STRAWBERRIES & CIGARETTES

CHAPTER 13

Mark was the one leading the conversation throughout the car ride. His sudden presence still surprises her, which should be expected as the male looked so really invested in this marriage thing.

After two weeks of catching up with each other, they have filled each other with the important events that've been happening to them. Harae is also amused at how talkative Mark is. Well, of course, he'll be working in a public environment, so he should be good at talking.

With Mark, Harae's nerves seemed to die down, especially when they were personally interested in the topic.

It was a chill ride—until she was reminded where they were heading.

Harae suddenly became quiet, making Mark glance at her, seeing a small frown on her face.

"Is your social battery dying?"

"Mostly", she said, looking at him with a small glare, making him chuckle.

"Look, you don't have to say a lot to them. I'll get you out when it gets too much."

"This is already too much."

Mark understandably nodded. He then reached for her hand, clasping it on top of his lap with his thumb comfortably brushing the back of it.

"I'm sorry I can't save you from this. All I can promise is my capabilities for taking care of you. I won't leave you behind, Han."

Harae knew she could take his word for it. She's just not ready to open her heart to him.

🚬 🚬 🚬

"They're all here", Harae mumbled.

Yeah, their parents are there. She didn't know if she should laugh or keep her resting bitch face. She just finds it so funny how their heads turned to them at the same time with the plastic smiles engraved on their faces.

"Oh, finally. Look at you two", Marie- Mark's mom smiled wider.

"Hi", Harae said, forcing a smile as the woman pulled her in for a hug.

"You're so lucky to have a daughter like Hana Rae."

"She takes a lot from her mother", Hiro replied.

"I can see. They look so good together, right, hon?"

"They do fit", Lyon- Mark's dad answers.

Mark and Harae just smiled and sat beside each other.

"How's your studies? I heard you're in your internship now", Celestine asks.

"Last month was very busy. There aren't many surgeons who applied, so we have to assist at any time we can", Mark answers.

"This generation has a surgeon now. You must be excited."

Marie chuckles. "Please, proud is an understatement. We have to push him a little for medicine, but I'm glad the course works for him."