Black Thunder (Markson AU)

Chapter 9: They'll Be Waiting

Dark. Dark. Dark. That was all Mark saw as he tiptoed down the dark alleyway at that fine hour of night. To his left were several dumpsters, to his right were scattered bags of trash and loose bottles. Brick walls were on either side of him.  An old streetlamp cast a yellow light some streets away. In his stomach was the horrible knotted-up feeling from Jackson's harsh words, his mind still whirring and whizzing at the feeling of them. 

I shouldn't be mad at him, Mark told himself, trying to dismiss the feeling. But he just couldn't help it. What did I do wrong? I tried...I was trying so hard...I thought we were friends...

He was so lost in thought that he barely registered when a tall, shadowy figure approached him from around the corner. His silhouette was tall- much taller than him- with broad shoulders and skinny legs. Mark's breath hitched as stopped in his tracks and kept his gaze glued to the floor.

"Mark Tuan?" A deep, mature voice asked. Instantly Mark shuddered. 

"How do you know my name?" Mark asked in a low, demanding voice. "Who are you?"

The man let out an amused chuckle. "We've met before, Mark. Don't you remember?" He paused for a little. "Well, I assume you've forgotten then." 

"Mhm," he hummed in reply. "By any chance, do you know Inseong and Jihun?"

"I do. Why?"

Mark shoved his hands deeper into his pockets as his heart hammered in his throat. "They stole my friend's box. He needs it back." He tried his hardest to keep his voice level, even though his heart was pounding. "If you can help me find them, that would be great."

After a moment, Mark sensed movement from the other. As he lifted his eyes, the mysterious figure pushed his hood back to reveal his face. He had jet black hair that hung in front of his forehead, dark eyes that seemed to hold truths beyond comparison, and a sharp, clean jawline. His eyes followed Mark's every move.

"Follow me," he said in a low, commanding voice. "Don't make any sudden movements."

Paralyzed, Mark followed him. He wasn't sure if this mystery man was leading him into a trap, but he felt a truthful aura from him. He swallowed down nervous saliva and followed him around the bend to reveal the two tall men who were the thieves responsible. Instantly anger began to build up inside Mark at the sight of their smug, bored faces. 

Jihun was the first to notice their arrival. He put down the silver pocketknife he was holding and jumped off the dumpster he had been sitting on. "Thank you, Seungjun," Jihun said in a low voice.

Inseong, who was sitting on the ground, got up in a flash. He scanned Mark up and down with his large eyes as he tapped the black box with his fingers. "He's the infamous Mark Tuan?" He wheezed before bursting out into laughter. "For real?"

Within two seconds, Jihun joined him. "Are you sure you brought the right guy, Seungjun?" Jihun cackled, pointing a finger at a confused Mark. "That, there, he's Mark Tuan? Potential Black Thunder agent? Renowned for his skill and agility? I don't believe it." He paused for a moment to let out all the laughs. Then he threw his next insult, "Did you crash into a k-pop company and pluck one of their trainees, Seungjun?" Jihun doubled over in laughter. "He can't be an agent."

"Why not?" Mark growled, balling his hands up into fists. "Why can't I be?"

Inseong let out a single, straight-faced guffaw. "You look too weak to be an agent. Where are your muscles? I feel like I can throw you across the wall with my pinky finger."

"How dare you-"

Suddenly Seungjun shot a glare at Mark, signaling him to be quiet. He turned his gaze towards the two criminals. "What do you want me to do with him?" He asked them in a deep voice that matched theirs.