*Mark Yi En Tuan
*College AU
*Mutual Pinning

He saw her. Every single day in the halls. Walking down the halls dressed in one of those dresses, something that he loved to see her in.

He loved to look at her. The way she smiled, literally surfaced while laughing, the way she skipped down the halls when she was in a good mood, and especially when she blushed when they caught each other's eyes.

Her. Lia Mei Yang. In simpler words, Yang Lia.

It was more than obvious that she had the biggest crush on him. And by the looks his friends gave her, Lia was sure he returned her feelings.

"Mark Hyung, you can't keep doing this to her," Yugyeom said as she passed by them, not sparing them a single glance.

Yugyeom and Lia were best friends, and damn! The boy filled in the absence of an older brother in her life. Practically speaking, Lia was older than the boy. By 5 months.
And he calls her Noona but acts like she's his 5-year-old younger sister.

"Yugyeom-ah, leave him be. You know why he is like this. Give him time." Jay B reprimanded the youngest, not wanting a fight to break out. "I have no intention of pushing him! But if he's gonna take time to consider her proposal, then tell him to get those crazy fangirls of his to leave her the heck alone!" With that, Yugyeom walked away, pissed off!

Of course, Mark was gonna have fangirls. He was tall, attractive, and had such a charismatic aura that each time he walked down the halls, girls standing on either side, held their breath and watched him with dreamy eyes. His aura and charisma always demanded attention. And Lia knew that too! She still took the risk.

One day, after school, Lia turned up in front of Mark, the cold tsundere of the school and very bravely but calmly, blurted out her feelings to him.

Her voice still echoed in his ears. "Listen, I'll not take much of your time and I might sound like the stupidest person ever. But I need to get this off my chest. I like you, Mark Tuan. And it's alright if you don't feel the same but I just had to say this to someone."

And maybe, she could have gotten away with confessing to 'The Mark Tuan' but he just had to make things take an unexpected turn! Lia attempted to walk away from there, ignoring the disgusting glares his fangirls gave her, her cheeks almost bursting with heat when she suddenly felt someone grab her wrist.

"Can we talk?" His voice sent shocks down her whole body. Mark rarely talked but when he did, half of the female population lost their shitz, internally or externally. While the other half, let's not talk about that!

Lia looked at him with wide eyes, before looking down at where his fingers were clasped around her wrist. And if eyes could emit fire, she surely would've turned into nothing but a pile of ashes, all thanks to the glares she was getting.

Ignoring all of it, Mark had pulled her up to the terrace of the school building and very calmly admitted that he did feel something for her. But, he wasn't really sure about what it actually was. Infatuation, Crush or like Lia, the prorogue of love.

He did not want to start anything without being sure and she completely respected that decision. He just wanted to make sure that neither Lia nor him got hurt in all this mess. So he asked for some time. Before he gave her a definite answer.

Lia told him she could wait. And she actually did wait very patiently. For 2 whole months.

One thing she did during this time, was completely avoid him. It wasn't because she was mad.
She just wanted to give him a first-hand experience of his life without her in it.
Could he live with that? He definitely did feel something for her. But was it strong enough to make him miss her? But, dear God! These two months were absolute hell for Lia!

Now Yang Lia stood, surrounded by those fangirls who left no stone unturned in their attempts of making her feel like absolute shit!

It was lunchtime and instead of enjoying your lunch with her friends, she was dealing with Satan's teenage reincarnation. All thanks to the pretty boy, Mark Tuan.

Who told him to be this handsome? Just because she was brave enough to confess to 'their Oppa' and he actually considered her confession? Now, what was her say in who he considered and who he didn't?

By confessing to Mark, Lia unknowingly signed up to be the punching bag of delusional and insecure fangirls of Mark Tuan. The ones who enjoyed pulling others down to satisfy the insatiable hunger of their monster-like insecurities.

One of them grabbed her bag and emptied its contents on the floor. While the leader of the devil pack, Stacy grabbed Lia's hair and made her look up.

"You think Mark Oppa will accept a basic bitch like you?! Look at you! You're so ugly and pathetic. He deserves better. Not some ugly hoe like you." Lia gritted her teeth, swallowing the anger rising. If she got angry, things were about to get dirty.

"It's a matter of time before he rejects you and finally moves on to someone who matches him. He's only playing with you, you little bitch!" And Lia couldn't completely swallow the anger building up inside.

She had done that enough for the last 2 months. She looked up at them, while they drenched you in the water from your water bottle. Her gaze scared them for a split second. It was as hard and icy as a frozen stream amidst a winter forest.

"You dare glare at me, you little bitch!" Stacy yelled, swinging her hand.

"You guys, Stacy is doing too much today!" One of her classmates said, the fear evident in her voice. "We have to butt in this time. I know she told us not to get involved but I can't have that delusional bitch hurting my best friend like that." Lia's best friend, Jieun said, fisting her hand in a ball. That's exactly when a junior ran into the cafeteria and ran to where they were sitting. That was the difference between Stacy and Lia. One believed in leverage, while the other believed in making friends. Now, the whole campus had her back.

The boy frantically said something to Jieun, making her gasp and rush to where Yugyeom and the rest were sitting. "Yugyeom! We have to go. That little shit has just crossed the line today." Yugyeom immediately slid out of his chair and attempted to follow Jieun when he got stopped. "I'm coming with you."

Lia glared at Stacy, her clothes drenched and anger going through the roof. Stacy yelled, swinging her hand to slap her but she had had enough! Lia grabbed her hand before it could come in contact with her face, and twisted it. She yelled out in pain not really expecting Lia to fight back.

She kept quiet all this time, just to not be the bad guy in this situation. And in one silly corner of her brain, Lia hoped that Mark would be the one saving her from Satan's teenage reincarnation and her minions.

But as the saying goes, if one didn't help yourself, no one was likely to bother helping them.

Her minion number 1 twisted her face in an ugly scowl and lunged at Lia, which she dodged by moving sideways. The girl recovered from the dodge pretty quickly and proceeded to punch her, just to have Lia's elbow shoved into her face. She fell back down, clutching her nose. Minion number 2 grabbed Lia's arm, her fake acrylic nails digging into her flesh, making Lia angrier. She grabbed the girl's hair, before banging her head against the desk. That was surely gonna leave a bruise!

Stacy was clutching her wrist, her eyeliner rolling down her face. Lia wasn't gonna lie, that sight did scare her. She looked like the modern version of the nun.

"You little bitch!" She yelled, charging at her. Lia's lips curved upwards in a smirk.

She let her come close in. And then, once she threw her arm forward in an attempt to punch her, Lia just grabbed her upper elbow and slammed her down on the tiled floor, shoulder first. Stacy groaned in pain, rolling on the floor and clutching her shoulder, while Lia looked down at her.

"You have done worse to me, in the past 2 months and now, you can't handle this. Tell me, Stacy, if I made you feel all the pain that you made me feel for the past 2 months, would you be able to get out of this place, alive?" Lia didn't bother waiting for her answer, as Stacy groaned and whimpered in pain.

Lia, honestly, did feel sorry for them, but they got what they deserved. Maybe that would teach them not to bully and hurt innocent students. She proceeded to walk out of the darkened abandoned classroom, only to come face to face with Yugyeom, Jieun and, surprisingly, Mark.

"What are you guys doing here?" She raised an eyebrow, not really expecting them to be here.

"We came here to kick that plastic bitch's ass because she went too far, today. But by the look of things, you were just fine without us. Why on Earth did you endure all her shit for the past two months?" Lia sighed and shook her head at her best friend before saying, "I have zero idea why. I have had enough today and now, I don't know what are the consequences of this. Aish, I freaking hate her."

Yugyeom came forward and said, "You don't have to worry about this. This room doesn't have any CCTV cameras, so she doesn't have any solid proof that it was you. While on the other hand, there are numerous witnesses and footage to prove that she has been hurting you for the past 2 months. And you think anyone would help her?" Lia smiled slightly at Yugyeom, thankful for his presence in her life. Suddenly, the younger shyly cleared his throat.

Lia wondered why he did that before realizing she was drenched and maybe, they could see her black sports bra through the soaked white shirt. Suddenly Mark stepped in, pulling off his jacket and covering her drenched upper body. She was suddenly reminded of how small she was compared to him.

"The both of you need to talk! And you need to do it now. Go!" Lia thought Mark would ignore Jieun and go on his way, but to her surprise, he softly grabbed her wrist and walked away, pulling her behind him. He kept on leading her down the corridors, a firm grip on her wrist and his jacket around her body.

Classes were just gonna resume after lunch and in those buzzing halls of the school, the students saw Yang Lia wrapped in Mark Tuan's jacket, as he pulled her by hand. Lia really couldn't concentrate on those stares she received because the hallways were centrally air-conditioned and she was hella nervous about what Mark had to say.

He led them up to the school's roof, which wasn't any better than before since it was a very windy day, and Lia felt like she was almost gonna freeze to death! He noticed this and grabbed the edges of the jacket before wrapping it more tightly around her. And that made the both of them stand so close that their toes touched.

"Done ignoring me, Lia?" Mark said, making her blush. "Did they hurt you too much?" He asked, again, searching her face for any signs of injuries. "Not much." She said, her voice small.

Yang Lia usually had a very loud voice, but right now, all she could muster up was a tiny squeak. That was what Mark did to her.

"Why did you not tell me anything about those girls bullying you?" He asked, his usually neutral voice, now laced with worry and slight hints of anger. She kept quiet, not really wanting to say anything. She felt soo stupid!

"Can you please stop ignoring me?" Lia looked up at him, surprised. "I know I said that I needed time to think. But if I knew that it would make you ignore my whole existence for two damn months, I'd have kissed you senseless the second you confessed to me!"

She choked on your spit hearing his ramble, and Mark suddenly realized what exactly he had said. Heat rushed to his cheeks and the tips of his ears turned red, which Lia knew was an indication that he was shy.

"I just wanted to give you space, if I knew that it would upset you..." Lia's mini rambling got cut right off as Mark tugged her closer to him, making the words die right at the tip of her tongue. "It tortured me. I do not like you staying away from me."

Outside, she froze with shock but inside; her heart was going crazy inside her rib cage! "I was scared that I couldn't be good enough for you because I am just not really expressive or like the other boys. I'm not popular and fun like Jackson, chic and sexy like Jay B or even thoughtful like Yugyeom. I was honestly surprised that you liked me, of all the boys around you. I was scared that I couldn't take care of you and be the man you deserve."

Lia's mouth slightly parted at his confession. He was.......insecure??! "But now I have realized that I can't make do without you. And, I'm really sorry for the bully-...."

"WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU APOLOGISING FOR?!" Now, she yelled! A maximum volume yell!

Mark looked slightly taken aback. He knew how loud her voice could get but she'd never used it around him. Not that he didn't like it.

"I mean, if only..." She cut him off, again. "The only thing you've done is being your ridiculously handsome self. If I had to blame anyone, I'd blame your genes. Seriously, don't sweat on it, Mark." His cheeks went red, again!

"As for what you said earlier, I don't want popular or sexy or thoughtful. Your friends are amazing boys, but I don't see them the way I see you. As for you being sure of yourself, I told you, Mark! I can wait for as long as you need." She smiled at him, her eyes barely open because of the bright sunlight of midday.

Mark looked at Lia with soft eyes, him towering over her. The wind ruffled her semi-dry hair, a few strands falling over her face. The both of them stood there, close but not really embracing, just studying each other's faces.

That was exactly when Mark had decided. He was not going to let her go. He was done hesitating. With one arm around her waist, he pulled Lia closer and caged her inside his arms.

Lia gasped lightly, her cheeks glowing red. "I'm done making you wait and torturing myself. I am not going to let you go anymore. I've thought enough, you're mine!" She smiled softly, averting her eyes from his face.

It felt nice, to be in his arms, hearing those words from him. But she needed him to be sure. "Mark, you don't have to rush in. I can wa-MMPH!" Mark reached up and pressed her lips shut. "Did I stutter? I'm completely sure. Be my girlfriend." She glanced down at his fingers, holding her lips shut and he followed her gaze before smiling and setting those lips free. She smiled, wrapping her arms around his neck, and nodded.

"If that's what you want, Mark Yi En Tuan." He laughed, and pulled Lia closer, kissing her forehead. "Did I keep you waiting for too long?" He asked, softly swaying on the spot with her, snugly in his hold. "It was long but it was worth the wait." Lia giggled, softly.

The Next Day...

"Stacy and her minions look beat up." Youngjae tilted his head in their direction. "Not that she didn't deserve it. Serves her right." BamBam said, shrugging.

"Hey, Jieun!" Yugyeom said, watching your best friend walk by them. "Oh hey, Yugyeom, what's up?" She halted, smiling at the 6 boys.

"Cool but where's Noona?" Yugyeom said, looking around for any signs of you. "She told me to go without her today. But, where's Mark?" Jieun said, finally catching on to who was missing.

"He said he was gonna be late today." Jay B answered, not looking up from his phone. The lot of them fell silent, staring at Jay B like he had grown horns.

"WHAT??!" Jay B looked up from his phone, feeling the stares burning holes at him. "If this is, what I think it is, we have a couple on the way," Jackson said, in his excited voice.

And sure enough, two figures walked into the hall, one holding the other by the hand. All eyes went to them, and Jieun let out an excited squeal, which caused all eyes on the two of them.

Gasps of shock, squeals of excitement and whoops of encouragement echoed down the halls, as Lia felt like melting on the ground, overwhelmed by all the attention she got!

"Better get used to it, babe!" Her boyfriend whispered in her ear, smiling wide. Before they could move two steps further, they were attacked by over-excited Youngjae, Jackson, BamBam and Yugyeom, followed closely by the widely grinning Jay B and Jinyoung along with Lia's squealing best friend.

"I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU GUYS ARE TOGETHER!" Jieun jumped to hug Lia. "Oh wait, you guys are finally together, aren't you?" She looked at her best friend and Mark with questioning eyes.

Mark simply smiled and brought up their intertwined hands. "OH MY GOD!!!" Jackson and Jieun yelled out, and Jackson's scream was so high-pitched that they wondered if he had actually screamed or was Jieun the only one screaming!

"I'm so happy for you guys!" Yugyeom hugged them both, while the other boys crowded around Mark, talking all at once. "It's about time that you both came to your senses." Jinyoung teased, making the both of them blush.

"Yah, Stop it!" Mark said, hugging Lia, burying his face in her hair. "I'm glad that you guys are finally together. This girl wouldn't shut up about you!" Jieun teased, making Lia wack her arm. "TMI!" She glared, blushing cherry red. "I don't mind, babe!" Mark bent down, kissing her cheek.

"EWWWWWWW!" Their friends cringed at their actions. "I'm happy for you guys but seriously, keep it under check! I can't handle so much!" Yugyeom cringed, shuddering! "As if you aren't the one to do it?" Lia looked at the younger once and then, back at Jieun. "The he-heck do you me-mean, Lia?" Jieun stuttered, her face exploding in blush. Yugyeom gulped!

Lia and Mark exchanged smirks, before dropping the bomb.

"Yugyeom and Jieunie are dating!" "WHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHATTTTT???"The boys yelled, startling every single human being in the halls.

"WHAT?! SINCE WHEN?!" Jackson grabbed Yugyeom's face and began examining, it as though he couldn't believe it. "It's been a while now," Lia smirked, making Jieun launch herself at her best friend. "WHAT???! YOU SAID YOU'D TELL THEM WHEN MARK AND ME ARE FINALLY TOGETHER." Lia yelled, laughing out loud. "HOW WAS I SUPPOSED TO KNOW THAT THIS ICEBERG WOULD MELT THAT EASILY??!"  Jieun yelled, a blushing mess.

Did she just call Mark an Ice Berg?! At the end of the day, Lia and Mark lay cuddled in Mark's game room, enjoying each other's presence.

"You aren't gonna regret this, are you?"  Lia asked, looking up from his neck. "Never ever. I swear!"  Mark smiled, softly kissing Lia's lips.

Shall we make a vow? Let's try it!

Swear on our hearts? Let's sign it!

Hey, my babies!

I hope I made Mark's thoughts clear in this story.

[He wasn't sure if he had long-lasting feelings for Lia, or was it just a mere infatuation. He did not want her to get attached and then, his falling out of love hurt her even more. He also didn't trust himself with Lia, so that's why he didn't say yes, even though he had feelings for Lia.]

The next update will be of Yugyeom and Jieun's story.

How did you like Mark and Lia, by the way?

I wanted to add a lot of lyrics from the song, but it would sound cringy so I didn't. Cancel me already, but I didn't like 'Never Ever' at first.

Anyway, Mark and Lia🤭

Yugyeom and Jieun coming up, soon enough.

I have exams till the 8th but I scraped up some time to write this.

I hope ya'all like this.

Ladies, love a person who does not want to hurt you, even if it hurts them. Never sell yourself short. You deserve to be happy, just like anyone else.

Love ya guys!

Fay💜