_{Luhan, Chen, and Xiumin had seen the exchange in front of the convenience store by happenstance. They knew, as did the rest of their small yet large circle of friend, how Kyungsoo felt for Jongin. And because they knew that they knew exactly how much that small exchange had hurt the boy and wasted no time in catching up to him when Jongin left.}

_{“Need an home?” Chen joked halfheartedly as they caught up to him wanting to try and get a smile out of his friend but knowing it probably wouldn’t work.}

_{As expected it didn’t but Kyungsoo did respond with a tiny almost tearful yes. Chen, Luhan, and Xiumin wasted no time in forming a human barricade around him as they really did him home. A charismatic Luhan gave the groceries to his mother while the other two whisked a on the very of tears Kyungsoo up to his room.}

_{They knew he wouldn’t want his family to see him like this and ask questions.}

_{Kyungsoo never did cry but that didn’t stop Xiumin and Luhan from wrapping their arms around his shoudlers as Chen made his bed comfortable enough for four people to sit on.}

_{No one talked, and no one cried, but they were there for Kyungsoo as he breathed in and out raggedly waiting for the emotions to pass.}