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onyourhyuck · 3 months

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EXCHANGE LESSONS | L.MK

Pairing: mark lee x fem!oc

Summary: You’re the top student in every subject and your classmate!mark asks for your help in science and you offer the unprecedented exchange lessons that leave him off guard.

genre: smut, tutoring, classmates, inexperienced female oc, the concept of virginity being taken (it’s a social construct but you get it) and dominant!mark. minor groping, pussy eating and penetrating sex. Releasing on stomach, unprotected sex (please use a condom irl)

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You’re at the top of the food chain in every subject. Your desolated heart and effortless mind astounds the entire community around you. Since you’re such a smart and passionate individual, people doubt you have any flaws.

But that’s not so true. You do suck at one subject; Sex. Your body and mind leave your soul every moment you tried doing the most remote action like making out — you suck at it.

Perhaps it’s because you’re not comfortable enough with the person? Or maybe the idea of being sexually active is a new concept to you. This puts you at a frustrating disadvantage. You want to experience what it is like to be held by another person, to be worshipped and loved by every curve you have. You really want to experience intimacy. Someone’s hands holding your waist with fingers scrolling circles on your bare skin. Dancing out in heavy rain? Angry makeouts. Jealousy. You want to experience those rollercoasters of emotions. But you can’t because you’re missing the second person. This was no way a one man action.

That was until an opportunity arises. The boy in your class that wasn’t so good at any of his classes, barely scraping by. He had a thick foreign accent - and he never stops boosting about how he’s from Canada. He was visibly attractive. Most girls in your class fancy him.

Mark never really spent his day alone. Ever. There will always be people surrounding him. It’s like this was his world and we’re all just living in it you know?

“Hey Y/n,” A voice strikes up from behind. The boy standing only few inches from your height with a beige cap on backwards. It gave him a real bandboyish look today.

Your eyes dart to him. At first you look visibly confused but you manage to respond with a very soft greet. “Hey what’s up?”

You guys barely talk so this was all very new. The most talks you ever did was a simple ‘good morning’ to each other and never speak again. In fact this felt very awkward on your end.

Mark’s eyes look on the very left end of the lockers. The built tone body wearing these very baggy clothing press up on the metallic doors. Voice trailing off in an obvious direction. “Uhh, you know nothin’ much. The usual you know how it is.”

‘Yikes why does he look suddenly so guilty and suspicious?’ You question in your own mind. What was this strange feeling in your stomach? Like a hollow pit about to explode.

You mumbles quietly. “Right…”

Turning around your locker slams shut. The stuff you needed was carried by your arms. You thought this conversation had ended considering Mark wasn’t spitting out anything he wanted to say but the moment your back had turned on him, the boy quickly leaps in front of your path.

“Wait!” Mark stops you with two hands urgently.

You stop now with a small shock spread on your eyebrows and a visible streak of annoyance in your eyes.

“Tutor me! I want you to tutor me,” Mark said with a little pant to those syllables he stressed out with a stretch. Those hands come down and it really looks like for a moment he was embarrassed to ask. As if he had no idea how to ask you.

That’s all he wanted from you. It was a tutoring lesson so he could boost his grade up. Because lord knows he needs a good number. Otherwise he is finished with this class.

Your eyes line themselves on the boy. “You want me to tutor you?” You repeated back, Mark gave a simple nod. “Why me? You could have asked someone else.”

He furrows those eyebrows. “You seem- cool enough.” Mark then paused and panicked. Your expression seems unhappy by that anticlimactic response. “I mean! Your notes are cool and easy to understand. You explain things well.”

Well that came out wrong, what he wanted to say is you’re cool enough and you’re the smartest in the class. He doesn’t think he ever saw you get a bad grade.

Deep in your heart you couldn’t say no. Mark seems to be desperate for your help and you technically had an alternative motive. As bad as that sounds you can actually imagine losing your first deed to Mark. He was handsome, without a doubt you maybe fantasised getting off to him before. You don’t want to admit it but you did it more than once.

He was the new boy, wild and bright. Radiant and sweet. He was respectful, popular with everyone he hardly has any enemies. No one could hate a guy like Mark. He was a foreign exchange student from Canada and what more, he was an amazing soccer player last year. He won for your school club a trophy. He’s done pretty remarkable things.

Except his classes, which he severely needs your help with.

Sitting down in your bedroom, you constantly glance over to Mark who was sitting on the other end of your bed writing down on his notebook. To which your mind was at a war between asking him if he wants to do something else or if you should leave your stupid idea behind.

You are lost on how to approach the idea to him. You can’t just say ‘Hey let’s sleep together!’ And look like a sane person. Because that’s the opposite of normal. You barely know the guy too.

Your body lifts up your sweater and you nervously laugh it off. “Ahh it’s so hot, right? I should take this off.” Your hands pull off the warm fabric off your limbs and Mark looks up from his notes to glance at you. He looks at you for good three seconds.

The good look on your visible black tank top and cleavage exposing caught his eye but not enough for him to grasp your intentions. Instead Mark continues his work like the champ he was. Unbothered and gullible.

“Yeah? I feel normal.” Mark relies obliviously. You furrow your eyebrows and feel your stomach clench. Why was it so hard to ask Mark to have sex with you? It’s like the most difficult question for you.

And you never struggled with math questions before. You can’t believe it. Why was a simple risky move harder than school work.

He went back to doing his work. Thankfully you’re an amazing tutor so far your explanations did wonders for Mark. But you’re sat there staring at him with your eyes gawking.

You’re like an eagle pouncing, but you’re hesitant at the same time.

The boy did take notice of your stares and very acknowledged presence. But he didn’t know why and he doesn’t quite want to ask you, because what if that makes you pressured and embarrassed? Mark felt however very watched. Every movement of his pen. Every step of his breathing he makes on the same bed you’re sitting with him on.

It felt discomforting almost?

You clear your voice. “Mark have you ever had…” you pause because you’re suddenly getting to know how intrusive you are being. The boy’s head lifts up and he waits for you to finish.

“Have you ever had sex?” You begin again. You bite on your inner cheek which starts to make Mark flustered. From such a smart and disciplined girl you really have a way of starting conversations.

Mark nodded. “Yeah. Did you?”

Even if it was an inappropriate comment, Mark didn’t lie about it and he answered you truthfully. The boy didn’t know what to say at first. But what’s the harm in saying yes?

You don’t reply and you move a little closer to Mark holding your knees against your chest. Wearing shorts came in handy because Mark can see a full outline of your beautiful legs.

“What was your first time like?” You ask without answering him. Mark raised up his eyebrow thinking to himself. “Uhh,” he sits up on the mattress.

Mark brushed the pen down on the notebook. “I think it was with my girlfriend at the time.” You fully expected him to say some chick at the party but knowing his ex girlfriend was his first time, made this somehow really sweet and romantic.

Mark mumbles. “But what was your like?”

Your lips fell in a thin line. In an embarrassing way you turn away your gaze when your reply hits the taller quick.

“Mark I am a virgin,” You said it with a moment of clarity. He wasn’t sure why you’re still a virgin when you’re decently attractive and hella smart.

It somehow doesn’t make any sense.

Mark’s mouth drops like an umbrella sheet. “No way.” And you nod to show its the truth. Mark laughs a bit not in a mocking way but in a sense of disbelief to lighten up your mood.

He could tell you’re almost ashamed but he didn’t think that’s anything to be ashamed of. In any case he wonders if that’s a positive more than a con.

“Hey Y/n that’s not a bad thing you know that right?” He nudges your arms with his elbow with a smile.

You sigh a little. “I know but I want to experience it. I don’t really care about my virginity that much.”

“So how come you’re still a virgin? You’re pretty and smart.” Mark chuckles, he didn’t quite understand it. If you wanted to lose your virginity card so badly how come you still have it?

Your eyes look at him, your chance to tell him how clueless you are when it comes to sex arises. A part of you don’t want to tell him you’re bad at sex because that’s really embarrassingly stupid. Or the fact that you have no idea how to do anything. You can’t even figure out how kissing goddamn works!

You swallow down your own emotions. “I have no idea how to have sex.”

Moments later your eyes have glued together in what seems to be a staring competition. Mark didn’t think you’d be completely clueless. It came so naturally to him when he was about to do it for the first time. To you this was like a big deal.

Mark comes forward mumbling nervously. “You don’t know how to kiss either?” You shake your head a no.

The boy was silent until his eyes fell down to your lips. They look pretty, they seem very red and plum. He couldn’t grasp it but the guts clench in a sudden contraction.

“Do you want me to teach you?” Mark starts to ask you. Your face fell to the ground or it rather feels like it. He read your mind.

He was so nervous about it, he didn’t want to come off like a freaking creep to you. Little does he know you were begging for this offer.

He trails. “You know — like exchange lessons? You helped me with science and I can help with sex lessons.”

That doesn’t sound too bad to you. The deal was appealing. Your eyes sparkle up and come forward to kiss his lips. When you did the first gesture this said a lot to the boy before you. You were agreeing. You didn’t back away, your eyes were glowing at the idea of him teaching you what to do during sexual encounters. And thus, he opens his mouth slipping in slowly his tongue. Caressing your soft untouched mouth was like a dream come true. You were like melting ice the moment your mouth felt the warmth of the salivas mixing in as one. The kiss was slow at the beginning but occasionally you got the hang of the pace and Mark decided to spice it up.

He had to spice it up for you. Mark wanted to show you how it really is. What it really awaits you. The kiss springs from the bottom, a sudden piercing movement shocks you causing your moans to fall off.

Did he just bite your bottom lip? He smirks at your reaction and pulls you down on the bed. Hovering above your lean shoulders those grabby hands touch on your waist to position you a little downwards to his liking.

Mark kissed your neck, your jawline, down the side to your ears and your shoulders once your top slips off leaving you in your bra.

Your bra was a pretty blue colour. Mark smiles at your chest in slight adoration. Your eyes took a glimpse of his eyes and his lips have small kisses to your chest, to the cleavage. In between your breasts he brushed his face into the softness of your pillows.

“You know I’m surprised you’re a virgin.” He begins quietly, travelling his mouth down to your stomach till your navel touches.

Your feet curl up. This was somehow nerve wrecking but it feels good? But it’s so slow and it’s like he’s bringing you to rest.

“Why?” You ask out quietly.

Mark mumbles when his fingers reach the very entrance of your panty lining. He stops at your abdomen monitoring the shorts he took off. Your panty matches the colour to your lovely bra. You feel so warm between the flat stomach, his fingers slip your panties down to your legs half way.

Eyes look up to see your face. “You strike me as someone who knows everything.” He might be right. You come across as reliable person.

But you don’t know everything unfortunately, you’re only human and you doubt that Mark knows absolutely everything too. You smile shyly and close your thighs together.

This was embarrassing. You never really went further than kissing someone badly before. He could see everything but the moment your legs shut him off Mark gave a small nudge with his hands to pull your thighs apart gently.

“No hiding Y/n come on? Open up for me.”

Your hands cover your face as your legs open up like two doors. Mark smiles in awe but you couldn’t see that. The boy kissed your entrance, like a peck to the lips until those same lips kiss the inner thighs. He loved seeing your legs trembling from nothing but nervousness.

You really are a small ball of wreck.

He quietly says. “You’re pretty down there why are you so worried?”

He didn’t quite understand what was making you this anxious and you shudder when his tongue does kitten lick motions to your pussy. You’re unable to make any sense of what just happened, but all you know is that this feels too good to stop.

Tongue traps at your nub flicking his motions in left and right directions: your pelvis subtly lifts off the bed to roll back. Mark hums against your entrance, he was devouring you as if it’s his first time too. It feels too good for you and that’s what’s making him get off the whole idea: You feeling good.

His tongue went inside your small hole giving it a few thrusts of his tongue. His nose pressed right against your clit. Your burning hot skin flushes his face and your thighs squeeze when your stomach clenches so tightly. Without a warning you slip into oblivion.

Mumbling out highly. “Fuckfuckfuck m’gonna cum.”

Striving to give you the best orgasm of your life, Mark feverishly sucks on your edging pearl, your clit was practically swollen and this pushed you right off the edge just as he wanted you to. He was watching up at you from down there seeing your spine arch and your moans hit the back of your throat, so hoarse and sore. The way your eyes shut and your hands grip at anything nearby: the bed sheets, your breasts, his thick hair.

Pulling out of your wet slimey pussy from all the coating of saliva. You take a deep breath, Mark positions him above you he saw your bright reddish cheeks and your sparkling wet eyes. You look beautiful like this.

He whispers. “Do you still want to continue?”

Your mind was a fog but you never hesitated to reply to your classmate. “Yes, please.”

It’s definitely a sight to see. You’re being so adamant about it. Mark leans down and pulls down his rock solid crotch out. Those jeans slipped off and it leaves an ugly feeling when you’re hard in jeans.

It feels like a big weight lifted from him when it comes off. The boy sits back and gave you a glance as if he is telling you to come forward.

“Do you want to take the boxers off?” You heard him ask you. Your eyes light up and with your small hands pulling off his boxers. Mark gave you a dark gaze when his large cock springs up against his stomach. Your mouth waters just looking at it.

Your stomach made a small butterfly clutch too. You look at him in panic. “Whoa wait, will that fit?” You sound so dumbfounded. But Mark grinned and he rubs your thighs reassuringly.

“It can, it will. Trust me on this I’m the teacher here.”

He was right he was the teacher here and you’re just a mere helpless virgin. You lay down on the bed sheets when Mark moves on top of you his hard tip had to do a few teasing streaks on your entrance. You were anticipating him to just ram it in — but he wasn’t.

You were just impatient and Mark was a very patient guy who didn’t want to rush a process like this. At least for now he doesn’t have anywhere to be, what’s the rush right?

The tip was pushed out and back in, it was like a car reverse and driving forward. Your entrance was locked tight so Mark wants to stretch you out with just the tip. He had a feeling he might have to use two fingers before anything else is to happen. The boy pressed his thumb and rubs your clit. You mumble out a whine, and then his singular finger goes inside you just to do a little stretch here and there. The second finger was when it starts to feel too good for you. Your eyes shut and your voice starts to feel good.

He made his hand shake a little and then come out. Only for his tip to slip in fully in you and then gradually expand his shaft inside your pussy. You feel good, Mark was addicted to the feeling of his cock buried in your velvety new walls.

He grunts, his breath shaking. “Ah fuck Y/n, you feel better than i thought you would.”

It took every ounce of his body not to rut against you like a wild fucking beast, Mark moves up against your stomach. Your hands tremble upwards to hold his forearms.

“Mh! Fuck, it kind of hurts.” Your voice murmurs and the boy had his attention all on you. He was watching only your face when his body did the moving thing. When you told him it kind of hurts, Mark had a feeling the pain will turn to pleasure soon for you. All he could do was give a small ‘shh’ and a kiss on the forehead for you.

You’re kind of glad Mark is your first. He seems to be gentle and loving enough for this. If it was anyone else you don’t think they would be as supportive as he was to you.

A simple kiss on the forehead made your worries disappear. And you let him rut against your pussy that squelches on his shape, taking every single inch of his cock until he was balls deep.

He was right, the pain did turn to pleasure real soon.

He brushed some of your hair back from your face as his thrusts connect to his pivoting muscles and hips. Mark admires your honesty expressions too, he couldn’t help himself. You were pretty even in this state.

The boy brushed down your jawline, he leans to capture a kiss on your lips. Your voice slips off like a breathy breeze. “Mark — feels too good.”

He smiles down at you. “I know,”

Your thighs wrap themselves on his waist and that brought him deeper in a whole new position when he is pushing in your loving arms. And then you feel a strong urge in the stomach, something that’s about to explode.

Your eyebrow ends connect, furrowing. “M’think I’m gonna cum…”

You didn’t exactly know but the feeling was so intense it overlaps your hearing and your brain goes back moments later after the surging sensation washes over you.

Mark feels you cumming right on his cock, he grits his teeth together jawline attached with his remaining strength.

“Me too, I’m close, hold on.” He mumbles lowly until he fucks himself just enough to pull out of you and then flick his wrist down the shaft to paint you of his cum on your bare stomach.

Deeply breathing the boy pulls back on the bed, you achingly sit up with a small groan. You never felt your body become this sore.

Your eyes watch Mark as the boy brushed back his hair with his hand. You both look like visible messes. Sweating and panting.

Your lips curve into a small smile. “So, do you need help with anything else in your classes?”

Mark gave a visible chuckle somehow it feels like you’re going to be more of a distraction when you’re going to tutor him than he likes to believe.

“Uhh, let’s see.” He replies, looking at the studying materials you guys left unattended on the floor. Scattered is the right word more like.

“I think I prefer to Exchange Lessons.” He admits, causing you to chuckle.

Mark thinks you do too, considering you’re not disagreeing.

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@onyourhyuck please refer from translating copyrighting and plagiarising my work thank you!! Follow my blog for more and reblog it helps a girl out<3 ily

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tqmies · 10 months

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Baseball (& Other Disasters)

Description. Everyone admired Mark Lee, starting pitcher of your school’s baseball team and famed ladies man. You, on the other hand, only know him as the boy who broke your dorm lobbies microwave the first time you met.

Too bad that was all it took to grow an embarrassingly huge crush on him.

So when he comes to you, in need of a new baseball manager, how could you say no to that face? (Spoiler: You couldn’t)

Pairings. Mark Lee x Female Reader

Genre. Romance, F2L, Idiots to lovers, Mutual Pining

Warnings. Cursing, An awkward scene of you walking in on the deed being done, suggestive comments, (I think that’s it?)

Word count. 10k ...

Note: I had so much fun writing this, sorry if it seems like it moved too fast, I didn’t want it to be too long since it’s been sitting in my drafts forever! Anyways, enjoy and remember feedback is always appreciated <3

Mark Lee is out fifty dollars, a phone bill, and most recently, a baseball manager. And he’s about to pull his hair out, because seriously, who quits right before the season starts? Not to help that he could’ve never seen it coming.

Kim Jungwoo, their former manager, had quite literally bailed on them. He was a player who injured his ankle, so he settled on the manager position, hoping one day to become a coach. His excuse was simple now though, he graduated university a few years ago, and was ready to move on. Mark just thinks the passion for the sport was gone, but you don’t just lose it overnight? How had no one seen it coming?

There was no point on dwelling on it, Mark shakes his head. Jungwoo was gone, and they needed a new manager stat. Unfortunately, Coach had kind of put that responsibility on Mark’s shoulders. But what did he know about this anyways? He had enough on his plate already to be scouring Indeed dot com for a baseball manager. Why couldn’t the assistant coach do it? Isn’t that was Doyoung was for, to do stuff like this?

And the worst part? He has two weeks to find someone, which is pretty much impossible. Especially considering that they would still have to train the manager to adjust to their schedules and learn their positions.

In short, Mark really hated Kim Jungwoo right now.

You on the other hand, had not a worry in the world. Well, at this moment at least. Your only problem was the fact that you had to boil your ramen in the common kitchen, instead of being able to just pop it in the microwave. Yeah, you have Mark Lee to thank that for.

You remember it like it was yesterday, (it was two months ago), when Mark Lee practically blew up your microwave. And even after an attempt to plead with the floor’s RA, they ultimately deemed it unsafe to have one on your floor. Which meant no more Hot Pockets, Cup ‘O Noodles, or soggy pizza. A tragedy for a college student.

Understandably, most people were annoyed with Mark’s accident, but it didn’t last very long anyways. It’s hard to hate the boy who led your school games to constant victories the year before. Overall, Mark was just a likable person.

Before that day, you didn’t even know Mark had played baseball. You didn’t care a lot for sports, opting to keep up only with your friend Chenle’s obsession, basketball. But even then, you didn’t know much about either sport.

To you, Mark Lee was just the guy who awkwardly spoke while putting ranch on his salad. He was introducing himself, asking why you were up cooking at three am as well, before shifting back to his food. He then started telling you how he liked his salads with boiled eggs on top, a good source of protein according to his coach. By the time you realized the microwave was on, with the egg inside, it was already too late.

It literally burst in the microwave, causing a rather unpleasant smell to spread throughout the common floor. Your face scrunched in disgust as you trashed the ravioli you were waiting to cook in there. “You put a boiled egg in the microwave?”

“To heat it up!” He had defended, staring at the messy appliance in horror.

“For 50 seconds?!”

He raised his hands, eyes wide. “I like them hot!”

Foolishly, that also happened to be the exact day you fell for Mark Lee. Something about his slight awkwardness, and the fumble of his hands when he spoke. You would’ve never guessed what kind of reputation he had held.

Your best friend, Yeri stops you there with the raise of her hand. She chews aggressively on her chicken while shaking her head and swallowing. “You’re such a loser.”

You laugh as you fake a pout, “Stop! Don’t tease me.”

“I can’t believe that’s what made you like him.” She furrows her brows. “There’s so many other reasons to like him, that’s all.”

You twirl your ramen on your plastic fork, sitting in the dining hall so you could eat with Yeri. (She had always offered to buy you a meal, but this food was a rip off! The pricing was crazy and you’d die before you let her buy two meals, call you a good friend.)

“You know I have a thing for awkward boys.” You speaks truthfully, because the point was supported by your track record of crushes on other shy boys.

“Well,” Yeri begins, knowing she’s about to get shot down. “You should try talking to him, as more than a friend.”

“Never!” You shriek, not believing she had even suggested that. “You know, I’m content with admiring from afar.”

“Which is why you’re still single!” She puts another forkful in her mouth before mumbling. “He’s nice, you should at least try.”

But you were a person of your word, you were not going to make the first move with Mark. That’s just the kind of person you were, you weren’t going to put yourself out there only to be rejected!

Or worse, have your confession accepted.

You see, due to never confessing, you had never had a boyfriend. That left you sorely inexperienced in the dating world. Meaning if you ever did ever ask someone on a date, you’d have no idea what to do on it. That would just likely lead you into a breakdown over the entire thing, which you would like to avoid.

You didn’t mind being single too much either, you had two great best friends who you could count on. The other actually just arrived right now, taking his seat as he looks at the two of you. “What? Did I interrupt something?”

“Just them avoiding talking to their crush.”

“Again?” Chenle laughs as he shakes his head. “I didn’t even know you had a crush.”

“I don’t.” You deny, glancing at Yeri. “I just think he’s cute.”

Yeri raises her fork in defense, stating matter-of-factly. “Everyone think’s Mark Lee is cute.”

“He’s not even all that.” Chenle dismisses, pulling out his phone to play some mobile game. “You could do better.”

“Better? Than Mark Lee?” Yeri’s jaw drops, and your glad she sees your side. Well, half the female population of your university did anyways.

“Who could be better?” You scoff, counting off your fingers. “Mark is talented, funny, and super cute! He’s like the entire package!”

“Yeah, you definitely have a crush on him.” Chenle says, turning his attention away from his (regrettably) best friends.

“But seriously, who wouldn’t want Mark?” Yeri nods, “You have the right idea.”

“I know, when have I ever liked someone questionable?” You ask, noting their lack of faith in your taste.

“Well..” Yeri starts and you sigh, knowing where she’s going with it. “Na Jaemin.”

“That was before I knew he was..” You trail, your nose scrunching, not wishing to reminisce on that phase of affection.

Chenle stops you, narrowing his eyes. “Don’t you dare call him a slut!”

“I wasn’t going to call him a-”

“Liar!” The boy yells, not even letting you finish. “Don’t talk bad about my friend!”

“I wasn’t going to! You’re the one who assumed I was going to call him a slut!”

“Cause you were!” Yeri instigates, laughing at you two.

“I wasn’t.” You maintain. Your crush on Jaemin was short lived anyways. You had seen him donning a basketball jersey, playing along side your friend on the first day of the semester.

Yeri would say you had heart eyes bursting out the moment you spotted him, you’d disagree, but he had definitely caught your attention. Unfortunately, it was only a matter of time before you found out he definitely wasn’t the type to be tied down. Not that it bothered you or anything, like you stated previously, you weren’t going to make a move.

Though, it was kind of hard to crush on a boy with a different girl around his arm everyday. Eh, not exactly your taste.

“Anyways, Mark has a ton of girl’s chasing after him. Thought you didn’t like guys like that.” Chenle states, attention not moving from whatever shooting game he’s engaged in.

“The difference is that Mark clearly hasn’t spoken to a single one of those fangirls in his life.” Yeri points out, never having seen it happen.

“You’re not that dumb are you?” Chenle finally puts his phone down. “Mark definitely messes around with all of them.”

“What does it matter?”

“Is this because your girl is one of his little fans?” You ridicule and Chenle shoots you a killer glare. The girl he liked, Nagyung, was one of the girls who’d attend baseball games just to see Mark. All of the girls in that section were recognized because they’d always start screaming from the stands when Mark would make a pitch. Squeals and cheers just for him to look their way.

You were one interaction away from joining them.

“What does he have that I don’t?!” Chenle throws his head back at the reminder.”Wish I had fans bringing me lunch every day too. I’d never have to eat with you fools again.”

You contemplate throwing your hot ramen on him as you narrow your eyes. “You’re no longer invited.”

“Hey!” Chenle whines.

Yeri pushes your shoulder lightly as she ignores your friends pleas. “I’m serious about talking to him! You’ll never know if you don’t try.”

“Yeri, just because you’ve had like 200 hundred boyfriends doesn’t mean we all want to!” Chenle digs, making a face at her.

“200?!” She yelps before her face goes straight. “I’d say 400 is more accurate.”

“Yeri!” You widen your eyes as she giggles. It was no secret your best friends was far more experienced in the dating realm than you were. Even Chenle had a girlfriend here and there.

Yeri even had a boyfriend now, an exchange student named Sicheng who she learned Mandarin for. They’d been steady together for about two years now, her ‘crazy highschool days’ were over and she was ready to settle down. All her words.

“Well it doesn’t matter now, clearly Sicheng and I are gonna get married-”

“Yes and have a million babies and live in a big house,” You interrupt her, reciting the statement you’ve heard so many times. “We know.”

“That could be you and Mark!” She nods, winking.

“Please, babies? You won’t even talk to him, and he’s like the nicest guy in the world.” Chenle scoffs, sipping from his drink, and that hits you particularly hard.

“You know what?” You say boldly, quirking a brow. “I will talk to him! I’ll show you.”

You have not shown Chenle.

It’s only been two days but you had yet to spot Mark anywhere, let alone strike up a conversation with the boy. It’s not like you two were close or anything, did he even know your name? Would he remember you? Were you just severely overthinking this? Definitely.

Even if Mark didn’t remember you, he’s not the type to act all weird about it. He’d likely try to greet you back and start a conversation, or at least that’s what you keep telling yourself.

Because here he is, in the very area where you first met him (And that exploded egg.) In the common kitchen. And you’re about to fall over.

He’s wearing glasses while dressed in sweatpants, since it is midnight after all, and staring at something on his laptop. The bright blue light illuminating his features as he sits in the dimly lit area, eating something from a takeout container. Eyes heavy from clear exhaustion as he presses on the temple of his forehead. And yet you think you’ve never seen him look cuter.

You walk in steadily, ready to boil some instant oatmeal. (It was all you had found in your dorm, you don’t even remember buying it.) Mark looks up, smiling as he makes eye contact with you.

That damn famous smile.

“Hey stranger.” He greets, looking you up and down discreetly. “Haven’t seen you here in a while.”

You laugh, “Decided maybe it’d be best to stay away from here for a minute.”

“I don’t blame you.” He nods, holding his hands up in defeat as his eyes flicker back to his laptop.

“So, big project coming up or?” You say, turning to open your oatmeal, grimacing at the powder on your hands as you wipe it off. This is your attempt at starting a conversation that would hopefully go better than it did last time.

“Not exactly.” He drags, scrolling on his mouse pad.

“Is that Zip Recruiter?” You giggle, looking over your shoulder as his laptop faces you. “Job hunting?”

He shakes his head, before realizing you couldn’t see him. “No, actually. I’m job.. hiring.”

You hum in acknowledgement, even though you didn’t know what he meant.

“I have a week and a half to find the team a new manager.” Mark elaborates, sighing as he leans back into his chair. “Nothing but dead ends so far.”

“Is it that hard to find candidates?” You ask, genuinely curious. Also, had Kim Jungwoo quit? You had seen him around campus a few times, mostly chatting up Yeri, but he seemed to be super loyal to his team. What had changed, and so suddenly?

Mark continues looking. “Only two people have responded to my posting so far. One had a criminal background and the other wanted higher pay.”

“That sucks.” You stir your food. “Have you thought about hiring a student?”

Mark turns to look back at you. “I don’t know. Coach didn’t want to do that again after Jungwoo, but maybe if they had all the qualifications then he wouldn’t mind.”

“Cool,” You speak absentmindedly. “I’m sure you’ll find someone soon.”

“What about you?”

You glad you weren’t facing him or else you would’ve surely agreed to it in an instant. You regain your senses as you notice your spoon falling into the hot mixture, almost burning yourself as you retrieve it. “Oh- Uh, Mark I don’t think I’d be a good fit.”

And you assume that’s enough to drop the subject but he actually closes his laptop as he continues. “But Chenle mentioned something about you managing your team in high school.”

First things first, you were going to kill Chenle! Leave it up to him to meddle in this, when did he even speak to Mark? And now he was going around lying to him?

Sure, you had vaguely helped your friend take baseball stats in highschool once; but it was nothing like this. How did Chenle even remember that?

You need to get it together and say no, there is no way in the world you could be a baseball manager. For several reasons, one being that you only know surface level things on the sport. Two, your schedule is hectic enough as it is without being apart of a team. And three? You’d have to deal with Mark Lee more often than you’d ever imagined.

Well, the last one didn’t sound so bad.

Mark takes in your silence. “Maybe just think over it, it pays well and we travel a lot. It could be fun.”

You want to throw something, why was this even an option for him? “It’s just, my time as a manager was very brief. Don’t you want someone more confident in what they’re doing?”

Mark’s mouth draws into a thin line. “Well, we’re really pressed for time right now, and you have experience. We’re short on options, plus I kinda know you.”

“So you’re trusting me with the fate of your entire team,” You start, closing your eyes. “Because you kinda know me.”

He foolishly nods, before getting up. “It’s not a hard job I promise! I’m sure you’d have no trouble with it!”

You open your mouth.“Mark-”

“Consider it?” He speaks as he now stands next to you. Your eyes pretending to be engrossed with the stupid oatmeal in front of you. You’re trying your hardest not to give away how nervous you are, you’d never been this close to him before. Sure, you could only see him from the corner of your eye, but you know he’s watching your face as he awaits an answer. “Please?”

He is so cute.

“I’ll do it.” You blurt, before you can stop the words from tumbling out.

His eyes light up, a smile growing. “What? Really?”

No! Not really, I’m just an idiot who’s weak to such a perfect boy in front of me. I’m taking it back before it’s too late! Sorry, maybe I can help you find someone else! That’s what you should be saying.

Yet nothing comes out, as you just nod. Idiot, you think. You know this is a terrible idea but you’re too far in now! (Not really, you’re just dramatic.) But you’d be damned if you were the one to wipe such a pretty smile off his face.

“Woah, okay. I’ll have coach do the paperwork and then I’ll email you the schedule.” He sighs in relief, before looking at you and placing his hand on your shoulder. “Thank you, I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

You really wish he had said that in a different context.

Knocking on the apartment door harshly, your anger fizzles down a bit when Park Jisung, Chenle’s roommate, opens the door. “Oh hey, what are-”

“Is Chenle home?” You ask, not seeing him in the kitchen as you look through the door. The poor boy looks confused, you usually love small talk with him.

“Well, yeah but he’s-”

“Thanks.” You mutter before you push past the boy, ignoring any words that followed. Jisung took note of the look on your face though, and decided he did not want to stand in your way, definitely not.

You don’t even bother to knock, swinging Chenle’s door open with full force. Though you quickly regret it, as you’re met with a half naked Chenle with a girl on top of him. Well, that’s definitely not Nagyung.

You shield you eyes before yelling. “Dammit Chenle! Where are your clothes?”

“Oh my god,” The girl squeaks before pulling away, picking up her shirt as she clutches it in front of her chest. “You said I was the only one!”

“You are-” Chenle begins but is interrupted by a slap on his face. He sits there, stunned at the sudden action as she gets off of him. The girl runs out of the room, grabbing her phone off his desk and running past a startled Jisung, who gapes in the doorway.

“Was that-”

“Shut up Jisung!” And you register the sound’s of Chenle running after her, too afraid of seeing his penis again that you don’t open your eyes until he’s gone.

The front door slams and you look at Jisung, who just shrugs and smiles awkwardly. “So that was- um...”

“What the fuck.” Chenle storms back in the living room, pants halfway on, before approaching you, pointing a finger in your chest. “You just cock blocked me!”

“You fucking idiot.” You spout back. “I’m only here because of what you told Mark!”

“Are you kidding?!” He responds, scoffing as Jisung look’s around confused. Truthfully, Chenle had barely remembered what he had even said to Mark. “I was trying to help you!”

“I don’t need your help!”

Chenle rolls his eyes, you’re acting like he did the worst thing in the world. “Whatever! So sue me, I just wanted you to actually speak to him!”

“Oh I definitely will now because I’m the new fucking baseball manager.” You drop, the two males staring at you in awe. Jisung looks confused and Chenle genuinely looks like he’s seen a ghost.

Chenle himself swears his jaw dropped and rolled on the floor beneath him. “What?!” He exclaims, running his hands through his hair.

Jisung raises a brow at that, ignoring as Chenle has a meltdown in the corner of their shared living room, before turning to look at you. He had never seen you at any of the games when he went to see his friends, so he didn’t think you wanted anything to do with that. “You like baseball?”

“Hardly.” You groan, facing the youngest boy. “But Mark was being all nice, and he had that cute smile and-”

“So you said yes?!” Chenle raises his voice, throwing his hands up. “I was just trying to get you to talk to him, not to invade his team!”

“This is you’re fault! You know I can’t say no to him!” You whine, and Chenle literally is at a loss of what to say. Out of all the possible outcomes, he didn’t think you’d actually ever take up the spot.

“Okay,” He tries to calm down, nervously pacing around as he tries to think rationally. “Well, what now?”

You shrug, whining before throwing yourself on his couch. “I don’t know, I think I dug myself in this inescapable hole.”

“Deep,” Jisung agrees and earns a slap on the arm from an annoyed Chenle.

Even if he was upset about having blue balls, he did feel for his best friend. He knew you didn’t do super well in high pressure situations, and in front of a crush too? You were toast.

“Shit! You know nothing about baseball! What were you thinking?” Chenle exclaims, as he throws himself on his couch.

“You were the one who told him about me helping Gowon with paperwork back in high school! How do you even remember that?” You ask, sitting next to him on the dingy couch.

He gives you a dirty look, as if you should’ve known why. “Because I had a crush on her, duh! Could’ve remembered anything related to her.”

“Well excuse me,” You press sarcastically. “You crush on anything with legs.”

“And I still never had a crush on you, says a lot.” He responds, and you’re about to start throwing punches at the insult.

“I did.” Jisung speaks out of no where, you two looking at him wordlessly, and you forgot he was here. Wait, did he just admit to liking you before? He opens his mouth again, “If that helps?”

“No Jisung, why would that help?” Chenle exasperated as he furrows his brows, shakes his head. He couldn’t believe his closest friends were all idiots.

“What I was saying,” Jisung elaborates. “Is that you’re a catch. I’m sure Mark will come to his senses sooner rather than later. Maybe joining his team is a good thing, forced proximity and whatever.”

“You’ve been playing too many otome games.” Chenle scoffs and the younger male starts stuttering defenses. Maybe he did download too many dating simulators.

You just nod, albeit awkwardly. He did kind of have a point though. “Thanks, I guess.”

Jisung just shrugs and scurries off to his room, you and Chenle watching as he does so. Chenle clears his throat before speaking. “That was weird as hell.”

But you had other things to worry about, one being getting home to your safe warm bed. Especially after seeing your best friend naked, you felt the need to bleach your eyes, at least three times. Maybe four for good measure, hopefully it’ll erase your memory too.

Unfortunately, this didn’t happen, as you had spotted into problem number one on your way out of Chenle’s apartment complex.

He’s dressed in casual attire, adjusting his backpack it sits too loosely on his shoulders. You hope he doesn’t see you, as you’re still a little flustered from the previous events.

But you wish isn’t granted as he yells your name across the parking lot. Waving to you animatedly as he stands with another boy beside him. You offer a small wave back, hoping you can run to your car after this, but all thoughts of a quick escape are down the drain the minute he jogs up to you.

You pretend to be enamored in your phone, calmly as Mark gets closer. “Hey! What are you doing around here?” He asks, looking happy to see you.

“Oh I had to come see Chenle for something.” You nod, avoiding eye contact.

He looks down for a minute before speaking again. “Nice! Oh, this is Haechan by the way. He’s our second baseman.”

Mark nudges the aforementioned male, and you suddenly come to notice him. You had barely even taken note of the male, giving him a nod as he looks back at you with a smirk. “Nice to meet you, Mark says you’ll be at practice on Monday?”

You smile, “I will.”

“Great, then we won’t bother you-” Mark begins but Haechan isn’t done talking. Somethings brewing in that boys head, and you’re a little nervous about it.

“Actually, Mark and I were just heading up to my place to discuss the opposing teams stats for the first game. Mark likes to brainstorm possible plays, so if you’re not busy, you should join us.” He proposes, and you can see Mark’s eyes widening.

You almost short circuit at the sudden invitation, and you assume its pretty obvious. If not by your facial expression then definitely by the way your hands got a little shaky. Also, of course it was your luck that Haechan had lived here!

“You don’t have to!” Mark cuts in, waving his hands. He doesn’t want you to feel pressured into spending your Saturday afternoon with them. “You’re probably busy, it’s not a big deal.”

You shake your head. “I wouldn’t want to intrude anyways.”

“It’s not intruding.” Haechan speaks up, crossing his arms. “I invited you, plus we always had Jungwoo’s opinion on these things.”

You look between the boys, Mark smiling and Haechan awaiting an answer. You assume you look like a lost puppy, pleading eyes looking for an escape.

But this is Mark you’re talking about, and possible time with Mark is at stake here! Not forgetting the fact that you’re also his team manager. “Okay, sure.”

Haechan adjusts his glasses, perched on his face, and turns as he leads the way. You’re too busy in your phone though, texting the group chat about the sudden update.

You: You two will never guess who I’m with

Yerim <3: i have your location idiot, you’re with chenle

Lele: She left like five minutes ago..

Yerim <3: wtf

Yerim <3: then who

Lele: Bitch I know you see the texts

You: CHILL I’m listening to Haechan talk about his flat screen tv

Lele: LEE HAECHAN? THE GUY WHO LIVES DOWNSTAIRS?

Lele: Who are you

Yerim <3: LMAO what

You: Mark is here...

Yerim <3: i expect a 3 page paper about this encounter on my desk tomorrow morning, mla format 12 point arial font

You giggle at the last text and shove your phone in your pocket, attention on Haechan as he flips his laptop towards the you and Mark. You’re seated on the floor around a small table in his living room. Mark opting to sit next to you as Haechan sits across. The male has a playback of their game against this school last season playing on the tv behind him.

You have to admit, the two seem as determined as ever. The game wasn’t for another two weeks and yet they were already getting familiar with the other teams players. This was nothing like the high school level you had dealt with, and you were admittedly a little lost.

Mark often turns to you, handing you papers to which you just nod and skim over. You’re struggling to remember what they numbers mean but fake it till you make it, right?

Eventually, Haechan abandons the footage, in favor of talking your head off. But you were honestly thankful for the change of pace, one more home run review and you would’ve exploded.

“Two weeks and then I’ll be on a beach after we take home the win.” He nods, and you can tell he’s already looking forward it.

“That’s assuming we win.” Mark jabs him with his elbow, pulling him out of his day dream.

“The beach?” You ask, wondering why he would be there.

“The Cyclones school is about a five minute drive from a beach. Every time we play them, we head there after. Just have to sneak past coach and we’re home free.” Haechan says, enthusiastically referring to their upcoming opponent.

“Would you want to come?” Mark speaks, a little anxious as he lands his gaze on you.

“Oh, I don’t know. I wouldn’t want to get caught by coach at my first game with you guys.” You speak, smiling nervously.

“What, like how we caught you?” Haechan raises his brows, but you don’t get what he’s referring to.

“Caught?” You ask, looking to the other male for answers.

“Haechan.” Mark warns, sending the male a glare.

The male doesn’t heed his warning though. “We caught you slipping out of Chenle’s! So you’re the mystery hookup, huh?”

“Mystery hookup?!” You exclaim, before processing what he said.

“Yeah! Chenle told us he was going to bang some, and I quote, ‘sweet ass’ today.” Haechan nods, winking at you.

You just about throw up in your mouth. “Oh God, no! He wasn’t talking about me!”

Mark looks towards you, head whipping around almost comically. “He wasn’t?”

“No,” You admit, recalling the embarrassing situation that occurred. “Actually I kind of walked in on him and the so-called sweet ass earlier.”

That sends Haechan into a fit of laughter. “No way!”

You nod reluctantly. “I went over trying to talk to him about an issue we had, but I opened the door and - Actually, I’d rather not remember it.”

“So that’s why you were running out all flustered.” Haechan laughs even harder. “I thought you were trying to avoid being seen.”

“Oh come on,” You giggle back. “I’d never sleep with Chenle, we’re just friends.��

“Just friends,” Haechan subtly (not really) nudges Mark.

“We should really get back to the plays.”

Coach Minho was a lot nicer than he looked, or at least, that’s what you deduced. The players would say he ruled the batting cages with an iron fist, and you’d seen it in action a couple times, but he was always kind to you.

Even when you asked questions about things that any old baseball manager should clearly know, he never berated you, only explaining the concept and sending you on your way.

Assistant Coach Doyoung, on the other hand, was a little more wary of you. He didn’t speak to you beyond two or three words, and when he did? It was usually to doubt your abilities as a manager, but you just figured he was frustrated.

He did have to deal more with the manager more one-on-one, so you figured he was just having trouble adjusting. He kept you in line though, correcting any mistakes and issues you had right away, even if he made an offhanded comment. You heard the boys say he was a tough love kind of person too, so maybe he was hard on you cause he wanted you to do well.

Or at least you hoped so.

The team was a whole different story. Really, you only knew Mark and Haechan, and that was barely. Either way, they couldn’t be on your side when you were handling other problems, so you were basically all alone.

Xiaojun, one of the designated hitters, came up to you on your first day.

And then decided you were his new best friend.

It was nice too, to have someone else on the team that was on your side. Most of the boys hadn’t opened up yet, most doubted your inability to manage the team as well, for reasons you really don’t care to get into.

But thankfully, once Xiaojun had warmed up to you, some of the others followed suit. So now you could say you could count on a handful of them when Doyoung got a little too aggressive.

Currently, he was showing you pictures of his dog Bella at six in the morning as you all waited to board the bus. You’re usually not a morning person, but with Xiaojun’s infectious smile, you couldn’t help but coo at Bella as well.

Their first game is today at seven, and to say they were nervous was an understatement. Yangyang, your third basemen, was pretty much shaking as he boarded the bus ahead of you two. This was his first time starting so you’d give him credit for that.

You were outside the bus as the others loaded up, rushing in to take naps you presume, but you were waiting on two missing pieces of your team.

Namely Mark and Haechan.

Would it kill those two to be punctual? If you learned anything over the past few weeks it was yes, it would kill them.

You sigh in relief as Mark and Haechan finally arrive, and the two profusely apologize to Doyoung, who just watches with a scowl as he sips his coffee.

“Coach isn’t even here yet, just get on the bus.” The older male directs them and they nod as he walks into the bus himself.

“You guys seriously got here ten minutes before we had to leave?” You ask, still groggy from such an early hour.

“You think this just happens without beauty sleep?” Haechan lolls his head, and you almost laugh at his appearance. He clearly intends to sleep as hes dressed in pajamas and a neck pillow, with a eye mask in his hands.

“Oh lord, get in the bus Haechan.” You speak, and he obliges, too tired to fight back.

But as he steps on, he looks back. “Come sit with me Xiaojun.”

“No thanks.” He replies, narrowing his eyes. “I’m gonna sit with our dear manager.”

You smile but Haechan shakes his head, getting off the bus momentarily to grab Xiaojun. “Keep your mouth shut.”

You stare with wide eyes as you watch them, weird. You finally allow yourself to look at Mark, and he’s wearing black Nike sweatpants and a simple white t-shirt with the school’s name on it. Yet you think he looks great, and you almost voice it.

“You look very.. awake.” You smile, surprised at your save.

He chuckles. “I’m really excited. Well, nervous but also very excited.”

“Can’t wait to see you in a real game, you’re gonna kill it.”

His eyes light up, “Thank you-”

“Alright kids, lets go.” A voice speaks as he slaps his hand on Mark’s shoulder. You hadn't even seen Coach Minho arrive, but he just offers you a nod as he gets onto the vehicle itself.

You just follow behind, and coach takes his seat in the very front, across from Doyoung. You’re not sure where you’re supposed to sit, so you tap Minho’s shoulder. “Do I sit in the front?”

“You could, Doyoung has an open seat next to him.” He replies, and you look over to a undesirable sight. Doyoung’s furrowed brows as he looks over a playbook, grinding his teeth as he scribbles something down. You can see it going two ways, either he makes you study plays the entire way, or he calls you incompetent again.

Minho must notice hesitance on your face because he offers you another option. “Or you could always fit a seat among the players.”

And you nod, looking behind you and struggling to see an unclaimed seat. Oh, well there’s one next to Mark. To Mark?! Could you last a two hour ride next to Mark without fainting or embarrassing yourself? Or worse, exposing your feelings.

“Haechan! Psst,” You speak, careful not to bother the others around him, and shaking his shoulders. He pulls his eye mask down to give you a bored look.

“How can I help you?”

“Let me sit there.”

“No way! I’m not getting up.”

“Please,” You beg, coming up with an explanation. “I want to uh, look at more photos of Xiaojun’s dog!”

“Just go sit next to Mark.” He says, pulling his mask down as he ignores both you and Xiaojun’s protests.

Xiaojun just shrugs, “Sorry. I can send you more pictures though!”

You just nod and defeated, you begin your walk towards Mark. You see the light of his phone illuminating his face, and you place your bag on the side.

“Oh hey, I’m surprised you didn’t sit with Doyoung.” He whispers, pulling up his arm rest so there’s no divide between you two. You almost heat up at the move, why would he do that?!

“Hm well, I didn’t want to bother him, he seems busy.”

“Wanna watch this movie with me?” He asks, handing you a headphone before you can even accept his offer. “I moved the arm rest cause it would’ve gotten in the way.”

“What movie is it?” You inquire, but nonetheless take the headphone.

“The Truman Show.”

“Jim Carrey? I love that movie!”

“No way,” Mark perks up. “Yo, I’ve been trying to get someone to watch it with me but everyone says it looks boring.”

“Nothing is boring about accepting the reality of the world as it’s presented.” You quote, as Mark’s eyes widen.

“It’s as simple as that.” He finishes, staring at you. “You can quote it too, that’s so sick.”

“Thanks, I guess I’ve just seen it so many times.”

“You’re seriously so cool,” Mark begins, leaning over. “You know that?”

“I’ve been told.” You giggle, and he laughs as well.

He gets quiet as he looks down. “You know, I never got to thank you for like, saving my ass.”

“You don’t have to thank me, the money is thanks enough.” You state, lips stretched as he agrees.

“I told you it payed well, even if you have to read until your head spins.”

“You could say that again.”

“Will you two be quiet?!” A voice groans, and it’s Haechan from three seats away, being shushed by Lee Jeno.

“Will you mind your business? That’s what the headphones are for!” Mark retorts, and the boy sends him glare before digging through his bag for the mentioned headphones, but not before flipping you two off.

Mark turns back to you, “You know, I made an egg this morning.”

“Hopefully not in the microwave.” You comment, and his nose wrinkles at the memory.

He shakes his head, “No, definitely not.”

“Then it probably came out really well.”

“You think so?”

“As long as you didn’t blow anything up..” You say, moving to face him. “Then I’d say it was a success.”

Mark grins at that, then turns to press play on his phone. The only matter now was, why was his heart beating so hard?

...

“Bottom of the ninth.” The announcers voice echoes, as his voice fills the baseball field. You’re just about biting your nails as he comes onto the intercom again. “Bases loaded, and the Neo’s are leading, but if the Cyclones hit one out of the park, they’ll take home the win.”

The score board read ‘Cyclones 7 - Neo’s 8′ And it’s been an amazing game so far. You never thought you’d be this into baseball, but since you have a front row seat in the dugout? You finally understood the hype.

But now there was a lot on the line, if this batter made a good hit, then your team would be toast. What a great first game.

The batter is Jung Woo-Young, and you’ve seen his stats. He’s not one to be messed with, and they definitely saved such a killer batter for last.

But you had your star pitcher on the field! One that could throw an amazingly accurate, yet fast, curve ball. You’d be fine!

And you’re telling this to Lee Jeno, while he nods along to your nervous rambling, but he’s clearly not really listening as you chew the skin on your nails.

And Wooyoung hits.

“No no no!” You exclaim, standing from the bench as you feel the boys beside you do the same. Everyone’s eyes darting to the ball in the air, looking far too out of reach.

You can hear the collective sighs of the team around you, as well as Doyoung’s mutter of disappointment, already dismissing the game in his mind.

Across the field, Mark’s trying his hardest not to shit his pants. But his eyes trickle over to Haechan in the outfield, and as the boy runs, farther and farther. Everyone’s attention on him as they wait.

And Haechan catches the ball.

You swore the entire place erupted in cheers, watching as the boys around you rush out to the field. You smile at the sight until Yangyang grabs your wrist and yanks you along the way, Xiaojun pushing your back as your feet hit the grass.

Even Doyoung’s face is light up as he follows behind you all.

A few seconds later and the announcer proclaims your victory, then suddenly Haechan is tossed into the air, held up by some of the other boys.

“Haechan! Haechan! Haechan!” You join the chanting in unison, waving your hands in the air with the rest. It’s a euphoric moment, filled with only joy. You spot Mark as he cheers, looking genuinely excited from such a win, and you can’t help but smile dumbly.

When the team finally calms down, Coach Minho gives them a great speech. And yes, Doyoung chirps on about how one win doesn’t mean they can slack off now. But you swear you heard him mutter a “Good job.”

You’re ready to walk back towards the locker room, ready to shower after such a long day (Minus the fact that you hadn't even played.) and take a nap. Though when you turn, all you see are expectant faces.

“What?” You blink, wondering what the staring was for.

“C’mon, you have to give a speech!” Haechan shouts out, practically jumping up. Doyoung and Minho give you a nod, like you were expected to as well. What were you even supposed to say?

“Um, good job?” You smile, and their faces remain bored.

“A real speech!” Someone shouts from the team.

“You guys all did great.” You admit, letting your honest thoughts carry you. Every word being genuine. “Even though it was such a close game, but when we thought all hope was gone, you guys pulled through! I know I’ve only been your manager for a short time, but I see the dedication and heart you all put into the games. Thank you for giving me such a strong team to be apart of! Let’s widen that gap, yeah?”

“Yeah!” They collectively shout back, slapping each others backs in congratulations. Yangyang and Xiaojun even hold each and pretend to cry at your words.

You just roll your eyes as they all walk past you, high fiving some of the other members as they stroll by. Mark stops in front of you though, “We’re meeting in Jeno and Haechan’s room in an hour, don’t let coach spot you. Or worse, Doyoung.”

You stare back in confusion as he sighs in defeat, he just leans in as he whispers. “The beach, remember?”

You let out an Oh and nod your head, shooting Mark a thumbs up as confirmation. How could you say no to him?!

“Oh, by the way, I’m sure you already know but you did great out there today.” You smile, heart beating fast in your chest.

“Thank you, that means a lot coming from you.” He responds before being dragged away by his teammates. But not before flashing you that famous damn smile.

...

“The beach?” Yeri screeches over the phone as you updated her on the latest plans. “With tons of hot - Probably shirtless - Baseball boys in the middle of the night?”

“Are you really thirsting over them right now? I’m calling Sincheng.” Chenle, who is also on the FaceTime call, scrunches his nose.

“You know I love my honey bear-” She defends but her pet names are cut off by your groans of annoyance. “Please shut up Yeri.”

“Whatever, never mind the others, have you made a move on Mark yet?”

You sigh. “Well we talk.. a little bit more?”

“Oh lord.” Chenle comments.

“That’s a step in the right direction!” Yeri confirms.

“It doesn’t even matter, I’m not even sure I want to make a move. I have no clue what I’m doing.” You rant, face palming.

Chenle snorts. “Oh we know.”

“Maybe try and get some one-on-one time with him at the beach, that could help?” Yeri suggests, and you nod.

Though it was shaping up to be harder of a task than you had initially thought. Yes, Haechan caught the winning ball, but Mark was always the MVP. You learned that at these gatherings, even impromptu ones, Mark was the star.

You were debating why you even came out, was it really necessary? Was it worth losing a few hours of sleep to see Mark? Why even ask that?! The answer was definitely yes.

Haechan currently held out a beer from a cooler towards you, attempting to shove it in your grip to which you shake your head. “I don’t drink.”

“What?!” Xiaojun exclaims from a few feet away, spilling some of them liquid he was dousing in his mouth from the keg someone had quickly picked up from the store.

“Also, I don’t want to deal with a massive hangover when we leave tomorrow at six again.” You shrug, to which Haechan narrows his eyes. “Okay, Doyoung.”

You just giggle and gaze into the dark water. Noting how some players are splashing each other, as others violently throw their friends into the water.

They were all dressed in swimming attire, you sticking out as you wear simple shorts and a t-shirt. In your defense, you had no intentions on coming to the beach before, you had barely even packed a clean shirt in your overnight bag. So you stay away from the water, instead standing by a makeshift bonfire as you laugh to yourself, it wasn’t even cold enough for a fire.

Mark was in the water as well, surrounded by others as they drop him playfully into a face full of the sea water. He laughs and returns the favor, and you have to stop yourself before he catches you staring. God, you were so down bad.

“So Mark, huh?” A voice springs you from your attention on the male. You had barely noticed anyone had even approached you.

“Uh, I’m sorry?” You ask, confused.

It’s Jeong Jaehyun, smirking as he realizes he’s caught you. “It’s just that..” You stand, still very puzzled as he continues.

He takes a deep breath. “You have about ten other boys with their abs on display to ogle on the beach, and yet you’re drooling over Mark Lee in a dri-fit Nike shirt.”

You turn away as you avoid eye contact, defending. “I’m not drooling.”

“Yeah, and I don’t have eyes.” He remarks sarcastically as he rolls his eyes. “But, if you’re not into Mark.. does that mean I could have a chance?”

And you’re sweating on the inside because, yes you have a raging crush on Mark Lee who is swimming only a few feet away, but Jeong Jaehyun is currently leaning in as he’s dripping wet from the water. And even worse?

He’s shirtless.

You’re only human, you think as you attempt to curb the heat rising up in your body from the close proximity. You’re actually about to reject him when, “Hey, back up! You know that’s Mark’s girl.”

The nickname getting lost on you as you look for the source of the voice, but wait, did you just get referred to as Mark’s?

And Yangyang is clumsily stumbling towards you two, making steps in the stand as he positions himself between you guys. Jaehyun leans back, “She said no, she’s free game!”

Yangyang shoots him as scowl as he points his finger at the latter’s face. “We all know it, don’t act stupid Jaehyun.”

“What’s going on?” Lee Jeno approaches, wanting to simmer down the weird tension happening.

“Nothing-” You start.

Though you’re interrupted by a seemingly already-drunk Yangyang. “Jaehyun’s trying to hit on Mark’s girl.”

There it was again, the declaration that made you heat up ten times more than what you felt when Jaehyun leaned it. Just the simple words feeding your silly delusions of belonging to Mark Lee.

“Oh, so Jaehyun has a death wish.” Jeno declares, shrugging as he walks back the other way.

“What are you guys talking about?!” You let out, looking towards Yangyang as he seems sure to spill his guts sometime soon. You just hope its information and not his lunch.

You, however, make the mistake of glancing back at the sea. You spot Mark staring back at you, eyes wide as he looks away fast. He undoubtedly heard what was said and definitely thought you were a freak now.

“I don’t know.” Yangyang slurs. “Mark has some weird alpha claim on you, starts growling when someone gets too close.”

Jaehyun laughs. “Mark doesn’t do that.”

“You’re right, he’s too nice to do that, but I can see it in his eyes! He does that in his brain!” Yangyang speaks, nodding as he tries to convince you. “Everyone knows why he asked you to be manager in the first place!”

“Well it doesn’t matter, she should still be able to talk to whoever she wants. Right?” Jaehyun asks as his eyes meet yours.

“Actually.. I sorta have a crush on Mark.”

“You what?!” Xiaojun stalks over, Haechan right behind him. Had they both heard that?

“I fucking knew it!” Haechan squeaks, fist pumping into the air.

Xiaojun stands there with his jaw dropped, unnerved. “My money was on Jeno..”

“Is that why you joined the team?”

“No-” You deny but you can tell they’re not going to believe you.

“Liar!” Haechan gasps, “It’s okay to admit it!”

“No seriously! I felt kinda bad that you guys were like abandoned and I wanted to help!” You explain, trying your very best to lie. It was somewhat the truth, just that Mark had helped sway your decision tremendously.

“Sure, not buying it.” Xiaojun shrugs, waddling his drunken body back to the log he was sitting on.

You really hope they’re all too drunk to remember this later, judging by the way they all gather you into a group hug and ruffle your hair while stupidly laughing.

So much for one on one time with Mark.

They were not too drunk, you learned after yet another teasing jab was pointed your way by the team. They’d do things like whistle when you and Mark were in close proximity, or very obviously nudge you when Mark was about to pitch. You weren’t sure how the news had spread like wild fire among the team, but it was annoying and you were sure you were going to pass out if they shoved you and Mark together one more time.

Mark, on the other hand, doesn’t notice at all. In fact, he thinks everything’s proceeding as normal, well except for what Haechan had just said to Yangyang when they thought Mark hadn’t walked in yet.

It had to be a joke right? They weren’t serious were they?

Well, now Mark had to find out. He couldn’t just brush that off, and knowing Haechan, he’d be happy to fill Mark in (Not really, he just can’t keep a secret, that’s why the two are best friends).

He catches the male after practice, both of them bidding you goodbye after a particularly rigorous training day. Haechan says something to him as they both enter the parking lot but it’s lost on Mark as he turns to his friend. “Why did you say she liked me?”

Haechan looks perfectly caught off guard, rushing to save face. “Who?”

“Our manager, Haechan. I heard what you said to Yangyang earlier, what’s with that?” Mark scowls, upset Haechan was spreading rumors.

“Shit! You weren’t supposed to find out!” Haechan exclaims, running his hands through his hair. “You can’t say anything!”

Mark’s stunned at this, did Haechan really expect him to side with him? “I’m not going to help you be an asshole to her.”

“What are you talking about?”

“You’re trying to start some rumor about her liking me-”

“Huh? Mark she told us she liked you.”

Mark deadpans, out of all the excuses he’d expected from Haechan, he hadn’t expected that. “What?”

“You thought I was lying?”

Mark looks down at his hands, he was serious?. “A little.”

“You think that low of me?!” Haechan pretends to be offended, but Mark knows better than to let him change the subject.

“Wait let me get this straight, you know for sure she likes me?”

“Yes.”

Mark shoots him a glare. “And you didn’t tell me?”

“No.”

“Why not?” Mark throws his hands up, and he can’t understand why Haechan would keep this from him. Some friend he was!

“It’s not my place!” Haechan complains as he rolls his eyes. “And we swore we wouldn’t say anything!”

“But you know I have the biggest crush on her!” Mark facepalms, groaning before realization dawns on him. “Hold on, did you say we? Other people know she likes me?”

“She was loud about it.” Haechan shrugs.

Mark smiles to himself a bit. He had to say, the thought of you proudly admitting your crush on him to the others made his heart stupidly swell up a bit. “Why did she trust you guys anyways?”

“She didn’t really, I think she was rejecting Jaehyun and it slipped out.”

And Mark can’t believe that at all.

Well firstly, he couldn’t believe you had liked him at all. You liked loser sport fanatic Mark Lee? Yeah right.

Secondly, you passed up on a chance with Jeong Jaehyun for him? Mark had eyes, and he saw how other girls on campus went insane for the male. But you sidelined him for Mark?

He was losing his mind.

“Mark? Hello - Earth to Mark?” His best friend pulls him out of thinking.

“What Haechan?”

“Well now that you know, are you finally going to ask her out?” Haechan crosses his arms, not knowing what to think. He knew Mark was confident in himself for the most part, on and off the field. But for some reason, when it came to you? The poor boy was an entirely different version of himself.

In other words, Mark was putty in your hands.

“I don’t know man, you know how she is about relationships.” Mark replies, having heard your boyfriend qualms on the late night bus ride back, something about being scared of confessions in general.

“I know,” Haechan responds, teasing his friend. “But she’s crazy about you, and you’re batshit insane about her. I’d say it’s worth a shot.”

The ball is in his court now, and he’s never been one too well with aim.

“-And then I confessed my feelings about him to the entire team while he was in the ocean.” You finish recounting your nightmare come to life from the other night to your friends.

Chenle’s eyes grow comically wide as Yeri gapes her mouth open at you, both at a loss for words. Your girl friend just slowly shakes her head, staring in disbelief.

Chenle can feel his left eye twitching. “So.. you can tell everyone else about your feelings.. but not him?!”

You want to bang your head against the table. “...Yes?”

“You rejected Jaehyun?!” Yeri spouts, and Chenle hits her in her arm. “Ouch! Nothing wrong with that, you’re just more whipped for Mark than I thought.”

“I just really don’t want him to find out.” You put your head in your hands.

“Well he’s coming this way.” Yeri says, and you realize she’s looking directly behind you. It’s a public courtyard, of course Mark could just be passing through right?

Well maybe not, especially with how he’s directly coming towards you. Oh no.

Relax, it was probably just to speak about something baseball related.

“Hi Chenle, Yeri.” He greets the two as he approaches, while you look at him expectantly. He finally meets your eyes. “Hey.”

“Hey?”

He nervously rocks on the balls of his feet. “Can we talk?”

Talk? Talk about what? Baseball? ..Hopefully.

“Sure.” You squeak, ignoring pointed looks from your best friends as you try your best to not seem like you were shitting your pants.

“Yeah! Um- Chenle, we have to go feed Daegal right?” Yeri says loudly, shooting you a little wink as she awkwardly drags Chenle away.

“But I wanted to see-” Chenle protests, Yeri returning a punch into the boys arm, much like he did earlier. And you almost laugh at the sight, of course the boy who started all of this wanted to witness your demise.

Mark takes a seat on the bench beside you, “I don’t want to throw him under the bus but Haechan told me something yesterday.”

Your heart drops to your stomach, of course Haechan said something! “Oh really?”

“I actually wasn’t supposed to hear but then I confronted him about it. He’s horrible at keeping secrets.” Mark laughs, but he won’t meet your eyes.

Oh no, here it comes. Your very first rejection.

You stay silent as Mark goes on. “I’m really flattered and-”

“Oh my God, could you do this anymore staged?” Your eyes widen as Mark looks confused. “What?”

“How many times did you rehearse rejecting me in front of the mirror? Goodness, did Haechan help you practice what you were going to say?” You tease, wanting to keep everything light but Mark wasn’t giving.

“What do you mean?”

“That’s a text book rejection Mark, saying you’re flattered but you don’t see me that way.” You respond, trying your best to hide your aching heart under a joke.

“Is that really a thing people say?” And Mark know’s he fucked up.

“Well-”

“I like you too.” Mark lets out, not wanting anything to be caught in confusion. He had heard of way too many instances where confessions went wrong, he had to make it crystal clear. “I’ve liked you since that first day we met.”

“S-since the first day we met?” You repeat, face growing hot.

“Well, probably since before that. I always thought you were pretty when I would see you in the commons, and then that night when we first met, I learned you were even prettier up close. Actually, it’s your fault we don’t have a microwave.” He chuckles as you sit bewildered.

“My fault?”

“You were so pretty that I got distracted and forgot about the stupid egg. But you know, I wasn’t too upset about the situation since it got you to talk to me.” Mark admits, looking to face you.

He continues. “I was actually scared I’d never get to talk to you again, so when I saw you with Chenle, I started asking him about you a lot. Then he dropped the ball about you having taken stats for a team before, and I knew I had to ask you.”

“And you asked me to be your manager because you had a crush on me?” You smile, scooting closer to him.

“And you said yes because you had a crush on me?” He teases, cocking his head to the side.

“Touche.” You cross your arms. “So are you going to ask me on a date or not?”

“Oh shit- Of course.” He clears his throat as he beats himself up mentally for not already asking. “So-”

“Yes Mark, I’d love to finally get to go on a date with the boy I’ve been embarrassingly crushing on for way too long.” You smirk. “As long as you swear to protect me from your fangirls.”

“You have my word.”

“Does this mean I can’t be your manager anymore?”

“Just don’t pull a Jungwoo on us, not sure anything else matters.”

“Not like you can be picky right now anyways!”

“What-”

“My jersey!” Mark speaks, holding up the garment to your face as you stand there awkwardly.

“Babe,” You begin but your sweet boyfriend is too excited to hear anything about it, not even paying attention to the looks the rest of the team are giving him.

“You can wear it to every game now and cheer me on! And we’ll be like the campus sports couple and everyone-” He says enthusiastically before you cut him off.

“Mark, I can’t wear that.” You say, watching his smile fall.

“Why?” He frowns.

“I have a uniform.”

“Right.” Mark nods as he slowly lowers his jersey. He had been so excited about having you don his number that he didn’t even think about how you literally wear a manager required uniform to all of the games. “But then how will number fifteen on the other team know you’re mine?”

“Number fifteen?” You ask, quizzically.

“Yeah! The one who always stares at you!”

“Does he? I didn’t even notice.” You state truthfully, but it was a little silly to see Mark get all jealous. Could you blame him? He had ran around in heart shaped circles around you for too long to let number fifteen think he had a chance.

Mark groans. “Are you serious?”

“Sorry, but I only watch you on the field.” You smile and Mark is about to lean in for a kiss.

Too bad Haechan interrupts, ruining the moment. “Bullshit! You take stats, you watch all of us on the field.”

Mark pulls back, and gives you a look telling you to deny it.

“He’s right.”

“Baby-” He whines.

“It’s my job Mark!”

In embarrassment, he buries his face into your shoulder and you giggle a little. You weren’t sure of what you had been so afraid of before. Mark made you feel safe, made you feel loved. Even so that your fear of navigating a relationship was taking over by your adoration for him. Loving was a little easier with someone like Mark around.

“What did I say?! Strictly no P.D.A. on the field!” Doyoung’s voice echoes throughout the field.

“God, we need to get him a girlfriend.” Mark mutters as you watch Coach Minho tell Doyoung to loosen up.

“We have playoffs to win!” Doyoung states to the older male.

“Happy players mean good results on the field!” Coach responds, as Doyoung gives him a look like he grew three heads. “That’s not statistically proven!”

“Come on Markie, we have playoffs to win.”

“Yeah, and we have number fifteen to jump.”

“I promise I have no idea who that is.”

“If you did then I’d be way more upset.”

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jiveyuncle · 1 month

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My mind jumped straight to this scene lol

Using this as an opportunity to promote @wittyy-name ’s fic The Marks We Make. I’m on the final chapter rn and FUCK IT’S SO GOOD.

Summary:

Lance McClain constantly dreams of the day he'll finally meet his mysterious soulmate. They don't say much, if anything at all, but they leave him with gorgeous paintings temporarily tattooing his skin. It's not exactly the situation he hoped for, but when he feels the connection between them, he can't bring himself to resent them. As much as he wishes his soulmate would just talk to him, he's resigned himself to being patient. In the meantime, he has a loving family and good friends to help him get by.

Keith Kogane dreads the day he'll finally meet his obnoxious soulmate. He's just an art student who's struggling to find his place in the world. There's so much he hasn't been able to control in his life, and the thought of having a soulmate, just another thing in his life which he also has no control over yet can't do anything about, is a little terrifying. So he ignores the words that occasionally appear on his skin. He has other things to focus on: like being a new student at a big university where his childhood friend and step-brother go.

Read it here:

#keith kogane #pidge gunderson #pidge holt #voltron legendary defender #voltron #vld #the marks we make by wittyy_name #fic rec #fanart #soulmate au

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iamacandle · 4 months

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f1 fic recs

Here are 10 f1 fics you need to read before you die (if you don't want your fic to be on here just like text me and ill remove it) :)

String Ourselves Up For Love by kolyarostov

(Lando x Carlos) 29,631 words

Or: Lando and Carlos sleep with each other after Abu Dhabi 2020 and then have to go back to being friends with mixed success for the 2021 season.

Fall and Fixture by heroics

(Lando x Carlos) 34,108 words

secret agent au with spies and everything where lando meets the new foreign operative #055

My Pretty Princess by Anonymous

(Charles x Max) 11,806 words

F1 driver Max and Camboy Charles

Close the Curtains by Pitmewithyourbeststop

(Lando x Carlos) 12,409 words

this is one of my favourite carlando fics where carlos and lando are neighbours where they can see each others houses through the windows and Lando really wants carlos and carlos is a bit dumb

You could hang in the Louvre by grapejuice_folklore

(Charles x Max) 10,025 words

Charles is a detective. Max is a art theif. Max is horny for Charles. and some plot twists. if you havent read this go read it. if you have read it read it again.

The Warming Verse by Fabby

(Charle x Max) 77,124 words

cockwarming. but make it lestappen. this is like one of the big 3 of lestappen fics and theres like 6 works in this series. anything by this author is a work of art.

Presentation Night by lilaWorlkchen

(Charles x Max) (Lando x Daniel) 3278 words

the whole grid has a presentation night. daniel is iconic. this is really funny so go read it.

Triptych by Tianvette

(Jenson x Seb) (Jenson x Mark) (Seb x Mark) (Jenson x Seb x Mark) 20,300 words

jenson mark and seb fuck. jenson and seb are together. threesomes. probs my favourite sebson fic

Red Bull Burgers by Anonymous

(Charles x Max) 2013 words

this fic is so underatted and its so funny. so max and charles work at a fast food restaurant and helmut marko is their manager.

anywehre i go by venerat

(Lando x Carlos) 19,929 words

au where its normal life and they meet on a train and its super cute and super carlando and its just so lovely that you have to read it

please read these fics because they are absoloute works of art and the author ddeserves an award for making these because i love them

#lestappen #max verstappen #charles leclerc #carlando #carlos sainz #fanfic #lando norris #sebson #sebmark #mark webber #jenson button #sebastian vettel #f1 #formula 1 #f1 fanfic #f1 fandom #f1 fic recs #ao3

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renjunphile · 1 year

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if my wishes came true, it would have been you | mark lee

PAIRING ✧ nct's mark lee x female reader WORD COUNT ✧ 12.0k TAGS ✧ idol!mark x idol!reader, exes!au, exes to lovers!au, really quite angsty, happy ending, fluff, non-linear narrative

PLAYLIST aka SONGS BY YN ✧ the 1 by taylor swift ; 21 by gracie abrams ; i miss you, i'm sorry by gracie abrams ; champagne problems by taylor swift ; in between by gracie ambrams ; somebody by hwasa and loco ; i know it won't work by gracie abrams, dancing with our hands tied (acoustic) by taylor swift

SUMMARY ✧ persist and resist the temptation to ask if one thing had been different, would everything be different today? (alternatively, every single time you and mark get a chance to talk about your breakup, it never goes as planned)

MAY 2021

"NCT are here."

You hum along to the track blasting in your left ear through the singular airpod. It's the first day of your comeback promotions, and while you should feel confident from the many months you'd practiced the song every single day for multiple hours, no amount of time could ever erase the nerves you feel each comeback day.

You're already finished with your hair and makeup, being the first to sit in the chair to give your members some time to wake up from their naps in the van. Though you should all be bright, awake, and preppy for your comeback stage, the reality was that all of you were obliteratingly tired from the near all-nighter in the practice room. Your makeup artists are true magicians for the way they cover up all signs of tiredness even under all those harsh, bright stage lights.

"Unnie, did you hear me?" your youngest member Kali poked your arm incessantly.

"Kali, stop," you whine, pushing her finger away, "I heard you."

"So why didn't you react?"

"Why should I?" you sigh, pausing the track on your phone.

She pauses for a while, choosing to craft her words before replying too hastily, "We should still go and say hi. Haechan is asking if we wanna film a TikTok with them."

"You know they only post with SM idols," you remind her.

"You were in SM too. It's just for fun," she mumbles, "You know how many idols feature on Haechan's private account. Please come."

"You're up to no good, Kali," you squint at her suspiciously, watching the room carefully to see if anyone had overheard. It wasn't really a big deal; all your managers were well-informed, just like your members, and your stylists were basically your friends.

"I already talked to our manager and Haechan talked to their manager," Kali wrapped her fingers around your wrist delicately, but pulling to encourage you to stand up, "Let's go."

The walk to the hallway where the NCT members agreed to meet the two of you wasn't exactly a long one, but the rumblings of nerves bubbling in your stomach made it feel like a million years. You weren't stupid; you knew exactly what to expect and you wouldn't put it past your maknae to meddle in a time like this.

"Oh look, they're here already," Kali was biting a grin behind her words as 3 figures came into view. Haechan gives you a warm smile and a famous bear hug before he was shoved away.

"Noona," you resist a pout as one of the boys you had been taking care of since you were younger wrapped you up in a big hug, "Haven't seen you in so long. Missed you."

"Missed you too Ji. You grow an inch every time I see you," you also resist the urge to ruffle up his perfectly styled purple hair out of fear of getting hunted by his hair stylist, "I like this purple on you."

He gives you an appreciative grin and somehow you still see him as the tiny, shy boy running energetically around the halls of the company building after being chased by his fellow trainees. Jisung moves on to greet your member, who was still in conversation with Haechan.

It's definitely not that you dread having to face Mark Lee. It's totally not the fact that he's your ex-boyfriend. Or the fact that you're still in love with him. Or the fact that he's still in love with you. No, none of that.

Totally.

"You look really pretty, Y/N," he begins slowly, taking in your appearance in front of him, having not seen each other for a few months.

Mark Lee stands in front of you stoic, hands by his side and feet together. It's almost like he's fighting his instinct to wrap you up in his arms like he's done most of his life because you sure know you're having to fight that instinct too.

"Thanks, Mark. I like your blue hair," you smile softly, "How are you?"

"I'm good. Amazing, even. I guess," he's mumbling, running his hands through said hair you just complimented and you can tell he's nervous, "I love the song. And the whole album. I can tell which songs you wrote. You always make me so proud."

Ouch. It stings your heart whenever he says things like that. How could you have let go of someone so sweet?

"Thanks. Congratulations on your first album and coming back with Dream."

"Ah, thanks. I fought so hard to come back to the group and I'm really happy they finally listened to me," he began, "You know how much I love them."

"Yeah, I know."

You're barely meeting his eyes, but when you do, it feels like he's hesitating in his words.

"Mark-"

"Happy birthday by the way," he rushes out, "For yesterday. I'm sorry that I didn't text. Or call."

"It's okay," you reassure him, knowing that that was probably easier for you both that he didn't.

"How did you spend your birthday?"

"The members got me cake. Coffee, my favourite," you recount, "I did a live for a bit, but other than that we were practicing all day for today."

"Oh, I'm sorry. That really sucks," he frowns.

"You know how it goes. I'll have more birthdays to celebrate anyway-"

"But you didn't celebrate last year either!" he protests.

"Maybe next year, then," you pull your lips into a tight smile, "It's okay Mark. Don't worry about it. I'm not really fond of my birthdays anymore and 22's not a big deal."

He sighs while looking at you, "You deserve to celebrate your birthday no matter what. I hope you can find some time to do something for yourself."

You chuckle lightly, "That'll be hard to come by. I don't know how you've done it with multiple groups all these years, Mark. I've only been debuted for three years and it's never got any easier. You were really stretching yourself thin, huh?"

"I guess," he's playing with his fingers, so you know he has something to say.

"Just say it, Mark. Whatever you want to say."

You can read him like a book and you've always been able to. It's not your fault that the book is wide open, as compared to the way you've always been- shut, bound, and locked.

"I just wanted to say I miss you. That's all. I just wanted to see how you were doing."

Thanks to the secluded hallway that Haechan had found and led you to, the coast was clear enough for you to close the distance between you and Mark even just by a bit more. His breath hitches as you place a hand on his arm.

"Thanks for caring, Mark. I miss you too."

He smiles at you softly and the two of you are so engrossed in each other to notice that Kali, Haechan and Jisung had disappeared a while ago. You know it's time for you to go back though.

The worst part of the whole situation wasn't the breakup itself. Of course, the breakup hurt both of you for a long time and you don't even think you're recovered. It did happen over a year ago, but that wasn't the worst part.

The worst part is knowing that every time you meet again, walking away hurts more each time. It's the fact that there's nothing you can do but listen to your heart break with each step you take away from each other. It's the fact that there's nothing you can do about the fact that you still love each other more than anything else in this world.

2014

Mark Lee was known to be SM's golden child. In the future, he'd be known as the most over-worked in the company, due to his talents and resilience, but now, he's just Mark Lee, second to you.

You'd done everything before Mark. You were born first. You moved to Korea first. You beat him joining the company by 6 months and you beat him getting announced as part of SM Rookies just by 7 days.

None of that mattered because it was always just you and him together, wherever. Sure, you trained and practiced separately, but lunchtimes, downtimes, company gatherings- it was always the two of you attached to the hip. There was really nothing the company could say- the two of you were barely 15 so what was the worst you could do?

"How long do you think it'll be before your debut?" the two of you are lying down on the grass in a park a few minutes away from the building. His hands are rifling through the blades, yanking them up every so often, while you made daisy chains quietly.

He hums in response, "I don't know. Soon I hope, but I've only been here for like just over a year. Realistically, I'd say like 2 years. Don't tell anyone I told you, but I heard Johnny hyung talking to the manager about some kind of project that the company has been thinking of for a while. Something about having a group with infinite members!"

Your eyes widened at the thought, "Wow, really? EXO debuted with 12 and I thought that was a lot!"

"Yeah, right? But there are only like 9 of us in SM Rookies right now. How many do you think they'll start with and how am I going to get lines in a song if there's so many of us?"

You nudge him, "Well, with your awesome talent and writing skills of course. I can't wait to see what ends up happening to you guys- oh yeah, by the way, how's that new trainee you guys are training with? Donghyuck, right?"

"New?" he sat up with wide eyes, twisting his body to look at you, "He's been here for like 5 months and it's been the worst 5 months of my life! He's just so infuriating. His voice is amazing, sure, but he never listens and is always talking and hanging off me! I told him that he makes me want to leave the company."

You laugh at his frustrated expression, "Ha, you'd never leave the company. You'd never leave me behind. Plus, I bet you'll be best friends in a few years. Opposites attract and all that."

"Hm, but you and I are quite similar. Don't you think?"

There were definitely some traits that you shared to both be enduring the same path. Resilient, hard-working, brave, and enduring were all ones. After all, it's a big leap of faith to train to have the chance to be an idol just at 12 or 13 with no guaranteed future.

When it came down to it though, you'd like to think that there were also traits you each had that weren't always necessarily opposites all the time, but traits that complemented each other.

Mark liked to talk; you liked to listen. Mark was optimistic and would always be the one to cheer you up on your particularly moody days. You were Mark's calm through it all. Mark loved to rap; you found your passion in singing. Mark liked carrots and would take them off your plate in the cafeteria and swap them with his peas. Mark's hands were calloused from his guitar-playing, while yours were smooth and soft when he held them.

"No, I think we're the perfect example of opposites attract."

"Well then that's why you're my best friend," he grinned over at you while you slid a daisy chain bracelet onto his wrists, "Forever and whenever."

"Always," you grinned.

AUGUST 2021

"What are you doing here?"

"No happy birthday Mark?" he teases, holding a bouquet of flowers and a grocery store plastic bag in his hands on your doorstep.

"Come in before anyone sees you," you pull him inside your dorm, sticking your head out the hallway to see if it was empty, "How did you get here?"

"Relax, Y/N. My manager drove me and I was in all this," he pulls out a mask and a beanie from his pocket to show you.

"Oh, good. Happy birthday, I guess, but what are you doing here?" you question him again, looking at the contents in his grasp.

"Well, it all started when Hyuck said that we were throwing a birthday party for me. Then Jisung invited Kali and obviously, you too. And your members, of course. Then you said you couldn't come because you're busy," his eyes dart to the episode of Modern Family on your TV and the blanket lazily thrown on the couch, combined with your pajamas, "So I didn't want to come to the party anymore."

"But all my members are at your dorm," you frown, "There's still a party?"

"Yeah, I guess. Gives Jisung an opportunity to spend more time with his crush, which I'm sure Kali appreciates."

"So they're hosting your birthday party," you hum, "Without you? And you came here to what? Check that I'm busy?"

"I know you're not busy. Erin told me so, which I suspected anyway. I know it's kind of rude for me to come to force you to spend time with me when you didn't even want to come to my birthday party in the first place, but I thought I would try." he shrugs, "Is that okay?"

Mark is adorned in a white T-shirt and grey joggers. He's clearly not dressed for a party and your member clearly told him that you're staying inside and moping to your comfort show while you try to avoid your ex-boyfriend on his birthday. Plan failed, you guess.

Here's the thing: you've always been the worst at saying no to Mark. The one time you did, the world crashed around you. You would've thought it would have got easier to say no to him after already experiencing the worst-case scenario, but looking into his slightly pleading chocolate eyes shows you otherwise.

"Of course, Mark. You're the birthday boy," you finally say after a period of silence where Mark felt like his heart was thumping out of his chest.

"There's no one else I'd rather spend my birthday with," he hums lightly, even though his words are loaded, "Here, a big bouquet for missing last year too."

The tradition started on his 15th birthday in 2014. Even though it was his birthday, he had got you a bouquet of flowers to thank you for being his best friend of one year and making him feel all the more comfortable in his first year in Korea. You were his dance partner, his classmate, his fellow English speaker, and his best friend. He got you flowers again the next year, then the year after, and again and again for being his partner through everything.

The last birthday you shared with Mark before the two of you broke up was his 20th birthday in 2019 and he had prepared his own bouquet that year, choosing all your favourite flowers and colours and wrapping it all up himself. Mark was selfless like that- thinking of other people even on his birthday.

"It's beautiful," you examine the flowers- pink and red camellias and carnations, white primroses, pink peonies, red roses and baby's breaths. Taking that flower language course with Mark back when you were both 17 comes as a regret now, with the messages he's sending you through the bouquet. You hope it's just a coincidence.

"Anyway, I brought us- or I made my manager buy us- some Oreo ice cream, peanut butter chocolate, some ramen, and chicken and mushroom pastries," he grins as he pulls each one out of the bag, "And I brought cake, obviously."

You hold yourself back from saying what you would say every time he presented your favourite pastry from your childhood home to you- 'you know the way to my heart'.

"I haven't had one in so long," you gasp, taking it from him and preparing your plate already, "Thanks Mark. Why are you so considerate on your own birthday?"

"I like to celebrate the people I love on my birthday too. I wouldn't be me without them," he plops himself on the bar stool at your breakfast bar while you sigh hopelessly. He'll never leave your heart alone, "I wanted to soften the blow too."

You turn to him slowly, "Soften the blow?"

He sees the panic in your eyes and lets out that melodious laugh you've always loved, "Oh, nothing like that. Nothing to tell you. I just wanted to bribe you to talk to me on my birthday. I thought after over a year you might be ready to talk?"

"About what?"

"Us."

You thank the manufacturers of the heavenly pastry slice that only takes 90 seconds in the microwave. You set the plate down in front of Mark and take the seat next to him.

"What did you want to talk about?"

"Are you still my best friend?"

"Mark, come on," you began warily, knowing the difficult conversation you were about to have.

He meets your eyes and you feel the pain reflected in them, "When we decided to give our relationship a try when we were 16, we pinky swore that no matter what happens, we'll always be best friends. Always. Right?"

You find the power to break his gaze and stare down to your hands on your lap, "We did."

"So, why can't we go back to being friends? I know, I know when you broke up with me, you said that you don't think we could stay friends. I understood, of course, and I wanted to give you some space. Well, at least initially, but it's been over a year now and I really miss us. Your friendship meant everything to me even if I can't have you as my girlfriend." his tone is heartbreaking in the way that it's vulnerable and pleading.

"I told you when we broke up that breaking up was the hardest choice I'd ever have to make. It blew the choice to leave SM out of the water. I didn't want to break up, but it felt like I had no choice," you explained slowly, "When we first started dating, I knew I already loved you, but growing up together and debuting and going through everything I went through really taught me what real love in real life looked like and I could never have predicted at 16 how I felt for you at 20. Mark, you're everything to me, I hope you know. I said I didn't want to be friends when we broke up because how could I have lived with myself seeing you and talking to you still knowing I had you in the way that I did and knowing I loved you that intensely but not being able to show it anymore? How could I live with myself still having you around knowing I let go of the greatest thing that's ever happened to me?"

Mark Lee was brave at 16 when he kissed you for the first time and asked you to be his girlfriend against all the bans and rules. Mark Lee was brave at 18 watching you walk away from everything you both knew at SM Entertainment and for not running after you to stop you because you both knew it was for the best. Mark Lee was brave at 20 hearing you sob through the phone while you were halfway around the world because you just couldn't do this anymore. Mark Lee is brave at 22, taking your warm hands in his, and Mark Lee is brave when he lifts your chin up to meet his gaze and asks you this:

"Why can't we just get back together? This year apart is hurting us more than it's benefitting us."

People say that the eyes are the windows to the soul- that the eyes say everything someone can't say. Your eyes are filled with tears, yes, but also love and fear and all the emotions in between.

The problem was that your brain always rules your life, keeping your heart's true desires always suppressed deep within.

"Mark," you trail, before he cuts you off.

"I don't see the problem, Y/N. Both our companies knew we were dating and you're not a rookie in the industry anymore. I mean, we dated through your whole rookie era! I acknowledge everything you said and felt when we broke up and I wanted to give you time to work through those emotions, but I'm asking if anything has changed. Has it?"

"I've never stopped loving you, but I'm still scared Mark. I'm even more scared now as your career grows," you say quietly, "I don't want to hurt you. If anything gets out, it won't just hurt you or me, because I could take it if it only hurt me, but it's our members, Mark. You know how fans feel about idols who date and it's never ever as simple as 'if they're a true fan they'll be happy for me'. That's not how the industry works."

He squeezes your hands, "Then we'll get better at sneaking around! You know the boys love you so much and they know how much our relationship meant to me and they'd never ever get in the way of that. Or we can just text and call and I don't even have to see you in person when it's risky. I just want the chance to tell you that I still love you every single day as I promised."

There it is again, the sound of your heart breaking at the most loving boy on the planet.

"Will you let me think about it? At least about being your best friend still? I'm sorry that I can't give you an answer right now on your birthday," you murmur. The confessions from Mark came as no surprise, but he never fails to leave you speechless with no clear thoughts in your brain and your heart always full.

"I'm just asking for a chance. Just for anything you can give me," he smiles finally, "How about we eat all this and continue your Modern Family? It's still my favourite show, so I couldn't dream of a better way to spend my birthday."

"I'd like that."

2015

"I'm debuting," Mark barges into the near-empty practice room, huffing and panting like he just ran a marathon, "Y/N, oh my God!"

You're sat cross-legged on the floor with your phone propped up in front of you. Your eyebrows are stitched together tightly, indicating that you were probably either criticising yourself on a recording or trying to learn a choreography. The moment you realise that it's Mark, your whole body unclenches and you relax as you pause the video. You don't comprehend the weight of his words until he says them again.

"Y/N, Y/N, I'm going to debut!" he's practically screaming in joy as he belly slides towards you and crashes into you, wrapping his arms around you.

"Oh my God, Mark! Really? Tell me everything right now!" you squeeze him back, pride bursting in your chest.

When you both joined SM, you came with the obvious dream of being an idol entertainer. Sure, the company can make all these empty promises to you at the start, but with the way the industry works, nothing is really ever truly for certain. For you, the company had not given you any time scale or idea of what direction they wanted you to go in. You weren't even really that hopeful, considering the company just debuted Red Velvet one year ago, but you were still enduring.

However, it was almost time to debut a new boy group since it had been 3 years and counting since EXO broke into the scene. You were always certain that Mark was always a part of that plan.

"So, do you remember last year when I told you about the infinite boy group idea? It was true! The company gathered all the male trainees and showed them their idea- it's called NCT and it's so cool, trust me! So it's like they're going to debut groups within NCT like different members in each group!"

"Mark, that sounds amazing. Which group are you going to be in?"

"Uh, they said all of them?" Mark frowns in confusion, "Like the first is going to be this unit where members can switch out anytime and it only has a comeback whenever it wants to, and then the second one is like a normal permanent group which I think I'll be with Hyuck and the hyungs, and the third one is a group where we graduate once we hit 20! But I don't think that one's fully confirmed with members yet."

He's running out of breath explaining it to you and his eyes are going crazy so you just laugh and hug tighter, "That's a lot of information, but it still sounds amazing. See Mark, I told you that you're going to be the most important person in this building! You're literally the best."

Mark nudges you so that you break away, "Psh, shut up Y/N. It's still a few months out anyway. We're going to be writing and practicing the debut song for the first unit really soon though."

"And I'm so proud of you," you tell him sincerely, knowing that there are not many people who you can say have worked harder than Mark to achieve their dreams, "Do you feel scared at all?"

He swivels his body so that he's sitting in front of you and he starts playing with your fingers like he always does, "Naturally, I guess. Debuting is a whole new world and being an idol too, but this is what I've been working towards so why shouldn't I be more excited? I've been waiting for this day, but I guess it's human nature to have fear of the unknown."

"It's definitely not wrong to not be scared. I'd be over the moon if they finally tell me I'm going to debut," you sigh dreamily.

"And you will! They can't keep you hidden here any longer and you know that the company loves you so much! You've given everything for them so you deserve it all back," Mark is now rubbing circles with his thumb on the back of your hand, "I can't wait until we achieve our dream together. No matter how long it takes, we'll both be standing on that stage together as idols. It's so close now, Y/N."

You smile softly at the boy, ever the optimist, "I can't wait for it too, Mark. Don't let the fame get to your head so quickly and don't forget me when you're famous okay?"

"You're so silly," Mark laughs, "You'll always be my best friend- wait scratch that-"

"I won't always be your best friend?"

"No! You will! But this is literally the best day ever and I have all this adrenaline and energy right now and if I don't say it now, I don't think I ever will, but all I'm saying is that I've been by your side for nearly 3 years now and you're literally my other half and it's so goddamn obvious that I like you so much and I really want to be your boyfriend. Okay, exhale Mark."

Your eyes widen at his confession and you slide away from him in shock, "Wait, really? You like me? You want to be my boyfriend?"

He looks at you like you just grew two heads, "Y/N, that's literally exactly what I said. Do you like me back?"

Shyness begins to creep out of you while your whole face flushes red. You've never been the type to be shy around Mark, even in the times his words and actions make you feel giddy.

"Mhm, you're my first real crush that developed when we met. I thought I'd grow out of it, but it kept getting stronger the closer we got," you admit.

The first day that Mark Lee walked into the practice rooms and got introduced to the trainees, you thought he was the cutest boy in the world. He was dorky and shy at first, but when he performed in front of you, he turned into a completely different person that made you fall for him even more.

The two of you were the same age and he was your deskmate in Korean lessons. Though Mark had grown up speaking Korean, he had never lived in Korea speaking it almost 100% of the time, so the company thought it would be good for him to join your lessons, especially to get training for the language he would be using as an idol.

The two of you became very fast friends and by the end of the month, you were chasing each other in the cafeteria and sharing food in corners with your own inside jokes.

His face breaks out into a grin, tackling you into a hug, "Aw, my little Y/N likes me back!"

You roll your eyes playfully and shove him off your body, "First of all, I'm 3 months older than you, and second of all, you have been spending way too much time with Donghyuck."

"Yeah that little devil rubs off on people," he sighs, "Whatever. Does that mean we're boyfriend and girlfriend now?"

"Wait, wait, wait. We have to consider the implications! Especially if you're debuting soon! Are we going to tell the company? How is this going to work?" you bombard him with questions, playing your part as the realist in this friendship, "Is this a good idea."

"I mean, half the hyungs have secret girlfriends so we can ask them for help and at least it helps that you're in the company with me so if they do find out it's easier to protect the both of us," Mark replies, "I've actually spent a lot of time thinking about this, believe it or not. You keep me up awake at night sometimes."

"You're so cheesy," you mumble, turning away to hide your blushing face, "But I guess I do want to be your girlfriend- but what if we break up? I don't want to lose you as my best friend!"

"How about this then," he extends his pinky out to you, "Let's pinky swear that even if we break up and this relationship goes horribly wrong, we'll be best friends still. Forever and whenever."

His words are dripping with sincerity and it surrounds you like a blanket. There's no one in this world that you trust more than Mark Lee when you entwine your own pink around his and smile at him, "Always."

Your pinkies are still attached a minute later when he's looking at you with a goofy smile.

You glare at him, "What's going on in that big head of yours?"

"If we're dating, then does that mean I can kiss you?"

The thought of kissing Mark had admittedly crossed your mind more than you could bare to say out loud. You wanted to play it off cool- shove him and roll your eyes or something, but truthfully, you really did want to kiss your dorky best friend Mark Lee.

"I mean, I guess," you shrug, "If you want to."

"Ha ha, I do," he starts leaning in closer and your heart is beating faster.

This was it. You were going to kiss your best friend-turned-boyfriend in the middle of a practice room. He was going to be your first kiss too!

Mark's face is so close that you can feel his breath on your lips. You can tell he's never done this before with how slowly and nervously he's advancing, but you can see the hope in his eyes.

Your eyes flutter shut. Your lips are almost touching, just ghosting over each others.

"Wait!" you groan as he opens his mouth, "If I'm your first real crush, then who's your first crush overall?"

You smirk, "Jongin-oppa. Duh."

2022

This was the biggest concert of your career. Playing the Olympic Stadium had always just been a distant daydream - something to dream about just to amuse you or occupy time. You'd never thought that you would actually live to see the day when that dream came to fruition.

It wasn't even a realistic dream. No girl groups had ever played their own concert at Jamsil Olympic Stadium, but your group was going to be the first.

Cameras were pointed all around you backstage as you prepared to go on for your opening.

"Leader, give us a pep talk," your bandmate Yana whines while nudging you. You gather in a circle, pretending you're not deafened by the noise of your fans screaming just past the partition, where they're waiting in anticipation.

The 5 of you lean closer, putting your heads together and your hands in the middle. Before that, you make sure to look at their faces carefully and examine each member's expressions.

Jian is a year older than you, but she's nervous as hell and can barely get any words out. You're not worried because she's proven time after time that she's born to be on stage and that she completely transforms in front of an audience showering her in love. Yana seems nervous too, but she's better at hiding it and it comes out through rambles of sometimes unintelligible speech. Erin is gripping her microphone tightly with a poker face, probably recalling all of her raps in her head quickly, even though you know it comes second nature to her. Your youngest, Kali, seems the most excited. That kid is the most fearless idol you've ever met and you're grateful for someone like her on the team.

As for you? Well, you're a mix of all of your members. It's coming up to a decade now since you started training and you still have to take everything that this career throws at you one by one. The feeling backstage is not exactly overwhelming- it's more pride and joy and excitement to be out there and perform the best concert you have to give.

"No one can ever take this away from us. We're the first freaking girl group to host a show here! We've worked so hard for this and we absolutely deserve it. Everyone out there is here for us, so we should give it our all and play the best show ever. Don't let your nerves get to you. Just relax and be the amazing and talented performers I know we all are," you breathe out, "I'm really thankful for you guys and I'm so happy to have you by my side with me for this. We're exactly where we should be. I really love you guys so much. Let's kill it, yeah? 3, 2, 1, Fighting!"

Your members release a chuckle and you all wrap your arms around each other in a group hug. Soon, your cues begin in your in-ear monitors and you break up to take your positions on the platform that will lift you up to the stage.

The concert starts off without a hitch. Everything is perfect and the energy you get as each song progresses is nothing like you've ever felt. The sea of fans is expansive and blinding and you still have to check you're not dreaming every few moments. You eventually settle into the stage and the concert slows down a bit with your solo performances.

Your company had encouraged you all to perform something of your own choosing and while you had a vast repertoire of songs tucked away on your GarageBand, they were mostly unfinished, too personal or waiting to be adapted to your group to go onto your future albums. The song had to be something that would only ever be just for you, but something you could bare to release into the world for everyone else to hear.

Okay, so maybe you let your emotions rule you and get the best of you. Maybe the song you chose was the wrong one to invite your fans to insert themselves into. Maybe it was too personal to sing a song about Mark Lee in front of the biggest crowd you'd ever played in your life, but when else could you?

The baby grand piano is gleaming in the centre of the stage and your blue dress is sparkling from the way the lights hit the crystals adorning the whole slip. You're admittedly more nervous about this, but you think it's more to do with the fact that you know Mark Lee is in the stadium, somewhere.

Your company had warned you that if you wanted to sing this song, you had to do a little speech before that would throw them off your scent, "Hi guys," you pause for their screams, "I know you guys enjoyed Kali's energetic dance and Jian's amazing original song! For my segment, I thought we could have a little chill time and not to dampen your spirits, but I wanted to show you guys this heartbreak track that I wrote after watching too many sad rom-coms. I really hope that none of you guys can relate and if anyone ever breaks your heart, just send them my way, okay? I hope you guys enjoy it. This is '21'."

You let out a deep breath and remind yourself that this was the right choice. Your fingers glide over the keys perfectly like it's muscle memory from the year you've been working on the song. You send a prayer to higher beings that Mark won't kill you as you begin the first lines.

"I missed your 21st birthday. I've been up at home; almost tried to call you, don't know if I should. Hate to picture you half-drunk, happy. Hate to think you went out without me. I'm sorry if you blame me, if I were you I would. Thought you'd see it coming, but you never could. I still haven't heard from your family, but you said your mom always loved me."

Mark celebrated your 21st birthday with you. Public dates were not a thing in your relationship, but this man made every effort to make the best out of your situation. He kicked out your members from your dorm after enlisting their help to decorate the place top to bottom in rose gold banners and balloons. After taking cooking lessons for weeks previously, he had then covered your dining table with expensive cloth and filled up two glasses with wine to go with the steak that he had perfectly cooked all for you. He then took you to the couch and serenaded you with a love song about how much you mean to him and how thankful he was for you. On top of all that, you had boxes and boxes of presents to unwrap that were all thoughtful, beautiful, or meaningful. Mark Lee was the perfect boyfriend.

For Mark's 21st birthday, you were sat cross-legged on your sofa with your phone placed on the table in front of you, face up. It was as if you were waiting for him to be the one to call when you were the one who broke his heart just a few weeks earlier and asked to not be friends.

You were drinking the wine that he poured for you on your birthday and you were half-drunk, punching in his number on your keypad, because even though you deleted his number, you already knew it off by heart. There was just something in you that refused to carry it through. You were a coward and Mark Lee celebrated his birthday without you for the first time in 7 years.

"I see the look in your eye and I'm biting my tongue. You were the love of my life since I was young. When the night is over, don't call me up I'm already under. I get a little bit alone sometimes and I miss you again. I'll be the love of your life inside your head. When the night is over, don't call me up I'm already under."

Later on that night, you're lying wide awake and staring up at the glow-in-the-dark stars that you and Mark had decided to plaster all around your ceiling when you were bored one day. The crowd seemed to love the song thankfully and it was easy to get their energy back up. People placed meaning into everything idols did, so you weren't surprised at the people who were making guesses about your love life and the subject of the song. Whatever, they'd never get it right, anyway.

Your phone ringing cuts through the silence and you curse, hoping it won't wake up the other girls in the dorm. They're probably dead asleep from the high-energy concert anyway.

"You're still up?" his voice is grainy through the speaker.

"You're the one that called. Did you not want me to answer?" you quip back, "It's the adrenaline, I think."

"Touché. I was going to leave a voicemail, but this is better, I guess," Mark uttered, "The concert was amazing, by the way. I'm sorry we didn't come and say hello backstage, but we really enjoyed it."

"Thanks, Mark and thank the boys for me too, okay?" you instruct.

"Mhmm, of course," he replies, "That song you wrote was good, you know. But you might've as well called it 'Mark'."

You're laughing softly at his comment, "I should've changed the number, I know. But shut up- if you know it's for you, then why don't you follow my words? I said don't call me tonight."

"I've never been good at following rules when it comes to you," Mark sighs, "Plus, there's not a lot of times I can just call you up like this. At least I had something to say to you."

"You can always call if you want."

"Would you always answer?"

You pause to think, but Mark takes that as confirmation.

"Have you thought about what I said? 6 months ago when I asked if you wanted to be friends again? Or even get back together?"

"That question keeps me awake every night," you joke, "But today, when I was just looking out at the fans and greeting the idols that came backstage after the concert, it really made me think about how much I wanted to be doing all of this with you. I've always regretted what happened between us because it wasn't a choice I wanted to make. There are no words to describe the way that love manifests in front of you from the fans. I always find myself wishing you were still here by my side."

"Hm, cryptic. Is that an answer to my question or do I have to wait another 6 months to call you up and ask again?"

"How long are you going to keep asking?" you uttered, the feeling of disappointment taking over your body as you still couldn't find the courage to finally give in and allow yourself to be happy.

"Until you say yes again."

JULY 2020

The world was still shut as you knew it, yet you were halfway around the world from the place you grew to call home. Your company was generous to give you two months off to spend with your loved ones, and you chose to spend some time cooped up in your parents' house and your childhood home because even though there were so many quarantining requirements to get between the two countries, you hadn't seen your parents in almost 3 years.

Of course, you missed your members, but you lived with them and would continue to see them nearly every day for as long as you could keep your career going. Of course, you missed Mark, but it's not like you could go and see him anyway with the tough restrictions imposed on the Korean citizens.

There was also one big- scratch that- giant problem looming over your and your company's heads. The bane of your existence and public enemy number 1 Dispatch had dangled over your heads the threat of releasing the photos they had grabbed of you and Mark abroad in Vancouver at the start of the year. It wouldn't have been damning evidence considering it was the only photo set they had acquired of the two of you, but you were holding hands with your eyes clearly in view.

Your companies had threatened to sue, of course, but Dispatch has never been scared. Then, your companies tried to play the guilt-trip card and interrogate them on why they would care to do such a thing when the world was suffering enough as it is. Alas, nothing got through to Dispatch. Eventually, your companies surrendered to pay a preposterous amount to get rid of the problem and it probably didn't even make a dent in SM's savings, but it surely hurt your growing but small company even if SM took the majority of the bill.

It was completely eating you up and tearing your insides to know that because of your slip-up with Mark, the trainees in your company had to get their debut pushed back by a good probable few years.

Mark had been the perfect boyfriend, supporting you through your change to your new company and your short training period before your debut. Mark had been there to metaphorically hold your hand as you got to know the other girls and make lifelong sister bonds out of it. Mark had been there to cheer you on in the early mornings when you were doing your first few stages. Mark had been there when your first comeback did even better than your debut and propelled you to the top of the industry.

So why, oh why, were you thinking about whether being together is good for everyone involved? There you found yourself in a dark room, the phone next to your head as soft cries and hiccups escaped your lips.

"Baby, please tell me what's wrong. I hate when you cry and it's really hurting me that I'm not there with you right now. Do you want me to come there? Cause I will! I'll say I'm sick or something." he's rambling through the phone and you can hear that it's raining heavily in Seoul.

"Mark, you know that I love you right?"

"Of course I do," he coos gently, "And you're my once-in-a-lifetime great love. I love you too, baby. What's wrong?"

You don't even believe the words that come out of your mouth when you whisper them, "I can't do this anymore Mark. I think we need to break up."

"What? Y/N, this is not funny," his voice instantly turns serious.

"I'm sorry Mark, but I'm serious," you're sobbing at this point and you're surprised he can even still understand you, "I really don't want to do this but-"

"So why are you doing this? Look, let's just talk when you get back, okay? You're coming home soon, right? Or I can take a flight there, but baby, don't make these rash decisions- we're just missing each other."

"The guilt is eating me up, Mark," you confess in hushed tones, "I feel like I don't deserve to be happy. And every time I'm with you, I feel only this sense of anxiety about being caught together that I can't shake. I love you so much, Mark, but I don't know why I feel like this."

"Y/N, we've dealt with so much over the years and we've fought through everything together! We can work through this together, I promise. Just give me some time to think about what to do and everything will be okay-" he's crying now too and it breaks your heart to hear it because he barely ever cries, "I'll get the company to pay yours back what you paid to those assholes. Come on, baby."

"Mark," you whimper, "I ruined the company. I don't want to hurt my members either. Even if we admit to dating, imagine the hate that my group will face! I don't want to let them down any more than I already have."

"I'll tell the fans to not hate- Y/N just tell me what I can do to stop whatever this break-up idea in your head is. We're meant to be, Y/N. We're each other's perfect match."

"I don't love you any less, Mark. Please remember that. I need to do this for my members and for my company that took a leap of faith in me. I don't want to walk away from you, but I don't see any other choice. I don't want to hurt you or your members either. I can't be seen with you."

His voice is small and strained, "You're breaking my heart, Y/N."

"And I'm never going to forgive myself for it."

EARLY 2018

This was definitely the hardest decision of your life and it wasn't one that you took lightly either. It was something you had been thinking about for over a year and more intensely when the company started to press you on extending your exclusive training contract.

Herin Seo had entered SM just before you did and she lived and trained with you. She was your best friend outside of Mark and it broke your heart when she left the company only after 4 years in 2017. There were only a few months left on her contract, but she was desperate to get an out and an idol survival show finally gave her the motivation to break free.

Right now, she's taking the seat in front of you after setting down your favourite drinks from your favourite cafe that she still remembers, "Iced vanilla matcha latte for me and an iced oat latte for my best friend."

"You're the best Herin! My treat next time," you promise as you take the first sip. It's been a while since you've come to the café since it hurts to go when it used to be your spot with Herin.

"Well better be soon because I'm leaving in 5 days," she pouts, "I'm sorry I could only come to visit for a short time."

"It's okay. I'm glad to see you anyway after all these months," you grin, "How's settling back in Manchester?"

"I mean it's always been home but it took me a few months to really get to grips with the fact that I wasn't leaving after a week like I did when I would visit during my training. It's really weird to know England is now my permanent home and that I'm going to start school again there," she looks outside the large window that overlooks the river, "I really really miss Seoul."

You take her hand and muster your best comforting smile, "I'm really sorry that things didn't turn out how we wanted them to."

"Ha, it's not your fault Y/N. I mean, you're in the same boat; what are you planning to do with this contract thing?"

You sigh at the age-old question that's been plaguing your mind for months. In fact, your meeting with the company to decide your future was tomorrow and you still had no concrete idea of what you wanted, "I really don't know Herin. SM has been everything I've known for 5 years and everyone I love is at the company. I don't even know how to switch agencies or what happens at other agencies. At the same time, I know they're planning for a group soon, but I have this feeling that I can't shake when I think about it. I look at Jimin and Minjeong and my sweet baby Yizhou and I don't think I'm what the company wants."

"But they've invested so much time and money into you!" Herin furrows her eyebrows, "Surely they're building a group around you, Yizhuo, Koeun, Lami, and Hina! We were a pre-debut team! They can't just disregard all of you guys, right?"

"I wouldn't put it past them," you're fiddling nervously with your hands, "They've been good to me, but they're a business at the end of the day. I'm so torn up and I was thinking you could help me. How did you know that you wanted to leave the company?"

She thinks for a while before answering your question, "Well the survival show was just the reason why I left before my contract was up, but I already knew that I wasn't going to stay on and re-sign. For me, it just felt like I had more to give, but the environment I was in wasn't letting me grow anymore. I felt like there was nothing more I could give to SM. Even though Idol School didn't work out for me, I was still glad that I went."

You nod along to her story, "I haven't told anyone about this Herin. Mark's been bugging me about my terms for re-signing my contract, so I don't think it's even fathomable for him for me to leave."

"It's about you, Y/N. This is your story, your career, and your decision. There are going to be a lot of people that are going to be hurt or angry, but they will never understand what you're going through. Especially not the people who already debuted," Herin advises, "Look, talk about it with Mark tonight, and don't leave it until after your meeting because that might hurt more, but if he really loved you and wanted what's best for you, he would trust in your decision."

"You're right Herin. Thanks for being there for me."

So, you called Mark later on that night to come over. You had cooked up a few dishes for you to share and asked your dorm mates if they could give you a few hours for some alone time. Telling Mark was definitely going to be hard, but you couldn't imagine the conversation with the girls, who were going to be the most hurt. You remember when Herin left- you weren't angry, but you were overwhelmingly sad about the thought of the girl you started your journey with not being there anymore. That was when you started to question if you should still be there too, but you were scared to instill this thought in your other younger trainees that maybe thought they still had a chance.

"Hi baby," Mark is beaming when you open the door to him. He quickly shuts the door behind him with his foot and wraps you up in a tight hug, making sure to plant a kiss on your lips and then all over your face, "I missed your gorgeous face so much- oh my God the apartment smells so good! What did you cook?"

"Just some beef and rice," you lead him over to the dining table with the food set out already.

"Oh my gosh, you're so amazing," Mark smooches your cheek affectionately and takes his seat on the table. You had lived at the dorm for your whole time at SM and along the way, Mark had chosen his own seat at your dining table for when you had dinners inside, which was almost every date you shared.

You start with small talk, letting him eat and enjoy his meal before you inevitably break a little bit of his precious heart. You hadn't seen Mark for a few days since he was busy with some schedules, so he tells you all about the boys and what they've been up to recently. They're working on the biggest project NCT has ever done so far- a full 18-member release- and it's going spectacularly well. The album itself was a few weeks out, but each unit had been dropping some songs along the way.

"Babe, the company is throwing a release party when the album drops in a few weeks! Isn't that so exciting? They actually asked us what food we want at the party so we're all going crazy. I think Hyuck asked for a fondue fountain, so I'm dying to see if they'll actually give that," he's chuckling, halfway through his plate, "Do you have any special requests?"

Okay, deep breath. Now's the time. It's all or nothing.

"Actually Mark, I invited you over to talk about something," you begin and the smile on his face drops at your warning tone, "Please don't be upset with me."

"Ah, what's wrong?" he's pouting and you have to look away to get the strength to say what you need to. If you looked in his eyes any longer, you would find some reason to convince you to stay just for him.

"My contract meeting is tomorrow," you gulp, "I'm going to leave the company, Mark."

The sound of his chair scraping against the floor makes you cringe, "What? Y/N, what? What do you mean you're leaving the company? Where are you going to go? Why didn't you tell me?"

"I just made up my mind today, Mark. I'm sorry I didn't confide in you, but this was a decision I had to make for myself," tears are welling up along your lash line, "I spoke to Herin today and I realised that the only thing making me stay any longer was you."

"But you're so close to debut!" he's arguing pleadingly, crouching beside you and holding your hand, "Babe, I can't imagine this company without you."

"I'm not Mark. You know that I'm not any closer to debut than I was when I joined 5 years ago. You're indispensable to this company, but I'm really not," you expressed, "I don't want to leave and I love you, your boys, and my girls, but I think this is what's best for me."

"But where are you going to go?" Mark sniffles, "I love you so much Y/N, but what's going to happen to us?"

You shake your head at his insinuations, "No, Mark. Don't worry. Nothing's going to happen to us and I'll make sure that whatever company I join will know about us and protect us. I hope you'll find it in you to forgive me for this."

He stands up and wraps his arms around you from above, "I'm sorry for reacting this way Y/N, but there's nothing for you to be sorry for. I trust you, okay? I love you and I want you to do what's best for you. I know I can't make decisions for you, but I'll try my best to support you however I can."

You look up at him with adoration dripping from your eyes, "I love you, Mark. We're going to be okay, yeah?"

He brings his head down and connects your lips in the most love-filled way that your heart explodes in that familiar overwhelming feeling that Mark always seems to do to you, "We're going to be okay, baby."

LATE 2022

The world was playing a sick joke on you- it really was. There was no way your whole career wasn't just some April Fools' prank or that you weren't just the main target of some joke show.

You always prided yourself on being close with the company's staff and higher-ups. As a leader of your group, you felt that it was integral to your success that you were able to communicate your wishes and worries to the company and this gave you more creative freedom too. Apparently, the company too was getting more comfortable with you.

"What did you just say?" your eyes were incredulous, peering towards your sheepish CEO, "That's actually the worst idea I've ever heard in my life."

"Look, Y/N, you wanted a feature on your song," your CEO chuckles at your response, "I think this is an amazing idea."

"You're literally giving Dispatch a green light to release those photos. Do you want me to email you a picture of me and Mark making out so you can just tweet it from the official account?" you counter, "Why in the hell would having my ex-boyfriend feature on my solo debut title track be anything short of a terrible idea?"

"Mark is incredibly famous and incredibly talented," she begins, counting with her fingers, "You have high standards. We have a good relationship with SM Entertainment. Your fans love shipping the two of you together since you're in the same age group."

"He's also my ex-boyfriend. Is that not extremely problematic? Everyone will hyper analyse every interaction we have or have had and then they're actually going to figure out that we dated." you ponder, "The worst part of this all is that I know he would say yes if his company lets him."

"Exactly- he's your ex-boyfriend, not your current one. By all logic, he's now just another fellow idol or colleague that you can collaborate with. Anyway, SM will definitely say yes; look how many of their idols are in relationships or at least feature on tracks."

"This is all Crush and Joy's fault," you groan, looking at the pleased expression on your CEO's face knowing that she had won the argument.

When your company proposed the idea of having a solo debut to you half a year ago, you had vehemently declined the opportunity, citing it wouldn't be beneficial to your group as a whole and that you wanted to be known for your group and not your individuality. Your members, on the other hand, had different ideas and talked you into at least hearing out the company. You had really only agreed to the debut when they told you that they would give you full musical freedom and the help that you personally requested. It only seemed like a good idea when you realised that someone in the group needs to be the one to start doing solo activities so the rest of the group can follow suit. You've always known that Jian has been curious about acting.

So you find yourself swiveling in your chair in the studio, waiting for Mark to find his way to the room. It's your first time working together for your solo debut and the last time you had spoken to him was a text he sent you asking if you actually wanted him to feature on the track before he gave a response to his company. You begrudgingly replied a yes because even though you still didn't think it was a good idea, you couldn't imagine yourself working with anyone other than Mark. The industry was crazy sometimes.

The knocking on the door snapped you out of your thoughts and you jumped up to open it to Mark Lee holding two cups on the other side.

"Hey pretty. I got us some coffee," he pushes a cup into your hand and you move aside to let him in, "How are you?"

"Don't call me pretty," you mumble as you turn away to hide the blush starting to appear on your cheeks, "But I'm okay. It's getting busier with the holidays coming up, so you know how that is, but the company thought this time was a great time to work on my debut."

"I feel you," Mark grimaces, taking a seat on the other spinning chair, "Don't tell anyone but Dream is actually having another comeback. It's going to be out just before Christmas."

"Another one?" your eyes widen in shock, "But you just released 2 Baddies and I know you definitely have a repackage soon!"

"Yeah, it's hard to be part of both units," he sighs, "Cause our new album will be over 6 months out from Beatbox, but only 3 months from 2 Baddies. Whatever, you know I love what I do."

"Doesn't mean you don't get tired," you cross your arms, "Now I feel bad having you on this track. You are way too busy, Mark! Why didn't you or your company say no?"

He shakes his head to reassure you, "Nah, trust me Y/N; you're exactly the break I need from the boys. Besides, I've never had the chance to formally work with you, so why would I give up the opportunity when it comes? We always made a great team back then."

You smile fondly, thinking about all those times when you and Mark were young teenagers and would huddle up in the practice rooms writing songs together and creating melodies on your guitars.

"I guess we did. Anyway, have a listen to this track. It's just something I wrote a while ago, but it always seemed unfinished so I thought that a feature would complete it," you hand him a pair of headphones and gesture over to your laptop with the track already loaded up, "If you like it, you can do your part in the second verse, but otherwise we can start from scratch."

You watch his face as he listens to the song and you're endeared to find out he still carries the same habit of letting his face do all the talking whenever he's listening to something new. His head is bobbing up and down as he nods along to the song and you can easily tell which parts he likes.

"So, what do you think?" you inquire.

He has a grin on his face, "I love it! Honestly! It's a cute song about a crush, I guess?"

"Yeah, I didn't want to go with any song that's lyrically strong for my debut. This song's pretty unassuming and you know how important it is to the companies to have a general public-friendly song," you shrug. They didn't really explicitly give you guidelines, but you knew what the company was really looking for- a hit, "Can you work with that beat? I'll send you the song of course and you don't have to rush or anything."

"I'll see what I can do," Mark teases, "Can I get an insider sneak peek at the rest of the album? You know, feature perks and all of that."

You flush even redder than when he complimented you earlier, "I'm going to be so honest Mark, the whole album is about you. Every song I've written is about you."

He shrugs casually, "I would've figured. You're a big inspiration to my writing too. Is that a no, then?"

You decide that there was no point shying away from Mark's request, considering that he would end up hearing each and every song whenever your album came out anyway. Plus, the two of you were artists and you understood being each others' muse- good or bad. Mark had seen you in every vulnerable state possible. Showing him your songs that you were comfortable enough to release to the public anyway was nothing to you.

"You can listen."

You don't bother giving Mark any explanations for any song- he's the one that lived through these experiences with you. You leave him with your tracklist on the laptop and tell him you would leave him for a few moments to grab some lunch for the two of you in the company cafeteria. You were hoping it was going to be a quick trip down and back up, but you had run into a producer you were also working with on the album, and that gave Mark at least 5 songs worth of time alone.

What you hadn't expected upon returning was to find Mark crying softly, his sweater paws rubbing at his eyes.

"Mark? Are you crying?"

Your surprise caused him to jump up and frantically wipe away his tears, "Ha. That's a really sad album, huh?"

The guilt continues to eat you up from the inside out, "I'm not going to release all of them, I think. A few sad songs and fill the rest in with inconspicuous tracks."

"Well your songs are beautiful anyway," he gives you a pained smile, "You're an amazing writer. I just wish I wasn't the cause of your pain."

"Hey," you scold softly, bumping his arm with yours, "Don't say that. You were nothing but amazing to me. You made me so happy. It was just the circumstances around us."

He chuckled bitterly to himself, "If we weren't famous- if this industry wasn't so vicious, I would still have you?"

"Mark," you warn, but he cuts you off.

"Have you thought about what I asked you?" he interrupts, "It's been a year, you know? I still miss you."

"Mark, it's not that easy," you counter, "Nothing's changed!"

"It's either you want to be with me or you don't. Don't skirt around it and just tell me the truth, okay? It would really make working together easier if I know where we stand. I won't stop fighting for us until you tell me to stop, so tell me what you want, Y/N," Mark pleads, standing up to face you, "I'm sorry for springing it out of nowhere, but I need to know. I can't move on until I know to let you go."

You hate yourself for what you did to Mark. He was the boy that taught you how to love and how to love patiently, sincerely, and passionately. He was the boy that held your hand and rubbed your back when you cried and the boy that celebrated every success with you. He was the boy that told you how proud he was of you, even every time you felt like the world was collapsing around you. He was the boy who would lay kisses on your forehead and whisper sweet nothings in your ear whenever you faced another setback. He was the boy that made flowers bloom out of your heart from his kind gestures and the way he showed you how much he loved you. And if nothing else, Mark was the boy that made you happy.

You remember a conversation with your youngest member the night before. You had confided in her how nervous you were to work with Mark and she lectured you on finally letting yourself be happy. You were already a 4-year idol and Mark was coming onto 7 years. You weren't rookies anymore and you had solid fanbases. It was clear that the companies weren't extremely opposed to revealing that the two of you were dating back then, so she told you that it would be fine now. Kali told you, rather cliché-ly, that the heart wants what it wants and your heart has been screaming and begging from Mark since the second you ended that phone call with him all those years ago.

"Y/N?"

"Mark," you meet his eyes and melt all over again, "It's you, Mark."

Mark wraps one arm around your waist and pulls you tighter. The other hand reaches up to your face to brush your hair out of your face and cradle your cheek as he brings it up to his own face. Your noses are almost touching as Mark lays it all bare for you, "Do you love me or do you not, Y/N?"

"I do," the feeling is cathartic when you finally tell him and when he finally presses his lips in a searing kiss that sets off all the fireworks in your heart. The feeling of Mark is familiar, but the kiss is longing and hopeful and you can't get enough.

You're both panting when he breaks the kiss and he rests his forehead against yours as he laughs softly in relief. He's been waiting to do that for over 2 years.

"I need you back, Y/N. It's been the worst 2 years of my life," he whispers against your lips, "Please come back."

You smile when he opens his eyes. They're that shade you grew to love all those years ago and they're sparkling like the day he first asked you to be his girlfriend.

Nothing's changed in your environment, that's for sure. What you're also sure about is that each time you see Mark again, you feel a little braver and more courageous. Each time Mark tells you that he loves you even though you shattered his heart like glass, you feel like his love can get you through anything. Maybe you needed those 2 years to see what you were missing or maybe you were just stupid.

Whatever. All you know now is that even 2 years on, Mark Lee is still begging for your love and your brain is losing out in its battle against your heart. It might've taken you two years, but now you see that all you need is Mark Lee by your side to get through the torrential storm that was heading your way and that you were going to get out on the other side to a bright and sunny sky, as long as he was holding your hand and leading you.

You place a kiss on his lips that tells him all he needs to know, "I'm here, Mark. It's always been you. You've always been the one. Always."

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yongislong · 1 year

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surprise hugs + dreamies.

genre: fluff, domestic, angsty? but v light, comfort!!

note: tysm anon! i hope you enjoy hehe, ty for 800! not proofread

mark... would be so flustered if you hugged him out of nowhere DUUDE, he would get all giggly. would be stiff at first tbh just because?? the love and light of his life just wrapped their arms around his waist in a back hug? he's gone for. would be confused but once he shuffles around to face you and sees your bright smile looking up and him, he feels energized

renjun... happens a lot in the relationship tbh. you never really ask for physical affection and you usually just do it since renjun mentioned he doesn't mind when you surprise him with love haha. can't help but get worried sometimes though, especially if he sees you looking a bit down. he always asks if you're okay. doesn't mind you just squeezing the life out of him, taking him by surprise. he always giggles

jeno... will 100% spin you off the ground if he sees you coming toward him with your arms outstretched. he's pretty clingy so its nice when you give him an open invitation to hug and dote. likes to lift you up off the floor lol. never really worries if you hug him out of no where because i feel like you'd both have really good communication when it comes to that so, whenever you come up and embrace him out of nowhere its just you being extra clingy

haechan... LOOVES it. always has and always will say that you are his battery. feels so so loved and wanted. likes it when you come up and hug him out of nowhere when you sense he's being more quiet that usual. goes limp in your arms and genuinely just relaxes and goes kinda slack. any type of skin ship is nice for him especially when it comes from the love of his life!!

jaemin... would worry so so much. would honestly just want to make sure you aren't upset about something. when you come up to him and nuzzle your face into his chest his pulse races. pats your head, smoothing your hair down. lifts your head up to make you look up at him and gauges his next move based on whether or not you look upset or not. cuddles and reassurance if you are upset but if you just wanted a hug or are just extra happy, he gives you a toothy grin and baby talks you

chenle... GAHHH is so like ?? huh. lowkey squares up, you scared the shit out of him. i honestly don't know if he would like it all that much. but would like it when you do it when he least expects it. he'll be waiting for you at the front of your work and you come up behind him, catching him in a tight hug HAHA. is so paranoid like damn. very wholesome though. once he sees your pretty face he gives you a 3000 watt smile and hugs you tight, rocking you back and forth while you giggle

jisung... dude, he's usually the one getting hugged up on SOO, ik i've said this before, but dating you makes him feel so loved and manly and tough?? even if you're equally as masculine, you have a way of making him feel like an excited little kid. he always hugs you out of nowhere as well so it just becomes a common thing in between you both. buries his face into the crook of your neck every time. cherishes moments when you feel vulnerable enough to show how much you love him without words

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hrast-ika · 6 months

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https://www.tumblr.com/hrast-ika/733720014045200384/sorry-for-the-spam-i-got-lost-in-your-blog-like-a

can you please link any of your marked for later that your excited to read?

ok let me scroll down that thing (i forgot most of them so i have to refresh my memory)

oh the author who's two fics i recommended in previous ask posted a new one!! so that's one for sure - Same as it ever was *has immediate tmnt03 SAINW flashbacks bc of the name* and another time loop one- One more time with feeling The Roronoa fruit (turns out i had this one in here for YEARS) Retrograde (what can i say, i am a sucker for amnesia fics) Shard island (this is a VERY long one and it's post Wano (an arc i have yet to read) but it seems interesting) Family man (what i can gather from the description and tags it's about the suffering of Mihawk, who has to deal with zoro and perona - In which Mihawk and Perona help Zoro deal with his Feelings on Kuraigana.) come on, come on (turn a little faster) (The one where everyone thinks they’re dating, Sanji is oblivious, and Zoro takes everything in stride.) so tell me when (you are gonna let me in) (Or, five nights they talked, and the one night they confessed.) Getting to know you (i have been on many missions to find fics that include Zeff as well, and this is one of them aka 'meeting the parent' trope) Who's gonna love me now? (Zoro thought for a moment. “I don’t know,” he said finally. “You confuse me.”) To argue and to cherish (On a small island, on a lovely night full of music and fun and food, Zoro and Sanji accidentally get married) The melody of missing you (The journey to Wano leaves Zoro with far too much time to think about how he really feels about Sanji's departure.) The annoying thing about happy endings (another one with Zeff in it) you know i want you (so what's the hold up) (Or, five times they almost kiss and the one time they do.) Clearly i have your back (sanji gets injured protecting zoro's back) go back to sleep (i think i read this one already but i can't remember for sure so i wanna read it again) Curbside (modern au, roadtrip au, going merry is Usopps's van, held together by duct tape) Part timer (another long one and Zeff just wants grandkids. He’s too old for this bullshit anyways.) Recite your vows (Or, a story of two oblivious idiots who had no idea that they had been married all along.) Double or nothing (It starts, as so many things do with them, with a stupid bet.)

this took a whole hour to put together... the list is just so so very long. and tbh i am always on a look out for new ones so if any of you have any good ones (sfw, can also be gen, pre-slash) to recommend i would love to hear that

#zosan #fic rec #marked for later #ask #one piece

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kiachiako · 2 years

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l.mark recs

my library of favorites <3 all creds to authors

series

let’s break the ice pt.1 | @sehunniepotwrites 1.4k — in which you’re attending your college team’s hockey practice with your best friend and embarrassment ensues.

volleyball for dummies (in love edition) | @ddeonuism — Mark Lee has been called many things. Dedicated was one of them and that dedication lead him into joining NeoTech College's well coveted Women's Volleyball team, the NeoTech Tigers, as their manager in hopes of winning the infamous setter, Y/N's heart. But there was one problem, being academically inclined did not come with the extensive knowledge of anything related to the sport and to put it simply, Mark Lee doesn't know shit about Volleyball.

oneshots.

[m] surviving no nut november | @domjaehyun 28.8k — mark lee x fem!reader x lee haechan

[m] sweet cream, cold brew | @lucyandthepen 26.4k — something about mark lee keeps you up at night, and you’re pretty sure that it isn’t the lingering smell of espresso on his shirt.

[m] bed of spider webs | @neovisioned 26k — where you hate Mark Lee because he’s everyone’s favourite, to both students and teachers. if there’s a number one, there’s a number two, and that’s you. however, after a strange event in a lab, his grades crush down, leaving the number one spot vacant for your very eyes, but as everyone’s favourite looks more and more miserable, you can’t help but worry about him, not knowing that he became the famous friendly neighbourhood superhero that saved you that one night.

[m] pretty little weapon | @lisired 25.7k — A lifetime worth of adversity had brought you to Bloodlust. You joined them to escape your history, but with Mark Lee - an undercover narcotics agent with a secret to keep - comes the threat of being forced to confront your past. Old wounds are opened, but scars heal.

[m] follow through | @ncteez 23.5k — Mark managed to keep his best friend status with you even after you moved away. With a friendship strictly through imessage, facetime, and social media, it was surprisingly easy to keep him in your life. Even when things suddenly became sexual. By the time you move back home, you learn that the both of you talk big game through text, but nearly forgot how to communicate face to face.

[m] delphinium | pt.2 | @ncteez 23k — You should have known that when he said he loved you after such a small act of intimacy, he wasn’t thinking with his dick. Quite frankly, he didn’t know how to. You also should have known that by being his first, he probably wanted you to be his last.

where’s your good-natured gryffindor-slytherin rivalry? | @taelme 23k — friends-to-enemies-to-lovers, Hogwarts!au (fluff, mild angst, slow burn, mutual secret pining)

chiaroscuro | @ncteez 20.3k — the romanticization of art school is typical and no one romanticizes it more than mark lee, the too-confident messy-haired guy who, accidentally, makes people uncomfortable. to you though? it’s kind of flattering to become his focus.

[m] my little doll | @haechansdoll 20k — Humans have hormones, you understand that much. But does that explain why you can't stop the filthy daydreams that fill your head whenever you see a specific redhead? Does it excuse you for getting turned on by him simply breathing in your direction? And to make matters worse, he is off-limits, if your father found out you were messing with his prized boxer? You would be chained to a tower and your red-haired crush would be used as mincemeat.

safety zone | @cherryeoniis 19.1k — Mark Lee. The most perfect roommate and best friend that you could have asked for - except for the fact that he constantly messes up your laundry and can’t cook eggs very well. Even then, that doesn’t quite stop you from falling for him in your final year.

[m] give me the green light | @fadedncity 19k — street racing au, childhood friends to lovers, non idol au, college au, lil angst, fluff

[m] a clouded fate | @byunbaekby 17.2k — badboy!mark lee x female reader

would you be so kind? | @sehunniepotwrites 17k — It was ironic, really, how you had a love and hate relationship with flowers. Growing up as a florist’s daughter, your love and admiration for the language of flowers flourished at a young age. Your thoughts, however, changed when you were diagnosed with the sickness that killed with one of the things you loved the most. You weren’t sure what hurt more, though - the hammering agony your heart experienced every single time Mark looked at her so lovingly or the excruciating pain your lungs suffered through whenever you remembered your best friend loved her and not you.

[m] delphinium | pt 2 | @ncteez 16.2k — It wasn’t intentional. You don’t even know why you cared that he didn’t believe in pre-marital sex, but it didn’t stop you from arguing with him about it. You didn’t intend to win the argument either. Then again, he kind of let you.

[m] watch me | @sluttyten 14.6k — you pick up the voyeuristic habit of watching your neighbor that never closes his curtains and whose face you never see. on an unrelated note, you start dating the cute barista from down the street that also happens to live in the building across from yours. what could happen?

mark lee’s gluttony | @misfitneo 13.5k — mark lee’s gluttony will be his downfall. with the heavy burden as one of NEO’s heirs, he’s lived his whole life aiming for power; and when things get out of hand, you’re the one to suffer the consequences.

[m] gorgeous | @lucyandthepen 12.4k — you don’t know what in the football uniform mark is wearing is so attractive. maybe it’s how broad is shoulders always look in that jersey. maybe it’s how nicely accentuated his ass is when he’s running. or, maybe, just maybe, it’s how painfully conspicuous the outline of his cock is through those pants. or, you know. all of the above.

where do broken hearts go? | @rrxnjun 12k — you know what they say about past lovers that can remain just as friends - either they're still in love with each other, or they never were in the first place.

a series of white lies | @tyonfs 10.5k — in which it takes you six years to accept that you’re in love with mark lee. (it takes him one.)

[m] the girl is mine | @luvrkives 10.5k — mark and hyuck can't stop fighting over you. who fucks you better, who makes you laugh more, who you like most, who fucks you better, yada yada yada. but honestly, why argue when you would happily take them both?

[m] meant to break | @tyonfs 10.0k — when the mafia’s members task you to distract a detective that’s hot on their trail, you have no choice to accept. there’s no place for love when you’re simply a trap for lee minhyung to walk into, but you still want to immerse yourself into everything he is.

baseball (& other disasters) | @tqmies 10k — Everyone admired Mark Lee, starting pitcher of your school’s baseball team and famed ladies man. You, on the other hand, only know him as the boy who broke your dorm lobbies microwave the first time you met.

[m] pretty boy | @ncteez 9.3k — Mark’s favorite thing to do is sit alone at the library and enjoy the knowledge that his university offers. In contrast, your favorite thing to do is go to parties and enjoy as much chaos as possible. However, upon realizing your grades have dropped drastically due to this lifestyle, you have no choice but to approach Mark for help.

sticky situations | @mieohmy 9.2k — you never thought you’d be partners in crime with the red and blue spandex wearing hero who is not only your friend mark, but also the guy you secretly have a crush on.

[m] roommates | @smileysuh 8.3k — as Jungwoo's best friend, you have your pick of fratboys to date, including Jeno, who has a huge crush on you. But you're only attracted to Lee's that come in pairs, and you can't get roommates Mark and Hyuck off your mind.

day dream | @cozyjae 8.2k — 90s!au, mark lee x reader, brothers best friend au

blind love | @neocityarchive 7.2k — in which mark lee is so much more than just your best friend but you were too blind to realize it.

[m] the best man | @mrkis 6.5k — meeting the one for you at your best friend's wedding wasn't exactly how you imagined this day turning out, neither was fucking him in the bathroom of the venue.

heartbreak girl | @cinnajun 5.5k — during your first couple years of high school, mark was your closest friend; then, during your junior year, you began to distance yourself from one another after you got a boyfriend. two years later, your friendship rekindles, and mark finds himself feeling the same way he felt for you before. but, when you plan to meet up during the summer after your first year of university, disaster strikes, and mark is forced to keep his love for you bottled up once more.

[m] closed doors | @starryhyuck 5k — when your brother asks if a friend can stay in your spare bedroom, you don’t expect mark lee to show up on your doorstep.

[m] may i be blunt? | @raibebe 3.9k — stoner Mark x female reader

[m] cherry flavored thoughts | @neochan 3.8k — you invite mark over to study with ulterior motives and he happily goes despite having the filthiest thoughts of you.

[m] drive | @lisired 3.5k — behold mark lee - your hot uber driver who you keep getting. very embarrassing. you also fuck him.

3, 2, 1 | @justalildumpling 2.3k — at this point of your pathetically unrequited crush on your popular friend, it didn’t faze you when you found out that he wasn’t going to be at the same NYE party as you. but when he suddenly turned up to come find you did you start wondering that maybe you weren’t the only one with harboured feelings.

[m] mixtape moans | @starryhyuck 2.1k — you’ve learned that your shy boyfriend has written a song about you, incorporating sounds that are not made for the public to hear.

sex by the 1975 | @hyuckmov 1.8k — ex!mark x reader, jaehyun x reader (feat. best friend yeji)

#mark lee #nct #nct127 #nct dream #nct fic recs #mark fic recs #mark nct #nct u #nct au #nct imagines #nct fic #mark imagines #mark fic #mark au

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haejaetae-recs · 1 year

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Not me spinning the wheel to decide which member I want to read tonight, knowing I'm just gonna end up searching for Mark smut because he's got me so down bad rn...

#i need him #mark fic recs #send me fics #mark lee smut #m: mark #haejaetae-recs misc.

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ohmygs-blog · 2 months

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can you do fake text where dreamies think it's "ur mom" joke but actually it's real. like no i really was talking about your mom 😭😭

ur mom.

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onyourhyuck · 5 months

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Animal Instinct. | NCT SERIES

Title: CHAPTER 1 ‘The Untamed.’

— Prologue: “When the sun sets meet me at my apartment, if you dare.”

— Summary: You are a marine biologist. You should be able to understand animals and their way of living. When you encounter a new society in a bar under the name ‘Sour Grapes’ you find yourself in a troubling situation with seven different men. Seven different animals.

— Genre: Smut with plot. Minors dni. Fantasy with modern timeline. Female!reader. Secondary genders (but with animals) dreamies are complete red flags. Dub-con. Everything is very dark romance related. Nothing here is for the weak. Everything is just pure filth. It gets progressively worse and worse. Multiple orgasms. Overstimulation. Pet names such as ‘my pretty whore’ or ‘princess’ — minor hair pulling, Fingering (female receiving). Creampie, cumming inside / no protection please use a condom.

— Notes: I APOLOGISE FOR TAKING SO LONG. BUT HERE IT IS. MORE FREQUENT UPDATES COMING UP.

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One thing you love about yourself is that your work basically shapes your entire routine. You love walking inside your laboratory seeing the animals in the tanks you have to take care of and examine. This included various important research that no one should know. It is highly top secret. A simple leak of what you collect samples from the sea or other animal biology from biomes and journals you keep could really be a mess for you.

Working on separating the two and three sides of the samples you have listed from the deep oceans all throughout different sights. You felt a hand approaching behind you quickly.

The man taps your shoulders when you’re so busy working with the test tubes. “Hey Y/n mind giving me—” you jump and turn around with a fright.

“Seriously Johnny! I told you not to sneak up on me like this. Especially when I’m working with these highly reactive test tubes.” You scowled at your coworker, Johnny Suh. He was one of your friends and coworkers. Wearing a white cloak and round black glasses on.

He was a handsome fella. Very charming and handsome you have to admit it. Johnny can be professional but he could also be quite a mood maker in such a serious profession.

Laughing at your unusual behaviour, you’re never this jumpy when you are working but he probably assumes he scared you to death. “What got you so anxious Y/n? You never get scared when i do this.” Johnny raised an eyebrow. He swore he could see your own soul leave your body.

Truth be honest ever since that night with Ningning all you are thinking about how your entire life has been a lie. Sour Grape’s has taken your mind over. No. Mark has taken your entire mind off and away from your daily routines. Everyday you’re thinking about ‘How can this be possible?’ Humans coming from other animals and not just monkeys. It’s insane information. You shouldn’t be believing this but when Jaehyun said it’s a secret; it makes you think there must be some truth to it.

No one on earth would make up such a stupid fairytale on the spot.

If you weren’t a marine biologist with side degrees of zoology you’re just the type of person to not let this slide. You want to learn more.

You want to experience the truth. You want to see if it’s the truth if they actually are who they are setting themselves to be.

Letting out soft mumbles as you close off the testing tubes, afterwards putting the collective tubes in the stirring device. “I haven’t slept well for the past few days. Sorry if i seem like I’m on the edge.”

He gave you a soft smirk leaning on the side of the table while watching you. “Oh honey you seem like you’re more than on the edge. You’re off the edge.” Your eyes make eye contact after you were done with your tasks.

Your friend trails now questioning you as you’re looking at him with a soft look that made your thoughts even worse.

“What’s on your mind, Y/n?” Johnny asked with a small smile. You shake your head, you don’t want to share something so crazy. He might think you’re actually insane, or worse, he might even think you lost your entire marbles.

“Nothing serious, John. Let’s just finish up and go home. I’m tired.” You excused yourself from the conversation to finish up. The only thing you want to do today is figure out what to eat for dinner.

Walking down the street to your favourite food truck, you decided to take your mind off whatever you were thinking for the past week or so.

You felt like your brain was just constantly going back to the same topic and it was draining truth be honest. What better way to distract yourself than to eat your favourite stir fry noddles?

Being a local customer the food truck owner gives you discounts nowadays because you were a customer for a long time. A regular at that.

“Hey I would like the usual.” You gave a smile at the owner who nodded seemingly being happy to seeing you drop by.

“I was beginning to think you’d never return, Y/n.” Said the truck owner and you gave a little smirk. “How could I not return? You make the best noodles.” Complimenting them they blushed and started making the noodles for you.

But then something flashed behind you at a fast pace. You didn’t even realise it until the figure stood overshadowed by their body remaining still as a statue.

Gawking at the menu on the side. Your eyes widen when you turned around with disbelief flashing over your lips and cheeks.

“Young man what would you like?” The owner interrupts your own lingering thoughts of shock. The voice, the sound of his breathing, everything else made you feel so small and in danger just by the presence alone of this man.

He looks back from the menu. “The original stir fry m’am.”

You did not realise you were literally staring Mark down in this moment until his face turned over to you and you quickly looked away biting your bottom lip, staring at your very own feet on the ground. You can’t believe it that Mark and you crossed paths when all you’ve been saying is how you’re going to distract yourself finally!

What was this coincidence? Fate? Destiny?

There was this expression on his face that falters when he finally acknowledges your existence. It’s like he met you before but he was trying to find out from where.

And then it hits him. You were the one with Jaehyun that one night.

The dark tone of voice strikes you like a knife behind your back if anything. “You’re that girl at the bar that one time.” Mark said to you, turning to look at you fully with his entire body now facing you.

You definitely caught the predator’s attention now with how easy you’re to read. God you hate being so readable like an open book — a very non interesting book at that.

You fake a smile, maybe if you just pretend you don’t know him he will give up speaking to you. “Oh no, I don’t attend bars. I’m… allergic to alcohol.” You cringe deep inside when you made up the most stupid excuse.

Really? Allergy? He didn’t even ask about your allergies.

Mark frowns which lead you to believe he wasn’t completely swayed by your own actions right now. You forget how much of animal instincts he must have by now. You can’t fool a tiger easily.

“You must’ve mixed me up with someone else.” You said quietly trying to make it seem more and more believable if you just keep talking.

Thankfully you were praying for your meal to arrive first beforehand he got his. The prayer was answered when you grab your plastic container smiling and thanking them. You literally dashed away but why try to run away?

Trying to out run one of the most dangerous cats you probably made the worst mistake to even show a hint of speed in your movements.

When you were to reach your destination to your car the same black towering figure stands over you. In front of you with a dark gaze.

You let out a mini gasp to be honest, you feel like your heart is being crushed by two large walls that keep on moving forward and forward until your heart and lungs collapse.

Mark sighs. “You know that I can hear your beating heart when you lie?” He said rather amused but also it was eerily like a reminiscing threat thrown at you. You stand there quivering, trembling even, and it made Mark so much more entertained than he thought he would be.

He took a step forward. The stir fry plastic box was shaking in very discreet manner in your hands. Each step he takes you took three steps backwards.

This was a new cat and mouse game you didn’t want to be playing with him at all.

“Y/n was it? Jaehyun mentioned you.” Mark said with a little more confidence now that he actually had you cornered. Now you cannot lie on the spot and try to run away from him.

It’s ridiculous. He looks and was human but in reality he’s not just entirely human is he? He’s a freaking tiger with probably the most define genetics. It’s crazy to you.

You mumble trying to get away still. There was just this instinct inside you to make excuses until you can’t anymore. “Sorry i have to go, i am extremely busy.”

Your heartbeat picked up again, Mark sighs pressing an arm around your body and now moved you to sit down at a bench in the scene. You flinch and he forced you to sit down in front of him with his dark eyes watching you. “Another lie. You must enjoy lying a lot don’t you?”

You look away. You’re watching anything but him. “What do you want from me? I swear I don’t… I don’t know anything.” You’re trying your best to make this situation just deescalate.

He grinned amused. “Well that’s also a lie.” He said sitting down next to you on the bench as your heart was racing incredibly fast. Mark thought you might die on the spot if you keep stressing yourself out.

You took a little breath when he sat down next to you which seemed a little less nerve wrecking.

Eventually your heart calmed down when the silence overtook you both. Mark makes a quick glance over at you again, and he continues to speak when he waited for your nerves to sort themselves out.

You sigh. “I didn’t know you liked this place.” You tried to make a conversation as well but you weren’t sure how well he will respond to it.

Heck you don’t know this guy at all.

“I like it. I’m a regular here.” Mark said with a smirk and he moves a bit closer to you now, he opens up his plastic box of stir fry and starts to eat it with the plastic fork you’d get at a restaurant or other food trucks.

You saw him eating and you slowly shift to open your stir fry. But to be honest you’re too scared to even eat in front of him. You’re trying to act normal though. So you take a piece and ate slowly your own food along with Mark. The man kept watching you even though he ate. But you’re avoiding to even acknowledge him so much.

“Y/n do i scare you?” He was quite blunt and upfront. You flinched when he mentions the exact words you’re feeling.

You awkwardly chuckle and put down the fork. “Is it that obvious?”

Mark scoffs a bit. “You didn’t try to hide it.” He leans away and ate some more, you felt a bit less scared and now more guilty. Now that you think about it he seems like a normal guy now.

“Sorry. What Jaehyun said to me that night at the bar messed with my brain.” You admit it, which made the man next to you smirk. “You know I’m human as well. But I do admit it was fun seeing you trembling.” There was a sense of eeriness in his words but at the same time you were watching him.

He admitted to you that watching you embarrass yourself in front of him was a thrilling show but you decided to just not respond to it.

You didn’t even know what to say back anyways.

“So… are you actually…” your voice trails off unable to think of how to say this. How do you even phrase this?

Mark saw your expression like it was the most readable thing he has ever laid eyes on. He leans forward putting the plastic box down. “Part Tiger?” He spoke those words right out of your throat. You bite your inner cheek nodding.

“Is it true?” You asked with your eyes widen.

He grinned and stands up, putting hands in the front jean pockets he then turns around to you rather amused by your curiosity.

Has no one ever told you that curiosity killed the cat? You’re like a small, tiny cat who can’t keep their nose out of something that wasn’t their business.

It felt rather authentic for you though. Most people are just nosey but you seem to be curious because you want to discover something new.

And that is exactly what Mark likes about you. Your intentions are something he hasn’t seen before. Leaning forward he writes something on the paper and passed it to you, with the same hand you saw the large metal ring with the tiger engraved on it. Grabbing the piece of paper you look cautiously from the paper towards Mark’s dark gaze.

“When the sun sets meet me at my apartment, if you dare.” He said to you simply.

Just like a tiger he caught you by surprise with how sharp his tone of voice was full of silky seriousness. And then he disappeared into thin air as well. You only looked away for a second just for Mark to be gone in front of you.

Leaving you questioning if you should take the bait and go to his apartment even though that sounds like some kind of messed up plan.

For once you were dreading the sun setting. Getting out of your car you look back at the paper in your hand and then your eyes fall back on the complex building in the front.

The address that brought you to this place makes you both anxious and excited. You have many running thoughts on your journey going inside. Every single muscle contraction meant you were growing close and closer to danger.

Slipping your hand over the doorknob you didn’t even knock, the door opened up with the man revealing in front of you.

Mark heard you from a mile away. He knew you’d come and he was right when you stood in front of him with a stunned look.

You really do make him feel like he’s hunting you down.

“Come on in Y/n, I don’t bite.” Mark smirked seeing your hesitation as your eyes peek inside the apartment before your whole body walks in. Mark closed the door after you fully enter.

There was a lack of trust between you two but for some you are wanting to trust this man. You don’t know why but you know one thing for sure; he has bland furniture. All neutral colours and very modern in his apartment.

You tread carefully and put your purse bag down on the couch nearby as you stand in middle of his apartment. Your gaze follows where Mark was on the wall leaning one side of his shoulders on it, the muscular arms crossed together and the lower body curved towards the right side.

Breathing hitching you feel it becoming a round ball in your throat. “So Mark will you admit that what I know is true?”

You came for the truth only. But to Mark he wanted more from you than just to give you a simple truth. He wanted to take a taste of something much better than any truth could provide him or to you.

The body slips off the wall approaching you slowly while his gaze was rather intense and playful while watching you.

“I don’t think I can prove anything verbally to you.” Mark whispers gaining a closer look at your face and the natural scent of your body blending in with the morning coffee you drank as well as your floral perfume; creating this intoxicating sensation in the nasal passages. Mark could crawl to you just by the smell of your own skin.

Hands slowly moving to your waist pulling you closer by an inch your feet trotting forward in little steps towards his body. “But I can show you how a tiger has it’s fun?” He smirks brushing the hot breath escaping from his mouth down to your neckline, while his large eyes are watching you keenly to see your reaction for approval.

Goosebumps evoked on your skin when the tiniest touch of his fingers kneading on your waist bringing you closer to him made you fall into this trance; a trap in other words you’re not escaping a primal animal’s desire at all.

He lifts his head only a little, waiting for your lips to give him consent or a sign of any sorts. But you seemed to stunned and even timid.

The reasoning of you coming to his apartment wasn’t to sleep with him. But the idea of sleeping with someone as magnetic and attractive as him clouds your judgemental. You’re a smart woman you know that and even Mark knows it; you know your stuff. But you certainly look tempted by the invitation.

The only thing you could think about was how badly you want to kiss his lips in that moment. Swiftly you press your hands up to his jawline and pull him in with a sudden kiss when your decision was made finally. Your sudden lips and the taste of them lingering in the air stunned the tiger but you soon felt his hands clawing at your hips lifting you up with his arm muscles — bringing forward your body against a nearby wall as your mouths clashed like two boulders in action. Fighting for something you would like to say is survival; survival of the fittest.

Grunting at the smallest thing, Mark enjoyed hearing them a lot, even the clawing he did down your back and to cup your round ass made you grind up against his body in a friction. Your reactions were what made Mark’s instincts going up the roof. The inner animal was raging from just how much you do this to him. You look ethereal and vulnerable.

Your tongues are tied like a knot together constantly trying to go back and forth only to end up pushing and pulsing instead. Your hair was a mess from just the heated makeout with the man who did not show you a signal mercy.

Running your hands through his hair was probably the most difficult thing for him. Mark’s sensitive area was always his hair and head in general.

You wonder if it’s because tigers in general have sensitive ears; in fact all cats have that trait. It just made your mind run free whenever your fingers cross over his hair. He always lets out soft noises between the heavy parting kisses with your red feverous mouth.

Deciding that the wall won’t be enough for him or for you in that matter. Mark lifted you again this time turning only a small swift left to the bedroom the door opens enough to keep you in and throw you on top of his bed. Watching your body sink on the mattress wasn’t as satisfying as your arms pulling him on top with your lips connecting again for another passionate kiss.

Your voice sounds like music to his ears, Mark could never get tired of hearing your own heart racing and pounding against your chest either. It might be his favourite sound afterall this time.

“Fuck — Mark, hold on.” You adjust yourself on the bed when his hands slipped over your shirt unbuttoned it down along with your lowering clothing slipping it to your ankles. Mark did not know a single vocabulary word about slowing down. He was an animal. Animals don’t wait they just do whatever they want. Whenever it suits them. Your words were pointless to Mark.

He gave you a look when your hands press on his biceps. You needed a moment to calm your heart otherwise you would feel like this whole moment will not be savoured enough.

Leaning in he gave you a gentle peck instead on your lips. Mark tried to slow down to your liking. Holding himself back was hard when you look like this in your underwear and bra only. With your skin on skin contact too.

“Please.” You whisper. “You really don’t hold back.” You chuckled a little bit. Mark grinned softly at your reaction.

Humming he slowly took off his shirt. “Didn’t Jaehyun already tell you?” He sighs and your gaze looks up at Mark when he mentioned another name. “I don’t settle down for anyone.” Mark mumbles connecting back to your close body again when the shirt fell down on the bedroom floor.

He doesn’t settle for anyone so there is no reason for Mark to slow down for anyone. Mark goes fast for everyone and everything.

Your eyes are glued together as one. Your heart skips a beat when Mark was simply staring at you but it felt like he was chasing you across the jungle if anything.

Seeing your stare he had a feeling you might be thinking about your second options. Mark pressed forward to you.

“You still have the option to leave sweetheart, because I won’t give you this choice afterwards anymore.” He slants his fingers down your forearms and your eyes lift up staring into his own deadly irises.

You breathily sigh. “No I don’t want to leave.” You tell him with a determined look and you press your lips on the side of his neck kissing down to his defined collarbones.

Mark chuckled at your amusing response. You don’t want to run away yet you’re the one who told him to slow down?

“Alright. Don’t blame me for what’s about to happen next.” Mark’s voice was dark and low, everything that had been attracting you to him all along. You couldn’t wait until Mark kissed you again, you’re craving for more and more.

You don’t even know what you’re craving; is it the dangerous thrill? Or is it the fact that there was this biological element that keeps your hormones growing more complex.

Whatever it was your thoughts shatter down like a glass on the ground shredded to pieces creating a map of what you’d call your scattering thoughts. The heat forming underneath the pawing motions of the hands threading your body like a needle, grabbing your perky breasts. Hearing out your grasps and manhandling you into the mattress to a position of what his desires are. You’re nothing more than a rag doll. In this scenario you didn’t know what else to think. You were caving for more.

Escaping grasps when the rough grain fingers rub down to your revealing womanhood. His yellow-ish sharp eyes glow by the excessive amount of excitement. Your insides were much mild to his fingers. But they manage to heat your insides up so much faster. When he pumps them up and down your eyes were trying to squeeze shut.

Mark didn’t want to look away from your precious eyes when he was pumping his fingers inside your pussy walls. He wanted to watch you cry out. To him if you weren’t shouting to the top of your lungs then he did not do a good job. And Mark values his ego and pride of pleasuring women he takes to bed. You need to have a good time, your pleasure means so much more than his own.

And that’s the type of man Mark is. He focuses on you as much as he can. There was a sense of addiction towards you. Mark loved smelling your increasing scent on his bedsheets that you’re sprawled across looking like a desperate prey begging for mercy, but deep down you want so much more. With those aching teary eyes Mark knew you were close to a climax.

But did his hands stop? No. Mark didn’t care if you’re close to cumming. Mark will make you cum thrice if he wants too.

By the next few minutes you’re not sure what’s happened but your mind was fogging out between the lines. The bed sheets were leaking by your juices and Mark’s hand and your pussy were only an inch away from one another. His fingers were so deeply embedded inside of you it’s causing your voice to come out like a strain meld.

“Oh fuck… fuck… Mark I think I came already.” You said the obvious not knowing that was his intention all along. To make you release so much you’re starting to lose train of consciousness.

The tiger smirks fondly by your answer. Mark stretching your pussy out so much just so you can be able to fit him later on.

Pulling out his fingers out of your hole he licks them across his plum lips while gaze on your eyes. There was not much space between you two; your breathes are touching.

“You taste so sweet, Y/n.” Mark deems it. Pulling apart the boxers fell on the bedroom floor and he pulled your ankles down so your legs are spread round the hips.

You’re gawking at the sight of his thick glory shown towards your face. You’re not sure what else to say because your expression said it all.

Mark sultry chuckles watching you was seriously amusing. You don’t try to hide your expression with your widen little eyes. “What is it? Did i leave you speechless already?”

Though it sounds cocky. Which it probably was. Mark had a good reasoning to sound like a complete womanising douche.

He was thick. Thicker than anything you’ve seen before. You’re unsure what to say but you cannot argue with him either. He did leave you speechless. It was embarrassing for you.

Mark took your token of silence so he leans his face closer to give you a peck on your lips. He whispers down to your shoulders aligning his face with it. In a way this was to comfort you.

“Don’t worry Y/n. We aren’t finished just yet.” Breathily into your skin Mark buried the nose on the collarbone as the shape of Mark enters your pussy walls this time it was stretched with a slight burning angle that caused your whole body to tremble by itself. Holding on to the bedsheets underneath your body you feel like you’re floating by how just the tip touching at your velvety skin you’re reacting so much to it. This wasn’t usual. You’ve not experienced something like that before.

It’s nothing like the previous times you’ve slept with a guy before. It’s nothing like that.

In this case it feels like you’re fighting for your life but at the same time you’re submitting to yourself knowing Mark was the powerful one here. The one in charge of the moment. The variable that will never change is Mark. In a sick twisted way you like this. You like becoming the prey. The way you’re underneath Mark as he is thrusting you like a wild in-domestic beast, it’s what you’ve been craving all this time. The thrill of it.

For once you’ve forgotten all about biology. You’ve became it instead. Maybe you’re starting to finally understand how it feels to be stepped on by someone stronger than you. For once in your life that is.

Mark couldn’t get enough of you however. It’s the way your dark hair is floating like strands of ribbons on his bed sheets that smell of you now. He knew that once you are finished it is mostly likely to return to normal life. You’ll probably never hear from him. Or he might never hear from you on that matter — but those bed sheets will have your lingering smell and he doesn’t think he will change them for a while. You’re addictive. Strangely Mark has never been this compatible before with just anyone.

It’s crazy how a simple “come to my apartment” leads to you actually having sex later on. But you didn’t care how easy it seemed. You were enjoying it far too much to worry about the consequences. Mark was far too lost between the creeks of your neckline and the collarbones, his thinly pressed tongue sucks across your beautiful canvas. Your moans are starting to resemble poetry to his ears. As if you were all he wants to listen to on hours end.

The tiger felt every inch of your insides clenching with awe around his shape. It was the way you wrap around so easily. Your arms do the same thing. They wrap around his body and cling onto him forever. Mark wouldn’t have it any other way.

Your eyes only part ajar like a door does only to see yellowish sparkles of phenomenal beauty spreading across the bedroom. Widening at the sight you felt like you’re hallucinating. But when you’ve looked at the man above you thrusting you seen exactly a pair of two golden Iris’ staring down at you with nothing behind those eyes but lust.

It felt as if every muscle in his body extended to his original position when Mark grunts the bottom lip pierced to his fangs. “Oh yes, keeping looking at me like that. Such a pretty whore you are.”

Cheeks grows out in awe when Mark brushed over his fingers into your hair only to press you even more into the mattress digging his clock so deep in your insides you’ve lost knowledge of how far you could last. By now it’s been far too long. Your body’s overdrive is now overheating like a computer would — yet Mark shows no sign of slowing.

Even the way his voice stood still like the sea breeze. You’re at a loss of words.

Pulling at your hair slightly Mark decided to make you sit up a little so he could rearrange the speed of his thrusts to become quicker and sharper. Which only made you gasp audibly loud when you’re held in this position for so long. Your brain begins to fog once again.

Mark groans besides your shoulders, carving his teeth marks all over your body. You’re starting to look like a butchered meat eaten alive by him.

His eyes shift close. “Fuck… that’s it… now take it all Y/n.” You’re starting to see some slowing down when Mark unleashed the folds between your pussy walls. You’re starting to give up the moment Mark leaves you to the brim; looking full and plum like he wanted you in the state.

Eutrophic state of being overdriven by an animal, was all you’re able to process.

Breathing heavily into your skin you’re closing your eyes only a little, but everytime you do that you wanted to drift off to sleep. Eventually you’re wondering if you are asleep because all you see is black with a faded out voice I’m the background calling your name all over again.

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By the morning you’re awaken by your own fine reflection of how much your body actually endured last night.

Your lips part away staring at the front. Teeth marks scattering from top to bottom. You look like a whole different person compared to when you stepped a foot into this apartment.

Your eyes dart around the bedroom putting on your clothes that were left on the floor. You had to make yourself presentable at least once in your life because right now — you feel and look completely out of place. Brushing your hands into your hair messily brushing it out any knots. Then you open the bedroom door and step out. You’re met with a smell of eggs frying in a pan.

Following the scent you’re now approaching the shoulders of a man. Short sleeve tight shirt on flexing out muscles while wearing an apron. You’re filled with some form of happiness when you see that food is being cooked.

You mumble with a groaning stomach already. “Morning. What are you cooking?”

The man turned around with a little smirk seeing you’re already dressed and awake. Mark was expecting you to be knocked out a little longer. At first he thought you died on him last night. You’ve suddenly out of nowhere blanked out. But it turns out you were due in need of much sleep.

Mark pressed the eggs out of the pan and onto the plates. Your eyes following where his muscular arms extend out the plate towards you. You took a seat down on the chair by the kitchen aisle counter. He pressed a smile.

“Eggs and some toast. It’s the best I can do.” Mark announces.

You smiled and grabbed a fork. “It’s fine I’d eat anything anyone makes me.” You wish you could’ve shut your mouth when you said that though, because you maybe held your expectations high for Mark. He cannot cook eggs for the love of God.

The smile drops on your face instantly and you clear your voice a little when you’re sending a gaze back at Mark. You take a bite of the half burnt — nearly black at the bottom scrambled eggs. How do you burn eggs? You’ve got no possible human explanation for this sorcery.

For someone who is made to be a perfect stone with no hard edges; Mark can’t cook.

You might of found Mark’s first flaw.

You trail off mumbling. “Maybe I should cook next time?” Nonetheless you eat it all without a complaint. But you had to jokingly point o it out to Mark. You’re an honest woman. You couldn’t lie to him. It might feed his delusional ego.

Mark scoffs a little and chuckles at the end. “Good idea, Y/n. I can handle the other eggs.” You nearly choked on your chewing. But before you could say anything to him he was walking out of the kitchen area with that giddy smirk on his face as if he’s proud for saying something as outrageous as that.

“I’ll be in the shower!” Mark announces without a care that you’re probably as red as an apple.

You shake your head in disbelief and trail off a little laugh. You have a feeling this might weirdly be the most calming morning you’ve had. You go back to eating your scrambled egg wondering what else you will expect…

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@onyourhyuck please refer from translating copyrighting and plagiarising my work thank you!! Reblog and Follow me for more smuts like this!!

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