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1nyourdr34ms · 4 months

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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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calibabii21 · 8 months

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|| you're a godsend || l.mk

pairing: idol!mark lee x foreigner!reader

genre: mild angst, fluff, sweet mark, a bit of flirting if you squint

warning(s): mention of anxiety, reader experiences discrimination

a/n: I'm heavy in my Mark feels (what's new), so here's a lil smth short and sweet :))

"안돼요, 현금 없음. No cash." The sales lady's adamant tone only fuels your bubbling anxiety. You signal her to give you a minute as you rummage through your purse. God why did this have to happen right now? And to you of all people. "I'm sorry, can you-" She immediately cuts you off with a sigh and grumbles to herself as she begins closing the transaction. "Wait, no-" "죄송합니다 , you can add her items to my tab."

Your head snaps to your savior, tears welling in your eyes. From embarrassment or relief, you aren't sure. "You're so kind, thank you." Sniffles now uncontrollable as you dab your tears away. "I'd appreciate it if you didn't treat your customers in such a way," He hasn't yet acknowledged your words of gratitude, but you aren't offended- though it seems he is.

The frown on his youthful face looking out of place. At least from what you can see. To be fair, his features are covered by a black mask. "Enjoy the rest of your day." Yet he still gave her a smile, and left a tip. In cash. You're not sure how much you meant it, but you bow and thank the lady as well on your way out of the door.

The sun is beaming as you walk side by side in a comfortable silence. Truthfully, you don't even mind the quiet. For some reason you feel a strong sense of safety when near him. "I apologize, ya know, on behalf of the owner," he looks over at you through a squinted eye, "I understand how it is being a foreigner."

When you smile his eyes immediately flicker to your mouth, then back up to meet your own. "Thank you, for stepping in. I don't think you understand how much I appreciate it. I was nervous so I wanted to stop for a little comfort snack before going to my first meeting at my new job and-" you stop yourself short, "sorry. I'm rambling."

He shakes his head letting out friendly chuckle, "No worries, it's cute." There's no added statement as he leaves you flustered and passes your snack. As your walk continues, you pull your phone out to check the navigation, am I even walking in the right direction?

Once it's confirmed that you actually are, you pocket your phone and begin excitedly eating the bulgogi kimbap you'd fought tooth and nail for. Okay maybe not tooth and nail, but surely sweat and tears were spilled. "Want some?" He cutely nods and shocks you by pulling his mask down and biting off the top piece from out of your hand. "Oh.."

So handsome. He replaces his mask and faces forward as he finishes chewing. That is, until you reach a traffic light and he abruptly turns to you with a determined look in his eyes. "You're very pretty." It's said with such certainty and confidence that you can't help the feeling of immense attraction flowing through you.

"Not gonna lie I.. find you quite handsome, myself." The two of you smile at one another and share a laugh as the light changes for you to walk. "Still nervous for your first day?" You ponder the question before shaking your head, "I'm not actually, and it's really thanks to you." You come to a stop and face him, "You're truly a godsend, how can I show my gratitude?"

"You can go easy on me for being late to our first practice." Immediately you check your phone and gasp realizing you're late for your introductory meeting. "Oh my God! Wait- how did you-" He solutes you and backs away holding his arms out with an eye smile, "Welcome to SM Entertainment, Y/N."

#z writes✍🏾#mark is my baby fr🥰🩵#nct mark #nct mark fluff #nct mark fic #mark lee fluff #nct mark x foreigner!reader #idolverse #mark lee x y/n #mark lee x black reader #nct mark x black!reader #mark lee fic #mark lee x reader #mark lee x you #trnsl: “죄송합니다” = “I'm sorry”#trnsl: “안돼요. 현금 없음” = ”no. no cash“

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noname-friend · 1 year

Text

"I wonder who I'm looking for" (Mark x Ex-Reader)

"Cause you don't go to parties." (College!AU)

Who would've known this would happen? Mark didn't expect it, his closest friends wouldn't have guessed. Not even you saw it coming. Yet here he was, sitting on the front porch instead of inside enjoying the party raging on inside. He watched every car pulling up or away as the amount of people seemed to keep steady.

Some said hi, Mark didn't acknowledge them as he sighed. When his phone 'beeped', he looked hopefully at it but it wasn't from you so he put it back in his pocket frustrated.

See, you promised Mark you'd meet him at this little event but that was before you got swamped with homework the week of. Mark's just some frat boy anyways, surely he's still having fun without you. Without you... Right. You didn't need to be there either way. Just because he made your heart flutter with the invitation doesn't mean anything would have changed. You weren't a partier like he was. This is fate, you stay home and study and he goes out and has fun. Exactly how it's always been.

Suddenly, your own phone began to ring. You tried to ignore it, you were so close to finishing this essay. But it kept ringing. You sighed in defeat and answered.

"Hello?"

"Y/N!" The other voice yelled over the music.

"Hm?" You responded.

"Don't tell me you stood my poor boy up tonight." You could hear the music get muffled, you assumed he was outside now.

"What are you talking about, Johnny?" You rolled your eyes. "I didn't stand anyone up. I just didn't accept the invitation."

"Mark's been waiting for you all night on the porch. He hasn't came inside once." Johnny said, disapprovingly.

You shook your head, "Don't lie to me. I know he's inside with his latest fling or with you and the boys taking shots."

"Mm. Nope." Johnny said simply, you phone buzzed.

Confused, you saw that Johnny sent a picture. Just like he said, Mark sat on the porch stairs, one hand holding up his head and looking out at the street.

"N-no way. He's not waiting for me. He's probably getting some fresh air." You tried to reason, guilt plaguing the pit of your stomach.

"I'm telling you man, he's waiting for y o u." Johnny emphasized. "Why aren't you here anyways? You even told me you'd come."

You ran a hand through your hair. "I'm finishing homework up. I forgot I had extra work before the end of the semester so there's no way I can come tonight- Listen Johnny, tell him I'm sorry and to go inside, it's too cold to be sitting like that."

"Wow. I just can't believe you sometimes, alright I got it." You could hear the eye roll but Johnny hung up none-the-less.

You sat, fiddling with your pen for a while, debating if you should go just to apologize or something. You looked at your books and papers piled up. Ruffling up your hair, you stood up. You grabbed a jacket, zipping it up and slipped some slippers on. You stood in front of the door, putting your hair up messily and used your leg to open the door.

Only, to be face-to-face with Mark. Shocked, you just starred for a moment.

"Did you- you didn't run over here, did you?" You finally said.

He leaned against your door way, his face blank but something about his eyes seemed... angry? Disappointed? Maybe even sad? "A simple text would've been nice."

"In my defense. I don't have your number." You looked away and nervously bit your lip. "And, how was I supposed to know you would wait for me this whole time?"

"I invited you because I wanted to hang out." He said in disbelief.

"Ok, I know. I'm sorry." You said simply, "You're right, I guess I could've asked around for your number but this was all last minute to me as well. I mean, now that I know I was going to go see you."

"Obviously." Mark walked past you, taking his shoes off by the door and sitting on the couch. He put a bag on the table next to your homework.

"What are you doing?" You asked, slowly closing the door and slipping your own shoes back off.

"Don't tell me you still don't want to hang out." Mark replied.

You blinked a few times. "You're going to watch me do my work?"

"No, we're going to eat, then I'm going to help you with this work." He pat the cushion beside him, and began taking food out of the bag.

You felt like this was some strange dream. "Ok..." You walked over and sat down. "Mark Lee, of all people, is going to help me with physics. Is this a joke?"

"Why not? I already passed." He shrugged, handing you some of the food.

You scratched the back of your neck. "Are you mad? Is confusing me how you show that you're mad?"

He shook his head no, taking a bite. "I asked you out, and that's all I want to do."

"You're so weird." You didn't know how else to put it and began laughing, causing him to laugh as well. "Fine, fine. Hang out we shall! There's no going back now."

"Cool."

#nct mark #nctau #nct 127 #nct fanfic #nct fluff #nct u #mark lee #nct dream #nct scenarios #nct au #nct 2020 #nct #nct mark x reader #nct mark lee #nct mark scenarios #nct mark fic #nctzen

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neonacity · 2 years

Text

ARCANE | CH.7 | NCT DREAM X READER

Summary: When you decided to apply for a researcher post in an elusive institute, you already had the feeling that you’ll be getting yourself knee-deep into something out of the ordinary. But desperate needs require desperate measures, and so you embraced the invite, despite all the alarm signals urging you to run away. What you found out was nothing you’d ever expected.

Seven boys.

Seven human deviants granted with abilities tied to the legendary Arcana Cards.

Welcome to Project Dream.

Pairing: Various Dream Members x Reader

Trigger Warnings/Themes: violence, torture, trauma, very slight yandere themes, poly dynamics, suggestive themes, language, psychological, mystery, sci-fi. Romance will take a little bit of a backseat on this one since this is more of a suspense-driven plot, but it will still be threaded in the overall story. The concept of the tarot or Arcana cards will be loosely used throughout the series. Note that I am not a trained doctor so there may be some slips here and there about medical things. Again, this is a work of fiction and I am not implying any likeness between the characterization here of the boys to their real life counterparts. I also reserve the rights to all my work—I do not post anywhere else other than tumblr. Minors DNI.

> CH. 1 | CH. 2 | CH.3 | CH.4 | CH.5 | CH.6

Chapter Song:

Can You Keep a Secret? > Ellise

The dreams have become a normal part of your nights by now.

You already know where you are before your vision even came into focus. The sprawling, endless walls, the carpeted floor half covered with smoke, and the sole white door with the burned bronze knob welcomed you with the familiarity similar to a home you've long left behind. You've grown so accustomed to this slice of scene so much that you’ve memorized every single detail about it—or at least the ones that remain the same every time you find yourself in this imagined world.

That is probably one of the oddest things about your dreams. While you always end up in the spot you always find yourself in—within reach by the door you can never seem to open—the details around you also shifts every time in the slightest of ways. For every night you visit it, it becomes even more vivid with sharper details that weren’t there before: new cracks on the wall, a loose nail on the door frame, the sound of distant footsteps rushing on hallways you just can't see. It transforms little by little, coming into focus, almost as if this miniscule slice of moment is slowly shaping into reality right in front of your very eyes.

Today, it was the smell of something burning that you could clearly pick up.

"I don't think you should open it, noona."

You turned your head to the right to see Jisung standing by your side. This is the first time you actually had someone properly show up in your dream, though instead of being shocked by his presence, you regarded him calmly as if it was natural to see him there. In your head, there is no reason to panic or even question things.

After all, none of these is real.

"Why?" You asked the boy now as you quietly studied his profile. He didn’t look at you, his eyes set on the same white door, but you noticed how his gaze flickered at your question. He looked down as a torn expression skimmed his features.

"It's not time yet," he said simply.

"What are we waiting for exactly?"

"Nothing. And also everything."

You slightly frowned and turned your attention to the smoking door again.

"But someone on the other side might need our help," you reasoned out.

"They do. But we can't help them yet. Not right now."

The logical part of you knew that none of your conversation makes sense and yet you oddly accepted whatever Jisung was saying without another word. It was like you were trapped in a bubble that kept half of your usual emotions suppressed, giving you a false sense of security that made you accept things as they are at the moment. You did, however, turn to the boy beside you with a smile.

"Thank you for protecting me back then. You made sure I wouldn't get hurt during your drill…"

For the first time since he showed up, Jisung actually looked at you. He gave you a small shy smile, and you noted the slight flushing of his cheeks with amusement. How strange. If you're crazy, you'd actually think you were talking to the real him.

"It's okay. I wanted to do it. And I promised her."

You leaned your head slightly to the side in curiosity.

"Her? Who is ‘her’?"

The moment you asked that question, time seemed to have slowed down. Jisung's lips moved to give you a name, the sound of it making your lips part and your eyes round in shock. You heard it clearly, you were sure of it, but as soon as you did, it was dissolving in your memory as if an imaginary hand is forcing you to forget it. A ringing in your ears followed, starting first as a low hum before picking up in intensity until you had to throw your hands to cover the sides of your head to make it stop. You could barely hear yourself thinking and a splitting pain at the base of your neck made you squint in agony.

Ring! Ring!

The sudden intake of breath you sucked in knocked you out from your sleep. Eyes wide, it took you a few seconds to register where you are as you stared unseeingly at the ceiling above you. The ringing in your sleep was still there, but instead of it being in your head, it was coming from somewhere in your bed which, you realized, was half covered by stray papers and folders. Briefly, you remembered how you were trying to read some of the old test results from Project Dream's files last night before you obviously passed out judging from your awkward angle now against your headboard.

With a groan, you tried to sit yourself up on your bed to try and fish for the source of the sound. It almost took you a full minute before you finally managed to pull your phone from a pile of papers at the foot of your bed. You answered it without even looking at the caller ID.

"Hello?"

There was a brief two second silence before Kun's voice came on the line.

"You're still sleeping?"

You glanced at your clock now as you rubbed a hand over your eyes. It registered 6:30AM.

"Was. Why are you calling so early?"

"I'm at Brick and Beans. The coffee shop you said you always go to. Can you meet me here as soon as you can?"

The ache in your joints and the heaviness in your eyes were screaming for you to get more sleep, but there was something about the tone of his voice that made you swing your legs over from your bed groggily.

"I can… uhh… get there in 30 minutes. I just need to get ready. Did something happen?"

"Jaemin revealed his Arcana last night."

You froze in the middle of getting up.

"What?"

"I saw the report. It was just filed, but apparently there was an unscheduled individual test drill that happened last night and he just… showed it."

A cold feeling washed over you. Stiffly, you grabbed what you needed in a rush and gave Kun a few quick words before cutting the call.

"I'll be there in 15 minutes."

******* "I don't understand why he would do this."

Your gaze didn’t waver from the file you were reading even as you heard Kun’s whispered question. Not even a fourth of the cafe is full with how early it is, but the two of you tried to make yourselves as invisible as possible by camping on the farthest corner booth in the room. You swallowed before tapping on the screen of the tablet you were holding to read through the case summary you’ve been going over for the last ten minutes since you arrived.

‘Na Jaemin, 22, one of the uncategorized patients of Project Dream has manifested his skills during a routine sensory drill. While no physical disturbances were registered in the test room, one of the assigned staff in the control booth showed signs of hypnosis and attacked a fellow employee. The closest trigger, as reviewed in the video recording, was the patient’s vocal orders.’

“Was anybody hurt?” you asked Kun now, your voice low. The pause he made before giving an answer was full of meaning.

“Just a black eye according to Ten. I checked with him this morning, it wasn’t anything serious. I think Jaemin really was just trying to show what he can do. He could have done something much worse.”

His last statement made a chill seep into your already cold palms. That’s the thing. He could have pulled off something bigger, or he could have done nothing at all. Ever since that unexpected meeting that you had with him a couple of days back, there is one thing that you've solidified in your head with no room for doubt or second guessing.

Na Jaemin is dangerous—if not the most threatening of the group so far, for all the right and wrong reasons.

While he may not be capable of causing physical harm like Mark, Jisung, or Chenle or get inside people’s heads like Renjun and Haechan, he can pull off one of the most nefarious things one can do to a fellow human: steal their self-agency and bend them to follow his bidding.

Briefly, flashbacks of that night with him came rushing into the forefront of your mind again.

*******

“Why are you doing this?” your voice was barely above a whisper as you tried to keep your ground in the darkened room. You didn’t know if it was his smile that was making you feel so heady or if he was actually trying to put you under his spell, but you gave everything you could so as not to fold under his stare. He was barely touching you, but it almost felt like he had his hands around your throat from the way you were trying to keep up with your breathing.

He, on the other hand, seemed to be enjoying every second of the moment. He looked more wickedly beautiful than ever under the limited light of the room, especially when his lips twitched at your question.

“Do what? Princess, I haven’t even done anything yet.”

“Don’t play mind games with me," you finally snapped from the tension. "I'm not stupid. You’re trying to threaten me.”

An unexplainable emotion flickered in his eyes at your words. For a quick moment, you actually thought he looked guilty… maybe even a little hurt, but the look was gone before you could entirely take it in. Was it a trick of light? Were the shadows simply playing games on you?

“You already know what we need from you… Don’t you?” he asked softly as he gently let go of the lock of your hair that he had been holding between his fingertips. Your heart stilled at the question. Renjun's tip. Of course he knew.

“It’s hard for us to trust anybody, but they said you could do it," he continued, taking your silence as a confirmation to his question. He took a slight step back to give you more breathing space and you watched him unwaveringly as he seemed to contemplate his next words. "I wanted to believe that, but if you’re going to help us, you need to be careful of who you trust too."

Your eyes ever so slightly rounded in realization. Is that why he reacted that way about Winwin?

“What do I need to do?” your voice sounded steadier now as you tried to read the emotion stirring just underneath his brown eyes. “Tell me and I’ll try to–”

“I wish I could but there are questions I don’t know the answers myself. You’ll have to be the one to figure it out for all of us. That's why you're here.”

You frowned in confusion. Before you could even ask another question, however, he had already turned and started making his way to the door. You considered calling out to him, but then he stopped and looked back at you with a smile that made you pause.

“I’m not a bad person. I just want to make sure you don’t get distracted, is all. You’re right though. I am jealous, but that’s because I’ve never been a big fan of sharing with strangers," he said with a lilt in his voice. You were just about to say something when he ever so gently cut you off again.

“Be careful of who you put your trust on, Princess. After all, the devil can make itself look like a friend.”

*******

“You knew, didn’t you?”

Kun’s voice snapped you back to reality. Glancing up at him, you quickly realized what he was talking about when you saw the look in his face. You quickly shifted your gaze away, your eyes landing instead on the second part of the report you’ve been reading. The words jumped there as if they had a life of their own.

Name: Na Jaemin Arcana No.: 15 Arcana Tag: The Devil | IL Diavolo Skill: Compulsion, Mind Control, and Manipulation

“Yes. I’ve figured it out for a while now," you replied quietly. "I’m sure you had an idea too. You saw what he did in the test drill after all.”

The look he gave you confirmed what he didn’t directly answer. He didn’t push you to explain why you decided to keep quiet about the information, and you did the same to him.

“You think he just slipped when he revealed his Arcana then?”

You shook your head confidently. “No. That’s impossible. Jaemin slipping about something is the last thing that could happen here. Do you remember what happened during the test drill? He can plant ideas in people’s heads. Make them believe things or forget something. He could have erased this from everyone’s memories if he wanted to so I’m sure he did this for a reason.”

“But what? And why now?”

You sighed before leaning slightly on the table. “Kun, what if he’s doing it because he knows we’re trying to help them? Maybe that’s the trigger that they’ve been waiting for–to look for someone they can trust within Cypher. You said it yourself, they only started acting up when…”

“When you came,” Kun finished what you couldn’t say. You simply stared at him, looking torn for a full few seconds, before you leaned back on your seat.

“I don’t think it’s specifically because of me. I think they really were just waiting for someone–anyone who they think would be willing to help.”

Kun shrugged and pulled his glasses off so he could pinch the bridge of his nose. “I don’t know. That still didn’t explain why Jaemin did it—how does showing his Arcana help us in any way? If anything, it works for Cypher’s favor.”

“We’ll just have to continue digging for the answers. You sure you couldn’t access any of their personal history?”

“Other than the fact that they were all brought in to the institute the same day, no. Other important records about them are locked from me, I even only got their date of arrival here by asking information from Ten because he had to give them a checkup on their first day. But that at least ups the possibility that they did come from only one place.”

You nodded slowly. “Well, at least we have a good start,” you said as you closed the tablet and grabbed for your bag to leave. “Let’s go. We have more work to do.”

Kun sighed loudly behind you but followed you out of the booth anyway.

“I’d use other adjectives for the start we have, but sure. Lead the way, Miss Sherlock.”

******* Your fingers skimmed over the spines of the books you passed by gently. Before today, you didn't even know that the section of this building has its very own library—let alone one with such an impressive collection. When you were informed that one of your sessions will be held here, you were expecting a haphazardly put together room with run-of-the-mill titles thrown together. The place you are in now, however, is no average study just from a glance of its books alone. Similar to Jisung's greenhouse, the space felt like there was some effort put into it, like a beloved, personal space of someone who poured all his interest in building it.

"I got this room as a sort of gift."

You stopped in the middle of reading the titles at the classics section and turned to look at the boy leaning against the bookcase a little ways from you. Blinking, you briefly wondered if you were so focused that you entirely missed him standing there, but then he smiled and you completely forgot your train of thought. You turned to him fully now but remained on your spot just in case he wanted to keep his distance. Mark noticed, his eyes following the smallest of your movements as if he was trying to read you.

"What do you mean you got it as a gift?"

He pushed himself off the bookcase he was leaning on and actually tried to approach you. Compared to the first time you met him, there was something about the way he carries himself now that seems more at ease than his usual nature. It's as if some of his walls are actually down today, judging from how he stopped directly beside you. He reached to pull a book across from where you were standing then and flipped it open to its first page.

"When I first came here, I wasn't really the most cooperative of the bunch. The coats were following a different tactic then—bribe us with whatever it is we want so that we could cooperate better. They gave me this library. They even promised me that there will be zero cameras here."

You slowly took that in as you watched him flip over the pages of the hardbound in his hands. He seemed softer than usual today, his usual silent edge gone. You can't help but wonder if this is the real him beneath the front you usually see him wear as a shield.

"That's a little surprising."

He glanced up at you briefly.

"Me being uncooperative?"

"No. You loving books."

For a quick moment, Mark looked genuinely taken aback. He stared at you before a breathy laughter finally escaped him. Your own lips twitched into a small smile as you silently noted how genuine it sounded. You realized that ever since you met him, this is actually the first time you heard him laugh.

"I’ve always wanted to become a novelist,” he explained. “Also, I feel like you have a very distinct impression of me.”

You simply shrugged.

"You're nice, but you're not exactly a ray of sunshine either."

That made him stop and peer at you quietly from under his long lashes. He finally looked away and scratched the back of his neck a little guiltily.

"I guess I wasn't. Sorry if I seemed a little aloof. It's just that…"

He trailed off as he tried to look for the best way to phrase what he wanted to say. You decided to fill it in for him.

"You feel like you have to. For them, don't you?"

The look Mark gave you was a combination of emotions you easily picked apart. There was mild surprise about you hitting it on the head, slight guilt, and—if you read him correctly—even a hint of relief.

“Is that why you came here today? To do some psychoanalysis on me?”

“Yes and no. I genuinely wanted to check on you after what happened at the arena a couple of weeks ago. But if that’s what you want to tell yourself so you could avoid my question, sure. You can believe that,” you said before you turned and settled on the carpeted floor. You looked up at him and shot him a silent smile of invite. Mark looked hesitant at first but sat next to you after a bit, close enough that your elbows were almost brushing together.

“How have you been?” you asked him again once he seemed to have settled down.

“Are you asking that as my doctor?”

“You said there are no cameras here?”

“Yup.”

“Then I’m asking it as a friend.”

You noticed the way he stilled briefly in your peripheral vision. Finally, he sighed and leaned his head back against the row of books supporting your backs.

“I’m tired.”

“Mm… feeling like you need to carry everyone else on your back can get pretty tiring, I agree. Unless I’m reading you wrong?”

This time, he actually shot you a look. You retuned it with a knowing smile. You may not have had a lot of one-on-one time spent with Mark, but if you would rank your affinity towards the boys, you would say he is pretty close to Renjun when it comes to making you feel at ease for some reason. If you look beyond this usual wall he usually puts up, you feel like you could see a lot of yourself in him.

“I don’t really have a choice,” he finally said after a beat of silence. “A lot of people are counting on me.”

“Did they tell you that?”

His lips pursed and his eyes settled on nothing in particular in front of him. When you decided that you wanted to help them, you knew that a part of what you needed to do is to break through the shells of these boys to get to the answers that you need. Mark plays a big role in that, being the glue that seems to hold the group together. He may not always stand out in the pack, but you’ve noticed the way he silently carries the foundation of this small, tight knit brotherhood they have going on. That, from your own experience, can be a huge responsibility to carry alone.

“I was always told that I have to do it.”

“By who?”

“By everyone,” he said simply. “It’s expected of me.”

“Also, because I promised... Someone.”

That last bit made you stop, your brows coming together in a frown. That was the least you were expecting to hear from him, and it doesn’t help that there was a look in his face that you couldn’t quite figure out now—a combination of deep-seated loyalty and longing that could only mean one thing. At that moment, something in your head clicked and your lips parted in surprise. It couldn’t be what you were thinking...

“Is this the someone who is keeping you and the others from leaving this place?”

Your question made his eyes slightly widen. He slowly turned to train his gaze on you but didn’t say anything else. You, on the other hand, pursed your lips in determination.

“I saw what all of you could do in that arena,” you continued, your voice low. “I’m sure that’s not even half of what you’re capable of. If you wanted to, you could leave this place anytime. There’s something else making you stay here.”

Mark remained so still as you said that, which, for you only confirmed what you just said. He looked torn, as if he was on the verge of saying something. Hesitantly, you reached out to hold his hand.

“Renjun. He decided to trust me. I want to know if you’re the same.”

Something flickered in his eyes when you touched him though he didn’t move to pull away.

“I do. I trust you.”

Your chest lightened up a little at what he said. “Then you have to help me so I can help you. Help me understand. Why are you staying here? Why is Cypher keeping you here?”

If Mark looked torn before, he almost seemed in pain now as he tried to weigh his words. Slowly, he pulled away from you, an action that almost made you think you’ve lost your window to get your answers. He looked away, and you barely stopped yourself from reaching out to him again.

“I don’t know what Cypher wants. Believe me when I say that. We’re here because that’s exactly what we want to know. Why these people are after Arcana holders like us. We can’t leave yet. Not until we get the answer to that.”

You were completely at a loss as you let that sink in. What he said made zero sense at first, but then a light bulb went off in your head and you felt your heart stop in your chest in realization. They’re here because of someone else… Like a Trojan horse sent to the enemy’s borders to infiltrate them.

They’re not prisoners. They’re sacrifices.

“That person… sent you here,” you said softly and you saw Mark’s jaw lock. “You’re doing this for them.”

His hands balled into knuckles on top of his bent knees. “We needed to do something. Or else, people like us will never live in peace.”

“But being here might hurt all of you sooner or later. This person you’re talking about, where are they? Do you even know what their plan is? Are they helping you out?” The rest of your questions got stuck in your throat as you felt his hand wrap around yours all of a sudden. It was different from the way Renjun held you back when he was the one giving you hints. Unlike the other boy’s gentle touches, Mark’s was firm and with command, as if he was silently asking you to really listen. It was the way he looked at you, however, that really made you stop.

“That’s why you’re here. You have to help all of us. We can only do so much being locked up here.”

For a moment, you didn’t really know what to do. Everything was overlapping in your head and you can’t help the rising feelings at the back of your mind towards this stranger Mark is blindly trying to follow. Who are they exactly? Do they really care for these boys?

“You’re doing this… all of you, just because one person told you to?”

Mark’s face softened at your words. He looked down, right at your interlinked hands with an expression you couldn’t quite read. His next words, unfortunately, left you more confused than ever.

“Yes. I trust her. You won’t get it... but I’ll do anything for her. ”

******* “Are you okay?”

You blinked awkwardly as Winwin’s voice broke through your thoughts. You didn’t know how long you have been spacing out, but you couldn’t help the guilt that overtook you now as you saw him looking at you with a slightly concerned expression from across the kitchen island you two were currently camped on. You were at his apartment, in the middle of trying to cook dinner with him, after a rather impromptu invite he sent your way after work. You looked down at the bowl in front of you now and cleared your throat shyly as you resumed mixing the marinara sauce you’ve been trying to finish for the past fifteen minutes already.

“Yes. Yes, I am. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to space out,” you mumbled apologetically as you tried to avoid his gaze. You hated how you’re acting right now, because the last thing you wanted is to make him feel as if you’re not enjoying his company at all. It’s just that, after the talk with Mark earlier, you haven’t been able to keep your focus on one thing without going on an overthinking spree. Maybe you should have just stayed home instead of saying yes tonight. Locked yourself up in your room instead of being a shitty date.

At the very least, Winwin seems to be very understanding of it all, as he waved your apology with a smile. The light of the laptop he had opened in front of him almost gave him an angelic glow as he leaned his head against his hand while he looked at you.

“That’s fine. Tough day at work?”

You shot him a small smile as you moved over to cutting some of the vegetables you’ve entirely forgotten about from earlier. “What can you say? We do work for the same company,” you replied vaguely, hoping he wouldn’t press for more information.

That made him laugh. “I can’t say I don’t understand. Not with me still trying to work when I also should be paying attention to you. Are you sure you don’t need help with that?”

Now that made you genuinely smile. You shot him a glance as you worked through the rest of what you were doing. “I’m no chef, but I can sure make a salad on my own. What are you trying to finish anyway?”

“Ah… you know, just some routine checks on the systems. I’m just scanning the database framework of the office right now. Making sure there are no bugs.”

“I didn’t understand any of that, but those were some sexy talk coming from you, mister,” you teased as you finally finished what you were doing and wiped your hands with the kitchen towel after. Sicheng threw you a playful look, his eyes dancing behind his glasses.

“You find that sexy? You better come here then, take a look and maybe you’ll fall in love with me.”

You rolled your eyes at his words jokingly to cover the way your stomach did a somersault at what he just said. That’s the thing about Winwin—he does have this thing about him that can easily distract you from everything else, regardless of how bothered you are. Coming over to his side, you easily fit into the space he made for you so you could stand beside him. He was sitting on a bar stool just big enough to accommodate him, but that didn’t stop the two of you from getting close to each other as he threw a hand over you, his fingers coming around your hip. You, on the other hand, pressed himself closer to him, your eyes set on his laptop screen. There were lines of codes running on a small screen that he had opened, while half a window showed what looked like a complex framework of folders moving upwards slowly.

To be honest, none of that actually left much of an impression on you, not when you could feel his body heat warming up your side now. You could smell his shampoo from how close you are, that and a hint of mint as he moved his face closer to yours when he ducked to point at something on his screen.

“You see that? Those are all the folders that hold all the files Cypher keeps in its database. My team used to say we can run a full rebellion against the corporation if we want to by opening just a few of those. Dig through all their dirty secrets.”

You didn’t have any idea if he was as distracted as you with how close you are to each other now, but you thought his voice sounded lower against the shell of your ear when he said that. You didn’t want to make a fool out of yourself though, and so you forced yourself to focus on the screen to keep your thoughts from flying off somewhere else. Your gaze landed on the numbers and codes there, some of them blinking green.

“So you have access to everything? Even the restricted projects?”

“Mm… Yes and no. Technically we do, but the highly confidential files are hidden away from us. We can break them since we are the ones who create their ‘containers,’ but that would be considered hacking already since that’s not part of our job.”

You were about to give him a teasing remark about that when an idea suddenly made you stop. You froze.

He has access to everything…

Even information you and Kun cannot exactly unlock.

“You said you work for Project Dream, right?”

His question made your eyes snap at him. Your heart was pounding hard in your chest for an entirely different reason now, and you had to use every bit of your concentration to keep him from noticing. Slowly, you nodded.

“Yes. I do,” you said in the steadiest voice you could muster. Winwin keyed in a few commands on his keyboard and pulled up a new window that showed a smaller number of folders inside.

“There you are. All of your files are there. Pretty cool, huh?”

The pounding of blood against your ears almost drowned out the sound of his voice. You wanted to bombard him with questions, but something in the new window he opened caught your attention. You stilled, your eyes set on one particular spot on the screen.

“What’s that folder beside ours?”

Winwin followed your line of sight and quickly read the file name underneath the drive, a set of what looked like jumbled letters and numbers. His face cleared up not soon after.

“Oh, that? Usually, that’s a database for a sister project that’s being done under the same sequence. I think that one’s the first phase of what you’re working on right now. It seemed to have started six months earlier than Project Dream,” he answered as he pointed towards the sequence of tagged numbers on top of the folder. “You see that? That’s the code for its start date.”

Your palms went cold after that. You didn’t know that what you’re working on right now is connected to anything else, and you doubt Kun had an idea about it either. You were still staring at the screen when a loud beeping sound suddenly filled the room. You barely registered Winwin’s hold on your hip loosening as he stood up from his seat.

“I think the chicken’s done. I’ll get it.”

You barely registered him leaving your side with your attention still hyper focused on what was in front of you. You felt like you were at a crossroads, the possibility of unlocking something new making you almost dizzy. The next thing you know, your eyes were lifting to check on the boy in front of you as your hand moved over to the mouse control on the table. Winwin was currently bent over the oven, his body hidden behind the counter to take care of the food.

You hovered the cursor over the folder next to the database node of Project Dream and double-clicked it.

A mini homepage popped on the screen at your command. Your eyes made a beeline on the short codes written on it.

Project Date Start: 11-05-21 Phase Tag: Stage 1 Sequence: First Phase Category: Restricted Participants: Arcana users - FIRST BATCH.

Operation Name:

Project Irregular.

*******

“You told her?”

Mark didn’t have to turn around to know the owner of the voice. The once calm air in the library sizzled with an unexplainable force, similar to the way two opposing forces would push and pull against each other. He ignored it right now, his eyes set on nothing in particular in front of him.

“I did.”

“Why?”

“Because it’s about time we do,” his voice was still calm when he said that, though he knew the other boy could notice the slight edge tingeing his tone. “We’re running out of time. She needed to know so she could help us.”

Silence briefly hung in the air after that. Mark knew the words coming after, but it still didn’t stop the painful flinching in his chest when he finally heard it from him.

“You’re only going to hurt her.”

For the first time since the other joined him, he finally turned to face his visitor. He was standing on the same spot Mark sat on earlier with her, still as death.

“Why are you so against trusting her, Jeno?”

“Because she shouldn’t be involved with us anyway.”

“She’s the only one who can help us,” he said with a frown. For a brief moment, Jeno’s unreadable mask actually gave way, his jaw tightening as he heard those words. Mark watched him carefully, wondering if he would snap, but the look of chaos was soon gone from the other’s eyes as swiftly as it came. His voice, however, kept the same troubled current when he spoke again.

“Just because she can, doesn’t mean she should. I know you’re doing this for the stupid promise you made to your fiancee, but that doesn’t mean you should be messing up other people’s lives for her sake alone.”

His words were like a direct stab to his heart. For a moment there, Mark thought he was the one who would actually lose control, but then Jeno turned around and started making his way out the door. He called out to him—a stupid move— because he knew nothing will go through the other regardless of what he’s going to say.

Still he did it. He needed to say it.

“You don’t understand. I can’t betray her.”

Jeno stopped just as he was about to turn around the corner. He didn’t say anything, the heavy silence in the air on the verge of collapsing from tension again. Finally, he looked at Mark, his eyes piercing when he said the words he knew his brother and friend already knew.

“I understand you more than anyone else, hyung. Because I love her too.”

CHAPTER 8

----

A/N: I feel like this chapter is too vague and messy but please bear with me. Even my head is hurting from the plot I made, juseyo. :’)

Taglist [OPEN]: @negincho, @jhornytrash, @aaasteroidsky, @huangberryyy, @marijmin, @ashkuuuu, @reluctantserpent-101, @huskyhunny, @domojoo, @anaveragefangirl, @lostlovesoul11, @dreamisfelix, @lomlwoo, @coconuttiez8d, @jaehyunenthusiastsworld, @shininginthemoonlight, @bettyschwallocksyee, @w3bqrl, @smolpeyy, @chenlejjang, @kunssouschef, @thesunsfullmoon, @kpopstanforlifeuwu, @chokopocky

#mark nct x reader #renjun x reader #jeno x reader #jaemin x reader #haechan x reader #nct dream yandere au #nct dream imagines #nct dream superhuman au #nct imagines #nct mark fic #nct renjun fic #nct haechan fic #nct jeno fic #nct jaemin fic #nct jisung fic #nct chenle fic #kun wayv fic #winwin fic #nct dream yandere fic

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nctrsn20 · 2 years

Text

08 : Aftermath Of Confessions

GENRE ― nct as mafia, txt as mafia, college!au

SUMMARY ― It took a week for Natalie to wake-up, causing her loved ones to worry. But as soon as she woke-up, what she wanted had finally come true.

AUTHOR’S NOTE/WARNINGS ― mentioned of stab wounds, blood, mentioned of child-trafficking, slight angst at first but fluff in the end.

previous chapter (chapter 7)

"I'll call you back, Mum.... Yes, yes I will. Okay!.... I will call you instantly when she wakes up, please mother... Bye." Taeyong ended the call with a loud sigh, exiting his office of 127's residence.

A knowing figure was standing until she saw him.

"...Babe?"

As soon as he called her, Yelena ran onto his arms, pulling him to her.

He rested his head on her nape, releasing a shaky sigh.

Taeyong immediately called his long-time girlfriend, a few days after Natalie was safely being put in Kun's aid.

And a day after the surgery to stitch her deep wounds, Kun had to call Taeyong, who decided to inform Mark to come – Mark too, because he deserved to know, right after his confession that day.

"..Everything is fine, Taeil hyung and I fixed her broken nose and we stitched her wounds," Kun informed and Taeyong nodded.

"..So now all we have to do is to wait for her to wake up." Kun added, looking towards the leaders. "Days of expectations?" Taeyong asked, eyes frowning towards the Wayv leader.

Mark could only stand behind Taeyong, he is broken, he just wants Natalie to wake up.

"Two days, again it depends on each individual's body." Kun nods slightly, and Taeyong's eyes fall towards the sleeping Natalie – who was at the other side of the clear glass window.

But Natalie wouldn't open her eyes two days after the surgery, which made Taeyong all bothered and crazy that everyone could see him go insane.

Both Mark and Kun had to calm him down saying that she was fine, her blood and heart rate was all normal.

Taeyong was beyond worried that he called his girlfriend.

"It's been nearly a week, Yelena." Taeyong frowns, "I don't know what to do if she―

"Don't say that! Please, don't say that." Yelena harshly cuts him off at first, "Natalie is a strong girl, Tae. She is your sister, one of the Lees'. I thought you said all Lees' are strong." She tried to calm him down, knowing he needed someone by now.

Taeyong nodded slowly, then hearing a soft sigh and Yelena rubbing his back to comfort him. "Everything is going to be okay,”

"Can you stay with me?" Taeyong pulled her arm slightly, "Sleep-over, until she wakes up"

Yelena smiled slightly, before squeezing his cheek. "As you wish, Mr Lee."

"Thank you," Soobin turned towards the two members of Wayv who let him enter Kun's aiding room.

Nearly a few days had passed, and Soobin was getting better, thanks to the leader of Wayv.

The technology and injections NCT had in-stored were so insane that Soobin himself didn't know most of the drugs had in his body, his body was surprisingly back to normal.

Although his left hand was completely fractured and one of his legs was limping, it wasn't that bad for him.

Speaking of normal, his memories, all of it was back.

Even the events that were years ago had come back, and he started to remember again.

That includes remembering the last words he said to Natalie back in the programme dorm room and the past conversation he made when he reunited with Natalie again.

"You're welcome! You are Natalie's friend! So you are considered our friend too!" Yangyang said with a wide smile.

Soobin can't help but smile sadly, he never had friends – real friends, Natalie was an exception.

"Thanks," Soobin awkwardly smiled and Hendery kind of noticed his awkward self that he nudged onto Yangyang.

"You're being too positive, you are pressuring him!" Hendery apologetically smiled at Soobin as he could only shake his head.

"I had no friends, except for Natalie. She used to be.. until Kingpin happened. Regardless, she is still my friend." Soobin said and there were positive smiles coming from the two Wayv members.

Their feet brought to Natalie's recovery room, and Yangyang was the first one to notice a member in the room.

He could recognize him from the back of his head.

"Mark is in there, hold on." Yangyang knocked on the door, entering the room.

Soobin was watching them from the inside, until he met Mark’s eyes.

The NCT Dream leader was frowning, it looks like Yanyang was convincing him since he finally nodded.

“Soobin, you can come in!” Yangyang called him in, Hendery encouraged the tall boy to enter since he got a green light.

Soobin awkwardly enters the room, but his eyes soon fall towards the platinum haired girl and that’s when his emotions start to get the best of him.

Soobin could already feel his lips trembling.

“I trust you,” Mark said, “...Well I have to, she really cared for you.” Mark gestured towards Natalie, before leaving the tall boy alone in the room.

After knowing he was alone, Soobin finally let out his tears, as he held onto her cold hands.

“...T-thank you, Natalie.” Soobin sobs, “I’m sorry for calling you a brat. I still remember my last words to you and remembering it now, I was a dick.” He confessed with a pout and trembling lips.

“I remember everything now,” Soobin held onto her hand tightly.

“Please wake-up, Nat. Please,” Soobin cried out, putting a strand of her hair behind her ears – his finger brushing through her skin. Even her face feels cold.

Soobin poked her cheek, it was an act of affection between the two of them back when they were so young, back in the programe school.

“Everyone misses you, I miss you”

A day has passed, and it has been exactly a week now.

“Ow! Watch it, Jeno!”

“Sorry, baby!”

“You nearly tripped my crutches!” Sylvia glared towards the boy, and Jeno instantly pouted. “I said I am sorry…”

Sylvia could only sigh, while pulling onto his hand.

Jaemin on the other hand was eyeing Irina who had bandages on both of her arms.

He was kind of worried, actually he looked like he froze as soon as he found his girlfriend’s friends state, the both of them.

He saw a lot of blood that day, compared to other days with the Dream boys for the missions.

Irina had blood spilled on her hands, both of them, both her blood and the blood of Soobin’s brothers.

Apparently, Irina had taken out two chips of the two boys, while Sylvia took out one.

Jaehyun took out another for the two girls.

It was a red, bloody mess. That’s all Jaemin and Jeno could describe.

The two girls finally saw Natalie and their eyes widened.

Sylvia was trying to hurry but she realised her condition that Jeno helped her.

Irina wasn't able to touch her due to her fingers being bandaged as well as her arms.

“..Come on, Nat.” Irina called out, “...It’s been a week.” She continued.

“You missed a lot of stuff, your new launch of skin care, Mark basically keeping himself shut in his room for a few days, Sylvia finding the crutches a pain in the ass knowing she can’t even walk if she didn’t use it, Jaemin cried by the way, what else…?” Irina basically listed out the things that had happened for the week.

“You kind of forget Taeyong hyung losing the bright colour on his face,” Jeno added and Irina nodded. “Oh yeah! As what he said, your brother… he isn’t doing well.” Irina sighed.

“....And you forgot to tell her about the kids,” Sylvia added this time and Irina gestured to her to explain this time.

“Okay, so, the kids that you had found that day. Taeyong, 127 consiglieres, Kun and Mark had a meeting about them,” Sylvia added with a smile, “Taeyong suggested making an orphanage for the kids that has been sold or abandoned.”

“You don’t have to worry about their well being though. Some of the Elinovas girls wanting to pitch in – Aurora, Katerina, Yelena and Adriana donated sets of clothes, like a lot. Yelena mainly pitches in money, more to their funds and needs, you know like food and all.” Sylvia added proudly, like those girls are business women and she is happy for what they contribute.

“So for now, Kun is in-charge of the orphanage, basically like a dean in our school.” Sylvia added, earning nods of confirmation from the other three.

“...I guess that’s it,” Sylvia frowns, while looking at the others who only shrug.

“Oh yeah, I heard Mark confessed to her.” Sylvia turns to Jeno, he turns towards Jaemin who gives him a frown. “..You should ask Mark himself, he was the one who―

A slight groan was heard from Natalie, and their head instantly snapped towards her – seeing her eyes fluttering slightly, as well as her fingers starting to move.

“Jeno! Jaemin! Call the others, now!”

Taeyong and Mark were the first one to run to Wayv’s residence – and for the first time, everyones sees the both of them running full speed, well during missions they ran fast but not the usual full speed.

By the time they came to Kun’s aiding room where Natalie is, the two boys were still there along with Sylvia and Irina.

This was the moment for the two girls to leave. “We’ll be waiting outside, we will probably hang out in Wayv’s living room.” Irina excused herself, holding onto Natalie’s which the girl weakly squeezed her hand.

“Thank you again,” Natalie weakly called out.

"..Anything for my bestfriend," She smiled followed by a wink, Jaemin following his girlfriend behind.

“Hey, you,” Sylvia slightly turned towards Natalie with her crutches, “..We will come by time to time, for now have a good rest.” She waved slightly, Natalie watched the four of them leaving.

Natalie’s eyes then moved towards Taeyong and Mark with a weak smile. “Hi.” She softly greeted, seeing Mark’s small smile, turning towards Taeyong.

Taeyong can’t help but look at her in amazement.

He quietly went towards her, and gave her a hug and he might put a bit of pressure on the hug that Natalie winced in pain.

“Sorry, sorry!” Taeyong mumbled and Natalie wanted to sit up but again, she was met with a throbbing pain on her side, causing the two men to go to her side – aiding her to sit up slowly.

Natalie’s eyes met with Mark, and somehow her cheeks turned warmth as soon as his voice echoed through mind.

‘.....I love you so much….’

‘....you’re the first girl I love…...’

The two didn’t realise that both of them were literally staring into each others’ eyes and Taeyong couldn't help but clear his throat, kind of sulky that they forgot that he was there.

Natalie instantly broke eye contact, thanking Mark slightly as he smiled awkwardly.

“You did it, Nat. You took out the chip from Soobin.” Taeyong congratulated and Natalie’s eyes instantly widened. “Soobin.. Soobin!?! What about him?! Is he―

“He is fine," Taeyong cuts her off. "...well his whole left arm was broken according to Kun.. But nonetheless, he is healthy, his memories are back, even the old ones and he is normal.” Taeyong recalled with a slight smile.

“A few days ago, he came here.” Mark added, and Natalie nodded – as long as he is back and he is normal, everything should be fine.

“How is he? But he is Kingpin's… Speaking of Kingpin, did Irina and Sylvia…?” Natalie recalled, frowning deeply as she tried to remember.

“... Irina, plus the help of Mark, erased the information of all the children he abducted. That includes Soobin and his four brothers.” Taeyong gestured to Mark, and Natalie turned towards Mark seeing him smiling slightly.

“....Aside from that, Irina and I kind of altered Soobin’s personal information, as well his other brothers,” Mark said, “..Irina told me about his family history… we just erased Kingpin’s name as his guardian since he is already legal enough to live independently.”

Natalie quickly sighed in relief as she leaned back, her tensed shoulders slumped down comfortably.

“...But that doesn’t mean we caught Kingpin.” Taeyong added, and there was a worried look on her face. “He is… too slippery to kill.”

Sensing Natalie worrying, Mark quickly holds onto her hands to support her – giving her a look that it will be okay.

Although Kingpin was still out there, her eyes started to fill with tears, knowing that everything was over – mainly for Soobin, he didn’t have to suffer again.

Taeyong watches her quietly, probably knowing this is what she wants in the first place.

His phone out of nowhere rang and Taeyong knew who it was, seeing his mother’s name on the screen.

'Mother'

“Well, our birth giver has finally called.” Taeyong showed his phone to Natalie as she could only chuckle while taking his phone, insisting she wants to answer.

“What did she say?”

Natalie passed the phone to him, “...She was crying, kind of nagging afterwards.” Natalie looks at Taeyong with a shrug, earning a ‘told you so’ look from Taeyong.

“...They are going to come tomorrow, wish me luck. Dad is definitely gonna nag at me.” Natalie sighed, rubbing her temple in frustration.

Taeyong surprisingly looks at her, “Dad nags at you too?”

“Yeah..? Why do you look so surprised?”

“All this while I thought Dad favoured you more than me.. That you can get away from anything.” Taeyong confessed and Natalie scoffed.

“I did get away with other things but this,” Natalie paused, “...I don’t know man.. But Tae, I get nagged too. Just like how they nag at you for ridiculous stuff and them having more expectations just because you are the first born…”

Taeyong’s eyes widened slightly towards the platinum haired girl.

He was surprised she knew.

“...They have expectations of me too.” Natalie muttered, really they do.

Their parents wanted their two children to live up the Lee name, which Natalie thinks it’s just.....

She doesn’t even know what to describe. Show off?

Taeyong warmly smiled at her, holding onto her hand. “..I’m glad we… could relate to each other then.”

Natalie returned him a smile, gripping onto his hand.

Taeyong’s eyes then turned towards Mark who was watching siblings interaction – deciding that maybe he should leave his sister and the boy to have some alone time.

“Now that you are awake, I’ll leave you to Mark then,” Taeyong out of nowhere stood up, “I’ll call Yelena since she wants to see you as soon as you are awake so…”

He walked out of the room, leaving the frowning Natalie and a surprised Mark.

“Well, that was all of a sudden, but okay.” Natalie commented, turning towards Mark with a small smile.

“So, how are you?”

“...Well, other than worrying sick for someone, I’m all good.” Mark jokingly answered and Natalie chuckled softly, knowing he meant herself.

Natalie stared at him for a while, seeing him caught the way she looked at him – instead of looking away, Mark decided to return her gaze.

“Mark, I..” Natalie started softly, “..I can’t believe I am saying this,” She muttered slightly, “..when I blacked out, I kind of heard your voice.” She recalled.

“..You said I was the first girl you love,” Natalie said, her eyes locking with his.

Mark watches her for a while, before leaning towards her - one of his arms supporting his body while the other cupping one of her cheeks as he kisses her.

Natalie’s eyes widened for a second, before leaning against him and she kissed him back. She saw how he looked when he kissed her, though his eyes were closed, he still looked beautiful.

Mark let go of her slowly, “I love you, Natalie.”

“I know,” Natalie winks at him, seeing him looking all shy. “...I love you too, Mark.” Natalie held onto his hand as he scooted neared towards her, sitting on her bed.

Mark quietly caressed her hair, “You know, you told me the day we first became friends and you said you hated your hair colour.”

Natalie sighed, “...Yeah, I still hate it. I wanted to dye it brown or black but my parents didn’t allow it.”

“But you look pretty with platinum blonde though, I have never seen you with dark colours but I’m sure you still look pretty too.” Mark complimented and Natalie slightly pouted.

“You always say that. ‘Pretty’ is your favourite word.”

Mark smirked, “That��s because it’s you. That’s my favourite word for you, pretty.”

Natalie scoffed at him slightly, he sounded like he was flirting.

“So,” Mark called, leaning against her, seeing her smile starting to get wide as he stopped inches away from her face.

Mark glances from her eyes then to her lips, before making it way back.

He was holding himself back from giving her more kisses, already feeling how plump her lips are.

“Natalie, will you be my girlfriend?”

Natalie frowns, and Mark’s expression falls slowly.

‘Don’t tell me she is going to reject me.’

“What kind of question is that?” Natalie pecked a quick kiss on his lips, completely caught Mark off guard.

“Of course I will be your girlfriend, Mark.”

Due to her huge stab wounds, Kun told Taeyong that Natalie needed more time to heal – hence she had to stay more in Kun’s aiding room.

Mark volunteered to take care of Natalie, and he never fails to show up everyday – although he has missions to handle, but thanks to the Dreamies who told Mark that they are confident to continue without the leader.

Mark supported her whenever she wanted to try to walk, he was being really patient whenever Natalie couldn’t get to stand up properly.

“...Why can’t my legs function!? It’s just my kidney area getting stabbed a few times, it doesn’t even directly link to my legs!” Natalie shouted in annoyance, particularly towards her pair of legs while Mark was holding her closely to prevent her from falling.

“..Nat, calm down.”

“I can’t calm down! I want to walk! I want to continue my normal routine and join you guys! I can’t go on a date with you sooner if I stayed in bed longer!”

Mark’s expression softens, definitely not able to hide his smile although his girlfriend is fuming in frustration.

“We still can go on a date, babe.” Mark said simply, and Natalie turned towards Mark with a deep frown.

“I actually consider this session as a date, actually me visiting you everyday is a date for me.” He said seriously, and Natalie looks at him with a slightly wide eye – then looking away from him as she sighs.

“I’m sorry. I just feel.. frustrated.” Natalie muttered before smiling at him. “..But.. since you said this is a date, do you want to cuddle with me after this walking session?” She winked and Mark let out a shocking scoff followed by a wide smile.

“Hey! I’m supposed to be the one to lead you in this relationship! I’m the guy here!”

Mark whines and Natalie suddenly grabs his arm, somehow pulling him rather roughly – his face stops right in front of hers, smirking at him.

“Who said guys have to be the one to lead, baby?”

Mark had a smile slowly forming on his lips, eyes moving to her lips before moving to her eyes, he really couldn’t resist himself from just kissing her roughly but he knew Natalie was still injured.

So he just softly kissed her on the lips, then tracing her lips with his fingers – he has a thing for how her lips feel like, it was soft and plump.

Clearly the two were having their own moment, like their faces are inches away from each other – Mark holding her close to him, and Natalie having the heart eyes for him that they clearly didn’t notice a few people basically creeping on them.

“Okay, I had enough of basically watching my little—

Lucas slightly pushed Taeyong who was blocking the way. “Ayyy, Mark! Get her!”

“Wooo! My new power couple now!” Hendery cheered, earning a chuckle from Yangyang.

Kun and Winwin gave Mark a knowing look – more like a look where they knew she would like him back, followed by the rest of Wayv members who could only openly smirked at the couple – specifically Ten.

And then came Haechan entering the room with a hamper, “Wow, finally loser. I’m sick of being the ‘yes’ man and in the end you are back to square one.” then came along with Jeno and Jaemin bringing more hampers.

Renjun came to the couple, giving them a soft side hug – the couple didn’t even move, it was as if they were still frozen to what had happened.

“Congrats, Mork.” Chenle pats the leader’s shoulder, followed by Jisung smirking towards the couple while pointing towards the both of them.

When Mark thought that was all of them, then came 127 members with more gifts such as Johnny entering with balloons that had Natalie’s initials, Taeil bringing a teddy bear and Jaehyun looked like he brought cupcakes.

Yuta came in, shooting finger hearts to the stunned couple then giving Mark a proud nod.

Finally Doyoung and Jungwoo entered, smiling towards the couple before Doyoung noticed Natalie and Mark’s expression.

The whole squad was in Kun’s aiding area.

“...Did.. we disturbed your moment?” Doyoung teased and Mark blinked slightly before turning towards Natalie who gave him a slight smile.

They turned towards him with a sarcastic smile.

“Yes.”

next chapter would be the end of this series sadly. :(

previous chapter (chapter 7) ⇋ last chapter (end of series)

[ Hero for Heart : Natalie’s Series, Base On Her Sorrowed Past ]

[ N-127 MOODBOARDS ] - [ N-127’S SOULMATES ]

[ N-WAYV MOODBOARDS ]

[ N-DREAM MOODBOARDS ] - [ N-DREAM’S SOULMATES ]

[ MASTERLIST ]

#nct mark mafia #nct mark fic #nct mark au #nct mark scenarios #nct mark imagines #nct mark #nct scenarios #nct imagines #nct mafia #nct mafia au #nct 127 scenarios #nct 127 imagines #nct 127 mafia au #nct dream mafia au #nct dream scenarios #nct dream imagines

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dammit-jjk · 8 months

Text

[ 𝐧𝐞𝐨 𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡 ]

jjeoreo juja fighting

lee mark

huang renjun

lee jeno

lee donghyuck

na jaemin

zhong chenle

park jisung

127 misc

last updated: 08/31/2023

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ooshu · 1 year

Text

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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ghostofhyuck · 2 months

Text

But moving on from him is impossible

When I still see it all in my head

In burning red

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

Everything is still the same, you think.

The streets, the establishments, even the people. Some even greeted you, surprising you but you were quick enough to give them a smile as you continued your walk.

You think that it’s stupid; who even walks on an autumn morning? It was the perfect season to laze around, sleep on your bed, and have a warm cup of coffee inside the comfort of your house. But you were only here for a few days, so striking up a short walk might be a good activity to do in the town since you’ll be leaving sooner.

But the chilly weather can be torture too. You couldn’t help but to rub your arms to warm yourself up. The layers of coat, scarf, and sweater didn’t help you either. Still, it’s been a long time since you went here, so you just made the most out of it.

You find yourself standing in front of a familiar coffee shop, nostalgia hits you as the smell of freshly-baked pastry lingers on your nose. You tapped your coat’s pocket to check if your wallet was with you and as you felt a bump, it was a sign to enter the coffee shop.

“Welcome — oh hey! It’s been so long,” and he still hasn’t changed a bit. Same smile and warm welcome.

“Hey Johnny,” you greeted, eyes locked on the displays of pastries. “Can I have two pieces of red velvet cookies please?”

You watched as Johnny fixed your order and as you two are by the counter, he tells you that it’s on the house.

“What? I can’t accept it,” you tried to place the money on the counter but Johnny’s too strong for you, even resulting in him grabbing your hand just so he could place your money back.

“No no, it’s been so long you know, we kinda miss you having around,” Johnny explains.

There’s a string of hurt from Johnny’s words. You couldn’t help but feel guilty about what happened, you know that both of you don’t have any fault about it but — there’s just something about breaking someone’s heart.

“Is he around?” and finally, you mustered the courage to ask about him.

“He’s out of town, he’ll be back in two days I think,” the same time you’ll be leaving this town. Fate must be playing with you.

“Oh. okay, well I won’t be here around that time, so just tell him I drop by okay?”

“You know you could always call him right?” Johnny replies instead. You became quiet as the older guy gave you an assuring smile before handing you the paper bag.

You bid Johnny goodbye and as the doorbell of the coffee shop chimes, you were welcomed by the cold breeze. You couldn’t help but let out a bitter laugh as the bag of cookies was still in your hand.

“What an idiot,” you cursed yourself. You half-expecting that he’ll be there. You were expecting that it was him who’ll welcome you and ask you what kind of pastry that you want — not Johnny. But he wasn’t and maybe it was a sign that it’s not really meant to be.

It was stupid. Everything was stupid because you impulsively bought a ticket to his hometown, excusing that it has nothing to do with him when in fact, you just missed him and you missed that town because it became your home for years too.

And now you’re hurting yourself because no matter how small the town is, and how barely there were any changes. You still can’t find him.

You found yourself sitting on a bench near the park’s fountain. It was nothing but cold and lonely because it was the same spot where the two of you would sit and just talk and talk until you two realised that it’s late at night.

It was the same spot where the two of you called it off…whoever decided to call it off, you barely remember, you hardly recall what you two were fighting about. You just know that both of you are tired and perhaps, it was just a sad case of falling out of love.

You remember the paper bag and as you were about to open the bag, you recall Johnny’s words to you. You couldn’t help but be confused with his words, you pondered about it too. What was Johnny trying to say?

But you find yourself fishing out your phone from your jean’s pocket. Opening your contacts and seeing how you never seemed to change his contact name. You wanted to press the call button, but a part of you wishes to leave a little pride to yourself. What's the use of trying to get back with your ex-boyfriend? Will second chances change anything?

But you miss him so much that it hurts. Years of silence and hardly any news from him, you still found yourself going to the place where everything happened. Maybe it was a grave mistake that you booked a flight to the town, because now that you’re here, the place is playing with your feelings.

Yet, you couldn’t do anything when you clicked the call button, muttering curses and “fuck it.”

“You called…” that’s when you know that no matter how many years have passed, your heart still calls for him.

“Hi Mark,” you greeted awkwardly, your hands were shaky but you tried so much to not drop your phone. “Listen, I’m back in town, I was hoping that we could meet maybe, over a cup of coffee?”

#nct #nct 127 #nct dream #nct x reader #nct imagines #nct fic #nct fluff #nct mark #nct dream mark #nct 127 mark #nct mark imagines #nct dream mark imagines #nct angst #nct mark fic

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haetrack · 15 days

Text

no clue (l.mk)

mark lee x fem!reader

wc: 11.6k

summary: mark realizes how long it’s been since he’s gotten laid, immediately heading to a party. he’s quick to find you, rushing into a room without really thinking about it. except now, he can’t stop thinking about you. how bad is it really if he ends up falling in love with his one night stand?

warnings: strangers to lovers, smut (MDNI), fluff, mild angst, one night stand, miscommunication and communication, reader is cautious, oral (both receiving), missionary, desperation, dirty talk, dry humping, softdom!mark, sub!reader

heavily inspired by tongues - the frights

part two to the how it all goes series!

mark doesn’t think he’s a person who acts on instinct.

he believes he at least has some self control. he won’t go out if he knows he has work to finish, knows his limits, and has pretty good time management if you ask him. he can control himself whenever he needs to, but he has his off days. everyone does.

which is why he can’t really explain how he ended up between your thighs.

he can hear the squelch of his fingers in your cunt, his mouth wrapped around your clit as he moans into you. your hands are threaded into his hair, moaning out his name, still unfamiliar on your tongue. he’s never really jumped into something like this before, but he can’t say he doesn’t like it. he really can’t, thoughts filled with only how good you taste.

he can feel how your thighs shake around him, trying to close shut when his fingers reach your sweet spot. he pries your legs apart, moving his mouth away from you to whine out, “need you to stop moving so much, wanna keep tasting you.”

he makes eye contact with you as he licks a stripe up your cunt, watching how your eyes flutter shut at the feeling. out of the people that mark’s been with, he thinks that you might be the sweetest person he’s tasted. he wouldn’t mind being in between your thighs, wouldn’t mind hearing all your pretty moans.

your hands make it to his hair, threading through the strands as he eats you out. you tug on it when something feels particularly good. he grunts against you, mouth sucking on your clit as the stinging pain makes his blood pump a little faster. all that he can hear are the lewd sounds of your cunt, the moans of his name, and his own breathing. “m-mark, i’m close. please don’t stop, you’re doing so good.”

he can’t slow down now, adding a third finger as he licks at your clit. he watches as your back arches, suddenly too aware of his dick straining against his pants. he tugs you close to his face, “need you to cum. want you to cum all over me so i can fuck your pretty pussy.”

he watches you nod, your hips rolling to meet his face as you moan out his name, hands gripping onto his hair as you cum. he hears himself let out an embarrassing moan, affected by your sounds and taste. he doesn’t stop his ministrations, helping you ride out your orgasm.

if he could, he’d spend all day here, licking up your cum as you cry out his name. with a tired laugh, you push his head away, almost enjoying the sad look on his face. your hand moves to cup the side of his face, “you did so good, mark. you want me to help you?”

his eyes widen a little, almost as if he wasn’t expecting anything to happen. you sit up, hands moving to unbutton and unzip his pants. his hands hover over yours, shaking as he watches you. “y-you’ll… you’ll suck me off?”

you pull his pants down to his thigh, “well, you did say earlier that you wanted to fuck me so… would you like to fuck me?”

he blinks at you, “really?”

“of course,” you laugh, “i know how bad you want to, and i know i want it, too. probably even more than you.”

you watch him scramble off the bed, taking off his pants as quickly as possible. he leaves his boxers on, making it back between the space between your thighs. you watch him slowly take his boxers on, watch how his cock slaps against his stomach. he’s leaking, and you wonder how exactly he’s held back for so long.

he strokes his length a few times, enjoying how you squirm around in impatience. he thinks you look cute like this, the thought dancing around in his head. he can’t keep himself away from you for too long, shifting closer to you. he rubs his length across your slit, letting your slick coat his cock.

your breath hitches when his tip hits your clit, mark leaning down to kiss you. you can taste yourself on his tongue, and you can feel how his hips continue to grind against your cunt. you can only take so much before you start begging, “mark, please. need you to fuck me already, need to feel you inside me already.”

he likes how pretty your voice sounds begging for him. it pushes him over the edge, moving to line himself at your entrance. he can feel how wet you are, his bottom lip caught between his teeth. he lets out a low groan as he pushes in, your tight walls taking all his thoughts away.

it’s been too long for him, fighting against himself as he goes as slowly as he can. he’s patient, even as your nails dig into his back. you’re letting out small whimpers, getting used to the stretch his cock offers you. he waits for you to get used to the feeling, even if his cock is twitching inside you.

when you tell him he can move, he experimentally thrusts against you. you feel too good, and he’s not sure how long he can last, especially with how long it’s been for him. at your whines, he tries setting a steady rhythm for you. his hips only stutter a bit when you clench around him, his eyes fluttering close.

you throw your head back when mark hits your sweet spot, and mark needs to hear all the pretty sounds you just made again. he grinds his hips as close as he can, eyes threatening to shut at how deep he feels inside you. his eyes watch where you two are connected, a thumb moving to your neglected clit.

one of your hands moves to grope at your own boob, rolling a nipple in between your fingers. mark needs to help you, he decides, quickly swatting your hand away as he moves his face to the valley of your chest. he takes a nipple into his mouth, hand rubbing over your other boob.

he’s all over you, every part of his body moving to make you cum. you lay there, practically sobbing at how good he’s making you feel. “keep going, mark! please don’t stop, need you so bad!”

your words make him dizzy, thrusts slowing to grind into you. he can feel how your slick has coated his thighs, how messy this all is. he doesn’t care, not when he gets to see you like this under him. you’re crying out for him, tears pricking at your eyes from how good he’s making you feel. he wouldn’t mind getting to see this everyday.

the thought quickly leaves him when you tell him you’re about to cum. your nails scrape along his back, surely leaving marks for him to see tomorrow. you’re clenching around him tightly, his hips fighting to keep moving. most importantly, you’re calling out his name so sweetly, almost as if he’s the only thing you can think of.

“y-yeah, you’re gonna cum all over my cock?” he stutters, “gonna make a mess all over me?”

“yes, please, mark, please keep going!”

it doesn’t take long for you to cum. he’s doing everything right, hitting every spot he could reach. you let go, a loud whimper leaving you as you roll your hips against him. he’s gripping onto your thighs, leaving bruises against your skin. you’re happy that you said yes to him, happy that you could have probably one of the best orgasms of your life.

mark cums soon after you, the image of you too much for him to handle. he groans out a fuck, enjoying the warmth of your pussy before pulling out. he jerks himself off quickly, noting how your bleary eyes watch him. he cums all over your pussy, watches how it drips down near your clenching hole.

he’s breathing heavily at the sight, hears your tired cry as you lay against the pillow of the bed. he’s not sure if he should go get something to clean you up or if he should just stay here with you. he’s sure he doesn’t want to leave just yet, enjoying the look of you so fucked out because of him.

not because he thinks you look pretty, even more so like this.

his thoughts are cut off by the way you call his name. there’s a smile on your face, and despite being tired, you tug at his arm to bring him down by you. he faces you, a pretty blush on his face. he never really knows how to end these kinds of things, not that he really has experience to think about.

it doesn’t feel awkward, but mark can’t stop thinking of too many things at once. he can’t just leave you like this, but wouldn’t it be weird to sleep next to you? you aren’t exactly a stranger, but he can’t call you a friend, or even an acquaintance. he barely knows you, knows your name and maybe one class you're taking. his mind itches to know more.

your hand brushes the stray hairs out of his face, and he realizes how much he likes the feeling. your hand twitches at your side, slowly reaching out to him to make him wrap an arm around your waist. it’s quiet when this happens, mark trying to decide whether he should say something or not.

you beat him to it, “you did so good. i’m glad i got to do this with you, mark.”

he’s silent for a few seconds, fingers moving up and down at your side, “i’m happy, too- i mean, like, doing this with you.”

you hum out, letting the conversation fade out as you snuggle into the sheets. you don’t mind that his arm is still wrapped around you as you try to sleep. you try not to pay attention to the satisfied sigh he lets out once he settles into the sheets. you’re not sure if you’ll see him again, and even if you do, you know you probably won’t be talking to him.

either way, you’ll be gone by the morning.

mark can recall everything he did last night once he wakes up. it all flashes in his head before he’s fully conscious.

he remembers walking up to you, probably too confident as he flirts with you. he remembers your smiling face as you lead him into an empty room, locking the door behind you as he presses you against the wall. he remembers how soft your lips were against his, how sweet you tasted, and how nice you felt wrapped around him.

most importantly, he remembers how good it felt to sleep next to you, how nice it felt to have you wrapped in his arms. but now, as he fights off sleep, he sees you’re not there next to him. he shouldn’t be surprised, it was only supposed to be a one time thing. but he can’t help how cold it feels in this bed that isn’t even his.

for just last night, this room was something that was shared between the two of you. now, it’s just a random room that he woke up alone in. well, he shouldn’t be too alone here knowing haechan is probably crashed out at this now quiet frat house. he gathers his clothes that are scattered across the room, slipping them back on.

they feel different now, suddenly too dressy for the morning. the door's unlocked when he gets to it, quietly opening it as he peers out into the hallway. there’s no one there, mark tiptoeing down the stairs as he looks around for haechan. as expected, he’s sleeping almost too peacefully on a stranger's couch. there’s other people there too, but mark can’t help but laugh at the sight of his friend.

he doesn’t bother being gentle with haechan, quickly shaking his shoulder to wake him up. haechan groans, and mark contemplates if he should just throw water on him. as if haechan could hear his thoughts, he shoots straight up, gasping for air like he just got revived from being dead. he looks at mark with wide eyes, practically gasping for air.

“are you alright, dude?”

“i’m… fine? i had the craziest nightmare that i was about to go down a waterfall.”

“how is that even-” mark just sighs, deciding not to question him, “let’s go already. let’s leave these poor people alone.”

haechan stumbles a bit when he gets up, dramatically letting himself cling onto mark’s shoulders. they walk about the house as if nothing happened, as if mark didn’t meet you in there. he drags out haechan, noticing how he’s staying surprisingly silent. mark doesn’t mind walking back to campus, not minding how pretty the blue sky above him looks.

suddenly, haechan says, “are you hungry?”

mark mulls on it before speaking, “i guess i could eat. you won’t get, like, sick or anything?”

“no,” haechan hums, “i’m actually feeling pretty good right now. i do wanna ask how you feel.” haechan raises his eyebrows suggestively at mark, causing mark to pull away from haechan, almost letting him fall to the ground.

“you are so weird.”

haechan laughs at that, “you’re acting like you won’t tell me all about it once we start eating.”

mark doesn’t deny it, trying to change the subject, “you’re paying, right?”

“no way! i took you to that party, you owe me!”

mark ends up begrudgingly paying for both their meals. he probably would’ve paid either way, he thinks as he watches haechan gulf down his food. mark is slower, taking a few bites as he picks at his food. he can’t stop thinking about what you might be doing, can’t stop thinking about the fact that you’re still lingering in his mind.

without realizing, mark asks, “how bad is it if i’m still thinking about who i slept with last night?”

haechan looks up at him, his cheeks full with food. he takes his time to contemplate mark's words, chewing slowly on his food before speaking. he clears his throat, “well, what exactly are you thinking about? like, sexually, or…” he whispers at the end of his sentence, “romantically?”

mark feels embarrassed when he realizes it’s both. he could just lie and say it was the first option, but he can’t bring himself to.

haechan doesn’t need to hear mark say his answer when he can see mark become more and more red. he knows mark is more of a relationship kind of guy, but really? he points his fork at mark, and in the nicest way possible, he questions him, “well, how much do you know about her?”

mark has to think about his answer. he’s never really seen you on campus or at any of the parties he’s been to. he knows your name… and how you look. turns out he doesn’t really know too much about you, but it feels more than that to mark. mark huffs out an answer, “not a lot, actually. but i do want to get to know her more! i feel like, like we really could’ve hit it off if it were any other time…”

“are you sure you’re not in love with her pussy or something?”

mark quickly shushes haechan, “why would you say that out loud where anyone could hear us?”

haechan brushes off his words, “it’s just… what if that was supposed to be the only time that you guys were meant to be together. you can’t just force someone to talk to you.”

“but-”

“nope. one, you don’t know her that well. two, if you do ever talk to her, given if she even wants to talk to you, what are you gonna say?”

“you know,” mark starts, really trying to come up with anything, “ask how she’s been?”

haechan threatens to throw his crumbled napkin at mark.

mark stares at his half eaten plate, not really knowing what else to say. he’s never seen you before, and last night was quite literally the first time he’s ever seen you. he’s not sure how he hasn’t before, not when you were so easy to pick out of a room full of people. maybe haechan is right, if he really wanted to know you, he should’ve already tried before.

he'll convince himself it was just a one time thing.

when mark came up to you at the party, it was the second time you had ever seen him.

he still looked the same as how he did when you first saw him during your freshman year. he still looks a bit boyish, but somehow obviously more grown up. you saw him slowly walk up to you after apparently getting a pep talk from a friend. you had quickly pieced together who the two were, and how exactly you remembered them.

it was one of your first weeks of college. you were hanging out with a friend, quietly talking outside the room that your class was about to be held in. you didn’t want to be late, but you also didn’t want to be the first person walking in there. that was embarrassing, but it was also embarrassing just standing out here like you wouldn’t be entering in a few minutes.

you and your friend were sharing hushed whispers to one another, probably talking about an upcoming assignment you really didn’t want to do. you watch your friend pull out her phone to mindlessly scroll before class starts. you were about to do the same when you heard loud voices quickly pass through the hall.

the voices are too loud for the quiet hall, cringing lightly before you hear thundering footsteps coming your way. in a flash, you see a guy dragging another guy down the hall with him. you hear stop pulling so hard! and a hurry up! as they pass by you. you make eye contact with the one being dragged, his eyes looking apologetic for how loud they’re being.

as soon as they arrive, they’re fast to go. you hear your friend laugh next to you while you just shake your head in disapproval. you click your tongue before talking, “we’re in college and there’s men still acting like children.”

she giggles at your words, “i think they might just be like that.”

“do you know them?”

“not really, no. i just know their names. the guy who was doing the dragging is always loud like that. i guess the other guy gets caught up in it.”

you nod at her words. you hear the elevator doors open and you wonder if the two entered in together, praying the ride would be fast to whatever event they were late to. you let out a sigh, “the one being dragged looked at me like he was sorry.”

when she laughs, she bumps into your side, “i think his name is mark. i’m pretty sure they’re roommates.”

with a frown, you add, “i hope they’re late to wherever they’re going,” your friend laughs at this, “people are starting to get in class, let’s go.”

now, the second time you meet mark, it feels like you’re being properly introduced. he comes up to you, only slightly faltering when you look at him with a smile on your face. you wonder if he remembers you all those years ago, wonders if he remembers feeling sorry for you. he probably doesn’t with the way he tries flirting with you.

it’s not like you don’t expect it, knowing he had to go through a whole pep talk before this, but you still feel surprised. he doesn’t look like someone who would be this forward, but you can’t say you didn’t like it.

he asks for your name (proving he really doesn’t know you), and asks how the party is going for you. cocking your head slightly, you answer his questions, noticing how his eyes dart down to your lips occasionally. it doesn’t take long for you both to head up to a room together, full of giggles and laughs.

you didn’t realize how much you would be into this, into him. he was desperate, hands all over you as he groaned into your mouth. you thought you would have to beg him to eat you out, but he was the one practically whining out to have a taste of you. it’s even better once he starts fucking you, taking care of every single need of yours before his own.

it’s over faster than you want it to be. he looks a little panicked afterwards, confused on what exactly he should do. you wonder how often he does this, if he even does this at all. you brush it off by asking him to come lay down by you. he presumably pushes all his worries away to lay behind you, arm tentatively wrapping around your side.

you wonder if you pushed it too far by asking him to sleep with you like this. you both could’ve left the room together, parted ways for the night, and probably never see each other again. it makes you think if this was all he wanted with you. sex. it’s not that you were hoping for more, but mark seems like a nice guy.

you have a quick conversation, thanking him for tonight. it feels too formal, almost as if you were ending a date. this is mark, someone you don’t know well and have never talked to. you don’t know why you push the hairs out of his face or why you let him wrap his arm around you. you should keep distance between you two, but you don’t.

it’s hard to explain what you really want right now, but all you can do is fall asleep in his hold.

you wake up earlier than mark, watching his chest rise and fall.

you find yourself cuddled into his side, using his arm like a pillow. you get up quietly to not disturb him, picking up your clothes from the night before. you hate staying at a random person’s place, but what else can you do in a situation like this. you find your phone, looking at your friends messages saying how she’s back at your shared apartment.

you send her a quick text that you’re heading back soon. you wonder what she’d say about all this, wonder if she remembers your encounter with mark from all those years ago. you take one last look at mark, sleeping peacefully on the bed, unknowing that you’re about to leave him there by himself.

you ponder on leaving your phone number for a few moments. nothing bad could come from it, but you don’t know if he would even want to see you after this. you bite your lip as you unlock the door, slipping out into the quiet frat house. you spot his friend passed out on a couch, a few others sleeping on the floor or other seats.

you debate on walking back to your apartment, but you’re sore everywhere. you mentally curse out mark as you try to find an uber, wincing when you look at the prices. you try to convince yourself that it's better than walking, better than waiting for the bus, and better than having to hear everyone else talk.

once your ride arrives, you're quick to hop in. it’s quiet for the most part, the radio playing a song you’re not too familiar with. you mull over every decision you've made within the past twelve hours, and as much as you want to regret every single one, you can’t. it was a good night, you met a good person, and you got good sex out of it. what’s there to complain about?

you can’t help but wonder how mark feels.

a few days pass, nothing really exciting happens.

you have class, you go to your job, and with the free time you have, you study or hangout with your friends. today’s a day where you've been out for a while, your friends dragging you out of your apartment and away from all the stress of a job and studying. even though you complain, they’re quick to see the smile on your face once you’re actually out.

there’s few times where you hang out at the campus. after your freshman year, you stayed close to the areas around your apartment. the campus felt too far and suddenly felt like it was only there for business. but your friends insist on eating on the quad. it’s a nice day, and you can’t really say no to eating outside with warm weather and friends around you.

you don’t know what possesses you to look over your shoulder, but you do. you regret it immediately, noticing mark walking down a sidewalk to wherever he’s going. you’re not sure why you stare for so long, it’s not like you want to know where he’s going or who he could be meeting with. he does look nice when he’s dressed casually, though.

you realize you might’ve stared for too long once you see him turn back at you. it’s quick, but he does a double take, realizing it’s you that’s staring at him. you quickly whip your head back to your friends, internally panicking on what you should do. you have about twenty seconds to decide if he does come over.

this would be your first time seeing mark after the party, probably your second time seeing mark on campus at all. does he even want to say hi? and what will your friends think? they’ll wonder why you’re trying so hard to ignore the man that is currently walking towards you. you don’t really want to talk about it just yet.

you realize you might have to when you hear mark call out your name. you take a deep breath, slowly turning around to give him a small wave. you can feel the gazes of your friends fall onto you without even having to look at them. there’s a soft smile on his face, hands wrapping around his backpack straps as he gets closer.

“uh, hey, how are you?” he asks a little awkwardly

“i’m doing fine? how are you?” you can hear your friends whisper behind you as you feel the back of your neck go hot.

“i’ve doing fine, i’ve just… been thinking about you. you kinda just, like, left that morning.”

you sigh, fingers moving to play with the grass under you. is he really thinking about that night? does he expect you to want to do it again? you shrug, “yeah, i didn’t really know what else to do. i didn’t want to stay there all by myself.”

“oh, sorry. i could’ve… walked out with you- i mean, if you had asked.”

“no, it’s okay. i know your friend was still there.”

he nods, “yeah, i know. but, um, if you’re not busy soon, then can we hang out? just us two?”

you’re a little shocked that he can just ask that so casually. it’s like you’ve both been friends for so long, as if it was always normal for him to ask the girls he meets up with to hang out. in another world, you would probably say yes to him, but you can’t think of a good reason to tell him yes. “mark,” you start, “i’ll be busy this whole week so… i’m not sure if i’ll be able to.”

he takes a few moments to take in your words. he stares at you before finally staring at the floor. he nods slowly, offering you an apologetic smile before speaking, “that’s fine, i just wanted to see-” he takes a breath, “wanted to see what you would say.”

you let out a small sorry, and he takes it as a sign that it’s time for him to go. he takes a few steps back, watching as you give him an apologetic look. “i’ll, uh, maybe see you again? soon? i mean, like, if you ever want to.”

you feel a little awkward as you try to avoid any more eye contact with him. “yeah. i’ll see you, mark.”

he takes a few more steps back before fully turning around. you look at him out of the corner of your eye, watching as he spares you a few more glances. he looks a little disappointed, but he doesn’t try to force you into what you don’t want to do. that’s a good thing about him, you think.

you let out a heavy exhale, now fully facing your friends. when you notice the silence among the group, you look up. everyone is staring at you with smiles on their faces, their faces practically begging for you to say something. you bite back a laugh as you try to ignore it, but one of them speaks up, “what even was that?”

you huff, “just… someone i met the other night.”

if you ever meet mark lee again after this, you might just have to curse him out for having to awkwardly explain to your friends what just happened.

it’s another day when you're back on campus.

there’s no friends this time around, no way for you to relax. you have a class today, getting upset with your past-self for thinking you could wake up this early for a class. you usually try to grab a quick snack beforehand to keep yourself awake. you make your way to your campus’s coffee shop. it might be 50/50 on whether it’s good or not, but it’s closer than anything else.

you think you deserve a sweet treat, a chocolate muffin that would probably cure every single thing that’s happened to you these past weeks (that also somehow all lead back to mark lee). you don’t really expect anything but a long line of other students waiting to order, but there you see the man himself, mark lee, sitting at a bench.

you’ve learned your lesson from last time, quickly moving out of his sight and choosing not to stare at him. you make your way to the line, trying hard to ignore him. your eyes subconsciously move to look at the side of his face. he’s wearing glasses, hanging low on his nose as he scrolls through his phone.

you wonder if he’s waiting for his friend or if he’s just waiting for his class to start. there’s an impulse to walk over to him and make conversation, smiling as you ask about his morning. you’d be willing to be a bit late to your class if it meant to talk to him more. you’re just not sure he’d feel the same way.

you watch as he looks up from his phone, rolling his head around to stretch. before he can catch you staring you look away, straight ahead to the menu in front of you. you have to wonder if you’re making this hard for yourself on purpose. you don’t have to think about him so much, especially if he might not even be thinking about you.

well, he’s thinking about you, but probably not in the way you’re thinking about him. it makes you sad, you could’ve at least been friends with him. even now, as you stare at him a few feet away, you could easily eat your snack with him. you could laugh at how nervous he gets, could get him to warm up to you as he gets more comfortable.

but you don’t.

you pay for your muffin, wait for it to be handed to you, and take a whole separate route to your class. before you walk out of the building, you take one last look at him, watching how he stares off into the distance. you don’t want him to see you, quickly walking off away from him.

what you miss is mark staring at you as you walk away. there’s a small smile on his face, seeing you rush off. he doesn’t care that this is the second time he’s seen you, doesn’t care that you don’t even notice him. he likes seeing you like this, so different than how you presented yourself at the party, not that it’s a bad thing.

he wishes that he could go up and talk to you, but he doesn’t want to make you uncomfortable. when he walked back to his apartment after the day he saw you with your friends, he decided that you probably weren’t interested. as much as he wants to talk to you, it’s better to give you your space. he just wishes he never ruined his chances with you.

he checks the time on his phone, wondering how haechan could be so late. before he can pull up his messages with haechan, he shows up. there’s a lazy smile on his face as he walks down the hall. mark rolls his eyes as haechan gets closer. haechan only chuckles, slugging an arm around mark’s shoulder. mark is quick to take it off, earning a quick whine from haechan.

wordlessly, they start moving to their shared class. mark doesn’t bother to ask haechan how he’s doing, clearly having a nice morning if he decided to show up so late. haechan laughs when he sees mark so annoyed, patting his shoulder before he speaks, “i have good news, you’ll never guess who i saw.”

mark hums disinterestedly, knowing it was probably someone he saw doing something crazy at a party.

“i saw your girl walking by just now.”

mark's head snaps towards his friend, haechan laughing at how wide mark’s eyes are. haechan picks up his pace, “that’s not even the best part. i said hi. and she knew who i was.”

mark furrows his eyebrows, “why would you do that? did she… did she say anything else?”

“i just asked if she had any plans, but she just shrugged and said she was probably gonna go out this weekend with her friends.”

mark smacks his lips as they near their building. he pushes the door open, air slapping against his face as they step in. he lets out an exasperated sound, “well, do you know, like, where she’s going?”

haechan coos at mark, “you’re so sweet, such a sweet boy. she didn’t say, but that doesn’t mean we can’t try to find out, right?”

mark is deep in thought. if he did find you, and that’s if he really tried, would you even want to talk to him? he’s not sure if you want that kind of thing with him, but he wonders if he can still try. if you brush him off, then he realizes that’s probably it. he could respect your opinion, as long as you tell him what you want.

before they enter their class, mark stares at haechan, “right, there’s no harm in trying.”

mark feels nervous tonight.

it doesn’t feel like the last time he went to a party, more confident and driven. now, he has a goal in his mind: to find you. he thinks it’s funny how nervous he’s being, it’s not even guaranteed that he’d see you again, not guaranteed that you would want to talk to him. if it doesn’t end up working out, he’ll just use tonight as a de-stressor, forcing all thoughts of you away.

haechan helps get his mind off of things on the way there. he doesn’t bring you up, chooses to talk about other mundane stuff. it would help more if mark didn’t know that haechan was just trying to distract him. it does make him realize how good of a friend he’s been through all of this.

when they get close to the place, haechan has to stop himself from laughing at how nervous mark looks, “you know she might not even be in there, right? it’s literally a saturday night, she could be anywhere.”

mark lets out the breath he’s been holding, “yeah, i guess.”

“do whatever you want tonight,” haechan huffs, “this is about you.”

with that, they enter the house. it’s a lot smaller than the frat, people all around mark as he enters. mark tries to scan the room, but can’t quite seem to catch you. you’re easy to spot, so that tells mark that you might not be here. before he can think about it more, haechan drags him off so he can get a drink.

haechan offers him some, but mark declines. if he does see you, he doesn’t want to mess it up by being potentially drunk. he tries to look around the room again from this angle, but he still can’t find you. it was bound to happen.

he’s about to give up when he notices a group of people move out of their spot, and there you are.

he knows you're there talking to a friend, but he can only see you. you remind him of how he first met you at the other party. he wants to walk over, wants to say hi, wants to talk to you. he forgets that haechan is there, beginning to take a few steps towards you.

he’s quickly stopped by haechan tugging on his arm, a certain look on his face, “are you really doing this?”

“i need to talk to her. even if she tells me to go away, i just- i need to hear it from her.”

haechan lets go of his arm, realizing that this is something that mark is serious about. “i don’t want to stop you. i’ll be here if you end up getting heartbroken,” haechan jokes.

mark just smiles, nodding before he walks away from him. he stops his hands from shaking as he gets closer. you’re turned away from him, and he doesn’t really know what else to do than tap your shoulder. you jump a little before turning around, your eyes wide as you realize it’s mark. he can’t help but notice your eyes soften a little when you see it’s just him.

“hey, uh, i didn’t expect to see you here.” he says to you.

a faint smile forms on your face, “i can’t say i’m too surprised to see you.”

he lets out an embarrassed laugh, smiling to himself when he sees you laugh too. looking behind you, he sees your friend smiling at the two of you. you turn back to your friend, a wordless exchange happening in front of mark.

your friend puts her hands up in defeat, looking at mark with a wry smile, “i just got a text from our friend saying she needs help. i guess i have to leave you two alone now!”

mark gives your friend a wave as she says bye to the both of you. she rushes off to another part of the house, mark not missing the mischievous look on her face. now that it’s the two of you alone, shy and awkward smiles exchanged between the two of you. no one really knows what to say or how to start.

“how have you been-”

“it’s been a while-”

you both talk over each other. you stare at each other with wide eyes, quickly laughing to yourselves. mark thinks he should be embarrassed by this, but he takes in how pretty you look while you laugh. he would embarrass himself for hours if it meant to see you smile.

the laughs subside and mark tries to quickly come up with something to say. there’s so many people around, the music is too loud, and you feel far from him. before he can say anything, you beat it to him, “do you wanna go somewhere more quiet?”

he can’t help but hear the subtle undertone of your words, a double meaning hidden behind them. he nods slowly, watching you grab his arm, just like the other night. he gets dragged through the crowd, weaving through all the people, his eyes remain on your back. your touch is warm, and mark likes having your hand on him.

there’s not a lot of options for a “quiet place” in the house. most of the rooms are locked, and the ones that are open have people openly having sex with an unlocked door. mark grimaces at the sight while you laugh at his face. you opt for a restroom, tilting your head at mark, asking if he’s okay with it. he walks in before you, scanning the room and letting you in.

he watches you lock the door, hopping onto the sink counter as you stare at him. he wants to talk to you, he really does, but you staring at his lips makes it quite hard for him. he takes a step closer to you, your hands wrapping around his neck, pulling him flush against the counter. you’re so close to him, and he can feel his heart racing as he recalls his last meeting with you.

he licks his lips, his cheeks hot, eyes wandering all across your face. you chuckle at him, smiling as you say, “can i kiss you, mark?”

he doesn’t even answer you, pressing his lips against yours without hesitation. as much as he wanted to hold back, he seems to lose all control when it comes to you. he can’t pretend like you didn’t come out in his dreams every single night while also consuming his thoughts in the day. his hands hold your cheeks, almost checking if you’re really there with him.

the kisses are slow, getting used to each other once more. one if his hands slides down to your waist, squeezing at the skin. his tongue licks at your bottom lip, relishing in the small moan you let out. he licks into your mouth, his hand sliding under your shirt. you press your hips close to his, feeling how he’s growing hard in his pants just from kissing.

you can’t help but let your hips roll against his, slow and teasing as he lets out a low groan into your mouth. you’re just as needy as he is, always admiring him from afar now that you see him more on campus. it’s weird how the universe works, bringing him to you when all you wanted to do was try to ignore him.

you can feel yourself getting wet, mark grinding into you as he lets out soft pants into your mouth. you take it all in, finally getting what you wanted. you could try to get rid of all the thoughts that you have about him, but it’s hard when he’s… mark lee.

you can feel yourself becoming more needy, embarrassingly so. mark looks the same, his cheeks pink as he lets out soft grunts of your name. when you start kissing down his jawline, he suddenly pulls his upper half away from you. shock paints your face, and he’s quick to explain himself, “i just- i wanted to, uh-”

“can you cum like this? it’s okay if you do mark, i think it’s cute.”

he whines out, “no! well, yeah, i can, but i wanted to-”

“really, mark. don’t worry, i’ll let you eat me out afterwards.”

he’s quickly losing the battle, his mouth slowly inching towards you again. his hips buck up at the mention of getting to eat you out, memories of your taste on his tongue playing in his mind. he almost gives up, but he’s determined. he slowly peels himself from you, hooded eyes and a flushed face looking straight at you.

“i, uh, i wanted to talk. i mean, like, talk about… i guess, us?”

you catch your breath, squeezing your legs together as you try to calm yourself down, “is there an us? we’ve only met up once, and it was for sex.”

“that’s true, but i…” he trails off a bit, putting his words together, “i want to talk to you more. i want to get to know you, because i really liked being with you the other time.”

you try to hold back any butterflies from forming at his words. as much as you want to give in, you have to be careful, “but wasn’t it just sex? i thought that’s all you wanted from me.”

his hand moves to your thigh, his thumb smoothing over your skin, “that’s true, but i didn’t expect to like it- like you so much. and i don’t expect you to think the same thing, but i just… had to tell you.”

you choose to stare at his hand on your thigh instead of his face. it’s easier to avoid how his eyes shine thinking about his feelings for you. it’s not like it wasn’t obvious, especially after your friends saw him the other day. you bite the inside of your cheek, “you like me? even though you don’t know me, even if we’ve met only once?”

“that’s why i want to get to know you. i want to know what you like and dislike. i want to know what your favorite songs are, want to know what you do when you’re free. i want to be there to learn it all.”

his words feel heavy, and you can feel your own feelings bubbling in your throat. what about you was so interesting for him? did he have a reason to find you pretty under him? what did you do for him to have such strong feelings so fast?

you speak slowly, “are you sure? i- i brushed you off the other day. another day i chose not to talk to you even though i saw you. am i really someone you want to talk to?”

mark smiles at your words, there’s no faltering on his end, “it’s my fault for not telling you what i wanted. i didn’t want to make you uncomfortable, either. if you didn’t want to talk to me, i didn’t want to force you to.”

your mouth opens and closes, not really knowing what else to say. you can tell he’s been thinking about this, been taking your feelings into consideration. if it were any other guy, they wouldn’t care about you, only thinking with their dicks as they talk to you. it puts you at ease knowing that mark is being genuine about it all.

“that’s why i wanted to talk to you tonight. i really had no intention of doing all this-” he makes a gesture between you two, “-with you, even if i really really wanted to. i was prepared for everything.”

you laugh at him, letting out the breath you’ve been holding, “i also want to say sorry. i didn’t mean to be so… mean. i wanted to talk to you, too. i just thought that you only wanted a one time thing, or that you just wanted sex.”

his hand reaches for yours, and you don’t try to brush it off. you don’t quite grab his hand just yet, but you let him hold on. he stares at you gently, “i’m sorry if i made you feel that way.”

you shake your head, “it’s not your fault, i was just thinking too much.”

the two of you sit in silence for a couple of moments. you can hear the loud music bouncing through the thin walls. you can hear people shouting over the music, loud laughs echoing down the halls. even through all the noise, it feels like it’s just the two of you in the room. this is your space with him, and you like how it feels.

after a few more beats of silence, he speaks up, “can i… can i take you out sometime? like, i mean, like, take you out on a date? that isn’t a party? just… wherever you want?”

you let out a small laugh at his nervous, jumbled words. his cheeks turn pink at the sound, head falling to your shoulder as he groans in embarrassment. you hope he can’t hear your thumping heart as you answer him, “i would like that. i want to go on a date with you, mark.”

you can feel him smile against the skin of your shoulder. he whispers out a thank you, pressing a kiss to your shoulder. you wrap your arms behind his back, pulling him close as you hum, “do you think we should get out of here?”

he moves to look at you, “definitely.”

you’re unexpectedly nervous for today.

after the party, you and mark exchanged numbers before you both went separate ways for the night. you never expected to see him, never expected to not have sex with him, and never expected to even give him your phone number. now, as you stare at the shared messages from the previous days, you realize how much you kept yourself away from him.

it almost felt too easy for you to fall for him. you tried to hold back, but the care he holds for you gets to your heart. you don’t mind, knowing that he’s felt like this just as long as you had, no restraint shown in how he takes your feelings seriously. a few weeks ago, you could’ve never felt nervous about what might happen today.

it’s nothing serious, mark even saying that it doesn’t have to be a date if you don’t want it to be. like he said before, he just wants to get to know you as a person. the thought makes you shake out a breath, trying to take it just as easy as him.

you mull over your clothing options, wondering what exactly you should wear for a casual hangout. he probably won’t care as much as you think he would, but you don’t want to seem too prepared or too lax. you’re overthinking it again. it’s just mark. it should be easy with him, he’s interested in you, not the you you try to put on.

you grab whatever feels fitting for the day. you look back at your phone, seeing mark’s text saying he’s ready when you are. you’re quick to type out that you’re about to start heading over. it’s just a coffee shop, you think. you try not to put too much meaning into it yet.

it’s not too far from you, a fifteen minute bus ride to the place. throughout the ride, you try to drown out your nervous thoughts with your favorite playlist. it seems the universe is against you when all it plays are the love songs in your playlist. too coincidental.

you get there before him. it looks like a nice, quiet spot. mark says he’s been going here for quite some time, one of his favorite spots to talk to his friends or study. you can’t help but wonder if it’s true or if he’s lying to impress you. you figure today is the best day to find that out.

you wait for him to arrive. you refrain from texting him, deciding to just wait it out. you don’t want to seem too worried just yet, he could just be running late. thoughts of him standing you up enter your mind. you have to laugh at the thought, realizing that mark doesn’t seem to be someone to do that. you don’t know him well yet, but you’re sure he isn’t that evil.

as if to prove your point, you hear someone calling your name. turning to the direction of the voice, you're greeted with mark lee walking towards you. there’s a bright smile on his face, an arm waving at you. you smile and wave back. as he gets closer, he looks over you, a shy smile on his face as he scans over your outfit. you get just embarrassed as him, looking away from his heavy stare.

“should we go inside?” you ask.

he’s quick to agree, opening the door for you. when you enter, you’re hit with the strong smell of coffee. there’s a few others inside, chatting away or typing on their laptops with their own drinks. you scan over the lengthy menu, opting to choose something lighter for today.

mark chooses the same thing as you, and you laugh at him. he says he doesn’t like coffee and wonders why you chose what you chose. he might be thinking too much into it, but you think it’s cute. you try to order separately, but he practically begs to pay for your drink. you give in, you can’t just say no to a free drink.

it’s a bit awkward when you both wait for your drinks. you can see him roll on his heels as he waits, can see how he tries to pick out what he wants to say. as you try to come up with every possible response, he speaks, “how was your day?”

you let out a small chuckle at his question, “good, actually. i spent most of my time thinking about right now, even i kinda surprised myself.”

he smiles at your admittance, “yeah? i did, too. i was nervous, that maybe you didn’t want to see me.”

“i can’t believe that i’m making you feel like that,” you let out an apologetic laugh, “trust me, i’ll be asking to hang out with you a lot now.”

before mark can say anything, your drinks are set out. you both thank the barista, and you start to move to one of the empty booths. before you can, mark catches onto your arm, “can we actually, uh, sit outside? the sky looks really pretty right now, i think it would be cool to sit outside.”

you smile, quickly nodding at his words. once again, he holds open the door for you, sliding out and looking at the small tables set outside. he was right, the sky is really pretty today. he lets you choose a spot, and you choose towards the corner where no one can bother the two of you.

he’s quick to speak up again, “i really like this place. i found it a while ago while walking around with my friend one day.”

“was it with haechan?”

mark cocks his head a little, “you know him?”

“other than his name and him being your friend, not really. he introduced himself to me one time, though.”

he laughs at that, “good to know. he doesn’t really like coming to places like this, so i would just come here by myself. i even considered asking if they were hiring.”

“and? did you?”

“i didn’t. i would be crushed if they rejected me and i wouldn’t be able to show my face there ever again.”

you choke on your drink at his words, a laugh trying to escape as you let out coughs. mark is quick to pat your back, laughing while trying to calm down your coughing fit. as your throat clears, the coughs fade into laughs, mark joining you as he apologizes, “sorry for being too funny.”

you jokingly glare at him, “you owe me, mark lee.”

silence washes over the two of you again. this time, it’s more comfortable. the drink is good, mark’s company feels good, and you’re happy you came today. you watch as he takes out his phone, quickly snapping a shot of the bright blue sky. it seems practiced, something he always does. you can’t help but ask, “what about the sky makes you like it so much?”

he shrugs, “i just think it’s pretty. it’s not going anywhere, and it’s nice to take a break from it all and look up at the sky.”

“i’ve never really thought about it that way. i don’t really take the time to just stare at it.”

he hums at your words, “it’s nice to look and think about all the pretty things in the world.”

you try to ignore how he stares at you while he says that, quickly breaking eye contact with him. there’s a shy, but proud smile on his face. you chuckle, “you’re too cool for me, mark.”

“one day you’ll be as cool as me. just know that i’ll send you pictures of sunsets or the moon, or literally just, like, anything. anything that reminds me of you.”

he lists the things that he just told you he finds pretty, indirectly implying that all the pretty things remind him of you. your heart beats a little harder, quickly taking a sip of your drink to try to ignore it. you try to come up with anything else to get rid of the rush growing inside you, “you know, i actually had seen you once before.”

his head quickly turns to you, “really? when?”

“it was during freshman year, i saw you getting dragged down a hallway.”

mark racks through all his memories, pinpointing when exactly that could’ve happened. you watch the realization dawn on his face, quickly shoving his face into his hands in embarrassment. you shake his shoulder a bit, laughing when he makes a humiliated sound. you question him further, “where were you guys even going?”

after ruffling his own hair a bit, his head slowly lifts up to get a quick look at you. his face is red, hands fidgeting in shame. you wonder what could possibly be so bad. he speaks up when he starts to see you get worried a bit, “it wasn’t even anything crazy, he was just trying to take me to an event with free food in it.”

you can’t stop yourself from laughing, placing your hand on his arm to stable yourself. you decide not to think too hard when his other hand lays on top of yours, thumb smoothing over your skin. it feels like it should always be there, his warm palm calming down your nerves. it should always be this easy.

“if it was just that, then why are you so embarrassed?” you ask, laugh airy.

“i know, but i could’ve skipped free pizza and instead talked to you! it’s not fair you’ve known me longer than i’ve known you. maybe we could’ve… we would’ve…” he doesn’t finish the end of his sentence, but you can assume what he’s trying to say.

“two poor freshmen students couldn’t help themselves to free pizza. i can’t blame you, honestly.”

he squeezes your hand and takes a breath before speaking, “you’ll go with me to get free pizza next time? you’re, like, officially invited to the next free pizza event.”

you chuckle, “would very much prefer you to take me out to an actual pizza place, thank you very much.”

his eyes shoot towards yours, “does that mean you want to see me again?”

you put his words together, “mark lee, were you trying to get me to go on another date with you by asking me to go to a campus event with free pizza?”

“well, it almost worked, didn’t it?”

“you can think of it as me choosing the next spot.”

his fingers move to try to intertwine his with yours. you bite your lip, letting him hold onto your hand. you don’t want to hold back anymore, he’s made it easy for you to let go of it all.

“i can’t wait. it’s my turn to confess.”

you wait for him to continue, watching him hold back a smile as he pays full attention to your hand holding his. you tell him to focus, and he lets out a sheepish laugh, “that day haechan talked to you, he told me that you were going out that weekend. i really wanted to see you, so we both ended up going out that same weekend, too.”

“how did you know where i would be?”

“we didn’t,” he chuckles, “i just hoped that i would find you, hoped that you would be there. i got lucky that night.”

“it’s like you knew exactly where to find me.”

“it’s almost as if our subconscious were trying to bring us together,” he let’s out a proud noise at his own words while you playfully roll your eyes at him.

“mark, i will threaten to cancel our next date,” you joke.

he hums, “i know where to look to find you, don’t worry.”

mark finds himself in bed with you again.

this time, he knows exactly why. he’s in love with you, and you finally admitted that you’re in love with him. he didn’t rush you, didn’t pressure you into reciprocating his feelings. he could see yourself becoming more comfortable around him, leaning into his touch, smiling at his words. he wouldn’t change anything (besides maybe that day he was getting dragged by haechan), in order to be here in bed with you.

even if all he had with you was that one night, he’d be happy knowing that he at least spent some time with you. but he got what he wanted, you let him into your life. he would’ve waited years if it meant getting with you.

so as he makes his way in between your thighs once more, he looks to see your face staring down at him with love. though he’s having sex with you again like all those nights ago, it feels different this time. he’s not here just to fuck you, but he’s here because he loves you. what’s even better is that now you love him back, and it feels right as you moan out his name.

he’s softer this time around, no rush in getting you both off as fast as possible. there’s no loud music or screaming coming through the walls, and you’re laying on top of your own bed. he’s here in your room, enjoying the presence of you right next to him.

he licks a stripe up your dripping cunt, savoring the taste that he’s been craving. he looks up to gauge your reaction, a smiling forming on his face to see your face scrunched up with need. he moves to suck on your clit, humming around it, feeling your thighs tighten around his head. he doesn’t bother moving them this time around, letting them try to shut around his head.

you can feel his tongue prod at your entrance, your hands move to tangle in his hair. he just can’t get enough of how sweet you taste. he thinks he could spend hours here in between your thighs, licking up your slick. he thanks every god out there for letting him be here with you, letting him be so entranced by all of you.

he grabs you by the waist to pull you closer to him. you can feel his nose press against your clit, and you can’t help but practically use his face to grind into him. he opens his eyes a bit, looking at the sight of you so fucked out just from his mouth. you’re all he can think about.

you can feel one of his fingers replace his tongue, moving to tease your clenching hole. you gasp out, tears welling in your eyes, “mark, please. need you so bad, you don’t even know-”

“baby-” you moan at the pet name, “i know how much you need me, i could never keep you waiting.” he slides a finger in, relishing in the way you clench around his digit. his mouth focuses on your clit, listening to the moans and whimpers you let out. it’s all because of him this time, all of the things he does for you because of how much he loves you.

he slips another finger in, scissoring them inside you, earning him a tug at his hair. his fingers move to curl inside you, enjoying the feeling of your warm walls wrapped around his fingers. you whimper when he finds your sweet spot, thighs practically trapping him between your thighs. he commits that spot to memory, now forever burned into his mind.

it doesn’t take long for him to get you close to cumming. he’s putting all his attention on you, his desperation showing with how greedily he’s moving against you. you feel your body heat up, thighs beginning to shake around him. “m-mark, ‘m gonna cum, wanna cum so bad!” you wait, and you can feel him smile against you.

he pulls his mouth away from you, his fingers still moving inside of you as he thumb reaches to rub your clit. he moves to kiss you, licking into your mouth. you can taste yourself on his tongue, moaning into your mouth as you cum on his fingers. he rides you through it, fingers slowing down as you whine from the overstimulation.

he removes them from you, bringing them up to his mouth. you watch him slide them into his mouth, his eyes fluttering shut with the taste of your cum. he lets out a small groan, and you have to lightly kick his leg to get him to focus. his eyes focus on you again, letting out an embarrassed laugh, trying to redirect it towards you.

“my girl came so fast, did you miss me that much?” he teases.

you roll your eyes, “so what if i did! now, will you let me finally suck you off?”

his eyes bulge out of his head and you have to refrain from laughing at the sight. “i never got to, but you don’t know how much i want to.”

you both trade spots, mark laying to lean against the headboard, his hooded eyes staring down at you. your hands trail up his clothed thighs, and he can’t miss the way you look at his bulge in his sweats. you make eye contact with him as you slide down his sweats and boxers, watching how his hard cock slaps against his stomach.

he lets out a low groan at the sight of you so prettily sat between his legs. you kitten lick his tip before wrapping your hand around his length. you move your hand slowly up and down, smiling at the low groans he lets out at the feeling. you won’t ever admit it to him, but you’ve thought about doing this to him too much, even before you started dating.

you can tell he thought about it too with the way his bleary eyes look at you. his head pushes into the headboard as your lips wrap around his tip, sucking lightly. his hand doesn’t hesitate to move to your cheek, his thumb smoothing over your soft skin. your tongue swirls around his tip, and mark tries hard to stop himself from shoving his cock down your throat.

you move down his cock, trying to take as much of him as you can. you have to wrap a hand at his base, twisting your fist as you bob your head. his hips buck up a little, feeling you gag around him, moaning out an apology. you hum around him, a hand moving to hold down his hip. he lets out a whine at the feeling of vibrations, one of his hands moving to tug at his hair.

“d-doing so good for me- shit, my girl is doing such a good job for me.”

the praise makes your cheeks heat up, and you quicken your movements to hear more. you swallow around him, hearing the anguished groans he lets out. your tongue slides against the underside of his cock, “such a pretty mouth, making me feel so good. you d-don’t know how much i thought about this.”

if only he knew that you feel the same way. as if to respond to him, your eyes look up at his. they almost flutter close, the sight of his cock in your mouth, your pretty eyes batting at him, and the almost glossy look to your eyes sets something off in him. he’s so close, a broken moan escaping him, “if you keep doing that, i’ll cum- oh god, please don’t stop.”

he tries to hold off to make this last longer, but every time you swallow around him, it gets hard for him to hold back. he’s losing his self control, something that you always manage to take away from him. he doesn’t know how you do it, but he thinks it’s because of all the love he holds for you.

it’s your eyes smiling at him that makes him cum. you don’t pull off of him, trying to fit more of his length into your mouth as he spills his cum down your throat. he’s letting out whines of your name, telling you how good you’ve been, how he’s so lucky to have his pretty girl do this for him. you swallow up all his cum, feeling how his cock twitches in your mouth.

you don’t pull away from him right away, causing mark to nervously laugh out at the feeling of overstimulation. you hum around him once more, causing him to let out a small whimper as he tries to pull away. you slowly pull away from him, mark letting out a huff of relief as you lazily smile at him.

“i think i would’ve passed out if you tried making me cum again.”

you move up to snuggle at his side, nuzzling your face into this neck, “now you know how i feel when i have to get you to stop eating me out.”

he whines out an it’s different! as he wraps his arms around you, tucking you into his chest. he’s warm, slightly sweaty, but you wouldn’t want it any other way. it’s quiet, hearing his heart beat in his chest with you so close to him. you could fall asleep in his arms, but you hear him whisper something above you. you ask him to repeat it, not quite catching it the first time.

“please don't leave me ever again.”

“this is my own apartment-” he laughs at your words, “plus, i think i love you too much to let myself ever leave you.”

he lets out a sigh, calmed by your words, “good. i can’t ever let my girl go anywhere anymore.”

a/n: I FINALLY FINISHED OH MY GOD. i love writing for mark and towards the end i somehow fell more in love with him... i hope u guys enjoy the second part to how it all goes, please let me know if you did!!!! hehe

taglist: @mwahaechz @froggyforyoongi @ppeachyttae @omlhyck @hazyhae @haechology @hrts4doie @kittydollzz @emvrd @pnkified @se7vnn @p4p1l0nn @jeankirsteinsgf69 @n0hyuck @yoursyuno @doejaejung @ccnicole02 @yuskitty @hyuckills @luvjoongz @sunnyeyes7 @tddyhyck @tmtxtf @arsvita @do0jaem @starfields @yoongjk @qusil @hcluvie @chaeceah @kriizztin

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