Kai marveled at the beauty of the smile from the only one who can take his breath away, Sehun.  Something Baekhyun did to boss around his counter part made Sehun smile to himself. It took a while for him to get used to things. But nonetheless, he is on his way to doing so. He spent more time with the members as he little by little tried to reach out to them. Finding that although the members of EXO have changed, his feeling for them and vice versa had never been tainted. 

     Sehun still enjoyed Xiumin’s pranks just like he did before and was glad that even through the rough times, the elder was still able to lighten up the mood for everybody which is really ironic as a hyung. He remembered the times when this same hyung have been too serious and stern with work that even sleep and eating had to take a step down its priority list. It wasn’t until Lu Han came and taught him the most important thing in life, happiness, living life to the fullest with things and people that made him happy. Hence the hyung focused his life torturing through pranks and making his family, EXO, smile. It wasn’t something Sehun would like to go back to since the pranks Lu Han had taught the hyung was always directed at him at first, but rather he’s just glad now that that lessoned learn is still present even until now.

     He also found himself in the kitchen more often acting as the guinea pig for the new recipes D.O. is coming up with everyday. The man is a genius. He never disappoints and so Sehun never regretted being the taste-tester for him. There would be times he’s found himself too full to eat meals after tasting a portion of every little thing that the man made. But still he didn’t have it in him to complain or refuse. Especially when he realized how D.O. took extra care in fixing up his plate every time. The man basically picked all the lima beans and transferred it to another plate most likely Tao’s and set aside the bowl that he would later find in front of him during the meal. He’s always wondered why he never had lima beans in his plate. D.O. must’ve realized a long time ago that Sehun hated it and just continued to take special care of his plates all this time. 

     Tao and Lay are still the best fighters of the group and he enjoyed sparring and challenging them in the training field as well. It had been a long time since all three of them sparred like this but he can tell that the skills itself had never been more hone than before. He could only imagine the amount of training and dedication the two have had to stick with just to maintain their level of skill.

      Kris is still the rock of EXO and still walks around stern and proud while Suho is still the tender leader of the group. Their leadership style had never changed. Just like a family, they were like the father and the mother of the group and until now, it still stands true.

     Sehun also spent a lot of time with Chen in the laboratory. There was something peculiar about the compass he brought back with him. Chen had been taught by Lu Han back then about the mysteries behind the compass that would carry the bomb itself. Although it may look ordinary, the needle have been affected by the bomb as soon as it had been placed inside it. The needle that was supposed to point to true north, only pointed to one spot never wavering even as the person holding it moved. Lu Han explained that it probably had something to do with the magnetic pull of the bomb on the needle. 

“Maybe the bomb itself has some kind of magnetic force that pulls the needle grounded on its spot. Hence it can’t move.” Chen remembers Lu Han saying back then.

     Chen was stuck one day almost pulling his hair out until he couldn’t take it anymore and he sought help from the one person Suho told him to leave alone for the time being, Sehun. Suho figured that the boy needed to do a lot of adjusting so he asked Chen and the rest of EXO to leave Sehun alone. But time was ticking and Lu Han had been busy with school. Chen wasn’t making any progress at all, so he sought the boy’s help despite his fear of the leader scolding him.

     Sehun and Chen have been examining and theorizing about the compass the whole day now. There is still no way to open it and the two are afraid that if they forced it open, something grave might happen. They might set it off as it still had the bomb inside. The odd thing that Chen picked up from the first day was that the once stuck and unmoved needle has now lost its ground and is now moving along with the earth’s magnetic pull. It began to point to the true north once again. That is why he was shocked that very moment he picked it up from the ground when Sehun dropped it. He knew too well that the needle wasn’t supposed to move but somehow it wavered and started to shake as soon as he picked it up. Chen was uncertain of all things and he sure as hell was lost, so he decided not to report on it yet until he had something definitive.

"The time stopped in vortex, right?" Chen started.

"Yes... and no. Chen it was amazing. I couldn't really keep track of time, but I knew time was passing." Sehun started telling him of the way he tried to keep time through spelling the names of the members of EXO, Chen a bit amused when he mentioned his real name while counting the time passing.

"When you left to the vortex where there is no time and space, I found that we too stopped aging. Our force have been halted and well that is the reason why we had to bring you back. Our power started dwindling down until there wasn't any left."

     Sehun wanted to pout at the group's intention. He was hoping they brought him back because they wanted him to stay. Chen noticed it and jumped right away to clear the misunderstanding.

"Don't get me wrong ,Sehun. We ALL wanted to bring you back but we promised Lu Han we wouldn't. He didn't want all that you two sacrificed for go to waste so we had to keep our promise."

    The mere mention of the other's name calmed Sehun's nerves right away as he forced a slight smile to the other to assure him.

"It seemed that the compass was affected as well. It's starting to move again. Hmm… I wonder." Chen started.

"How much time I have left until I have to go back." Sehun concluded.

     Chen could only look at the other with heavy heart. He realized that Sehun is no fool. He knew that he would be going back soon and he accepted it already. The only way to be sure as to when and how long, is by opening the compass and looking at the chip which is why the matter became more pressing.

After hours of senseless researching and theorizing. Chen finally gave up. 

“This is useless we have no time to waste.” Chen threw the notebook to the table startling the boy next to him. Sehun had to admit that he wasn’t getting anywhere with it as well and it had started to become frustrating.

“Why did you guys use a compass anyways?” Chen hissed at Sehun.

     Sehun picked up the notebook and slowly placed it on the table. He  smiled at the memories flowing back until he found himself slowly laying his back to rest on the chair. He started to remember little by little like a movie finally setting into place focusing and unfocusing until it became so clear like the memory had materialized in front of him.

FLASHBACK

“Merry Christmas!

“Lu Han, what would you say makes the needle of the compass spin?”

“The earth’s iron core as it is heated it creates a magnetic current making it spin a certain way and such. Why?” Lu Han replied suspiciously eyeing the other now.

     Sehun pulls out something from his coat and hands it to the other. It was a small wrapped box with a silver bow on top of it. He urged Lu Han to open it.

"Just like a compass's needle that always finds its true north pulled by its magnetic force.." He stopped to watch the other's face as he marveled at the compass at hand.

     Lu Han's face lit up and he looked up at Sehun in amazement.

"Just as it's needle points to its true north, my heart will always point only to you." Sehun started to say making the older one smile at how cheesy his lines were.

     But Sehun's face turned serious right away as he now realized how much he’d missed that very smile. He was proud of Lu Han for stepping up but at the same time resentment the fact that it had to be Lu Han of all people.

"When the Black Pearl leaves...when you leave, I want you to remember where your heart lies because I will be keeping it with me til' the end of time. Wherever the vortex takes you, even if we’re never able to find a solution or end this war....and I shall perish. Know that there is someone who is waiting for you, loving you forever. Just look north” Sehun uttered under all the sad chokes that are now stuck in his throat. He practiced these lines the night before but somehow it sounded different now that he's actually saying it. It wasn't supposed to sound depressing.

“Sehun-ah... stop.” Lu Han choked.

“No. It’s inevitable. So please promise me you’ll always remember, I love you” Sehun begged taking the hand of the other. Lu Han looked at the other and knew he was serious. Lu Han knew nothing can ever deter him from thinking otherwise. From the moment he saw the other, Sehun had already captured his heart and he was willing to give it to him. The inevitable sadness of their future is looming over them as time was nearing the end. But this. Lu Han couldn't have been happier to know that Sehun's love, their love, would transcend even time and space. 

     Lu Han cupped the other's face and smiled assuring the other with his agreement and understanding.

“With or without time and space getting in the way, my heart will never forget you, Oh Sehun. I have never known anything about what love is and what it should be until you came along. I will love you always and nothing can ever change that.  Even if I too shall perish, know that I will always be yours.” Lu Han mumbled before hiding into Sehun’s chest sobbing into his shirt one last time.

    The end is nearing and soon the black pearl has to leave but their love, *this love will never die.* Sehun thought to himself.

END OF FLASHBACK

“Are you going?” the voice startles Lu Han at first. No one ever hangs around the training field at this time and no one really knows he does. So there could only be one person, his new annoying friend, Kai. 

“Oh. Hey!” 

“So are you going? It’s one of EXO’s favorite holidays. The Lantern Festival for the commemoration of the heroism of the 12 forces, EXO.” He proudly enunciated and smiled to himself as he stepped to examine the poster a bit closer now. 

“Right. I heard about it.”

“This is our favorite holiday. Not only is it about us and for us, it is also the only day we get to mingle with the rest of you humans without fear of getting found out.” Kai elaborated.

“I see.” Lu Han replied as he turned to see the other’s face. Kai looked a bit different today. For one he’s smiling widely and second his aura seems to glow brightly.

“Someone’s in a good mood.” 

“Well you know.” Kai started and lowered his head in remembrance of the time he’s been spending with Sehun lately. They are practically attached at the hip nowadays and he enjoys Sehun smiling again. The memories started to flood his head of the way Sehun would call on him for everything, how the other would read to him about flowers and it’s meaning, and how they would spend nights drinking tea in the study or just looking out into the lake from the study’s balcony.

     But despite Kai's high and the simple joy he finds with each moment he spends with Sehun, he couldn't help but notice how much gloomier the other had been ever since the incident in the dining room. Sehun tried to bury himself with work and training and began skipping meals. It wasn’t that he wasn’t hungry, it was just because he wanted to avoid all the awkwardness that he is now feeling towards his family.  

“I was just thinking.” Kai started his mood changing instantly with it. 

“Still bummed about Sehun? You know, this might just be the perfect thing for him. " He pointed at the poster.

"It’s everything he remembers and enjoyed back then, trust me I’ve read about it.” The comment made Kai stop to look up but Lu Han instantly remembered and he began to apologize right away.  Lu Han and Sehun is still a sensitive subject to Kai but he's slowly starting to feel comfortable talking about it and it's all because of the younger Lu Han.

     They sat on a hill looking over the sky and resting their heads on their arms. It was calming to be outside like this. Peaceful and away from the hustle bustle of everyday chores, work and school. Lu Han particularly enjoyed this moment because he doesn't seem to feel the loneliness as he began to enjoy Kai’s company, even though the other rarely talks. They would simply lay there thinking quietly to themselves, enjoying the fact that they had each other to listen to if and when they were ready and willing. But nothing ever comes out. after some time the two realized that’s okay too.

     It took awhile for Kai to start opening up. Lu Han never really had to pry it from him though. Kai just instantly felt more comfortable opening up to the other about his personal accounts. It was mostly things about Sehun. Lu Han never minded one bit. He was just really happy to see his friend lighten up and free himself of his troubles. Lu Han thought how nice it was to be wanted and needed this way. Something foreign to him, he was glad that Kai found a friend in him.

 It was Lu Han’s idea, going to the festival and spending the whole day with the other. Lu Han spent the entire time apart from his training to plan the whole day and coach Kai about the basic things Sehun might like. After hearing about the little spot Kai had made for them two a long time ago, he was more than willing to set it all up and plan everything for Kai just to make the perfect event. It would be the night he would tell Sehun everything. He has been making progress with the other and he just knew that there’s no other better time than tonight.

     He held Sehun's wrist gentle but tensed in excitement as he pulled them with a promise of a ‘fun-filled adventure’ out in town. Of course Sehun worried about being caught and being exposed, but Kai explained to the other that everything will be all right and Sehun had no choice but to agree and get dragged around. 

     It’s the annual festival in the academy and everyone is very excited about it. They aren’t allowed to let anyone know of their existence but this is the one time they get to push their limits and actually participate. They wore masks along with everyone in school. It’s their day of commemorating the heroic strides of the twelve forces that saved earth once so everyone wore exaggerated and intricate masks that is supposed to represent the twelve forces. The funny thing is, the members actually do wear their own respective masks during this day which is pretty funny. It’s their own way of blending in but still mingling freely with the crowd. 

     Sehun had never heard of it at all. He actually had no idea what it was all about. But as he scanned his surrounding, he had never felt more at home since he came back. Everything looks more natural to Sehun. The neon lights, the hanging decoration of lanterns and scattered shops and stalls, the loitering crowds, everything looks more like the festival he can still remember. Colorful hair, animal prints, neon and bright colors, everything’s more livelier than now. Body jewelries, tattoos, hipster, rock and pop and hip hop, people back then were more colorful and full of life. Unlike the grays, white and black of the academy. After the war, a sense of reality had dawned on the people and it didn’t feel right anymore to wear the blaring colors and actions of back in the day.

     It was like going back in time. The vendors decorated stalls and shops to look like the traditional ones back then in their old village. Neon lights covered the marquees with names that he can only remember now, Starbucks and McDonald’s, just to name a few.  Bright colors and dingy stalls and trucks were back in the street selling the greasiest and most delicious delicatessen that he used to enjoy. Kai pulled him along happily as he was excited to show Sehun everything that is in store for them.  He just knew that it was something that the other would enjoy, so he pulled the other with much excitement.

     Kai stopped in the nearest stall and bought a couple of barbecues in sticks and excitedly offered it to Sehun. Sehun could only widen his eyes at the flavors he can still remember from back in the day. 

“Wow, this is really good.” Sehun tried to say with his mouth still full.

     Kai can only hum in agreement chuckling as he bit another chunk of meat off the stick.  He couldn’t help but smile when Sehun’s spirits became a bit more upbeat as he enjoyed his second stick of barbecue, and his third and fourth… 

     Even before Sehun could throw away the stick, Kai was already pulling him to the next stall. The mere smell of the sweet and spicy sauce of the deokbokki made Sehun’s mouth water and Kai could only grin at his success. The boy handed him the new batch and slowly poked tooth picks at it to make it easier for the other to pick on one by one. Sehun can only smile at Kai as he apparently had chosen the perfect place to get them. The deokbokki seemed to be heaven’s made. It had just the right amount of spiciness and balanced sweetness. There were no words exchanged and it wasn’t needed because the mere glee in the grin that appeared in Sehun’s face was enough to satisfy Kai. He patted himself in the back proud that he knew exactly how Sehun liked his deokbokki. These mere facts were things he gathered from Lu Han and his great great grandfather's diary. Kai was starting to appreciate having Lu Han as his best friend. He held the secrets to the heart of his beloved and he felt almost powerful.

      When Sehun finally tried to speak of it’s goodness, he started spurting out sauce everywhere earning him a chuckling Kai who instantly reached out to his face to wipe it with his thumb. With no hesitation and pretense, he just reached out to Sehun’s face making the maknae jump a bit with his touch. The smile and the glow that was in the older’s face made Sehun’s heart skip a beat and he had to gather himself as he had never seen this side of Kai before. 

     Sehun burped really loud feeling a bit full but thirsty now. All they’ve done is eat everything that Sehun hadn’t had in a hundred years and he was elated to finally have the chance to do so. He knew he’d regret it later or maybe even tomorrow but the look in Kai’s face was priceless. It was really better than the savoring taste of the barbecue and the sweet addicting taste of the deokbokki. He would be a glutton everyday just to see Kai look this happy. 

“You know what would be perfect with this?” Kai chimed.

     It only took two seconds for Sehun to remember their favorite drink back in the day. 

“Bubble tea!” they both chorused at the same time before laughing at their slight immaturity over the mere thought of a cold chocolate slushy that was filled with sweet tapioca in the bottom, exactly how Sehun liked it. Kai wasn’t really a fan. It was too sweet for him but he didn’t mind. This little tid-bit was also thanks to Lu Han. He apparently read about this from the journal and Kai was thankful enough for the little information about Sehun that may make his chances a bit more successful.

“Two Chocolate bubble tea please. Thank you.” Kai chimed at the vendor. Sehun looked at Kai and he was surprise to see the boy this excited for the first time. He had never seen this side of Kai before, upbeat and full of life. He could only wonder what is behind it all.

      He only started to notice his hand still intertwined with the other when Tao came rushing to give him a big hug and he almost toppled over bringing Kai along with him. It didn’t faze the other and Kai didn’t let go of his hand tightening his old even more to secure his place beside Sehun.  Tao was spitting some pure elation but that’s not what caught his attention. Tao was accompanied by Kris and there was an obvious flicker of delight as he smirked at Sehun and then at the hand intertwined with his. Kris looked up at Kai and he was mesmerized to see a different more bolder Kai.

“Tao! Tao!” Kris called to the younger. He seemed to be trying to relay a message that clearly Tao wasn’t reading at all.

“What dear?” Tao answered. Sidling next to the leader and unconsciously leaning to the taller man as he usually does. The mere name calling made Sehun snap at the leader and then to the maknae. The sudden skinship made him wide-eyed in shock ads he slowly began to realize what exactly was going on.

    Tao was relentless. He had no idea what was going on. He had no clue that there was a suspicious and lost boy eyeing him while the same said boy was holding hands with his supposed best friends. Kris wanted so badly to just yank him and shut him himself because clearly, Sehun and Kai are having a great time and it’s time they left them alone.

But Tao was clueless about all of it.  All he knew was that he had missed seeing Sehun this happy that he was more than happy to show it. He was embracing Sehun tight in his arms and did not let him go shaking and spinning until the other’s face turned sour. Sehun almost barfed everything he had consumed the whole evening with the way Tao had squeezed him and wrapped his arms around him. He was close to puking his guts out when he heard the leader speak again now in a firm voice just as he remembers his leader had always been.

“Let Sehun go, babe. He could barely breathe with you hugging him tight.” And in an instant Tao obeyed and dropped Sehun to the ground. He smiled at Sehun but he reciprocated it with a judging stare.

     Sehun fixed himself tugging on his shirt and adjusting his belt and pants before he got to collect his thoughts and snap at Tao and Kris. There was definitely something he was missing and he felt like he just finally grasped it when he pointed at the two before finally breathing out the question.

“So wait. You two...too?” 

     Kris just hid a grin while Tao nodded his head frantically. The scene was just too hilarious for Kai and he started to burst out laughing at the way Sehun responded. His eyes bulged and threatened to pop out in shock. His jaw slackened and finally dropped and he couldn’t say another word.

     Sehun looked at Kai and pointed to the couple distinguishingly.

“Did you guys know about this?”

Kai could only continue to laugh as he nodded his head off more frantically than Tao earlier.

     Tao realized that Sehun was beyond shocked that he grabbed his shoulder and spoke sincerely to him “Don’t worry, Sehun. I’ll tell you all about it later. But first, let’s enjoy ourselves and go shopping. The revelation had been a big shock to the maknae but the way Tao had started to act towards him made him feel familiar again and he appreciated that. He let Tao tow him away for shopping which he regretted right after because Tao is relentless when it comes to shopping and he gotten worst from what Sehun remembered. 

     It was an hour later and Tao must’ve perused every store and bought something at every stall.  Kris was now hauling bags after bags of trinkets that he knows the other wont really be wearing. He just wanted to shop and spend money. Kris wanted to scold the other, but being able to get out in the open is something they don’t get to do often so he let it be for the time being. 

     Sehun noticed the little glances that the two made towards each other and he still couldn’t believe that they’ve been together way longer than he had anticipated after learning the fact. He almost felt a little pang of jealousy as he watched the two share sweet smiles and endearing nicknames that Sehun never pegged Kris would accept and even utter even in his deathbed.

“Baby Panda!” Kris said almost singing it towards the other. He only needed to call once before Tao was already running to his side. 

“Yes, babe. The firework’s about to start. We should halt this little spree and find ourselves the perfect spot on the clearing." And as if on cue, bells started ringing from the center of the the town alerting the people to head to the clearing for the fireworks. Kids and significant others pulled their loved ones towards the path to the clearing. Kai on the other hand pulled the boy the opposite way appearing to be away from the path itself. 

“Kai shouldn’t we go..” But the boy didn’t look back. Sehun could just see the profile against the only light he can get from the distant lights from the festival. It seemed to Sehun that Kai had an appointed place in mind unwavering as he pulled him faster and faster. So he really didn’t have any choice in the matter. Kai pulled on him never looking back until he stopped right in front of a big tall tree. When Kai asked the boy to start climbing the tree as he held on to his knee panting, Sehun looked at him suspiciously. Sehun tried to open his mouth to protest but Kai persisted ushering him up by the small of his back saying ‘we’re going to miss it, Sehunnie’. It startled Sehun making him lose the words he wanted to say.  He started climbing the tree despite his heaving pants and aching calves. Kai knew damn well that this wasn’t the fist time Sehun’s climbed a tree. But the boy acted as if it was Sehun’s first, treating him gently helping him all throughout the way.

     His eyes darted onto something odd on the very top of the tree. A big branch held a makeshift bench situated with a blanket already hanging off the edge.  There was a slanted piece of wood against the trunk and the big branch in front of him that looked like it was nailed on the spot to make a more cozier and comfortable seat for two.

“Did you... do this?” Sehun turned to the other now trying to catch his breath.

      Kai can only grin before hiding his smile behind the darkness of underneath the boy.  He wasn’t really the one who set everything up, cleaned it and hanged a blanket and such. There was even a thermos which Kai could only smile upon as he anticipates it to be hot cocoa that the young Lu Han had made for the two of them.

     Sehun settled against the makeshift bench examining it and praising its sturdiness and comfort. The wide expanse of the open field in front of them, the clear sky that was just perfect pointed view, everything was just refreshing to see. All he could do is sigh.

“Wow, Kai. This is really comfortable!” Sehun exclaimed

“Thank you. I worked hard on it a long time ago. I always wanted to take you here but..” His voice trailed and played it off as a pause while climbing the tree. He pretended to forget all about it because really he wasn’t quite ready yet. He still had one more branch to grab on to before making it to his side of the bench. Sehun was aware that he was avoiding the question. It wasn’t until he was already settled pulling the blanket towards Sehun that the boy began asking again.

“How long ago did you make this?” Something in the question made Kai look at the other. 

     It caught the other by surprise and Kai knew there was no where to hide this time. So he just opted to look away again and hide his face from Sehun. But the light from the festival behind them now illuminated every chiseled hard-edge tone of his profile. It clearly displayed the beautiful smile of the other and a gleam in his eyes sparkled like it never did before or at least Sehun had never been aware of.

     Sehun gasped at the sight. He had never paid attention to these things and Sehun wonders why Kai all of a sudden looked very different, different in a good way.

“Mmm, a long time ago. I made it for you and me?” Kai out of nowhere found a bit of courage when the fireworks started. He looked out in awe at the bright colored sparkles in the sky.

“For me?” The boy didn’t take his eyes off the other questioningly, suspicious once again of the boy next to him.

     When Kai turned, a bright enough firework illuminated the sky and Sehun clearly saw the awe in other’s eyes.

“Yes you." Kai spoke and although it was hard to hear, the pursing of his lips didn’t go unnoticed and somehow it felt like they were alone in that tree and Sehun was at a loss for words. 

     Kai reached in the back of the bench and pulled out a small box wrapped with red and white sparkling paper topped with a frilly white ribbon. Kai held it to Sehun with a gentle smile that made Sehun stir in his chair in confusion.

“What is this for?” For a moment Sehun was distracted.

     Kai nodded gesturing for the other to open it and when he did,  Sehun almost cried. 

“Happy birthday, Sehunnie!” Kai beamed but what he didn’t expect was the statement the other had made right after. He was shocked to say the least but he was more than surprised when he opened the box to find a silver pendant in the shape of a Calla lily.

“Kai” Sehun was breathless when he whispered the name. Tears started rolling down his cheeks and Kai could only reach out to wipe them all away. 

“How did you know Calla lilies meant a lot to me. I never really cared much about it but-” Sehun had to stop himself remembering caution when mentioning his beloved's name in front of Kai. Flood of memories, however, flashed before his eyes and he was now smiling as he rubbed the pendant between his fingers.

“Thank you. Wow!” Sehun’s body just reacted that way and he found himself slung on to the boy still surprised. The reaction Kai received was exactly what he expected and he couldn't ask for more.  There was something in Sehun’s eyes that gleamed of joy. A moment of deep thought and appreciation that Kai knew can never be mistaken. Tugging on Sehun’s broken heart is the hardest feat he knew he had to face but the look in the other’ s face pure and genuine Kai instantly knew he succeeded somehow. He was relieved that somehow Sehun is starting to see and take notice of his feelings.

However, Sehun hid something laced in the gleaming joy in his eyes. It’s a memory, a beautiful remembrance that called to him, reminding him of true love once upon a time. A time when nothing was more important than laying next to the one he loved. Showering him with kisses and affection and bringing him Calla Lillies. Lu Han had never failed to make him feel special.