𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 ♱ [ᴍᴀʀᴋᴍɪɴ]

𝐔𝐍𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐊𝐄𝐍 𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒

The sun had dipped below the horizon, casting the campus in a soft twilight as Jaemin and Mark made their way to their next study session. The air was cool and crisp, carrying the scent of blooming flowers and freshly cut grass. The atmosphere felt strangely serene, a stark contrast to the turmoil simmering beneath the surface.

As they walked, Mark cleared his throat, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between them. ❝Jaemin, I wanted to apologize for the other night. When I asked you to leave so suddenly.❞

Jaemin turned to look at Mark, curiosity flickering in his eyes. ❝It's okay, Mark. But...what happened? You seemed really upset.❞

Mark hesitated, his mind racing as he struggled to come up with a plausible explanation. ❝I...wasn't feeling well. I didn't want to worry you, so I thought it was best if you left.❞

Jaemin studied Mark for a moment, his brows knitting together in confusion. There was something off about Mark's excuse, something that didn't quite add up. But he decided not to press the issue, sensing that Mark wasn't ready to share the full truth.

❝Alright,❞ Jaemin said, offering Mark a reassuring smile. ❝If you say so. Just let me know if you need anything, okay?❞

Mark nodded, grateful for Jaemin's understanding. ❝Thank you, Jaemin. I appreciate it.❞

They arrived at the study spot, a secluded corner of the library that offered both privacy and a quiet atmosphere conducive to concentration. As they settled down to work on their project, the familiar routine provided a sense of normalcy that helped to ease the tension lingering in the air.

Jaemin couldn't help but notice the subtle changes in Mark's demeanor-the way his eyes seemed to linger on him a little longer, the way his smile seemed more genuine, yet tinged with an underlying sadness. Despite the unanswered questions swirling in his mind, Jaemin found himself drawn to Mark, his presence providing a strange sense of comfort.

As they delved into their research, their conversation flowed easily, the usual banter and shared laughter creating a cocoon of warmth around them. But even as they worked, Jaemin's mind kept circling back to the unanswered questions, the oddities that surrounded Mark like an invisible shroud.

❝Mark,❞ Jaemin began tentatively, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between them. ❝I know you said you weren't feeling well the other night, but...is there something you're not telling me?❞

Mark's hands stilled on the pages of the book he was flipping through, his gaze dropping to the table. He took a deep breath, steeling himself before meeting Jaemin's eyes. ❝Jaemin, there are things about me that are...complicated. Things that I'm not ready to share just yet. But I promise, when the time is right, I'll tell you everything.❞

even as his curiosity gnawed at him. ❝Alright, Mark. I'll hold you to that promise.❞

A small, grateful smile tugged at the corners of Mark's lips. ❝Thank you, Jaemin. It means a lot to me.❞

With the unspoken questions lingering in the air, they returned to their work, the silence between them now filled with a sense of mutual understanding and unspoken trust. As they navigated the complexities of their project, and the intricacies of their growing bond, they knew that the answers they sought would eventually come to light.

And as the shadows of the night deepened around them, they continued their work, forging a path through the darkness, one step at a time.