TIME: Mark Tuan edition

Chapter 77

Mark's birthday celebration happened without a worry. Youngjae's and Jinyoung's birthday passed and each time no one left sober. Wild times happened, but it was all within us. It's crazy to think about how far we've come- how far I have come.

"Are you sure about this?" Mark asks as we sit in a conference room at their company with many board members and management present. The other's asked if we wanted them there, but there was already so much going on that I didn't want more people around.

"I'm sure, Mark," I nod my head. We both face the awaiting faces and read through the paperwork together. Today I was taking a big step. Before I could even make my final conclusion, Mark and the others made sure I went through multiple run throughs and made sure I was aware of what was to come ahead. They took precautions and prepped me.

"It says she would be exposed to the public through a gossip magazine?" Mark reads unsure. "Is this really the best way?"

"They've already contacted us previously saying that they would not blur out her picture," one person answers.

"Even if it's a gossip magazine, it's something that everyone looks at even if we deny it," another adds. Mark nods and unlike him, I can only pretend to actually read through every detail. I had already lost focus the moment it was placed in front of me. I was able to get a jist of what was being offered. I was glad to have Mark here. It was nice to leave this part for him to fully manage.

"She'll be connected JYP Entertainment officially and will be inadvertently connected to GOT7 as you had multiple public interactions already," someone else comments. I assume a majority present are part of the PR team.

"And Miguel?" I finally speak up. "He will be safe and protected, right?"

"I will make sure he is okay," JYP himself answers. I smile at him gratefully and he just nods.

"How do you feel about it, Chris?" Mark asks me. I look at him uneasy.

"What do you think?" I turn the question back to him. He scratches his neck and nods as he looks back at the paperwork.

"It's honestly that bad of a plan. It's a stepping stone and with what they're saying, the gossip magazine will be good. It'll make your name buzz around and maybe the photos will grab more attention. Like you said before, people have seen your face before. It has been broadcasted. Your voice is heard almost every morning through the radio. You're practically already a public figure, you just haven't made a proper entrance," he speaks in such a knowledgeable way that all I can do is admire him. Things pertaining to this I can only turn to him as he has been through all of this and is someone I truly trust.

"Okay," I nod. I turn to everyone and nod. They smile and I stand up and bow to them. "Please take care of us. Thank you."

Mark quickly follows and we stand up straight together. JYP stands and nods. He tells everyone to get on it right away before approaching us. He leads us out of the room and then faces the two of us.

"You guys will have to be extra careful," he begins. Mark and I glance at each other and nod in understanding.

"I'll be busy with our comeback, anyway," Mark rubs the back of his neck glancing at me. I smile and nod.

"I promise I won't be a distraction and will act responsibly. I only hope my status will not affect them in any way," I say to him. He purses his lips and pats his neck as he nods.

"We'll try to manage the media as much as we can to filter them," he reassures me. I smile and thank him. "I'll go back and work on our plan."

"Thank you," we bow and thank him and watch as he returns back to the room. Mark and I look at each other and let out a deep breath together. We chuckle and hug happily as I take on the next step of my life.