Luhan is on the floor of his bedroom, stuffing his luggage with all the neccessities he needs for his new dorm room. 

‘Jongin, help,’ he gasps, putting his full weight onto the mountain of clothes. 

Jongin peers down from his comfortable position on Luhan’s barren mattress, dropping his book down on his chest. ‘You seem to be doing alright without my help, actually,’ he observes, reluctant to move from his spot. 

‘You ,’ Luhan deduces, letting out a huff as he successfully manages to zip his luggage shut. 

There’s a pregnant pause, and room is quiet for a while, both boys indulging in whatever time they had left together before Luhan moves out the next morning. 

‘It’ll be alright,’ Luhan answers Jongin’s silent question, his tone unconvincing, ‘Don’t worry about it. My new school isn’t very far away – inconvenient, maybe, but it’ll be fine.’ 

The between the two boys has never felt more pronounced. The future was uncertain this time, college wedging itself between the two. They had been practically attached at the hip since young, and now Luhan would only be available to return home during the weekends. Even then, Jongin doubted he would have the chance to catch up with the older boy, not intending to intrude on the little free time he has alloted to spending with his family. They know this, but neither of them brings it up. 

‘I’m going to the college of my dreams!’ Luhan proclaims, suddenly all worked up, ‘I got a scholarship, and I’m finally going to start studying medicine like I’ve always wanted to. It’s a good thing.’ Jongin isn’t sure who the older boy is trying to convince. 

‘Hyung, I’m happy for you,’ Jongin says earnestly, sitting up on the bed. ‘I really, really am. I’m proud of you. You’re going to do well in college, I know.’

What he doesn’t say is, I’m afraid you’ll forget me. I’m afraid I won’t be a part of your life anymore. I’m afraid because I love you. 

‘Thank you, Jongin,’ Luhan sighs. ‘Your words mean a lot to me.’

Jongin smiles ruefully, biting his tongue, keeping in the words he knows he’ll regret saying. ‘Anytime, hyung.’