Memories...Daydream...In My Dream...

It has been a year since Yixing and Lu Han moved to Gangnam. It has been a year and eight months since Jongdae left Yixing. Yixing and Lu Han are doing well in their respective work, especially with the Kim Empire's top three models: Kai, Chanyeol, and Kris. The trio has been popular with the public, especially with young people who follows fashion. Kim Empires stocks increase dramatically as well when Kim Joonmyun, Suho dub by loyal Kim Empire customers and employees, became the new CEO approximately a year ago. Kim Empire is now a household name like Super Junior.

SM’s new four-member boy band, EXO, is also following the footsteps of their SM sunbaes, becoming one of the most successful rookies this year, gaining four New Rookie awards. EXO is currently in hiatus, and unfortunately for the boy band's fans and supporters EXO's comeback is nowhere in sight.

Director Zhang walks out of his office, walking towards the board meeting in the 12th floor. His secretary Jung Daehyun is walking beside him, talking about what they will have for lunch. The Director replies that they should order sushi and bubble tea because Joonmyun and Lu Han will surely not complain at the menu he suggested. Daehyun nods, merrily smiling because if Director Zhang is going to have lunch with Team Leader Lu and CEO Kim, then it means that Daehyun will be eating with Youngjae, the new guy in Sales.

Daehyun opens the conference room and Director Zhang walks in. The Director greets CEO Kim and the other officials before sitting down on his seat. Daehyun walks to the other secretaries, bowing a greeting. The secretaries sit on their seats against the wall in the right side or the conference room while the high officials start the meeting at exactly 10 AM.

The meeting goes as plan. Design Director Kwon (GD) starts talking as he presenting his Department’s new Kim Empire Winter Collection. The Slides shows of Jackets, Sweaters, Beanies, Scarves, Gloves, Pants, Boots, and accessories. Sketches and made creations of different colors of winter incorporated with classic and modern design, some warm colors shyly and boldly added to the collection to make the creations less cold and boring. The collection is somewhat warm and cold at the same time.

“I know we have models but can we have EXO to be our models as well?” Design Director Kwon asks. Director Zhang tenses in shock at the mention of the idol group before looking at GD, face unreadable.

“Why them?” CEO Kim asks, honestly curious of why GD would chose short people (except Sehun) to be models. It is not that CEO Kim has something against short people because CEO Kim Joonmyun is not really the tallest person out there as well.

“They are really popular right now plus we need models who aren’t so giant, you know” GD answers honestly and CEO Kim nods, understanding his reasons.

“What do you think Director Zhang.” CEO Kim asks the Promotions Director.

“It’s a great idea.” Director Zhang answers with a face stern. “My department will have fun with these.”

The Director smiles at GD, who excitedly agrees and smugly claps at his idea.   

 “Kai, Chanyeol, and Kris will be with the four members of EXO in the next month’s issue then?” The Director of the Kim Empire monthly fashion magazine (Black Pearl), Kim Kibum (Key), asks.

“Sales and Promotions will take care of recruiting EXO and Director Zhang will take care of the contract needed as usual.” CEO Kim announces, and everyone nods in understanding and agreement.

The Director of Finance, Director Cho Kyuhyun, reports the month’s financial status. The other Departments report their month’s works and etc. Soon the meeting ended and Director Zhang is now in the CEO’s office with the CEO himself and Team Leader Lu for a late lunch.

“So EXO…” Lu Han starts after he made himself comfortable on the black leather couch.   

“Isn’t a good idea?” Joonmyun eats his sushi, oblivious of the fact that both Lu Han and Yixing do not like the idea of working with EXO.

“It is.” Yixing answers, his voice slightly wavering but Joonmyun seems to not notice, but Lu Han does.

“I’m actually a fan of them.” Joonmyun tells his two best friends, who have been a great help and friend of his for the past year.

“Really?” Lu Han asks, trying to act as if he and Yixing are unaffected of the news.

“Yes.” Joonmyun answers with a smile. “Did you finish the contract already?” Joonmyun looks at Yixing, who is eating his sushi quietly.

Yixing nods and hands him a green folder. Joonmyun takes it and reads it, nodding in agreement at the written agreement Yixing wrote personally for EXO.

“Good.” Joonmyun compliments when he finished eating. “I think it is a good idea that this contract will be valid for two years. We can renew it if we want, and they can too if they want. The duration is not too long and not too short either. I like it.”

“Two years?” Lu Han asks, surprise at what Yixing wrote. Lu Han thought Yixing would want to contract to last only for a season, just for this winter collection, not for two years. Shouldn’t Yixing dislike the idea of EXO being too close to home? So what is Yixing planning exactly?

“Yes.” Yixing answers before drinking his green tea flavored bubble tea.

“Why?” Lu Han asks, and Joonmyun does not get it. Why would Lu Han be this interested in contracts, Lu Han usually blocked out any business related subject; his creative mind cannot take it, Lu Han’s own words.

“They’re popular with both females and males. They are like Super Junior. Kim Empire will benefit at their participation of our winter collection or maybe even the other season’s collections before their contract ends in two years. I want us to take advantage of their popularity now because we never know what might happen next. Strike while the iron is hot.” Yixing answers casually like the executive that he is, his voice void of sadness or any emotions that Lu Han was expecting. Right now, He is not Yixing, his best friend who was abandoned by the person he loved. He is Director Zhang, the stoic and collected executive.

“Yes, Strike while the iron is hot.” Joonmyun agrees but not before taking note of Lu Han’s suspicious yet sad eyes and his unusual interest of boring business (Lu Han’s words) talk.

The talk about EXO and the contract ends. The three of them talked about other things like going to the beach house Joonmyun’s family owns for Christmas. Of course, if they are talking about a vacation, then automatically Joonmyun’s little brother Jongin (Kai) and his two friends (Chanyeol and Kris) would also be there. The six of them are friends and Yixing and Lu Han are grateful of them.

The six of them are always having fun and Yixing like how he temporarily forgets Jongdae whenever he is with his friends. The three models are flirts but never really playboys because they have to take care of their images. They are celebrates, so taking care of their image is a job too. Yixing likes how they are like that. 

Director Zhang personally meets SM Town’s CEO Kim Youngmin with the proposal contract. Directory Zhang and Secretary Jung enter the SM Town building. The receptionist greets them, and the CEO’s secretary guides them to CEO Kim’s office.

The secretary knocks and opens the door of the CEO’s office, gesturing for the two men to enter. Director Zhang and Secretary Jung enter, and the secretary closes the door behind her. CEO Kim and the two men shake hands and exchange formalities before the three of them sit on the cream couches.

As Director Zhang and CEO Kim discuss the contract, the CEO’s secretary sets three teacups in front of the three men, pouring steaming teas at each beautiful teacup. The discussion stops and the three men take their first sip of the warm liquid, the drink refreshing their body and mind. After more discussion CEO Kim signs the contract and so does Director Zhang (CEO Kim Joonmyun already signed the contract before this meeting).

“Have you seen EXO live Director Zhang?” CEO Kim asks when he finishes signing the contract.

“Yes, I have once.” Director Zhang answers, comfortable and friendly.

“Really? When? Which song?” CEO Kim asks, excited that an executive such as Director Zhang have seen his rookie artists.

“It was last year’s Golden Disk award in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.” Director Zhang answers, pleased to see that he made the old man (Kim Empire’s new business partner) happy. “I was in the city with some of my friends and we decided to come and watch the award show.”

“Most of my artists were there, which performance did you like the most?” CEO Kim asks, eyes shining that it is almost blinding.

“I know we just recruited EXO but I like Super Junior’s performance the most. But EXO's and the other Kpop artists' performances were definitely enjoyable as well.” Director Zhang smiles at the CEO and the CEO nearly fainted at the cute dimple on the Director’s cheek. The CEO was definitely caught off guard.

“Yes, Super Junior is quiet amazing.” CEO Kim smiles back.

“Well, now that the contracts (Kim Empire and SM Town copies) are signed, I and my secretary will be going. We are quite busy and I am sure you are as well.” Director Zhang says as he gets up and Secretary Jung follows his movement.

“Yes, sadly an old man like me is quiet a busy body.” CEO Kim shakes hands with the two men and the three of them bid farewell and until next time.

Director Kim and Secretary Jung enter the elevator after telling the CEO’s secretary that they can show themselves out.

“Too bad we didn’t see any of the SNSD members.” Daehyun says and Yixing laughs.

The elevator opens and Daehyun bows at the two men who stand in front of the open door. One man, the shorter one, enters the elevator but the slightly taller one remains standing and staring with wide eyes at the currently frozen Yixing.

“Baekhyun get in.” The smaller male in the elevator commands and wide-eyed man, Baekhyun, enters the elevator.

“Baekhyun? From EXO?” Daehyun asks the man, who nods in response.

“Nice to meet you.” Daehyun says and Baekhyun mutters the same words with a shake of hands.

The other man with Baekhyun answers his phone when it started ringing.

“Hello.” The man greets the caller. “Yes Zitao are in the elevator. Did you find Jongdae?”

Yixing’s head turns to look at the man in the phone and then to Baekhyun who looks back at him. Yixing looks back to the elevator door, dismissing the words about Jongdae and trying to ignore the fear and concern currently creeping over his heart.

“Good. I found Baekhyun too.” The man says and the elevator opens in SM Town’s lobby. Baekhyun and the man who is still in the phone exit first. Director Zhang and Daehyun follow them out.

“I can't believe both of them are the oldest.” The man says, Baekhyun turns around and bows to Director Zhang and happy Daehyun.

Baekhyun and the man exit the building fans outside starts screaming, and Daehyun stops Director Zhang from walking into the chaos that is the fans. The Director looks at the Daehyun in confusion.

“I think we should wait until the fans become more stable.” Daehyun laughs and the Director nods in understanding.

The two of them watch as the man in the phone who hanged up is now pleading Baekhyun is the black man tinted van. The van is opened by a tall man to let Baekhyun enters. The tall man closes the door and moves to the front passenger seat. The man with Baekhyun walks to the driver seat. The van then drives away and fans calmed down.

“Let’s go.” Director Zhang says as he makes his way to his parked car. Daehyun follows him.

A Month Later...

We used to love during the many days we were together

We used to hurt together─making each other's pain our own

Where are you? Can't you hear my voice?

My pained heart is looking for you

Is calling out to you─crazily

My heart, my tears, my memories of you

Drop by drop, they are falling against my chest

Though I cry and I cry, the memories won't erase

And again today, I drench my empty heart

We used to like each other─you laughed at my smile

We used to cry together─you were pained by my tears

Please come back to me─I call out your name every night

And in my exhausted waiting, I wander around and look for you

My heart, my tears, my memories of you

Drop by drop, they are falling against my chest

Though I cry and I cry, the memories won't erase

And again today, I drench my empty heart

Yixing is in his apartment's kitchen making dinner for the little gathering him and Jongdae are having in their apartment. The rice is cooked, the side dishes are already set on the dining table, the four plates are already set with their chopsticks and spoon, and he just finished the main dish. Yixing places his Spicy Chicken Cubes (Mala Ziji) on the center of the table, and just in time for the guests to arrive.

Yixing hears Baekhyun talking about something funny because Lu Han is laughing loudly at whatever it is, but then again everything is funny to Lu Han. However, almost everything Baekhyun says is funny. Yixing does not really know, but it is probably both. Whatever Baekhyun is saying is funny and Lu Han is laughing like a mad man as they walk in Yixing's and Jongdae's apartment.

Yixing walks to the living room to welcome them, but before he can utter a word of greeting, Jongdae jumps him. Jongdae wrap his arms around Yixing's neck while his legs warp themselves around Yixing waist. Yixing tightly hugs his boyfriend instantly, one hand supporting his bottom. 

"Hello to you too." Yixing smiles into his affectionate greeting.

"Hi!" Jongdae grins up to Yixing and a cute peck follows right after. 

"Argh!" Baekhyun rolls his eyes. "I know you miss him even though you saw him this morning, but lay off the PDA. I'm lonely here." Baekhyun whines, feigning a sob.

"We need boyfriends Baek." Lu Han fake cries but stops, sniffing the air. The three watch as Lu Han's eyes widen in recognition, his head snapping towards the dinning table. "Is that Mala Ziji?!"

Yixing nods with a smile and Lu Han zooms pass Yixing and the Koala Jongdae, running to the Mala Ziji. 

"Oh My God!" Lu Han dramatically raises his arms up in the air, his head directed upward and eyes on the ceiling saying in Korean and Mandarin: "Thank You! God, I will be good for a year! Thank you!"  

The three follows Lu Han in the kitchen as they shakes their heads and smile/laugh at over dramatic Lu Han, Koala Jongdae still wrap around Yixing who is comfortably hugging him with his million-dollar-dimple smile.

"Let's eat." Lu Han tells them as he flaps in one of the seats. 

Yixing sets Koala Jongdae on a chair, kissing his smiling boyfriend's temple before sitting on the chair next to a very happy Jongdae. Lu Han waits for the other three to sit down rather impatiently before digging in. 

They eat cheerfully, Lu Han and Yixing talking about China while Baekhyun and Jongdae listen. Yixing and Lu Han promise the two that the four of them will visit China one day. Lu Han plans that he will hook Baekhyun up with a handsome Chinese man. They four of them smile at each other as they talk and eat, and under the table, Yixing's hand is intertwined with Jongdae's.

Yixing wakes up from his dream when his alarm clock rings him awake. He touches his pillow to find it wet─the usual. It hurts waking up and knowing that he had been crying in his sleep. But this is nothing new to Yixing anymore; he learn to ignore it. At least this time he is not looking and shouting for Jongdae the moment he wakes up. It is painful specially when Lu Han has to sooth him to calm down.

Yixing sits up and turns off the alarm, looking at his closet as his dream, a memory of the past, replays likes a movie against his white closet door. Yixing does not even sighs before he stands up from his bed to get ready for today's work. He has been having dreams of his memories of Jongdae for the year and eight months, but for the past month since the official contract was signed Yixing's dreams of Jongdae frequent every night.

Yixing likes how his heart lightens, warms with the memories, but then as he remembers Jongdae left him. 

Yixing exits his room, already dressed for work, black suit and white dress shirt completed with a black band wristwatch. He sees Lu Han sitting with two coffee cups and pastries in front of him in the dining room, reading something on his iPad. He is wearing a black skinny jeans, a white v-neck shirt, a simple grey blazer—his usual work clothes.

"'Morning ge." Yixing greets Lu Han, who looks up at him before smiling.

"Good morning." Lu Han greets back as Yixing sits on the chair on Lu Han's right, taking a sip of his coffee. 

"Hyukjae hyung asks if we can play soccer with him and the hyung's this weekend." Lu Han tells him. Lee Hyukjae is the owner of the coffee shop at the end of the block where Lu Han gets their breakfast every morning after his morning runs. Hyukjae was their first friend when they move in this neighborhood. Lu Han saw Hyukjae with a soccer ball one time and they just clicked. Lee Donghae, Hyukjae's husband is into soccer as well. He is a music director-slash-composer in SM, the two of them learned later.

"Well you and I don't work on the weekend like usual so I'll assume you already said yes." Yixing answers because he knows Lu Han already agreed and that he is just telling Yixing just for the sake of it.

"Yes, I did." Lu Han smiles, so pleased that Yixing will not really have a choice anyways. 

The two of them talk about soccer and their plan in the weekend over breakfast before they hop in Yixing car. Yixing drives them to work every day because Lu Han is too lazy to drive his own car, saying that carpool saves us gas, and money, my dear unicorn as Lu Han puts it. 

Today is the day of the winter collection photo-shoot. Yixing and Lu Han know that because they have been working on this collection for a whole month now. Lu Han of course does not talk about anything but work. Yixing is thankful of that. However, Lu Han knows that Yixing has been dreaming of Jongdae for a month straight now. Nevertheless, Lu Han does not mention it. Yixing knows Lu Han heard him sleep talking more than once, and again, Yixing is thankful that he does not mention it. 

Yixing parks his car in his reserve parking space, and the two of them enter the Kim Empire very first mall, their offices and where all the magic happens are all located in the top five floors of the mall. Overall, the mall is ten stories, the first five floors for the shopping center while five top floors for business and art creating center. The Kim Empire has three malls in South Korea—one in Seoul, one in Busan, and on in Incheon, the one in Seoul being the largest because of the Headquarter in the top floors. 

Director Zhang reaches his office and Secretary Jung briefs him on what his schedule is for today. 

Meeting. More meeting. Meeting EXO. Meeting with CEO Kim for something Secretary Jung does not know but CEO Kim wants him to meet with him for Lunch.

"Wait. EXO?" Director Zhang asks the fast-talking Secretary Jung when the words finally reached and had been process by Director Zhang's brain. 

"Yes, Secretary Lee called me just now, telling me that the CEO wants you to introduce yourself to EXO because you will be the one handling their promotions for two years. Something about getting to know their managers and not being stuck in your office all the time." Secretary Jung answers casually, and Director Zhang sighs. 

"I'm the head, I will only have to see them once. I won't be the one running around to promote them. I only sign, decide, and lead. I don't need to meet our new models and be friendly." Director Zhang says with his usual stoic face and Secretary Jung smiles at his boss. 

"That is why a lot of people here in the office thinks your unfriendly." Daehyun tells him as he walks and leans on the open glass window/wall. 

"I don't need to be friendly when I don't want to." Director Zhang replies as he turns to look at the bright morning outside and behind his secretary. 

"Hyung, I cannot believe that you are friendly one moment and then expressionless and indifferent the next." Daehyun turns to look at the view outside as well. 

"Anyways, let's go to those meetings." Director Zhang says and they exit his office, briefcase with documents and folders in Secretary Jung's left hand and a thick black leather bond planner in the other while Director Zhang walks beside him, poise and elegantly cold.

A meeting with the board and a meeting with Director Zhang's own Sales and Promotions Department are done and over with. It is eleven o'clock and Secretary Jung is already texting his colleague-slash-friends about lunch. As Secretary Jung and Director Zhang sit inside Director Zhang's office. 

"Hyung, are we suppose to be meeting EXO? Their break is at twelve." Daehyun asks Director Zhang, who looks up from his paper work. 

"It is only eleven o'clock. We have an hour until their break." Director Zhang answers him and glares at him for not being on his desk, which is outside by the way. 

"I finished my work and plus I asked Youngjae from Sales to connect my phone to my telephone so I won't missed anything." Daehyun answers the Director's question behind the glare. 

"You had it connected years ago." Director Zhang asks as he gives up on working because his mind cannot focus because of obvious reasons only Lu Han knows. 

Daehyun smiles at him, creepily the Director notes. Director Zhang laughs and comments: "Poor Kid. He is new right?"

"Yeah, four months tomorrow." Daehyun smirks and his eyes having this far away look. 

"Don't scare the kid too much with your creepiness; he has potential to be the promoted as a leader in a few years, especially because Team Leader Seo (of Sales) is retiring in a few years." Director Zhang tells Daehyun, who beams like a light bulb upon being switch on. 

"Then that's more of reason for him to be mine." Director Zhang can see the gears in Daehyun's brain working and plotting a plan to seduce the new kid.  

"Just make sure not to scare him like American Eagle worker or that Spao model or that—" 

"I got it hyung. Gosh you make me sound like a ." Daehyun whines like the unprofessional secretary that he is, and Director Zhang smiles, dimple showing. 

"I never said that. Plus you didn't sleep with any of them except your photographer ex. You're more of a flirt than a ."

"Don't remind me. I heard from Lu Han hyung that he is the one in charge of the Winter Collection photos." Daehyun massages his temples.

"Well you're ed because we are going to watch the photo shoot apparently." Director Zhang tells him as he reads the text from Joonmyun that he just receives. 

Daehyun whines but get up and follows Director Zhang towards the elevator t