Chapter 5

Two hours later, Monica and Mark exited the restroom, their appearance suggesting a recent shower. 

Mark walked with a sense of pride beside Monica, his arm wrapped around her for support. Her unsteady gait and the peculiar way she moved her legs hinted at the physical aftermath of their private encounter, causing her to struggle.

Monica, with a wry grin and a touch of complaint in her voice, teased, "Mark, I feel like I've got jelly legs. Next time, let's go easy on the acrobatics."

Mark chuckled softly, planting a gentle kiss on her temple, and replied, "I promise, I'll be more considerate. But for now, let me pamper you a bit."

Monica leaned into Mark, her laughter soft and affectionate.

She appreciated his understanding and care.

With a playful twinkle in her eye, she said, "You're lucky I like it so much. Otherwise, I might just be filing a complaint with the 'Mark's Overly Energetic Adventures Department.'"

Mark couldn't help but laugh, feeling grateful for the connection they shared. He squeezed her gently and replied, "I'm the luckiest guy in the world to have you, Monica. Complaints and all."

Mark continued to support Monica, their steps slow and deliberate as they moved together.

He looked at her with genuine curiosity and asked, "Tell me about what happened to your last shelter, Monica. I want to know."

Monica's expression grew more serious as she recalled their past struggles. "It was overrun." she began, her voice tinged with a mix of sadness. "We were doing our best to fortify it, but the numbers of those things just kept growing. We had to make a run for it, and... not everyone made it."

Mark listened, his grip on her tightening slightly as if to provide extra reassurance.

"Well, you don't have to worry about that happening here," Mark reassured her.

"We've already barricaded the entrances on the first floor, and this mall is quite large. There'll be no shortage of things to do. Plus, you have me." He smiled, emphasizing the last part.

Mark's reassuring words seemed to lighten Monica's mood. She grinned and replied, "I'm definitely not going to be bored here."

As she spoke, her gaze traveled up and down Mark's figure, her eyes lingering a moment longer on his lower body.

Playfully, she reached out and gave his backside a gentle pinch, a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

Mark chuckled in response, teasing, "Careful there, Monica. You might start a another round."

He guided her to the furniture aisle, where Mark, Anna, and Luda, had arranged their makeshift beds.

As Mark and Monica continued towards their destination, they unexpectedly came across Anna, who was also heading in the same direction.

Upon spotting them, Anna's expression darkened with jealousy.

Monica responded with a proud smile, her demeanor unapologetic, despite Anna's anger.

Anna, her voice laced with frustration, muttered under her breath, "Always glued to each other, aren't you?"

Monica's response was equally defiant as she quipped, "When you find something good in this world, you hold onto it." Her words were a silent proclamation of her liking for Mark, unapologetically displayed despite Anna's disapproval.

Mark, sensing Anna's jealousy and wanting to diffuse the tension, swiftly approached her and lifted her onto his shoulder in a playful manner, her petite frame draped over his muscular arm.

In a light-hearted attempt to ease the situation and maintain a playful atmosphere, Mark gave Anna a series of playful pats on her backside. He quipped, "Come on, Anna, no need to be jealous."

Anna responded with a soft huff, still clearly annoyed at him. She crossed her arms and averted gaze revealed her irritation, even though Mark's intention had been successful to diffuse the tension and make light of the situation.

With a touch of sarcasm, she retorted, "Oh, how could I ever compete with such a charming duo?" Her tone was laced with both jealousy and humor, acknowledging the playful banter while still asserting her feelings.

Mark carried Anna into their resting place, and Monica couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of them. She followed them at a slower pace, her body still feeling the effects of their earlier exertions.

With a playful grin, Monica quipped, "Looks like someone's getting the royal treatment today."

Once inside, Mark and Anna settled into their designated sleeping area. Mark then gestured for Monica to join them on their bed. She hesitated for a moment, her eyes darting between Mark and Anna.

But when he gave her a reassuring smile, she slowly crawled onto the bed.

Monica lay sideways, her hand supporting her head as she observed the intimate moment between Mark and Anna.

Mark, sensing Anna's need for reassurance and understanding, turned to her with a reassuring smile. He said, "Anna, you know you're incredibly important to me, right?" His words were genuine, intended to alleviate any lingering tension and reaffirm his affection for her.

Anna felt a deep rush of emotion as she looked into Mark's eyes. She replied, "Yes, you're important to me too."

Two more hours slipped by, and the women beside him remained on the bed, their bodies glistening with sweat from the exertions.

After sharing a series of affectionate kisses with Anna and Monica, Mark departed, allowing them to peacefully recover their lost stamina.

Their eyes met, and in that moment, both of them exchanged awkward smiles.

Monica reached out, gently taking Anna's hand in her own. With care she wiped away the perspiration from Anna's forehead, offering a small but comforting gesture.

Monica, leaned in and gave Anna a gentle peck on the lips.

Mark returned with a tray of food and playfully quipped, seeing them kiss, "Should I be jealous?"

Anna chuckled and replied, "Oh, Mark, you know it's just a friendly kiss."

Monica joined in with a smile, adding, "We're like family, Mark."

Mark laughed as he set the tray down, "True, true. No need for jealousy in this group."

Seated closely together, they shared a meal.

 Their conversation was easy and warm, and as they chatted, their bodies naturally leaned in, drawing them closer together.

After finishing their meal, they made themselves comfortable on the bed. Both women lay on Mark's shoulder.

Mark decided to share the video his phone recorded earlier.

They all huddled together as the women hugged Mark intimately while watching the video.

As the video reached a somewhat embarrassing or awkward moment, Anna playfully pinched Mark to hide her own sense of embarrassment. In response, Monica couldn't help but stifle of laughter.

After they had rested, the group eventually separated.

Mark decided to explore the mall further, and as he wandered through the dimly lit corridors, he stumbled upon the electronic section.

There, amidst the silent shelves of electronic gadgets, he found Nicole.

She was sitting alone on a worn-out chair, her face hidden by a pair of over-ear headphones, and her gaze focused on a Sony Walkman in her hands.

The music from the Walkman provided her with a momentary escape from her father's recent passing.

Mark approached, not wanting to startle her.

Nicole noticed Mark, put down her earphones, and gave him a sad but sincere smile.

Mark, concerned for Nicole, approached her and gently asked, "Are you doing okay?"

Nicole, her voice tinged with sadness, replied softly, "I'm trying my best, Mark. It's just... it's hard."

Mark sat down beside Nicole. He pulled her gently into a comforting hug. Mark gently stroked Nicole's back.

As Nicole caught a trace of Mark's appealing scent, she felt an unusual calm wash over her. It was as if his irresistible aura had the power to lessen her sadness, if only for a moment.

She smiled gratefully at him, appreciating his concern. When Mark asked if she had already eaten, Nicole shook her head softly and replied, "Not yet, Mark. I haven't had the appetite."

Mark nodded in understanding and said, "Let's go find you something to eat. It might help take your mind off things."

He extended his hand to help Nicole up, ready to accompany her to get a meal.

At the group's makeshift dining table, Others at the table also expressed their concern, asking Nicole how she was doing. Terry, who had shown interest in her in the original plot, took the opportunity to inquire about her well-being, hoping to offer his support.

Nicole, though appreciative of everyone's concern, thanked them while nodding politely to Terry.

It was clear that she wasn't interested.

Terry, while understanding her feelings, couldn't help but feel a tinge of disappointment at her lack of interest.

Mark couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle as he held Nicole's hand. Nicole's smile brightened as she tightly held Mark's hand. Terry, observing their intertwined hands, sighed in resignation.

Monica smiled knowingly as she and Anna spotted Mark holding hands with Nicole. They exchanged a shake of their heads before Monica approached him.

"Well, it seems like you two are getting along just fine."

Mark responded with a wry smile.

"Yeah, she needed some company."

Monica then informed him of their plans to go to the spa area and unwind.

Mark, with an eager expression, asked. "Can I join?"

Monica responded with a playful tone.

"Nope, sorry. Girls' only,"

Anna chimed in with a playful tone.

"Maybe next time if you behave." giving them a chance for some petty revenge.

Nicole observed them curiously. Monica noticed her gaze and, extending a friendly hand, pulled her along with them, heading towards the spa area.

"Come join us, Nicole. It'll be fun!"

Mark attempted to follow, but Anna and Monica playfully shooed him away.

Mark pouted in frustration. He playfully threatened them, "You'll regret this tonight!"

The girls laughed as they moved away, enjoying their moment together while Mark stood there, feigning disappointment.

Mark couldn't help but notice the other group laughing at his expense, and he rolled his eyes.