Airplane - f(x)

Chapter 36: Realizing Memories.

After fastening the last button of his polo uniform, Lu Han stared at the mirror hanging on the tiled walls of the restroom where his reflection can be seen. Seeing as his old uniform still fitted him well, a satisfied grin appeared on his face as he nodded contentedly. “I still got it.”

Seeing as he was good to go, Lu Han was about to go out of the cramped room but stopped upon taking notice of the small hole on his dark blue trousers. Feeling it with his fore and middle fingers, Lu Han’s lips tugged upwards slowly and formed a sad smile. “I guess I should have worn the other one.”

“Are you sure you want to stay here?”

With a simple nod, Jaera then put on a reassuring smile as she wore her mustard yellow blazer before going to her respective seat in their usual classroom. “I’m tired already and I don’t think I’ll be doing much in the after party anyway.”

his lower lip, Sehun then observed the situation outside the building. It was already night time. No artificial lights were , not even lampposts, but the darkness was absolutely overshadowed by a huge bonfire in the middle of the quadrangle, together with colourful paper lanterns hanging around the whole field. Some were eating, some were cheering, some were dancing, and some were just merry-making. The whole school field was filled with various stalls, buffet tables, and programs, just for the students and faculty members alike. Not to mention, the jovial expressions on their faces, one would immediately know that the foundation week was indeed a success, producing a happy atmosphere in the whole school.

Heaving a heavy sigh, Sehun turned back to Jaera only to be met by her disheartened face. Although all the actors did a great job in making the play a success, not everyone was overjoyed. Sure it was fulfilling, having to be applauded by lots of people, and being able to have such an amazing experience, but it wasn’t enough. It didn’t bring both Jaera and Sehun joy for the one they were actually waiting and expecting for, didn’t arrive. Sehun knew about his cousin’s possible reason for not being able to come, but even if he does know it, he can’t tell Jaera. He really wants to explain things to her for even though she had done a good job in hiding it, Sehun still knew that she was very disappointed. However, he has no right to speak for someone else and he knew that the best. He can only stay with her and hope that she’ll feel better, even though it was quite unlikely. “Can I… can I stay with you then?”

“Sehun, I appreciate your concern but… I actually wanted to be alone.” Jaera smiled, hoping that her words didn’t come off as too harsh. It’s not that she didn’t want Sehun to stay with her. She really did appreciate his concern, but she wasn’t lying when she said that she wanted to be alone. Her mood was just so down that not even Sehun’s niceness nor his tenderness would be able to bring it up. She didn’t want to ruin his night as well, so she just opted to be frank and assure Sehun that she would be fine by herself. “Just go there and have some fun. Don’t worry about me. You should enjoy the night too.”

Seeing as the girl had already decided upon herself, Sehun just nodded reluctantly and made no more effort in forcing her. Maybe Jaera does need some time for herself to think things over. That’s probably the best decision for now, and seeing as Sehun only wanted what’s best for her, he would not think twice and just oblige to her wish. “Okay, just call me if something happens. I’ll be right there.”

With a thankful smile, Jaera watched as Sehun walked out of the dark room. She then turned back to the window and saw the male’s faint figure approaching the group of their classmates afterwards. From their first meeting back when they were just freshmen, Sehun had greatly changed and it never ceased to amaze her. He had been through a lot, and even though he might not have always shown it, Jaera knew that he was lonely. He and Jaera were the same, so seeing how he had greatly eased off and how he had slowly opened up to others, she can’t help but feel satisfied. She felt as if a positive change has happened before her, and even if it didn’t happen to herself, she still felt good, knowing that it happened to Sehun for he deserved it—very much.

However, that being said, those lighthearted feelings were quickly forgotten as soon as she saw the invitation they made for the play. The smile on her face disappeared in an instant and was replaced by a depressed one. Up to now, it was still a mystery to her why Lu Han didn’t come. He promised Sehun and Jaera that he’d arrive, but the whole day, they never saw even a faint glimpse of him. It was honestly disappointing, Jaera has to admit, but unlike her, Sehun felt less, and it caused for her mind to ponder.

Was she the only one being overly affected about Lu Han’s broken promise? Or did Sehun knew about it all along? Both were highly plausible, but Jaera herself wasn’t so sure. Seeing as he’s the real cousin, Sehun might know something, but she didn’t want him to think that she was really affected so she didn’t ask. It was obvious that she was really dismayed, but acting like she wasn’t will at least give a bit of reassurance to Sehun. She knew that he worried deeply for her, so the least she could do is put up a front. Besides, whatever Lu Han’s reason is, it must be important for he never broke his promises, and Jaera believed him.

Wanting herself to be distracted for awhile, Jaera got her facial wipes from her bag and decided to clean her face off of the makeup she used for the play. She already changed back to her uniform but since the after party already started, she didn’t have enough time to clean her face. However, just as she was about to wipe her forehead, a male wearing their school uniform suddenly reflected on her mirror, causing for Jaera to jump in surprise.

“Hey Sehun, don’t surprise me like that.” Jaera said, putting down her mirror and wipes after assuming that the visitor was Sehun. The room was dark and only the light from the huge bonfire out on the field was the one illuminating it, but even if Jaera can’t see clearly, the figure resembled Sehun’s so she immediately calmed down. “What are you still doing—“

However, the beating of her heart went rapid as soon as the figure came closer, proving her assumptions wrong. With her eyes widening in surprise, Jaera then froze in place as the man approached her, grabbing the chair in front of her desk and turning it around, allowing him to come face to face with the girl. “Hello, xiao tuzi.”

“Ahjussi…” Jaera mumbled, almost inaudible as she still can’t believe that Lu Han was indeed right in front of her, dressed in their school uniform while donning his infamous smirk. “You’re… you’re here.”

“Of course, I’m here. I promised you, right? And I don’t break my promises.” Lu Han smiled smugly, grabbing the wipes from Jaera’s hands as the girl just watched him, still astonished. “So I guess your first kiss was Sehun?”

“Yes…” Jaera replied nonchalantly, still staring onto Lu Han’s eyes as the latter started moving his hands on her face. Although, as soon as the male’s words finally sunk in Jaera’s mind, a look of disbelief managed to appear on her face. “I mean no, that wasn’t a real kiss.”

Seeing the frown on Jaera’s face, Lu Han can’t help but chuckle in amusement. He knew that it wasn’t real, but his playful nature decided to act again. His actions though, weren’t received negatively by Jaera, and instead, ma