Love Game

Chapter 6

It was a fine evening. Although it had rained yesterday, today the sky was clear of clouds. The sun was on its way downside and in another hour or so was going to disappear from the place.
Taking in fresh air, Jinyoung walked along the little platform beside the Han River.
Actually, he had been supposed to take a walk here yesterday. But the weather was not favourable yesterday. So today was the only option because next day was Monday and he wouldn't be able to take time for this.
There were only a few people in the Han River today. Maybe they didn't trust the weather enough.
Jinyoung was walking with his own thoughts when a puppy that was loosely tied, suddenly ran and jumped towards Jinyoung's direction from the left side.
In an instant, he thought that puppy was going to jump over him. But instead, it landed a few feet in front of him.
However, a boy with a skate was coming that way and he changed his direction quickly before he bumped against the little puppy, who got scared and jumped over Jinyoung.
It was not fortunate for that boy either. He landed on the ground right just near the couple who owned the puppy.
They did not know what had just happened. But the moment they saw the boy fallen on the ground, they helped him to get up and apologised him immediately as they now realised the situation.
Jinyoung was at first shocked when the puppy jumped on him but it was now still in his hands and even licking his wrist and fingers.
The lady ran to Jinyoung, who was walking towards them.
"Are you OK? Oh my, I'm really sorry. We didn't know the tie was loosed."
"It's OK. He's cute. Don't worry," Jinyoung flashed a smile and handed the puppy to the lady.
"Thank you for catching him. He's so playful. He must have been so excited when he saw that boy with the skate."
She pointed towards a man and a boy as the former was checking the latter if he got any wounds.
As they got closer to them, Jinyoung also got a clear view to look at the boy.
"Mark Tuan"
Maybe he voice got a little louder as Mark turned to him by his name being called.
"Jinyoung?"
"Oh, you know each other? Anyway, we're really sorry for this accident. Are you OK?" the last sentence was addressed to Mark.
Mark was not okay. His ankle was a bit hurt but seeing Jinyoung, he got a better plan.
"I'm a little hurt but don't worry," and he turned to Jinyoung, flashing him a smile, "My friend here will help me, right?"
"What?" Jinyoung's expression was speechless and Mark savoured that.
"So, don't worry. You can go on your walk. Jinyoung ah, come here. I need your support."
Jinyoung looked at Mark and then at the couple and with all his will against it, he hesitatingly stood beside Mark, who gave the couple a small reassuring smile.
"O-oh, thank you very much."
Jinyoung just nodded and Mark took Jinyoung's right arm and took the step very carefully.
Jinyoung sighed and when the couple walked on their way, he asked, "So, where are you going?" in an annoyed tone.
"Hmm, first that bench please."
The bench was just some feet away and Jinyoung walked fast to that.
"Hey, hey, walk slowly. I'm hurt."

When they both sat down on the bench,
"So, to what distance am I still going to have to walk you?"
Jinyoung was hopeless with the situation.
"Till my home?"
"What!?"
"Ha ha"
Jinyoung was speechless that even in that state, that guy could still laugh.
Sensing Jinyoung's glare, "OK OK, just sit with me a little more, ok? I'll call my friend."
"You'd better."
After giving the information of where he was, Mark hung up the call.
"So, I'm going," Jinyoung stood up.
"Wait," Mark grabbed Jinyoung's wrist quickly, "Keep me company till my friend arrives, please? In case something happens to me again, please?" Mark said desperately, mixed with a little of aegyo.
With his wrist being held that tightly, Jinyoung knew however he denied would not make any efforts, so sat down again forcing himself to be very patient.
Mark inwardly smiled with salf-satisfaction and was also hoping Jackson would not arrive very soon.
Jinyoung was looking at the Han River while Mark's eyes were on Jinyoung as silence fell.
"So, you were taking a walk here?"
"Yes, thanks for ruining that by the way."
"Huh? It wasn't I. Not my fault, OK?"
"Yes, yours. That accident would have ended at the spot. But you dragged me here. See the point?"
"I'm sorry," Mark apologised quite sincerely and Jinyoung looked at him.
"When is your friend coming?"
"He must be on the way by now."
Jinyoung looked at the skate that leaned against the bench.
"You seem to like skating."
"Oh, you're interested in me now?" Mark asked playfully.
As Jinyoung expected, their good conversation did not last a minute.
"Ha, I'm just kidding. Yes, I like skating. Since young," said Mark, looking at his skate.
"What about you? Do you have any hobbies?"
"Reading."
"Boring."
"What again? Mark Tuan, can't you give a little more attention on nice talking?"
"OK, OK, that's great. I'm being honest."
The colour of the sun-set fell on Jinyoung's face and Mark was memorising the beauty beside him.
With his consciousness not in his soul, Mark's head moved slowly and slowly towards Jinyoung's, with his eyes on Jinyoung's lips.
Jinyoung was busy observing the sun-set beauty in front of him and did not notice Mark getting closer to him.
Just when the two heads were so close, Mark's phone rang, the caller ID indicating 'Jackson'.
"Shit Jackson" automatically left Mark's mouth and only then Jinyoung noticed they were so close.
"Mark, where are you? I'm in here."
"Thanks for ruining the moment, Jackson."
"What?" asked Jackson, not understanding.
"Nothing," Mark looked at the back of the bench and said, "No 21 bench."
"OK, I'll be there in a minute."
The call ended.
"Your friend is here already?"
"Yeah," said Mark in not so subtly disappointed tone.
"Great then."
After a minute or two, Jackson appeared and asked Mark endless questions about the accident, obviously exaggerating.
Then he noticed Jinyoung and was shocked.
"P-Park Jinyoung?"
Jinyoung slightly bowed and said, "So, excuse me, I'll get going."
Mark nodded disappointedly and Jinyoung left them.
"Mark, my friend. Wow, that's impressive. Tell me the whole story man."
"Now, help me first. I'll tell you on the way."
"OK, OK. My bad. I forgot. Come."