Peter Pan (Piano Version) - EXO

Chapter 55: Promise.

“Is that the last of it?” I asked, looking over the luggage bags that were laid out in front of me. They were already filled with clothes and shoes that Lu Han would need, but it felt as though there was something missing. Turning back to the whole condo unit, I finally remembered the two things that he had forgotten to pack. “Ahjussi, your coat and key—“

I held the coat in my arms, handing it towards Lu Han, but instead of accepting it, he just shook his head and smiled. “Just leave those here. I have plenty of other coats with me.”

“Then how about your key?”

“Keep it. I won’t be able to use it anyway.”

Although what he said was indeed true, I still begged to differ. “You keep it.” I said, placing the bronze key on the palm of his hand before closing it. “I won’t open the door for you, so you should hold on to it carefully if you want to come back here.” Seeing the hesitant look in his eyes, I held his face and smiled, cherishing and remembering each and every contour of it while there was still time. “Don’t worry, when you walk in through that door, I’ll be here to welcome you.”

Almost too suddenly, Lu Han wrapped his arms around me, bringing me into a tight embrace—one of which felt so needy that it was nearly insatiable. “I’ll hold on to this, that I promise.” he whispered, his voice barely audible in contrast with the loud and frantic beating of our hearts, resonating through our bodies which were seemingly unable to let go.

No words were spoken afterwards as the two of us emptied the condo unit of the things that Lu Han would be bringing with him before hurriedly heading off to the airport. It didn’t take us long to finish up since we’ve already prepared his luggage beforehand, but we were already running late in the first place. And to be honest, I’d have much rather prolong things further. Especially because of the thought that in just an hour, Lu Han would be riding a plane that would take him to the other side of the world.

I would’ve been lying if I said that I wasn’t affected by the sudden news of Lu Han and his family going to America. I was disconcerted way beyond doubt. Honestly, that would even be an understatement. I was really in a state of utter incredulity, as if my mind refused to comprehend everything that was being said to me. It just felt so far-fetched since for the past few weeks, all I felt was pure happiness and bliss. Too much even that it didn’t occur to me that the future’s still unrecognizable, filled with every kind of mystery coming from joy to sadness.

One thing that I fully recognized though, was an emotion which was really hard to miss — the pain written across Lu Han’s face. One that was so sharp that the pain I felt myself at that instant turned void. He tried hard to smile, he tried hard to hide how hurt he was.

But I knew better.

Just like the past, on the day of his mom’s death anniversary, he was broken. I could say that it was more now since it’s only been recently that his relationship with his father got better. He hadn’t even gotten the chance to fully make up for all of the years that they’ve been emotionally apart.

And seeing him in that state again, even if it hurt, I couldn’t bring myself to say no. When he told me that he had to go with them to America, a plethora of thoughts came to me, like what would happen to us? What will happen to the new beginning that we were supposed to start? What will happen to the promise that we made, that we weren’t going to be separated again?

Doubts and uncertainties had risen again, but it was something that I had already expected. It was highly inevitable that I had stopped caring. No matter how much worry I have, I didn’t need to think twice to support Lu Han for I know that it was what I have to do.

It was what I wanted to do.

“Ma’am, sir, we’re here.” the driver finally called, stopping the cab right in front of the airport entrance. “Do you need help with your baggage?”

As we got out of the cab, Lu Han turned towards the driver and nodded politely before proceeding towards the trunk to unload his baggage. While they unloaded the trunk, I watched Lu Han and saw how stoic his expression was. Just the same as the one that I had kept for the past few days. We were both hurting, we were both disheartened, but we’d refused to give in to that sadness. Both of us had refused to cry. Both of us had refused to show any signs of weakness.

Because we knew that it wasn’t the end. Just like the past trials that we’ve managed to overcome, this time wasn’t any different. We knew that it was only another challenge.

One of which, just like before, wouldn’t be enough to break us apart.

Holding his luggage cart with both hands, Lu Han turned to me and smiled. “Let’s go?” I nodded after, placing one of my hands on his as we pushed the cart together inside the airport.

It was Friday that day. Friday noon to be exact. Not much people were inside the airport premises so it was easier to move around. Likewise, meeting up with the people that had been waiting for us since awhile ago was a piece of cake.

“And here I thought you ran away,” Kris oppa said, approaching us first followed by Chen oppa and Sehun. “We already checked in. You should also if you don’t want to miss our flight. I told you to come earlier and yet you still went here late, you little…”

Lu Han wasn’t even able to talk back anymore since Kris-oppa nagged him nonstop. Not one of us could help him as well since before we could even react, he was already being dragged away towards the counters. The scene caused for Chen oppa, Sehun, and I to chuckle, but once I looked around, I noticed that there were only the three of us there.

Catching my curious gaze, Chen oppa placed an arm around my shoulder. “We’re the only ones here. Knowing Tao, he would only make a scene here and as for the others…” he then trailed off, peering over towards Sehun who only pressed his lips into a thin line. “Let’s just say that it’s much better if they’re not here. It would make things easier for both Lu Han and Kris hyung.”

I didn’t question the absence of the two brothers’ friends anymore, understanding the situation very well. The two brothers might act all tough towards their friends, but in truth, they still care for them just the same as how they treat each other. Certainly, it would only be harder for them to go if they were to see the people important to them.

I was about to ask Chen oppa again but paused once I saw Uncle Yi Han’s figure from afar, seated on a wheelchair with a tall man in a black suit behind him. “Wait just a sec,” I told Chen oppa and Sehun before walking away.

“Jaera, wait!” Sehun called, grabbing my wrist and stopping me. “Are you sure about this? Maybe I should go with you or—“

“It’s okay, Sehun.” I gently brushed his hand away with a reassur