Tomorrow, Today (COMPLETED)

Date

Jinyoung is sitting anxiously inside Mark's car. He is wearing new beanie, scarf, and sweater from Mark. He feels warm and cozy, but nervous.
"Because, Park Jinyoung.. I want to take you for a date", Mark Tuan said to him, it made him blush like a highschool girl.
Jinyoung chuckles rewinding the image in his head because Mark reminds him of a comic book character he read when he was still in junior high school.
"What? Why are you laughing", Mark asks him, hands on the steer.
"Cheesy. You were so cheesy", Jinyoung mocks him, "how can a man asks another man to go to a date in front of his mother??".
"Speak for yourself", Mark chuckles, "you should see your cheeks. They were so red. I thought you had a fever".
"That's unfair. I was surprised, you know!", Jinyoung pouts.
"Of course, it was intended. I came to your house to give you surprise. What's the point if you didn't get surprised? So, I'll take that as a compliment, thank you".
"Anyway, where are we going?", Jinyoung asks.
"You'll love it", is the only answer Mark gives. Jinyoung pouts again, but it only makes Mark smiles wider.
"You know what, you should loose the beanie. You're so cute like this", Mark pats Jinyoung's head affectionately.
They drive for a while before entering the basement of a building. Jinyoung recognizes it.
"Hey, isn't this Coex Aquarium?".
"Yes sir, we're going in", Mark says. He parks his car on VIP area. There is barely other car than Mark's.
Jinyoung's stomach rolls.
"Wait, hyung. There are probably lots of people inside. They will recognize us. I don't know if it's a good idea. Can we just eat somewhere
quiet and go back to the house? What if people take my pictures and post them?", Jinyoung rants.
"Hey hey, Jinyoung ah, relax", Mark calms the younger one down, "I've got it under control".
"But hyung..", Jinyoung seems like he's almost crying, "I can't.. I'm not ready...". Jinyoung's eyes move so fast that Mark worries the younger one might become dizzy.
Mark grabs Jinyoung's now shaky hands, "Trust me. I need you to trust me and follow my lead. Okay? Trust me".
Mark speaks with low tone so the younger will calms down, it works. Jinyoung becomes calmer. He trusts his hyung.
"Come on, lets go inside now. Or should I carry you inside, my date?", Mark winks.
Jinyoung smiles, following the hyung's lead.
Mark calls someone on his phone in english, saying wether they are ready or not. He says thank you when he finishes and he looks at Jinyoung.
"Come on, they already prepared everything for us", Mark says.
"Who?", Jinyoung becomes very confused.
"Come with me", Mark leads Jinyoung to a door, to an elevator, to another door, an alley. Jinyoung almost loose his way as they take another turn. He doesn't say anything though. He has decided to trust Mark on this.
They finally come to a big door which Mark opens while turning his head to Jinyoung, showing his proud smile, "welcome aboard, love".
Jinyoung can't believe what he's seeing, a luxurious restaurant underwater. His jaw almost drops.
The restaurant is round shaped, the wall is actually glass so they can see directly to the aquarium from all directions. Thousands of fish are swimming in and out of colorful coral at the bottom of the aquarium while big whale shark, stingrays and other big fish swim freely above the tall glass ceiling. The dining chairs and tables are made of wood with grey and blue accent, soft colorful pillows are put on the chairs, make it looks comfortable.  The chairs and tables  are arranged in circular shape, according to the glass wall. A round bar is located at the center. It also has grey and blue accent, all simple but modern and classy.
"Come on in!", Mark holds Jinyoung's hand and guides him inside. Jinyoung still can't take his eyes off of the glass wall, watching the fish swimming. He looks up to see a giant stingray passes by.
A bartender and two butlers greet them. They bow when Mark and Jinyoung come inside.
"Welcome, mr. Tuan and mr. Park".
Jinyoung is stunned with the greeting while Mark is smiling.
"Thank you", Mark answers casually, "we can sit anywhere we want, right?".
"Yes, sir", the male butler answers politely, "it's already been reserved specially for the two of you today. We will make sure that no one will bother you so you can enjoy your time here".
"Cool", Mark glanced at Jinyoung who is still standing next to him, he seems lost in words.
"Let's sit there Jinyoung ah", Mark pulls Jinyoung'a hand.
"Hyung, what does it mean with it's been reserved for us?", Jinyoung asks while the female butler pull a chair for him. Jinyoung says thank you to her and she just smiles and bows.
"Means.. we're the only customer".
"What?", Jinyoung gasps, his mouth opens.
"Why are you so shocked", Mark laughs, "you're a celebrity, remember? You have to get used to this kind of service".
Mark gives a signal to one of the butler and the floor starts moving.
"Hyung, the floor is moving!", Jinyoung squeals as they move slowly.
"Yup, we move in circle, so you can enjoy the aquarium from all sides. Isn't it great?"
"Whoa, daebak", Jinyoung's eyes are wider as the scenery in front of him slowly changing.
"Hyung, I didn't even know this kind of restaurant exist. Moreover, it's reserved for both of us only. It's crazy!", Jinyoung looks at his surrounding excitedly, "look at those fish, oh my God. This is amazing".
"First of all", Mark pauses when the butlers put the menu in front of them, "not all people in Korea knows this place. Only VIPs. And the reservation must be made months before. Fortunately, I know someone..".
"Someone?", Jinyoung holds his menu but his eyes are still wanders around. A school of fish just pass by and they make cute moves.
"Siwon hyung".
"Siwon sunbaenim from Super Junior?", Jinyoung squeals.
"My family have a business with his family..  And you can say that they own this place, so I just contacted him and he gave me a go.."
"Whoaaa", Jinyoung looks at Mark admirably, "I know you are rich, but this is another level hyung.. Wow you're really a chaebol".
Jinyoung claps his hands excitedly.
"Anyway, we came here to eat. So, pick anything you want from the menu. I know there are things you can't eat so you can also ask anything out of the menu, the chef will cook anything for you. And it doesn't have to be in a strict order. You can even order dessert before eating appetizer or entree menu. Screw table manner, eat whatever you like".
Jinyoung's eyes lit. He's already hungry and he wants to eat as much as he can. Seeing the menu makes his stomach growls. As said by Mark, there are some things he's reluctant to eat. He loves sashimi so much, but it's better to pick safer menu so he won't have to suffer after enjoying the delicacy.
"Is it really okay if I order dessert first?", Jinyoung asks shyly.
"You can order dessert now, and order again later. You can eat as much dessert as you want".
Jinyoung smiles from ear to ear.
Jinyoung really enjoys his meal. All the meal he orders taste like heaven. inside of his mouth and the presentation is stunning.
"The food is amazing!", Jinyoung squeals while enjoying his second dessert, chocolate cake with raspberry sauce, "all of this is amazing".
Mark sips his red wine slowly, "I'm glad you like it".
"I love it! Thank you hyuung", Jinyoung acts cute.
Mark chuckles, "ah, cute".
When Jinyoung is done and looking satisfied, Mark's face becomes serious. After the butler clears their plates, Mark begins to talk. 
"Actually Jinyoung ah", Mark puts his wine glass down, "the reason why I took you here is because I wanted to talk to you".
Jinyoung wipes the corner of his mout with the napkin the butler put on his lap before he ate.
"About what?"
"About you".
"Me?", Jinyoung feels cautious, "is it about my breakdown? Because if it is, I'm totally over it, Hyung. I was in a bad shape, but I have decided to let it go and accept who I am now".
Mark reaches for Jinyoung's hand and  squeezes it gently.
"Jinyoung ah, have you ever check your SNS lately? Have you ever check your phone, read news, read messages other than ours? Have you ever been outside the past couple of months? Beside the hospital, of course".
Something sharp stabs Jinyoung right in his heart. Realization hits him like a brick, he's never done anything Mark mentioned.
"You have been shutting yourself from the world, Jinyoung ah. Don't you realize?"
Jinyoung stays silent, he looks down to the now empty tablecloth.
"I know you probably are an introvert, you like being alone. Probably you feel scared, uncomfortable, probably embarrassed. Look, I'm just saying all the probability here.. But, it's.. it's not healthy Jinyoung ah.. You know, all of us are worried about you. We hoped that you could embrace your illness after you announced it to the media. But you you've been trapped in yourself eversince. We kind of get it if you don't want to get out of the house.  But even ignoring the fans, ignoring other people's messages other than ours. You know, Wonpil, Hyunjin and Wooyoung hyung are worried too. They tried to reach you but you just ignored them, am I right?"
"Look, Jinyoung. Maybe you haven't aware of this yet. But it is what it is, and you have to know it, because it's not healthy. Your house is maybe your sanctuary, but are you going to stay inside of your cocoon all the time? If it wasn't because of me today, would you step outside of the house? And if you ever go out, would you feel comfortable? Not feeling anxious like you did in the car before?".
Jinyoung's eyes are blurry as tears slowly filling them. All Mark's words are true and he just realized it now.
"This illness have won over you if you let it controls your life, Park Jinyoung. You have the right to do anything you want without feeling insecured. Screw everything, you are what you are now. True friends and true fans will see what's beyond your weakness, your complexion. I see someone who's strong, he's fighting hard and I love seeing him gives his outmost effort to fight his illness. You're not a quitter, Jinyoung. You are one of the most hardworking man I have ever known, you just need to accept youlself ".
Tears are now falling from Jinyoung's eyes. Mark gives him tissue, one hand still grabbing Jinyoung's hand.
"I'm scared hyung", Jinyoung says with hicked voice, "I'm scared the fans will be disappointed with me now. I'm scared media will diss me".
"Jinyoung ah, we are idols. Medias diss us with or without being sick. They will always try to find anything that can be sold. You are already aware of that when you decided to become an idol, right? And our ahgases.. ", Mark looks at his dongsaeng closely, ".. have you read what they've been writing about you? All of them pray for your health, giving you courageous words everyday. Hoping that you would read their massages and go on with your life well. You have to believe in them, Jinyoung. Because they believe in you. They put their faith in you, and you will let them down if you are still locking yourself in like this".
"Maybe a part of you have accepted this reality, Jinyoung. But you have to admit there are still denials within you. I hate seeing you like this, Park Jinyoung. If you want the truth, JYP hyung is aware of this too and he's suggesting a grief conaultant in which we can't agree to".
"We all worried because you seem to hid yourself in the closet and won't come out".
"Jinyoung do you remember, during our training days, I just came to Korea. I didn't know anyone, I didn't know Korean. It was you who came up to me first, you took me to thr playground and we would eat ice cream. And you tried hard to communicate with me with your limited english at that time. Do you know, Jinyoung, that was one of the darkest moment of my life. I felt allienated in Korea, I wanted nothing but to go back to L.A and gave up my dream to become a performer. But you, you were passionate. You tought me things I didn't understand. Seeing you so passionate, I realized that I could do it too. You are youmger than me but you knew exactly ehat you wanted and you worked hard to pursue your dream. I was so embarrassed that I didn't have the same motivation as you.Because of you, I also worked hard and here I am now. Even when I'm feeling down, I think about our times in playground and I can feel better. You have no idea how much impact you gave to my life, Park Jinyoung. Not only me, you mean so much for all of us, even for Ahgases. So I'm kneeling before you, our role reversed. Now it's my turn to pull you ot if the darkness".
Jinyoung cries hard now, all the images of him being trapped inside if the house is running inside of his head. He is locked inside of himself and he doesn't even realize. He's scared to touch the handphone knowing that there are probably his friends sending him messages. He ignores them all except GOT7. He doesn't read newspaper, he doesn't even watch the tv anymore nowadays, fearing that there might be news about him. He doesn't go out, even when he wants it so bad. And his instagram lies forgotten because he's too scared to read what ahgases write about him. All this time Jinyoung has been repressing his desires, his social needs because he's simply too afraid of what people might think. He's built a fortress to  protect himself from outer world because of his insecurities. And his insecurities occur because he's still hasn't fully  accept his condition. Jinyoung justrealized it now and it's painful. He feels hopeless, he has succumbed to his illness.
Mark goes on his side, maneuvers Jinyoung's chair facing him and hugs him tight. Emotional Mark tries to hold his tears. He has to be strong for Jinyoung, for this time being.
Mark lets Jinyoung cry for a long time. When the sobs become softer, Mark lets him go amd he goes back to his seat. Jinyoung is left wiping his tears with the tissue he's holding. Along with the tears spilled, some of the heaviness inside of his heart are lifted. He strangely feels more relax now.
"I know alcohol is no no while you are in chemo. But..  a few sips won't hurt", Mark gives a signal to the buttler, "I've asked dr Song about it. He's really cool, isn't he?"
Jinyoung is a bit taken aback when the butler pours him a small serving of wine.
"Are you sure?", Jinyoung asks hesitantly."
"Of course. And you better drink it. Boy tou have no idea what you'll miss if you don't drink it", Mark smiles, his face is lit.
"Cheval Blanc 1947 St. Emilion", the buttler explains, "one of the rarest collection and the most expensive wine in the world. From the private cellar of mr. Choi Siwon".
Jinyoung's jaw dropped, "what?".
"Mr. Siwon asked me privately to deliver this luxurious collection straight to you, mr. Park", the buttler smiles at Jinyoung, "it's a gift. He hopes you enjoy your time here".
The buttler put the wine bottle in front of Jinyoung and wraps it with big gold ribbon.
Mark chuckles seeing Jinyoung's surprised expression, "ah, you're so cute".
"You probably can't drink it if you know how much it's worth. So I won't spill the excitement. Go ahead, give it a go", Mark encourages Jinyoung to drink, "one sip at a time".
Jinyoung looks at the glass hesitantly. Only a small portion compared to Mark's, but wine nevertheless.
Jinyoung finally raises his glass.
"Cheers", he and Mark make a toast  and he sips his wine.
A miraculous sensation is coming to his tastebud once he sips the wine. It's intimidating yet comforting. He can taste the sweetness of the fruit, the bitterness. It's all coming to his senses. And once it goes to his throat, he feels warm already. It's like being wrapped inside of a comfortable blanket.
"Oh man, this. is. over the top good", Mark comments, "the best".
Jinyoung sips his wine as slowly as possible, he doesn't want it to end so soon. He enjoys every drop, and everytime Mark would glance at his dongsaeng, satistfied with his pleased look within every sip.
"Now, I want to take you to someplace else while it's still bright", Mark says after the glasses are empty.
"Where?", Jinyoung asks, confused.
"Outside".
"Outside?".
"Yea!", Mark exclaims, "Don't you want to see other side of the aquarium?".
"But..", Jinyoung's nervousness creeps out again, but strangely his stomach doesn't roll like before.
"Don't you want to pet the penguins?", Mark attempts to coax him.
"There are penguins? Here?", Jinyoung's eyes grow wider.
"Yep, and they are very cute. Well, unless you don't want to see them".
Jinyoung's head is spinning, he still has a fight within him. But this time, looks like Mark wins the fight, Jinyoung knows he has to give himself a chance to be out in public. He doesn't know how it will be, but he has decided to give it a try. Beside, he has Mark. He trusts Mark.
Jinyoung nods, and Mark cheers.
"Let's go then, we can't make those cute penguins to wait longer. Mr Buttler will take care of your precious little bottle of wime here along with other gifts from Siwon hyung. I heard he sent you lots of stuff", Mark winks.
Mark gets up from his seat and Jinyoung follows. There's still a bit of fear left in Jinyoung's heart, making him feel hesitant to leave, but he encourages himself.
The buttler leads their way and opens a big door.
Once again Jinyoung tries to encourage himself.
"Shall we go now?", Mark reaches out his hand to Jinyoung.
The younger one takes his hand and follows his lead slowly but surely.
Jinyoung feels lighter when he steps out the door. The view of the aquarium calms him down. He walks quetly, Mark's hand on his grip, giving him more assurance. They turns to the alley that goes into the common area. Jinyoung can already see some people on the room. As they walk closer, Mark tightens his grip.
When they come out, people are recognizing them instantly. Not much of a people inside of the aquarium because it's not holiday. But still, there are people there. People are looking at them and some pull theor handphones. Mark put his arm around Jinyoung's waist and walks calmly.
Jinyoung feels awkward at first, but strangely all the attention he gets from the people feels less intimidating. It feels familiar.
Jinyoung spent almost half of his life span being an idol, it's the usual situation for him. He got used to it, it's his daily life before getting sick. Somehow he misses it. He's too busy hiding, he forgot what it's like to be under the spotlight.
"Park Jinyoung, get well soon!", a girl shouts at him. Jinyoung smiles at her and wave. The girls squeals, she is so ready to topple down. Some of her friends are squealing behind her.
"Jinyoung oppa fighting!", another girl shouts.
"Thank you", Jinyoung says.
A little girl comes at him with candies in her tiny hands, "oppa, this is for you".
Jinyoung squats down to receive the cute gift, "thank you".
"Get well soon, oppa", she says.
Jinyoung feels overwhelmed. Along the way, people are greeting him, wishing him to get well soon and giving him everything they own. In no time, Jinyoung's pockets are full with sweets, chocolates, and flower.
"Hyung can you take my pictures with the penguins?", Jinyoung asks Mark.
"Sure!"
"Make sure you take them well".
"Wae?"
"Because I'm going to post them to my Instagram", Jinyoung smiles wide.