Ryeowook supervised the movers as they took all of his bigger furniture out of their shared apartment. Sitting on the couch, he idly budgets his salary and bank accounts, making sure everything would be in order for the deposit on the new apartment.

Halfway through, his phone began buzzing. Pulling it out, he doesn’t even glance at the Caller I.D. until after answering.

“Where are you?”

Ryeowook went rigid. “…Kyuhyun?”

“God, answer the question!” he shouted.

“I’m…moving out right now.”

The man cursed on the other line. “No, stop it now. How did you even manage to get movers over a day after Christmas?” Kyuhyun made a noise and then said, “Never mind. That’s not important. Just don’t leave.”

“What are you talking about?” Ryeowook sighed, rubbing his aching head and closing his accounting books as he saw the last of the heavy furniture being taken out.

“I have your promise.”

Ryeowook’s jaw tightened.

“I know what I said,” he whispered, “I know what happened between us, but this changes everything. I don’t want you to leave. I won’t leave you. That’s my promise.”

His chest constricted, and he sank back onto the couch. When had he stood up? Ryeowook gazed down at the carpet. “’You can’t even do this much. I just can’t deal with it anymore. I’d rather be alone or unhappy again than to continue being with you. It doesn’t work.’” He quoted with absolute precision, each word driving a dagger into his body.

“I—”

“—you’re right, Kyuhyun,” Ryeowook interrupted roughly. “You shouldn’t have to deal with it. It’s not your job to fix every messed up person. It’s my fault that I can’t move forward, not yours.”

“No, Ryeowook—”

“—you’re wrong about one thing though. You won’t be alone or unhappy again, because you’re capable of moving forward. You’ll find someone new…someone who can make you happy. I know I never did that. It wasn’t permanent and I don’t think it ever will be.”

“You gave me your bracelet,” Kyuhyun rushed out, “I don’t care if it’s not the real one. One day it will be and I’ll wait for that day. So you can’t slip further away from me,” he sounded breathless, as if he was running. “If you do that, you’ll never get there.”

“It doesn’t work. You said so yourself. Being with me will always drive you insane. My good moments don’t outweigh the bad,” Ryeowook shook his head, “Kyuhyun, being with me…isn’t it like being with a drug addict? I’ll relapse again and again, but you won’t be able to stop it. You’ll keep living a miserable life so long as I’m part of it.”

“God dammit, shut up!” he shouted. “That’s okay! I don’t care. I just need you here with me.”

“You’ll get over it,” Ryeowook said quietly, finally.

Kyuhyun burst into his apartment, finding it empty. He looked around wildly, hurrying in and out of rooms. “You can’t just leave me like this. I need my secretary. I don’t have anyone else that can run my life that well,” he said pleadingly.

“If you’re still offering it, I’ll be your secretary,” Ryeowook stated calmly.

“That…That’s enough,” Kyuhyun settled, hating how desperate he felt. The silver chain jingled from its place looped through a longer necklace around Kyuhyun’s neck. “I…I guess that’s enough.”

“Then I’ll see you in a week, Mr. Cho.”

“…Are you really letting it end like this?” Kyuhyun asked weakly.

“Have a good rest of your break.”

Ryeowook pulled up to a modest apartment building near the outskirts of the city. He stepped out, taking his bags and walking past the movers carrying his stuff inside. Entering the one bedroom housing, he turned in a slow circle, taking in the small space.

“It’s okay,” he mumbled, smiling a little.

You’re not okay.

Ryeowook glanced at the window, seeing Hyungsik sitting on the floor, gazing up at him. His face was so clear and although faint, still beautiful and comforting. “I’ll never be okay.”

He’s going to drift away and then you’ll never know if you can be okay.

“You know as well as I do that he deserves someone far better…someone who can keep him happy all the time.”

And what will you do when he’s happy?

“I can disappear then.”

You’re hurting him.

“He needs this pain so he can realize that I’m not the one.” Ryeowook shook his head. “I was yours. You were mine. How can I be the one for two people?”

Hyungsik’s head tilted to one side, eyes shifting. You can’t be. But I’m gone. That means you get a redo.

He crouched down, covering his face. “I don’t want a redo. I just want you.” When was the last time he had been so overwhelmed with his own thoughts? Why were they so ing loud? Ryeowook tried to drown out the memories and fears, but they were swarming him. They wouldn’t disperse for even a second.

Lifting his head, he searched for something – anything – to do. Looking around the barren apartment though, he found nothing.

Siwon came up behind Kyuhyun, kicking the door shut. “I told you it was stupid.”

“Why did you follow me?” he snapped.

“Because I gave you a chance,” he shrugged, slipping his hands out of pockets, circling around to look at Kyuhyun’s face. “We made a deal when we parted ways back then. Clearly you didn’t forget if you chose Paris of all places for this particular vacation.”

“It was just a precaution,” he muttered, “I didn’t plan on anything.”

Siwon snorted, lying back on the couch comfortably. “I gave you a few years to get your position in the company. Now you have it. You’re also not connected to anyone. Clearly this is a sign.” He smirked. “Or what? Did your pathetic little puppy love for that boy throw you off? Did you really get so caught up in your own emotions? I thought I taught you better.”

“I can’t change how I am.”

“Yeah, right, well this is the first time I’ve seen you so ineffectively using your horrible temperament.”

Kyuhyun grimaced. “I thought three years would be enough to help him. I forgot about you during that time.”

 “Aw, is that supposed to make me feel bad for you, Kyubaby?” he mocked. “You want my pity? You want me to tell you that it’s all gonna be okay?”

“Would you shut up?” he growled.

Siwon stared at him indifferently. “Why should I? Well, time is up. We’re not playing by your rules anymore. It’s my turn and this game is getting a whole lot better now.”

“My life—”

“—I gave you your power,” he deadpanned, “and I can take it away whenever the I want. You lost the game. Get over it.” Siwon cracked his neck, yawning. Sitting up, he snatched Kyuhyun’s wrist, gazing unwaveringly into the male’s shaky eyes. “Do as you’re told.”