Engrossed in his own thoughts, he hadn't noticed the first time it hit him. Then the rope, long and slender, whips across his cheek again and leaves a mark and a stinging sensation in its wake.

"J-Jackson!" Mark cries, reaching for his face and tracing the tender area gingerly. He brings his hand away from his face and sees red on his fingertips. "Oh my God... You..."

"I... I..." Jackson stutters, remorse evident in his watery eyes. He can't believe he did this to Mark. "I didn't-"

The intense moment is broken when they hear Jin Young screech from the kitchen, "Jackson Wang Jia Er! Stop slurping and eat your spaghetti properly!"