String to my heart ♪ Mark Lee

♪ 75

Sixteen, still just clueless kids
Five brats in a room every night
At the studio PC waking their DNA (DNA)
Firing neurons, bring the fire, just like TNT (Yeah)

♪

The dorm was unusually quiet for a weekday, quiet enough that the sound of the coffee machine's buzz was loud enough for everyone to hear.

Inside the kitchen, Mark stood in oversized white tee and black sweatpants leaning against the counter with his phone wedged between his shoulder and his ear while absentmindedly stirring the coffee.

"Mom, I said I do eat."
"You say that every single time." His mother replied immediately through the speaker.
"I do because I do eat."

His father's voice joined the call then, softer than his mother's nagging tone but carrying the same concern underneath.
"Are you sleeping well these days?"

Mark glanced through the window as he took a sip of his coffee.
"I mostly do, except for jet lags."
"You don't sound convincing." his father said.

His mother sighed gently.
"We saw the article."

The room suddenly felt smaller, Mark looked down at his feet before sighing and looking back up.
"We know how things online get but don't sit alone and think too much." His mother continued carefully, not wanting to hurt him.
"People talk about it for a few days then move on to the next thing, you have to stay strong through it." His dad added.

Mark let out a quiet breath through his nose, his mind wandering over the things going on and he hated the way it would now affect Hannah too.
"Is Hannah okay?" His mother asked after a pause.

The question softened something in him immediately.
"I think so, I hate how I had to bring her into this." he answered honestly.
"You asked her consent then it's not that you dragged her in, in a relationship you both have to face things together and you both reached that phase now." his mother said firmly.
"Eat properly, sleep properly and stop carrying everything alone. Talk to Hannah or your members okay?"

Mark hummed at their advice and His mother added one final thing before hanging up.
"And tell Hannah we said to take care too."
"Okay..." Mark said softly.

After the call ended, he stayed still for a moment before Jisung walked into the kitchen dramatically.
"Jaemin hyung didn't cook breakfast?"
"You think he eats one?" Mark raised his eyebrows.

Jisung looked at him, processing the world before he looked at Jaemin passing by.
"Jaemin hyung, can you make me ramen?"

♪

Hannah stared at the company email on her laptop.

Due to safety concerns regarding excessive fan crowding near the company premises, artists and selective staffs are advised to remain in dorms/residences unless essential schedules. Today will be marked as a paid day off.

She reread the line twice before leaning back into the couch, a day off. Not because of any other intention but their news breakdown.

Her phone buzzed perfectly while she was thinking of anything but herself.

Mason.

She accepted the group call and was instantly greeted by Mason and Parker, one in bed with his formal lawyer attire on and the other with his hoodie over his head, a pen in hand and his notes, highlighters and pens were scattered on the table.
"Hiii." Parker waved.
"You look deceased." Hannah said.
"I am."

Mason ignored both of them immediately.
"Hannah, seriously how bad is the situation right now?" His tone had his overly protective brother.

Hannah sat up straighter.
"It's manageable."
"That's not an answer."
"The company is just being careful." She admitted.