trouble ¦ lee jeno (UNDER REWRITING)

ch ; 13

.・。.・゜⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽ 13 ☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅・゜・。.

T

he cool night air swirled around Seojin as Mark's sleek car glided through the moonlit streets. The city lights painted a vibrant tapestry against the inky canvas of the night sky, but Seojin's gaze was fixed on the man beside her, a million questions swirling in her mind.

The concert's energy still buzzed in her veins, but a new emotion had taken root – a delicious confusion sparked by Mark's impromptu performance. His confession, delivered amidst the roar of the crowd, echoed through her thoughts.

Mark stole a glance at her, his smile tinged with a hint of nervousness. "Enjoying the ride?" he asked, his voice laced with a playful quality.

Seojin offered a small smile in return. "I have never gotten the chance to roam around, so, it's beautiful," she admitted, gesturing out the window at the twinkling cityscape.

They had been talking for hours, it seemed. The conversation had flowed effortlessly, ranging from childhood memories(embarassing ones), to their dreams for the future. Seojin, initially nervous, found herself captivated by Mark's easy charm and his genuine interest in her life.

As they reached the outskirts of the city, the buildings thinned, replaced by a sprawling landscape bathed in the soft glow of the moon. Mark pulled over onto a secluded road, the car coming to a rest beside a quiet lake.

The gentle lapping of water against the shore filled the silence, an invitation to further conversation. Stepping out of the car, Seojin took a deep breath, the cool night air refreshing after the heat of the concert.

They walked along the grassy bank, the moonlight casting long shadows. Mark pointed out constellations, weaving stories of ancient heroes and mythical beasts. Seojin listened, mesmerized by his voice and the way his eyes sparkled with enthusiasm.

They stopped at the railing near the lake with a single Gingko tree, with a bench by the side. Seojin, finds herself staring at the lineage of lights reflecting the flowing lake whilst leaning on the railing. As she leaned against the railing, Mark joined her, their shoulders brushing, had his back leaning on the railing as he throws glances every now and then on the girl beside him.

"It's beautiful," she whispered, gazing at the breathtaking view.

"It is," Mark agreed, his voice soft. "But not as beautiful as the moment you agreed to come with me."

Seojin's cheeks flushed at his compliment. They stood in comfortable silence for a while, the sound of crickets chirping and the distant hum of the city below filling the space between them.

The question that had been burning a hole in her pocket since his surprise performance finally escaped her lips.

"Mark," Seojin began, hesitantly voicing the question that had been simmering within her all night. "Who...who was the song for?"

Mark's smile faltered slightly, a flicker of nervousness crossing his face. He hesitated for a moment, then turned to face her, his gaze holding hers.

"Seojin," he began, his voice taking on a deeper tone. "It was for you."

Seojin's breath hitched. The lyrics echoed in her mind, each word painting a picture of a connection she hadn't realized was forming. She thought back to the moments Mark had gone above and beyond the call of duty for a friend.

The way he'd walked her home after dark, the way he always seemed to know when she needed a pick-me-up.

A warmth spread across her cheeks as she realized that some of her interactions with Mark had felt different, charged with an undercurrent that she hadn't quite understood at the time. Perhaps, deep down, she had been feeling something for him too.