In the kitchen Lexi was left feeling nervous and awkward. She was well aware of two very obvious things. The first was that her friend was alone in a room with an attractive someone neither of them suspected. Despite Leda’s reassurances, Lexi was worried and deathly curious. The second was a realization that under the influence of Mario Cart she may have let more of her personality slip than she intended. Thinking of her behavior made her suddenly embarrassed and quiet, which did not go unnoticed.

 

Bam Bam and Yugyeom went to the place where Lexie was awkwardly standing and eating her burger.

 

“Well you look mighty meek for someone who talks so much trash while playing games.” Bam Bam joked warmly as Yugyeom offered a stool to each of them.

 

She wasn't sure she could turn any more red: she felt burning reach her cheeks and the tips of her ears. His bluntness did help ease the tension, though. “Heh heh. Sorry!” She tried laughing it off. “Some games just bring out the worst in me I guess.”

 

“Oh it's nothing we haven't seen before. You were tame compared to Jackson, one of our other members.” Yugyeom sat himself next to the other two, Jinyoung joining moments later.

 

“Jackson? I'm familiar with him!”

 

Bam Bam’s eyes rolled. Everyone knew Jackson. He was one of the most charismatic members. “Well it's good he's not here or there may have been a blood bath if you two had played together.” He seemed to scoff as he began concentrating his attention on his plate.

 

“That's probably true. I've never seen someone who was a sore loser and a sore winner. He can't be satisfied.” Yugyeom laughed and the others joined in. Lexi couldn't help but be curious.

 

“Man, I wish he was here.” She tried to imagine the scenario and laughed. “Maybe then I wouldn't have embarrassed myself so much!” She brought her hands to her cheeks remembering the embarrassment, so grateful to be surrounded by people that made her feel relatively normal.

 

As the laughing died down, Lexi realized they were making themselves very comfortable in the kitchen and weren’t making their way to the bedroom. She grew more and more suspicious as their conversations rolled on. Once she found an opportunity she jumped on it, “Hey so what’s going on with Mark and Leda? Why are we in here leaving them alone?”

 

Three pairs of eyes grew wide simultaneously.

 

“I’ve got to go check on the gaming downstairs.” Jinyoung got up immediately and rushed out of the kitchen. Yugyeom looked at Bam Bam and they seemed to have a silent stand-off. Finally, Bam Bam rolled his eyes and sighed.

 

“Why don’t you guys talk. I’ll go downstairs too.” He said forcefully, as though it was a rehearsed line. He sulked off in a way that only made Lexi more curious.

 

Once they were out of ear-shot Yugyeom stood and looked down to Lexi. “Let’s find somewhere a bit more private to talk. The guys all know, but I’m not sure I can trust those two to keep most everyone in the basement.” He led her out to the patio attached to the kitchen and offered her a chair.

 

“Listen. I don’t know what’s going on right now but the way you are all acting I have half a mind to run into that room and take my friend home. This is nuts.” Lexi hated being out of the loop and was getting more frustrated by the minute. Leda seemed to find these people trustworthy, but she was still unsure.

 

“I’ll tell you everything right now. You can relax. Leda is not in any danger.”

 

“But I thought that you were the one who was into her. You were messaging her all month! Why is she in the room with Mark right now?” She was indignant and impatient for answers.

 

Yugyeom paused and for the first time since she had seen him, he seemed uncomfortable. He went rigid and looked around cautiously. “Listen. Mark used to know Leda. I don’t really know the details, but when he found out I was messaging her he asked me to ask her some questions.”

 

“What!? So you lied to her?” She leaned forward and Yugyeom flinched in anticipation of a fist that never came. Once he was sure her hands were both placed safely on the table he continued.

 

“I’m sorry. I hope she forgives me. I was not entirely honest. I was, however, completely sincere in my friendship with her. This was a favor for Mark. I think…” He paused to choose his next words carefully.

 

Yugyeom’s eyes pierced Lexi’s. They were sincere and kind eyes. It gave her some comfort in this situation and she sat back in her chair. He started again more carefully and quietly than before, “I think he is in love with your friend.” His eyes dropped after saying it, as though this were a weight he had been holding on to for some time.

 

“Wow.” It’s all she could think to say.

 

“The members know that he used to know her and that he wanted to spend some time alone with her. They don’t know the last part. Heck, I don’t know the last part for sure, but…” He trailed off.

 

“He’s really hot!” Lexi’s face lit up. “Good for her! You go get it girl!” She yelled out to no one in particular.

 

“Shhh!” Yugyeom stood to try to quiet her. “I said I don’t know about the last part.” He looked around but if anyone heard they didn't seem phased by anything Lexi was shouting at that moment.

 

“Sorry! It's all just really surprising. And awesome. And weird. And probably a bit crazy.”

 

“I think, honestly, Mark was worried about it being too weird and crazy.” Yugyeom sat back down and gazed off into the distance.

 

“I can't quite say for sure how Leda will react.” Lexi seemed to consider it for a few moments. “I mean, it only takes a different phrasing to turn a secret admirer into a stalker. But he seems like a nice guy. I mean, you all do, really. And she is so kind too. I'm sure even if she turns him down it will be gently.”

 

“She's amazing. I hope neither of them get hurt in the process.” Yugyeom smiled to himself.

 

Lexi looked at him, his gaze still looking for something she didn't see. Her eyebrow raised. “You like her too, don't you?”

 

Yugyeom looked down and waited a few moments before answering.  “In this situation I'm just glad to help my Hyung out. Anyway, there's still another member you haven't met, so we should join them. The longer we're gone the more they'll assume we're up to no good.”

 

Lexi’s face frowned. “They'd assume we're all over each other? Just because we're alone? What kind of player are you?” She smirked at him.

 

A devious grin spread across his face. “I'd never kiss and tell.” With a wink he led her downstairs.

 

…………….

 

“Well we've learned neither of us are very good at Mario Kart.” Leda laughed lightly as she put down the controller.

 

“I guess so.” Mark felt like he had run out of ideas and he began to wrack his brain for a plan. He sincerely had no idea how she would react so he hadn't planned this far. He thought it better not to get his hopes up. But he was desperate to spend more time alone with her.

 

Leda searched for ways to break the silence. “I know. You've already heard a lot about me. Why don't you tell me more about you?” Leda turned so her body faced him, body language she knew meant she was open and giving her full attention. She leaned her head against her hand.

 

Mark’s heart skipped a beat to see her. She was relaxed and just as beautiful as the first day he saw her. He began to stumble over his words. “I mean. I don't know. I grew up here. I spent some of my childhood in South America. I moved to South Korea and became an idol.”

 

“Was it hard learning Korean?” Leda watched as his adorable and endearing nervousness started to melt away. As the conversation continued she had to try to keep herself focused. That is, she had to draw her attention from his body (his bare arms, strong shoulders and chest to name a few) back to his face. She felt guilty because she felt he must have caught her staring a few times. Thankfully her embarrassment was only met by a devilish grin of satisfaction on his part.

 

Eventually she became so enamored with his form that she had to turn herself facing forward just to distract herself. She started playing with the controller she had had.

 

“Do you think we should find the others?” She said it absentmindedly thinking of what trouble Lexi was getting into. She hoped she didn't feel abandoned. When there was no response she looked up to see his head hanging. “Whoa. What's wrong?”

 

He looked up with a sigh. “You can go if you want. But I'd like it if you stayed.” He looked straight into her eyes with an almost sad earnestness that made Leda’s heart feel like bursting.

 

“We don't have to go. It’s just. I wasn't sure if it was ok for me to keep you all to myself. I mean, your group members may be worried.”

 

Mark chucked, “Worried? Ha! No, they'll just think we may be doing something inappropriate.” His laugh quickly faded as he realized the implications of his words. He looked to Leda and saw her embarrassment. “Sorry! That's just how they are. If any guy is alone with a girl they assume the worst. It's usually never true. Except maybe in Yugyeom’s case.” He paused at her surprise. “But that's a story he'll have to tell you.” He rubbed the back of his neck.

 

Leda thought she would have some questions for Yugyeom later. “I'm enjoying my time with you. We don't have to go. I just didn't want you to feel trapped. That's all.”

 

“I'd like to be selfish. If it’s ok, I’d like to keep you all to myself for now.” He gave a shy smile but his eyes showed that he was very serious. Leda blinked several times as she processed what he said. She was too shocked to notice her blushing.

 

“Ask me more questions. I'll answer anything!”

 

“Oh, ok.” She thought for a few seconds. “Well how about what's your favorite dance move?” They had covered most of his Kpop career and childhood earlier. She was quickly running out of ideas.

 

“I'll show you” his face was lit up with excitement as he jumped from the couch and moved the coffee table that stood between the couches and the TV. “Ok. Are you ready?” And before she could answer he flipped around in the air landing on two feet.

 

Leda’s jaw dropped.

 

“I practiced it a lot, but picked up on it pretty easy because of Martial Arts.” He considered something. “But when it comes to crowd pleasers, I usually just do something like this.” His body rolled in a flow that could only be described as liquid. His hands moved along with the pulsing, traveling up and down his torso and as the motion seemed to travel down to his feet he flicked his toes and then stopped.

 

“Whoa.” Leda was stunned. How could one person bottle up that much passion and then let it out like it was no big thing? And then return to an innocent looking boy the next second?

 

“Yeah, that's kind of a popular one.” Mark’s enthusiasm was fed by his feeling that Leda was impressed by his dance moves. His confidence was growing. “Do you dance?”

 

“What? No. And if I did it certainly wouldn't look like that.”

 

“Body rolls are easy. Here, I can teach you!”

 

“Um. What?” She remained seated, staring at him blankly.

 

“C'mon! It'll be fun! It's great to bust out at parties. You'll impress all the guys!” He paused. “But maybe you can just do it for me instead.” He winked at her as he grabbed her hand and pulled her from the couch to the empty space. “Watch. You just pull your chest out like there is a string attached to your bone.” He demonstrated.

 

“Um, like this?” She tried to mimic his movement.

 

“Yeah almost. You just…” he reached for her but stopped short. “Can I touch you to show you? I promise I'm not being a ert.” He considered this for a beat. “Unless you want me to.” He winked with a devilish grin.

 

“Oh Lord, Leda, keep it together” she repeated to herself in attempts to regain her composure. “It's fine,” she stated out loud remembering to be open, as she promised, and not to lose her head because this monstrously handsome man was about to touch her. Her face flushed despite her attempts to prevent it.

 

“Ok, so your back needs to arch more here first.” He slid his hand gently between her shoulder blades and she drew them together in response. “Yeah! Great! Like that!” He slowly and hesitantly placed another hand along her collar bones. Suddenly her face wasn't the only one turning red. “And, uh, you always lead with your chest. Then it just flows down from here like a wave.” He kept his hands placed lightly guiding the top of her body through the motion and lingering just long enough for the electricity between them to become unbearable.

 

After a few attempts she began to get the hang of it. “Yeah. You've got it.” His tone was changed. It wasn't a statement of victory but a breathy tone and it drew her attention immediately. He dropped his hands and she turned to see his face. He seemed a bit flushed and was looking away. Leda decided she should try another body roll on her own while he wasn't looking but without his support she lost her balance. One foot slipped out from under her as she began to fall. Mark’s reaction time was too slow and as he threw his left arm behind her back, he began to come down with her. In one last ditch effort to protect her he drew his hand to the back of her head creating a barrier that kept it from slamming into the floor. As the dust cleared and they took inventory of themselves they became very aware of their new position. Her body was sprawled out on the floor. One of his hands broke his fall, the other cradled her head close to his chest. His legs, straddled out long over hers, broke his fall and he came down to his knees.

 

“Are you ok?” He asked still maintaining his soft breathy speech.

 

“Yeah. Sorry. Are you ok?” She gently tipped her head up to see him and found herself mere inches from his face.

 

“I'm. Yeah. I'm ok.” He tried without success to look away to quell the flames that he felt beginning to burst from his chest. As he finally willed himself to look down, he saw their bodies so close together it had the opposite desired effect. He inhaled deeply to keep himself in control.

 

“Well if anyone came in now we would just prove their theory of inappropriate behavior, wouldn't we?” Her laugh didn't reach her eyes and her attempts to break the tension failed. She felt herself wanting something to happen, someone to move. She considered her options and found herself hesitant to break their current position.

 

“Well,” Mark swallowed and finally met her eyes. She saw the same honest sincerity, the same goofy guy, the same sensual dancer, and something else. His eyes drew her in so that she couldn't look away. He continued, “if they are going to assume that anyway, there's no harm in proving them right.”

 

With those words she found her will to move and closed the inches between their faces. She hadn’t even though about it. It was as though instinct kicked in. Mark stayed still for several moments with their lips touching. He wanted confidence that she was sure of her decision, that he wasn't pressuring her into anything. Those few moments crawled slowly for Leda who, in her own mind, was panicking that perhaps he didn't mean what he said and that she shouldn't have kissed him.

 

These fears soon dissipated when Mark's lips began to move, first pulling back from hers, and then drawing nearer again, one lip then the other between his before slowly parting them. He was slowly drinking her in, as much as he could. This was a thirst that was left unquenched for almost a decade, and he relished in every second of it. With his hand still cradling her head, he pulled her face closer to his, allowing him to kiss her more deeply.

 

Leda felt detached from her body somehow. What was happening seemed far from her awareness, and yet she was hyper aware of each movement and breath between them. As he moved deeper into the kiss the mere touch of his tongue seemed to send a jolt of electricity through her. She felt herself losing the control to hold back and she met his every move, reluctant to be a passive observer. He kissed her with passion and desire that kindled the same fire in Leda. Yet, there was a gentleness to his kisses as well, a conscientiousness she felt as his thumb brushed along her scalp and his tongue played with hers gently, not aggressively, like he was still holding back.

 

Consumed in the sudden passion, Leda reached her arms up to his shoulders, flexed from holding himself above her. She felt a tremor from his right side and opened her eyes to see his right arm, the only thing holding his body the short distance it was from hers, frozen, flexed and shaking slightly. Her first instinct was how impressive his musculature was: that was one strong and y arm. But then reality came to her. He was struggling to keep himself up through all of their passionate kissing. She begrudgingly began to pull away, causing their kisses to decrescendo into small tastes of each other’s lips.

 

“Your arm is shaking. You can put my head down, and get out of this position.” She spoke quietly with her eyes hooded.

 

“What if I like this position?” He stole a few more kisses from , but gently laid her head down on the floor, grateful to evenly disperse his weight through both arms. Her hands still lightly placed on his shoulders, she felt the shaking stop. Satisfied and assuming they were going to get up, she lowered her arms. She could feel him looking at her face but was afraid to look up. Making out with someone she just met was not commonplace for her, and she wasn’t too sure how to react. She kept her eyes lowered, waiting for him to move. When he didn’t she finally looked up. He was staring at her intently. The devious smile returned to his face and he bent down, breaking their eye contact. She drew her breath in sharply when she felt his lips tracing delicate kisses up and down her neck, along her cheek, and down her jawline. She closed her eyes and an unintentional moan slipped out. Shocked by her own behavior, Leda’s brows furrowed but the kissing continued. She swore she heard a deep satisfied chuckle come from Mark’s chest.

 

That drew her attention. At his mercy, she couldn’t return any kisses, but she was not helpless. Moving slowly to test the waters she found the edge of his shirt hanging near her thighs. Her hands slipped under his shirt and found his sides first. Mark laughed a little into her neck, but the fierceness of his kisses increased. He began to nip at her neck periodically as her hands traveled from his sides to his abs and slowly up the length of his torso. He exhaled passionately into the crook of her neck once she reached his pecs, gently exploring up to the curves in his collar bone.

 

“OOOF!” All of the air in Leda’s lungs was forced out at once. Mark dropped his body on to hers trapping her hands a small distance below his collar bones. He buried his face into her hair and she could feel him trying to regulate his breath.

 

“Sorry” his mumble was muffled as he spoke into her neck. He took one last long inhale trying to memorize her scent. It smelled natural and comfortable to him. It was somehow familiar even though he knew they had never been this close before. He carefully pushed himself up allowing the weight of Leda’s arms to fall from their formerly pinned position. “Sorry,” he said it again to emphasize his sincerity, looking straight into her eyes, “Things were getting just a little intense for me there. I didn’t mean to crush you. Are you ok?” Still straddled over her on his knees, he rubbed the back of his neck. Leda noticed how red his face was as he gave a little laugh that seemed to brighten the whole room. She couldn’t help but smile. She guessed her face was probably just as red.

 

She sat up on her elbows. “Gosh, I mean, how much do you weigh? It’s obvious you’re built of sheer muscle, but, dang.” She sat up fully and rubbed just under her collar bones dramatically.

 

“You only know I’m made of sheer muscle because you did a little exploring just now.” He flashed his devilish grin at her.

 

His shot hit the mark. Her eyes went wide and she didn’t know how to respond. “I…”

 

“No, that’s ok. I will just have to do some exploring of my own later. It’s only fair.” He winked before rising to his feet in one fluid motion and offering a hand to Leda.

 

“Um” Leda felt like she finally remembered herself and the reality of what had just happened crashed down on her. She had no regrets, but was suddenly concerned what he may think of her. Grabbing his hand as she stood she placed the other on the warmness of her cheeks. “Sorry if I was going too far.” She mumbled with her head down. “I don’t usually do this type of thing. Just so you know.”

 

“Good.” Mark was sensitive to her sudden embarrassment. After they both gained their footing he lifted her chin gently with his hand. “Only do this type of thing with me.” He bent and gave her a sweet kiss on the cheek and flashed another warm smile. It felt innocent compared to the moments before. “Let’s get some water and meet up with everyone else before they get too suspicious.” He grabbed her hand and the plates from their burgers and led her out the door. If her head ever stopped spinning she might have a chance to keep up with him. Her free hand mindlessly touched the cheek he kissed. What was this guy doing to her?