TIME: Mark Tuan edition

Chapter 70

"Oh no, Mark," I gasp. My eyes flicker back and forth as I read across the screen. "Nonononononononono."

I put my head in my hands and shake my head. I continuously chant, "Not now. No, not now. Please."

My phone goes off and I flinch at the sound of it. I fear to see who was calling and to hear what they have to say. I let it go to voicemail, but they call again not even a second later. I close my eyes and gather as much courage as I can. I grab my phone and my hearts tills as I see the caller. I answer.

"H-hello?" I stutter. They sigh. I look down and fidget with the sleeve of my shirt. "What's going to happen?"

"I spoke with everyone and it's hard to find a conclusion on what to do. The boys are acting nonchalant about it, but I know it's affecting them," the person explains. "I'll pass by to talk to you about what has been discussed. I suggest not coming around the company or the dorms as much. Everyone needs to settle down."

"A-Alright," I struggle to keep myself composed. I'm usually one to already have plans when things happen, but this- this took me by surprised. I was not even able to prepare. I always spent time thinking about a situation if something like this were to happen, but the scenarios I always imagined were never really serious. It hasn't even been long since Mark and I had gotten together. It has probably only been 4, maybe 5 months and we've only seen each other for about two months of it. "JYP? Has he said anything?"

"Again, I'll go into it more when I see you. I'll probably pass by in a few. I'll be sure we're done before you need to go pick up Miguel. Please be careful," they warn me. I hum in confirmation and they hang up.

I put the phone down and my head drops back into my hands. My mind is running, but nothing is making sense to me. My phone buzzes again, but I am unable to answer it this time. They don't call again and text messages start arriving. I am unable to lift my head.

Even though I am unable to take all of these calls and text messages, I wait to hear the special ringtone and alert from one contact. I am waiting and waiting. I need to be consoled, but only by one person. I only hope that he is really okay and that he will be coming with his manager and everything will be solved. I don't understand why.

After a long shower, there is a knock on my door. I rub my hair dry with a towel and answer it. The boys' manager stands in front of me, looking even more unshelved than I could imagine. He glances at me and gives a sad smile. I sigh and move over to let him in. I close the door after him and close my eyes as I take a deep breath.

"Would you like some coffee?" I ask after gaining some courage to speak. He sat at the table rubbing his hands on his legs probably from perspiration. He grunts and I make two cups. I hand him one of them and he quickly takes a sip. "So what's the plan?"

"Well, have your read the responses?" he asks me. I look at him sheepishly and shake my head. He pulls out a tablet from his bag and hands it to me. I look at the same article I had read this morning and read through the comments. "It hasn't been long since their debut and it hasn't been long since their comeback. The news has really shocked all of the fans and netizens. No one imagined this to happen."

My eyes scan continuously from comment to comment. Some fans began conversations between each other. "But they don't know all of the details, right?"

"No. It's a blurry image, but Mark's features are what make him noticeable especially to fans," he explains. "You guys have gone way back, mutual fans of the two of you would know this. They've seen the chemistry you guys had when you guys first interacted back in the states. No what we decide today can change your life. Even if it is not directly towards you, speculations may arise once you are in the spotlight and around them again. Nowadays you guys have been great at keeping it quiet, but this happened and who knows what will happen next."