Donghyuck beams at his phone, elated that Mark actually indulged him by honouring his request of sending a photo, especially after all the ones he'd send the idol- mainly without prompting though. With a wide smile on his face, Donghyuck types out quick response before calling over his shoulder to the other model in his hotel room, "Rosé we have to go soon or we'll be late!"

He throws his phone down beside him on the bed as he starfishes out, stretching his limbs, blissfully unaware of what Rosé has just found on his desk.

"Why didn't you tell me?" She questions weakly, the tone of her voice gaging Donghyuck's attention as he pulls himself into an upright position, glancing over to where she's stood, something in her hand.

"Huh?"

"Why didn't you tell me about this?" She repeats, her voice wavering as she holds out the crumbled up paper out for Donghyuck to see, "I thought we were friends Donghyuck, I thought we were meant to look out for each other"

She had found his new diet plan, and right now he felt like he couldn't breathe, "I..."

Standing up from the chair in which she was sat in, Rosé crosses the room slowly, Donghyuck's throat tightening with every footstep that she takes, "You're damn lucky that I'm the one that found you after our last show... You were practically unconscious, you shouldn't even be doing tonight's-"

"I have to do tonight's show" He insists, watching as Rosé begins to shake her head.

"Why?" She asks, dropping down to perch on the bed next to Donghyuck, "Because Mark is coming?"

"I have to do tonight's show" He repeats, and by not directly answering her question, she still understands why.

"Talk to me" She pleads, letting the diet plan fall out of her hands and onto the floor so that she can take Donghyuck's hands into her own, "Please, tell me what's going on"

Donghyuck feels the way in which his heart skips a beat as she becomes visibly more upset. When she squeezes her eyes shut, trying not to let a single tear fall, Donghyuck can't help but give in, bowing his head in shame as he recounts what yesterday was like, "I- I just feel so weak and tired... I can barely move, my head is in constant pain, my... my memory is going, I... I almost blacked out after the show"

"So why do you continue to do it when it's causing you so much pain?" She enquires, squeezing his hands firmly.

To which Donghyuck just shakes his head, "Because I've sacrificed too much to not see this through"

He practically left his home, his friends, his relationship to fly to the other side of the world for this job... if he quits now, if he doesn't keep pushing himself to complete the job the best that he possibly can then what was it all for? Why was he even here?

"Let me help you" She whispers, bringing her hand up to wipe at the stray tears that begin making their way down Donghyuck's face, "Let me help you with dieting efficiently yet safely, let me help you by taking you to see someone when we land in Seoul- a professional, who can check through your symptoms and make sure there's no lasting damage... someone who can advise you on how to move passed this"

Donghyuck sniffles at the suggestion, bringing one hand up to dab at his nose, "I don't want to be a burden-"

"You're not a burden, you're my friend, Hyuck" She states softly, feeling tears prick at her eyes as Donghyuck's shoulders begin to shake, his eyes becoming glassy, "Friends are supposed to be there for you, they're the ones to help you through the tough times and to celebrate the good ones, let me help you this much, Donghyuck"

He nods his head desperately, letting out a whine as his emotions seem to overcome him, "You're so strong, you'll make it out of this..."

"I feel stronger when I'm with the people that I love and care about..." He mumbles back, feeling overwhelmed by the kindness she's showing him- he didn't think such a thing existed within such a cruel industry, "With you and Mark... and then Jaemin and Chenle I'll get through this"

"You will" She echoes, determination present in her promise as she repeats it once more, drawing Donghyuck into her arms as they share a hug.

Donghyuck hooks his chin over her shoulder, tightening his grip around her waist as he closes his eyes, basking in her warmth and comfort. It feels so nice to be able to completely let his guard down, to practically melt into her embrace knowing that he is safe in her arms, that right now there's somebody there who is looking after him.

Although, just as he becomes comfortable, he's reminded that such a haven can't last as a loud knocking on his door breaks them apart, followed by a voice yelling his name briefly before taking off down the corridor.

"Now c'mon..." She shuffles away from Donghyuck, smiling softly as she gently wipes at the singular tear that was running down his cheek, "we need to make our way to the venue"

As she gets off of the bed, she reaches for her bag, unzipping the thing so that Donghyuck can see what she's packed. His stomach flips at the snacks and he shakes his head frantically at what she's implying, "I won't be able to stomach any of them"

"We'll start off small" She promises with the nod of her head, holding out her hand for Donghyuck to take, "Baby steps"

"Baby steps" He croaks out, his voice still thick with emotion as he grabs onto her hand, giving it a little squeeze with what strength he can.

"Okay, now let's get you to your Mark"

~~~

Mark fiddles excitedly with the pin attached to his jacket, turning the sun clockwise then anti clockwise as the taxi he's in crawls down the streets of Tokyo, the car horn honking at some pedestrians who had carelessly just tried to cross the road.

As the car breaks rather suddenly, Mark finds himself gripping onto his seatbelt with one hand and his backpack with the other, his heart practically caught in his throat. The driver apologises quietly to which Mark mumbles something back politely, still not letting go of his bag or the belt.

He didn't have time to visit his hotel before the show, that is if he wanted to make it on time, and so he was just going to have to lug the thing around with him at Donghyuck's runway- thankfully he had packed light.

The driver informs Mark that they'll arrive shortly to which Mark thanks him back, praising himself silently at remembering bits from his last minute Japanese lesson that he took from Yuta in the car on the way to the airport.

Since everything seemed to happen so fast, Mark still hadn't really processed where he is, or even what's happening. He doesn't know where he's going and he honestly has no clue about what to expect when he arrives...

He just knows that pretty soon, he's going to meet Donghyuck again, and they'll finally get to talk about what happened to them...

Mark remembers what Joy had told him before he left, 'you might come back with a boyfriend', the words rattling around in his brain as the car pulls up outside some big, shiny building. He hadn't wanted to give too much thought to the suggestion, in fear that he'd get his hopes up, but such a plan was all in vain.

Of course Mark was going into this optimistic- he had to.

He wasn't naïve enough to believe that as soon as they lock eyes, everything will fall into place, that suddenly a light will shine above them, the whole world will fade away as the chorus of Celion Dion's The Power Of Love begins to play in the background...

He just believed that with everything that him and Donghyuck have been through, with everything that he still feels for the model, that they deserve a decent chance to talk everything through with him. Donghyuck wouldn't have invited him here if he wasn't willing to give Mark that.

Mark thanks the driver once more, making sure that his travel has been payed, before opening the car door and stepping out onto the curb, welcoming the cool air that greets him.

He takes in a deep breath, pretending to be oblivious to all the inquisitive looks he gets as he takes his place in the line, ready for the doors to open. He knows he doesn't exactly look the part, with everyone else around him decked out from head to toe in the latest designer gear, but again, Mark was too busy getting lost in his own thoughts to particularly care.

With his limited Japanese, Mark manages to enter the venue with no problem, the only slightly embarrassing occurance being that at the bag check point, the man searching Mark's backpack, amidst pulling out his deodorant stick, also accidently pulled out a pair of Mark's underwear.

It's safe to say that Mark went forth with a bright red face and the tips of his ears tingling hotly.

He sticks to the outside of the room, knowing that he didn't want to draw attention to himself as he became increasingly aware of his faded denim jacket and scuffed shoes that he was sporting.

He slips into one of the chairs at the back in the corner, apologising to the person in front of him as he knocks their chair whilst trying to push his bag down onto the floor. Once he's successful in doing so, he slumps down, trying to blend in as best as he can.

He takes note of the people around him, some dressed in puffy sleeves, flashy belts, outrageous prints.. he spots someone walk in with a team surrounding them, shielding them from all the cameras and prying eyes.

Mark can't believe he's actually in the same room as some of these people.

He begins drumming his fingers nervously along the inside of his thigh, biting on his bottom lip as the seats fill up, not leaving a spare chair. He wonders if Donghyuck will notice him amongst all these people- probably not, he's probably trained to not notice anyone, but the thought still lingers in Mark's mind.

It'll start any moment now, he muses, shuffling awkwardly in his seat much to the displeasure of the person next to him, any moment now...

Almost as if he'd given the cue himself, the lights begin to dim and strings of white lights gradually descend from the ceiling, looking like crystallised drops of water falling from the sky. The electronic screen behind the runway begins to light up, displaying a beautifully tranquil scene of the moon over the blue sea... the water rippling softly.

Too transfixed by the visuals in the room, Mark doesn't notice how his white t-shirt seems to glow under the lights, he only realises when the person next to him lets out a displeased hum, muttering something about 'loud fashion'- Mark thinks she's a hypocrite.

Regardless though, he pulls his denim jacket tighter round his body, not wanting to gain too much attention and annoy his seatmates further, before he's looking back at the screen expectantly.

From what Mark assumes to be a trick of the lights, a projection of water is cast onto the runway, and Mark finds his eyes going wide in wonder.

A gentle yet haunting track begins to play quietly, slowly building up as the first model makes their way onto the runway, and Mark finds it terribly hard to draw his eyes away.

It's Rosé, he recognises, dressed in a floor length white gown which flutters elegantly as she moves down the runway. It's peppered with midnight black beads, becoming more in number towards the bottom so that the dress has an almost ombre effect. She's bare foot Mark notices, and as she steps carefully, one foot in front of the other, the 'water' on the runway begins to pool at her feet, almost like she was wading through actual water. She has white and black jewels dripping from her neck and her open shoulders and face sparkle under the artificial moonlight as she turns on her heel, already walking off.

Another model appears, this time a male, and Mark begrudgingly acknowledges him as Ong Seongwoo, the one that was in the article with Donghyuck. Contrary to popular belief, Mark doesn't wish for him to fall onto his face as he makes his rounds, looking so annoyingly perfect as he poses at the end of the runway... although it would make the rapper smile.

Seongwoo quickly makes his way off of the stage, making room for another female model to strut down the middle of the room. She's in this almost mirrored dress, just reaching her knees and Mark finds that he's almost blinded by the reflection of the multitude of diamonds that are occupation her dress and skin.

Almost squinting, Mark takes his gaze off of the model, looking readily back at the moonlit board waiting for the next look, however, as soon as the next model appears, Mark swears that his heart stops.

Mark feels the air leave his lungs as Donghyuck appears in a beaded midnight black blazer, his hands nestled comfortably in his trouser pockets as he takes his first steps, gaze sharp. It was like he was in a daze, every single thought in his head was suddenly replaced by Donghyuck's name, the syllables echoing in his brain.

Mark felt his jaw drop automatically, gaping at the boy under the beautiful lights- and that's not just because there was nothing on under his blazer.

His brown hair was gorgeously ruffled, and Mark yearned to just reach out and run his fingers through it, remembering how they'd sometimes spend hours just lounging around on the sofa or one of their beds, Mark absentmindedly carding his fingers through Donghyuck's hair, the model smiling sweetly as he asks Mark to do it again and again... He was spellbound, so captivated by Donghyuck as he strode down the runway, eyes trained forward.

Mark watched on, completely enamoured as Donghyuck turned swiftly, heart almost jumping out of his chest at the thought of Donghyuck walking away- however, it's when the model rotates, placing one foot in front of the other, that he turns his head to the side slightly, catching Mark's eyes, if only for a split second.

~~~

He's here, Donghyuck feels his soul sing as he spots Mark among the crowd. In all honestly, it would be extremely difficult to not catch his eye, especially when the boy's white shirt was arguably brighter than the planned lighting within the venue.

Donghyuck stifles a laugh thinking about how Mark must've felt when the lights went out and he lit up like a human glow stick, typical Mark Lee.

He feels relief flood his system as they lock eyes for a second, before he's fixing his eyes back in front of him, walking to the beat of the instrumental.

He tries so hard to keep a straight face, to hide the smile that threatens to ruin his poker face, but by the look Rosé throws him backstage before she's circling round to go on again, he knows that probably let such a look slip.

Donghyuck doesn't have much time to dwell on the encounter as he's being ushered over to the makeup table, anonymous hands reaching out to touch up his already perfect makeup.

Donghyuck slips his blazer off of his shoulders so that they can reapply the body glitter that by this point is almost tattooed onto his skin. Donghyuck doesn't think that he'd actually be surprised if his bloodstream was purely glitter after all these shows.

It's not too long before he gets the all clear and he can readjust his blazer back to how it was, the staff around him dispersing in a flurry to find their next prey. Rising from the chair, Donghyuck has an overwhelming desire just to peak out from behind the stage, scanning the audience in order to see that childlike wonder that adorns Mark's features once more, watching how surreal this must all look to someone who doesn't know what it takes to walk in it.

Part of him almost doesn't want Mark here, doesn't want such a gentle soul like his to be sat in such a stifling room but Donghyuck is grateful that he is. He's grateful for the support and the strength that Mark offers him, he's grateful that because of Mark he finds it in himself to complete the show that he's been training so hard for. 

"Donghyuck!"

The model jumps slightly, mildly startled by the sudden hissing of his name, calling him to get back into formation as it's time for the final round with the ending photos. Donghyuck scrambles to his position in the line, the ends of his mouth twitching upwards as he counts down silently.

3... 2... 1...

As soon as he steps back out, his gaze subtly going to the corners of the room, his eyes are full of fondness as he watches as recognition dawns on Mark's face. He is standing up with everyone else, however instead of clapping, Mark resorts to waving excitedly whilst shouting out a cheer before getting silenced by the woman next to him.

Donghyuck feels the model beside him nudge his arm gently, and he can't help but break out into a smile. The photos drag on for longer than Donghyuck would like, but as soon as they begin to leave the runway, Donghyuck finds himself practically buzzing, the adrenaline that he usually feels before he steps out onto the runway, returning to him, just at the prospect of meeting Mark.

He stays by the entrance to the runway, watching in anticipation as the audience begin to leave agonisingly slowly, his eyes zeroing in on Mark who is also waiting impatiently for the main crowd of people by the stage to leave.

Slowly but surely, Mark makes his way from the back of the room, smiling politely at those who look at him in question as he approaches the runway. Donghyuck has to restrain himself from just jumping out and running to the idol, but it seems that someone else beats him to it.

As Mark stands by the runway, a mere couple of metres from Donghyuck, someone blocks his way.

"Sir, this area is restricted, you can't pass through"

Donghyuck watches on as Mark flounders, his cheeks turning pink as he tries his best to explain that he was meeting someone, and yet he just couldn't find the right words. With an amused smile, Donghyuck emerges from backstage, his heart beating rapidly.

"It's okay..." He announces, having both the security guard and Mark look his way. He takes a couple of steps forward, standing alongside the guard and basking in the way that Mark's eyes rake over him, his mouth parted as though he was about to say something, but alas no words came.

Donghyuck smiles bashfully as Mark seems to wake up from his daze, looking at the model as a million emotions flash across his face.

"It's okay" Donghyuck repeats, his eyes locking with Mark's, "He's with me"

———————————————————————-
Notes-

what was this chapter honestly?? my writing, a mess

but anyways... are you ready for markhyuck to get lost in japan (not literally but like ya know)

I feel a bit mean for this chapter, just giving you guys their first greetings but don't worry, the next chapter should be a cute one ☺️

honestly I had so much fun coming up with the concept of the runway, and if I'm being honest I'm probably the least fashionable person I know (I live in hoodies, jeans and trainers) but I looked up a couple of different designers and their shows and idk I just found them fascinating.

Anyways, I hope you felt the magical sort of feel of this runway, I tried my best.

song for the next chapter (is still):
lost in japan - shawn mendes