The day after THE DREAM SHOW 4 concert finale, the members were crying and comforting each other, respite their tearful eyes. Fans could be heard sobbing as well, overwhelmed by the emotions of the moment and perhaps secretly worried about their idols' future. They didn't know it at the time, but it was their last concert with NCT DREAM as seven members.
Sure enough, a few days later...
Mark, the last person anyone expected to leave, actually left the company AND his group, NCT. Although shocked, everyone immediately understood as he had been overworked—with his tight schedule of juggling units, a solo album, back-to-back concert tours, fan signings, brand deals, and variety content.
The leader of DREAM could feel it, a burnout so intense that he couldn't listen to any music for a while. Who knows how many more struggles he hid from public view?
He was exhausted.
Mark posted his handwritten notes on his Instagram account, a heartfelt letter of bittersweet farewell to both his members and the adoring fans. The company's official announcement of his departure confirmed it.
No scandals, no conflicts. Just pure ambition to pursue his bigger dreams.
Many people cried again. Fans had a gut feeling that something like this would happen, and it still hurt when it actually happened. Initially, everyone was saddened, but they fully supported Mark's choices, wishing him happiness and good luck on his new journey.
Their bond transcends even the digital world.
A month later, Mark flew back to Canada and settled in Vancouver, the home country before starting his idol career in Korea.
The journey ahead might feel unfamiliar and scary now that he's alone, but he finally found the peaceful freedom he's been craving.
"First good rest in my own home. No more rushed schedules." Mark murmured, his voice a little rough as he stretched and put on a hoodie and sweatpants. He took his acoustic gigbag with a thoughtful smile, slung the straps over his shoulder, and left his apartment building.
He wandered down the sidewalk, taking in the familiar scenery of his hometown. It was windy, just how he liked it. The fragrant scents of spring filled his nostrils when he passed trees blooming with flowers.
However, in the middle of his walk, Mark stopped by an LCD advertisement. A video of his former groupmates was playing on the screen, promoting their latest comeback without him. He took a closer look at it, his gaze softening, eyes gleamed with unshed tears of longing.
He reached out toward the frame, trailing his fingers slowly down it. "So proud of you guys, always working hard even without me... I miss you all. I miss Czennie, too." He sighed under his breath, lost in thought, briefly reminiscing about his memories with them.
Mark was so absorbed in nostalgia that he barely noticed someone had been staring at him.