Trust | Lee Mark

Chapter 18

<April 2022>

"Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you, we love you our Eunhye, Happy birthday to you!" a chorus of the song happy birthday interrupted me from my sleep.

(A/N: I used the Korean version of the song but I translated it to English)

I groaned and sat up from my bed, rubbing my eyes away from drowsiness. I looked up to see my members holding a birthday cake with bright smiles.

I blinked my eyes in confusion, it's my birthday?

Despite my confusion, I still blew the candles. "Thankyou guys, is it really my birthday though? I've been losing my sense of time." I smiled sheepishly at them.

"Of course, the first of April has passed and you still think we're pranking you." Jieun shook her head in disappointment. 

I gave them an apologetic look, "Let's cut the cake then, we have the SM annual party later on right?" 

Gaeun nodded at me while cutting the cake, "Yeah, we have to immediately get ready after eating the cake though. The party is in 2 hours." 

I immediately widened my eyes in horror, "2 hours?! Does that mean I've been sleeping until 4 pm? Why didn't anybody wake me up?" I half screamed, not believing them.

"We've been preparing really hard for our comeback, not to mention you've been doing some extra practices yourself. It's obvious you're really tired, Eunhye. Which is why we didn't wake you up, not to mention you're getting thinner." Soomin explained with a small smile.

Yeah about that, I'm getting thinner not because I overworked but because I'm trying to save money.

I gave them my eye smile, "Thankyou guys, this really means a lot to me. I'm sorry if I'm not really that affectionate with you guys, but I'm so thankful that you guys are my members. I love you all." I sincerely said before hiding my face on my pillow due to my embarrassment.

They all cooed at me before giving me warm hugs, causing me to feel really happy.

I wonder if Mark remembers my birthday?

***

The Secret Garden members have just arrived at the SM Annual Party. Apparently once in awhile SM holds a party for the SM artists and the higher up staffs. Fortunately, this time it happens to be on the same day as my birthday.

My eyes immediately gleamed at the selection of the food provided by the company. It really has been awhile since I've eaten anything grand and this many (not that I could eat much in the first place). I've been trying to save money to the point I can't make myself full or have a decent meal, the most grand I've eaten for this past month is probably tteokbokki and jajangmyeon.

I separated from the rest of my members and immediately went to the food section, scanning over the food. My heart fluttered when I saw sushi, my favorite food, being one of the options. 

I apologized to myself if I sound desperate, it really has been that long since I had a decent meal.

After taking the sushi to my plate, I put them in my mouth happily, savoring the flavor while I still can. While munching on the sushi, I decided to scan the whole party venue since it's better than awkwardly standing while eating.

While scanning, I found Mark already looking at me. When he noticed that I was staring, he gave me a small smile. I blushed and immediately turned my back to him since I am embarrassed that I was eating like a madman in front of everyone.

"Eunhye-ssi." someone called out to me.

I turned to them, immediately recognizing them. "Good evening, Doyoung sunbaenim." I smiled politely at him.