NCT One-Shots

Criticism|MarkYong

Mark x Taeyong

The first time it happens Mark is mostly fine. Sure, he wasn't expecting it but he accepts the criticism. A small part of it irks him because he was so sure he was right and that Taeyongs comment isn't necessary but he appreciates it nonetheless and just tells himself to remain calm. 

He's trying to be helpful, he reminds himself.

The next day after that, the small criticism still hasn't left Marks mind and the petty part of him wants to continue using the "wrong" grammar just to spite Taeyong. He rereads the line again, trying to figure out what he'd missed but once again, comes empty. With a sigh, he begins writing, letting his current emotions influence the words that spill onto the page, even if some of it sounds bad and dramatic. He's not striving for perfection yet, he just wants the words out.

By the time the sun sets, Mark has written a song he's proud of. Something both simple and complex. Something beautiful.

He excitedly texts Taeyong and gets an immediate response of Taeyong begging for him to see the song. Mark sends the screenshots and then the nerves kick in. It's usually like this, Mark wanting to show something he wrote while struggling with the amount of vulnerability that is sometimes involved in doing such a thing.

Taeyong is his friend and one of his main supporters, specifically when it comes to music so Mark trusts him and feels like he should be able to relax. He knows that he's not always going to get compliments, at least, not without potential confusion or constructive criticism that he's not sure he's ever asked for, but figured he'd get.

It's really not that much of a surprise when Taeyongs first response is a question asking for clarification on one of the expressions Mark used. Mark does his best to explain, partially struggling because his brain has left musical la la land and sometimes, he can't remember his thought process. Taeyong knows this though, so he always gives Mark time to explain, seeming to be genuinely interested in what goes on in Marks brain.

Once Mark is done, he's presented with an 'Ahh' text and then immediately receives another suggesting better, concise wording for what Mark means. Mark knows he's trying to help and maybe the song would genuinely sound better if he did change those lyrics but he worked hard on this, poured his thoughts out and he feels proud of the way he arranged them. He's offended by the thought that it's not good enough. He knows it's not perfect, he can always do better, but he thought this would be enough.

He stops responding, no longer in the mood to talk to Taeyong or anyone. He's become moody now and he knows he just needs to relax and sleep it off before he can deal with another person in the morning.

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Mark doesn't know too much about love. He has an idea and he's had romantic experiences, but he still doesn't know much. His general knowledge is enough to guide him through a love song that should, at the very least, make sense. It's not the most detailed, it doesn't touch on anything he doesn't really understand or know about. He should be good.

Imagine his surprise when criticism comes in paired with a compliment, like he's being told 'A for effort, good try'. He's really not in the mood, he never is but he's tired today and the last thing he wants is to feel anymore useless than he already does. 

Taeyong stares at him blankly, unaware of why Marks mood has drained. "What?"

Mark is almost too tired to defend himself but he's now grumpy and grumpy Mark is snappy. Now aware of the males mood, Taeyong is quick to apologize and explain that maybe he just interpreted it wrong but the damage has already been done. Mark does his best to be kind while implying that Taeyong should leave and he can tell his friend looks guilty, but it's not enough right now. The comment is messing with Marks brain too deeply for him to let it go and the knowledge that this is becoming a pattern doesn't help.