‘I can’t wait to see her face again!...

Will she remember me?

Will she remember my promise?’

These were the thoughts that ran through the tall boy’s head as he stepped off from the plane onto Chinese soil. No longer was he the young child he once was before he left for the army; he was a full grown man; a man on a mission. He stretched his long limbs breathing in the fresh air.

‘Just wait ______-ah, I’m coming for you~’

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A week had flown by after the incident regarding the hooligans who trespassed into school property. Tao and Kris gladly took their punishment; quite happy to be spending more time with you and Luhan after school. But to be honest, you didn’t mind the extra company for once in your life. If you didn’t have time to study during that hour, you’d rather spend it with people you felt more at ease with.

‘She’s a great girl isn’t she?’ Kris muttered, glancing over at Luhan and then back towards the playful scene.

‘What?’ Luhan stuttered nearly chocking on his water, staring at Kris in shock. Kris chuckled slightly, lowering the bottle from his lips and them before he spoke. He continued to watch you from across the classroom as Tao tried to teach you how to twiddle a mop around with one hand.

‘Yeah like this ______-ah, yeah use this finger, and hold it in your palm, yeah and move it-‘ Tao said trying to sound like a teacher, but he was far too excited at being able to hold your hand and place his hand on your waist while he taught you the manoeuvre...

‘Like this?? Geez why am I even doing this…’ You replied feeling bored - you were not cut out to be dextrous. 

‘Yes like that! Waaah you’re such a natural!’ Tao encouraged clapping his hands in delight, oblivious to the fact that you were abysmal in reality.

‘Really?....if you say so.’ You couldn't help but feel like you were doing it right as Tao wouldn't stop complimenting your attempts. Your eyes wandered and met Luhan's intent stare - you immediately looked down, feeling hot under the collar. 

‘She’s really brave and strong…she just doesn’t know it. But I like girls like that the best – the ones who don’t know how special they are…’ Kris said, watching you look down in embarrassment, continuing to be taught by Tao. 

For some weird reason, Luhan couldn’t help but feel a tinge of annoyance at Kris’s words. He didn’t even realise his fist was clenched - he loosened it immediately - feeling shocked at how his heart was pounding due to your eyes meeting his. 

‘Do you like her?’ Kris asked lowly.

‘What!?’ Luhan replied turning bright red, once again choking on his drink while he sipped it a second time. 

‘Well?’ Kris replied taking a cool sip out of his and watching Luhan's reaction closely.

‘Well we’re friends…but-'

‘Better make a move Luhan, before someone else does.’ Kris patted Luhan on the shoulder before rising to his feet and dusting himself off before strolling over to you and Tao.

‘Ok Zitao that’s enough practice, we got to go soon.’

‘Waaah Duizhang but I was just about to show _____-ah….’

Luhan rose to his feet slowly, looking down at the ground. He couldn’t describe this feeling…probably because he’d never felt it before – was it jealousy? But why was he jealous? What did Kris say to make him feel so angry. He glanced over at you and his heart stood still for a moment, he didn’t breath when he saw you actually smile – your teeth bare – laughing at Kris hitting Tao and Tao whining. He barely blinked before looking away suddenly; hand on his heart - astounded by how fast it was beating.

But…but he was just interested with you – it was fascination only that brought him to talk to you – that brought you to each other….not infatuation…

'See you guys tomorrow.' Luhan said rushing out the classroom as fast as he could. 

'What's up with him?' Tao asked confused - picking up his bag and swinging it over his shoulder. 

'Ah it's nothing, he'll be fine.' Kris replied shrugging it off, you proceeded to shrug it off too, but Luhan would always be in the back of your mind - his actions always confused you so much to the point of it driving you insane. 

You proceeded to finish tidying up; Tao had just left to use the bathroom. 

You brushed up some dust from the floor; looking up to see Kris watching you. His arms were folded, resting against the chalkboard. 

'What are you looking at?' You asked confused, throwing the dust into the bin. 

'You would make a good wife one day.' Kris said without hesitation. You nearly tripped over yourself in surprise. 

'Ex-excuse me!? Why would you be thinking that??' You exclaimed blushing. You straightened up your skirt, patting the dust off of it and trying to look everywhere but at Kris. 

'I'm just messing with you~.' Kris replied chuckling in his low voice. 

'Ah jeez you're so odd.' You said trying to sound mean, but it ended up sounding cute - which was not your style.

Kris turned around hiding his chuckles. 

'Oh Kris your back - it's covered in chalk - jeez how old are you.' You said holding him to stay still as he straightened up to let you smack the dust off. You kept tutting and being annoyed - how old was this boy?

However Kris all the while continued to stare at you in admiration, smiling like a proud parent.

'There it's don-woah KRIS!' He'd managed to pick you up and push you against the chalkboard, wiping your back all over it. You couldn't help but yelp in dismay - but Kris's laughter was infectious because he so rarely did it.

You looked ridiculous - you looked like a human chalkboard wiper. You stopped struggling and began to laugh.

‘Hahahaha Kris -

‘- Oh-‘

 Before you knew it, his arms were around you, you leaned back in the process, Kris held you up, staring into your eyes, brushing a loose strand of hair from your face…

‘I like you like this the best, laughing and smiling...’ Kris muttered staring into you. His warm breath flushed your face.

He truly looked beautiful this close up.

Your heart started pounding profusely, your cheeks felt hot as the blood rushed to them, your breathing hitched.

‘I like you ______-ah….’ Kris muttered honestly.

He stared at you like you were the only person that mattered in this world.

Kris’s lips were a few inches away from yours…

‘I…’ Was all you could say as your brain stopped functioning in that moment while Kris leant in closer, he closed his eyes and you knew what was coming next.

Even though your heart fluttered, even though, maybe, possibly – even though it shocked you, that Kris was gorgeous and beautiful and manly and he protected you…

Maybe you would have…

But…

But there was something else…

You just didn’t have the same feelings – he felt more like – dare you say it – a best friend. Someone who would always be there to help you..but…but to actually like him…in that way?

‘You’re amazing you know that? I just can’t solve you-‘

What?

Why did his face appear in your mind?

Why did his words somehow make your heart skip a beat in a different way to Kris’s?

 Why did you think about him at this moment?

Your eyes widened in shock and so did Kris’s as you pushed Kris back softly.

He let go of you, staring at you, he managed to cover up the hurt in his eyes very quickly by sighing.

His lips broke out into a defeated grin. He looked back at you softly while ruffling his hair.

‘It’s him isn’t it?’

‘I…I’ Was all you could mutter once more, your heart pounded ferociously in your chest, trying to hide what you were thinking or what you were feeling. It terrified you, you didn’t want to come to terms with whatever your subconscious had concluded – you couldn’t agree with it.

‘Damn, I just can’t win against him.’  Kris chuckled brushing his fingers through his hair.

‘But, he’s lucky he’s got you. If he ever hurts you _____-ah, I’ll make sure to beat him up, and I don’t think Zitao would mind either…’

You sho