PHASES

Episode 3: Physical Education

I think Hungwonho ***Monsta X**** (Hungwon's relationship with Wonho) had a big impact on this story. They are who first imagined when I tried to picture Justin and Mark, right down to their personalities and adorable height difference. But I knew Justin and Mark were not Hungwon and Wonho; they were younger, actual best friends and they were Thai (I love you Thailand 😙). I didn't want to write a fanfiction story. There were just too many restrictions if I went that path but I'd like to thank them for giving Mark and Justin faces and personalities  ❤

.........

"I'm kinda worried about Mark"  Zoe said trying to keep up with Justin, who was walking very fast that morning while they made their way to school.

Spring had finally arrived. It was around 7 am but the sun was fully shining and it was starting to heat up. All around they passed other people's houses that were obscured by huge green leafed trees. In Nu'Est, during spring and summer, most of the residents houses and yards hid behind a wall of emerald green.

"Did you hear me?" She said trying to match her pace with his. He finally looked at her but was clear that he was preoccupied. Zoe could tell but chose to ignore it and get to the matter at hand. "Mark" answering Justin's dumbfounded expression. "Well, apparently Maddy has a new boyfriend and that she broke up with him at the party. On his birthday! I mean... "

Mark's birthday had actually been the Monday before. And she knew that. That's when they had given him his presents.

Justin absent mindedly  nodded. In truth this was news to him and a sense of relief washed over him. And Zoe continued "apparently that's why he was missing  from the party. Can you believe that. Gosh how heartless could she be. Hey, maybe it's why he didnt show up to school yesterday and why he's avoiding us. Has he spoken to you?"

"No" Justin answered automatically.

"He's not picking up my calls either but I also kinda don't know what to say to him." She added the last part as if speaking to herself. "I knew something like this would happen. That girl was always trouble. I never liked her to begin with"

"Did he tell you?" she continued "when you found him on Friday, did  he tell you?"

"No" Justin answered truthfully. His mind still a little preoccupied. Images of a despondent Mark, and a kiss flashed into his mind.

A silence persisted  for some time as the only sound heard is of their feet on the road.

"Do you think he'll be at school today?" Justin suddenly asked. A look of concern on his face. Zoe looked at him for a moment before she answered.

"I don't know. I just hope he's okay. He really was inlove with her" she looked at Justin apologetically after her last sentence and then focused her gaze forward. They then continue their walk in silence from then on.

They arrived at school almost immediately as the bell rang.

"Our mystery man" said Zoe suddenly stopping. Justin stopped too and followed her gaze.

They stood inside the school grounds looking at Mark as he disappeared inside the school building. And they also hurried to their first class as the bell reverberated throughout the school.

....

When lunch time came, Zoe and Justin made their way to the cafeteria. Bought their food and drinks and proceeded to their usual spot. The table was empty yet again.

"Where do you recon he is?" asked Zoe looking around.

"... don't know" responded Justin and immediately became worried again.
He had been feeling an odd mixture of emotions that mainly included dread, guilt and relief from the moment he had seen Mark that morning.