“One of the things that I should apologize for is dragging you into this mess. Another is that I didn’t even consider what I will bring onto you and the people around you. I had been selfish. One more is that I had the chance to get you out earlier but I wasn’t able to. And lastly, I know that I hurt you and that’s what I’m regretting the most,” Kris kept on fiddling with his fingers as he spoke. He can’t make himself look at Chanyeol. He won’t be able to take it if he will loathe him though Kris knows very well that he deserved it.

                “My plan was to make you agree to be my boyfriend so that I can prove the point that I am not what they think I am. I was hasty and careless. It was indeed a very stupid plan. I caused you nothing but troubles and the best that I can do is to say sorry and ask for forgiveness and…”

                “Thank you, Kris,” a hand landed on Kris’ restless ones. His head snapped up and he say Chanyeol smiling softly at him. His insides melted to a warm pool settling in his stomach. “Thank you for being honest with me. I actually know that you wouldn’t have come to me just like that,” Chanyeol’s eyes saddened a bit. “I felt that you needed something from me, I was willing to wait for you to say it to me yourself but… the odds were just stacked against us.”

                Kris found himself tracing Chanyeol’s face with his eyes. He started with his wide forehead down to his sideburns and to his ears; his ears that marks his identity. Then his slightly lifted cheeks, nose and his moving lips. A part of Kris’ mind registers that Chanyeol is talking but he can’t make sense of what he’s hearing. He’s mesmerized with those puckered lips as Chanyeol noticed that he’s talking to nobody.

                “Kris. Kris, are you okay? Did you hear what I said?” Kris shook his head to dispel his fascination over the other’s lips. He forced himself to look into Chanyeol’s eyes and he loved how it shined.

                “I’m sorry. Can you repeat that?” he smiled shyly. He saw Chanyeol look a little embarrassed. It’s gotten him more curious on what the other has said. “Please?”

                “I-I said that it’s better if we just forget everything and start over? Let’s be friends? That is if you want to,” something crossed those deep mysterious eyes that Chanyeol had to add his last sentence. He’s gotten ahead of himself. Why would Kris want to be friends with him? Kris was contemplating around the word ‘friends’. That’s the most logical relationship to have with Chanyeol, isn’t it? But why does he feel disappointed at that? Instead of giving in to his thwarted state, he extended his hand.

                “Okay, friends. Got it,” he didn’t know why he sounded gibberish but it seems that the happy virus is happy. Chanyeol is euphoric. Never did he dream (before Kris asking him to be his boyfriend) that he will be friends with Kris and this time it felt right. He doesn’t mind if they don’t go back to how they were the first week. ‘Boyfriends’ was just how they were branded but not how they were with each other. Better be friends than awkward strangers.

                “Pfft. Boooring!” Luhan came down the stairs with an upset expression on his face. Kris shot a look at Chanyeol saying I-told-you-so. Chanyeol laughed.

                “Are you feeling better now, Lu?” Kris caught Chanyeol