Johnny looked at his schedule with a frown; it wasn’t full per say, he has time to accommodate his interests and film some contents but it definitely wasn’t his preferred schedule.

 

“You’re frowning.” Yuta pointed out as they sat inside the vehicle riding towards the recording studio.

 

“Just that..” Johnny sighed loudly and Yuta understood.

 

“You don’t have the same promotional unit as Kun?” Yuta asked and Johnny nodded. “I don’t have the same unit as Taeyong too.” Yuta shrugged his shoulders.

 

‘You’re both in 127.” Johnny pointed out and Yuta laughed.

 

“Yeah, to be you.” Yuta replied but then turned serious. “I know this is difficult for you but you have to decide if you want to keep hurting or you want to move on.” Yuta said and Johnny looked at his friend with wide eyes before he lowered his head and nodded.

 

“I guess, it’s just difficult to let go, it wasn’t a fling Yuta.” Johnny reminded his friend who nodded.

 

“I know, but if it is just you holding on then what’s the point? Would you rather be exes that doesn’t talk or be friends?” Yuta offered and Johnny closed his eyes. “I understand you Johnny and this is not a Hansol situation, you’re going to bump each other from time to time and with NCT2020 rolling, it’s inevitable that your roads will cross.” Yuta reminded him and Johnny was thankful that he has a friend like Yuta.

 

“Thanks, I’ll take note of that.” Johnny said and turned his gaze at the changing scenery.

 

“Kun had gotten really pretty over the years.” Yuta remarked and Johnny looked at his friends and smiled sadly.

 

“Yes, he really did glow up a lot. I’m glad that he did.” Johnny replied, knowing fully well in his heart that he wanted Kun to receive as much love as he deserved and more.

 

----

 

“Hello I am Kun.” The timid Chinese boy introduce himself the first day of his training. The other people had been there before him. He was greeted with happy cheers and he was placed in a group where he was welcomed relatively quickly.

 

He came to know their names and with limited Korean, he was able to communicate a little bit. He was placed with the group around his age and he was  grateful that they were accommodating and understanding to him and his fellow Chinese trainee named Sicheng.

 

During their training period, he came across Johnny playing the piano, and he was mesmerized with how the older played. “You play the piano too?” Johnny asked as he saw Kun standing by the door.

 

“Oh, I used to, but I stopped playing.” Kun replied, a faint blush painted on his cheeks.

 

“Why did you stop?” Johnny inquired and Kun sighed.

 

“My parents wanted me to learn it so I did, but I found it burdensome.” Kun confessed and Johnny nodded.

 

“Perhaps you just need to be reminded how to play the piano for what it’s worth and not because you are forced to.” Johnny patted the sit next to him and Kun sat obediently. “Try playing it, anything would do.” Johnny urged him and Kun nodded and tried recalling some notes to play.

 

It wasn’t as smooth as Kun wanted but Johnny loved it nonetheless, and even praised Kun.

 

“You’re pretty good, why not continue playing?” Johnny inquired and Kun sighed.

 

“I’ll try.” Kun replied and that was enough for Johnny

 

 

 

----

 

Johnny and Kun were playing the piano as they hid from the world, after years of being trainees, they still weren’t chosen to debut in the NCT line up. It was stressful for them who had been hoping for the opportunity to be chosen as a member to finally debut.

 

“You know Kun, you have so much potential.” Johnny remarked and Kun eyed him.

 

 

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Kun asked and Johnny smiled.

 

“It meant that you’re a good artist, and this ty management is not utilizing it.” Johnny clarified and it made Kun laugh.

 

“Don’t say that, I might believe you.” Kun replied and Johnny took a bold step as he grabbed Kun’s hand kissed it.

 

“Maybe I want you to believe in me.” Johnny said and Kun blushed. “Am I too bold?” Johnny asked and Kun nodded, making the older laugh.

 

“Do you like me hyung?” Kun dared to ask and Johnny instantly nodded.

 

“Not gonna deny that.” Johnny answered and Kun blushed deeper. “No pressure Kun.” Johnny quickly added.

 

“I like you too hyung!” Kun blurted out and Johnny laughed but kissed the younger’s cheek after.

 

“We’ll figure it out somehow.” Johnny said and Kun nodded, he believed in Johnny.

 

When Johnny debuted in NCT 127 and Kun was left as a trainee, it was difficult and painful for him. Johnny had been thrilled with the news but it made him die a little seeing how Kun was left in the dark, returning to being a trainee and was never given any other content just like them. He assured Kun that nothing will change and that he would be there for him but he knew little by little, kun was slipping away from him.

 

When the NCT 2018 project came to light, Johnny was ecstatic for Kun and he had assured him countless of times of the opportunities that it will unlock. Kun believed him despite the chances were slim and together, they built their own family, with Lucas and Chenle being adopted by Kun and Mark and Donghyuck adopted by Johnny.  The others teased them because they act too much of a family to the point that Chenle started calling Kun as his mother.

 

When they were roomed together in osaka, and even chosen to film H&Y together, Kun took everything in and learned from whatever experience in gave him. But as the debut of the CHinese Unit was further delayed and the NCT 127 unit got more exposure, Kun felt a little depreciating and lacking, to which Ten had assured him that it was not the case.

 

“I’ve been stuck in the hell hole too Kun, but trust that we’ll blow everyone away.” Ten said and Kun sighed.

 

“We’ll look like copycats, we don’t even have our own debut song.” Kun was frustrated and Ten understood that, he was part of the OG line up but here he was, stuck in the basement and was placed into a unit because of a loophole. Don’t get Ten wrong, he love his new unit but it is still painful for him to watch his friends promoting in their own units while he was stuck and can’t promote like them.

 

“Take it easy, we’ll get there.” Ten said but he wasn’t even sure about it as well.

 

WayV was given a debut date but as a consequence on the ban, they were not allowed to interact with the other NCT members. They were also given an expectation that was not only a headache but pretty much a blow to their confidence.

 

As Johnny embraced Kun before their flight to China, Kun decided that it was the right thing to do.

 

“Let’s break up.” Kun blurted out and Johnny stiffened as he digested the words from his lover.

 

“Talk to me Kun.” Johnny turned Kun’s body so they were facing each other. “Tell me what’s wrong.” Johnny was panicking and Kun was now crying.

 

“I don’t deserve you hyung. I have nothing to my name, nothing to be proud of.” Kun said and Johnny shook his head.

 

“You’re more than enough.” Johnny assured him but Kun shook his head.

 

‘I am not. I want to be someone that  you can be proud of,I want to be known as Kun.” Kun told Johnny who closed his eyes and nodded.

 

“Is that what you really want?” Johnny asked and Kun nodded. “Spread your wings Kunnie, I’ll be right here waiting until you comeback.” Johnny said and then kissed Kun for the last time. “I’ll wait for you.” Johnny whispered as they both held each other and cried.

 

 

 

----

 

Yuta gathered Taeyong,Ten and Doyoung during their break and it made Ten confused. “Listen, the next taping is a sports day, and we will be divided into groups.” Yuta said and they all nodded, it was briefed before they were dismissed from the taping. “We have to make sure that Johnny and Kun are grouped together.” Yuta stated and Ten gasped.

 

“You mean… get them back together?” Ten asked and Yuta shook his head.

 

“Not get them back together, at least allow them to be able to talk with each other.” Yuta clarified.

 

“So you’re basically saying that we should group each other like one 95 member with one 96 member?“ Doyoung asked and Yuta nodded.

 

“If that’s the case then we do it by age, so Johnny and Kun will be forced to be together.” Taeyong added.

 

“You’re not complaining that you’re not grouped with Yuta hyung?” Ten asked and Taeyong shook his head.

 

“Johnny and Kunnie’s welfare comes first.” Taeyong replied and Yuta grinned happily, his boyfriend really deserves to be NCT’s leader.

 

“Okay, I’m in. I’m doing this because I know my best friend and my leader still has feelings for each other and I want them to be happy, together or not at least they are both happy.” Ten agreed to the plan.

 

“We have to make it believable. We’ll bicker and I’ll push your buttons.” Doyoung turned to Ten who nodded. “Then Taeyong hyung can suggest that we break up the 95 line and 96 line to be fair.” Doyoung said and everyone agreed.

 

“Great, that’s the plan.” Yuta announced and everyone nodded in agreement before acting like nothing happened.

 

 

When it comes to the groupings, as expected, the four carried out their plan with Doyoung and Ten bickering when the selection was announced. “I can’t deal with Ten, I am not grouping with him!” Doyoung said with a straight face.

 

 

“Why would I group with a bunny like you? You’re no fun at all.” Ten retaliated.

 

“Guys, it’s just a grouping.” Kun intervened.

 

“Not just a grouping!” both Doyoung and Ten shouted at Kun who was taken aback.

 

“Listen, you two stay away from each other!” Taeyong shouted and then sighed. “There’s no other way, let’s split up the oldest, no Taeil hyung you’re part of the maknae line.” Taeyong said and Doyoung and Ten nodded.

 

“Let’s do it by age.” Yuta suggested and Johnny raised a brow.

 

“You sure you want to split with Taeyong?” Johnny asked and Yuta nodded.

 

“I get to have Winwin as my other teammate!” Yuta smiled and grabbed Winwin’s hand then whispered in his ear.

 

“Hyung stop flirting!” Winwin whined. “I’m taking Ten ge with me!” Winwin announced and Ten happily walked to Yuta and Winwin.

 

“Fine! I’m getting Taeil hyung and Taeyong hyung!” Doyoung shouted and grabbed both members to form his team.

 

 

“what? “ Johnny was surprised.

 

“I guess that leaves you both to group with me.”Jungwoo beamed a wide smile and Lucas instantly ran towards Jungwoo, dragging Xiaojun with him.

 

“Let’s get it man!” Lucas screamed and Kun sighed as he looked at Johnny apologetically.

 

“okay, we’re complete I guess.” Johnny chuckled and Kun smiled shyly at him.

 

“You’re okay with this?” Kun asked and Johnny nodded.

 

“It’ll be fun.” Johnny shrugged his shoulders.

 

 

“Is it working?” Doyoung whispered at Taeyong and Chenle eyed them suspiciously.

 

“What are you doing hyung?” Chenle asked and Doyoung’s eyes widened and shook his head. “Come on, I am not blind.” Chenle said and Doyoung sighed.

 

“We’re trying to give your divorced parents a second chance.” Doyoung replied and Chenle smiled at him.

 

“Thank you for trying.”  Chenle said and Doyoung could feel the sincerity in those words. When Johnny and Kun got separated, it was Chenle who got affected the most. While Mark and Donghyuck got to be next to Johnny and Lucas was next to Kun, Chenle was left alone in the dream unit without any proper interaction with either except for Kun visiting Chenle secretly. Doyoung knew how much Chenle adored Kun and Johnny, and how both Johnny and Kun looked at Chenle like their own child, so if it means making Chenle happy, he’ll be willing to help out in anyway he can.

 

 

“We’ll do our best.” Taeyong assured Chenle who smiled wide and nodded.

 

“Thank you!” Chenle replied and everyone cheered for their plan.

 

Kun and Johnny were awkward and it frustrated the people around them. But they weren’t giving up easily, this is just the start. So When Johnny initiated small talk, 16 knowing eyes looked on with hope while the five new people were a little confused but picked up on the situation.

 

Grouping Johnny and Kun together was one of the brightest ideas the group had done and with both Lucas and Jungwoo with them and Xiaojun, the two was not as awkward as they had expected it to happen. When it comes to their kids though, both Johnny and Kun were smiling like proud parents, especially with Chenle. The only negative that they could point out though was the fact that the five of them were actually quite good in most of the events, even without trying.

 

“Why are Lucas and Johnny grouped together?” Doyoung groaned and Taeyong patted him on the back.

 

“Do it for the kids.” Taeyong reminded him and Doyoung groaned.

”The things we do for our friends.” Doyoung sighed and Chenle went to hug him. “Worth it.” He added as he hugged Chenle back.

 

“you sure you’re okay with this?” Kun asked Johnny who smiled and nodded.

 

‘Yeah, totally fine, don’t worry about it.” Johnny assured Kun and he too smiled.

 

It was silent for a while until Jungwoo gathered them to practice their group chant. Jungwoo clearly had too much caffeine for the day and it made Kun laugh at the younger while Xiaojun looked like he was scared with the energy that Jungwoo was projecting.

 

“Is he usually like this?” Xiaojun asked his leader and Kun chuckled.

 

‘he is.” Kun replied and assured that it was normal for him.

 

“I forgot that you’ve taken care of these three.” Johnny remarked next to him.

 

“I know right, it feels like a family event.” Kun remarked and Johnny stiffened but then laughed loudly.

 

 

They were sat in their tent and watched over Chenle and both were beyond proud of what their youngest had achieved. “You still think of Chenle as your son?” Kun asked and Johnny sighed and nodded.

 

“Of course, he’s my baby, always my baby.” Johnny said and Kun smiled.

 

“Would the same still applies to me?” Kun asked, voice barely a whisper and head bowed but Johnny heard him clearly.

 

“Still, always.” Johnny replied and Kun whipped his head to look at Johnny who had a sincere smile on his face.

 

“Really?” Kun asked, tearful eyes glistening.

 

“I told you then and I’ll tell you now, I will be right here waiting for you. Whenever you’re ready.” Johnny said and Kun nodded.

----

 

Yuta eyed Kun who was fidgeting on his seat. The director told them that they were paired up for the shots and Kun was reluctant at first.

 

“Hey, you okay?” Yuta asked and Kun looked at the older with wide eyes.

 

“Yeah, I’m fine.” Kun replied.

 

“You’re a terrible liar Kun, your eyes are too pure for it.” Yuta exclaimed and it made the younger sigh.

 

“I’m just confused, aren’t you supposed to hate me?” Kun inquired and Yuta hummed before shaking his head.

 

“What happened between you and Johnny are yours to handle and does not involve us.” Yuta started and smiled at Kun. “He’s not mad at you, maybe a little sad about what happened but he was more of concerned about you.” Yuta explained.

 

“Why would he be concerned?” Kun inquired, genuinely curious about Johnny’s perspective.

 

“If there is someone who understood your position, it’s Johnny. He trained the longest and had his debut deferred a couple of times.” Yuta sighed. “He knows failure, he understands losing hope, and he knew the feeling of wanting to prove himself so people can see him for his talent.” Yuta said and patted Kun’s back. “It’s not a secret that Johnny had endured a lot and he had built coping mechanisms, but among all those, it’s you that made him persevere.” Yuta added.

 

 

“He should be hating me after what I’ve done.” Kun mused.

 

“He understood where you’re coming from Kun and he knew that what you needed was space, enough room to spread your wings and take flight.” Yuta told Kun with a sincere smile. “He made it clear that it wasn’t your fault, no one should put that dream against you, and Johnny made sure that it was clear. IF he was hurt with what you did, he did not take it superficially, he dug deep and understood the reason why you did that to him. Johnny is that type of person, and you, Kun, he would always put first.” Yuta finished and Kun was yet again emotional.

 

“I don’t deserve him.” Kun blurted out but Yuta shook his head.

 

“You should stop thinking that way and start thinking that Johnny deserves you instead.” Yuta said and Kun blinked at him. “We tend to get selfish and think of our selves only, but what does our partner deserve? Will my decision benefit us, him or just me? What do you think Kun? What does Johnny deserve?” Yuta asked and Kun lowered his head and stayed silent. “Perhaps it’s not the fame or recognition, maybe it’s just you.” Yuta said and Kun felt tears falling from his eyes.

 

“Does he want me back?” Kun asked and Yuta smiled wide and nodded.

 

“He’s been waiting since the day you left.” Yuta informed him and pulled Kun into a hug, reassuring the younger.

 

 

---

 

It was raining that night when they met at one of the practice rooms in the building. Johnny took a look at the tired face of his lover and cupped them gently. He understood what Kun had wanted, and even if it hurts, he’ll give him whatever that makes Kun happy.

 

“I need to do this.” Kun said crying, his tears felt like the rain drops that was pouring outside.

 

“I know.” Johnny said and leaned in to kiss him one last time.

 

“I want to be someone worthy to stand in front of you, someone you can be proud of, a name that had done something good in this lifetime.” Kun said and Johnny nodded.

 

“Until that day that you come back, I’ll be waiting.” Johnny said and let Kun go. “I love you.” Johnny said and this time, Kun did not return it, instead the younger turned his back and left Johnny alone.

 

“I love you.” Johnny said and cried silently, watching the door where the figure of his love disappeared to.

 

---

 

“Hello Johnny hyung.” Kun greeted him on the cold night in the middle of winter and Johnny tilted his head a bit in curiosity.

 

“Hello Kun.” Johnny greeted back.

 

“If I could turn back time…” Kun said but Johnny shook his head making Kun nod.

 

“Have you found what you were looking for? Are you the person you’ve envisioned?” Johnny asked and Kun welled up and nodded.

 

“There’s just something missing.” Kun replied and looked at Johnny straight in the eyes. “You.” Kun said and it made Johnny smile and approach the younger, enveloping him in a warm embrace. “I miss you hyung. I’m sorry if I caused you so much pain.” Kun muttered and Johnny just help him tighter, holding back tears of his own.

 

“You know that I don’t hold it against you, achieving your dreams or making a name to yourself.” Johnny hummed and he felt Kun nod his head.

 

“Can you take me back hyung?” Kun’s voice was so fragile as he peered and looked at Johnny through his wet lashes,  and it broke Johnny’s heart.

 

“I’ve waited until you come back, and I’ll wait for as long as it takes you to return to me.” Johnny said and Kun nodded and buried his face once more into the warmth of the only person who could love Kun as deeply and strongly.

 

“Please take me back.” Kun pleaded softly and Johnny placed a kiss on top of Kun’s head.

 

“Always.” Johnny replied.

 

“Can I play something?” Kun asked and Johnny nodded and led him towards the piano. Kun took a deep breath and finally played the familiar tune, refined, polished but still held the same feelings, even deeper.

 

“You finished it.” Johnny gasped and Kun nodded.

 

“I wanted to be a better person for you, someone you can be proud of. I am not the meme that I used to be.”Kun said and it made Johnny chuckle.

 

“You were never a meme too me.” Johnny said and Kun glared at him.

 

“Yeah right, because you’re a meme yourself. “ Kun retaliated making Johnny laugh.

 

“All the better, we belong to each other.” Johnny shrugged and started playing something familiar and Kun smiled and Joined him. “Wayv’s Duizhang, Qian Kun, Kunnie be my boyfriend?” Johnny asked and Kun smiled and nodded

 

“Always John Jun Suh.” Kun replied and leaned in to kiss the older.

 

 

------

 

A/n: If you watched MTV special interview to all members of NCT2018, Kun revealed that he stopped playing the piano but picked it up again when he watched a friend play the piano. My fogged up brain related that friend to the first NCT member that I knew played the piano, yes Johnny. Thank you brain.

 

For me the improved Gu Ren Gui just solidified Kun’s growth as an artist and so it’s more of a symbol of his worthiness to come back to Johnny; and the title literally translates to an old friend returning, so how fitting right?