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1nyourdr34ms · 4 months

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Shadows of Feels: Love at the Second Sight

pairing: NCT Mark x fem!reader

Prequel of Shadows of Feels: Between Heart and Mind

others: Haechan (Marks bestie and friend of y/n), Karina (fem!readers bestie), SVT Mingyu (fem!readers ex), NewJeans Hanni, Johnny, Jungwoo, Yuta

genre: basically fluff and romance

word count: 12.339 words

song rec: NCT Dream – My First And Last & NCT Dream - Hello Future

warnings: making out, kissing

summary: This is a Prequel to Shadows of Feels: Between Heart and Mind Part One. It tells the story of Mark Lee and y/n, detailing how they became a couple.

01 - When I Met Him The First Time

On a sunny afternoon, Hanni and Mark headed to the café to return a borrowed psychology book from you. You met her in your psychology course at uni and immediately became friends. Not close, but on good terms.

As they walked side by side, Hanni could hardly hide her feelings. Her heart beat faster when she thought of Mark, her long-time childhood friend, for whom she secretly harbored deep feelings.

"Mark, are you also looking forward to the barbecue today?" Hanni asked, trying to start a conversation that emphasized her closeness to him. "Of course, Hanni. It will be nice to see our families together again," replied Mark, still thinking about the preparations for the fest.

He saw Hanni as a good friend, almost like a sister, but he had no idea of her true feelings.

As they entered the café, Mark immediately felt an inexplicable attraction to the young woman at the table. He couldn't take his eyes off her, feeling magically drawn to her.

You, waiting for Hanni, looked up from your laptop and immediately noticed the handsome young man at Hanni's side. His undercut, his black hair touching his eyebrows, his well-defined cheekbones, his round eyes that looked innocent but intense at the same time, caught your attention immediately.

Your eyes met, and and a spark of curiosity was ignited. You felt an unexpected but strong attraction.

Hanni noticed a strange aura in Mark, so instinctively she was trying to draw Mark's attention to herself. She casually put her arm around his shoulder, as a sign of their supposed closeness. Mark was a bit surprised by Hanni's gesture, but he smiled politely.

You exchanged a few words about the book with Hanni. "How did you like the book?" you asked, curious about Hanni's opinion. "It was really fascinating. I especially liked the character development," Hanni replied, trying to keep the conversation short.

Inside, she struggled with a feeling of jealousy, as Mark's attention was obviously directed towards you. His gaze still captivated by your radiant eyes. Mark stood a little apart, observing you two, trying to understand his own feelings. This unexpected encounter had triggered something in him that he couldn't put into words. He was confused, but at the same time fascinated by your aura and beauty.

The scene in the café was short but intense. When Mark and Hanni left the café, Mark was still thinking about the mysterious beauty he had just met.

You, for your part, couldn't forget Mark's warm eyes, which said so much more than words ever could.

02 - When I Met Him The Second Time

On a rainy afternoon, you strolled through the aisles of a cozy bookstore, lost in the world of literature. While you were browsing a book about modern poetry, you suddenly heard a familiar, lively voice that made you smile.

"I'm telling you, this book is only for people who have too much free time to think about the meaning of life!" you heard Haechan say.

"Oh come on, Haechan, not everyone has such a superficial taste in literature like you," replied another voice. You recognized Haechan's voice.

So, you turned around curiously and discovered the two friends standing between the shelves. Mark held a book about classical music history, while Haechan held up a comic book.

"Hey, Y/n!" called Haechan, noticing you. "Look who's here hunting bookworms too!" Mark turned around in surprise and his eyes met Yyours. A smile spread across his face when he saw her. "Haven't we met before?"

Haechan, always ready for a bit of fun, grinned broadly. "Ah, this is Y/n. We met her at the university's summer fest."

How I Met His Crazy Best Friend

The university's summer fest, held for kids, was in full swing. Children of various ages buzzed excitedly between the colorful stands and workshops.

You and Mingyu, your bf at that time, were busy leading your creative workshop, helping children create little artworks from recycled materials. You were in your element, giving instructions to the children with sparkling eyes, while Mingyu took care of the organizational aspects.

On the other side of the festival grounds, Mark and Haechan led an instrument workshop. While Mark introduced the children to the world of guitar sounds, Haechan showed them various percussion instruments. With his typical lively and determined manner, he enthusiastically led his instrument workshop. With witty humor that delighted the children, he managed to motivate even the most reserved participants.

You decided to a short break from your own workshop and strolled around to explore the other activities.

When you passed the music workshop, you were drawn by the cheerful music and laughing children's voices. You noticed a boy who, despite the exuberant atmosphere around him, appeared still and withdrawn.

His reaction to the music was unusual – he seemed overwhelmed and at the same time fascinated.

Haechan, noticing your curious gaze, approached you with a friendly smile. "Hey, I'm Haechan, the leader of this rhythmic chaos here. And you are?" "I'm Y/n, responsible for the creative workshop," you replied with a warm smile.

You noticed a boy standing aside and pointed to him. "He doesn't seem to be quite comfortable." Haechan nodded. "Yeah, I've been watching him. He loves music, but the group activity seems to overwhelm him. He has trouble with the noise and the hustle and bustle."

"Could it be a sensory integration disorder?" You asked thoughtfully. "Some children have difficulty processing sensory information. It can be very overwhelming for them.

“I heard that his parents have already consulted many specialists, but so far without success. That's interesting and quite unfortunate,” said Haechan.

"My father is a neuropsychiatrist and has a lot of experience with such cases. He might have some helpful advice," You suggested.

At that moment, Mingyu called you back to her workshop. "That sounds like a great idea. Can we exchange contact information? I would like to learn more about how we can help him," Haechan said quickly.

As they said goodbye, Haechan threw in a humorous comment. "Just be careful not to get too creative and overshadow us all!" You jokingly replied: "Only if you promise not to hypnotize everyone with your sense of rhythm!"

With a laugh, you returned to your workshop, while Haechan watched you and turned back to the children.

You were still surprised by the encounter at the bookstore. "Right, you haven't officially met yet. Mark, this is Y/n. Y/n, this is Mark, one of my best friends," Haechan introduced them.

Mark extended his hand, and you took it, a friendly smile on your face. "Nice to meet you, Mark."

"The pleasure is all mine," replied Mark, his smile widening as he shook her hand. Haechan watched the scene with an amused smile.

"Yes, the summer fest was really nice. But it's funny. I didn't notice you there, Mark. I met Haechan there, but I didn't see you."

Mark frowned. "That's interesting. I was mostly in the background, taking care of the organization. Maybe we just missed each each other." Haechan laughed. "Mark was busy playing the perfect conductor for our little music performance. He hardly had time to mingle with people." Mark nodded in agreement. "That's true, I was pretty busy."

After introducing themselves, they began to talk about their favorite books and authors.

You talked about her fascination with modern poetry, while Mark shared his enthusiasm for classical music history.

Haechan, known more for his humor than his literary interest, waited for the right moment to make one of his typical jokes. "You know what the problem with classical music and poetry is? You almost need a degree in philosophy to understand them!", he said with a mischievous grin.

Mark gave him a playfully annoyed look. "Haechan, you and your superficial taste for literature and music! Sometimes I wonder if you even know who Beethoven is."

"Beethoven? Isn't that the guy who thought 'Für Elise' was a pop song?", Haechan countered, underlining his joke. You couldn't help but laugh out loud. Haechan was just too funny.

Mark shook his head, his smile betraying his amusement. "Haechan, your musical knowledge is comparable to that of a five-year-old seeing a piano for the first time," he replied with a sigh.

Haechan pretended to be offended. "Hey, that was harsh. I think I'll make you sleep in the living room tonight." Mark reacted immediately in shock, worried that you might misunderstand him. "Oh no, no, that's not how it sounds. We live together and – I mean – not like that. We're just roommates and..." Mark stuttered, his cheeks slightly reddened.

Haechan burst into laughter, and you couldn't help but giggle. "Don't worry," said Y/n, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I understand. You're like brothers, right?"

Mark, visibly relieved, smiled broadly. "Exactly, that's exactly what we are.“ Haechan couldn't stop laughing.

Amidst his laughter, he said, "Okay, okay, I admit, my musical knowledge isn't quite as sophisticated as Mark's," said Haechan, "but at least my jokes add some spice to the discussion!"

After talking about various books and authors for a while, Haechan suggested you have a coffee together to continue the conversation. Mark and you agreed, so you left the bookstore to go to the nearby café.

As you left the bookstore, the mood between Mark, Haechan, and you was lively and warm. Now you were standing in line at a café.

Haechan, noticing the subtle glances and developing chemistry between Mark and you, couldn't resist throwing teasing glances at his friend.

Mark felt amused and a little embarrassed by Haechan's implications. He gave Haechan a look that telepathically conveyed: "Stop it, I know what you're thinking." Haechan responded with a broad grin and a shrug, as if to say: "I can't help it, it's obvious!"

You noticed the silent but expressive play between the two friends and couldn't help but smile. It was as if you were watching an invisible, but understandable conversation between Mark and Haechan.

You felt a bit like an outsider looking into a private conversation, but you enjoyed the lightness and humor the two spread.

Mark, aware of your attention, tried to change the subject to defuse the situation a bit. "So, Y/n, tell me more about your work. I'm really interested in what you do."

You were grateful for the distraction and began to talk about your work as a behavior therapist. As you spoke, you noticed how Mark listened attentively. Your eyes met several times, and in those moments, a kind of silent agreement was formed, an unspoken communication that went beyond words.

Haechan, noticing the change in dynamics, leaned back and watched as you two slowly came closer, without directly noticing. He couldn't help but feel a bit like a matchmaker, witnessing something special.

You all chose a table near a large window that offered a view of the busy street. Mark, sitting next to you, took the opportunity to continue the conversation.

"So, Y/n-ah, what inspired you to become a behavior therapist?" You, pleased with his interest, replied with a smile. "Well, I've always had the need to help others, especially children and adolescents. I find it incredibly rewarding to see positive changes in their lives." Mark nodded understandingly. "That sounds really fulfilling. I work part-time as a music teacher at a high school, and I can totally relate to what you mean. There's nothing better than seeing young people develop and unfold."

As you talked, Haechan observed you two and noticed the way you interacted and laughed. There was an obvious chemistry between you two that couldn't be overlooked.

Haechan, always the joker, couldn't help but make a comment. "Look at the two of you! I think I'm sitting at the table with two soulmates," he said casually.

You were slightly embarrassed by Haechan's comment and looked briefly to the side, as if trying to distract yourself from the attention. Mark, noticing this, quickly intervened to lighten the mood again. "Haechan sometimes has a slightly exaggerated imagination," he said with a smile, reassuringly looking at you. "But he has a good heart. And he's right when he says it's nice to meet new people who share similar interests."

You smiled gratefully for Mark's empathetic words. You immediately felt more comfortable and turned back to the conversation. "That's true," you replied, "it's always nice to meet like-minded people."

Haechan, recognizing the subtleties of the situation, steered the conversation to a lighter topic. "So, Mark, tell Y/n about your legendary songs you've written. She needs to know who she's sitting at the table with!" Mark laughed, but noticed that he might do that at a later time.

The conversation continued, and you three spent a pleasant time together. The hours seemed like minutes, and soon it was time to leave.

Outside the café, Mark and Haechan said goodbye to you. Mark looked worriedly at you. "Are you sure you'll get home okay? I could walk you part of the way," he offered, the caring tone in his voice unmistakable.

Haechan couldn't help but grin. "Oh, Mark, the noble knight, always ready to accompany a damsel in distress. But be careful, she might think you're a stalker!" You had to laugh at Haechan's comment. "Thanks, Mark, that's really sweet of you. But I live just a few streets away. I'll be fine," you said with a warm smile. Mark nodded, a little disappointed but still smiling. "Okay, then take care of yourself. It was really nice to meet you."

"The pleasure was all mine," You replied before turning and walking away slowly.

As you were out of earshot, Haechan playfully nudged Mark with his elbow. 'So, how does it feel to be rejected by a beautiful woman?' Mark chuckled softly. 'Rejected? I think she just issued an invitation to see her again.'

Haechan raised an eyebrow. 'Oh, really? And when will you accept this 'invitation'?' Mark looked thoughtfully in the direction you had gone.

03 - When We Dove Into Our Own World

In a cozy café in the city center, surrounded by the soft sound of jazz music and the quiet murmur of other guests, Mark, you, and your friends met.

The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with candlelight dancing on the tables, giving the room an intimate ambiance. Mark, with a thoughtful look, broke the silence. 'You know, Y/n, I've been thinking about the concept of fate recently. Do you believe everything is predetermined, or that we shape our own destiny?'

You looked at him in surprise, pleased by the unexpected depth of the conversation. 'That's a difficult question. I believe in a mix of both. There are things we can't control, but I think we have the power to choose our reaction to them.'

Mark nodded in agreement. 'I feel the same way. Sometimes it seems like certain things are just meant to happen. Like our chance meeting in that bookstore.' A warm smile spread across your face.

'That really was a lucky coincidence. I mean, who would have thought we'd meet again?' Mark smirked.

You suddenly shared a thought that seemed to come out of nowhere. 'Remember the 'flying ducks'?' you said with a mischievous twinkle in your eyes.

Mark, immediately privy to the insider, burst into roaring laughter. 'Oh yes, the 'flying ducks'! How could we ever forget?'

Your friends looked at them confusedly, while Mark and you reveled in memories of a funny moment when you attended a street performance in the city, where a street artist tried to imitate ducks that could fly.

The scene was so absurd and comical that you two had made it your private joke.

Mark leaned forward and said confidentially, 'Remember how we ran through the city in the rain afterward, looking for a place to warm up? That crazy bookstore we found – I think it was the perfect place for us.' You nodded with a smile. 'Yes, and you tried to explain this extremely complicated theory about the evolution of classical music to me. I think I only understood half of it, but it was so nice listening to you.'

Meanwhile, Haechan watched the couple from the other side of the table with a mischievous smile. He leaned over to Karina and whispered, 'They're so in their own world. I bet they wouldn't even notice if an elephant walked through the café.'

Karina agreed with a smile. Only Hanni shifted back and forth uneasily in her chair, uncomfortable at the sight of Mark and you being so engrossed in your own world.

04 - When He Shared His Dream With Me

During your walk through the park with Mark, accentuated by the soft rustling of leaves and the chirping of birds, your conversation found a perfect balance between depth and lightness.

Mark, with a slight grin, began the conversation. 'You know, Y/n, sometimes I wish I could just stand on a stage and play my music without worrying about what the world thinks.'

You laughed softly. 'That would be a sight! The serious and thoughtful Mark, transforming into a wild rock star. I'd book the front row!'

Mark's eyes sparkled with pleasure. 'Oh, I'd love to have you there. But only if you promise not to cheer too loudly. I wouldn't want to lose my concentration.'

You continued to joke, and you told him about an embarrassing situation from her childhood.

'Imagine, I literally stumbled onto the stage during a school performance. Since then, I've had a kind of 'stage phobia'.' Mark laughed heartily. 'That's incredible! I wish I had seen that. Maybe I could therapize you with a few private music lessons?'

The conversation took a more serious turn as you talked about your work. 'I work with so many children who have lost their inner voice. My goal is to help them find it again. Sometimes it feels like detective work, finding the right words and approaches to reach them.'

Mark looked at you with admiration. 'You're like a light in the darkness for these children, Y/n. Your work is more than just a job, it's a calling.'

You blushed slightly at Mark's words but quickly retorted with a mischievous grin. 'Well, I could also say that your music heals souls, Mark. Maybe we should form a team – you play the melodies, and I bring the words.'

05 - When I Friendzoned Him Out Of Fear

On a mild Friday evening, you invited Mark over for a cozy movie night at her apartment.

When Mark arrived, he was greeted by Elvis, your Persian cat, who was doing something particularly funny – chasing her own tail and meowing in a way that sounded like a little song.

Mark immediately burst into laughter. 'Is that normal for him?' he asked, bending down to pet Elvis.

'Oh, that's Elvis's daily entertainment show,' you replied, laughing. 'He's a real rock star. That's why I named him Elvis.' You two laughed together as Elvis theatrically rubbed around Mark's legs, obviously pleased with the attention.

This cheerful mood continued as you two made popcorn and settled on the sofa to watch the movie 'Soul'.

During the film, you kept finding yourselves in spontaneous conversations, laughing and joking about everything.

Mark, sitting next to you, felt a growing tension within himself. He was fascinated by your joyful laughter and the way you tucked your hair behind your ear when you laughed.

Several times during the evening, he toyed with the idea of confessing his feelings. But each time he was about to say something, he hesitated, unsure of the consequences.

In a moment of silence, as the film showed a rather slow scene, you noticed a change in Mark's expression. He seemed lost in thought, his gaze thoughtful and almost longing. 'What's up, Mark? You look like you're calculating the end of the world,' you joked, an amused twinkle in your eyes.

Mark was jolted from his thoughts and smiled awkwardly. 'Oh, nothing, I was just... thinking. You know, sometimes you think about things and...', he trailed off, searching for the right words.

You laughed softly and shook your head. 'You and your profound thoughts. I guess that makes you a good friend.'

These words hit Mark unexpectedly. 'A good friend' – this designation made his heart momentarily stop.

He wanted to be more than that, but the fear of ruining your friendship paralyzed him. He smiled weakly and nodded. 'Yes, I'm glad to be your friend.'

The rest of the evening passed in a mix of casual conversation and shared laughter, but your words echoed in Mark's heart. He left her apartment with a feeling of longing and the question of what could have been if he had found the courage to express his true feelings.

06 - When He Made My Heart Beat Faster

While Mark and you were in the kitchen focusing on preparing dinner, you struggled with a particularly stubborn can of tomatoes. You fought to turn the lid, but it wouldn't budge.

Mark, noticing your efforts, approached you from behind. 'Let me try,' he said softly.

His hands covered yours, embracing the can opener and began to exert pressure. You felt his proximity, his warmth spreading behind you.

His hands moved skillfully, but you noticed his breath quickening slightly. In that moment, as your bodies were so close to each other, you seemed to forget the world around yourselves.

The tension between you two was almost tangible. Mark's fingers lightly touched your wrist, sending a shiver down your spine. Your heart raced, and you felt an unusual nervousness. Suddenly, the lid of the can gave way, and it opened.

Surprised by the sudden movement, you two instinctively stepped apart.

Mark's face was just a few centimeters from yours, and for a fraction of a second, you paused, your gazes locked.

Then Mark stepped back, a slight blush on his cheeks. 'Uh, there are your tomatoes,' he said, trying to play off the situation.

You, also red in the face, nodded and murmured a quiet 'Thank you.' You felt strangely stirred, confused by the intensity of the moment and the closeness you had just shared.

For a moment, you continued working in silence, each lost in your own thoughts.

Then, as Mark attempted to make an omelet and failed miserably, the ice broke again.

Egg yolk splattered on the countertop, and Mark stood there, slightly helpless with a spatula in hand.

You couldn't help but laugh. 'Mark, I thought you didn't want to burn anything. This looks more like a kitchen accident!'

Mark looked at the mess and laughed along. 'I think I should reconsider my cooking career. Or at least start with eggs.'

You stepped closer to help him, and your eyes met again. This time, you took a step back. 'I think I'll take over the omelet. But you can help me with the seasoning.'

Mark nodded gratefully. 'Good idea. I better stick to what I can do.' You continued cooking, and despite the previous tension, you two returned to your familiar, playful manner.

The incident with the can remained unmentioned, but in your hearts, you both knew that this moment had somehow changed your relationship.

07 - When I Touched His Hand

As Mark and you strolled through the usual park, the atmosphere was relaxed and cheerful. You talked about everything – from funny experiences to their dreams and hopes.

Mark recounted an embarrassing moment at school, which made you laugh. Your laughter rang through the park, just as dark clouds gathered.

Without warning, it began to rain. At first, it was just a few drops, but soon the rain poured down in torrents. 'Oh no!' you exclaimed, as you hurried to find shelter.

You two found refuge under a large tree, its leaves holding off some of the rain. There you both stood, huddled close together to stay as dry as possible.

You both laughed about your soaked states, your hair sticking to your forehead, and Mark shaking water from his hair. 'Looks like we've taken a shower without planning it,' Mark joked, looking at you with a wide grin. 'Yeah, just what I needed today,' you replied laughing, your eyes sparkling with delight.

'Oh, are you cold?' you asked as you reached out to touch his hand and feel if he was freezing. At that moment, their hands touched. It was a random, but meaningful touch. Your fingers lightly brushed each other, and you both felt a warmth and tingling that spread from the touch through your bodies.

Your eyes met, and you held eye contact for a moment longer than the situation required. In Mark's eyes, you saw a mix of surprise and a deep, unspoken feeling.

You slowly pulled your hand back, your heart beating faster from the intensity of the moment.

Mark, also surprised by the electricity of the touch, cleared his throat and looked away to defuse the situation. 'Um, yeah, a bit cold, but it's okay,' he said quickly, breaking the silence.

Yet you both knew that this small moment had changed something in your relationship, an unspoken awareness of the attraction you felt for each other.

08 - When We Sang Together

Mark gently strummed the strings of his guitar, while you sat comfortably on the sofa, your gaze fixed on him.

The first notes of 'Yesterday' by the Beatles began to play, a melody you both loved. Mark's fingers moved cautiously over the strings, each note clear and full of emotion.

You began to sing softly, your voice perfectly harmonizing with Mark's guitar playing. Your eyes half-closed as you lost yourself in the music.

Mark watched her from the corner of his eye, feeling how the melody took you both to another world.

As the song ended, you simultaneously opened your eyes and met in a deep, meaningful look. An unspoken understanding hung in the air, a connection that went far beyond the words you both could exchange.

Mark broke the silence with a lopsided smile. 'I hope my guitar skills didn't bore you too much.' You laughed, your heart still filled with the beauty of the moment.

'On the contrary, I think you just gave me the most beautiful concert of my life.' Mark blushed slightly at her compliment. 'Well, if that's the case, maybe I'll write a song just for you one day.'

Your eyes sparkled with joy. 'That's a promise I won't let you break.' You laughed together, enjoying the lightness of the moment. Yet beneath the surface lay an unspoken affection, a romantic tension that you both felt but dared not name.

09 - When He Almost Kissed Me

At Johnny's barbecue party, the atmosphere was jovial and friendly. Everyone was in a good mood, and laughter and cheerful conversations filled the air.

When the grilling was over, someone suggested playing games, and soon they found themselves in a merry round of hide and seek.

Mark, you, Haechan, and Hanni decided to hide in the penthouse.

Haechan and Mark, always ready for a little race, playfully argued over who should take the stairs up.

'I was here first!' Haechan called, trying to push Mark aside. 'No, let me through!' Mark retorted, laughing.

Suddenly, Mark felt someone grab his hand. He turned around and saw your laughing eyes. Without a word, you pulled him up the stairs, your fingers intertwined. Haechan, who briefly whined, chose a different hiding spot and left the two alone.

You and Mark found a room in the penthouse and hid behind the door. You were both out of breath and giggled softly.

As you realized you were still holding hands, you both let go of each other, but the air between them crackled with sexual tension.

Your eyes met, and Mark felt a strong desire to kiss you. You felt the same, your eyes half-closed, expectant.

At that moment, Hanni suddenly opened the door. Mark and you startled and quickly stepped apart. Hanni asked with a slight suspicion in her voice: 'What are you doing in here?' Mark and you jumped apart, surprised and embarrassed.

Mark quickly realized the need to lighten the situation. 'We... uh, we thought it would be a great hiding spot!' he said with a forced laugh, trying to play down the embarrassment.

Hanni looked at you both for a moment, an uneasy feeling in her stomach. She felt a dislike for you that she hadn't had before. The atmosphere suddenly became tense, and Hanni decided to quickly leave the room.

10 - When We Almost Kissed (again)

During another gathering with friends, a lively discussion on everyday topics quickly turned to love and relationships.

Hanni, unable to hide her growing dislike for you, saw this as an opportunity to rekindle old stories. She began talking about Mingyu, his transformation into a party animal, and directly confronted you.

'Y/n, did you know how much Mingyu has changed? He seems quite different from before,' she asked with feigned innocence.

You, visibly surprised by the sudden turn of the conversation, shook your head. 'No, I haven't seen him since our breakup. I didn't know he had changed so much.'

Hanni, wanting to steer the conversation into uncomfortable territory, continued: 'Did Mingyu also have such a high physical drive for... games during your relationship?'

As Hanni posed her direct and provocative question, Mark felt a wave of jealousy and discomfort rise within him.

He couldn't prevent his eyes from narrowing slightly and his gaze fixating on you, who was visibly taken aback by the question. He wondered how much you would reveal and whether he was okay with hearing details about your past love life.

You, initially felt cornered but quickly responded with a witty comment. 'Mingyu and I had our moments, but I think that's something that happens in every relationship, right?' you said with a slight smile, trying to hide her discomfort. You glanced briefly at Mark, hoping your comment wouldn't worsen the situation.

Haechan, sensing the tension and seeing Mark's reaction, decided it was time to lighten the mood. 'Well, I've heard cats make great pets. They're independent but also affectionate. Quite unlike complicated relationships, right?' he said with a wink.

Karina, picking up on Haechan's comment, nodded in agreement, adding, 'Yeah, just like Elvis, Y/n's cat. Independent but full of love, exactly what's needed in a complicated world.' Her comment brought smiles to the group's faces, slightly easing the mood.

Mark, appreciating Haechan's attempt to change the subject, nodded in agreement and tried to shift his gaze away from you. He knew it wasn't fair to be so influenced by Hanni's question, but he couldn't help but wonder about your past with Mingyu. Deep down, he wished he could just leave the past behind and focus on what could grow between him and you.

Hanni, noticing her remarks hadn't had the desired effect, leaned back and observed the reactions. She had hoped to embarrass you and perhaps win Mark over for herself, but it seemed her plan hadn't worked.

The atmosphere remained tense for the rest of the evening, even as the group tried to return to more normal topics. However, Mark couldn't stop his gaze from wandering back to you, wondering if and how he should categorize her relationship with Mingyu.

On that warm evening, Mark and you sat outside at the table after their friends had gone inside. You both enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere, created by the soft lighting and the quiet hum of the night around.

Mark has been waiting patiently until you were alone and tried to keep the mood light. 'Isn't it strange how suddenly quiet it gets when everyone's gone?' Mark remarked with a smile, taking a final sip of his drink. You, leaning back relaxedly, returned his smile. 'Yeah, it's like the world holds its breath for a moment.'

In this relaxed mood, Mark found the courage to change the subject. 'Y/n, I've been wanting to ask you something... about Mingyu. I hope it's okay.' His tone was gentle, but his eyes searched hers to make sure he wasn't overstepping.

You, surprised but open to the conversation, looked directly into his eyes. 'Of course, go ahead. What do you want to know?'

'What was your relationship like? You haven't really talked much about it,' Mark said, his voice carrying a mix of curiosity and a hint of concern. You sighed softly, a hint of melancholy in your voice. 'Mingyu and I... we had our good times, but ultimately we were too different. It was an important experience for me, but some things just aren't meant to last.' Mark felt a certain heaviness in the air as he watched you.

He knew he needed to be careful, yet curiosity drove him on. 'I heard from Hanni that you and Mingyu lived together for three years. That must have been hard...' You looked surprised and somewhat overwhelmed that Mark knew about your cohabitation with Mingyu. 'Yes, that's true. We lived together for a while, but honestly, we grew apart during that time.' You paused briefly before continuing: 'We had different life visions. Our values and dreams no longer aligned.'

Mark listened attentively, but internally he struggled with a storm of emotions. The thought that you had lived with another man brought a sharp pain and unexpected jealousy. He tried to keep his emotions under control, but it was visibly difficult. 'That sounds really challenging,' Mark said, his voice trembling slightly from the effort to hide his feelings. He internally battled with himself over whether to ask the next question.

His gaze was thoughtful, almost distant. You noticed Mark's changed expression and asked curiously, 'Everything alright, Mark? You look like you're fighting an internal battle.'

Mark hesitated for a moment before asking the next question, his voice hesitant. 'Do you still love Mingyu?'

You raised her eyebrows in surprise and gave a playful response: 'Well, I think I love my cat more than Mingyu.'

But Mark remained serious, his eyes searching hers for a deeper truth. 'I'm serious, Y/n.' You looked directly at him, your eyes showing a mix of contemplation and openness. 'No, Mark. I don't love Mingyu anymore. That chapter is closed for me.'

A palpable sense of relief spread across Mark's face. He breathed deeply as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. You, noticing the change in Mark's posture, added with a suggestive smile: 'And who knows, maybe I'm now open to something new.'

Mark, surprised by her hint, became visibly nervous. He stuttered briefly before managing to speak. 'Ah, that's... that's interesting to hear.'

'Interesting?' You teased, your smile playing around your lips. Mark, now somewhat flustered, tried to find his words. 'Yes, interesting and... and good. I mean, everyone deserves a chance at something new, right?'

You nodded, your eyes twinkling with pleasure. 'Exactly, everyone deserves that chance.' You two exchanged a momentary look, and the air was filled with a mix of tension, humor, and an undefined expectation.

Mark's heart raced at the thought that maybe he could be this 'new chance.' You leaned back thoughtfully, looking at Mark with a mischievous twinkle in your eyes. 'So, Mark, since we're on the topic... what does your ideal type look like?' you asked playfully. Mark, surprised and a little embarrassed by her direct question, cleared his throat slightly. 'My ideal type? Well, that's an interesting question,' he said, gathering his thoughts. 'I think she would be someone who...' Mark hesitated, searching for the right words, 'someone empathetic and understanding, someone with a strong personality but also a playful side. And...', he added after a short pause, 'it would be important that she's someone my parents would accept.'

You raised an eyebrow in surprise. 'It sounds like your parents play a big role in your life.' Mark nodded seriously. 'Yes, they do. I come from a pretty religious and values-based family background. It's important to me to find someone who shares those values and is accepted by my family.' You smiled, visibly pleased by his honesty.

'That sounds like a good combination. Should she also have certain hobbies or interests?' Mark looked thoughtfully into the distance before replying. 'Well, it would be nice if she had an interest in music or art, but it's not a must. More importantly, she should be passionate – about what she does and believes.'

'Passionate, huh?' You repeated, your smile growing wider. 'That sounds quite romantic.' Mark blushed slightly at her comment. 'Well, maybe a bit,' he admitted. 'But I think it's important to have someone who inspires you and with whom you can grow.'

'That sounds wonderful,' You said, your eyes glowing warmly. 'And who knows, maybe you'll meet your dream woman sooner than you think.' Mark looked at her for a moment, his heart beating faster at the thought. 'Maybe,' he said softly, 'maybe she's already here.' You two shared a long, meaningful look, with unspoken words and feelings hanging in the air.

After a moment of silence, during which your gazes were still locked, Mark cleared his throat and turned to you. 'Well, since I've told you about my dream woman, what about you, Y/n? What does your dream man look like?'

You, having anticipated Mark's question, smiled mischievously. 'My dream man, huh?' you began, gazing thoughtfully into the distance. 'I think he would be someone humorous and intelligent. Someone who can make me laugh but also engage in deep conversations.'

Mark nodded, attentively listening to her words, a slight smile playing on his lips. 'Humor and intelligence, those are good qualities. Anything else?' he asked, a teasing sparkle in his eyes.

'Oh, yes,' You continued, 'he should also be empathetic and have a good heart. Someone who understands and cares for others.'

'Empathy is important,' Mark agreed, his smile growing wider. 'Sounds like you have a pretty clear idea.' You laughed softly. 'I might have a few ideas. And of course, he should have some charming quirks. Perfection is boring, isn't it?'

'Absolutely,' Mark said, his laughter mixing with hers. 'A little imperfection makes everything more interesting.'

'Exactly,' You said, and your eyes sparkled with pleasure. 'And how about you, Mark? Do you have any charming quirks?'

Mark feigned surprise. 'Me? Quirks? Never,' he replied, laughing. 'Okay, maybe a few. But I promise they're all very charming.' You two laughed together, and the atmosphere between them was light and playful.

In that moment, it seemed as if anything was possible, as if the boundaries between friendship and something deeper were blurring.

You leaned in slightly, your gaze intense and full of undisguised attraction. 'You know, Mark, I think the most important aspect is that he looks at me in a way that makes me feel like I'm the only person in his world,' you said with a voice deeper and full of desire. Mark felt the tension between them rise. Your eyes were locked on each other, and he couldn't miss the desire in your gaze.

As you slowly let your eyes wander to his lips, he understood the silent invitation. He leaned in, his heartbeat accelerating as he moved closer to you. Your faces were just a few centimeters apart, and he could feel her breath on his lips. Your eyes were half-closed, and Mark asked with a deep look if it was okay to kiss. You nodded slowly, a silent agreement between them. Just as your lips were about to meet, you both heard the voices of Karina and Haechan approaching.

Mark sighed in annoyance and pulled back, while you gave him an apologetic smile. The missed opportunity weighed heavily in the air.

As Haechan and Karina rounded the corner, Haechan broke into his typical mischievous laughter. 'What's up, guys? You look like you were just trying to crack the world formula!'

Mark and you exchanged a brief glance before turning back to their friends, leaving the unspoken lingering in the air.

You both tried to play off the situation and rejoin the company, but the electricity between you was palpable to anyone who knew where to look.

As Mark and you turned to their friends, you both tried to downplay your sudden closeness and the tension they had just experienced. Despite their efforts to act normally, there was a subtle crackling in the air, a testament to the near-intimacy you had shared.

You still felt the warmth of Mark's proximity and the disappointment that your moment had been interrupted by Karina and Haechan's arrival.

You stole brief glances at Mark, whose eyes occasionally sought and held yours before turning away again. Mark, with his heart still racing, found it difficult to fully concentrate on the conversation.

Each time your gazes met, he felt a pull in his chest, a silent testimony to their unfulfilled longing.

Karina and Haechan, rejoining the group, noticed the changed dynamics between you two.

Haechan, always ready for a joke, threw a teasing comment into the round: 'Did you two have a secret meeting while we were away?' His tone was light and joking, but his words struck a nerve. You responded with a forced laugh that sounded a little too loud and too quick.

'Oh, Dude, you and your conspiracy theories. We were just enjoying a bit of peace.' Mark added, his voice striving to sound casual, 'Exactly, sometimes it's nice to have a moment of silence, isn't it?' Despite your words, an underlying tension between you two was palpable, an electrifying energy amplified by your unfinished gestures and half-spoken words.

Every laugh, every gesture seemed charged with additional meaning, as if you were communicating in a language only you both understood.

The group continued their evening, but the atmosphere had irreversibly changed. There was now an invisible bond between Mark and you, growing stronger despite all efforts to ignore it.

Your friends sensed it, even if they couldn't articulate it. The electricity between Mark and you was subtle but undeniable - a silent promise of what could be, hanging in the air between them.

11 - When He And I Called It Day One

On your first day as an official couple, Mark woke up early in the morning, filled with a mix of excitement and nerves. He wanted this day to be perfect.

Planning to surprise you with breakfast, Mark set out to make pancakes - a recipe he had picked up online a few days earlier.

Meanwhile, you opened her eyes to find a loving message from Mark on your phone: 'Good morning, sunshine. Ready for our first day as a couple? Can't wait to see you. I've got a little surprise for you.'

Your heart skipped a beat with joy. You replied with a smiling emoji, eagerly anticipating the surprise. Despite his excitement, Mark managed to skillfully navigate the kitchen and prepared a tray with freshly made pancakes, strawberries, and maple syrup.

He added a small handwritten note: 'For the sweetest start to the day.' When you opened the door, you found Mark with a beaming smile and the breakfast tray in hand.

'For you,' he said, his heart pounding with excitement. You were touched and couldn't help but laugh. 'You made breakfast? That's so sweet of you, Mark.'

'I hope it tastes sweet too,' Mark replied playfully, placing the tray on the table.

You sat down together for breakfast. Mark nervously watched as you took the first bite. To his relief, you smiled broadly. 'This is really delicious, Mark. You've outdone yourself.'

After breakfast, you two decided to take a walk in the usual park. Hand in hand, you shared thoughts about your relationship and the future.

Mark, sometimes worried about meeting your expectations, voiced his concerns. 'I just want you to be happy, Y/n. I'll do my best,' he said earnestly. You squeezed his hand tighter. 'Mark, I'm happy with you. We'll grow and learn together. Don't worry.'

Later that day, they chose to visit a café. As you sat there drinking coffee, you playfully teased each other about their 'charming quirks,' as Mark called them.

You joked about Mark's 'serious teacher aura' he sometimes displayed, while Mark teased your 'irresistible tendency to be late.' As the day drew to a close, Mark walked you home.

Standing at your door, you faced each other, your gazes locked deeply. 'Today was a wonderful day,' you whispered.

'The first of many,' Mark replied, leaning in to give you a gentle kiss on the forehead. You smiled at each other, knowing you were at the beginning of a beautiful adventure together as a couple.

12 - When Our Friends Found Out

On a sunny afternoon, Mark, you, Haechan, Karina, and Hanni met at your favorite café, known for its cozy atmosphere and excellent coffee, a regular meeting spot for the group.

Greeting each other with hugs and smiles, you chose a table near the window where sunlight bathed the room in a warm, inviting light.

As you settled down, the mood was cheerful and relaxed. 'Have you seen Jaehyun's latest video? He's trying to start his own vlog,' Haechan started the conversation, leaning back in his chair. 'Yeah, I saw it. He definitely has the talent for it,' Karina replied, placing her order. Hanni, appearing somewhat thoughtful, nodded in agreement. 'He's really good at it. It's nice to see how each of us is branching out in different directions.'

During the conversation, Mark occasionally cast loving glances at you. Lost in thought, he finally leaned over to you and whispered softly, 'Can I get you anything else, Babe?' This moment of intimacy and tenderness between Mark and you brought an abrupt halt to the conversation.

The sudden use of the pet name made everyone at the table pause. Haechan, who always had an eye for such details, quickly turned to Mark and you. His eyes sparkled with excitement. 'Wait, did I just hear that right? Babe? Are you two now...?'

Mark, seeing the surprised faces, smiled sheepishly. 'Um, yeah, Y/n and I are officially together now.'

Karina, who always swooned over her friends' love lives, clapped her hands enthusiastically. 'Oh, that's so sweet! Finally! We've all been waiting for this.'

Sana, whose feelings for Mark were still hidden, tried to hide her disappointment. She forced a smile and said, 'That's really nice for you two. I'm happy for you.' But in her eyes, there was a glimmer of sadness.

Haechan nearly jumped up with excitement. 'I knew it! I told you guys! These two were just meant for each other.' He leaned over to Mark and gave him a friendly nudge. 'You lucky guy, you snagged the best girl.'

You, amused by the reactions, couldn't help but smile. 'Thank you, everyone. I'm really happy.'

Mark took your hand and held it tightly. 'Me too.' His gaze at you was full of affection and happiness.

Karina, always the romantic, sighed dreamily. 'You guys are like a dream couple from a movie.'

Haechan, never missing a chance to joke, added, 'Only better because we're the best supporting cast!'

Sana watched the happy couple and struggled internally with her own feelings.

13 - When We Finally Kissed

Mark and your first kiss as an official couple was filled with tension, passion, and a certain playful innocence.

On a warm evening, after a movie night, you two decided to take a short walk. The streets were quiet, and the soft sounds of the city provided a quiet, romantic backdrop.

Walking hand in hand, you both felt the electrifying energy between you.

Mark, usually reserved, felt bolder and more decisive than ever. 'Y/n,' he began, stopping and turning to face her, 'I've been waiting all evening to do this.'

Surprised by his openness, your heart raced. You smiled at him and whispered, 'And what's that?' Mark looked deep into her eyes, then gently placed a hand on your cheek. 'This,' he said softly before leaning in and pressing his lips gently against yours.

The kiss started tenderly and cautiously, as if testing the boundaries of your new relationship.

But it soon gained passion as you reassured each other of your affection.

You wrapped your arms around Mark's neck, deepening the kiss and pulling him closer. Mark reciprocated, his hands finding their way to your back to draw you in.

In that moment, there was nothing else but them. The noise of the world faded away, and all that mattered was the connection you shared. As you finally parted, your foreheads remained leaned together, and you caught your breath.

You smiled and giggled slightly: 'You definitely planned that all along, didn't you?' Mark, still breathless from the kiss, smiled back mischievously. 'Maybe. But tell me, was it worth the wait?' You nodded, your smile growing wider. 'Absolutely. But don't wait so long next time.'

14 - When I Wanted More Of Him

After a long, fulfilling day together, as evening turned into night. Standing in front of your apartment, wrapped in the soft glow of street lamps, Mark and you experienced one of those moments when time seems to stand still.

Mark was torn. On one hand, your proximity irresistibly to join you drew him in; on the other, he struggled with the deeply rooted beliefs of his religious background. 'It's getting pretty late, Y/n. I should probably head home,' Mark said, his voice hesitant, looking for a harmless excuse. In his heart, an internal conflict raged – the desire to stay with you versus his caution not to push things too far.

You, recognizing his hesitation, smiled understandingly. 'Oh, come on, Baby. Just a little longer. Some tea, perhaps?' you suggested, your voice soft and inviting.

Mark felt his resistance wane. The longing to be with your overpowered his apprehensions. 'Alright, but really just for a short while,' he finally replied, a faint smile on his lips.

In the cozy atmosphere of your apartment, surrounded by gentle lights and familiar silence, Mark and you found yourselves on the sofa once again.

It was you who made the first move, your hand tentative but firm, reaching out to touch Mark's face gently.

Mark, surprised by her initiative, felt his heartbeat accelerate. In that moment, everything else was secondary; his focus was solely on you, the woman sitting across from him.

Your closeness was overwhelming. Mark couldn't help but admire your beauty. Your hair falling softly over your shoulders, your eyes sparkling in the dim light, and your smile that captivated him every time.

As your lips met, it was an explosion of feelings and desire. Mark got swept away by the intensity of the kiss, the depth of their connection. The heat of passion rose between you two as your kisses grew more passionate.

Each kiss, each touch brought forth a new wave of affection. Mark felt complete in your presence, as if a long-missing part of him had finally been found.

Yet, in the midst of their intense make-out session, Mark paused, aware of the boundary he had set for himself. He took a deep breath, his breathing still fast from your proximity. 'I should really drink this tea before I go,' he finally said, his voice a little shaky but firm.

You, also breathless, disappointed from the break, but smiled understandingly. 'Of course, the tea,' she said, her voice playful. 'I almost forgot we made it.'

You two rose from the sofa, and Mark took his tea in hand, his thoughts still lingering on the moments that had just passed.

As he drank, he looked at you, a shy smile playing on his lips. 'Thank you for the tea... and for everything else,' he said, his words a mix of gratitude and embarrassment.

You chuckled softly. 'Anytime, Baby. It was a lovely evening.' As Mark put down his cup and turned to leave, he felt a tug in his heart. He knew this was just the beginning of something special. 'See you tomorrow, my love,' he said softly before leaving the apartment, still feeling the sensation of your lips on his.

15 - When I Met His Parents

When the day came for you to meet Mark's family for the first time, you was a bundle of nerves and excitement.

Mark, sensing her concern, tried to reassure her on their way to his parents. 'They're going to love you, just like I do,' he said softly, squeezing your hand.

Upon arrival, you both were warmly greeted by Mark's family. His parents, an educated couple with open hearts, showed immediate interest in you. Mark's father, a university professor, and his mother, a talented pianist, engaged in lively conversations about literature and music, topics you were well-versed in.

The conversation was vibrant and welcoming, with you quickly fitting into the family. You talked about your work as a behavioral therapist, which fascinated Mark's mother.

'It's so important to help people overcome their internal struggles,' she said appreciatively.

Throughout the evening, Mark's parents hinted at a possible wedding. 'We hope to host a beautiful wedding celebration for Mark and you one day,' said Mark's mother with a mischievous smile.

Mark felt slightly overwhelmed. He worried that these talks might be premature and put pressure on you. However, he dared not voice his concerns, fearing to disappoint his parents.

To his surprise, you took the remarks with humor and charm. 'Oh, I think we have quite a bit to discuss before we think about weddings,' you said, laughing. 'But it's good to know we already have your approval.' Your response brought laughter from the entire family and relaxed the atmosphere.

Mark's parents were impressed by your witty and warm nature. Mark watched the scene with a smile, relieved that you fit so well with his family.

16 - When He Was Foolish

At a cozy gathering at Johnny's penthouse, meant to be a simple get-together and have a good time, amusing scenes unfolded.

Haechan, Yuta, and Jungwoo had concocted something special to lighten the mood: an impromptu comedy sketch that had everyone laughing.

As the friends gathered in the comfortable lounge, the three "comedians" suddenly appeared in funny costumes. Haechan, dressed as an overly enthusiastic game show host, led the program. Yuta, as his silly assistant, wore oversized glasses and a crazy hat. Jungwoo took on the role of a confused contestant, constantly getting the simplest questions wrong.

The sketch began with Haechan hosting a fictional quiz show. 'Welcome to the most incredible, fantastic, and craziest quiz show ever!' he exclaimed with exaggerated enthusiasm.

Yuta pranced around him, distributing imaginary prizes to the audience, while Jungwoo tried to follow the instructions with a confused look.

The questions became more absurd, and Jungwoo's answers funnier. 'What's the main ingredient in a stone sandwich?' Haechan asked. Jungwoo, with a serious face, replied, 'Umm, bubble wrap?' The entire penthouse echoed with laughter.

Meanwhile, Mark and you were busy in the kitchen, chopping vegetables for the communal dinner. In the kitchen, shielded from the commotion in the living room, Mark and you were cutting vegetables for dinner.

Your hands worked skillfully as you engaged in a deep conversation. 'Do you know what I find strange?' Mark began as he sliced an onion. 'How different vegetables can taste depending on how they're prepared.'

You, cutting peppers, smiled. 'Yes, it's true. Just like people, right? We show different sides of ourselves depending on the situation.' Mark nodded thoughtfully. 'That's a good comparison. Sometimes I think we're all a bit like onions – layer by layer that has to be peeled back to get to the core.' You laughed softly. 'And sometimes these layers make us cry, right?' You winked at him while tasting a piece of pepper. 'Exactly,' Mark replied, laughing. 'But you know what's the best part? Finding someone you don't have to pretend with. Someone who likes all the layers.'

You put aside the pepper strip and looked directly into Mark's eyes. 'Like a certain person I know and deeply appreciate,' you said with a warm smile. Mark returned your smile and set the onion aside. 'I think I know who you mean.' He grabbed a piece of carrot and playfully held it to your nose. 'You know you're my favorite layer, right?' You laughed and snatched the carrot. 'Your favorite layer, huh? I'm flattered.'

Suddenly, Mark had a cheeky idea. He secretly took a candy snake, held it in his mouth, and turned to you.

You, who was peeling carrots, looked up in surprise and laughed. 'What's that supposed to be?' you asked amused.

Mark replied with a playful grin, still with the candy in his mouth. 'Dare to take the other end?' you, always ready for Mark's jokes, smiled broadly and accepted the challenge.

With a grin, you leaned forward and took the other end of the candy snake in your mouth. Both giggled as they slowly alternated pulling on the snake, drawing closer to each other.

You giggled mischievously. 'I hope we don't get caught,' you said, her words muffled by the candy. Mark countered playfully: 'Would that be so bad?' His eyes sparkled with pleasure. Finally, their lips met in a spontaneous, passionate kiss. You two forgot everything around you, your eyes closed, completely lost in the moment. The kiss was abruptly interrupted when you heard a clearing throat.

You two separated and turned to see Johnny standing in the doorway, grinning broadly. 'Do you mind if I get some water?' he joked, still grinning as he entered the kitchen.

Mark and you, now visibly embarrassed, watched Johnny head to the fridge with a playful smile. He grabbed a water bottle, casting a mischievous glance over his shoulder.

'You know, this vegetable isn't going to chop itself, right?' Mark, trying to play off the embarrassment, quickly replied: 'Oh, we thought we were here to kiss... I mean, chop the vegetables faster.' He laughed, but when he saw Johnny take his comment seriously, his eyes widened. 'Wait, Hyung, I didn't mean it like that!'

Johnny, taking a sip of water, grinned broadly. 'Don't worry, Mark. I won't tell anyone about your little kitchen adventure.' With a wink, he left the kitchen. Mark sighed loudly and shook his head.

You couldn't help but laugh at his naivety. 'You really are one of a kind, Mark,' you said, giggling. Mark looked at you, a smile spreading across his face. 'Well, I try my best. But seriously, let's chop these vegetables before Johnny comes back and thinks we're just here making out.'

Both laughed and returned to your task, but the cheerful mood and giggles remained as you two prepared the vegetables for the communal dinner.

17 - When He Was My Best Comfort

One day as you entered Mark's apartment, you tried to hide your inner turmoil by talking about trivial things. 'The traffic was so chaotic today, and I almost left my scarf at the café,' you said with a voice that sounded slightly shaky. Your smile did not reach your eyes, which were usually so lively and expressive.

Mark, who knew you well, immediately noticed that something was wrong. 'Y/n, is everything alright?' he asked gently, as he approached her. His eyes sought yours, trying to find the truth you were trying to hide.

You continued your forced smile and nodded quickly. 'Yes, yes, everything is fine,' you replied, but your voice didn't sound convincing.

However, Mark was not deceived. He stepped closer to you and looked directly into your eyes. 'Y/n, you know you can tell me anything. It's okay if you're not feeling well.'

You looked down at the ground for a moment, then looked back up at Mark. Your eyes, usually so full of life, now appeared sad and thoughtful. 'It's just...' you began hesitantly, 'my mother and I had an argument today. It's always the same issue - she just doesn't understand what I really want.'

Mark's expression softened, and he placed a hand on your shoulder. 'You can trust me. What did she say?' he encouraged you further.

You took a deep breath and began to open up. 'She has her own ideas of how I should live my life. It's so frustrating because it feels like she doesn't really see me.' Your voice trembled as you spoke, and Mark sensed how hard it was for you to talk about these feelings.

Mark pulled her into a hug. 'I'm here for you, Y/n,' he whispered." Mark wanted to lighten the heavy mood. With a crooked smile, he said, 'You know, when you cry like that, you remind me of a sad panda. But even then, you're the cutest panda I know.'

You couldn't help but laugh at his teasing remark. Despite your tears, Mark's words brought a smile to your face. You pressed yourself closer to his chest and hugged him tighter. 'I love you so much, Mark,' you whispered, your voice filled with deep affection and gratitude.

Mark's heart beat faster at your words, and he felt the warmth and depth of your feelings. He held you tight and whispered back, 'I love you too, Y/n. More than you can imagine.'

18 - When He Got Lost In Me

In their favorite quiet corner café, surrounded by soft background music, Mark and you sat at a small table, your coffee cups steaming in front of you.

The conversation was lively and full of laughter as you two talked about the little, everyday occurrences that had shaped your days.

You shared a funny incident at work where one of her colleagues accidentally showed the wrong presentation to an important client.

Mark laughed heartily as you mimicked the reactions of those present. 'And then he stood there, with a presentation on tropical fish, while everyone wanted to talk about unhealthy patterns in a work place!' You said, your eyes twinkling with amusement.

Mark grinned and responded with an insider joke: 'Reminds me of the time Haechan tried to convince us of the existence of mermaids.' You laughed together, your shared past and the many moments you had with your friends only strengthening your connection.

As you two continued to chat, seamlessly switching between serious topics and light-hearted banter, you shared your thoughts about a book you were reading, and Mark listened attentively, always fascinated by your view of the world.

He valued your profound insights and the way you looked at things. Amid their conversation, you made a personal remark about a mutual acquaintance, which made Mark laugh. 'That sounds just like him! I can totally picture him making a dramatic entrance into the room,' he said, his eyes shining with delight.

Captivated by your appearance, Mark found himself lost in a world where only her beauty existed. Every one of your gestures, each of your movements, drew him deeper under her spell. As you laughed, he noticed how your eyes turned into shining stars, and your smile ignited a warm feeling in his heart. At that moment, he realized how enchanted he was by you. He admired not only her physical beauty but also the vivacity and depth you radiated. Every expression on your face seemed to tell a story, and he wanted to hear each one.

You, immersed in her storytelling, initially did not notice Mark's distraction. You finished your story with a question: 'What do you think, should we do something special this weekend? Any particular plans?'

Mark, pulled from his thoughts, looked at you confused for a moment before gathering himself. 'Uhm, I was just...' he started, searching for the right words. Then, with a sincere and intense gaze, he said: 'I was just wondering how incredibly beautiful and fascinating you are,' he replied with a mischievous smile. 'Your words are like music to my ears, but I must admit, I was completely distracted by your smile just now.'

You was surprised by his unexpected romantic statement. A smile spread across your face, and a warm tingling sensation swept through you. 'That's a very charming distraction,' you replied, your cheeks slightly flushed. 'But try to focus on my question anyway.' Mark smiled sheepishly and nodded.

'Of course, sorry. Let's make this weekend something special. Just the two of us, somewhere where I can continue to be distracted by your beauty and your other parts.' You laughed and shook your head. 'You're hopeless, Mark Lee. But that sounds like a plan.' Your gazes met, and in that moment, you shared a deep connection that went beyond mere words.

19 - When I Got Jealous

In the shopping mall, as Mark and you strolled through the stores, you had a chance encounter with one of Mark's former classmates.

She was a lively young woman, obviously delighted to see Mark after such a long time.

She started chatting animatedly with him, and Mark, always up for a laugh, made one of his typical jokes. 'Do you remember how we used to study for exams, and I claimed my dog ate my notes?' he said with a mischievous grin. 'The funny thing is, I didn't even have a dog back then!' The classmate laughed heartily at his joke, while Mark was pleased that he could still provide amusement.

The conversation was light and carefree until the classmate suggested they should meet outside the mall sometime to relive old times. Mark, caught off guard by the suggestion, reacted hesitantly.

He cast a brief glance at you, your facial expression had slightly changed. 'Uh, that sounds nice, but I'm pretty busy these days,' he diplomatically replied, trying not to complicate the situation.

After Mark's former classmate left, you stood somewhat stunned. You were surprised that Mark did not mention you were his girlfriend was evident in your facial expression.

Mark, still oblivious to the extent of your discomfort, tried to lighten the mood: 'Maybe I should wear a sign that says: 'Taken and happy'!' he said with a grin.

You, however, were not amused. 'Would it have been so hard to just say you have a girlfriend standing right next to you?' you asked sarcastically, your arms crossed and your gaze averted.

Mark realized then that his light-hearted approach wasn't working. He stepped closer, his look serious and sincere. 'Y/n, I didn't mean to hurt you. I thought it was obvious. You are the most important person in my life, and everyone who knows me knows that. There's no one else for me but you.'

After Mark expressed his sincere feelings, you smiled slightly. 'But your old classmate apparently didn't know,' you retorted playfully. Mark looked at you directly, his gaze piercing and confident. 'Does it matter what she knows?' he replied softly. 'For me, only what we both know and feel counts. I don't need anyone else's confirmation to know what's in my heart.'

His words resonated with a deep, romantic echo in your ears, making your heart beat faster. You recognized the depth of his commitment and were touched by his charismatic sincerity.

You sighed softly, your smirk turning into a warm smile. 'You're right, Markie. I'm sorry I overreacted. I know you love me.' Mark gently wrapped his arms around you and pulled you into a loving embrace. 'You're my everything, Y/n. I want you to always feel safe and loved.'

You felt a comforting warmth in your heart as you returned Mark's embrace. You could almost physically feel his affection and the strength of his feelings for you. Your heart felt light and buoyant.

Mark, noticing the change in your mood, loosened the embrace and looked into your face with a playful smile. 'Now that that's settled, how about we enjoy the rest of the day? Maybe with something that brings joy to both of us?' he suggested, his eyes sparkling with delight and a hint of mischief.

You couldn't help but smile. You felt any tension fall away from you, a calm and happiness surrounding you. You were convinced that the man in front of her, with all his love and charm, belonged wholly to you. 'That sounds like a perfect plan,' you replied with a beaming smile.

'I'm in, as long as it's something that makes both of us happy.' Mark nodded in agreement and took your hand. 'Let's make this day something special, Babe.' he said, leading her through the mall, hand in hand, looking forward to your time together and the many happy moments that lay ahead.

20 - When He Got Jealous

On an ordinary day, Mark picked up you from the hospital in his car. He parked and waited patiently as he saw you coming out of the building with a man, deeply engaged in conversation.

You seemed unaware of Mark's presence in the car. Mark observed as the mood between you grew more cheerful; you were laughing and giggling.

A wave of jealousy overcame him as he wondered why the conversation was taking so long. He finally signaled his presence by flashing his car's headlights.

You looked up, recognized Mark, and quickly excused yourself from your colleague. You said goodbye and cheerfully got into Mark's car.

"You scared me with that high beam," you playfully said and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Mark didn't respond and drove off.

During the drive, your phone rang. You glanced at the screen and apologized to Mark before taking the call. Mark stopped telling his story and watched you as you spoke in a friendly tone. Jealousy simmered inside him as the conversation lasted longer than he liked.

You sensed the change in Mark's mood and looked at him with concern. "Baby, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt you. It was just a quick call from work," you tried to explain, but noticed Mark's continued irritability. "Penny for your thoughts?", you asked, sensing his inner battles again.

"It's just...", Mark hesitated, choosing his words carefully, "it bothered me to see you so cheerful with that guy. And then the call... it made me feel... well, jealous." Mark admitted, his words were soft and hesitant. He briefly looked at you before returning his gaze to the road.

You took Mark's right hand, which rested on the gear shift, and gently stroked it. "Mark, you don't need to worry. There's absolutely no reason for jealousy. I wish you would trust me more." Your voice was gentle, yet firm.

Mark felt the warmth of your hand and looked at you. He visibly struggled as he searched for the right words.

You continued: "I belong to you, Mark. No other man in this world, who isn't Mark Lee, could ever take your place in my heart." These words made Mark smile. His facial expression brightened, and a palpable relief flowed through him. "I know I should trust you more. It's just that the thought of losing you is unbearable," he confessed, his voice becoming softer. You smiled back and squeezed his hand tighter. "You won't lose me, Mark. I love you, and that's not going to change."

Mark nodded, grateful for your words and touch. "I love you too, Babe. More than anything else." Mark held your hand tighter, his fingers gently encircling hers.

He lifted your hand to his lips and kissed it tenderly while his eyes remained on the road ahead. This loving, respectful kiss on your hand was a silent promise of his devotion and loyalty.

"Thank you for always being there for me, Y/n," he said softly as he continued to drive. His grip on her hand remained firm and secure, a physical expression of his emotional bond with you.

You felt the strength of his feelings in the way he held your hand. You smiled, filled with the love that flowed between you two. "I'm always here for you, Mark Lee. Always."

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icyrudekitten · 6 months

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Remains Untold

Pairings: Mark x Y/N (reader)

Prologue: In the quiet, tree-lined streets of their childhood, where neighbouring houses stood as constant companions, Y/N's heart held a secret—a secret that had silently grown over the years like a hidden vine, clinging to the sturdy trunk of an old tree. Her heart belonged to her best friend, Mark. From their days in middle school to the momentous events of their high school graduation, their lives had been woven together inextricably. Morning after morning, they walked to school together, sharing laughter and secrets under the watchful eyes of the world. Friends referred to them as inseparable, yet Y/N held a secret she couldn't dare to share.

Genre: Angst, Unrequited Love, and a touch of Fluff

Warnings: Unrequited Feelings

Word count: Approximately 440 words.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For as long as y/n could remember, her heart had belonged to one person: her best friend, Mark. They had been inseparable since middle school, their houses standing side by side like silent sentinels of their unbreakable bond. Every morning, they would walk to school together, sharing secrets and laughter on the way. It was a ritual they both cherished, and their friends called them inseparable.

As the years passed, y/n's affection for Mark grew silently, like a delicate vine creeping up the sturdy trunk of an old tree. Mark was her confidant, her protector, and the one who made her heart race every time he smiled. But the world seemed content to keep their friendship in its innocent cocoon.

Then, one fateful day, the universe decided to rewrite their story. Mark introduced y/n to someone new, a girl named Sarah. Sarah was charming, with a vivacious personality and a smile that could light up the entire room. It didn't take long for Mark and Sarah to become fast friends. They laughed together, talked for hours, and seemed inseparable themselves.

y/n watched from the shadows, her heart heavy with unspoken words. It was that moment when she realized that her love for Mark had deepened into something more, something she couldn't ignore. But she couldn't bring herself to jeopardize the beautiful friendship they had built over the years.

Time passed, and they graduated from high school. The day of their graduation ceremony was a bittersweet one for y/n. She wore her cap and gown with a smile that masked her inner turmoil. Mark and Sarah were standing together, sharing secrets and jokes. y/n joined in the laughter, pretending that her heart didn't ache with every passing moment.

As the night turned to day, they said their goodbyes. y/n watched Mark and Sarah exchange a hug that felt like a thousand blades piercing her heart. It was then that Mark turned to her, his eyes filled with genuine affection. "We've been through so much, y/n," he said, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "You're my best friend, and I'll always treasure that."

y/n managed to nod, her voice caught in her throat. She hugged him tightly, feeling the tears welling up in her eyes. As they pulled away, she whispered, "You mean the world to me, Mark. Always have, always will."

Mark smiled, his heartwarming grin that had been the source of her happiness for so long, but now it was a cruel reminder of a love she could never have. "I hope we'll always be friends," he whispered, the words heavy with a weight y/n couldn't bear. As her heart longed to respond, it ached with the unspoken truth: Being friends will never be enough.

And just like that, the moment slipped away, unspoken words remaining locked within y/n's heart. She watched as Mark and Sarah walked away, hand in hand, towards their bright future.

Years would pass, and y/n's love for Mark remained unspoken, hidden in the depths of her heart. She had watched the boy she loved, the boy she had grown up with, walk away hand in hand with someone else. Their friendship remained, but her love remained unrequited, buried in the past like an untold story, forever aching in the corner of her heart.

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chakoru · 1 year

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moonlight ✧˖° — lee mark ,angst

idol!mark x reader ㅤ, right person wrong time !!

“i love you” he mumbled over the phone, his voice coming through in a low rasp.

“baby..”

“please” he was begging, begging you to stay. he needs you. you keep him grounded, he breathes for you.

“i cant do this anymore,” you sighed out as you thought of the right words “i cant keep comparing myself to them”

“then stop. i love you because you’re you.”

“mark”

“no”

there was a pause on both ends. you knew what needed to be said, but it wasn’t coming out as easy as you’d hoped it would. on the other hand, mark wanted nothing more than to be laying right next to you.

he always tries his best for you, he looks for you in crowds, he calls you as soon as practice ends, and when he can’t sleep, he watches the moon — hoping you’re watching it too.

he loves how patient you always were with him, how you’d immediately open your arms for him.

he loves it. loved it.

“just wait a little,” you sighed. how many more times are you going to have to go through this with him? why is it always the same thing. “please y/n…wait.”

“why am i always waiting?” you questioned. you meant it though, why were you always the one jumping at the ding of your phone? why did you have to be the one that got criticized for dating him?

“believe me, i don’t want that for you. i want us to be together, always.”

“mark,” you halted a moment, today wasn’t the first time you’ve cried over this. definitely not. as soon as fans found out he had a girlfriend, they made it their mission to find out who it was. and when it turned out to be a ‘low-life bakery lady’ fans were outraged. “you know that won’t happen.. i don’t fit in your world”

“you are my world”

your jaw clenched. why did he have to make this so difficult? you never wanted to do this over the phone, but as days go you see more and more articles about you, hate at every corner, fans saying anyone else would be better. this idol would look so much better with mark. as if you didn’t already know.

if you’d have asked any other member, they’d tell you honestly how much he rants about you, how much love he truly has for you. but would you have believed them?

he lays there, with his phone to his ear, other hand laying on his forehead as he thinks. he genuinely doesn’t understand what else you want him to do. and if you’re honest, there isn’t anything to be done. it was never him. he always treated you right, embraced everything, every flaw.

you, same as he, laid on your bed, phone to ear, staring at your ceiling. thinking.

“one last night” you whispered out. holding back the tears threatening to fall.

“what?” he immediately sat up. elbows digging into his knees, holding his head in his hand. trying his best to understand.

“when you come back, one more date. then we’re-“

“stop.” you heard him croak. he was holding it back as well. “please.. stop.”

“ok,” you mumbled out. you love him. “if there’s ever a next time..”

“i’ll meet you at 7-11” he chuckles. your go-to dinner date. ‘fast and easy’ as you’ve always said.

he knew why you had to do what you did. he just wishes it were different. he loves his job, his fans, but more than that — he loves you. whenever you’re ready, he’ll be here.

when you hung up he realized — while he watched the moon, you closed your eyes.

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watermelonxes · 5 months

Text

I have a crush on you series ♡ and I'm going to tell you.

When you're feelings are so strong you begin to think about them everyday. You eventually get to a point where you don't want to keep it to yourself anymore.

All you wanna do it tell them, and maybe be able to have them be part of your daily routine.

Each time you're with Mark, you wish to tell him how much you love his smile, and his awkward laughs. Tell him how much you love your long drives, or icecream runs to the convenient store at midnight.

But most importantly, how you wish to call him yours and maybe for him to do the same.

So there you was, currently standing in front of Mark after practice, nervous and scared, silent for a while to gain the courage to tell him.

After a few breaths, you look into his eyes, and utter the words that have been weighing on your mind..

I like you Mark.

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stayshineee · 8 months

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Forget Me Not

pairing: bf!mark x f!reader

genre: angst

words: 680

a/n: hey guys! i was feeling a little angsty so here's a oneshot after a long break :)

What do people hear when they die? Is it the waves crashing on the shore? Or is it bells chiming in the wind? Or do they hear nothing at all?

The first thing I remember hearing is a voice singing. I'm not sure what song it is but I can feel an overwhelming sense of comfort, as if I'm being wrapped in a warm hug. Home. The voice feels like home.

Then as quickly as it appeared, it vanishes. I look around and all I see is white. I blindly attempt to move forward but no matter how fast or long I run, I don't budge from where I am.

Suddenly, the scene changes and I hear the voice again. Only this time, he's standing in front of me and calling out a name.

"Y/N! Y/N! haha come on stop that tickles hahaha! Y/N! "

Y/N? Who's Y/N? Why does my heart feel heavy hearing that name?

I'm sure he's still laughing, I can hear the mirth in his voice but I still can't see his face. I rub my eyes, yet when I open them he's still faceless as before but now I can see him walking on the beach, dancing in the rain, and nodding his head to the music from his headphones. It's strange.

The more the images, the more I feel like an intruder. As if I'm a stranger watching the highlights of someone else's life on repeat. And yet the sound of his laughter continues, as though he's telling me it's okay to watch.

All of a sudden, there's a loud crash and everything stops.

Silence.

And then I hear the screaming and crying. The sounds of despair cut through the silence and sends chills down my spine. My stomach churns and my ears ring. Then I hear the voice again. Only this time, it isn't laughing.

It's crying.

"Y/N! Y/N! Y/N! Nurse! Doctor! Somebody get the doctor! She's waking up!"

I slowly open my eyes but quickly shut them again. Why is everything so bright? Slowly, I blink my eyes open and look up to see shadows hovering around me.

"Ms. L/N ! Y/N L/N, can you hear me?"

I slowly look up to see a man in a white coat looking at me. He lets out a relieved sigh, as if he's happy to see me. He tells me that I am in the hospital because I was in an accident and have been in a coma for a 3 months.

3 months? I've been asleep for that long? My chest tightens as I register the gravity of the situation and I feel the tears pricking at my eyes. However, before I can succumb to the turmoil stirring within me, two arms wrap around me.

"Y/N I 'm so glad you're okay, I was so scared that you wouldn't wake up. I missed you so much."

The voice is shaky, as though he can't believe I'm here sitting in front of him. He hugs me tight, like he's scared that if he lets go I'll disappear.

After a couple of seconds, he pulls back and I finally get a look at him. His hair is as blue as the ocean. He's gazing at me so softly, and he's smiling, as though I handpicked the stars and put them in the sky. When I peek closer, I can see the unshed tears shining in his eyes.

I can feel his hands on mine, firm and soft. Gently stroking them, as though I'm the most precious person in the universe. Carefully, I pull my hands out from his.

He freezes and shoots me a worried glance.

"Y/N, what's wrong? Is something hurting?"

I look at the boy in front of me and see a complete stranger. With no recognition in my voice, I whisper.

"Who are you?"

Silence. I gaze around the room and see everyone staring back at me with shock. Then a boy with soft brown hair and pink highlights comes forward.

"Y/N, that's Mark, your boyfriend. You've been dating for 4 years."

xoxo

thank you for reading!! please like/reblog if you enjoyed <3

masterlist

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ooshu · 1 year

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just say it

summary: you think mark has fallen out of love. he insists he did not.

notes: swearing, was listening to sza's special oh gosh i just remembered mark liked this song from sos omg?????? will proofread some other time it's literally 2 in the morning here night night

genre: angst because i never write fluff! | word count: 1k -

“mark?” you called the boy who was humming the chorus of coldplay’s yellow. he was sitting in the living room after a cold, quiet dinner you both shared. he seemed to not notice it,

but you know he was doing it on purpose.

“mark.” you repeated his name again, in hopes to finish what is meant to be finished a long time ago. he didn’t budge. his eyes were fixed on the dried tulips that you used to take care of when you come to his apartment. you always scold mark for not watering them often, then now, here we are—they are far from being saved.

just like this one.

“i’m really tired, mark…”

mark suddenly tilted his head at your direction and said, “i’ll fix the bed, baby.”

“no”, you grabbed his wrist by the time he was already walking towards the bedroom. “mark-”

but he swatted your hand away and opened the lights instead. the room still feels the same. it smells like him—his perfume lingered across the room. the bed looks inviting but seemed cold. there sat his green hoodie—your favorite hoodie—on the mattress; almost wrinkled, dryly wrung.

mark opened his closet and brought out two extra pillows. he placed them on the top of the bed. “we always share the duvet, right?”

“stop this, mark.” you tried to protest but he kept crouching to fix the bed. he was smoothing it with his hands, trying to perfect any loose edges and all. he patted the pillows that you used to lay your head onto.

“mark!”

he stopped in his tracks and finally looked at you.

he was already crying.

“i…” you stammered but you cleared your throat to continue. “i know that you feel it, too.”

“bed’s ready, baby.”

“we’re no longer the same, mark.”

“do you want me to turn on the heater?”

there is no way mark is having this conversation, he thought it himself. but good god, you have to.

it was so difficult to witness how the bright smiles turned into faltering ones. the hugs he gives, they seemed like a chore. his eyes spark whenever he goes on a trip with his friends, and never to the plans you ought to make. him coming home and you felt honesty finally left between the two of you. he never smelled sex or an unfamiliar perfume, but these are just the little things that added to the pining, gradual changes, that turned so fucking bittersweet, it felt like it was twisting your guts every single day.

and you have already thought of it: mark has fallen out of love.

“i need to hear it from you so i don’t have to think what i’ve done wrong and whatnot—because i’m so tired; tired of whatever the fuck this is.” you were begging at this point. you heard him sniffling while wiping his tears away. “just say it.”

you reached for his damp hands and squeezed them so firmly. mark looked at you; so helpless, so naive, so vulnerable. he made you like this, mark thought. and he could never forgive himself for ruining you.

“please help me, mark… i just need you to say it.”

“i…” mark started to speak.

you squeezed his hands again, hoping something would finally come out; so desperate, so needy, such pleading, pleading, and endless pleading.

mark looked at you so dearly, with worry on his face; and the sight softened your features. it looked exactly the same when you visited his apartment looking all soaked from the rain. he scolded you for not bringing any umbrella with you. you smiled at the memory and almost nonchalantly, you said:

“help me to help you let me go, mark.”

but mark could not let you go.

every time you tell him that you love him, mark flinches. your love story is nowhere near the perfect fairytale, and uncertainties of the future have consumed mark to convince himself this is not going to last. but every time he pushes you away, you always come back.

why do you always come back? mark seeks answers from god, holding back his cries as he continuously and involuntarily steers himself away from you. what have i done wrong to deserve you; so good, so delicate, so dearly to me? he prays to god as he punishes himself, until the day you waved the white flag finally arrived.

but it would be too cruel, too insufferable, too immensely painful to watch you walk out the door. it would be too painful to feel your scent fading from his green hoodie he always embraces to sleep just because he could not do what his heart wants. the dried tulips, he tried watering them as much as he could, but they were you—so beautiful, so fragile who he wrecked.

so mark pulled you into a kiss; so intense, so desperate, so lovely, and so so apologetic. confusion and yearning consumed you as you deep dive in, but somehow, it spoke volumes—he has set himself free from the demons whispering in his sleep, the nightmares depicting him losing you in a crowd, and the intricate shackles imprisoning his heart.

“i’m sorry for all and for this but i can’t”, mark said as he now stared at your plump lips and back to your searching eyes. “god, i really can’t let you go. i’d be a fucking fool to let you go—not today, not tomorrow, and not in this lifetime or the next.”

you nodded. you understood. and that’s why you kept coming back because there was always your mark that remains despite the despites.

“i love you so much.” he kissed the tips of your fingers and rested your palm on his cheeks, leaning into your touch like a once lost child; so endearing, so passionate, so lovingly.

and you submit to him entirely because you know he's worth it, all of it.

“never ever let me go.”

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neochan · 2 years

Text

[4:40 AM]

“you love him?"

his voice is shaky, but not so much as his hands, which tremble with the slightest movement. the question comes at a price. say yes, lose him forever. say no and you'd be lying to the both of you, and he knew that.

you slowly nod your head and continue to chew on your lip. if you spoke, you were afraid you'd start sobbing.

"you love him."

the realization hits him harder than he thought it would, and he stumbles back against the wall. his heart feels betrayed. you replaced him with... with haechan? a boy he'd never even met. how could you do this? there was talk about moving in together, about a ring, about a fucking family, and you go and throw it away for a boy he's never even met.

and you love him.

not mark.

him.

you sit cross-legged on the bed and watch with wet eyes as your best friend falls apart, your simple heart aching in your chest.

"just look at me. one more time. please."

you were looking at him, but you knew what he meant. he wanted to see love, adoration, something other than pity. but you couldn't do that to him; he needed to see the truth for himself.

locking eyes with him felt like the shittiest thing you'd ever done, because as soon as he grasps that there was nothing, not even a glimmer of hope in them, his shoulders sag and he begins to slide down the wall, a single tear trailing down his cheek.

there was nothing.

you didn't love him anymore.

#mark angst #nct mark lee #mark lee #mark lee x reader #nct mark lee x reader #nct angst #nct mark angst #nct mark lee angst #nct dream angst #nct dream #nct dream mark lee angst #nct dream smut #nct mark lee smut #mark lee smut x reader

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technologyculturedneo · 6 months

Text

It Burns: The Second Time Around | Lee Mark

"That's why I slept with him."

Pairing. Ex-Boyfriend!Lee Mark x Reader ft Love!Jaemin

Genre. Angst. Ex lover meets new lover. Break up. Lovers to ex's.

Synopsis. It's been weeks since your half naked pictures circulated online and you feel like your life has been stuck. On one hand you wanna make up with Mark and on the other hand Jaemin floats in your mind. Wanting clarity you decide make your feelings known for the person you love.

Warning. Minor cusses. Low-key smut. Breakup. Your heart might get broken.

Playlist. Gnash I hate you, I love. Nct dream Like we just met. Ellie Goulding Love me like you do

Disclaimer. This is part 2, part 1 is called: It Burns. You can read it here

“Mum, I don’t know what to do?” Mark shakes his head staring ahead being in a daze. In his head, it’s just a repeat of everything that had happened. From him finding out what you did, to him breaking everything in the house. “I love her and Ethan, but I can’t be with her. Not after what she did.”

His mother, Mrs Lee, sits down next to him placing a cup of coffee before him. Ten years ago when he left the house, he left his mother and father in tears. They wondered why their son had chosen you over them. They were his family and you were just a girl who got pregnant. How could he leave his family for you? It was a bitter pill for them to swallow as they were a God-fearing family, and felt shame that Mark had impregnated a young girl and wanted to live with her. Not only did he demolish his own innocence and reputation, but he had to kick start at a difficult life at an early age. Where did they go wrong?

No. They did nothing wrong, it was all your fault. You got pregnant and ruined his life. They couldn’t be angry at the unborn child, but they could be angry at you. You caused their son stress and they could see just how much pressure Mark felt to grow up and take care of you and their coming child. After you gave birth to their first grandson, Mark’s parents let their hearts ‘try’ to forgive you as you brought back that light into Mark’s life. It made all his sacrifices worth it, because he could proudly say that he chose his family.

Through Ethan, Mark’s parents saw that perhaps God had chosen a different path for their son. And after years, they both began to accept you yet again.

However, nothing prepared them for the night when Mark came beating down on their door looking horrible and dreadful while crying out for his dear life. It was absolutely torture to see him in shreds of despair, pining and hating on himself for ever loving and choosing you. Mark’s mother always knew that her son would come back in her arms, she just didn’t expect that he’d come back this way. Mark’s father knew that you weren’t a perfect match for his son, but he didn’t expect for you to show how imperfect you were through your vile acts of sexual immorality.

It only brought them to have a strong distaste for you again, as not only did you break their sons heart, but you broke their daughter’s heart too. And what’s worse is that Ryujin’s pain was ten times crueler because Jaemin had proposed to her and they were going to get married in two months’ time. However, after finding out what he had been doing behind her back, she immediately called off the engagement.

And for that it only allowed for you to be put back on their list of hatred. You ruined their children’s lives. First Mark and then Ryujin. You were unforgivable at this point. There’s nothing that would change their minds.

Yet, when Mark drinks on his coffee, he can’t help but think about Ethan. “Should I just…I know Ethan loves us both, but I hate the fact that he’s caught in the middle of this mess. What’s going to happen to him? If I give up on Y/n, then we’re going to go into war for who gets to keep Ethan. And that’s not fair, he deserves both his parents to be by his side, but I can’t stand to be next to her. After everything…mum, she was at it for 4 years. She’s his mother just as much as I’m his father, and it pains me to think of him growing up with one parent. I know for sure, that if I speak with Y/n I’ll hate her, which is why I don’t even want to speak to her. But I can’t stand the fact that Ethan will grow up with one of us alone. We’ve been through so much and he…he’s just ten.” Mark slumps and voices out his thoughts out loud.

His mother listens in an understanding manner. After that call that she had with you, she wanted as much as possible to keep you away from her son. She never wanted you to enter back into his life. The only problem to that would be Ethan being caught in the crossfire. Their grandson was such a well-mannered young respectful boy. Leaving him to grow up with you would only make her heart heavy, because what type of lessons would you even teach him? To have sex at a young age? Or to cheat on his girlfriend? In Mrs Lee’s opinion, you are unfit to be a mother. You never wanted to be one and so letting Mark do all the parenting while you fooled around has finally come to bite you.

“Son,” She sets her mug down and places her warm hand gently over his. “You need to leave her. I understand you have a child with her, but she broke your chest severely.”

“But..” His voice fades into a whisper. “I can’t leave her, mum I love her,”

“You still love her? You’re willing to sacrifice your dignity and go back to her? You’re going to accept her after all she did? Mark, you can’t be serious,”

“I’m not accepting it. It’s just, why should I leave? I find it hard to believe that after all that we’ve been through and all the freedom I give her, and all of my love and heart that I’ve given her, she still went out with Jaemin? Why? For the past 3 days I’ve been trying to understand why? Or what I did?” Mark’s lips tremble and he covers his face. “And how did I not see this coming? Maybe if I found out sooner, we would’ve been able to talk and I… I would’ve been able to protect her from being publicly shamed.”

Seeing her son distraught, she stands up and moves closer to him. Embracing him in a hug, her heart aches when he lays his head on her chest and his shoulders shudder just as he cries.

“Mum, I tried everything I could to make her happy. Do you think that our chemistry was just not enough? Why did she go and look for something else outside? We were compatible mum. I fucking made vows to her and kept to my word each and every single time. What did I do wrong?”

“My son.” She runs her hand down his soft perfect hair. “Chemistry can be great between two people, and so can compatibility, love and vows. They’re all great, but what you should’ve been looking for was a relationship that nourished your soul. If she was able to keep that immoral act for years, it means she only sucked from your soul and gave you nothing, but left you dry. Mark, you are my son, and I’ve raised you with such purity. You’ve got a big heart and everyone can see it.” She sighs out. What you did was tough for her to even imagine, but now trying to explain it to her son feels even more burdening. He gave his soul to you and you broke him down. How dare you? “What she did, is absolutely disgusting. And what you’ll decided is obviously your choice, but I want you to consider your soul. If she can go out there for 4 years and plead that she’ll never do it again, are you willing to let her hold your soul again? Are you willing to give her a chance? At least even 2 years, if it were 2 years I could easily understand and perhaps even allow you to look past it, but the fact that it’s four years and on top of that it’s Jaemin… I can’t even speak. What I can tell you, is that you should speak to her, to at least get some closure for yourself and your decision and for your soul. In this relationship, you were the one who wanted a better version of yourself, and you committed yourself whole heartedly, you invested yourself into her. And the fact that she didn’t even try, makes me hope that you’ll settle for someone better, who’s worthy of you.”

“But Ethan…”

“As much as Ethan deserves both his parents, it’s up to both his parents to be committed to one another. It’s already proven that she can’t be faithful or trustworthy, or even committed. Ethan may be caught in the cross fire, but you’re my son and the way I see it, is that you’re caught in the cross fire too. She’s only ever used Ethan to get to you. But now what about you my son. I want you to consider the fact that Ethan might not grow up with you.”

If only Mark had a microscope, just to see all the pieces of his heart breaking. It shatters his soul completely to have to think of Ethan growing up without him. How could he ever want for his own son, his own flesh and blood to live without him? If Ethan were Jaemin’s child, it would be a different story, but since Ethan was his child, Mark felt that he needed to be a dad. The proud dad that he was when he carried and lifted Ethan up when you first gave birth. Mark had already handed his whole heart to Ethan the day he was born, so now how on earth would Ethan grow up if his father’s heart was broken?

Things fall apart in your house when it’s left just you and Ethan. You thought you knew your son, yet when began showing attitude to you or ignoring you, you didn’t like that you had to try to keep calm when you were around him. A week without Mark seemed to be the most chaotic in Ethan’s life, as he went to school came back to only you in the house he refused to get out of his room or listen to you and you had to give him his food in the room. You hated how closed off he was being, but you couldn’t blame him. This isn’t exactly the situation you imagined yourself to be in. You never thought that your hidden life would be public.

Not only did you break Marks’s trust, but every day when you look at Ethan, you begin to release just how much disconnection there is between everyone. Like today, Monday. You wanna drop Ethan at school, but he’s already out the house by the time you get downstairs. You decide to try again to call Mark, but just like always his call goes to voicemail. So you call on Jaemin, because there’s no one else who you can call without getting side eyes.

Jaemin answers in an instant and offers to come over. So the middle of the day around 12 o’clock, you’re opening up the door to his cautious face and stance. “Hi.”

“Hi.” You stiffly smile. This would be the first time you’re interacting with him ever since the scandal blow up online and out of proportion. “Come in,”

Jaemin clears his throat, stepping inside the house. “Mark here?”

“He hasn’t come home since,”

“Mm,” Jaemin nods his head while making his way to the living room and taking a seat on the couch. “So, how have you been?”

You take a seat next to him and shake your head. “Can we get the formalities out the way and just…talk,”

“Ryujin ended the engagement.” Jaemin lets out. “I tried explaining to her, but Y/n, the only thing I could tell her is that I love you, and only you. It broke her heart, but at least it-”

“Goddamnit Jaemin, why the hell would you tell her that?” You sigh and sink into your seat rubbing on your temple.

“Because Y/n, I love you. I can’t hide it anymore, and it’s fucking better that the cats are out of the bag and everyone knows. I love you, and now-”

“Jaemin-”

“I hate sounding so selfish, but when Ryujin called off the engagement I was so happy. For years I’ve been unhappy. She’s a great girl, a wonderful woman, but my heart has only been set on you. It only beats for you. It’s better that everything is out now, and we might look like the most selfish people on the face of the earth, but who cares. What matters is that we can finally be together, finally free from Ryujin and Mark. You don’t even love him like that, you’re just in a relationship with him because you’ve got a kid. You said that getting in a relationship with her would make me forget you, but I can’t forget you. Not with the way I love you. And I bet you haven’t been able to forget me either. Ryujin is not you, she’s not the girl of my dreams and Mark doesn’t know you like I know. He hasn’t been your pillow and comforter the way I have. I know it sucks to hear all this now but-”

“Jaemin how many times do I have to say that we’re not having that conversation? We already cleared this up that- We can’t keep-”

“Admit it.” Jaemin holds onto your hand looking into your eyes. “You’re scared to take the next step with me even though you really want to. Come on, Y/n. I know I’m not the boy’s father, but I promise you that I can love you and him. You love me too, I know you do but you can’t think about me because of Mark and your child. Please Y/n, can’t you just consider it? Consider us as a possibility?”

“I-” Before you to even respond, there’s a knock on the door. You instantly get up on your feet having a feeling that you know who it is. “Jaemin, please hide.”

“What?”

You whisper panic while pulling on his arm ignoring his confused face. “Jaemin, if it’s Mark you’ll only ruin-”

“You can’t be fucking serious,” Jaemin looks hurt but follows you while you pull him. “You’re making me hide?”

“Jaemin, just for now please.” You silence him by leaning on your tippy toes and give him a peck on the lips. Your lips getting in contact with his has you moving back instantly in shock, just as Jaemin’s ears perk up. Why did you do that? Not trying to dwell on it, you close the closet filled with cleaning supplies and Jaemin’s body before making it to the front door. You don’t even have to look at the peep hole to know it’s Mark. You knew it was him just from the way he knocks gently on the door.

You’re expecting him to be angry, looking down casted and under the weather just the same way you have been for the past week. But when you open up the door and see him holding up a teddy bear with a belly saying: I love you, your eyes water in melancholy. He brushes his hair back and looks up into your eyes, and you swear you can see just how much love he still has for you and how much he’s willing to enter back into your life after what you did.

“I’m sorry for last time.” His voice is meek. Your neck heats up and you shrivel back looking down. “I shouldn’t have gone wild like that. I should’ve listened to you and at least given you a chance to explain,”

“Mark you’re too kind,” Your eyes get blurry and you feel so conscious of how much Mark has always been the perfect and strong one in your relationship. That he made sure that you were always alright and that your needs and your everything were being attained to. Seeing him now, you feel just how much you don’t deserve him.

Mark doesn’t know how to respond to your words, but he carefully takes a step forward and gently lays a hand on your arm. You don’t recoil and that allows him to slide his arms around your shoulders before embracing you in such a deep hug that you break again for a second time inside. You’re crying for different reasons, one being how much you hate yourself for what you did, two being how much you love Mark for always being the sweet understanding boyfriend you could ever ask for, three for how foolish you are in hugging him while Jaemin hides out in the closet and four just for having him back into your life, wanting to listen to you and your side. You hit the jackpot with him, but why does it have to be so hard.

Mark on the other hand is oblivious to your thoughts and hugs you tighter shutting his eyes after placing a kiss on your head. No matter what his mother said, his heart just wanted you back. Before making up the decision to come back to you, he told himself that he first needed to listen to you. It’s not fair only reading about what you did and getting a final conclusion. Even though the proof is all over the media, he felt the need to listen to you. There’s no doubt that you were cheating on him, but if it’s something you ended and wanted to move on from it, how could he say no to that? You were the love of his life. The one whom he gave up everything for so that he could be happy. You were his everything and he didn’t want this ‘little’ thing to break you guys apart.

“I love you Y/n,” Mark’s words breathe softly into your ears and you shake your head closing your eyes and burying yourself deeper into him. “I can’t live without you, and I don’t want Ethan to live without the both of us in his life, together as a family. I know we can get through this,”

“Mark I’m so sorry,” Your muffled words are hidden against his shoulder, but he hears them.

“It’s okay baby, come on let’s go inside,”

Allowing Mark to take the lead in closing the door and holding your hand as you both make it to the living room, you sit down beside him only staring at his hand that has yours engulfed. Even the way he holds your hands in his is so precious and with so much admiration. You can’t even look up into his eyes, knowing that your eyes will reveal just how much of an indecisive person you are.

On one hand, you can’t lie and say that you don’t love Jaemin, but on the other hand you know that you love Mark. You love both of them differently, and even though you might love Jaemin a little bit more than you love Mark, you know for sure that you love Mark and wouldn’t to live your life without him.

“How has Ethan been?” Mark asks quietly, allowing a little smile to rest on his face. It hurts to look at you and you’re not even looking at him. You look so guilty, so ashamed and just to pitiful. Mark doesn’t know whether it’s because of what you did, or perhaps it’s because you feel so bad for him. If anything him accepting and coming back to you is pitiful according to his mother. She said he deserved so much better then what you could offer him. But Mark’s heart beats for you, and it’s why he took the chance.

You shrug your shoulders and let out a sigh giving Mark a tired smile before looking away. “Ethan… It’s clear I was never his favorite parent,”

“Don’t say that,” Mark’s other hand smooths over your head gently as you look into his eyes. “He just doesn’t like seeing us fight. He loves you,”

You know Ethan loves you, but over the past week with his sudden mood swings, you weren’t so sure. “I just…you were right. It’s hard looking at him and trying to explain the things I did to you… Mark I’m sorry. I’m so sorry, and I… I really didn’t want to hurt you. I didn’t mean for it to happen. He hates me because you’re not coming back home. He’s been so stubborn the past few days that it’s been dawning on me. I am really… What I did is unforgiveable. I’m sorry for allowing things to get out of hand between Jaemin and I. We were just friends but during the times you would be at work…Jaemin was there. I guess it all went to my hand, and I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for things to get to where they are. I love you and I didn’t want to hurt you Mark. I love you so much but I did something so unforgivable.”

Mark watches how your face bursts in multiple types of emotions, from disappointment to shame all the way to remorse and self-loath. And to be honest, Mark hates seeing you like this. To him you were always precious and fragile, at times you were almost durable and flexible.

He takes in a sharp breath. “Babe,” Mark bites his lip lightly and gently bringing his hand underneath your chin to lift your head up to look at him. “I…I forgive you. I know it’s stupid of me to forgive you, I know I’m a fool. However, when it comes to you, I always wanna be by your side. It may be hard but I know we can get through this. It’s why I’m here, why I wanna give you another chance-”

“No.” You shake your head and shut your eyes. “I’ll be lying if I say, I haven’t thought about how much I’ve ruined your life with the pregnancy of Ethan. I’ll be lying if I say I haven’t thought about our relationship this past week…and I’ll be lying if I say… that I don’t think you’ll love me the same way again.”

“Of course I will,” Mark answers, but deep down it gnaws on him that you cheated and that you cheated with a friend of his, and that if he didn’t understand the dynamic of this four relationship affair- then you might cheat again. “Okay, maybe you’re right. Things will be different, but aren’t you willing to try? I came back because I thought insanely about how much I need you in my life. You’re not perfect, but you make every sacrifice I’ve made worth it. We’re not married, but you’re my whole world and I wanna defend you. Seeing those comments online only made me want to be there for you, to at least get them down and return your reputation. You’re my baby just as much as you’re my girlfriend. You mean everything to me. Just please, please can we start again?”

Looking up into Mark’s sincere eyes, you can hear how fast your heart is beating and how guilty each and every heart beat feels. Your eyes water and you cover your face with your hand before standing up and moving away from the living room. Mark is up on his feet too wanting to follow you- but when you reappear again in the living, Mark is surprised to see the other human being that emerges.

He sucks in a deep breath and tries to hold his emotions in check. But it’s difficult when he sees how you’re holding Jaemin’s hand and bringing him forward. He keeps his head down with his hands to his waist while trying to maintain his breathing.

“Mark…”

Mark inhales and exhales before looking up with a painful smile. “So I guess I’m the fool right?”

“No,” You breathlessly say as you walk before him but staying an inch away and closing your tearfilled eyes. “You wanted to talk, and he also wanted to talk, I just… I d-didn’t… I don’t want to be stuck in the middle. Mark…”

Mark backs up and looks at Jaemin who has no remorse on his face. Jaemin always had the ability to make himself disattached to any type of emotion. Seeing him look so normal yet possessive makes Mark look away in despair. “You already chose him,” He whispers out.

“Mark that’s not fair, you said you wanted to hear me out,”

“Yeah I wanted to hear you wanting to have a second chance at this shot, not hear how you feel about him- I…” Mark holds his tongue back pinching the bridge of his nose turning around. He came here peacefully, but he’s feeling his emotions having the best of him.

“Mark I love her.”

That seems to be the icing on top of the cake when Jaemin confesses his feelings for you. It takes nothing else for Mark to lunge past you and ball his fists against Jaemin’s shirt yanking back and forth breathing out in pure anger. Jaemin holds onto Mark’s hands which are on the shirt and looks deeply into his eyes. “How fucking dare you sleep with my girlfriend and then say such things-” Mark implodes and can’t hold back his fists from flying straight across Jaemin’s face.

You’re gasping and pleads of Mark to stop doesn’t go noticed by any of them as Jaemin grunts but holds in his own anger while trying to calm Mark down- who continuously swings his fists. Eventually, Jaemin swings his own fists and sends a hard blow against Mark’s eye.

Mark instantly let’s go of Jaemin and attends to his own eye that already looks impacted. His ears can hear you speaking and up till now Mark just understands that his mother was right, you’re not committed to him. “Mark please, you said you wanted to hear me out,”

Mark stands up straight with one hand to his eye that’s forming a nasty bruise. “I want full custody of Ethan.”

“Mark-”

“You never wanted him anyway-”

“Mark that’s not true-”

“I don’t want some other guy raising my son. If you want to visit you can, but he’s not staying here. And if you’re gonna make it hard. I’ll make it harder. He’s my son, not his and surely not yours. You don’t even care that you’re tearing us apart.” Mark glares at Jaemin before sharply turning and heading to the door.

Watching him leave ignites a fire in your heart. “That’s why I slept with him.” Your broken voice paired with your wretched yet heated tone has Jaemin looking up to him.

Your words make Mark stop half way on the journey to the door. Your words inflict such a painful ache in his heart, that he hears it shattering.

“You say your main priority is me but for all the years we’ve been together it’s always about Ethan. Even though you work from morning till late, you come back always asking firstly about Ethan. You don't care about me. You don’t care if I go out alone, you don’t care if I do what I want, you don’t consider me the way you claim you do, you don’t have sex with me the right way. You only care if Ethan is okay, whether or not his school is teaching him the right syllabus, if his friends are good to him, your world only revolves around Ethan and I know I’m his mum, but Mark I’m your girlfriend, when have you ever spent a dime on me. It’s always me and Ethan, me and Ethan, me and Ethan. Jaemin cares about me and Ethan.” You put emphasis. “He cares for me. And he cares for Ethan. In your mind me and Ethan are one, and as long as Ethan is hurt, you’ll never attend to me. As long as Ethan is fine, you'll never attend to me, because in your mind Ethan comes first. Not me. I slept with Jaemin because he didn’t see me as just the mother of Ethan. He saw me for me. He saw me first and cared for. He still cares for me.”

Mark doesn’t look back, but he makes his voice audible. “So that means I have full custody over Ethan right. Since I care about him so much-”

“Mark,” You let out a disappointed sigh. “Can’t you for once think about me-”

“I fucking have been thinking about you!” Mark’s voice starts out low before his voice rises higher in anger. It even makes him turn around and walking back to you. “From the first fucking day we got the results that you were pregnant I thought about you! I fucking took away your innocence! I took away your life! You didn’t deserve to stop going to school because of a child, you didn’t deserve to be shamed because you were pregnant, you didn’t deserve everything that was coming to you- that’s why I took up the pain for you. I made sure that you didn’t feel hurt about having Ethan. I gave you all the freedom you wanted if it meant that you could smile and live a normal life again. You think I only care for Ethan? Fuck, Y/n, I left my family to be with you. You and your fucking ungrateful self. You wanted to go back to school- I paid for your college fees! You wanted to open a shop- I fucking boat a whole land plot to let you build your business! You wanted space and not more kids- I gave you my word that I wouldn’t bring up kids again! You wanted a bigger house- I got the bigger house! I looked after Ethan just so you wouldn’t feel alone! I care for you! I fucking care for you not because you’re Ethan’s mum but because you were my first everything! I thought I was doing you a favor- I… God you make me so mad.” Mark turns away with the tears getting out his eyes. He breathes out in sheer pain and turns to Jaemin. “You want her? Take her, she clearly never wanted me in the first place. Just- fuck.”

Mark feels lightheaded when leaving and banging the front door. Not only could he not believe the words that left your mouth, but he couldn’t believe how stupid he had been. He can’t describe how much his heart hurts, how painful it is…how it burns his soul to know that he lost you.

2 weeks later...

"It feels so weird not having Ethan around, I know I say this every night but," You mutter when laying down on Jaemin's chest. "I miss him so much. Like, at this time I usually listen to him rant about having cookies, I prepare him for bed, kiss him goodnight, close the lights for him and just...Gosh it's so weird. I don't know how I'll ever get used to this. They literally said I can only see him once? Like seriously,"

Jaemin's eyes are closed, yet he isn't sleeping, he's just listening to you and running his hand past your back as you whisper out to him. Although you and Mark weren't married, Mark treated Ethan's custody methods as a business deal. Meaning legally you were only allowed to see Ethan once a week if you wanted. And Jaemin isn't blind to how much you're trying to cope without Ethan and Mark, but it's hard on him too having to hear you break down.

Although he wanted you, he knew just how important Ethan was to you. He knew that Ethan was your son and you felt connected to him as a mother. He was prepared to love both you and Ethan, but when Mark made the break up official by packing up Ethan's things and moving away, Jaemin saw the life drain from your eyes. And he didn't like that. It's almost like he tore you from the inside out. It's almost like he made you chose between family and him.

What's kinda sad is how you didn't even chose...you were indecisive but you never wanted both Mark and Ethan to leave your life. And Jaemin felt extremely bad. So when he turns to face you and his arms engulf and caress you sweetly, you sink deeper into him while he sinks into you. "I can never forgive myself for separating you guys,"

"Baby..."

"I find it difficult to, when every night you talk about him. I'm sorry," Jaemin buries his head on your nest of warm hair and closing his eyes.

You sigh and hold onto Jaemin tighter. "You didn't separate us. Mark and I...just weren't meant to be together. It sucks that Ethan was born and we had to grow feelings for him, and now that he's gone all the memories are simply memories. But please baby, don't feel like it's your fault. You were right in so many ways, and I needed clarity. I was too young to be a mum and I was barely even ready to be a mum. And i thank God for the clarity that he gave. It's tough, but it's better this way. I have my whole life ahead of me, and when it will be time and I'm ready to have a family, I wanna have it with you."

Jaemin smiles when shifting his head to look at you. "I guess this is something we both have to get used to,"

"I regret how everything played out, but I don't regret ending up with you. It is something we have to get used to, but as long as we're together it'll all be okay,"

"It will be," Jaemin kisses your forehead. "I love you," Jaemin hugs you again. "Now let's get some sleep,"

1 year later...

"Congratulations babe, I'm so proud of you!" Jaemin catches you as you jump into his arms while he spins you around. "I'm so proud of you." Jaemin kisses your lips when placing you down.

You laugh out and give him a little twirl while showing off your trophy and graduation gown. Finally, after your years of studying you've graduated from college with honors. You smile when he snaps a few shots of you.

"You look like a fresh graduate who came out the womb of success," Jaemin adorns you in another set of hugs and kisses. "I'm so happy for you, my beautiful graduate." He presses a kiss on the crown of your head and you feel yourself melt at his words. "Let's go take pictures."

Getting in line to get professional pictures with your awards and your gown as well as with your man by your side, you couldn't feel more happier knowing that he was still with you and that he supported you throughout everything.

"Thank you, Jaemin, for everything." you say softly before pulling away from him to look at the photographer standing by. Your eyes sparkle and a large grin forms on your face when he takes a couple more pictures of you and Jaemin together.

It was your graduation ceremony which took place at the civil luxurious courtyard, where the entire graduating class stood. Students from all four departments of our university were lounging around comfortably inside the auditorium waiting patiently for their turn to take pictures. The sun rays hit the students with its warm rays and it was a nice day today. It was a perfect day to celebrate your graduation with friends, family, and classmates.

Your mum was there, some of your class friends where there, your lecturers who liked you were there…and even Mark and Ethan were there. You remember when you got on stage to receive your certificates and awards, you saw Mark smiling and looking up to you with such an undefined look. It's ages since you saw him, as the times you'd visit Ethan, he'd never be around…so seeing him accept your ceremony invitation had your heart feeling warm.

Jaemin nudges you gently to snap you back into reality, you looks up towards the same direction as Jaemin to see Mark and Ethan were approaching you. "Do you want some time alone?" Jaemin offers genuinely. He knew that even though you stopped visiting Ethan as frequently as before, you still had a soft spot for them both. And he didn't want to be a middle man whenever it came to you and Mark…and Ethan.

"Stay," You whisper lightly to Jaemin…truth be told, this is your first time seeing Mark after he came to take Ethan away from your house a year ago.

"Congratulations mum," Ethan, in his boyish charm hugs you around your waist and steps back. You notice he's got slight tears by his eyes.

It pulls on your tear strings as well as you hug him back. "Thank you my boy, I'm so happy you could make it. Mummy feels really happy seeing you,"

Ethan's hug deepens and you have to hold your ground strong otherwise you might fall over. Jaemin sees this and holds onto the back of your waist helping you balance. It allows you to have more time in embracing Ethan. "I miss you mum,"

"I miss you too Ethan," You whisper back to him your hand patting down his hair. It's when you slightly open your eyes, you see Mark standing a few feet back with his eyes on the ground. You pull back from Ethan and pat his cheeks wiping his eyes that had tears.

Living with his dad was great, but he missed living with you too. And although he hated how you haven't been visiting him, he hated more how you and Mark had broken up. Despite the pain in his heart, all he could do was smile. "Mummy, wants to talk to dad for a bit, is that okay? I wanna ask him if you can stay for the after party. They'll be juice and cake for everyone later,"

"Yeah sounds good." Ethan enlightens. You let him go and Ethan awkwardly greets Jaemin with a head bow.

You turn your attention to Mark who doesn't seem to notice you walk up to him- it's only till he notices a pair of high heels in his line of vison does he look up seeing you. "Hey," You greet brightly.

To your despair, his eyes don't light up as brightly as he used to, his smile is short and he doesn't keep eye contact with you. His eyes go to the floor, to Ethan behind you, they linger on yours for a spilt second before they return to the floor. His hands are in his pants and he's attention isn't on you. If you look closely…he looks sad.

When a hand wraps around your waist, you snap out of your thoughts seeing that Mark is looking to your side. Jaemin is holding onto your waist while Ethan is standing back next to his dad. "I'm sorry what?"

"Mark was asking what time will it end? The after party," Jaemin recaps, noting that you zoned out while Ethan was asking for permission.

"Oh, uh.. I'll bring him back if you're okay with that,"

Mark's eyes wander to Ethan who looks hopeful. Originally, Mark didn't want to come. He wasn't supposed to come, but Ethan begged him to come along. Truth be told, although Mark had custody of Ethan and was living with his mum and dad, he wanted nothing more but to be with you…the girl he committed himself to. However, those dreams of being together with you were crushed and it's been hard for him to live like he did before. He's been together with you for so many years and has supported you for so many years, so now to see you standing side by side with someone else…it's almost unbearable. It hurts.

But looking to Ethan, who for some reason stopped getting visits from his mother has Mark feeling guilty about his actions. So, he agrees instantly causing Ethan's smile to blind him. "Really? Thanks dad."

"Yeah yeah, whatever. See you at home," Mark smiles stiffly as he puts his hand through Ethan's shoulder and gives him a small squeeze before turning around to leave. You're left surprised by Mark's sudden departure…he didn't even look at you, he didn't even say a word to you.

Jaemin who witnesses how Mark just left abruptly wraps his arm around your shoulder and rubs on it.

"Don't mind dad, h-he's fine." Ethan lies, knowing that his dad was not taking seeing you with another man well. He lived together with his dad for a long time now in order to understand how his dad thinks and functions.

Despite Ethan's words, you're no fool to how Mark feels. He looked sad, disappointed…and betrayed. "Are you sure?" you look at Ethan with concern and sadness.

Ethan nods slowly, and even if his eyes are not on you, you know he's lying when he opens up his mouth. "Yeah. He's fine."

"Well let's go celebrate," You try to brush the dismayed look of Mark from your head and focus on Ethan who looks more than happy to spend time with you. Seeing Ethan's delighted face, makes your heart feel at ease. You smile brightly at Ethan and grab his hand to lead him towards the food table. "We're gonna catch up on everything,"

5 years later...

16 year old Ethan is feeling mischievous when embarrassing his dad, Mark in front of his date. "You know he entered the bouncy castle on my tenth birthday just because he wanted to. Not because he was looking out for me. Like can you just imagine I'm jumping with my friends and then he comes in and starts jumping higher then us all. He's laughing and having a good time, and I was only 10 years old,"

"Oh my god," Mark palms his face softly hiding his embarrassment through a soft chuckle when his date, Yumi, laughs.

"You don't say," She looks to Ethan for more details. Ethan gives a dramatic look as if he's got more up his selves.

"Did I tell you about the day we went to the beach and he kept nagging and nagging and nagging at me put sunscreen, but then he forgot to put on himself?" Ethan breaks out into another laugh and beats his dad's back. "He looked like a walking crispy fry, and he was burning."

She can't suppress her laugh enough when Ethan jokes about how his dad gets red.

"Oh my god, you know what this guy likes doing?" Ethan enquires again, looking ready to spill the beans. "So most of the time, because he's a guy-"

"Ethan-" Mark speaks in a warning tone, but it's his smile that exposes him just as much as his red face.

"Okay, okay that would've ruined him. Let me think of something light," Ethan laughs before turning back to Yumi. "So I'm actually here as part of tax services and I can't run my mouth too much, otherwise he might take his cut of dad tax from my allowance."

"Ethan, you're quite the chatter box," Yumi laughs.

Ethan gleams brightly when looking at Yumi. "Well I have to be a chatter box, my dad has no game and so I have to advocate for him. He cant speak for himself he's tongue tied for a living-"

Mark gets Ethan in a headlock before shoving him forward. "That's enough of you,"

Ethan has an evil laugh when taking the lead navigating his way through the mall, leaving Yumi and Mark behind him. To Ethan's delight, he was invited to tag along as a 'third wheel' on his dad's dinner dat. When meeting the lady who has been making his dad smile like a little girl, Ethan felt almost responsible for his dad and wore his big boy pants. Although he was supposed to be a third wheel, he knew that his dad stood no chance when the first moment they picked Yumi up- he was a stuttering mess. That only made Ethan laugh and take the lead.

Even his dad's ideal choice of a dinner date was at some restaurant at a mall. Ethan wasn't complaining, but he felt bad for his dad and how he had no game. It's by chance he managed to get a lady like Yumi.

Dressed elegantly in a white mid thigh dress, while Mark wore his matching black jean jacket and black pants with a white shirt. At home, Ethan was the one who pulled his dad in making a bold statement by dressing up like an elite 'playboy'. Mark doesn't know why he went along with it, but as long as they both thought he looked good, then he looked good. But they pulled up to Yumi's house seeing her dress to elegant and modestly, they were both flattered.

Mark was more flattered as he was tongue tied. But already when Ethan saw Yumi, he knew that perhaps...his dad had game.

"Your son has a high amount of charm for his age," Yumi takes Ethan's spot next to Mark as she lightly pushes on his arm. "So you like bouncy castles,"

"I... It was bouncy okay, and he didn't wanna get off it. So, I had to do what I needed to do. Embarrass him enough to get off," Mark retorts with an embarrassed chuckle instead of defending himself.

Ethan turns his head back. "He jumped on that castle alone- can I emphasis on how we left him there in that jumping castle alone for 30 full minutes. You know who had to get him out? His mother. My grand mother had to come out and tell him to stop jumping and that he's a grown man. Some grown man that is,"

"Ethan," Mark gives his son a flustered shyly lit face. To think his own son turned his back on him. Yumi smiles and shakes her head.

"I can't judge you if it's true. Normally, it's the other way around, the father embarrasses the son," Yumi turns to Mark admiring his features.

"Well, he shouldn't be here because it's past his bed time. I'll cut it from his dad tax." Mark states, but licks his lips and shyly turns to her. "I was actually looking forward to this dinner and getting to know you better. I mean, I know we have our music sessions to get to know each other, but..." Mark gets tongue tied for a second before he shrugs his shoulders and shaking his head with a tender smile. "Once again, you look beautiful. You put in more effort then me. This should just show you how bad Ethan and I's fashion sense is. We could use a feminine touch," Mark jokes lightly.

Ethan turns his head back with a confused face. "Dad that was not..." He turns his head forward and continues walking.

This is only the seventh time they're meeting up, but she loves how caring he is towards his son and even her. "I like how you treat him like a friend, you're a good dad,"

Mark huffs out with a little smile. "It's tough being a good dad when he's so full of himself, truth be told he enjoys bullying me." Mark chuckles lightly when hearing Yumi chuckle. "I'm just happy that he's a good kid, he does as his told, he's responsible for his age, he listens even though he's a headache, he's intellectual but so sneaky, he means the world to me. So if I treat him like a friend it's 'cause I've only got him to look after."

"You've only got him, what about me?"

Mark's eyes widen before turning to Yumi. "And you of course, I mean, not in a creepy way, but I respect your presence here and I wouldn't- I mean, thank you for wanting to go out with me and Ethan again."

Yumi chuckles her eyes shining when looking at him. "I wanted to see him. I can't be going out with his dad if I don't meet him,"

"I wish you didn't ask me to bring him, he's out here spilling all my secrets it's hard to keep the perfect image in front of you now,"

Yumi's face feels like it might crack from all the smiling. "Being perfect means you're a robot. Your embarrassing side let's me know you're a perfectly imperfect human being, with whom I can possibly share my embarrassing stories with too one day in the future,"

That makes Mark smile genuine at her slight confirmation that she wants to possibly spend time with her in the future. Mark clears his throat to stop himself from staring at her face. "Uh, I was thinking we could do some night shopping before we go eat. Is that cool?"

"Yeah,"

"Can I... If you don't mind though, I mean, you can reject it if you want, but I thought since like we're on like our third date- I mean I don't know if you wanna call it-"

Ethan quietly walks back and joins his dad's nervous hand with Yumi. "I think that's what he was asking," Ethan in pure shock makes his way back to the front muttering how hopeless his dad is, while Yumi can't stop smiling at how cute Mark was. His hand holds tightly into hers and she likes the feeling of comfort from him.

For the hours that pass, Mark playfully jokes how much Yumi and Ethan are actually similar especially when it comes to shopping.

"It would be shopping if we actually bought anything," Yumi states with amusement when both her and Ethan enter into the next store.

"Well it's your fault you asked if we could night shop," Ethan smirks when responding to his dad. "It's my chance to actually get something. You know Madam Yumi, when I go shopping with dad he just picks the first set of clothes he sees and walks out. I never get a chance to- hey look at this. Madam Yumi, does this look cool?"

Yumi takes a look at the hoody that Ethan presents and tilts her head to the side when thinking. "I hate to say it Ethan, but your dad is right, you both need a feminine touch. You'll look like a robber with this on," She perks her head back seeing another bright hoodie. "I see you like your clothes being baggy and so on. This hoodie would look good on you, the color is perfect for you. Most people pair peach wrong, but it'll look good on you, you've got a brightly toned face so you need complementary colors to go along with it. And since you're still young, if you go with colors like these, it'll bring out your eyes more. They're big and bright and full of wonder. I know you wanna be rizz and all but wearing clothes that express your personality instead of leaving your mysterious will attract the right kind of people your way,"

Ethan's heart flatters when Yumi aligns the hoodie to his skin and makes him look into the mirror while she explains to him how color and how his style needs to match his personality. "Dad..." Ethan turns to his father and dramatically hugs him- it feels almost real since he's feeling tears on his eyes. "You did a good job," Ethan mutters and turns back to Yumi. "I love it, tell me more about colors and my personality,"

Mark shakes his head but still smiles when following along with the both of them. Yumi offers to buy the set of clothes she picked out for him, and for the first time Ethan looks flattered through Yumi's wide spread knowledge on color. She's got taste.

After one last shopping spree, Yumi excuses herself to the bathroom leaving Ethan to fangirl how great she is. "Dad. Dad, why didn't you tell me she was perfect? I like her so much. Wow, she's so cool and chilled and down to earth and relaxed, I mean she looks expensive but kind, but I do think she has a good heart. Like she not only looks good, she smells so good, she's intelligent and feminine, she reminds me of this...mum?"

Mark turns his head to Ethan who mentions 'mum'. It's been a while since either of them have spoken about you, so to hear it come out so randomly has Mark looking to his son. Only for him to notice his son's eyes widen and staring ahead.

Mark turns his head too, just in time to hear your fluttering laugh that bounces off his ears like a familiar kind of song. You're laughing as Jaemin back hugs you trying to plant a kiss on your cheek. Your face is radiantly bright as you turn to Jaemin and look at him with such love...that Mark has never seen you look at him with. He's tongue feels heavy, just your eyes meet his for a mere second.

You do a double take seeing Mark and Ethan frozen in shock while looking at you. Ethan's face lights up calmly at first, leaving Mark standing still in shock with a face so closed off from any emotions.

Jaemin takes note of your sudden change in demeanor and notes why you're walking towards the two male figures having a smile on your face. "Hey guys,"

Ethan is a bit taken aback when your arms reach out and open for him but he immediately responds in returning your hug. He feels awkward but he doubts you feel that way, because you try to be as welcoming as possible. After your graduation, it took two more visits before you stopped coming all together. He thought he'd be upset that you stopped coming, but he wasn't that affected especially since his dad, and his dad's parents filled the parental role very well.

You break from the hug and try to keep a smile on your face when looking at Mark. "Hey Mark," Your tone lowers a bit, and so does your smile. The last time you saw him, he barely looked at you. Wondering if he's still in the same stage of ignoring you, you're eyes widen when his lips form a decent smile. It doesn't reach his eyes, but for you...it's everything.

"Hi Y/n," He greets and then looks to Jaemin. "Hey,"

"H-hey," Jaemin greets- feeling the palpable tension forming around.

How could you go from such lovers to strangers who awkwardly say hi and hey as if they've never been together. Trying not to let the awkwardness consume you, you clear your throat. "Ethan you look so big now, wow." You pat his shoulder and look at his bag. "Were you guys shopping?"

"Yeah," Ethan gulps and nod his head, sensing his father caving in and not speaking. "Actually, I just tagged along." Ethan blurts out of nervousness.

"Tagged along to help your dad shop?" You smile. "You've become such a responsible young man."

"Well responsible as in being the man of the house," Ethan finds himself saying in a joking manner but stops when you don't get his humor. "Never mind, uh dad's got a date, so his date wanted to spoil me a bit. So yeah,

"Oh," Your ears perk and you turn to look at Mark excitedly. You're somehow excited to hear he's dating again, one of your other biggest fears was how much of his time you wasted...for 9 good years you guys were together... you feared that Mark wouldn't be able to want to date again...especially since he gave his whole heart to you...and you broke it. "Where's your date?"

"I guess it's time to step in," Mark's head turns to Yumi who makes her presence known and politely stands close to Mark and bows her head. "Hi I'm Yumi,"

She's got such a beautiful smile, and seeing how her presence has Mark breathing in and looking to her like he's revealed makes you...happy? You break out a smile and put your hand out. "I'm Y/n, this is uh, my boyfriend Jaemin."

Hearing your name as well as the name Jaemin, Yumi recalls how Mark once spoke to her about the mother of his son being intimate with someone who was his sister's fiancé. Yumi also recalls seeing the scandal online years ago. She tries not to show through the features how shocked she is, but instead she holds a smile. Turning to Mark, her eyes go to Ethan who looks to Mark and to you quick- looking desparate and she understands that Mark was still tongue tied. "Well it's a pleasure meeting you both,"

"Likewise," Your smile can't help but look at Mark who looks lost again in his own thoughts.

"Please do excuse us, we were supposed to have dinner but we got caught up in shopping for Ethan,"

"It's no problem," You look to Jaemin with a smile. "Coincidence, we actually wanted to get something to eat too,"

"Oh fascinating, well enjoy your meal,"

Yumi puts her arm through Mark, just as Ethan pats his dad's back and nudges his head forward. Mark feels embarrassed for himself and rattled that Yumi and Ethan had to be the bigger people while he quietened down and kept his head down. "Mark,"

It takes everything for Mark not to break down when hearing you call his name. Already holding in so much emotions after seeing you, he realizes how much he still held you in his heart and how it hurts seeing you with Jaemin.

"Hey Mark, man, look," Jaemin this time steps forward when Mark turns around. "I never got the chance to say- look man, I know shit between us got weird, but I miss our friendship. I'm sorry for what I did to your sister...and for-"

"It's all good man." Mark swallows the lump and nods his head trying to speed it up, but Jaemin continues talking.

"No it's not good." Jaemin sighs sadly. "You're a good person, and you've shown me nothing but kindness. I'm-"

"I promise it's all good." Mark says again, this time looking at Jaemin. If you chose Jaemin and him, it's for reasons you know. But for Mark, Jaemin was once his sisters soon to be husband, it was hard respecting a man who broke his sisters heart- however now that he has your heart and hasn't allowed it to fall and had made you smile brighter and look at him with such love, makes Mark simmer down. It's not like Jaemin is a douchebag. "You're a good guy too, and...you both look good together. Enjoy your dinner,"

"If you don't mind," Jaemin steps forward again. "Can we join you guys? Like a double date, just to...to reconcile, new beginnings?"

Mark has to close his eyes to force them not to twitch in annoyance. He looks to Ethan and then to Yumi, who stare at him too. "I don't think that's-"

"I'm just tired of seeing you and being awkward, it's not healthy if we keep pretending to know each other, dude she's the mother of your-"

"God, give me strength," Mark cuts Jaemin off with a little prayer in his head. He brushes his face with his hand and runs it over his head looking at Yumi who steps closer to him. "If you don't want to, then..."

"Mark," She softly speaks sensing how much tension there is. Getting her hand on his back she nods her head. "I'm okay with it,"

Sitting in the restaurant on the five seater table, everyone is dining and eating on their meal quietly while listening to the background. From time to time, Y/n makes conversation with Ethan, and Ethan makes commentary here and there, while Jaemin gets to know Ethan a little more. And Mark can only listen while whispering to Yumi from time to time asking if this was oaky.

He felt slightly guilty for accepting the invitation, but now that he was here he had no choice but to try and relax. "Is the food good? This is actually my favorite restaurant. The food isn't world class but it's good. Aside from my mum's cooking, I respect this place because they make good eggs,"

"Mark, why do you have an obsession with eggs?" Yumi covers her mouth to chortle.

"Dad can't make eggs to save his life," Ethan inputs. "It's why we live with grandma, 'cause we'd starve to death if dad was in charge,"

Mark groans holding his neck just as Yumi cackles. "I know how to cook, I'm still practicing,"

"Of course you are, good for you because I'm a good cook. I could give you a hand in learning," Yumi nods her head taking another bite of her steak. "I was kinda starving. I hadn't eaten anything since I left home. So the food was worth the wait,"

"What? You didn't eat?" Mark has his eyes in bafflement. "Then we should've eaten first before we shopped, that's on me then. I'm sorry-"

"No, no, it's not your fault," Yumi smiles and shakes her head. "I didn't mind going shopping first. In fact I prefer it that way, shopping first and then eating, it'll give us time to rest later,"

"I actually had the same problem with Y/n, she wanted to walk around first before we ate," Jaemin friendly butts in. While Mark tried not rolling his eyes, he paid attention to how Yumi briefly converesed with him.

"Yeah, because I wanna go home afterwards. Imagine after eating then you go around shopping, no way I'll be too stuffed," Y/n joins in with a light tone.

"Exactly," Yumi nods her head agreeing.

"I was hoping we could go to the movies after this, dad?"

"You're a third wheel here, don't forget it," Mark doesn't even think twice when disregarding Ethan's request. This makes Ethan playfully pout as his eyes go to Yumi.

"Madam Yumi don't you wanna watch a movie with me?"

"Can we rain check on that? Perhaps the next time we meet again?"

Ethan nods his head. "We should make it a movie night,"

"Don't give in to him," Mark shakes his head. "This is how he always gets his way."

"Well Mark, I did say I wanted to see him and spend some time with him too," Yumi looks back to Ethan when Mark shakes his head silently chuckling.

"Ethan is a night owl. But you know what, you picked your poison, I guess I can't stop you,"

"Ethan, you're still a night owl?" Y/n gets in the conversation. But much to her disappointment Mark doesn't even pay attention as he turns to Yumi.

Whispering to Yumi, Mark leans in close to brush his lip against her ear to make sure she can hear. "You good?"

Feeling tingles down her spine she smiles and leans in to his ear too. "What about you?"

"I'm good,"

Whispering in his ear, she voices out her words. "Sorry for agreeing to the dinner. I just saw how broken you looked and wanted you to have some closure. It can help you move on."

Mark looks to her in appreciation. From the first day when he opened up to her that he never thought he could love again after what you did to him, he told her that he didn't want to lead her on. That he was open to dating, but he didn't want to waste her time. As time went by, he found himself looking forward to spending time with her, because it always felt therapeutic being with her. And even though he's sitting opposite from you, paying attention to Yumi made him feel much more better.

"I also have a confession," Yumi smiles lightly. "I feel it'd be fair if they pay for the bill since they wanted to join us,"

Seeing Mark laugh lowly and whispering to Yumi, you get vocal in finally directing your attention to him. "So Mark, and Yumi."

Hearing her name, Yumi turns to you while Mark clears his throat trying to hide his laugh. Yumi doesn't hide her smile though. Being with Mark made her happy. In curiosity she wonders how you feel seeing him again after some time. You looked happy with Jaemin, and it's kind of painful to her that you left Mark alone with a broken heart. "Yes," She answers.

"You guys seem quite close, whispering in each other's ears and all that," Y/n speaks with a little smile. "How did you guys meet if you don't mind me asking,"

After a brief pause in silence, Yumi turns to Mark seeing his eyes on her. It seems like he doesn't feel comfortable talking to her just yet. "It's actually an odd story,"

Y/n is disheartened also noting how Mark doesn't want to acknowledge her. "How odd,"

"I bet it involves Dad's guitar," Ethan speaks up. He was also curious how his dad bagged such a beautiful lady.

"Guitar?" Y/n marvels at that and looks to Mark who's paying attention to Yumi. "You play the guitar?"

"He plays guitar very well," Yumi answers on Mark's behalf. "He's a musician,"

"Yeah, dad plays guitar," Ethan sparks up. "He writes too, I never knew dad could sing,"

"That's cool," Jaemin notes. "I know a guy who owns a studio, makes records and stuff. I can hook you up with him if you want,"

Mark takes breathes in and looks to Jaemin. "Nah it's alright. I just picked up on it recently, I mean I never played because I had no reason to, but Yumi sings too, so I wanted to play for her while she sang,"

"I'd like to hear you guys sing together," Ethan cheers on.

"So you guys didn't answer the question," Y/n speaks in. "How'd you guys meet?"

"Well, I gave up on love a long time ago, because my boyfriend had actually passed away. So, I had no desire at all to get back in the dating scene, because it was just too painful. I never thought I'd be going out again." Yumi smiles at Mark. "Mark and I met through our dads, it was a wedding reception. My dad described me as a lost cause and Mark's dad described him as a hopeless case, so they introduced us and I can say our interaction was off the bat. I sang at the wedding, it was supposed to be a solo acoustic with just my voice, but then..." Yumi smiles when remembering Mark picking up the guitar and playing alongside her. It was beautiful. "It became a duet acoustic performance, because he played the guitar, it wasn't even planned and we hadn't rehearsed but yet we were singing and playing together as if we'd always been together for a long time. That left a wonderful impression on me and I'm happy that he felt the same way, because we exchanged numbers and after that he'd call me from time to time."

"She bought me a guitar," Mark speaks up lightly. "It felt therapeutic. Writing and singing and... just letting go. It's like we were healing together,"

"The power of music," Yumi says looking at Mark with hopeful eyes, just as he nods his head gazing into her eyes. "Music can heal any broken heart, so yeah." Yumi looks back to Y/n. "We'd meet up occasionally as friends, before we decided dating wouldn't be so bad. I enjoy spending time with him, and yeah. This is my first time meeting Ethan too so, I'm glad that we've made it this far,"

You don't feel jealous when seeing Yumi and Mark together. You feel hurt that Mark doesn't want to acknowledge you. And even though Jaemin holds onto your thigh to sooth you, seeing Mark and Yumi look so pure makes your heart break.

Mark deserved better then you, and he got a better woman in Yumi. But you're fine with that. He deserves her anyway, she's perfect for him. She is the kind of person who will always be by his side. If she can make the best come out of him such as making him play an instrument to let loose, then she can possibly be the one for him. Just the way he's looking at her, and the way he talks only when she talks makes you miss him.

You miss how his eyes would light up when talking to you, you missed how he would pay attention to you and only you when you spoke. You missed him and it's hard to believe that after years he's moving on. You wanted him to move on, but seeing him actually move on did something to you.

Especially when he didn't even regard you. He looked at her with hope and with a piece of his heart that once belonged to you, yet now there was a new love in his life. A new woman. It hurt more than anything, it felt like you were losing him again… But at the same time, you felt that this was the closure you needed. Seeing him…happy with Yumi and Ethan made a part of you feel relieved...sad, but happy. That was once you. You and your family. You with Mark and Ethan.

"That went well," Jaemin wraps his arms around you, holding you close against him as you bury your face into his chest.

"It did," You say and close your eyes.

Jaemin hums before letting out a small chuckle. "It felt more like we were third and fourth wheels listening to them bonding,"

"I'm happy that he's with someone who can make him smile." You say after some time when you and Jaemin begin walking. "It used to eat me up thinking that after me he'd never find love again. But he looked so happy tonight,"

"I apologize on his behalf for ignoring you,"

You smile tenderly. "It hurt at first, but hearing him talk with Yumi and Ethan and even you, gave me a peace of mind that he's slowly moving on," Your first love, was finally moving on and it was a bitter sweet feeling. "I'm kinda conflicted, but it's for the best. And now I have a peace of mind when raising our child," You place your hand on your belly just as Jaemin kisses your forehead and engulfs you in another hug.

"Let's stay for a bit, I don't feel like going home,"

Standing outside of Yumi's door with a sleeping Ethan in the car, Mark and Yumi decide to take a seat on one of the steps as they still had so much to say. Chatting never ran dry with them, and that's one of the things Mark liked about Yumi. Yumi sighs and looks to him with a clear smile. "Thanks for tonight, I strangely had fun. Meeting Y/n was unexpected, how did it make you feel?"

Mark hums and looks up to the stars. "At first it felt sickening, because it's like I realized that… I still loved her. And I hated myself for that. I really...hate that I love her. For loving her when she looked so happy with Jaemin. But during the dinner, while you were talking and laughing and bonding with Ethan… It brought a sense of closure knowing that she's moved on from me. And while you were talking, while you were talking about how we met, I thought to myself that, you actually brought me out of the dark tunnel I was in. I was a hopeless case like my dad said, but singing with you gave me…"

He clears his throat and takes a breath before speaking again.

"It gave me hope. I know, I sound stupid."

"No, you're not stupid to feel that way," Yumi expresses when she hears him down himself.

"Thanks," He says softly, looking back at Yumi's soft expression. "Maybe I'm not a hopeless case and you're not hopelessly lost. I know I can never take Jaehyun's place in your heart, but tonight made me realize how much we've both taken the risk to be together. Not only do we add value to each other, but we're both taking a chance again after our past relationships. And maybe I'm reaching far because it's only our seventh date but I enjoy spending time with you and tonight my heart just- I don't want to start something that'll end and-"

She places her hand over his jaw, effectively cutting him off with a small laugh and a gentle smile. She leans forward looking into his eyes asking for permission and Mark doesn't hesitate in pressing his lips against hers. She returns a soft kiss against his lips, a soft touch that leaves butterflies in his stomach and makes him dizzy all over again, but a good kind of dizziness this time. Mark's hand goes up her neck as he helps to tilt her head to deepen the kiss, and it feels right. His heart is full and he wants nothing more than to stay here until morning just kissing her.

Yumi pulls away before anything too crazy happens. "You're adorable when you're embarrassed." She teases gently, but a smile lingers on her lips. "And I'm sure Jaehyun would agree. Sitting across from them, with you by my side gave me this feeling, this peace, I hadn't felt since I met him." Her words trail off as she stares at his lips. "I wanna love again, Mark. I wanna love so badly, and I… I wanna give you my heart. I-"

This time Mark softly leans in and kisses her again, and he thinks he sees a tear fall down Yumi's cheek. Maybe he's imagining it though. They pull apart slowly, their foreheads pressed together and smiles adorably plastered on both of their faces, and he doesn't think it's possible to fall even more in love with Yumi.

Ethan in the car has a pleased smile on his face. Seeing his dad genuinely look happy with another person who isn't mum, makes him truly joyful for his dad.

Even though it was a bittersweet feeling, loving for the second time around...doesn't burn as much as he thought.

Taglist:

@entertainmentnabi @maleegayuh @moniescove @celestialjakesim @eternalwithluv @markleelately @iampunkrock08 @nctstoriestoread @nostalgichoee

#nct dream imagine #nct imagine #nct #nct mark fanfic #nct mark angst #nct mark imagine #nct mark x reader #nct heartbreak #nct scenarios #mark lee x you #lee mark x you #mark x reader #nct mark hard hours #nct mark scenarios #nct mark drabbles #nct mark break ukp #nct mark boyfriend #nct mark fluff

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intoxjaecated · 2 years

Text

late night, city lights, and you.

“people are temporary, but what do you do when you find someone you really can't imagine leaving? how do you ask the universe to make them stay?”

mark lee x gn!reader

genre angst, fluff (?), hurt/comfort

warnings mentions of toxic household, intrusive suicidal thoughts, some curse words, english is not my first language so please take that into account as you read or leave constructive feedback and lmk if there’s sumn i missed ‹3

word count 1k+

Watching the city lights with the cold night breeze has always given you comfort—more than home. That’s why you often find yourself driving to this place, far enough from your life's chaotic reality and expectations you can never live up to. A lot has been going on in your life lately and you feel suffocated with all your responsibilities piling up as the firstborn automatically making you the next in line to your parents with the responsibilities with your siblings, while also being a struggling college student. It seems that everyone around you forgets that you are also trying to cope and learn how to navigate life, and all these expectations on you are taking a toll on your well-being.

While you were lost in your head you suddenly felt a hand carefully lean your head to his shoulder, breathing in that familiar perfume you instantly knew who he was— Mark. Your best friend. Soulmate. Ride or Die.

"What are you doing here?" you asked, slightly chuckling in amusement that your favorite person is beside you exactly when you feel like disappearing.

"I just saw your Instagram story and I... just knew," he whispered, voice too low like he was careful of every word that would slip off his mouth. scared you might try to escape from his presence.

"hmm.. what did you figure from my story?" you hummed, leaning comfortably at him,

"what do I not know about you anyway," he chuckled lightly, finding it also amusing how fast he grabbed his keys and followed you as soon as you didn’t respond to his reply to your story

"but like, do you wanna talk about it?" he continued, saying it in a manner that you could easily break down the façade you've been putting on.

“I just have a lot on my plate right now with all this family drama I was literally shaking and barely managed to finish my problem set as soon as my mom entered my room because I know exactly what will happen if dad found out that she is roaming around his house without telling any of us of her ‘visit’. And to make things worse, my dad went home earlier than usual and saw her in the act, and then of course they fought again. She was so haughty you know? she spoke to him so casually as if she was forgiven as if she apologized for cheating on him and for ruining whatever our fucked up family had… and I, as usual, had to step in again and tell them to talk like actual adults…” you scoffed, recalling the commotion that happened earlier that night “I don’t need them to patch up their marriage, I just need them to at least talk without raising their voices, and bringing back past incidents having faults and trauma competition. At least for my younger siblings’ sake, but from what I saw earlier maybe I should just give that shit up.”

"Plus, college is badly draining me out since my grades were not parred with what my father expected and I’m really trying my best to get better grades but none of that shit seems to go my way.” sighing, “I don't know… I've always tried living in a way I wasn't any burden to anyone especially when I figured I was conceived before marriage which forced my parents to marry each other and for my mom to stop pursuing her college degree. Now they’re a mess, which also fucked me over and my siblings’ lives. I feel responsible for all of this shit you know, that’s why I try to live as the firstborn child they wanted me to be. I did my best to somehow reach their expectations... and my whole life revolved around this. But still, there are days when it gets a little more unbearable than usual so I just... feel tired you know? I just... want it to stop, but dying is such a selfish thing to do, so I can't" you whispered, barely audible like you wanted it to slip with the cold night breeze

"you… have me, you know that right?" he whispered, caressing your hair

"I do. Of course, I do. God, you're the best thing that’s ever happened to me," a tear slipped from your eyes,

“you're one of my answered prayers, Mark— no actually you're so much more than I have asked for, and I'll forever be thankful for you walking into my life and embracing me and my fucked up life.” there was this small pause, as you’ve wondered how could you ever tell anyone your intrusive thoughts and how could you deliver it to them without them looking you like a sorry excuse of a person afterward but this is Mark, and Mark is Mark so you proceed to tell him the thoughts plaguing your mind for a while now,

“but like if one day I... leave forever... I hope everyone forgets me including you, I don't want anyone to think they didn't try saving me, I don't want anyone to blame themselves for me giving up..." you choked, still refusing to meet his eyes.

you heard him sniff as the shoulder you were leaning on shook lightly. you chuckled, sitting properly and facing your adorable walking diary, gently placing your thumbs on his cheek caressing the trail that his tears left,

"Hey, don't cry... I'm just saying... maybe it's just another meaningless sad shit I have, but like, I have no plans of leaving... yet" you smiled at him, his nose was red already

"I love you so much Mark Lee..." you said, meeting his gaze

"I love you too..."

At that moment Mark once again pondered the question you asked him before “people are temporary, but what do you do when you find someone you really can't imagine leaving? how do you ask the universe to make them stay?”

The first time you asked him that he didn’t know how he could answer, but this time he knows. You don’t. You don’t ask them to stay. Mark answered in the back of his mind. Because nothing could ever make you stay if you finally decided to leave and that is how he concluded that he just needs to stay with you and hope that will be enough to change your mind, enough to make you stay somehow. But if that’s not enough, he’ll surely spend the rest of his life praying that reincarnation is real, and that he gets to spend that life with you too.

#nct mark imagines #mark lee x reader #mark lee angst #mark lee fluff #nct imagines #nct fics #nct angst #nct fluff #mark lee imagines #nct scenarios #mark lee scenarios #nct mark fluff #nct mark angst #mark lee imagine #mark imagines #intoxjaecated

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1nyourdr34ms · 4 months

Text

Shadows of Feels: Between Heart and Mind

pairing: NCT Mark x fem!reader

Prequel: Shadows of Feels: Love at the Second Sight

+18 MINORS DON'T INTERACT!!!

others: SVT Mingyu (fem!readers ex), Haechan (Marks bestie and friend of y/n), Karina (fem!readers bestie), NewJeans Hanni, Johnny, Jaehyun, jaemin, Jungwoo, Yuta, Winter, Minji

genre: angst, fluff, exes to lovers

word count: 30.378 words

song rec: NCT 127 – Baby Don't Like It & NCT Dream - Like We Just Met

warnings: light smut in the beginning, cheating, making out, mentions of sex, cursing, smoking, alcohol

summary: Mark and Y/n separated due to a painful misunderstanding. After a long time, they come back together, but the shadows of the past still weigh heavily on them. As they gradually learn to be happy again, Mark harbors a dark secret.

01 – Unexpected Visitor

You were comfortably sitting on your sofa, your eyes fixed on the TV, while you stroked Elvis, your white-grey Persian cat, on your lap. Incredibly, for the sixth time, you had started watching "How I Met Your Mother" from the beginning, a show that was your sanctuary, a place you turned to when life didn't go as you hoped.

For several weeks, you had been going through a tough phase, challenging yourself to maintain the socially desired role of a successful, intelligent, optimistic, and beautiful woman. Other people loved your positive nature and you generously shared your energy with others – sometimes too much. It wasn't easy to live up to this ideal external and self-image. Deep inside, you knew you weren't as strong and sensible as others expected you to be. There was a time when you were practically overflowing with strength. You had no particular difficulty dealing with challenges, as you saw them as opportunities for growth. Until you...

Just before the 13th episode of the 6th season of the series ended, the ringing of your doorbell broke the silence in your living room and startled Elvis out of his coziness. You glanced at the clock and then at your phone to see if someone, perhaps Karina, your fashion designer best friend, had announced their visit. With a last piece of popcorn in your mouth, you set Elvis down on the floor and moved to the door with a puzzled look.

Your heart pounded as you saw the person at the door – the last person in the world you wanted to see that evening, the person who had thrown you off track. Confusion reflected in your face, your eyes slightly widened, your eyebrows furrowed. In a muted voice, you finally uttered the words: "Mark, what...?" It was Mark Lee, your ex-boyfriend, whom you had cheated on about ten months ago.

"Hi y/n, what's up?"

After months of silence, Mark suddenly appeared on your doorstep on New Year's Eve. Your surprise was so great that it took you a moment to realize he was really there. You stood frozen in your white cotton pajamas with a buttoned top with a collar and a matching ¾ length bottom, while Mark, in contrast, appeared dapper, in a black suit. With his black tailored, elegant suit and polished leather ankle boots, he now stood before you. He had longer hair than the last time you had seen him. The undercuts that you had loved so much on him were gone. He looked at you penetratingly with his round, captivating eyes.

Previously that night

In Johnny's exquisite penthouse, Mark, Haechan, Jaemin, Johnny, Yuta, Jaehyun, and Jungwoo gathered to celebrate New Year's Eve together. The organization of this party was originally in the hands of Haechan and Jungwoo, who with witty conviction declared Johnny's penthouse the ultimate place for the New Year's Eve party. Johnny himself had originally had other plans for New Year's Eve but found himself reluctantly amid the merry group.

In the spacious kitchen of the penthouse, joyful chaos reigned as the guys decided to try their hand at preparing New Year's specialties. Mark and Yuta took on vegetable chopping, while Jungwoo and Jaehyun tackled the challenge of mixing the perfect salad dressing. The atmosphere was relaxed and filled with laughter as they playfully threw kitchen utensils at each other and filled the room with joyful shouts.

Jaemin, with a whisk in hand, winked challengingly at Haechan and called out, "Ready for the culinary duel of the year?" Haechan, wearing a boldly statement apron, laughed and replied, "Oh, you'll be amazed at how a master chef works!" and imitated a cooking show host. The other guys complemented the scene with loud laughter, as they gathered at various stations in the kitchen.

At the end of the busy cooking adventure, they gathered around the festively set table and proudly admired their culinary masterpiece. The aromas of the blended dishes filled the room, and the men's laughter heralded a joyous New Year's Eve.

Yet Johnny leaned back, his gaze wandering over the seven grown men who had gathered without their partners. An ironic smile played on his lips as he noted, "Seven men on New Year's Eve without women. What a picture of male camaraderie." Yuta grinned in agreement and added, "Truly, a sight not often seen."

Johnny shook his head amusedly. "Guys, please, let's not spend next New Year's Eve without women. I beg you!" Yuta took a piece of chicken on his plate and nodded in agreement. Johnny sighed dramatically. "I'm serious. This is a culinary masterpiece, but it lacks the female touch."

Jungwoo smiled at Johnny's remark, while Haechan groaned in annoyance. "Yes, yes, understood, Daddy. Now enjoy your damn food." The others laughed at Haechan's sarcastic response. Jaehyun couldn't help but laugh at Haechan's address to Johnny as 'Daddy.'

"Ya! Haechan! Didn't you say the girls were coming?" Jaemin suddenly remembered. Jaemin's remark made everyone look curiously at Haechan. "Change of plans," Haechan muttered quietly, not lifting his gaze from his plate. "What did you say?" asked Jaemin. He couldn't believe Haechan had changed everything, especially after the prospect of female company.

"Change of plans," Haechan repeated casually. "Ya! Are you joking?" Jaemin exclaimed angrily. Johnny threw a puzzled question into the round: "Wait, wait. Which girls?" Jaemin raised his hand and listed: "Winter, Hanni, Karina, Minji, Y/n." Mark almost choked on his salad. "What?" he exclaimed in surprise.

Haechan rolled his eyes and sighed loudly. "Y/n wanted to spend the evening at home, so the others also canceled. Anyway, Karina insisted on canceling; although the others still wanted to come, they were also pressured to cancel."

The revelation caused excitement and confusion at the table. "Y/n wanted to come here?" asked Mark cautiously. Haechan looked at him annoyed. "She doesn't know you're here. None of them knew. I just invited them to a 'crazy house party.' Now it doesn't matter anyway! We have each other!" he said triumphantly.

Yuta couldn't resist a sarcastic comment. "I would have preferred the girls." Jungwoo sighed melodramatically at Yuta's remark. "That hurts my heart."

Jaehyun grinned at the two of them. "But Winter wanted to come?" Jaehyun asked Haechan quietly as he leaned toward Haechan's ear. Haechan stood up annoyed. "Let me eat in peace, damn it! If you want to invite special people, you can do it yourself. I'm the one who organized all this. Instead of being grateful-" Yuta interrupted him by throwing an orange at him. "Here, I have another task for you: juggle this orange for us," he remarked with a wink. "Here.", he threw another. This made the others laugh and the festive mood returned.

And barely a wink later, Mark found himself in front of your front door again. Awkwardly you invited him in and prepared tea, while Mark played with Elvis in the living room. While making the tea, hundreds of questions ran through your head. Why was Mark here? Had something bad happened to Haechan or his family?

When you returned with the tea, there was initially an awkward silence between the two of you. Mark played nervously with the teaspoon, while you tried to grasp the situation.

"Why did you come, Mark?" you finally broke the silence, your voice trembling with confusion.

Mark, taking a deep breath, explained, "I wanted to talk to you. I heard you're spending New Year's Eve alone, and that worried me."

You were speechless. Why was he suddenly worried about you? He was the one who wanted the breakup.

Mark felt old feelings of longing and desire mix in him, but also memories of the pain and disappointment. He looked at you and whispered, "I've missed you, Y/n."

These words made your heart beat faster, but you were still confused. "Why are you worried now, Mark? You were the one who broke up."

Mark, caught in his feelings, found no answer. He looked at you and remembered the pain of your betrayal, but also your beauty, which still fascinated him. It was as if he was seeing you for the first time, just like that time accidentally in the café when Hanni wanted to return your book to you.

Mark leaned back, an expression of discomfort on his face. "I feel like a fool, Y/n. Being here, still caring about you... after everything."

You felt a sting of injury, but you tried to hide it. "Well, you can leave anytime, Mark. You've seen me now, obviously I'm fine."

Mark sat up, his attention sharpened by your words. "Is that what you really want, Y/n? That I leave?" His voice sounded unexpectedly serious, almost inquiring.

You were taken aback by his interpretation of your words. "Mark, that's not what I meant. I wanted to say that you can see I'm fine. You don't have to stay if you don't want to."

Mark paused and looked deeply into your eyes. "Well, what do you really want? Should I go or stay?" he asked, with a mix of vulnerability and hope in his voice.

You felt a flood of emotions rising in you. You were torn between your injury from past times, your confusion about his sudden return, and the deep desire to have him with you. "Mark, I... I don't know. It's all so complicated now," you replied, your voice an echo of your inner turmoil.

Mark watched you closely as you gave your hesitant answer. He sensed the turmoil in you and knew that each of his words could be crucial. With a soft but determined voice, he said, "Y/n, it's clear that we are both confused. But I see something in your eyes that tells me you don't really want to send me away."

You looked up, your eyes meeting his. In that moment, your eyes reflected a deep longing that you barely understood yourself. It was as if Mark had opened a hidden door to your deepest feelings, feelings you had long suppressed.

Your heart beat faster at Mark's words. You struggled with the contradiction between your pride, which demanded that you distance yourself from the injury of his previous rejection, and the deep desire to be close to him. "Mark, I..." you began, your voice trembling slightly. "It's not easy. I can't just forget what happened."

Mark nodded slowly, his gaze serious but full of understanding. "I know, Y/n. I'm not asking you to forget. But I feel that there is still something between us. Something that cannot be ignored."

Mark's words further reinforced your inner desire. Part of you wanted to resist these feelings, wanted to leave the past behind. But another part longed to give in to these feelings, to surrender to the connection you once shared.

"Mark, I'm still confused. But… yes… alright... I can't deny that I miss you. That I still...", you faltered, unsure how to articulate your conflicting feelings.

Mark's facial expression changed from serious to a gentle warmth. "Y/n, I understand. And I promise you, we'll be careful. That we'll take it step by step to figure out what this means."

In that moment, you felt a weight lift off your shoulders. The prospect of slowly approaching Mark again suddenly didn't seem so frightening. Maybe it was what you both needed – to heal, to understand, and perhaps to find each other again.

You sat there, your fingers nervously playing with the rim of your teacup. Your eyes sought Mark's as you uncertainly asked, "How... how are we going to do this?" Mark sensed your uncertainty and wanted to proceed gently.

He moved closer, his gaze determined. "We start slowly, Y/n. We take the time we need. I need to be sure that there is still something between us."

Mark moved cautiously closer to you, his eyes full of questions and unsaid words. He watched each of your reactions closely, as if he wanted to read from your eyes whether you would reciprocate his approach.

Slowly he leaned forward, his gaze still caught in your eyes, searching for a sign of your consent.

You felt the increasing closeness and the intensity of his gaze. Your heart began to beat more violently as his perfume completely took over your sense of smell. On one hand, you wanted to maintain the wall you had built between you, but on the other hand, you longed for the familiarity you once shared. You were confused but also curious about what this moment could mean for both of you.

In Mark's eyes, you searched for the warmth and understanding you once knew. But you saw a depth of feelings you couldn't quite interpret – a mix of desire, perhaps a hint of anger, and certainly disappointment. It was as if the complexity of your shared past was reflected in his gaze.

As Mark leaned closer to you, you felt the warmth of his breath. Your own breath quickened with nervousness and expectation. You closed your eyes, half hoping he would kiss you, half afraid of the consequences of that kiss.

Mark hesitated for a moment as you closed your eyes and felt your hesitant aura. His heart beat heavily against his chest, a battle between his desire and the fear of hurting you again. Finally, he whispered softly, "Y/n, if you don't want, I won't kiss you. But I need to know..."

You opened your eyes and looked directly into his. In that moment, you realized that your silence had said more than words could. You nodded slowly, a silent agreement that you were ready to take this step.

Mark smiled slightly, a smile that radiated a mixture of relief and hope. He leaned forward and gently touched your lips with his. It was a cautious, tender kiss that carried all the tenderness and pain of your shared past.

You reciprocated the kiss, your lips meeting in a gentle, almost fragile touch. In this kiss, you found a language that lay beyond words – a language of feelings, of longing, and of unspoken forgiveness.

On the sofa, you deepened into a kiss that gained intensity with every moment. You lay with your back on the soft cushions, while Mark leaned over you, his hands gently on the sides of your face. Your hearts beat in unison, fast and full of unbridled emotions.

In the background, the soft meowing of Elvis could be heard, a gentle reminder of the world outside this intimate moment. The distant sounds of New Year's celebrations mingled with the rhythm of your breath, which accelerated with every touch.

As the kiss deepened and became more passionate, you felt your body heat rise and your sexual arousal grow in your womanhood.

Mark's hungry kiss elicited a smile from you, a silent admission of your mutual desire.

Mark's hands moved slowly over your body, each touch an exploration of the familiar yet so new landscape of your skin. You sighed softly, lost in the intensity of your feelings, in the closeness to the man you unfortunately still loved.

"Mark," you whispered between kisses, your voice a whisper full of desire. "You really missed me, didn't you?"

Mark smiled, his lips still close to yours. "More than you can imagine," he replied, his voice deep and rough.

Your gazes met, and in that moment, it was as if time stood still. You were both immersed in your emotions, in a world that belonged only to the two of you. Your fingers gently stroked his well-defined cheeks.

"How about we continue our conversation in my bedroom?" you whispered shyly, your voice a mix of promise and challenge.

Mark, his heart skipping a beat at your invitation, reflexively licked his lips and smiled. "That sounds like an interesting continuation of our... explorations," he replied, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.

You laughed softly, a mix of amusement and arousal in your laughter. Maybe the man who made you laugh was still hidden somewhere in him. "I thought we wanted to find out how we feel. Well, I think I have a pretty good idea now."

You kissed each other again, this time with a mix of tenderness and urgency. Your lips moved in perfect harmony, as if speaking in a language known only to the two of you. Every now and then, you also felt his tongue in your mouth. A feeling you had certainly suppressed but missed.

Slowly you both rose from the sofa, still immersed in your kiss, and moved together towards the bedroom.

Along the way, you helped each other with removing your upper clothing. Mark quickly took off his jacket, while you unbuttoned the top of your pajamas. After you had done your part, you helped Mark take off his black shirt. His bare upper body was revealed in front of you, and you quickly noticed that he looked more toned. Could it be true that men workout more after a breakup? When Mark tried to undo his belt, he clumsily tangled in it, which made you laugh heartily. “Ahh…” he sighed nervously.

“Do you need help?” you giggled, skillfully helping him to loosen the belt.

Mark looked at you with feigned indignation. “It must be your overwhelming presence that's making me so disoriented.”

You smiled and pulled him closer to you as you walked down the corridor to your bedroom. “You can thank me later,” you whispered in his ear.

Upon entering your bedroom, the atmosphere was filled with a mixture of tension, excitement, and deep familiarity. You stood there for a moment, just looking at each other, as if absorbing the moment and the significance of this step.

“Y/n,” Mark began softly, his voice a deep tone of emotion. “I know everything is complicated, but right now... Right now, I just want to feel you.”

In the soft light of the bedroom, penetrated by the moonlight, your gazes were intensely connected. You both climbed onto the bed, your upper bodies already bare – except for your bra, your skin shimmering in the shimmering light.

You slowly reached for the waistband of your pajama pants and began to take them off. The fluid movement gradually revealed your velvety soft skin, an invitation to unspoken intimacy. Mark watched you as you unfolded before him, feeling how his senses sharpened, every fiber of his being attracted by your beauty and allure.

As you finally let the pajama pants fall, you stood before him in your full grace and seduction. Mark's breath caught at the sight, and he whispered barely audible, “Y/n, you drive me crazy.”

You understood his reaction, smiled mischievously: “I had no idea you could be like this, Mark. This side of you is completely new to me.”

Mark, with a playful twinkle in his eyes, responded to your comment: “Well, it seems I'm constantly discovering new sides of myself, especially when I'm with you. But I must admit, some of these sides are... let's say, surprisingly impatient.” He indicated with his eyes to his lower part and chuckled sweetly.

His comment triggered amused laughter in you. Maybe you liked this new side of him. “Surprisingly impatient, huh? I hope that's not the only thing you finish surprisingly quickly tonight.”

Mark laughed heartily, his laughter blending with your cheerful mood. “Babe, I promise you, in certain things, I am anything but quick.”

In this intimate moment on the bed, surrounded by the quiet darkness of the bedroom, gripped by an atmosphere only penetrated by soft moonlight, you found yourself in a passionate kiss again. Mark, with his upper body bare, lay over you. You were only in your underwear. One of his hands held your jawline firmly, while the other slowly and sensually traveled over your body. You held Mark's face in your hands, your fingers lovingly buried in his neck-length, black hair, which you liked more and more by the second.

Mark pressed his body firmly against yours, and you felt his lower part nudging your thigh. A soft moan escaped you, a sign of your own growing desire. In that moment, everything else was unimportant; the world outside your bedroom seemed far away and meaningless.

In Mark's mind, there was a whirlwind of emotions. Despite the complexity of your past and the uncertainties of the present, he felt a deep and irresistible attraction to you. Each touch, each kiss, intensified his desire for you, a desire that was both physical and emotional. He was filled with a mix of passion and tenderness, a need to show you how much he still desired you.

You, on the other hand, felt completely given to him at this moment. Your inner turmoil, which you had felt just a few hours ago, had given way to an overwhelming longing. You felt a deep connection to Mark, a connection that went beyond the physical level. Each kiss, each touch confirmed to you that the feelings you had for each other, despite all obstacles and pains of the past, were still strong.

In the silence of the room, only interrupted by your shared breathing, moans, and the gentle sounds of the night, you surrendered to your passion. The moonlight streaming through the window painted a picture of you, intertwined in your embrace, a picture of love and passion that shone in the silence of the night. In that moment, there was no past, no uncertainty, no doubt – only Mark and you, united in a world that belonged only to the two of you.

02 – The Hidden Conflicts of a Morning

The next morning, the atmosphere in your bedroom was fundamentally different. The early light of the day illuminated the room, revealing two figures caught in an odd silence. Mark lay awake, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought, while you lay beside him, your eyes focused on the wallpaper's pattern.

Mark was engulfed in a storm of regret and confusion. He deeply regretted the sex from the previous night, not because he didn't desire you or lacked feelings for you, but because he feared that his impulsive action had further complicated the already complex situation between you two. He felt torn between the desire to express his feelings and the fear of hurting you even more. The thought that you might think he had taken advantage of you tormented him, and he was unable to find the right words.

You, on the other hand, were battling an internal conflict of anger and disappointment. You had hoped that Mark would say something in the morning after your intimate night that would confirm your connection, acknowledge your feelings. But his silence left you feeling hurt and confused. You felt used, as if the previous night had been just a physical desire for Mark, without the deeper emotional connection you had hoped for. The mix of your longing for his words and the emerging anger at his silence left you internally torn.

The silence between you stretched out, becoming a painful abyss that seemed insurmountable. Each of you was trapped in your own thoughts and fears, unable to build a bridge.

When Mark finally found the courage to turn to you, he met your look of both injury and expectation. “Y/n, I...,” he began, but his voice broke off. He didn't know what to say to salvage the situation, to explain to you how much he valued you and feared losing you again.

You, filled with the fear of hearing something from Mark that might further shake your already fragile emotional state, quickly interrupted him. Your voice trembled slightly as you tried to maintain a facade of normality. “Mark, would you like breakfast?” you asked, cautiously peeling yourself out of bed and wrapping the duvet tighter around yourself.

Mark, taken aback by your sudden question, looked at you in wonder. His face showed traces of the night, the complicated emotions still heavy in his eyes. He was speechless for a moment, caught in the abrupt change of subject that seemed to create a deep chasm between you. Finally, he nodded, his “Yes” barely more than a whisper, as he clumsily got out of bed.

In Mark's mind, doubts and self-reproach swirled. He sensed a wall between you, a barrier he had erected himself. He wanted to set things right, to show you that you meant more to him than just a fleeting night of passion. But he felt helpless, unable to find the right words to bridge the gap.

You, meanwhile, struggled with your internal conflict. Your decision to change the subject was an attempt to protect yourself, to avoid further hurt. In your heart, you wanted to hear Mark's true feelings, yet the fear of further disappointment held you back.

As you found yourselves in the kitchen, a tense silence reigned. Mark helped you with breakfast, but your movements were mechanical, your interactions forced. The breakfast, which should have been a moment of intimacy and shared enjoyment, felt like a laborious routine.

You prepared the food while Mark sat at the table, watching you. The distance between you was almost tangible, a sign of how much things had changed since the previous night.

Both of you were caught in your thoughts, unable to break through the barrier that had built up between you. Your hearts were heavy with unspoken words, with feelings too complicated to express. This silent breakfast manifested the gap between what could have been and what was.

Elvis, seemingly unaffected by the emotional weight in the room, trotted happily into the kitchen. With a soft purr and occasional meows, he approached you, as if to comfort you or at least divert your attention to something lighter. His presence brought a touch of normality back, a small ray of light amidst the heavy mood.

You, noticing his approach, bent down to gently stroke him. For a moment, you seemed relieved from the tension, a faint smile crossing your face as you touched Elvis’s soft fur. This small moment of affection between you and your pet offered a brief escape from the complicated reality.

Mark watched this scene from a distance, a bittersweet feeling spreading within him. He saw how Elvis managed to elicit a smile from you, something he couldn't do at that moment. It reminded him of the simple joys you once shared, the carefree moments that now seemed so distant.

Elvis's carefreeness and his ability to spread joy, even in the gloomiest moments, acted like a gentle reminder that life, even in difficult times, holds beautiful moments. His presence in the kitchen was like a gentle beam of light breaking through the darkness of the moment, showing that despite life's complexity, simple gestures of love and affection can still make a difference.

03 - Caught Between Night and Morning

When Mark finally returned to the apartment he shared with Haechan, he found his friend engrossed in a game on the Nintendo Switch. Without taking his eyes off his game, Haechan dryly remarked, "Nice of you to finally show up. I thought you had fallen into a black hole."

Mark, caught in his own tangle of thoughts, sarcastically replied, "Nah, just an emotional one. But thanks for your concern."

Haechan chuckled briefly and paused his game. He now looked directly at Mark. "So? How did it go with Y/n?"

This question abruptly brought Mark back to reality. He remembered the previous night, the intense moments they had shared, and the uncomfortable silence of the next morning. A feeling of guilt flooded over him again, mixed with deep confusion about what that night had truly meant.

Mark sighed heavily and collapsed onto the sofa. "It was complicated, Haechan. I don't even know where to start. The night was... intense. But the next morning... it was like everything we had suddenly disappeared."

Haechan, watching Mark closely, recognized the seriousness in Mark's expression. He put aside the Switch and moved closer to give his friend his full attention. "Mark, you know you can mess up everything, and I'll still make fun of you, right? Talk to me, man. What's going on inside you?"

Mark almost rolled his eyes but stared into space for a while before he slowly began to speak. "I think I messed it up, man. The night with Y/n... it wasn't just physical. Like... It was like we picked up where we left off. But the next morning, I couldn't even utter a word. I'm afraid I made everything worse."

Haechan, always presenting himself as the cheerful, humorous type, now showed a serious, empathetic side. "Mark, it sounds like you're getting in your own way. You and Y/n, you had a complicated breakup, that's clear. But sometimes it's worth the risk to be honest – with yourself and with her."

Mark, his forehead creased in deep furrows, looked at Haechan, puzzled. "But how should I do that, bro? What if I only make things worse?"

Haechan smiled slightly before making a winking remark. "You know, if I knew what to do right in love, I probably wouldn't be living with you, right?"

Mark gave Haechan a serious look that underscored the lightness of the moment. Haechan laughed briefly before his expression turned serious. He leaned back and looked Mark straight in the eyes. "But seriously, Mark. A wise man once told me that life isn't about always making the right decisions. It's about making decisions and then making the best of them."

Haechan paused briefly while Mark listened thoughtfully. "You love Y/n, don't you? Then show her. Be brave, be honest. It may not be easy, and there's no guarantee that everything will be perfect. But if you don't try, you'll always wonder what could have been."

Mark nodded slowly, absorbing Haechan's words. Deep inside, he felt that Haechan was right. It was time to overcome his fears and face the situation.

04 – Karina's Advice in a Whirlwind of Emotions

In Karina's studio, a space full of fabrics, sketches, and fashion designs, a calm, creative atmosphere prevailed. You were supporting your bestie, a talented fashion designer, on an exciting new design project. Both of you were focused on your work, surrounded by colorful fabric samples and complex patterns.

Karina, working on a challenging part of the design, needed a special tailoring tool. Without looking up from her sketch, she said, "Y/n, could you please pass me the fabric scissors? They should be right next to you."

You, lost in thought and reflecting on the events of that one night with Mark, did not respond immediately. Your thoughts circled around the uncertain relationship with him and your confusing emotions.

Karina noticed your absence and threw you a playful yet concerned look. "Hello, Y/n, are you still on this planet? I could also accept teleportation for the scissors," she said with a sarcastic undertone.

You startled and looked up in surprise. "Oh, sorry, Kari. I was just somewhere else with my thoughts." You smiled apologetically and handed Karina the fabric scissors.

Karina accepted the scissors and scrutinized you. "Is everything alright with you? You seem a bit absent today."

You sighed softly. "Yeah, it's just... there are a few things bothering me." You tried to smile, but your eyes betrayed your inner unrest and the emotional turmoil you were experiencing.

Karina, observing you closely, smiled mischievously and said, "Wait a minute, does this have something to do with Mr. 'I-can't-decide'?"

You hesitated, visibly torn about whether to tell Karina the truth about the night with Mark. Over the past ten months, you had repeatedly emphasized how much you condemned Mark for his previous mistrust and indecisiveness. The idea of revealing to Karina that you had given Mark another chance made you feel uncertain.

"Well, it's complicated," you began hesitantly, avoiding Karina's gaze. "Something happened between Mark and me... and I'm not sure what to make of it."

Karina, visibly shocked, dropped her fabric scissors and stared at you. "Wait, it's really about Mark?" Her voice fluctuated between disbelief and curiosity. "How? Where? Why? I thought you wanted to spend New Year's Eve alone."

You sighed deeply, feeling the weight of your story. "Yes, that was the plan. But Mark showed up unexpectedly at my door. He said he was worried because I was alone." Your voice trembled slightly as you relived the memories of the evening.

Karina leaned back, her eyebrows raised, an expression of surprise on her face. "That's... unexpected. And then? What happened?"

You hesitated for a moment before continuing. "We talked, and somehow... somehow it ended up that we..." Your voice trailed off, and you looked away, unsure how to describe the intimacy of the night.

Karina, sensing your discomfort, put a hand on your shoulder. "Y/n, you don't have to say anything you don't want to. But I'm here to listen, whatever it is."

You bit your lip uncertainly before finally speaking the truth. "Karina, we... we had sex that night."

Karina's eyes widened, and she looked at you, a mix of disappointment and shock in her gaze. But she quickly realized that you needed support, not judgment. "Y/n, that's... surprising. But I'm here to help, not to judge you."

She smiled slightly and added with a sarcastic undertone: "Well, that sounds like a typical 'Y/n attracts drama like a magnet' moment." She giggled to lighten the mood.

Encouraged by Karina's teasing remark, you relaxed a little, feeling the burden lift. "What should I do now, Karina?" you asked helplessly.

Karina, turning back to her design project, replied thoughtfully: "The most important thing is that you figure out what you really want, Y/n. If you still have feelings for Mark, maybe it's time to acknowledge that. But if you think it was a mistake, then it's important to accept that too. What does Mark think about it?"

You continued working on the project, pondering Karina's words. You reached for a roll of fabric, your movements mechanical while your mind was absorbed in thoughts of Mark. "I don't know what Mark thinks," you finally murmured. "He was so... distant the next morning."

Karina, smoothing a layer of fabric, paused and looked over at you. "That sounds like he's as confused as you are," she observed thoughtfully. "Maybe he doesn't know what he wants himself, or he's afraid to face his feelings."

You sighed and let the fabric fall. "Maybe you're right. It's so frustrating not to know where I stand with him."

Karina threw a sideways glance at you while continuing to work on her design. With a mischievous yet serious undertone, she said, "You know, my personal assessment of Mark is that he's a master at hiding behind his indecision. It's time for him to grow up and take responsibility for his actions."

She set aside the fabric sample she was holding and turned to face you fully, her eyes showing deep concern and solidarity. "Y/n, you deserve someone who is clear and honest with you, not someone who leaves you hanging. No matter what happened between you two, it's important that he understands that his actions have consequences."

You nodded, Karina's words echoing within you. "I know, you're right. It's just... it's hard to let go of someone you still have feelings for." Your voice was soft, almost a whisper.

Karina took your hand to show that she was there for you. "I understand that it's hard. But remember, you also have to think about yourself. You can't wait forever for someone who may never decide. Sometimes I really wonder who the psychologist is here," she said with a wink. "You give me better advice than I give you."

You both broke into light, liberating laughter, easing the tension in the room. You felt a little lighter thanks to Karina's humor and understanding.

After your laughter subsided, Karina looked at you with a determined expression. "You know, Y/n, the woman I know – and that's you – has always had the strength to make difficult decisions. And I'm sure you'll find the right decision for yourself this time too."

You felt Karina's confidence in you and it filled you with a mix of gratitude and newfound self-confidence. "Thank you, Karina. Sometimes you just need someone to back you up to see things more clearly."

05 – Veiled Revelations

In the elegant dining room of Mingyu's affluent parents, an atmosphere of cultivated politeness prevailed. The fine linen tablecloth, shining cutlery, and artistically arranged flowers on the table reflected the sense of aesthetics and detail characteristic of Mingyu's family.

The parents chatted about business and local events, while Hanni and Mingyu occasionally exchanged interested glances. Hanni's parents, rooted in traditional values, made sure to express their respect and appreciation for the hosts.

After the meal, Mingyu discreetly excused himself and went to the extensive garden, meticulously maintained and radiating tranquility. Here, in seclusion, he lit a cigar – a small act of rebellion against the perfect facade of his life. Hanni, curious and unbound by such conventions, followed him quietly and discovered him amidst a cloud of smoke.

"Mingyu Oppa!" she called out mischievously, her voice soaked with a playful undertone. Mingyu jerked in surprise and slight embarrassment at being caught.

He turned to Hanni, a crooked smile on his lips, and retorted with a hint of sarcasm, "Hanni, I didn't expect you to risk sneaking away from the adults. Shouldn't you be inside, continuing to play the good girl?"

His tone was playful, but the implication of her conformist behavior with her parents was clear. Hanni, unfazed by his comment, responded wittily, "Maybe I'm not as predictable as you think, Mingyu Oppa."

She paused briefly, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes, before continuing, "And maybe you should stop hiding behind your smoke and face the real challenges of life."

Mingyu, slightly taken aback by her directness, took a deep drag on his cigarette. The smoke briefly enveloped him as if seeking a moment of reflection. Then, looking annoyed, he looked up at Hanni and asked, "What do you actually want from me, Hanni?"

Hanni looked directly at Mingyu, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "Maybe I'm just looking for a bit of honest company, away from all the polite small talk inside. Or maybe I just enjoy throwing you off balance."

Before Mingyu could respond, Hanni steered the conversation in a more serious direction. "Do you actually know that y/n was with Mark on New Year's Eve?" Her voice was calm, but her words struck Mingyu like a blow. Y/n, the woman he had been with for seven years and from whom he had separated almost four years ago.

Mingyu, visibly shaken, asked incredulously, "How do you know that?"

Hanni responded with a sarcastic tone and a mischievous smile, "Oh, the birds chirped it to me. You know I have a very special relationship with them."

Her comment underscored her ability to confront playfully yet pointedly. Mingyu, now thoughtful and a little lost in his thoughts, looked into the distance, clearly touched by the news about you.

Hanni watched Mingyu as he was lost in thought. "Aren't you going to do something, Oppa?" she asked, her voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and frustration.

Mingyu, still visibly shaken by the news about you, looked at her questioningly. "What do you think I should do?" he countered with a touch of resignation.

Hanni answered directly and bluntly, "You could start by apologizing for your pathetic behavior at that party back then."

Mingyu was silent for a moment, then sarcastically replied, "And why exactly should I do that, Hanni?" He tried to feign innocence, but his tone betrayed his skepticism.

Hanni sighed, barely able to conceal her frustration. "Because I've seen how in love you still are with y/n. And how self-destructive you're being with yourself. I think you and y/n are actually a good match."

Mingyu looked at her doubtfully. "Come on, Hanni, I know you're not so innocent. There must be more behind this," he replied, his voice full of disbelief.

Hanni grinned mischievously and answered sarcastically, "Of course, I would definitely benefit if you and y/n got back together."

Her grin and the way she spoke left Mingyu doubting whether she was serious or just playing. Yet behind her sarcastic tone, there seemed to be a spark of genuine concern for him, leaving him thoughtful and perhaps a little confused.

06 – Mingling Shadows at the Café

A few days later, Mark, Haechan, Jaehyun, Winter, Hanni, and Minji met in a small, cozy café filled with soft light and the familiar sound of coffee cups. They laughed and shared stories, their faces illuminated by a sense of belonging. The atmosphere was relaxed and cheerful, but Mark seemed somewhat distant.

In a particularly charming moment, Jaehyun playfully, almost flirtatiously, teased Winter, causing hearty laughter among the others. Mark smiled, but his smile increasingly seemed forced. The loud voices and constant laughter only intensified his inner unrest. Eventually, he stood up and muttered an excuse that he needed some fresh air.

Outside, surrounded by the cool evening air, Mark leaned against the café wall. His gaze was thoughtful and distant. Haechan, who had followed him, laid a concerned hand on Mark's shoulder. "Everything okay, Mark?"

Mark sighed. "Umm... It's just... I can't stop thinking about Y/n. What happened on New Year's Eve... Man... it just won't leave me." His voice was soft but full of turmoil.

Before Haechan could respond, Hanni stepped outside. Her gaze fixed on Mark, and a barely noticeable smile played on her lips. "Catching some air? Good idea." She joined them, her eyes locking onto Mark.

The conversation initially revolved around trivial matters, but Hanni skillfully steered the topic to you. "Mark, you and Y/n, you were such a strong couple. But sometimes I wonder..." She hesitated as if weighing her words.

Mark, visibly interested but cautious, asked, "What do you wonder?"

Hanni looked directly at Mark, her eyes sparkling mischievously. "I just don't understand how you could date her. You deserve something much better, Mark."

Mark's facial expression changed, a mix of surprise and confusion. He seemed to ponder her words, unable to respond immediately.

Haechan, hearing Hanni's comment, became immediately upset. His voice sounded cold and sharp as he rebuked her, "Hanni, that's not fair. Weren't you once good friends with Y/n? How can you say such a thing?"

Hanni, unfazed in her stance, shrugged. "Friendship is one thing, Haechan. But love? That's something completely different. And, when people are alone, they sometimes seek... distraction. I'm just saying what I think."

Haechan, immediately grasping the underlying meaning, threw Hanni a stern look. "Hanni, that's not fair. You can't just make such insinuations."

Hanni shrugged, playing the innocent. "I'm just saying that people sometimes do unexpected things, especially in loneliness."

Mark's forehead furrowed, visibly troubled by Hanni's words. Haechan stepped closer to him. "Mark, don't let her influence you. You know Y/n better than any of us."

But Hanni persisted. With a mix of curiosity and feigned concern, she added, "It would only be human, Mark. Who could blame her if she... sought comfort in someone else?"

Mark, visibly influenced by the conversation, folded his hands, his gaze lowered. In his head, thoughts and feelings swirled, a battle between trust and mistrust.

Haechan, now clearly annoyed, continued, "Y/n would never cheat on Mark. She has principles, Hanni. She's not like..." He stopped, realizing his words were becoming too harsh.

Hanni raised an eyebrow, a hint of triumph in her posture. "Like what, Haechan? Like me? Just say it."

The air between them crackled with tension. Mark, still silent, looked up, his eyes meeting Hanni's. In them was a mix of confusion and pain.

At that moment, the café door opened. Jaehyun, Minji, and Winter stepped out, their faces expressing surprise and concern as they saw the tense scene before them.

Jaehyun, immediately recognizing the conflict, quickly approached the group. "What's going on here? Why are you arguing?"

Haechan, trying to defuse the situation, turned to Jaehyun. "It's nothing, Jaehyun. We were just discussing a misunderstanding."

Hanni, still with that challenging sparkle in her eyes, remained silent, but her gaze stayed on Mark.

Mark, visibly exhausted from the confrontation, directed his gaze to the ground. The doubts in his heart hadn't disappeared, fueled by Hanni's words and Haechan's passionate defense.

Haechan, wanting to defuse the situation, suggested changing locations. "Let's go somewhere else to change the mood. A walk might do us good."

Mark, still lost in his thoughts, let his gaze wander over the bustling street. The city lights flickered in the distance, and the noise of the traffic formed a sharp contrast to the inner stillness he felt.

Haechan, standing next to Mark, placed a hand on his shoulder. "Dude, you know what's right. Believe in what you and Y/n have and the choice you've made."

The group set off, the city lights spreading out before them. Mark, still entangled in his thoughts, slowly followed them. The evening, which had started so carefreely, left a lingering taste of uncertainty and unspoken words.

07 – Wisdom in the Whisper of Leaves

Later that day, Mark and his older brother Joseph sat on an old wooden bench in the peaceful garden of their parents' house, surrounded by lush greenery and the gentle rippling of a small pond. Above them, the branches of an old tree bent, their leaves rustling in the soft wind.

Mark, visibly tense, looked at the pond's surface in front of him. His hands nervously fiddled with a fallen leaf. Next to him sat Joseph, calm and thoughtful, his eyes on his younger brother.

"Jos, I'm faced with a puzzle that I just can't solve," Mark began, his voice hesitant.

Joseph placed a hand on Mark's shoulder, a gesture of brotherly support. "Talk to me, Mark. Maybe I can help you put the pieces together."

Mark took a deep breath. "It's like I'm stuck in a maze, and every step only takes me deeper in," Mark confessed.

Joseph listened attentively, nodding occasionally as he pondered Mark's words. "You know, Mark," he finally began, "sometimes the maze isn't the problem, but the way we look at it. Remember that Bob Dylan song Dad always played? 'The Times They Are A-Changin'. Sometimes you need to change your perspective to find the way out."

Mark's eyes met Joseph's, a spark of understanding flashing in them. "You mean, maybe I should question my own point of view?"

"Exactly," Joseph confirmed. "Think about what you really feel and want, not what you believe you should feel or want. Trust is like a melody played together – sometimes dissonant, but always in an attempt to find harmony."

Mark's gaze returned to the pond, his thoughts circling around Joseph's words. "But what if the melody never harmonizes? What if there are always discordant notes?"

Joseph smiled gently. "Then, my brother, you might need to compose a new melody. One that fits you better. Remember what Hemingway said: 'The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places.'"

After Joseph's serious words and the thoughtful moment, Mark broke the silence with a mockingly humorous comment: "Well, if the medical career doesn't work out, you could start as a life coach, Jos."

Joseph laughed heartily, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Thanks, but I think I'll stick to medicine. Less complicated," he joked.

The laughter of the two brothers echoed through the garden, a welcome relief in the heavy atmosphere. Joseph then looked at Mark seriously, his expression changing to one of understanding. "Mark, I know this is all about Y/n. You haven't said it directly, but I know you. You're confused about her, aren't you?"

Mark sighed and nodded. His gaze wandered back to the pond, where the water captured the reflection of the sky. "Yes, it's about Y/n. I love her, but all these doubts and uncertainties... they're eating away at me."

Joseph's gaze softened, his voice gentler. "Love is complicated, Mark. It challenges us, makes us grow. Sometimes we have to learn to jump over our own shadow and trust, even when it's hard."

"But how do I do that? How can I regain trust when everything feels so fragile?" Mark asked, his voice permeated with deep uncertainty.

Joseph took a deep breath, looked up at the sky, and then replied, "Remember 'The Little Prince'? 'One sees clearly only with the heart. What is essential is invisible to the eyes.' Maybe you should focus less on what you see and more on what you feel."

Mark became increasingly frustrated. "That's exactly my problem, brother. I feel too much, and it confuses me. I love Y/n, but my feelings are dragging me into this whirlpool of uncertainty."

Mark's hands trembled slightly as he spoke, and his eyes reflected the inner turmoil. Joseph watched his brother attentively, his expression showing understanding and empathy.

"Mark, trust is like a journey," Joseph calmly began, "there's no map that shows you the exact way. It's a process where you have to learn to trust your instincts."

Mark looked thoughtfully into the distance. "But how can I trust my feelings when they've already led me astray?"

Joseph placed his hand on Mark's shoulder, his voice reassuring. "It's not the trust that misleads you, Mark. It's the fears, the doubts. You have to learn to recognize the difference."

Mark nodded slowly, visibly contemplative. "I know you're right. But it's so hard to take that step."

Joseph smiled softly. "Remember our childhood, when we used to guide each other in the dark? You were always braver than me. You always took the first step."

A faint smile played on Mark's lips. "Yes, that's true. I always rescued you from the dark corners of the garden."

Joseph's smile deepened. "And now it's time for you to lead yourself out of this dark corner, brother. Y/n loves you, and you love her. Sometimes that's enough."

Mark looked thoughtfully at the pond, where the last rays of the sun turned the water into a golden light. "You're right, Jos. It's time for me to look at things from a different perspective."

The two brothers sat silently side by side for a while, enveloped in the garden's tranquility. In that moment, their connection was strong and unbreakable, a bond of love, understanding, and mutual support.

08 – An Unexpected Twist in the Evening

In the twilight, as the sky was painted in pastel tones, you and Karina, armed with sweet loot of ice cream and snacks, strolled through the park. Your hearts were light, your laughter a lively echo in the cool evening air. Suddenly, a car came to an abrupt stop in front of your house. Astonishment reflected in your eyes as Mingyu, like a lost hero from another story, stepped out of the car.

With a demeanor tinged with slight nervousness, Mingyu approached you. "Y/n, Karina... this is truly unexpected," he muttered, his voice hesitant as if it couldn't bear the weight of his words.

"Mingyu, what brings you here?" you asked, a hint of surprise in your voice that you couldn't hide.

Karina, the protector in this story, immediately became alert. "We were just on our way up. What do you want, Mingyu?"

Mingyu, clearing his throat, tried to force a smile that revealed more tension than sincerity. "I... I wanted to talk to Y/n. It's important."

Karina, her skepticism as deep as the sea, insisted on staying by your side. "I'm not leaving, y/n. I don't trust him." Mingyu, visibly annoyed, struggled to keep his emotions under control.

"Alright," Mingyu finally conceded and turned his gaze to you, as if he were pulling the words from the depths of his soul. "First, I need to apologize for my behavior at the party. I wasn't myself... it was the alcohol."

After Mingyu had made his apology, you responded to him with a hint of sarcasm in your voice: "Oh, it's a bit late for that realization." Your gaze, fixed on Mingyu, was penetrating and relentless.

Karina, the loyal friend by your side, didn't hold back and added, "Exactly, Mingyu. Almost as if you've suddenly developed a conscience." Her words were sharp, tinged with a mistrustful undertone.

Mingyu, clearly irritated by the tense atmosphere that enveloped you like a curtain, tried to maintain his composure. "I... I know it's late. But it's important to me to make this clear."

You, rooted in your own strength, confronted him directly: "Do you have any idea how much that meeting hurt me?" Your words were like arrows, targeted and powerful.

Karina, recognizing the flame of indignation in your voice, threw in more sharp remarks. "Yes, Mingyu, tell us more about how you suddenly came to your senses." Her posture was challenging, almost provocative.

Mingyu, now visibly annoyed by Karina's interjections, tried to refocus the conversation on the essentials. "Listen, I'm not here because I have romantic feelings for you, y/n," he said, his voice firmer as if convincing himself. "I just want to... stay in touch as friends. I miss your company."

While you watched Mingyu attentively, his words were like a gentle confession, honest and unadorned. Despite your initial skepticism, you felt your defensive stance slowly relax.

Mingyu took a deep breath and began to talk about his thoughts and feelings, words that seemed to come from the depths of his heart. "I've done a lot of thinking about myself, about the mistakes I've made. I now realize that I regret many things, but I can't undo them. All I can do is look forward and try to be a better person."

His voice sounded calm, almost meditative, as he continued: "I've understood that true friendship isn't based on romantic feelings. It's about trust, respect, and the ability to listen and support each other."

Karina, standing by your side, watched Mingyu critically, like a guardian ready to intervene if necessary. Yet she sensed that Mingyu's words were sincere.

"I miss our conversations, y/n. The moments when we could talk about anything and everything. I don't have many friends I can do that with," Mingyu confessed, his voice filled with a melancholy that touched you.

The streetlights bathed the scene in soft light, and the stillness of the surroundings seemed almost unreal. Only the faint hum of traffic in the distance broke the quiet.

Touched by Mingyu's openness, you finally found words. "Mingyu, I appreciate your honesty," you said. "And although I can't promise that everything will be like before, I'm willing to listen to you as a friend."

Mingyu nodded, visibly relieved as if he had found a precious treasure. "That means a lot to me, y/n. Thank you."

Karina, still enveloped in a hint of skepticism but impressed by your resolve, added, "But don't expect us to blindly trust you, Mingyu. We're keeping an eye on you."

"I understand and respect that," Mingyu replied, his words sounding like a vow. "I just want a chance to prove myself. No romantic intentions, just friendship."

You nodded slowly, your eyes searching Mingyu's as if trying to look into the depths of his soul. "We'll see how it goes."

The cool night air swirling around you carried an atmosphere of new beginnings. Mingyu stood there, a man ready to face his mistakes and learn from them.

"I won't keep you any longer," he said, stepping back as if bidding farewell to a chapter of his life. "Thank you for listening to me. I hope to see you again soon."

As Mingyu walked away and returned to his car, you watched as his figure disappeared into the darkness. Karina, with a slightly sarcastic tone, remarked, "Looks like the catalyst for the destruction of your relationship is back in the game."

You smiled faintly, a deep, meaningful vibration in your voice. "Maybe, but this time the rules will be different. I won't let my past dictate my future. Mingyu has his second chance, but I'm not the same person I was."

Karina's eyes sparkled in recognition as she replied, "That sounds like the y/n I know – strong and determined. He won't have it easy."

Determined, you nodded. "Exactly. I'm ready to meet him as a friend, but I'll keep my eyes open. This time I'm prepared for anything."

With this firm resolution, you entered your apartment, ready to enjoy the girls' night. The evening symbolized new beginnings and the strength of self-determination, a sign that you were writing your own story, independent of the shadows of the past.

09 – Love, Doubt, and a Journey through Heartache

On that evening, the cozy atmosphere in your apartment was subdued yet warm. You, Karina, Winter, Hanni, and Minji were nestled together on the couch, a vibrant tapestry of friendship and care. In a corner of the room, comfortably nestled in his basket, Elvis, your faithful Persian cat, purred.

Despite the smile on your face, your eyes betrayed a touch of melancholy as you watched your friends. Karina, always the idea generator, suggested you could go out to lift your spirits. "Thanks, girls, but I'm really okay," you responded softly, "A quiet evening at home is exactly what I need."

"But Y/n, a bit of fun could do you good, especially now that Mark isn't here," Hanni interjected.

At that moment, Winter, always up for a laugh, picked up a picture frame from the small table. She held it in front of your face and playfully imitated Mark's voice: "Come on, babe, let's do something crazy! Let's look at the stars, or..." She paused briefly, a mischievous grin spreading across her face before continuing, "Or we could dress up and pretend we're on a secret mission!" She placed the picture frame back on the table. "See, Mark wants you to do something too!"

Her joke made everyone laugh, only Hanni remained sullen. Determined to steer the mood in a different direction, she suggested, "You know what? We should go out tonight. Dance a little and let loose."

The idea sparked a lively discussion. You remained skeptical: "No, guys, seriously. I don't like clubs, and Mark and I have a rule - no parties without the other."

Karina, always maintaining the balance, nodded understandingly and added, "I get it, Y/n, but maybe you need a little change of scenery right now to clear your head. We don't necessarily have to go to a club. How about a relaxed bar?"

You hesitated, but Minji, always ready for an adventure, chimed in supportively, "Exactly, Y/n! We're going to have a great time, and you can distract yourself a bit. Mark would surely want you to be happy, even if he's not here."

Winter, still holding the picture frame, added, "We could even make a game out of it. Each of us chooses a place, and in the end, we decide together where to go!"

Hanni eagerly agreed, "That sounds like a fantastic idea! Let's enjoy life. Mark isn't here to stop us."

Karina gave Hanni a brief but piercing look before turning back to you, "You're always so considerate of Mark and his feelings, Y/n. It's okay to think about yourself too. We're all here to take care of you."

The words of your friends and the thought of letting go for once slowly softened your resolve. You smiled hesitantly and gave in, "Okay, you've convinced me. But we stick together, and we don't do anything crazy, agreed?"

Minji clapped her hands in joy. "Of course! It's going to be a girls' night we won't forget!" Hanni, inwardly pleased with her success, couldn't help but smile contentedly.

The group began to excitedly prepare for the evening. You cast one last glance at the picture frame, where you and Mark shared happy times, sighed quietly, and then let yourself be swept up by the burgeoning enthusiasm of your friends.

As the group began to make plans for the evening, Elvis purred contentedly in his basket, as if he were the keeper of all their little secrets and joys.

As the girls stepped out of Karina's car, they were enveloped by the cool night air as they stood in front of a large, stylishly lit house. You had opted for an elegant, mid-length dress with a subtle light gray tweed pattern. The dress had short sleeves, a defined waist with a V-neck, and a flared skirt. If you had the choice, you would have liked to wear miniskirts or a shorter dress, but that would have been too much, especially in Mark's absence. Another rule you dared not break. You wore your long hair wavy, softly falling over your shoulders.

You and Karina exchanged uncertain glances. The building in front of you looked more like a luxurious residence and not a club.

"Are you sure we're in the right place? This doesn't look like a club," Karina murmured as she skeptically surveyed the building.

You also had doubts, adding, "Something's not right here. Hanni, are you sure that..."

Before you could finish your sentence, Hanni interrupted you with a broad, convincing smile, "Trust me, girls. This is going to be great!" With that confidence, she pulled the group toward the open front door, from which loud music and cheerful laughter were already emanating.

Entering the house, you were greeted by the pulsing energy of the party. The interior was spacious and elegant, with modern art on the walls and stylish furniture pushed aside to make room for a dance floor. Colorful lights flickered in rhythm with the music, casting the room in a vibrant play of colors.

Young people were everywhere, dancing, laughing, and holding drinks, while a DJ in the corner provided the musical entertainment. The atmosphere was exuberant and lively, almost surreal in its intensity.

Karina and you initially felt out of place in the unfamiliar setting. As you looked around, it didn't take long to recognize where you were. "This is Mingyu's house, isn't it?" Karina whispered to you, pointing to the distinctive artworks and a characteristic sculpture.

You nodded slowly, an uncomfortable feeling settling in your stomach. "Yes, this is his house. Hanni, what are we doing here?" you asked, your voice tense.

Hanni replied with a forced smile, "Surprise? I thought a house party would be a nice change. Let's just have fun!"

While Winter, Minji, and the others eagerly dived into the hustle and bustle of the party, you and Karina exchanged worried glances. Both of you felt that the evening might not go as you had hoped.

You and Karina found a quiet seat on the edge of the pulsating house party. You sank into the soft sofas, a little away from the hustle and bustle, to observe the atmosphere. The house was even more impressive from the inside than the outside. High ceilings, artful lighting, and elegantly draped decorations created an atmosphere of stylish luxury, underscoring Mingyu's architectural vein. Young people were grouped everywhere, laughing and chatting while holding drinks.

Mingyu had not been seen since your arrival, which calmed you a bit. You didn't want to reopen old wounds that evening.

Suddenly, your phone vibrated. It was a message from Mark.

"Hey, beauty, how are you? What are you doing right now?" you read and immediately felt a hesitation. Should you tell him the truth? You didn't want to worry him or give the wrong impression.

Various feelings fought within you. You wanted to be honest with Mark, but at the same time, you didn't want him to worry or jump to conclusions. Finally, you typed: "All good here. I'm relaxing at home and recovering from the workday."

You felt uneasy as you sent the little lie.

The conversation continued, and Mark sent a photo of him and his brother Joseph. They were smiling broadly, both on their business trip in Japan. Mark wrote about workshops they offered on integrating art and science in education. You saw Mark's smiling face on the screen and felt a mix of longing and guilt.

"It's your turn. I miss your smile," typed Mark.

You stared at the message. Your heart was full of love and yet conflicted. How could you send him a selfie without revealing the truth? Your fingers hesitated over the screen as you looked for an excuse.

"Sorry, my phone's almost dead. I'll send you one tomorrow, I promise."

Karina observed you and sensed that something was off. "Everything okay?" she asked gently.

You gave a faint smile, your gaze still on the phone. "Yes, everything's fine."

Mark replied with an understanding that was typical of his loving and caring nature. He sensed something was off, but he didn't want to press you.

"No problem, sweetheart. But make sure you charge your phone! I need my daily dose of my girl. Otherwise, I'll have to start imagining your pictures, and my drawing talent is rather... well, you know."

After reading Mark's understanding message, you felt a mix of relief and still nagging guilt.

You typed a response, trying to hide your feelings and maintain the lightness Mark had brought to the conversation: "I'll definitely charge my phone, promise! And your drawing talent isn't as bad as you think. I love every one of your creative attempts."

As you sent the message, you couldn't help but smile warmly.

Karina, who had been watching your expression closely, placed a hand on your shoulder. "You miss him a lot, don't you?" she asked compassionately.

You nodded, your eyes still on the phone display. "Yes, it feels so empty without him."

Karina, still looking at you compassionately, smiled softly as she tried to cheer you up. But suddenly, her eyes widened in surprise. Her gaze, which had been on you, had shifted and was now fixed on a figure at the other end of the room.

"Y/n, look!" Karina whispered, pointing discreetly in the direction. "Isn't that Mingyu over there?"

You followed Karina's gaze and your heart skipped a beat when you saw Mingyu. He was standing in a small group, his characteristic, confident smile on his lips, laughing and following the conversations around him. In his white T-shirt with an open blue denim jacket, whose sleeves he had rolled up slightly, he looked as casual and relaxed as you remembered him.

Karina and you decided to retreat discreetly before Mingyu noticed you. So, you set out to find the other girls. You moved carefully among the partying guests, trying not to attract attention.

Yet despite your caution, Mingyu became aware of you. Karina noticed it first. "Oh no, Y/n, he's seen us," she whispered quietly.

You turned around and saw Mingyu weaving through the crowd, his gaze fixed on you. It was clear he had been drinking; his movements were a bit less steady than usual, and his smile was wider.

As Mingyu approached, you could see the mixture of surprise and pleasure in his eyes. It was the first time in 3 years since the breakup that you stood so close to each other.

"Y/n, Karina! What a surprise to see you here," Mingyu said with a slightly swaying voice. His smile was warm, but his eyes revealed a depth of emotions that slightly unsettled you.

The two girls responded politely, albeit a bit reservedly. "Hello, Mingyu. Nice party you've got here," Karina replied, while you simply nodded and forced a smile.

Mingyu, visibly pleased to see you, tried to engage in conversation. "It's been so long, Y/n. How have you been?" he asked, his gaze locked on you.

Feeling uncomfortable with the situation, you replied politely but distantly. "I'm fine, thank you. We were just about to look for our friends."

Mingyu, still focusing on you, nodded slowly. "I understand. But it would really be great if you could stay a bit longer. We haven't seen each other for so long," he pressed with a mix of hope and slight pressure in his voice.

You and Karina exchanged a quick, uncertain look, and you shook your head. "That's really kind of you, Mingyu, but we really should be going," you responded, trying to stay polite.

Mingyu's persistence, however, seemed unbroken, and he didn't seem ready to let you go so easily. "Come on, just one more drink. It would really be a shame if you left now."

At that moment, Hanni, Winter, and Minji appeared. They joined the group and reinforced Mingyu's request. "Yeah, stay a bit! We've just started," Hanni said enthusiastically, while Minji and Winter nodded in agreement.

You and Karina felt increasingly cornered. You looked at each other again, and Karina finally gave a reluctant nod. "Okay, maybe just a short while longer," you conceded, your consent clearly reluctant.

The others cheered and pulled you deeper into the party. You felt a growing unease in your stomach, not only because of Mingyu's insistent invitation but also because of the little lie you were maintaining with Mark. Karina placed a reassuring hand on your shoulder and whispered, "We won't stay long, okay? Just to keep up appearances."

You nodded, caught between the desire not to disappoint Mark and the pressure from your friends and Mingyu. You felt torn as you delved deeper into the heart of the party, surrounded by music, laughter, and the increasingly strong feeling of being in a place you didn't want to be.

In the lively and exuberant atmosphere of the party, someone suggested a group game. The game was a mix of truth or dare and a guessing game, where participants had to alternately ask questions or perform tasks. The mood in the room was electric, marked by laughter and occasional exclamations of surprise when someone performed a particularly funny or daring action.

During a round of truth or dare, where the mood was already heated, Hanni chose you. "Truth or dare, Y/n?" she asked with a challenging glint in her eyes.

Aware of the tricky situation, you opted for "dare," hoping to avoid an uncomfortable truth question. Hanni, anticipating this, grinned and challenged you: "I dare you to give Mingyu a dance – but not just any dance. A slow dance."

The crowd around them whooped and whistled as you felt the blood rush to your cheeks. You cast a pleading look at Karina, but your friend could do little in the moment.

Mingyu, already slightly tipsy and carried away by the mood, stood up and extended his hand toward you. "Come on, Y/n, it's just a dance," he said with a smile that showed a mix of nostalgia and desire.

With hesitant steps, you approached Mingyu. You placed your hand in his as the music shifted to a slow, sensual song. As you danced, you felt Mingyu's hands carefully but firmly on your back. With his 6'1" and your 5'2" stature, he towered over you like a large wall. You looked up at his neck, trying to maintain distance, but the closeness of the dance and the stares of others left you little room.

The heat of bodies and the intimacy of the moment almost made you forget where you were. Mingyu's proximity, his familiar scent, and the way he led were distracting.

Mingyu, feeling the tension, leaned in and whispered, "I've missed you, babygirl." His words, though spoken softly, echoed loudly in your thoughts. Instead of addressing you by your name, he referred to the pet name he had chosen for you as a couple.

Overwhelmed by the situation, you just managed to extricate yourself from Mingyu's embrace. "I... I need to go," you stammered before you quickly moved away from the dance floor, followed by Karina's concerned looks.

The night air was cool and a welcome relief as you left the crowded party. Yet the quiet was short-lived. Mingyu, apparently determined to continue the conversation, followed you outside. His smiling face transformed into slightly furrowed brows and lips closed in a straight line.

"Y/n, wait!" he called, following you down the garden path. His voice was urgent, but slightly slurred from the alcohol.

You reluctantly turned around, your heartbeat quickening. "What is it, Mingyu?" you asked, your voice controlled but cool.

Mingyu came closer, his gaze intense. "I just wanted to talk. It feels like there's so much left unsaid between us," he began, choosing his words carefully.

You struggled to stay calm and replied, "Mingyu, there's nothing to talk about. What's in the past is in the past. I'm with Mark now, and you should respect that."

However, Mingyu seemed unimpressed by your words. "I see how you look at me, Y/n. I know there's still something there. Can you honestly say you haven't missed me?" he pressed, his voice now more urgent.

You felt your composure starting to crumble. "Mingyu, that's not fair. You can't just..."

But Mingyu didn't relent. He stepped closer, and his voice softened but grew more intense. "Y/n, I still think of you every day. I can't stop thinking about what we had."

You became visibly upset and uncomfortable, stepping back. "Mingyu, stop! You're crossing my boundaries. I love Mark, and you need to accept that."

The tension between you was almost tangible. Mingyu, his expression fluctuating between disappointment and stubborn desire, seemed to ponder for a moment. But before he could say anything further, you interjected.

"That's enough, Mingyu. I'm leaving now. Please, don't follow me," you said firmly and turned to walk away. Your steps were quick and determined as you moved away from Mingyu, your thoughts a whirlwind of anger, confusion, and unwanted nostalgia.

Mingyu was left alone, visibly struck by the rejection, as you fled into the night and away from the shadows of the past.

Still overwhelmed by your emotions, you stood trembling in front of Karina's car. You pulled out your phone and hastily typed a message to Karina: "I can't stay any longer. Please come, I want to leave."

As you waited for a response, the events of the last few minutes echoed in your mind. You were torn between anger at Mingyu's behavior and guilt towards Mark.

Soon after, the other girls returned. Karina, Winter, and Minji were still swept up in the lively mood of the party, while Hanni joined you with an almost imperceptible self-satisfied smirk on her face.

"Hey, Y/n, is everything okay?" Karina asked worriedly when she saw you standing by the car.

You nodded, though your eyes betrayed your inner turmoil. "Yes, I'm just tired. I think it's better if we go now."

As the group got into the car, Karina noticed the subtle smirk on Hanni's face and sensed something was off. She gave Hanni a questioning look, but Hanni shook her head as if to say this wasn't the time for explanations.

As the drive home began, a tense silence settled in the car. You sat quietly, your thoughts still on the events of the party and the unresolved feelings the night had stirred in you. Karina occasionally gave you worried glances, while Hanni stared out the window, seemingly lost in thought. The other girls chatted quietly, but their conversations couldn't ease your unease.

A few days after the dreadful event, you sat relaxed on your couch at home, scrolling through patient reports on your laptop while Elvis lay next to you, purring contentedly. Suddenly, your phone vibrated and rang. When you picked it up, a wave of excitement surged through your stomach. It was a video call from your boyfriend, Mark Lee.

Suddenly the screen lit up, and Mark's face appeared. His broad smile instantly brightened the room. "Hello, beauty," he greeted you, his black eyes beaming with joy. He was sitting in the car, wearing a dark T-shirt, his dark brown hair styled neatly.

You returned his smile. "Hello, my world traveler. Two more days and you'll be back."

Mark nodded, his smile unwavering. "You know... umm... I'm counting the minutes, Y/n. I've missed you so much."

You smiled softly. "I miss you too, Markie. It's not the same without you." You briefly looked at the slumbering bundle of fur next to you and then asked, "Where's Joseph, actually?"

Mark grinned mischievously and looked to the side. "Oh, Joseph is... like... disappeared..." he began, pausing as he tried to suppress a laugh. You watched him in confusion as suddenly Joseph jumped into the frame.

"Gotcha!" Joseph exclaimed, laughing. "My brother, the world's worst prankster."

"Hey!" Mark protested, laughing. "I was just trying to have a little fun. But you know, Y/n, I could never lie to you."

His words made you pause for a moment, the memory of the lie from the party swirling in your head.

"Oh, sure, Mr. Perfect here," John teased before waving at you and disappearing from the view again.

Mark turned his attention back to you. "I have a few souvenirs for you. And I got something special for Elvis." He paused, then added, "He promised to protect you well in my absence."

Elvis, recognizing Mark's voice, meowed and jumped onto your lap. "Look, Markie, your biggest fan is listening," you said with a laugh, turning the camera to Elvis.

"What's up, buddy!" Mark called out, and Elvis purred loudly in response.

The conversation continued in a mix of teasing, longing looks, and heartfelt laughter. Mark shared his experiences in Japan, the workshops, and the interesting people he had met.

"I've learned so much about art and science," Mark said. "But the most important thing I've learned is," he looked around as if to make sure Joseph wasn't listening, leaned closer to the camera, and whispered, "how much I love you and how much I need you in my life."

Your heart raced at these words. Despite the joy and lightness of the moment, you felt a certain tension. You knew you had to tell Mark the truth about the party. Yet you feared his reaction and the possible consequences.

"I love you too, Mark," you said softly. "And I can't wait to fall asleep in your arms again."

The conversation ended with mutual kisses to the camera and promises to talk again soon. You put the phone aside and stroked Elvis, who snuggled up to you, purring. In your head, thoughts turned to the coming days and what you would tell Mark upon his return.

The silence of the room enveloped Mark in an unfamiliar strangeness as he sat alone on the soft sofa in the apartment that had once been a home full of love and shared dreams. The trip to Japan he had taken with Joseph and his father was behind him, but the return to these spaces, saturated with so many memories, was different - heavier, as if the air itself had taken on the weight of his concerns.

The familiar key felt like a betrayal in the lock as he turned it, hoping to surprise you, to taste the joy of reunion. But the joy was absent, dissipated among the messages that rained down like cold rain on his soul - messages about you and Mingyu.

You were bound by your duties at the hospital, and so Mark was left alone, with a heart beating in silence in a living room that suddenly seemed too wide and empty. Then, a small comfort in the form of Elvis, your faithful four-legged friend, who jumped softly onto the sofa with him. Mark's fingers automatically ran through the soft fur of the dog, but his gaze was distant, pierced by a pain that went deeper than the surface of memories.

He felt betrayed, hurt, his soul churned by an anger he couldn't tame. How could it be that you, his great love, had returned to Mingyu in the shadow of his absence? Had he ignored the signs, the warnings of intuition that now stood so clearly before him in the quiet catastrophe of the moment?

In his mind, he searched for scenes from the past where Mingyu was present in your relationship in some way.

Memory 1 - At your bookshelf

Mark stood in front of your bookshelf, holding a signed copy of "The Unbearable Lightness of Being." He turned the book over and read the dedication: "For Y/n, in memory of unforgettable times. - Milan Kundera." He frowned and turned to you as you entered the room.

"Dudeeee... when did you get Milan Kundera's signature?" Mark asked in surprise.

You sat at your desk, smiled, and replied without looking up, "Oh, that book? It was a gift from Mingyu. He somehow knew the author and got it for me."

Mark felt a sting of jealousy, although he did his best not to show it. "Really? Mingyu did that for you?" he asked, his smile a bit forced.

You noticed his uncertain tone, looked up, and smiled gently. "Yes, it was when he was on a business trip in Paris. He knew I was a big fan."

Mark put the book back on the shelf, his heart beating a little faster. "I didn't know Mingyu was such a literature connoisseur," he added, trying to joke to lighten the mood.

You laughed. "Oh, he wasn't really. He just knew he was my favorite author and did that just for me. You know what it's like when you want to make someone happy."

Mark nodded, trying to hide his growing insecurity. "Yeah, I get it. Nice that he could make you happy like that back then."

Memory 2 – In Your Wardrobe with a Heated Twist

In your cozy apartment, Mark waited patiently in the living room. He sat on the sofa, texting with the guys, while you were in the bedroom getting ready for the evening with your group of friends. He wore a casual black oversized hoodie with a black jacket and black cargo pants. You, on the other hand, tried to match your outfit to his and chose a black turtleneck sweater, over which you wore a white-gray winter jacket with fur lining and black jeans. You also wrapped a dark scarf with a large letter "H" around your neck.

Suddenly, Mark's gaze landed on you as you stepped out of the bedroom. Your scarf immediately caught his eye. "That's a nice scarf," he commented, "I've never seen it before. When did you get it?"

You looked down at yourself and stroked the fabric of the scarf. "Oh, this scarf? I've had it for a while," you explained, "A friend gave it to me a long time ago."

Mark, unable to hide a hint of curiosity in his voice, probed further: "A friend?"

"Yes," you answered with a smile that radiated a mix of nostalgia and presentness. "An old school friend. But that was a long time ago."

Later that day, at the gathering with friends, Hanni made a remark that caught Mark's attention. "Oh, Y/n, I remember Mingyu Oppa gave you that scarf, right?" she said loudly.

Mark felt a sensation of discomfort and confusion rising within him. He threw you a questioning look, his eyes searching for an explanation.

You tensed up and tried to lighten the mood. "Oh, Hanni, you have an elephant's memory," you laughed. "But yes, that was back in our school days."

On the ride home, Mark couldn't help but bring up the topic again. "Why didn't you just tell me the truth? Why did you say the scarf was from an 'old friend'?" he asked, his voice wavering between sarcasm and vulnerability.

At first, you tried to stay calm but became increasingly annoyed. "Because I knew exactly how you would react, Mark. It's just a scarf."

"But it's not 'just a scarf,' Y/n. It's a part of your past with Mingyu. And now I'm fucking wondering what else here is from him," Mark retorted, his voice rising.

"Mark, that's ridiculous. You're making a mountain out of a molehill," you countered, visibly frustrated.

"Is it ridiculous, Y/n? Man... Is it ridiculous to wonder if you still think of him?" Mark countered, the tension palpable between you.

"You don't get it, Mark. It's in the past. Mingyu means nothing to me anymore," you tried to explain, your voice tinged with frustration.

"Well, but it seems like he still has a place in your heart. I don't understand why you keep these fucking memories," Mark responded, his words laden with hurt.

"You're being unfair, Mark. I'm not holding on to Mingyu. They're just objects, not feelings," you replied, now also raising your voice.

"But they're objects that remind you of him!!! Why keep them if they mean nothing?!" Mark insisted, his gaze fixed on the road ahead.

You sighed deeply and leaned back in your seat. "Because I like this scarf, Mark. That doesn't mean I have feelings for him."

Mark shook his head. "I don't know what to believe, Y/n. You didn't tell me the whole truth about the scarf. Damn, who knows what else you've kept from me."

The words hung heavily in the air, laden with mistrust and uncertainty. You struggled with tears welling up in your eyes. "I've never hidden anything important from you, Mark. I love you, that should count for something."

The tense atmosphere in the car thickened as Mark made this remark. "Maybe you're right, Y/n. I do love you, yes. But now I'm not so sure if you love me as much as I love you."

You looked at him with furrowed brows and slightly parted lips, stunned. His words struck you hard. Your voice trembled with hurt. "How can you say that, Mark? After everything we've been through?"

Mark gave you a fleeting glance, his expression unreadable. "I don't know, Y/n. All I know is that I'm not sure where I stand since I found out about Mingyu."

Your heart ached at his words. "You're first for me, Mark. Always. Mingyu is the past. You're my present and my future," you whispered, your voice choked with tears.

"I want to believe that, Y/n. I really do, but..." Mark trailed off, clearly wrestling with his own doubts.

The air between you was now permeated with a sense of estrangement, a mix of pain and misunderstanding. You felt helpless, unable to bridge the gap that had suddenly opened up between you.

Finally, Mark parked the car in front of your apartment. He looked at you, his eyes full of unresolved questions. You felt nothing but disappointment and frustration and, before you could think further, your instinctive actions took over. "So you don't know how much I love you, all because of this damned scarf?" you asked.

Mark, confused and concerned, watched as you hastily searched in the glove compartment. "Y/n, what are you doing?" he asked, his voice tinged with worry.

Without a word, you continued rummaging and finally pulled out a pair of scissors. Holding up the scarf, your eyes sparkled defiantly. "Then watch this," you said firmly.

Mark, now even more worried, watched as you set the scissors to the scarf and cut it decisively. Each cut seemed like a symbolic severing from your past.

After you were done, you threw the pieces of the scarf onto the back seat and took a deep breath. "There, Mark, see? The scarf means nothing to me. You mean everything. I hope this proves it to you."

Mark looked at you, his eyes a mix of surprise and admiration. "Y/n, that... that wasn't necessary," he whispered. "I... I believe you. I'm sorry."

You looked deep into his eyes, your own shining with the intensity of the moment. "Mark, please never doubt my love for you again," you implored, your voice trembling with emotion.

Mark slowly nodded, his hand seeking yours. "I promise, Y/n. I just..." he started, but before he could finish his thoughts, you silenced him with a gentle, yet firm kiss.

Taken aback by your sudden gesture, he hesitated for a moment but then took the initiative and deepened the kiss.

In this kiss, you both set aside all your sorrows and conflicts. Your lips moved in perfect harmony, as if to erase every trace of doubt and uncertainty. It was a kiss that testified to passion and an emotionally charged connection.

As you parted, you gave Mark a confident smile. "Believe me, this is just the beginning of what I would do to prove my love to you."

Mark's eyes sparkled with desire, and he responded with a hint of humor, "Oh, that's a promise I will definitely hold you to."

You gently leaned your forehead against Mark's, your gazes lost in each other, forgetting the world around you. Your breathing was still accelerated, a silent witness to the intensity of your kiss.

Mark tenderly stroked your cheek with his fingers, a loving smile playing on his lips. "Y/n, you make my heart sing," he whispered, the tenderness in his voice unmistakable.

You looked at Mark with eyes full of lust and longing. So far, you had not progressed beyond your make-out sessions. Due to Mark's upbringing in a religious household, he had always shied away from going further. But the moment had come when you could no longer wait to have him completely. You leaned closer to him and whispered in a voice equally filled with desperate longing, "I need more of you, Mark. Much more."

Mark's heartbeat noticeably quickened at your words. He swallowed hard, his eyes reflecting the internal struggle raging within him. On one hand, there was his deep religious conviction that had always accompanied him, and on the other, the irresistible woman he loved more than anything in this world.

He took a deep breath, his thoughts swirling. The attraction to you was admittedly overwhelming, yet he simultaneously felt the conflict with his moral principles. It was a battle between heart and belief, between passion and principles.

You noticed Mark's familiar hesitation, touched his face gently, and looked deep into his eyes. "It's okay, Mark," you said softly, "I'm here with you, in this moment, with you. That's all that matters."

In Mark's eyes, a storm of emotions raged, but also a growing resolve. Slowly, almost reluctantly, he gave in to his heart and let himself be carried away by the intensity of your proximity. He took your hand and led you into a new depth of your shared passion.

Mark leaned in, your face in his hands, and kissed you deeper and more passionately than before. The kiss was an intense promise, a connection that went far beyond words. It was an expression of your shared passion, your unspoken desires, and the deep bond that existed between you.

After you separated, Mark looked at you with a glowing gaze. With a voice both deep and full of longing, he whispered, "Let's go home and... well, you know… Like… We can... continue our conversation there."

You recognized the sparkle in Mark's eyes and the slight smile playing on his lips. You returned his smile and nodded, your own excitement and anticipation reflected in your face.

With these thoughts, Mark sat alone on your sofa, surrounded by the silence of the room. His mind drifted back to those memories he had shared with you – memories marked both by Mingyu's indelible traces in your life and the deep emotions of your first intense argument, as well as your first time making love together.

Mark sat on your sofa, his fingers nervously interlocked. As you opened the door and entered, his heart pounded wildly – a chaotic mix of longing and gnawing uncertainty. Despite the warm light filling the apartment, there was an icy chill in the air.

You immediately noticed that something was off. It was like your ability to sense people's inner moods and discern what was happening through the energy of the environment. You cautiously sat down next to him. "Mark, what's wrong? You seem so... distant."

Mark slowly turned his head towards you, his eyes full of sorrow, but also accusation. "Y/n, I've been thinking. About us. About what we mean to each other... or fucking apparently not."

He swore. Mark only swore when he was angry. Very angry. The rift between you was tangible and painful. You touched his hand, seeking the connection you always felt. "Mark, I don't understand. We love each other, right?"

Mark withdrew from your touch, his voice a mix of resignation and bitterness. "Love, Y/n? I'm starting to wonder if our love is just a beautiful lie we tell ourselves."

You were surprised and troubled, searching for words. "Mark, talk to me. What does this mean?"

Mark fixed you with a penetrating gaze. "I know about Mingyu, Y/n. About that night, your fucking meeting. Why didn't you tell me?"

You froze, your eyes widening in shock. How did he find out before you could speak to him first? "Mark, that... it wasn't what it seems. I... I made a mistake." The mistake was not leaving the party earlier and lying to him.

Mark laughed sarcastically, his laughter tinged with bitterness. "A mistake? So it's true. You lied to me?... You were with him while I was away?"

You searched for the right words. "Mark, please, listen to me. It wasn't my intention to hurt you. I was confused, lost. But it meant nothing."

Mark shook his head, tears in his eyes. "How can I believe you, Y/n? How can I fucking trust you when you go behind my back like this?"

Tears in your eyes, you stood up and approached him. "Mark, please, we can get through this… I… love you."

Mark also stood up, his look a storm of hurt and cynicism. "Love? Oh my god… And you think your lies are love?"

You were desperate, trying to reach him. "It's not over, Mark… We can talk about it… Please, don't let us end like this."

Mark, his gaze full of sorrow and determination, turned to the door. "Maybe it was always the end, Y/n. An illusion we… I had."

You followed him pleadingly and crying. "Mark, please, don't leave. I need you."

Mark stopped, turned around, and looked at you, his eyes full of pain and resolve. "No, Y/n. You don't need me. You need the illusion you've made of me to fill Mingyu's gap."

He left the apartment, leaving you behind – broken, alone, surrounded by the deafening silence of his absence. Mark was gone, and the realization that your love might never be what it once was tore at your heart.

In the weeks and months following your painful breakup, Mark and you were like shadows of yourselves, crossing paths accidentally in the streets of the city. It was as if fate kept bringing you together in moments marked by bittersweet irony.

Once, in your cozy favorite café, surrounded by the familiar scent of freshly brewed coffee and the soft murmur of other guests, you sat at a small table near the window. Your laptop was open, and you tried to focus on your work, but your thoughts kept drifting away. It was the place where you had spent so many hours with Mark, filled with laughter and deep conversations. Today, however, you sat alone.

As the café door opened, Mark entered, his eyes immediately fixed on his phone. He seemed in a hurry, just out for a quick coffee. He ordered at the counter without looking up and then sat at a table on the opposite side of the room. His entire attention was still on his phone. You felt your heart skip a beat as you recognized him. A flood of emotions washed over you – surprise, hope, but also pain.

Mark, aware of his surroundings, carefully avoided looking in your direction. It was as if he was building an invisible wall between you. You wondered if he had noticed you, if he was deliberately keeping his distance. You felt the urge to stand up, go to him, say something, but uncertainty held you back. What if he rejected you? What if he really had erased you from his life?

Mark held his phone up as if using it as a shield to hide from the world – or perhaps specifically from you. He looked tense, almost as if he expected something to happen at any moment. Despite his obvious effort to distract himself, he occasionally glanced up and scanned the room, but never in your direction.

You, deep in thought, felt a mix of longing and resignation. You wanted to bridge the gap between you but feared possible rejection. Your fingers trembled slightly as you tried to refocus on your laptop screen, but the letters blurred before your eyes.

As Mark finally stood up, leaving his coffee almost untouched, you cast one last glance at him. He left the café quickly, still engrossed in his phone, without looking back. In that moment, you felt lost and alone, surrounded by the ghosts of past memories in a café that once was a place of joy and togetherness. You remained, surrounded by the silence Mark had left behind.

Another time, in the fresh morning air of a sunny day, you jogged through the green, peaceful park nearby. Your steps were steady as you tried to distract yourself from thoughts of recent events. As you rounded a curve, you spotted a familiar figure in the distance - Mark, also jogging. Your heart began to beat faster, not just because of the physical exertion.

Mark, lost in his own world with headphones firmly in his ears, seemed not to notice you at first. As your paths crossed, he briefly looked up and recognized you immediately. Despite the reunion, he avoided any eye contact and instead quickened his pace, as if trying to escape the moment. It was as if he was trying to deny your existence, a behavior that deeply affected you.

You felt a sting of disappointment and pain. You remembered times when his face lit up whenever he saw you unexpectedly. Now, however, there was only silence and distance. You struggled with the feeling of rejection that Mark's behavior caused in you and wondered what was going on in his mind. Had he really erased you from his life so easily?

The silence between you was loud in your ears as you continued running, your gaze fixed ahead. You felt the urge to speak to him, say something, but held back. You respected his apparent desire for distance, even though it broke your heart.

After you had jogged past each other, you risked one last glance over your shoulder. Mark continued running as if nothing had happened, as if you were just a stranger on his path. This behavior left you feeling empty and full of questions. Was your relationship really so meaningless to him? Or was this his way of coping with the pain? Confused and hurt, you continued jogging as the sun continued to shine over the tranquil park.

Another time, at a lively party amid a tangle of music, laughter, and clinking glasses, you and Mark, surrounded by mutual friends, found yourselves in the same environment again. The atmosphere was lively, but there was a palpable tension between you. Mark, mingling with a group of friends, occasionally glanced in your direction, always careful to avoid direct eye contact. His demeanor was reserved, almost as if he was hiding behind a facade of cheerfulness.

You, staying in another corner of the room, felt Mark's presence in every fiber of your being. Memories of your time together were omnipresent, making your heart beat faster, yet you also felt hurt by Mark's deliberate ignorance. You tried to focus on the conversations around you, but your thoughts inevitably revolved around Mark.

Haechan and Karina, both noticing the situation, exchanged concerned glances. Haechan cautiously approached Mark, possibly to persuade him to break the ice. "Mark, have you seen y/n? She looks great tonight, don't you think?" Haechan asked casually, but Mark evaded the question. "I haven't really paid attention," he replied, his voice tense.

Karina, on the other hand, joined you and whispered encouraging words. "Don't let him get you down. You're strong, and you deserve to have fun, no matter what happens."

As the evening progressed, the tension increased, especially as alcohol lowered the inhibitions of some guests. Several friends, who knew the story of you and Mark, insisted that you should talk to each other. You felt torn. On one hand, you longed to bridge the gap, but on the other, you feared the emotional vulnerability such a conversation could bring.

Mark, meanwhile, seemed to grow more restless with each glass he drank. His glances towards you became more frequent, yet he made no move towards you. His pride and fear of appearing vulnerable held him back. Deep inside, he battled with the desire to make amends for the past and the fear of being rejected again.

As the night wore on, the expected confrontation did not happen. Both of you, surrounded by your friends, found yourselves in an emotional limbo, caught between what once was and the uncertainty of what could be.

In the turmoil of your broken relationship, surrounded by unspoken words and unresolved conflicts, you had always held back from proactively seeking reconciliation with Mark. Your decision to wait for an apology from him was deeply rooted in the painful moments of your falling out. Each time you accidentally encountered Mark, whether in the café, jogging in the park, or at mutual friends' parties, and he persistently ignored you, this reinforced your belief that your feelings and hopes for reconciliation were one-sided. His inability to look you in the eyes, his avoidance of any contact, left you with the bitter thought that your love, despite all its depth and intensity, was not enough to bridge the gap between you.

For Mark, these encounters were a constant source of internal conflict. His behavior towards you was not solely influenced by his belief in your supposed betrayal but also by deep-seated feelings of guilt he carried within. A dark secret, known only to him and God, weighed heavily on his conscience. This hidden burden, which he shared with no one, colored his perception of you and your shared past. In his confusion and the pain caused by his secret, he found himself unable to face you and ask for forgiveness. Thus, he remained trapped in his silence, driven by the fear that revealing his secret would not only destroy him but also the fragile connection to you irrevocably.

In this maelstrom of trust, change, and rekindled hope, Mark and you stood on the threshold of an unknown chapter, driven by the insatiable desire to piece together the puzzle pieces of your past into a picture of the future. With hearts heavy with unspoken words and gazes that held deeper secrets than the seas, you were unaware that an impending revelation, as shocking and unexpected as a bolt from the blue, threatened to unite your worlds in a fireworks display of emotions, blurring the lines between past and future, love and passion, truth and deception forever.

10 - Broken Melodies and Hidden Truths

In the early morning hours, as the first rays of sun gently broke through the clouds, Hanni reached for her phone. Her heart beat restlessly as she dialed Mark's number - the man she secretly loved, but who only saw her as a good friend. She had carefully prepared her plan, a plan marked by unrequited feelings and hidden intentions.

Mark, still in Japan and oblivious to the impending storm, was surprised to see Hanni's name on his phone's display. "Hanni? What's wrong? Is everything okay?" His voice was marked with concern, reflecting in his tired eyes.

Hanni hesitated for a moment, her voice trembling slightly with excitement. "Mark, it's about Y/n. I found out... she was with Mingyu. At a party." She swallowed hard as she spoke the words that tore her inside.

Mark immediately felt a change in the atmosphere. "Mingyu? Are you sure?" Disbelief mixed with a sting of betrayal in his voice.

"I got photos, anonymously," Hanni continued, her voice now firmer, determined to reveal the truth. "It doesn't look good, Mark."

Mark felt his heart skip a beat. "Photos? Can you send them to me?" His voice trembled as he sat up in bed, his gaze fixed on the phone.

Hanni sent the photos she had secretly taken and manipulated to portray you and Mingyu in a compromising light. They were pictures of the dance, carefully chosen to suggest familiarity and intimacy.

As Mark looked at the photos on his phone, he felt a pain shoot through his heart. He saw you and Mingyu, closely entwined, in a moment that revealed too much. "How... How did this happen?" His voice broke.

Hanni, seizing this opportunity, said softly, "I don't know, Mark. But I thought you should know. I'm worried about you."

Mark leaned back, his thoughts swirling chaotically. "Thanks, Hanni. I need to think about this." His voice was now a whisper, as if speaking to himself.

After hanging up, Hanni looked out the window, feeling a mix of triumph and pain. She had implemented her plan, but at what cost? Her unrequited feelings for Mark had driven her to this step, yet at the same time, she felt torn between her loyalty to Mark and the fact that she had twisted the truth.

Mark, on the other hand, sat motionless, his gaze fixed on the images. The message from Hanni and the photos echoed in his head, awakening a storm of emotions: doubt, betrayal, pain. You and Mingyu? The idea alone constricted his throat. He felt his trust in you faltering, yet a part of him fought against it, wanting to hold on to the love and trust you two had shared.

Days after the breakup, Mark decided to stay in his family's holiday home to clear up his mind. In the deceptive silence of the holiday home, surrounded by the gentle rustling of trees and the distant melody of the sea, Mark Lee, broken and lost, found refuge. He had distanced himself from the city, from the world you had taken from him – and with it, a part of his heart. In the shadowy halls of his parents' old vacation home, he sought peace, a peace that stubbornly eluded him.

In the silence of his isolation, he met her – a young woman in the neighboring holiday home, whose energy was strangely familiar yet so foreign. Her smile reminded him of you, her laughter an echo from a world that was no longer his. Day by day, their paths crossed, chance encounters that gradually became conversations, moments of escape from his own reality.

One night, deeper into the bottles of oblivion, they found themselves together in the garden. The stars twinkled indifferently above them, as alcohol enveloped Mark in a fog of illusion and longing. The girl before him transformed into you, her contours blurred, her voice became the one he so desperately missed.

Driven by pain and desire, he let himself be seduced by the illusion, by the fleeting feeling of holding you in his arms again. Their lips met in a kiss marked by forbidden sweetness and deep betrayal. In the warmth of her embrace, in the intoxication of the night, Mark almost completely lost himself.

But in the moment when reality threatened to blur, when the longing peaked, a sudden clarity broke through the fog. Mark realized that it was not you holding him, but a stranger. Shocked and confused, he pulled away, stammered an apology, and fled into the darkness of his holiday home.

In the loneliness of his room, enveloped by the cold night, Mark felt crushed by the weight of his betrayal. It was as if he had lost you again, as if he had broken your heart a second time. The guilt and shame burned in him like an inextinguishable fire, a secret that he shared with no one, not even God.

In the following days, Mark buried his feelings deep within, a pain that rendered him mute and distant. He returned to the city, to a world that now appeared empty and meaningless. Encounters with you, whether accidental in the café, in the park, or at parties, became an ordeal of his guilt. He avoided your gaze, your proximity, fearing his feelings might betray what he had done.

You were, oblivious to Mark's torment. Therefore, you didn't understand his distance, only felt the coldness that spread between you. And Mark, trapped in his own prison of guilt and shame, found no way out, no way back to you. Thus, you remained, separated by invisible walls, marked by a love that once was, and a secret that changed everything.

11 - Echoes of Tension in the Penthouse

2 months later today

In Johnny's luxurious penthouse, high above the city, there was a busy yet tense atmosphere. The gathering of old friends was supposed to be a joyous event, but an underlying tension was palpable, like a soft whisper between the walls.

Johnny, as the perfect host, had been busy in the kitchen since the early afternoon. His passion for cooking was unmistakable as he enthusiastically conjured up his specialties. He directed Haechan and Jaemin, who were actively assisting him. "Pay attention to the size of the vegetable cuts, guys. We're not making a salad, but a delicacy!" Johnny called out with a laugh. Haechan jokingly replied, "Chef Johnny, don't worry, we're your most capable sous-chefs!" Jaemin's laughter mixed with the clattering of pots, a pleasant contrast to the otherwise tense atmosphere.

Meanwhile, Karina and Minji were busy transforming the dining room into a cozy oasis. They draped elegant tablecloths and carefully arranged flowers and candles. "These peonies are simply enchanting, aren't they, Minji?" said Karina, as she set up a vase with the delicate blooms. Minji nodded in agreement: "Yes, they bring color and life into the room. Hopefully, they'll lighten the mood a bit."

On the terrace, a relaxed atmosphere prevailed as Yuta, Jungwoo, and Hanni prepared the grill. "Now we'll see who can really grill!" Yuta challenged. Jungwoo replied with a laugh, "Sure, Yuta, as long as you don't burn everything again!" Hanni shook her head amusedly and added, "As long as the food is edible, I'm happy."

In a secluded area of the penthouse, Mark and you experienced an awkward interaction. Your conversations were marked by embarrassment and restraint. "How... how are you, y/n?" asked Mark with a voice that could barely hide his inner turmoil. You replied with a certain distance, "Quite well, thanks. And you?" Your eyes briefly sought Mark's, who quickly looked away.

Winter and Jaehyun joined you. "You both look great tonight," Jaehyun remarked with an encouraging smile. Winter added, "Yes, really. It's nice to see you both again." Mark responded curtly, "Thanks, Jaehyun, Hanni. Nice to see you too." You just nodded, your thoughts seeming far away.

Your encounter with Mark that evening was marked by embarrassment and distance. You found yourselves in an uncomfortable situation.

Jaehyun, Winter, and Mark stood together, their conversation accompanied by a superficial cheerfulness that couldn't quite hide the underlying currents. Mark, whose eyes involuntarily wandered to you again and again, visibly struggled with his internal conflict. Although you tried to immerse yourself in the group dynamics, you appeared distracted, your responses often absent-minded.

In a moment of silence that spread among the group, you took the opportunity to excuse yourself politely. "Excuse me, please, I... I'd like to go to the kitchen and help Haechan," you said with a voice that revealed a mix of determination and a flight reflex. Jaehyun and Winter nodded understandingly, while Mark only cast a brief glance at you before turning away.

At the same time, Mark excused himself from Jaehyun and Winter. "I'm going to check on Yuta, Jungwoo, and Hanni," he said, his voice striving for indifference. As he approached the terrace, where the cheerful laughter and the crackling of the grill filled the air, he felt as if he was stepping into another world – away from the heaviness of his heart and the shadows of the past.

Upon arrival, Mark joined the convivial group. "How's the grilling going?" he asked, hoping to hide his inner unrest behind a veil of normality. Yuta, always ready for a joke, answered, "Better than you think. We haven't burned anything yet!" His laughter was contagious, and for a moment, Mark allowed himself to be immersed in the lightness of the moment.

In the lively kitchen of Johnny's penthouse, where the clinking of dishes and the buzz of conversations filled the air, you diligently helped prepare the food. Haechan and Jaemin, bustling around with Johnny in the kitchen, created a cheerful atmosphere, marked by their playful and mischievous dialogues.

"Y/n, I hope you're ready for the ultimate cooking challenge!" Haechan called out with a mischievous smile, dancing through the kitchen with a spoon in hand.

Haechan always managed to make you laugh: "Bring it on, Haechan! But be warned, I have a few secret weapons up my sleeve."

Jaemin, standing next to you, joined in and said, "Secret weapons? I hope it's not tears from cutting onions!" He winked at you while playfully tossing an onion in the air.

Johnny, stirring a pan at the stove, shook his head with a smile. "You two are incorrigible. Y/n, I hope you can bring some order to these two clowns."

You playfully raised your eyebrows, pretending to be strict. "Don't worry, Johnny. I've got everything under control. You should see me in the hospital. Haechan, Jaemin, are you ready for my strict instructions?" Your voice was humorous and teasing.

Haechan pretended to be deeply impressed. "Oh, we're shaking in our boots, y/n! Your strict instructions will surely elevate our culinary talent to the next level!"

Jaemin laughed and added, "Exactly! And if we fail, we'll just blame Johnny. After all, he's the head chef here!" He winked at Johnny, who then pretended to be outraged.

"Very funny, you two. But remember, at the end of the day, I'm the one who controls the knives," Johnny said laughing, skillfully twirling a kitchen knife over his finger.

Jaemin, impressed by Johnny's knife skills, giggled and cast a playful glance at you. "See, y/n, this is true art! Not like Mark's attempt to cook last time at the holiday house – that was more... well, 'adventurous.'"

You, who were chopping vegetables, paused and looked up curiously. "Mark's cooking attempt at the holiday house? When was that?"

Jaemin, suddenly realizing he might have said too much, coughed awkwardly. "Uh, that was... you know, Mark had this... um... 'company' at the holiday house. They cooked together. Well, or rather tried to cook."

Haechan, noticing the embarrassment in Jaemin's voice, quickly jumped in to change the subject. "So, y/n, how about your dressing for the salad? Are you ready to show us all how it's done?"

In the vibrant atmosphere of the kitchen, the boys noticed the sudden change in your facial expression – anger, curiosity, and disappointment. Johnny, aware of his role as host, quickly tried to change the subject.

"Hey y/n, have you seen the new kitchen machine yet? It can even talk! Says things like 'Your dough is ready' or 'Please add more flour.'" He grinned, hoping to lighten the mood.

Jaemin, still a bit embarrassed about his faux pas, hastily added, "Yeah, and just wait until you see how Johnny handles it. It's like a dance show. Johnny and the kitchen machine – an unbeatable duo!"

But your thoughts were still circling around Jaemin's accidental revelation. You were not so easily distracted. You put down the kitchen knife and looked directly at Jaemin. "Jaemin, wait. What did you mean by 'company'? Tell me more about it. What happened at the holiday house?"

The boys exchanged worried glances. Haechan cleared his throat, trying again to defuse the situation: "Y/n, we really should focus on the dinner. We have so much to do, and the others-"

"Haechan, enough. I want to know the truth. What are you trying to hide? Spit it out, now!" You interrupted Haechan. Your voice was firm and left no room for excuses.

The boys, surprised and slightly intimidated by your sudden resolve, exchanged uncertain looks. Jaemin, feeling cornered, stuttered, "Um, y/n, I meant... well, Mark was at the holiday house, and he... he tried to bake a recipe for 'love cake.' It was more... well, a little disaster!" He smiled painfully.

On the terrace of Johnny's penthouse, surrounded by the gentle evening breeze and the soothing sound of grilling, Mark found a moment of distraction from his inner conflicts. Yuta, Jungwoo, and Hanni, in a cheerful mood, joked and laughed as they prepared the food.

"Mark, you have to try how Jungwoo grills the steaks. He claims he has a secret technique!" Yuta called out, opening a beer and toasting to Mark.

Jungwoo, with a broad grin, added: "Absolutely, my grilling skills are legendary. Maybe I should write a cookbook: 'Jungwoo's Grilling Secrets' – potential bestseller!"

Hanni, who was just laying vegetable skewers on the grill, laughed and chimed in: "Only if you add a chapter about 'How to Avoid Fires.' We all remember last time!"

The group burst into laughter, and Mark, briefly detached from his worries, smiled. "I bet I could contribute a few tips to your cookbook. How about 'Grilling for Dummies' by Mark Lee?"

The laughter grew louder, and for a moment, Mark felt light and carefree again. The joy and laughter of his friends were contagious, and he let himself be carried away by the carefree atmosphere.

Yuta, operating the grill with an expertise that underscored his confident chatter, joked: "Mark, we could form a duo: 'The Grill Masters of the Penthouse.' Our signature: Perfectly grilled steaks and a touch of chaos."

Jungwoo, casually laying another skewer on the grill, said: "And don't forget, we have to make extra room for Mingyu. He's coming to dinner too."

Mark, who had just taken a sip of his beer, almost choked. "Mingyu?" he asked, surprised.

Hanni, noticing Mark's reaction, added with a hint of mischief in her voice: "Yes, Mingyu was invited by y/n. They've been spending more time together lately."

Mark's pulse quickened suddenly. "Invited by y/n?" he repeated, his voice barely more than a whisper, as he tried to control his burgeoning emotions.

Yuta, noticing Mark's confusion, looked at him questioningly. "Didn't you know, Mark? Mingyu and y/n, they've become pretty good friends now."

Jungwoo, standing beside him, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, they seem to really get along well. That's nice, isn't it?"

These words hit Mark like a blow. The idea of you and Mingyu reconnecting hit him hard internally. He felt betrayed and deceived, even though he knew he had no right to feel that way. His grip on the beer bottle tightened as he tried to suppress his growing anger.

Mark tried to stay calm, but his thoughts were racing. "They're friends? Since when?" he asked, his voice trembling with suppressed emotion.

Yuta and Jungwoo exchanged uncertain looks, surprised by Mark's reaction. "Um, for a while, I think. They've met a few times and get along well," Jungwoo explained cautiously.

At that moment, Mark felt a wave of jealousy and incomprehension rising within him. Why had he missed this? And why did it affect him so deeply?

In the heated atmosphere of the kitchen, you felt a wave of anger and disappointment rising within you. The revelation about Mark's supposed affair at the holiday house made you seethe with rage. Without another word, you left the kitchen, your steps firm and determined.

Your heart was pounding with excitement and anger, while your thoughts swirled. 'How could Mark do such a thing? And he branded me a cheater?' you thought, as you moved through the corridors of the penthouse, driven by the need for a confrontation.

Meanwhile, on the terrace, Mark felt a similar wave of emotions. The news that you had invited Mingyu hit him hard. You had repeatedly convinced him there was nothing between you, but you still couldn't let go of him? With a feeling of anger and incomprehension, he left the terrace and headed into the penthouse, determined to confront you.

When you met in the living room, the air crackled with tension. Your eyes met, and in that moment, the pent-up anger exploded in a burst of emotions.

You: 'You had an affair at the holiday house?' Mark: 'You invited Mingyu?' Your voices overlapped in the charged atmosphere.

Mark, surprised by your knowledge of the holiday house, looked at you confused. 'How do you know about the holiday house? Who told you?'

'It doesn't matter! You cheated on me, that's what this is about!' Your voice wavered between outrage and hurt.

Mark, feeling both guilty and defensive, said, 'That... that wasn't anything important... We were separated at that time. I felt lonely,' his voice trembling slightly with mixed emotions.

'Separated? That doesn't justify what you did. You accused me of being unfaithful, while you...' Your voice broke with emotion. You struggled to hold back your burgeoning tears.

Mark felt his own anger and disappointment building. 'And what about you and Mingyu? You've been meeting him over the past months. I thought there was fucking nothing between you two?' His voice sounded accusatory, tinged with a sense of betrayal.

You took a deep breath, your eyes flashing with anger. 'Mingyu is just a friend, okay? Unlike you, I have nothing to hide. You cheated on me and then accused me!' Your words were like arrows, aiming to hit Mark.

Mark shook his head, his eyes showing a mix of pain and incomprehension. 'I never cheated on you. What happened at the holiday house was a mistake, a moment of weakness… For God's sake, we weren't even together at that time... But you... you invite Mingyu here as if nothing happened in the past?'

Both of you stood opposite each other, your words electrifying the air between you. Each accusation, each allegation, added further cracks to an already fragile relationship.

The others in the room, who witnessed this confrontation, felt torn between concern and the desire to intervene. Haechan stepped in first, a half-amused, half-concerned smile on his lips. 'Wow, I thought we were here for dinner, not a reality TV show,' he commented, trying to forcibly lighten the mood.

Jaemin followed him, 'Should we get popcorn, Haechan? This is more exciting than any Marvel movie,' he joked, although his eyes betrayed a hint of guilty concern.

Despite the others' light remarks, the atmosphere between Mark and you remained tense and electrically charged. Mark's face was a picture of internal struggle, his eyes sparkled with a mix of pain and confusion.

'I invite whoever I want, Mark. It's none of your business. You had your... adventure, and I have the right to live my life the way I want to,' you retorted sharply, your voice vibrating with suppressed anger.

Mark took a deep breath, his jaw muscles tensed. 'An adventure? Is that what you call it? I made a fucking mistake, yes. But you, you seem to have completely forgotten what we had… Mingyu, dude… really?'

Yuta, also in the room, cast a worried glance at Jungwoo. 'This is escalating faster than I thought,' he murmured quietly.

Meanwhile, Hanni, the silent observer, sat at the edge of the room, her eyes fixed on Mark and you. In her eyes was a hint of guilt, mixed with a trace of regret.

'It's not about what we had, Mark. It's about what you did and how you accused me,' you replied, your words emphatic and clear.

Mark, visibly struck by your words, searched for a response, his forehead furrowed. 'I... I had reasons to doubt. Everything I saw and heard pointed to it,' he replied, barely able to hide the uncertainty in his voice.

You shook your head, your eyes sparkling with disappointment. 'You only saw what you wanted to see, Mark. You let your own insecurities guide you instead of trusting me.'

The others in the room watched the exchange silently, the atmosphere charged with unspoken words and suppressed feelings.

Hanni, whose eyes wandered between Mark and you, seemed to want to say something but hesitated to intervene.

Mark clenched his fists, visibly struggling with his emotions. 'Maybe I overreacted back then, but you can't deny that Mingyu plays a role in all this... Why has he become so important to you?'

You took a deep breath, your voice firm as you answered. 'Mingyu deserves a chance, Mark. A chance to remain a friend. He was there for me when you weren't.'

'Was Mingyu still in your life when we... you know, on New Year's Eve?' His words were heavy, tinged with a hint of anger and accusation.

The others in the room, surprised by Mark's direct question, exchanged confused glances. The silence was now filled with a new level of tension as everyone waited for your response.

Your voice, too, was tinged with anger and hurt. 'Why does that matter, Mark? And why did you even come to me on New Year's Eve if you obviously found another girl to sleep with?' you challenged, your words concealing a hint of injury.

Mark, visibly struck by your pointed words, countered with a bitter undertone in his voice. 'It seems like you have no problem replacing me, y/n. Or was Mingyu just a quick consolation?'

The others in the room, now witnesses to this heated exchange, didn't know how to react. Haechan, Karina, Johnny, Winter, and Jaehyun exchanged worried glances, sensing that the situation might spiral out of control.

You, however, showed no signs of backing down easily. Your words were sharp and tinged with biting sarcasm. 'Mingyu is a good friend, Mark. At least he wouldn’t accuse me without reason, like you did.'

Mark, whose expression was a mix of frustration and disbelief, promptly retorted. 'A good friend, huh? I wonder how a former lover suddenly becomes just a 'good friend.' Sounds like a pretty quick transition to me.' His words were laced with skepticism and a hint of bitter sarcasm.

'Yes, Mark, it's like magic. Lover today, friend tomorrow. One just needs to put in the effort to understand – something you're incapable of.' Your tone was mocking, a blend of anger and hurt.

Jaemin couldn't help but laugh at your comment, but the warning glances of the others quickly silenced him. They all recognized that the argument between you and Mark was leading nowhere.

Mark’s expression shifted for a moment when he heard your sarcastic remark.

A brief, crooked smile crossed his face before he responded just as mockingly. 'Oh, y/n, if only it were so damn simple... Maybe I should also learn magic to change feelings overnight. Do you offer courses in that?' His tone was light and suggestive, despite the gravity of the situation.

Amidst the tense silence of the room, Haechan raised his voice, intending to calm both of you down. 'Guys, we’re not here to reopen old wounds. Let’s settle this without hurting each other.'

Karina stepped forward and placed a comforting hand on your shoulder. 'Y/n, come on, let’s go to another room and talk about this. It’s pointless to hash this out here.'

Johnny turned to Mark. 'Mark, dude, let’s cool down a bit, okay? We don’t want this to escalate.'

Jaehyun and Winter, observing the tense situation, also did their best to calm things down. 'Mark, y/n, this is pointless. We’re all friends here,' said Jaehyun, while Winter nodded in agreement.

Eventually, the group managed to lead you and Mark into separate rooms, hoping that some distance and calm would help smooth the waters. Haechan and Jaehyun took care of Mark, while Johnny, Winter, and Karina looked after you, each trying to contribute to defusing the tensions of the evening.

In the dining room of Johnny's penthouse, surrounded by the silence occasionally broken by the clinking of cutlery and the soft murmur of conversations, friends sat around the elegantly set table. The air was filled with a mixture of tension and the aroma of delicious food.

Mingyu, trying to lighten the mood, turned to you with a friendly smile. 'The food is fantastic, isn't it, y/n?' His voice was gentle, but his words seemed to fade away in the tense air.

Your thoughts were obviously elsewhere as you nodded absently. 'Yes, really tasty,' you replied, your voice barely more than a whisper.

Mark, sitting opposite you, observed the scene with a look oscillating between hurt and mockery. He raised his glass and spoke with sharp irony before turning to Haechan: 'To old friendships and new... acquaintances. May they always bring us unexpected surprises.' His words were clear and distinct, everyone at the table could hear the sarcastic undertone, a hidden message directly aimed at you.

Haechan, sensing the tension and not wanting to confront Mark directly, simply nodded and replied with feigned cheerfulness: 'Absolutely, Mark. Surprises keep life interesting, right?'

You clearly understood Mark's sarcastic remark and felt your own tension increase. You bit your lip, a gesture revealing both your frustration and your attempt to remain composed. Slowly, you lifted your gaze and looked directly at Mark, your eyes sparkling with a mix of anger and challenge.

Mingyu, sitting next to you, sensed your growing tension and discreetly placed his hand on yours, a silent sign of support.

As Mark turned his attention to Mingyu and you, his gaze fell on your interlocking hands. For a moment, his gaze lingered there, before slowly moving up to you. His facial expression was a mix of disappointment and a hint of jealousy.

In the tense atmosphere of the dining room, Johnny broke the silence by gently tapping his glass with a spoon to draw attention. His expression was friendly and determined as he began his brief speech.

'Thank you all for being here tonight,' he began with a warm voice echoing through the room. 'As you know, we're heading to a charity event in two days. I want to thank each of you who has agreed to come along. It means a lot to me that we all come together to do something good.'

His gaze swept over the friends gathered at the table, a smile playing on his lips. 'We are a colorful mix of different groups, and each of you brings something unique. Your diversity and commitment make this trip special.'

Then he turned specifically to Mingyu. 'Special thanks to Mingyu, who organized the location for the event. Your effort and dedication are truly remarkable.'

You turned to Mingyu and smiled at him appreciatively. Your smile was warm and showed appreciation for Mingyu's efforts. Mingyu returned the smile, his eyes twinkling with joy over the recognition.

Mark, sitting opposite, registered this exchange and reacted with a hint of surprise. He didn't know that Mingyu played such a central role in organizing the event. He spoke up, his voice calm but somewhat uncertain. 'Johnny, I'm considering maybe not coming along, man. With all this 'warm' and 'friendly' energy here, I might not quite fit in.'

Mingyu raised his eyebrows and turned to Mark. 'Excuse me, are you referring to me?'

Mark, whose expression darkened slightly at Mingyu's words, turned his gaze from Johnny to Mingyu. 'Well, Mingyu, I actually meant the general atmosphere, but if the shoe fits...' His words were targeted and carried a slight sting.

Mingyu, slightly surprised by Mark's direct allusion, raised an eyebrow. 'I hope my presence isn't making it too 'warm' for you, Mark. It would be a shame if you felt uncomfortable because of it,' he replied with a hint of mockery in his voice, a gentle smile playing on his lips.

Mark felt a growing heat in his veins. His eyes flashed with suppressed anger as he opened his mouth, ready to respond to Mingyu's mocking remark.

But before Mark could utter a word, Johnny quickly interrupted him. His tone was firm but understanding. 'Mark, I know it's difficult for you right now, but your participation is important. You have skills we need, and withdrawing is not an option. We're counting on you, dude.' Johnny knew that the tension among his friends had reached a critical point and that it was time to change the mood.

'So, let's enjoy the evening now,' Johnny began with a warm smile that underscored his natural leadership strength. 'I want us all to focus on the positive aspects of our upcoming trip. We have the opportunity to make a really significant impact.' His voice was motivating, almost contagious in its optimism.

The guests at the table relaxed a bit, drawn in by Johnny's charismatic presence. Even Mark, whose face had previously been marked by internal conflicts, seemed to calm down a bit. His gaze briefly shifted to Mingyu and then to you before focusing back on Johnny.

'We'll be working in a rural community to support local educational and health facilities,' Johnny continued. 'It's a great opportunity to use our different talents and abilities for a good cause.'

Mingyu, sitting next to you, nodded in agreement. 'Exactly, and I believe each of us can contribute something unique. It's about working together and leaving a positive impact.' His words seemed specifically aimed at easing the tensions and focusing the group on a common goal.

You were still lost in thought and gave Mingyu a grateful smile. Your tension seemed to ease as you recognized the importance of the event and how each individual, including yourself, could contribute.

The others at the table, including Haechan, Jaemin, Karina, and Minji, began to engage in the conversation, each sharing their excitement and ideas for the upcoming trip. The atmosphere at the table gradually became more relaxed, and the earlier sense of heaviness gave way to cautious hope and expectation.

As the conversation progressed, Johnny quietly turned to Mark. 'And Mark, I'm sure you'll play a key role on this trip. Your skills and presence are indispensable, man. Don't get down and focus on what's important.' Johnny's words were not only a reminder of Mark's importance to the group but also a subtle hint that personal differences should be set aside to focus on the larger goal.

The group spent the rest of the evening making plans and preparing for the upcoming trip. Despite the earlier tensions, a sense of unity and common purpose seemed to emerge.

As the evening at Johnny's penthouse came to an end, the friends said goodbye to each other outside, a cheerful murmur accompanying them into the cool night air. Despite the previous tensions, the mood was now lighter, almost playful.

As they made their way, there were a few humorous moments. Jungwoo almost stumbled over his own feet, and Haechan jokingly called out, 'Careful, Jungwoo, the ground isn't moving!' The group laughed, and Jungwoo replied with a broad grin, 'Don't worry, I've got everything under control!'

You, Karina, and Minji, laughing and chatting, made your way to Karina's car. You cast a final look back and smiled at Mingyu, who stood among the others and smiled back. It was a moment of silent understanding, an expression of gratitude and farewell.

Mark, a little apart, watched the scene from a distance. His stance was thoughtful, his eyes following every movement of yours. Haechan approached him, a mix of concern and curiosity in his gaze. 'Hey, Mark, you okay, brother? Are you sure you want to come along?'

Mark turned his gaze away from you and looked at Haechan. 'Yeah, sure,' he replied with an unusual determination in his voice. He paused briefly before continuing, his words imbued with a covert flirtation. 'I mean... I don't give up that easily. Sometimes it just takes a little... patience.'

Haechan, understanding Mark's implication, grinned broadly. 'Well then, Mark, the patient romantic. I wouldn't have expected anything less from you!' With these words, Haechan playfully slapped him on the shoulder, and the two headed to their car.

In the distance, the outlines of Karina's car could be seen as it slowly drove away, with you, Karina, and Minji inside. The streetlights cast a flickering light on the scene, a perfect conclusion to an evening full of emotions and unexpected turns.

Mark watched the car for a moment longer before turning away. Inside him, a spark of determination flared, coupled with the silent hope that the upcoming trip would offer not only a chance for charity but also for reconciliation and perhaps even a new beginning.

12 - Arrivals and Awkward Assistance

Two days later, on the way to the charity event, different atmospheres prevailed in the three cars driven by Mingyu, Mark, and Yuta.

In Mingyu's car, where you, Karina, Jaemin, and Minji were passengers, the mood was relaxed and friendly. Mingyu, at the wheel, showed his relaxed and caring side. His calm demeanor had a soothing effect on everyone in the car. 'Everything good with you guys in the back?' he asked, smiling into the rearview mirror.

'All good, Mingyu,' you replied, grateful for the relaxed journey. Minji and Karina quietly discussed the upcoming event, while Jaemin sat next to Mingyu, scrolling through the playlist. 'How about some music? Any requests?' Jaemin asked the group.

'Surprise us, Jaemin!' Minji called from the back. The mood in the car was cheerful, and everyone seemed to enjoy their time together. Mingyu's newfound ease and kindness were palpable and appreciated by all.

In contrast, in Mark's car, where Haechan, Jungwoo, Winter, and Jaehyun were passengers, a chaotic yet amusing tone prevailed. Mark, driving, tried to maintain order while Haechan and Jungwoo engaged in playful banter. 'Mark, can you tell these two to calm down?' Winter asked, laughing.

'Hey, I'm just the driver, not a babysitter,' Mark replied with a grin. Jaehyun, sitting next to him, shook his head in amusement. 'I'd forgotten how crazy our rides always are,' he said.

'Crazy? We call that entertaining!' Haechan called from the back, attempting to hit Jungwoo with a pillow. 'Careful, Haechan, you might fly out of the car!' Jungwoo warned, laughing.

Despite the chaos, Mark kept a cool head, steering the car safely and occasionally glancing in the rearview mirror looking for Mingyus car behind. His thoughts were with you, wondering how you were doing.

Upon arriving at the rest stop, immediate cheerful chaos ensued as the friends stepped out of the cars. Haechan, Jaemin, Yuta, Winter, and Hanni quickly became the main actors in an unexpectedly funny incident.

Haechan, always up for fun, suggested a spontaneous race to the restrooms. 'Whoever gets there first wins... um, the honor of being the fastest!' he shouted and sprinted off, followed by a laughing Jaemin and Yuta.

Winter, trying to document the chaos, pulled out her phone to make a video but almost stumbled over Hanni, who was trying to open a bag of snacks. 'Watch out, Winter! You could almost ruin our snacks,' Hanni called out as she struggled to open the bag without spilling everything.

Meanwhile, you entered the gas station to get something to drink. Searching through the shelves, you didn't immediately notice that Mark was also in the gas station. When your eyes met, you tried to ignore him and focus on choosing drinks.

Mark, noticing your cool reaction, opted for a loving gesture. Quietly, he approached you and placed one of your favorite chocolates next to you. 'For the road,' he said softly, before turning away, not wanting to be intrusive.

You, surprised and confused by Mark's action, looked at the chocolate and then in his direction. Part of you wanted to follow him and say thank you, but at the same time, you were not ready to tear down the wall you had built.

The chaos at the rest stop peaked when Haechan, Yuta, Jaemin, and now Jungwoo got involved in a spontaneous water fight. Triggered by a random splash attack from Haechan, the situation quickly escalated into a joyful mess, with everyone trying to splash each other.

Winter and Karina, equipped with their phones, filmed the whole spectacle and laughed heartily. 'This will be a hit on Insta,' Karina called out while trying to capture the action from different angles.

Jaehyun, who kept a bit of distance, couldn't help but laugh. His laughter echoed across the parking lot as he watched the silly escapades of his friends.

A short distance away, Mingyu leaned relaxedly against his car and lit a cigarette. His gaze swept over the scene, a smile playing on his lips.

You, initially amused by the chaos, turned to Mingyu and noticed his smoking. Your smile quickly disappeared, and you approached him. 'Mingyu, you're smoking again?' you asked, your voice tinged with a mix of concern and disapproval.

Mingyu, surprised by your reaction, took a slow drag of his cigarette and looked at you. 'Just occasionally, to relax,' he replied calmly, but there was a hint of regret in his eyes.

Mark, watching the interaction from a distance, felt a sharp pang of jealousy. He couldn't help but watch how you cared about Mingyu, a feeling that reminded him of the past.

Suddenly, the water battles of Haechan, Yuta, Jaemin, and Jungwoo were interrupted by the sudden honking of a nearby car. Everyone froze and turned to find the source of the noise. An older gentleman at the wheel of a family car shook his head disapprovingly and then drove off slowly.

The group burst into laughter, further amplified by the sudden interruption. The mood was now relaxed and cheerful as the friends prepared to continue their journey.

After another stretch on the road, the group finally reached their destination: a large, picturesque building serving as the venue for the upcoming charity event. They parked their cars and began carrying their luggage into the building. The air was filled with a mix of excitement and anticipation for the coming days.

While everyone was busy unloading, you struggled with a heavy suitcase. 'Let me help you with that,' Mark suddenly offered. His voice was soft, almost hesitant, as if he didn't want to be too intrusive.

You briefly looked up at him, your eyes reflecting a mix of surprise and determination. With a slight shake of your head, you declined his offer. 'Thanks, but I can handle it myself.'

Mark, noting the rejection, hesitated briefly. But without another word, he gently took the suitcase from your hand and began carrying it to the building. His movement was firm yet respectful, as if he wanted to show that he was there for you despite your rejection.

You watched Mark as he walked away with the suitcase, feeling conflicted. On one hand, you were touched and surprised by his kind gesture; on the other, you couldn't stop thinking about the fact that Mark had virtually cheated on you. You sighed quietly and then followed him into the building. 13 - Gathering Under the String Lights

In the evening, everyone gathered in a large room of the building. Johnny and Mingyu, as the main organizers, stood at the front, ready to inform the group about the upcoming tasks and the plan for the following days. The mood was relaxed, and despite the exhausting journey, there was a positive atmosphere.

'So, folks, tomorrow is the big day,' Johnny began with a smile. 'We have a lot to do, but I'm sure we will do great work together.'

Mingyu stepped next to Johnny and nodded. 'Right. We will be helping in various areas – from renovating some classrooms to supporting local health initiatives.'

The guys responded with typical humor. Haechan shouted, 'Hopefully there's a coffee break during the renovation!' causing laughter among the group.

Jaemin, always ready for a joke, added, 'And I hope there's no paint that matches my outfit. I don't want to look like a walking paintbrush!' This comment brought another round of laughter from the group.

Johnny smiled at the comments and continued, 'I see we're all in good spirits. That's great. Now, as for the tasks:'

He began dividing the group into teams and assigning specific tasks. 'Haechan, Jaemin, and Yuta, you will be in the 'Renovation' team. I expect you to make those classrooms shine.'

Yuta jokingly called out, 'But only if we can listen to music while we do it!' which again provoked laughter.

Mingyu added, 'Karina, Minji, and Winter, you are in the 'Health' team. You will help with local health initiatives.'

Karina nodded in agreement: 'Sure, we're ready to make the world a bit healthier!'

'And Mark, y/n, you will be with Jaehyun and Hanni in the 'Education' team. You will be organizing educational materials and helping teachers prepare,' said Johnny.

At the mention of you and Mark working together, you flinched imperceptibly, while Mark looked briefly surprised but quickly recovered. You wondered if the assignment of participants was intentionally organized this way.

Jungwoo, always ready with a joke, called out, 'Don't forget, y/n and Mark, that team building is key!' His comment made some laugh, while others sensed the ongoing tension between you and Mark.

When Johnny finished distributing the tasks, you spoke up, a little confused: 'Excuse me, Johnny, but I am a behavioral therapist. Shouldn't I be working more in the health sector?'

Before Johnny could answer, Winter intervened: 'Hey, y/n, I would love to switch with you! I think your skills would be very useful in the health area too.' Jaehyun, standing next to her, smiled broadly, pleased to be working with Winter.

At that moment, Minji hesitantly raised her hand. With an apologetic look, she said, 'Um, could I maybe switch too? I'm not very comfortable working in healthcare.'

Hanni, standing next to Mark, briefly glanced at him. There was a moment of silent understanding between them. Mark, quickly grasping the situation, spoke up: 'I'll switch with Minji. I think I can be helpful in the health sector.'

Johnny, surprised by the sudden change but pleased with the group's flexibility, agreed: 'Okay, that sounds like a good plan. Mark, you're now on the 'Health' team with Karina and y/n. Minji, you switch to the 'Education' team with Winter, Jaehyun, and Hanni.'

The group members nodded in agreement and began to adapt to their new roles. Mark and Minji exchanged glances, both with a slight smile that showed their willingness to adapt and cooperate. The spontaneous changes created a dynamic and adaptable atmosphere.

Haechan, who had been watching the spontaneous changes with a mischievous grin, seized the opportunity to bring some levity. He stood up, pretending to make an official announcement, and said in an exaggeratedly serious voice, 'I would like to formally apply for the 'Coffee Break Management' team. I believe my skills will be best utilized there!'

Then, still in character, he added, 'And I am accepting volunteers. Anyone devoted to coffee is welcome!' He looked at Yuta and Jaemin, who both promptly raised their hands and nodded in mock seriousness.

The group burst into laughter, grateful for the light mood Haechan had created. Even Johnny, trying to suppress a smile, shook his head laughing and said, 'Haechan, I think the 'Coffee Break Management' team is the most important task of all. Make sure we're all well taken care of!'

Haechan bowed theatrically, and the group clapped amusedly.

On the warm summer night, everyone gathered in the garden of the event venue. String lights hung above them, bathing the area in cozy, soft light. Surrounded by nature, snacks, and cool beer, the group enjoyed a calm and friendly atmosphere, marked by laughter and relaxed conversations.

You and Karina strolled together towards Mingyu, who was standing alone at the edge of the garden. You spread your arms and called out, 'Mingyu, you organizational genius! What a fantastic achievement!' Your voice was playful and full of enthusiasm as you smiled and approached him.

Mingyu, visibly embarrassed by your enthusiastic praise, laughed shyly and replied, 'Thank you, y/n. I just did my best.' He seemed amused and smiled broadly.

Karina joined in and added, 'Yeah, really well done, Mingyu. Your speech earlier was also very inspiring.' Her words were sincere and showed her appreciation for his efforts.

Meanwhile, Mark sat with Haechan, Jaehyun, Winter, and Johnny a little apart. They were engaged in lively conversation, laughing about shared memories and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.

Mingyu stood there, a wide grin on his face, as he recounted the story of one of his past adventures. He gestured animatedly, describing each comical twist with such enthusiasm that you and Karina could hardly contain yourselves.

You giggled uncontrollably, while Karina held her stomach, laughing. 'I would have loved to see that,' Karina gasped between laughs.

Mark, observing the lively scene from a distance, couldn't help but smile. The sight of your unguarded laughter reminded him of the lightness and joy he sometimes missed. In that moment, he wished he could be part of that laughter, part of that carefree joy hanging in the air.

Mingyu, noticing Mark's attentive glances from afar, leaned over to you and whispered with a mischievous undertone, 'Looks like someone's got their eye on our little laugh session.'

You, surprised by Mingyu's comment, reflexively turned around to look at Mark. In the moment your eyes met, you felt a mix of embarrassment and curiosity. Quickly, you averted your gaze and turned back to Mingyu and Karina, but that fleeting eye contact made your heart skip a beat.

'What? Who's looking?' asked Karina, noticing your quick movement.

You, trying to maintain your composure, answered with feigned indifference, 'Oh, nothing. Mark's just watching us.' You tried to put on a smile, but a hint of uncertainty lingered in your eyes.

On the next morning, the health team, consisting of Mark, you, and Karina, set off for the cooperating health practice. During the drive, mostly Karina and you chatted, while Mark, who was driving, occasionally joined in the conversation. The mood in the car was tense, as you and Mark still had a noticeable distance between each other.

Karina, trying to break the tension, steered the conversation towards the upcoming tasks. 'I'm curious about what awaits us today. I hope we can really make a difference,' she said optimistically. You nodded in agreement.

Mark, focusing on the road, added quietly, 'It's a good opportunity to gain practical experience. We should make the most of it.'

Upon reaching the health practice, you were greeted by a group of dedicated staff members. The practice was small but well-equipped, and there was a lively atmosphere. Your first assignment was to collaborate on a local health education campaign focusing on prevention and early detection.

As you prepared the materials for the campaign, Mark and you were asked to give a presentation on basic health topics. Despite your initial hesitation, you soon found a common working rhythm. Mark, focusing on the technical aspects, and you, bringing in your expertise as a behavioral therapist, complemented each other well.

Karina watched as you both slowly started to work effectively together, and smiled slightly. She could feel the tensions still simmering under the surface, but also the potential for a possible reconciliation.

The presentation went smoothly, and the audience showed great interest and asked many questions. You answered them competently. After the presentation, the practice staff thanked you for your contribution.

During the break in the health campaign, you met an older couple waiting at the practice. They looked so sweet and still so in love. The way they cared for each other warmed your heart. You started a conversation with them, and as you chatted, you began to see parallels to your own relationship with Mark. The couple spoke openly about their long marriage, including the highs and lows they had experienced.

The older woman, whose eyes showed wisdom and kindness, shared that she had once given her husband a second chance after he had made a serious mistake. 'It was the best decision of my life,' she said softly. 'He made it worth it.'

Still influenced by the events surrounding Mark, you asked incredulously, 'How could you forgive infidelity? I don't understand.'

The woman smiled indulgently. 'Dear, it was not just about forgiveness. It was about seeing the person, not just the mistake. People can change and grow, especially when they realize the depth of their errors. My husband proved that he was serious. He worked hard to regain my trust and strengthen our relationship.'

You listened attentively, the woman's words echoing inside you. 'But how did you know he was serious? That he really loved you?' you asked.

'By his actions, not just his words,' the woman replied. 'He took the initiative to show he wanted to change. And most importantly: he gave me time and space to process my feelings. It wasn't an easy path, but the journey made us both stronger.'

The woman's words made you think. You reflected on your own situation with Mark. Could it be that he too could change and grow? That your relationship also deserved a second chance?

As you were lost in thought, the older couple said goodbye with warm words and a kind smile. You returned to your group, the woman's words deeply rooted in your thoughts.

As the day ended and the group prepared to return, you were in a contemplative state. The day's events and the conversation with the older couple had awakened new perspectives in you. You began to realize that forgiveness and growth are complicated processes that require time and understanding.

Mark, noticing your thoughtful mood, offered to drive back. You accepted the offer and swapped places. As Mark drove, he occasionally glanced at you, as if he wanted to say something, but held back.

The drive was in quiet silence, with each lost in their own thoughts. For you, it was a moment of inner peace and reflection, an opportunity to sort out your feelings and thoughts, and contemplate the possibility of reconciliation with Mark.

After parking the car at the building, Karina was the first to get out. She gave you and Mark a quick glance before heading inside. Mark, about to get out, paused when he noticed you were still in the car.

There was a palpable silence in the car as Mark turned slightly towards you. He seemed to hesitate for a moment, wondering whether to say something. Finally, he broke the silence: 'Y/n, is everything alright?'

In the silence of the car, you turned to Mark and asked with a mischievous twinkle in your eye: 'Say, Mark, if we just sit here in the car, do you think anyone would miss us?'

'Miss us?' he asked, a bit confused. 'I don't know, maybe they would think we had delved into a deep discussion about the universe.'

You burst into laughter, amused by Mark's response. You found yourself unexpectedly captivated by his lightness and humor. With a playful tone, you asked back, 'Or would they maybe think we're arguing again?'

Mark glanced briefly at the building, as if pondering your question, then turned back to you. 'That could be,' he replied with a crooked smile. 'But maybe we should surprise them and just sit here smiling. You know, to confuse the rumor mill.' His eyes twinkled mischievously as he tried to lighten the tense atmosphere between them.

In the small space of the car, marked by the emerging ease, you smiled shyly at Mark's words. A secret, surprised smile played on your lips as you briefly glanced at him. His playful nature had sparked an unexpected warmth in you, a reminder that despite all difficulties, there could still be moments of lightheartedness between you.

After a brief moment in which you held Mark's gaze, you turned away and began to unbuckle your seatbelt. You opened the car door and got out, pausing briefly before turning towards the building. Your steps were determined, but in your eyes lingered the afterglow of the shared smile.

Mark watched as you walked away, a soft smile also on his face. Then he too got out of the car and followed you into the building, his thoughts still on the brief but meaningful exchange that had just taken place.

As you entered the building, you were immediately greeted by Mingyu with a friendly smile. Mark followed closely, but when he noticed Mingyu's presence, he felt a slight discomfort rise within him. The ease gained in the car seemed suddenly threatened as he noted the familiarity between Mingyu and you.

Mingyu noticed Mark's arrival, and his smile became a bit more reserved, but he maintained his polite demeanor. Sensing the underlying tension, he paused, apparently careful not to offend Mark.

In that moment, you turned to Mark and invited him with a gesture to join you. 'Are you coming?' you asked, with a mix of politeness and a hint of warmth in your voice.

Mark, surprised and simultaneously encouraged by your invitation, nodded hesitantly and took a step closer.

The atmosphere was still cautious, but in this small moment, a bridge seemed to form between Mark and you, a tender sign of approaching and understanding.

In the clear night air, surrounded by the peaceful mood of the remote building, the group gathered around a crackling campfire. A cozy circle of friends formed, with Karina, you, Winter, Minji, and Hanni on one side, and Mingyu, Jaehyun, and Jungwoo on the other. Opposite them sat Mark, Haechan, Yuta, Jaemin, and Johnny, the warmth of the fire between them.

The atmosphere was relaxed and easygoing. The flames of the campfire cast a gentle, flickering light on the faces of those present, creating shadows and reflections that bathed the scene in a cozy, almost magical mood. In their hands, they held sticks with marshmallows, roasting them over the fire, as the scent of melting sugar hung in the air.

Stories and jokes were exchanged, accompanied by laughter and the occasional spark from the fire. Karina told a funny anecdote from her childhood, making Winter and Minji laugh, while Hanni listened attentively and chuckled softly. Mingyu, Jaehyun, and Jungwoo joined in the laughter, their eyes twinkling in the glow of the flames.

Mark, sitting on the opposite side, watched the scene with a half-smile. His eyes occasionally sought you out, who were engrossed in the stories and visibly enjoying the shared time. The distance between you, both physically and emotionally, seemed less significant at that moment, as if the warming presence of the fire could soften the cold that surrounded them.

Haechan and Yuta, the masters of entertainment, engaged in a friendly banter that made Johnny and Jaemin laugh. Their jokes and teasing comments created a lively atmosphere that spread like a spark through the group.

As the evening progressed, a lively conversation unfolded, jumping from one member to the next, each contributing their own charm and wit.

'Do you remember last year when we went camping and Jaemin forgot his tent?' Haechan began, laughing. 'He had to sleep with Yuta and complained all night about his snoring!'

Yuta, with a crooked grin, countered, 'I don't snore, I hum melodically in my sleep. There's a difference.'

The group burst into laughter, and Jaemin shook his head amusedly. 'Melodically? More like a growling bear!'

Meanwhile, you saw Mark quietly laughing to himself, his eyes sparkling in the firelight. You couldn't help but notice the change in his demeanor; he seemed more relaxed, almost as if he had shed part of the burden he carried.

Amidst the laughter and jovial atmosphere, Karina leaned in and whispered to you with a teasing undertone, 'So, y/n, what did you two do in the car for so long? Some reconciliation talks?'

You, taken aback by Karina's question but quick to find a witty response, replied with a playful smile, 'Oh, we just discussed the meaning of life and decoded the universe. You know, everyday stuff.'

Karina laughed softly. 'Ah, sounds like a profound session!' She winked at you, and you shook your head with a smile.

At that moment, Mark, who had overheard your quiet conversation, cast a brief, curious glance your way. He seemed to wonder what you were talking about but then decided not to inquire further and turned back to the group conversation.

The lively atmosphere around the campfire was interrupted by a moment of calm when Minji, observing the warmth and sparkle of the flames, remarked, 'It's really a beautiful evening, isn't it? All that's missing now is some music.'

Her comment met with general agreement, and Hanni, sitting next to her, enthusiastically suggested, 'Hey, that's true! We have musicians among us. Mark, Jaemin, Haechan – how about a little concert?'

Mark hesitated at first when he heard the idea of a small concert. His gaze swept over the group, and he didn't seem quite in the mood. 'I don't know, guys, I'm not really prepared for this...' he began tentatively.

However, Haechan, always the entertainer, persisted with Mark. 'Come on, Mark! You know how much everyone loves your music. It would be the perfect end to the evening!'

Jaemin, recognizing the slight frustration on Mark's face, intervened. 'How about we go inside for a bit and talk it over? I saw a guitar in the house, we could probably tune it and put together a few songs.'

Mark's expression brightened at Jaemin's suggestion, and he smiled, albeit somewhat forcedly. 'Okay, fine... that sounds like a plan.... Let's do that.' Despite his initial hesitation, he seemed to warm up to the idea of being part of the musical evening.

As Mark, Jaemin, and Haechan set off to prepare for their little concert, the group around the campfire reacted with joyful anticipation.

You watched the three head into the house, a smile playing on your lips. You seemed pleased at the prospect of music, perhaps also a bit surprised at Mark's willingness to engage in the spontaneous event. Your eyes followed Mark for a moment before you turned back to the conversation with Karina and the others.

Karina, sitting next to you, clapped her hands excitedly. 'This is going to be great! I can't wait to hear them play,' she said, her eyes shining with anticipation.

When Mark, Jaemin, and Haechan finally returned to the campfire, a palpable tension could be felt in the air. Mark held a guitar in his hand, while Haechan clutched a sheet of paper, apparently the notes of a song. The group fell silent, their eyes expectantly on the trio.

Mark sat down, carefully placing the guitar on his lap. He seemed a bit embarrassed for a moment, his gaze traveling over the expectant faces of those present. His voice, as he began to speak, was deep and direct, though slightly hesitant. 'I wrote this song a long time ago for someone special,' he began, 'a promise to sing it that I made but never could fulfill. I'm glad I have the opportunity to sing it tonight.'

The group listened intently. The silence was only broken by the soft crackling of the fire and Mark's voice. You watched Mark attentively, feeling your heart start to beat faster. Were you the person this song was written for?

The night air was filled with the soft sound of the guitar and the harmonious voices of Mark, Haechan, and Jaemin as they began the song. The melody was soft and emotional, an echo of past feelings and unspoken words. Each note seemed to tell a story, each line opening a window into the singer's soul.

'A starlight shines on me one day Its meaning lingering in my warm hands Those gloomy hearts and scary days, now I don't mind Just tell me you love me It's still the same whenever I see you I speak awkwardly, my voice trembling Girl, I can't explain'

The words of the song, sung with a clarity and honesty that struck the heart, left the group around the fire in silent admiration. Mark's voice, supported by Haechan and Jaemin, filled the night's silence, a gentle but powerful reminder of the depth and complexity of human emotions.

'Even if time blows and flutters away The scent of this season lingers in my heart I look in your eyes and it still feels like Like we just me-e-e-et'

You sat motionless, absorbing every line of the song deeply. You felt the words wrap around you, gentle waves of memory and regret rising in your heart. Your eyes were fixed on Mark, who sang with closed eyes, as if he was laying every emotion he had ever felt for you into this song.

As the last note faded and silence returned, it was as if the world had paused for a moment. The group broke into enthusiastic applause, showing warmth and appreciation for the performance. Mark opened his eyes, his gaze seeking you out, as if he wanted to see your reaction to his musical confession.

After Mark played the last note of the song and the sound echoed in the night's silence, he looked for you with his eyes. It was a moment that said more than a thousand words, a look that seemed to build a bridge over the chasm of misunderstanding and hurt.

You, deeply touched by Mark's song, met his gaze and smiled warmly at him. In your smile lay a wealth of emotions - recognition, appreciation, and perhaps a hint of reconciliation. It was as if you were confirming without words that you had understood the message of the song, that you felt the depth of his feelings and his regret.

Mark, seeing your smile, felt a wave of relief wash over him. His tense face relaxed, and a relieved smile spread across his lips. He nodded gratefully to the applauding group, his smile warm and sincere. In that moment, he seemed to have freed himself from part of the burden he had long carried.

14 - Twinkle in the Shadow of the Night

The night at the campfire was marked by laughter and shared stories, when suddenly Mark drew your attention. With a subtle gesture meant only for you, he signaled you to follow him inside the building. Initially, you were confused by Mark's body language, but then you understood the silent invitation.

Mark stood up inconspicuously, his movements careful and discreet, and strolled towards the building. You observed him for a moment before looking for the right moment to stand up yourself. With a natural ease, as if just taking a short break, you got up and followed him inside.

While the others around the fire remained engrossed in their conversations, only Hanni noticed the quiet disappearance of Mark and you. Curious and perhaps a little worried, she made motions to follow you. But before she could get moving, Mingyu gently laid a hand on her shoulder and shook his head with an understanding but firm nod. "Let them," he whispered softly, his eyes hinting that this could be an important moment for Mark and you, one that should not be disturbed.

Hanni paused, a bit undecided, but ultimately respected Mingyu's silent plea and sat back down, her eyes still fixed on the door through which you had disappeared. That night, surrounded by the warm flames and the gentle starlight, an atmosphere of empathy and silent understanding remained among the friends.

As you entered the building, you were almost enveloped by the silent tranquility that prevailed there. You knew Mark was somewhere here, but you had to find him first. Your steps led you through the silent corridors, past closed doors and empty rooms that were illuminated in the faint light of the night.

Eventually, you reached the attic, a place rarely used but offering peaceful refuge. The door creaked softly as you opened it. The moonlight, falling through the roof windows, illuminated the scene in a soft, silvery glow. There you found Mark, standing alone at one of the windows, looking out into the night.

He turned around as he heard the door open, and his gaze met yours. For a moment, there was silence between you, a silence filled with unspoken words and unspoken feelings. Mark's expression was serious, but in his eyes lay a hint of hope.

You stepped closer, your heartbeat accelerating with each step that brought you closer to Mark. The tension and uncertainty of the past days seemed to condense in this room, but at the same time, there was a feeling of possibility, of new beginnings.

Mark broke the silence with a quiet, hesitant voice. "Thank you for coming," he said, his words floating in the room. You just nodded, your eyes firmly on Mark, as you waited for what he had to say. In this secluded, almost mysterious place in the attic, time seemed to stand still as Mark and you faced the moment and what it might bring.

Mark began to speak slowly, his words carefully chosen but honest. "Y/n, I know there's so much we've... never really talked about, and I'm sorry for that. Especially for not listening to you back then and not trusting you." His voice trembled slightly, a sign of his nervousness and the importance of his words.

He continued, his eyes seeking yours, as if to ensure that she understood each of his words. "I think my biggest weakness is to give myself completely to someone, to trust completely. And with you, y/n, it gets even more complicated. Because I..." He hesitated for a moment, then gathered himself. "Because I love you. More than anything else in this world. I want to protect you and not lose you. That often confused me."

You listened to him, your eyes filling with a mixture of surprise, confusion, and a hint of hope. Mark's words struck you deeply, bringing long-buried feelings to the surface. You could see how much it cost him to speak these words, how he fought against his own insecurity.

"I know I've made mistakes, y/n. Big mistakes. And I don't expect you to just forget or forgive them. But I wanted you to know how I feel. That I'm ready to do everything to regain your trust. To give us a chance." Mark's voice was now firmer, more determined.

As the silence between you continued, you found your words. "Your song tonight... it was beautiful, Mark." Your smile was sincere, and you seemed to forget all the insecurity and tension for a moment.

Mark responded with a modest smile. "Thank you. I wrote it for you." His words brought an even bigger smile to your face, and as he saw your smile, his eyes lit up. "I'm so in love with your smile," he said with a mix of admiration and tenderness. "It reminds me of how much I love you."

As Mark spoke his heartfelt words, you felt a sudden warmth on your cheeks and a fluttering of butterflies in your stomach. In this quiet, almost magical moment in the attic, surrounded by the darkness of the night and the gentle shine of the moonlight, you allowed yourself to hope that maybe, just maybe, a future was possible for you and Mark - a future where love and trust could prevail.

"Mark, I have to apologize too. For all the things I said in Johnny's apartment. I was hurt and..."

Mark gently interrupted you. "Y/n, you don't have to apologize. I deserve every one of those words. I made mistakes, big mistakes. It was my behavior that brought us here." His voice was full of remorse but also full of determination to leave the past behind.

Mark looked directly into your eyes, his voice marked by urgent seriousness. "I swear to you, y/n, I would never have touched that girl if she hadn't looked like you... In that moment, when I saw her, I thought she was you." His words were passionate, almost enthusiastic, as he tried to convey his deepest feelings and thoughts.

You were lost in Mark's intense gaze, unable to help but giggle at his almost exuberant apology. "Mark, I understand," you said softly, your voice carrying a weight that said more than the words alone. "I forgive you."

Mark's expression turned into one of dumbfounded surprise. The fear of having misheard was written all over his face. "Do you mean that?" he asked, almost as if he couldn't believe what he had just heard. His eyes searched yours, looking for a sign that this was not a dream but reality.

Mark stood there, still filled with astonishment and hope, as you gently nodded and broke the silence between you with a soft but significant question. "Mark, do you still feel insecure about Mingyu?"

At the mention of Mingyu's name, Mark's expression changed slightly, a hint of frustration mixing into his features. He thought for a moment as if he needed to sort out his thoughts and feelings before answering. Finally, he asked with a mix of incomprehension and curiosity: "Babe, why don't you just let him go?

Mark listened attentively as you began to share your thoughts. "Trust isn't about locking your partner in a cage and being proud that they stay faithful," you said calmly. "It's about giving them freedom and trusting them, no matter who they meet."

You paused for a moment before carefully adding: "That doesn't mean I can meet with every man or you with every woman. It's about balance."

You continued to explain your relationship with Mingyu. "Mingyu really needs help, Mark. He's just a friend to me. I thought you would have seen that by now." Your words were sincere and reflected your own convictions.

Mark lingered for a moment in thought, his eyes wandering between you and an indeterminate point in the room. Finally, he nodded slowly. "Yes, I've seen that," he admitted, his voice somewhat softer. "I understand what you mean. It's about trust and freedom, not about claims of ownership."

As you heard Mark's words and saw his understanding, a smile crossed your face. You thought of the conversation with the older lady in the practice, the wisdom she had shared with you. Inside you, the question arose whether you and Mark could be like that old couple one day – strong and united through time and life's trials.

Mark, noticing your silence, broke the stillness with a cautious question. "What are you thinking about, beautiful?" he asked softly, his voice a mixture of curiosity and concern.

You looked up, your eyes meeting Mark's. After a moment of hesitation, you answered with a depth that reflected your growing clarity and determination: "I wonder if we could be like the older couple I met today. Strong, united, despite all mistakes and wanderings."

Mark's expression transformed as he heard your words. A gentle smile played on his lips, and his eyes reflected deep understanding and growing tenderness. "That would be really special," he said softly, his voice filled with warmth and a hint of hope. "I believe we could be that. We both have our mistakes and challenges, but together... together we could build something very strong."

He took a step closer, his posture open and honest. "I want to try that with you, y/n. I want to give us the chance to grow and learn, to be together, despite everything that has happened." Mark's eyes searched yours again, as if he wanted to dissolve any uncertainty, any doubt within himself.

"That sounds like a pretty brave promise, Mark Lee. But I must admit, I'm curious to see how far we can go together."

You took a small step towards him, your posture both challenging and inviting. "So, Mr. Lee, are you ready for this adventure with me? You know, I take such promises very seriously." Your tone was light and playful, but your words had a deeper meaning, a sign of your growing trust and willingness to engage in a shared future.

Mark smiled wider. "With you by my side? I'm ready for any adventure, y/n." His smile was warm and sincere, a reflection of his feelings for you and the excitement about what may come.

In a moment of closeness, where time seemed to stand still, the few centimeters that still separated Mark and you diminished. Your gazes locked, filled with a mix of anticipation and emotion.

Slowly and as if it were the most natural thing in the world, Mark tilted his head and your lips met in a tender, meaningful kiss. It was a moment of reconciliation, of new beginnings, where all the uncertainties and fears of the past seemed to fade away.

But this moment of intimacy was abruptly interrupted when Haechan suddenly entered the room. His eyes widened in surprise and disbelief as he saw Mark and you so close together and in the midst of a kiss. "Oh wow!" he exclaimed, his voice a mix of shock and excitement.

Without another moment's hesitation, Haechan turned around and sprinted back to the others, shouting: "Guys, you won't believe it! Mark and y/n are back together!" His voice echoed through the quiet corridors of the building as he hurried to spread the news.

Mark and you, pulled from your moment by Haechan's sudden appearance, looked at each other briefly, a little confused but also amused by Haechan's impetuous nature. A soft smile played on your lips as you recognized the inevitable spread of your reconciliation by Haechan. Mark shook his head, a smirk on his face, visibly amused by Haechan's enthusiasm.

After you had parted your lips from each other, surrounded by an atmosphere of new closeness and familiarity, a question suddenly occurred to you. You looked directly at Mark and asked: "Mark, how did you actually know I was at Mingyu's party?"

Mark paused for a moment, recalling that day. Then he replied: "I found out from Hanni. She called me and sent me pictures of you and Mingyu dancing."

You, surprised and a little shocked by this revelation, looked at Mark. "Hanni sent you the pictures? But why?"

Mark shrugged. "I'm not sure. Maybe she just wanted to show me that you were having fun? I really don't know."

Then he asked you: "But what were you doing at Mingyu's party in the first place?"

You sighed and began to explain. "The girls insisted that we go out to celebrate. Hanni navigated us to the place. I didn't know it was Mingyu's house. And in a game, I was asked to dance with him. It lasted maybe a minute, as I immediately pulled away from him." You emphasized again that it was just a short dance, to avoid misunderstandings.

Mark nodded understandingly and apologized again for his mistrust. "I'm sorry I didn't trust you, y/n. I should have listened you."

You were still caught in your thoughts about Hanni's role in the whole matter, looking thoughtfully into the void. Your gaze was tinged with a hint of mistrust as you considered how to deal with this new information.

Mark, noticing your thoughtful state, stepped closer gently. With a playful undertone in his voice, he said: "You can think about Hanni later. How about you focus on me now?" His gaze was intense and full of unspoken promises, an invitation to enjoy the moment and put aside worries for a while.

You couldn't help but react to Mark's words. A light smile played on your lips as you looked up at him. His proximity and the way he spoke made your heart beat faster. The tension between you was palpable, a mix of romance and playful flirtation that filled the air.

For a moment, you let yourselves drift in the silence of the attic, surrounded by the magic of the moment, forgetting the past and future for a short time. In this space, far from reality, you found a moment of pure connection, understanding, and affection that showed both of you what could be possible.

15 - New Beginnings and Fulfilled Promises

In the warm rays of the afternoon sun streaming through the windows of the cozy café, you and Hanni sat at a small table, surrounded by an atmosphere of reconciliation. Hanni, visibly nervous, played with the rim of her coffee cup before taking a deep breath and lifting her gaze to you.

"Y/n, I... I can't even begin to express how sorry I am," she began, her voice trembling slightly with remorse. "I thought I was doing the right thing, but I only caused chaos. I hope you can forgive me."

You looked at Hanni for a moment, your eyes filled with understanding and compassion. "Hanni, I know you meant well. We all make mistakes. I forgive you." A warm smile spread across your face, a sign of genuine forgiveness and new beginnings.

The moment was interrupted by the arrival of Mingyu, whose presence radiated a new calmness and clarity. "I think I'm on the right path to finding myself," he said with a grateful smile towards you. "Thank you for being by my side."

As the afternoon gave way to the evening, you found yourself with Mark at your favorite spot in the park. You sat on an old, cozy bench, surrounded by the gentle hum of life around you. Mark, sitting next to you, looked at you with a deep, loving gaze.

"You know, y/n," he began, while gently holding your hand in his, "every moment with you feels like a little miracle."

You giggled and playfully replied, "Oh really, Markie? And here I thought I was just your personal challenge."

Mark laughed softly, his laughter sounding like music to your ears. "That too, but a challenge I'm happy to accept. You know, I've been thinking..."

He paused and pulled a small, shiny object from his jacket pocket. It was a keychain, engraved with your initials. "I thought this could be symbolic of our new beginning. A small step in our joint journey."

You looked at the keychain, your eyes shining with joy and surprise. "Mark, this is beautiful," you whispered, leaning against him, your forehead against his shoulder. "I look forward to every step with you."

In the warm glow of the setting sun, surrounded by the quiet of the evening, Mark and you shared a moment of perfect harmony and happiness. Your hearts were connected by the promises of the past and the hopes for the future. In that moment, everything was possible – a love deeper and stronger than ever before.

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