Archive of Our Own ^beta

Mark Lee has been planted on the expensive swivel chair for a good two minutes now, blinking at the envelope sitting quietly on top of his desk.

The envelope screams RESIGNATION LETTER in bold print, but it’s got to be a joke, Mark’s sure. There’s only one person directly reporting to him despite being the Vice-President of Client Solutions, and that is his trusty long-time Secretary Lee Donghyuck. Anyone working in client solutions who decides to resign would have to address their letters to their superiors, who would need Mark’s approval, which would never even land on his desk because Secretary Lee takes care of those things for him. It would be quite impossible for anything to reach Mark without it going through Donghyuck.

And it’s Secretary Lee, for God’s sake. Donghyuck would never quit on Mark Lee. Not in a million years. Not in this lifetime, unfortunately.

Hence, Mark Lee decides to ignore the plain, white envelope; he reckons Donghyuck would take care of it later for him. Somebody must have mistakenly placed it in his office, that no one can easily access apart from Donghyuck, and it’s not like Mark is scared of the thought of losing Donghyuck. Anyway, if it were Donghyuck, then he could just say no.

Unbelievable, Mark scoffs at the thought of Donghyuck audacity leaving him after seven long years of working together, dropping a stack of files on top of the stupid letter, and makes a mental note to tell this joke to Jeno later when he joins him for dinner. He pulls himself closer to his desk, turning away from the stack of files, and brings his focus back to his computer. His e-mails are all taken care of as usual—because all e-mails to Vice-President Lee must be addressed to both Mark Lee himself and his secretary Donghyuck, otherwise, consider it non-existent; the golden rule in SM Tech is that, if Donghyuck is not copied, then it never reached Mark Lee.

His entire day has been taken care of as well—Donghyuck is an amazing secretary; anyone would be lucky to have him—and all Mark really needed to do today is review the reports coming from Operations before his big presentation to a client SM Tech has been trying to win over for years.

Weishen Inc. is the most sought-after partner in the entirety of South Korea right now, and everyone and their grandmothers have been trying to get a partnership with them. It’s basically a war at this point, Mark thinks, because it’s all every tech company in Seoul have been working on. And considering that Mark is vying for that CEO role in the next couple of years, getting this in the bag would really help him.

Which is why it doesn’t make sense to Mark that it’s Donghyuck who would leave a stupid resignation letter on his desk.

Secretary Lee has been working with Lee Mark for seven years. Donghyuck was an intern, Mark remembers, and Mark himself had just gotten out of college. And being the eldest grandson of the chairman of the board, it was pretty easy for Mark to land a permanent job as soon as he received his diploma. Mark was introduced as a client solutions program director, with an emphasis from his grandfather that he wouldn’t get a special treatment and will work his way up just like everybody else, and Donghyuck was introduced as his associate. It’s safe to say that moving up towards the leadership ladder had been easy because he had Donghyuck.

Resilient and intelligent, Donghyuck is everything Mark has ever wanted in a secretary—he doesn’t even consider Donghyuck a secretary, more like a companion at this point. A partner. His best chance of succeeding at anything. Mark has been in the business far longer than the years he spent in college; he’s seen everything as a child. Hence, Mark knew what he wanted when he’s given a role, and Donghyuck is everything and more.

Secretary Lee never complained about anything at all. It’s a universally known truth that Mark Lee wasn’t easy to work with because well, he knows he’s a brat who gets everything in a golden platter and he is painfully aware of how demanding, stubborn and annoyingly persistent he can be. Donghyuck worked beyond his supposed working hours to catch up on Mark’s demands, and even went above the expectations by working on most of his reports because he had other priorities. Donghyuck takes care of his e-mails (there has never been a day in seven years that he opened Outlook with a single e-mail waiting for him to respond to) and get him meals daily because he never has the time. For fuck’s sake, Donghyuck even takes care of his stupid dates for him.

Over the years of working with him, Donghyuck probably knows Mark like the back of his hand—even better than his best friend Jeno—and Donghyuck’s been working diligently with him to reach his goal of becoming CEO in the next couple of years. Donghyuck knows this because he calls him daepyonim when his tipsy from the expensive wine Mark makes him drink on a particularly stressful Friday night, and Donghyuck never calls him daepyonim when they’re alone sober. Donghyuck is one of the few people who calls him, well, Mark. No honorifics, no boundaries.

So, Mark Lee is certain, a hundred percent sure, that Donghyuck would never leave him.

“Mark, I need you to approve this.”

Speaking of the devil.

“It’s a request to add more manpower in Operations. I’ve thought about it. You’ll probably decline this—I’m sure—because you would think they wouldn’t need it, and also considering the recent decline in revenue because of our partners in the Philippines, but since we’re working on the new project—”

Everything else fades when he sees Donghyuck enter his office: Donghyuck’s brown hair is styled beautifully like always, the sleeves of the dress shirt he remembers giving Donghyuck years ago are rolled up to his forearms, the subtle blush on his lips (most likely because Donghyuck keeps drinking from a sports bottle and not from a glass like a normal person). Donghyuck walks closer towards his desk, a folder in his hand, and as he speaks, he’s snapping his fingers right across Mark’s face. Why is Donghyuck snapping? Why—

Oh.

“Mark?” Donghyuck calls, and it breaks whatever trance Mark was in. “I know you’re tired. But it’s Thursday, okay? Let’s get through today and tomorrow, then you can go golfing with Jeno or something.”

Donghyuck gently slides the folder on his desk. “Here’s the letter of request. I just need you to sign this and I’ll be on my way.”

Mark signs, trusting that Donghyuck has read through the whole thing as always, and nods towards his direction. Donghyuck thanks him, and suddenly Mark hears the white envelope buried under the stack of things he needs to read today scream for him.

“Hey, Secretary Lee,” he calls. Donghyuck turns with a curious expression. Mark clears his throat. “Somebody came to my office and left a letter without consulting you. People in the place should already know that no paper should land on my desk unless it’s cleared from yours. Can you take care of it for me?”

“I don’t remember anyone coming in today,” Donghyuck trails off, walking back to Mark’s desk. “But sure, let me take care of it. Which one?”

Mark gets rid of his own folders and finds the envelope hiding under, handing it to Donghyuck, and the latter looks at him as though he just cracked the funniest joke.

Chuckling, Donghyuck bends down a little, and Mark almost sighs in relief when his secretary’s fingertips touch the envelope. Almost, because Donghyuck pushes it back to him instead of taking it.

“Mark,” Donghyuck says with a smile. “This is from me.”

Well. Fuck.

* * *

Of course, Lee Jeno is laughing at him.

“This is serious, Jeno,” Mark whines quietly, careful so that Donghyuck wouldn’t hear. He throws the cushion towards his best friend, who quickly dodges it. “I really think the person sitting on the desk outside my office is not Secretary Lee. Didn’t you notice anything weird before Donghyuck came in?”

“I think that you’re going crazy, man,” Jeno answers, still laughing. “It’s the same old Secretary Lee. He told me not to bother you too much because you’re busy and we’ll have time to catch up over the weekend, just like every time I come here. I don’t think he knows what I do in this company. Doesn’t he know I’m the head of IT and Development?”

“I’m serious, man. Somebody must have abducted him and replaced him with someone as good, but I’m sure that’s not him—”

“Boss­,” Donghyuck calls, the door slightly opened so he could only see Donghyuck from his hair to the button of his nose. “I’m leaving for lunch. Let me know if you need anything; I’ll come running back.”

Mark nods towards Donghyuck’s direction, and as soon as he’s gone, he turns back to Jeno as if he just witnessed the craziest thing. “See?! That wasn’t him! When did Donghyuck ever call me ‘Boss’? Why did he suddenly call me Boss? Who the fuck is Boss?”

“You are literally overreacting,” Jeno comments. “Secretary Lee calls you with Boss when you and him are around co-workers because he doesn’t want the world thinking he doesn’t respect Mark Lee.”

Of course. “Oh, yeah.”

“What happened, anyway?” Jeno asks, reaching for the gourmet burger Donghyuck had ordered for them. “He seems fine to me.”

Mark sighs. “He submitted a resignation letter.” Jeno almost chokes on his meal. “Unbelievable, right?”

“Holy shit, what have you done Mark Lee?” Jeno asks soon as he recovers. Mark shrugs, taking a piece of fries. “He’s finally had enough of you!”

“What do you mean, idiot?” Mark retorts. “The fuck do you mean by he’s finally had enough of me? You wish I was your boss. I’m the best boss ever.”

Jeno laughs. Laughs out loud. And Mark looks at him, exasperated.

“You’re not that dense, are you?” Jeno chokes out; Mark wishes he really chokes on his own laughter, stupid Jeno. “Tell me you’re not. You’re not really that oblivious, right?”

“Oblivious about what, Jeno? You’re really annoying me now.”

“Oh, Mark,” Jeno laughs again. “I see why Secretary Lee’s quitting on you.”

“Who said I would let him?”

“I bet a new Lamborghini that he’s gone by the end of spring.”

“Don’t manifest shit like that!”

“Bet.”

“Bet I can make him stay.”

“Bet you can’t.”

“Fuck you.”

* * *

Mark decides to cancel dinner with Jeno. Jeno is a bitch, anyway.

Donghyuck is sitting comfortably beside Mark in his car; his chauffer driving the two of them home. He sits uncomfortably beside Donghyuck as the latter mindlessly scrolls through his phone, unaware of the chaos he’s created in Mark’s mind. The ride is about fifteen minutes away until they reach Donghyuck’s apartment, which means Mark has roughly fifteen minutes to get everything off his chest otherwise he won’t be getting any sleep tonight.

He reaches for the button on his side, closing the partition between the driver and the two of them. The sound alone makes Donghyuck look at him, knowing that he probably has something important to say.

“What’s wrong?” Donghyuck asks immediately as soon as the partition is closed. “Did we forget anything?”

“You are not serious, are you, Donghyuck?” Mark asks, looking right into Donghyuck’s eyes, because he wants Donghyuck to know that he’s serious and that he’s not playing. “About the resignation. Because I’m not playing with you, Donghyuck.”

“Mark,” Donghyuck says in a whisper, taking both his hands and looking at him right into his eyes just like what he’s doing. Donghyuck’s the only one who never gets intimidated with the way he’s looking down at him right now. “I wouldn’t joke about that kind of thing.”

“Why?” he asks.

“Did you read the letter?”

“Yes, and it’s full of bullshit.” Donghyuck frowns at his response. “What? It’s true? Resigning for a personal reason? Donghyuck, I would think you can give me a better reason.”

“It’s the truth,” Donghyuck say quietly. “I have no other reason. I don’t plan to betray you by working in another company that pays better.”

“No one pays better than SM Tech,” he retorts. A fact, honestly. “And I don’t accept personal reason for resignation. I’ve never approved any resignation that says personal reason.”

“Mark, I approve all resignation letters on your behalf; you haven’t approved a single resignation letter yourself in the last seven years.”

“Exactly,” Mark spits. “I do not approve resignation letters. So, the answer is no.”

“Mark, you can’t decline a resignation letter.”

“Watch me.”

“It’s illegal. That’s against the labor law—”

“Donghyuck.”

“Mark, will you listen?”

“It’s final. No.”

“I’ll make my exit as smooth as possible; you won’t even notice. I’ve already put up a job vacancy online and tomorrow, I’m visiting Seoul National University with Soojung from Recruitment so we can see any potentials from the graduating classes. It’s going to be—”

“Absolutely horrendous,” Mark finishes, fishing the envelope from the inside pocket of his expensive suit. “It’s final,” he says again, before doing the devil’s work.

“Mark, don’t!” But it’s too late. He’s already ripped the envelope and the letter inside in half. And another half. And another one. Until it’s all torn into small pieces.

Mark smiles in triumph, as if he just won a battle, and the urge to poke his tongue out is so strong that he has to remind himself that he’s still talking to an employee. He watches Donghyuck sigh as Donghyuck picks up the small pieces, collecting it then placing it inside his bag. Donghyuck doesn’t say anything, and Mark assumes he’s accepted defeat. Donghyuck’s not going anywhere, not in a million years, not in this lifetime. He sits back comfortably and from his peripheral view, he sees Donghyuck fidgeting on his own hands—a sign that he’s upset. Well, Donghyuck can be upset all he wants; Mark is not letting Donghyuck go.

The car takes a turn into a familiar road, which means Donghyuck’s two minutes away from his home. Donghyuck still hadn’t said a word to him. Mark is confident he’s got Donghyuck wrapped around his finger. He is not resigning. Never. Ever.

On the 25th street, right across an apartment complex, the car finally stops. Donghyuck doesn’t say goodbye to him, but he turns to Mark before leaving, saying: “You know I can print this over and over again, right?”

Which, Mark hates, sounds more like a goodbye than the word itself.

* * *

Mark’s known Secretary Lee for seven years, and when people (mostly his asshole friends who have blatantly shown interest in Donghyuck) ask him what he’s like, he could say a lot of things.

The first word that comes to his mind is always kind.

When Donghyuck was 21 and Mark just turned 22, new to the company and adulthood itself, he remembers drinking with Donghyuck in front of a convenience store nearby the office, right after Mark successfully finished his first presentation to the senior leaders. It truly deserved a celebration, that night, because it was the first time Donghyuck and him had to do something big for the company. Mark can’t remember much about the presentation itself or whatever feedback he received from his grandfather, but he can clearly remember how drunk Donghyuck was. He remembers taking his suit off and watching Donghyuck take off his, both left in his white dress shirts as they alternately took shots straight from the bottle of soju.

They say that you never truly know someone unless you see them drunk. And there was Donghyuck, drunk and dazed, laughing with him about nothing at all. Mark recalls an old man struggling to open the door of the convenience store and how quickly Donghyuck (drunkenly) got up to help him. Mark watched Donghyuck enter the convenience store with the old man, later coming out, a big drunken smile on his face as he bid his goodbyes with the old man.

“Oh, Mark,” Young Secretary Lee had said, tears already streaming down his cheeks. “I love him.”

“Donghyuck, relax, you literally just met him,” was Mark’s response.

“He was buying something for his sick wife,” Donghyuck had rambled. “But he couldn’t cook to save his life so he got something from the convenience store. Have I told you he was counting his bills when he was paying? So, I paid for him and got him a few more things to take home. I love him so much.”

“You’re cute,” Mark had said (drunkenly, of course, he doesn’t mean it that way. Donghyuck’s his secretary, for God’s sake.)

“I’d rather be called kind,” Donghyuck had answered before tipping his head back and drinking from the bottle of soju Donghyuck and him are sharing. Mark wasn’t sure if he heard Donghyuck. “I said I’d rather be kind than cute. Or beautiful. Or whatever. I’d rather be kind than anything.”

And Mark knows this is true because like he said, he has known Donghyuck for seven years now. Seven years, seven years of learning what kindness is. All because of Donghyuck.

Aside from the innate kindness Donghyuck has, Mark admires Donghyuck for being detail-oriented. And not to be that kind of person who always talks about work, but Mark reckons this is exactly why Donghyuck’s his favorite person in the entire world (but no one needs to know that Mark thought of Donghyuck as his favorite person in the world) and he believes that this is why Donghyuck and him have stayed together (at work) for seven long years, because Donghyuck and him are the same when it comes to their careers.

Donghyuck’s far more hardworking than Mark, that one he can admit. Donghyuck works long hours in the office while Mark’s fast asleep in his couch or wherever his body could reach as soon as he’s home, just so he could make Mark look good in the board the next day. Mark can’t count the number of times Donghyuck saved him at work (more like saved his ass from his grandfather) and most of the time, he knows Donghyuck deserves more credit than what he’s getting.

After three years of working as a director, Mark was promoted as Vice-President for Client Solutions, the role he’s currently in. There was a party, Mark remembers, and his grandfather invited everyone their family knew. His father had to remind him to greet each of those who will attend, as they could be potential investors and partners, and Mark is great, okay? He’s one of the best in his field, not only because he’s part of the Lee bloodline, but because he worked hard for it. He likes to think he is charming, above anything else, and compliant and creative and an innate leader, but one thing he is, unfortunately, not good at is remembering people.

And bless Secretary Lee, he knew that. The day before the party, Donghyuck studied the guest list and any potential plus ones they might bring, and the night of the party, Donghyuck walked arm in arm with Mark, whispering the names of each guests and telling him how important they are in the business. Mark could have kissed Donghyuck right there and then (only because he’s grateful), because nobody in the entire world would have done that for him. When he thinks about that night and imagines if Donghyuck wasn’t there for him, he could have screwed up all client and investor relationships SM Tech has built over the decades. But Donghyuck was there, Donghyuck is always always present.

Which brings him to item number three: reliable.

Mark could disappear from the face of the earth for two weeks straight and his line of business would still be running. Why, people may ask? Because he has Donghyuck.

Donghyuck’s here and there. Donghyuck’s everywhere he wants Donghyuck to be.

But right now—it’s difficult not to hate Donghyuck.

Right now, if Mark could describe Secretary Lee, right now, at this very moment, Donghyuck’s a piece of shit.

It’s been five days since the white envelope incident (as Mark calls it), and Donghyuck has been nothing but a menace. An asshole. A literal piece of shit he wants to throw away. (Perhaps not literally.)

The first couple of days after the incident, the first thing he would see is another copy of his stupid resignation letter on his desk, and each time he would call for Donghyuck, make him watch as he rips it into pieces just like the last time, and Donghyuck would leave his office, defeated—only to put the same stupid letter the next day like the asshole he truly is. Donghyuck has even threatened to go straight to Human Resources, which has remained a threat until now, thank you very much, because Mark doesn’t really want his grandfather to know these things, hence Mark decided he would just hide from Donghyuck. That way, in case Human Resources would ask why he didn’t approve the notice, he could just say he never received a letter.

Which is why, Mark has decided to indefinitely work from home from this day onwards. Donghyuck’s been spamming his e-mail with the soft copy of the resignation letter, which Mark had deliberately ignored each time, and has been trying to call him non-stop, but then Mark learned from Jeno that he could setup a meeting with himself in Microsoft Teams and pretend to present something so that nobody could call him and at the same time make people think he’s working because his status would tell people he’s presenting an important, well, presentation.

How long will he work from home? Well, up until Donghyuck gets his head out of his ass and stop asking him to approve his stupid resignation letter.

But Donghyuck makes it so fucking difficult. Apart from being kind, detail-oriented, and reliable, Mark forgot that Donghyuck’s also persistent. Donghyuck doesn’t stop until he gets what he wants.

Which explains why there’s a delivery man walking back and forth from his truck to the inside of Mark’s house—because Donghyuck decided to send three thousand copies of the resignation letter to his home. Three thousand copies of the same letter, all sealed individually in the same white envelope. How fucking wasteful. Where did Donghyuck even find the time to do this shit? He can’t believe Donghyuck. He really can’t believe him.

Mark calls Donghyuck as soon as the delivery person leaves his place.

“Fine!” is the first thing he says (more like screams) when Donghyuck answers. “You know what? Sure, I’ll sign your stupid paper.”

“Thank you,” Donghyuck replies, almost with relief, and it angers Mark even more.

“Start looking for a fucking replacement. I don’t need you!”

“You’re upset, I understand that. You don’t have to be so mean about it, Mark.”

“That’s daepyonim for you,” he retorts.

“Sure, daepyonim,” Donghyuck bites back. “When can I come get my signed resignation letter, daepyonim? I’m itching to forward it to Human Resources.”

“Now,” Mark answers, all flared up and angry. Donghyuck’s being a real piece of shit today. What’s gotten into him? “Come get it now, you ungrateful son of a bitch.”

He hears the other snicker on the other line before saying “thank you, daepyonim,” and Donghyuck hangs up.

Mark throws his phone against the wall, and it breaks, dropping hard and in pieces down his warm, carpeted floor. He screams in frustration and pulls his hair, exhausted from whatever the fuck Donghyuck’s doing. He can’t believe his secretary is really doing this. Donghyuck’s been with him for years; Donghyuck literally grew up with him in the corporate world, yet he’s never heard one single complaint from him. Mark’s mind runs a hundred kilometers per hour, trying to recall any memory of Donghyuck expressing any intention to leave him, and it pisses him off a little that he never bothered to ask him once how he’s been holding up over the last seven years. And he’s supposed to know; Mark is supposed to know not only because this is something he should know as a leader (there was a webinar about retaining employees four years ago but he slept through half of it), but also because he’s supposed to know Donghyuck.

He supposed to know Donghyuck the way Donghyuck knows him.

And right now, it seems like he’s dealing with a fucking stranger with how far away Donghyuck feels like.

The doorbell rings only minutes later. He guesses Donghyuck’s been waiting down the street after he sent 10 boxes full of resignation letters because it didn’t take him that long to reach his place.

“You could’ve just invited yourself in instead of wasting my energy; you know how busy I am,” is the first thing that Mark comes up with.

“We’re not at work,” Donghyuck remarks. “This is your home. I can’t barge in anytime I want.”

“You barge in literally every time I oversleep and you pick me up,” he scoffs, turning to walk towards his living area with Donghyuck following after him.

“Where’s my signed resignation letter?” Donghyuck asks. “If I get it now and make it back to the office, someone from Human Resources can file it for me.”

Mark rolls his eyes. “Relax. I’ll give it to you later. Come sit with me first.”

“I don’t really have time—”

Mark turns and it’s a little too late for Donghyuck to stop because now he’s chest to chest and Mark has to hold him back to keep him from falling.

The first thing Mark notices up close is how dull Donghyuck’s eyes look. His eyes have always been bright, as far as Mark could remember, and he knows this because even leaders from other lines of business have vocalized how excited his eyes always look whenever they see him at work. He’s heard people complimenting how pretty his eyes are, and Donghyuck got voted as “Most Alluring Eyes of the Night” at the year-end party last year.

They’ve always been bright, full of sparks, passion, and warmth. But today, it’s all dull and empty, like a burnt-out light bulb barely hanging in there.

“What’s wrong?” Mark asks gently, still holding Donghyuck.

Donghyuck clears his throat and steps back, bringing the space and coldness back between Mark and him. “What do you mean?”

“Talk to me,” he offers. “What’s wrong? Why are you leaving?”

“Like I said in the letter—”

“Don’t give me that bullshit,” he warns. “Tell me why you’re leaving.”

“I’m not looking for a career advancement,” Donghyuck says. “I swear. I didn’t get recruited from another company.”

“Tell me why you’re leaving,” Mark repeats. Donghyuck swallows and steps back a little more, looking smaller than ever.

“Personal reasons,” Donghyuck mumbles. “I’ve been working in SM Tech for seven years, Mark. I wasn’t even supposed to stay after my internship. My original plan was to get some experience and later on try to work abroad.”

“So, what I’m hearing is you’re not grateful that SM Tech absorbed you right after college?”

“Don’t put words in my mouth,” Donghyuck interrupts him. “I love SM Tech, and you know that. I owe the company literally my entire life. I wouldn’t have been able to afford the life I have now even if I worked abroad. You pay me more than anyone would and you’ve given me more bonuses than anyone else could get in a lifetime.”

(The car Donghyuck got as a bonus wasn’t really a bonus; Mark wanted to give it to Donghyuck as a birthday gift without being seen as an emotionally attached sap, so he made the company tell Donghyuck it’s a bonus.)

“But,” Donghyuck continues, sighing. “I’ve given so much of myself to SM Tech that I feel like I’ve got nothing left of me.”

“What do you mean?” he asks. He watches Donghyuck look down, fiddling with his fingers, a sign that he’s nervous. “What do you mean you’ve got nothing left of yourself?”

“I don’t know myself aside from being Mark Lee’s secretary,” Donghyuck finally says. “I’m scared that I’ll grow old not knowing what I else I can do aside from being your secretary.”

“Do you want to be promoted?” Mark offers. “I can ask my grandfather to—”

Donghyuck sighs, “That’s not at all what I mean Mark.”

“Then what do you want?”

“I want to get away,” Donghyuck says in a small voice. “From SM Tech. From you. I’ll learn more about myself if I was far away from you.”

“Then take a fucking vacation!” Mark breaks, face red. “Use all of your paid time offs. If you need more, I’ll have them give you more. Buy a fucking plane ticket to wherever you want to go. Book a stupid hotel room and use my card. Go wherever you want to go. Just don’t leave me, damn it!”

“Mark,” Donghyuck whispers. “Please let me leave. This is all I want.”

“Where do you plan on going if you leave?” Mark asks.

“I plan to take a year off from work. I have enough savings to last me a year without working. I’m not sure yet. I’ll travel, or whatever options I have.”

“I don’t understand.” Mark sighs, walking towards his expensive couch, sitting with his palms on his face, his elbows resting on thighs. He feels Donghyuck sit beside him, his knees touching his.

“Mark, I’m turning 28 in a few months,” Donghyuck slowly says, his hand on Mark’s shoulder as if touching him would make him understand what he’s trying to say. “I haven’t traveled to places I want to go. I’m grateful that you took me with you to all the business trips SM Tech had abroad, but I also want to travel. I haven’t traveled for leisure.”

“Why do you never ask?” he mumbles, words unclear because his face is still planted on his palms. “Why can’t you just request for a PTO instead of being dramatic?”

Donghyuck laughs. Mark finally looks at Donghyuck again. “Mark, you’ve never approved a single PTO.”

“You never requested.”

“I haven’t requested one since 2019, because you had declined each request from 2016 until 2019. And I can’t afford to go on leave these days, especially when you’re about to become CEO,” Donghyuck explains. “Which is why I have to quit now before you become CEO.”

“What’s your point?” he groans, leaning back, head tilted up so that he’s looking at the ceiling instead of Donghyuck’s empty, dull eyes.

“I’m turning 28 in a few months,” Donghyuck repeats. “You becoming CEO would mean I would get less time for myself when I barely have any right now.”

“I’ll change,” Mark promises. “I’ll give you a full week off every month if that’s what you want. Paid off.”

Donghyuck laughs. “I’m turning 28.”

Mark curses. “Why do Donghyuck keep saying that? I know that, and I’m turning 29!”

“You don’t get it, do you?” Donghyuck muses. Mark turns his head towards Donghyuck, head still resting on the couch. There’s a sparkle in the younger’s eyes now that he’s laughing.

“Get what?”

“Oh, Mark,” Donghyuck chuckles, leaning over him, his hand reaching towards Mark’s head, hand gently tapping his hair. “I’m turning 28 and I want to start dating and eventually get married. If I don’t quit from you now, I don’t think anyone would want to marry me when I’m 40 or something.”

Mark sits straight up, eyes wide, “That’s why you’re quitting?”

Donghyuck leans back, nodding.

“Why are you so being dramatic about it, quitting and all this shit you’re pulling?” he asks. “Donghyuck, we can resolve this easily—”

“I can’t date while working for you, Mark. The last time I dated someone, you literally scared them away by showing up on our date, which was not cool, by the way.”

“Then we can get married!”

Mark sees the surprise on Donghyuck’s eyes, watches him swallow as soon as he hears his proposal. He smiles, knowing he can never get Donghyuck to say no.

“Think about it, baby,” he says, the endearment obviously affecting Donghyuck with the way his breath hitches. “We’re basically married now. We’ve been together seven years. You can still work at the company. If you don’t want to be my secretary anymore, I’ll—I’ll come up with something. The only difference will be rings on our fingers and sharing the same house!”

“Mark,” Donghyuck tries to say. “I—”

“I’m sure we can have it arranged in a few days. My auntie owns a company that organizes weddings and events. We can—”

“Mark!”

Mark stops when Donghyuck shouts, the first time, at him. “Why?”

“I don’t want to marry you,” Donghyuck drops. “It’s like… marrying my job. That’s weird.”

Mark laughs. Donghyuck laughs, too, which is a relief for Mark. Does this mean Donghyuck won’t quit?

“And besides you have a girlfriend,” Donghyuck reminds him. Oh, yeah. Hyunjin.

Mark snorts, ready to get his phone. “We’re just dating because my mother said so. I can break up with her now.”

Donghyuck laughs as he attempts to stop Mark from taking his phone from his pocket. “Mark. No more games.”

“I’m not playing!”

“Please,” Donghyuck quietly says, hand still on his forearm, giving him a pleading squeeze. “Please let me go. I owe you my life, and I think it’s time I live it.”

Mark looks for any sign of hesitance in his eyes. Any sign of regret. Any sign of joking albeit impossible. But all he finds in Donghyuck’s eyes is hope. Longing. And who is he to deny Donghyuck from living his life?

He’s probably going to regret this, but Mark reaches over his coffee table, eyes still on Donghyuck, for a pen and a copy of his resignation letter. He takes it from the envelope and places the paper on his thigh, signing it with his name, before taking a good look on it, then back at Donghyuck.

Donghyuck smiles when he sees him sign it and holds his hand longer when Mark hands it back to him. “Thank you,” Donghyuck says almost in a whisper.

Mark could only smile back, lip tight. Donghyuck bids him goodbye and says he’s going back to hand it over to HR.

Mark could only nod.

Mark could only watch Donghyuck leave.

Mark could only sit in silence.

* * *

Thirty days.

Thirty days is how long Secretary Lee’s giving Mark to accept his departure. It’s a month from now, but it feels like it’s coming by too soon.

It’s driving him insane, and he was right, he would regret signing it as soon as Donghyuck left his place. Now, he’s in the conquest to have Donghyuck retract the resignation before thirty days is over. It’s Day One of Operation: Keep Donghyuck—the biggest project he’s ever had his entire career. He doesn’t have a plan yet, but Mark plans to succeed no matter what.

“Jeno,” he says through the office phone. “I need you here.”

“Man, I’m busy, what do you want?”

“I need you to help me make Donghyuck retract his stupid resignation,” Mark answers in whisper because Donghyuck’s siting literally outside of his door. “We took the webinar about retaining employees together right?”

“We took two hundred webinars together, Mark. How would I know?”

“We did,” Mark confirms. “But I was asleep. And you were new, so I assume you took notes. How do you retain your best employees?”

“Mark, I literally cannot remember even attending such webinar,” Jeno admits. “HR does that. They have a person in charge of retaining employees who are resigning. Hand it to them, man.”

Mark loosens his tie. “They don’t know him like I do.”

“Then maybe you’re not trying to retain an employee,” Jeno suggests. “Perhaps you’re just trying to make Secretary Lee stay. I don’t think you need anyone’s help.”

Mark stops breathing for a second, trying to repeat in his head what Jeno just said. Mark denies it in his mind; he needs Donghyuck because Donghyuck works with him well. Because Donghyuck and him work well together. Because he succeeds in any endeavor when Donghyuck’s beside him. He’s trying to retain Donghyuck as an employee. For the CEO role in two years. For SM Tech.

“That’s not what I mean,” Mark tries, but Jeno is already hanging up on him.

Well, Jeno is no use. Hence, Mark will ask the next best thing: Google.

Google routes him to a link to a Forbes article that’s titled: “Top Five Tips For Retaining Employees During The Great Resignation" and he figures he can start from there.

Create connection through engagement. Implement remote/hybrid schedules. Go with a growth mindset. Beef up benefit offerings. Cultivate company culture.

Huh, Mark thinks. It sounds easier than he imagined.

Mark sits up straight, nodding to himself as he reads through the entire article, fueled and motivated. He’s not going to let Donghyuck go, not in a million years, not in this lifetime.

Operation: Keep Donghyuck commences.

* * *

Every year, SM Tech holds a sports event to encourage engagement, and Mark sees this as an opportunity to complete task number 1: create connection through engagement.

Which is why he is here now, wearing something he would never be seen in on a normal day: a pair of red sweatpants and a white shirt. Jeno is sitting excitedly beside him at the gymnasium that the company rented for an entire day. Like Mark, Jeno and everyone else is wearing the same outfit, half of the population wearing blue instead of red to manage the teams more efficiently.

Now there was one problem, how will Mark create a connection with Donghyuck if he’s never joined any of this bullshit for the past seven years? Donghyuck, however, joins each and every single one. Now that he thinks about it, why did Donghyuck never bother asking him to join?

“There he is,” Jeno whispers, pointing towards the entrance of the basketball court.

Mark finally sees Donghyuck after a full ten minutes of looking for him since he arrived. He has 28 days, he reminds himself. 28 days until Donghyuck’s resignation takes effect.

“Wait, where are you going?” Jeno asks when Mark stands, jumping from one stair to another, passing by the people sitting on the bleachers. “Stupid,” he shouts loud enough for everyone to hear when Mark almost trips. Mark fights the urge to flip him off.

He tries not to run as soon as his feet land on the covered court, but his steps are bigger than normal, as though he’s scared he might not be fast enough to catch Donghyuck. Donghyuck’s usually passionate about these things; Mark’s certain Donghyuck volunteered to lead something one way or another.

When Donghyuck’s almost at his reach, Mark slows down a little to catch his breath so that Donghyuck wouldn’t think he came running to see him. Mark realizes this is also the first time he’s seen Donghyuck with anything else apart from dress shirts, slacks or skirts, or formal wear. Donghyuck’s holding a piece of paper, reading it with a colleague, because of course, he’s playing and leading the team. Donghyuck doesn’t notice him come by, and Mark thinks it’s cute, the way his eyes widen at the sight of him wearing the same outfit as everyone else.

“Mark!” Donghyuck exclaims. “Boss.” Donghyuck repeats. God, Donghyuck’s cute. He never realized Donghyuck is this cute until today. “You didn’t tell me you’re joining today.”

“Surprise, I guess?” Mark replies. His colleagues all bow and greet him. “I’m happy to see everyone here today. Let’s all have a good day!”

The small crowd cheers, one of them pointing out that Mark is on the same team as them, another saying it’s the first time he’s seen anyone beyond director level joining an event as such. Donghyuck smile proudly at Mark. No one needs to know his heart does a backflip (he’s not sure how else to describe the sudden rapid beating or the drastic change in his breathing) whenever Donghyuck smiles proudly at him. He remembers the first time he’s seen that smile: the day of his first presentation with the board of directors. He’s seen in more times than he could count, and among a hundred times he shows off what he’s got, most of it is because he wants to see Donghyuck smile at him proudly.

So, he does one thing after another that he knows would make Donghyuck proud.

“If Red Team wins the trophy this year,” he says. “Dinner’s on me!”

Everyone wearing red sweatpants cheers. The ones wearing blue mutter about why no one from the leadership joined their team.

“Let’s all work hard today!” Mark shouts one last time, and everyone starts walking away from the small crowd to go prepare for the games assigned to them.

Mark is still smiling directly at Donghyuck, who’s also smiling directly at him, and his heart does that thing again when Donghyuck step closer to him. “You’re cool, Boss.”

Mark shrugs, licking his lips, “I am Mark Lee.”

Donghyuck giggles and fakes a gag. “Any games you’re interested in playing?”

Mark shakes his head. “My old injury still won’t let me.”

Secretary Lee nods, remembering right away. “Oh, yeah. I’ll see you in the office, then?”

“I’ll stay and watch,” Mark confirms. “I’ll be your… Gatorade boy.”

Donghyuck laughs out loud, and Mark feels everyone watching the scene unfold. He could hear women muttering at how lucky Donghyuck is to have interactions like this with him.

Donghyuck nods and tell hims to watch out for his head because the girls will be playing volleyball and the boys, basketball. Mark reminds Donghyuck to take care and asks him gently not to get injured. Mark catches the blush on his secretary’s cheeks before he turns to catch his colleagues.

Mark returns to the bleachers. Jeno has moved three flights down, and is sitting on the front row as the referee blows the whistle. The game of basketball starts, and Mark watches, keeping his eye on Donghyuck every now and then.

Red Team wins, of course, and everyone’s cheers is jaded when he sees Donghyuck jump in excitement on the other side of the court. The host announces the next game: three-legged race, and he reckons this is the game Donghyuck’s assigned to because he sees him walk across the court with his teammates.

Jeno explains the game to him. Mark nods, eyes still on Donghyuck.

“That’s Na Jaemin from Accounting,” Jeno whispers, pointing at the tall, blonde man standing in the middle of the court. “What a gorgeous man.”

Mark rolls his eyes, checking the time. The game should start in three minutes. He watches Donghyuck interact with his teammates, perhaps looking for his partner who is yet to arrive.

Then, Mark feels something he can’t explain when he sees a tall man approach Donghyuck, tapping him on his shoulder, and Donghyuck excitedly cheering when he sees the man, giving him a side hug that Mark realizes Donghyuck’s never given him.

“That,” Mark breathes. “Who’s that?”

Jeno snickers.

“That,” he emphasizes, like how that lady from Julliard introduced Troy Bolton in High School Musical. “Is Jung Sungchan.”

Mark doesn’t know everyone in SM Tech, but he would know if there was a Jung Sungchan sitting around, looking like a fucking God, hence his surprise to see someone speaking with Donghyuck so casually, making Donghyuck laugh as if he’s funnier than Mark Lee himself. What does he do anyway? Is he a VP like Mark? VP for what? VP for Having Perfect Skin? Jung fucking Sungchan. Mark already doesn’t like him.

“He works in IT and Development, under Jisung’s supervision,” Jeno answers as if he’s reading Mark’s mind. “He’s new. Like he recently got regularized.”

“Who decided to regularize him?” Mark confronts.

“Me, stupid,” Jeno answers. “He’s great. A potential leader in IT, if you ask me.”

“Like VP level?” Mark asks. “Can he be a VP?”

Jeno laughs. “Man, you are screwed.” Mark looks at him, eyebrows furrowed, as if he’s asking him what he means. “Nothing, nothing.”

“He’s good-looking, yeah, but he can’t be VP like me.”

“Whatever you say, man.”

Mark keeps an eye on Donghyuck the whole time, and he hates that whenever he looks at Donghyuck, he sees Jung Sungchan. He watches his teammates tighten the ties they wrapped around their ankles and knees. He hates that he has to watch Sungchan pull Donghyuck close, the side of their bodies touching like magnets. He hates that Sungchan could wrap an arm around Donghyuck because Donghyuck’s too short and Donghyuck would fall as soon as the game starts if he doesn’t hold on to him. He hates that Sungchan hugged Donghyuck as soon as the game ends because Donghyuck and him just won the game for the team. He hates that Jung Sungchan sits beside Donghyuck the whole time after the game, even going out of his way to get a bottle of Gatorade for Donghyuck. He hates that Donghyuck smiles at him proudly, and that Donghyuck laughs at whatever joke that man was saying. He hates that he’s sitting on the other side of the court, and that Donghyuck doesn’t give him the time of the day. He hates that after the game, when the team is announced as the champion of this year’s sports event, the first person Donghyuck jumps to hug is Jung Sungchan.

Mark hates that he doesn’t understand why he’s hating all of this all of a sudden.

He skips dinner and leaves his card to Jeno.

Donghyuck doesn’t look for him, and Mark doesn’t understand why he hates that Donghyuck doesn’t.

* * *

Mark becomes obsessed with Jung Sungchan the next Monday after the sports event. It’s also 25 days until Donghyuck’s resignation is finalized, which means, he shouldn’t be thinking about Jung Sungchan and should be focusing on the rest of what that Forbes article said about retaining employees.

Jung Sungchan, Mark learns, went to the same university as Donghyuck. He is a few years younger, so he probably calls Donghyuck hyung. Sungchan is an IT major, who’s also taking his master’s degree while he’s working. He was originally an intern like Donghyuck, who was absorbed by SM Tech as soon as he completed his degree. (Mark thinks Donghyuck and him are probably close because he’s taking the same path Donghyuck when he started with SM Tech. Yeah, that could be a valid reason.)

Sungchan is also from the same hometown Donghyuck grew up in, though Donghyuck never really met each other until he started working at SM Tech. Sungchan has the same schedule as Donghyuck and Mark (don’t ask Mark how he got these information—of course, it’s Jeno) and spends a lot of time in the rooftop playing with his Nintendo Switch.

The similarities between Donghyuck and Jung Sungchan are scary at this point. Mark barely spends lunch time with Donghyuck because even a hardworking man like Donghyuck needs time for himself, and oh Lord, Mark thinks. Donghyuck spends a lot of time in the rooftop, too. Donghyuck and Jung Sungchan may be closer than Mark had imagined.

“Mark?” Donghyuck calls, entering his office. Mark quickly closes the window showing Sungchan’s profile in the employee directory. “I’m going to take my lunch. After this, come meet the applicants, please.”

Mark’s eyebrows furrow in confusion.

Donghyuck smiles. “For my replacement.”

“Oh,” he breathes. “That quickly? I thought you’re staying for like a month?”

Donghyuck nod. “I figured it’ll be a smoother transition if we hire my replacement as early as next week, that way, they could get used to your schedule and daily whereabouts before I leave.”

Before Donghyuck leaves, of course, Mark remembers. Of course, Donghyuck’s leaving.

Mark forgets about Jung Sungchan, doesn’t even think about him when he asks Donghyuck: “Wanna have lunch with me?”

His heart somersaults when Donghyuck smiles back and say: “I’d love that, Mark.”

Lunch is nothing but Donghyuck’s sweet, soft laughter whenever Mark cracks a stupid joke. It’s nothing but Mark’s heart doing its thing whenever Donghyuck says something encouraging or when he reaches over to wipe the sauce from the tip of Mark’s lips. It’s nothing but Mark thinking why he never invited Donghyuck out for lunch, why all meals with Donghyuck all these years have always been rushed and in the middle of stacks of  folders because they both had to quickly go back to work if they wanted to make it home before midnight, why stressful Friday nights were just wine inside his office, why he never took time to talk to Donghyuck like this. Like it’s nothing but Donghyuck and him.

Donghyuck knows Mark like the back of his hand. Mark asks himself, does he know Donghyuck like Donghyuck knows him? He knows how Donghyuck handles certain situations and is well aware of his quirks inside the office, but does he know Donghyuck like how the other knows the pain that comes with being the grandson of Chairman Lee? Does he know Donghyuck the way he knows he’s never really been in love with any of the women he dated and that he’s only dating them to comply with his Mother’s ridiculous requests? Does he know Donghyuck the way he knows right away when he’s sick and needs a couple of days off?

Donghyuck has done so many things for Mark. While Donghyuck’s helping him with a glass of wine, Mark thinks: what has he done for Donghyuck? Has he done something as exhausting as handling the date invitations and break-up procedure with his past girlfriends? Has he done something as marvelous as getting out of his way to make sure he gets the best treatment while he was on leave when he had that awful injury? Has he done something as remarkable as setting up an entire banquet dinner for his family when he forgot about his parents’ anniversary?

Has Mark done something for him that he would remember him by when he leaves?

Something drops on the pit of his stomach, and Mark suddenly wants to throw up at the thought of Donghyuck leaving. And of course, like habit, Donghyuck notices this right away because he stops eating as soon as Mark froze on his seat.

“What’s wrong?”

I’m going to miss this, Mark thinks, but he would rather die than admit it out loud.

“The steak is not as good as the other place,” he lies, shaking his head. “Which means, we’ll have to go there tomorrow.”

Donghyuck chuckles. “Sure.”

* * *

Mark Lee isn’t scared of anything, but the sight right now is pretty much the scariest thing he’s ever seen his entire life.

As promised after lunch, Donghyuck takes Mark to the Recruitment Hub to meet the potential candidates for his replacement. Neither of them had gone through the process of hiring somebody. Donghyuck has never worked for anyone else apart from Mark, and no one else has directly worked for Mark apart from Donghyuck.

So, when Donghyuck and him step inside the Recruitment Hub, and all twenty-seven candidates simultaneously stand and greet them in chorus, it startles the shit out of them both.

“Uh, hello,” Donghyuck greets awkwardly. “You may all sit. We’re just dropping by.”

A woman wearing all green approaches Donghyuck with a confident façade, eyes and lips shaking as she walks towards Donghyuck and Mark.

“Hi, Mr. Lee Donghyuck and daepyonim,” she greets in such a high-pitch voice, it’s impossible someone sounds like that naturally. “I’m excited to work with you.”

Mark grimaces, but nods quickly, not accepting the handshake she’s offering. Donghyuck accepts it on his behalf.

One by one, the applicants introduce themselves, and Mark can tell most of them are rookies, with the way they were bowing too much and how their voices were shaking a little because of the forced energy they’re trying to portray. All fucking twenty-seven of them. Thank God, Soojung, the recruiter, stepped out of the interview room and asked everyone to sit and wait for their turn. She announces that the interview with Mr. Mark Lee is not until they all pass the other interviews.

Donghyuck and Mark leave the scene, laughing on their way back to his office, because it was downright ridiculous, the scene they witnessed in the recruitment hub. He likes that Donghyuck’s laughing with him, and Mark takes a chance:

“Stay,” he says softly, holding Donghyuck’ hand. “Please.”

Donghyuck smiles back, squeezing his hand back before holding his face with both their hands, palms warm, and Mark melts. “You know I can’t.”

“Why not?” he asks innocently. “Why can’t you stay?”

“You know why,” Donghyuck answer.

“The marriage proposal is still on,” he offers. “I don’t think it’s a bad idea.”

“Don’t joke about things like that, Mark,” Donghyuck giggles, squeezing Mark’s cheeks one last time before stepping back to leave.

“Why not?” he asks.

Donghyuck doesn’t answer until he’s almost out the door: “I might start considering it.”

* * *

It’s twenty-two days before Donghyuck leaves when Mark finds him on his desk and hands Donghyuck a laptop from Jeno’s office—all encrypted and set-up for work—and tells him that he can work from home all week next week.

“I can?” Donghyuck asks. “I never worked from home. Not even during the pandemic. I worked from your home office. But never in my own home.”

Mark nods. “I figured you’ve been tired all week, with the presentation in the next couple of weeks coming up.”

“Exactly,” Donghyuck points out. “The presentation we’ve been preparing for is coming up. I should be here with you.”

Mark’s heart does the thing again. “And you’ve worked hard enough for it. You’ve done the research part, which took the longest, and I’m grateful you covered all that for me. Which is why I’m letting you work from home all week.”

Implement remote schedules, the article reminds him.

“Oh, man, thank you,” Donghyuck says, hugging the laptop and bowing to him. “I really appreciate it.”

Mark wonders why Donghyuck never ask about these things. Looking at his reaction, it looks like this is something he’s wanted for a while, but why did he never ask? Mark would have said yes so easily.

“You let me know if you need me in the office and I’ll be here right away.” Mark nods. “Thank you.”

Mark goes back to his office. He figured he’ll be okay with Donghyuck not being in the office.

* * *

He’s so wrong.

He’s not okay. It’s only been three working days since Donghyuck started working from home and he’s already a mess. There are people knocking on his office because Donghyuck isn’t there to shoo them away, and Mark is not really a people-person, okay? If it weren’t for his Lee blood, he wouldn’t have made it to this position because he’s not that good with people. He’s mean and vile and rude, and his boss would probably fire him right away as soon as he opens his mouth.

Someone with the name of Chaewon is explaining something to him right now, something about logistics and about him needing him to give the sign off to another person with the name of Jiwon. He apologizes for barging in and says she doesn’t know what to do without Donghyuck here. Mark could say the same thing, honestly.

As soon as Chaewon is out the door, Mark follows behind and locks the door.

He takes his phone and hopes Donghyuck picks up because he’s probably focused on a report he’s studying since early morning.

But Donghyuck picks up as soon as it rings, like always.

“Come back,” is all Mark says.

Donghyuck’s back in the office in no less than 20 minutes.

* * *

Seventeen days from Donghyuck’s departure, Mark is walking around Gangnam trying to find the perfect gift for his Mother. The jewelry shop around the corner is the only place his mother likes, so he buys him the bracelet filled with diamonds that she’s been eyeing on for a long time.

When Mark is about to pay, a ring catches his attention. It looks great. Would look better on Donghyuck’s finger, because, well, Donghyuck has the prettiest hand. He’s going to buy it for Donghyuck for no reason. Just to say thank you for staying with him for seven years.

* * *

Exactly two weeks before Donghyuck’s departure, Human Resources finally finds a person who’s apparently fit for his job. Mark doesn’t believe them at all but agrees to meet the person anyway.

Donghyuck’s on the phone with someone when Mark steps out of his office. Donghyuck looks at him and points to the phone.

“Hyunjin,” Donghyuck mouths. Mark shakes his head and waves his hands, telling Donghyuck no, I’m not here.

“Yeah, I understand, Ms. Huh,” Donghyuck speaks. “Boss has been extremely busy with the potential partner who’s visiting in a week—Oh, he didn’t tell you about it? I’m sorry. He must have forgotten.”

Mark gives Donghyuck a thumbs up. You owe me, Donghyuck mouths again.

“I assure you there’s no one else, Ms. Huh,” Donghyuck speaks again. “He’s in his office 12 hours a day, and his driver drops him home and picks him up every day, so I don’t think he’s sleeping around.”

Mark sighs. He needs to make his mother stop setting him up with other women.

“I’ll definitely have him call you as soon as he returns from the meeting he’s in,” Donghyuck says, voice empathetic, probably because he’s mastered the art of handling Mark’s relationships. “I heard you were in the Dior Fashion Week last month? You were so beautiful!”

Mark leaves and lets Donghyuck do what he does best: handle things Mark himself can’t.

He knows Donghyuck knows the drill by now. Seven long years, about nine or ten girlfriends in between, none of which he ever really loved.

“You’re so corny,” Donghyuck had said once, while composing a love letter for one of his ex-girlfriends. “This is, like, so outdated,”

“What is?”

“This whole process!” Donghyuck had laughed. “Mark, we’ve been doing this for over five years. This is so corny and repetitive and unoriginal. No wonder no woman ever stays.”

“I leave,” he corrected. “And I’m not repetitive.”

Donghyuck snorted. “Mark, I know how each of your relationship started and ended.”

“Do you?” he challenged. “Tell me then.”

“It always starts with your mom,” Donghyuck joked, but it was true anyway. “And you send them an external e-mail from your work account because Donghyuck’s a piece of shit who likes to brag the VP title.”

“Right,” he agreed, laughing.

“And the first date is always at Love Always,” Donghyuck continued. “Nowhere else! Besides Love Always! It’s not even a good restaurant. People go there for the clout.”

“And for Instagram,” Mark added. “Of course, if I take them there, they would take many pictures to post on their Instagram.”

“The second date is in your office,” Donghyuck said. “And Chef Park makes the food especially for you two. And I buy a fancy flower arrangement to decorate your entire office.”

“And you have the audacity to use my card and buy yourself tulips,” Mark interjected. Donghyuck shrugged and poked his tongue out on him. “But go on, what’s next?”

Donghyuck cleared his throat. “The third date will only happen if you like them enough during the second date. The criteria are as follows: did they make a comment about the security system? They should, because Jeno invented that. If they don’t, there’s no third date.” Mark is impressed. “Did they ask you to narrate a day in your life in this very office? They should be interested in what you do, otherwise they’d only feel lonely because work is all you talk about. If not, there’s no third date. Lastly, did they complement Chef Park’s food? He’s the best chef in the entire world so if they don’t, then there’s no next date.”

“Impressive,” Mark commented. “But you missed something.”

“No, I didn’t,” Donghyuck confidently answered. Mark smiled.

“You missed the part where they have to be nice to you on the second date to get a third date.”

Mark didn’t miss the blush on his secretary’s cheeks.

“Whatever,” Donghyuck shrugged. “Anyway, if it’s time for The Big Break-up, you ghost them for two or three weeks. When they start calling, La Belle Fleur is just a speed dial away. I have to get the most expensive arrangement of flowers, depending on the person’s preference, and write in verbatim: I’m sorry I’m not enough for you. A person like you deserves better. Please accept my apology. I will not bother you anymore.”

“Bingo!” Mark confirmed. “And lastly—”

“Sincerely,” they said together. “Mark Lee.”

(Hyunjin never got the third date, Mark remembers, so, she’ll probably get the break-up flowers.)

* * *

Zhong Chenle is bright like Donghyuck when he enters Mark’s office. Perhaps not as bright, but good enough.

“Boss,” Donghyuck starts. “This is Zhong Chenle. Your new secretary. He will start tomorrow. I had facilities setup a desk and computer beside mine. We’re working on his ID and credentials today, so there should be no issues tomorrow.”

“Nice to meet you, daepyonim,” Chenle greets, bowing a complete 90 degrees. “I’ll work hard.”

Mark only nods, still not used to talking to other people apart from Donghyuck. He sees Donghyuck mouth something to him, along the words of “be kind,” but Mark’s not really in the mood to being kind when Donghyuck just reminded him again that he’s leaving in literally two weeks.

“Have you sent the flowers to Hyunjin?” is what he says to Donghyuck instead, tone mean and condescending.

“I’ll have it done in a minute. I wanted to introduce Chenle first before I—”

“We’ve been introduced,” he firmly says. “Now go do your job. Out.”

Donghyuck looks at him in disbelief, probably biting his tongue, but nods and leaves anyway. Mark doesn’t know where this sudden change of mood is coming from; perhaps when he saw Chenle, he realized it’s real. He realized Donghyuck’s leaving SM Tech. Donghyuck’s leaving him.

Of all people, Donghyuck is leaving him.

He would think seven years would mean something to Donghyuck. His feelings are still unclear, but one thing is for sure, those years mean everything to him. Mark’s suddenly bitter. Angry at the fact that Donghyuck had the audacity to even bring a new secretary for him. That Donghyuck had to keep coming to work and showing him the things he does for Mark.

You know what, fuck trying to get Donghyuck to stay. Donghyuck can go as far away as he wants.

* * *

“This isn’t right,” Mark comments when he reads Chenle’s report.

“We’ll correct it right away,” Donghyuck interjects, but Mark shakes his head.

“Do you expect me to accept work like this?” Mark asks.

“Mark, I’ll—”

“I’m not talking to you,” Mark spits, eyeing Donghyuck before turning back to Chenle who has his head down. “You, Chenle!”

“Yes, daepyonim,” he says in a whisper.

“Answer louder,” Mark commands. He hasn’t been like this in a while. During the first few years of working, he might have treated Donghyuck this way, but it’s been so long that he can’t remember. “Do you expect me to accept work like this?”

“No, daepyonim,” the younger man answers. “I’m sorry. It was my first time, and—”

“And you should be forgiven? Who told you that? Whose rule is that?” Mark challenges, then looks at Donghyuck. “Secretary Lee? Is that what he said? If you make a mistake, because it’s your first time, you’re forgiven? Is that it?”

Donghyuck and Chenle remain silent. Mark can’t read Donghyuck’s face and would actually rather not look at him while he’s trying to be angry.

“Now you can’t answer?” he scoffs. “Don’t believe a word Secretary Lee says. He’s leaving, why do you think he’s leaving? If this is such a great job, why would someone working here for seven fucking years leave? This is going to be your life every day. Rethink your fucking choices and get out of my office.”

Chenle nods, bowing before leaving. Mark ignores Donghyuck and goes back to his work, typing away. Donghyuck, however, remains silent, just standing there watching him.

“What are you waiting for?” Mark asks coldly. “Do you need me to walk you out of my office?”

“If you’re mad at me,” Donghyuck says, voice shaking. Mark realizes Donghyuck’s about to cry. “Don’t take it out on the kid.”

Mark snorts. “He needs to be tough if he wants this job.”

“I—” Donghyuck starts again. Mark waits. But Donghyuck keep his mouth shut.

Mark keeps his eyes on his monitor and hears the door shut. When Donghyuck’s gone, he can only watch the door, as if he’s expecting Donghyuck to come back. He reckons it’ll be easier to watch Donghyuck leave if the man hates him. It’ll be easier to watch Donghyuck leave when his eyes aren’t as bright and warm as they are.

Mark keeps himself locked inside his office for the rest of the day. Donghyuck leaves a message in his inbox, telling him that him and Chenle are out for lunch, then another when they returned exactly one hour later. Mark doesn’t have the heart to reply to Donghyuck.

Later that night, Donghyuck sends him another message saying they are logging off for the day. Mark sighs in relief when he reads it and quickly prepares to leave as well. What he didn’t know is that, Donghyuck and Chenle are still right outside his door. He stays behind the door.

“Mark’s just stressed,” he hears Donghyuck say. “You know, Weishen Inc is really big time. Like, if you already think SM Tech is huge, Weishen Inc is like, ten times.”

“I know. They’re all what tech companies are all about in Shanghai. Regardless, he doesn’t deserve you, Secretary Lee,” Chenle replies. The kid’s probably right, Mark thinks. “I don’t think I can fill the shoes you’re leaving behind.”

“You’ll even be better than me!” Donghyuck encourages him. “You’re already ten steps ahead with those professional skills in Microsoft Excel. Mark had to teach me.”

“Really? That cold man has the patience to teach you?”

“Hey!” Then a slap, probably on Chenle’s arm. “Don’t talk shit about your boss.”

“You just told me ‘he can be an asshole sometimes’ literally five hours ago,” Chenle answers. Mark stifles a laugh.

“Well, Mark and I are friends,” Donghyuck points out. “So, I guess that’s a pass to talk shit about him.”

“Fair,” Chenle agrees. “How did you even become friends with him?”

Donghyuck chuckles. “I don’t know, Chenle. I guess, because we’ve been working together for seven years, we grew on each other. He was mean. Vile. He was the spawn of the devil when I first met him. But it was only because he was pressured to do well, and he can’t do well if his secretary is incompetent. I know everything I know because of him. That’s why I had to work hard, so that he could succeed in all of his endeavors.”

“So, you work hard for Lee Mark?” the younger one asks.

“Exactly.”

“Well, what about you?”

“That’s why I’m quitting, kid,” Donghyuck answers. “Time to work hard for me.”

Mark hears them shuffle around, footsteps getting farther and farther away. When Mark hears nothing but silence, he leaves.

* * *

Days go by with Donghyuck and Mark not talking at all. Not even for work.

It’s seven days before Donghyuck leaves, and Mark has given up on making Donghyuck stay. He doesn’t think it’s worth fighting for anyway, because Donghyuck’s leaving and nothing’s stopping him. And who is Mark to stop Donghyuck?

Who is Mark to stop Donghyuck from living his life and choosing himself?

If Mark could be honest for once, he feels guilty over the fact that Donghyuck had to live all these years jailed to being his secretary, but at the same time, there’s a needle poking his heart when he wonders why Donghyuck makes it sound like working with him was so miserable. Why it feels like Donghyuck never wanted any of these. Why seven years suddenly mean nothing but work for Donghyuck.

Mark wants to ask, what about all those hours when they weren’t working?

Nights of drinking at a convenience store because Donghyuck would drink two blocks down his small apartment than spend so much money on overpriced drinks at a crowded, loud bar. That entire week of being stuck in the US together because all flights were canceled because of a storm and the next earliest flight was six days after the original departure. Days of nothing but watching movies in his office because there were no clients to worry about. Dinners with his family, dinners at his place. Weekends in Japan because Donghyuck and him are stressed and they needed some kind of getaway.

Did… did Mark force Donghyuck all those times? Did Donghyuck feel like he had to say yes because he’s working for him?

Mark suddenly feels the need to drink. Problem is he doesn’t have many friends. He has Jeno, but Jeno is in New York right now. And, well, he had Donghyuck. He can’t call Donghyuck for many reasons.

So, he goes alone, of course. He leaves work early, leaving a message to Chenle that they can go home whenever. He tells his chauffer he can take the night off, too. Mark doesn’t need anyone tonight. He can take care of himself, thank you very much. He takes an Uber home and drives himself to the club after dressing up. He’s planning to get drunk as shit and to get laid tonight, so of course, he needs to look great.

The club is loud when he arrives, and he convinces himself he’s never too old to go clubbing, though with the look of the women’s faces here, he reminds himself to be careful and ask how old they are if he plans to make out with them.

He opens a tab and asks for some rum and coke to start the night. He can’t remember how many drinks he’s had when he finally gets the courage to go dance and pull a woman wearing a tight, beautiful dress from the crowd. He smells great and Mark feels the curve of him hips when he pulls him close.

And she’s kissing him now. Mark hasn’t kissed anyone in a while, so he doesn’t know if it feels great.

Then she’s touching him everywhere, pushing him until he’s seated on a couch and she’s sitting on his lap. He feels her tongue and mouth and teeth everywhere. One second it’s in his mouth, the next on his neck, and Mark is just drunk as shit and wants to get laid.

How old are you is what he wants to ask but it comes out as: “How old is the hotel?”

“What?” the woman asks. “If you want to fuck, we can do it here. There’s a bathroom on the back. Let’s go.”

Mark shakes his head. He’s never had sex in such a scandalous place. Sex should be done in bed. “No. Bed sex only. Hotel, please.”

“You serious?” She asks. Mark nods. “Fucking loser.” Then leaves.

Mark laughs at himself. Yes, he’s definitely a loser. He looks down and his dick is not even hard enough to invite someone for sex. It’s fine though, the woman she was making out with doesn’t have eyes as bright as—

“Fuck off,” he says to no one. “Get the fuck out of my mind.”

He goes back to the bar and takes as many tequila shots as he can. It seems like rum wasn’t enough to get Donghyuck out of his mind, because he’s here to make out with people and have sex with someone but all he can think about is Donghyuck’s stupid fucking eyes that he loves so much for a reason he could never comprehend.

Mark doesn’t remember how many shots he’s had now, but his chest starts to hurt so he convinces himself to stop. He hands his card over to the guy at the bar and tells him to give himself KRW 100,000 as a tip. Then he’s out.

Mark is dizzy as fuck when the lights from the streets hit him. He’s stumbling when he reaches his car keys and presses the buttons so he could find his car. It takes long for him to simply get to his car, and Mark is stupid, but he’s not dumb. He’s not making it home alive if he tries to drive now. Perhaps he could sleep in his car all night. Yeah, that’s what he will do.

So, he gets in his car, rolls one of the windows halfway down, and settles himself on the driver’s seat, eyelids heavy.

Then—

His phone rings.

“Secretary Lee, Donghyuck, baby,” Mark drunkenly greets, eyes still closed. “Why are you calling me?”

“Where are you?” Donghyuck asks, worried. Mark smiles.

“Aw, you miss me, baby? Secretary Lee misses me?” he asks, giggling.

“You’re drunk.”

“I’m not,” Mark hiccups. “I was trying to have sex with someone. Apparently, I’m—I’m a loser for wanting to have sex on a bed than a dirty public restroom. How am I a loser for being able to afford a hotel for a one-night stand?”

Donghyuck sighs on the other line. “Why are you—What are you even, you know what? I don’t want to know. Stay there. I have your location on.”

“No!” he protests. “Don’t come! I don’t want to see you! And I don’t want you to see me like this!”

“Don’t hang up,” Donghyuck warns. “Are you on the street or something?”

“I’m in my car,” Mark says anyway. “But I don’t want to see you.”

“I’ll wear a face mask so you don’t see my face,” Donghyuck answers. Mark hears Donghyuck shuffling on the other line, probably driving. How did Donghyuck even know he’s out tonight?

“Wear sunglasses, too,” Mark suggests. “I don’t want to see your eyes.”

“Okay.”

“No, don’t. I want to see them,” he says. “I probably won’t ever look at you in the eyes sober again.”

“Whatever you want, Mark.”

“I’m about to pass out,” he whines. “Please come quickly. I need to see you before I pass out.”

“I’m nearby.”

“Wait no, don’t drive too fast,” he exclaims. “I need you alive.”

“I’ll be alive. I’m around the corner. Where are you parked?”

“Guess!”

“Mark, I don’t want to play games with you. Please—there you are. Wait for me.”

“I’ll wait for you forever.”

The next scenes go by quickly in Mark’s mind. As promised, Donghyuck arrives, half his face covered with a black face mask, and he helps Mark get out of his car and takes him inside his. It’s all blurry but Mark thinks Donghyuck just promised him he’ll pick up his car early in the morning and asks him to try to stay awake until they reach his penthouse.

Mark tries his best. Everything is doubled in his sight, but he plays with the tablet connected to Donghyuck’s car and takes out everything he has in the small compartment in front of him. He reads all the labels and even the ingredients of the products Donghyuck had in there in attempts of staying awake.

And when they reach his home and Donghyuck rips the ask off his face, Mark realizes how beautiful he is.

Donghyuck helps walk until they reach his room, getting him out of his clothes before his body hits his bed because Donghyuck knows he doesn’t like wearing outside clothes in bed and that he likes to sleep naked. Donghyuck asks him to drink a glass of water before going to the bathroom, grabbing a towel soaked in warm water.

Mark is already lying on his bed, snuggled in his blankets when Donghyuck returns. Donghyuck doesn’t talk, but Mark thanks Donghyuck lazily when he starts dabbing the towel all over his face then down to his neck and chest.

“Here, please,” Mark points to the skin below his jaw. “Clean it. She kissed me there.”

Mark is dazed, but he doesn’t miss the way Donghyuck stopped as soon as he said that. “Clean me everywhere. Because she kissed me everywhere.”

And so, Donghyuck does. He cleans him everywhere, and Mark feels Donghyuck press harder on his skin, gliding the rough side of the towel harshly.

“Where else?” Donghyuck asks. Mark is already half asleep. “Where else did she kiss you?”

Mark weakly points to his lips, one eye open. “Here.”

He watches Donghyuck leave, going back inside his bathroom, and return with another towel, a cup and a bottle of mouthwash. He does his best to get up when Donghyuck helps him. Donghyuck hands him the mouthwash, reminding him not to swallow it, and waits for him to clean his mouth. Once he’s done, Donghyuck wipes his mouth with a clean towel, putting everything on his side table, and Mark notices Donghyuck’s sitting so close to him now.

Donghyuck’s holding him so tight, face inches away from him.

“Sleep, Mark,” Donghyuck whispers. Mark leans closer. “Please.”

“I want to kiss you,” he confesses. “Kiss me. Please.”

“Mark, let’s not do something you will regret later.”

“I won’t regret it because I won’t remember,” he answers. “Please kiss me.”

Mark doesn’t know why he’s surprised when Donghyuck does. He’s half naked and Donghyuck’s sitting on his bed, kissing him. And Donghyuck’s kissing him like it’s all he’s ever wanted. He started softly kissing him, like he’s testing the waters or kissing something so delicate, like he’s scared Mark would break it, but Mark pulls him even closer, holds him by his jaw and invites himself inside his mouth.

The next thing he knows, Donghyuck’s sitting right on top of his boner and he’s unbuttoning Donghyuck’s shirt and kissing everywhere, biting, nipping, licking—and God, Donghyuck tastes good. Better than he imagined. He’s about to complete remove his shirt but Donghyuck stops him.

“Mark,” Donghyuck whispers. “Let’s do this when you’re sober, yeah?”

Mark nods like a child, and his boner hurts, he just wants to bust a nut but agrees anyway.

He doesn’t remember much after that. He passes out as soon as Donghyuck kisses him on the forehead with a promise of seeing him tomorrow. 

When Mark wakes up the next morning, he remembers everything.

* * *

Two days before Donghyuck’s departure, Mark is yet to get the courage to speak with him.

He called in sick after the incident five nights ago and has been actively avoiding Donghyuck like plague. Today, however, is the day the folks from Weishen Inc are vising SM Tech for his much-anticipated presentation, and he’s nothing but a bunch of nerves all morning.

Mark assumes he’s forgiven for everything when Donghyuck steps inside his office with a chamomile tea in hand. Donghyuck knows he can’t present anything properly without drinking chamomile tea first.

“You’re going to be great,” Donghyuck offers with a small smile. “I’ll be there with you.”

“Thank you.”

“I’m sure Weishen will agree with the partnership,” Donghyuck assures. “You worked so hard on this.”

“We,” Mark corrects. “You did more than I have. I’m all confidence and talk; you’re the research and brain.”

“Guess this is why we’re the best partners,” Donghyuck jokes. “We balance each other out.”

Mark chuckles. “I wish you didn’t have to leave.”

Donghyuck nods. “I know.”

“Tomorrow’s your last day.”

“Tomorrow’s my last day,” Donghyuck agrees. “But that’s tomorrow. Today, we’ll secure the partnership with Weishen Inc.”

“We will.”

Of course, Donghyuck and Mark secured the partnership. Donghyuck and him were the best team the world has ever known after all.

* * *

“The team prepared a goodbye party at the pantry for you,” Chenle says when Donghyuck, him, and Mark are walking back from the board room to Mark’s office. “If you have nothing to do now, can we go?”

“Chenle, baby,” Donghyuck says. “I don’t think you’re supposed to tell me.”

Chenle gasps. “I’m not?”

“It’s a surprise,” Mark mumbles. “Jeno and his team prepared it. Chenle, you were supposed to ask him to grab coffee from the pantry.”

Donghyuck laughs at Chenle’s distress. ”Secretary Lee! I’m so sorry!"

Donghyuck assures the younger one it’s okay and asks Mark’s permission to go, which Mark agreed to, of course. There wasn’t anything else to do for the rest of the day, anyway. The only thing everybody had going on today was the business proposal presentation for Weishen Inc. and since that’s done, Donghyuck is free to go.

“Mark,” Donghyuck calls when Mark was about to go back inside his office. “Please come. I want you to be there.”

Mark nods. “I’ll be on my way. Just have to check something.”

Donghyuck nods back, smiling, and Mark feels like he’s about to cry. It’s all bittersweet, and Mark wonders how he could stretch the day longer tomorrow.

Mark slips inside his office. He quickly takes the small box that’s been sitting inside his drawer for weeks now and runs back outside to the pantry. When he gets there, everyone’s gathered around Donghyuck, and he knows Donghyuck’s crying already because he could hear Chenle teasing him.

Mark sees Jeno who smiles at him knowingly, and their other colleagues Donghyuck’s gotten close with over the last seven years. He even sees Jung Sungchan that he’s forgotten about now, and he’s not bothered that the taller man hugs Donghyuck. Chenle pops the champagne open and starts to pour some to as many people as he can.

It’s Jeno who raises a toast. “To Secretary Lee, thank you for your seven long years of service with SM Tech. We wouldn’t have gotten where we are now if you weren’t with us. You literally bring us all together because Mark is Mark, God knows he wouldn’t work with anyone. So, if it weren’t for you, Client Solutions and SM Tech itself wouldn’t be a success. To Secretary Lee, you’re finally free from Mark Lee!”

Donghyuck laughs at the message and gives everyone a humble bow.

Jeno turns to Mark. “Mark, wanna say something?”

Mark thinks. He has a lot to say. A lot of things to thank Donghyuck for, countless of things to apologize for, many things to celebrate, but very little comes out when he’s surrounded with a crowd like this.

Therefore, he says the only thing he could muster up: “Donghyuck and I will always be the best team the world’s ever known.”

The crowd cheers, and Donghyuck continues crying.

Mark raises a glass, drinks it in one go, then leaves, the small box in his pocket heavy.

* * *

It’s Donghyuck who finds Mark at the rooftop hours later.

He never realized how comforting this place can be. Because he was only ever here during his first two years working when he had to smoke his stress off from his body. The sun has set, and all Mark could see are the lights from the streets and the buildings around SM Tech.

“Hey, stranger,” Donghyuck tells him, sitting right beside him on the bench.

He only smiles and continues to stare ahead.

“Everything okay?” Donghyuck asks.

Mark chuckles. “Darling, if you’re here to say goodbye, please don’t.”

“I’m not saying goodbye, Mark,” Donghyuck answers. “I was looking for you. You left.”

“I,” Mark starts. “I can’t handle that kind of atmosphere. You know that.”

Donghyuck nods. “I figured. We took pictures. I wanted you there.”

Mark remains silent. He lays his hand on top of his thigh, the one closer to Donghyuck, and he lays it with his palm facing the sky, open, waiting for Donghyuck’s. Donghyuck doesn’t need another second to figure it out.

It’s not the first time Donghyuck’s holding hands. Donghyuck held Mark’s hand multiple times in this lifetime, and he held his countless of times, but this one feels different.

Donghyuck holds his hand like an assurance. Of what? Mark isn’t sure. But he feels warm despite how cold it is up here. Like an assurance. Like certainty.

There are many things that Mark Lee isn’t sure of; things like getting that CEO role in the next couple of years, like how he’ll be able to make it without Donghyuck just outside his office, like how he can ensure that the partnership with Weishen Inc will run for a long time—even things like what would happen tomorrow or next week. He’s always believed that his life is full of uncertainties despite receiving everything in a silver platter and that his life is crazy in many ways.

But here, under the starless sky of Seoul, he’s found the only thing he’s certain about and the only thing in his life that makes sense: Donghyuck.

It’s Donghyuck who has been with him in the past seven years. Donghyuck who holds his hand at his lowest and cheers the loudest in his best. Donghyuck who has always been gentle and kind and everything the world could never be. It’s Donghyuck, the one he has loved for a long time without him knowing.

And Mark hopes it’s not too late.

When had Donghyuck decided to leave, Mark thought that the selfish part of him only needed Donghyuck so he could succeed in his goals, because Donghyuck has always been with him every step of the way from the day he started. Then he realized, Donghyuck quitting would mean he would no longer see him every day, would no longer have someone to hold his hand when needs it, would no longer have someone laugh at his stupid jokes and tolerate his bullshit decisions, would no longer have anyone listen to him, would no longer have anyone to buy gifts for every Christmas, would no longer have anyone smile proudly at him every day.

Mark cannot imagine a life without Donghyuck. And when Donghyuck said he was quitting because he wanted to get away from him, it hit Mark like a fucking truck: Donghyuck didn’t want him more than someone he’s working for, when all he’s ever really wanted is Donghyuck. He goes to pointless dates thinking about Donghyuck, whether he’d eaten or not, if Donghyuck likes the new album from that band they like, if Donghyuck’s seen the new Avatar movie. And Donghyuck was there, thinking of him only as Mark Lee, the man he works for.

Which is why he’s so bitter about Donghyuck leaving. Because Donghyuck was only leaving SM Tech. Donghyuck was leaving Mark.

But Donghyuck’s here now. And Donghyuck’s holding his hand, and Mark wants, wants, wants.

Mark wants Donghyuck.

“I—”

“Donghyuck—”

Donghyuck giggles. “Alright, you go first.”

Mark shakes his head. “I’ll throw up if I go first. You go first.”

Donghyuck nods. “I’m going to miss you.” Donghyuck smiles.

“I miss you already,” Mark whines. “But, go on.”

“I’m sure you remember what happened that night that’s why you called in sick all week,” Donghyuck says. Mark can blame the cold for the blush on his face later. “And I remember, vividly. And I don’t regret it.”

Mark nods. He doesn’t know what to say. He should’ve gone first.

“Do you regret it?” Donghyuck asks, hopeful.

Mark shakes his head. “Not one bit. I was scared you did. So, I ran away.”

“Why did you go out kissing other women,” Donghyuck breathes. Mark waits. “When I’ve been waiting for a long, long time now?”

It’s Mark who stops breathing when Donghyuck says it. And he can’t believe Donghyuck’s saying this now, because how long? How long have they been blindly pining for each other like this? Why did it have to take Donghyuck leaving for Mark to realize it?

“It’s true what they say,” Donghyuck suddenly says. “You don’t know what you have until it’s gone. Mark, I won’t wait for that to happen for me to tell you how important you are to me. I won’t wait until you’re gone for you to know how much you mean to me. I’m sorry if I made you feel like the last seven years mean nothing to me—that’s not at all the case. I love you, and it sounds ridiculous when I say this but I’m leaving because I do. Love you. So much. You cannot imagine how much I do, and I’m scared that I might only love you because I’m with you all the time, which is why I’m leaving. I’m leaving, and I’ll be my own person, and I’ll still love you.”

“Donghyuck,” Mark struggles. “I thought you were leaving because you didn’t want me anymore.”

“I’ve never not wanted you, Mark,” Donghyuck confesses. “I can’t remember a time that I didn’t love you.”

Mark’s tongue is tied. So, he does the next best thing.

The ring that’s been kept in pocket is beautiful when he opens it towards Donghyuck’s direction. “It’s not a proposal,” he says right away.

“It’s a promise?” Donghyuck asks, teasingly. “I told you. You are as corny as it can get.”

“I’m literally going to throw this ring out there,” Mark replies. “Show me some respect. You still work for me.”

“That’s hot.”

“DONGHYUCK!”

He closes the box and hands it over to Donghyuck. “It’s yours. That’s my heart and it’s yours. You can keep it if you want to. Put it back in my desk first thing in the morning if you don’t.”

Donghyuck takes it with both hands. “And if I wear it?”

“Then it means you want this,” Mark gestures to the space between them. “As much I do.”

Normally, Donghyuck would snicker and say something along the lines of cheesy and unoriginal, so, Mark is surprised when Donghyuck leans over and gives him a peck on his cheek. Mark blushes even more.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Mark Lee.”

“See you, Secretary Lee.”

Mark smiles warmly, hand finding Donghyuck’s again. Donghyuck stands and goes back inside the building. Mark turns so he can watch Donghyuck leave, and the past few weeks, simply watching Donghyuck step out of his office leaves a heavy weight on his chest, but this time around he watches Donghyuck with a happy, content heart, knowing that he’ll see Donghyuck again tomorrow—not for the last time; tomorrow and every day, he hopes. Always, he hopes.

* * *

[bonus: Donghyuck’s POV]

Donghyuck’s last day in SM Tech isn’t as eventful as the day before. It’s mostly handing over his access badges and endorsing everything to Chenle and leaving all the reminders to Mark’s desk.

He’s bid farewell to mostly everyone, and he hasn’t seen Mark yet because the VP for Client Solutions himself came in earlier than everyone else to meet his grandfather in the Chairman’s office. The ring on Donghyuck’s finger is beautiful, and Donghyuck can’t help but anticipate Mark’s reaction when he sees it.

Lunch goes by, and Mark is still in the Chairman’s office. Donghyuck spends the rest of the day with Chenle, ensuring that he’s endorsed everything. Jeno stops by a couple of times, checking on Donghyuck and Mark.

It’s around four in the afternoon when Donghyuck finally sees Mark from the hallway, speaking with another VP, and he’s dressed so prettily today, a dark suit and tie, hair pushed back—handsome. Donghyuck stands as he bids goodbye to the others, and he knows Mark’s tired from the way his eyelids are drooping heavily even from afar. And when he sees Donghyuck, God, when he sees Donghyuck, Mark visibly sighs in relief, eyes brighter than ever, as he walks towards Donghyuck.

“I’m sorry, the chairman needed all his VPs all day today, none of us expected it,” Mark explains as soon as he reaches Donghyuck. He hasn’t bothered to look at Donghyuck’s hand yet. “You’ve had lunch, yes?”

Donghyuck nods. “Chenle and I ordered sushi. You?”

“Yeah, the chairman prepared an entire banquet for us,” he answers. “Chenle, do you mind if I take Secretary Lee away for a minute?”

Chenle nods. “He’s all yours, daepyonim.”

Mark smiles and takes Donghyuck hand (the one without a ring), pulling him towards his office. Donghyuck sees Chenle smiling teasingly back in his desk.

As soon as the door is shut, Mark pulls Donghyuck into a hug, sighing in relief. “I needed this. And I’m sorry. It’s your last day here and I’m supposed to be by your side but you know, duty calls.”

“It’s fine,” Donghyuck assures, pulling back so he can look at Mark’s handsome face, all tired and sleepy. Donghyuck reaches up. “You poor thing. We can go home early, if you want.”

“Yeah, I would want that. I’m all done for the day. Chenle took care of the—” Donghyuck caresses his face with both hands, and there, finally. “You’re wearing it.”

Donghyuck nods and repeats Mark’s words from the day before, “Because I want this as much as you do.”

Mark grimaces. “You’re right. It’s corny.”

“I told you.” Donghyuck pokes his tongue at him. “Now, may I kiss you, my handsome Mark Lee?”

“I need a minute,” he says and Donghyuck frowns up at him. He untangles himself from Donghyuck and walks over to his desk. “All your access has been deactivated, right?”

“Yeah,” Donghyuck confirms. “At exactly 4pm, my Outlook no longer allowed me to login.”

“Alright,” he says and types something on his computer. “I just need to send one important e-mail and we can go.”

Donghyuck’s phone buzzes from the pocket of his suit. Donghyuck takes it and looks at the notification: a new e-mail from his personal inbox. Donghyuck looks up back to Mark, and he’s walking back towards Donghyuck with a stupid, handsome smile on his face.

Donghyuck shakes his head, chuckling, as he opens the new e-mail.

From: [email protected] To: [email protected]

Subject: Invitation

Greetings!

I hope this e-mail finds you well. You are cordially invited for an exclusive dinner with me tonight at your choice of restaurant, with an optional (and highly encouraged) offer to cuddle at my penthouse after.

Looking forward to your response.

Love always,

Lee Mark Vice President, Client Solutions | [email protected] | SM Tech SK