Drying his hair on his bed with a towel, Sungmin’s eyes fell on the silver ring that sat still on his bedside table. He picked up the ring and ran his index finger over the engravings – ‘M & H – F.F.’

Min & Hyuk, Friends Forever.
Yes, we will only be friends forever…

Sungmin forced a smile for himself. The familiar pain in his chest struck him again.

You made the decision yourself, now you’ll have to stick to it.

He clasped his hands together, holding the ring in between, and closed his eyes.
I love you. Thank you. Sorry. Please forgive me.
(사랑합니다. 감사합니다. 죄송합니다. 용서해주세요.)

Heaving out loud, Sungmin pulled open his bedside drawer and took out a black ring box. He ran his finger over the engravings for the last time and placed the ring into the box. Shutting it tight, he returned the box to the drawer and closed the drawer.

Thinking back on his performance today, Sungmin knew there will be much more work opportunities coming after he semi-disclosed himself. There might even be jobs for him as an album producer. Aside from external collaboration, he has to write songs for VOL and the trainee brat.

It will all keep me busy.

As Sungmin fell deep into his thoughts, the doorbell rang. On the long corridor to the front door, he was wondering who would visit him this late. It was already 1am.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Teukie hyung?” Sungmin greeted the person standing in front of him.

“Wine?” Leeteuk smiled, his defined dimples showing.

Sungmin smiled and received the bottle of wine as Leeteuk took off his shoes.

“Have a seat, hyung. I’ll get the wine glasses.” Sungmin placed the bottle on the coffee table and disappeared into the kitchen.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“So… why this late, hyung?” Sungmin asked as he poured the wine into the glasses.

“You know why, Min.” Leeteuk reached for a glass of wine.

Sungmin bit his lower lip. Leeteuk must have come to see him because of his performance.

“Hyung, it was just that it would be much easier for everyone if I’m able to liaise with other companies directly. There will be much more work opportunities. You know how big a setback it was for Siwon when DTF lost Yesung’s acting role. He wanted to expand the company and I’m just doing my part to help him. Besides, I’m still not going to appear in front of the media, I’m still Niel. Just that that name is associated with this ugly face now.” Sungmin joked and pointed to himself.

Leeteuk laughed. “Min-ah, you don’t have the rights to say that last line! You know you look better than some of the artistes out there. Especially with that blonde hair, woah. Donghee really knows how to make people look more amazing.”

Sungmin ran his hand through his blonde hair and pouted. He hasn’t gotten used to that bright colour yet.

“But Min. I’m not here just to ask about that. I saw the ring during your performance.” Leeteuk switched into a serious tone.

Sungmin looked down onto the glass of wine he is holding.

Ring…

“How… do you know about the ring, hyung?”

“Hyukjae came flaunting about the friendship rings when you all first got them years ago.” Leeteuk paused for a moment. “The song… it was for him right?”

“Mmh…” Sungmin nodded slightly.

“Why? You’ve been like this for three months already, Min.”

Sungmin kept quiet, avoiding Leeteuk’s eyes.

“You have to move on. Three months is long enough.” Leeteuk moved closer from the adjacent sofa and sat down beside Sungmin. He took the wine glass from Sungmin’s hands and reached out for Sungmin’s right hand.

“You took off the ring already? What is going on now?”

“I…”

“You know you can tell me everything, Min. Hyung will always be here for you.”

“Hyung… you’re right. Three months is enough.” Sungmin raised his head and looked at Leeteuk.

“I’ve decided to let go… when I stepped on stage tonight.” Sungmin smiled weakly at Leeteuk, but tears were filling up in his eyes.

“Come here, my brave boy.” Leeteuk pulled Sungmin into his embrace.

“I’m proud of you. I always knew you were such a brave boy.”

Sungmin bit his lower lip hard. He tried to stop himself from crying, but the tears were escaping onto Leeteuk’s shirt. He couldn’t hold it anymore.

“Sorry hyung. I’m so sorry. Sorry for making you worry about me for so long. Sorry that I’m not as strong as you always wanted me to be. I really loved him, hyung. This is the last time, hyung, I promise. I’m sorry, s-sorry, s-sor-ry…”

Sungmin let out a wail and sobbed uncontrollably as he tried to get a hold of himself again. Leeteuk hugged him tighter, shushing him like a baby.

“Hyung knows. It’s okay, it’s okay.” Leeteuk patted Sungmin’s back lightly.

“You can cry, it’s okay. Hyung will be with you. Together… we will learn to let go together.”

Hearing his dongsaeng’s crying, Leeteuk couldn’t help feeling the pain for him. Sungmin