String to my heart ♪ Mark Lee

♪ 33

I could never let you go
Couldn't run away if I tried
'Cause even when I'm all alone
You still got a hold on my mind
And I'll always let you know
That I'm always gonna hold on

♪

Mark Lee stood in front of the mirror, rolling his shoulders to ease the tension knotted in his lower back. The ache seemed not to leave soon.

"Hyung, you okay?" Jisung's voice broke through the hum of activity.

Mark offered a small smile, one that didn't quite reach his eyes.
"Yeah, nothing much yo just my back is aching again." Jisung frowned, eyes darting to the table where a packet of pain relief patches lay unopened.

"You should put one of those on. It'll help." Mark hesitated.

He didn't like making a fuss, especially not right before a show. The fans were expecting the best from them, and he didn't want to let anyone down.

As he shifted his weight from one foot to the other, a sharp pang shot up his spine, and he winced.

"Alright" He sighed, surrendering to the inevitable.

"But can you help me put it on?" Without missing a beat, Jisung grabbed the packet and tore it open, the sharp scent of menthol filling the air.

He motioned for Mark to turn around, and as the leader lifted his shirt, the room fell into a brief silence.

The other members, who had been busy with their own pre-show routines, glanced over concern etched on their faces.

"You've been pushing yourself too hard." Jaemin said softly from his spot on the couch, his voice a gentle reprimand.

Mark chuckled, though it came out more as a breathy exhale.
"Comes with the job?"

Jisung carefully peeled the backing off the patch, his fingers steady despite the nerves he knew Mark must be feeling.

The pressure was always on, especially for their leader, but moments like this where they had each other's backs, quite literally-reminded them that they were more than just a team.

They were family.

The cool patch touched Mark's skin, and he shivered slightly at the initial coldness before the soothing warmth began to spread through his lower back. Jisung pressed it down gently, making sure it adhered properly, his touch light but firm.

"Done" Jisung said, stepping back with a satisfied nod.
Mark lowered his shirt and turned to face him, gratitude shining in his eyes.
"Thanks dude." Jisung smiled a bit before he got to his philosopher self.

"Just don't start dancing too hard, hyung. You might rip it off." Mark laughed, the sound easing the tension in the room.

The other members chuckled too, the atmosphere lightening as they rallied around their leader.

"Alright, let's do this," Mark said, his voice steady, filled with determination.

As they filed out of the room, ready to take the stage, Mark could still feel the warmth of the patch on his back, but more than that, he felt the warmth of his members' support. No matter what challenges lay ahead, he knew they'd face them together.

The concert countdown began, and the stage was buzzing with anticipation. The members exchanged nervous yet excited smiles, each of them feeling the weight of the moment.

The vibrations from the deafening cheers above reverberated through the floor, growing louder with every second.

As the trap slowly lifted, revealing them to the roaring crowd, their hearts pounded in sync with the beat.