A sort of regret came to Jinyoung after telling Youngjae about Mark being friends with Wonpil and his visits to the studio. How could he not when Youngjae was, most of the time, at the studio whenever he was free from the classes?
Knowing nothing of the truth, although he had no idea why Youngjae came regularly to his studio, Wonpil was actually glad to have Youngjae there.
But Jinyoung knew what the younger's motive was, and whenever Wonpil was not around, he tried to convince Youngjae to go back home.
"Stop doing this kind of stupid things. Why, Youngjae, you must go back home, and study or do something else, instead of sitting here and doing nothing."
"I can study here If I want to, hyung. And it's not like I have anything special to do at home."
"Youngjae, you know yourself that the reason why you're spending too much of your time here, is just plainly stupid. I did not tell you he came here so often. Probably the last time was his real last time. Even if he came, what would it do you? It won't do you any good."
"But, please, let me just have this way, hyung. I feel like I must not ignore this chance."
"Chance of what? Seeing him? Making him fall for you? Nonsense. It should've ended since long time ago."
Jinyoung let out a heavy sigh, shaking his head. Youngjae shrinked a little in his seat but he was as persistent as ever.
"Look, Youngjae, you must not waste your time here. Go and do something active. Hang out with your friends or whatever. This is not a place to relax in."
"But I'm content to be here, hyung. Besides I can talk with you whenever you get spare time."
"Which is rare," Jinyoung pointed out. "Wonpil doesn't say a word about it. But if it continues, he might get suspicious about why you are always here, when it's so obvious that there's nothing specially you could enjoy here."
"But I like music and seeing those singers come and go, here," said Youngjae, half-convincingly.
"This isn't a romantic place you should come and enjoy music. This actually is a chaotic one when work is to be done. Don't coax me with those words, Youngjae, we both know very well what your sole motive is."
Jinyoung tried with every word that might tempt Youngjae to give up that fruitless hope and leave the studio. But compared with Youngjae's persistence, every word of Jinyoung had come to end up in vain.
As busy as he was, at last Jinyoung could do nothing but to just let Youngjae have his way. It had been days but Mark had not appeared. Yet Youngjae was a regular one to be at the studio whenever he could make time.
Jinyoung was not counting the days or weeks, but he guessed it was about after two weeks of Youngjae's regular visits, Mark Tuan came to the studio again.
But Youngjae was not there, attending his classes, which was a great relief to Jinyoung.
Saungmin was recording his song, being guided by Jinyoung, in the studio room; and Jinyoung had, at first, no idea whoever was outside in the small living-room with Wonpil.
Only half of the song had been recorded successfully, and Saungmin was already weary and frustrated with his repeated mistakes. Jinyoung gave him some time to release his mind a bit before recording the next half.
Exhausted, Jinyoung went out of the studio room just to be welcomed by the person he wanted to see the least.
"Jinyoung, rest a while,"said Wonpil, as soon as Jinyoung came out of the studio.
"Only the first half has finshed. Just a break of some minutes.
Mark was just sitting on one sofa in silence, all the while Wonpil and Jinyoung were talking.
"I'll continue the rest. Just take a rest here."
Jinyoung's mind came back to alertness. The idea of taking a rest by sitting in front of Mark was a big no to him.
"No, I'm alright. I'll continue it."
Wonpil shook his head.
"It won't do you good if you're already tired," said Wonpil gently. "Mark, I'm afraid I must get back there in a while. Are you free? Maybe, hopefully, it won't take much time so we can get back to our chat."
Mark nodded and said, "I can wait for you. No problem."
Mark's calm voice didn't calm Jinyoung at all. Instead it evoked anger in him. No one but only he knew, once Wonpil was out of sight, this man was going to jeer him with words till those spiteful glares and scowls started between them. That guy was really pretentious, thought Jinyoung, now he was making up a composed expression, and once Wonpil was gone, he would turn to his true self again. His coarse, sarcastic self.
"Aw, Wonpil, we've the appointment with the Tenforth company manager to sign for twelve songs for their singers. Perhaps, I should go there. It's already a quarter to one, and the time to meet is at two. I'd better leave now."
Jinyoung thanked his memory to remember this appointment at this critical moment. He would be out all and for good, away from Mark Tuan.
"But both of us didn't bring the car. Will taxi be okay?"
"Indeed, I'm too tired to drive anyway even if there is car ready."
Jinyoung turned to a small table at the corner of the room to collect his things and the other necessary things.
"Mark, you free?"
"Yes?"
Wonpil thought of something to say but hesitated.
"Nothing, nothing. It would just be a trouble to you."
"What is it?"
"I was wondering if you could give Jinyoung a lift. You came by your car."
Jinyoung turned around in almost panic.
"No, I'd rather take taxi. I should go by taxi only. It's better this way," protested Jinyoung, almost out of breath. He was determined not to accept this misfotrune.
"In favour of you, I can give him a lift."
As if he was so unwilling to give a lift if not for Wonpil, thought Jinyoung.
"I'll just go by myself."
"Will it be okay?" Wonpil asked.
"Why not."
With a bit of relief, Jinyoung looked at Mark with a bit of triumph. But all he could see were those eyes mocking him, as if repeating that question of 'Are you afraid to be alone with me?'.
How Jinyoung hated that guy and his guts.
Those sarcastic eyes were challenging him, humiliating him. Jinyoung hated Mark and hated even more to be assumed like he had no guts to be alone with him.
Jinyoung was boiled with anger and pride to prove Mark wrong and to defeat those jeering eyes. Why should he back out when those eyes were challenging him?
"I'll go with him."
