Will your roommate also be there?” His eyebrows rose up.
“Jaebum? I have not talked to him, but I assume he will come as well since he is captain and all. Why?” Jinyoung waved him off. “Then nah, I don't wanna come, I'll come to the game though to support my best friend.” Jackson clutched his heart and started to wail. “This love Jinyoungie, can I give you a hug?” Jackson already opened his arms to engulf the other, when Jinyoung bend down slipping through his arms and punched Jackson's shoulder. “Don't be gross. You suck by the way.” And off he went, Jinyoung's nice words came in portions, he had to appreciate them when they appeared.
“Ah, before I forget it overwhelmed by all your love.” A middle finger was pointed his way. “Is this about your crush on Jaebum?” This turned Jinyoung's cheeks all red, before he started to speed walk the last few meters to the classroom. “Hey, does that mean yes?” “No.”
“Come on we tell us everything.” Jackson exclaimed, when he caught up to Jinyoung again. “Oh yeah?” The other turned his way. “How about your feelings for Mark?” Jackson was shell shocked. What did that mean. “He is my best friend?” Jackson tried to answer Jinyoung's question. “See, you're so delusional, I don't need your advice for my love life!”
He had to investigate this a little more later on, but Professor Kang entered the class together with them.
Jackson's shift just didn't want to end. Whenever he glanced at the time and the little monitor of the pad, where he put the order in, it only was a few minutes later than the last time he checked. He couldn't wait to get home and take a hot, steaming shower to get rid of the smell of grease coursing through the chicken-shop. At least he didn't have to wear the headset today. It was Sooyeon's turn and he didn't envy her one bit. Getting the orders from the drive through was definitely the worst, sometimes people didn't talk clearly, which ended in them ordering something completely different. Angry costumers led to an angry manager and angry manager led to a screaming one. And nobody would want Minjoon scream at one.
Sooyeon gave him a weak smile, at which Jackson pressed his thumb into his fist and raised it as a sign of fighting. “Ah, Wang I have to ask you something.” Sooyeon pulled her headset off on the one side of her head. “Can you take my night shift tomorrow? Please, please, I will do your shift whenever.” She clapped her hands together in front of her chest, pulling out her puppy eyes. Even though he invented that move, he was still weak for it. “Fine, fine, not that I have a huge game on Saturday, but whatever.” He wanted to sound a little bothered at least, but he couldn't hide his grin. “You're the best Wang, seriously. Call me whenever you need a last minute fill in at your shift. I promise.”
“It's fine, it's fine. I will find out through your insta story the next time you're super busy and let you fill in then. You promised all right?” Jackson cackled at that. “I won't put anything in my story then for the next weeks,” Sooyeon stretched out her tongue. “You're a a social media victim, I want to see you try that. No more posting of whatever and whenever you're eating right now, are you really sure you can do that.” For a moment it seemed like Sooyeon truly contemplated, before she shook her head. “Whatever, it's not like you're not addicted to your instagram account just as much.”
“Excuse me, I only have seventeen pictures and don't show everywhere I go and what I do, I value privacy.” He crossed his arms in front of his body. “Wang, you have a profile picture of your body, where is that private?” “It is a good body, it needs to be acknowledged.” “Of course, whatever you say.” He just wanted to ask what that meant, when Sooyeon lifted her finger and welcomed the next costumer on the drive through.
His eyes flew back to the time. Only two more hours.
Jackson [00:28 a.m.]: Dude, I do have a good body, don't I?
Mark [00:28 a.m.]: It is half past twelve.
Jackson [00:29 a.m.]: What kind of answer is that? Is that a yes or no?
Mark [00:29 a.m.]: It is half past twelve!
Jackson wanted to write once again, when his thoughts circled back to Jinyoung's words from before. Feelings for Mark. Of course he had deep running feelings, he was his best friend, his soulmate. But all was platonic, right? And there was nothing wrong with wanting Mark to appreciate his body. Anybody else would do as well, right? Right? For a while his thumbs hovered over the text window on kakao talk. Then he switched his phone to flight mode and decided to go to bed, before he thought about it more deeply, driving himself crazy.
(Mark [00:35 a.m.]: It's a good body.)
School was done for the day, practice went well. He was back on track, anticipating the game tomorrow and on Sunday he could just lie around and do nothing, play some Mario Party on Mark's new switch, order some food from the Chinese place. That would be it.
The spray of the shower next to him went on and a groan told Jackson without looking that it was Jaebum. “Just to warn you. I won't be coming home tonight, I have night shift.” Jaebum just hummed in return. “By the way, are you coming tomorrow night? After the game we're going to go out for drinks.” Jaebum took a moment to answer. “Jiyeon already told me, so yeah of course. Celebrating if we win, mood drinking if we lose. Mark will come as well?” Phrased more as statement than a question, probably knowing the answer already. Jackson confirmed it, before he looked at Jaebum from the corner of his eyes.
“I tried to invite a friend of mine as well, maybe you know him. He is Mark's roommate, Jinyoung.” Jaebum's eyes flew open and his body went as rigid as a board. Interesting, how did he not notice that there was something between those two before. He always thought Jinyoung just had a fleeting crush on Jaebum, but it seemed there was more to the story.
“And what did he say?” Jaebum looked directly at him now, trying to sound nonchalant. “Oh, he was not sure if he could make it, we'll see.” He couldn't possibly tell Jaebum the whole truth.
After the shower, his phone lit up indicating a new message. His kakao talk app had several new numbers on its right upper corner.
Mark [06:17 p.m.]: Wanna hang out tonight?
Jackson [06:30 p.m.]: Would love to, but have night shift. :((( Don't you have lesson?
Mark [06:32 p.m.]: Rather would have watched your practice, I'm bored. I think Professor Kim almost fell asleep while reciting his own presentation. I don't think I can live through another forty-five minutes.
Jackson snorted at Mark's words. He quickly typed back a pay attention, you can do it , before he got on his way to make a quick stop at home and then head off to work.
“Welcome to chicken king, what would you like to order?” When Jackson saw the shift plan, he wanted to kick Sooyeon's ass half around the world. Little did he know, that she had to serve the drive through again. So he temporary blacked out, when Minjoon handed him the headset. She would pay him back. The only good thing about night shifts was the 25% raise of his income for the night work anway. “Menu A and B, okay and with which drinks and sauces?” Giggling of a few girls was heard in the background. “Sorry, can you repeat it again?” Jackson really hated the stupid headset. He put in the order at the cash register and sent it to the kitchen. “Please drive forward to the next window.”
The order was ready in a few minutes and he handed it over to the girls, wishing them a good night. It was three a.m., one more hour and he could go home. Working Friday and Saturday nights was the worst, since a lot of drunk people came in. Luckily this night it was pretty tame, nobody made a mess or caused any additional trouble.
The clock was ticking until he was released and could go home. Twenty more minutes until his shift was over. The dial tone in his headset went off, and he answered with the standardized greeting. “Hello, I would like to order nine Chicken Wangs.” A huge, toothy smile spread on his face. “It wasn't funny the first time you did that joke and it sure as hell isn't funny now.” Jackson couldn't suppress his laugh any longer and Mark just joined in. “When are you done?” Jackson looked around if anybody caught onto his personal call, especially Minjoon. But nobody seemed to be interested in his existence. Everybody just wanted to go home.
“Fifteen minutes left of the shift and if we start to clean up now, I can go in half an hour,” he answered.
“Okay, I'll take you home after.” Jackson looked at his screen flabbergasted. “You don't have to wait. You didn't even have to come in the first place.” But through the front window Jackson saw Mark already drove around and parked his car. Soon they did a quick clean up and without Minjoon looking Jackson put together some food, they didn't sell and would just end up throwing away. Twenty minutes past four he said goodbye to his colleagues and made his way over to the car. The blonde dropped the paper bag on Mark's lap, who greedily pulled out the first burger.
“Now I know you didn't come for me, but just to get free food.” Mark swallowed the piece of his burger. “Let's say I come for you, but the free food is very much appreciated.” A grin slipped on his face. “Don't you want to eat something as well?” He held out his burger for Jackson to take a bite. The blonde just shook his head. “If you work there long enough, you never want to eat at any junk food store again.”
Mark just shrugged his shoulders and started the motor. The ride home was quiet and comforting. Jackson leaned his head against the cool window. It wasn't as good as lying on Mark, but he had to deal with that now. After a short while the low buzzing of the car, made him slip into a light sleep only waking up, when the car parked outside the campus. “Thanks Mark, you wanna crash at mine?” Mark nodded and turned the car off.
Jackson gave Mark one of his own shirts, since he had stayed over so many times, he couldn't even count them anymore. “Hey, I was actually looking for that, I didn't know I left it at your place.” Mark slipped of his sweater and Jackson just wanted to say something, when he saw Mark's body through the mirror. He had seen Mark naked so often he had lost count and objectively he knew Mark was one attractive guy, but Jackson's mind had put him off limits years ago. Stupid Jinyoung with his stupid mouth and stupid words. He shook his head. Sleeping would probably help best now, he was just tired. That must be the case.
Mark was already crawling under the blanket, when Jackson kicked his legs. “Go brush your teeth you sloth.” Mark whined, but complied. “Dope insult by the way,” Mark giggled before he left for the bathroom. Why did his heart speed up at that sound? Didn't he read sleep deprivation could lead to tachycardia. That must be it, he thought, before he followed Mark to brush his own teeth.
The alarm went off at ten in the morning. They had slept barely five hours. Jackson wanted to curl against the warmth next to him and never get up, but Mark already moved to sit up. The blonde clutched his arms around Mark's hips from preventing him to leave. “My personal heater don't leave me.” Mark patted his hair, before he smacked his back and told him to get up. “Now, you baby.” Jackson gasped. “Only because he is older and one centimeter taller than I am, he thinks he is so cool, right?” He mumbled, while he got up. “I heard that.” A voice shouted from the kitchen, making Jackson grin.
After a quick shower and his morning routine, Jackson joined Mark and Jaebum in the kitchen, who animatedly talked about the upcoming game in a few hours. “I'm sad you didn't bring me some chicken burgers Jackson,” Jaebum whined. “First of all, you cry all the time that you want to lose weight, second of all Mark ate them all. Complain to him.” He draped himself over Mark's shoulders too lazy to stand alone. “Who is the sloth now, Jacks hmm?” Mark asked with a teasing tone in his voice, but Jackson just ignored him. “Please don't be all this cute and couply in the early morning. Some people want to eat in piece,” Jaebum groaned.
As if he was hit by an electric current Jackson let go of Mark and went to look for some eggs. “Do you want an omelet as well?” He asked Mark, without looking at him. “Sure.” The older two fell back into their talk from before Jackson arrived, while he quietly prepared the omelets.
When they were stuffed with food and ready for the day, they made their way over to the basketball court. Their coach would go through all their plays once again and then they had to warm up. Jackson was just happy that today's game was hosted by their university and he didn't have to go through the struggle to drive around half of Seoul.
Mark hugged them both once again, before he said that he would go pick up his roommate for the game, which Jaebum tried to shrug off, but Jackson could see right through his cool demeanor.
“Don't worry Jackson, you can do it. I believe in you.” Mark said to him, before he patted his hair again.
“Thanks Mark, and stop patting my head what am I a dog?” Mark laughed and patted him once more. “Who came up with the name Wang puppy again? Don't worry next time I will pat your forehead.” Jackson tipped his head to the side. “Why?” But Mark only waved as he took off and Jaebum and Jackson made their way to the changing room. “It's so disgusting to watch your blunt flirting.” Jackson looked at him shocked. “What flirting?” Which earned him just a confused look. “Who fools whom in this case?”
The air was heated and the crowd was wild. A whistle was heard and the coach from the opposing team called a timeout. The scoreboard showed 80:85 for the guests. Jackson was sweating liters as he dropped on the bench and pulled the towel over his head. “Listen guys,” the coach went on to give a lecture about their flaws, but also pointed out the good plays.
A whistle sounded again, telling the timeout was over. Jackson returned to his stand and the hustle of the game started again. They were still five points down and it were the last few minutes running, when one of the team rival team pulled on the shirt of Dohyun and the referee called a personal foul, giving him the opportunity for a free throw. Dohyung walked up to the designated line and threw hitting the net and the loud sound of the scoreboard rang through the court, displaying a point more for them.
Jackson cheered shortly, before it continued.
The last minute was ticking and the score was now 84:86. Jaebum drove the ball to the basket and shot, unfortunately the ball bounced off the rim, giving the opposing team to get their hands on the it. A sad murmur went through the crowd. A play was made towards their basket, which Jackson successfully blocked, from which he distantly heard a go Jacks, making him smile, before his head was back in the game.
Jaebum got the hands back onto the ball and passed it in bounds to Hyunjoon who drove the ball down the court. Once they passed the half-court line Hyunjoon gave the ball back to Jaebum who saw the time running out and just took his shot at the three point line just as the timer made it's powerful buzz. The ball soared through air and bumped against the backboard. It bounced and hit the rim of the basket. Shortly it seemed like it would fall over, before it magnificently fell through the loop, and then on the ground. 87:86. They had won. Jackson screamed and went straight to run into Jaebum's arms. He couldn't believe it.
Jaebum lifted him up and spun him around, before everybody else from their team came and lifted Jaebum up. Jackson was so happy he could have cried. Their team had just defeated the most promised team of the season. And even if they lost the next game or the game after, this amazing win was theirs and nobody could take it from them. They gathered once more to shake hands with the other team. It was a good game and it could have also ended total differently.
After that Jaebum was carried to the locker room, while Jackson stayed back and looked for Mark's face, but he couldn't filter out his face from where he sat before. He just wanted to turn around and go take a shower himself, when two pairs of arms encircled him, screams filling his ears from two sides. Jinyoung and Mark had made their way down to congratulate him. Jackson hugged them back laughing freely. This euphoria he felt right now, this high was worth all the early practice hours and long gym sessions.
“I'm so proud Jacks, you played so well. I think this was your best game,” Mark spoke lowly into his ear, making the other shiver a little, not that anybody noticed. “Thank you, thank you. But I get you all wet and stinky if you don't let go of me soon.” Jinyoung immediately dropped his arms and sniffed at himself, scrunching up his nose. “You're right, take a shower. You smell.”
Jackson just grinned before he attached himself once more to Mark, who pressed back just as hard, before they released each other, but not without smiling happily at each other. “Didn't I tell you could do it?” Jackson nodded. “You were right. Thank you so much for your support.” Jackson grabbed Mark's hand and for a short while everything was quiet, before Jinyoung coughed next to them, at which Jackson and Mark let go, looking elsewhere. “Mark, can you make sure Jinyoung is coming tonight? It's essential.” Mark sent him a questioning look, but all Jackson did was smile and wave before he ran to the locker room.
Jiyeon came in screaming. “I am so proud of you. I can't believe we just won.” Jackson screeched, he was butt naked. Quickly he pulled the towel in front of him. “Jiyeon get out, it's a men's locker room.” But the female just raised her eyebrow. “I think I have seen your ugly asses more often than I could ever forget. And I wish could, believe me. I am your manager, so don't annoy me right now Wang. Everybody gathering in thirty minutes, we'll drive to Itaewon and go for some drinks there. Get ready everyone.” With those words the female left the room and all hurried to get under the shower.
Half an hour later, most of them gathered to head towards Itaewon, some friends or partners joining in.
To Jackson's delight he could spot Jinyoung's face, which looked mildly pissed as he spotted Mark holding him in place. He didn't mean it that literal, but whatever worked. He walked over to them and threw his arms around both of their shoulder's. Mark leaned in and whispered. “I could only bribe him to stay, in telling him that you'd pay for the evening.” The older shrugged his shoulders, but the blonde only nodded as an answer. “That's fine.”
They went to a bar, which still served food at the same time, since the team was starving. Jackson ordered himself some chicken wings, which earned him a giggle from Mark. “Still not funny.” To which the other just said a delighted of course. The soju flew in liters, as one bottle after another was emptied. Little by little all of them got more drunk and to Jackson's amusement he saw Jaebum sending daggers to their teammate Yugyeom, a cute shy guy from second year, who was having a deep conversation with Jinyoung. A hand crept on his thigh, squeezing it lightly. “Isn't it funny to watch Jaebum and Jinyoung?” Mark asked in a low tone, looking around if anybody heard him. Jackson hummed in response and bite another piece off his chicken wing.
Just as Jackson wanted to make another comment to the struggling Jaebum, Jiyeon who sat in front of him cried out. “Wang, tell them I have pretty lips. Junwoo said they are mediocre at best. Junwoo, do you kiss your mother with that mouth, while you're spitting nonsense like that?” She asked before she turned her head back to look expectantly at Jackson. “What should I answer now, should I lie?” Jiyeon's mouth dropped while she leaned over the table to smack him. Jackson and Mark started chuckling hard at that.
“Of course, you're playing for the other team, you have no objective view on this.” Jackson inflated his cheeks. “Excuse me, just because I am gay I can appreciate a nice pair of lips. Minji for example over there has really pretty lips.” Minji sent him a flying kiss he captured and shoved to his heart. “Okay and who has prettier lips than Minji?” Jiyeon asked, really invested in that topic now. In the meantime Jackson took another shot with Mark. “Jinyoung,” Jaebum answered without thinking, which let Jinyoung's shot up. “Objectively speaking,” Jaebum tried to correct his crude words.
Jiyeon eyed Jinyoung for a while, then she looked at Jackson. “So Jinyoung has lips men fantasize about.” Jackson looked at Jinyoung. “Like Jaebum said objectively Jinyoung has really nice lips.” Hyunjoon next to him was already holding his belly from all the laughing because of the topic. “But?” Jiyeon asked. “Well, they are a little to thick for me. Sorry, dude.” Jinyoung stretched out his tongue, but he could see a hint of amusement running around the corner of Jinyoung's mouth. Another shot was poured and chucked.
“Then if it's not Jinyoung, whose lips do you fantasize about?” Jackson's mind was hazy at this point and before he could think what he could say, he looked at the person next to him and told the one and only true answer. “Mark's.”
Everything went quiet. The body next to him froze, the hand on his thigh was no longer caressing it in a relaxed way, but it became rigid. Only when he saw everyone's open mouth did he notice what he just said. But just as he wanted to clear himself up, Jiyeon took the word and helped him out. “Well, that's an easy answer. Everything about Mark is so pretty. He'd probably make a better female than me.” And when she started to laugh everybody relaxed and joined in. Jackson had to pour himself another shot to brush away the smirk he could see on Jinyoung's face.
The evening continued into the early morning hours, until everybody parted for their way home. Forgotten were the words shared hours before and Jackson crashed at Mark's place since it was closer to the bar and he was still pretty tipsy.
Quietly they took their turns in the bathroom and got themselves ready for the night. Mark picked up a water bottle from the kitchen and made sure Jackson drank at least half before he went to the bathroom.
When he returned Mark was already closing the blinds and Jackson took of his shirt and switched to a lighter tank top, as he felt a presence behind him. “So you think I have pretty lips?” Mark smirked and turned Jackson around. The blonde searched if there was anyway to escape this dangerous territory, but as Mark licked over his upper lip he was trapped. “Yeah,” he swallowed hard to get his feelings in control. Mark took a step closer. “So have you ever thought about kissing me?” Jackson looked everywhere else, but at the older. He shrugged his shoulders. “Can you answer me?” Mark was drunk, he was drunk, this would end badly. And even though he knew, he locked his eyes with Mark's and nodded, only a moment before he heard a whispered me, too and slowly a pair of lips pressed against his own.
Jackson couldn't think, couldn't breath, his body was fixed. Only when the older's teeth grazed over his lower lip, did his body come back to life and he pulled Mark close by the hips. His right hand grabbed Mark's neck, leaving no space to escape him this time. Their lips locked lazily for the first few moments, before Jackson spun Mark around and pressed him against the wall with his body. Mark moaned into his mouth and their lips grew hungry. A tongue pressed into Jackson's mouth letting him groan in return. It swirled around his own, inviting it to play.
The blonde man ran his hand up into Mark's hair, carefully tugging him even closer that he could feel any vibration running through Mark's body. After a while making out with each other, Jackson slowed down the tempo and pecked Mark's lips once then twice, thrice, earning a sweet giggle in return. He pulled Mark to the bed and placed himself on top of him. Arms circled around his waist, and pushed up his shirt a little, before they slipped under it and roamed over Jackson's broad back.
Meanwhile Jackson's tongue traced the shell of Mark's ear. He couldn't stop himself to nibble a bit at his earlobe, which drew a long sigh out of Mark. And just as Mark wanted to lift his shirt of Jackson's body, he stopped his motion. “We're drunk,” he said a little lull still present in his words. “I want to do that when we're sober.” And even though partly he wanted to punch himself for letting this opportunity slide, he meant every word. He wanted Mark, but fully, when all his senses could take the older in. Jackson didn't want to rush it hazily drunk, but rather enjoy it with open eyes and sober, just like Mark deserved.
Mark nodded and pecked his lips once more, before he pulled Jackson next to him placed his head on the younger's chest. A kiss was pressed next to Jackson's heart,leaving a warm feeling before sleep overwhelmed him.
Disoriented Jackson looked around as he woke up, the heavy scent of home filled his nostrils and he wanted to slip back into sleep, when bits and pieces of the last evening came back to him. Horrified he looked at the body curled next to him. He had messed up everything, he had kissed Mark. Did he just destroy it all? What was he supposed to do now?