When SM decided to split the members into two groups, one focused on promoting in Korea and the other in Mainland China, Do Kyungsoo felt fairly certain that he would be chosen for the Chinese unit.

After all, M would need another vocalist to join Lu Han. Kim Jongdae was too good for the company to let him leave Korea. And Byun Baekhyun couldn't speak Mandarin for nor be trusted not to offend anybody.

Because Kyungsoo believed in planning ahead, he did his best to prepare for a career overseas. He practiced Mandarin during the bus ride from his hometown to Seoul, listening to Chinese language lessons on his iPod and repeating the phrases under his breath with no idea if he was pronouncing anything correctly.  When not going out to eat with Joonmyeon and Jongin or getting coffee with Chanyeol, he attempted to befriend the Chinese trainees.

Initially, they, especially Zitao, were somewhat suspicious. Yifan would later explain that while Kyungsoo had always been nice to everyone, he wasn't known for initiating conversations with people he didn't know very well.

Yixing was the first to greet him with any sort of familiarity and for that, Kyungsoo would always be grateful. Through the soft-spoken Chinese trainee, Kyungsoo learned that offers of food was the best way to approach Lu Han while Yifan tended to form bonds over drinks. Tao could talk endlessly about his own opinion on a wide range of subjects from the United Nation's Security Council to the best way to download without getting caught.

It was also Yixing who suspected the reason for Kyungsoo's sudden interest in them.

The other Korean trainees won't say it but none of them want to be chosen for the M unit, Yixing said to him in a quiet voice one day after vocal practice.

Kyungsoo didn't bother to disagree. He wouldn't insult Yixing by denying what everyone knew to be true.

I don't blame them. They'll be away from their families for a long time. And it's a big risk. Here in Korea, everyone knows that SM rules the idol scene and any group they put out will be a hit. But in China, nothing is certain. Yixing gave him a curious look. But you keep acting like you want to come with us.

Kyungsoo lowered his head and explained that logically, he was the best candidate for the M unit. Jongdae: too favored by the vocal coaches. Baekhyun: too scattered. Joonmyeon: vocal range too close to Lu Han's to provide any contrast.

He felt a hand on his shoulder and he glanced up. Yixing smiled.

I hope that's not the only reason you wouldn't mind coming to China, he said with a note of amusement and something else Kyungsoo couldn't quite identify.

No, of course not, Kyungsoo wanted to tell him. It was because...it couldn't be easy to live in a foreign country, far from their friends and relatives, learning another language, another culture, facing prejudices, putting themselves through years of grueling practices for something that might not happen.

They had so much to lose and yet they were still here. Lu Han, Yifan, Zitao...

and Yixing.

Kyungsoo wanted to tell him. Wanted to tell him how much he admired his strength, his resilience, his kindness. And how happy he would be to debut with them across the Yellow Sea.

As long as Yixing was by his side.

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A/N: Ugh. This is why I don't write fluff.

But there is not enough Laysoo in the world so I'm trying to be a part of the solution, not the problem.

Comments and votes are appreciated!!!!!!!!!!