Trust | Lee Mark

Chapter 23

<December 2022>

"EUNHYE?! WHO THE HECK DID YOU BROUGHT HO- MARK SUNBAENIM?!"

I winced at the loud voice, recognizing it to be Gaeun's voice. Mark, who noticed I winced, immediately pulled me behind him with his arm protecting me.

"What's all the fuss about..?" 

The other members woke up due to the commotion, still half alive due to sleepiness. Their sleepiness immediately went away when they saw why Gaeun is yelling.

"Mark sunbaenim?!" Chaewon screamed in panic. Soomin just stared at us in shock, her eyes keep on going in between Mark and I.

The only one who doesn't look like they had just gotten a heart attack is Jieun. 

"E-Eunhye, d-don't tell m-me..." Soomin whispered. I looked away from their stares, feeling scared and ashamed. Scared because I don't know if they'll report this to the company, ashamed because I couldn't tell them this despite the fact that they have been treating me like family ever since we were announced to debut together.

Jieun stepped towards me and put me behind her back, her hand blocking the other members from me. "Calm down guys, don't attack her or stare at her like that, you're making Eunhye uncomfortable."

Mark, who recovered from his shock, finally noticed my mood. He then took my hand to his, a silent sign meaning that he'll be here for me, no matter what.

I didn't want the situation to turn even worse, so I decided to put on my poker face and step up instead of hiding behind Mark and Jieun.

"Mark, go back to your dorm. The longer you stay here, the more dangerous it is for you." I caressed his hand, before pulling my hand away.

"But-"

"Mark." I looked at his eyes, signaling him to trust me that I can solve this issue myself. Mark sighed and looked at my groupmates, "Sorry for disturbing you all this early, I'll take my leave." he bowed slightly before leaving SecGar's dorms.

"Let's go to the living room, I'll explain there." I told my group members. They all took a seat without responding, still waiting for me to explain.

"So.. First of all, I didn't violate the contract. Me and Mark are not dating." I started. The others stared at me in confusion. 

"But it's true that we're committed to each other. As in, we're unofficially dating. Mark knew about our 1 year dating ban, which  is why we decided to just keep our hearts for each other but not see each other, if you get what I mean." I tried explaining.

Soomin, who recovered the fastest, nodded. "When did this all happen though?" she asked. I blushed and played with my fingers, unable to hide my emotions this time.

Jieun squealed and hugged me, "Look at how much you're blushing, you're so cute!"

I blushed even more, thank god Mark isn't here or I think I'll start fainting from embarrassment. "I-I met him l-last year, during one of my late night practices, around the first trainee debut evaluation?"

Gaeun suddenly stood up and hugged me, "I'm sorry for not noticing, it's true that this might endanger our group but seeing how happy you look when you talk about him, I can't get mad at you for loving him." she said softly.

My heart warmed at her words.

Ah.. I have really come a long way...

"Did you honestly think we wouldn't support you, child? You're our precious little hamster, our precious little sister. As long as you're happy, we would always keep it a secret and protect you even if we might get scolded by the company." Chaewon nagged at me before joining in the hug.