String to my heart ♪ Mark Lee

♪ 44

I'm not afraid anymore
I've hit it over and over down, down, down
I stick to this scene
I've endured and come this far, now go for the next, next, next

♪

As the group slowly began to shake off the remnants of sleepiness from the movie, Haechan stood up with newfound energy stretching his arms high above his head.

"Alright, now that we're done with that disaster of a movie" he declared, his voice suddenly loud and determined.
"it's time to make this night interesting, drinks anyone?"

Jisung groaned from his spot on the floor, still wrapped in his blankets.
"Hyung, we just survived that movie. Can we please go to bed?"

Haechan shot him a teasing glare.
"Bed? Jisung, you're barely legal to drink but it's time you learned how to enjoy life. No way I'm letting this night end without a little fun!"

Renjun and Chenle exchanged amused glances, knowing there was no stopping Haechan once he had an idea in his head.

"Fine" Renjun sighed getting up.
"But let's keep it chill. I don’t want to clean up after any wild Haechan antics."

"You underestimate me Renjun" Haechan grinned mischievously.
"Trust me, it'll be legendary."

As the group reluctantly began gathering around the kitchen, Jisung remained on the floor protesting weakly.
"But we already had cake... Can’t we just sleep?"

Jeno chuckled, ruffling Jisung’s hair as he passed by.
"You can sleep after the first round."

Haechan, already pulling out the bottles turned back with a sly smile.
"Let’s get this party really started!"

Before long, drinks were poured and the once-drowsy atmosphere was quickly replaced by laughter and chatter. Even Jisung gave in, reluctantly accepting a drink from Renjun with a dramatic sigh.

As the alcohol began to work its magic, the group grew more animated. Jaejin and Jihye were back to their playful antics tossing lighthearted jabs at each other while Jaemin and Chenle engaged in a lively debate about something nonsensical.

Meanwhile, Mark and Hannah had gravitated toward each other once again. This time, it wasn’t just a sleepy accident. The alcohol had loosened their inhibitions and without thinking, Mark slipped an arm around Hannah’s waist pulling her closer as they sat on the couch.

Hannah, equally emboldened by the drinks leaned into him with a soft smile, her head resting on his shoulder as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

They exchanged quiet whispers, their conversation drowned out by the others’ loud laughter but there was an unmistakable intimacy in the way they clung to each other.

"Look at those two," Jihye whispered to Jaejin, nudging him with a smirk.
"I knew they’d get even clingier after a few drinks."

Jaejin chuckled, raising his drink in their direction.
"To Mark and Hannah, the clingiest couple that’s not even official yet."

Across the room Haechan having noticed the growing closeness between Mark and Hannah grinned slyly.

"Yah, Mark," he called out, making everyone turn toward them.
"Are you guys glued together or something?"

Mark's face flushed both from the alcohol and the teasing, tightened his grip around Hannah slightly but tried to play it off.

"What? We’re just sitting. Can’t a guy sit next to his friend?"