||~*{ Chapter Thirty-Six: Lemon Green Tea }*~||

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“Sehun! Sehun-ah!”

Sehun’s vision slightly swarmed the moment his eyes fluttered open. It took him a few moments to realize that the familiar voice belonged to none other than Tao. His eyes scanned his surroundings and he noticed the flora print of the hotel’s walls. He barely noticed the presences of others as the panic and fear hit him all at once yet again.

“ZiZi?!Zizi!” whimpered Sehun, hands blindly grabbing the air as he struggled to think clearly and pretty soon, his breathing was erratic and heavy.

“Sehun! Sehun! Look at me! It’s alright! I’m right here, so calm down.”Tao cried frantically as he cradled the poor, disheveled busser in his arms. Sehun was a mess, face flushed and panting, as his friend’s arms circled him in a soothing manner.

Sehun’s voice was lost as he clung onto Tao with whatever strength he had left. He could still hear his heart pounding in his ears and the urge to throw up was stronger than ever. Soft whimpers and pleads left his lips as his nails practically dug into Tao’s t-shirt, ignoring the fact that the other staff members were all watching helplessly with worried-filled expressions.

 “It’s alright, Zizi’s got you. I’ve got you.” Tao cooed, rubbing soothing circles on the shorter one’s back just as the busser started crying. Using his free hand, Tao gently brushed the loose, damp strands away from the shorter one’s eyes as he attempted to flash a comforting smile.

“I-I’m sorry, T-Tao. I didn’t mean to hurt you...” Sehun whimpered through his tears as he buried his face into Tao’s chest.

It was unbearable for the others to see Sehun so shaken up and Suho didn’t miss the pure desperation in Sehun’s voice.

“Hurt Tao...? What are you talking about, Sehun-ah?” Suho asked softly, as he crouched down next to the younger two. He tentatively reached out a hand to place on Sehun’s shoulder for comfort, but the younger one flinched back- only to cling onto Tao tighter.

Tao felt the painful knot in his throat and attempted to clear his throat before standing up- carrying Sehun gently in his arms. “I...it’s a long story, but I need to get him to his bed.”

Everyone remained quiet, before they nodded and helped Tao get Sehun to their shared room.
 

The others quietly retreated down to the lobby while Tao gently tucked Sehun into their rather large hotel bed.

“ZiZi...I’m sorry...” Sehun mumbled, tears still slipping silently. Tao gave a soft sigh before flashing the shorter one a soft smile and sat onto the edge of the bed.

Gently, Tao reached up to allow his fingertips to softly graze the busser’s pale cheeks- brushing away whatever stray tear he could.

“Don’t apologize. It’s all over now. You don’t have to worry. You’re alright. You’re perfectly fine. I’m right here, Hunnie. Get some rest. ” Tao murmured, leaning down to nuzzle his nose softly against Sehun’s.

Sehun didn’t reply as Tao began running his fingers gently through the busser’s soft, brown locks. Eventually, his breathing steadied as his tears halted and slowly, but surely, Sehun was drifting off to sleep moments later.

When Sehun did finally fall asleep, Tao quickly leaned down to place a soft kiss to the younger one’s forehead before slipping outside the room.

Tao let out an aggravated sigh as he joined everyone downstairs and immediately, all eyes were on him.

“How is he?” Suho asked, worriedly and everyone stiffened with attention as they awaited Tao’s answer.

“He manage to cry himself to sleep, but he seems alright now. I don’t know what he was thinking. He knew better than to step on an elevator without me. I’m sorry everyone. I was careless and I didn’t watch him closely enough. His panic attacks can get pretty severe and this all happened because I took my eyes off of him for a few minutes. I’m sorry everyone.” Tao said softly, eyes glued to the floor before he offered a small, apologetic bow.

The sudden guilt came crashing down on Kai all over again as he stepped forward- gulping loudly as he fidgeted nervously in his spot.

“I-It was my fault....” Kai spoke suddenly and Tao’s gaze immediately flickered up.

It was quiet for a few moments that seemed to drag on forever for Kai.

“What...?”

Kai could sense the tension building as he swallowed the knot of guilt that had formed in his throat. “It was my fault...I f-forgot he had claustrophobia and dragged him onto the elevator. He tried to warn me, but I.....”

The silence was almost suffocating and Kai made the mistake of looking up at the young Pastry Chef. The look in Tao’s eyes was downright terrifying as he gripped Kai by his collar and slammed him into the nearby wall as sudden gasp of surprise left the others’ lips.

“You. Did. What?” Tao growled, voice low and dark as Kai gasped for air.

For the first time in history, there was someone more terrifying than Kris, Suho, and Kyungsoo.

“I-I’m...sorry..”

“Tao!” Baekhyun called worriedly, eyes widening in shock at the scene before him. Everyone seemed frozen- too afraid to approach the Pastry Chef due to the glare in his eyes.

“Sorry? You’re telling me you’re ing sorry when Sehun was up there practically crying and wailing his eyes out?” Tao snarled, grip tightening before he pulled Kai from the wall-only to slam the bartender back into it with added force. “I don’t care what you’ve said about me, but this, this was crossing the lines. That boy up there, he means the world to me and the only thing stopping me from beating your is the fact that I’d probably get charged with assault or attempted murder. “

Tao’s grip only seemed to tighten, pulling Kai’s shirt tightly against his neck- causing the bartender to gasp for air yet again. Kai struggled to push Tao away, failing miserably at the inhuman strength the young Pastry Chef seemed to possess.

“K-Kris, do something!” urged Kyungsoo and moments later Tao found himself getting yanked away and out the hotel.

“Let go!” groaned Tao the moment the cool outside air hit his skin. He struggled against the arms that were wrapped tightly around his waist.

“No! Calm down first!’ yelled Kris, attempting to control the younger one, but even he had to admit that was hard because Tao was a tough one.

“No! Let me go!” Tao hissed, yanking out of Kris’ hold. “Just leave me-”

Tao’s voice caught in his throat as Kris harshly gripped onto his wrists and pulled him into a tight hug. Strangely and almost instantly, Tao’s body went lax, arms falling to his side as he heavy breathing came to a halt. It was then that the younger one realized that he was crying.

Kris, softly and gently, slid one arm around the younger one’s waist as the other hand came up to tangle lightly with the younger boy’s raven locks. “Calm down...it’ll be alright...It’s not your fault.”

The anger bubbled slightly, but Tao made no move to escape from Kris’ hold- find his arms strangely warm and comforting. “It is my fault...his claustrophobia...all of it...it’s all my fault....”

Tao’s words weren’t above a whisper and Kris could practically hear the guilt seeping into the younger one’s voice. A soft sigh escaped the taller one’s lips as he pulled Tao even closer.

“It’s not. It’s not your fault Tao....Kai was just...being stupid. It’s all of our faults. We should have remembered that he had claustrophobia.” Kris murmured.

“No! You don’t understand! It’s my fault! Everything is my fault! If he hadn’t stepped in that day...If I just hadn’t entered that stupid competition then he wouldn’t have- he wouldn’t be like his is now.” Tao cried again, shoving at Kris’ chest but not making a real attempt at escaping.

He didn’t know why he was telling Kris, of all people, about him and Sehun,  but he could stop the words that fell from his lips just as fast as the tears that spilled from his eyes.

Kris sighed yet again. He pulled back slightly and reached up to softly brush away the stray tears that decorated the Pastry Chef’s flushed cheeks. His lips were parted, eyes glistened with tears, and his nose seemed a little runny- yet strangely, Kris still found his heart fluttering. He couldn’t stop the small smile that fought it’s way to his lips as he used the back of his sleeve to dry Tao’s face.

“Now, I don’t know what happened between you two, but Tao, you can’t blame yourself for everything, ok? You can’t always be there for everything.. you’re not superman. He’ll be okay. I promise. Just calm down for now. Stop crying, alright? Do you really want to be like this when Sehun wakes up? He was just shaken up really badly and if anything, he’s going to need you to be strong for him, alright? So stop crying. I don’t like seeing you cry. It doesn’t fit you.” Kris whispered softly, using a thumb to gently the outline of the younger one’s jaw.

It was beyond him at this point as to why he found himself comforting the young Pastry Chef, but he couldn’t turn away. He couldn’t turn away from the Tao who looked so fragile in comparison to his normal strong, confident demeanor. Then again- Kris could never think or act logically when it involved Tao and for some reason, the taller one was too alright with that.

Kris could see dozens of emotions flicker across the younger one’s features and his heart hammered against his ribcage as a soft, petal blush flourished the younger one’s cheeks. Aware of his feverish looking face, Tao quickly hid in the only place he could- Kris’ chest.

Sure, he and Kris weren’t exactly close close, but Kris was warm and comforting- despite his usual face. And right now, Kris was everything Tao needed to keep himself from crying again.

Kris, trying pitifully to ignore his thundering heartbeat, wrapped his arms around the young Pastry Chef and unintentionally nuzzled into the soft, raven locks- catching the sweet, soft fragrance of strawberries coming from the younger one.

They stood there for a moment before Tao’s arms eventually came to wrap around Kris’ waist and the older one didn’t think it was possible for his heart to beat even faster, but apparently he was wrong.

“Kris...?” Tao called softly, refusing to move from Kris’ hold and causing a slight vibration where his lips met the skin of Kris’ neck.

Kris could feel his cheeks heat up, trying to ignore the fire under his skin at where his skin met Tao’ lips, and awkwardly swallowed to clear away the nervous lump in his throat. “Yes?”

“Thank you.”

This time, Kris didn’t even attempt to hide the smile forming on his lips as he unconsciously tightened his hold.

“It’s alright. I’ve got you.”

 

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“ZiZi...is that you?” Sehun croaked, throat dry and itching. He had came to again as the door to the hotel room swung open, but his vision was still slightly blurry.

“O-Oh...you’re awake...I’m sorry, do you want me to get Tao for you?”

Sehun recognized that voice instantly. “Oh..Luhan-hyung. N-No, it’s okay. You don’t have to get Tao.”

“Oh...o-okay. Um..I...um...brought you some lemon green tea. It should make you feel better.” The older one stated softly, as he approached the bed.

“Thank you, hyung. I appreciate it.” Sehun stated as he watched as Luhan sat the steaming Tea down onto the bedside table.

Luhan nodded slightly as his eyes seemed to look everywhere but at Sehun as he fidgeted in his spot.

“I’m really sorry, Sehun! I should have known and stopped Kai...I didn’t think...I forgot...I’m just really sorry and I feel really crappy. I was the one who practically dragged you in the first place. I totally understand if you’re too mad and-”

“I’m not mad, Hyung. It’s not your fault.” Sehun smiled weakly up at the hyung that looked like he was at a loss at what to say.

“No, but it is! Because of me you...I’m just so sorry, Sehun.” Luhan apologized.

“Hyung, it’s really okay. I don’t blame you or Kai-hyung. “

It was silent for a moment as Luhan stared quietly at his feet while Sehun peered up at the older one.

“Um....I’m really really girly and that’s why everyone calls me a hostess. I like rubik's cubes and I used to get dressed up as a girl when I was younger. “ Luhan suddenly blurted, meaning to fill the silence, but dying from revealing his most embarrassing secrets all in the spur of the moment.

It was silent as Sehun’s eyes grew wide and the older one wanted nothing more to crawl into a hole, but soon Sehun’s weak, soft laugh erupted through the room.
Luhan, despite having told his darkest secrets, couldn’t help but smile- relieved that he could make the younger one laugh.

“Really? No way, hyung. I always wondered why everyone called you a hostess. Now that you mention it...I could totally picture you in girl clothes.” Sehun teased weakly.
Luhan playfully pouted. “Hey...I told you that to make you feel better...not for you to make fun of me.”

“I know, I know. I was just playing. Thank you....that random outburst of yours did make me feel a little better. Thank you, hyung. For the tea and for worrying about me. I’m sorry I caused so much trouble.”

Luhan could feel his cheeks heat with embarrassment as he fumbled over his words. The look in Sehun’s eyes was almost adoring and Luhan couldn’t find it in himself to look away.“O-oh...well...i-it’s the least I c-could do...anyways..well I should probably get going so you can rest. Don’t f-forget to drink the tea...”

Luhan quickly turned to leave, only to be stopped as soft fingers curled around his wrist.

“No...don’t leave...please, hyung...stay with me?” Sehun murmured hesitantly, feeling the heat course through him from the place where his skin came in contact with the older one’s.

“I...um...are you s-sure?” Luhan asked, as he turned around.

Sehun nodded, cheeks coursing with a bright blush. He chewed on his bottom lip momentarily before his eyes flickered up to meet his Hyung’s gaze. “Yes...I don’t want to be alone to be honest...”

Luhan couldn’t deny the fact that right now, Sehun was, frankly, too adorable to turn away. He nodded, trying to calm the fluttering feeling in his stomach, as he awkwardly perched himself onto the edge of the bed.

“A-Alright.”

Without warning, Sehun reached over and intertwined their fingers as the dizziness began to flood him from all the talking. He yanked Luhan just a little closer before he lifted his head and allowed it to fall softly onto Luhan’s lap.

Luhan, shocked and stunned, could feel the fluttering grow in his stomach as he watched the younger one drift towards sleep yet again.

“Luhan-hyung....thank you....” Sehun mumbled and pretty soon, soft snores came after.

It took awhile for Luhan to relax, not accustomed to being so close to anyone besides Yi Xing. Hesitantly, he lifted his free hand and allowed his fingers to softly glide through the sleeping boy’s locks and he couldn’t help but smile down softly at the younger one.

“It’s alright to lean on me...even if I’m not Tao, it’s alright.”

Luhan continued to run his fingers through the younger one’s locks, leaning back against the headboard slightly as he began to softly hum.

It didn’t take too long for sleep to welcome him as well- leaving the lemon green tea steaming on the bedside table.
 

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||Author’s Note|| : :D oh look at that~ Double update in two days~ ^^ some Hunhan and Taoris...like I said, this is just the beginning!^^ There’s still more to go for those two couples...anyways, I hoped you all liked the chapter ^^ Authornim loves you all! I appreciate all the comments, subscribers, and upvoters! It means the world to me :) I love you all!!! Who’s ready for some baekyeol??? (Ignore spelling mistakes or grammer.)