Half-Blood | NCT DREAM

Chapter 19

Jisung winced at the question, stopping to look at her. "Who lied?"

"Mark." Haerin answered as she spotted a rabbit.

"Mark-hyung normally tells us everything unless it puts us in danger." Jisung said, pulling out his sword as he eyes the same animal but Haerin was faster.

The bolt of darkness escaped her fingers, and the rabbit was instantly killed, lying dead on the forest floor.

"When did you get that?" Jisung exclaimed, hand over his mouth.

"Last night." Haerin answered dryly.

Jisung shook his head, mumbling under his breath.

Haerin ignored him as she went and killed three more rabbits before deciding they had enough. As she turned to head back, Jisung gave her a light nudge.

"Don't be mad at Mark, noona." Jisung told her.

"I'm not mad at him, I'm disappointed." Haerin told him. "He lied straight to my face as if I wouldn't notice."

"It's because he cares about you." Jisung told her. "He cares about you a lot."

Haerin stopped walking. "What?"

"Whatever is between you and Mark is more than just the bond because you two are both children of the big three. Mark genuinely likes spending time with you and worries about you. That's why he spends his time with you instead of with the rest of us. Haechan, he's jealous because Mark and him used to spend their nights together instead of with you. Mark explained to us that while we have each other, you don't really have anyone so we have no right to be jealous." Jisung blurted out.

"You can be mad at a lot of people, noona, but Mark, he's the one person you can't be mad at."

Jisung shoved his hands in his pockets, walking back towards the others while Haerin stayed back for a moment, stunned by the younger boy's words.

...

After lunch, they continued walking through the forest.

Haerin still stayed at the back of the group, but tried to contribute to the conversation when she could. Jisung's words had stuck with her, and she couldn't help but think about Mark.

"Keep walking." Mark told them as he moved to the side. "I need to tie my shoelace. I'll catch up."

Haechan nodded, now leading the group. Haerin gave the three boys a glance before stopping to stand beside Mark.

"Did you want something?" Mark asked as he tied his shoe laces, noticing the girl hovering over him.

"Why did you lie to me?" Haerin asked. "You made it so obvious too."

Mark sighed as he got up, looking at where the others were, making sure they were out of earshot before meeting her eyes again.

"I didn't want you to worry." Mark told her. "Seems like it didn't work."

"No, it didn't, Mark. I'm just losing my trust in you." Haerin said, glaring at the male.

Mark sighed, reaching out but Haerin dodged his arm. "Tell me the truth, Mark."

"The truth can be dangerous, Haerin." Mark warned. "It can hold more pain than you could ever imagine."

"I would never lie to you, Mark." Haerin said, glaring at him with her dark eyes. "I have enough respect for you for that. I was hoping you would do the same."

Mark clenched his jaw, his hands slowly balling into fists as he began to give in. "I saw pain, suffering, and grief."

Haerin's eyes widened as she saw Mark's eyes become glossy.

"You went through a lot, Haerin. It hurt a lot for you, that's what I saw. And it would happen to you because of the choice I made, taking this path but this is also the one that would lead us to Dasom. So I lied and didn't tell you because I feel guilty. Guilty for knowing that this will hurt you in the end."

Mark sniffled and rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand. "Mark, I didn't know."

"Well now you do." Mark said, bitterly.

Haerin had a terrible feeling in her gut and she didn't know what to do. Mark seemed too hurt to continue talking to her so he took a deep breath before jogging to catch up with the rest.

Haerin quickly followed and that's when she saw a clearing in the forest, the mountains coming to sight. Before they could celebrate, mist began to appear, covering it.

In the middle of it all was a male with long jet black hair and pale skin. He wore dark robes, that dragged along the ground, the hood over his head.

Unlike the other goddesses they had encountered, this one looked exhausted, dark circles under his sad eyes. As Haerin stared at him, his name came straight to her.

"Penthus."

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Oof mark being all salty 👀

Also, go and google penthus if y'all don't know who he is (or naver or whatever else y'all use)