f r i e n d s || mark lee

s e v e n

The road trip was awkward. Like super awkward.

Usually Mark is super talkative and will ramble on and on about his music or how excited he is to see his parents. But for some reason he was silent, and when he did say a few words it was completely monotonous. I asked if he wanted to talk but he said no, over and over again.

I played all his favorite songs and still no reaction at all. I don't think I've ever seen him like this. He's always so positive and happy, smiling from ear to ear.

By the time we got to Canada the first stop was my house. Mark and I live about 7 minutes away from each other driving, but about 30 minutes walking.

In high school Mark would always walk me home even if that meant he had to walk home in either extremely hot or extremely cold weather.

Memories like that always made me happy.

I figured that Mark was still bummed about Raven which I respected. So I gave him some space, maybe spending time with his family will cheer him up.

-

Winter break had always been my favorite vacation especially as a little kid. As I've grown older I've just grown to love the holiday season itself. Lucas and I have been FaceTiming each other nonstop, I hate to be corny but seeing his smile brightens my day. But on the other hand it seems like Mark is avoiding me. I don't think I've done anything wrong but he's been m.i.a since we've gotten back home. I can't help but to worry.

Tonight is the New Years party that my parents throw every year. Mark typically comes with his parents and brother but for some strange reason I couldn't find him.

While saying hi to a few more of our guests I saw Mark's older brother, he smiled at me and brought me into a warm embrace. "Every time I see you, you look so much older! How's school?"

"It's been pretty good, I really love New York!"

"I'm happy for you Mel, Mark was telling me that you have a boyfriend now. Lucky guy!"

I began to blush considering the fact that I've had a crush on Mark's older brother all throughout elementary school and I genuinely believed that I would marry him, "Thank you! Speaking of the kid have you seen Mark?"

"Can't say that I have, that weirdo wandered off as soon as we got here"

-

As the night grew closer to midnight I shared stories about college to family friends and drank a few glasses of champagne when my parents weren't paying attention. And then I found him.

He was sitting on the balcony of my parent's room.

"Mark what are you doing out here? It's snowing!" I said smiling at him eager to finally figure out why he's been acting so weird.

Mark smiled before even responding, "I hadn't noticed"

I extended the blanket I brought from inside onto his shoulders, something very similar to what we use to do as kids.

"Remember when we use to try to build igloos but only ended up getting sick and in trouble." I said laughing at our naivety.

Mark only smiled and let out a soft sigh. I've never seen him like this, at all. It worried me because I just want to see Mark happy again.

"What's wrong? You've been avoiding me since we've gotten back home! I miss you Mark! We didn't even get to go iceskating yet! We always spend winter break doing corny stuff! Winter break is almost over, so what's really wrong?", I didn't mean to sound so aggressive but it's true. I missed Mark. Although we were only a few minutes away from each other, this is the furthest I've ever felt from him.

"I'm sorry Mel, I really am."

"Mark what's wrong?"

"I just have a lot on my mind, I rather not talk about it,"

"Why not? Mark we've been best friends since we were 3! I trust you with everything, why can't you trust me the same way? What did I do to you?" I felt my face get hotter. Although it was snowing I couldn't help but feel my blood boil. Not out of anger, but rather frustration! I felt like I was growing apart from someone I want in my life forever. I love Mark too much for that.

"Melanie I'm sorry, I really am."

And with that I couldn't help but to start tearing up. I've never seen Mark be this cold with anyone, let alone me.

"Is it because of Raven? Or Lucas?" Once I said Lucas' name, Mark's face grew with discontent.

"What did Lucas do?" I asked sternly.

"Mel stop crying," as Mark brought his hand to wipe my face I swat it away.

"Mark tell me the truth, now."

"Melanie Lucas did nothing to me, I don't have a problem with him or Raven! I just need some time to myself, I promise."

His voice cracked as he said 'I promise', there was something deeper and we both know that he's holding back.

"Mark you're my best friend, I love you"

"Trust me Mel, I love you more. You'll always be my best friend. I just need time to rethink things. Please."

His voice cracked again, and I noticed a tears swelling up in his eyes. I've never seen Mark cry before, that's how I knew that this was something serious. It's genuinely killing me that I can't do anything to help him. So I just hugged him. We typically never hug, but it just felt right in the moment. I began to cry. I'm not sure why but I felt like I was losing him and I didn't have any control over it.

Mark whispered, "I have something to tell you"

I looked up him hoping that it wasn't something terrible, "yes?"

"Melanie I think I-"

My phone began to ring, it was Lucas.

"I'm sorry I'll ignore him, what were you saying?"

Mark looked away, "No answer him, it's probably important."

"Mark stop bullshitting me, what were you saying?"

"Melanie-"

And Lucas called me again. Mark nodded encouraging me to answer.

"This conversation isn't over!" I demanded, causing Mark to try to smile.

As I went back inside to talk to Lucas, my mind couldn't help to wonder what was Mark going to say. The anticipation began building up within me, I was so worried. Without even realizing it, I heard several "Happy New Years!", Lucas also yelled through the phone.

As bottles popped downstairs and I heard laughter fill the house, I couldn't help but stare at Mark.

My mom came upstairs and hurried us to rejoin the party.

I didn't see Mark again that night.

______________________________

Oof I like this chapter.
So my bias in dream is Jaemin, and I want to write about him but I'm not quite sure what I should write about.

hope you guys enjoyed! 🤪