Insouciant | Mark Lee

10~ Welcome

"Aera, we need to talk..."

Aera turned to the side so she can face him. She was internally panicking as those words left his mouth. Mentally preparing herself, she nodded her head signaling him to speak. Mark was reasoning on different ways about how to break the news to her. So he decided on keeping it as straight forward as he could keep it.

"So are you going to speak up because my ice cream is melting and I don't like melted ice cream" Aera said pointing out at the tub which was on the table in front of them. Mark finally decided to tell her, "Aera, you're in danger. You are being watched and aimed by one of our rivals. The man who we encountered yesterday was one of their men. You will have to accompany me to my base so that my gang can get some more info and you can stay safe there too." Aera sat there, deathly still, soaking on all the words he uttered.

She was deep into her thoughts. WHAT THE FUCK IS HAPPENING  is all she could think about. How in a sudden click her life turned upside down. From pulling her bestfriend's leg to being targeted by a freaking gang, what exactly did go wrong?

Numerous questions were flooded in her mind. What is she going to tell her mom? Will her mother be safe? Will her friends be safe? Is she ready to risk it? If she distances herself from her loved ones then maybe they stay safe and will they get targeted like her?

Aera snapped out of her thoughts when Mark called her out. "Aera?! You good?" She turned her head towards him and bursted out, "The fuck, how am I supposed to be good when I am freaking being chased by some god knows who snake gang. I mean what bull crap is going on? I don't even know them. I have so many questions right now. I freaking feel like breaking down,FUCKKKK!" there she said it, all in one go. Mark was stunned by the choice of her words. He never saw Aera getting frustrated and angry. The Aera he saw was the one who was delicate like glass and soft like a cotton ball. He oddly found the angry Aera hot. She looked as if she would punch someone in the face, apologize and then say naaah fuck it, deal with it.

He shook off the thoughts and shifted his focus on her and said, "Hey, calm down. I'm taking you to the base so we can find out what they want." "But what about my mother and my friends? Will they be safe?" Aera question him. "I guarantee you their safety. Your mom is out of the country so she isn't in danger. Talking about your friends, my team will keep tabs on them so that nothing gets risked," he assured her.

Aera kept quiet. She was contemplating about what to do. "I need some time, I cannot decide it so quickly," was all she said. Mark understood what she was going through and it's not easy for her. "Today's night is what all I can give you," he retorted. Aera hummed in response. "Also I hope it's okay if I stay here for the night. I practically cannot leave you alone right now. I'll sleep on the couch," Mark said. "Ah.. yes sure. I'll bring back some blankets and clothes for you,"Aera said and ran upstairs.

She grabbed an oversized t-shirt and a pair of sweatpants. She also grabbed an extra blanket for him and made her way downstairs.

Handing it over to him she said, "I'll go now. GOODNIGHT." And turned around not waiting for him to respond, "good night. Also Aera don't close you're room's door." she just nodded and practically ran upstairs.

Mark changed his clothes and lied down on the couch. He soon fell asleep. Meanwhile Aera was having a hard time falling asleep. His words were echoing in her mind. She ruffled her hair in frustration. Her mind was clouded with so many things, contemplating whether to say yes or no, she finally came at decision. Calming her mind, she too drifted off to sleep.

Aera woke up early in the morning, around 7. She brushed her teeth and went downstairs. Reaching down she came across Mark who was peacefully sleeping on the couch. No one would that he is a mafia by the way he sleeps. He practically looks like lost baby. She couldn't help but adore him. She bent down to get a closer look.  Unconsciously, she raised her index finger and poked his cheek. She giggled at how his cheeks were soft and squishy. She tried doing that again but a hand held her and pulled her down making her yelp.

Aera soon realized that she was lying on top of Mark with his hands on her waist. Her eyes widened. Eventually, Mark opened his eyes too. Their eyes met and their noses were almost touching each others, breaths fanning each other. His gaze gradually travelled from her eyes to her lips. Aera's breath hitched when she realized where he was staring. Pushing herself off him, she cleared her throat. Both of them were turned into a darker shade of pink. Unable to hide it from each.

None of them spoke a single word. Aera decided to break the silence, "Uhmm, I, ah... I-I made a d-decision. It's a y-yes. I'll c-come with you," mentally facepalming herself for stuttering. Mark nodded his head in acknowledgement, "Uh great, I'll inform my team. Get ready in an hour so we can leave for the base." he said. "Ok, but wait! What am I supposed to tell my friends?" Aera questioned in confusion. He furrowed his brows and thought about a reason, "Just say you went for a business management camp or something," he said. "Tch, your reason is very weak. So much for a mafia, huh," she mocked him which made him scoff in disbelieve. "I shouldn't have saved you," Mark said while rolling his eyes. Aera gasped at his comment and fired back, "I should've kicked your babymaker harder than I already did!"

Mark snapped his head towards her on her comment, "We don't talk about that, and don't you dare telling this to anyone." She made a grossed out expression and retorted, "ugh, why would I? I'm least interested about discussing your baby maker with someone. Anyway, I'll just tell them that I was chosen for a camp which is going to be held at Jeju," Mark nodded his head in agreement.

She ran back to her room and informed Jihoon and Soa about it. They oddly believed her reason. Keeping her phone aside she started getting ready and packed a few pair of clothes with her.

After an hour, she went back down. Mark was sitting on the couch going through his phone when he felt a presence in front of him. "I see you're on time. If you are done then shall we leave?" Mark asked her. "Yes," she replied him back.

They made their way towards his car. Aera plopped herself down on the passenger seat. Mark entered the car too. He took out a black cloth from one of the compartment and turned towards Aera. "Ok, now I'm going to blindfold you so stay quiet," he said and leaned forward. Aera scooted back and said, "woahhh sir, hold up hold up. What kind of kinky shit are you into right now?" She was internally freaking out.  Mark rolled his eyes on her comment, " Shut up, I cannot reveal the location so I will have to blindfold you." "Aah ok" Aera said.

The drive was silent which made it feel longer. After a 45 minute drive, the car came to a halt. Mark instructed Aera to remove her blindfold. She slowly removed her blindfold and squinted her eyes as they came in contact with some bright light. When her eyes were fully opened, she was left stunned by the view she had in front of her. It was a freaking mansion. A beautiful one though. No one will believe that it's a base for a Mafia gang.

Mark chuckled at her expressions. His face now held a smirk and said something catching her attention.

"Well Aera, Welcome... to the base."