They had two days to do what they planned to do in a week. Day one was spent entirely with Hana. Just the two of them going out and having fun like they’d usually do. Day two was spent with the guys but without the girl. Lay wasn’t really happy about Hana not being there but the boys insisted that they deserved a girl free boys’ night out.

“What if I tell her that you guys didn’t want her around today?”

“That would make you an . Besides, she already knows AND understands.”

Of course she’d understand. She’s Hana after all.

“Explain to me again why I was dragged away from my girlfriend to hang out with the group but the only ‘group’ I see here is you Jongdae?”

“Because.”

“………….”

Jongdae whistled and walked beside his friend who was staring at him questioningly. He turned a familiar corner and Lay was still looking at him expectantly. Lay decided to prompt an  answer since he looked like he wouldn’t continue anytime soon.

“Because…?”

“Because what?”

“Exactly.”

“Exactly what?”

“What were you going to say after because?”

“Because? What?”

“Yes! Because what?!”

“Lay did you start watching those stupid videos Baekhyun always watches with Chanyeol because bro I think you’re losing it.”

“I JUST-“

“Look! There they are!” Lay’s eye twitched in annoyance as Jongdae dragged him deeper into the arcade where the others were. The others were still in their uniforms as were they.

“Took you guys long enough.” Kyungsoo commented as soon as they were in his range of hearing.

“Sorry, lover boy here didn’t want to be separated from his ‘mature than him’ girlfriend.”

“Hey!”

“Hana is more rational than him…...” Chanyeol though out loud and Lay gaped.

“You’re one to ta-“

“Heck yeah she is.” Baekhyun piped and Lay glared. Though he wanted to injure his friends while producing minimal damage, he couldn’t help but notice that they were short in number.

“I don’t see Kai and Sehun.”

“Oh them. They’ll come later. Something about uniforms and arcade, man I don’t even remember what they were complaining about.” Kyungsoo shook his head.

“Since the chief guest is here, let the games begin?” Chanyeol piped, eyes sparkling with excitement.

“May the odds forever be in your favor.”

“May the odds be ever in your favor, Baekhyun.”

“Forgive me for my ignorant mistake oh great Kyungsoo: the dialogue Nazi.”

“Can we just start?” Lay huffed and Chanyeol pulled him through the crowd.

“HERE WE COME!”

-

“Zhang Yixing, if I hear you whine about being away from your girlfriend one more time I swear to God I will dump this extra large cup of slushie on your head.” Kyungsoo threatened gripping his cup. Lay however, blew a raspberry.

“Heh, as if.”

“Don’t test him boy.” Chanyeol warned. They had spent two hours in the arcade so far and judging from the pace they were playing the games, they were going to be here much longer. It’s not like Lay wasn’t enjoying himself but it was just that when he heard ‘group outing’, he thought it’d be the entire group. As in it would include his girlfriend too. The news that Hana wouldn’t be joining was taking its time to sink in. It was taking longer though, since he brought Hana to the same arcade on their first alone outing. Or unofficial date. Whatever works. Lay shook his head. He could see Jongdae and Baekhyun engrossed in what seemed to be a crucial game of whack a mole.

“Hey guys, I need a refill. I’ll be right back.”

“Take mine.” Kyungsoo offered. Chanyeol looked disgusted.

“No thanks.”

“What’s with that face giant.” Kyungsoo sounded offended and Chanyeol’s expression changed.

“It’s red. I want the blue one.”

“What difference does it make?” Lay asked for the heck of it. Chanyeol looked at him like he was dumb.

“The red one tastes like low quality sugar mixed in d-grade coconut water. I’d rather puke that have that thing in my mouth.” And with that he left leaving Lay and a very confused Kyungsoo.

“That sounds awful. How come you got yourself an extra large of this?”

“He’s just exaggerating it isn’t that bad. Here, try it.”

“I’d rather not.” Lay backed up.

Before Kyungsoo could further insist they heard loud shouting and the obnoxious voices were immediately recognized as Baekhyun and Jongdae’s.

“Guessing they won.”

“They’re happy dancing so yeah.” Kyungsoo took a sip and shrugged.

“Where are Sehun and Kai?”

“Don’t know, they should be here. I’m gonna text him.” Kyungsoo pulled out his phone and while Lay watched his friends rub their victory in their opponent’s face ( a pair of 16 year old girls), Chanyeol came back with an unexpected friend in tow.

“-yeah! Wait I’ll introduce you to my friends!” Chanyeol’s booming voice made Lay glance in his way and his expression contorted.

“What a surprise….”

-

Sehun and Kai ran towards the arcade. They changed out of their uniforms and brought all the supplies Hana requested for before darting out of the house. The taxi they took broke down which meant they had to walk the rest of the way. Giving that they were already late and that the sun was almost down, they decided to break into a sprint.

“You think- he’d- suspect anything?” Sehun asked between breaths. Kai shook his head.

“Nah, he’s smart- but oblivious. I- doubt it.”

They slowed down once they saw the building to catch their breaths. They were still panting hard by the time they went inside and with their throats dry as desert, they didn’t bother asking for approval before chugging their friends’ drinks.

“Hey! I was drinking that!” Chanyeol exclaimed but Sehun didn’t bother. The cool blue liquid soothed the burning but intense pain hit his head and he held his temple with a groan.

“Brain freeze.”

“Serves you right, you brat.”

“Oh God what the hell is this?!” Kai gagged and held the huge, now half filled with red slush cup away from him.

“Oh c’mon! it can’t be THAT bad!” Kai shoved it back to Kyungsoo and continued gagging as Lay gave him napkins. Kai thanked his friend and his eyebrows scrunched. Lay doesn't normally frown.

“Oh and they must be Kai and Sehun, right Chanyeol?”

Kai turned at the mention of his name and raised a brow. What was Shin Jaekyung doing here?

“Aha! You’re right!” Chanyeol beamed. Sehun clenched the hem of his shirt. He did not like this guy one bit. Not even when he was Hana’s friend in middle school. He and Luhan never said a word to their cousin since they felt she was quiet fond of his company. Sehun wasn’t there when things blew up between Hana and Yuri therefore he did not know anything. All Sehun remembered was him audaciously flirting with both Hana and Yuri in front of him. Hana was too oblivious to notice and dismissed his antics as friendly gestures but Yuri didn’t.

“What are you doing here?” Sehun tried being cordial, but his tone and his question was blunter than he intended.

“Oh me? I was just hanging out at the arcade but then I saw Chanyeol! He always talks about you guys so I thought it’d be interesting to meet all of you in person.”

“You two know each other?” Chanyeol asked confusedly.

“Yes Chanyeol we’re in the same school after all.” Sehun didn’t bother providing them with the information that he knew him since middle school. Unnecessary questions would pop up and he wanted to avoid them as much as he could. Kai looked on. Lay looked……irritated. That’s new. Kai looked towards Kyungsoo who shrugged with troubled eyes.

“Hey Sehun, how’s Han-“

“GUYS WE WON THE LOOT!”

“Whoa!”

The thick ring of red tickets hanging on Baekhyun’s arm complimented his flushed face. Jongdae was smiling so wide that it looked painful. Nonetheless, seeing their friends so happy, Lay couldn’t help but crack a smile.

“How did you guys manage to get this many?! Which game?!” Chanyeol asked walking past Jaekyung to stand in front of his cousin with wide eyes.

“Whack-a-mole!”

“But so many?!” Kyungsoo exclaimed.

“We made bets with other kids and won all of them!” Jongdae explained and Kai broke into a laugh.

'Unbelievable!”

“I KNOW RIGHT! THIS IS- who are you?”

“Oh, you don’t know me?” Jaekyung pointed at himself as he met Jongdae’s questioning gaze.

“Uh no? What makes you think I’d know you?”

 Lay’s lip twitched upwards at Jaekyung’s clueless expression. Chanyeol wasn’t talking, probably too stunned either by the tickets or his friend’s cold shoulder towards Jaekyung. Either way, he wasn’t talking and the atmosphere was becoming heavy.

“I-uh, I’m Shin Jaekyung. I attend the same high school as you guys.” He brought his hand forward and Jongdae shook it but only after catching a glimpse of Kyungsoo’s glare.

“Kim Jongdae.”

“I’ve heard of you. I heard you have a nice voice.”

“Nice is an understatement, but thanks.”

Sehun was loving this. Jaekyung looked so awkward and seeing him uncomfortable like that made Sehun want to laugh. He sneaked a peek at the others. Kyungsoo looked like he’d face palm any minute, Kai’s gaze told Sehun he wasn’t fond of Jaekyung either. Chanyeol looked lost and Lay was smiling. It surprised Sehun a little, to see Lay enjoying someone’s discomfort so much.

“And you must be Byun Baekhyun, Chanyeol’s cousin. He talks a lot about you.”

“Of course he does. It’s because I’m important. Funny I haven’t heard him talk about you. Ever. In fact this is the first time I’ve seen him associate himself with you. Isn’t that right Chanyeol?”

“Baek, uh-“ Jaekyung cut Chanyeol off with an awkward laugh.

“So I see. I’m sad Chanyeol, you don’t talk about me at all?” he pretended to be sad and Chanyeol’s eyes widened.

“No no no that’s not it-“

“We have better things to talk about to be honest.”

“Baekhyun.” Kyungsoo warned but he ignored him.

“Why are you here?”

“Oh uh- Chanyeol always talks about you guys so I figured I had to chance to finally meet all of you.”

“Well, you’ve met us now. Your task is complete. We’re kind of in the middle of a ‘friends day out’ so feel free to leave soon.”

“Baek what-“

“Chanyeol go buy me some of that blue slush will you.” Baekhyun cut him short. Chanyeol gave his cousin a desperate look but Baekhyun refused to budge. What was wrong with his cousin? He never behaved like this then why were he and Jongdae being so hostile towards Jaekyung?

 “I can’t leave though.” Jaekyung said after Chanyeol reluctantly left. Baekhyun almost turned away from him when he spoke and now all of them had their eyes fixed on Jaekyung. The tips of Sehun’s lips dipped when Jaekyung turned towards him.

“And why is that?” Surprisingly it was Kai who asked. He seemed to be cautious of this guy too, especially now that he was looking at Sehun with an unreadable look.

“I haven’t met the entire group yet. I remember Chanyeol telling me about a girl too.”

Sehun’s eye twitched. He was up to something.

“Like I said before she….isn’t with us today. It was an all boys thing.” Kyungsoo hesitantly answered.

“Aaaw that’s a shame. So how IS Hana, Sehun? Been a while since we hung out.”

Lay remembered Hana mentioning them being in the same middle school which is why he wasn’t as confused as the others. But still, the familiarity with which he said Hana’s name made something burn.

“It has, hasn’t it.” Kai went to stand behind Sehun, for some reason he felt like he needed to. Sehun’s posture was straight and his jaw was set. He wouldn’t hit him. No. If he knew what Jaekyung had caused then he would’ve punched the daylights out of him, but Sehun didn’t know which meant that no matter how badly he wanted to bruise that , he couldn’t.

“I miss her a lot actually. It used to be so much fun. We used to hang out all day, hand in hand, I even used to piggy back her sometimes, and I remember we used to buy her favorite ice cream-“

“But then she grew up and got herself a very worthy boyfriend so if you would please excuse us, we have a long day ahead.” Baekhyun cut in. Kyungsoo had his eyes glued on Lay the entire time. His back was straight, his head was lowered and he had his arms crossed in front of his chest. He was quiet. Lay wasn’t a talker but this quiet was different. This quiet, if coming from Lay, was dangerous.

“I’m sorry Baekhyun but I don’t see why you think you can in since you weren’t a part of my memories.”

“It’s fine if you don’t see it, you don’t have to apologize.”

Jaekyung snorted and was about to reply with a snide remark when Chanyeol came back with Baekhyun’s drink.

“Thanks Yeol.”

Chanyeol awkwardly brushed his hands on his uniform trousers. He heard the previous exchange and didn’t understand why Jaekyung hadn’t told him he knew Hana when Chanyeol had basically told him a lot about his friends already.

“Jaekyung-sshi….we really have to go now. So….” Kyungsoo awkwardly smiled and nudged Kai for help. Kai stood there and stared at Jaekyung.

“Oh! Right, I’ll leave you guys to have your fun. See you around Chanyeol. It was nice meeting everybody.”

“I’m afraid the sentiments are one sided.” Jongdae spoke under his breath and Baekhyun cracked a smile.

“Before I leave!-“ Jaekyung turned. Lay found him staring at him with a sly smile before his eyes redirected towards Sehun’s hard gaze.

“Sehun, tell Hana I said hi. And that I miss her a lot. Also tell her that I’d love to go back to the way we used to be.”

Lay’s eyebrows furrowed. Was this guy actually serious? It wouldn’t take an idiot to know what he was doing.

“See you guys in school.”

They watched Jaekyung’s retreating figure in silence. It wasn’t a couple of seconds until Kai spoke.

“What an .”

“I thought you two were being unreasonable but…..apparently he deserved some of that.” Kyungsoo breathed and Baekhyun shot him a look.

“Some of that? that face deserved all of it!”

“Hey! Why are you guys so against Jaekyung anyway? I know what he did just now was unnecessary but you guys didn’t have to be so mean!” Chanyeol voiced and Jongdae snorted.

“You’d do worse if you’ve seen what we’ve had.” Jongdae crossed his arms and Kai leaned forward.

“What? What have you guys seen?”

Baekhyun and Jongdae glanced at each other. Their hostile eyes turned wary as they tried communicating with their eyes. Their silence made Lay look up once more. Sehun didn’t feel like injuring anyone anymore but the duos silence wasn’t making him feel any better. Baekhyun glanced at Lay and immediately diverted his gaze. Jongdae kept his’ on Sehun. They can’t open their mouths, but they can’t back out now either. It’s too late for that. It was evident by their behavior that whatever they were reluctant to say would directly affect Lay and Sehun, and the only thing that ever directly affected both of them was Hana.

“We uh….It’s nothing important.”

“Spill it Baekhyun.” Chanyeol demanded. Lay didn’t utter a single word. Neither did Sehun. They weren’t sure if they wanted to know.

“Hana has two classes with us that are without Sehun and….”Jongdae briefly glanced towards Lay, “Jaekyung is in them.”

“It’s just been two days but we’ve seen him approach Hana several times in an…..overly familiar way which she clearly doesn’t like.

“What even more is that he switched seats and became her table partner while Jongdae and I are stuck sitting two tables behind them so we can’t do much. And I don’t understand what the heck is wrong with our teachers; they won’t let us change our seats.”

“Maybe he doesn’t know Hana is taken?” Chanyeol guessed but Baekhyun shook his head.

“He knows. He keeps asking her why her boyfriend isn’t in class with her. And he also knows that her boyfriend is Lay.”

“We asked some of our friends and….we all, except Chanyeol, know how he has a new girl pretty much every week…..” Jongdae trailed off.

“He is a notorious player but I didn’t think we should be judging him because of that….guess I was wrong.” Kyungsoo now fully understood his friends’ reactions and Chanyeol wondered how he ended up befriending such a person. Kai felt something buzz in his pocket and once he saw the name on the screen he looked towards Sehun. Sehun had not noticed his phone and was busy glaring at the ground. The arcade was filled with noise but nothing reached his ears. Sehun felt a nudge on his arm and found Kai holding up his phone.

Right.

They had other things to take care of right now. First they had to make sure today, or at least the remainder of today, was a success. Then he’d talk to Hana and demand why she didn’t tell him anything and after all that is done, he’d deal with Jaekyung.

“I think it’s enough for today. Let’s all head home guys.” Kai suggested. He felt drained even though they just got there and didn’t play a single game.

“We can’t let today be over just like that. It’s Lay’s last day here. Let’s go to my place instead.” Baekhyun recommended and everyone agreed. Obviously they’d agree. Lay and Sehun walked behind the group. It was difficult but Baekhyun and Jongdae tried their best to make sure the air around them became lighter again. Even Chanyeol looked out of it.

Lay had been quiet the entire time. They all knew too well not to approach him. But Sehun felt like something should be said. If not to ease Lay then to ease himself at least. So as the group moved forward, Sehun matched his pace with Lay’s and spoke.

“I have known Shin Jaekyung since middle school. He was Hana’s best friend along with Yuri. I’m sure you know about her. I never liked him and neither did Luhan hyung. But Hana was fond of him so we let it be.”

Sehun checked Lay’s expression but it remained blank.

“I don’t know what happened between them and how everything ended up the way it is but I know one thing for sure, and that is that Hana would never ever get involved with someone like him. Not before and not now either. Shin Jaekyung is an and Hana was just too naïve to notice it back then. But trust me when I say this, she never saw him more than as a friend.”

-

They were greeted by Suho at the door. He invited them in with his signature smile. One by one they stepped inside with Sehun and Lay being last. The older boy sensed their different aura, something wasn’t right.

“Baek, what’s wrong?” he asked pulling his brother to a corner. “What’s up with Lay and Sehun? In fact, you all look disturbed. What is it?”

“Nothing just a slight bump in the road.” Baekhyun sighed. “We bumped into this jerk and he managed to piss us off but that doesn’t matter right now.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah, I’m sure. Besides we can use a little cheering up, especially that guy over there.” Baekhyun jerked his chin towards Lay who was quietly sitting at the corner of the couch.

“I know that look.” Suho spoke worriedly, “distract him or something.”

“Yeah we will. How’s it coming?”

“Just a few more minutes I guess. Go fix the mood.” Suho pushed Baekhyun towards the couch and checked his watch.

Baekhyun plopped down next to Lay who didn’t even acknowledge him. Baekhyun sighed.

“Yo Dimpy, wanna play FIFA?” Baekhyun grabbed a controller and handed the other to him.

“No.” was all he said, to that and basically every other thing anyone said to him. Despite being friends for ages none of them knew how to calm Lay down when he was angry. There weren’t many occasions when he let the emotion take over but doesn’t mean there were none. Lay only got angry a handful of times, therefore the remedy to his temper was still unknown.

Sound of a pop filled the air and the next second the lights went out.

“What the heck?” Sehun exclaimed and Kai shouted.

“I’ll go get candles and torches. Chanyeol and Kyungsoo, come with me.” Baekhyun left with his cousin in tow and Suho came out of the kitchen with a lighted torch.

“There’s only one in the kitchen. I need to go check out the circuit board, anyone coming with me?”

“I’ll come.” Jongdae volunteered.

“Me too! I don’t want to be away from the light!” Kai voiced and immediately took his place next to Suho. The trio left, leaving Sehun and Lay alone in complete darkness. Sehun’s head was buzzing and he wanted to know what was going on in Lay’s. He wanted to make sure that whatever Jaekyung said wouldn’t have any sort of affect on him.

“What are you thinking about?” Sehun took a direct approach. Beating around the bush wasn’t an option right now.

“Nothing.”

“You’ve been saying that all day. What are you really thinking? And don’t say nothing, I know it’s a lie.” Sehun pressed and Lay huffed.

“I’m just thinking about the trip Sehun. Nothing to worry about.”

“Liar.”

“What?”

“You’re lying.” Sehun glared at what he assumed would be Lay’s figure in the darkness.

“That’s the truth, whether you believe it or not.” Lay’s monotone voice annoyed Sehun. He was telling the truth though. He was thinking about the trip. He just left out all the other details. It was obvious Hana knew Jaekyung since before, based on what he heard today and what Sehun said, it was also obvious they were both pretty close. Jaekyung’s advances towards Hana were bothering him. And he just HAD to leave for the entire God damn semester. What if he left and Jaekyung succeeded in gaining her attention? No, he was being stupid. He trusted Hana, she’d never do that. But you never know…..when Jaekyung shared his memories Lay felt flames burning his chest. It was obvious he was challenging him, or rather presenting a warning. Sehun said Hana was so fond of him that even he and Luhan didn’t say a word about their dislike for Jaekyung.

“I found four torches and two bags full of these tiny candles.” Baekhyun returned. Sehun huffed; the topic would have to rest for the time being.

“Help us set them up.” Chanyeol passed a bag for Lay and Sehun to share and they began setting up candles.

“-Ok. Sure, thank you.” Suho ended the call and walked into the room with Jongdae and Kai close behind him.

“So what’s the matter?” Kyungsoo inquired.

“Turns out our circuit is fine. Jongdae got a call from his mother asking him where he is and apparently his house has no electricity either.

. I called the inquiry department just now and they said that some wires blew up and half the town won’t have power for a few hours.”

“What?” incredulity seeped from Kai’s voice as he stared wide eyed at his older friend.

“Yeah.”

“Wait, then does that mean our house won’t have power either?” Sehun asked urgently.

“Probably, why?”

“Damn it.” Sehun pulled out his phone and pressed it to his ear.

“Sehun what’s wrong?” Sehun ignored Kyungsoo’s question probably because he was too busy panicking.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” Lay asked squeezing his shoulder. Sehun looked back at him.

“Hana’s home alone and she’s afraid of the dark- damn it why won’t she pick up?!” Sehun shot up from his seat.

"- wait Lay where are you going?!"

The said boy bolted out the door withuot an answer and Sehun followed. Kyungsoo held his head.

"She must be terrified."

"It's already been a couple of minutes and it'll take em a while to get there." Chanyeol bit his lip. Chanyeol isn't afraid of the dark but he's afraid of being home alone. He knows perfectly well how terrifying it is to be left to face your phobia.

"Lay's going to find out then." Kai sighed.

"Doesn't matter as long as they get to her in time." Jongdae breathed. This day was just getting better and better.

"I'm going to go after them." Baekhyun announced and grabbed his jacket and left without hearing another word.

Suho rubbed his temple. Day at work had been frustrating and then he had to make sure the house was clean enough for the surprise. What amazing luck that his friends came in with unsetteling auras and the lights just had to go out. Such a lovely day it is.

"Okay, since the concerned parties are not here anymore I would like all of you to supply me with answers."

"Answers?", landing on the couch, Kai asked.

"Why is my brother's smile not as bright as it should be?"

Should they tell him? They didn't see any harm in it. It was their trusty Suho hyung after all. Being theresponsible one even in his own group of friends, maybe he'd be able to give them some useful advice.

"That....uh...." Kyungsoo started but he didnt know how to end the sentence. How does one put problems that aren't even entirely problems into words?

"I accidentally befriended a moron who used to be a close friend of Hana's in middle school and he said some things today that annoyed us all." Suho shifted his gaze to a tired looking Chanyeol.

"What things?" he raised a brow.

"He said he missed Hana and how he'd 'love to go back to how they used to be'," Kai made air quotes,"and then went on mentioning a bunch of things they used to do as kids."

"And that got Lay angry?" Suho felt it was a bit stupid to fuss over something so trivial. Kyungsoo shook his head.

"No hyung you don't get it. It's not what he said it's how he said it. His tone was mocking. Besides, he doesn't have a good history."

"You shouldn't judge him by his histo-"

"Hyung he's been getting all chummy with Hana. We've seen it,Baekhyun and I. Hana clearly doesn't like it either but he doesn't bother about that." Jongdae grimaced, "He gets closer than necessary."

"Why don't you guys stop him then?"

"We can't. He's her seatmate and it's all during class. Our teacher won't even let us change seats."

"And then today Chanyeol brought him over as a friendly gesture and he pointedly brought up memories of Hana just to spite Lay." Kyungsoo crossed his arms, "He was obviously presenting his intentions."

"Yeah, and Sehun even said Hana was really close to that guy. He probably believes that gives him an edge."

"And Lay probably feels insecure by that since he's leaving. OH GOD why must i befriend an !" Chanyeol groaned and Suho patted his back, repeating that it wasn't his fault. 

"For one, Sehun shouldn't have told you guys that Hana was close to him in front of Lay," Suho then pointed at Jongdae, "and you and Baek should've kept the class interactions to yourslves for now.. Mentioning them in front of Lay at this point in time was incredibly stupid of all of you, he already has enough things to worry about." Jongdae lowered his head and bit his lip. Suho was right, if they had kept it to themselves then there would probably be less tension.

"Now don't beat yourself up for that. What's done is done and besides, Lay should be informed but.......just- bad timing. That's all."

"So.......what do we do now hyung?" Kai asked leaning forward. Kyungsoo sat next to his cousin and took the same posture. Suho rubbed his neck.

"Sehun's around Hana all the time in school right?"

"Yeah, except two classes." Chanyeol supplied and took a seat on the floor. Jongdae sat at the other corner, "It's me and Baekhyun with her then."

"Ok so, Sehun can handle the situation most of the time but i think that you and Baekhyun should keep an eye on that guy. And make Hana aware that you guys know so she can come to you for help. From what i've seen, she isn't the type to ask for it so you guys should be on the look out just in case."

They nodded at his words. Suho's head began to pound. Too much stress for one day.

"I just hope this doesn't blow up." Chanyeol mumbled. Kyungsoo rubbed his forehead, "Let's hope that."

-

Lay and Sehun ran as fast as their legs could take them. No one answered the door so he used his keys and stormed inside. After frantically calling Hana's name they found her crouched in one corner of the kitchen. When Lay dropped down next to her he heard her whimpering. He locked her in a hug and when Hana realised who it was, she threw her arms around him as well. Sehun brought her a glass of water and they sat in the dark with only the two torches they had serving as light. Well, three after Baekhyun tripped inside. His presence helped a lot. Although she felt safer having Lay and her cousin next to her, Baekhyun really helped liven up her mood. They took her and the cake back to Baekhyun's house where the others had already set all the candles. Compared to the dark streets, the house was well illuminated.

"Screw electricity for being so important." Kyungsoo cursed.

"Heh, and you said my power would be useless." Jongdae smirked. Kyungsoo looked at him, baffled.

"Excuse me?"

"My power was lightening remember? lightening equals electricity." he shurgged and folded his arms with an accomplished smile.

"Yeah, and Jongdae equals idiot."

Chanyeol guffawed and Baekhyun tsk'd.

"Guys we all know light is important. And here this jerk made fun of my power."

"Excuse you, i think we all know which power really matters, if it wasn't for fire, all these candles would've been useless."

Kyungsoo saw the three engage in a stupid debate and seriously wondered how he ended up befriending them. he then redirected his attention to Sehun and Kai in the kitchen. Suho was standing with Sehun and by the looks of it they were discussing something while his dear cousin stuffed his face with Hana's homemade cake. He then looked towards the couch. He knew those two were sitting behind it. So he had three option, joining the pointless argument about non existent powers, stand next to Kai and hear what Suho was telling Sehun, or disturb the couple. None of them sounded appealing. But before he could decide the decision was made for him.

"You're right, at least our powers are better than Kyungsoo's."

"Ch-Yeah! Like who makes food their power?!"

"What did you guys say?"

Chanyeol and Baekhyun froze and Jongdae choked on his laugh. Kyungsoo glared.

Oh no, they did not just insult THE power.

-

"Hana please stop apologizing."

"But I'm so sorry." Hana whined. Lay closed his eye and sighed. Once they reached Baekhyun's house, Suho explained how Hana prepared an early mini surprise birthday party and even took the responsibility to make the cake. Their parade obviously got rained on since the lights went out but that didnt stop Lay's forming smile. The moment he heard Sehun talk about her fear, Jaekyung made an exit from his thoughts. When they found her, her face was void of color and she didn't stop hyperventilating until Baekhyun arrived. It took quite some time for her sobbing to cease. Lay didn't know what to do, he hugged her tight and whispered soothing words as he ran his hand over her hair again and again. He had to hand it to Baekhyun for cracking the lamest jokes he had ever heard. At least he made her smile.

But since the moment they cut the cake Hana had been apologizing endlessly and Lay didn't know what she was so sorry for.

"Why are you even apologizing? it's not like you ordered a black out."

She shook her head as a reply. He couldn't see her face because of her lowered head causing her hair to veil it from him. He heard a sniff.

"It was supposed to be a surprise." she sulked. He couldn't stop his urge to hug her. Especially now that she was crying.

"C'mon Hana, it's alright. I still loved it, you dont't have to feel so sad."

"But it's my fault! If i wasn't such a scardy cat, you and Sehun wouldn't have had to come for me and it could all have remained a secret."

Despite her strained tone, Lay chuckled.

"Your tendency to blame yourself for trivial things that are beyond your power amuses me."

"Shut up. This was supposed to make you happy and your happiness is not trivial."

Touched by her words he leaned his head away so he could look at her. Just as expected, her head was burried in his shirt and her face hidden somewhere between the white fabric of his school shirt. Knowing she wouldnt look at him, he tilted her head so he could see her glistening eyes.

"It made me happy. Immensely happy. My girlfriend planned so much for me how could i not appreciate that?"

"But it all got ruined...."

"Because the lights went out and it wasn't your fault."

"If I wasn't afraid-"

"It's ok to be afraid Hana. We're all afraid of something. I'm afraid of fireworks. Baekhyun is afraid of bugs and it's hilarious because Suho hyung is an intern at a lab that requires him to work with heinous bugs. In fact, remember that huge insect we saw here once?", Hana nodded, " Suho hyung had to bring it home to study its habitat."

Hana giggled at the memory and smiled widely.

"Did you hear that?" she suddenly asked straightening up a bit.

"Hear what?"

She tried listening for the sound again but nothing came. Heh, must be her immagination. She shifted her position so she was now hugging his arm with her head resting on his shoulder. He put his head on hers and played with her fingers. Sitting with someone special in a comfortable silence felt good. No words needed to fill the atmosphere. Lay liked this kind of silence, such silence was only possible with her.

"Why do you have to go tomorrow......."

He looked down at her when he heard her voice. Why did she have to sound so sad?

"If you say it like that , I may accidentally miss my train tomorrow."

"You can,"  she said and looked up at him, "but you won't."

"What makes you so sure?"

"I won't let you. Besides, you can't ditch the games because of me, that would be stupid."

Lay laughed and lightly bumped his head with hers.

"I'll miss you."

"Me too."

"Hey Hana?" she hummed a response.

"Can i kiss you now?"

"What the heck?" The look on her face was priceless and her tinted cheeks were evident even in the orange light. It made him snicker.

"What?"

"What's with the question?" she asked embarrassedly.

"Oh you're right," Hana looked away, "I should just go ahead and do it."

"What-"

Rest of the word was lost and Hana could feel him smile. He was smiling even when they pulled away.

"Idiot." her face deepend in shade as she whispered.

"What?"

"I hate you."

"I love you too." They seemed to be forgetting that they were sitting on the floor behind a couch in Baekhyun's house with other people in the room as well. It wasn't the unidentifiable sound that reminded them of that fact, no, she barely even heard it this time. It was Kyungsoo's unceremonious shouting.

"KIM JONGIN YOU GET BACK HERE RIGHT NOW!"

"NEVER!"