Zero

Part 2

Mark stood in front of the mirror analyzing his outfit. Was this too fancy? Too causal? He wanted to look good for your show. Scratch that- he wanted to look good for you. He willed himself to stop trying to impress you. Yet, he always found himself putting in the extra effort. He picked out a light blue collared shirt and a brown blazer. Semi-casual. It said "I care but I don't care that much", the kind of look he wanted. He didn't want you picking up on his feelings. It was embarrassing, really. He still held a torch for you.

The drive over feels far too short. As soon as he parks in the parking garage, his heart is hammering. He hadn't even seen you yet and his heart rate was going crazy. Mark took a deep breath to try and steady himself. He might see the guy you had posted a picture with. He needed to be prepared in case you introduced him.

The glass doors to the gallery were much heavier than they looked. Mark curses under his breath, trying to pull open the weighted door. "Need help?" A deep but melodious voice calls out to him. A very artistic looking man stands there. He has slightly long hair that partially covers one eye. At a closer glance, Mark can see a piercing underneath his cat shaped eyes. It was him. The guy in your picture.

The man walks over and helps Mark push the door open. He gives Mark a lopsided smirk. "That door is impossible to open by yourself." Mark chuckles and scratches his neck. "That makes me feel a bit better." The man extends his hand. "I'm Jaebeom, nice to meet you." Mark musters up a smile and shakes his hand. "Hi, I'm Mark." Jaebeom raises both eyebrows. "Mark? As in Mark Tuan?" Mark pauses. Had he heard of him?

"God, Y/N never shuts up about you." It feels like Mark had been kicked in the stomach. He was desperately trying to get over you. It didn't help that you kept blabbering about him. He didn't want that statement to give him false hope. He tried to remain pragmatic and unemotional. As if on cue, you step into the room. "Oh my gosh, Mark!" You are wearing a short yellow sundress. It is bright and colorful, just like your personality.

You run over and without warning, embrace him. Mark freezes. You still wear the same perfume. Vanilla. He hesitantly pats your back as a response. You pull away and look up at him with a huge open mouthed grin. "I'm so glad you're here." You were literally killing him.

You lead him and Jaebeom into the main parlor, where all of your is clothing is on display. You spin around, your dress fluttering against your skin. "This is it!" Mark nods and gazes around at the racks of clothing. They all looked nice. There is a booth in the corner serving drinks and snacks. Many of the female customers move around with small champagne glasses. Mark makes a mental note to drink alcohol.

"Oh, and this is my business partner, Jaebeom. He helps me design." Jaebeom gives you a knowing smile, and wraps an arm around your waist. Mark nearly chokes at the sight. Your business partner. You weren't dishonest. If you were dating him you would have said so. Though, if you were fuck buddies- that was a different story. The way Jaebeom looked at you made Mark wanted to bash his head into a wall-multiple times.

It made sense that you'd prefer a fuck buddy relationship. Since, you were too busy for an actual relationship. It meant less time and worry for you. It just hurt that you were sleeping with someone who....Wasn't Mark.

Your best friends Jennie and Krystal come over. Mark turns away when he can hear all the giggling. "Oh my gosh. Is that Mark?" Krystal comes over and smirks at him. "Long time no see." Mark gives her a fake smile and shrugs. "Hey, Krystal." Krystal was gorgeous. She had beautiful pale skin, long flowing brown hair, and a body like a model. She knew she was beautiful. Mark didn't like to think of himself as handsome, but he did know plenty of ladies were interested in him.

Krystal was certainly no exception. She had always had an eye on Mark. Even when you were dating him. She never did anything though, besides flirting. Now that he was single however, he felt vulnerable and exposed.

You groan and pull Krystal away from Mark. "God, Krystal. If you're going to flirt with my ex, please don't do it in front of me." Mark gulps. Were you jealous? Or were you just being protective?

Krystal gives Mark a wink before turning back to you.

Mark suddenly felt more lonely than ever. Should he let go of his moral compass? Just sleep with Krystal? Or should he just call up that girl he met on Tinder four months ago? Probably a bit late to ring for a booty call....

Mark is pulled out of his thoughts by someone bumping into him. A woman with long blonde hair had just splashed champagne down the front of his shirt. "Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry." She pats Mark's shirt with a napkin, desperately. Mark laughs and pulls her hand away. "It's fine. I'll wash it off with some water." The girl frowns. "I'm so sorry. I'm such a clutz." She was cute. She had warm brown eyes, and a genuinely welcoming aura about her. "What's your name?" Mark asks. The girl blinks and gives him a smile. "I'm Sana."