It Was Always You

Chapter 8: I Have to Go

Mark took my hand in his and lead me away to our usual spot, a meadow behind the baseball field. It was always a beautiful place to be, but seeing it in spring I all but gasped at the sight. Mark couldn't help the smile on his face, and I couldn't help but smile back at him. We sat in our usual spot, in the middle of the meadow where beautiful lilies grew. I looked at him in expectation of what he wanted to say.

He sighed, "(Y/N)-ah, I know we have only recently gotten to know each other." He hesitated.

Where is this going, I could only nod to encourage him to continue. I scooted closer for comfort.

He blushed again at the closeness, "B-but I've liked you for a really long time, and I'm glad that I got to be there for you this year. And I know that you are leaving, but would you maybe consider staying for me?"

I stared in shock, "M-mark, I...I," I smiled. "Thank you, but I have to do this. I-I mean I have grown quite fond of you, but this is my dream. I need to follow my heart, and I hope you follow yours and that it leads you to someone who will love you."

He laughed, "Somehow I knew you would say that. That's why I like you so much (Y/N)-ah."

I blushed a bit, "Heh, thanks for that too."

He smiled, and then stood holding his hands, "Come on, you still have to finish packing right? And you're moving tomorrow."

"Haha, thanks for reminding. Is this your way of saying you'll help?"

"Maybe," he playfully laughed.

I took his hand and stood as well. Time to finish packing. We walked back to my house, and soon I was bombarded into multiple hugs of my friends.

"We were so worried we missed you!" Minhyun stated.

"I told you she wasn't moving till tomorrow," sighed, an annoyed Ren.

"I wouldn't leave without saying goodbye," I laughed.

Mark cleared his throat, "I see my help isn't needed, I'll see you tomorrow when I pick you up (Y/N)."

I smiled, "See you tomorrow Mark."

He soon left, and after he was gone I turned around to bright and may I say perverted smiles. I rolled my eyes at the sight.

"It isn't like that. He knows I love Aaron. Besides even if I did like him back, I'm still leaving."

"Wait, back???" JR asked surprised. "He likes you?"

"Uhh," I blushed, "I did not say that."

"Ha, he does! Did he confess?" Minhyun pried.

I blushed redder and headed into the house. I sighed and ran to my room to finish packing the last of my clothes. Most of my stuff was already in my new apartment in the States. Right behind me, of course, were my two nosy friends who wanted the details of Mark and mine's "relationship."

"Spill," JR demanded.

"There is nothing to spill," I shrugged and moved to finish packing.

"You mean to tell us, that nothing happened? In all the months you spent together avoiding us, and were spending time with him?" Minhyun stared in disbelief.

"That would be correct, my dear friend."

They both pouted and leaned against the wall, as there was currently nowhere to sit. I laughed and zipped up the last of my suitcases.

"Why do I feel like you guys are more disappointed than you should be?"

"Because we kind of are," Minhyun laughed, "Come on let's go out tonight, I want to have a mini going away party."

"Sounds fun, how about karaoke?" I said excitedly.

"Haha, sure, anything for you," replied Ren, who just came upstairs.

"I'm down," JR said with a smile.

I jumped happily and went downstairs heading to Ren's car. I texted Mark the plan for the party, just in case he wanted to come. He replied, declining the offer saying that he didn't want to intrude on my friends and that he was happy getting to at least drive me to the airport and see me off. I couldn't help but smile at how sweet he was being in all of this. I really wished I had fallen for you instead. Just then I was broken out of my thoughts when the car doors opened and my friends were getting in, as well my brother in the driver's seat. I soon got in and buckled. In a few minutes, we were all getting out and heading to the local karaoke place. Ren, funny enough, insisted on paying for the room. None of us argued. When we got in we took our seats, dimmed the lights and sang to our heart's content. It was in that moment I realized how much I would miss these dorks and weirdos. I stopped singing with everyone and snuck out quietly unnoticed.

Once outside I breathed in the fresh air as the tears started to run down my face. Quickly wiping them away I felt a pair of arms back hug me, and I laughed.

"I'm okay Ren."

He buried his face in my back, "I know, but we aren't....I'm not..."

I turned and hugged him properly, "I love you, Ren."

"I love you too (Y/N)."

"No matter what I'll try to call you every day, and video chat too!" I sniffled.

Ren chuckled, "I know, and I will try too."

"Let's go back," I took his hand in mine.

"Let's."