Ethereal love ➳ Mark Lee

➳9

Love takes off masks that we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within.

"Weren't you supposed to be the one watching over me?" You chuckled to yourelf, watching the boy who was situated on the sofa closest to the fireplace. The fear had withered away yet you found yourself unable to sleep, caught up amongst the deep thoughts as your eyes trailed over the words inked on his arm.
NCT

Form of gang symbol?
You couldn't help but feel curious, pulled into endless thoughts about him and his lifestyle. Something was luring you in, and you wasn't even opposed to it.
"Why can't we be friends.." you whispered, watching as he took slow deeps breaths.
"You don't have to hide yourself with me Mark."
You knew he couldn't hear it but you still wished he heard your words.

Just as your eyelids grew heavier, your phone lit up with a notification.

He was wrong- it isn't love.
What's wrong with caring?
What's wrong with wanting to help?

He was the first to wake up, his eyes squinting at the brightness of daylight, he groaned and tossed to the other side, only to be met with her sleeping, sitting up against the coffee table opposite him.
He winced at the thought of how uncomfortable she was right now.

Swinging his legs over the side of the sofa, he felt around for his phone.
5:23

He mentally scolded himself for sleeping at an inappropriate situation.
Mark sighed when he looked at her again and guilt flooded him.
Habitually, he grazed the lipring with his teeth.
"Please don't wake up." He muttered, looping one arm under her knees and another supporting her back.
The sudden movement make her jolt for a second, he stopped in surprise, standing as still as he could.

Areum didn't wake up however she fell into a deeper sleep, head resting against his shoulder, unaware of the situation.
"Don't wake up." He muttered again, navigating his way to the stairs. Carefully, he stepped up one stair at a time, making sure he didn't disturb her sleep. Mark was very conscious of the fact her head was resting against his shoulder.
Was it uncomfortable?
Was he sweating?
Why did it suddenly become so hot in the house?

He finally reached upstairs and easily spotted her room. Thanks to the fact her name was scrawled against the door. He chuckled at the makeshift 'do not disturb' sign.
Stepping into the room, he was greeted by a relatively plain room. It was cosy.
She stirred for a second and muttered something incoherent.
Feeling panicked, Mark quickly set her down on her bed, making sure the covers were over her.

Just as he turned to leave he suddenly stopped.
"Ah wait." He whispered, tiptoeing to the window and drawing the curtain shut.
By the time he had made it downstairs, he finally let out a sigh of relief.
As fast as he could, he gathered his stuff and closed the door shut behind him, texting a quick message to the girl sleeping in the house he had just left.

Wow another update lucky you :)
Also do we ship Mareum or whatever they're called

Side note idk where this book is going