“In three years, you couldn’t get him. Shouldn’t you understand at this point what that means?” Siwon watched Kyuhyun getting ready for work, not surprised to see the male carefully choosing his clothing. Everything was about control and he could still see Kyuhyun’s habits.

“I already gave him up,” he stated, knotting his tie.

“Two things,” Siwon grunted, standing up and walking over to Kyuhyun, “one: you begged him to stay as your assistant,” he popped the top button of the male’s shirt, hooking his finger through the silver chain around his neck, “two: this lame jewelry isn’t just a bad fashion statement.”

Kyuhyun jerked away, fixing his button and tightening his tie. “It’s none…,” he trailed off.

“That’s right,” a wickedly victorious smile crossing his lips, “three years…I gave you three years to get just one person and you couldn’t manage that. Obviously you’re not ready to leave the nest yet.”

Siwon circled around, closing his hands around Kyuhyun’s waist, “You knew it was a warning…you were still checking my messages,” he unbuckled the handsome man’s belt, “you saw the countdown…” Siwon bit Kyuhyun’s neck, chuckling when he twitched.

“I just didn’t want you coming here,” he hissed, “I didn’t think you’d actually call though.”

“Well, what was I supposed to do? You weren’t answering any messages, email or otherwise.” Siwon slid his hands inside Kyuhyun’s pants, letting the material rumple, “None of it matters anymore. You came to find me in Paris when you lost the game.”

“It wasn’t a game anymore!” Kyuhyun shouted, gasping when he was thrown back onto the bed. He turned around, glowering at the man standing over him. “I…I don’t know why I went to you.”

“Because deep down you knew that it was still just a bet between friends,” Siwon murmured, pinning him back to sheets, “you thought you were in love, but people like you…,” he shook his head, “people like us who live for control, well, we can’t love. Loving is for the weak and useless. Being in love makes you vulnerable and pathetic.”

He laughed sharply, “Just look at your precious Ryeowook. He’s pining after a ing dead man. He’s an idiot and you’re an even bigger idiot for wanting someone so disgusting.” Siwon yanked the tie free of its loop, a feral grin on his lips. “Tell me I’m wrong, you sore loser.”

Kyuhyun ground his teeth together, every word striking long forgotten chords. He was right. He was so right it wasn’t even funny.

Maybe he wasn’t ready to leave Siwon yet.

“Now,” he ran his fingers over Kyuhyun’s pale chest, feeling every shudder that ran through that body, “I’ve given you plenty of days to mope and get the over this kid. We’re done with all of this romantic , got it?” Siwon stared coldly down at Kyuhyun.

“Yeah…I get it,” he whispered.

“Then you’re calling in late for work,” Siwon stated, smiling.

Kyuhyun shot him a glare before grabbing his cell phone and dialing Ryeowook’s phone. He felt adrenaline racing through his veins, half from waiting to hear that voice he so pathetically wished for, and half from the feeling of Siwon taking control again.

“Good morning, Mr. Cho,” he greeted.

“Coming in late for work,” Kyuhyun stated briefly, trying not to moan at the ministrations to his body. He ended the call, tossing the phone aside and relishing in the familiar hot touches and cold emotions.

Ryeowook turned back to his work, staring blankly at the computer screen. He was exhausted. Sleeping hadn’t been on the schedule apparently. The environmental change was too drastic and he couldn’t stop thinking. That’s all he did throughout the night and early morning.

Distractions were abundant in Kyuhyun’s home. He barked a laugh in the empty office, pushing away from the computer and letting lose a heavy, haggard sigh.

Someone like Kyuhyun…well, he was difficult. Then again, Ryeowook was probably equally – if not more, difficult. He already understood that people who spout “forever” and “eternally” are full of it. It was ridiculous to think Kyuhyun would truly wait that long.

No.

It was worse of Ryeowook to silently ask him for such a thing. How could he do something that stupid? How could he expose such a kind person to such a frustrating situation?

No one wanted damaged goods, especially when they were as damaged as Ryeowook. Just…who wanted someone like him? Someone who felt like three years was only three days, someone who was so sensitive he starved himself for years, someone who just couldn’t climb out of denial.

Ryeowook raked fingers through his hair, angry at himself for getting so caught up in Kyuhyun’s promises. The man clearly wouldn’t care about that bracelet – not forever, at least. They were playing a game where no one could win.

How could Kyuhyun help him at all when Ryeowook himself didn’t know how to feel better? His heart and mind collided day after day – one telling him that Hyungsik is dead, and the other telling him that forever means forever and ever, whether or not that forever means eternal waiting.

Please don’t die…don’t leave me alone…I won’t know what to do when you’re gone…do you understand…?

Ryeowook squeezed his eyes, rubbing his head painfully. “Shut up…,” he whispered, trying to stop that particular vision. It hurt more than the others – much more.

Then there was a knock at the door. He shot up, eyes wild and anxious. Hurrying over, he whipped it open, seeing Changmin on the other side. “Hello, what do you need?” Ryeowook asked quickly, hopefully.

Anything…anything to stop the memories was fine.

“Uh,” Changmin stared at the excited young man curiously, “I just came to bother Kyuhyun. Is he here?”

“Mr. Cho is currently at home with business to take care of. He’ll be coming in later,” Ryeowook responded, “Is there anything else I can help you with?”

“He’s playing hooky and you’re letting him?” he leaned against the door frame, amused, “That’s strange. Did you two get into a fight?”

“It’s nothing to be concerned about,” Ryeowook answered, “he was insistent on not coming in on time, so I couldn’t stop him.”

“Wow, so even you can give up on things like this,” he chuckled, “well alright then—” Changmin stopped midsentence, seeing a young woman appearing in the doorway beside him. Quickly, he stepped aside for her to come through. “Excuse me,” he nodded apologetically.

“It’s okay,” Victoria replied, smiling at him sheepishly. She noticed Ryeowook and broke into a wide grin. “Ah, Ryeowook! So I was thinking a lot about Christmas and that video.”

“Really?” he questioned tiredly, not wanting to think about all of that again.

“Well, from what I gather, you’ve been running away for far too long,” she stated, “you need to face it head on. You probably haven’t watched any of those video tapes, have you?”

Ryeowook paused, and then shook his head. “No…I haven’t.”

“What are you two talking about?” Changmin chimed in, head tilted to one side.

Victoria hesitated, looking to Ryeowook. The latter waved his hand, exhausted and uncaring already. “Say it, I don’t care anymore,” he sighed.

“Oh,” she turned to Changmin, “we’re talking about rehab.”

“Rehab?” Changmin repeated, eyes widening. “Oh my god, did Kyuhyun finally overdose? Is that why he’s at home?”

Ryeowook glanced at Victoria, silently scolding her. She looked away awkwardly. “No, she’s talking about me,” he clarified, but it seemed to only confuse Changmin more. “It’s really too early to be talking about it. After work today, I’ll tell you more.”

“Well, alright,” he nodded slowly, “are we going over to your place? I heard something about videos?”

“Yes, I suppose that’s correct,” Ryeowook shrugged.

Changmin waved his goodbye then, remembering that he was on his way to a meeting. Once out of sight, Victoria smiled at Ryeowook. “I think this will be good.”

“What do you mean?” he furrowed his brow.

“Well, the more friends, the better. Didn’t you have friends to help you after he passed away?” her lips quirked up, but then her expression fell as it dawned on her that Ryeowook really didn’t have anyone, not even back then. “You…didn’t have anyone during those years?”

He cast his eyes down. “I was never good at making friends.”

“Oh boy,” she shook her head in disbelief. Victoria gently took his hand, squeezing it and shaking. “We’re friends. It’s never too late, so we’ll get through it together.” She glanced at the door, “And I suppose that man is your friend too.”

Ryeowook simply stared at her, not knowing what to say.

Victoria chuckled. “Don’t give me that look,” she patted his backside, “be happy. You have friends now.”

He let a little smile touch his lips, giving their clasped hands a gentle squeeze. Hmm…friends…