Jongin perfectly knew what evil intents lay behind Luhan’s sugary sweet façade. He had known the other for far too long to not see the glimmering mischief twinkling in his eyes, and he had known the other for too long not to be frozen in fear because of it.

However, meanwhile as Jongin was having a total mental meltdown, Baekhyun was obliviously having the absolute time of his life as he was finally able to meet the boy who had been his inspiration for the past few weeks in the flesh. Now he was really there, materialized in front of his eyes as opposed to the tiny blurred image he was used to seeing on the computer screen. Luhan peeked from under his sunglasses and smiled at Baekhyun who was currently clutching at his hand like a star struck fool. “So you’re the one with the voice, huh?” Baekhyun nodded vigorously, surprised at the fact that Luhan could recognize him. In response, Luhan quickly eyed the other from head to toe before flashing him a smile and brushing past into the wide hallway. He dumped his bags unceremoniously onto the floor before turning on his heel and rushing over to where Jongin was standing, pulling him into a bone-crushing hug. Baekhyun looked on in confusion, hand still hanging empty in the air. He barely missed the way Luhan’s eyes flashed over his direction before the Chinese boy pulled back and gave Jongin a bright smile. “So Jongin, long time no see, huh?”

Jongin rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand before he sighed. “Hey Luhan,” he mumbled, “what brings you over here so suddenly, without any prior notice?” Luhan took a step back in mock offence and brought his hands to his hips, cocking his head slightly to one side.

“Oh? Was I intruding on anything? I’m sure your guest here wouldn’t mind, would he?” And with that, Luhan looked over to Baekhyun who vehemently shook his head with his hands waving in front of his face.

“Oh no, never!”

Jongin nearly face palmed as Luhan turned his attention back with a smirk. Check and mate. “See? Your friend here doesn’t seem to mind. And by the way, you never actually formally introduced us have you? I’m curious to see just where you found such a diamond in the rough.”

Jongin snapped his head up and shuffled his way to stand beside Baekhyun, slinging an arm over his shoulder and using his other hand to gesture towards him. “This here is Baekhyun, my friend and partial worker,” he announced proudly, causing the silence that followed after to be filled with nothing but awkwardness.

“… I see,” Luhan nodded, his eyes narrowing, analyzing the situation.

“Yup!” Baekhyun chirped, “I’m Jongin’s music box!” And at those words, Jongin’s eyes widened and he gently slapped Baekhyun on the arm.

“Aha! What a good one, so funny you are today! Isn’t he funny?” Jongin attempted horrifically to save the situation. “It’s um… it’s a—kind of an inside joke between us…” He cleared his throat and nearly jumped out the window and into the ocean.

“So… does he live here or?” Luhan raised his eyebrow. But before Baekhyun could open his mouth to reply, Jongin jumped forward between the two and let out the most fake sounding laugh that ever existed. Either fortunately or unfortunately, he had already zoomed past the point of caring all together about three minutes ago and pulled the two of them together in some strange kind of half hug. “Yes he does! In fact, it’s the way that I pay him for his services!”

Luhan nearly exploded on the spot. “SERVICES?!”

“Yeah—wait—NO, NOT THOSE SERVICES! I MEANT SINGING! SINGING!”

“DO YOU THOUGH, JONGIN? DO YOU? WHAT DID YOU DO TO MY HOUSE? OH GOD, THE BEDROOM!”

“WAIT NO LUHAN, NO!”

Meanwhile, as Luhan and Jongin continued to scream, Baekhyun furrowed his eyebrows at the two before tugging gently on Jongin’s shirt. It was enough to bring his attention down to the music box. “Um… Jongin?”

The taller softened before his eyes lit up with an idea. “Oh right, Baekyhun! You haven’t eaten breakfast yet, right?”

“I don’t eat—“

“OH! You’ve already eaten you say? Well why didn’t you tell me?” Baekhyun was about to speak up but was silenced instantly by a pointed glare. “Say Luhan, since we both haven’t eaten yet, how about we go out to get something and we can show you around too?”

Although at most times it didn’t seem like it, or it wasn’t very evident with the way their relationship looked on the surface, Luhan was truly Jongin’s best friend and having such a title, Luhan could easily see his obvious attempt at changing the subject. Luhan knew him too well; the singer knew that Jongin had to have had his reasons for all of this secretive behavior. Deciding that he had owed Jongin in many different ways, Luhan decided to humour the younger. Despite everything, he trusted the other more than any other in the entire world, and besides, he really didn’t want to spend the rest of his mini vacation interrogating Jongin all around the house. With a knowing shake of his head, Luhan crossed his arms over his chest and smiled. “Sure Jongin, show me just exactly what you’ve gotten yourself into while I’ve been gone.”

-

The entire walk to the small café at the end of the street consisted of Jongin wiping away his sweat with the back of his hand, Luhan clinging to his side like a baby koala while cooing at his every whim, and Baekhyun following just a step behind, wondering to himself just why there was a feeling of unease clutching at his insides at the sight of the two friends in front of him. Was this another emotion? Unlike happiness, it was a very unpleasant sensation, almost similar to sadness, but there was just something a bit more… almost frustration. Baekhyun shook his head and scrunched his nose. He hoped that it would go away soon, whatever it turned out to be.

Jongin on the otherhand, was a bit miffed at the sudden closeness Luhan was displaying with him. It wasn’t that he minded the close contact, no, he had become used to it years ago. But it felt like today, Luhan was turning up the skinship notch a few levels higher than what was deemed appropriate. That much was clear after Jongin had to physically dodge his face away for the fifth time from Luhan who had been trying to fix his bangs and nearly poked him in the eye. But even if Luhan’s actions were grossly invading his personal space, Jongin didn’t have the heart to shrug him off since he figured that his friend had just been lonely and missed him for some time. And if he was being completely honest, although he would never admit it out loud, he had also missed the other just the same. Jongin peeked his head back to make sure that Baekhyun was keeping up and smiled to himself as he saw Baekhyun nearly trip over a crack in the sidewalk, scolding himself with a scrunching of his lips.

Both Jongin and Baekhyun were too caught up in their own worlds to notice the way Luhan’s keen eyes subtly darted back and forth between them before he chuckled with his head down.

Luhan really did know him too well.

-

After the three men arrived at the homely café, Luhan promptly plopped down as daintily as possible and ushered Jongin off to get them drinks. “The usual!” He beamed as Jongin reluctantly left the table.

“Why don’t you just get it yourself for once?” Jongin pouted.

“Do you really expect a rising star like me to get my own coffee? Puh-lease.”

Jongin merely rolled his eyes and shot Baekhyun who was sitting while watching fascinatingly on the other side of the small round table, an apologetic glance before excusing himself and heading to the counter. “I’ll be back soon.”

Both shorter men watched Jongin trail off, and when he was finally out of ear shot, Luhan suddenly turned towards Baekhyun, surprising him thoroughly. “So… Baekhyun, right?” Luhan started, his fingers mindlessly tracing light patters on the wood of the table.

“Yes, that’s right,” Baekhyun replied, “and you’re Luhan. I’ve watched a lot of your videos.”

This seemed to pique Luhan’s interest as he looked up with surprised eyes. “Oh, really? Did Jongin show you?”

Baekhyun nodded. “I really admire your performance,” he couldn’t help but confess. Luhan smiled and replied with a thanks, before turning his attention back to Jongin on the far side of the room.

“Say, Baekhyun… what do you suppose Jongin will order for himself? Do you know what his favourite drink is?”

Although it was a simple question, it sent Baekhyun’s mind reeling for it was obvious that no, he didn’t know. In fact, he had no clue at all what type of drink Jongin preferred, or food, or anything at all really. Luhan ignored Baekhyun’s pause before he continued. “He’s going to order a hot chocolate, I’m sure. Even if he’s eternally tired, Jongin never drinks coffee. Do you know when his birthday is?”

Baekhyun felt like he was trapped in an interrogation room, unable to confess his sins for if he did, he was surely to be condemned. If he admitted his ignorance, then wouldn’t both Luhan and him realize just how unworthy he was to be by Jongin’s side? Although Baekhyun was promised to Jongin’s side for 30 days, he didn’t feel even once, that standing there was an obligation. Jongin was the most important one to him—the most important in his entire existence—but looking at Luhan who had know him for longer than he could ever guess, Baekhyun felt like he really couldn't compare. What Baekhyun and Jongin had didn’t compare—what ever it may be they actually had. The same frustrating feeling was surfacing again, and Baekhyun swallowed heavily, trying to contain it. “I don’t know… but I will learn,” Baekhyun spoke resolutely and looked as desperately as he could into Luhan’s eyes, wishing that every ounce of his sincerity would show through to the other’s heart. Watching intently, and slightly taken aback at Baekhyun’s reaction, Luhan was about to reach out and speak before a resonant thud broke the silence as Jongin returned and placed the drinks on the table. “Here you go, Princess Lu.”

“Oh, why thank you so much Prince Krong.”

“Hey, hey, don’t call me that,” Jongin replied indignantly. Luhan rolled his eyes before he stood up and announced that he wanted to leave. “What do you mean you want to leave? We just got here!”

“The day is still young and I don’t want to waste it,” Luhan explained before he walked out the door. “I have a lot of things I need to see today, ok? Chop chop!”

“Geez, I don’t know why he’s acting this way today,” Jongin whined, “I swear he’s not usually that bad. Here, can you hold this for me for a second?” He held out his cup to Baekhyun who nodded and he smiled gratefully before putting his wallet away. Curiosity got the best of Baekhyun and before he could help himself, he slowly unpopped the plastic lid and peered down.

It upset him more than it should have that inside was a tall order of hot chocolate.

-

Much of the rest of the afternoon was spent taking Luhan to various tourist destinations, which Jongin and Baekhyun had previously visited together and enjoyed.

It seemed to Baekhyun, whenever he tried to get close to Jongin or talk to him, Luhan would always know and cut in with a side comment that left Baekhyun speechless. Was it just him or did Luhan hate him? Baekhyun shook his head. That would be his absolute nightmare! There was just something Baekhyun couldn’t stomach about having Jongin’s best friend and his idol think anything less of him. Of course though, too stuck in his own thoughts, Baekhyun would always miss the chuckles sent his way and the knowing head shakes that Luhan did every time Baekhyun ruffed his own hair frustration, leaving Jongin confused and asking if he was alright.

Jongin smiled at Baekhyun but scowled at Luhan. Luhan laughed at Jongin but teased Baekhyun. And Baekhyun ended up pouting at both of them. Before they knew it, the sun had already begun to set over the watery horizon.

-

The three were walking leisurely down a long stretch of boardwalk when Luhan looked down at his watch and suddenly stopped. “Hey guys,” Luhan spoke out with a finger in the air, “you remember that blue hat I wanted to buy a few stores back?”

“Yeah?”

“Well it turns out I might actually want to buy it after all.”

The look Jongin gave Luhan resembled an unamused father reprimanding his son. “Luhan,” he warned. Luhan smiled sheepishly while holding a hand in front of his face.

“It’s ok I’ll just go back, you can stay here Jongin,” he said, pointing to a nearby bench. His expression quickly turned from apologetic to innocent as he pursed his lips. “But… I don’t really feel like going alone so… Baekhyun, will you please come with me?”

Baekhyun looked up in surprise at the singer’s request since for the entire day, he had thought the other wasn’t very fond of him with the way he was always hugged to Jongin’s side, always testing him with pointed words. But nevertheless, with one look at Luhan’s wide, twinkling eyes, which were batting like butterfly wings, Baekhyun could do nothing but comply.

Jongin reached out to take Baekhyun’s arm, “you don’t have to go if you don’t want to.”

Baekhyun softened but Luhan was quicker to reply. “He doesn’t mind see? Alright we’ll be back!" The singer took Baekhyun’s other arm as he whisked them away, leaving behind a confused Jongin.

-

The two didn’t go very far. In fact, they didn’t even go in the direction back to the store Luhan said he was interested in, much to Baekhyun’s confusion and now growing suspicion. Before he knew it, they had ended up in the middle of a small park, a block or so away from their previous destination and Luhan gestured for him to sit down on the park bench in front of them. Baekhyun agreed, and Luhan sat down next to him, hands folded onto his lap. “First of all… now that we’re alone, Baekhyun, I want to… apologize.”

That was a slap of surprise to Baekhyun. “What? Why?” But the only response he got was the sound of Luhan’s soft laughter. The elder eyes crinkled up in the corners and his hand went up to cover his mouth in a way that resembled embarrassment. Luhan looked completely different now in Baekhyun’s eyes. It was something about his aura. It felt like he had let his guard down and was finally letting himself relax.

“I’m really sorry Baekhyun, for the way I acted today,” Luhan smiled good-naturedly and placed his hand on Baekhyun’s shoulder. “You see, Jongin is my best friend, right? And when I heard that he had found some stranger to help him, naturally, I became really worried about him.”

Baekhyun nodded along, trying to piece everything together but failing miserably.

“I’m really sorry, everything I did today was just a test.”

A million and one thoughts raced through Baekhyun’s circuits at that moment and the only word he managed to filter through his vocal box was, “what?”

Luhan burst into another round of giggles as everything sank in and Baekhyun didn’t know whether to cry or shout or what. “When I met you, you seemed like a good person but still, I had to make sure that you were someone who could take care of Jongin. I didn’t know what I was really expecting, but it turned out that you two are a lot closer than I first thought.” Luhan mused half to Baekhyun and half to himself. But as he turned his head and saw the frozen state Baekhyun was in, he lightly slapped Baekhyun’s chest, which brought him out of his daze. “Stop looking like it’s the end of the world! I was just teasing you to see how you’d react!” Luhan explained, “and I got conclusive results,” he tacked on at the end under his breath. And as Baekhyun visibly relaxed, Luhan couldn’t help but soften, and his voice was nothing more than a murmur as he spoke the next few words. “You like him, don’t you?”

Baekhyun, who just finished getting over the fact that Luhan did not in fact hate him (or he now assumed so), smiled at the question since it was the first one that day that he knew he had the right answer to. “Like? Of course I like Jongin. He’s my friend and he takes good care of me.” Or so he thought he did, but Luhan just shook his head and gently placed his hand on Baekhyun’s.

“No, no, not like that. Like, as in love. You love Jongin, don’t you, Baekhyun?”

Love? At the word, Baekhyun perked up and started blinking his eyes rapidly at the sheer thought.

Love.

Baekhyun would never have imagined that what he was feeling towards Jongin could be love. It was true, if he thought about it, that Baekhyun would do anything for Jongin, truly, whether it was something as simple as singing a lullaby or running to the ends of the Earth. As long as Jongin would be happy, he would never fail to do it. Baekhyun, as a robot, had no inkling of an idea what love really felt like so as a human, and as someone who understood the emotion just a bit more than him, wouldn’t Luhan telling him so, make it true that he did love Jongin? But before Baekhyun could assemble his new found revelation into any comprehensable order, Luhan went on, noticing the other’s obvious distress. “In any case, I can see that you really care about him, Baekhyun.”

And at that, Baekhyun dismissed all other thoughts and smiled back, beaming as he did. “I do. I really, really do.” And those words didn’t feel like they could convey his message enough.

Luhan, upon hearing such words in such a tender voice, couldn’t help but breathe out a sigh of relief. He gently pulled Baekhyun into a hug, which the other reciprocated whole-heartedly. “I approve of you,” Luhan breathed as he pulled back and held Baekhyun at an arms length. And the smile that spread across Baekhyun’s face could have lit up a nation.

“Thank you.”

Luhan shook his head. “A few years ago, I did love Jongin, I admit it, I felt the same way you do now. But over time, I realized that we were never meant to be together that way. I still do love Jongin, but not in the same way—it’s all in the past now. But even so, as his best friend, I’d do anything to make him happy, even if it means giving him away to the one who I know can help him.” The voice that Luhan used was so bittersweet and certain that Baekhyun could almost feel what was going through his mind. The pure selflessness of letting someone go was something that Baekhyun could clearly see, written in the lines of his face, and he wondered if he would ever have to go through so much difficulty in his future. Baekhyun was filled with even more gratitude, but sensing that their conversation was coming to an end, he had one more question to ask. “Hey Luhan.”

“Yes?” Luhan looked up in question.

“There’s just one thing I’ve noticed lately… about Jongin.” Confusion was written in Luhan’s eyes as he nodded for Baekhyun to continue. ‘I’ve noticed that, well it seems that, Jongin is lacking something.”

“How so?”

“When he writes his songs, it seems like Jongin's not truly happy. Do you know any way we can help him?”

“Oh. Is that so?” Luhan's voice nearly whispered and his eyes looked off into the distance as if to recall a memory long forgotten. By the way his body tensed and his hands clamped together, Baekhyun could tell that Luhan was hiding something—something that was a crucial part of their story. It was true, Luhan finally realized much to his dismay. Jongin, after all this time, had never changed. He had been hiding from reality all this time—he had always been hiding his pain and in that moment, Luhan felt like he had failed. He had failed as his best friend but he was also about to fix all of that right here, right now. “Baekhyun, I trust you so I am going to tell you something that Jongin must not have told you. I will tell you about Jongin’s past.”

Baekhyun immediately understood the depth of the situation and didn’t dare utter a word, allowing Luhan to continue.

“You see, Jongin and I, we were supposed to debut together as a duo but Jongin, he… had an accident and gave up on his dream.” Baekhyun’s eyes widened. “If you call me a genius at singing, then Jongin was a genius at dancing.” Luhan chuckled slightly at Baekhyun’s expression but soon turned serious. “But one day during practice, Jongin landed wrong and he injured his leg. It was healable but Jongin refused to dance even after he had recovered. I think it was because he was scared; I think it was because Jongin felt like he had disappointed so many people who believed in him and he couldn’t find the strength to stand on the stage again. I tried to get him to dance again, I really did, but Jongin always refused, saying that he was fine living through music in the background. I feel so sorry to him—I feel so sorry to Jongin because I was always too busy to notice that the only place he belonged was in the spotlight.” By now, Luhan’s voice was wavering as he struggled to keep the tears from forming behind his eyelids. Baekhyun took out a small napkin from his pocket and held it out to Luhan who took it gratefully, suddenly feeling very silly for getting so emotional, but what could he say? That was his charm. “So Baekhyun, I have one last favour to ask of you, because you were the only one able to see through Jongin’s mask.”

“Anything.” And there was no hesitation.

“I want you to get Jongin to dance again. I haven’t seen Jongin so bright in ages than when he was here with you. So I know that if anyone can do it, it would be you." If it had been a few weeks ago, Baekhyun wouldn’t have known how to respond, but now, it was like an instinct that he wrapped his arms around the other in a comforting gesture and promise between two new friends.

“I promise that I’ll make Jongin happy again.”

-

By the time they had realized they were taking far too long, Luhan made Baekhyun swear secrecy to their conversation (because Luhan affirmed that he would quite literally die if Jongin found out any of the things he said) and made it back to where Jongin had been patiently waiting. They were greeted by a frantic looking boy who pouted angrily at the sight of the two of them smiling so brightly together. “Do you know how many texts I send you?!” Jongin bristled, tapping his foot on the concrete, “and where’s your hat?”

“Oh that?” Luhan pointed in mock surprise, “I guess I decided that I actually didn’t want it in the end.”

“Luhan.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Luhan waved him off non-chalantly, “but hey, I gotta go now so can we catch a cab around here?”

Both Jongin and Baekhyun looked up in surprise. “Wait, you have to go? But you just got here!” Jongin exclaimed. Luhan gave him a small smile.

“I really would have loved to stay more, seeing as how Baekhyun and I finally reached an understanding together,” the two eyed each other mischievously and Jongin felt his suspicion meter fly off the charts, "but alas, I only had one day off and I'd better catch my flight back before Kris comes over and has my head.” Luhan grimaced with Jongin and Baekhyun adding in their agreements.

Walking to the main road, it was relatively easy to hail a cab, and after Luhan climbed in and stuck his fluffy head out the open window, he gave Baekhyun one last grateful look, which spoke silently, the last few words Luhan needed to say. After saying their goodbyes, the car drove off into the distance with Jongin waving widely as it sped out of their view.

“Take care of Jongin for me, ok?”

Baekhyun received the message well.

Author's Note:

Hey guys!! Long time no see *cough* I'm so sorry ; u ; Honestly, I didnt mean to not update for so long, but a lot of things got in the way, most of which was lack of motivation /sigh...

Mm honestly I havent gotten much feedback on this fic as in, I dont even know if people even like the story line, characters, etc. so it was kind of hard to write when I wasn't even sure I was moving the right way... you know what I mean? Haha it'd just be nice to get some feedback what you guys think work/ doesnt work, what you guys are curious about, etc. cause then I can add little bits along the way as I write~

Ok anyways, haha sorry for ranting out my troubles to you guys~ I very love you to quote Lay, and there's only about 2-3 chapters left so u__u I'm going to work hard from now on to finish!! Wow so many things revealed in this chapter phew~ now that we've got a glimpse into their pasts, it's time to move on into the future!!! Til next time!!