They didn't know when it began or how it started. They just realized one day that Mark became a part of their every day lives.

Whenever they were together, Mark was there.

Or if they were too busy to see each other, Mark was there.

Or whenever they would accidentally bumped into each other, Mark was there.

Mark was practically everywhere.

In his two weeks of attending in SMA, Mark gained popularity due to his handsome looks, bubbly personality, and of course, being related to Jeno and Taeyong. He made a lot of friends and joined a lot of clubs and he was instantly loved by many.

To say that Mark was a third wheel was actually not fitting. Most of the time, he would do all the talking and Jeno and Solji would found themselves listening to his stories like parents listening to their child.

Right now, the three of them decided to have lunch together. Actually, it was just Jeno and Solji but Mark overheard and didn't tell Jeno. He just surprised them when he showed up.

"And then one of my classmates contradicted my professor and gave his own insight, and then this professor got fuming mad and he gave my classmate a detention. My other classmate questioned him. Why would you give a student a detention slip for asking question? And then..."

Mark was practically blabbing and Jeno and Solji were listening to him intently. They would just find themselves responding to him.

"But I'm still sulky that you didn't invite me for lunch," Mark sulked and pouted. Jeno and Solji looked at each other before shaking their heads. "You didn't even make me a bento!" he added and pointed a finger at Solji.

"And why would I make you one when I didn't even know you're joining us? I thought it's just Jeno and me."

"It's just us originally but someone decided to join in without my knowledge."

"Hey! You're hurting my feelings!" Mark whined.

Solji smiled as she watched Mark being childish and Jeno saw it. He looked at Solji and then to his cousin who was poking his sides, acting cute which didn't suit him at all. Yes, Mark was adorable but he's older than Jeno and Solji.

Jeno felt something squeeze his heart and his breathing became restricted. He tried to act cool to disregard the suffocating feeling but it kept crawling and clawing his heart. He didn't like that she was smiling and the reason wasn't him, but he couldn't do anything about it either.

"Fine. You can have my bento," Solji said ang pushed her bento towards Mark. Jeno frowned at the gesture.

"Really? Did my cute charm work on you?" Mark asked and started making cute faces in front of Solji which made the latter laugh. It only soured Jeno's mood. He covered his cousin's face using his big hand then pushed his bento.

"You can have mine instead. You better shut up now or I'll shove this chopstick down your throat."

Mark removed Jeno's hand and frowned at him. "Geez, so violent. But thank you though."

Solji laughed as the two bickered nonstop. Jeno remained quiet the whole time and would only speak to throw comments from time to time. He observed the way Solji would look and laugh at Mark, and how Mark would try so hard to make jokes just to make her laugh. Jeno silently wished that lunch time would be over so he wouldn't have to endure it.

What he didn't know was that that wouldn't be the last time he would be put in an unwanted situation.

One time, Jeno found Solji in the library but this time, she had company. He couldn't suppress the jealousy that's clawing his heart. The feeling that he hated the most was feeling threatened. He hated it even more because of the fact that Mark was his cousin. Solji and Mark were so engrossed in their conversation and Jeno went to check what they were talking about.

"Hey!" he greeted them both and pretended to be enthusiastic. He occupied the seat beside Mark.

"Hello, cousin!"

"Hello, Jeno," Solji greeted back and smiled widely at him which instantly melted his anger. He smiled back at her and stared at her for a good ten seconds. "I didn't know I would see you here."

"I just returned the books I borrowed last week. The librarian wasn't exactly pleased."

"Speaking of books, we're talking about the novels we loved before you arrived!" Mark said, unaware of the brooding temper of his cousin. It took everything in Jeno not to strangle Mark. He noticed how Solji's eyes lit up at the mention of their topic before he joined them.

Jeno did not exactly enjoy reading. He would prefer watching movies and playing games. Now that he thought of it, he didn't know much about Solji's interests and it made his heart drop.

"My absolute favorite is Me Before You. I just love a good old-fashioned romance with a touch of angst," Mark shared.

"Oh, I think you'd love How To Breathe Underwater. The drama isn't as heavy and it's perfect for just casual reading," Solji suggested.

"I'll add that to my reading list. What's your favorite genre of book? Mine's sci-fi. When I was a kid, my dream was to become an author and write sci-fi books. I'm still thinking if I wanted to pursue it but I'm too busy right now."

"I actually love a lot of genres but Mystery and Thriller just hits different, you know what I mean? I love the nerve-wracking feeling when they're so close to unfolding the mystery behind everything. I would definitely recommend The Cousins."

Jeno was feeling lost as his eyes darted from Mark to Solji then back to Mark again and he felt like they had forgotten he was there. What was he supposed to do? Remind them that he was there? The last thing he wanted was to look desperate for attention. Besides, he was contented watching Solji talk about the things that she loved, even if he wasn't a part of the conversation.

"What about you, Jeno?" Solji asked which woke up Jeno from his trance.

"Me? What about me?"

"What's your favorite book genre?" Solji asked.

Jeno scratched his nape.

"Uh... I don't really like anything," he admitted. He was tempted to lie and fake his interests but he knew that lying would bring him no good.

He was expecting for Solji to look disappointed but instead, she smiled. "What do you like to do in your free time then?"

"Really? Getting to know each other in front me?" Mark asked and Jeno kicked his shin under the table. He yelped in pain and was about to tell him off when Jeno gave him a smile that sent shivers down his spine.

"I like playing online games. Working out. And also biking around the park," Jeno answered.

"I wanna try to play online games someday. Will you teach me?"

Oh hell, I will teach you everything you like to know, Jeno thought. He simply nodded.

"Oppa," Solji called Mark and Jeno couldn't help but raise his eyebrows. He never heard her call Mark 'oppa' before and he knew he wasn't the only one who was surprised. Mark looked up and a wide smile was plastered on his face.

"Yes?"

"I know a bookshop that sells good books. You might find something there that you like. I'll show it to you when we're both not busy."

Mark nodded eagerly. "Sure, I would love that."

Jeno could only clench his fist under the table as he silently fought the ugly feeling of being left out.

And of course, jealousy.

***

"Shit."

"Jeno, don't throw the grenade I'm still here!" Jaemin shouted but it was too late. The warehouse exploded including him, inside. "Dude, what the hell? We're supposed to be teammates! Why did you kill me, you traitor!"

Jeno let out an exasperated sigh as he removed his headphones and watched as his opponent rain down bullets on him until he died. After almost having a hundred winning streaks with Jaemin, that was the first time that they lost. They were so unstoppable together and their teamwork was impeccable. But a teamwork would only be successful if both of them were cooperating.

Right now, Jeno was too distracted to focus on the game.

"I'm sorry," Jeno apologized to Jaemin.

Getting defeated in a game wasn't enough to make Jaemin angry. He was competitive when he needed to but knew how to accept when he had lost. It's the heavy sighs from Jeno that bothered him.

"What's wrong?" Jaemin asked.

The images of Solji and Mark going to the bookshop that the former mentioned flooded Jeno's mind and he shook his head violently.

"What's wrong with me?"

"Yeah, I'm asking you the same thing. What's wrong?"

Jeno sighed. "Is it normal to feel... jealous of your cousin because he shares the same interest with your fiancé?"

"Depends."

"Depends on what?"

"Depends if you like your fiancé," Jaemin answered then wiggled his eyebrows. Jeno rolled his eyes.

"You're not helping."

"I was just asking you what's wrong. I didn't say I'd help you. But seriously, what made you... you know... jealous?"

Jeno hesitated for awhile if he should tell Jaemin or not but then he would be thinking about it all the damn time if he couldn't let it out. He didn't want to look stupid either, but not being able to focus would also result to the same thing. Jeno chose the former. He told Jaemin about everything, how Mark and Solji met, the words that he said, the happenings the past few days, and the latest one which was when he saw them at the library.

"Jeno, your feelings are valid. Don't ever doubt what you're feeling again. I get where you're coming from. Mark himself admitted that he found Solji attractive. But, since he found out that you're Solji's fiancé, I think he already got the hint that he had no chance."

"But that's still up to Solji to decide," Jeno replied.

"That's also true. But why are you jealous exactly? Is it because they share the same interest or because you're feeling threatened that Solji will choose Mark over you?"

It was a thought Jeno never entertained because it was too painful to even think. But now that Jaemin voiced it out, the wiry mess inside his head were untangled, but that didn't make it any better.

"Maybe I'm afraid. Maybe... I'm afraid by the fact that she will find him more interesting since they get along a lot and that will give her more reason to break off the engagement because she will realize she wanted to be with him instead of me," Jeno explained while staring at the ceiling. Just by thinking about it pained him, but he would have no choice.

But he knew damn well that if letting her go would make her happy, he would willingly do it. He was that selfless.

"Are you afraid of losing her?"

"Maybe."

"Stop lying to yourself, Jeno. Caging yourself with lies will only kill you."

Jeno closed his eyes before he swallowed the lump in his throat.

"Yes. I'm afraid of losing her."

***

The talk with Jaemin made Jeno realize a lot of things.

He realized that whatever was meant to happen would happen even if he tried to stop it. Stressing over it wouldn't change the situation either, so he just decided to let it be.

He was walking down the corridor when he spotted two figures walking side by side. He blinked his eyes multiple times to confirm if he was seeing it right.

"I think I'm going blind..." Jeno muttered to himself when he recognized the two people.

Solji and Mark.

He hid his clenched hands in his pocket, suppressing the surge of jealousy that clouded his mind. He said earlier that he would let things be, but he didn't know if he would survive doing nothing to stop what could possibly transpire. As long as the possibility was there, he would never be at peace.

Solji told something to Mark then they both stopped walking. He saw her typing on her phone then his phone vibrated in his pocket. He fished it out and saw Solji was calling. He hid behind a pillar, making sure he wouldn't be seen.

"Solji. You called?"

"Uh, yeah. I just wanted to tell you that I can't eat lunch with you."

"That's fine. Are you going somewhere? Busy?"

"Yeah, I'm actually busy."

"Alright. Is Mark hyung with you? I'm just going to eat with him."

"Um... no, he's not with me. But he's also busy, I think. He... I saw him earlier and we talked for a little bit."

Jeno took a deep breath to keep himself from storming out of his hideout and show himself and confront Solji why she was lying.

"Okay. Make sure to eat lunch, alright?"

"I will! Bye, Jeno!"

"Bye."

He watched as Solji and Mark left together as if she didn't just lie to him. He wanted to tail them. He had so many things he wanted to do right now and he was so frustrated.

She deliberately lied to him.

He felt betrayed.

Yet in the end, he still thought about what she would feel.

***

"Really, Kim Solji? I can't believe you used me!" Mark said dramatically as he plopped down on one of the leather seats of the diner Solji had chosen.

"I'm treating you lunch. Stop complaining. I didn't want to lie to Jeno. He was probably eating alone right now," Solji said and the thought saddened her. "I wish Jaemin joined him."

Solji asked Mark earlier if he was free and he said he was.

She said she wanted to show him the bookshop, but it was just a front. It was true that she brought him there and she didn't lie when she said that they had the best collection of books Mark could ever find, but there was an ulterior motive why she brought him there and she had to lie.

"What kind of music does Jeno listen to?" Solji asked while mindlessly scanning the spines of books on the shelf.

"He likes classical music. Sometimes chill music, you know, songs that could make him relax after a tiring day," Mark answered. "Why did you ask?"

"Just curious."

Mark raised an eyebrow.

"Fine. I was thinking of buying him vinyl records."

"So that's why you asked me here?"

"Yeah, kind of."

"And here I thought you're asking me out on a date. You're taking advantage of the stupid crush I have for you. You really know how to break my heart!" Mark clutched his chest dramatically.

"I also know how to break skulls."

After their trip to the bookshop, they went to the mall to buy a couple of vinyl records and went to eat on a diner where Solji frequently visit with Karina and Yeji.

***

It was Saturday morning and Jeno just got out of the shower after working out when the doorbell rang. He thought it was the pizza that he ordered thirty minutes ago so he opened the door without looking at the intercom only to be surprised to see Solji standing in his doorstep.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, visibly surprised. His hair was still wet and there were beads of water trickling down its tips.

"Visiting." Solji answered nonchalantly. "I haven't returned the card to you so I was able to come up here if that's what you're thinking."

Jeno scratched the back of his neck. "It's okay. You can keep it."

Solji raised one eyebrow but didn't say anything. She stepped inside of Jeno's penthouse while the latter dried his wet hair using a towel. Solji tried her best not to look at Jeno's exposed arms. She never thought that she would find veiny arms sexy until she met Jeno.

Looks could indeed be deceiving.

Jeno looked like an innocent puppy but his body looked as if it were molded by the best sculptor.

"I'm sure you didn't come here just because you wanted to," Jeno said.

"Ah, yes. I actually bought a gift for you," Solji replied and put the paper bag she was carrying on the coffee table.

Jeno was beyond excited to rummage its contents and he was delighted when he saw the vinyl records from his favorite artists. On a separate paper bag, there were containers of side dishes that Solji made herself. She knew Jeno wouldn't survive on ramen alone and some occasional pizza.

"Damn! These are hidden treasures!"

Solji smiled as she watched Jeno happily held his gifts like a kid receiving his dream toy from Santa Claus. There was a different swell of happiness whenever she saw Jeno happy and it made her heart celebrate.

She stayed for lunch and they both ate the side dishes that she brought, leaving some so he could it for the next few days. The conversation was filled with laughter and Jeno momentarily forgot about her lie, until she asked about Mark.

"Mark doesn't live here with you?" she asked while watching Jeno wash the dishes. That question made him stop and the happiness he felt earlier dissipated.

"No. He has his own place from across this building. It would be a disaster if we live together."

"That's not so hard to figure out," Solji chuckled but Jeno couldn't bring to return the same enthusiasm.

"Do you like Mark?" he asked.

Solji thought for awhile before answering. "I guess so. I mean, he's really nice and very talkative and we get along. There was something about him that can make anyone feel at ease."

This time, Jeno let out a humorless laugh. He bit the inside of his cheeks as he was swallowed by disappointment and jealousy.

He finished washing the dishes and left Solji without a word. Solji was confused after Jeno walked out.

"Jeno!" she called, but he didn't answer. "What's gotten into him?"

Jeno entered his bedroom and buried himself under the duvet. He curled into a ball as he tried to fight the pain. It was unbearable. All the words that came out from Solji's lips felt a like knife stabbing him.

Solji instantly knew something was wrong so she followed Jeno and barged in his room, finding the latter buried in his bed.

"Why are you being like that, Jeno? Come on, you have to tell me why because I can't read minds. Tell me what's wrong."

Jeno threw Solji a grudging look before burying his face again on the pillows. Instead of getting frustrated, she found it adorable. She got on the bed beside Jeno and the latter instantly panicked.

"W-W-What are you doing here?" Jeno asked and he pulled the duvet closer to him which made Solji roll her eyes.

"I will not leave here until you tell me why you're sulking. You even walked out on me."

There was determination in Solji and Jeno knew better than anyone that she would never falter. He threw his hands in the air with a retired sigh. He had no escape plus the fact that she did not hesitate going in the bed beside him. Not that they didn't have any skin contact before, hell, they even made out but that didn't make it any less awkward.

"I'm jealous," Jeno finally admitted.

She was taken aback by his answer. Jeno faced Solji and they held each other's eyes until she couldn't take it anymore. She hated how she would easily melt when it came to him.

"What... what are you jealous about?"

"I'm jealous of the fact that you and Mark hyung can get along so easily and you like the exact same things. What do they call those people again? Oh, soulmates. Yeah, it's like you and Mark hyung are soulmates."

Pain was evident in his voice while trying not to break. The thought of somebody stealing her away from him was enough to make him crack.

"You have no idea how much power you have over me."

Those words made Solji's heart drop. Jeno was being vulnerable in front of her and she wasn't sure if she could take it. She couldn't bear seeing him like that but then again, she asked him what was wrong.

"I know this is not a competition and there's a high possibility that you'll hate me for this but... but I can't help it, Solji. I can't help but feel that I always have to compete for attention. You can call me selfish but all my life I have to fight to prove my worth. You out of all people should know hwo it feels. And just when I started being comfortable around you, Mark hyung came. You have bo idea about how he can easily snatch you away from me but he only choose not to because he probably pities me."

"Jeno... I'm not an object that anyone can steal."

"But you're every inch of a human being who would choose someone that can make you feel happy."

There were tears threatening to fall from his eyes and it was too late to blink it back.

"Traitors..." he muttered to his tears as he wiped them using the hem of his shirt.

She reached for his cheek and he froze under her touch.

"Anyone can make me feel happy but you aspire me to become better. Happiness can go away but growth is a continuous process. You're one of the reasons why I'm trying to be a better version of me. Your kindness influences me to be kinder, especially to myself. You never held my pride against me but instead, you taught me when and when not to set it aside."

Jeno blinked back at her, unsure if he should believe her words.

"I do?"

Solji nodded.

"Yes. I can find millions of people who share the same interests as me but it is rare to find someone who is my exact opposite but still chooses my company. Someone who had alreafy seen my monsters but chose to stay anyway."

They stared into each other's eyes, souls bare, hearts beating in sync. A ghost of smile appeared on Jeno's lips and Solji mirrored it.

"You don't have to fight anymore, Jeno. The battle is over. You already won."

Perhaps, there was a hidden meaning behind her words. Or maybe, she just meant it literally. Either way, it made Jeno's heart race and reached to cup Solji's face. Slowly, he leaned forward and kissed her forehead. Then, he pulled away and pressed their foreheads together, noses touching.

"I'm not jealous anymore. Your reassurance is enough," Jeno whispered

"I hope you can affirm yourself even without my help. It's a long way to go but you will reach that point, too," Solji replied.

"Why did you lie?" Jeno asked. "I saw the two of you that day when you called me to say that you couldn't eat lunch with me. I asked you if you're with Mark hyung and you said you weren't."

"Did you follow us?"

"No, why would I? I know it will make you angry. Even if I'm seething with jealousy, I will not do something that will make you mad."

Solji smiled before pulling, looking into Jeno's eyes. "I'm sorry for lying to you. I did that because I wanted to ask Mark what music do you listen to. I bought the vinyl records the same day we went to the bookshop. He was sulky and accused me of using him, but it's alright. I did it for you, so it doesn't really matter."

Jeno's eyes widened after he heard her side. He wanted to shrink in embarrassment for walking out without bringing up the topic and not talking about it. He realized that communication was really important.

"You did it for me?"

Solji nodded. "Yes."

"Why?"

"I don't know. I just wanted to buy something for you. Something that will make you happy. Something that will remind you of me."

"There's no need for you to that. I always remember you whenever I see this," Jeno said and raised his left hand bearing the engagement ring.

"Still, I wanted to do it for you. But I'm sorry for making you feel that way."

She pulled him into a hug, his face buried on the crook of her neck. Days before, he wanted to do it so badly but he didn't want to make her uncomfortable. Being in that position was a dream come true for him as he sighed contentedly.

Solji was all he ever needed.

Jeno was all she ever wanted.

They stayed like that for a few minutes, listening to the rhythm of their heart and breathing with their eyes close. It was a wholesome moment and nobody wanted it to end.

What they felt for each other was pretty obvious and it would only take one brave step to unveil it.