"Does SungGyu hyung know about this? I mean it's too sudden... Do you--", SungYeol was frantic. He had just woken up from a deep slumber and seeing Mav with a duffel bag caused him to panic.

"It's only for a few days, SungYeol - ssi. I have to... work on our project", Mav insisted. It wasn't exactly the truth but it was not a lie either. She tried to assure SungYeol that she will be back as soon as she's able to finish their research.

"Let me help you with that", SungYeol offered as he grabbed her bag and placed it on the couch. Noticing that he hasn't taken a shower, Mav quickly declined the offer, to which SungYeol refused, tightly holding the sling.

"Give me 10 minutes. I'll be back", SungYeol said as he made his way to the bathroom.

It has only been two and a half weeks but she couldn't help but feel vulnerable and lost at the same time. She knew she didn't deserve to feel that way but somehow, she tried to be optimistic about it; persuading herself to think that these challenges will come to an end... she hoped. Unaware of what's happening around her, she blankly stared at the ceiling, preoccupied with her own thoughts. The silence was ended with SungYeol coming out from his room, dressed in jeans and a graphic t-shirt.

"Let's go?", he asked Mav, causing her to flinch.

"I, uh, yeah", she could only mumble.

She never thought that being with SungYeol could be so comforting. The walk with him was filled with silence and she couldn't help but feel relieved. She was thankful that SungYeol didn't pry her with more questions about her leaving the apartment for a while. As they reached the bus stop, Mav tried to grab the sling from her bag, causing SungYeol to grip it tighter.

"Who said that I'll be dropping you off here?", SungYeol asked rhetorically, showing a huge smile from his face.

"But you have a sch--", Mav reasoned out, only to be stopped by SungYeol.

"It's okay to be late. They won't mind", SungYeol assured her. For a moment, Mav couldn't help but feel glad that SungYeol was with her. He emanates this relaxing aura that releases the tension she was feeling.

When the bus finally arrived, they both entered and sat at the back seat, silence filling the atmosphere between them. The whole ride was filled with a subtle yet awkward atmosphere but Mav didn't mind. She was too busy staring at the window, tracing every building that they pass by with her eyes.

As they both reached their stop, SungYeol took Mav's bags and made his way out, causing Mav to be astounded.

"Whenever you need anything, just call me", SungYeol informed her. 

For someone who has a "choding" image, he can be very calm and... mature, Mav thought.

"Thank you, SungYeol - ssi. Oh, and I haven't thanked you for the ice cream that you gave me last time", Mav offered him a genuine smile. Despite what she was going through, the least that she could do is to return the favor with something real.

"You're welcome. Anyway, I have to go now", SungYeol said but before he left, he fished out Mav's phone in her pocket. He started to press certain numbers at her phone, leaving Mav confused.

"There! I got your friend's phone number. I'll be checking on you from time to time. I also added mine, just in case you need to talk to me... or something", SungYeol smirked victoriously.

"You sound like my brother, SungYeol - ssi", Mav muffled a chuckle.

"But, I am... well, that's the least that I can do. But I really hope that you think of me that way", SungYeol smiled, causing Mav to be taken aback.

"Thank you. Thank you", Mav repeatedly said. She realized that she only had 5 minutes left before her class starts.

"I gotta go. See you soon, SungYeol - ssi!", Mav waved him goodbye.

"Take care", SungYeol mouthed as he made his way to the bus station.

"She'll be staying with her friend for a while", SungYeol informed the members as they gathered around at the dance room, exhausted from their practice.

"When will she return?", SungJong asked, quite worried about Mav's sudden departure.

"She said she'll just finish their project. I don't how long it would take though", SungYeol answered him.

The whole room was filled with silence. They were too shocked to find out that Mav left. 

"...and to think that I was getting close to her", WooHyun mumbled.

SungGyu heard the remark. He couldn't stop blaming himself because he thinks that everything was his fault. On the other side of the dance room, a tear escaped from MyungSoo's eye who was curled up in a corner.

"We'll worry about Mav later. Right now, we need to practice to give our fans the best perfomance that they will ever see", SungGyu said as he made his way to HoYa, helping him to stand up.

One by one, the members started rising up from their current positions and stretched their arms and legs as they prep themselves for another practice.

"Thanks for letting me stay at your place for a while, Carla", Mav said as she shifted her seat towards her.

"No problem, but what's up?", Carla couldn't help but ask.

"Something just came up. Besides, we need to stick together for this research, right?", Mav replied with a smug.

"You're right! I hope that we'll finish it by next week", Carla agreed.

The two of them talked about nothing but research. Mav tried her best to distract herself, continuously striving to make their conversation more lively and interesting. They continued to talk until their classes have ended, the two of them leaving together and going straight to Carla's apartment.

"Hyung, make a turn after we flip our hand", DongWoo instructed SungGyu again, causing SungGyu to flinch and shake his head.

It has been two days since Mav left the apartment. Nothing much has changed except for the fact that SungGyu began to space out most of the time. Ever since her departure, he became distracted during practice and HoYa was the only one who noticed it.

"Let's take a break, first", HoYa suggested, sensing that SungGyu was beginning to space out again.

"But, hyung, we just started", MyungSoo retorted.

"Let's warm up again. We need to practice a little longer today... mght as well let our bodies be prepared", HoYa replied.

Each of them went to their own position and started doing stretching exercise. SungGyu, for the most part, was able to accomplish some, but his mind still continued wander. As he continued to stare blankly at the wall, someone was looking at him with concern.

We need to get her back, HoYa thought as he continued stretching his legs.

It was already 11 in the evening when Mav made her way towards Carla's apartment. Sure, she was able to concentrate more on her research more but other than that, she had other things to attend to. She made sure that despiter her absence, INFINITE's apartment was still conducive to live in. It was a good thing that they started to have late night practices, causing Mav to thoroughly clean their place after her class without them knowing or disturbing them. She was doing fine with the current set up but she couldn't help but miss them; eating with them, talking them... most especially, everything with him. Unknown to her, someone had noticed her efforts in keeping the apartment in shape.

She made her way to a barbeque restaurant. Her stomach started to grumble as she stared at the pork cuts being grilled by the window. Unconsciously, she entered the restaturant and decided to order some take - out food for her and Carla.

I'm sure she wouldn't mind, she thought as she started to fall in line.

"Yah, hyung! I thought you were on a diet", SungJong shouted at WooHyun, trying to grab a piece of meat from his plate.

"I'm going to sweat this off tomorrow!", WooHyun retorted, covering his plate with one hand.

The memebrs were having their dinner at a barbeque restaurant. Everything was going weel when suddenly, HoYa caught a glimpse of Mav. He watched her every move, only to realize that he has been staring at her for quite some time.

"Hyung, what are you looking at?", MyungSoo asked as he followed HoYa's gaze.

"Nothing. Let's just eat", HoYa answered him, eating a mouthful of ssambab as he tried to divert MyungSoo's attention.

Mav was becoming irritated at someone shouting from across the room, only to be shocked to find out the owner of the voice. It didn't take long for Mav to recognize SungYeol's voice echoing at the restaurant. She quickly scanned the room, only to find the members sitting 5 tables apart from her. Her body suddenly froze as she and HoYa accidentally made eye contact. She tried to pretend that she didn't see him. As soon as she claimed her order, she quickly fled from the restaurant.

It has been five days since Mav left and none of them can contact her except for SungYeol. He was wise enough to obtain Carla's number, thus, he was updated with everyhting that had happened to her. Mav also kept in touch with SungYeol for the most part, assuring him that she was fine and that she will be able to return at the apartment soon. She was feeling guilty of giving him false hope but she coulnd't stand seeing MyungSoo or SungGyu as of the moment. Having SungYeol to check on her alleviated most of her worries as he also tried to update her with the current conditions of the others.

It was already Saturday but Mav had stayed at the school's library for her research. After she was done with the first 2 chapters, she decided to head back to Carla's apartment. It was getting late and she was sure that Carla was getting worried about her. She decide to take a shortcut, leading her to a nearby children's park. As she was walking pass it, she heard someone call out her name.

"Mav", the voice said. Mav continued walking, ignoring the voice.

"Mav, we need to talk", the voice continued, causing Mav to stop. It didn't take long for her to recognize the owner of the voice.

"Mav, come back", the voice sighed in defeat.

A/N: Sorry if this chapter is a bit sloppy. I'll try to write the next chapter a little better. Thank you for reading! :)