NCT Imagines (Requests Open!)

Thank You (Mark)

Mark ran after the other NCT 127 members, eventually picking up his suitcase so he could run faster.  The manager herded them onto the plane, and Mark collapsed in his seat next to Haechan.  All of their faces were red and sweaty, and it didn't help that their clothes were more for fashion rather than for comfort.  You would think sweatpants and a hoodie would be the move for the flight from Los Angeles to Seoul, but Mark found himself in skinny jeans.  

"I'm so excited to crash when we get back.  I could use a nap," Haechan yawned.

Mark nodded, but he knew there was no time to rest.  As soon as he got back, he had dance practice with NCT U and had to work on his lyrics for the upcoming album they were putting out.  The grind never stopped.  

"Are you gonna go see Y/N?" Haechan asked, and Mark froze.

He had been telling you for months that he would see you, but something always came up in his schedule.  This year had been so busy for him, and as much as he wanted to stop by and spend some time with you, his schedules didn't allow it.

"Are you okay?" Haechan asked gently.  

Mark had chased his dreams because music made him happy.  He remembered when his parents had given him his first guitar.  He ended up teaching himself how to play it, practicing softly at night so that no one would would hear him and judge him.  And then, his family made the move from Canada to Korea, and Mark debuted with NCT.  In the beginning, he had been so happy, he couldn't put it into words.  Doing music every minute he was awake was more than he could ask for.  

But then, things took a turn.  The company had recognized his talents but had gone a little overboard by putting him in every NCT group possible.  As much as he loved NCT Dream, he was glad he graduated so that he could get more than 3 hours of sleep every night.  He had to admit, it had gotten so overwhelming that he had suffered multiple breakdowns in the dorm room he shared with Haechan.  That's the reason they were so close.  Haechan had seen sides of him no one else had ever seen.  The fans only saw the smile.  They never saw the tears.  Mark had tried his hardest to hide that side from you.  Having you worry about him would just stress him out more.

Mark passed out and when he opened his eyes, they had landed in Seoul.  He grabbed his bags and filed into the van that would take them back to the company building.  His body was dripping with lethargy.  His movements felt sluggish and forced.  

The choreographer shook his head, telling Mark to start over, and Taeyong watched on in pity as the youngest NCT U member shuffled back to square one.  

"Mark," you don't look well," Jaehyun noted.  "You should go home and rest."

The others nodded, encouraging him to take the rest of the day off and come back tomorrow with more energy.

Mark started walking towards the dorms but found himself hailing a taxi.  It was only a few minutes before he was standing outside your apartment.

You had been cooking dinner when you heard the doorbell ring, and you switched off the stove for a moment to see who it was.  Usually, you only saw Mark with a smile on his face and a laugh that could light up a room.  But here he was, barely able to hold himself up.  Dark circles lined the underside of his eyes, and his mouth was twisted into a frown.

"Mark," you whispered, pulling him into your apartment and helping him lay down on the sofa.  "What's wrong?  Are you feeling sick?"

Mark didn't say anything.  He just pulled you close to him so that you were pressed to his side.  You adjusted your position so that he was leaning against you.  You ran your fingers through his soft, black hair.  

"I'm exhausted," he groaned.  "I don't know if I can keep up with everything.  My engine is running out of fuel."

"You shouldn't have hid all this from me," you chastised him, but you knew scolding him would only stress him out more, so you turned his face to kiss him gently.  "I love you, and you know I'm always here to help carry your burden," you smiled.

Mark turned himself so that he was facing you, now.  He moved closer again, sealing the gap between your lips and his.  He had missed this so much.  Slowly, he brought one hand to cup your cheek while the other wrapped around your waist, pulling you closer.

"You totally got this," you reassured him.  "I know it's overwhelming, but make sure you take time to eat and sleep and take care of yourself.  And don't stress about visiting me," you added.  "We can meet whenever you're free.  It just makes seeing you even more special."

Mark stared at your lips which were slightly puffy from him kissing them.  Then he focused on your eyes.  They were so beautiful and full of life.  There were nights when Mark wondered what the ultimate meaning of life was.  But now, he could see that answer in your eyes.  

"What?" you asked, sheepishly grinning.

"Thank you."

You laughed, pecking him on the cheek.  "What are you thanking me for?"

"For taking such good care of my heart.  It's hard for some people to give theirs away, you know?  And once they do, the person they give it to doesn't always treat it well."

You blushed.  "Well you've completely stolen mine."

Mark didn't need the fame and glory behind his career.  All he needed was you by his side, lasting till the end of time with the same smile you had on your face, now.

---

A/N: HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!  I hope all of you are spending the day well and reminding yourself what you're thankful for!!  Thank you ayukikay for requesting this imagine.

Question of the imagine: What are you thankful for?  I'm so thankful for my friends and family because I'm going through a slightly rough patch right now, but I'm also very thankful for all of you.  If it weren't for any of you, my books would just be sitting there, collecting dust.  It means so much when you guys vote and comment and show so much love and support.  I try my best to show how thankful I am by replying to comments, and I have to say, I've made so many friends through Wattpad.  I never imagined making friends who lived on the other side of the world.  So thank you once again for being amazing! <3