oh my ghost! mark lee
- chapter one
Summary: Mark was never the popular kid- always just behind the spotlight, and for as long as he’s known, he’s been able to see ghosts. Lucas on the other hand was a bright star. The most popular guy at school with a bit of an attitude, until the accident where he crashed and burned- literally. The two would rarely cross paths, but now with Lucas dead it seems like they have no other choice.
pairing: Mark x reader (x Lucas?)
category: fluff/angst
word count: 2k
warnings: death mention, underage drinking?, alcohol mention, mark being anxious oop-
authors note: hey guys! i’ve had this idea in my head for awhile now and i’m really glad i was finally able to push out the first chapter:) it’s inspired by the kdrama oh my ghost on netflix. as usual i have NOT proofread it so let me know if there’s any mistakes! feedback would be greatly appreciated <3 enjoy!!
—————————-
Just like every other day Mark was there at the coffee shop near his campus. Waiting for 4 o’clock to hit just so he could see you again. Today was going to be the day that Mark would finally say something to you. Something other than whispered hellos, and awkward how are you’s. Yet when the bell rang, signalling your arrival, he found himself clammed up and suddenly his cup of cold coffee seemed a lot more interesting than before.
He couldn’t help but give out a sigh as he heard the voices rise up in annoyance.
“Mark this is the 5th time this week! You said you’d talk to her, and I was finally getting my hopes up. I’ll go away to the AFTER after life before I see you get married! ”
It was normal for him, the constant nagging of ghosts who have become invested in his sad, sad life. Yet they did give him a little comfort, at least he had someone there- even if they were dead.
“I’m sorry guys, I promise next time I’ll talk to her. For real this time.”
“That’s what you say ALL the time!”
“Okay okay, but this time I’m being honest.”
There was a soft huff of annoyance from the dead before Mark turned his focus to his surroundings. A newly dyed head of grey hair appeared in the bustling crowd of the coffee shop, making a beeline right to Mark. Haechan slipped his way through to the seat right across with a smug grin planted on his face.
“So loverboy, have any luck this time?” Mark knew Haechan wasn’t asking because he was curious, the answer was clearly displayed in the way Mark sat alone. “...No, but one of these days I’ll talk to her and then you’ll see, Hyuck.” Haechan let out a small giggle and pat Marks hand. “Whatever you say... and in brighter news, there’s a party tonight over at the NCT frat. Would you do me the honor of joining me today?”
Mark thought about it. He was never really one to enjoy parties, constantly sticking to the wall and cradling his phone all by his lonesome. Always destined to be the designated driver and babysitter of the night, but something about tonight called him to join.
“Alright, but just for a bit, I still have an essay tonight.”
“Woohoo!! So you can drive us to and from right?”
Mark let out a sigh, he definitely saw that one coming.
“Sure, Hyuck.”
------------
As 8 o’clock slowly neared, Mark drove into his friends driveway to pick them up. After a few exchanged messages, out came the herd of boys. Renjun, Haechan, Jaemin, and Jeno bustled into Marks crappy silver Honda Civic, effectively slamming the door on their way in. “Guys I’ve already told you to be careful with my car.” Mark sighed out, everytime he gave the boys a ride they were always just a bit too rowdy. No matter how many times he’s told them to be more gentle with his car, they’d always find ways to knock it up just a little bit more.
Jaemin let out a small grin as he responded with, “Come on Mark, your car’s older than us, it can take a few hits.” The boys in his backseat let out a snicker at Jaemins comment.
Mark heard his friends arguing and it didn’t take much to figure out they were all fighting for the opportunity to play DJ. As the car started and Mark drove to the NCT frat house he heard the beginning notes of Michael Jackson playing through his car, seems like Hyuck was the one who won the battle for the aux.
Just a few songs later and the music cut out, having already arrived to the enormous house where the party was held. It was already in full swing, people drinking and spilling out of the house to relax, music reverberating through the air, and cars were lined up on every possible parking space within the small street. It looked like fun, yet still something was off that night. Mark couldn’t quite place his finger on it.
“Alright boys here’s the plan, we all meet back here in a couple hours, and please don’t drink yourself to death. I know for a fact that we all have morning classes and taking care of your hangovers is the last thing I need tomorrow. Now go out there and have fun!” Hyuck excitedly bustled the boys out of the car as Mark turned off the car and walked behind the group of four, slowly getting lost in thought.
Something about tonight felt different to Mark. He didn’t know why but all he felt was a cold fire spreading through his stomach into his hands. Maybe it was the anxiety of being in a place with so many people, or maybe it was something else. Whatever it was Mark wanted to get over it as soon as possible. It’s one of the few nights during the semester that he goes out, so he might as well enjoy it. With his head held up high and hands shoved into his pocket he opened the door of the frat house and walked in.
Only allowed to drink water as the DD tonight, Mark stuck to people watching. Blocking out the loud voices of drunk college students and booming RnB music.
It’s never fun being the only sober person in a room, it is however interesting to see everyone become different people- or louder more unapologetic versions of themselves. Something about the draw of alcohol that lures out the strange in even stranger people. It’s about an hour into the increasingly boring night when things start to take a turn. It’s like the music stops and all Mark can hear is the beat of his own chest. The world goes dark except for the single spotlight on you.
There you are, with your hair slightly ruffled, and your cheeks pink from the nights events. Disheveled but still the most beautiful girl he’s ever seen. He’s caught in a daze and all he can see is you.
It isn’t until a few seconds later that he realizes you’re actually approaching him now. Ohmygod. You’re approaching Mark. You. Are. Approaching. Him? He can feel his breath quicken and heart beat racing. Your mouth is moving but he can’t hear a single word you let out. It takes a few seconds for him to realize you’re talking to him. An awkward smile plastered on your face the longer he waits to respond.
“I’m sorry what did you say?”
You let out a soft giggle at his stupor, “ I said, could you hand me one of the cups behind you please?”
Mark can feel himself slightly deflate. You were only approaching him because of something that has nothing to do with him. At the very least you were interacting though. Mark tries to take this as an opportunity to wow you with his nonexistent charm. As he hands you a cup he decides to blurt out the first thing he can think of.
“Um did you know that about 60% of solo cups are sold in red? Like I mean they have other colors but like the red is the most iconic one haha.”
Idiot.
You paused, not expecting him to say that. As his words finally sink in, there’s a belt of laughter that escapes you.
“No, I didn’t know, but I’ll try to remember that… Sorry I didn’t quite catch your name?”
“Oh Um it’s Mark, Mark Lee.”
“Well it was a pleasure meeting you Mark, I’m Y/N. We’ll have to catch up another time though, my friends are expecting me!”
“... Yeah for sure!” He responded with a forced enthusiasm that couldn’t stop spilling out of him.
“Thanks for the cup fact!” You shout out as a final goodbye before you disappear into the crowd.
He made his way outside, too embarrassed to stay where your conversation had taken place only moments ago. All he could think of was your face and his missed opportunity. On his way out he hears someone shout out that they’re leaving to buy snacks and cups. God if he ever hears the word cup again he’s going to cry.
Mark let out a defeated sigh as he sat down in the lawn chair. All he needed to do was go back in there and talk to you, but why was it so difficult? If he could just introduce himself like a normal person, everything should be fine.
After thinking of the many ways to disappear off of this campus, there was a soft voice that could be heard getting closer and closer.
A deep voice called out his name, “Mark, oh my god, Mark!”
He recognized that voice but couldn’t quite place it… Lucas? That’s strange, Mark rarely spoke to Lucas. Both have common friends, but never once hung out one on one. Lucas was always more outgoing between the two, not to mention a lot more popular than Mark could ever be.
“Mark please tell me you can hear me, I don’t know what’s going on and everyone else has been ignoring me.”
Mark could feel his blood run cold. Something was definitely not right. It couldn’t be. He knew Lucas, he was young and popular and more importantly ALIVE. It was then he looked up. It was the same Lucas he knew, gangly, doe eyed, and handsome. Everything was the same, except for the eerie glow and his image fading in and out of existence.
“Lucas? What happened to you? Where’s your body?” At the mention of a body, he saw the other boy shrink within himself. Oh, no. Mark made a mistake in telling Lucas. Some things are better broken down softly…
“My body?”
“You mean I’m dead? Mark how can you see me? All I can remember was driving to the store to get some more cups and.. and… OH MY GOD. Mark we need to go right now, there might still be hope please just help me out- I don’t wanna di- die, I can’t I still have so much I-” Lucas fell down as he let a few tears drop. “I just can’t be…” He whispered softly.
All Mark could do was watch as the situation settled into the older boys heart. He could feel his heart ache for Lucas, Mark had always been able to see ghosts, but this time was different. He knew Lucas, and he was a boy just like him. Not some old lady pestering him to eat, or some creepy little kid gone just a bit too early. It was someone he knew, and know he’s seeing the aftermath for himself.
Moments later was when he heard the screams. Faint, but slowly he could hear them over the blasting music. He saw the panic and shock wave through the house behind him and it made it hard to breathe. It was when the final words were announced that he felt the world shift.
“Lucas got into an accident! Somebody call 911, please! Help!” One of the NCT frat boys pleaded out. It must’ve been Jaehyun, he thinks.
Both of their eyes interlocked, and it dawned on both of them- it was too late for that now. Lucas was here, and he was dead.
