The next morning, David couldn't wait for Mark to wake up. He finally received information about the people who hurt him. Leaning down, he pressed a gentle kiss to Mark's neck, then his forehead, whispering, "I'll be back."
Without wasting time, he got dressed and left with his gang, heading straight to the location.
Before leaving, he pulled Dnie aside. "Tell Mark I'll be gone for an extra three days. I've got an auction to attend after I settle things with the ones who hurt me."
Dnie frowned, worry flickering in her eyes. "Just be careful, David. Don't come back with any new injuries—and don't you dare come back in a body bag. I just hope all of this ends soon."
David gave her a half-smile and replied, "Okay, Mama."
Then he turned and walked away.
On their way, Tony glanced at David and said, "You know, Mark's not that special. You treat him like he's something more, and for what? No real reason."
David didn't say a word. He kept his focus straight ahead.
Tony sighed and went on, "When we get back, I think you should ask him about the last conversation he had with his father. It might give us a clue—something to help end all of this.
David didn't bother to argue. There was no use, once Tony started talking, he wouldn't stop. So David let him talk and kept quiet.
Mark woke up, instinctively turning to hug David, only to find the space beside him empty. He figured David had gone downstairs. After a quick shower, he dressed and headed out to get breakfast.
When he stepped into the living room, he saw only Dnie. The house felt quieter than usual, and a few of the guards seemed to be missing.
"I guess David's not around," Mark said casually.
Dnie nodded. "He's not."
"You care so much about David, you forgot to greet me," she teased.
Mark chuckled. "I'm sorry. Good morning, my pretty sister."
Dnie smiled at that. David went to work. He'll be back in a few days."
"Okay," Mark said, then paused. "Can you help me save David's digit on my phone? I'd like to check on him."
Dnie burst out laughing. "Are you serious, Mark? David gave you a phone, and the first thing you did was contact your female classmates, yet you didn't even save his number?"
Mark scratched the back of his neck awkwardly.
"By the way, why's your face so puffy?" she asked, squinting at him. "Did you cry? Did one of those girls break your heart?"
She fired off question after question until Mark finally cut in.
"You're overreacting," he said quietly. "I just found out that one of my close friends died in a car accident. He was really important to me… I was just caught off guard by the news."
Dnie's expression softened instantly. "Oh no, Mark. I'm so sorry to hear that. Are you okay now?"
Mark nodded slowly. "Yeah. I'll be fine."
He glanced at her. "So… about David's number?"
"Don't worry," she said. "He'll contact you himself."
Mark sighed. "Hey, sis, can we go out? "Out where?"
"I was thinking of meeting Lainai. David's not home, so I figured this might be a good time to see her."
Dnie raised a brow. "Sure, we can. But… can I ask you something?"
"Go ahead."
"What are your intentions toward Lainai?"
Mark smiled. "That's my business… for now."
"What about David?"
His smile faded. "What about him?"
"Never mind," Dnie muttered, shaking her head. Should I say Mark is clueless? she wondered. Does he not understand what's happening between him and David? It's not a game.
Why do I feel like he's just having fun, not planning to take anything seriously? Or maybe… he just doesn't want to acknowledge David's heart at all.
A few minutes after finishing breakfast, Mark called Lainai and arranged to meet her. Dnie, too, had plans to see a friend, so she smiled and said it was perfect—they could go out together. They both stepped out of the house, accompanied by two bodyguards.
As they walked, Mark glanced at her and muttered, "Do we really have to bring guards with us everywhere?"
Dnie laughed softly. "Let it be, Mark. Just focus on the outing."
They arrived at a café where Dnie spotted her friend first. Mark politely greeted the woman.
"Mimi," Dnie beamed. "This is Mark."
"Wow, Mark! Long time, no see. How are you doing?"
"I'm good," Mark replied with a small smile.
Just then, he noticed Lainai waving at him from a nearby table. He leaned in to Dnie and whispered, "That's her. I'll go meet her now."
He gave Dnie a quick hug before walking away. Dnie turned to one of the guards and instructed, "Follow him."
As Mark disappeared into the crowd with the bodyguard trailing him, Mimi leaned toward Dnie.
"So, Mark's allowed to go out now?"
Dnie nodded. "Yes."
"And who's that girl he's meeting? His crush?"
Dnie sighed. "Yeah."
Mimi's eyes widened. "What about David?"
"That's where I'm stuck," Dnie admitted. "You know how much David loves him. They've spent so many nights together."
Mimi smirked, leaning closer with a teasing grin. "You mean they sleep together? Come on—give me the full details!"
Dnie rolled her eyes. "It's not funny, Mimi. Just listen for a second."
"Okay, okay," Mimi said, straightening up.
"They've been through so much—days and nights together. But Mark… he's turning it all into a game. David, on the other hand, is serious, completely serious about him. And now, this girl Mark came to meet… he's trying to flirt with her."
Mimi blinked. "Wow."
Dnie dropped her gaze. "I'm torn. I don't want to take sides… but this whole thing is driving me crazy."
Mimi stirred her drink, eyes still fixed on Dnie. "I mean… are you sure Mark even understands how deep David's feelings go?"
Dnie leaned back in her seat, exhaling slowly. "That's the problem. I don't think he does. Or maybe he just doesn't want to admit it. Mark is sweet, but sometimes I feel like he's trying to run from something he doesn't know how to face."
"His feelings?" Mimi asked gently.
Dnie nodded. "Yes. And guilt, maybe. David went through hell for him. Three years, Mimi. Three years of holding back, waiting, protecting him, never crossing a line. And now… It's like Mark's playing with David's heart without even realizing it."
Mimi frowned. "That's painful. For David, I mean."
"It is," Dnie said, her voice tight. "He may not show it, but I see it. Every time Mark smiles at someone else, every time he acts like this is all just casual…
David dies a little inside. But he's stubborn. "And you know," Dnie continued, her voice dropping, "David might be soft when it comes to Mark, but that's only one side of him.
Mark has never seen the other side—the part of David that's dangerous, unpredictable. I'm scared, Mimi.
One day, Mark's actions might push him too far and bring out that side. And if that happens…" She paused, her chest tightening. "Even I won't be able to stop him. I like this version of David, the calm, patient one but I never pray for Mark to see the other."
So what do you think will happen?"
Mimi reached across the table, squeezing Dnie's hand. "Whatever happens, you're doing your part. Maybe it's not your fight, but you care, and that means something."
Dnie gave a small, grateful smile. "I just wish love didn't have to be this complicated."
"Love is always complicated," Mimi said softly. "Especially when one person's ready and the other is still figuring out their heart."
Just then, Dnie's phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen and her eyes widened.
"Oh my God…"
Mimi leaned in. "Who is it?"
Dnie looked up, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's David."
"What?"