Once in a Lifetime

18

Today was the last day before Jan 1. Although this year was closing soon, V was still not talking to Yeri. They did call a few times, only to catch up on health issues, but that only lasted seconds and his voice sounded mono toned like a robot, no feelings. I sometimes even called Yeri's parents to lie to them that V was eating the dishes they sent over well. The truth was he never ate them so I had no choice but to let Mark eat them.

I wanted to celebrate the end of this year with V, but he said he was celebrating with some of his hyungs at BigHit, so when Mark said he wanted to take me downtown, I agreed.

I dressed casual and cozy this time since the weather has been getting chillier. It was late and dark by the time Mark and I reached downtown, but the street lights gave light to the never ending celebration here. And there were so many people, more than I imagined. We walked around admiring and talking about things that we saw. There was a mini orchestra playing there, so we stop to listen.

Then we stopped at a restaurant to eat. Mark said he would pay and I was secretly glad since I did not know eating was on today's plans and I did not bring money. After eating the first actual meal I had since forever, the bill was handed to us. Mark reached into his pocket, but no wallet. He tried his other pockets, but nothing.

"Uh... I know its rude to ask now since I said I would pay, but I did not bring my wallet, so can you pay this time? I'll pay you back." Mark asked.

"I did not bring money either." I replied. Mark and I sat there thinking what to do. Then Mark said, "Lets go, no one is around."

"Mark we can't go with out paying. There must be a solution. Here I'll call someone-" I could not finish because Mark grabbed me and we now running, not looking back. We ran for awhile, getting as far as we could, but I was losing breath and could not go on any more. i was so out of breath that I could not tell Mark that I was tired, so I tried pulling him to stop, but during the process, my knees gave up and my pull on Mark was too strong so I brought him down with me. I figure that my head would hit concrete so I prepared myself for the impact, but somehow Mark's hand made it under my head serving as a cushion. His hand must be scraped, but he show no sign of it. In the moment where we would be gasping for air after running, our breathing stopped. Mark was on top of me, with a distance so close that one swift movement the space would be closed and our lips would touch for the first time. How would I feel when that happen? Would I like it? Mark, just as I thought, slowly inched his face closer to mine with his eyes on my lips. I felt like the seconds were counting down for the New Year and I was about to have my first New Year's kiss. Just our lips were about to meet, I turned my head to the side making Mark lips brush my cheeks slightly.

With the moment ruin, Mark got up and helped me get up as well, clearing his throat.

"Sorry." He said, sitting on the park's bench. I sat on the bench making some distance between us. Why did I turn my head? Didn't I said I would give Mark a chance? We sat there silently looking at the lake.

"That was my dad's restaurant." Mark said suddenly.

"You mean we dine and dash at your dad's restaurant when we could have just eaten and walk out anyway instead of run. Why?"

"I wanted to leave a memory for you before I left." Mark replied.

"Before you leave? Mark what do you mean?" I asked.

"I'm going back to finish debuting." Mark said to me. "Before I leave, can I ask why you turned you head earlier."

"About that. I don't know why I did what I did. It just happened before I could even think." I replied shyly.

"I think its because of V. You still love I don't really know what happened between you and V, but I am sure that before the accident, you guys did not break up. You lied to him, didn't you?"

"Oppa, how did you know?"

"Just a gut feeling. So do you still love V?" Mark asked.

"I don't even know anymore. Things are getting complicated and I feel like I am the lead in this drama.

"Well, let oppa tell you this: You still love him. Believe it or not, but the people around you can see it. You're the only one blinded by your true feelings for V. That just how it works in love. The two who are in love with each other are blinded by the truth."

I though about what Mark said. "Thank you oppa for the advice. But I think I know myself the best and I am sure that I am in the i-dont-know-stage. But I hope your debut goes well and your hand, will it be alright?"

Mark looked at his hand. "Yeah."

"Well theres no use in saying goodbye since we will be seeing each other soon. I just got the news I am going to Korea to debut. Well SM have not put in a group yet, but I heard that I will be in a group with Joy, Seulgi, and Irene."

"Only four members? SM is know for having big groups."

"Yeah I don't know why, but I know that before the school year ends I will be withdrawing and going to Korea to prepare for the first mini album."

Mark nodded. "I am just happy that V was the one you dated."

"Yah! Stop going on about that! I told you I don't know!" I said.

"Did you say yah? Yah, I am older!" Mark said laughing.

We sat there both laughing and wondering what the new year will be like, before we went home.

Next chapter will be in Yeri's POV. It will still be New Years and she is finally going to find out about V and Wendy's past. Joy, Seulgi, and Irene will be guests in the next chapter.