String to my heart ♪ Mark Lee

♪ 65

I wish that I could tell you that it's over (Over)
I wish that I could walk away from pain
My life is like a broken roller coaster
But maybe I'm the only one to blame

♪

The vibe had slowly shifted from the post-lunch calm into something louder, warmer and so much more alive. 

Near the karaoke setup, wires were adjusted while Parker crouched in middle of it all, scrolling aggressively through the song options. 
"We have to pick all the iconic songs." Parker declared, half to himself and the other half to the universe. 

"Pick something which everyone knows." Courtney said calmly, crouching beside him to see the options.
"Saying it out is easy, try doing it." Parker huffed. 
"I'm helping." 

A little away from the chaos, tucked into a quieter corner of the place. Mark and Hannah had unintentionally carved out their own space.

Hannah's voice was softer here, like it belonged to a different world.
"I never thought I'll have something like this again, especially after my mom left..." she admitted, glancing around. 
"This place, these people, it feels... nice."

Mark didn't interrupt, he never did when she spoke like that. 

Instead, his fingers found her hand naturally like a muscle memory which she didn't question. His thumb brushed lightly over her knuckles, absentminded but grounding.
"You belong here," he said simply. "Even if you don't think, you do." 

Hannah let out a small breath, her lips curving faintly.

Mark smiled, softer than usual. His eyes glued to her. 

For a moment, nothing else existed.

Across the room, three pairs of eyes observed the moment unfolding in front of them.

"Oh my god," Bailey whispered. 
"They're really dating."
"As they should." Amelia replied dryly. 

Courtney just smiled faintly.
"They look happy."

Hannah felt the sharp gaze on her and glanced over.

She saw them.

She knew.

...and she turned right back to Mark like nothing happened. 

Bailey clutched her chest.
"SHE IGNORED US" She whispered loudly, as if she was physically offended.

Amelia smirked and turned around,
"We're doomed."

They turned around, pretending to do something and acting like nothing happened. 

A minute later, Hannah walked up to them in a slow, controlled and a dangerously calm way. 

"Hey." Bailey said after feeling Hannah's breath near her.

Hannah stood in front of them and crossed her arms.
"Why were you all staring at me like that?"
"I-we weren't." Bailey lied.
"You were overthinking." Amelia corrected.
"It's not always me at the fault." Hannah said, sternly. 

Courtney cleared her throat, "Observing."

Hannah raised an eyebrow, "Observing what?"

Bailey grinned, "You and Mark." 

Hannah blinked once, "And?"

Amelia leaned in slightly, "You guys look cute together." she added it gently, completely derailing Hannah's gaze.

Silence.

Hannah stared at all three of them then sighed.
"You all are very annoying." she said flatly.