[CONTENTID1]Chapter 29[/CONTENTID1]

[CONTENTID2]Fake It[/CONTENTID2]

[CONTENTID3]

"Luhan, it's time to go," Xiumin said as he and Kris went to the door.

"Come on, the others are waiting. Manager hyung's going to scold us," Kris added.

As a reply, Luhan begrudgingly got up from the comfort of his bed and followed them out of their room. "Hurry up, guys! We don't want to be late! No, you can't be late!" their manager commanded, shooing them out of the dorm.

Once they got into the van, their manager gave him a warning. "Look Luhan. I know you're going through a lot of pain right now, I can see that you all are." He glanced at the rest of them while driving.

"But," he continued, "the others are faking it well. You have to maintain your image, you know that."

Luhan shot daggers at him, not caring that he could be punished for it later on. You know nothing. I'm different from the rest of them. How I feel about Mei Li is completely different from how they feel about her.

"Hyung...I miss noona too...but," Tao sighed, "think of our fans..."

"He's right. They don't want to see you like this. You don't want them to see you like this," Chen chided.

"We all miss her, Luhan," Lay added.

At the mention of her name, Luhan exploded. "I care about Mei Li a lot more than I care about the fans! I thought you guys felt the same way!" he exclaimed.

They blinked at him in shock from his sudden outburst. "We do," Kris cut in, "but do you think Mei Li would like it if you acted this way on live tv – especially if it's because of her?"

"You don't know what Mei Li thinks!" Luhan snapped.

"But you do," Kris countered, "and I know you agree with me on this."

"Hyung, believe me. All I want to do is go to the radio show and scream out the words 'Mei Mei noona! Please come back to us,’ but I know I can't do that," Tao lowered his head.

Xiumin patted the maknae's back, "We'll find a different way to get her back. But until then, don't disappoint your fans. Mei Li's one of them."

"Remember? Mei Li said she'll always be supporting us. You, especially. But I don't think she'd want to support some depressing, sulky group now would she?" Lay said.

"Know that she's watching or listening and act like the Luhan she loves," Chen smiled reassuringly.

Luhan looked around at all the members. Although they had normal expressions on, they gave some sort of sad aura. He locked eyes with Kris and for the first time ever, he smiled at him.

Luhan sighed in defeat, "Alright. I'll try." But I can't guarantee it'll work.

"That's my deer. Get it, deer?" Lay joked, trying to boost the mood.

Chen laughed and Kris rolled his eyes.

“Oh! HAHAHAHA!" Tao finally got it.

It was silent for a minute, until they all suddenly broke down in laughter. "Pabo," Xiumin smirked.

"Fatty," Tao stuck his tongue out at him.

Luhan took a deep breath. Just like old times. Okay Luhan, you can do this. Act normal, just like the others. Hold your head up high, fake a smile, and act like I've gained the whole world. Do it for the fans. You don't want to ruin EXO’s rep, not just EXO-M, but EXO-K too.

***flashback***

Ding dong!

"I'll get it,” said Chen.

"It's about time!" Lay added, thinking it was our manager.

Chen opened the door and there stood six handsome boys, also known as their other half, EXO-K. "What are you—" Kris was interrupted by Sehun.

"WHERE'S NOONA?" he shouted, running inside after frantically taking off his shoes.

"Why didn't you guys answe