It must’ve been a shock to everyone as Lu Han had never expected the events to unfold this way. He could only think of retaliating as he actually never thought much about his first kiss being stolen as it had been. First kiss. To some it may be very important and even held in high virtue, for Lu Han it was nothing special. Nothing really to dwell over but now that he lost it to someone he doesn’t even know, he is more pissed off than anything. Hence, the punch was exactly what he thought he needed to do to regain a bit of control of the situation. But as he looked at the other’s face, he was shook in his spot. Tears rolling down the other’s eyes, the shocked stricken face of Sehun was horrifying enough to have guilt creep up on him in an instant then the boy faints and every one is now glaring at him making the feeling worst.  

“I’m sor-- I- I didn’t know what to do!” Lu Han tried to say but his nerves got the best of him that he was now shaking and he couldn’t utter anything else.

     Kai gently laid Sehun on the floor and rushed to Lu Han grabbing his shirt and pressing him hard against the platform. With tightened grip on the shirt, Kai pushed his fists to the other’s neck and pinned Lu Han against the rock behind him.

“Why did you do that? Kai hissed at the boy now shocked still frozen in his spot. 

“Kai!” Suho yelled as soon as Kai lunged at the human. But he was held back by Kris.

“I.. He ” Lu Han was now struggling for air, coughing through the words as the hands on his neck had started to tighten. He could only grab on to Kai’s hands as he tried to get it off of its grasps. He could barely breathe and talk yet Kai wanted him to answer. 

     Kai hissed at the boy under him and his eyes bore dagger like stares into the soul of the other that it made him whimper not in fear but in guilt. But for a second, as Kai looked intently at the other, he saw a glint of innocence that many of his colleague have lost a long time ago. Something he rarely seen now. With the job of protecting the universe as they were brought up to become, there came with it harsh conditions of heartbreak, lost, war, death,  evil and even love. Something that is more precious than everything he knew and now lacked. The innocence and youth were more apparent in Lu Han’s eyes than anybody he's ever known. Kai lost every will to kill the other right then and there. He remembered that this innocent young one is the same boy that have brought back his beloved and this is the same boy who cared to listen about his unrequited love. Young he maybe but he had the same kind soul that his great-great-grandfather bore. Something that he couldn’t help but admire. His grip on the other’s shirt loosened but didn’t let go. Suho thought of it as a stand-by as he saw Kai falter a bit. He knew of Kai’s temper and restraint when it comes to Sehun, which was really closenone,  so he decided to not stand for anything else.

      Suho glared at Kris and then shook his hand off his shoulder.  He wasn’t about to see a blood bath unfold right in front of him when there were more pressing matters to attend to. So he gestured for the closest members and sent them to Kai’s side to stop him. 

“Enough Kai!” The sudden outburst was an instant order for the two. Chanyeol and Baekhyun held Kai back making him release the younger completely. Lu Han struggled for his next breath  still coughing fo rmuch needed air. He inhaled deep to catch his next breath but it was too late. Kai managed to cut some circulation of air to his brain that he finally slid down to the floor from light-headedness scraping his back against the cement of the platform.

“Chanyeol and Baekhyun, go bring Lu Han to his room. He’s too shocked and I’m guessing we are crossing the bridge we were just talking about. I’ll be there in a little bit.” 

     Suho then turned and nodded at Lay. It wasn’t long after, that Lay rushed to the boy on the ground and started trying to heal him. Lay hovered over Sehun’s body trying to examine him.  He lowered his head to feel his breathing and then reached for his neck to check the pulse. The heat of Sehun’s body made Lay feel something he hasn’t felt in 100 years. It was like being energized on the spot. The light that flowed within him filled his whole being with an energy that brightened his aura and regenerated every cell on his body.  A light that showed under his hovering hands was a sign that his powers were starting to come back just from his mere proximity to Sehun.

cr: yixingy

Indeed he is back. Lay thought to himself.

“He’s alright. He’s probably just tired.” Lay reported.

“And shocked” D.O. added.

     Kris then demanded that Tao and Lay help bring Sehun to his old room. Kai trudged right behind them. Suho’s eyes fell following an object that clanged on to the tiles of the floor as they picked up the body. It came from Sehun’s clutch and he automatically squatted to pick it up but Chen came right beside him and beat him to it, reaching for the object before he can grab hold of it.

“Chen, examine that compass and the bomb, check back with me with a-" 

“I’m already on it Suho.” Chen cut the other short while he tried walking away with the object in hand. 

      Suho turned behind him and caught sight of Xiumin and began to spit out orders making the oldest member straighten in his spot. 

"Xiumin, track the news and updates on Jongun. We are going to need a plan now that Sehun is back.  Also get in contact with the United Galactic Administration and update them about our recent addition.” 

     He finally found Kris running his fingers on the platform lost in his own thoughts.

“Uhm Kris!” The sudden call on his name woke him in his spot. 

“The study?” Suho questioned and Kris replied nodding his head. Shaking off whatever was swirling in that brain of his. But before they can leave, D.O interrupted them for the last time.

“Wait, what do I do?” D.O. called onto the leaders before they walked away.

“You have to cook!” Kris replied.

“WHAT?!?!? What kind of task is that? Do I look like a maid to you?” D.O. was a bit surprised with their degrading answer.

     Suho looked at Kris and glared at the tall man. “He meant you are the only one who know’s Sehun’s favorite food. He would need your food to energize him. Don’t forget he’s been out there for one hundred years. I bet he’s hungry and I bet he’s missed your cooking.” Suho extended his hands to the other’s shoulder before giving him a reassuring smile.

     Nobody can ever say no to Suho. He’s just too agreeable. He just almost always has a way of making you feel relaxed and comforted that you have no other choice but to listen to him. And so D.O. turned to the kitchen and started his task.

     On the way out, Suho was stopped when he saw the paled face that of Chen who strangely enough hasn’t moved one bit from his spot. 

"Chen is something the matter?" Suho questioned the man with worry.

     It woke Chen up from his deep thought and he instantly clutched the compass tight in his hand and hid it inside his pocket. 

"Huh? Uhm.. I- Oh--- nothing!” He stuttered through the sentence. “I have to make further testings and examinations of it. I'll get back to you as soon as I get a definite report." Chen said trying hard to not alarm the other. He ran off without waiting for a reply and such from the other and Suho could only furrow his brow in suspicion.

“I got it from here.” Kai whispered at Tao and Lay after they slowly lowered Sehun’s body on the bed.

     Kai took off the boy’s shoes and adjusted the sheets atop him. He then sat next to the boy on the bed and stared at him endlessly.

“Don’t worry. He was just probably tired and shocked from all the stimulations.” Lay comforted the other as he squeezed the Kai's shoulder. 

     Kai avoided his gaze. He knew he was way too worried and everyone else is picking it up. It wasn’t only the fact that Sehun is laying in bed unconscious. It was more of his reaction, the look on his face when Lu Han had punched him. Getting him back was going to be more worrisome than he expected. He clearly expected Sehun to start looking for Lu Han but did not expect the events that came after. Worry filled him and anxiety enveloped him. He wanted to scream, cry and throw a fit but not in front of everyone. Especially not in front of Sehun who had never known of his feelings. So he just nodded in reply.

“Well, I’ll be back to check on him later. It looks like our resident human is also in a state of shock.” He chuckled before walking away.

“Okay, we’ll get going!” Tao said to Kai but he was already lost in thought, not listening and clearly didn’t care about anything more but Sehun at that moment.

     Tao looked at Lay and he could only shrug at the younger one. They all knew of his feelings. EXO were actually surprised the Sehun hadn’t picked it up at all before. All the members have known of Kai’s feelings for the other. They actually all thought that at one point the two would end up together. It was a surprise when Lu Han came in the picture and things started to change. It wasn’t left unnoticed, the lingering jealous gazes and the eyes that seemed to bore like lasers in the back of Lu Han’s head every time Sehun and Lu Han would talk, laugh, snicker and even just glance at each other. The triangle had been a big talk in the manor but nobody ever said anything about it to the three. 

     The reality set in when the younger Lu Han came into their lives. They realized that the situation is more pressing now than they expected because of the human that looked exactly like Sehun’s beloved. The dramatic triangle would be alive once again and they could only hope that this time, things would turn out better. 

     He wasn’t mad at the younger at all.  In fact, Kai was a bit relieved at the boy’s reaction. He remembered what the other had told him that night and appreciated him more.

“Help me then so I can get him back faster and you can finally tell him.” Lu Han whispered to his ear bringing a hand up and down his back for comfort. 

“I’m pretty sure if Sehun was here, he’d fall for you too.”
“But not before, I show him his options. I will get him this time, Lu Han. I won’t lose to you too.”

Lu Han laughs and shakes his head. “Don’t you worry about that, I’m more interested in someone younger than me. I’ll push ten years but not a hundred.” Lu Han joked sarcastically.

     The thing was Kai actually admired the boy a bit. He was definitely different than their old friend Lu Han although he can see the similar kindness in both of their eyes. He remembers this bit about his old friend. However, the more he thought about it, the more he saw much of Sehun in the boy. Kai thought maybe that was the reason why he was more taken to him than he expected. But nonetheless, it still doesn’t change the fact that he looks like Lu Han and Sehun is still in love with Lu Han.

 “I’ve missed you too, you know.” There was something resentful in his words and he almost wanted to yell at the other for passing him up and directly going straight to Lu Han earlier. "I guess it’s always going be like that, huh? But I’m here now.” Kai lowered his head and rested it on Sehun’s chest.

“And he’s not.” He whispered before closing his eyes. He began crying, tightly pressing his lips together so as not to let out a sound that would wake the other.

     It’s the sad truth, however, and Kai knew it was. As much as there wasn’t a Lu Han anymore, it doesn’t mean that the love would instantly disappear with it. And so he cried and cried until his own tiredness took hold of him and he fell asleep at the sound of his beloved’s heart beating. He could only hope that there is enough time for Sehun to finally let go of Lu Han and finally see him for once.

     It was the night after Kai’s birthday party.  Sehun had taken Kai out for a stroll to the portal after bringing a drunk Lu Han to his room. 

“It’s almost done.” Sehun caressed the larg stone slab in front of him. 

“You and Lu Han worked so hard on it. I’m sure everything will go as planned.” Kai added earning him a sweet smile from the other. He couldn’t help but be a bit excited for it because he thought maybe then, their lives would return to normal. Lu Han would be sent to the vortex and he and Sehun would live like they used to, happily, together. 

     But everything went down the drain that night. Sehun’s reason for taking him out for a stroll is one he wished he had never taken. 

“I know this is too much to ask of you, my dear friend. But the day we send the Black Pearl away is near, and well, there is something I have to ask of you.” Sehun started.

“Anything Sehunnie, anything for you.” Kai beamed at the other. 

“It’s Lu Han.” Sehun held the other’s shoulder and frowned a bit before lowering his gaze to the ground.

“I-, I need you to take care of him for me.” 

     Kai couldn’t believe what Sehun was asking him. He literally blinked a couple of times to see if the image of Sehun in front of him was a just a mirage and the whole situation was just a dream.

“What did you just say?” Kai wanted to make sure this time that he intently looked into Sehun’s eyes. He leaned in closer as to not miss a thing.

“Please Kai. I want him to live, to go on and live his life. I want him to bear children and see his future before him. So that maybe one day, when I finally come back, I’d be able to see a piece of him. Please Kai. I beg of you.” Sehun began to sob as he leaned in closer to the other. Kai was still wide-eyed and shocked as he tried so hard to fight the urges that was telling him to yell at Sehun, to stop him with his ridiculous thoughts but, in reality, he never could. So he stood there and swallowed hard before he let out a whimper into the other’s hair. He pulled Sehun closer and whispered ‘I promise I will’.”

“I promise...I promise..I promise!” Kai was saying as he heaved and sobbed in his sleep.

“Kai! What are you saying there?” Tao had shaken the other to wake him. His brow furrowed before he slowly squinted his eyes open.

“You’ve been dreaming, ranting about a promise.” Tao started to say. “Are you okay?”

     Kai ignored the other. He could only look up in relief that his nightmare had finally ended.

“Where’s Sehun?” Kai tried to get up but suddenly got light-headed making him squint and grimace in discomfort.

“Whoa there buddy.” Tao held his shoulders and lowered him down slowly.

“Relax, he still in bed. See?” He pointed to the bed across from the sofa before moving away so he can let Kai see the body that laid on the bed unmoved.

“You fell asleep next to him in an awkward position so I brought you here in the couch.” Tao replied.

     Tao looked back tenderly at the body across from them and he was heart broken once again at the sight of his dear friend laying lifeless like that. 

“He still didn’t wake up. Man, it must’ve been a shock to him when Lu Han punched him in the face.” Tao speculated. “It must’ve been hard for him all those years to be away from Lu Han just to see the other look at him like that. Poor Sehunnie”

“Poor Lu Han.” Kai mumbled suddenly. The sudden remark made Tao a little surprised. Kai straightened up in bed sitting with his back resting on the backboard and was surprise just as much. He furrowed his brows in thought.

“Lu Han? I thought you hated the guy.” 

“I did.... But how can I now that he finally brought Sehun back? Wait, where is he anyway?”

“I don’t know. I haven’t seen him since the incident in the foyer. He’s probably in his---.” Tao answered a little suspicious of Kai’s actions but he was interrupted as Kai snapped his fingers without warning, and in seconds, he was gone. Their powers had been in its optimal level now that he was able to teleport straight to Lu Han’s room. Kai found the boy packing up his bag. The sight was a bit heart breaking to Kai and he didn’t know why.

     In the middle of the night when every body was finally asleep, or so he thought, Lu Han hurriedly packed up his things. It’s only been two hours and he had to assure Lay and Suho earlier that all was fine, that he’d figure things out with them tomorrow. Although unconvinced, the two left it alone for the mean time thinking he was just probably tired. Not realizing that Lu Han had sought to runaway and leave first thing before everyone awoke.

     There were many things in his mind and he thought that the only way to solve all of it was by leaving. Although he had to admit that he was starting to feel comfortable and more settled than he expected at both the people and place, he knew there were no other choice but to leave the closes thing to 'friends' he would ever have. First he figured his job there was done. There wasn't much he can really do now that he had brought back the Black Pearl and he'd only be in the way of future plans. Second, Sehun would surely be devastated when he finds out about the death of his beloved and Lu Han staying would only bring more grief and confusion. He didn't want to be responsible for that. Finally, he wanted to do it for Kai. Although the man had never approved of him, he still pitied the other for the unrequited love he was never able to escape from. Lu Han thought that with leaving Kai would finally have his much awaited chance and he doesn't need a mere look-a-like to confuse and distract Sehun from it all. Hence, he decided it was time to go. 

“What are you doing?” Kai ran to his side and held Lu Han’s hand back. The younger jumpe in surprise. He turned to his side and was shocked to see Kai showing up out of no where. It took him a second to realized that Kai had gotten in with the use of his power, teleportation. He had pressed his lips together and sighed when he realized what was happening; EXO had regained their powers back.  He averted his eyes back to his task and continued shoving clothes in his bag after the realization.

“I’m packing. What does it look like I’m doing?” Lu Han replied a bit sarcastic. He didn't want to look at Kai and falter one bit. He didn’t need anyone finding out and definitely did not expect anyone, Kai at that, to catch him.

     Kai perused his head of everything he wanted to say in that instant but he wasn’t sure why he felt awkward saying it. Maybe it was because of the dream he had awoken from earlier or even more importantly, maybe because of it, he was reminded of his promise to Sehun many years ago. Nonetheless, there was something sad about Lu Han leaving and Kai didn’t know why that was even the case.

“Don’t go!” Kai blurted out and Lu Han stops in shock.

“What? Why not?” Lu Han questioned. 

     Kai had no clue why he said it either. The confusion led to another stupid answer.

“Stay with me.” Kai whispered.

“Huh?” Lu Han drops his bag on the bed and finally turns to Kai.

“Are you okay?” He stared at the other with suspicion.

“I- I need you....your help. Sehun will be looking for you and...” Kai looks away to avoid the other’s eyes.

“It hurts deep inside..... Lu Han. That after all these years, it’s still Lu Han in his heart. But I have no other person who would understand. I have no one to tell, no one to understand my feelings. So please.... stay.”

     The sudden confession shocks Lu Han but he was starting to get the picture. Kai for more than a hundred years never said a word to anyone about his feelings for Sehun until he came along and so he understood what Kai needed.

“Then, tell him instead.” Lu Han replied with a smile. He squeezed the other’s shoulder before going back to his packing this time without the rush.

“I can’t...Not yet.” Kai answered feeling more dejected than ever after remembering how Sehun looked for Lu Han earlier. The answer made Lu Han stop again. He sat down on the bed and gestured for the other to do the same.

“Look Kai, you and me both know I can’t stay. I can only imagine how Sehun would react. How he would feel when he finds out that the real Lu Han, his beloved, is dead. And what’s worst is that since I look like that dead guy, he’s going to confuse me for him and then what? Where does that leave you?” Lu Han reached for the other’s hands and looked at him intently.

     Lu Han worrying about his feelings made him sigh to himself. 

“It’s time you tell him how you feel. It’s your time now Kai. It’s only you and Sehun now and it’s time he finds out about your feelings. Before.... before it’s too late again.” Lu Han finally concluded. He didn’t know if the other noticed it but the last words were more of a sick reality of the two that they can only hope wasn’t real.  Because of the impending war that is about to happen once again, Lu Han knew that there is no other choice but to send the Black Pearl to the vortex once again. He is merely back to rejuvenate EXO’s powers once again. It is a sick plan but its their only plan.

"I’m leaving before this ends badly. This should be the least of your worries.” Lu Han looked away and stood up. He zipped closed his bag and carried it over his shoulder trudging towards the door without looking back.

     Kai didn't know why but he felt relieved, thankful, even grateful for the boy's answers. Of all the things that are happening and for all the problems that are about to arise, Lu Han had only worried about him and his unrequited love for Sehun, nothing about himself or his welfare. More than ever now, he felt more determined to make the other stay. This time he really did need the other to stay. He would be the closest thing he will ever have as a friend and Kai appreciated that fact about the boy.

“Please Lu Han. I ‘promised’ " Kai cleared his throat hesitant to tell the other of his vow to his great-great-grandfather.

"I promise, I’ll take care of you. Just don’t leave.” Kai pleaded to the younger one.

     It stopped the boy on his tracks.  There was much to the words that were just spat at him and he could only hope that it was true. He thought about how the other members have also tried to make him feel comfortable and accepted and he appreciated them all for it. In all actuality, he didn't want to leave. Actually it was more like he had nowhere else to go. But his practical side is telling him he needed to and so he decided to leave. But he stood there with his grasp on the bag tighter, body frozen, and lost in his thoughts. He contemplated a bit playing with the tempting offer. He has been alone for much too long with no one to care for him at all. Now this promise comes along, Kai came along and he wants to believe for the first time. He sighed deep to himself before he turned around to speak. He thought nothing can change his mind but the offer of friendship, as he could only assume, is very tempting. He actually liked the idea of somebody needing him, even if it’s Kai of all people.

“Fine. I’ll stay. But only until you finally tell Sehun.” Lu Han lied through his teeth and tried to hold everything in from the other.  Inside he was happy for the most part, but more so he was glad that someone needed him as a friend.

A friend, I never had any to call my own. Will you be the first, Kai? He thought then smiled to himself.

Kai looked up in surprised by the other’s answer.

“But I’m not staying here. I’ll stay in the dorm in the school premise. It’s good because I want to help EXO and fight beside you all when the time came anyway. So I won’t be far. I just wont live here. You guys have to figure out a way to tell Sehun first before I start showing my face around.” Lu Han added.

     Kai felt relieved in an instant. Although he himself was surprised at his words to the other, and although he might not want to admit it to himself, he knew he had found a friend in Lu Han. He was the first person he was ever able to confide in and having Lu Han next to him especially in this trying times that he is about to tackle is a bit comforting to say the least.

“Thank you, Lu Han. I'm sure to keep my promise.”

I will take care of you, as I promised Sehun.