String to my heart ♪ Mark Lee

♪ 26

I be scene-stealin', I see you crushin'
I'm a bit busy, booked wall to wall

♪

It was the time of the world tour.

The reality hit Mark as they reached Osaka, especially when they arrived at the stadium. Tonight, it was going to be theirs.

The fans crowding into the seats, excitement palpable as they screamed and cheered for the boys. The sight and sound were enough to fill their hearts with satisfaction and love.

But something was distracting him.

Mark felt lovesick, his mind constantly occupied with thoughts of Hannah, their composer.

Every time he tried to rehearse, his thoughts drifted back to her, making him yearn for the next moment they'd work together.

The late summer sun was dipping low, casting long shadows across the stage. The members of NCT Dream had finally wrapped up their intense rehearsal.

As soon as the other members left the backstage Haechan strode towards Mark.

Haechan sat on the stage floor, wiping sweat from his brow, while Mark fidgeted with his water bottle beside him.

Haechan glanced at his friend, noting the unusual silence.
"You okay? You don't seem normal today."

Mark hesitated, his fingers tracing the condensation on his bottle.
"Yeah, I'm good. Just... thinking."

Haechan raised an eyebrow.
"Thinking about what? The choreography? You nailed it today." Haechan said, assuming it was his usual doubt. His usual teasing smug wasn't there but yet a sincere concern about his close one.

Mark shook his head, a small, nervous smile playing on his lips.
"No, not that. It's... it's about Hannah." Haechan's eyes widened in surprise.

"Hannah? Our composer, Hannah?"
"Yeah," Mark replied, his voice barely above a whisper.

He took a deep breath, as if summoning the courage to continue.
"I think I like her, Haechan."

For a moment, the room was silent except for the distant hum of traffic outside. Haechan blinked, processing the confession.

"Wow, Mark. I didn't see that coming." Mark chuckled softly, rubbing the back of his neck at Haechan's pure lie.

"Yeah, neither did I. It's just... she's amazing, you know? The way she talks about music, how she pours her soul into every composition... It's inspiring. And she's always so kind and supportive. I can't stop thinking about her." Haechan nodded slowly, a knowing smile spreading across his face, a glint of his usual smug appearing back.

"I get it, man. She is pretty incredible. Have you talked to her about it?" Mark shook his head quickly.

"No, no way. I mean, what if it ruins everything? We work together all the time. I don't want to make things awkward. Plus I'm an idol and it can affect her too."

Haechan leaned forward, his expression serious.

"Mark, you've got to be honest with yourself. If you really like her, you owe it to yourself to tell her. Who knows, she might feel the same way. And if she doesn't, at least you'll know and you can move forward." Mark sighed, the weight of the situation pressing down on him.

"Yeah, you're right. I just... I don't want to mess things up."
"You won't," Haechan said firmly.

"You're Mark Lee. You've got this. Just be yourself and tell her how you feel." Mark nodded, a determined glint in his eye.