|Aera's POV|
I've been here a million times, but it's prettiest at night. The view he has over the city is mind blowing. I could sit here for hours and stare out at it.
"I can't really pull out the drums with it being so late, but I can drag out my keyboard." Mark scratches at the back of his neck as he slips into his bedroom.
I fall down on his couch and stare at the midnight sky. I lean back and kick my legs up on the table. This is what I needed—peace and quiet. Don't get me wrong, I love the girls to death, and I'm usually really loud, too, but right now I just need a chance to breathe. That performance earlier really took a toll on me. Why would they be so mean? We didn't even do anything wrong. It'd be one thing if we messed up, but we all hit our marks.
"Did you grab your notebook?" Mark asks as he drags his keyboard out into the living room.
"I changed my mind. I just want to stare at the stars." I mumble as Mark makes his way toward me.
"Do you want to go up to the roof then?" Mark questions as he sits down next to me.
"No, this is fine. It's warm here." I lay my head in his lap and look up at him.
"You said you wanted to look at the stars—not me." Mark chuckles as he brushes my hair from my face.
"I am looking at the stars—well star." I smile sheepishly as Mark shakes his head in amusement.
"Are you sure this is what you want? I mean—I know you've worked so hard for it, but with this company? If you debuted under JYP or even someplace smaller like Jellyfish, you'd be better off." Mark stares down at me as he runs his fingers over my cheek.
"JYP didn't want me, remember? They kicked me out. This company helped me. They fixed what JYP couldn't. I can't leave them and use what they taught me somewhere else. I may think about myself before others most times, but for some reason, I can't do it this time. I actually really like the girls. I don't want to mess this up for them, too. If they didn't have me, they wouldn't have a dancer. They wouldn't be able to choreography anything. They can dance, but they don't have the choreography history that I do." I mumble as I reach up to touch Mark's face.
"I guess you're right. I just hate to see you struggle so much. You're really talented. You should've debuted forever ago." Mark sighs as he leans his head back against the couch.
"I promise I won't give up. I know that's what you're worried about—even if you won't say it. I remember when I was at JYP—you were always quiet. I learned to read your face—it gives a lot away actually." I chuckle as I sit upright to wrap my arms around his waist. I hug him tightly and rest my head on his chest.
"I know you won't. I'm just worried that you won't get the recognition you deserve. That Sun girl gets a lot of attention—some good some bad—but it's taking away the spotlight from you." Mark rests his cheek against my hair and breathes me in.
"SunMi doesn't like it. She hates being the center of attention. I'm sure it'll pass in no time." I yawn as Mark grabs a blanket from the back of the couch and drapes it over me.
"Are we really going to sleep on the couch?" I pout as I look up at him.
"Do you want me to carry you to my bed?" Mark laughs as I frown up at him.
"Yes." I nod my head in approval.
"Hold on tight." Mark smiles as he leads my arms to his neck.
"Just don't drop me." I mumble as I lock my hands behind his neck. He stands up and pretends to drop me.
"Whoops." Mark chuckles as I tighten my grip on him and squeal.
"Stop it!" I kick my feet in hopes of landing a bit on his leg.
"If you kick me I might actually drop you." Mark states as he smiles in amusement.
"Do it and I'll have to kill you." I threaten playfully as we slip into the bedroom.
"Bring it on!" Mark laughs as he drops me down on the bed without warning.
"I swear to god—Mark!" I struggle to get to my feet as he hurries toward the bathroom to protect himself behind the door.
"I'm just going to sleep in here—to give you your space—not to avoid being murdered." Mark presses his hands against the door to keep me out.
"Get out here. You're my pillow." I whine as I pound on the door.
"So I'm just a pillow to you? Nothing more?" Mark snickers as he opens the door and wraps his arms around me.
"I guess you can be my bank, too—if you want of course. I wouldn't mind having a sugar daddy." I place my hands on his chest as he stares down at me with a gentle smile.
"You know I'd give you the world—but my bank account is off limits until I'm more than a pillow." Mark leans down to place a kiss on my forehead.
"Welp, I guess I'll have to find a different sugar daddy. You think JaeBeom would accept my offer?" I ask innocently as Mark glares at me in defeat.
"Yah! Fine! You can have every penny I have! Just don't talk about the other guys!" Mark frowns as he pulls me closer.
"Good. I was thinking I might need an early breakfast tomorrow before I have to leave for a radio show." I chuckle as his warmth eases my tension.
"I think I can do that. What time do you have to leave?" Mark asks as he falls down on the bed with me still in his arms.
"I have to be at the house for eight. So I'll probably have to leave here at about seven so I have time to change and stuff when I get home." I explain casually as I climb away from Mark to crawl under the blanket.
"So up at six, then?" Mark mumbles as he glances toward his alarm clock.
"Yep." I nod as I roll onto my side and close my eyes.
"Sweet dreams." Mark leans over me to kiss my cheek. He rolls over and sets the alarm before closing his eyes.