The Truth? (1/1)

It was the fifth time in a month alone that Mark had been back to the sushi bar. Talking to the hyperactive Jackson while eating his newly discovered favourite food had become a regular occurrence for the boy. Mark had decided that it was definitely Jackson that he was coming back for, he just couldn't get enough. The other had him permanently grinning or laughing whilst in his company, and he could talk to Jackson about anything which was definitely new to the usually friendless Mark. Something had just clicked between the two of them and he was just left with the question of whether Jackson felt it too. It was on one particular visit that Jackson said he wanted to introduce Mark to one of his friends, Jinyoung his name was. When Mark asked why exactly Jackson just said that it was important to him that Mark and his friends got along well. After asking why once more Jackson just blushed before disappearing into the kitchen, he stopped asking why after that. Mark hadn't really dated that much so he was clueless with Jackson. Was Jackson interested in Mark? Or was he just this friendly with everyone? Mark was beginning to get tired of dancing around each other with flirtatious words, shy glances, and lingering touches. When Jackson nipped around the counter to hug a dark haired male that had entered Mark waited patiently for the two to finish talking. Once they had Jackson brought Jinyoung to sit with Mark and introduced the two. He quite liked Jinyoung, he was no where near as talkative as Jackson was so the gentler flow of conversation between the two of them was a breath of fresh air. "You're definitely getting better with those chopsticks Mark" Jackson hollered teasingly before disappearing into the kitchen. Mark started laughing before explaining to Jinyoung how Jackson had taught him how to use them, face flushing as he remembered what else happened but decidedly left that part out while explaining. A look of something undefinable passed across Jinyoung's face."I expected it to be that" Jinyoung said regretfully, looking at Mark with sad eyes."What do you mean?" Mark questioned."Yah, I didn't want to tell you this because you two look like you really like each other, but Mark he does that move on every single guy that comes in here. I don't know if it's to keep them coming back or if he just likes flirting with multiple people but yeah." he replied guiltily, noting the hurtful look that crossed Mark's face."Oh. Right. Uh, thanks I guess Jinyoung" Mark finished with, unsure of how to react to this information. That definitely answered Mark's question of whether Jackson felt it too; he didn't, it was just a game to the other.When Jackson reappeared he noticed how quiet Mark had become, and that he wouldn't look at him in the eye. The deep laughter no longer rang in his ears and the grin had left Mark's face in replace of a scowl. His replies were one word only and he now spent more time talking to Jinyoung than him. "Mark what's wrong? Are you okay?" He asked gently during a lull in the conversation as Jinyoung was replying to a text."Yeah. Fine Jackson, I'm brilliant" Mark bit out harshly with a heavy glare sent Jackson's way.  There was no more conversation after that. There wasn't much of anything after that at all, Mark ate his food then paid and left. Jackson wished he had the boys number so he could find out what was really wrong with Mark. The bubbly Jackson stilled, the endless chatter stopped as he racked his brain for what he could of done. He was desperately trying to figure what he did if anything to upset the red head, because upsetting Mark was the last thing he wanted to do. He looked to Jinyoung for answers but he had a strange look on his face and said nothing.Mark didn't come back at all that week. Jackson waited. Looking at the door every Thursday and Saturday waiting for Mark to come through and send that killer smile his way. But he didn't, Mark didn't come through he door, not for weeks.Mark couldn't face Jackson, he didn't want to go back and endure and hour of flirting knowing that Jackson wasn't even serious. The other probably wasn't even interested in Mark at all. His mood turned sour permanently as pure frustration began to seep into his everyday life. He wished he had Jinyoung's number to ask him about all this, or that he was brave enough to go and confront Jackson. But neither were going to happen anytime soon. He barely paid attention to what the teachers said in his classes were saying, not that he did anyway but it was painfully obvious now. Jaebum, one of the only friends Mark had made noticed his change in behaviour and quizzed the other until he finally got it out of the boy. "So his friend told you he was just playing with you basically?" Jaebum asked after listening to Mark finally spilling his worries."Yeah pretty much, I haven't seen him in about a month. I couldn't go back and see him after that." Mark said quietly. Jaebum paused, thinking for a moment before speaking."Are you free tonight?" He asked, surprising Mark."Yeah I am why? He replied hesitantly, almost fearing the response. The reason why he got along so well with Jaebum was that he was the first guy who didn't try and hit on Mark straight from the get-go."We'll go to the sushi bar, tonight. Me and you okay? We'll go talk to the guy and sort everything out. I'll be there so you don't chicken out." He finished off laughing slightly at the relief that flashed on Mark's face. Mark let out a breath he didn't know he had been holding and began laughing as well while mumbling an agreement, he didn't really want to see Jackson but if Jaebum was there it would be a lot easier."What? Did you think I was asking you out? I kind of already have someone, maybe, it's complicated" Jaebum trailed off towards the end and Mark raised an eyebrow but was cut off before he could ask"Let's focus on you first, we'll deal with me later." And that was the conversation over, the two exchanged numbers and decided a time as well as a meeting place.