They aren't obvious, at least not usually. Their relationship is not a burning fire either, it's something much, much less desperate than one might have expected from such youth – a ghost of tender touches, slight quirks of their lips , promises that were never really spoken aloud. They are different , from worlds that usually choose to stay apart, but even though Luhan is a Mainland Chinese – always will be – his security in Sehun's presence makes it all alright. It's like he's born anew every day he spends in Korea, and under those soft eyes that turn into joyful crescents each time they lay on him, maybe he becomes a little Korean too.

''You are so beautiful.'' Sehun whispers, hot air against silky skin. It never gets old.

Despite being an individual in a foreign land, a hyung, an authority he has to fight for every day, he will always, always be backed up. And cherished like a strand of finest pearls, because that's just one of many sweet privileges that come with love.

Sometimes he thinks they are perfect like this, together, even if they may be flawed while apart.

Engulfed in warmth, Luhan doesn't want to let go.

''Sehunnie,'' he murmurs into Sehun's ear, torso sprawled over his chest. ''I think we have to go soon.''

It's regrettable, but their life doesn't complement relationships.

Sehun has his arms circled around Luhan's waist and his grip doesn't loosen for a few long moments. He may be young and in need of attention, but the only thing he would never do is disappointing Luhan with immaturity or misplaced possessiveness.

He lets go.

***

Sometimes, tiny and hot in Sehun's arms, Luhan almost forgets that he's the hyung. Sometimes, in the dead of the night, Sehun forgets about that too.

***

Luhan is a graceful person with certain distaste for manhandling and any form of bullying. Seeing Kris yanking harshly on Sehun's shoulder, making the younger trip, sets something deep inside him on fire, burning his insides with astonishing fury. He doesn't say anything, but judging from Kris' slightly shocked expression the very moment his eyes met Luhan's, he doesn't have to.

***

They get too much attention, and the whole HunHan thing going on in the internet pushes SM to force them apart eventually. Luhan knew what he'd agreed to when he accepted the contract, he wasn't stupid. Neither was he fooled when his strenghtening bond with Sehun was first encouraged, then ignored by the management. Tearing them apart is but the last step, obvious when one observes the whole course of action with minimum attention.

The fact that he thought he was prepared didn't alter bitten resentment he felt in the end. Which is why, when Sehun's hands push him away one day just before their interview starts, Luhan leans closer and whispers into his ear desperately, ''I love you.''

He almost regrets doing so, but then Sehun smiles his small smile and Luhan doesn't really need any answer to know.

And the 'knowing' aspect is enough to allow him to let go. In public, he can pretend.