Hallmark (Marked Series #3) | NCT Mark AU Fiction

Chapter Four

No Matter What

The next day, I couldn't even bring Mark to look at me. I got him mad real good this time and now, I wasn't sure if I'll fix this mess I made. But we've been through a lot already – much worse than this. Maybe I can still fix it. I felt really guilty now that I see how sad Mark is the moment I confessed to my sudden decision without feeling the need to consult him first. I mean I had to agree. It was him or not him.

I sighed. How am I supposed to fix this now? Should I just withdraw and accept defeat and just completely ignore his father? I thought these only happened in the movies. Now that I'm actually experiencing it, I never really expected his father to be that type – and of course, I didn't want his father looking down on me. I am capable of doing things too. I am capable of being successful – of feeding his son; of giving him a life.

I grunted in frustration until a bag of gummies appeared before me. I looked up and saw Taeyong handing me the bag. "I can't believe you still hide the fact that you still care for each other and make me your messenger every single fucking time."

I laughed at his remarks despite being absentminded before he popped before me.

"He said not to tell you but fuck it. You're gonna know sooner or later and it's not like I'm gonna hand you a bag of gummies without any reason." He rolls his eyes, crossing his arms. I can feel how bothered Taeyong and I don't blame him. He kinda is like our bridge now, me and Mark. I feel glad that Mark still cares but he still isn't talking to me and maybe it's time I set my pride aside and talk to him first.

"Thank you."

He shakes his head. "Next time you fight, make sure you don't care for each other ever again so you don't call for me." He was about to walk away but I stopped him and called his name. He turns back to me with a questioning look. "You're gonna tell me something to tell him?"

"Is he," I paused. "Mad?"

He smirks and puts both his hands over the pocket of his grey oversized hoodie. "Am I supposed to ask him that?" I let out a small laugh. "He is."

My smile fades into a frown. "Do you think he'll ever forgive me?"

"When did you two ever not make up for every fight you've had?" He questioned back.

I blinked and gulped hard.

"Never." He answers. "There's no way he can stay mad at you." He added. "Anyone who's in love can't stay mad at someone they love. You both should know that by now. You should talk to him if you're so bothered instead of this... whatever you two are doing."

I squinted my eyes. The thought of how it's supposed to go makes me flinch. I've never imagined myself in a situation where I have to put so much thought in something I should do. "It's just too... awkward right now."

"Awkward?" He repeated. "How is it fucking awkward?" He almost exclaims. "Whatever. You two... are the most complicated couple in the universe."

"That's a compliment, right?"

He creases his brows shaking his head in disbelief. "It's not."

"He's inside."

I thank Taeyong for telling me where Mark was. I mean Taeyong was right, someone needed to take the first initiative to fix this. This time, I decided it to be me. If I don't have Mark by my side during this whole challenge thing, I might not be able to win anything; I might just drop off the competition.

So this is how it feels like to be the one who's always seeking for forgiveness. Mark has always apologized to me first. He's the most down-to-earth person I've ever met and it pains me that I hurt his feelings.

"Look at me, Nami!"

I slowly turned to his direction in fear. When I saw him, his eyes were shaking and I could see him gritting his teeth in anger. His fists were curled tightly that I can even see his veins popping out of his skin. I've never felt this scared in front of Mark.

'I'm sorry' were the only words I was able to say and I know I disappointed him more.

The corner of his eyes wrinkled as he looked away scratching the back of his head. "How—" he says under his breath.

I shook my head. I wasn't sure if I should tell him about his father but if I did, what would he do? What would his father do? To him? To us? I shouldn't. So I said, "I didn't have a choice." even if I knew it wouldn't change the fact that he's mad at me.

"Do you know how betrayed I feel right now, Nami?" He turns to me, his eyes full of disappointment and anger. "Do you know how—" He points at himself and was unable to finish his sentence. "You know what, do what you want." His eyes never looked this way before. "You never listen to me anyway." At that, he walks away from me without turning back.

The fact that he stormed and walked away from me after he found out what I did was bad sign. I knew I was wrong. He felt betrayed and I can understand how that could affect someone in the relationship. For months, we've been hanging strong but I wasn't ready to let Mark go just like that. He fought for me and I'll do the same.

"Mark." I called but he doesn't acknowledge my presence. He was just stoned in a corner of the studio.

I took a step closer to where he was and forced him to face me which he thankfully did willingly without me, trying too hard. "I'm sorry if you feel like I betrayed you." And I really didn't have a choice. I didn't want to betray you by accepting the challenge and I didn't want to just let your heart be led by your father. "I'm sorry I felt insecure when they called out to me."

He doesn't say anything but he looks down. I knew he was listening so I just had to keep talking.

"I didn't want others to think that you're with someone who isn't capable of anything."

He sighs and finally looks at me. His eyes were even sadder than before. "It's not that, Nami."

My heart raced. His voice wasn't so angry. If anything, his voice was soft, as soft as his eyes stared mine. "I'm sorry." I mumbled.

His hands moved up to my face and strokes my cheeks with his thumb. "You made me feel like I failed as a partner, Nami. Because if you feel that way, it only means that I made you feel less." My heart went even crazier. Mark says a lot of romantic things. That's just the way he is but what he told me just now melted my heart more. "I was worried that you might start comparing yourself to other girls and I don't want you comparing yourself to them because I don't care how bad you are at everything." At that, I couldn't help but let my tears fall down. "Because I do like how bad you are at everything." The intensity of his stare were sending me electric sparks all over my veins.

I feel more tears stream down my face. "I'm really sorry."

He hissed and finally smiled, wiping the tears under my eyes. "No, I'm sorry. I'm sorry you feel the need to prove yourself because I lack at showing you that you don't have to." At that point, I couldn't help but wrap my arms around him and hug him tight. We've had fights – petty or not and they were never this painful and overwhelming at the same time. "I was going to tell you on your birthday but Nami," his hug tightens. "I love you and I'll support you no matter what. Remember that."