The Close Strangers

t w e n t y - f o u r

"So, you guys did it?" Minnie asks at the time Mark and Yerim come into the house.

All of the kids are gathering in the living room now, meanwhile, the parents have left. Gyuri even comes up to Yerim just to get a hug from that girl.

"Did what, huh? Do you want me to choke you until you hit the wall behind you?" Mark responds sarcastically.

Minhee hits his arm jokingly, "I know you'll thank me in the end. I've taken a big role to bring you guys back, you know?" She plays with her eyebrows, making Mark squints his eyes even more.

"Bring you guys back? What does that mean? Are you two dating?" Mingyu asks as he walks toward them to get Gyuri.

It makes him sad how that 11 years old girl ran away right after she saw Yerim and left him with the uncomplete puzzles just like that.

"We're not, Hyung. Don't make things up, can you?" Mark gives him the paper bag that has every cupcake that is made by his mom's bakery today.

Mingyu takes the bag as he replies, "I'm sorry, kid. I was just asking."

"Anyway, Noona, did you buy the carton milk I asked you about?" Mark asks as they walk together back to the living room.

"I did, it's in the fridge. Anyway, I should continue to help the girls cooking for lunch," Minhee responds.

Yerim suddenly calls her back, "I'll join, but let me clean up myself first."

Minhee gives her thumbs up, "We'll wait, Yerimmie."

"You know what? At the time you're done cleaning, the food will be ready," Mark says after Minhee leaves.

"Shut up, you're not even planning to help them, anyway," She responds. "Just go drink your carton milk, the one for the kids."

"Everyone can drink that one, you know," Mark defends himself because Yerim is mocking him again.

"It's clearly written on the carton that it's for 6 to 12 years old, Mark," Yerim replies before she walks away to go to the bedroom. "No wonder why your sister can't stop babying you."

Mark gasps, "I still can hear that," He complains as he sees Yerim's going upstairs.

"I'm not planning to make you not hearing that, anyway," She responds carelessly.

Mark drops himself beside Jeno on the couch. He suddenly smiles once he realizes that it's been a while since the last time they were bickering about little things. He's glad they can bring things back right away.

"Why are you smiling?" Jeno glances at Mark as his fingers keep pressings the button of the player stick.

Mark suddenly leans himself to Jeno, making that guy pushes him back as much as he can.

"Stop it, Hyung, you'll make me lose," Jeno whines, but Mark hugs him instead.

"I swear to God, GO AWAY," He suddenly shouts because he ends up losing to Haechan who is already dancing in celebration in front of them.

Haechan comes closer to Mark, "Aye, are you in love? You really look like you do."

Mark kicks him right away without letting Jeno go, "I have a lot of reasons to smile, you know? It's not all about love."

"Then, tell us, how are you with Arin-noona? Are things good?"

Actually, Mark really forgets about her today. He only focused to make things up with Yerim since he's used with Arin being mad and everything.