TIME: Mark Tuan edition

Chapter 59

His eyes were filled with intensity as his last five words replay in my head. "My three years is up."

"Three years?" I ask softly. He smiles and the intensity vanishes. He leans back and holds my hand while he looks at me adoringly.

"My unofficial dating ban," he chuckles. He shifts himself beside my and plays with my fingers mindlessly as he stares out in front of him. I just look at him and admire his profile. "I know you're going to say that we've talked about this, but I'm serious, Chris. I really want to be in a serious relationship with you. I don't care what other people have to say. We don't have to go public. You've been going in and out of our dorm without anyone noticing and you've gone to see us multiple times. We can do simple dates. I don't need anything else. I just want you to be mine. It sounds selfish, but that's all I need."

He looks down at me at the end and just smiles. I stare at him. I don't respond. I just stare.

"I hope you'll say yes. I'll tell Park Jinyoung PD-nim once you do and he'll support us all the way. He already knows you and I'm sure he approves of you. You're an amazing person that I've known for years. I hope to continue to have you by my side, Chris," he speaks with sincerity. "Please, just try it. With me. For me."

As he speaks an answer has already been repeated in my head, but it's hard for me to say. I open my mouth to speak and he sits up straight waiting for the answer.

"If you say no, it's fine. I promise I will stop this, but I won't let it affect us. If-"

"Okay," I whisper.

"-you say no- wait. Did you say okay?" He asks surprised with his lips twitching to be a smile. I reassure his ears with a smile and a nod. His smile finally appears before he pulls me into a long and endearing kiss. When he pulls away he brings me into a tight embrace as I start to giggle with the feeling of giddiness. "I'm so happy."

"I am too, Mark," I reply. I smile happily enjoying his embrace before pulling away. He smiles back at me and glances at the clock. His smile falters and I know it's time for me to go. "I'll be back soon."

"I'll text you," he tells me and I nod. He stands up and holds out a hand. I take it and stand. We head for the door and pause. "Secret all the way or..?"

"Maybe not today," I suggest. He thinks about it and nods. "Thank you."

"Hm?" he questions. I lean up and kiss his cheek and he blushes. "What was that for?"

"Thank you for waiting and understanding," I explain. He smiles and pecks my lips. He releases my hand and walks out the door with my in tow. We look into the living room and see that Youngjae had come out for snacks as well as Jinyoung. Jackson has gone inside so the only ones left were BamBam and Yugyeom. They look at us and wave.

"Where were you guys?" Yugyeom asks.

"In the room. Chris had a nap," Mark explains jabbing a thumb in my direction.

"Want some?" Youngjae offers a bag of chips.

"No thank you, I actually have to go and pick up Miguel now," I decline.

"Want a bottled water for the ride?" Jinyoung asks already standing up to get one.

"Sure," I say. I thank him as he gives it to me.

"Are you going to walk her out?" Jinyoung asks Mark. Mark nods and Jinyoung gives a curt nod patting his shoulder. "Well it was nice of you to look after Jackson. I know he can be a handful. Take care, Christine Noona."

"Thank you, Jinyoung. I enjoy coming here. Maybe next time we can all just hang out again," I say. He nods and rejoins the others.

"Bye, Noona!" Bambam comes and hugs me goodbye, followed by the others. I follow Mark to the foyer and put on my shoes. He stands at the door and holds it for me.