Luhan shuffled nervously on his feet, eyeing the room anxiously. Baekhyun was seated beside Chanyeol as he muttered something harshly to Jongin, who was practically sprawled across the couch. Kyungsoo was sitting on the ground and leaning against Chanyeol’s legs as he tended to both Chanyeol and Jongin’s wounds.

Jongdae and Minseok were sitting on the floor at the opposite side of the living room, sharp eyes following everyone in silence. Luhan felt Minseok’s eyes linger on him and fidgeted even more.

“For God’s sake, Luhan, sit down so we can patch you up.”

Luhan’s head snapped up to Baekhyun, who was staring up at him in half worry and half frustration.

“Huh?”

“We’ve been trying to get your attention for a while now,” Chanyeol spoke in a much gentler voice. “Are you alright?”

“Besides from all his physical injuries, you mean? He’s just peachy,” Jongin rolled his eyes, earning a glare from both Baekhyun and Kyungsoo. Jongin met Kyungsoo’s eyes and gulped, looking away with a red blush.

“I’m not that hurt. Just a few scratches. They honestly didn’t even do anything to me,” Luhan argued.

Baekhyun sighed, crossing his arms as he dipped lower into the couch. “Where the is Sehun anyway?”

All heads in the room simultaneously turned to Luhan, taking in the way the boy stiffened and turned pale.

Luhan felt his eyes water, but quickly averted his gaze to the ground.

“I don’t know,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. He kept his eyes on the ground, and didn’t notice the way Baekhyun stood up and walked over to him until he laid a hand on his shoulder.

“Did something happen between you two?”

Luhan’s throat dried and the words got stuck. He couldn’t cry, not now.

“No,” he replied, trying to sound confident in his answer. From the looks on his friends’ faces, he knew he had failed. “Nothing happened,” he reassured with a firm voice, only to see Baekhyun’s face fall even more.

“Oh, Luhan,” Baekhyun said quietly, slowly extending his arms out to pull Luhan into a hug. “You didn’t tell him you liked him, did you?”

Luhan stifled a sob, trying to keep himself from making any noise, but he couldn't stop the tears from falling and landing on Baekhyun’s shirt.

“He just stared at me,” Luhan sobbed, clinging desperately onto Baekhyun’s shirt. “He looked so shocked and I swear, for a split second, I even saw pity and disgust and I couldn’t just stand there and wait until he gave me a goddamn response-”

“Shh, sweetie,” Baekhyun whispered, patting him slowly, “don’t do that. He was just surprised. He needed a time to process the information.”

Luhan let out another cry as he buried his head in Baekhyun’s shirt. “ this. Why did I have to crush on a straight guy?”

“Don’t give up now,” Jongin suddenly spoke up as he walked over, wrapping his arm around the crying boy’s shoulders. “Wait for his answer. Sehun’s a decent kid. He isn’t going to push you away, Luhan.”

“He said I was his best friend. Why couldn’t I just keep my mouth shut and be satisfied with that?” Luhan fell to the ground, wiping his cheeks furiously. Baekhyun and Jongin shared worried glances, and sent Minseok, who walked over with Jongdae, a pleading look.

“You didn’t even hear his response yet. Don’t jump to conclusions and hurt yourself,” Minseok urged, but the words passed through Luhan, who continued sobbing into his hands.

There was a loud bang, and the group turned around to see Sehun standing by the front door. His eyes were focused on Luhan, and after a few moments of still silence, Sehun spun around and ran back outside.

“Sehun!” Baekhyun called out, but the door was already firmly shut. Jongin looked back to Luhan anxiously to see him staring at the spot Sehun had been at in horror.

“He was just surprised,” Jongin said quickly, but Luhan looked like he was no longer registering what was being said. Baekhyun cursed out loud, shaking his head as he mumbled inaudible things.

Suddenly, there was another bang, and the boys looked up to see Chanyeol staring back with wide eyes.

“Kyungsoo just left,” he said, clearly surprised himself. “He said he was going to find Sehun and talk to him.”

Jongin’s expression darkened. “Great. So now two people are gone.”

“He’s going to bring Sehun back,” Baekhyun said with a firm nod. “If anyone can, it’s going to be Kyungsoo.”

“Why,” both Jongin and Luhan exclaimed, one in anger and the other in half sobs.

“Minseok, go take Luhan into his room. Jongin, you sit over there and stay happy that Kyungsoo even talks to you. Jongdae, leave your boyfriend alone for once, and Chanyeol-”

“Kiss me now,” Jongdae whispered, earning a vicious glare from Baekhyun.

“Make sure to call Kyungsoo in half an hour to check where he is,” Baekhyun hissed at Jongdae. “We have a lot of talking to do when Sehun comes back.”

Kyungsoo groaned, trying to keep up with Sehun’s pace. The boy was surprisingly fast, and for him, who had sworn off all sports the moment he could, was struggling to simply keep his feet in motion.

“Oh Sehun!”

It wasn’t clear whether Sehun could hear him or not, but the boy continued to storm away. Kyungsoo was finally able to slow down when Sehun spun around to enter a small, empty cafe. With a relieved sigh, he pushed the door open and followed Sehun to the corner couch. He slumped down on the seat across from him, and watched as Sehun’s eyes followed his every move.

“What do you want,” Sehun said with a monotonous voice, showing no emotion whatsoever. Kyungsoo met his eyes with equal calmness. If he had mastered one thing over the past years, it was his ability to hide his emotions when the time called for it.

“Luhan confessed to you.”

Alright, so he was going to use the blunt method. It didn’t seem to faze Sehun whatsoever, as the boy simply stared back, not even blinking once.

“I don’t want to talk about it,” Sehun snapped. “Not now. I can’t.”

“If you can’t now, you never will,” Kyungsoo replied, trying to keep his voice still. “Sehun. You can’t run away as soon as someone shows a bit of genuine feelings for you. You heard what he said, you saw that he was crying, and you ran. That’s you being a .”

“That’s the only thing I could do. I was scared, Luhan was ing crying. What was I supposed to do?”

“You’re supposed to have a civilized conversation with him. You’re supposed to give him back his dignity!” Kyungsoo’s voice finally rose, his eyes twitching. Damn it, he felt so hypocritical. He was suddenly overwhelmed with the determination to make Sehun understand. Kyungsoo wouldn’t let the other boy make the same mistake as he had because he was much too scared.

“Oh, that’s rich. You’re the one who couldn’t with Jongin because-”

“For God’s sake, Sehun. You and Luhan are the exact same - bringing Jongin into every conversation you have with me. Don’t bring him into this, because I know it’s hypocritical of me, alright? I know what I did wrong, and I’m trying to stop you from doing the same thing.”

Sehun took a deep breath. “Luhan’s my best friend-”

“No, he isn’t,” Kyungsoo snapped. “We are. The rest of us are, but Luhan isn’t your friend. You wouldn’t know the goddamn difference because you don’t know what liking someone is like. You don’t know the ing difference.”

“I’m not a complete idiot-” Sehun roared, face flushing red.

“Actually, you are. And this is not a matter of whether you’re straight or not, because what gender we’re supposed to love. It’s a matter of you drawing boundaries around yourself, closing yourself off so you won’t even have to try dealing with everyone else’s bull. And when Luhan knocked down one boundary, you were scared. You tried to run, but he convinced you to stay. Now that he’s trying to knock down another one, you’re freaking out. You won’t face your own emotions because you’re terrified of them, and you know who that reminds me of? Me. I see myself in you and it pisses me the off because I would never wish what I had to go through on anyone else. Especially not on you, Sehun.”

“And since you’re too scared, let me tell you. Loving someone , because they have the power to make you feel miserable or ecstatic on the tip of their fingertips. The only thing you ever think about is them, and you feel so damn insecure all the time, and sometimes, the littlest thing pisses you off. You think about them all the time, even if that sickens you. Seeing them smile makes you happier than it should, and even if you keep all those emotions bottled up, trying to ignore them, it won’t disappear. Sehun, you stick to Luhan 24/7 not because he simply clings onto you. You don’t go look for him all the time and look anxious until he finally shows up just because he’s your ‘best friend.’ You also definitely don’t desperately try to cover up what your feelings are with the fact that your supposedly straight.”

Sehun’s lips quivered - the first sign of emotion. Kyungsoo couldn’t help but feel relieved at the sight.

“I honestly don’t know what I feel,” he said quietly. “All I know is that I’m a ty friend. If Luhan likes me, then I’m honoured. Really, he’s a great guy. But I-it hasn’t been long since I was able to comfortably call all of you guys my friends. I....I can’t.”

“It’s not like Luhan doesn’t understand. He’s been willing to wait for months now. Sehun, when we go back, there’s only a little over a semester left before Luhan leaves for college. Do you really want to waste that time deciding whether or not you want to take the risk? A risk you know Luhan is wanting to help you through?”

“Damn it, Kyungsoo, I don’t even know if I like him yet!” Sehun yelled in frustration, gripping his hair.

Kyungsoo’s frown deepened, and he leaned forward to rest a hand on Sehun’s shoulder.

“If you really don’t know, then me telling you this won’t help. Just because the rest of us can see how much you like him doesn’t necessarily mean you feel that way. I just want you to be happy, Sehun, alright? If Luhan makes you happy, then you choose him. Does he make you happy?”

Kyungsoo watched as the color slowly drained out of Sehun’s face.

“Sehun,” Kyungsoo repeated once more, voice firm. “Does Luhan make you happy?”

“I-,” Sehun’s eyes refused to meet Kyungsoo’s, instead opting to remain fixed on the ground.

“Sehun.”

Sehun then reluctantly lifted his head, meeting Kyungsoo’s eyes. Kyungsoo did a double take at the fear and hesitation in the boy’s eyes. It was something so un-Sehun like, it was almost unbelievable.

“He does,” Sehun replied softly, “Luhan makes me happy. He makes me happier than anyone else. He’s so goddamn bright and happy-go-lucky all the time that I find myself smiling along when I realize, , he’s contagious. He actually makes me want to talk and go out when he asks, and I find myself looking forward to lunch because he’s so ing cute when he gobbles down his food and he’s insufferably messy but cleans up when I ask, and I find that strangely touching because it’s got to be annoying on his part. I like the fact that he’s the first one I get to see in the morning, and he has this adorable bed hair that sticks out in all directions and I really should be horrified at it because it’s disgusting, but I-”

Sehun’s eyes suddenly widened dramatically.

“,” he muttered. “I’m gay.”

Kyungsoo watched as Sehun’s face contorted in horror and as he bent over, tugging at his hair forcefully.

“No, no, no, no, no,” Sehun said desperately, “I’m gay. I’m ing gay. , no, no,no-”

“Oh my god,” Kyungsoo murmured as he reached down to bring out his phone. With much thought, he stopped at a number and pressed send text.

To: Byun Baekhyun

Message: Sehun just realized he’s gay and is having a mental breakdown right now. Some help?

The reply was instantaneous.

From: Byun Baekhyun

Message: Ah, poor baby. I’ll go over with an oxygen bag and a shot of tequila. Text me directions.

Kyungsoo quickly texted back and slipped back his phone, lifting his head to see Sehun still mumbling to himself.

“Sehun, it really isn’t a great discovery. You and Luhan were the only ones in denial.”

Sehun’s head snapped up, and his red eyes pleaded. “I’m gay.”

“Yes, I’m aware of that. I’m gay as well,” Kyungsoo said calmly.

“I suddenly like men,” Sehun said, “as in, I’m ually attracted to Luhan, even though he has a and all that exactly like I do.”

“That’s the definition of being gay, yes,” Kyungsoo reached forward, patting Sehun once more. “I know this needs some time getting used to, but it really isn’t all the bad. Of course, you shouldn’t really listen to me because I probably have the record for most ed up relationship, but I’m sure you and Luhan would be much happier.”

“When did I become gay?!”

Kyungsoo let out a sigh. “Let’s advertise it to the whole world, shall we?”

“I’m pretty sure I liked girls-”

“You said you never even had a girlfriend before,” Kyungsoo deadpanned.

“Yeah, because all the girls at my previous schools were annoying as !”

“That surely helps validate your claim of being straight. Please do go on.”

There was a snort behind, and Kyungsoo turned slowly to see Baekhyun slumping down in the seat beside his.

“Wow, Kyungsoo, I didn’t know you were such a sarcastic person,” Baekhyun said dryly.

“Only when it’s necessary,” Kyungsoo replied, cocking his head in Sehun’s direction. “Take care of him, will you?”

“How am I going to do that?” Baekhyun said, cocking his eyebrow. “I never dealt with a situation like this before.”

“Just calm him down,” Kyungsoo sighed. “The boy couldn’t even acknowledge the fact that he had feelings for someone.”

Baekhyun turned his head slightly to see Sehun still staring down at the floor, hair now messy from all the tugging and pulling. He leaned forward and placed a hand on the table, staring down at Sehun’s slumped over back.

“I know it’s going to be hard. Being gay isn’t exactly celebrated here in Korea. But Sehun, if you take a moment to look beyond that, you’re going to realize that it doesn’t matter whether Luhan is a guy or a girl. He’s a kind-hearted person who likes you and is willing to help you change in a positive light. It’s going to be scary for you, I know. But you can’t hide in your shell forever. It’s time to be honest with yourself.”

Sehun looked up with much hesitant, eyes jumping between Baekhyun and Kyungsoo.

“I’ve spent all my life trying to avoid people,” Sehun stammered.

“Give Luhan a chance,” Baekhyun pleaded, reaching out to hold Sehun’s hand and squeezing it gently. “Give yourself a chance.”

Kyungsoo held his breath, waiting silently for Sehun’s answer. He felt like he could finally understand how frustrated others would’ve been at his stubborness. It made him want to crawl under a hole. Nine years completely gone to waste - he couldn’t help but blush at the sheer embarassment.

“Do you think I could make this....this relationship work?” Sehun asked. Baekhyun gave him a weary smile, one that looked somewhat sad.

“That’s what Jongin said the moment I declared we were going to be best friends,” he let out a soft chuckle. “He was adamant that he wouldn’t be able to hold up a proper friendship because of all the ty ones he had in the past. I told him to put away all the bull, because it’s the people who make up the relationship. Sehun, you aren’t going to be in a relationship by yourself. You’ve got to give Luhan some credit.”

Kyungsoo and Baekhyun watched as Sehun’s eyes suddenly softened. Kyungsoo couldn’t help but smile at the sight, and watched as Baekhyun did the same.

“I suppose I should talk to him.”

Baekhyun let out a small shout and fell back into the couch, throwing his hand up into the air.

“ yes! Finally!”

Kyungsoo burst out into a full-blown laughter.

“Happy thoughts, Luhan!” Minseok exclaimed. His smile was beginning to hurt now, but it looked like Luhan wasn’t buying any of it. His expression soured even more, eyes drooping down.

“He’s going to hate me now,” Luhan muttered. “I told a straight guy I liked him! That’s it; I just lost him.”

“Sehun’s not going to hate you,” Minseok rolled his eyes. “He’s a good kid.”

“He won’t be able to look at me now because he knows I like him!” Luhan cried. “How is that not going to destroy our friendship?”

“Luhan, please. At the worst, he’s going to say he needs some time. He’s not going to just push you away forever. He’s just confused. He won’t hate you for your feelings.”

“You don’t know that! You knew from the start Jongdae liked you back. You never had to go through what I’m going through right now-”

“Dear god, Lu-”

There were shouts from the living room, and Minseok perked up, eyes jumping to the closed bedroom door. Luhan shrunk back, practically sticking to the wall.

“I think they’re back,” Minseok said. Luhan groaned, burying his head in his arms.

“I can’t face him.”

“If he’s ready to talk to you, you better hear him out. Or else,” Minseok threatened, glaring down at Luhan.

“You’re supposed to be on my side!”

“I’m on the side that’ll make you happy, and if Sehun will do that, that means I’m on his,” Minseok shot back, standing up.

“You’re a y best friend.”

“Sure,” Minseok rolled his eyes. “Just....be patient, alright? Sehun’s a kid when it comes to emotions. You aren’t.”

Luhan didn’t reply. He didn’t even turn as Minseok closed the door behind him, leaving him alone. He listened quietly to the commotion outside - Baekhyun’s high-pitched tone, Jongin’s sarcastic drawl, and Minseok’s scolding. He didn’t hear Sehun at all, and somehow that made him even more anxious. With a sigh, he leaned back against the wall and closed his eyes.

Suddenly, the bed dipped down, and he opened his eyes in surprise to see Sehun sitting in front of him, eyes boring into his.

“Hey Luhan,” Sehun said, voice hoarse.

Luhan took in the hesitant look on Sehun’s face - a look Luhan was unfamiliar with. He felt his breath hitch in his throat and had to wait in order to gather his words.

“Sehu-”

“I’m sorry I ran away,” Sehun blurted, “I didn’t mean to. You were crying, I was scared, and the next moment I was already out the door. Luhan, I don’t hate you. You have to know that.”

Luhan stared back, trying to fight back the tears. He bit down on his bottom lip, keeping it from shaking.

“Yeah,” he replied, voice barely above a whisper. “Yeah, okay.”

Sehun let out a sigh, dropping his head.

“I’m gay,” Sehun said. “Apparently, liking a guy makes me gay. So I’m gay.”

Luhan’s eyes widened, and he quickly looked up to face Sehun in surprise.

“You like a guy?” Luhan asked.

“Yeah, and my best friend at that,” Sehun nervously met Luhan’s eyes. “I was an idiot and didn’t realize until now, but that’s what I feel.”

“But.....you said you were straight,” Luhan said lamely. Sehun groaned and covered his face with his hand.

“Goddammit, Luhan, I like you. I’ve been trying to deny it, but now I can’t because you like me back and I want to stop having walls around me anymore. So I’m sorry for making you think even for a second that I might hate you or be disgusted by you because that’s not the case. At all. And I might be a crappy boyfriend and be insensitive at times because I at any kind of relationships, but if you still want me, I’d like to give us a try. Because now I know I want you.”

Luhan let out a shaky breath, taking in Sehun’s words slowly. So many emotions flooded him in a matter of seconds, but he chose to push all of them except one. With a teary smile, he wiped his cheeks.

“Of course I want you, stupid,” he said with a loud sniff. Sehun dropped his hand and met Luhan’s eyes, and the two broke out into smiles.

On the other side of the door, Baekhyun was struggling to remain standing in the midst of his pushing and arguing friends.

“Back the off, Jongdae,” he hissed, nudging the boy in the ribs to regain his space back. There was a large whoosh and in came Minseok, knocking the lot away.

“Ow, what the heck?”

“Will you guys shut up?” Jongin hissed. “I can’t hear a thing.”

“You’re the one who’s making the noise,” Jongdae snapped back.

Chanyeol, who towered over the rest, had his ear against the crack and avoided the mess with ease.

“Don’t ing push, Baekhyun,” Minseok yelped. Baekhyun glared back, struggling to keep his place.

“It was my idea in the first place.”

“No it wasn’t! It was mine.” Jongin argued.

“Now, don’t you start, Kim Jongin!”

“Who stepped on my toe? Who was it?!”

“Chanyeol, that was my head!”

“BYUN BAEKHYUN!”

“SHUT UP, IDIOTS!”

Kyungsoo shook his head with a sigh, watching the scene from the living room. There was a sudden wave of silence, and then Baekhyun’s face lit up and his mouth curled up into a wicked smile.

“Yes!” Baekhyun exclaimed as Jongin and Chanyeol dragged him away. Jongdae and Minseok slumped over with depressed looks as they reluctantly reached for their wallets.

“Pay up, es! I won the bet!”

“Sehun just couldn’t wait a couple more months before admitting to be gay to Luhan,” Jongdae grumbled, earning a glare from the rest of the boys.

“Are you trying to kill Luhan?” Minseok spat as he threw the bills to Baekhyun. “There, dickhead. Hope it makes you happy.”

“I could kiss Sehun!” Baekhyun said in glee as he stared at the money in his hands. Chanyeol’s expression immediately darkened, and Jongin chuckled as he cocked his head in the bedroom’s direction.

“You could try, but Luhan would probably kill you for it.”

Jongin’s comment seemed to have triggered something in the group of friends, and everyone quieted down, bearing equally wide grins.

“Finally, huh?” Minseok said. Kyungsoo spared a glance at Jongin and murmured a reply.

“Finally.”