Mark again

"What are you doing here, Mark?" I ask the man who tilts his head to the side. He looks around us as if trying to come up with an answer.

"I hope this is a public space, haha. It's a park, if you didn't know that." He responds quirkily. I shake my head vigorously and repeat myself once again.

"That's not what I mean— Leave it. It's ruined anyway." Defeated, I sit back down on the metal bench.

"Oh...I sense trouble. If you want to tell me about something, I'm right here." Walking around me, Mark takes the space on the bench beside me. I keep staring at him. He takes his earphones out, stuffing them in his pockets. This young man has more patience than I could ever have. He waits for a whole few minutes before I speak.

I explain the situation I am in. Of course, I didn't dare reveal his name. But Mark is now aware that I'm dating a corporate middle-aged man as soon as I turn 18. He nods his head, understanding my situation.

"Have you...ever been in a relationship?" I ask Mark. Some