"So she just left without saying anything?"

"Yeah pretty much," Kai sighed, staring at the way Sehun's paintbrush danced across his canvas. It was something he found himself enjoying, just watching Sehun paint. Even if they weren't talking, he wouldn't mind just sitting there and watching him for hours. The art club room was empty besides the two of them, since it was just second period and they both had a free class. "I tried calling her over and over but her cell phone was turned off. I didn't even see her at school today."

"Girls are so weird. You gotta be some sort of detective to figure out what the hell they're thinking. Actually, even then you can't. You see, this is why I'm gay," Sehun ranted. Kai chuckled.

"Victoria isn't like other girls. She's never been like this, and that's what bothers me the most. But I figured she just needs some time alone right now so I didn't try to go to her place."

"You know her better than me. Maybe she left because she didn't want to blow up on you, so I guess it'd be better if you gave her some space." Sehun shrugged. "I had a fight with Amber too."

"Huh? Why's that? I thought you guys were inseparable."

"Because she hates you and doesn't want me hanging around you anymore."

Kai cocked a brow, "You guys fought because of me?"

"Yeah. She asked me to choose between the two of you. Can you believe it? I told her to buzz off."

"Wait, why would she do that?" And does that mean you chose me over her? Kai wanted to ask, but kept it to himself. It probably wasn't appropriate. The thought of it made him kind of happy though, not to mention a little smug.

"I don't freakin' know. I thought she was just being jealous in the beginning and would warm up to you eventually but obviously that's not the case. That hoe," he huffed.

"Who's a hoe?"

The two looked up at the sudden third voice to find Amber standing there with her arms crossed and a cocked brow.

"You, of course."

"You know art boy, I was going to apologize to you but now I'm having second thoughts."

"Take your apology and shove it up your bosom-hole."

"I don't have a hole in my bosom, you illeterate ."

"Wait, wait, time out," Kai stood in between them, trying his best not to laugh at their argument. It was hard to take them seriously.

"Zip it, this is between me and Sehun," Amber glared at Kai.

"Amber," Kai sighed, turning to her, "What did I ever do to you for you to hate me so much?"

"Uh, I don't know, exist?"

Kai rolled his eyes, "Sehun is old enough to make his own decisions. You don't have to babysit him."

She laughed humorlessly, "You don't even know what you're talking about. Sehun is like a five-year-old. He's naive enough to walk into the back of some old ert's van thinking he's gonna get ice cream."

"You think I'm an old ert?"

"My point is," she pressed, "I don't trust you. How do I know you're not gonna hurt him?"

"You don't need to," Sehun spoke up, before looking at Kai, "Because I do. And if I'm your best friend you should trust my judgement."

Amber sighed in frustration, closing her eyes, "Kai, give us a moment."

He looked between the two of them hesitantly before nodding slowly, "Alright. But try not to kill each other."

"Sure, whatever," Amber grumbled, watching the guy leave before turning to her best friend.

"Look, I'm sorry about what I said yesterday. It was uncalled for and I shouldn't have made you choose like that. I just... I don't want you to go through the I've been through for trusting people too easily."

Sehun's eyes softened and he stepped closer to his best friend, "I won't. And even if I do, I'll take responsibility for it. But I trust Kai. He... He's the nicest guy I've ever met and I don't want to lose him."

Sehun was so obviously falling for Kai, it was almost painful to watch. What was worse was that the guy already had a girlfriend. And there was nothing worse then falling for a straight person when you're gay. She knew this wouldn't end in any other way but heartbreak. That was why she was going to make one last attempt at changing his mind.

"I told you about the many fake friends I had. How they'd be all nice to my face and talk behind my back. How they made fun of me because I looked like a guy and used me because I was too stupid to realize it. I was desparate for friends so I took all their . And every single time, I was betrayed. Abandoned. And those so-called friends didn't even bother talking to me again. Until it eventually came to a point where I was like, to hell with this whole friendship thing. I don't need people who're just gonna use me then throw me away when it isn't fun any more."

"Amber, I know. But... Kai's different."

"Maybe so," she said, "But you like him. And don't even try to deny it."

He huffed, "I don't-"

"Stop lying to yourself. He has a girlfriend. You're only gonna end up getting hurt."

He clenched his fists, staring down at the ground, "I don't even know what I feel."

"That's how it always starts. Sehun... Look, there's something I never told you," she sighed, "You know Victoria? We were friends, back in middle school."

"Victoria? Seriously?"

"Yeah. She was always really nice to me. Kind, genuine. She never used me. At least it never felt like it. I also thought she wasn't like the others, just like you are right now. But guess what? I was wrong. And out of everyone that'd abandoned me, she hurt me the most."

Sehun stared at her, wide-eyed. He was genuinely surprised to hear that Amber and Victoria had been friends. "What happened?"

"I started falling for her," she responded, a distant look in her eyes, "I didn't tell her, and I don't know if she figured it out herself but out of nowhere, she just started ignoring me completely. She didn't even look in my direction or come within a ten foot radius of me. Avoided me like the plague. She didn't answer my calls or texts. And let me tell you... There's nothing worse than having someone you love treat you like you don't exist. She could yell at me, scream at me and that would have been better than being ghosted like that. I don't want you to go through what I've been through, Sehun. Especially because Kai has a girlfriend."

He had that look of pity in his eyes when he stepped forward and hugged her, "I'm so sorry. I had no idea."

"I'm sorry too," she hugged him back, before smacking his head, "That's for kicking me out of your house."

"You deserved it," he grumbled, but smiled nonetheless. He couldn't hate Amber no matter what she did. She was still his best friend. "But Kai is still my friend. And you're right. I... Do like him. But if I stopped talking to him, I'd be hurting him the same way Victoria hurt you."

She scoffed, "He'll get over it."

"Don't be so cruel."

"Fine, but never let it be said I didn't warn you."

"Yeah, yeah," he rolled his eyes before sitting back down to continue his painting. He was in a much better mood now that he'd made up with his best friend. She sat down next to him where Kai had been sitting, silently watching him paint.

Wait... Am I forgetting something? Sehun thought.

Nah.

 

"Those guys sure are taking long," Kai huffed as he stared down at his watch. He'd been waiting outside the art club room for a good fifteen minutes. Just as he decided to go in and check in on them, someone tapped his shoulder and he turned around.

"Victoria?"

"Knew you'd be here," she smiled, but before she knew it, she was being engulfed in a big hug. Her eyes widened in surprise as she slowly wrapped her arms around Kai. That definitely wasn't the reaction she was expecting, especially after what she had done just the previous day. She wasn't complaining though.

"I'm so sorry about yesterday. If you want, I'll cancel my plans with the guys and I'll come see you okay? Just, please don't be upset. Don't shut me out like that."

"Kai," she sighed, feeling guilty for having her boyfriend worry about her so much, "You don't have to apologize. I was being an idiot. And I'm not mad at you."

He pulled away and gazed at her softly, cupping her cheek, "Then what happened, Vic? I was worried sick... You wouldn't answer my texts or my calls... I thought I did something wrong."

She sighed, "I... I was frustrated and I overreacted. I've just been really stressed out these days. I'm sorry for worrying you like that."

"I won't force you to tell me something you're not comfortable with but... I feel like something's really been bothering you. I want to help and I want to be there for you. But I can't if you're not gonna let me in," he said, gazing at her imploringly.

She bit her lip, "It's not something I can just talk about. I'm sorry, Kai. I just need you to stay by my side no matter what, okay?"

He couldn't help but feel a little disappointed at that. Was it that she didn't trust him? Or was she just not comfortable enough to open up to him about everything? He didn't want any secrets to remain between them. He didn't want that tension to be there, and he was worried more situations like this would just keep popping up. It would definitely put a dent in their relationship. But in the end, he could never really force her to say anything she wasn't willing to say.

"Alright," he sighed and hugged her again, kissing her forehead. "That goes without saying,"

A few moments later, Sehun walked out of the art club room, remembering that they had left Kai waiting for them outside. And Amber obviously didn't bother reminding him. He froze when he saw him with Victoria in a tight embrace. He couldn't help but feel a little sting at the sight. The two pulled away from each other to look at him.

"Um... I just... sorry for ruining the moment," he muttered, staring at the ground awkwardly.

"That's okay. Did you and Amber make up?"

"Yeah... We're fine now."

"That's good," Kai smiled before wrapping an arm around Victoria, "I've got something to care of. I'll see you after school, okay?"

"Sure," Sehun drawled before quickly going back into the room, biting his lip. Ugh... why do I feel like absolute right now? It didn't help that he had a new distaste for Victoria after hearing what she'd done to his best friend. And he knew his feelings for Kai were more than just platonic. He couldn't help it. And he thought he could handle the fact that Kai had a girlfriend, that he could hold back his feelings. But now, he really wasn't so sure. He hated it when he talked about her, he hated seeing them together, he hated the way they looked at each other. He knew he was being a salty, jealous and he was ashamed of it.

Maybe Amber was right after all.

 

It was just another Saturday at the dojo. Class went by like it usually did except there was this one new guy who joined that day. He was tall, had really prominent dark circles and a black belt. Sehun wouldn't have cared much for him had the guy not been staring at him the entire class. Whenever he caught he eyes, he would shamelessly keep staring and even smirked at him, not even the least bit fazed. It was starting to make Sehun very uncomfortable and he couldn't be happier when class was finally over. Weirdo.

"Good work today, Sehun," his Sensei said with a proud smile, handing him an envelope with his monthly paycheck. Sehun bowed and took the envelope from him, grinning and bowing respectfully.

"Thank you very much, Sensei. It's always an honor working with you."

The old man smiled kindly and patted his head, "You know, I'm thinking of leaving you in charge of this dojo when I retire."

Sehun's eyes widened, "M-Me?"

"Yes. You're very diligent and hard-working. I'd know I left this place in good hands."

"Th-That's very kind of you, Sensei. But you don't have to think about retirement yet. It's still too early for you."

The man laughed, "There's no need to flatter me, Sehun. Even I know I'm getting a little too old for this job."

"This place wouldn't be the same without you."

"I guess that's true," the man shrugged. "Well anyway, you can go ahead. I'm sure you're tired."

Sehun nodded and bowed once more before walking away. Only to find that dark-circles dude who was staring at him the whole class was suddenly stood right in front of him. He jumped slightly in surprise.

"Oh Sehun. Long time no see," the boy said with a smirk.

Sehun stared at him blankly, "Huh?"

He pouted, "Forgot me already? Aw, I'm hurt."

"Do I even know you?"

"Ten years ago, we used to go here together. Does the name Huang Zitao ring a bell?"

Sehun's eyes widened slowly as he remembered. Huang Zitao. The name rang more bells than he'd like to admit. They were both students at his dojo ten years ago and he specifically remembered how Tao had always bullied Sehun back then. Calling him names, hitting him a little too hard when they had to fight and teasing the heck out of him. He scowled at the memory. He had been so happy when he heard that the guy was moving away and wasn't going to come to the dojo anymore. Lo and behold, he shows up ten years later, this prick, and he seems douchier than ever.

"I gotta say, you've become quite the piece of work. That is one tight you've got," Tao whistled as he looked Sehun up and down. He felt like he was being mentally undressed and it made him extremely uncomfortable. You see? This is why I wear clothes twice my size!

" me... Did you come back to ruin my life again?"

"How mean, all I wanted was to get re-acquainted with an old friend."

"Friend," Sehun laughed humorlessly, "That's hilarious."

Tao cocked a brow, "You still holding a grudge? Come on, we were kids back then. Forgive and forget?"

"I would consider that if you actually gave me a sincere apology. On your knees."

"Don't push your luck," Tao grinned, "How about I treat you out to ice cream to make up for it?"

Ice cream... My one weakness. Sehun bit his lip, but he wasn't going to give in so easily and stayed silent. Tao sighed.

"Pretty please? I really am sorry about ten years ago. I was just kinda jealous of you back then, as much as I hated to admit it. You were always the top student, always the one getting praised, and I was always in the sidelines," Tao said bashfully, rubbing the back of his neck. Surprisingly enough he actually looked sincere. "It pissed me off because I was really passionate about martial arts and I hated being overshadowed. So I made up for it but trying to make your life as ty as possible. I've wanted to apologize to you for a long time now but I couldn't. I didn't even think I'd see you here again after all these years."

Sehun didn't say anything for a while, contemplating the thought in his head. The guy genuinely looked like he wanted to make up for what he did and honestly, Sehun wanted to forgive him. Even though he didn't fully trust the guy, he at least deserved a chance to redeem himself. He was just a kid back then, after all.

"It better be Baskin Robbins."

 

"Thanks for hanging out with me," Tao said when they arrived in front of Sehun's house. After having ice cream at a Baskin Robbins near the dojo, they took a cab back to Sehun's place. He had to admit that Tao wasn't all that bad. He had a good sense of humor and he was a nice guy. Although, he wasn't really fully comfortable with him just yet so he only gave him short answers the whole time. Apparently he'd just moved back into town with his family so he was going to be seeing him at the dojo quite often.

"You're welcome," Sehun shrugged.

"You've changed a lot, you know? I mean before you used to be such a pushover. Now it's like you don't even give two s about anyone. I like that." Tao stated, smiling genuinely, "And you're a lot hotter now."

Sehun rolled his eyes, having already gotten used to his flirtatious remarks from just the half hour they'd spent together. He'd be lying if he said the compliments didn't make him feel good though. "Yeah, puberty and ."

Tao laughed, "I'll see ya around, Hun."

"It's Sehun."

"Alright Hunnie," he winked, making Sehun blush as he rolled his eyes and turned around.

Before Tao could leave, the sound of a motorcycle approaching them got their attention. It stopped right in front of Sehun's house and the rider took off his helmet. And damn did he look hot doing that, Sehun thought to himself as Kai looked over at him and waved.

"A friend?" Tao asked, snapping Sehun out of his daydream. He'd forgotten the guy was even still there.

"Y-Yeah."

"That's a nice bike," Tao whistled, "Anyway, I'll be off. Take care."

"You too," Sehun said briefly, watching the taller guy walk away. He turned back to Kai to find the boy approaching him, looking at Tao curiously.

"Who was that?" He asked.

"Well hello to you too."

"Hi. Who's that?"

"Some dude who just joined the dojo today. We used to go there together when we were kids."

"Huh," Kai said thoughtfully, a blank look on his face, "He dropped you off?"

"Yeah. And he bought me ice cream," Sehun shrugged, bored with the topic of Tao. "Why are you here anyway?"

Kai chuckled, shyly running a hand through his hair, "I was bored and I uh... wanted to see you."

Sehun stared a the other boy for a moment, wondering if he actually heard that right. Right. This guy needs to stop giving me false hopes already.

"Why didn't you go see Victoria instead?" Sehun huffed, making his way into his apartment building with Kai following.

"I said I wanted to see you, not Victoria," the other boy replied with a frown, "You okay? You sound a little upset."

"I'm not upset. I'm just..." Sehun paused, thinking of an excuse. "On my period." Really now? He mentally smacked himself.

"Aw, that time of the month again? You poor thing," Kai teased, grinning at the embarrassed look on Sehun's face.

Sehun rolled his eyes as they stopped in front of his apartment. He pulled out his house key and unlocked the door, letting Kai in. When greeted with the silence of the apartment, he remembered that his mother wasn't home that day. His eyes widened on realizing that he was alone with Kai... at his place. If all those BL manga taught him something, it was that something was about to go down. He rolled his eyes at the erted images in his mind and took off his shoes.

"Your mum not home?"

"Nope. Hope you don't mind re-heated pasta and chicken."

"Not at all," Kai shrugged as he took off his jacket and hung it up on the rack.

"Great. Well, I'm gonna go take a shower. Make yourself at home," Sehun said awkwardly, looking anywhere but at Kai. The other boy smiled and nodded, watching Sehun go into his room. He stood around for a moment, thinking about what he could do. He wasn't really sure why he came over to Sehun's place. It was like he said, he just felt like seeing him. And he couldn't help but feel a little annoyed seeing him with that other guy.

He sighed and went into the kitchen, deciding to cook them something so he could stop thinking weird thoughts. He wasn't too shabby in the kitchen and he could make some really good pasta. He quickly got to work in the kitchen, using the pot of pasta in the fridge so he could add some more flavor to it. It only took about half an hour and Sehun was out of the shower by then, hair damp and dressed in a black tank top and sweat pants.

Kai almost choked when he saw the boy. That tank top was hugging his body in all the right places and Kai realized just how muscular the boy was. His shoulders were wide, his arms were toned just the right amount and you could just about make out the outline of his abs through his tank top.

"You cooked?" Sehun asked, trying to ignore the way Kai was staring at him. Okay, so maybe he might have purposefully put on that tight tank top to impress Kai and not because it was hot. And so far he was getting the reaction he so shamefully wanted and expected. God, I am such a . Oddly enough, he liked it when Kai checked him out. If it was anyone else, he'd feel uncomfortable and somewhat violated but with Kai... he actually wanted him to look at him and think he was attractive.

"Uh... yeah," Kai responded after finally being able to pry his eyes off Sehun, preparing two plates for them. He even made some salad. Sehun had to hand it to him; as far as presentation went, he effectively turned a crappy microwave lunch into something out of a five star restaurant. The two soon sat down at the dining table and started eating.

"Damn, this is so good," Sehun moaned as he munched on the pasta, making Kai grin smugly, "What the hell? I never knew you could cook."

"I have my moments," the other shrugged.

"You're being awfully humble."

"I just don't know how to respond to praise. I'm glad you like it though."

"I think I'll be inviting you over more often," Sehun said thoughtfully.

"Well technically I invited myself," Kai chuckled, "So, how was class?"

The other boy shrugged nonchalantly, most of his attention on his food, "Alright I guess. Though that Tao guy kept staring at me which was creepy as hell."

"Tao?"

"Yeah. You know, the guy who was with me outside."

"Why'd you hang out with him then? What if he's some sort of ?"

Sehun cocked a brow, "You sound an awful lot like Amber right now. Besides, it's not like he can do anything in public. And even if he tried, I could totally kick his ."

"I know you're a martial artist and all but I can't imagine you actually hurting anyone."

"You do not want to test me."

"Ooh, I'm terrified," Kai grinned, "Well anyway, watch out for that guy. You never know who you can trust."

"Okay, are you Amber? And where'd you get that Kai bodysuit?"

Kai laughed at that, "I think she's been rubbing off on me a little too much. Though... I can sort of understand where she's coming from now when she worries about you."

"How so?"

"She doesn't want anyone hurting you. After all, I just showed up out of no where and became your friend. And likewise... I can't imagine what I'd do if anyone hurt you."

Sehun's eyes widened as a blush covered his cheeks. Hearing that line from Amber would have only pissed him off but hearing it from Kai just made butterflies explode in his stomach and his heart start beating just that little bit faster. He looked honest too, the sincerity in his eyes was impossible to ignore.

"We've only been friends like a couple of weeks... What do you like so much about me anyway?"

The question slightly took Kai by surprise because this was the first time Sehun actually sounded... insecure. Usually he was all cocky and had a lot of self-esteem but for a moment there, he just looked vulnerable. And to be honest, he didn't know the answer to that question either. He didn't even know why he said that. It was just this thing with Sehun. Whenever he was with him, he felt comfortable, and the truth just came pouring out of his mouth before he could even realize it. He had become so attached to the younger in such a short time that it was almost scary.

"What's not to like?" he countered, "You're funny, you're weird, a little erted sometimes, honest and straightforward. It's so hard to find anyone like you these days."

Sehun bit his bottom lip, looking down at his food. Kai's words made him so happy, but at the same time so very confused. Why does he say things like that to me? He has a girlfriend, he's probably straight, and I hardly have a chance with him. Sehun might have pretended to be all cocky and joked about Kai being in love with him but deep inside, he was just really insecure. He only said things like that to hide how insecure and self-conscious he really was, to make himself feel better. He didn't think he was ugly, but he didn't think he was all that attractive either. He was just... Sehun. Boring, old Sehun. And the fact that Kai had been so attached to him overwhelmed him.

"I'd really appreciate it if you didn't say things like that."

"Why?"

"So you can stop feeding my already bloated ego," Sehun smirked, hoping to brush the whole conversation off. He didn't like sentimental talk. Besides, he had to do something to stop the butterflies in his stomach.

"How very Sehun of you," Kai laughed, shaking his head and going back to eating.

As they continued to eat, Sehun stayed mostly silent as the noise of the TV filled the room instead. He couldn't help but think that he had deceived Kai. Because it wasn't true, he wasn't always honest and straightforward.

If he were, he'd be telling Kai how hard he was falling for him.

Sekai feels :') Poor Sehun, let's all give him a hug. We've all been in that crappy situation where we fell for someone who was already in a relationship with someone else. And it  donkey balls xD 

Also I got a little lazy with the editing cuz this was a long chapter, so I'm sorry if it was off at parts.

Anyway, hope you guys liked that chapter and don't forget to leave a comment! Until next time!