A/N: Hey!! I'm back!! I know it's been a month but I'm finally here!! I hope you'll enjoy the chapter!!

“Are you okay?” Sehun’s arms wrapped tighter around him, and Tao didn’t feel suffocated in the warmth, rather he felt whole and at peace. He wasn’t falling apart anymore even if he was chained to a chair because Sehun was there with him when no else could take him away from reality. 

When no one else would go against their future and fate for him. 

"Yeah, I’m fine” he mumbled and inhaled Sehun’s smell. The boy began to play with his hair, and Tao snuggled into his chest, eyes closed, feeling himself entangled with Sehun as they were lying on the bed. 

Sehun shifted a bit and leaned his back against the headboard, making sure Tao was still comfortable, holding Sehun's waist and drawing small circles on his chest with his other hand

"What happened?” he asked, lifting Tao’s bangs from his forehead, softly hinting at him to face him, which he did, but only for a short moment “I just, I lost hold of my future. It’s no longer mine” he whispered and Sehun noticed the empty look in his dark eyes. The sorrow, and hopelessness that reflected on his face as he thought about his life and the hardships he'll keep facing.

Sehun shifted more so Tao could cuddle into his side.

“Hey” he tried to comfort him, but then shut up. He didn’t know what to say. He couldn’t say it was going to be alright, because there’d always be hard times for someone like them.

"I’m here,” he muttered instead  he pulled Tao closer “I’m here for you”.

Tao's hand curled into a fist on Sehun chest and the other tightened around his waist. His head was on his shoulder now, and Sehun placed his face on top of Tao's, the soft hair tickling him. 

"You’ll always have me,” he spoke again, rubbing comforting circles on Tao’s back.

He could hear Tao sniffle, and he let him cry for as long as he needed. 

In the morning he dropped Tao off at school. It was silent when they arrived at the school, and Sehun didn't know if he should say something, but then Tao let out a deep breath.

"Thank you Sehun” he spoke, and Sehun couldn’t help the warmth that spread inside him, causing a smile to play on his lips “It’s okay. Whenever you wanna talk, whenever you need me, I’m here” Tao didn’t answer, only nodded without looking at Sehun. 

"I won’t leave you” he reassured, and Tao recognized the confident tone he spoke in. 

It was the same voice Kris had used when he had promised Tao to stay and fight the universe. When he  had promised he’d make Tao trust him again. 

A lie. 

"You promise?” his small voice croaked out, and Sehun froze. He stared at him in disbelief, confused why Tao sounded so insecure. 

“I promise" He therefore declared, staring at Tao with a serious look, but Tao couldn't hold eye contact with him because it only reminded him of the way Kris had looked at him when he had promised him that as well. Of course, he knew that Sehun and Kris weren't alike.  

"If I don’t, please beat me up and make me regret I ever broke my promise” 

Tao's head shot up.

That. That right there was just one of the many differences between the two. Would Kris have said that? Would he have looked at Tao and told him to beat him up if he failed him? 

No, no he would not, and maybe that's why he looked at him as had Sehun promised him the stars.

“Are you serious?” he asked, and Sehun nodded, “Yeah, of course, I am” 

Af ter that, it was quiet, and Tao fidgeted with his hands.

“Thank you” he whispered, and Sehun’s heart broke at the sincerity. He couldn’t help but wonder if the reason for it was because of his tall friend, and couldn’t help but despise that friend at that moment. His hands tightened around the steering wheel. “Tao,” he spoke in a low voice “Seriously, I promise to be there when you need me. For the times that I cannot, I owe you” 

Tao could only nod in disbelief, knowing that Sehun meant it. 

"Don’t you have to leave though? It’s almost time for class” Sehun then spoke, changing the subject.

"Oh, ” Tao exclaimed and took his things, and as he was about to close the door, he leaned back into the car “Do you wanna hang out after school? I haven’t explained it all yet” 

Sehun smiled again “Of course” 

"See you then” he spoke and closed the door.

"Yeah” Sehun muttered with a soft smile, holding back the flutter in his heart “See you”. 

"Do you mind explaining to me why I had to lie to your father about you staying over at my place?” Kris' voice sounded as Tao stepped inside the school. 

He turned his head and felt guilt creeping into him. Kris didn’t seem angry or worried though, but rather relaxed. Hands in his pockets and bag hanging loosely from his shoulder, walking in a relaxed manner by Tao’s side. Then his eyes locked onto Tao.

"And what’s with the dinner? Why didn't you tell me?” 

Tao swallowed a lump in his throat “How do you know?” he asked, not looking at Kris anymore, but the hallway, watching the students that passed them by.

There was a silence that wasn't comfortable nor tense, but the silence that would so often fall between them when they searched for ways to keep their secrets to themselves. A way to protect them from hurting each other, so they believed.

"Your father came this morning and asked if you were there” He started out with a low sigh, as though expressing his exhaustion with school, bored and exhausted he sounded. “He asked if you were okay”

He pretended not to worry or that he was watching him, but he was. He watched his every move, and Tao kept his attention on Kris’ voice as well, secretly keeping watch of his expression through the corner of his eye, yet he didn’t even notice Kris’ stare.

"I told him you were okay, just needed a bit of time” he shrugged “Then we small-talked and he told me about the dinner”. Tao still didn’t look at Kris who was waiting for any kind of reaction.

“He feels guilty” he bluntly stated, and finally a small hint of a reaction showed up. For a moment, Tao’s jaw clenched all the way down to his neck and his muscles tensed up, only for a second, but long enough for Kris to see it and understand it. 

"Do you wanna talk about it?” he cautiously threw out as he noticed they neared his classroom too quickly for his liking, and as he was by the door, Tao still hadn’t answered. “You wouldn’t understand” he muttered, slandering his way to his own classroom. “Right…” Kris stated to no one but himself, reminding himself that he wouldn’t. Tao believed he wouldn’t. 

He cast a last glance his way before making his way into his seat, completely oblivious to Johnny’s stare before the latter loudly announced his presence.

"What?” Kris asked, his mood completely changed from when he was with Tao.

"Nothing, just remembering why I hate you” Johnny shrugged with a grin. 

Kris rolled his eyes at Johnny’s mocking. He wanted to throw something back, but had to stop himself from doing so when made aware of his classmates’ presence. 

"So, how many secrets do you need to keep? How many lies do you have to tell?” Johnny finally ranted, after making sure the last of their classmates were gone. Kris stood still, averting Johnny's smug grin, but saw how it turned sour for a split second. “I don’t see the reason for it, but I did say I wouldn’t help you anymore” he threw out and left to meet up with Tao. Kris knew that Johnny would come for his neck soon. He leaned onto his desk and let out a deep breath. It was only a matter of time.

"Kris, are you coming?” she asked, seeing him stand in the classroom alone “Yes” he answered with a strained smile, but she didn’t know that, nor did they.  

He sat down at the table and tried not to pay attention to the mix of stares in wonder, and glares he got. Some didn’t acknowledge the girl by his side, few questioned it. No one wanted to ask. 

Meanwhile, Tao and Johnny were in their own world, talking about this and that, and about the dinner. 

"If you want to come by, you can come anytime” Johnny offered after Tao had explained how he wanted to run away. At Johnny’s offer, he had stopped stabbing his food for a moment, looked at him, then looking down again with a strained smile. 

"Thank you” he muttered, though Johnny wasn’t sure Tao meant it. “I mean it” he, therefore, clarified only to see Tao hesitantly nod “I know” he started out and stared directly at Johnny. The latter’s breath hitched seeing the raw emotion on his face. For a moment the wreck he was, showed up on his face. The mask he carried cracked and fell onto the table, exposing the emotions he had bottled up inside. 

"I’m just guilty about the fact that I haven’t taken you into account” he muttered.

"It’s okay. I know you’re trying to give me space” Johnny let out with a soft smile. The guilty expression on Tao’s face lessened, and it made Johnny happy knowing he could better his mood just a bit. 

Happy, even if it hurts that he isn’t his first choice. Happy, even if he's not the one. 

After school, Tao went to the black car after parting ways with Johnny, but before he even left the school grounds, a hand tugged on his collar. 

"You still need to explain the deal with the dinner” a low voice sounded, and Tao gulped. He turned around to face Kris, and even if he felt indebted to tell Kris for covering him, he didn’t want to tell him. “You told me you’d wait for me to open up to you. You wouldn’t push me” he blurted out, and Kris stood speechless, not expecting that reaction. Tao did as well, not knowing where that had come from.

It was silent as he wondered if he really had to say the next part, if it was necessary, but nevertheless, he did “Or was that another lie?” He blurted out. He didn’t know why he said that and didn't know why his voice was filled with venom, but it was. 

Maybe it was because he knew it was a lie, and that Sehun's promise was real compared to Kris'.

He took in a deep breath and left for Sehun, leaving Kris to stand and watch him leave, knowing he had meant the words, an knowing that he was right.

"Hey” Tao greeted Sehun as he got in the car. Sehun was sporting a soft smile “Welcome back” his smile widened, and he had to tear his eyes away from Tao, so he wouldn’t say something he’d regret “Thank you” 

"Where to?” Sehun let out as he started the car “A quick stop by my house first” Tao only answered on purpose, “Won’t you tell me where we are going?” 

"I’ll tell you when we’ve been at my house” Sehun slightly welcomed the excitement that grew in his stomach, not wanting to fall too much.

"Welcome” Jinki greeted Tao with a smile as he stepped through the door, but his attention quickly fell on the guy by his side, as did his smile. He looked somewhat confused while Sehun was as usual. 

"Hey” Tao let out, yet as he noticed the older’s attention on his friend, “This is Sehun, a friend of mine” Tao explained, and Sehun greeted Jinki with a simple “Hello” which Jinki returned with an “Mhm” and turned to Tao. “Just a friend?” He teased, while crossing his arms, but there was no teasing smile, only an unreadable expression, “Yeah, just a friend” Tao threw back nevertheless. 

Sehun tried to stop a grin from forming on his face, yet let one corner tug up in one. He turned from Tao to Jinki, hoping he didn’t notice, yet there was a coldness in his eyes, which Tao didn’t notice.
“Okay” Jinki let out, and turned away from them, but Sehun felt his glare on him as they walked inside. 

"So what happened?” Sehun asked as he watched Tao warm up. His eyes were focused on his exposed arms, watching how they tensed. Sehun couldn’t lie, even if he came to listen to Tao, it’s gonna be a problem if Tao is gonna keep sweating and grunting in the meantime. 

"I just” Tao started out, and Sehun eyes were fixated on the other’s body as he did push-ups. 

“I just felt my life fall apart” he let out, and Sehun didn’t know if the pained expression on his face was from the work-out or because of the dinner. 

He stopped his routine and sat in front of Sehun “They... they’re starting the partnership up soon” he let out and hugged his knees. His glassy eyes were on the floor, averting Sehun, not knowing how to explain it all. 

"Oh” Sehun let out, and Tao continued “I’m just. I feel trapped and lost”, and looked away from Sehun, eyes filled with sorrow, and jaw clenched “I can’t choose my life anymore. Soon I won’t be able to make any choices. As soon as I’m done here, as soon I’m done with college, I no longer have my own life” his voice cracked as tears started falling and Sehun’s heart clenched at the sight, knowing exactly what it felt like, knowing your life was no longer yours. 

Already with just their uality, they had to live a life that wasn't theirs, and now, when they couldn’t even follow their dreams and aspirations, were they even alive? 

More than a surname? 

Sometimes they didn’t even know. 

Didn't even know if they were alive, or allowed to be.

"I can’t anymore” Tao croaked out, and placed his face in his hands, and Sehun knew. Sehun understood, but he had something Tao didn’t; an escape and Tao knew this. 

Tao knew Sehun had a way, and this was exactly what had him croak out with raw honesty “I only have you” as he cried.

Hearing this, Sehun couldn’t stop himself from tackling the boy in a tight hug. Closing his eyes, he held Tao so tight, so tight Tao understood that Sehun would never leave, and would keep his promise. So tight he couldn’t feel the chains around his body, so tight he couldn’t feel the world around him, only Sehun reassuring him that he’s there in the void with him. 

After they left the gym, giving Jinki a quick goodbye, Sehun drove Tao home.

He had considered earlier that day to go home and visit his father, but after the conversation with Tao, he dismissed the idea and went home to his apartment. 

He hadn’t seen his father in a while, but he didn’t want to go back there as he wanted his freedom as well, just like Tao. 

He threw his keys on the counter, strode his way over to the couch, and sat down with a smug grin. 

He thought back on the encounter with Jinki. The guy had glared at him as if he had seen his friend take his sister out on a date, which wasn’t the case at all. He couldn’t help but chuckle, finding it hilarious how Tao and he had a mutual in the form of Jinki. 

The way Jinki had glared at Sehun was too well-known, too obvious, and Sehun knew it’s because Jinki knew what he was like, what he used to be like, because Sehun had changed. It wouldn’t surprise him if Jinki sought him out and told him to stay away from Tao. To be honest, he understood Jinki, or Onew, as he was called. 

Tao probably didn’t know about Onew. Didn’t know the side of the man he saw as a brother, which Sehun did. He chuckled again and let his grin widen. Oh, how fun it’s going to be soon. 

Taeyong paced around his room as he listened to the sound of his phone calling up Jaehyun. He didn’t like how their last conversation had ended. He didn’t like how he had managed to screw things up. 

"Hello?” 

A voice spoke and Taeyong froze “H-hey, it’s me” he stuttered. 

A sigh sounded from the other side “What do you want?” a cold voice spoke, making Taryong’s heart ache “I-” 

"What?” the other interrupted with a sigh, and Taeyong felt weirdly intimidated, yet he didn’t understand why Jaehyun had to be that way.

"I’m sorry…” 

"I just- I know you won’t believe me, but I don’t like Ten- maybe I still do, just a bit, you might be right!- and maybe that’s why I don’t want him to date. Maybe I don’t want that because I just- we... and I don’t know why- but he still has a place in my heart- but I love you” he froze after realizing what he had just said but continued “I really like you, and I’m sure that you have someone in your heart that you can’t let go as well. It’s something we can’t help” it was silent for so long Taeyong checked his phone to see if Jaehyun had actually hung up “Jaehyun?” he asked after seeing that he hadn’t. A sigh was audible, and Taeyong waited for his answer.

"Okay” 

Okay? Was that really all he had to say? After Taeyong had poured everything out? Okay?

“You’re right” he continued in a low voice “See you tomorrow” he then announced and hung up, leaving Taeyong no space to question his answer. He stared at his phone screen in confusion, wondering about Jaehyun.  

The days were rather quiet. Not bad nor good, but okay. Tao didn’t mind it, because even if he wasn’t that happy, he wasn’t sad either. He had Johnny and Sehun to keep him occupied during the day, and had Doyeon to help him study. He didn’t think about Kris, didn’t want to, but a part of him did regret the words he had said, yet Kris hadn’t held on. He hadn’t pulled Tao with him, but left him alone. He had proven to him that the promise was a lie.

“What am I getting frustrated with? It’s not like there’s anything between us…” he muttered to himself. Yet that’s what it felt like. From time to time, there were moments where it felt like they had something. Something more than just friendship.

Especially at the party. 

Tao couldn’t and would never forget that night, knowing they had been close, so close to breaking past friends, and towards being something more. They had never discussed it though, but swept it under the rug and continued their friendship as normal, never awkward, yet never facing something that could be, just a tiny bit, more. Tao wasn’t sure about it at all though, and even laughed at himself for thinking he might have had a chance with his crush, his friend, who’s always dating girls, always leaving him, yet forcing his way into his space when Tao tries to move on.

It would only be a matter of time before that would happen again. 

"Tao!” A voice called out, and Tao had begun to get used to Doyeon’s greetings and hanging out with her.

"Hey” he greeted her when she got closer “How are you doing?” she asked as she put her bag down by what had become their spot in the library. 

"I’m okay” he let out, not wanting to go into detail about his days “What about you?” he asked, curious, and not because he didn't want to think about Kris anymore, not at all. “Doing fine, just tired,” she said, but smiled nonetheless. 

"You seem to be in a good mood though” he commented “Oh, it’s nothing” she dismissed with a hand, and even though Tao was curious, he didn’t ask her. Instead, he watched her pull out her books, and he went back to his own, once in a while asking for help. 

He didn’t mind her presence anymore, and even learned that she was interested in dance, but wasn’t in the club at their school. 

"Then what club are you in?” he asked, and she gave that shy smile she had shown before. Embarrassed, he thought.

"I’m a part of the cheerleading club” and Tao let out an “Oh” in realization. Of course. That’s how she knew who he was. “Yeah” she let out, still covering with her hand “It’s weird you never noticed” she then spoke, and it was weird how he had never noticed her, he realized. 

"I promise to keep an eye out for you in the spring season” he blurted out, “You don’t have to” she rejected, but it’s not like he felt like he had to. He wanted to. They were becoming friends, and he didn’t mind that “Well, we’re friends aren’t we?” he let out and watched her freeze for a moment, not knowing how to respond. 

"Yeah” she answered at last and returned to her books.

Even if they were friends, and even if Tao had someone to replace Kris, it wasn’t the same. Kris he loved, Doyeon he couldn’t, just like how he couldn’t love Wendy either. 

"You don’t think it’s dangerous to be friends with a girl who used to crush on you, who you also rejected, and who is also a friend of your best friend’s ex?” Johnny threw at Tao during lunch after he had mentioned that he and Doyeon were friends. Tao sat speechless after Johnny’s rant, because that shouldn’t matter right? So what if she used to have a crush on him, he and Kris were still friends… right? 

He wasn’t even sure about that anymore, yet he believed they were.

Johnny on the other hand felt rather hypocritical, asking him how, when he liked Tao and still befriended him.

Was he jealous? 

He knew Tao only liked boys, so why would he? Was he scared he’d replace him with Doyeon? Now that Kris was out of the picture he needed someone to take his place, and Johnny couldn't take it? 

"It doesn’t matter,” Tao said, “We’re just friends,” Johnny nodded well-knowing he was in the wrong. “Yeah I know” 

"How are you though?” Tao asked him, realizing he hadn’t heard much about the other’s life lately. He shrugged, “I’m okay. Ten and I are still texting” 

"It’s nice,” he added, and Tao didn’t say anything about it and nodded, “Have you talked to Kris lately?” he asked, acting as though it was no big deal, but Johnny knew. 

He remembered their last talk where Kris hadn’t even tried to defend himself. He hadn’t even said anything.

Was he really not going back to Tao? 

What if he knew about Doyeon? Would he care then? 

Why was he considering helping Kris? He let out a frustrated sigh, “No” he answered Tao, “We don’t even care for each other’s existence,” he admitted. 

"Was I too harsh?” Tao softly questioned “No” Johnny voiced because he hadn’t been too harsh. He did what was right for him to do. Kris crossed a line, he let him down again, so it was only fair. 

"Tao” 

"Mhm?” 

"Please come over later” It was an impulsive request, and his heart hammered inside his chest as he awaited Tao’s answer. 

"Okay” 

"Do you ever think Chanyeol lied?” Baekhyun asked Yuta and Sicheng as they were going home. Lately, it had been too quiet and too lonely. 

With Johnny and Tao not being a part of the group,it really let them know how big a part they were, and during this time, where he had no one to distract him, Baekhyun began to wonder about Chanyeol’s whereabouts. 

"About what?” Ýuta questioned, and Baekhyun got the message. He let out a deep sigh “About loving me, about moving, about… about everything” The two didn’t answer for a while, and Baekhyun observed the sky turning dark way too soon. 

"Sometimes I believe he did” he voiced, knowing they wouldn’t answer, and he didn’t mind that. He just needed to vent. He needed to let go of what he had bottled up inside. 

"It’s just weird how he changed, how he promised he’d still love me even if we’re apart, but then told me to stop texting him” his voice was getting more and more strained, and for a moment Sicheng feared he was going to cry. He didn’t though and gave them a smile, a strained one, but still a smile when they had to part ways “I’ll see you tomorrow” he spoke with a wave which they returned, and he disappeared down a street. 

When Tao came to Johnny’s apartment, he had been expecting to see the same Johnny he was last time they were there, but he looked good. His eyes weren’t red, the apartment was clean. No trace of his smoking anywhere. 

It really seemed as though he had managed to pull through his guilt and anxiety, and Tao was happy for him. 

"Soon they’d be able to be with their friends again, but somehow it didn’t seem like that to Johnny. 

Johnny wanted Tao to give up on Kris seeing how he didn’t chase after him or go to him as he said he would. Tao understood what he meant, and even though he wanted to, he wanted to wait and see if Kris would leave him be, or if he would come back. That’s how it had always been, and Kris had always been the one to wait for him.

What about Tao though? Hadn't he been waiting? 

They were sitting at lunch together with Doyeon, happily chatting and laughing, a mood that had not been around for a while. The group watched as Tao laughed at something the short-haired girl said; a genuine laugh cutting through the noise and straight into their ears.

The three usual suspects watched with warmth in their hearts, glad that the two of them were finally happy and not here at the table. Baekhyun, after having thought this, threw a dirty look at two certain people sitting with them and let out a sassy “hmph”, then turned back to watch Tao with a warm smile. 

They hadn’t noticed what the group was up to, until;

"It’s been a month already” Mark voiced as they were blatantly staring at them. 

"Yeah. They seem to be doing fine without us” Baekhyun commented, and Mark turned to him, “Do you think Doyoung is right? That they might not come back?” 

Taeyong stopped eating and listened in on the conversation, “Who knows,” Doyoung answered, and Taeyong let out a sigh because of course, that's what Doyoung would say. 

“It’s possible” the latter shrugged and shortly looked at them. “They look happy” he commented, and somehow, Taeyong didn’t feel guilty because they were happy, and if they could be happy then that’s fine. 

"But we have a new season this spring? They’ve got to” Mark continued and the others silently agreed, which did cause a small pang of guilt to creep into Taeyong, but nonetheless, he shrugged it off. 

One of the two who Baekhyun had glared at, and who had been listening, stopped for a moment thinking, believing, “They’ll come back”, but he had not heard Johnny and Tao’s conversation. 

"It’d be great if they’d come back. I miss them, maybe Doyeon could join as well” Baekhyun voiced.

 "Are they close?” Lucas asked, to which he shrugged “Kind of. Johnny and Doyeon are the ones to get him for lunch, and I’ve seen them study together” 

"So Tao’s finally getting a girlfriend?” Mark commented, and Baekhyun cringed inside, but what can you do? They were already on the topic anyway. 

Kris finally woke up and glanced over at the table shortly, then turned back to his food right after.  

"Impossible” He spoke confidently as he stuffed his mouth with food. The group leaned back in their chairs, “Why?” Mark asked.

"That’s the girl he rejected last year,” Kris argued, gesturing towards Doyeon.

"Yeah,” Yuta started out, “but didn’t he say something along with “If it had been different I would have accepted your feelings”?” he finished with a shrug, and Kris disliked the tone Yuta used, yet said nothing about it.

“Maybe he no longer likes his old crush?” Baekhyun shot in, joining Yuta. They shortly held eye contact, knowing what they were doing, before turning back to Kris who sat frozen in his seat with a weird smile on his lips. He muttered something they couldn’t hear and began to chuckle as he leaned back in his chair.

The group exchanged confused glances while the girl by Kris’ side sat in shock “What?” Baekhyun asked, and Kris chuckled a bit more to himself, making them believe he was actually losing his mind. He cleared his throat and took in a deep shaky breath. The group waited in anticipation  

"That’s… that’s impossible” he spoke, and chuckled to himself again, though covering his mouth with his hand and seemingly happy, his eyes were glossy. From laughing or from something else, they didn’t want to know. 

Neither did Kris. 

After the day Tao had left him with harsh words, he had decided to stay away for a while to let him cool down, to take a break, and then make up. 

He just hadn’t imagined that Tao would go befriend Doyeon, which was his own fault and happened even before that day. 

He had already distanced himself from Tao, letting Tao grow and let Doyeon take his place. Kris had seen them study together, when he had unconsciously looked for him. He had seen them talk together, how Tao would laugh as though everything was alright, and even though he was happy Tao was okay, happy even though Kris had done what he had done, it hurt. 

It hurt to see Tao move on, no longer needing him, even if that’s what he had hoped for. 

It was Doyeon. 

Doyeon who’s also the friend of Kris’ ex and isn’t that  kind of wrong? Isn’t that breaking the bro-code somewhere? To be friends with someone who’s a close friend of your friend's ex-girlfriend? He wanted to ask Johnny about it, but wouldn’t it be hypocritical? It probably would, but maybe it was also time to make up with Tao again, and this time, he was on his own. He knew he wouldn’t be able to stop himself from meddling, even if he had tried to, even if that’s what he currently was trying to do. 

Taeyong walked furiously up to Doyoung in the hallway as usual “I’ll show you’re wrong” Taeyong called out to Doyoung who stood in confusion for a while before finally letting out a “Huh?”. 

The look on Taeyong’s face said that he was serious, but serious about what? 

"About Jaehyun” he then spoke. Oh. Doyoung thought.

“What about him?” he questioned and Taeyong rolled his eyes with a sigh “I’ll show that you’re wrong about him. I’ll show you it’ll work out” 

Doyoung was silent for a minute, deep in thought “That’s out of context, but okay” he pinpointed

"Have I said it wouldn’t though?” he then bluntly questioned. This caused Taeyong to facepalm and let out a sigh.

"Are you- yes! Yes, you have!” He furiously reminded him “On multiple occasions!” he added, and while he was full-on angry, Doyoung stood cold and unwavering as always, only flinching when Taeyong pointed his finger at him.

 "What if you’re wrong again?” Doyoung questioned, voice low, and scary. The eyes that had been focused on Taeyong’s finger, stared right at him and they might have seemed disinterested, but there was a slight edge to them, a darkness. The exact same darkness whenever they talked about Jaehyun, and the same one that had shown up when they discussed Jeno, and so Taeyong got an idea.

"Then… then I’m wrong” he stuttered and then added “But if I’m right. You have to promise me something” he leaned away from Doyoung and waited for an answer from him, who glanced around the hallway, and then let out a sigh “Why?” his boredly spoke.

"Because I’d be proving you wrong. I’d win” Taeyong shrugged. It was obvious. If you win, you get a reward.

Doyoung scoffed and shifted on his feet. “So it’s a bet now?” he snickered “You’re fooling the playboy now?” he scoffed once again and turned his eyes away in disgust. There was a mocking smile on his lips that Taeyong disliked as much as he disliked his comment.

"No” he argued “I just believe you’re wrong”. He believed he was right, that what he’s doing is right. He didn’t want to fool Jaehyun, it wasn’t his intention, because he liked him, and really believed Jaehyun wasn’t a player nor a bad person.

Doyoung thought it over for a while.

"Okay” he agreed with a nod “What do you want?”, and Taeyong’s answer came immediately 

"If I’m right, you have to tell me about Jeno” It took Doyoung by surprise, not expecting it fully, yet somehow he had. 

He shifted again and looked onto the floor, thinking. He couldn’t help the snicker that left his mouth. Was Taeyong stupid? 

"Do you want to win or not?” he muttered to himself with a sarcastic snicker. Taeyong heard it, at least most of it. “What?” he questioned 

"Nothing” Doyoung let out, but a mocking laugh escaped his mouth, and looking at Taeyong again, he spoke “What concern does Jeno have with you?” keeping up the serious facade, but Taeyong saw the corner of his lips twitch. 

"I know he’s your weakness” Taeyong spoke, and Doyoung lazily nodded his head, not denying or admitting it. 

"I know it’s one way to get to you” 

"Are you sure you wanna know?” Doyoung softly taunted as Taeyong got too cocky for his liking. The other only straightened himself as much as he could and answered a confident “Yes” 

"Okay then” 

"I’ll leave the table as well” he blurted out, and Doyoung looked at him in slight surprise

"Well that’s something new” he commented “But for Jaehyun or because you still dislike Johnny? Who are you proving right then? Yourself or Jaehyun?” Doyoung taunted with a smirk, then left. 

When Doyoung sat down at the table the next day, it was with a heavy sigh and the feeling that something was missing. There was a weird silence and he lacked a reason to speak. It’s as if what usually got him conversing with the rest, what gave him a purpose to open his mouth wasn’t there. He couldn’t pinpoint what it was, so he began to eat in silence instead. 

"Where’s Taeyong?” Yuta’s voice cut through, and Doyoung’s head shot up as he let out a not so subtle “OH!” In realization. The group looked at him in confusion. “He actually did it” he muttered in disbelief to himself. Who would have thought that Taeyong could do it, and when did he even make up with Jaehyun? He finally turned to the others who were still observing him silently. 

"Taeyong is not joining us today,” he answered, and began eating again. 

"So, that means we can have Tao and Johnny back?!” Mark asked. The boys at the table turned to Baekhyun who stood like a deer caught in headlights “Why are you looking at me?” He asked, “Who else?” Lucas shrugged and Baekhyun gestured towards Kris with a cautious nod. The latter sat silent, eating and seemingly ignoring them, pretending to ignore them. Lucas mouthed an “Oh” and kept quiet, but Yuta answered Mark’s question with a discreet nod.

Kris tried not to smile at the thought of Tao coming back to the table. Now he could make up with him for what happened. Finally, they didn’t have to avoid each other. There was just one thing he worried about. 

The next day the usuals sought out Tao in their classroom to bring him the news.

"Tao” Baekhyun called out, sitting down in front of Tao’s desk. 

"What’s up?” the latter replied. 

"Taeyong left the table” 

"...What?” 

"Taeyong left the table” Yuta repeated, and Tao turned his focus to him, “Why?” 

They didn’t give a clear answer, only shrugged, because, to be honest, they weren’t entirely sure why either “I don’t know, but it means you and Johnny can come back, doesn’t it? Johnny was scared of Taeyong, and he’s gone now” 

The expression on Tao’s face told them, he wasn't 100% onboard with the idea “I get that you’re worried about Johnny, but hasn’t he gotten a lot better?” Baekhyun argued, and Tao couldn’t deny that, but the problem wasn’t just Johnny anymore. Tao had caused a silent conflict between him and Kris, and how would that turn out if they were to go back? 

"I..I’ll talk to Johnny” he let out with a nod. 

He couldn’t tell them about him and Kris, even if they already knew. 

When lunch came around, Kris was ready to leap up and fetch Tao, but when he looked outside the classroom, he saw him waiting already. He knew he wasn’t waiting for him, but for Johnny. 

He didn’t stop himself from practically jumping from his desk and out to Tao “Are you coming back?” he asked, not wasting any time. 

Tao stood with a surprised look on his face, “I was about to ask Johnny if he’s okay with it” he answered, and Kris, though not showing it, felt a sudden wave of disappointment wash over him. 

It’s not like he was disappointed, he was just expecting a “Yes,” and a smile from Tao, but he knew, should know, that Tao wasn’t his. 

"Well, I’ll go first then. I hope he agrees” Kris let out with a sheepish grin, and started moving away

"You don’t wanna help me persuade him?” Tao asked, grabbing Kris' wrist. He couldn’t stop himself from doing it. 

Even if he was the one who had been avoiding Kris, he didn’t want to let go of him, even if it wouldn’t help them. 

"S-sure” Kris stuttered, and Tao smiled softly, still holding on to his wrist, but let it go when Johnny came up to them.

"You ready?” he asked Tao, completely ignoring Kris. 

"Actually… I was thinking we’d sit with the group today?” Tao spoke, and Johnny’s expression darkened “Tao-” 

"Taeyong left,” Tao blurted out, and Johnny’s face changed, “What do you mean?” 

"Taeyong isn’t sitting with us. He wasn’t yesterday as well” Kris elaborated “Are you sure? It could be a one-time thing” Johnny let out. Tao could see how he was doubting everything, how the fear slowly crept in “He’s not” Kris assured him “We saw him with Jaehyun’s squad yesterday, and from what Doyoung told us, he left so you could come back” 

Silence filled the air between the three as Johnny thought it over. He felt a wave of relief, yet scared as Taeyong moving told him Taeyong was still mad at him, but from what Kris said, he felt guilty also.

"Okay” He muttered, and nodded. 

"Okay” he convinced himself, “Let’s go back to the guys” 

Tao smiled and didn’t try to hide it. He hadn’t minded just being the two of them and Doyeon, but he missed the others.

When he sat down at his usual spot though, he got a ty surprise. 

At the table, on the other side of Kris sat a girl. Not just any girl, but Kris’ girlfriend. His happy facade was quickly replaced with the grey Tao, who everyone knew not to poke. The mask that they have seen through the years they've known him. Johnny and the usuals gave him a pitiful look, and Baekhyun placed a comforting hand on his thigh, but Tao didn’t register it. All he could do was stare at the two and think, Oh.

Oh.

So that’s why he was busy.

That’s why he couldn’t hang out with them. 

The thought of him and Kris making up disappeared in an instant, and instead, Tao realized he should’ve listened to Johnny.

For the rest of their lunch, he talked to the others, ignoring his best friend, well, the guy who was supposed to be his best friend. 

"Welcome- you dare show up here?" 

Sehun smirked at Onew who had greeted him with hostility as soon as he had entered the bar "If you don't want me here, all you have to do is ask for my ID" He taunted, knowing he wouldn't do that. Besides being a minor, he was a regular, a valued regular.

"Don't play that card Sehun" Onew growled. Sehun leaned against the bar, tapping his finger onto it "You're right" he let out. 

"When is your break? I'd love for you to join us" he leaned closer to Onew "also I believe we have something to discuss" he added, and Onew was silent for a moment 

"45 minutes" he then spoke and Sehun left him. 

He met up with hs usual group, drank a little, not too much because he didn't want to be rude, and soon Onew made his way over to them. 

Minhyuk was the first one to see him, "Onew~~" he whined in a greeting "what a pleasure to see you~~~" he continued, and Hyungwon had to grab ahold of him so he wouldn't tackle him.

"Welcome Jinki" Sehun spoke and took a sip from his drink. The mentioned one glared at him, and Sehun grinned but shut up "You wanna talk or not?" the older spat, and began to walk away, and Sehun followed him, ignoring the questions his friends blurted out. 

"Why?" Onew let out the moment two of them were outside 

"Why Tao?" he asked again and Sehun wasn't sure what to answer.

"Don't you dare bring him into your mess!" he threatened, and Sehun was pushed against the wall "I wouldn't-" 

"I know who you really love, so why did you bring Tao into it?!" 

"Because he only have me!" 

"He only have you? What about his friend?" 

Sehun stayed silent for a moment "So you know about him?" He let out in a low voice. He searched Onew's eyes for an answer "You really think that "friend" can do anything?!"

"You really think that "Friend" is better for him than me?!" 

"I know you don't approve of me, and I know I still have feelings for Luhan, but like I told you, I can finally stop pining for him. I told you that remember? That was Tao I was talking about" 

Onew's grip loosened, and he stepped back to take in the wave of information "Jinki" 

"I'm not who I used to be. I'm serious about him. I promise you" 

Onew nodded "Don't hurt him" 

"Wouldn't dream of it"