That particular music band was still the biggest part of his life, and so, he started to grow closer to Jongdae. To be honest, they did not really have any other common interests, and most of their conversations were about that band, but it felt good, and it never occurred to them that they maybe needed more than that. That friendship couldn't be built on something so weak. (Baekhyun never thought that it was weak. That band was everything to him. It was pretty damn serious.)

Until one day, Jongdae, a manga in his hands, and hearing Baekhyun saying that he didn’t like animes, looked at him and practically begged him to at least watch FullMetal Alchemist on TV. Baekhyun whined, and went home. The very next day, Baekhyun entered his classroom, screaming at his friend that he would kill him, ‘cause it was so good that he couldn’t stop thinking about it, and needed to see all of the episodes. A smug smile appeared on Jongdae's face, because he knew. 

What Jongdae didn’t know, at that time, was that Baekhyun would start with FullMetal Alchemist, and end up being a full on fan of Japan. Mangas, animes, traditions, and music included. Jongdae didn’t know, at that time, that Baekhyun would be the one making him discover new things about Japan, like Antiku Cafe, S.U.G, and so much more. Jongdae didn’t know, at that time, that Baekhyun would be the closest friend he’d have for at least the ten years to come.

Baekhyun wouldn’t have guessed it either, to be completely honest. There were still times when he found Jongdae unbearable.

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Baekhyun was thirteen, and Jongdae was a year older.

Jongdae could play the piano, and draw like an artist (in Baekhyun's opinion).

Sometimes, Baekhyun felt like Jongdae was craving for anyone's attention.

Always trying to make people say something about him.

How good he was.

How beautiful he was.

How talented he was.

Baekhyun hated that.

Sometimes, without warning, Jongdae would grab something in his bag and go to the bathroom. 

Baekhyun never really thought anything about it.

Baekhyun was an idiot, most of the times.

A smiling, and laughing idiot.

A brilliant idiot, who would never tell anyone how bad he felt.

And sometimes, Jongdae would come back from the bathroom, rubbing his sleeve against his forearm, frowning, and not saying anything. 

Again, Baekhyun was an idiot, most of the times.

Jongdae never once talked about it.

Maybe it was easier for Baekhyun to play the fool.

Jongdae once invited Baekhyun to come to his music class. Baekhyun said yes. He loved music. He wanted to learn the piano. Or the guitar. Or maybe even the drums. 

It felt like the piano was the easiest though.

At the end of the class, Baekhyun and Jongdae were waiting outside for Jongdae's dad to show up and bring them back home. 

Jongdae excused himself, smiled to Baekhyun, and walked away for a few minutes.

Maybe for once Baekhyun didn't want to play the fool.

It wasn't like he was watching Jongdae. It was just that he could see him.

Even behind the trees, and the bushes.

There wasn't really anything to block his view.

He wasn't watching, he just saw him.

The way Jongdae pulled something out of his bag. 

Lifted up his left sleeve.

Started cutting.

The way the blood started to form in little bubbles on Jongdae's skin.

It's not that Baekhyun was watching.

Baekhyun could just see him.

His overly confident friend, taking the pain away, by hurting himself.

When Jongdae came back to him, Baekhyun didn't say anything. He was, maybe, looking at the way Jongdae was pulling on his sleeve to hide his forearm a bit more. And, maybe, Baekhyun was looking at his friend's bag, knowing exactly where to find what he knew caused the pain. And, perhaps, Baekhyun wanted to grab the bag, throw the blade away and shake his friends by the shoulders.

But maybe, also, Baekhyun wanted to grab the blade, run home, and take his own pain away. 

For a few minutes.

Or forever.

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As today, there were no scar on Baekhyun's forearms.

He's always been a coward.

Maybe he was thankful for that.