Melodies and Milestones; MARK LEE

05

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The city streets were glistening with raindrops as Mark walked back to his dorm. The soft pitter-patter of rain on the pavement around him provided a comforting rhythm, matching the steady beat of his heart. The rain seemed to reflect the emotions swirling within him—subtle, yet profound.

Mark couldn't help but replay the evening's events in his mind—the unexpected encounter with Jihye at the art exhibition, their easy conversation, and the genuine connection he felt with her. It was the third time they had met, and each encounter left him with a mix of excitement and confusion.

Mark had only just come to realise how many people were on the streets around him. Considering the day of the week, the pavements were moderately busy. Bustling traffic weaves through the street, with cars, taxis, and buses maneuvering skillfully amidst the crowd. The sounds of car horns and revving engines blend with the chatter of people, creating a symphony of urban life.

The city lights blurred in the rain, casting a dream-like haze over the streets. The world seemed to slow down around him, and for a moment, he found solace in the quiet beauty of the rain-soaked city.

As he approached the dorm, he couldn't help but wonder if Jihye felt the same way—uncertain, yet intrigued by the unexpected bond they shared. The thought of her made his heart flutter, and he couldn't shake the feeling that he wanted to know her more.

As he turned the corner to the street of his dormitory building, his heart sank. Across the street from the entrance to his building, he noticed a group of fans huddled together, eagerly waiting for a glimpse of him or his members. Taking a deep breath, he crossed the street, trying to act as nonchalant as possible. As soon as the sasaengs spotted him, their excitement intensified. Deciding to quicken his pace to avoid confrontation, with a sigh, he entered the dormitory, leaving the rain and his troubles outside.

After relaxing in his room, playing his guitar, the soft chime of Mark's phone broke the silence in his dorm room. He glanced at the screen to see a message notification from Jihye. His heart skipped a beat, and he felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness. However, he decided not to reply right away, wanting to take some time to gather his thoughts before responding.

He put his phone aside and decided to talk to Johnny about their third meeting. Johnny was one of his closest friends in the group, and he trusted him to lend an understanding ear.

Mark slumped onto the couch in the dorm's common area, his damp hair sticking to his forehead, having not dried it yet. Johnny, perched on the opposite end of the couch, glanced up from his phone and raised an eyebrow.

"Rough day?" Johnny asked, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.

"You could say that," Mark let out a half-hearted chuckle, "It rained more than I expected."

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As she continued her walk, umbrella in hand, Jihye's steps were purposeful. The sound of raindrops against the umbrella's canopy created a soothing rhythm that matched the rhythm of her thoughts. She couldn't help but replay their conversation in her mind.

The exchange of Kakao IDs felt like a small yet significant step. Jihye had always been confident and assertive, traits that had served her well in her pursuit of her dreams. She knew what she wanted, and she wasn't afraid to go after it, and she wouldn't deny that she found the boy cute.

Lost in her thoughts, Jihye strolled down the familiar streets, enjoying the city's enchanting charm even at this late hour. The neon lights of shops and cafes cast a soft glow on the pavements, creating a dream-like ambiance. The distant hum of traffic and the chatter of passersby became a comforting soundtrack to her journey.