A/N: I'm back again, I'm sorry it took so long. I made the mistake of joining stan twt in December, and have been down that rabbit hole ever since, but I'm here again, and I hope you like the chapter. Thank you for your patience.

"So, how about next week? What if we study together?” 

"I’ll try” Tao answered Sehun softly. 

"At least tell me I can take you out on the night of our 6 month anniversary” Sehun's voice sounded through the phone

"Yeah, of course"

"What about the graduation ceremony? How about we go to the club?” 

"Sure. I think my dad might have made plans with you know who” 

"Oh, right. What are we gonna do? Has she said anything?”

"Not as far as I'm concerned, but I don’t know” 

"It’s not the only thing you’re concerned about” Sehun blurted out and Tao let out a sigh, knowing very well it was about Kris “I’m sorry," Tao answered "It’s just, when I look at him, I see me” 

"I know” 

"He doesn’t have anyone else. He doesn’t have someone like I have you” Sehun knew that, but it didn’t change the fact that Kris was Tao’s crush, the guy he’s been blindly chasing for so long.

"I know, I'm sorry” 

That was last week, and now, Sehun was staring at Tao who was asleep on top of his books, and across from him, was the person who was supposed to be the same as Tao. Kris. 

Johnny and Baekhyun had left the library not too long ago, and now the two were sitting in silence, waiting for Tao to wake up. 

Sehun looked at Kris, and despite Tao telling him he saw himself in Kris, Sehun couldn’t see it.
Perhaps it’s because he disliked Kris and barely had any sympathy towards him. They were completely different in Sehun's opinion. 

Kris was possessive, and destructive, while Tao was gentle and calm. Tao didn’t try to ruin relationships or chase someone who was taken but instead let them go. 

Kris and Sehun were silent, neither wanting to wake up Tao, nor wanting to fight about who’s taking him home, but Sehun was getting tired of watching Kris stare at Tao with regretful eyes. It caused a dark emotion inside of him, and he didn't want it to ruin what he had with Tao. 

He closed his books softly with a deep breath, and put them in his bag, making Kris turn to him. 

"It’s getting late, you should head home soon” Sehun spoke, and when Kris opened his mouth to speak, Sehun cut him off “I’ll take Tao home don’t worry”

Kris didn’t fight back, nor did he pack his things, but Sehun didn’t care and turned to wake up Tao. If Kris really wanted to see how close they were, that was his decision.

Sehun gently brushed away Tao’s bangs, to see his closed eyes, a smile spreading on his lips, seeing him so peacefully asleep. An angel.

"Tao” he softly spoke, petting his hair. 

A low “Mhm” came from the other, and Sehun glanced at Kris out of the corner of his eye. He tried to seem unfazed, but Sehun saw through him.

"It’s time to go home” Sehun spoke again, and Tao began to slowly wake up, his eyes fluttering open, as he began to shift in his seat. 

"You can sleep in the car,” he continued, as Tao let out a yawn. “Mhm” he nodded, and Sehun packed his bag, and carried both of their bags. 

"Let’s go” Sehun smiled, petting his hair for a moment, before getting up. 

Kris was just watching them, watching how Tao and Sehun clicked, how normal it was for Sehun to wake up Tao.

“Kris” a voice called, and he turned to see Sehun looking at him. “Why don’t you come with us? You live close by right?” he asked, and Kris looked at him in shock and confusion. 

Why? 

Something must be up. Why else would Sehun offer him a ride?

Then he turned to Tao, who was smiling at Sehun, not yet fully awake. 

"Kris?” Sehun asked, losing patience, and Kris turned back to him, and stuttered a small “Okay” while grabbing his things, walking behind them. 

"Are you not sleeping well?” he heard Sehun ask Tao, a smile on his face “No, I am” Tao let out, then yawned “Just exhausted I guess” he shrugged, somehow making Sehun smile even more “Probably studied too much today” he commented.

Something began to stir in Kris’ stomach.

He could see how Tao was staggering a bit, still tired, and how Sehun stabilized him by putting an arm around his shoulders. Kris felt nauseous. 

He followed them to Sehun’s car, the car he had only seen from a distance. Thinking about it, made the stirring inside his stomach grow bigger. 

Tao got into the passenger seat of Sehun’s car, while Kris sat in the back, and Sehun glanced at him through the rearview mirror. 

He was quiet, broken, and a wave of calm ran over Sehun, knowing Kris might finally step back.  

"Go to sleep okay?” he whispered to Tao who was already closing his eyes, placing himself comfortably “Mhm” a reply sounded, and Sehun drove off. 

Once in a while, he glanced back at Kris who was sitting silent, staring out the window, sometimes glancing their way. 

"Can I ask you something?” Sehun spoke, after making sure Tao was asleep. Kris looked in the rearview mirror, seeing Sehun already staring at him, before turning back to the road.

"What?” he quietly asked, not wanting to wake up Tao. 

"You’re his best friend right?” and Kris’ throat closed up for a moment, the nauseous feeling coming back once again “Ye-yeah” he stuttered out. “You want Tao to be happy right?” 

"Of course”
"As a best friend” Sehun added, and Kris froze. His heart stopped beating, as Sehun’s cold voice ran through him. As a best friend. 

Kris nodded, not daring to speak, fearing his voice would betray him. Sehun was silent for a moment before finally continuing

"I’m saying this because you’re his best friend” and Kris kept his eyes on him, waiting for what he'd say, but then his expression changed, and it seemed as though he changed his mind.

"I’m sorry for what you’re going through. I know it’s hard” he spoke, and Kris was taken aback by the sincerity in his voice. Was he really sorry for him? 

Or was it just a play? 

"Tao wants to help you because he thinks you’re alone, but he’s hurting” Kris looked away from the mirror, suddenly uncomfortable and exposed, as though Sehun saw right through him.

"If you’re not going to tell him what you’re going through, at least let him know you’re okay and that you're not alone, so you don’t keep hurting him” Kris quietly glanced at the rearview mirror again, and saw, despite his calm voice, how Sehun was worried about Tao and how it was more than just trying to keep them apart. 

Sehun stopped the car, having arrived in front of Tao's house. 

"You’re his best friend, and if you want to keep it that way, you should stop hurting him” Sehun spoke, and Kris nodded, opening the door   

"Kris,” Sehun called out again, and Kris turned to him

 "He still cares about you, but you can’t keep hurting him” 

Kris then left the car without replying, and Sehun let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding in. He wasn't trying to scare Kris away entirely. He's trying to treat him as Tao's friend, ignoring the jealousy in his stomach, the fear that maybe, Kris would take Tao away from him. 

He turned to Tao, a soft smile on his face as he watched him sleep for a moment, before gently waking him up “Tao” he softly whispered, and Tao seemed to wake up “Hmm?” he let out, looking around as he opened his eyes. 

"Are we already back?” he asked with a groggy voice, and Sehun chuckled lightly.  

"Yeah” 

"Did Kris already go? I should leave too then. Thank you for today” Tao groggily smiled 

"Tao, it’s what I’m here for. I’m your boyfriend after all” Sehun replied, running a hand through Tao's hair

Because I love you, and I want the best for you

Was trying to escape him, but Sehun decided, perhaps, Tao knew already “I love you” Tao bid, as he was about to leave the car, and Sehun froze, not having expected it, and perhaps Tao hadn’t expected so himself because his ears turned red, and he also stopped mid-action

"I love you too” Sehun replied with a small, but bright smile “I’ll see you” Tao shyly bid “Yeah,” Sehun replied, still shaken up, and Tao closed the car door with a small and flustered wave.

Later that night, Sehun was in his apartment, staring out on the city. It wasn’t dark since it was summer, and Sehun didn't mind, finally, he could see himself in the summer night, and it was all because of Tao. 

Without Tao, his life was a dark and cold winter but with him, it was as if the snow had finally melted away, and he could finally breathe, finally grow.

He hadn’t been in the club since Tao had called him that night. He didn’t see a reason to come if Tao wouldn’t be there, and with Tao’s father meddling, graduation might be their only shot for a while.  

It’s one thing that they are studying for their exams now, but Tao’s father wanting him to stay home during that time, was another, but luckily, they managed to find a way around that. 

Of course, Sehun couldn’t blame Tao’s father, he was only looking out for his son, which he respected, as it's something Sehun’s father rarely did. 

It’s like he didn’t even have a parent anymore. All he wanted was someone to be there for him, someone to tell him what to do, and where to go.

He only had Tao who was there for him. Well, as a last case scenario, Luhan, Key, and Onew were all there for him as well. They had been there for him in the past when his world had fallen apart. 

As he sat down on his couch, he couldn’t help but wonder that perhaps he became the person he was today because of his dad. Perhaps, he mingled with the crowd he did, because of his dad, but could you blame Sehun? 

His father let him move out in High School, barely setting any rules or punishments, and at first, Sehun was thrilled, but it was short-lived. Alone, all day, all night, only seeing his father once in a while, mostly at the company, it was frustrating. 

He saw his driver more than his own dad. 

At least Tao had parents who cared about him, parents who wanted him. Sehun let out a sigh. He really hoped they could be together more once they graduate. It’s almost their 6 month anniversary as well, and he wanted to take Tao out to dinner and tell him how much he meant to him.

He put a hand to his head, his heart beating loud in his chest “” he muttered, “I’m dead”. 

It was the day of Tao’s final exam, and their 6 month anniversary, and Tao was nervous. He had spent the last weeks with Sehun and his friends studying, and even though he had prepared for it as much as he could, he was still terrified. 

"You’ll do great” Sehun had said after dropping him off at the school earlier, but still, Tao’s nerves were taking over. 

If only Sehun could’ve stayed, then maybe, he wouldn’t be so nervous. If only Sehun could hold his hand, and make him feel safe, but the school didn’t allow outsiders during this time. 

He checked the schedule once more and waited outside the classroom for his exam. It was a presentation, and even though he had studied their curriculum, and practiced with Sehun, he wasn’t confident. 

A student exited the classroom, and the teacher called for Tao to come in and pull his subject, before sending him into preparation for 30 minutes. 

When his time was up, the teacher fetched him, and when he saw who the next in preparation was, his heart stopped for a moment, before beating at a calm pace. 

"Kris” he muttered, and his friend gave him a smile “Hey, good luck on your exam” he spoke, “Fighting” he softly added, and Tao nodded with a soft smile “Thank you, you too” before finally leaving, his heart speeding up once more.

In the end, it went okay, and Tao decided to wait for Kris. Perhaps, they could walk home together, and talk things through, or maybe just small talk for the short walk home. 

He didn’t have time for more than that anyway, he had to get ready for his anniversary after all. He couldn’t help the butterflies in his stomach every time he thought about it. An anniversary. He was actually having an anniversary with someone who loved him, someone who didn't abandon him, someone who had his back. 

"How did it go?”  Tao asked Kris once he stepped out of the classroom. Instead of the usual half cocky smile with a “Like usual” comment thrown out, it was a forced smile and a rather disappointed look in his eyes.

He shrugged slightly. "Well,” he started out, and it was as if he wasn’t sure what to say, what vague answer to give Tao, his best friend “It went okay” he settled with, his smile still looking forced, but for his sake, Tao pretended he didn’t notice. 

"Let’s go home together if you don’t have anywhere to be” Tao proposed, and Kris froze for a moment, before smiling softly “I don’t” he stuttered out. 

"I’m sorry for not telling you about what’s happening” Kris nervously started out once they left the school grounds. “It’s okay, I understand if you don’t want to, but I just, we’re friends, and I want you to be open about it with me” Tao replied, looking down on the ground. After all, they used to be transparent about these things, knowing they had to remain secrets.

Even though Tao that all Kris could hear in his head was Sehun’s voice. 

"at least let him know you’re okay, that you're not alone, so you don’t keep hurting him” 

“Thank you, Tao, I just don’t want to throw it onto your shoulders. You already have enough on your plate” he spoke in a low voice. He sounded exhausted.

"Even so, I still want to be there for you” Tao argued

"Please,” Kris stopped walking and looked at Tao and took a deep breath “I’m hurting you, and I have someone to help me through it” he paused, a shaky breath leaving his mouth “don’t break yourself for me” he ended, and it took Tao a minute to process what he had said.

"Kris,” he started out, and Kris knew what the tone in his voice meant.

"I am not breaking myself for you if I listen to you." Tao was done with Kris' excuses "What breaks me is when you pretend to be fine, even when I can see you’re not” the look Tao had on his face, drowned Kris in guilt, and the words he spoke, had him want to break down and cry in front of him, but he couldn’t. He couldn't, because Tao was finally happy and he couldn’t ruin that for him.

"I’m sorry Tao” he muttered, and even if it was just 3 words, Tao could hear the guilt in his voice, the pure exhaustion he’s been carrying for months, and even if it wasn’t much, Tao was satisfied with the pieces falling from his mask. 

They didn’t really talk about much else, only Kris asking when Tao was moving, and when Tao answered a week after graduation, Kris asked if they could hang out there instead of his house this year. Tao didn’t ask why, because he knew the reason Kris didn’t want to stay at his own house. 

Sehun picked Tao up later that evening, and by that time, Tao was too nervous to think about Kris.

Sehun was dressed as he usually dressed, yet not as stoic. He was wearing black dress pants, and a nice shirt, but no suit jacket this time, which made Tao smile. He had told him before that he should wear casual clothes more often, and Sehun had actually loosened up for him. Something always stirred inside of Tao whenever he realized how much Sehun loved him. It was scary, yet at the same time, it wasn't, because it was Sehun.

Tao still couldn’t believe it. 6 months. They’ve managed to date for 6 months, but somehow, it felt like they’d been dating for years. Of course, that’s because they were hooking up long before Sehun formally asked him to be his boyfriend. 

"I thought we were only supposed to be distractions” Tao let out as they drove, and it took Sehun a moment to register what Tao had said, only to reply with a soft snicker and a smile “Well, I couldn’t help falling in love with you” he spoke with a glint in his eyes and a smile on his lips “Thank you for loving me” Tao replied with a smile as a warmth spread from his heart. 

Even though they had known each other for a while now, their hearts still beat loud in their chests. 

The dinner was at a small, but high-class restaurant as expected from Sehun, and their table had an amazing view down on the city. Sehun was watching Tao with a smile on his lips as he was staring at the city below “Enjoying the view?” he asked, and Tao looked back at him, smiling. 

It was silent between them, and Tao began to feel embarrassed as if this was their first date as if they were back in December again. He remembered how everything had gone unexpectedly well that night, how Sehun had looked in his black suit, with his golden pin. Tao put a hand in his pocket, remembering the present he had for Sehun. 

"Please feel free to take a walk in the rooftop garden” a waiter spoke after serving their dinner, and Sehun and Tao began talking about nothing and everything. The first time they met, their dates, everything that came to mind.

"Tao,” Sehun suddenly started out, eyes sparkling in the light from the candle, his fingers playing with his glass. “I love you so much, and I know you love me too.” he glanced up at Tao, whose heart began to do that thing again, a warmth spreading throughout his body, making him feel all soft and giddy inside. “I thought, I thought I’d never fall for someone as quick, yet so right, as I fell for you.” Sehun continued, a soft but nervous smile on his lips.

Tao’s heart was climbing out of his chest, waiting to blurt out these uncontrollable feelings that began stirring inside his chest. 

For the first time, Tao saw Sehun fall apart, as he struggled with his words when they locked eyes. “You’ve, you’ve got me speechless Tao” he stuttered out, with a nervous but sweet chuckle “You’re blushing” Tao softly teased, and they both chuckled “Don’t rub it in” Sehun chuckled “I’m usually so smooth with my words, but tonight…” he stopped speaking and stared at Tao “I realized how much I love you, and how afraid I am to lose you” he admitted, and Tao’s heart dropped a bit, yet the warmth was back in a second

"Do you wanna go up to the garden?" Sehun asked, changing subjects, as he was a nervous mess. Tao smiled, and nodded, knowing this. 

The garden was incredible, at least that's what Tao thought. Sehun was more interested in how the fairy lights looked like stars in Tao's eyes. They sat down on a bench near the center of the garden, almost empty of people. 
“Sehun” Tao started as soon as they sat down, and Sehun gave Tao his full attention. It was a long moment as they stared at each other.

"That night in December, the night of the gala where you gave me this necklace," pulling the necklace out from under his shirt "my reminder that everything will be okay, and that you’ll always be with me, and I wanted to give you the same. I know, you have a necklace too, but I just, just open it” Tao stammered in the end, handing Sehun the box he had hid in his pocket all night. 

Sehun took the box carefully and looked up at Tao with a speechless face and Tao’s heart sped up, waiting for Sehun to open it. Would he like it? 

Maybe he should have bought something else. 

No, Sehun would surely like it. 

He watched anxiously as Sehun silently opened the box, revealing a gold pin, a Sun. 

"Our necklaces have a sun and moon, and I know, we have our necklaces, but I wanted you, us, to have something we could show off too, like the pin you wore back in December” he explained, hands sweaty from Sehun's silence, and Tao couldn't help but think it's because he hated it.

Then he heard a sniffle “Sehun?”  

It took a moment for Sehun to look at Tao, and when he saw Sehun’s glassy eyes, Tao understood.

"I’m sorry for… this” Sehun let out, with an embarrassed smile, while Tao looked at him with soft eyes.

It was the first time he saw Sehun this way, and Tao realized he's seeing a different side of Sehun lately. A beautiful, but more emotionally raw Sehun.

"Thank you Tao, I love it” Sehun said with a brighter smile now, eyes still glassy, yet no tears falling. Tao liked this side of Sehun. He really, really liked this side 

“Really, what’s going on with me tonight?” he joked, and Tao smiled at him, “How did you know I see you as my sun?” 

"Because I love you” Tao answered, and Sehun chuckled “Look at you being confident” and Tao laughed too “I remember the night we first met Sehun. I remember thinking you were like the moon, cold and mysterious” 

"I’m sorry I didn’t buy a gift” Sehun apologized, lowering his head.

"Don’t be. You’ve given me everything Sehun. The necklace, the dinner, you” Sehun just looked at him with his glassy eyes, falling even deeper in love. He placed a hand on Tao's cheek, softly caressing it.

"Can I kiss you?" 

Tao's heart sped up, as he placed his hand on top of Sehun's 

"Always" 

All of his fears disappeared 

All of the darkness that had been lingering, was suddenly gone, replaced with the sun hanging from the necklace around Tao's neck, as his hands gently pulled him into a kiss that night in his apartment. 

Whatever had disturbed him, made him insecure in his relationship, was replaced with a growing passion 

A passion, he only showed Tao.