I Shouldn't be in Love

Chapter 8

*Ri Gi POV*

   The next few days were awkward between us three. We wouldn't talk unless it was important. I would talk with them individually at times, but Mark and Jeno wouldn't dare to talk to each other. They would stand on opposite sides of the room, never participate together during practices, etc. I felt guilty whenever I saw them. I let my stupid feelings get in the way of a close friendship.

   I sat out during this practice. My mind was filled with so many thoughts that I felt a little nauseous. While lost in my thoughts, my stomach groaned loudly. Embarrassed, I leaned over towards Jin Ri. "Unnie, I'm hungry. I'm going to go get some black bean noodles from across the street." She nodded, handing me some money. I slowly left the room.

   I was walking down the steps in front of the SM building. I started to feel weak, probably because of all my thoughts. "Ri Gi-ah!" I heard someone calling behind me. I spun around, and saw Mark running towards me.  I was confused, he never really talked to me in a while. I walked towards him. "Yeah?" I responded. He stopped in front of me. He took a deep breath, and continued. "Did... did you think about what I said?" He said nervously looking down. My eyes widened. I flashed back to the day Jeno confessed to me.

   I reacted without thinking. I dragged Mark down the stairs mindlessly. When we reached the bottom, I stared at him blankly. Well, what now? I thought. An awkward atmosphere took us over. Suddenly, Mark spoke up. "Before you talk, can I say something first?" I nodded, letting him continue. He sighed heavily. "So, you like him back don't you?" He said. I looked at him, surprised. He chuckled. "Don't worry, I already knew." I gasped. 

   "Please don't tell anyone, especially Jeno!" I said. He looked at me confused.

   "Oh, don't worry, I won't. Plus, why would I get in the way between you two?!" He said, sort of frustrated. I looked at him, confused. 

   "Is... is something wrong?"  I asked. He smiled. 

   "You don't know, don't you?" He said. I slowly shook my head." He chuckled again. "Why do you think I followed you!?" Why do you think I'm concerned about you right now!?" He said, raising his voice. I just watched him, in shock. "Ri Gi," he said, placing his hands on my shoulders. "You know I like you too, right?" He said calmly. My eyes shot open. I didn't know how to respond. 

   "Oh..." I said, looking at the floor. He smiled.

   "It's okay, but promise me this." He said. I looked up. "I know you like Jeno, but please, consider me too." He said softly. I was shocked. I slowly nodded. 

   "Yeah." I said.

   I was standing on the steps shocked. I looked down. "Yeah I did think about it." I said. He smiled. Not knowing how to continue, I ended it there. We stood there in awkward silence for a while. Mark took a deep breath, then suddenly took me in a hug. I lightly gasped. After a while, he let go. Still holding me, he looked deep into my eyes. Suddenly, he leaned in, and planted a kiss on my forehead! I tensed up. What... What do I do?! I thought. He then released the kiss. I looked down awkwardly. He softly coughed, trying to clear the atmosphere. I looked towards the left, and the sight shocked me. Standing there, was Jeno, who saw the entire thing.

   (A/N: Sorry for being slow on updates, but it's hard to come up with a new chapter >.<. But I'm trying my best! Your feedback is always nice if you want :D. Saranghae <3)