‘However Miss _____, you will be going back with M.’

Kyungsoo knew this would happen, he’d have been stupid to think you’d stay by his side forever.

He gulped hard, feeling the pit in his stomach grow with each passing moment. Automatically he turned to face your reaction.

You stood unmoving for a few seconds, clenching and unclenching your fists subconsciously.

He could feel how tense Jongin was beside him, jaw clenched tightly and gulping hard. Kyungsoo’s stare moved on to Baekhyun who obviously looked furious, the fool probably thought you would be assigned to K forever. Chanyeol remained still by his side, his large eyes stared at the back of you. Sehun slumped his head over his shoulders and refused to look up while Junmyeon kept a stern expression.

Kyungsoo looked back at you.

There you stood; motionless, unable to look at anyone else while you politely nodded;

‘Understood.’

‘Yes we understand, thank you.’ Junmyeon came to your aid, standing by your side and bowing politely. He didn’t see how grateful you were for the assistance as you probably wouldn’t have been able to utter anymore words without chocking on them.

‘Alright, that’s it, you can leave now.’ Manager Yuna stated, shooing everyone out the office.

Each step made the decision more and more final. It was slowly beginning to hit Kyungsoo what this meant, what it meant to everyone.

No one said a word in the van.

It felt like the same sour mood as the last time Manager Yuna had dropped the news you would be staying with K.

He could see it.

Kyungsoo could see the mixed emotions running through you; on one hand, Exo would be reunited as a whole and you’d be able to see the M boys after months and months of waiting. However, you’d have to leave K behind…It was a hard pill to swallow.

‘Maybe it’s a pattern.’ Chanyeol stated trying to enlighten the situation.

Jongin’s ears pricked up at the statement.

‘What?’ Junmyeon asked leaning in. Chanyeol decided to roll with it;

‘Like, maybe after a few months it’ll rotate.’ He stated rolling two fingers over each other to accentuate his point. Kyungsoo could see the hope in Junmyeon’s eyes relight as he nudged Jongin encouragingly.

‘So _____-ah will be assigned back to us again.’ Chanyeol added trying to figure it out in his head.

‘Mm, yeah that makes sense!’ Junmyeon agreed, trying to sound chipper.

‘But it’s still months away.’ Sehun muttered as he sat still, chin resting on his hand while he looked out the window. It was the first thing he’d said since hearing the news.

Jongin fell back in his seat defeatedly, Chanyeol had nothing to say and Junmyeon furrowed his eyebrows.

‘I’m sure months will fly by.’ Junmyeon stated encouragingly, but he wasn’t even buying it.

No one made a sound except maybe a few grunts here and there.

Kyungsoo hated it, but also admired how Baekhyun let his emotions get the better of him. Baekhyun was never afraid to show whatever he felt as he sat there visibly annoyed at the whole situation.

However you had not uttered a word.

Kyungsoo watched you intently. You were trying your best not to crumble and he could see it. An immediate rush of wanting flooded through him. He wanted to yell, he wanted to shout and scream out the window. But then at the same time, he wanted nothing more than to lean in closer and cup your cheek, wiping the ready to spill out tears that threatened to fall.

But no, he opted for the easy way out, sitting deathly silent and staring.

Coward.

============

Baekhyun refused to speak or even acknowledge what Chanyeol said, opting to go to his room and stay in there for the rest of the night.

No one was really in the mood to talk, and you were certainly not in the mood to talk to Kyungsoo. There was no point in crying in front of the guy.

So instead, you opted to break the news to M just in case they hadn’t heard;

‘WAAAAAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!’

Everyone broke out in celebration over the phone, it was so hard to hear if anyone was trying to speak over the racket.

‘Calm down, calm down guys haha.’ You whispered softly over while you rested on your bed, staring at the ceiling.

‘You’re going to love China!’ Luhan exclaimed in excitement.

‘There’s so much to see.’ Kevin agreed.

‘So much to eat.’ Minseok stated.

‘You won’t even miss those guys once you’re with us, it’ll be so much fun!’ Tao cried out literally buzzing over the phone.

‘Ha ha…yeah.’ You tried so hard to sound enthusiastic, but at the moment it just didn’t feel right with the boys here being so miserable.

‘And Disneyland will be awesome, I want to go on the scariest rides there!’ Jong Dae exclaimed.

‘I don’t.’ Luhan interjected.

‘Me neither.’ You shivered at the thought of going on an upside-down rollercoaster.

‘Yaahhh don’t be party poopers.’ Yixing tutted.

Suddenly you felt your throat thicken, a wave of emotion rushed over you. It was the thought that the Disneyland trip would be the last time you’d see the K boys.

‘Guys I got to go.’ You said trying to sound nonchalant and failing miserably.

‘What’s wrong?’ Luhan asked immediately catching on.

‘Ah nothing, I’m just super tired, I’ve had a tiring day, it’s nothing. I can’t wait to see you guys!’ You said quietly excited, trying to quell the lump in your throat and the knot in your stomach.

‘Ok goodnight.’ They all chimed in before you ended the phone call.

‘Aish.’ You muttered, placing your arm over your eyes, trying to block out the light while silent tears ran down your cheeks.

‘Stupid.’ You muttered rubbing them.

*bzzzzz*  

Your phone buzzed avidly beside you. You mopped your tears before picking the contraption up.

It was a text:

I know you seemed sad over the phone. I understand it’s going to be tough leaving those guys but embrace the good times we’ll have, I’m sure we’ll all reunite in the future!

Jiayou, Yixing :)

You pursed your lips and closed your eyes.

‘Zhang Yixing you sweetheart.’ You muttered holding your phone to your chest. You knew you were going to be happy in China, but that wasn’t the point.

The point was…

Your head turned to your door. Your eyes lingered on it for a few seconds before you sighed.

You turned the light off and laid down, leaving the new set of tears to stain your cheeks.

=====================

‘Why does she even have to go!?’ Baekhyun exclaimed as soon as Chanyeol turned the night-light on.

‘She was assigned to us first, chin cha, M have their own manager!’ Baekhyun spat before punching the mattress by his side.

‘Yeah but the manager’s probably quitting or being re-assigned.’ Chanyeol sighed, shrugging his shoulders.

‘Hyung have you got that facial scrub I leant you befo-‘

‘Yah Sehun-ah. You don’t think it’s fair do you?’ Baekhyun exclaimed more than asked.

Sehun who stood by the door wearing his pyjamas just shrugged.

‘Well…logically it makes sense but...I don’t think anyone wants her to leave.’ His voice was quieter than usual while he spoke.

‘Ah get out you’re not helping.’ Baekhyun kicked Sehun out the door before closing it with his foot.

‘Just calm down Baekhyun-ah, what are you so afraid of?’ Chanyeol asked placing his hands behind his head.

‘I didn’t have enough time. I really think. I think I was getting to her, I think I had a plan that might’ve actually worked.’ Baekhyun said thinking hard.

‘What kind of plan.’ Chanyeol asked, ears pricked up while he watched Baekhyun.

‘I’m not telling. But am I going to have to just rush it and tell her?’ Baekhyun asked himself out loud.

‘Tell her what?’ Chanyeol looked obviously worried.

‘Ah nothing.’ Baekhyun wafted the question away before shifting positions in bed.

‘Chin cha it’s not fair.’ He tutted once more angrily.

‘Even though I hate to say it, it’s fair.’ Chanyeol sighed trying to maturely handle the situation.

Baekhyun tutted, turning around to face the wall.

‘Is it not fair…because they’ll have their chance?’ Chanyeol suggested knowing he was right.

Baekhyun grunted, refusing to answer.

‘Well I know that slippery snake Luhan is going to try something. Mr boy wonder with his stupid small face.’ Chanyeol stated, kicking his legs back.

‘Yah even Jong Dae’s going to make our lives a misery with the selcas he’s going to be taking with her.’ Baekhyun added clenching his fists.

‘Ahhhhhh.’ Chanyeol moaned, ruffling his hair in annoyance.

‘At least she’ll be away from Jongin.’ Baekhyun sighed trying to find some victory in that.

‘Chin cha I think he’s the least of our worries now.’ Chanyeol sighed dejectedly.

Baekhyun turned to him in alarm before realising he really didn’t want to know what Chanyeol meant.

=====================

‘Maybe it’s a good thing.’ Jongin said aloud in the dark.

‘What?’ Kyungsoo asked through the darkness while he laid in bed.

‘That she’s going…maybe…maybe it’s a good thing.’ Jongin muttered quietly.

‘Why?’ Kyungsoo’s ears pricked up.

‘Because…maybe then she can heal.’ Jongin said thinking out loud.

Kyungsoo remained silent while Jongin continued;

‘So I can’t hurt her…’ The sadness in his voice saddened Kyungsoo in return. Why did Jongin feel so responsible?

‘And she won’t distract-I mean, I can focus on being Kai.’ Jongin quickly added.

Kyungsoo remained silent for a few moments. He’d never heard Jongin talk like this before…about any girl.

And he didn’t like it.

‘Mm.’ Kyungsoo mumbled, hoping for Jongin’s sake he really had made the right decision the night before.

A few silent moments passed by before Kyungsoo spoke;

‘You’re going to miss her as much as I will.’

‘Ya-YAH NO aish, dancing Kyungsoo, dancing.’ Jongin reiterated spluttering his words out.

‘Wait.’

‘So you will miss her?’ Jongin asked, Kyungsoo could feel his best friend’s eyebrows wriggle all the way on the other bed.

‘Yeah…we cook together.’ Kyungsoo added shrugging his shoulders. But his heart began to pound louder and louder in his chest.

‘You know…if you want to say anything to her, you should say something before she goes.’ Jongin stated as-a-matter-of-factly.

‘Right back at you.’

‘Wh-No, dancing Kyungsoo – DANCING.’ Jongin reiterated spluttering once more.

‘Goodnight.’ Kyungsoo ordered more than said, turning around onto his side and firmly closing his eyes.

‘I keep telling you; friends Kyungsoo. Just friends.’ Jongin mumbled frustratedly.

Yep, keep telling yourself that.  

===============

Already the atmosphere had changed in the morning. Everyone seemed a lot more calmed down as you waved good morning to them around the dorms.

‘Morninggggg~’ Two arms wrapped around you from behind.

Before you could protest, Baekhyun nipped your ear playfully before rubbing his head against yours.

‘Baekhyun-ah!’ You exclaimed leaning forward, feeling your face immediately flush. Everyone was so used to Baekhyun’s antics, it was pretty routine now to just let him be.

Except Kyungsoo, never Kyungsoo.

‘Get off.’ Kyungsoo appeared out of nowhere, whacking Baekhyun’s head with a spatula to release you.

Baekhyun let go victoriously.

‘What’s gotten over you?’ you asked feeling relieved Baekhyun was feeling better.

‘Well the way I see it, we can either mope around at the fact that you’ll be leaving us TEMPORARILY. Or, we can enjoy the wonderful few days we have together….and I can savour you for the last time.’ Baekhyun stated, leaning in closer towards you.

‘Why did that sound so ual?’ Chanyeol whispered into Sehun’s ear. Sehun shrugged not understanding the question.

‘I’d think you were super creepy if I wasn’t so happy that you’re ok again Byunnie.’ You smiled at him happily. Baekhyun looked back at you aloofly before breaking out into a glorious puppy-dog grin, stretching his arms to try and look cool.

Meanwhile Kyungsoo stood firmly beside you with an apron on, wiping your ear with a napkin as if to get all the Baekhyun germs off of you as fast as he could.

‘Welllll I guess I’m still a little sad about it all, I really could do with a nice warm-‘

‘-Let’s cook.’ Kyungsoo dragged you to the kitchen before you could respond.

‘You’re just jealous because _____-ah likes me more.’

Kyungsoo ignored the statement, moving over to the counter.

‘Why don’t you argue back?’ You asked intrigued, giggling at Baekhyun gloating over by Chanyeol on the sofa.

‘I don’t need to reply because it’s not true.’ Kyungsoo stated firmly while he chopped some onions.

Two arms slid over his shoulders.

You leaned in, curling over him into a warm embrace;

‘Mmmhhmmm.’ you muttered feeling so content.

Kyungsoo froze for a few seconds before continuing to chop again and ignoring you.

=========

‘Yah Chanyeol, are you getting muscles??’ You asked with wide eyes, staring at the boy who just stretched his arm over to grab some kimchi with his chopsticks. His toned arms seemed a little larger than the last time you’d accidentally checked.

Jongin stared at you with a raised eyebrow before looking at Chanyeol and judging.

‘Oh, me?’ Chanyeol grinned sheepishly.

‘Your arms look amazing Chanyeol-ah.’ You stated sounding amazed. Baekhyun rolled his eyes, quietly trying to flex his arms, as if they could compete.

‘I’ll grow them even more for you, just wait.’ Chanyeol tapped his arms, flexing and unflexing them for effect. Baekhyun got off his chair and walked off.

 ‘Yah, let’s go have bubble tea.’ Sehun ordered standing beside you.

‘Aish I’m busy Sehun-ah.’ You retaliated sipping your soup.

‘I can’t go on my own I’ll be bombarded.’ Sehun tried to sound pathetic and sad so as to win you over.

‘Then take one of the others, Junmyeon’s got muscles! He can protect you if you’re so-‘

‘-Sehun just ask Krystal out instead.’ Baekhyun called over the landing, shrugging his shoulders with an innocent smirk on his face.

‘Wait Sehun, I’m getting my jacket.’ You moved quickly in your sudden haste, rushing to the door. Sehun nodded successfully at Baekhyun who nodded back with a salute for added effect. At least it would get you away from Chanyeol.

===================

The streets were pretty empty while you both walked, side by side.

‘Sehun there aren’t even any girls here, how did you think you were going to get bombarded-‘

‘-You don’t know that, how about if there are a whole group waiting to pounce on me?’ Sehun cut in with a puppy-dog look on his face, pouting dramatically.

‘Aish fine, I’m here I’m here.’ You sighed, rolling your eyes. Why did you always let the maknaes of the group have their way?

A thought slid into your head which you immediately voiced;

‘Now I know how sad Luhan felt when it was his last time going for bubble tea.’ You sighed with a melancholy tone in your voice.

Sehun entwined his fingers around yours, keeping close while he spoke;

‘You’ll be back.’ He stated firmly.

You shrugged your shoulders smiling softly but dejectedly. You looked down and tried to pull your hand away from his.

‘Sehun-ah I’ve told you we can’t be doing this.’

‘Doing what?’ He asked confused.

‘This.’ You lifted your entwined hands and then quickly dropped them before anyone noticed.

‘If people see…’

I’m not in the mood to get slapped again.’ You joked about it, but Sehun hated being reminded of the scene.

‘You won’t be here to get slapped. So it’s fine. No one will see.’ Sehun kept his hands tightly secured around yours, flinging his arm over your shoulders for added effect. You couldn’t help but elbow him in the ribs.

‘Yah, you rascal.’ You couldn’t help but fight back the grin that emerged from your lips.

‘What’s the point in coming with you if I can’t even hold your hand?’ Sehun whined. You couldn’t help but feel a sudden wave of nostalgia. You knew you would miss this so badly. Your frequent walks with Sehun to the shop where your whole friendship started would always have a wonderful place in your heart. Sehun constantly wanting to hold your hand made you feel special, it was nice to have the boy’s undivided attention once in a while. Being able to connect with someone who was technically your age was wonderful…but you’d never let Sehun know.

Man you were selfish.

You sat at your usual spot, waiting for Sehun to order the drinks.

The moment he sat down, Sehun felt incredibly weary of two guys that were sat on the table next to you. They spoke quietly while looking at you.

Boys know other boys

And Sehun could easily read what they were thinking.

‘Man that’s good.’ You stated sipping your drink. Sehun looked back at you, trying to dissolve the annoyance he felt.

‘Don’t choke on it.’

‘Aish we’ve been here a hundred times and you still make the same joke!’ You tutted, sipping more of your drink.