The Only Exception // (GOT7 Markson)

18

"This is my favorite place to get coffee..." I sputtered out. You're a fucking idiot, Jackson Wang.

Mark turned and stared at me, blinking in disbelief.

"I knew this was a mistake." He shot out, gathering his things.

I placed my hand on him reflexively; almost so quick I didn't realize I had done it.

"No, no, please, stay. Please." I begged, pulling down on his wrist.

Mark gazed down at me, the look in his eyes was one of hurt, but it wasn't as fresh and painful as it was a few days ago. It was more mature now and took a more disappointed shade.

"Please." I echoed.

Mark shut his eyes tightly and clenched his jaw. He took a deep breath in and then sat back down. I let his wrist go, secretly wishing I could hang onto it, because Mark's skin was so warm and soft, and for a second I felt like we were close again.

The look on his face reminded me that we weren't, though.

"I can't believe you would do that to me, Jackson." He said looking at the ground.

I nodded very gently, I wish he could see how guilty and shameful I felt.

"Mark I know I hurt you, believe me, I've spent the last few days going out of my mind with regret. I kept picturing your face, and knowing it was my fault... I could barely stand being in my own skin, in my own mind." I wasn't sure where the words were coming from, but as I tried harder and harder to speak my mind, somehow they found their way out of my mouth.

"I thought you really liked me, Jackson. I thought you were different. Now that I know you were lying about everything... it hurts, so much." He choked, I noticed a red hue making its way to his nose.

"I never, ever once lied about my feelings for you, Mark. And if I did, the only lie I'm guilty of is that I didn't let on just how much I actually do like you. At this point, I don't even feel comfortable saying that it's simply a 'like' ... I can't explain it." I stumbled a little, but the words continued.

"What are you saying?" he questioned with a shy sniffle.

"I've never wanted anyone more than I want you. You... make me a better person." Up until now I have never spoken truer words than what was leaving my mouth right now. I took a large breath in, "I love you Mark..."

There was a chill coming over us as the sun began to set. The pigeon flew off, as if he too could feel the tension in the atmosphere.

I didn't want to give Mark a chance to respond without him knowing full well where I was coming from.

"I lied to you, I know. Was it wrong? Completely. I would take it back a hundred times if I could. But I can't apologize for all of the things I did that led me to you, because if it weren't for some of those things I don't think I would be here now, in front of you, a changed man."

"Jackson.." he tried to interject.

"No. I'm being 100% serious right now. My entire life I've spent with more money than I could spend, a father whose only goal for me was business success, and no other goals or aspirations set for myself than those that fell into my lap. I never got the chance to experience what you have. You have two family members who love you very much, and depend on you with everything they have. I found myself envious of you, because I've never witnessed someone as beautiful on the outside as you who had the heart to match." I felt like I was in some sort of teen heartbreak film, pouring my heart out in central park for the love of my life to take me back.

Mark was in tears. He looked away and wiped the snot from his nose.

"Mark please, bear with me. I am about to do something that I've never had to do before, and I am going to embarrass myself." I said as I knelt down off the bench and onto one knee. I took Mark his left hand, which was devoid of warmth and was freezing cold now.

"You aren't going to propose, are you?" Mark hesitated, wiping away his eyes.

"No. Unless you want me to, but no." I answered, staring up at him. "I know I look like a caveman, and I probably smell like booze and regrets, but I want you to know that you are the best thing that has happened to me, and for once in my life I've found someone that has more to offer me than any amount of money in the world could get me."

The sun was just barely making its way over the last high-rise in the distance, darkness was just about to fall on us. Mark steadied his breathing and looked deeply into my eyes.

"Will you give me another chance, please?" I said, having never wanted anything more in that moment.

"No more lies?" he asked seriously. "No more secrets?"

"You have the key to my soul, promise." I vowed.

"I did miss you..." Mark said, a faint glimmer of hope in his eyes.

I felt a smile forcing its way onto my lips.

"I guess this is why they call it love." He said quietly, taking my other hand into his.