Barely any days have gone by without seeing at least a few rain showers for the past few weeks and for that reason alone, something like this was bound to happen. It started off as a routine outing primarily because for the past while, home became hotel rooms and airplane seats so naturally, adjusting back after playing numerous shows abroad meant that the dorm was severely understocked. Not that other options were there and more often than not, Mark did prefer going out to eat particularly when the city did not lack restaurants and consequently, choice. Still, it did not go to say there were times when he preferred to snack on a few things now and then while in his room or taking up some space in the living room - it just so happened that as he was the one to suggest it, he was also the only one to do the trip with the assurance he’ll be back quickly. It didn’t take much expert knowledge to tell yet another storm was coming despite how heavy the air felt, making it difficult to breathe even after covering the short distance between the taxi and the entrance to the store.
It happens just minutes later: the unmistakable sound of a downpour which seems quite set on continuing for longer than anticipated and the flickering of lights as he browses around. That, however, comes and it goes so Mark thinks little of it - if at all. Instead, he pushes the cart into the next aisle and begins contemplating his preference for chips flavouring when he notices her after a double-take.
Of course he knows Hyolyn (really, who doesn’t?) but it’s mostly because Jaebum does and on some occasions, my friends are also my friends does not always apply. Still, this is a little different. He remembers seeing her the first time he walked on the set for Dream High as an extra and after that, several common schedules followed - essentially, they weren’t exactly strangers so perhaps, it wouldn’t be too bad for him to acknowledge her out of the blue. Or maybe (most definitely), Mark may just be looking into it too much because a moment later, it’s Hyolyn’s eyes who catch his and he reads the recognition on her face. He only has the chance to bow quickly and smile before the lights flicker again - this time, for good.
The power cut seems to catch everyone by surprise because at once, a series of gasps echo from all around him and even he feels the shock caused by the sudden darkness they’re thrown into. Carefully though, he makes his way forward but only a little while simultaneously patting his pockets for his phone; the device proved to be a great flashlights on numerous occasions, after all.
“I didn’t think I’d meet you here and then this happens,” is what he says after raising his voice just a little, coming to a halt roughly right in front of her at the same time he withdraws the phone from his pocket. “Do you think it’ll take long for the lights to come back on?”
Unsurprisingly, the city has been struck by lengthy, continuous storms and sooner or later, it was bound to come to this point. Still, Hyolyn couldn’t anticipate a power cut right here and right now. It catches her by surprise to such extent, a loud “oh my god” leaves her mouth and the shock has her temporarily rooted to the ground, fingers wrapping around the handle of the cart tightly until her knuckles turn white. Not from fear (far from that, actually) but great surprise as she looks upwards towards the darkened ceiling as if some sort of solution would be written there. Of course, it’s not. All around her, numerous other customers mirror her sentiments and a few aisles down, a child begins crying. That seems to trigger another and then another but Hyolyn is hardly bothered. On a second thought, it’s a funny situation.
And then somewhat concerning when her mind flies to her home and the trio of felines there. Sure, they are the calmest, most capable of animals able to handle any situation but it’s motherly concern, honestly, regardless of whether the power cut stretched so far across the city or otherwise. Beyond the chorus of cries and the assurances presented by floor staff, she can just about make out the heavy rainfall outside and for a moment, she can’t help but wonder if this will set the record for the year. For a moment, it feels as if the raindrops could easily break through the thickest of building materials and reach right in.
Of course, it’s not possible and the absurd thought is cut short when, without a shadow of thought, she is being spoken to. And by a rather familiar voice, that is. She doesn’t need to squint to make out her company and Mark’s phone provides some additional yet much needed light. Albeit the situation, a smile forms on her face, brightening up her expression instantaneously.
“This must be the worst of times to be out on an errand like this, Mark-ssi,” she responds and allows a little cackle. Again though, she casts a curious glance up towards the ceiling - still as dark, still lacking any sign of neons flickering on. Instead, emergency lights, though dim, are being lit across the store. “It shouldn’t last too long but that storm out there definitely will. It looked ridiculously dark out there just before I came in. Made it just in time, it seems. Were you almost done?” she questions and nods her head towards his own cart, unable to make out much of it.
annaxmalina
