mrkerina

[mrkerina]

i just read unspoken vows and it was so achingly beautiful ❤️‍🩹 it reminded me a lot on the importance of knowing your partner’s love language and of course communication!

i don’t know if you were asking for feedback but i personally prefer you/your when reading! i think as a reader, it allows me to be more immersed into a story but please write what you’re comfortable with! 🤗

Thank you so much !! ❤️❤️ I enjoyed writing it too hehe 😆

and I was asking for feedback (I should probably have phrased it better oops) bc it was my first time writing in she/her I just wanted to try it out bc i was reading fics that used she/her instead of you/your but anyways I agree I think you/your is more immersive too 🙏

[mrkerina]

Unspoken vows 𓍼 Park Jisung

— in which an argument left you to discover how much he loves you, through his silent ways.

Pairing — Park Jisung (nct) x fem!reader

Word count — 2841

Content — Who knew paper rings could be so meaningful? Frustration left you crushing the neatly folded paper rings from your boyfriend, only to discover the hidden messages written in them.

M.list + Author’s note — inspired by The Ex Vows by Jessica Joyce didn’t even like the book that much but the paper rings scene stuck with me 😞 also idk if writing in she/her compared to you/your is better or not.

Jisung had never been big on expressing his feelings openly, even with her. He was always the mediator when it came to fights, always being the first one to repent even when she was at fault. Those moments were rare though, with him having a soft spot only for her, he had always soothed her anger before it escalated into an argument between them. Even though he doesn’t blatantly show his feelings, she always understood his quiet affection reserved just for her – the way his eyes always lingered on her as she left the room, a silent yearning in them as if the time they spent together was not enough.

He had always been too shy to voice his affections aloud, only when she forces him to then does he manage to mumble a soft “I love you”, with his cheeks flushing pink at the effort. Her teasing smile after had always been worth it though. That had always been how it was between the two of them, her being the one to cling onto him, sprouting whatever endearments that came to her mind while he quietly savoured them all, warmth spreading throughout his body. He showed his affections in other ways, ways that even she never realised before until a vulnerable midnight talk left him admitting to them, or if she discovers it for herself.

Contrary to popular belief, one thing Jisung was good at was folding paper rings. It all started one mundane valentines day, after the two of you had came back home from your date. With her splayed out on the bed, her head rested on his lap as she scrolled through her social media. His fingers seemed to have a mind of their own as they played with her hair, twisting and twirling them around his fingers. “Look at this oh my gosh, this is adorable!” she squealed as she turned over her phone to show him the jar of stars that her friend had posted online, a gift from their boyfriend for valentines day. Jisung squinted at the screen before his eyes flicked downwards to her face, the twinkle in her eyes and the grin on her lips that seemed to light up her entire face. 

“That’s nice,” he replied simply, his lips curving up as he saw the disbelief on her face when she thought that his reaction was too nonchalant. With a pout, she went back to scrolling on her phone at all the valentines day posts, completely oblivious to the boy who had picked up his phone by the bedside table and started to search up origami tutorials.

And that was how it all started, Jisung learning how to fold the world’s most perfect paper rings from any scraps of paper he found, it becoming a habit along the way. He would leave a random paper ring with a note by the kitchen counter sometimes, whenever he had to leave early for work. She cherished every last one of them though, keeping each one stored safely in a glass jar that he had given her after she requested for one. It felt like a silent promise of some sort, like he was signalling to her that she was it for him, in his own little ways, as if one day it wouldn’t be a scrappy paper ring that was being given to her. Her heart filled with joy every time she caught sight of one, a quiet reminder that he did indeed love her.

Maybe that was why everything hurt so much in the first place. Despite all the simple reminders of his affections that he displayed nakedly for her, it was never enough for her as compared to saying the words itself. The doubts crept in whenever her supposed “friends” would point out how clingy she was and how indifferent he was. It was times like this when she needed the confirmation the most when she forgot the bulk of what he did for her, to show how much he did indeed love her. 

Action always seemed louder than words for him, but words were always louder for her. That night, after a hard day at work, it was like an impending storm was raging inside her, threatening to explode. She couldn’t help it, her insecurities were flooding her tenfold, unable to shove the bitterness that coated her tongue to the back of her mind. 

The moment Jisung came home, he noticed the silence in the house. He waited at the door for a beat, waiting for the familiar padding of hastened footsteps that usually came the moment he entered through the door followed by the scent of flowers and daydream. Today, though, the lights were turned off, an ominous air engulfed the place. Panicked, Jisung was quick to take off his shoes and throw his bag to the side, not caring about where it landed. “Y/n? Are you okay? Are you sick or anything?” He called out to her, his heart racing as he turned on the lights to find her on the couch, eyes gleaming with unshed tears. “Hey, what’s wrong?” he worriedly questioned as he rushed to her side, reaching out to cup her cheeks but stopping just before he touched her. “Can I?” he asked, a considerate request yet it seemed to be her undoing.

“Why do you act like we’re strangers, we’ve been dating for years, you can touch me whenever you want to without asking,” she ranted bitterly, tears starting to spill out of her eyes. 

Alarmed, Jisung started to wreck his brain for ways to calm her down but came short. “You know it’s not like that, I just don’t want to do anything that would make you uncomfortable,” he replied.

“That’s the thing! You don’t do anything! Is it so hard to just tell me that you love me once in a while?” she spewed out, her words seeming to come out of her without a thought, even when deep in her heart she knew they weren’t true. Out of everyone she had dated, Jisung was the most affectionate person she ever met, the one who affected her in a way no one else had. Maybe that was why it hurt so much too. “It’s just- It’s just that it comes to other people so easily why can’t it be like that for us too?” she choked on her words.

Jisung’s eyes darkened, eyes narrowing on her, his face a mask of aloofness despite the piercing stab he felt in his chest with every word that left her lips. “You know I do a lot for you, even though I don’t say it,” he simply stated, his chest ached in longing to touch her but he felt that it wasn’t the time. He was too cowardly, afraid that something he did could make the situation worse, too terrified to lose her. 

“Well, maybe it’s not enough,” she murmured angrily, his indifference maddening as she stood up and walked off to their shared bedroom before locking the door shut, not giving him a chance to chase after her. 

Sobs escaped her lips, tears moistening her cheeks and sleeves as she tried desperately to wipe them away, to seem stronger than she felt. She sat next to their bed, pulling her knees to her chest as she leant back against the bed frame. She knew she was being unreasonable but she couldn’t bring herself to care. The heaviness in her heart, and the ill thoughts whirling through her mind. It all felt suffocating, like the room was closing in on her and leaving her to desperately scurry for air.

Needing something to vent her numbing disappointment on, she grasped the jar by the bedside table, turning the cap open and pouring the contents out onto the floor. Seeing the number of paper rings he folded spilled out onto the floor barely gave her much satisfaction, just another reminder of another method he used to not speak the words. Frustratingly, she took one of the less sturdy paper rings – one that was done using a gum wrapper – before crushing it in her hands and letting it fall. The shape ruined and the wrapper slightly teared. However, despite her tears blurring her vision, she took notice of the tips of letters being written on the folded piece of wrapper as it unfolded slightly from her damage. Her curiosity piqued, she took hold of the ring again, now carefully unfolding the wrapper to find writings inside.

46. Because you’re so hardworking.

47. Because you always come running out to hug me the moment I step through the door after a long day at work, and that is the best part of my every day.

48. Because you secretly love it when I play with your hair.

Perplexed, she started unfolding every single one of the paper rings he had given her, to find writings inside each one. She placed them all in chronological order, her hands moving in a frenzy as she tried to uncover whatever he was doing or trying to say.

61. Because you always cook dinner for me.

62. Because you are so beautiful, I can’t breathe when I look at you sometimes.

63. Because you tolerate me and my difficulties with expressing my feelings.

55. Because of the way you look at me like I hold up the moon and the stars, god I wish you will always look at me like that.

56. Because you sing in the shower (you sound bad but it’s adorable).

57. Because you would do anything for me too.

Tears flowed, but for a different reason now. Each sentence clearly written with those three unspoken words meant to be at the start. She let out a ridicule laugh, of course even when he was saying so much through each sentence he still doesn’t say the words – but that seemed so redundant now as she read each reason why he loved her so much. Each declaration filled with a sense of devotion that he felt towards her, a kind of loving warmth that tingled through her bones. And then there were those that sounded more solemn, like it was written after a fight the two of them had.

78. Even though we argue sometimes.

79. Even though I can’t ever seem to give you everything you want.

80. Even though I can’t seem to tell you that I love you when you need to hear it most.

81. Even though those three words can’t seem to encapsulate the overwhelming feelings I have for you.

82. Even though you’re angry at me but all I can think about is how cute you look with your eyebrows furrowed and how much I want to touch you when you’re mad.

83. Even when I can’t seem to bring myself to touch you when you’re mad because I am so cowardly and afraid to lose you, as if you are some fragile thing when you are the strongest person I know.

Her heart ached painfully, she could feel the longing that weaved together with his words. It was then when she did understand something, that he would always love her through thick and thin. No matter the occasion, he had always loved her. That was why the paper rings never came in any significant dates, just random days of the year. Each one of them to secretly remind her of how much he did in fact love her, at any point of time in his life. She lets out a laugh, of course he was saying his affections quietly, without her knowing. All the words left in plain sight for her to read but she simply didn’t know. And he is right, the fact that he spent the effort to do all this, with his actions and scribing out every word explaining his feelings just because he knew how much she loved when the words were spoken as a confirmation, he has done so much for her, she couldn’t even begin to list down what. He was always someone who spoke through his actions but he took the effort to write out the words just for her.

With a new sense of conviction and an overwhelming sense of guilt, she stood back up on her feet, the paper rings all no longer in shape. She strided to the door, ready to go out and apologise to him before he has a chance to take all the blame for himself. She flung the door open, only to be greeted by Jisung standing there. A tray of food on one hand while his other was held up mid-air like he was just about to knock. His eyes widened slightly in surprise, his hair tousled like he had raked his fingers through the strands repeatedly in distress. 

“What are you doing?” She said, even though she very much knew what exactly he was doing. Repenting. Again, for something that wasn’t his wrongdoing. Her eyes caught sight of the paper ring rested by the side of the cutlery, folded using a napkin meant for wiping her mouth. She immediately reached forward, taking it into her hand and unfolding it. Jisung flinched from her sudden eagerness, a pink flush creeping up his neck as he watched her unfold the ring.

98. Because you’re the kindest person I’ve ever met even when your friends aren’t the best influence. (no shade)

99. Even though I can’t seem to treat you the way you deserve.

100. Because I love you. I love you so fucking much it kills me on the inside. Because if you ever decide to leave me, my heart would leave with you, because it belongs to you, it always has.

The tears were streaming down her cheeks by now, full blown sobs escaped her lips. She leaped forward and swung her arms around him, unable to keep from being apart anymore. “Woah wait the food,” he said anxiously as he stabilised his other hand holding the tray, while his other arm came to circle around her waist. “What’s wrong? Did I do something again? I’m sorry I knew it was too much I shouldn’t have done that. It’s just reasons why I love you, I’m sorry I don’t say it enough. Actually, all the paper rings are all-” his rambling got cut off by a quick kiss on his lips. Her salty tears touching his lips, making his chest tighten. He never wanted to hurt her, never. Watching her in this state is more than he could ever take.

“I know you dummy, you stupid dummy. But you’re my dummy,” she scolded as she punched his chest with each word. His gaze eventually landing on the unfolded paper rings on the floor of their room, and understanding dawned on him. “Yeah I just found out when I was crushing one of them,” she mumbled against his shirt that was now wet from her tears. “Why did you not tell me?” 

Jisung softened, pushing her slightly to enter the room and placing the tray of food down by the bedside table before sitting down on the bed and placing her on his lap. “I was just about to, you were suppose to eat then use the napkin you know for the grand reveal,” a boyish smile tugged at his lip as he spoke, his thumbs gently wiping away her tears. “I just didn’t know how else to tell you, everytime I want to say it, it feels like my there is a lump in my throat and I don’t know how to explain it. I love you was never enough to describe what I felt for you and I just struggled with saying it. But if you want to I will try to say it more, if it makes you feel better,” he babbled, his eyes anxiously gazing into hers, carefully analyzing her expression.

“Well for one, I don’t ever want to make you do anything you’re uncomfortable with. And you’re right, this is way more meaningful and the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me,” her voice softened, fingers rearranging and tidying his messy hair. “I’m sorry, I overreacted, I know you do everything for me. I was being unreasonable and I let my insecurities and other people’s words get to me, even when deep inside I know you always did have your own ways in showing that you love me. And for that, I love you. I love you so much sometimes it feels so suffocating,” she finished. 

In the quiet room, the two discovered that there was more to simply saying that they love each other. Jisung’s breaths were ragged as he pressed a kiss to her forehead, then to the tip of her nose, then to each eyelid and cheek, before his soft lips met hers. “I love you,” he murmured, with his eyes sparkling like stars in the vast night sky.

[mrkerina]

Sweet narcissism 𓍼 Na Jaemin

— (idol au) in which he makes another photo exhibition but this time, it’s dedicated to you.

Pairing — Na Jaemin (nct) x fem!reader

Word count — 2316

Content — you were never one to take photos of yourself so Jaemin did it all for you. He loves it, candid or not, he thought that you looked ethereal and wanted to show it off to the whole world.

M.list + Author’s note — yums this random idea popped into my head right when I was struggling to think of a plot! Though, I'm not sure if the execution is satisfactory, but anyways happy reading!

Liked by the_and.y, onyourm_ark and others

na.jaemin0813 Exhibition 2: sweet narcissism out on 12/10 — “Pictures from me, of you.”

View all 41,928 comments

jaenthusiast no bc wtf is this HARD ass launch? I’ve never seen anything like it

dongyuckss @jaenthusiast no fr like he came out of nowhere and decided to tell the world about his girl 😭 such a jaemin thing to do though

lomljaem what about me?? I’m unstanning 💀

jaenthusiast @lomljaem fam as if you had a chance in the first place, good riddance.

sungcultt I just know he treats her so right I can’t wait to see his descriptions to her pictures omg

Throughout the course of your friendship and later, relationship, Jaemin had always been the one who was there by your side. Whether it is snapping pictures of you, or simply basking in your presence, he was simply, undoubtedly, all-consumingly, in love with you.

From the slight crinkling of your eyes when you smile to the way your eyes seemed to sparkle in the light when you got excited, it was all the little things that made Jaemin fall for you, and hard. His hands always itches when he is with you, the urge to simply capture your beauty and turn the memory of you into something tangible — a photograph.

And that was the whole reason why it had even started, from the beginning when you told him that you didn’t really like to be in the camera in all the glitz and glamour. It seemed ironic that you ended up dating him, an idol, whose job is to be in front of a camera day in and day out.

However, in all of fate’s unpredictable and sly ways, you two eventually did fall for each other. With Jaemin capturing every essence of your dynamic, from when you first met to where you two were now.

Despite your incessant whining and excessive shyness whenever he held out a camera and signaled for you to pose, you still continued complying to his demands. A timid, small smile with your middle and index finger raised. It was basic, but you didn’t know anything else. Yet, no matter what, Jaemin still admires the picture with a lovesick grin after, claiming that you looked so “out of this world” to him.

Unknowingly, it progressed into an obsessive habit for him, or hobby. Wherever the two of you went, he’d always have something in hand to take pictures of you, albeit his phone or a full-blown professional camera. It gradually became his thing, snapping a picture whenever his hands were itching for it, candid or not, it was always perfect in his eyes, simply because it was you.

In all honesty, every single photo was equally treasured by the boy. The more he took, the greedier he got. It felt like such a pressing need to snap shots of you, it was one of the ways he showed his affection. And amidst all that, he grew the desire to show it all off to the world — the girl who belonged to him. After tireless fights and arguments with his company, they finally gave in.

That’s how the second part of his photo exhibition came about, “sweet narcissism” as he would call it.

“Seriously Jaem, you didn’t have to do so much for me just for my birthday, it’s literally still a whole month away,” you spoke as you let him lead the way with a blindfold shielding your vision. “Where are we even going anyways?”

A chuckle slipped past his lips, hushing you whilst his hand gently rested on the curve of your back, guiding you to enter the exhibit. The cool breeze of the air conditioner was the first thing you felt when you stepped in, followed by the muffled footsteps of Jaemin scrambling around. 

“You aren’t selling me to someone are you?” You joked as you stood there, self-conscious until a crisp, mechanical “click” sounded. The sound you were all too familiar with. “Are you seriously taking a picture of me right now? With a blindfold? That’s kinda kinky,” you exasperated. 

“You just look too cute you know,” he answered, a lightness to his tone. “Are you ready? You are going to be shocked, surprised, mind-blown, lost for words and-” he got cut off by your low grumble, hurrying him to just go along with it. “You’re no fun,” he sulked as he undid the knot of the blindfold.

You blinked your eyes, adjusting to the glaring lights that seemed to become brighter from being reflected by the pale white walls. Running a hand through your hair to tidy it up, you squint your eyes as you tried to figure out what was going on. He grasped your wrist, extending your palm out before placing an audio device in your hand with a set of earpieces attached to it. 

The moment it hit you, your shock was palpable, eyes trailing over the entire space in pure wonder. Your hand squeezing the device, a quiet excitement consumed you as you walked closer to look at the pictures hung on the walls and frames sprawled out neatly on the table. “I didn’t know you took this many pictures of me,” you mused, hand grazing the corner of the frame delicately. 

“Here you should listen to the audio while you look,” he stepped forward, untangling the earpiece. His finger gently tucking your hair behind your ear before placing the earpiece into your ear. A small dash of pink tinted your ears, lips curving up in appreciation.

Jaemin had a soft smile plastered on his face as he quietly watched you by the side, following you in anticipation of your reaction. “I like taking pictures of you, you’re really pretty,” he murmured before pointing towards one of the pictures as if to prove his point. “Look, you’re so carefree and smiley that it makes you look alluring,” he referred to one of the many candid shots.

“You’re exaggerating,” you dismissed as you continued to admire his work while listening to his deep, smooth voice that seemed to engulf all your senses – seeing and hearing everything from his perspective. He definitely had a knack at it, each picture felt like it had a purpose, filled with an overwhelming affection he had for you. Each picture held a story, the short descriptions earnestly spoken through the device, all carefully thought out by the boy. 

“Ohh that one is one of my favourites,” your boyfriend grinned, gesturing to the next picture as you continued on. This one felt more intimate, your hair slightly messy, your tongue stuck out slightly and your brows furrowed in concentration while your hands gripped the pan. One of the rare occasions that you cooked a meal for him. Your eyes trailed over to the details, your heart warming as you listened to the audio that came along with it, a tender smile growing on your face.

Number 12. I remember watching you take care of me after a hard day at work and thinking “wow I’m so lucky to have her as a friend.” And now here you are, as someone more than that.

In another one, you appeared to be looking down at your feet dipped into the water at the beach, a contented look plastered on your face. Behind you, the sun had begun to set and it seemed like he took this secretly, a fair distance away from where you were standing, basking in the serene atmosphere.

Number 16. On one of my rare days off, I took you to the beach, and the way your face lit up with excitement was everything. That smile never faded, not for a second, and in that moment, I made a quiet promise to myself — to do whatever it takes to keep that beautiful smile shining, always.

“I spent a lot of time thinking about what I should say for the descriptions, I just wanted to capture the way I see you, from my point of view,” he explained, a thoughtful expression on his face. You turned around, walking closer to him before wrapping your arms around his waist. Jaemin felt like he couldn’t breathe from the way you looked at him, like he was holding up the moon and stars, your expression brimming with affection and warmth that made his heart full. 

“It’s perfect,” you muttered reassuringly, a shy, thankful smile tugging at the corners of your lips. “I love you, a lot. I don’t think anyone has done this much for me before, just for my birthday,” you spoke pensively. 

A hint of smugness washed over his face which made you roll your eyes, a light giggle escaping your lips. “I love you more,” he paused, grabbing your wrist and pulling you towards another room. “Anyways, there’s more. This one is a video, this one is just for you and not part of the exhibition which by the way I have to talk about it to you later,” he mumbled the last bit, “okay but first! Sit down and watch this amazing video I’ve put together.”

You sat down compliantly on one of the beanbags while Jaemin walked around to set it up. The longer you waited, the more impatient you got, anticipation bubbling in you for what was to come. The first thing shown on screen was Jaemin sitting in front of the camera with a wide beam plastered across his lips.

“Hello! Haha wait this is kinda awkward,” he scratched the back of his neck, “this video is just a collation of moments we’ve had together. I just wanted you to know that no matter how busy I get with my career, you’re always the one that I’m constantly thinking about. I guess this video is kind of for me to watch whenever I miss you while I’m on tour. Hehe anyways, I hope you enjoy and remember, I’ll always love you, my love.”

The first scene was one of the first few times you two met-up, right after Jaemin had gotten to know that you didn’t really take much pictures. He had grabbed his phone out just to tease you, recording a video with you whining throughout asking him to stop, though not quite convincingly enough. The video slowly progressed from when you two were friends till when you two started dating, every intimate moment captured and compiled into one. 

In another scene, your head was resting on his lap, his fingers that had previously been playing with your hair coming to a halt as he grasped the camera, angling it towards you. Your hair sprawled out across the span of his lap, eyes concentrating on the video you were watching on your phone. 

“No seriously, there was literally no reason for you to do that, why did you do that? Like um now the whole world is going to be fantasising over your abs, I mean at least I’m not alone at it but still imagine- hey are you recording me right now?” you paused your rant, glancing up at him only to see his camera being directly above your face. “Were you even listening?” you glared towards the lens. 

“Mhmm, all I hear is my baby being jealous,” he hummed, chuckling as he watched you sulk, stretching out a hand to cover the camera. “Hey, I was recording for future uses,” he frowned.

And the video ended with that. A sheen of moisture filled your eyes, blinking it back to not let a tear slip out. Jaemin came to your side, pulling you towards him, your head resting on his chest as he leaned back against the wall. He tenderly stroked your hair, fingers running through the strands. “So what do you think?” He queried, smiling down towards you which you reciprocated as you looked back up.

“I love it, the whole exhibition is perfect, impeccable, unmeasurable. It’s like the one you did for the dreamies,” you complimented. Realisation dawned as soon as you said that statement and saw the guilty look on his face. You raised an eyebrow at him, “wait…this is exactly like the one you did for the dreamies. You’re going to open it to the public aren’t you?”

It took a moment before he slowly nodded, a slight timidness washing over him. “I already did everything, it’s mostly for you, showing you off to the public is just a bonus. But that’s only if you are comfortable with it of course, I know you told me before when I casually bring it up as an idea that you wouldn’t mind but I’m asking for real this time,” he tilted his head as his eyes narrowed in on you, to show his seriousness this time. “If you aren’t comfortable with it, it’s really okay. I already showed it all to you and I think that’s enough for me.”

“I don’t mind, I trust you,” you replied simply, hand grasping his as you drew soothing circles on the back of his palm subconsciously. “Would your fans come and harass me though? That’s a really hard launch I can’t lie,” you chuckled. 

“I won’t let anyone touch you, and my company is making sure that nothing happens. Sorry, I’m just greedy to show you off to everyone. Also, did I mention that I’m planning to open it on your birthday, that’s why I’m showing it to you now so that I can get your consent, but seriously, if you don’t want to face all that you don’t have to-” he rambled, an overwhelming sense of pride and endearment made you lift your head up from his lap and give him a quick peck on his lips, cutting him off. “Oh,” his brain malfunctioned as he lost his train of thoughts, not expecting the kiss, though it lasted only for a fleeting moment.

“I told you, I trust you and I really don’t mind. I know it’s your hobby and I know you have an obsession with photos of me,” you reassured, a tinge of slyness to your voice. “I’m only comfortable when it’s you who is taking pictures of me so feel free to continue taking more alright, Jaem?”

He finally got pulled out of his stupor, a shit-eating grin taking over his lips once he processed the green light that you were handing over to him on a silver platter. “Of course. It is my pleasure to be your personal photographer, love.”

[mrkerina]

𐙚. 🧸ྀི shan! mostly dream. sfw only. she/her + part time student marginally giving up on school. Full time Jisung lover though.

⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪ masterlist

[mrkerina]

ᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 .ᐟ mark lee

— photobooth | 2096 ⸝⸝ you comforting Mark after an incident during the concert and it became a date.

— fated | 437 ⸝⸝ you couldn’t sleep and started to let your mind wander while a sleepy Mark had to entertain your thoughts, coming up with a perfect reply as usual.

ᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 .ᐟ na jaemin

— growing up | 3067 ⸝⸝ five stages of your life where Jaemin’s acts of service came through, warming your heart and etched deeply in your memories.

— sweet narcissism | 2316 ⸝⸝ you were never one to take photos of yourself so Jaemin did it all for you. He loves it, candid or not, he thought that you looked ethereal and wanted to show it off to the whole world.

ᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 .ᐟ park jisung

— decent | 1384 ⸝⸝ you have never gotten validation all your life, life felt a little bleak but he managed to light it up even if for only a moment.

— unspoken vows | 2841 ⸝⸝ who knew paper rings could be so meaningful? Frustration left you crushing the neatly folded paper rings from your boyfriend, only to discover the hidden messages written in them.

[mrkerina]

Fated 𓍼 Mark Lee

— In which you two have a midnight talk.

Pairing — Lee Mark (nct) x fem!reader

Word count — 437 (drabble)

Content — You couldn’t sleep and started to let your mind wander while a sleepy Mark had to entertain your thoughts, coming up with a perfect reply as usual.

M.list + Author’s note — Just a drabble!! The latest 127 comeback has me on a chokehold btw.

[ 3:42 am ]

Sometimes on those sleepless nights, where the bright hue of the full bloomed moon illuminated ever so slightly into the room and onto the ceiling.

Your eyes would be wide opened as you stared up at it, wondering how far it travelled to be able to reach inside.

On nights like these you just felt a little bit more sentimental, as much as you hated people who were like that. The world was filled with wonders, and one that always whirled in your mind was how different life could be if we did one thing differently.

Like how we would meet different people if we went to a different school, how different it would be if we gained interests in things sooner.

The bed dipped slightly beside you from the movement of the boy.

Mark's vision was slightly hazy but he managed to make out the girl who was still wide awake, deep in her own thoughts. "Are you still awake?" He said lowly, voice laced with tiredness, barely keeping his eyes opened to look at you.

You hummed in response, "can't sleep," you mumbled. He nodded before swinging an arm around your waist, bringing you closer to him.

"You should sleep, you overwork yourself too much and now you can't even take a break," Mark muttered, being the caring boyfriend he was despite his sleepiness.

Even though you weren't thinking about your stress at work, you didn't say anything. Turning your body to face him, you buried your head into his chest in search for the familiar surge of tranquil warmth to embrace you.

"Do you think we would have met if one of us didn't go to the carnival on that day?" You quietly questioned, doubting that you would get a reply, assuming that he was already asleep.

"Yeah, of course we would, why wouldn't we?” he answered.

"Why not? we won't have seen each other and started to compete on every single game then."

Mark let out a light chuckle, his fingers subconsciously started to draw shapes on your back. "Even if we didn't meet each other then, i'm sure we would have met each other eventually. We are made for each other, I would search the whole world if it meant finding you again. It is always and will be you who I love, no one else."

And right then you understood, it was fate that brought everyone together. His words made your heart flutter just like the first time you had laid your eyes on him.

[mrkerina]

Growing up 𓍼 Na Jaemin

— (childhood friends au) in which he did everything for you growing up.

Pairing — Na jaemin (nct) x fem!reader

Word count — 3067

Content — Five stages of your life where Jaemin’s acts of service came through, warming your heart and etched deeply in your memories.

M.list + Author’s note — Yums one month gap between this and my previous post, not bad. Anyways, this one has a combination of many scenes from books and dramas. Enjoyed writing this one ngl, acts of service is my second favourite love language.

As a child, we all made many mistakes. We fell, we learned our first steps, our first words, all together with our parents that stayed by our sides. For y/n, however, her parents had never been there for her. It was always that one little boy with big eyes and a kind heart that stayed with her every step along the way.

The rain poured, every droplet hitting the ground with a loud thud. The strong winds blew with a powerful passion. “ Jaemin! Let’s go play in the rain!” The 6 year old girl squealed, pulling the other 7 year old along by his arm. He reluctantly followed along after her relentless whining, despite worrying about her getting sick later.

The two stepped outside to their backyard, the sound of rain drops thudding on the roof resonated through the atmosphere. Y/n giggled as she immediately took off into the pouring rain and jumped on puddles of water, watching how the water splashes surrounded her.

“Be careful, don’t get hurt!” Jaemin warned. He stayed back in the shade, not really wanting to get himself drenched but still keeping an eye on the girl who played excitedly. Her eyes sparkled in delight as she stuck her palms out to let the water drip on her palms.

“Look Jaemin look!” She exclaimed while splashing the droplets of rain she had collected up in the air. She was so immersed in showing it off to her best friend, that with a small step to go closer to him ended up causing her to slip and lose her balance. It was an immediate instinct for a 6 year old to start crying, her knee had been scraped and there was a throbbing pain coming from it.

The boy jerked in reaction, springing into action. He immediately went up to the girl despite not wanting to get drenched before, but her cries were all he could focus on. He draped one of her arms around his shoulder, with the other around her waist, lifting her up on her feet. The boy had to drag the girl back inside with the limited amount of strength that he had.

He gently placed her on the couch before scrambling around to get the first aid he had seen his mother use on him before. He cleaned up her wound while she continued to let out painful wails. He gently blew on her scraped knee before placing a bandage over it.

Without a word, he went into his room and took a pair of shirt and shorts that she had left behind the last time she came. The crying girl only looked up when she noticed his outstretched hand, she could see the worry in his eyes through her tears. “Go change your clothes before you catch a cold,” he said.

That was one of the many times she vividly remembered, his soft and concerned gaze, his actions that spoke to her louder than the few words others ever could say. Not a single blame towards her or nag that he had “told her so”. Not a single sign that she was a waste of his time, just those pure eyes that looked at her caringly. That was only the beginning of many other instances. The soft and caring nature of the boy clashing with the clumsy and playful one of the girl.

⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉

You sat at your study table, focussing on your study materials. Your final examination is coming up, the one that determines which university you would go to. It was a dream of yours to follow Jaemin’s footsteps, to enter the same university as him albeit a different course. It was hard, considering you were lacking behind while he flourished and went to one of the top universities in the country.

You were under a lot of pressure, feeling so stupid as you tried to make sense of the basics. Mathematics had never been your strong suit, numbers had just never made sense to you.

Staring at one question for 30 minutes, not even knowing where to start much less what the question was even asking for. Your frustration was growing, one hand in your hair while the other gripped the pen tightly. Tears began to gather in your eyes which you rapidly blinked back.

You jumped in surprise when there was a sudden knock on your door, interrupting the quiet atmosphere of your room. Snapping out of your stress-induced daze, you quickly wiped the remaining wetness in your eyes before speaking. “Come in!”

Jaemin’s head was the first to peek through before he opened the door wider and stepped into the room. “How’s it going Luna?” He spoke as he walked in with a chocolate cupcake from your favourite bakery in hand.

Your eyes widened in shock – by the fact that he was right in front of you in your room and that he bought you the cupcake you love so much. Ever since university had started for him, the two of you had been seeing each other less since he had moved out to live in the dorms at his university.

“What are you doing here Jaem?” You questioned in shock, standing up to give him a hug. You were genuinely excited and happy to see him, but you couldn’t muster up enough energy amidst your solemn mood.

“I’m just here to check up on you.”

“Mhm, as you can see, I’m fine so you can leave…yeah you can go.”

He furrowed his eyebrows at her weird behavior. In any normal circumstance, she would be elated to see him, jumping around the room and all that. Definitely not kicking him out at the first moment he steps in.

Instead of leaving, he sat down on your bed beside your study table. “Oh for this question you should find the derivative then equate it,” he explained as he pointed towards the math question that you were stuck on. It was as if that one sentence cleared the mental fog in your head, understanding the question requirements better.

And that continued on for the next few hours, just with the 19 year old boy patiently teaching the girl without any complaints.

“Thanks Jaem, I think that was the most productive session I’ve had in a while,” you spoke as you munched on the cupcake. You felt better, really. You could understand the concept more and didn’t feel as stupid as before.

He simply nodded before grabbing a tissue from your bedside table. One hand came to grip your chin while the other gently cleaned off the chocolate stain at the corner of your lip. Your heart felt like it stopped for a moment, blood rushing up your neck and to your cheeks.

“W-what you could have let me do it myself.”

“But I like doing things for you.”

He threw the tissue away as he spoke with a neutral expression on his face. That was one thing you disliked about him — how he could make your heart flutter with the things he does and says and yet act like it's the smallest deal in the world. You shook off the feeling, knowing he probably doesn’t feel the same. Your lips stretched into a thankful smile, feeling really grateful that you had someone like him by your side.

“I’m really glad that we’re friends, Jaem.”

“Me too, Luna.”

⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉

“So why do you always call me Luna?”

The sun shined down incandescently in the middle of the clear blue sky. The two were walking together around the university during their 2 hour break with drinks from the cafe in hand.

After endless hardwork and sleepless nights, with the help of Jaemin’s guidance of course, you had actually managed to get into your dream university and course. It was fulfilling but tough nevertheless. All that matters to you now is the fact that you could spend more time with him — just like you have been doing ever since you came out of your mother’s womb.

Jaemin hummed at your question, not answering as he continued to sip on his coffee. “That’s a secret,” those were the only words he said which made you groan in frustration. You always brought up the same question every time you get reminded of it, yet you would get that same reply to no avail.

“Will you ever tell me why?”

“Possibly.”

You rolled your eyes, walking ahead of him. You didn’t get far before he pulled you back by your ponytail. “Are you showing me attitude now kiddo?” He shook his head and sighed. “I didn’t raise you to be like this.”

You stuck your tongue out at him before giggling at how ridiculous it was. “I’m only a year younger than you. Now can you let go of me?” You said as you tried to use your free hand to get his grip off your hair. “Hey that hurts,” you winced, using the only weakness of his that you knew — you being hurt in any way.

He immediately let go. “I’m sorry, are you okay?” He asked with a tinge of worry, raising a hand up to gently massage your head.

“I was just joking, catch me if you can!” You exclaimed, giggling as you ran off.

Jaemin could only sigh as he watched you running off in the distance with a bright smile lighting up your face. One of his own occupied his lips, looking at you endearingly. He chased after you, going along with your antics although rather begrudgingly.

That night, Jaemin had requested for you to meet him at the rooftop garden of your dorm. Stars lit the sky like snow-flakes in the night, the moon casting a glow down that added a spark to the normally ordinary garden. The boy looked at his feet, biting his lip nervously with the box grasped tightly in his hand.

Awaiting for your presence felt like minutes turned into centuries, Jaemin could barely breathe through the rapid beat of his heart. The moment you came in sight with the usual bright smile of yours, he calmed down slightly.

“What’s up Jaem? Why did you call me here?” You questioned once you reached him. You looked around the area, not really seeing anything special. Glancing at the boy, you noticed the slightly nervous expression on his face, his hair slightly messy from running his hand through it.

“Um I don’t really know how to go about this, I know you know I’m more of an actions over words type of person,” he started, looking into your eyes intently. “You ask me why I call you Luna all the time, it means my moon. Because no matter how dark the nights got, you were always there to light it up, guiding me through. Everything felt okay when you were with me, one smile and it felt like my entire day had been made.

His words warmed your heart, you felt tears welling up in your eyes listening to him.

“I guess what I’m trying to say is that I like you. I like that you’re clumsy so that I can take care of you. I like that you’re always smiling like I hung the moon up when to me, that’s what you do for me everyday,” he let out a breath, opening the box that he had gripped onto so tightly, revealing the moon shaped necklace inside. “Can I be your boyfriend?”

Your words got stuck in your throat, so instead you nodded profusely, wrapping your hands around his neck to hug him. Jaemin chuckled, wrapping his arms gently around your waist.

“The necklace is really pretty.”

“Let me put it on for you.”

He unclasped the necklace as you held your hair up. The warmth of his hands radiated on your neck, his breath fanning your earlobe which sent a shiver down your spine. He fastened the necklace tightly before you let go of your hair. He arranged it neatly in the middle, the silver jewelry sparkling in the night.

“Pretty,” he breathed out. “The necklace and you.”

⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉

It was your graduation day. You felt slightly moody that your family couldn’t make it. With both your parents being doctors, they rarely had time to come around for milestones in your life. It left a void in your heart, the lack of parental love from them.

What made it worse was the fact that your boyfriend had something on today so he couldn’t make it either. The one person who held a special place in your heart.

The day felt more draggy than usual, waiting for your name to be called as you watched everyone go up on stage to collect their certificates. A frown occupied your lips as you robotically clapped along with everyone else at the right time. “Next student is y/n,” the MC announced. You forced a smile on your lips as you walked up on stage.

It was all a blur. Grabbing the certificate, smiling for the camera before walking down from the stage. Did you seriously work your ass off just for this moment? It felt meaningless.

As everyone dispersed to take pictures with their respective families, you stood in a corner. A soft, longing smile stretched on your lips as you looked around. Despite the predicament with your own parents, it felt nice to watch others get to have the kind of love that you didn’t receive.

“Ding dong, a chocolate cupcake delivery for y/n?” A voice spoke from behind. You turned around so quickly as a gasp escaped your lips upon seeing the boy before you. You ran up to him and jumped with your hands wrapping around his neck. Jaemin managed to use his other free hand to hold you up, the other clutching the cake. “Happy graduation, my Luna,” he chuckled.

“I thought you weren’t gonna come,” you spoke into his neck, frowning slightly at the thought. Jaemin placed you back down on your feet, moving your loose strands of hair behind your ears to see your face clearly.

“Silly, how can I miss your graduation?”

“I don’t know. I j-just thought that..” you trailed off, feeling yourself choke on your own words. “I guess I’m used to my parents not showing up so I don’t expect anyone else to show up for me…”

He grasped your chin, tilting your face up to look at him. His eyes were filled with warmth, a softness painted in them that embraced you in a tight hug. “Don’t ever think that way because you have me. I’ll always be there for you, no matter what.”

Your heart warmed at his words, you felt such an overwhelming sense of endearment for the man in front of you. Standing on your toes, you placed your lips softly against his. The boy tilted his head slightly, deepening it as he leant down so that you felt more comfortable. One hand cupped your cheek while the other wrapped around your waist tightly.

The way you felt with him could only be described as one thing — home.

⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉

The next few years went by in bliss. The bond between you and Jaemin only grew stronger as the days passed by, your love for him felt so overpowering that you felt so alive.

You finished the last touch of decorations in the backyard of the house that the two of you lived in before heading back inside. You anxiously sat on the couch in the living room, waiting for Jaemin to come home from work. Counting every second that passes, you bit the inside of your cheek — a nervous habit that you had.

Your heart was racing so fast that it felt like you were having a heart attack. When the sound of keys clinging resonated throughout the house, you instantly jumped on your feet. Rushing to the main door, you greeted the boy who had just entered.

“How was your day?”

“Good. Why are you sweating so much? Are you feeling alright?” Jaemin asked, noticing the sweat beading down your forehead the moment he looked up.

“Y-yeah I’m fine. Can you follow me to the backyard for a while?” You requested as you helped him take off his coat and hang it at the rack. Jaemin raised an eyebrow in question but obliged and followed behind you.

Opening the door to the backyard, it revealed a series of fairy lights twirling around the bushes, shining on the trail towards an empty area in the middle. You continued to drag Jaemin down the aisle right till the middle.

“Wow you did a nice job decorating the place, love.”

“Thanks, but that’s not what I brought you out here for,” you started, breathing in and out three times to calm your nerves before looking up into his eyes. “I remember the first time when you helped me. I childishly played in the rain and fell while you were there to pick me up and care for me when no one else was there. I slept over at your house a lot and rarely went home, I think that was because I found my home in you,” you paused, catching your breath. “You’ve always been the one to do things for me growing up. I wouldn’t even have made it into my dream university without your help,” you chuckled.

“But for once I thought I would repay you by doing something for you instead,” your voice wavered slightly at the end. You got down on one knee, taking out the box from your pocket. You opened it, revealing the moon shaped diamond ring inside. “I know this might be against the typical stereotypes of the man proposing to the woman but,” you stopped, your palms sweating from nerves.

“Will you marry me, Na Jaemin?”

Tears fell from his eyes, the love he felt for you was suffocating, controlling his every breathing moment. “Yes! Of course I will, Luna.” He said before crouching down to your level and pulling you to him in a kiss.

The two broke off their kiss — only to put the ring on him of course. The delicate moon on his finger, a symbolism of the love that they shared.

“I love you, to the moon and back.”

[mrkerina]

Decent 𓍼 Park Jisung

— (high school au) in which you’re insecure and he worries about you.

Pairing — Park jisung (nct) x fem!reader

Word count — 1384

Content — You have never gotten validation all your life, life felt a little bit bleak but he managed to light it up even if for only a moment.

M.list + Author’s note — I decided that i’ll post for leisure, still love the feeling of just writing. I’m a sucker for words of affirmation btw. Happy reading!

You look decent.

Your grades are decent.

Your skills are decent.

Decent. That is just what she was. Regardless of how much tireless effort she places in everything she does, all she ends up with is that one word - Decent.

It has never been anything more nor anything less. She felt suffocated by that word like she could never be recognised for being something more. It was as if she was just a figment of imagination in a sea of people. No one wanted someone who was just decent.

They would always go for exceptionally good people. The ones who stood out. Those that were way more skillful, talented or smart in everything they do.

It was just unfair.

Why is it that she was never anything more than decent to anyone? Why did she have to struggle so much just to try to be something better?

Perfection seemed unattainable. She felt as if she always fell short from everyone around her. She could study for days for a test but still score decently as compared to others who study the night before and still do better than her.

Maybe it was just her method of studying that was not suited for her, but to her - it felt like she just had something lacking in every aspect of her life.

⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉

Just like everything else in life, there are always two ends of the spectrum. In this case, Park Jisung was everything but decent. From his looks to the way he dances so flawlessly and smoothly, everything about him was exceptional.

No one is perfect, but he sure comes close to being perfect. You were envious of him. He had the reputation that everyone wanted, it felt like he had his entire life already laid out in front of him. It was easy to tell where he was headed towards, whether or not he would be successful in life. Everything just felt easy for him, while you had to constantly suffer from the pessimistic thoughts of not being able to make it far in life - ending up with a job that you absolutely hate to do.

From Jisung’s perspective though, it would be a lie if he said that his life was not easy. It did feel like he could have everything and anything he wanted, he didn’t feel like a complete failure. But that was exactly what kept him up at night - the fear of failing.

He constantly worked to make himself seem like a strong person, someone who was so accomplished and had everything set out in life. And he is successful at doing just that, in accomplishing everything he puts his mind to, everything except for you.

⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉

“Okay class, settle down, I will be giving back your test papers that you did two weeks ago,” the teacher’s voice roared through the class. “I would like to congratulate Park Jisung on getting full marks….again.” A round of applause sounded throughout the class as he smiled shyly at the attention as he went up to take his paper. His eyes skimmed the class and towards the girl in the corner who was just staring out of the window into space.

Unknowingly, the corners of his lip tilted down slightly and a slight wave of sadness washed through him.

As people walked to the front one by one to collect their papers, his eyes couldn’t help but drift towards you. When it reached your turn, you took the paper in anticipation but when you saw the score on the front page, your heart sank.

64%. That was the usual grade that you got and yet you still couldn’t help but feel disappointed over and over again. Your classmates were all squealing at their scores while you sat back at your seat silently. Another test that you studied hard for and yet still didn’t improve nor get a score that you wanted.

“For those who did well, good job. For those who didn’t do as well, go home and reflect, and do better next time. You are all dismissed.”

⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉

You sighed in defeat, looking through your mistakes as you stayed at your seat while everyone else in class ran out of the door. Your heart felt heavy, as you started to grip the paper progressively harder the more you stare at it.

Once it was only you left in class, it was as if it was the trigger as the tears started rolling down your face. One came after another until you were full-on sobbing. The pressure just felt too much for you, and the disappointment that came with it just further aggravated the emotions that you felt.

Your future felt bleak. How can you pursue something if you weren’t good at anything?

In this vulnerable moment, a boy happened to rush into the classroom. Seemingly in a rush to grab something but got alarmed when he saw the teary-eyed girl sitting in the corner. Jisung stopped in his tracks, grimacing when the door slammed behind him causing you to jump in surprise.

You didn’t expect anyone to come in, especially him.

You vigorously jumped into action, wiping away your tears and calming yourself down. Although it didn’t exactly work, you continued to hiccup and looked away from the boy who looked like a deer caught in headlights.

He let out an awkward cough. “Um..sorry…I forgot to grab something…” he trailed off. You simply nodded in response, still facing away from him, not wanting him to see you in this state. Jisung hesitated before asking “are you okay?”

“Yes,” you softly replied, your voice slightly choked up from the lump in your throat. “I’m fine.”

The boy walked to his desk to take his phone before walking back towards the door but paused midway. In his head he knew that maybe he should just leave her alone to sort out her feelings but he couldn’t simply shake away the tightening of his chest with every sob that she quietly let out in the midst of the silent classroom.

With a goal in mind, he turned back around and quietly took a seat opposite her. His palms started sweating as his brain spun sentences on what to say or do. After a few wordless moments, he finally spoke up. “Do you want to talk about it?” He questioned softly, not wanting to scare the girl. “Uh or if you’re uncomfortable I can actually leave…maybe i’m just being intrusive, if so i’m sorry,” he started rambling.

You looked up, slightly surprised at how close he was to you. “No, it’s okay. I’m not uncomfortable, I'm just upset about my test that’s all,” you said, mumbling the last part.

“64% is pretty good. Why are you sad? Cheer up okay, there is always a next time!” Jisung smiled trying to be optimistic but stopping when he watched the girl scoff.

“You can say that because you got full marks.”

“Huh what, no, of course not. I’m just saying it is pretty good considering half the class failed.”

You sighed, shoving your test paper in your bag before zipping it up. “It’s just a decent score, there is nothing good about it,” You muttered. “Nevermind, you can go, I’ll be fine. You’re right, it is just another test I did decently in. Whatever. I’ll just leave after I look better, you can go though, thanks for checking in on me.”

You looked back out the window, resting your chin on your palm, expecting him to leave. However, instead, Jisung grabbed a pen from your pencil case and took a post-it paper that he kept under his table before scribbling on it. He left it on the corner of your table before quietly turning around to leave.

“Just text me if you ever need help in anything or uh just need someone to talk to okay?” He said before closing the door behind him.

You looked at the post-it after the door closed with a thud. Your heart warmed reading it, your lips stretching into a small smile. Hope bloomed in your chest, maybe everything will be okay.

You are never just decent to me.

You did well, I’m proud of you :)

It’ll get better.

Here is my number if you ever need it

061-321-3928

— Jisung.

[mrkerina]

Photobooth 𓍼 Mark Lee

— (idol au) in which you are his source of comfort.

Pairing — Mark lee (nct) x fem!reader

Word count — 2095

Content — You comforting him after an incident during a concert and it became a date.

M.list + Author’s note — This is my first post, i’m just testing tumblr out to see if i want to use it or not. Hope you enjoy! Inspired by the book xoxo by axie oh

The music blasted through the speakers, resonating throughout the whole stadium. Mark felt the music in his veins, his heart thumping to the beat of the song. He danced tirelessly although it may seem effortless from the fan’s perspective.

It was in his blood, dancing to one song after another. It was his job description after all. Just that he did not realize how much he had to sacrifice before it was too late to back out.

The NCT 2023 concert in which millions of fans had anticipated, the crowd a sea of green like a huge patch of grass. The lights shone glaringly at his eyes, he had to squint to look around. Out of all the members he had the most to do, being the ace and everything. He probably had to come out to perform for the most number of songs.

It was overwhelming, really.

The stress was all piling up onto him, a migraine catching up to make his head feel fuzzy. And yet, he continued to go through the motions of the choreography, for whatever song it was.

Even when learning the choreography of their new song, the dance practices were a mess. He was the only one who wasn’t able to catch up, his mind full of other things that he needed to do and learn.

He was afraid to mess up, afraid to disappoint everyone. Not just his fans, but also his members.

Mark’s ears rang piercingly, his eyes blurred. He tried to blink it away and continue to dance but he couldn’t. Before he knew it, everything went black and he fell to the ground with the music still blasting through the speakers of the stadium.

Breaking news: Mark Lee from NCT faints in the middle of their concert. The concert had to continue without him.

⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉

To say that you were worried was an understatement when you saw the news. Panicking, you immediately left your workplace hurriedly while calling Mark’s manager.

You wasted no time when he picked up. “Where is Mark?” The words came out all at once, barely enunciated but it was clear what you were calling for. So he told you the address to the hospital and you immediately grabbed a cab and headed there.

The moment the car stopped, you ran out. Paparazzi were already standing outside the hospital, which made you pause. Security guards were pushing them out of the way, refusing to let them enter the hospital to reach the boy.

Your relationship with Mark wasn’t known to the public, you could not risk getting caught with him. That was why you turned the corner, going near the back where you saw an opened window at the ground floor which you used to enter.

It was slightly more difficult with the skirt you were wearing but you made it in. You immediately opened the door to exit into the hallways of the hospital.

You pressed for the eighth floor where his manager said his room was at. Inwardly urging for the elevator to move quicker as you paced around.

You quickened your pace when you saw his manager standing by the hallways, fingers gripping his hair as his face contorted into an expression of distress with his phone to his ear. “I don’t know where he went! If I knew I wouldn’t be calling you to check if he was with you right now…nevermind I’ll find him…bye.” His conversation ended.

Your eyes widened. “What? What do you mean? Who were you talking about, it’s not about Mark right?” You questioned as your head spun.

He turned towards you and sighed. “Mark’s gone, I have no idea where he went. Maybe you can reach him, his phone is switched off though.” He explained.

You didn’t have time to think, you turned on your feet and left. Leaving the hospital through the back doors, snatching your phone out of your bag to call the missing idol.

Of course, the call did not get through for you either.

He was making you go crazy. Not knowing whether he was safe or not made you start to overthink everything.

“Come on, think y/n where would he go.” You muttered to yourself as you looked around the area. Your eyes caught sight of the karaoke place opposite the hospital.

You immediately ran for it.

⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉

Mark felt disappointed in himself. Why couldn’t he just handle the pain a little bit more, push through until the end of the show. It wasn’t that hard, he had done it numerous times before after all.

There he sat in the dark karaoke room, the only source of light emitting from the television screen. There was no music playing, it was just him isolating himself in the dark corner of the room with his eyes closed.

For some reason, this place gave him a sense of comfort, not specifically this place itself but any karaoke place in general. It was probably because it was where the two of you had met for the first time. It was when he was in the same state he’s in right now, and somehow you came in like an angel reaching out for him.

That first meeting made him feel like everything was okay, like he could be someone with a normal life without needing to face all the struggles his life as an idol gave him.

Then you were gone but came back again a few months later, enrolled in his school. It was like fate was binding the two of you together. And slowly everything had developed from there.

For now, he was lonely. His eyes watery but yet he refused to let himself cry. He read the articles, he saw the comments saying how the concert wasn’t worth the money if he wasn’t there or how he was too weak and he didn’t deserve to be this successful.

Just when he was falling deeper into the dark abyss of his mind, the door slammed open violently. Making him jump in fright, thinking that it might have been his manager or the paparazzi but who he didn’t think it would be was his girlfriend.

You sighed in relief when you saw the black haired boy sitting at the corner of the room looking at you in shock. You entered before closing the door behind you, the light from the hallways exiting from the room.

“What are you doing here? Don’t you have work?” Mark asked, confused but glad at the same time.

You glared at him. “How dare you! You make me worried sick, I saw the article and I immediately left work and went to the hospital only for you to be gone and then your phone is turned off!” You ranted, he opened his mouth to speak but you beat him to it. “And don’t you think you can just say sorry and let everything off because no! You tell me what’s wrong here and now because obviously you are in a karaoke place so you are obviously feeling overwhelmed so spill.”

You stood directly in front of him with your arms crossed over your chest, staring down at the boy who could only look up at you like a lost puppy being reprimanded. “I’m sorry it’s just I messed up by letting my body give out. Actually, I've been messing up every dance practice we’ve had for the concert and it's just hard to keep up. I feel like I’m just being a huge disappointment to everyone and I just can’t handle the pressure.” A tear had slipped from his eye by the end of his speech.

You brought a thumb to his cheek and wiped the tear away, heart aching for him. “You’re not a disappointment. You’re doing so well, so incredibly well. I admire you for being so hard working even though your ridiculous ass of a company doesn’t even appreciate it. You’ve always been strong, just because you fainted once doesn’t mean you’re anything less than that.” You said softly. Mark held on to your every word, loving the way your voice flowed so smoothly.

You sat down beside him, spreading your arms widely to urge him to come for a hug, which he did. Your arms wrapped around his neck as his head was buried in your neck. You stroked his hair gently, soothing him.

Your warmth was something he loved, and also your straightforwardness. He felt himself relax and forget about everything else, just him being in your arms was all it took. He basked in your warmth, feeling significantly calmer and better.

The two of you sat there in silence for a while, Mark in your arms with you playing with his hair.

Soon after he got up. “We should probably go out, I think the time for this room is almost up.” He said. You glanced at the time left shown on the screen, showing that there was only 5 minutes left, enough for one song.

“Wait, let me show you this rap I've been practicing.” You grinned cheekily before going to the machine and inputting that one superm song with your boyfriend’s infamous rap. “Oi you better watch out Mark Lee I’m coming for your spot.” You spoke into the microphone, making him laugh.

“Uh, you think ya big boi, throwing three stacks. Uh something yea yea…mismatch.” You tried his part but failing miserably, it was way too fast. Mark could only laugh at you, his hand slapping his knee with his head thrown back at how ridiculous you were being.

You stared at him in disbelief as the song ended and the television went back to the home screen signalling that the time was up. “Hey! Stop laughing, I swear I’m just lacking practice. You better watch your back. Obviously I’m going to be the one to replace you when you’re gone.” You huffed.

“Okay sure. Whatever you say, my princess.”

⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉⑉

Thankfully, this was a very small and secluded mall which had barely anyone around.

The two of you walked out of the karaoke place, and were about to leave when you saw a self service photo booth store.

Your eyes immediately lit up, you quickly grabbed Mark’s arm and dragged him in that direction. “What-?” He let out confused at the sudden change of course but followed you compellingly.

“Let’s take cute pictures! We’ve never done one together before.” You replied looking around at all the accessories that they have in amazement. You ended up settling for a duck head band while Mark settled for a pair of those thug life meme glasses.

You both entered one of the booths, which was surprisingly small. Making you two squeeze in the tiny space with your shoulders touching each other. “Okay you ready?” You pressed start on the screen once Mark nodded in response.

The timer went faster than the two of you anticipated. For the first picture you both weren’t ready at all but the two of you composed yourself enough to smile on the second before taking off the accessories and having a plain photo with just the two of you on the next.

You both laughed at how ridiculous the photos ended up being. The two of you chose four out of the six and printed them. They gave two copies so you kept one while Mark kept the other.

“Wait, let me head to the washroom quickly then I swear we can leave.” You rushed before running off leaving the boy standing there outside the store waiting for you.

He stood there with the photo grasped tightly in his hand as he stared at it. The last picture you both took was one where you were smiling to the camera while Mark had an expression that was between a laugh and a smile with his eyes trained on you rather than the camera.

It was a mystery to him how you were able to just easily make him feel like a normal teenager rather than a well-known idol. The way you make him feel love sick for you was something foreign for him. Honestly, it was everything about you that made him feel different.

When you got out from the washroom, you went back to Mark, noticing that he was staring at the photos the two of you took with a soft smile on his face. It made your heart warm. “What’s up? Are you laughing at me in the picture? You better not be.”

“No, not at all. You look beautiful, as always.”