String to my heart ♪ Mark Lee

♪ 39

Between people coming and going
Your words that broke through the loud noise, goodbye
If it's going to be like this, it's better
Don't say mean things
This is more cruel

♪

Mark sat in the dimly lit dance practice room, his thoughts swirling like the shadows around him. As Johnny and Haechan flanked him, he couldn't help but feel the burden of his unspoken feelings for Hannah.

The words he needed to say felt stuck in his throat, weighed down by the fear of what might happen if he actually said them.

Johnny, sensing Mark's hesitation, leaned forward, his expression serious.
"Mark, I get that you're scared. It's totally normal. But think about it- how long have you been holding these feelings in? How much longer do you think you can keep this up?"

Mark looked down at his hands, his fingers picking at the seam of his sweatpants.
"I don't know, hyung... I just don't want to ruin what we have, you know? What if she doesn't feel the same, and it makes everything awkward between us?"

Haechan scoffed lightly, but there was no malice in his tone.
"You're not going to ruin anything Mark. If anything, being honest with her could make things better."

Johnny nodded.
"I mean, wouldn't you rather know where you stand instead of torturing yourself with all these 'what ifs'?"

Mark frowned, still unsure.
"But what if it makes her uncomfortable? What if she feels pressured? It's not letting me go man."

Johnny shook his head.
"You're not pressuring her by being honest about your feelings. It's all about how you approach it. If you tell her in a way that shows you respect her feelings too, she'll appreciate it. Whether she feels the same or not."

Haechan nodded in agreement, his usual playful demeanor replaced with sincerity.
"Hyung's right. You're a good guy, Mark. Hannah knows that. And you know what? She probably respects you more than you think. I've seen the way she looks at you sometimes."

Mark's eyes flicked up, curiosity piqued.
"What do you mean?"

Haechan grinned, leaning back on his hands.
"Oh, come on. You think we haven't noticed? The way she sometimes gets all flustered around you, or how she looks like she wants to say something but doesn't? That's not nothing, Mark. Trust me." He nodded with full assurance.

Johnny added,
"You've been friends with her for a while, right? If she's avoiding you now, it could be because she's dealing with her own feelings. Maybe she's just as scared as you are."

Mark took in their words, the tension in his chest slowly loosening. He wanted to believe what they were saying, but doubt still lingered.

"But what if I'm just reading into things? What if it's all in my head? And even your head but it's actually nothing? I'm really scared dude."

Johnny gave him a reassuring smile.
"There's only one way to find out, and that's by talking to her. You've got to trust yourself Mark."

Haechan chimed in, his voice softer now.
"Look, we've got your back no matter what happens. But you've got to take that first step. You're never going to be at peace until you do."

Mark sighed, feeling the weight of their words settle over him.
"You guys really think I should do this?"

"Yes," Johnny said firmly.
"Because you deserve to be happy Mark. And if Hannah is part of that happiness, then you owe it to yourself to try."

Haechan nodded, his expression earnest.
"Yeah and you're always telling us to be brave, to go after what we want. Now it's your turn to go after her Mark."