Kai is the first one to notice it. Sehun isn't his usual energetic and playful self tonight. There were deep purple bruises underneath his eyes, and his face was even paler than usual. Sure, the maknae had bad days sometimes and had his moody episodes. But Kai thought that this time was different- maybe there was something wrong. 

Exo was in the practice room, training hard for their new comeback. As each member gracefully manipulated their bodies to the choreography, Sehun stiffly moved about, his mouth set in a thin line.

“Sehun-ah, everything all right?” Asked Suho. Kai breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that it wasn't just him. 

Sehun gave a noncommittal grunt. “I’m fine omma. Let’s get back to practice, we can’t disappoint the fans.”

    They could all agree on that. Things had been hard on all of them after the departure of Kris, Tao, and Luhan. At this point, Exo’s future was uncertain, and there were doubts that they could still have their place at the top. They had to prove the critics wrong. They couldn't afford to lose any more.

    The night wore on, turning into dawn. The people of Korea were safely tucked into their beds, unaware of the world around them. But Exo surged on, repeating each step until they were sure it was perfect. 

    Sehun leaned forward, resting his hands on his knees. His breathing was even more ragged than it usually was after practice.