They were making rounds around the block, and the weather was exactly like that on the day they met. What is the point of their little activity? Luhan can’t say. There’s really no point, and none is needed when Yixing is there. They share a wheezy laugh when Yixing manages to trip and fall on his skinny behind. They were about to make another turn and go home when Luhan freezes and stares at someone in front of him.

Yixing: Luhan? Are you okay? 

Luhan ignores him and tries to even his breathing and heart rate, as the towering blonde figure approaches him, with an unreadable expression and slow pace. 

Luhan: You… H-hi…

Stranger 2: Hey, I saw your exhibit (smiles but it seems forced, something Luhan realized)

Luhan: (clears his throat and seems to have gained control of his senses) Yifan, this is Yixing. Yixing, this is Yifan. 

Yifan: (hesitates before taking Yixing’s hand) Luhan’s ex. 

Yixing: … Luhan’s boyfriend. 

Yifan: Ah, I see. He’s your new model? (smirks) 

Luhan purses his lips and pretends he didn’t see the slight look of hurt on Yixing’s sharp eyes. He starts tapping his nervous foot against the pavement. 

Yifan: Well, congratulations. I see you’ve moved on fine. 

Was that mockery? Something triggers in Luhan’s systems, and it feels like his screws have all come undone, and every dam of emotions fails him. 

Luhan: Yifan, we need to talk. 

Yixing: Luhan… (tries to hold Luhan back  but Luhan shakes Yixing off) 

Luhan: Yixing, just leave me alone (sounding harsher than he expected but now isn’t the time to worry) 

Yixing pauses before saying how he’s going home to finish off some work. Luhan nods faintly and Yifan looks a little smug when Yixing stalks off in the opposite direction. 

Yifan: So… 

Luhan: So you owe me an explanation. 

Yifan: What is there to explain? I don’t want to go out with you anymore. 

Luhan: That’s it? Yifan, you can’t leave without a word after four years… 

Words become the thinning oxygen that Luhan has to grasp at. He’s left speechless, and flashes of memories came down all at once, inflicting pinpricks of pain like cold needles of betrayal. Yifan, who acted like they didn’t and never have been in love. Yifan who discarded Luhan like trash, now in front of him and Luhan had planned so many scenarios and things to say, questions to ask yet his throat closes up. 

Yifan: I… I’m still sorry. I’m not taking my words back, but I’m not going to pretend I have regrets. Luhan, we just… 

Luhan: Yes?

Yifan: It was the wrong time. 

Luhan: What?

Yifan: I couldn’t be in a relationship. And we were falling out. My father needed me. And the choice was easy; my path was just right there. 

Luhan: I… We could have fixed it. 

He feels pathetic for looking so hurt and vulnerable, but this is Yifan after all. He’s special. And in the end, his heart cannot forget. Something shifts in Yifan’s gaze.

Yifan: I’m sorry. Can we start anew? (Offers his hand for Luhan)

Luhan: (Looks visibly torn) But… 

Yifan: Friends? 

Luhan: … (takes his hand wordlessly, with a grim smile) Bye, Yifan. 

Luhan goes home and curls up in his itchy blanket. 

A/N: Just checking... How's the story going so far?