Zero

Part 6

You aren't there the day of the photoshoot. Somehow, Mark is grateful for that. He definitely couldn't face you after the last encounter. He knew you were hurt. You were obviously working- you just wanted to avoid Mark.

That was okay. Mark deserved the silent treatment. This bitterness that has been eating him out was slowly ebbing out of him. It was dripping out like some sort of sickly syrup, making the floor sticky.

Mark knew he needed to get the dark cloud above his head away from him. He was hoping that Sana could provide him with some sunshine. She was unbelievably nice, friendly, and a good listener. She had a way of making Mark laugh and smile naturally. When he was around her, his thoughts didn't revolve around you. He needed to remind himself that you weren't the center of his universe. You were not his sun. He needed to find warmth elsewhere.

The photographer finishes up the last couple of shots, and Mark is relieved. Wearing the clothes you designed with Jaebeom is awful. Not the design, of course. It was the fact that you two had created this thing together. Without meaning to, Mark had just created more suffering for himself.

He goes to the changing room, eager to get out of the clothes. He exits, startled by a body leaning against the door. Jaebeom. "Hey, Mark. What do you think of the clothes?" Great. The last person he needed to see today. Mark stopped himself from rolling his eyes and gives Jaebeom a firm pat on the back. "They're great. Love them." Jaebeom smiles back at him, a genuine smile.

Mark could see himself maybe being friends with Jaebeom. Perhaps, in another reality. He seemed easy going and nice. Basically, exactly the kind of guy you'd fuck. He also oozed sensuality and mystery- another girl killer. Mark starts to walk away, but Jaebeom grabs him by the shoulder. "Can I treat you to a drink or something man?" Mark laughs. He couldn't be anywhere Jaebeom if he had alcohol in him. There was no telling what Mark might do.

"Uh, no thanks. I actually have plans with Sana after this." Jaebeom smirks and wiggles his eyebrows. "I see. Plans. Cute." Jaebeom's gaze lingers on Mark before continuing, "She is a great girl." Mark let's out an awkward laugh. "Yeah, I know. I'll remember that."

He walks away from Jaebeom, eager to create distance. He finds Sana next to a water cooler. "Hi Mark!" Somehow the sight of her makes him relax. "Did you want to go see that movie now?" Sana nods vigorously. Sana loved horror movies. There was a new one that just came out. Mark enjoyed them as well, so it was the perfect date idea.

After arriving at the theater, Sana quickly picks out her favorite collection of movie snacks. Mark is puzzled as to how exactly they can carry everything, but it turns out skittles do fit in a purse. They find a seat, and get settled in. Sana leans over to power off her phone before reading a message on her home screen.

"Oh, Y/N."

Mark grits his teeth. How was it that you kept butting your head into his business? He was starting to not buy your innocent and clueless act anymore. Were you purposely pulling at his emotions?

"She said the photos came out great and she is really happy." Mark relaxes. A business related message. Maybe you weren't angry or jealous after all.

After the movie, he walks Sana back to her apartment. She fumbles with her keys for a moment, before pushing the door open. "Well, this is me." Mark nods, taking this as a cue to leave. "Well, goodnight—" Sana grabs Mark by the sleeve of his shirt.

"Do you want to stay for a cup of tea?" Mark blinks. A cup of tea. Did she want him to come in and talk? Or did she just want to sleep with him? Mark didn't want to make the wrong move. "Um, sure." He shuffles in behind her, and Sana beckons him in.

She walks over to her kitchen, and sets out two mugs. "I have mint tea or chamomile." Mark scratches his head. "Uhm, mint?" Mark wasn't exactly a tea expert. Sana hums as a reply, busting herself. Her apartment is cheerful and bright, just like her. The walls are painted light colors, giving it an airy feel.

There isn't much space in the apartment, but it is relatively nice for someone living alone. Sana offers him a warm cup, and sits down on her fluffy white couch. Mark reluctantly sits down next to her. Sana giggles. "Are you okay? You look all stiff." Mark laughs. She could tell.

Sana chuckles and leans over to rest her head on Mark's shoulder. He doesn't move an inch. He isn't sure what to do exactly. She was creating intimacy, but that didn't mean she wanted sex. "Wow, you're really warm", Sana remarked. Mark tried to loosen up. "I am? I guess so." Sana smiles and looks up at him. "Like a furnace."

Mark's stomach drops. That was his nickname....For you. Any warm and fuzzy feelings that had been building inside of him slowly evaporate. "Did I upset you?" Sana is looking at him like a sad puppy.

Mark quickly shakes his head no. "No, just reminded me of an old friend." Sana nods sympathetically. "You think a lot. You need to get out of your head more. Is it just that I'm boring?"

Mark gently grabs her hand. "No, I swear it isn't you." Sana smirks before leaning in and pecking him on the lips. A gentle kiss. Probably was just her showing affection, but not in a super serious way. Mark leans over and returns the peck. After this exchange, Sana curls up against his side again.

Sana didn't seem like the kind of person to rush physical intimacy. Plus, Mark wasn't sure he could handle that right now. He really liked Sana- but sleeping with her felt wrong. He would only be using her if he did that. It was wrong to sleep with someone for his own physical gratification.

Yet, you were doing the exact thing with Jaebeom. Mark couldn't help but wonder how often. Every night? Every Friday? Just weekends? How were you able to have sex and not develop feelings for him? Were you always so unemotional and detached?

Mark's phone begins to buzz, and he gently moves a sleeping Sana off his shoulder.

You: Mark, I really need to see you. Come to my apartment-now.