Zero

Part 4

Mark sighed and took off the leather jacket he was wearing. Someone on set appears behind him with a water bottle. He takes the cold beverage gratefully, gulping it down. Mark modeled for a few fashion magazines. He was scouted during his last year of high school. He expected it to be super glamorous, but most people his age didn't even know the company. It wasn't like he was an A list celebrity or anything. Maybe a few moms at the supermarket would recognize him and ask for a picture. That was about it though.

Mark didn't mind. Sometimes he wished he could branch out, like you did. You always challenged yourself. You weren't afraid to try new things. Mark was far more cautious. He liked to stick to a routine, it was far more safe.

The photographer bumps into Mark and gives him a handshake. "Got some great shots today, Mark." Mark mumbles a word of thanks, not really wanting a conversation. "It's a shame you aren't modeling for a younger brand though." Great. Adding fuel to the fire. Mark gave him a weak smile and shrugged. "It happens." The photographer leans over to eat a sandwich on the table. "Look, you're a good looking guy Mark." He pauses to chew off a piece of the turkey sandwich. Mark can see a smear of mayo across his face and the sight annoys him. "You should try looking into other companies." Mark nods and leaves. He knows he could be doing better. He just didn't want someone with turkey sandwich all over their face giving him advice.

As he leaves the studio, his phone buzzes.

Sana: Hey Mark, do you have time to meet up today? I proposed an idea to Y/N but I need your help.....😊☺️

Mark scratches the back of his neck in confusion. He didn't know anything about fashion design. He couldn't really be that much of a help. Regardless, he texted Sana back and agreed to meet her.

Sana recommended a lunch place not too far from the studio. If he hurried, he could be there in time.

He arrives at the place relatively quickly. Sana is sitting by a window seat, her blonde hair tucked into a ponytail. Mark takes a moment to admire her profile. She was very pretty. He approaches her, clearing his throat to announce his presence.

Sana looks up and smiles at him. "Hi Mark! Thanks for meeting me." Mark takes a seat across from her. "No problem, what was it that you needed to talk about?"

Sana'a mouth falls into a small pout. Her pink stained lips and rosy cheeks seem to only enhance her cuteness. "I was wondering if you would help with a project for the company." Mark inhales. Why would they need his help? "Sana, I don't have any experience with fashion design so—" Sana shakes her head, cutting him off. "This project isn't about fashion design."

She lets out a small sigh before continuing. "It is about modeling. We need someone to do a photo shoot wearing our clothes." Mark's eyebrows furrow together. "I don't understand. Y/N's brand is mainly geared toward women..." Sana twiddles her thumbs nervously. "Well, Jaebeom came up with a plan to change that." Jaebeom. So in addition to fucking you, he was also whispering suggestions in your ear. Great.

"He wants to make her brand more inclusive. Including a line of men's clothing could help." Mark can't control the snort he lets out. It was obvious he just wanted something he could put his name on.

Sana gives him a cross look. "Don't laugh! Strategically, it is a good idea. Plus, Y/N agrees. We just need a very handsome male model." Sana shoots Mark a grin, and he already knows he can't say no.

Mark leans back in his chair, deflated. "Did Y/N come up with the idea to ask me?" Sana raises an eyebrow. "No, this was my idea. I thought you fit the image well." That was a relief. At least you weren't purposely trying to create humiliating scenarios for him.

Sana gives Mark a lopsided smile. "I know you guys have history....So, I'm sure it's awkward. That is why I wanted to ask if you were okay with it." Mark sighs, Sana was right. It would be awkward. Very awkward. Who knows though? Maybe it could be a chance for him to get back at you for all this torture. Mark wasn't a vengeful or vindictive person. He was just growing increasingly tired of your games.

Maybe if he played his own cards, you would stop.

Mark looks up at Sana. "I'll do it."

Sana's eyes widen like a puppy. "Really?! You will?! Yes!!!!!" She claps excitedly. "That's it- I'm treating you to lunch here. Order whatever you want." Mark grins. In addition to being super cute, Sana was thoughtful. She gave off a bit of a little sister vibe. Although, Mark tried to shove those feelings down. If he tried hard enough, he could see himself dating her.

It was obvious she found him attractive, but he would have to test the depth of her feelings. He didn't want to use her as a pawn to hurt you. He just...Didn't want to be seen as the loser ex-boyfriend.

So, before he can stop the words flying out of his mouth, he asks her a question. "Are you single?" Sana nearly drops the menu in surprise. A blush rapidly spreads across her cheeks. Okay. She did like him.

Mark grins, waiting for a response.

"Yeah I am." Her voice is so faint Mark has to lean in to hear her response.

Perfect.

Mark orders a hamburger with fries, whilst Sana opts for a pasta dish. There isn't a rapid flow of conversation when the food comes. Sana puts her fork down and clears her throat, trying to get Mark's attention.

"Would you like to go on a date sometime?"