Holding the can of soda firmly in his grip, Mark can't seem to take away his gaze towards the certain table, and a certain someone.

Days have passed, Mark wasn't so sure when this had started, but he could feel like the week is almost over and no progress has been made. He couldn't understand why, but he felt like this person was avoiding him on purpose. Every single attempt would fail.

Trying to bump into him across the hallway, this person would quickly dodge him.

Passing by their room and catching him staring by the window, their gazes would lock for a couple of seconds before the latter would look away with an attitude. Mark could actually list down all his plans and ideas in wanting to be associated with him. He can even make a book out of it.

Well, that was an exaggeration.

Nonetheless, he just doesn't get it. From being next to Donghyuck in line at the cafeteria, to going out by the front gates at the same time as Donghyuck the moment as classes would end. Even going to an extent, which Mark had tried once because of how desperate he is— going to the same park at night and catching him there alone.

Mark even had to lie about wanting to walk after they shared a conversation, but even that didn't last a minute before this person reasoned out that he needed to go back because his friends were looking for him.

He wanted to convince himself that Donghyuck genuinely doesn't know what's going on and everything is just a coincidence. However, Mark could tell, as if he could see right through him, that everything is on purpose.

"And it's so obvious." It raised more suspicion. Because if Donghyuck genuinely had no clue about traveling back in time, then he wouldn't act as if he needed to avoid someone just not to ruin something.

Because as far as Mark could remember, they would have been talking by now. This was supposed to be the part where they would start getting to know each other.

"What is obvious?" Shoving a spoonful of meal inside his mouth, Jeno followed his friend's gaze and his face immediately showed disgust. Not because of the food, but because of the scene where his friend is looking at. "Yeah, they are obviously dating."

Raising a brow, Mark diverted his attention towards the male that was eating. "I never asked for your opinion."

"I think that's a fact, Mark." Jeno said, gulping down his meal and drinking his water before continuing to talk, warning the other, "You have weird taste. Why are you going after someone who's obviously taken already?"

"I'm not going after—"

Mark was quick to be cut off by Jeno, "You know what's also obvious? You." He then pointed his finger at him, trying to slap some sense to this guy right here. "Cut the crap, Mark. Haven't you heard your name from the gossip around the campus? They think you're trying to steal that guy away from Lucas."

That may be what he is doing, but stealing Donghyuck from his boyfriend is not his intention.

"You know Lucas, but you don't know the guy he is with?" Mark questioned.

"Donghyuck." Jeno proudly stated, getting such information from the whispers he would hear down the hallway. It took him a minute before that smile turned into a concerning frown, "Wait, now that I think about it, that name actually sounds familiar."

It was then that Mark's breathing hitched, remembering that very first morning that he was caught being confused. "Wha... What? Really? I haven't heard of that name before."

That was such a weak attempt to lie. Jeno is actually good at recalling things. Especially when there is also no way he'd forget that certain morning where he almost called an ambulance at how this friend of his was acting. "It was the guy you mentioned when you woke up last—"

And as if a hero came to save the day, Jisung arrived. "Such a pleasure meeting you again, my beloved friends!"

Mark was once again spared from being cornered, heaving a relieved sigh before scooting to his side and offering a seat to his other friend that had just arrived. Jisung, the youngest of them, just sat down and began rambling about his morning; having no idea what he just disturbed. Mark called that a blessing, but he knew Jeno was not going to leave him alone until he got his answers. To make matters worse, they even live in the same apartment.

"What happened to you?" Jeno rolled his eyes at how he had to change his topic. From questioning Mark's interest towards people that are already in a relationship, to being concerned at how overly happy this other friend of his was.

With a dreamy look, Jisung leaned forward and settled his chin at the palm of his hands. "A lot has happened."

Mark has seen this film before, literally.

It has something to do with that Chinese student that just stood up together with his friends from their usual table. Mark's eyes were just glued towards their direction, focusing on this specific person— which he got caught staring at by the boyfriend, getting a glare in return. That put him in a defeated frown, taking into consideration that what Jeno said may have a point. He probably may be misunderstood as stealing someone's boyfriend.

Mark couldn't really blame it fully on himself. If he had no clue that Donghyuck was going to be married to him someday in the future, then he could even care less about their whereabouts.

But it happened. They were a married couple, and they had a family of their own.

"Uh... Jisung?" A voice was then heard at their table, talking to their youngest friend who got starstruck staring at the person who came to them. "Don't forget about it later, okay?"

As if he was watching the same old movie for the 'nth time already, Mark just took his glass of water and sipped on it. He looked bored, in contrast with how Jeno had his jaw dropped in surprise. Jisung, who still looked like he had hearts in his eyes, nodded his head before watching this boy walk out together with his friends.

Jisung couldn't help but repeat himself, "A lot has indeed happened."

Meanwhile, Jeno had something different in his thoughts after hearing it. "Are they going to—"

"Relax, dumbass." Mark stopped him, knowing for a fact that he was going to say something scandalous. "Chenle is just going to tutor him Math."

Jisung then agreed to defend himself, "Yeah, he's just going to..." Before having a realization the next moment and pointed it out, "How do you know he's my tutor? I never said anything about it, and he was just assigned today. And you know Chenle?"

Mark once again dug his own grave, letting his thoughts win over this time around. How is he going to explain that he just suddenly went back through time? Luckily for him, he was quick to explain himself and make his way out of the hot seat. "I just guessed since you keep on mentioning how you're failing Math. Were you guys planning on doing something else, then?"

And giving the spotlight to him, Jeno's attention then transferred to the youngest of them, impatiently waiting for an answer to cure his curiosity. Getting a glimpse at what was going on inside his friends' heads, Jisung couldn't help himself but fake a gag out of disgust.

"No!" Jisung exclaimed, "He's just tutoring me."

"Mark knows everyone." Jeno said, the said male being unintentionally saved countless times already. "Also, dude, how are you so good at guessing?"

Jisung raised a brow at that question, "What do you mean?"

"The other day, Mark told me to bring two umbrellas." Jeno began.

And being curious to where this was going, Jisung butted in with questions. "For the both of you?"

"I thought so too, but he brought his own. I really didn't want to put an extra weight on my bag but Mark really insisted. I was afraid it was a life and death situation, so I just followed whatever he told me to do." Continuing, Jeno took a deep breath before raising the tension from his storytelling, "It really was a life and death situation."

Gasping, Jisung couldn't stay still from his seat as he was already immersed by the story. "It saved you from an accident?"

"It was raining the moment classes were dismissed. I stumbled upon this new student in our class and he didn't have any umbrella with him. Good thing I had an extra with me, I gave it to him and let him borrow it." With exaggeration, Jeno let out a sound of a cry. "I would have died with the cause of regret if I wasn't able to help that cute student out."

Was he serious? Jisung had his jaw dropped out of disappointment. He didn't even know what to expect in the first place, this was Jeno he was talking to.

Not being done, Jeno lifted his brows up and down in approval as if he was commending Mark about what he had done. "You, my boy, have some mad guessing skills."

"Wow," With a sarcastic tone, Jisung uttered, "That's some talent right there."

Mark could only chuckle at how his friends were acting. This made him think that not a lot has really changed between them. They were still the same as they were in the future, just busy with work. Even though these were technically his friends, he still missed the ones that he had in the future. He was starting to miss Jeno and Jisung in that timeline.

"Jeno?"

And speaking about the umbrella incident, here comes this so-called 'cute student' visiting their table while bringing a familiar looking umbrella.

"Renjun?" It was then Jeno's turn to be starstruck, having heart in his eyes upon listening to the student thanking him for letting him borrow the umbrella.

Jisung could only roll his eyes with a smile, not disturbing their moment, and Mark took another sip of his soda.

Thinking of how it gets better once Jeno gets to meet Jaemin.

🕙

"How on earth was I able to ace the test that I was supposed to fail?" Concerned, Donghyuck got inside the library while holding a piece of paper that showed a perfect score.

As much as he wanted to celebrate and jump in joy, he was worried that the future would change if he keeps this up, knowing too well that he has a great advantage. Giving himself a pat on the shoulder, he still is giving himself credits for remembering the lessons he had decades ago.

Seems like Mark wasn't crazy after all.

The both of them went back in time.

However, in Donghyuck's case, he was more calm and collected than how Mark acted for the first few days of trying to adjust. Unlike the latter, Donghyuck had to first observe the surroundings and the situation he was in. He didn't let his emotions and thoughts get the better of him. Because of that, everything went on smoothly, just like how he planned it to be. Though, he almost slipped his act when he found out that Mark traveled back in time and is in the same situation that he is in. Nonetheless, he was able to find a way out of being part of that guy's mess. There's one thing he is good at and he's glad it managed to convince lots of people; act.

Donghyuck only had one goal in mind, it is to change everything.

He's willing to do everything in his power just to change things, change his own fate to say the least.

As selfish as it sounds, he could care less about the consequences.

"I'm so glad that this is happening to me." Donghyuck squealed, hugging himself out of joy. "The only chance I can redeem myself and not make the same mistakes again."

By mistake, he meant having to marry Mark Lee.

Too lost in his thoughts and not seeing what was ahead of him, Donghyuck let out a grunt when he accidentally met a pile of books. He thought he hit himself towards the shelf, but quickly let out a yelp upon realizing that he bumped into a person instead.

Picking up the books that were on the ground, he uttered out a genuine apology. "I'm really sorry, I wasn't watching where I was going. Do you need help in stacking these up?"

And if it were possible to eat his words and take it all back, this would be the right moment to do it.

It just so happens, it's the Mark Lee he bumped into. Great!

"Really?" Opposite to what the latter was feeling, Mark could feel another opportunity coming up. There's no way he'll let this slide. "I mean, I do need help in putting this back to where they belong."

Does Donghyuck even have a choice? "Sure! Just tell me which section these books are and I'll handle it." Fake it till you make it.

"I'll go with you!" Mark was obviously having a hard time controlling his emotions as this is probably the longest interaction they have so far. "In... In case it's placed on the wrong shelf."

Donghyuck knew that if he tried to push him away this time around, like what he has been doing ever since, he might be questioned about his behavior. He needs to act like there really is nothing to avoid because in the first place, nothing is going on between them.

He'll just think of this as a student interacting with another student.

Nodding his head, he then gave Mark a polite smile before following behind him. The two of them went from one aisle to another just to put the books back in order. It took them a while, but neither initiated a conversation, so, Donghyuck didn't mind even if it lasted for another hour as long as it's going to be this silent all throughout.

"So..." He had to jinx it. Mark placed a hand over his nape to rub it, trying to lighten up the imaginary tension between them. "You and Lucas, Huh?"

That's such an awkward start for a conversation, but Donghyuck knew better and had to keep his cool. "What about me and my boyfriend?"

Yes, he felt the need to emphasize that. He might be petty, but he was doing what's best for the outcome he wants to have.

Mark was glad that both of them were at different sections of the library. Though they were facing each other, countless books were blocking them from seeing their faces. At least the pain in Mark's eyes wouldn't be seen. "How long have you two been together?"

"You're quite a curious cat, aren't you?" Donghyuck let out a giggle. However, deep inside, he was groaning in annoyance at how he just won't leave him alone. "A while already. Never really did keep track, now that you mention it."

If Mark wants it this way then Donghyuck can also play this game.

"Lucas makes me feel like I've known him for years already. He makes me feel like I shouldn't count the days we've been together, but I should start counting the days towards us finally settling." Donghyuck said with a smirk on his face. He was putting pressure in placing the books on the shelf with every single word that came out from his mouth.

The shelf was shaking at how aggressive Donghyuck was in putting the books back, but Mark had his focus somewhere else. He was staring at the ground as if it was the most interesting thing in the world. He had no idea why he was acting this way when he was the one who brought up the topic in the first place.

It seemed like the brakes from speaking were broken, Donghyuck didn't know when to stop. He was pouring it all out, getting back at Mark for the mess he had caused. "I guess I can also say that he makes me feel things that even a five-year relationship can't—"

And just when Donghyuck lost himself in the midst of getting revenge, a group of students were running around and one had nudged him harshly towards the shelf, making it shake aggressively. He was about to yell at the kids for running around the library, but his eyes darted towards the books at the very top of the shelf. It was definitely going to fall. Donghyuck wondered why his body moved on its own, and he was breathing heavily upon running quickly to the other side. His mind was blank and he was sweating out of worry.

The books weren't going to fall on his side, but on Mark's.

"Love, watch out!"

That was all it took for Mark to freeze on his spot. He was able to block his head from the books that fell using his arm that he lifted up with ease, but his eyes stayed still towards Donghyuck who was standing there breathing heavily.

The look that he had was enough to snap Donghyuck back to his senses, internally gasping at what he just shouted. Both of them stared at each other with one gaze filled with regret and the other simply had nothing to feel after hearing it. He was blank.

Being the first one to snap out from it, Donghyuck gulped in panic before finding a way to excuse himself. "I'm... sorry, I was pushed. It's better if I stay away from the books, I might make a mess. I'll get going now."

Mark had every right and opportunity to stop him; but he didn't.

He didn't.

Finding out the truth was enough.

— to be continued