I rested in the girls’ dorms, specifically 15&’s. The two girls were super friendly and lent me their living room space. Since it was only them, they only had two rooms perfect for them to have their own.

“Thank you for letting me spend the week here. I truly appreciate it.”

We sat in their square-shaped dining room as we devoured our toasts. Since Jimin and Yerin both were fluent in English, it made my stay even more comfortable. Thank goodness. If there was anything that I didn’t understand and need translation, they said they were willing to help me.

“We love having company so whenever we get the chance to host any friends, we’d take the chance!” Yerin was quite enthusiastic with her retort. Jimin nodded in agreement.

Time was ticking and the girls had to leave soon for a television show recording, so they bid me goodbye after they finished with their breakfast.

“Alright Kate, we’ll catch you later. Enjoy Got7’s rehearsal and concert later. Sadly, we won’t be able to make it, but please let the boys know we wish them good luck.” Jimin informed me in her sweet tone.

The place was now quiet and loneliness swept in. I looked at my phone and it was 8:12 am which meant it was 3:12 pm back in LA. Missing my parents, I decided to give them a ring.

“Hello, sweetheart!” My mother’s voice was just what I wanted to hear. I closed my eyes to soak in the calming sound. Not replying, my mother echoed, “You there, sweetheart?”

“Oh, yes mom. I just missed you so hearing your voice was just soothing.”

“Honey, it has only been one day.” She lightly chuckled. “So how’s Seoul? How’s Mark doing?”

“Mom, do you care about Seoul and Mark more than me?” I pouted. “What if I slept outside or was lost in this country, you wouldn’t ask if I was okay?”

“Dear, don’t be silly. I love you more. I know you’re safe that’s why I asked what I asked.”

Giggling, I replied softly, “I know.” Looking out the window to see the morning sky made me really wish I was home. “Seoul is busy, almost like LA, but it doesn’t beat home. Mark seems to be doing just fine here as well. He has a lot of friends.”

“I see. Spend as much time as you guys can together. I’m sure seeing you makes Mark feel at peace knowing he has a piece of home there. Take care okay? I’m on my way home from work so I’ll talk to you later.”

With that, I said bye and left it there. Checking the time again, I decided to head down to the JYP building to see if Mark and s were there for practice already. As I stepped down from the elevator of the dorms, I ran into some trainees who seem to also be heading to the company as well so I followed them just incase I don’t lose my way.

Text Message: Are you already at the company?

Mark: Almost there! Are you?

Text Message: I’m walking to the front right about now.

Mark: I’m waiting in the front for you :-P

Sure enough, Mark was. He was dressed in a GOT7 tank top with his black snapback cap that says ‘626,’ the area code of Arcadia.

“You blend in with the trainees.” Mark announced as we motioned his gaze to the girls in front of me, some which had greeted Mark.

I commented, “You blend in perfectly too,” which in return he glared me with dark eyes as if I’ve stabbed his ego. I held in my laugh as he placed his arm around my neck, locking it under his forearm. Whatever he did was probably wrong because JB, the leader rushed out to pull Mark us in.

“Hyung, you have to watch what you do. Especially, when you’re with a girl, you have to be careful.”

Mark bit the corner of his lip as if he admitted he was wrong. I gave him a confused look.

“I can’t be too close to any girl.” I followed behind him as the guys paved their way to the dance room.  I didn’t answer but gave a silent nod, of course he didn’t see though. He turned to look at me and I nodded once again.

As if JB understood our thoughts, he reminded, “I know you guys are close friends, but Mark, you have an image to keep.”

I turned over to BamBam and whispered, “What did he say?” I didn’t want to be rude so I asked him gently. BamBam then translated it to me.  It kind of made me regret asking BamBam. Seeing my facial muscles loosen, BamBam made an ‘aish’ sound which indicated he was also regretful for translating so accurately when he could’ve twisted some words.

“JB hyung, isn’t that too harsh on Mark hyung?” BamBam carefully said after examining my expression.

JB looked at Mark us and said something again in Korean. “I’m sorry, I’m only trying to protect you guys as a leader.” Mark grinned to display that he was okay with whatever JB had just said. Although I didn’t understand, I trusted Mark’s reaction.

I sat on the back sofa and observed the boys’ every move. Watching them reminded me that I was a talentless individual without rhythm or a magical voice. So focused on my boring life, I decided to take out my Malcolm Gladwell book to read hoping it’d make me feel better. I probably read throughout the whole practice because I felt a pair of arms shake my shoulders. It was dark and from what I recall, there was light in the room and more importantly, it was early in the morning. Just as I tried to process the situation I was in, I saw light again.

“Were we that bad that you had to read and fall asleep on us?” A low, familiar voice spoke to me.

It was then I realized that I had fallen asleep with the book over my eyes.

“Mark…I’m sorry…I just-”

“We’re done. Let’s go. I’ll show you where we go for fitting and recording.” He dragged me by my arm before I could even agree or disagree.

Remembering that the presences of the other 6 bodies were gone, I asked Mark where they had gone. He only replied vaguely that they had other plans before the concert. Stepping right behind him throughout the tour, I saw how Mark had lived. The recording studio appeared untouchable and too high-tech for someone like me. After, I got to see the makeup room and costume room. The makeup area was well organized with all the products lined up perfectly and the outfits hung on racks by color. I was in awe.

“Life is good for you here, huh? Having people work for you and do everything for you.” I smirked.

“It’s too good that I need them to back off sometimes. It gets overwhelming, ya know?”

“No, actually I don’t. ” I was honest.

“Come on, let’s go see the world outside of the company. I’m tired of this place.”

“Why?” I was curious. Everything here seemed so relaxing and just the perfect place for Mark.

“Well, because being here makes me think of work. All of this is part of work for me.”

I understood him completely. He was right. He is an entertainer who gets paid for what he does. Although his job may seem to be nothing but ‘the idol life’ to many, he actually had to work hard to be where he is and stay there.

Right before we exited the building, Mark held my wrist to stop me from fully walking out the door. I faced him with a questioning look. Swinging him backpack to his front side, he took out a pair of sunglasses and handed it to me.

“Eh?”

“Put it on just incase people spot me and you.” I gave him a long nod.

He lowered his cap and placed a thin facemask across his cheeks. Now it was my turn to stop him from walking out. I pulled him back lightly. “You’re setting yourself up to be noticed.”

“How?”

I pointed at his GOT7 tank top. “Go change now, mister.”

He was about to change out of it right then and there causing me to hold his hands in place the hem of his top. I was demure by his action.

“I’m kidding. I wouldn’t change here. Wait for me.” He scoffed with a cheesy smirk.

-----

Mark dragged me around the outlets near the JYP company. We agreed to not stray too far from the dorm and company just incase we lose track of time and what not. From corner to corner, we had to adjust each other's wardrobe to make sure we covered up well. For the first time in my life, I had to be cautious of myself to the extreme. As for Mark, it's obvious he has hidden himself many times yet it's always a challenge, afraid to be in scandals. Hanging our heads low most of the time, Mark still managed to show me the street markets that he usually stops by during his working hours. Mark would pull me by the arm to keep me close, but I always resisted to avoid any strange acts that cameras and eyes might capture. I was afraid for him. I was afraid for myself.

"I think we should head back. I don't want you to feel uncomfortable." I couldn't hold my thought in any longer. I looked into his worrisome eyes as his lower face was covered by the face mask. His eyes read 'sorry.'

Silently, he agreed and our feet led us back to their dorm.

"I'm sorry that I have to be so insecure about my image. It's just—"

"What are you apologizing for? It's fine Mark. I don't think anything of it."

He sighed heavily, "I know. I know, but the fact that I must hide you too is just too much."

I only pages his shoulder as a gesture that I didn't mind it at all. Sometimes I wonder what goes through his mind. Even when I reassure him that it doesn't bother me, he doesn't buy it. He appears to be struggling with his own doubts.

----

"Mark, we're going up in 5!" JB announced.

"Let's go!" Jr motioned for the group to go on stage.

I sat in the VIP section in the from row and watched as the boys entered the stage. So this is how it feels like? I mentally smiled at the sight of seeing Mark. Girls were left and right of me, screaming out of the name of members with poster boards waving in the air.  The lights soon dimmed and the speakers pounded. The uproar of the crowd got intensely louder than before.

The concert was over and backstage was now open to meet the boys. Around 25 fans were the lucky chosen ones. They got pictures and autographs while at the same time they gave gifts to the members. Looking around for Mark, I was suddenly grabbed by my wrist. I jolted to see who it was.

"Mark?" I saw red hair poking out of the black snapback cap.

He removed it. "Why did you stand out there for so long? You should've came right back into the backstage room to avoid any suspicion."

"Sorry. I didn't know where I was to report to. I thought you guys were going to step out to greet the fans out there that's why I waited." 

He took a breath and it was visible that he was sweating. Unconsciously, I pulled the bandana that was hanging from his pants pocket and wiped his sweat drops for him. "Don't wipe it on your shirt. Your going to stain it with your makeup." I continued to tap the white cloth around his face. We inched closer every time.

Suddenly, he held my hands in place. Mark's palms rested on the outside of my hands as they were by his cheeks drying his face.

He whispered softly, "Don't turn back." I was confused. "Mark, what—". Before I could finish, his voice became more stern. "Just do as I say." 

His eyes did not look at me, but probably someone behind me. I could see a smile painted on his face, almost forcefully. "Go straight down the hall. I'll be there in a bit." Without turning to whoever Mark was locking eyes with, I walked on ahead without a look back. Once I was gone in a good distance, I heard Mark greet someone.

"Hello, there. Would you like me to sign an autograph for you?"

"Yes, please." A young girl's voice was heard.

"What's your name?"

"Kim Yoongjoo."

"Alright. There you go. Thanks for coming." I could imagine that Mark smiled happily just by the time of his reply.

"Before I go, who was that girl that was just here with you, oppa?"

"Ahhh, she's just a—"

"Is she your girlfriend? Oppa, I really like you so I hope you don't date anytime soon." The girl was straight forward.

"Oh no, I won't. Don't worry. She's just a stylist that helps with backstage." I could hear Mark chuckle hesitantly.

"Ah, I see. Tell her to not stay too close to you oppa. I don't like it and I'm sure the other fans wouldn't either. Anyways, thank you for your time. See you at the next concert."

Footsteps clicked away and I knew the girl had left. I creeped up carefully back to where Mark stood. I could see he was in distress.

"Mark? Is it safe now?" I acted as if I didn't hear a thing.

"Oh, ye-yeah." He rubbed the back of his neck and closed his eyes.

"What's wrong? Are you tired?"

"I never thought it'd get to this point." He raged.

I looked at him confused. 

"My personal life is starting to vanish, can't you see? I hate it! How can I love what I do when fans try to control my life!" His eyes were welling up. I knew exactly what he meant by it because I heard it all. He had to lie about who I was to be safe.

"I hate it—"

Instantly, I placed my palm over his mouth to shush him from saying things that he might regret later. "Mark, don't say anymore. You don't mean it. You're only saying it out of frustration. You know deep down you love what you do. Of course, it comes with sacrifices, but that shouldn't stop you from appreciating your life at this very moment."

His eyes softened and I felt his pair of arms wrap around my waist and I embraced him back. I could hear him sniffing back some tears.

Just then, we heard running footsteps that suddenly stopped in their track.

"Hyung!" I could hear Yugyeom call out.

"Is everything okay?" BamBam asked worriedly.

The six members had entered.

We let go of each other and Mark cleared his face. "Yeah, everything's fine. Is there something wrong?"

JB, being the overprotective leader, sat himself down on the leather sofa with his head in his hands. "Mark hyung, be really careful. Didn't I tell you? You have to watch your surroundings."

Jumping to the point, Jackson clarified, "We heard a fan telling some other girls that you were holding hands with a girl. It was going around so we had to come and check ourselves."

My face was puzzled, I found it hard to grasp air. Mark is going to be ruined because I was not being careful. I placed him in such a situation because I wasn't being aware. Mark's face hardened once again.

"Please, don't blame it on Mark. It was my fault. I acted without thinking which probably made it seem like we were something, but we are not. What they fan saw is not how she described it to be." I mumbled.

Everyone fell into silence. I shouldn't have opened my mouth because it left the atmosphere awkward.

"You two need to really watch out and I mean it. I can't enforce it more than I already have." JB finished his thought and got up.

Jr came up to pat Mark on the back.