SECRET | Mark Lee x Kang Mina

00:40

NARRATION 

Mark and Mina have been busy since the morning of their anniversary, checking with their managers, calling their members, calling their friends, but mainly being nervous about their relationship announcement. 

As they press enter on their phones, they release sighs of relief, feeling the weight of the world on their shoulders fall off. Their managers have congratulated both for enduring a difficult task that can change a lot in their careers. Mark and Mina hope it's for the better. 

Now alone in her apartment and the comforts of her sheets, Mina answered Mark's call almost immediately. 

"Hey," Mark breath through the phone. Mina sighed as she heard his voice, "Hey."

"How was it?" 

"It went fine, though I haven't checked the reactions. You? how's it going?"

"Never felt better. I'm just finishing up in the company. Then I'll come to get you. Is that all right with you?"

Mina chuckled, "As long as you give me enough time to prepare, then yes."

"Alright, I'll see you later, babe. I love you~."

"I love you too. Drive safe." Mina ended the call. 

Mina smiled to herself as she becomes busy trying to find a perfect outfit for their "mountain" date. Thankfully, Mark was kind enough to give her a heads up on what she could wear. 

Mina still felt anxious. She willed herself not to look at her blasting notifications and mentions, tried not to read any comments about their announcement nor their relationship because this is a special day, and she doesn't want to ruin any of it. But alas, Mina can't hold herself back and went through her socials as she waited for Mark. 

To say that Mina is shocked is an understatement. She expected many things, mostly blows and attacks against her and Mark's relationship, and maybe even drags about her. Mina knows in her heart that there will be so many of their fans that support them, but she didn't know it will be up to this extent. 

Her socials have been filled with numerous positive messages, wishing happiness and strength to their relationship. A wide grin spread along her face as she checks each post about them. She was so happy that even snarky remarks couldn't bring her down. After reading almost half of their reactions, all that's left in her heart is overflowing happiness and gratitude for her fans and Mark's as well. She'll continue her best for them. 

She was snapped out of her reverie when she heard her doorbell rang. Immediately, she opened her door to Mark, holding a bouquet of her favorite flowers. 

"Hi," Mark said as he hands her the bouquet. Mina pressed a kiss on his cheek. "Thank you, come in first. I'll just put this in a vase."

Mark flopped against her sofa, sitting comfortably while scrolling through his phone. 

"Have you checked your Twitter yet?" Mark asked. 

"I did. The fans are so sweet." Mina answered with a warm smile on her face. 

"They are," He said with sweetness matching her own. 

"I'm done. Let's go?"

Not needed to be told twice, Mark stood up and placed his hand on Mina's back as they went towards his car. The car ride was pleasant, as they both fell into a comfortable conversation brought upon the two years of being together. After an hour of driving, Mark finally stopped, and true to his words, they are in a mountain. It was dark, but it wasn't creepy. 

Actually, it was magical. Mark brought them to an overlooking, a gazebo standing in the center. The gazebo is filled with fairy lights and flowers. Even the trees are decorated with it. The best view was the overlooking, the city lights shining from afar. Mark wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer to his chest. Finally, after a long day, they felt peace. 

They ate and talked their night away inside the gazebo, basking in the solace the place provides. No, Mark didn't cook for her but instead bought their favorite food from the restaurant they often frequent when they would both sneak out to have dates. 

Not long after, they were finished eating. Instead, they were standing side by side, leaning on the railings. 

"This is nice. It's nice to be here." Mina sighed as she sunk in deeper into Mark's embrace. He hummed in agreement. 

"We'll go again the next time you want to," Mark said with confidence he didn't have until now. Mina's eyes sparkled at his words, remembering his words.

"But the best thing is that I get to be here with you, without any disguises, without any fear to get caught. It's just us."  

Mina remembers their first date, where they have to eat inside her car, at the darkest part of the park to see each other amidst their tiring schedules. She remembers their first anniversary where they have to spend it at her home, watching movies because they can't go out without getting caught. It's only this last month that they allow themselves to go to a park together without anything masking them. It feels amazing to know that she could be with Mark in public without any pretenses.

"I know, it feels fantastic." 

They stayed in silence for a while until Mina faced Mark and cupped his cheeks with her hands. She pressed a kiss on his forehead, "Happy Anniversary, babe," Mark smiled fondly at her before planting a kiss on her cheeks, "Happy anniversary babe.".

And just like their first time, when they were basking in the citylights, chilling in Mina's balcony, they slowly leaned in. Their lips sealed together in a sweet kiss, Mina pulled apart a second and whispered, "I love you". Mark whispered back, "and I love you."

The distance between them shortened once again. Under the stars, Mark and Mina shared a passionate kiss. And just like how the lights and the stars shine bright, so does their future together.