Based on the ice tea conference(3:00) when Lay's video started playing and also on the fact that Chenlay seem distant recently. For Anmeela who asked for them regretting not spending time together amongst other things that I have integrated in this chapter.

Yixing was giving a message on the screens but Jongdae couldn't bring himself to turn around and watch him. He knew that he should but it hurt too much, so he kept his head down and looked anywhere but the screens. Thankfully the message was short and the video stopped playing soon. He clapped automatically and went back to listening to the MC and the translator noona.

It was just hard sometimes. They all had busy schedules, especially Yixing and Kyungsoo. Yixing because, well SM finally, sort of, learnt their lesson and was trying to give Yixing more and more schedules in China. Kyungsoo because he was the hot new rookie actor that everyone wanted and SM wouldn't miss a chance to make money.

When Yixing had come and told Jongdae about getting more offers in China, Jongdae had been ecstatic for him. He had been in Korea too long and he deserved to get some recognition in his home country too. But he hadn't realised at the time what that would entail. Yixing was constantly having to fly back and forth to keep up with his solo schedules as well EXO's schedules. Jongdae could see that it was draining him both physically and mentally and he wasn't even there to make him slow down or make sure he eats and sleeps properly.

It was also putting a strain on their relationship but Jongdae didn't want to complain, not when Yixing was so happy all the time, even with his busy schedule. He didn't want to make him choose between his work and him because he was afraid of the answer because he knew that if he was in Yixing's position he wouldn't be able to choose either. So he plasters a smile on his face and listens attentively over the phone whenever Yixing can find time to call him and tell him about all of his ventures.

But Jongdae was a human being and he knew that they would eventually need to talk about this situation so he waits until Yixing comes back to Korea for a few days.

"Yixing hyung, I think we need to talk." He says once he makes sure that Yixing had gotten enough sleep and a decent meal. Yixing nods at him to go on. "I think we should take a break."

Yixing looks so confused it hurts Jongdae's heart. "What? What do  you mean?"

Jongdae gulps and tries to collect himself. "I'm really happy for you, you know that. And I would never make you choose between your work and me because we both know how fragile an idol career can be. But I can't keep waiting. I know how important it is for you to do movies, dramas, variety shows and build up your studio so I didn't say anything. I love you but you're not at a point in your life where you can have a relationship. You're too focused on your work, and you have every right to be, but I'm human and I want some focus too."

"Jongdae please, I'll try harder." Yixing begged him.

"That's the thing, I don't want you to. I don't want our relationship to be a chore, I don't want to be just another schedule. I think it'll be better for both of us to just take a break, this way you can devote all your energy into your work and I won't have to constantly hope you'll find some time for me."

Yixing stood up and walked towards Jongdae but the younger walked back to increase the distance between them. "I don't want to break up."

"Neither do I. That's why we're not breaking up, we're taking a break from our relationship. Because let's face it, we're workaholics and work will always come first for us. We're not going to get another chance like this again and so we have to make every second count. There'll always be other relationships but this is our one chance at achieving our dreams."

Yixing clenched his fists. "You're not just another relationship Jongdae."

"Please Yixing." Jongdae pleads with his eyes and for the first time Yixing can see the strain his schedule had put on the singer. "I can't keep doing this anymore. I just want to take a break, do it for me, please."

Yixing's eyes hardened. "Fine." He walked towards Jongdae, grabbed his wrists before the younger could flee and brought him closer. "But you're not allowed to date anyone else in this break. This is just a break not a break up, you said so yourself. If I find out you're dating anyone, or even flirting with anyone else, I will drop everything, I don't care what I'm doing, I will drop everything, grab the next plane back and reclaim you. Because you're mine Kim Jongdae." He brought their lips together in a harsh kiss that left Jongdae breathless. "And don't you forget it. I'm only doing this break thing because of you. I'll give you your space; on stage, in the dorm, in life, whatever and when you're ready, I'll be here. I'll take Yifan's old room, you can keep ours."

Yixing let Jongdae go and walked to their shared room to move some essentials into Yifan's old room. Jongdae watched him go sadly but relief flooded his system. He didn't know if it was because Yixing had agreed to the break with little argument or if it was because Yixing still considered Jongdae to be his.

Yes this is still a product of my illness because I have nothing better to do, certainly not actually university work that will help me pass this year. Also, did anyone else request anything? I'm trying to be productive whilst bedridden, so tell me if you requested stuff in the past and I'll try and get it done now.