#markoeun

[markdaes]

yall remember the time mark asked koeun “did you go home safely yesterday”... n herin and hina were fangirling in the back cause like.. fat mood

[sometime-in-1995]

Remember that time when Herin called Mark and Koeun as appa and omma during MMC days?

That's cute because they actually did act like mom and dad for the rest of SM Rookies in MMC. They're of the same age that's why they're comfortable with each other and both are good leaders. 😊

[nuoyipeach]

Hold Me Tight

Mark Lee X Ko Eun (feat. NCT127 & Herin)

Three months of travelling and performing. It sounded impossible for anyone else, but for Mark it was too normal to actually be normal. This was their fifth tour, and by now they were all used to being away from home.

Except, this would be Mark's first time away from the woman he loved for so long in one go. Usually they'd have a break in between continents and come back, but their management decided to do one full round instead.

"And make sure you don't loose your wallet, because not only will your bank cards be lost, but you'll be carrying your passport. Loose that, and say bye bye to the rest of the tour. Did you pack enough underwear?"

Mark should be annoyed by now, but the more Eun nagged him about his luggage, the sadder he felt. He knew he was going to miss this. He was going to miss coming home to her, jumping into bed next to her, cuddling up into her hold, her hands playing with his hair as she read a book while he rested his head on her chest listening to her heartbeat. He didn't tell anyone, but Mark had many songs written about her ever since they were together, she was his best muse. He figured he'd make an album out of them and give them solely to her, something too personal for the public ear.

All that would have to wait as Eun now checked his backpack to make sure he had all his on hand essentials. "Where's the painkillers? What if you get a headache, or fever? Go get those."

Mark was purposely forgetting things. Right now he wanted her to nag at him, he wanted to hear enough of her to make up for the two months he won't be around. It sounds silly, but he didn't care.

But eventually everything was packed, and now he waited an hour for their manager to come pick him up. They sat on the sofa together, Eun hugging his torso leaning against his chest. Mark suddenly heard a sniffle and looked down to see her teary face. It made him even sadder, and he pulled her up so they were face to face, cupping her cheek to wipe away the one tear.

"Three months is stupid." she suddenly spat out. "What kind of management are they? How will you live for that long away from home?" she hid her sadness with anger, a trait he always found hilarious, but now it broke his heart. He pulled her face close to his and kissed her before pressing his forehead against hers.

"I wish I could take you. I don't know what I'll do without you..."

>>>

Time felt slower especially when you're counting down every minute, and that's exactly what Mark was doing. The first three weeks he was happy to be able to perform for fans, albeit very tired. By the fourth week he was starting to miss home, but it wasn't too bad as they got to visit Johnny's house where the Seo family hosted a homemade Korean dinner for them.

By the seventh week however, he was too down to smile off stage. The group and staff tried to keep themselves busy with attractions around the cities they were in, but even they felt homesick at that point.

On the twelfth and last week they'd be going to the UK, performing in London and Manchester two days each. Everyone was smiling, and some a little excited as they went around London buying gifts for their loved ones. Mark had Haechan come with him as he tried hard to find a gift for Eun. He had already picked out something from Tokyo, Singapore, Sydney, New York, Vancouver, and Paris. Every country they went he picked out one gift for her.

At this point he was out of ideas of gifts. He couldn't get her another dress, or jewelry, or makeup, or perfume. It was hard thinking of a new idea for a gift, but Haechan thankfully came up with one. As they crossed the street, he saw a man with a small table twisting wires, and dragged Mark with him.

"Look, he's making photo frames with names on them. Get one for noona."

Mark thought about it, watching how the man twisted the wires first into the given name, then with a flower or heart in the end, and finally into the structure of a frame. Eun had a liking for small novelty items like these, and he decided he might as well get it. Beats any fridge magnet with a flag on it.

He asked their manager to get him extra bubble wrap, safely packing away the frame into his suitcase with a smile. He hoped she'd love it, he knew she would. Just the thought of her smile brought a tear in his eye as he missed her again. Despite all the video calls they'd do almost every day, he missed her too much.

Sighing, he closed up his suitcase as they got ready to move to their final venue, Manchester. Once they reached, Haechan dragged Mark out to a restaurant near their hotel to meet someone, saying it's a special friend of theirs. And no doubt he was right as the two entered and spotted a young lady smiling at them.

"Herin!" the three hugged, quickly sitting down before other customers were disturbed by their joyful reunion. "How have you been? Oh my God it's been forever since we last met. How's drama school?"

Haechan added on. "Any boyfriend?" he asked wiggling his eyebrow, getting a light hit on his arm from Herin.

"Stop that! Drama school's been fine, I'm loving it! London's nice to live in too."

Mark suddenly looked at her perplexed. "Wait, if you're in London now, why did you meet us here?"

Herin chuckled nervously, pursing her lips. "I was late to get tickets in London."

Both men's eyes widened. "You're coming to the concert? Oh my God you should've told us!" Haechan whipped out his phone. "I'm getting you a backstage pass right now, hold on."

"Oh but, I'm bringing a friend."

"Then two, no worries. Oh and they'll work both days."

Herin smirked innocently. She knew they'd do this for her, and glad they did.

She could finally commence with her plan.

>>>

Herin didn't go backstage the first day, but the whole group saw her in the crowd and specially waved to her before ending the concert. On the second day she told them she'd be coming backstage, with her friend.

The men were getting ready, already dressed up and warming up their lips and vocals, when there was a knock on the door.

"Hello boys." Herin popped in and greeting them in a teasing manner. They all greeted her back laughing before she continued. "So my friend here biases Mark very much, so excuse her for getting to excited."

At that moment a body dashed in with a high pitched voice and hugged Mark tighter than ever. "OH MY GOD MARK LEE I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!"

Mark was in shock, and so were the others, until Johnny took a closer look at the face in his shoulder, and gasped with laughter. He urged the others to look, and they all had the same reaction.

Mark was still stuck arms splayed out, when a familiar scent hit his nose from the young lady's hair. Peaches, like the shampoo in his bathroom back home, like their pillow on his bed.

No way can someone's shampoo here smell the exact same as the one home. And at that he pulled the lady out of her hug, freezing as he saw her face. "Baby... you're here? Here... Eun?"

Eun chuckled and cupped his cheeks. "I'm here." she said softly before pulling him in for another hug, tight but gentle this time. "I missed you so much. Herin told me to come over and she'd help me see you. I know I could have waited three more days, but I just couldn't."

She heard his nose sniffle and the other members cooing at him, figuring out he was in tears as he hugged her back tight and nuzzled his face into her neck hiding. "I missed you so much... too much Eun... God I wanted to go home so bad, but you're here now... Thank you for coming baby..."

Eun chuckled, her eyes teary from happiness, and was about to let go when Mark just held her tighter. "Not yet." he whispered. "Hold me tight, a little longer please." Her heart melted as she realised just how sad he must've felt all these days. Everyone went back to getting ready while they stood beside the door hugging longer, looking at each other every few seconds before hiding faces in each other's shoulders again.

"Yah, that's enough. Have some pity on us who didn't get this surprise OK." the two looked up to see Taeyong furrowing his brows and lips pouting, chuckling at the leader's sad face. "Come on Mark, four hours and then you can get back to this."

The two shared a quick kiss before the group left for stage, Koeun and Herin being invited to watch from where the staff usually sit in the crowd. Mark was evidently much more smiley on stage this time, and some fans even noticed it as Herin saw on twitter real time.

"Damn eonnie, your effect on Mark is so much more than I expected." she chuckled showing Eun some of the fans tweets.

Mark looks so happy today guys! Look at his cute bounce

Haechan and Mark keep laughing at each other!

Something must've happened, Mark looks REAL happy and pleased. Too bad it's the last day...

Eun smiled before looking back at the stage when she realised he had been staring in her direction. They exchanged eye contact before she secretly blew him a kiss, to which he smiled even more and started to chuckle.

"We should just bring all their girlfriends and wives from now on." one of the staff joked to another behind her. "That's really their only source of energy now."

As the concert ended and the guys came back down, Eun and Mark hugged again. "You did amazing." she whispered into his ear as he breathed tiredly, and kissed his slightly sweaty cheeks. "I'm proud of you."

"Couldn't have done it without you." he whispered back, hugging her tighter. "God I missed you so much, I'm gonna bring you to all my tours from now on."

Eun chuckled and pulled out smiling at him, cupping his cheeks as she spoke again. "I'd gladly come, but you know I'm not cut out for this..." Mark frowned, causing her to chuckle and peck his lips.

"I'm sorry I have to be away for so long..."

"It's not your fault." she quickly reassured him. "I don't want you to stop doing what you love, even if it means a few weeks apart for us every two years. You're happy, and you bring happiness to others, I couldn't be more proud of you."

Mark took one of her hands off his cheek and kissed it. "I'm going to take a break after this. One month, just you and me, away from all this. You're right, I'm doing what I love and I'm happy with it. But I love you more, and I'm happiest when I'm with you."

>>>

Mark indeed kept his promise. It took a lot of persuasion, but with the other members agreeing their management decided to give the whole group a month off once they got back. Mark didn't waste time by planning out what to do, he just wanted it to be a relaxed break off work, just him and Eun being with each other every passing minute.

"I like this." he said softly, head laying on her chest while she sat perpendicular to him on their L shaped couch, her fingers unconsciously threading through his hair. It was an impromptu movie night, but Mark was more focused on Eun's heartbeat than what was happening on screen. Eun on the other hand had been wanting to watch the movie for a while so paid attention. "Eun-ie..." he suddenly whined, chin resting on her chest as he looked up at her now.

"Why?" she asked nonchalantly, eyes on screen. Mark frowned.

"Pay attention to me." she chuckled at his seriousness, looking at him for a quick second.

"That's all I've done for a week, and I'll do it again after this movie." she pushed his head back down to rest on her, but he shook out if her hold and sat up looking at her, before reaching for his phone and dialling someone.

"Hey Haechan. Let's hang out... Yes I know, but my girlfriend won't pay attention to me... No I'm not being clingy! Do you wanna go or not? What? No plea- ugh."

Eun couldn't hold in her laughter watching Mark toss his phone aside, obviously being rejected even by his best friend. "I'm going to bed." he huffed out and trudged off. She smiled sympathetically, and decided the teasing had been enough. She paused the movie and shut off the TV, and turned off all the lights on her way to the bedroom.

Peeking in, she saw her boyfriend already tucked in bed, facing her side of it. Her heart swelled up at the sight of his hand on her pillow, tracing shapes onto it as he sighed again, unaware of her presence. She slowly walked over and climbed above him gently, kissing his cheek before taking her place on the bed and facing him with a smile.

Mark furrowed his brows, pouting and tried to look away to show his anger, but Eun knew otherwise. She moved closer to him, head on his shoulder as he laid on his back, one leg over both his, and of course her arm hugging his torso tight as she cuddled into him.

"Don't you have a movie to finish?" he grunted.

"Hmm... But my boyfriend just got rejected by his best friend, so he needs me to take care of him." she giggled and leaned up on her arm sideways before looking at him. "So Mr Lee, what treatment would you like this time?"

Mark's face softened as he stared up at her cutely. This time he turned onto his side, and hugged her body pushing his face into her chest. "Just, cuddle with me."

Eun's heart melted. An entire month off yet all he wanted was just her affection. She smiled and laid down, slipping an arm under his head playing with his hair whilst the other held him close to her by his torso. She left a few kisses onto his forehead before simply leaning her chin on top of his head, enjoying the moment they had full closure. Mark's hand suddenly grabbed her arm that hugged him, pulling it around him more as he shifted closer.

"Hold me tight, please." he mumbled softly into her chest, letting out a relaxed breath when she complied. He was so in need of this it almost made her cry. Eun knew how tired he was, how he works extra hard just because that's how he was. She even told him he needed to stop being a workaholic and perfectionist, because she saw how it affected his health, both physically and mentally. She could only hope the time he spent in her arms now would help him realise it.

Eun hummed a song softly, coaxing him to sleep, which was successful. He still held onto her, as if her slightest movements would've woken him. She smiled as she peeked down at his face, kissing his nose bridge. "Be healthy, please. I love you." she whispered before falling into a deep sleep as well.

>>>

[nuoyipeach]

Outside, Now

Mark Lee X Ko Eun

Mark grunted as he watched the rain get heavier and heavier. His plan on waiting for it to slow was an obvious fail, and he knew he'd have to get home soon or his fiancé would be mad for sure.

It was just the perfect moment for his phone to die as well.

Groaning, he pulled up his hoodie and ran to his car, trying to dry it off in the passenger seat while driving home. Once reaching the apartments, he was about to make a run for it again to the lobby, until a soft whimper stopped him. Looking around, he went nearer to the bushes decorating the area, and crouched down to look behind them.

There he saw what was whining, and suddenly forgot about the rain and being late for dinner. "Hey little guy... or girl?" he reached in picking up the wet puppy, obviously scared and cold. "Don't worry, I got you." he pulled the animal to his chest before finally running into the lobby.

He ran quick for the elevator, but he wasn't as stressed as before, smiling at the puppy cuddling up to his chest for warmth, despite both of them being wet to the skin. Once reaching their floor, he walked out more relaxed and smiled as he finally reached their apartment.

"Lee Minhyung!" he heard his fiancé call out in a mad tone as soon as he entered, and knew he was in trouble. "I told you exactly that it would rain today and to take the umbrella, but nooo, Mr Lee is too stubborn to- what the hell is that!?"

Mark looked to see Eun's eyes not on him, but at the ball of fur in his hands. "I, uh, found it?" he said more like a question than a statement. Eun's eyes blinked a few times before she took a closer look, immediately shaking her head.

"No, no no no, definitely not! Outside, now. I have enough of a headache to take care of as it is, I am NOT letting you bring in that!"

Mark pouted, but he wasn't going to give up so easily. "Come on Eun, just for a while?" he held the puppy out towards her. "Look at this poor thing. We can't just leave it out in the rain."

Eun stared at the puppy shivering even now, then back at her fiancé. "Look at yourself. In what world do you think YOU can take care of this thing when you look the same as it does?" she pointed out shaking her head. The puppy whimpered, and Mark was sure he almost cracked her heart.

"Go put it out in the corridor."

>>>

Eun furrowed her eyebrows as she heard shuffling yet again. She sighed wondering what on Earth Mark was doing now. He had already dried off, ate and went to bed while she finished up some work for the next day, but she kept hearing things outside their office room where she kept the door closed.

After a few more sounds of shuffling around, and the microwave beeps, she finally decided to go check what was happening, opening the door to see their bedroom empty. She looked towards the living room, and noticed the light by the front door was on.

Is he sleepwalking?

She headed for where she could tell Mark was, but the closer she got the more hushed sounds she heard.

"Hush girl, we can't have her find out. Here drink up, I'll hide you again later."

"Ehem..." Mark's eyes widened hearing someone clear their throat behind him, slowly turning back to see Eun standing with her arms crossed. He smiled sheepishly, her face still stoic. "Bedroom, now." she instructed. "All this, yet people wonder why I still don't plans for kids anytime soon." she mumbled shaking her head, Mark pouting and looking back at the puppy.

"Sorry Koko, I couldn't keep you for long." he pet it once more before standing and turning to Eun. "Could she at least finish the milk before you take her out?"

Eun nodded and waved him off, before processing what he just called the dog. "You named her already? Koko?"

Mark smiled, scratching his hair. "Your surname's Ko, so I called her Koko."

"Why did you name her after me?" she asked again perplexed.

"Uhm... Because I love you? I don't have much of an answer other than that." he chuckled nervously before going back to bed. Eun watched him disappear, then turned back to the puppy finishing the warm milk he had filled up in a plastic bowl for her. Sighing she sat down next to it, waiting for it to finish like she promised Mark.

"You look like a pet breed... Wonder why you were out in the cold like that." she mumbled, when the puppy suddenly looked up at her, seemingly smiling. Staring at it intently, Eun crooked her head, and the puppy copied her actions. She almost laughed but held it in.

She raised her hand, and the puppy tried the same with its paw, except it lost balance and tripped. This time, Eun couldn't hold back her slight laugh. She helped it sit back up, when the puppy suddenly nosed into her palm, an action she knew meant a sign of affection.

>>>

Mark stretched his body waking up, his eyes opened wide when he realised there was a lot of space on the bed for him to stretch out, meaning Eun was not next to him. He looked to her side, even more shocked noticing it was left untouched.

Worried he got out of bed and checked the bathroom, then went outside the bedroom looking everywhere. It wasn't until he noticed a pair of feet beside the doorway he gasped and ran towards it, freezing when he saw the situation.

Eun asleep on the floor, her arm folded under her head as a pillow, and Koko curled up under her other arm sleeping in her hold. He didn't know how to react, until he started just laughing to himself. The woman who banned him from bringing an animal inside now holding onto it for dear life, as if she was protecting it in her sleep.

The first thing he did was quickly get his phone and snap a picture. Then he sat next to Eun's head, lifting it gently and placing her on his lap in an attempt to make it comfortable. He smiled as she shifted slightly, only to pull Koko closer to herself. He couldn't help a soft giggle come out, which was enough to wake her up. "Oh, sorry my love." he said in a whisper, hand combing through her hair.

She simply stared at him dazed, then turned to see the puppy she held. It took her a few seconds before she jumped up sitting, realising what had happened. Mark couldn't hold it anymore and let out his laughs, which now woke up Koko. He tried to bring the puppy to himself, but it sleepily crawled to Eun instead, rubbing against her crossed legs and laying bak down.

Mark pouted upset. "I'm the one who brought her in, why's she attached to you instead." Eun just stared at him, then down at the puppy, and pet her gently. He wasn't upset, not when this little animal brought a loving smile on his fiancé's face. He moved to sit next to her, and looked at her with puppy eyes.

Eun clearly knew what he meant, and sighed in defeat. "Fine, we can keep her. Let's go get her registered and to the vet too." she picked up the puppy and rocked it in her arms like a baby. "Now let's get you cleaned up. A girl's gotta look good for herself you know." she sassed walking away, leaving Mark laughing in awe shaking his head.

"That's my girl."

>>>

[nuoyipeach]

Let's Play Ball

Ko Eun X Mark Lee

feat: Universe line

Eun never had much interest in baseball (if any at all), hence never attending the games at her university despite Herin always pushing her for company.

And something she definitely wanted to avoid during her prime uni days were the boys, specifically the ones from the baseball team/club. She's seen how flirty they were, and in her view slightly annoying too. Though there was one who caught her eye only because they shared the same biology class. She could tell he was a player by the jacket he wore, but the second he spoke to her had her questioning if he was really in the team, or just borrowing a friend's jacket.

"Excuse me..." she looked up at the guy who came to her table. "I missed class last week, and you're, uhm... well, no one else seems to have the full notes. Could I borrow yours please?"

Eun was a bit thrown off, knowing her classmates wouldn't be that bad to not take down their lectures. She simply blinked a few times, but seeing his pleading eyes she gave in, reaching into her bag and pulling out last weeks papers.

"Make sure they're in good condition when you give them back." she warned. The boy smiled and nodded.

"Of course! Thank you so much. My name is Mark by the way." he extended his free hand after taking the notes in one, but she already looked away. He chuckled awkwardly and backed away, thanking her again before going back to his place.

Who would have thought this cute guy would end up being the one holding her hand, cuddling her in the cold rooms, kissing her cheeks when saying goodbye, and her most favourite, laying on her lap as they spent time together in her apartment.

"Why won't you come to my practices?" Mark pouted looking up at Eun. Her hand unconsciously played with his hair while she focused on her favourite show, her eyes darting down to him for a second before she shrugged.

"I don't like them, the team I mean. They're so cocky."

"Hey!" he whined, making her laugh. She sometimes forgets her cute, humble, loving boyfriend was also part of that cocky team.

"Well not you, but I've seen the rest. Like that guy, his surname's Kim? He's so mean."

Mark chuckled, taking her free hand to play with her fingers. "Actually Doyoung hyung is the same as you. He hates people disturbing him. If you've encountered him to say he's mean, he was probably worried about getting something done."

Eun nodded blankly, remembering another incident. "Well, there's another guy who I remember asked me for a pen, but he just pointed to it, no words. He's playing with you guys too."

Mark wondered who she meant, before chuckling again. "Does he have a small cute face?" she nodded. "That's Shotaro, he's a transfer from Japan, and just started speaking fluently with us. He probably didn't know how else to ask."

Eun sighed, defeated again, when she remembered one more. "How about that one guy who's always coming into our English class and flirting? He's always wearing the team jacket, it's nameless though."

Hearing that Mark's smile disappeared, his face replaced by a tired expression. He turned onto his side, face facing her tummy, and held her hand close to his lips, her other one back in his hair.

"Don't mind them. They don't have named jackets 'cause they're not even players, they just join the club to look cool, end up doing backup work like cleaning after us."

His silence wasn't of disappointment, Eun knew he slowly goes quiet whenever he was tired, which he was considering he had just returned from another practice earlier that evening. Staring down at him, she continued brushing through his hair as she watched his eyes close, his hand still holding hers, and thought about what he said.

Maybe she should give them a chance. They are his friends after all, and he was probably right. So the following practice playoffs, Eun snuck into the field and sat aside watching them play. She didn't tell her boyfriend she was coming, figuring it would be best for his focus (especially after noticing how he often gets distracted staring at her during their study sessions).

Despite the game boring her, Eun found interest in watching them practice noticing how seriously they were actually taking it. She had never seen Mark be so focused before, as if it was a real game, which she admitted to herself it was pretty attractive.

"Hey." she turned hearing a voice and noticed a group of girls standing next to her. "We're here to watch too. Mind if we sit?"

Eun shook her head and motioned them to join her, and the five girls took their seats. She went back to watching the boys play, when she couldn't help overhear their conversation.

"They look so cool. It's a shame they don't have girlfriends, look at player Na over there!"

"I heard their assholes though, that's why no one lasts with them."

"Right? I heard player Liu didn't show up for a date and didn't even tell her. Then proceeded to ignore her, poor girl."

"Why can't they let our guys play? It's so unfair."

Feeling uncomfortable, Eun tried her best to ignore their words and focus of her boyfriend getting ready to bat for the final throws, when she heard his name.

"I heard player Lee, the Canadian one, invited three girls to the same date in his own house, and didn't even feel bad about it."

Now she lost it. Eun may have been quite negative about the team, but knowing Mark from class she knew he was never like that. She never thought of any of them to be that bad, but realised now she would have almost fell prey to these rumours too if it wasn't for dating Mark.

Having enough of the girls talking, she decided to make a move and prove them wrong. Mark hit his final ball, a home run, and she stood up cheering for him. Of course it took him by shock, the others as well though some immediately laughed at him, but he was smiling shyly as she made way down the field to meet him. He walked up to her as well, even more shocked by the sudden short kiss.

"I should come more, you looked so hot just now." she teased, hands around his waist same as him around her. Mark chuckled shyly, his ears turning read.

"Oooh hoho! Mark hyung is getting shy!" the couple turned to see an orange haired boy say, who Eun recognised as Na Jaemin. "So you're the girlfriend who he's so obsessed with. Hello noona, I'm Jaemin." he smiled widely, reaching out to shake her hand. Eun hesitated but smiled back, shaking his hand.

"OK that's enough PDA please." she turned and recognised the guy Mark told her about, Doyoung. "Minhyung head to the showers. Oh I'm Doyoung by the way."

"I know, heard about you."

The other players awed at the sudden tension between Eun and their team captain, some even getting excited to see him being answered back to in such a sassy manner. Doyoung simply cleared his throat before ushering them away, Mark kissing her cheek, her promising to wait for him outside the field.

As she waited for her boyfriend to shower and come out, the same group of girls appeared. She could see them talking she pointing to her, when one of them walked up.

"Hi. So, are you Mark Lee's girlfriend?" Eun nodded. "I see... How long?"

"Six months I think? You lose track of time really with someone like him." she replied with a smile. The girl looked back at her friends, when another one of them came up to her.

"How are you so sure he's not using you? You know how the playing team is..."

"I do actually." Eun responded standing up, her tone more strict this time. "They're just guys who don't care about publicity. Think about it, you didn't even know I was Mark's girlfriend until today. Would a guy using girls for fun keep it that much of a secret that the rest of the club wouldn't even know? Besides, have you ever actually seen or met the people the rest of the girls they supposedly played with? Or are you just believing whatever you hear?"

The girls were silenced at this, and Eun turned around to leave when she noticed another player standing at the exit smiling at her. Deciding which was best, she made way towards him as he waved.

"I'm Yangyang. And I definitely owe you one for defending us like that." he put out his hand, which she accepted and he shook excitedly. "I bet Mark already told you about the club members, but he doesn't know how they also spread rumours about us just because we don't include them in our outings. Like, just because you're a member doesn't mean you get to work around actual games, it's completely different when you're playing tournaments against other unis."

Eun nodded, she understood what he meant considering she goes through the same with their Performance club. She smiled sympathetically at him, when Yangyang's eyes suddenly drifted to behind her, and he tugged her arm pulling her behind him. She steadied herself and saw, the girls coming their way.

With their boyfriends.

"Hey Liu, found yourself another one?" one of the men asked, to which Yangyang scowled, Eun rolling her eyes. "Why don't you join us for lunch afterwards miss?"

"Sorry but the miss will be busy with her boyfriend taking her on a date alone."

All heads turned, Eun smiling brightly as she skipped towards Mark, pecking his lips in greeting. Again his ears blushed, but his anger towards the guys talking to her remained as he turned back towards them.

"If you're done showing off, go practice some hits. Don't go crying next semester when you don't make it to the team again because you were too busy drinking the night before tryouts."

Eun and Yangyang held in their laughs as some of the girls scowled at Mark, while some who they recognised as first years stared at the guys in shock. They soon went away, Yangyang raising his hand for a high five with Mark before leaving the couple alone.

Eun simply stared at her boyfriend, who finally turned to her with a sheepish smile. "Sorry you had to see that. I guess it's best you don't come to watch anymore." he said dejectedly. But to his surprise, she stepped closer wrapping her hands around his neck, bringing their lips close just enough to touch.

"I kinda like it when you're angry, it's hot. And what kind of girlfriend would I be not showing up to support her boyfriend." she whispered before capturing his lips in a passionate kiss. Mark's eyes widened and his hands grabbed at her waist. He would respond, but the public setting wasn't something he was up for, especially knowing Doyoung could come out anytime and scold them for PDA again.

Eun knew this and chuckled as she pulled away. "So, let's go on that date you mentioned, then we can go to my place." her hands smoothed down to his biceps which she gave squeezes to. "A body like this deserves extra care."

"Jesus!" Mark exclaimed moving away, getting more and more shocked by her sudden bold advances. "What's with you? Is it PMS... can't be that, you just had it a week ago, right?" he blabbered nervously, looking at her in worry.

Eun could only laugh, pulling him into another hug, chin rested on his chest as she stared up at him. "I just never saw you so serious and focused before, it's hot. You've always been so cute with me." she laid her head against his chest now, Mark's arms snaking around her too as he chuckled into her hair.

"There's no reason for me to be mad when I'm with you. You make me the happiest."

>>>

The day of the tournament came, their university against a visiting team from the next town. Eun sat in front row, despite Mark letting her take seat at their bench, because she didn't want to take away his focus and so hid amongst the crowd.

Two other girls sat next to her, who she found out within the past few days were Jeno and Yangyang's girlfriends, Hina and Aeri. She got to know them more throughout the practice days and found them to be really sweet girls. They dated the players longer than Eun had, which shocked her even more considering nobody knew about them, but just like Mark the other two didn't want their girlfriends to be the center of unwanted attention.

The game went on, everyone on their toes as their home team were doing amazing as always. Eun couldn't hide her smile and proud face seeing Mark complete a whole round, then proceed to finish the game off with a home run. The whole team lifted him into the air as everybody cheered, and that's when something came up in her mind.

All the I love you Mark shouts bothered her, and she knew she was never one to get jealous, but they still did. She looked around and saw all the people chanting his name, then back at Mark who smiled waving to them.

He was amazing. Maybe a little too amazing.

Quietly Eun snuck away, but Mark was definitely not one to miss it. He quickly followed leaving everyone else behind, and caught up with her and grabbed her arm.

"Hey, where are you going?" he asked worriedly, holding both her hands after noticing her sullen face.

She forced herself to smile. "You won, I'm proud of you. But, so is everyone else..." her voice softened as she looked down. "You don't need me holding you back from all that out there. You have all the love you need from the fans. How am I to compete with that?"

He lifted her face up with one hand and smashed his lips onto hers for a passionate kiss, and of course she couldn't not respond. He pulled away but remained close to her.

"You don't have to compete with them. This team won't last forever you know, but my life with my friends and you will. When I'm out during final year, who else is going to keep loving me but you? You didn't even care about baseball until I came along into your life, frankly I've been scared that you'd leave me because you hated the attention from it." his arms snaked around her waist pulling her body closer to his own, pressing their foreheads together.

"You’re my world, my universe." he whispered smiling. "The only reason I win is because with you I can do anything. I may have gotten the university their victory and became their star, but you’re my star, my victory. I know that if I lost, you'd still be the one cheering me on."

Eun was smiling as they closed their lips together for another kiss. They pulled away when Mark continued.

"You know, today was actually my last game." her smile dropped hearing him. "We start final year after the summer break, and I won't have time to work on my thesis while playing, and neither will the others."

>>>

A small celebratory party was held between the playing team at a barbecue restaurant. They cheered and laughed and shared many stories about practice sessions, Yangyang claiming his favourite was when Mark came out to protect his girlfriend, getting the said player a lot of teasing woos. Of course his ears reddened especially in his drunk state.

"OK, I think it's time to get this big baby home." Eun chuckled as her boyfriend hugged her on the couch, snuggling his face into her neck in embarrassment. She pushed him off gently and stood up before pulling him up with her.

She said her byes to everyone and left with Mark hanging from her shoulder, got him in his car somehow and drove it herself back to his apartment. He was already half unconscious by the time they reached, and Eun could only mutter under her breath reminding herself that she shouldn't leave the man she loves as she dragged him through the building.

Finally reaching his room, she dropped him on his bed and decided to help undress him out of his outdoor clothes at least. She reached to pull off his shirt when Mark suddenly grabbed her hands stopping her.

"Don't touch me!" he half yelled. "I will know my girlfriend screw you up will she!" he slurred out.

It was funny, but Eun was so tired she simply pushed his hands off and slapped his chest. "Stupid, I am your girlfriend, who's trying to get you into bed, now shut up and listen will you!"

Mark's eyes opened wide as she continued her task, staring at her blankly. "Wow..." he muttered softly as she started putting a t-shirt on him. "Are you really?"

"Yes mister, we've been dating for 7 months already, get a grip. This is the last time I'm letting you get drunk ever. And Donghyuck is gonna get it from me for sure." she grumbled on angrily as she changed into one of his shirts too, then getting back to bed and pulling him under the covers before joining him. "Now sleep, I'm tired." she grumbled, though her actions seemed so contradict her anger as she snuggled into his side, arm hugging around his chest tight.

Sometime in the middle of the night, Mark woke up from his drunk sleep, still tired and groggy, but couldn't fight the smile on his face seeing her relaxed sleeping figure. Their positions had shifted and he was now on his side holding her close while she faced him, his chest to be more precise, laying her head on his arm.

He rubbed her scalp gently, causing her to shift around and throw her arm around his torso, then becoming still again. He couldn't be any happier, he felt like he was complete. As sleep slowly clouded his mind again, he laid a final kiss on her forehead.

"My destiny." he whispered. "My ace making me move. My universe. You're my biggest win, nothings gonna stop us now."

>>>

hope you enjoyed it💕

[nuoyipeach]

You're All I Need (markoeun OS)

18/3/2020

Hearing continuous thuds on her window, Eun sighed in annoyance and left her books to see what was happening. She opened her curtains revealing the dark night, and opened the window to look around.

“Eunnie…”

Only one person in the world called her that, and it was one that made her heart flutter. Her expression changed completely as she looked down and smiled widely at the young man waving at her.

“Mark. What are you doing here?” she whisper yelled.

“Come down. I have a surprise for you.”

Eun nodded and ran down the stairs, going out into the backyard, and ran into his embrace. “I missed you.”

“Me too. I’m sorry I wasn’t here for your birthday yesterday. But I-”

“Don’t.” she placed a finger on his lips. “I don’t mind. I know you had family stuff going on, so it’s alright.”

Mark smiled taking her hand into his then giving her a peck. “I know. But still. I have something for you. Follow me.”

He took her hand and pulled her out of the yard, going over the fence, and onto the street. They ran for a while, silently giggling, until they reached the playground. Mark stood Eun in the center before leaving her alone.

“Mark? What are you doing?”

Suddenly, the dark playground lit up with soft warm yellow fairy lights. Eun looked and saw a banner right behind her, over a small bench table of home made snacks.

Happy Birthday Ko-Leader

“Ko… Leader?” Eun looked at it confused, when she heard Mark grunt.

“Damn it Lee Donghyuck! I trusted you!”

Eun laughed, knowing who really wrote the banner. “It’s OK Mark. I’m guessing you didn’t make all the food either?”

“Well… I did get help from Jaemin. You know I’m a terrible cook.”

She laughed again at how he scratched his head, and went closer to him, locking her arms around his neck and cocked her head. “I don’t care. I know how hard you worked for this, so I’ll take it. Let’s eat.”

Mark smiled, and the two sat next to each other, his arm around her waist, eating and feeding each other. These  were the small moments they both loved and enjoyed, and hoped it would always be this way, even when they grow old.

But when you’re a CEO’s daughter, and a son trying to keep his family together, not everything goes as you hope.

»»»

Eun slammed the door shut, falling onto her knees right in front of it. All her life she had always thought her mother was the one to understand her needs, but no, she was just pampering her daughter, hoping to get something in return. And that something was more money, by giving her off.

Dragging herself to her bed, she took out her phone and called Mark.

“Hey Eunnie.”

“M- Mark. Please come… I really need you right now.”

“Eun what’s wrong? Why are you crying?”

“Just come Mark Lee! Please!”

Mark cut the call and was soon climbing in through her window. The moment he jumped in, Eun hugged him tight, confusing him even more when she simply sobbed into his chest. He held her and sat her down, still hugging.

“What’s wrong Eun?”

“Mum… Mum wants me to get married. And… And she said since I don’t have anyone, she’s arranged one for me.”

Mark pulled her away and stared at her. “Business marriage?”

“Yes… And I hate it!” she cried more before Mark pulled her in again, craddling her in his arms. “Mark, please meet my family. Please, I don’t want this. Why can’t it be us?”

Mark knew she would say that, but he also knew it wasn’t possible, because he would never be accepted by them. He was nothing in this city, while she was seen as a princess since primary school. And he knew Eun held a high position, and there was no way he wanted to bring her down with him.

His father couldn’t keep a proper job, while his mother struggled to keep their small shop going, and his older brother was always sick. Mark almost had nothing but his talent as a barista. Though he was a terrible cook, he was amazing when it came to coffee. He was the best employee at the best coffee shop in the city, but it was still nothing compared to Eun’s position.

Mark knew it wasn’t right. And it may cost him, but he had to do it.

“Eun, I can’t marry you.”

“Why Mark?” she pulled away and glared at him through her tear. “Why not!?!”

“Because…”

I’m sorry Eun, you’ll hate me for this, but I’m doing this for you. I love you…

“Because I don’t love you Eun. I just dated you to be known by people. Back in school, and even now, I only dated you to be somebody instead of a nobody. But now that I’m a barista, I don’t need you anymore. I have a title, and that’s all I ever wanted.”

He pushed her hands off and quickly climbed down the window and ran away, not wanting to show her his face. Eun could read Mark easily, especially when he lies, so a quick getaway was definitely necessary.

But though she sat there quietly, unable to believe everything he just said, Eun knew those were all lies.

I’ll get you for this Lee Minhyung…

»»»

After a long day of coffee brewing and designing froths, Mark closed up all the machines as the others cleaned up the café. After an hour or so, they all bid each other, and he walked alone towards his house. He felt empty, much more than usual. And he knew why.

It’s been three days since he made the biggest lie in his life, and so far, he heard no response yet, and hoped she actually moved on.

Even if he couldn’t.

Reaching his family’s shop, which was below their small home, Mark couldn’t help notice how the place had much more customers than usual. It was nothing more than a small snack corner, but today seemed busy enough for them to actually gain money. Confused, he looked over the heads, and saw his mother smiling at the counter, unlike usual.

“Mum. What’s going on?”

“Oh, we got someone new to work for us, for free. Except, she had one condition.” the elder woman who explained, when a cheeky grin took over her.

“What’s that?”

“Marry you.”

“What!?!”

“Go and meet her. She’s in the kitchen, and an exceptional cook!”

Mark thought of someone. She was from school, and visited the café quite often just to talk to him. He knew she had an infatuation with him, but he could care less. His heart belonged to only one person, and no matter what he will keep it that way.

Entering the kitchen, he saw the lady’s back, and sighed seeing her work so diligently.

“Look, I know it’s you, but I’ve told you before to leave me alone. If you want, I’ll make sure to pay you to work here, but I won’t marry you, and that’s it. I only love Ko Eun, do you get it?”

He was about to turn and leave, when the young lady chuckled, making him turn back in anger. “What’s so funny? You think this is a joke?”

“To me, yes.”

Mark’s eyes widened at the voice, and he took steps closer to her, turning her around, his heart unable to steady itself.

“What… Eun, what are you doing here?”

Eun smiled cocking her head, and moved closer wrapping her arms around his neck. “I don’t want a luxury life if you won’t be a part of it.” she leaned her head against his shoulder as his arms held her to balance.

“Your parents? What would they think?”

“I don’t care.” she replied nonchalantly. “I fought with mum, and she told me to either get married, or get lost. I mean, she gave me an option, so I took the latter.”

“But… I told you Eun. I don’t love you. Stop deluding yourself, and go home. You don’t belong here.”

“Any other girl would be hurt, but not me. I know you Mark, I can read right through you. If you really meant what you said, you wouldn’t be holding me like this right now.”

Mark realised he had been holding her tight to himself for the past few minutes. Becoming nervous, he let out an awkward cough, causing Eun to simply chuckle and peck his lips.

“Do you really want to know how I’m here?”

“No mum! I’m not marrying him! He’s a show off, and stupid! Like, really stupid.”

“Eun, if you can’t love anyone, you have no choice but to li-”

“But I do! He just doesn’t want to meet you because even I know you won’t like him.”

“Oh really now? Well, who is this mystery lover of your’s?”

“He’s the barista at Tae Café, Lee Minhyung.”

“That man? Since when di-”

“Since highschool.”

“Fine then. I doubt he’s well off, so I’ll give you a deal. See if you can stand living like he and his family does, and I’ll let you off. If you come back, you have to marry Kiyoung. Understood?”

“So, you’re going to stay here?” Mark asked surprised.

“Yes, for a week, with no support from my family.” Eun said smiling, which still caught him by surprise.

“Eun, I’m not too sure about this…”

“We’ll be fine, I know it.” Eun replied confidently.

But maybe, she was a little too confident.

»»»

Both Eun and Mark couldn’t keep calm at all. One week passed by fast, and they were happy that she was actually able to live normally. Thanks to her, his family’s shop gained much more than before. She was happy because, even without money, she could live well thanks to the warm loving environment.

But now, they sat in her mother’s office, who apparently had something to tell her about Mark. And the woman didn’t take long to start talking.

“Well Eun, while you were busy being happy at that stupid, small shop, Mr. Lee here was elsewhere.”

“I know mum. The coffee sho-”

“Wrong!” she cut off her daughter loudly. “This man here that you ever so love has been seen with different women!”

Both Eun and Mark looked at each other, then back at the woman, with obvious unbelievable expressions.

“Don’t believe me? Well here’s evidence.” she threw printed photos onto the table. Eun picked them up and scanned through them, suddenly snickering. “And what’s so funny young lady?”

“Maybe the fact that these women, as you claim them to be, are my friends.” she showed the picture of Hina dragging Mark’s arm. It was on the day she needed his help to buy Jeno a birthday gift, and knew only Mark could help her.

“Well then, he’s cheating on you with them. I saw them. No friends are this touchy.”

“Well mine are.” she sneered back. “And it’s something we’re both used to. They like to hold hands and hug, but they don’t go as far as someone cheating. Now tell me mother, what was your real intention of this?”

They could see the woman’s face burn red, either in embarrassment or anger, but it didn’t matter. Eun had had enough.

“Just disown me.”

Mark couldn’t believe his ears. He had never heard such a phrase from Eun before. He knew how much she loved her family, despite all their money minds. But now she didn’t even wait as she took his arm and pulled him out with her, all the way back to his family’s place, into his bedroom.

Mark rubbed his arm as it hurt badly, when Eun suddenly hugged him tight. “Eun, you sho-”

“I don’t care.” she muffled into his chest. “I love you, so please stop telling me to go back there. I don’t want to. Unless she accepts you, I won’t.”

Mark sighed, hugging her back. She was a fighter, he knew she’ll do whatever she could to fight for them. There was no point going against her. He worried so much for her, for her future, her dreams, her life.

But all she really cared about was staying with him.

»»»

Two years later…

Eun woke up smelling coffee. She stretched out her limbs, slowly getting off bed. She trudged into their kitchen, smiled seeing her fiance pouring coffee into her favourite mug. She walked up behind him, hugging his waist tight. Mark flinched, smiling when he saw who it was.

“Have coffee, it’s decaf. I’ll be out in a bit.” he said turning to kiss her. Eun pouted holding his hands tight.

“Do you have to go now?” she asked swinging their arms. He chuckled, pulling her hands up to his lips to kiss them both.

“Someone’s gotta keep you fed. Especially now.” he said, eyeing down at her tummy. Eun gasped dramatically, slapping his chest. Mark laughed, covering his chest. “It’s a good thing. The more you eat, the healthier he’ll be.”

“It’s a she!” Eun retaliated. Mark nodded in defeat before kissing her once more and leaving to their bedroom to change.

Before he could though, there was a knock at their door. Perplexed as to who would knock instead of ring the bell, Mark went back out to the front door and opened it. Suddenly losing all colour in his face.

“Uh.. Oh, uhm…”

“Where’s my daughter?”

Eun heard the voice, freezing right away. She quickly wiped her lips off the froth and walked out to see Mark still frozen, unable to answer her mother. She went ahead and stood between them, eyeing her mother.

“I’m here.”

The elder lady looked her daughter up and down, noticing her tummy slightly bigger than usual. Her eyes immediately widened. She looked down, thinking of what to say.

“Are you two… married yet?”

“Next week. You’re invited to our wedding if y-”

“No.” she cut her daughter off. “I don’t want that. I don’t want anything to do with you. I came here for a final time to try to get you back, but I’m not going to separate a pregnant woman from her lover like this.”

Eun’s heart broke. She thought her mother’s heart would have changed by now, but nothing did. She looked away for a second, took a deep breath before looking back. “Well, since there’s nothing else, you can go…”

The lady looked back up, sighing in dismay. “I would, but you have something to take from me.” she reached into her bag, taking out a brown paper file. “When your father passed away, before we cut ties two years ago, he gave his will to his lawyer. He spent a long time searching for you, but ultimately I had to find you.”

Eun stared at her mother confused. She turned to Mark, who motioned her to let her in for a little bit at least. Eun sighed and did so. They sat in the living room, her mother looking around the state of their small house. It wasn’t as bad as she thought it would be. It was actually decent and comfy for the couple. She looked back to Eun as Mark placed coffee for her.

The elder lady watched as he sat next to Eun, knowing he’s not leaving anytime soon. She sighed and took out the file again, taking out the papers inside. “I’m going to keep it short and simple. Your father left his wealth to you. The company has been split into his shareholders because he didn’t want you to carry the burden of it, seeing as to you already found your happiness.” she exaggerated the last word, causing Eun to casually roll her eyes. “He left you his wealth because he wants you to live your life the way you want to with it.”

She passes her the file, which Eun opened to see the will and a application letter to the bank for her to claim the money. She smiled at the thought of her father and put it back inside, looking back at her mother. “What about you? What did he leave you?”

The woman suddenly looked down gloomy, sighing as she thought. “I am one of the shareholders. That’s why we married. I mean, that was the reason I tried to get you to do the same. I was jealous that you were trying to live your own life while I had to sacrifice mine, especially later on for you. That’s why you had your father’s support, because he didn’t want you to go through the same as us. And I hated to see you live the way you did, I couldn’t bear to look at it. That’s why I decided to cut ties.”

She got up and left the moment she finished talking, Mark running behind her to talk, or at least say goodbye. Eun got up slowly and only got to the door. She knew about her parents relationship. But she also knew how her father tried his very best to keep her mother happy, but to no avail. The woman was always sour about her life.

Seeing Mark come back in, she smiled at him and hugged him tight. “I hope you know that I never regret this.” she spoke softly. Mark smiled back and kissed her forehead hugging her as well.

“I know, I don’t regret either.”

Eun pulled away and stared at him, an idea popping into her mind. “You know, with all this money, we can start working on your online business.”

Mark stared back at her and slightly shook his head. “No Eun, it’s your money. Don’t spend it like that.”

“Mark, I’ve told you before. My only dream future is to be with you forever. I don’t care if we don’t make it, if I had to leave the life of a princess or whatever. You’re all I need. And it’s a lot of money, so I’d rather put it to good use than leave it aside.”

Mark bit his lip still thinking about her decision. He was touched, but still a little hesitant. Eun snaked her arms around his neck cocking her had, and he knew he couldn’t resist her like this.

“Fine.” he answered, resting his arms on her waist. “But a little at a time. We can’t splurge money on this. You need to save it for the future,” he said as his hand traced her slightly protruding tummy, a smile tugged at his lips, “especially for him.”

“Her!”

»»»

[nuoyipeach]

Stupid

Mark Lee X Koeun

warning!: abuse

After a long one hour, Mark couldn't feel his legs anymore as he tried his best to stand. Unable to bear the pain, he simply dragged himself to the couch, trying to get on it to lie down. Just as he did, a hand came onto his forehead, and he first flinched in fright out of instinct, but stopped when it started to calmly stroke his forehead. He laid back down and stared up at the ceiling, too tired to even cry anymore.

"So, do you promise not you talk back anymore, Marky?"

Mark looked at her silently, biting his lips too scared to talk, and slowly nodded. She smiled and walked away to their bedroom, leaving him in the living room couch still unable to move his legs. He balanced himself on his arms as he got up slightly to look at them, and saw nothing but red from knees down, and laid back down staring at the ceiling again.

His blank trance was interrupted when his phone rang, luckily just on the floor below him. He reached for it and pulled it up to check the caller.

Ko Eun (uni)

He suddenly remembered the assignment he was supposed to finish with his partner, and how they scheduled to meet at three in the afternoon, whereas now was already two thirty. He should be getting ready to leave, but he knew he couldn't walk, nor could he have gone there looking like this.

But he couldn't leave her just like that. Eun was a top student in their course, so for Mark to bail out on working with a top student, who to his advantage could help him raise his grades more, was not at all alright. He took a deep breath and answered the call.

"Hey, you coming?"

"Uh... Yea, just give me some time. I'll meet you there."

"Alright, don't be late Mark Lee, or else you can kiss your As goodbye."

Mark chuckled lightly, and the call soon disconnected. He knew he had to go, and so he pushed himself to stand, despite the pain. He walked into his bedroom and tried his best to get changed through the pain, making sure to wear long pants to cover his legs.

"Marky..." he froze hearing her voice, and gulped as he nervously turned around and faced her. She walked in and stood in front of him, seeing how he quivered when she reached up and stroked his hair. "Where are you going this time?"

"I... I have a group assignment. I need to go get it done..." he spoke softly like a child. "I'll come back before dinner, I promise..."

"Good boy." she said. She suddenly grabbed his hair and kissed him roughly, biting his lower lip hard. "Don't make me wait."

Mark felt free as he walked through the streets, ignoring the pain in his legs for now. He reached the library soon, and went in to see his partner sitting at the farthest corner alone. Made sense to him, seeing how she was always so focused on everything. He walked to her and sat down in front of her.

Eun took off her earphones and smiled at him, then looked at the time. "One minute late," she said cocking her eyebrow, "that's one less mark in your finals."

Mark laughed. He always found it funny how she treated him as if she was the teacher, as if she had power over their grades. The both knew it was a joke to simply scare him. Eun had been Mark's classmate and study buddy for a while, and since she helped him, he did much better in his course, going from Bs to As easily.

They started their work, Eun calculating while teaching Mark on the way, while he wrote down whatever her results were and finished off the draft. After an hour, Mark yawned and laid his head down on the table, not realising he had fallen asleep soon.

Eun looked up and saw him sleeping, and shook her head in disbelief. Still, it had been an hour, so she decided to take a break too. She laid her head down, and watched him. Eun always found Mark cute, with his natural child like actions, his nervous laugh, especially when he cringes at something or gets embarrassed. A smile formed on her face looking at him, when she noticed him stir in his sleep. His face showed discomfort, as if having a bad dream, and as she watched, a single tear left his eye.

Feeling worried for him, Eun sat up and slowly threaded her fingers through his hair, combing it gently. At first she noticed Mark freeze, as if he was scared to death. But slowly he relaxed taking deep breaths, and soon fell sound asleep again, but with a relieved look. Eun stared at him and wondered what was it that caused him to behave such a way. Her mother was a psychiatrist, and her father a psychologist, so she knew many things about human psych naturally.

She decided to let Mark rest for a while longer and do some of the assignment herself. "No..." she jumped hearing Mark mumble and thought he was awake. But he wasn't, and he continued to speak in his sleep. "I'm... sorry baby... it hurts... stop, please..." another tear left his eye, and Eun knew the one way to stop him. She quietly moved her chair closer and gently hugged him from the side, stroking his back.

"Shh... It's OK, no ones going to hurt you Mark." Eun softly whispered into his ear, coaxing him like a child. Mark stirred some more, before letting out a sigh. Eun knew something was wrong, because this wasn't the first time she's noticed this behaviour from him.

Mark would never go swimming during any summer parties they had.

Mark would go home much earlier than anyone else.

Mark would wear long pants even in the summer when it's super hot outside.

And finally, Mark had taken a long time to get close to people. Even now, other than Eun, he stopped talking to so many of his friends. They weren't mad, not at all. If anything they were worried and wanted to find out what happened him.

After a while Eun decided it had been a long day, so closed up everything and packed them away. She looked back at Mark and smiled seeing him sleeping peacefully, as if he hadn't slept for a while. She gently shook his shoulder, bending closer to his ear.

"Mark wake up. You can go home."

Mark's eyes fluttered open, and he slowly raised up stretching his arms out. Eun laughed at him, catching his attention. "What time is it?"

"You've been asleep for a while. It's..." she takes out her phone to check, "seven."

Mark suddenly froze, star in at her wide eyed. "Seven?" he asked, and she nodded. In the blink of an eye Mark was shoving everything in his bag, and was about to run out when his leg got caught in the chair leg, cashing him to trip and fall. Eun was shocked by him, and quickly kneeled down to help him.

But something caught her eye. When Mark fell, his pants went up his legs, exposing his calves. And Eun's sharp eyes didn't miss the red and purple marks on his legs. She got distracted hearing Mark grunt as he tried to get up, and quickly helped him up, and sat him back on another chair. She picked up his bag and phone that he had dropped, when a message appeared in the screen, and she saw it.

Sweetheart

Marky, where are you??

You're late

I hope you know what's going to happen

Kiss that A goodbye, cuz you're not appearing for that exam

Eun's eyes flickered at the odd message, and she looked at Mark to see him massaging his legs over his pants. Swiftly, she drops his phone on the table in front of him, and forcefully pulls one of his legs up, pushing the cloth up his leg, her eyes met by horror. Mark himself was so in shock by her actions, he froze unable to do or say anything.

Eun took the phone again, and turned on the screen to show him the message notification "Mark, what's going on?" she asked strictly. Mark read the message, and immediately started to cry, hiding his face in his hands. Eun felt bad for him, so she pulled up a chair next to him, sat down, and hugged him from aside. "Mark, you can tell me. Please, what's going on?"

Mark cried into her shoulder, trying his best to speak up. He knew Eun for a year or so, and he knew he could trust her more than anyone now. "She hurts me... When things don't go her way..."

"Why?"

"She says... she says she's traumatised by her parents, so she doesn't... doesn't want to lose me... I-"

"That's abuse!" Eun pushed him away and grabbed his shoulders. "Mark Lee you really are as stupid as Haechan says. What did you think she was doing to you all this time!?!"

"I though, that like, her parents left each other... So her actions were, like, we're justifiable..."

Eun stared at him mouth wide open. She had heard about Mark from their mutual friends before, especially Haechan and Herin. They would always make fun of how stupid or dumb he was sometimes, not understanding certain things, but they found it adorable as well. But right now, there was nothing adorable about this situation.

"Mark, I'm coming home with you."

Mark looked at her in shock and immediately shook his head. "No, don't. She'll-"

"She'll do what? You know me Mark. I don't give out without winning a fight that easily."

Mark knew she was right. For as long as he knew her, Eun was a tough lady, always fighting until things are right. She stood up and grabbed his hand, pulling him up and dragging him out of the library. She took him to her car and pushed him into the passenger's seat, and drove off, asking him to show her his address.

It took her five minutes to reach the apartment, but she parked and was about to leave, Mark suddenly grabbed her hand tight. She looked at him, and saw his eyes watering up.

"Eun, please don't go... I don't want you to get hurt." he spoke softly. Eun shook her head and took his hand in hers, giving it a squeeze.

"Like I said, I'll be fine. And hey, if anything happens," she suddenly took out her phone, showing a chat, "I've got Herin on standby. She'll call the police if I don't call her in half an hour or so. Sounds good?"

Mark pursed his lips, still hesitant about her idea. But Eun wasn't going to stop now. She got out and went ahead into the apartment, Mark following in after. He lead her to his shared apartment with his girlfriend, and stopped as they reached in front of the door. Eun looked at him, and motioned him to enter first. He noticed how his hand shook as he tried to key in the lock code, and gently held his hand. Mark looked at her, and she gave him a quick hug.

"Calm down. I'm here."

For some reason, Mark felt much more relaxed in Eun's arms. He hugged her back and sniffled into the crook of her neck. She let him go and motioned him to go inside. He took deep breaths and opened the door, looking in to check first. He then went in and walked into the living room, and saw his girlfriend sitting at the couch, holding her phone tight in one hand, and a wooden spoon in the other.

Mark could tell she had been cooking by the smell, but he could also tell she had been sitting like this for a while. Slowly he walked more towards the living room, when she looked up and their eyes met. Mark stopped and bit his lower lip, thinking of what to say.

"I'm sorry baby... I fell asleep while studying..."

He looked up back at her, and saw her smile. Normally that would be alright, but not in this relationship. That smile to him was just scary. She stood in front of him, and despite being taller, Mark felt small in front of her as he kept his head down. She suddenly reached for his hair and stroked it, making him flinch on instinct.

"Who did you sleep with?" she asked in a calm but scary tone.

"W- What?"

He suddenly felt a sting on his arm, and figured he just got hit with the spoon. "I said, who was the b*tch you slept with! I know you did it, now tell me Mark Lee!" she kicked his shin, causing him to fall on the floor. He saw her raise her arm with the ladle high, and shut his eyes tight. But nothing came.

"Who the hell are you!?!" he heard her scream. He slowly opened his eyes just enough to see Eun standing behind him, holding her arm with the ladle up from hitting him. He watched his girlfriend struggle to let loose, but Eun was strong. "Let me go! You're the b*tch aren't you! Let me go you sl-"

Eun did just as she asked, but with a light push so she fell backwards into the couch. Mark saw her eyes, red as ever as if she was trying to kill Eun with just her stare.

Well, Eun isn't Mark.

Eun didn't even bother about her, and instead helped Mark get up. She helped him stand, as his legs hurt more than ever, though it felt like a military coach making you suck up your tears and get things done.

"Go and get your things." she suddenly commanded him. "You're not staying here any longer."

"What!?!" the two of them looked to see Mark's girlfriend standing up straight, grasping the spoon harder than ever. "Who the hell do you think you are? He's my boyfriend, not yours! You're just a sl*t! Get out if my house!" she screamed. But Eun was unfazed by her, and poked Mark to get it done. He felt hesitant, but decided this was his only chance of escaping. He limped off to the bedroom, when something hit the back of his head, causing him to fall down again.

"You psycho b*tch!" he heard Eun yell, and all he heard from there were struggles of the two, before he blacked out.

"Shut up Haechan! Herin, take him out. He's being too noisy."

The first voice he heard made him confused, especially hearing what she said. Slowly, Mark tried to open his eyes when he heard a door close, and silence took over. He looked peeked around, and saw a figure of a lady sitting next to him, in a white room. While his eyes adjusted to the bright light, he could tell who it was, and wondered where or what he was in.

Eun felt something move, and looked up from her phone to see his fingers shaking, trying to move around. She quickly moved closer and touched his hand, and looked at his face to see his eyes slightly open. She smiled widely and moved to the head of the bed.

"You're awake!" she exclaimed. Mark groaned in pain, until his eyes opened fully and he took a good look around, realising he was in a hospital.

"What... happened?"

"She threw her phone at your head when I wasn't looking. You passed out from a concussion, and you've been out cold for tow days now. Doctor said you've attained too many injuries, more than someone can take, especially in your legs." she picked up a clipboard that hung on the wall next to the bed, and started to read through it. "You've got muscle tears, slight fractures, dents in your bones, and when she hit your head, it cut your skin open, so you had a lot of blood loss..."

Mark blinked several times to not let his tears out. Why did he like her, why did he stay with her, why didn't he ever leave her despite what she's done, it all floated in his head now. Eun saw his sad eyes, and smiled at him. She took seat next to him and combed through his hair.

"It's all good now. She's been taken away to a mental institution. Apparently all her trauma caused her to be like this. But..." she bit her lip before she continued. "the police want to talk to you. They want to know why you didn't report her sooner."

In three days Mark felt better, and now the police sat with him for some questions. Eun didn't want to leave him alone, so she sat next to him on the bed to make sure they didn't do anything to him that made him uncomfortable.

"OK, first things first, when did this all start?"

"Uhm... About two months after we moved in together. That was a year after we started dating. We've been together for three years I think... So we've lived together for two years now."

The police nodded, and motioned the psychiatrist next to him to take notes. It was Eun's mother, but they kept quiet because it had been a family rule, don't mix work and family unless needed. She was there to take down if there was anything wrong with both Mark and his now ex girlfriend.

"OK, now the main question. Why didn't you report her before?"

Mark looked down, and Eun could see sweat forming on his forehead, understanding right away that he was nervous and scared. She quickly gave him some water to drink, and held his hand giving him a reassuring smile. Mark pursed his lips before he thought of what to answer.

"I guess I was stupid. She was the first girl that likes me back, so I thought I shouldn't lose her. And her actions... She went through a lot as a child, so I didn't bother stopping her since she did all that because she was scared, and wanted to keep me..."

The police could only gawk at Mark's words, while Eun's mother threw confused glances at her daughter, who waved her off as if to talk later. She nodded and wrote down again, the police man clearing his throat.

"Well... That's all we have to ask I guess. Thank you for your cooperation."

Once they left, Eun sat on the bed facing Mark, rubbing his hand. "You know, she's not the only girl that likes you." she spoke calmly. Mark looked up at her shocked and saw her smile at him. "Maybe, once you get discharged, you'd like to go for lunch with me." she shrugged.

Mark laughed nervously, the one she always adored, and blushed hard. He couldn't look at her for a while, shaking his head to calm himself. He then looked back at her, and nodded.

"I'd love that."

"Mark, wake up! We have to get ready!"

Mark groaned pulling the covers over his head. "Can't I skip g-"

"Are you stupid? Why on earth would you skip your own graduation!?!"

Ever since they lived together, Mark's life had been like a child's, having a schedule for almost everything and everyday. But he didn't mind. Today was their graduation ceremony, and both of them already had jobs lined up at the same company, but in different sections. Mark was in building and landscape management, whilst Eun was in building design.

Giving up, Eun looked at the clock and realised they had six hours before they had to leave for the event, so decided to take it easy. She looked back at her sleeping fiancé, and couldn't help but smile at his cute face as he slept. She pulled off the covers slightly to get in as well, and hugged him from behind.

"Well, at least face me." Mark immediately turned around and engulfed her in a bear hug, pressing his face into her hair. Eun chuckled and hugged him back, giving a soft kiss on his lips. "We can sleep in for another hour or two, but after that we have to get up. We have to get ready, eat, and pick up our robes as well."

Mark pouted, eyes still closed and groaned. "Whatever..."

Eun shook her head at his childishness, but closed her eyes too and relaxed into his arms. Mark slowly opened his and smiled seeing her resting. He kissed her forehead before pressing his on hers, causing her to open her eyes again.

"Why?" she asked.

"Nothing. Just thinking."

"About what?"

Mark smiled again, and kissed her more passionately. Eun responded and kisser him back, when he pulled away to speak.

"About how much I love you..."

written: 12/2/2020

[markdaes]

tbh im rlly sad bc markoeun were such a cute friendship.. n i know that even when koeun finally gets to debut, theyre not gonna act the same around each other as they did when they were 15 and werent under strict idol rules...