Sehun dialed the number with practiced ease and listened. Three rings.

"Hello?"

Sehun breathed in content, "Jongin."

"Sehun?"

"Yeah," he grinned, feeling extensively serene at the sound of the boy's voice, "it's me."

"So what's up?" Jongin responded casually.

"Nothing much. I just wanted to check in and see if you were doing okay without me."

"Of course. Who do you think you're talking to?"

Sehun laughed heartily until he could laugh no more. "Jongin," he whispered abruptly, "I need you."

"Sehun—"

"Please, Jongin… please," Sehun beseeched. He needed his best friend.

Silence.

"Fine."

Sehun smiled. "Thank you, Jongin."