Chapter 71

"What. Am I. Doing. Here?"

Three days had passed and Kyungsoo had fittingly dressed in his Sunday best. Pressed pants, ironed shirt and shiny shoes. Teeth sparkling, hair slicked to the side and nails trimmed and clean. Least to say Kyungsoo felt quite uncomfortable looking like this but his mother had been very persistent about giving her son a 'small' make-over. She may not have had a daughter to put in pink, fluffy dresses but that didn't mean she couldn't play dress up with what she had. Kyungsoo sighed heavily as his mother stood anxiously trying to choose a tie when the door bust open. Sehun burst into the foyer, grabbed Kyungsoo by the arm and pulled him after him without as much as a greeting. Kyungsoo was then forced into a car where Sehun put the seatbelt on him before running around to take the wheel. Locking the doors by the press of a button, Sehun the radio, volume just barely below acquiring tinnitus as he sped off into the early evening. During the ride Kyungsoo had tried to question where they were going but Sehun had responded by singing along to whatever song was playing. Even when Backstreet Boys demanded everybody to 'Rock Their Body Right'... Especially, when Backstreet Boys demanded that. It was so annoying. Though Kyungsoo might have 'accidentally' rocked along to the foreign boy-band, shouting the guys were back, alright. But should anyone ask, he would deny, deny, deny.
When the car had finally come to a stop, Kyungsoo's heart dropped to his stomach in a matter of seconds. It was Sunday... Right.

"If you think I'm going in there, you're sorely mistaken. There's no way in hell I'm showing my face at that concert."

Sehun unbuckled his seatbelt.

"Okay."

"Okay?"

"Okay. You don't have to go. But. If you don't, I will take you home to my apartment, dress you in a maid's outfit, stockings, apron, feather duster. You name it. I will then have you give me a bath, cook me a meal, you on the kitchen table, make you vacuum the place, dust off every square-inch before taking you hard and merciless on every surface, every corner. Every.Where. Then it would start all over again. Bath, meal, ... You get the idea and don't think for a second I'm kidding, because you know I'm not and I've always found those plumb lips of yours very, very. interesting."

Sehun stared him dead in the eye to let the message sink in.

"Well? What will it be? Endure a two hour long concert... or -slave for the next 48 hours? I know what I'd pick."   

"..."

Kyungsoo had responded by frantically grapping at the door. As it flung open, Kyungsoo, try as he may, panicky attempted to get out of the car but to no avail as he was still buckled up. Sehun must have had a laugh on Kyungsoo's behalf but in the end took pity on a struggling Kyungsoo screaming 'Let me go! Help! Crazy person in the car! CRAZY PERSON IN THE CAR!' Pushing down the clasp to let loose Kyungsoo, Sehun watched his friend fling himself out of the car and onto the sidewalk. Trying to save face Kyungsoo was quick to get back on his feet, dusting himself off while murmuring 'Maid's outfit pff... I'll put you in an apron and stockings you rascal.'           

"What did you say?"

"I'm... I~.. YOU'LL NEVER CATCH ME ALIVE!"

Okay so Sehun might not have been completely serious about the whole... yeah. But the dead expressionless face on the gangly kid told Kyungsoo not to take that chance. Boy that guy must be scary good at poker.
Kyungsoo ran in zigzag, trying his best to squeeze himself through the insane crowd that suddenly roamed the school. Slowed down by the masses, Kyungsoo finally made it to the auditorium  but before he had the chance to find a seat, a hand clasped down on his shoulder.
'Oh Great.'

"Found you."

Sehun manhandled him all the way to two reserved seats close to the stage.

"... Front seats? This is gonna ."

"Just shut up and be grateful I'm even doing this. Jeez and to think I threw away a perfect opportunity just because Joonmyun..."

"Grateful? Joonmyun...?What are you up to, punk?"

"Oh look there's the guy who will be performing your solo. Sit tight and don't go anywhere. You know what will happen if you do. I'll be right back."

"You're a jerk."

Kyungsoo slid down in his seat to sulk. Arms crossed and lips pouting like a little child. He didn't care. He might not have wanted to play the solo in the first place but he had worked really hard in order to show a great, no, awesome performance in honor of his school and Kris.
... Especially for Kris.

Okay he might have been the tiniest bit -hurt about Kris stepping on his wrist and everything, keeping a distance and plain ignored the man without a reason. It's just... All Kyungsoo knew was... Music. Without it... Who was he? He didn't have the courage to show himself to Kris all this time because... Well. Kyungsoo didn't feel good enough. But now he was slowly starting to feel worthy of.. You know.
It had taken some time finding himself but when the answer had finally emerged, it had been obvious all along.

Sehun returned just as the concert was about to begin, looking all smug and secretive. It annoyed the hell out of Kyungsoo.
The headmaster took the stage to hold a way~ too long speech that dragged out the first 20 minutes. After that, a group of Kyungsoo's old classmates entered to perform a beautiful classical piece. Kyungsoo was jealous right from the first note played until about an hour into the concert. He couldn't take anymore.

"I have to get out of here."

Before Sehun had the chance to stop him, Kyungsoo got out of his seat and made his way towards the exit. Although, before he came as far, Kyungsoo noticed a face in the crowd that made his heart skip a beat.
What was Kris doing here?
Kyungsoo's feet wouldn't move. His mind was screaming at him to get the hell out of there and make a run for it, yet his body only responded by having his heart beat faster, harder, louder. For what felt like forever, Kyungsoo just stood, frozen and hidden by the dark until his mind seemed to give up. Releasing a defeated sigh, Kyungsoo silently returned to his seat, sat down and tried his hardest to ease his thundering heart.
Time went fast after that. Suddenly two hours had passed without him noticing, when the last performance was announced.
Kyungsoo felt another tug on his heart. Definitely not the good kind.
He clenched his fists as he watched Richi Rich enter the stage, wearing a tux that probably cost more than Kyungsoo would ever earn in this lifetime or the next combined. Kyungsoo bit his lip hard before looking away.

"Hello. My name is Kim Joonmyun and I have received the great honor of playing the final performance tonight."

Kyungsoo thought he might be sick.

"As it is... I was not originally chosen for the task. Another student had been chosen long before the concert was even announced. Because of an injury he had to pull out and I was asked to cover for him. I was ecstatic. The solo should have been mine all along. But... I have come to acknowledge his hard work and... to tell the truth. He deserves this. More than I ever did."

Kyungsoo opened his eyes. Had Jerkmyun gone insane? Kyungsoo shifted his gaze towards Joonmyun who sincerely stared back at him before going on.

"You're an amazing pianist, Kyungsoo. You truly are... But... A little bird has told me that, that's not the only thing you're  remarkable at. So if you will, I'd like for you to join me... And your friend Chanyeol, for the last performance."

On cue, Chanyeol ran onto the stage with his guitar, grinning like the mad man he was, taking a seat in front of a microphone.

"Kyungsoo-yah! I hope you remember this one!"

In the meantime, Joonmyun had taken a seat by the piano, slowly starting to play the intro. Kyungsoo recognized the song immediately. The song Krystal had helped him with all those years ago.  
A great spotlight was then directed at him. Holding his hand up to shade for the piercing light, Sehun poked his side. He narrowed his eyes to see the object Sehun had stabbed him with. Turns out, it was a microphone. Sehun smiled warmly at him before handing it to him.

"Go. Bring the house down, hyung."

 Hesitantly Kyungsoo accepted the microphone before he tentatively got out of his seat, humming.

"Mmm... You only stay with  me in the morning
You only hold me when I sleep
I was meant to tread the water
But now I've gotten in too deep"

Kyungsoo walked the few steps that lead him to the center of the stage, eyes fixed on the floor.

"For every piece of me that wants you
Another piece backs away"

His nervousness seemed to fade as the song progressed. His hands no longer shook but his heart was still trembling.
Kris.
Kris was watching him.

"I never thought that I'd love someone
That was someone else's dream

You give me something that makes me scared alright
This could be nothing but I'm willing to give it a try
Please give me something
Cause someday I might call you from my heart.

But it might be a second too late..."

Kyungsoo dared to look up, finding the face he had missed seeing. The person he longed to touch, to hold hands with in the cold, to kiss goodnight or good morning. To love. Unconditionally.

"And the words that I could never say
Are gonna come out anyway."

Kyungsoo kept his gaze fixed at Kris. He wanted to run off the stage and into his arms. Tell him how sorry he was, how he was going to make everything okay. Because he would do anything. Anything to make things right.

"You give me something that makes me scared alright
This could be nothing but I'm willing to give it a try
Please give me something
Cause someday I might know my heart.

Know my heart, know my heart, know my heart."

The song finished to the sound of great cheer and even a standing ovation. Chanyeol jumped up from his seat to attack Kyungsoo with his massive limps in what was probably supposed to be a hug. Kyungsoo smiled at his goofy friend, hugging him back before quickly finding Kris's eyes again.
It was time.

Kris felt dirty.
He had slept with someone.
Someone he didn't love.
Someone... Not Kyungsoo.

Ever since his talk with Krystal, everything had changed.
Kyungsoo had quit school, then job. Most likely to ignore Kris.
Kris wanted nothing but for Kyungsoo to be happy. Even if it meant giving him up to Krystal of all people. But... Who was going to make Kris happy then?

He had started isolating himself from everyone while trying to clear his head. He had tried making a new list of things to do but there was really only one thing he needed done. Sadly enough, that certain thing was out of the question now. Sighing, he tremblingly wrote a short note to himself.

'Time to move on.'

It had been two weeks since he had last seen Kyungsoo. And he was tired.
So tired of this... push pull relationship of theirs.
Realizing what he had to do, Kris had gone out under the cover of darkness to drink his heart-ache away.
During the night, girls had kept throwing themselves at him and at some point he couldn't help but wonder if spending the night with a random stranger would numb the pain. He knew Kyungsoo had done it. Plenty of times. Or at least, that's what Joonmyun had said.
So, drunk, and in a hurt state of mind, Kris had allowed the next girl that hit on him, to seize his lips.

Morning came around with a thundering headache and a bad taste in his mouth. A girl, A...Ha... Something Chou...? Kris didn't exactly remember her name but.. Close enough. Her name didn't make much of a difference to how he felt now. He wondered if Kyungsoo had felt the same. Dirty, miserable, an idiot. And to make matters worse, Joonmyun just had to catch him in his misery.
Joonmyun watched him break down. He was certain his friend pitied him, especially when Kris had stuttered out a broken 'Don't tell anyone', which both men knew meant, 'Don't tell Kyungsoo.'

Joonmyun left Kris to himself after that but kept messaging him every day to let him know he hadn't forgot about him. If only Kris had been more accepting of Joonmyun's... special quirks in the beginning then maybe all this would never have happened. Kris wouldn't have ended up falling in love with a guy  nor let said person crush his heart over. And over.

Kris was in the middle of taking care of a last few things when out of nowhere, Joonmyun showed up at his apartment, handed him a flier along with what could only be described as an order to attend the concert Kyungsoo had worked himself to death for. He didn't want to go but... it was the least he could do for Joonmyun. After all... This was the last chance he'd get to repay him for his kindness.

Kris made his way to the concert when Sunday came around. If he had been on the fence of attending before, he soon came to regret his decision once he entered the school. A familiar, young man came running through the halls, pushing past the attendees while a sea of 'Excuse mes' and 'Get out of my ways' fell from his lips. Kris stopped dead in his tracks to catch his breath, first from the surprise of seeing Kyungsoo after so long. Then afterwards, from a mixture of panic and sadness.

'What is he doing here?' Was all Kris could think. He couldn't do this. He had to get out of there, right now.

"Stay."

Out of nowhere, Sehun had appeared with a firm look on his face.

"Everything's gonna be okay, hyung. Trust me. Go find your seat and keep your eyes and ears open."

"But... Kyungsoo.."

"Is here because Joonmyun wants him here. Joonmyun  hyung, really cares about you. And if you care about him, you'll stay."

Sehun had then put a hand on his shoulder before hurrying off. Battling against his better judgment, Kris took a deep breath and found his seat. This evening wasn't about Kyungsoo. It was about Joonmyun.

... Or not.

"...So if you will, I'd like for you to join me... And your friend Chanyeol, for the last performance."

As soon as Kyungsoo's buttery soft voice emitted from the speakers, Kris couldn't help but hold his breath. He'd always loved his voice, especially at night... but this... was a whole new level of crooning. It was impossible for him to take his eyes off of Kyungsoo.

"And the words that I could never say
Are gonna come out anyway."

Kris feared his heart might explode when suddenly Kyungsoo found his eyes among the crowd. It was almost as if the words were directed solely at him. This feeling... It overwhelmed him to the point where he couldn't figure out if the water that started to collect in the corner of his eyes, were that of yearning... or regret. One thing he knew for sure though, he had to get out of there. Because Kris knew that look all too well.

When everyone rose from their seats to applaud the trio, Kris pushed past the cheering crowd to quickly make for the exit. He even got as far as outside before the velvety voice called out for him to stop.

"Kris! Wait! Please, I need to talk to..."

"You were great!"

Kris had stopped on the spot and just blurted out the first that came to his mind that wouldn't sound angry, sad or God forbid, loving.

"Waah. That Joonmyun... Maybe he isn't as much of an asshat as I thought he was. He's actually kind of... Cool. Well, almost."

Kris kept his mouth shut. He knew it would betray him were he to say anything. So instead Kris started counting stars, starting from just above Kyungsoo's head. Kyungsoo had followed Kris's line of sight, not really getting what he was doing. He made it to 42 before the smaller man broke the silence.

"... About what happened."

"Would you look at that? Almost 9 PM? Looks like I gotta scram. I gotta... go... do stuff."

Kris stayed in place for a little while not being able to move. In the end it became too weird to stay any longer, doing nothing but stare at Kyungsoo.

"So. Yeah. I'm out... es... I'm sorry I didn't... I don't... I..."

Deeming it useless to keep spurting word vomit, Kris saw to make his escape. Only, Kyungsoo seemed rather determined of not letting that happen. In a second, strong fingers had grabbed onto his jacket. Considering whether or not it would be worth tearing it and make a run for it, Kris allowed Kyungsoo to hold him back.

"I need to talk to you. I realize you don't seem too keen about it but I need to explain why I've been such a jerk to you."

The smaller male let go of the fabric. Nervously he bit his lower lip.

"Please?"

Kris, try as he might, ended up caving in yet again to Do Kyungsoo.

Together, they walked to the place they had called home, in suffocating quietness. Reluctantly, Kris unlocked the door and made for the living-room.

"When I injured my wrist I... I lost my identity. I know that sounds extreme but that's how I felt. All I had was music and suddenly that was taken away from me. I couldn't face you because... Well. I guess was angry. But mostly I just felt so lost. Sure it was only a sprain but it got me thinking. And suddenly I realize that playing the piano... It had never really been my dream but my mother's. Once I realized that, it was so simple.
"What I love, even more than music, is cooking. And all of a sudden I had a new dream. One that was all mine. That's why I dropped out of college, to take more advanced cooking lessons and I've been spending my nights practicing and creating new recipes. Even though my wrist still hurts, I'm going to work hard to achieve my dream. And... I want you by my side. I know how selfish I must sound but it's the truth. I need you Kris. Without you I..."

"I SLEPT WITH SOMEONE!"

More involuntary word vomit came gushing out of Kris's mouth like a waterfall.
Clearly taken aback by the abrupt statement, Kyungsoo took a step back.

"... You...Why?"

"Same reason you did I suppose? I wanted to forget you."

"Kris..."

"I'm... I'm going home."

"... You can't."

"It's already settled."

"But... When.."

"...Tomorrow."

Kyungsoo took another step backwards as Kris moved towards him.

"I'm sorry. Kyungsoo. For everything that's happened. But we both knew how this was going to end. This, whatever it is between us? It was meant to fail from the very beginning. You and Krystal..."

"She means nothing to me."

"You and Krystal. You'll get over this. She loves you so much. If you give her another chance, I'm sure she will make you so happy."

A mock laughter escaped Kyungsoo's lips.

"Yeah. Right."

"I'm sorry."

The doe-eyed boy looked so fragile as he slowly shook his head, eyes glued to the floor.  

"... I hate you."

Turning on his heel, Kyungsoo slowly made his way for his old room, silently closing the door. Only when the door was closed, Kris couldn't keep the words locked inside any longer and so he softly whispered, only for the suppressing emptiness to hear.

"...And I love you."

Next day came around faster than Kris would've liked, mostly because he hadn't slept a wink that night. Usually it would have been caused by too many thoughts but tonight it had been something else keeping him awake. There was just... nothing. He'd felt so empty inside. Still did.
Packing up his few remaining things took no time at all and so until the clock struck 10 AM Kris did nothing but sit on his bed, passing the time doing absolutely nothing.
He felt a little bad. There were only two people who knew about his departure, Joonmyun and the guy  across the hallway who refused to acknowledge him, even though his door was wide open.
Kris thought about TCA and its members. He hadn't had the courage to tell them goodbye. He knew he was being a coward but saying goodbye wasn't his strongest suit. He had cried enough this year.

"Well. I guess I'm off."

Kris hesitantly knocked on Kyungsoo's doorframe. The man lay in bed, eyes closed and hands supporting his head.

"Whatever. Hope your plane isn't struck by lightning and crashes to the ground."

"...That's not funny."

With an annoyed sigh, Kyungsoo got up and slammed the door in Kris's face. It would be a lie to say he hadn't expected that but he still felt he had to say something whether it was to Kyungsoo's face... or not. That's why Kris leaned his forehead against the cold door, saying his reluctant goodbyes.

"... Take care of yourself. Eat well, sleep well. And be good to Mamma D.O. I know she tends to give you a hard time but she means well... She cares about you so much."

Kris gently caressed the door pretending it to be Kyungsoo's soft cheek.

"Goodbye Ky...Kyungsoo... Bye."

"Goodbye. Kris..."

Kyungsoo was sitting up against his bedroom door.
Kris had left almost half an hour ago but Kyungsoo hadn't moved from his spot on the floor. He just couldn't find the energy to get up. Kyungsoo moved his hand to massage his . His chest hurt and it was getting increasingly harder to breathe.

'It's okay, Kyungsoo. Just relax. Breathe. Breathe... Brea...'

As soon as he felt his eyes sting, Kyungsoo hid his face between his knees.
What was wrong with him?! Was he a masochist or something? Why had he had to ignore Kris all this time?

'So stupid. You're so stupid. Stop crying, Kyungsoo!'

Easier said than done.

Kyungsoo dried his eyes with his sleeve before getting to his feet. Exiting his room he went to stand in front of Kris's. It took a while for him to muster up the courage to open the door. Taking a deep breath Kyungsoo pulled down the handle.
Dread dropped to the pit of his stomach as he took in the empty room.
Kris... Kris was really gone. Every trace of him, completely vanished. The only thing left in the room was placed on the else empty desk. It was the big Hulk gloves Kyungsoo had bought for when he himself deserved a good beating. He deserved one about now. Didn't he? Putting on one of the gloves a regretful smile pulled at the corner of his mouth. It wouldn't do much good punching himself, would it? Taking off the glove, Kyungsoo couldn't help but notice something orange-red sticking out from the desk drawer. Cautiously he opened it. Inside he found a familiar scarf folded ever so nicely. It was the one he had given to Kris for his birthday. On top of it lay a dried red rose, a card and two other items he hadn't seen before. Carefully, Kyungsoo placed the items on the desk next to the gloves. Turns out it was an apron with the words 'Kiss the Chef' written across the chest and a white felt box. Kyungsoo studied the casing closer before opening it.  Black onyx in the form of a ring greeted his eyes. Not able to help himself, Kyungsoo put it on and as it turned out, it was a perfect fit. That was strange. Picking up the card, Kyungsoo started reading.

'Happy birthday Kyungsoo!
I know things haven't exactly been easy lately but I believe things are about to change for the better...
Let's make 2015 our year!

//Kris'

 So this had been supposed to be his birthday present? Swallowing heavily, Kyungsoo took off the ring. He didn't deserve it. Filled with a sudden rage, Kyungsoo tossed everything to the floor. Regretting it immediately, sighing, he bent down to pick up the things when he noticed a small hole in the bottom of the drawer.  That was weird... Or maybe not? Kyungsoo suddenly recalled Kris and his confession of making fake bottom drawers that night he had read to him the story of 'Captain D.O. and the Treasure of Coconut Island'.
Using the steam of the red rose, the bottom inside the drawer started to move. Completely removing the fake bottom a few torn out notebook pages came into view.

List of things to do while in Korea

Every scenario had been marked with an enthusiastic checkmark. To each and every one of the checked happenings, Kris had written a lengthy note about the experience.

• Try every street food! √

-It must have been fate running into Do Kyungsoo on the plane to Seoul! Turns out we go to the same university and everything! But I do feel a little bad for him. It would seem that after he kissed me he started liking guys... It's really no joke being this good-looking. Anyway we went to eat tteokbokki and fish cakes... It was... interesting. But being in Kyungsoo's company made it taste delicious! Even though I almost choked to death... Let's become close friends Kyungsoo!  
 

• Have coffee at 1st Shop of Coffee Prince √

- Went there with Do Kyungsoo!! He treated me to everything! Of course I forced him to but that doesn't make it any less special. He's really cute like... Bunny cute. Is it weird to think that? He is gay after all... Is it wrong that I really liked being spoon-fed by him? Kyungsoo! Why aren't you a girl?! Oh well. I'm just so excited about getting him as roommate! It's gonna be so much fun!
 

• Go to Namsan Tower with Kim with Kyungsoo with a date √

- ... Krystal. I don't know much about what happened but... I really hate her. Kyungsoo please smile. I hope our lock of friendship will stay locked forever at that place. I'll always be there for you Kyungsoo.  
 

• Boys Over Flowers Confession! √
• I've never felt this way before... The line between friendship and wanting more is becoming more and more blurry. His lips are so soft, it's driving me crazy! But I don't know. Seems like he only sees me as a friend after all. Which is fine... For now.
   

Kyungsoo didn't know what to think except... Kris was such a dork. As he kept reading through the list he realized that there was only one place where Kris had neglected writing any comments. Only a lonesome checkmark indicated it had been fulfilled.
 

• Fall in love √

Why was there no note?
Quickly turning the page to see if the comment had been written on the next page a new list popped up.
The title simply read 'Do Kyungsoo' whereas underneath a few notes were written.

• Remember January 12th √
• Make Kyungsoo smile at least once a day.  [Failed :( ]
• Start working out again because you are getting flabby and flabby just ain't y. √ [Six- pack is back on the menu!]
• Get Kyungsoo and his mother to speak again. √
• Make Kyungsoo believe in love again. [How?!]

•  Confess to Do Kyungsoo even though you are going to get rejected and it is going to hurt and you'll hate yourself a little bit but definitely less than if you were to live with the regret of  being too much of a coward to even try. [... I'm a coward.]

Kyungsoo couldn't help but laugh. In fact, he laughed so hard he fell to the floor, clutching his stomach. The pitiful laughter was slowly replaced by a subtle sobbing.
Why hadn't he told Kris sooner? Just admitted how he felt. Instead Kyungsoo just had to ruin everything for himself and now... Now he would never get to see Kris again. 

"Thanks for the ride Joonmyun."

Joonmyun had offered to drive him to the airport. At first Kris had been against it but yielded in the end. The guy was persistent. 

"You sure you don't want me to stay with you?"

"No I'm fine."

"Okay... I'm sorry things didn't work out with Kyungsoo."

Kris fell to shambles at the mention of the name. He somehow wished that he could have taken off without seeing Kyungsoo that last time but... at least he'd said his goodbyes.

No more Kyungsoo.
No more hurt.

And so Kris tried his best to plaster on a gummy smile to reassure his friend he was okay even if he was as far from it as possible.

"... It'll be good going home. Seoul is great but... I belong back in Canada. Thank you Joonmyun. You've been a real good friend to me. Tell the others I'm sorry will you?"

"Of course. They're not going to be too happy but of course I will. Take care Kris."

"You too."

Kris's mind was in such a haze as he checked in, went through security check and found his terminal that he completely forgot about his fear of flying.
Time passed and before he knew it, it was time to board the plane. In silence he took his seat by the window. He was really going back.
Biting his lip, Kris closed his eyes just as a tear escaped his eye.

'Kyungsoo... '  

Once again trapped in a metal box, Kris tightly shut his eyes, clutched both his armrests while trying to relax. His mind slowly drifted off to his first flight alone. How scared he had been. How he had taken a stranger's hand without realizing it. If he concentrated it almost felt as if he was holding Kyungsoo's hand again. In fact... it felt really, really real...  

"Still scared of flying I see... and feel..."

"KRIS IS LEAVING!"

The moment Kris had disappeared into the airport, Joonmyun had called the TCA members and barked orders at everyone to meet outside Kris's apartment for a small 1 on 6 talk.

"He just took off?! What a !"

Luhan was the first to show up with a concerned Jongdae visibly holding the infuriated  guy at bay. Next up was Lay and Tao with Minseok following right behind.

"Why didn't he tell us? Did we do something to upset him?"

Lay seemed almost afraid to ask.

"Oh please. This is all Kyungsoo's fault. If he had just been able to make up his freaking mind, Kris wouldn't have to flee the country."

Okay so Luhan seemed to be up to speed with Kris and his issue and as much as Joonmyun disliked Kyungsoo for hurting his friend, Kyungsoo was most likely also the only one who'd be able to make Kris smile again. Call him manipulative, but Joonmyun didn't want Kris to go back. Kris belonged to Korea now. And that meant doing whatever it'd take to keep him here.

"We can all agree that Kyungsoo is most likely the reason to Kris's sudden flight but I'm sure Kyungsoo at least cares enough for Kris to not let him go."

"If that was the case, we wouldn't be here right now, would we?"

"I have to admit... Kyungsoo might not realize it but... As unhappy as he's been, I've never seen him more happy than when he was with Kris."

Minseok awkwardly ran a hand through his hair.

"Even more so than he ever was with Krystal. If only he'd realize that. That would pretty much solve everything. I think."

It was only Minseok who was close with Kyungsoo from the group so Joonmyun had to take his word for it.

"Right. Then that is exactly what we're going to do! We're going to convince Kyungsoo, he has feelings for..."

Just as he was about to finish his sentence, the door burst open to reveal a disheveled, out of breath Kyungsoo, wearing one shoe, a large backpack in one arm, a shoe in the other and a strangely sparkling smile that was quick to vanish as he spotted the six guys on his doorstep.

"What the..."

Because of the shock, Joonmyun started yelling before he could stop himself.

"... YOU'RE IN LOVE WITH KRIS!"

The small man gave him a dubious look.

"I know."

"... Oh. Okay."

"Yeah... If that's all you wanted to tell me... Then I'm gonna go."

"Why? Where are you going?"

A shy smile appeared on Kyungsoo's lips as his face turned soft.

"I have a plane to catch."

'Aah... Wait what?' 

"You're going after Kris?!"

"I have to. His list is incomplete."

"His what?"

"Who cares!"

Luhan squished the smaller man, kissing him all over until a small protest in the form of a cough and a red-glowing Jongdae.

"That's... Enough Lu-dear."

"But it is so romantic! Let's go!"

"Wait. You're coming?"

"Wouldn't miss it for the world!"

A protesting Kyungsoo wasn't enough to keep The China Alliance from coming as they somehow squashed all 7 people into Joonmyun's car and drove off for Incheon International Airport. During the ride Luhan had been quite the curious little but Kyungsoo had taken it surprisingly well, answering every question with red ears.
When they arrived at the airport they had just about 30 minutes until Kris's plane took off.

"Kyungsoo wait! You need a ticket to get in!"

Without thinking Joonmyun handed him his credit card and a code.

"We'll wait here. Just go find him, declare your ever-lasting love and bring him back!"

Hesitating, Kyungsoo took the card before surprising Joonmyun with a warm hug.

"Thank you. I'm sorry I ever said a bad word about you."

"... It... It's fine... Me too... Now hurry!"

Perhaps Kyungsoo wasn't as bad as he had made him out to be all year out.
Mentally, Joonmyun patted himself on the back. A good deed had indeed been done today. Good indeed.

"...Ky... K-K-Kyu..."

"... Hi."

Kris could not believe his eyes.
It was complete déjà vu.
There next to him, hand a pale blue, sat cute high-schooler Do Kyungsoo. Unable to figure out whether the best solution was to laugh or cry, Kris settled for doing neither.

"... WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!"

'... Yelling.. what a great idea. Moron.'    

 "... If you could just... ease up your titan grip I'd be more than happy to tell you."

Dumbfounded Kris stared at their hands for a long while until it occurred to him that the crunching noise came from Kyungsoo's finger bones. As he let go, Kyungsoo moaned out his relief just as he had done the last time.

"Ooooow! Man, you really gotta talk to someone about your fear of flying because this is just ridiculous."

"Kyungsoo..."

"Here."

A green Hulk glove was shoved in Kris's face before he was violently coerced into putting it on.

"Hit me."

"... Come again?"

"Hit me. With the glove."

"What? I'm not gonna hit you."

"Come on! Just do it!"

"No!"

"Hit me!"

"Seriously, Kyungsoo I'm not..."

"Would you just hit me you freakishly overgrown whale!"

That seemed to do the trick as Kris punched Kyungsoo in the face with the glove. A stewardess came running when Kyungsoo held up his hand.

"Don't bother miss. I deserved that. Perhaps not as hard but all in all, I earned it."

The lady stood for a moment, thinking. In the end she took the glove while promising to give it back once in Canada.

"... Does it hurt?"

"Of course it hurts you fool!"

Kris pouted. It was Kyungsoo's own fault. He had asked for it, so he could it.

"Still... It doesn't hurt as much as when you told me you were leaving."

The smaller male seemed to shrink in his seat. Biting his lip, Kyungsoo pulled out his bag from under the seat and threw a few sheets of paper at Kris.

'... Oh no.'    

"You're not done yet."

"... You already... You... You know how I feel about you."

"...I want to hear it. Just as you wanted a confession, I do too."

Sighing Kris ran a hand through his pitch-black hair. What did he have to lose? Oh right, his pride. But then again... He never really had any to begin with.

"You... Give me whiplash."

"..."

"It's stick, carrot, stick, more stick, a truckload of sugar followed by a thousand skin-shredding whiplashes when it comes to you.  One moment you can make me feel so, so special only to push me over and kick the crap out of me. And I'm down there in the dirt thinking, this is it. This is the last time. I won't take it anymore. And just as I'm about to get back on my feet, you're there to help me up again and I'm enough of an idiot to let you... Because I love you. I love you. I. Love you."

Kris felt as if the weight of the world was finally lifted from his shoulders as he exhaled out in relief.

"I love you, Kyungsoo... I want... I want to spend every morning cooking you breakfast in bed. And I do want to be the one next to you when you achieve your dream. I want you to scold me when I'm being naive and childish and ask for too much... I want you to love me too... But nothing I want matter. How I feel doesn't matter... I don't matter. Because in your world there's already someone else occupying your heart. And it's okay... It's not your fault you met her first. I'm just glad that I... At least got to pretend you were mine for a while.
"But...No regrets, right? I... got to see Seoul?  I met new people, made friends. Fell in love... But adventure's over now. We'll both return to our old lives, hopefully with a few lessons learned and the experience richer. You'll forget about me and you'll move on. With a bit of luck... Eventually I will as well.
And now... if you'd be so kind... Could you go away?"

Kris turned his entire body away from Kyungsoo, closing his eyes. His chest hurt and his throat burned from keeping any sob that might escape at bay.

"Wow... That was certainly a depressing confession. You might wanna work on that when we get back to Canada."  

'Erh...'

"Excuse me but... We?"

"Hey if you're going, I'm going too."

"No you're not."

"Look, they already closed the door. Even if I wanted too, it's too late for me to get off now."

"But...! What about your mom?! And and... Krystal? Your friends?... Cooking?!"

"They'll understand. And I'm pretty sure I can cook in Canada as well. Might as well learn how to make... Poutin and... Butter Tarts."

"But... What about money?!"

"Money won't be problem. I still have Joonmyun's credit card."

"You wh... I'm gonna kill him."

"Bit hard when we're about to make for a different continent."

"This isn't funny Kyungsoo. Stop the plane... STOP THE PLANE!"

"DON'T STOP THE PLANE! Kris! Just... Shut up will you? I'm coming with you because believe it or not... I love you too! So there. Grats. You've succeeded in making me believe in love again alright?! So shut up before people start to think I've stashed a bomb somewhere on the plane!"

Stunned, Kris settled for letting his mouth fall open in an accusing gesture.

"You... Too?"

"Unfortunately yes. I've put you through a lot of crap but I never, ever, pretended to be in love with you. That was all real. You don't have to believe me but I'm here now and I'm sorry but you're not getting rid of me. I'm stuck to you like gum from now on. No not gum, I'm gonna be like... Really bad acne or... Herpes. Yeah. Once you think you're finally rid of me, you're not. I'll be like... Wazzuuuuuuuu~..."

"Okay."

Kris wasn't able to suppress the smile that slowly covered half of his face.
Kyungsoo actually loved him back?

"~uuup-really? Seriously?"

"Yes. But I'm telling you, this is your last chance, Kyungsoo. This guy here, is going all gay for you and if you can't reciprocate this magnificent rainbow of gay feelings, I might just drop your squishy and turn straight."

There was a moment of intense stare from Kris countered by a 'WTF' from Do Kyungsoo. In the end, Kris couldn't stop from laughing as he opened his arms for Kyungsoo to fit right in. A relived looking Kyungsoo fell into his arms, hugging him close.   

"You're weird."

"It's called sass. Luhan taught me. Next time I'll throw in a few snaps and mhms' to really get in touch with my inner diva."

Kyungsoo hesitatingly pushed himself away from Kris's embrace giving him a stern look.

"... I think we should see other people."

 "...Yah!"

Before Kris could scold Kyungsoo for being mean, his breath was taken away by plush lips. The kiss was deep, eager and full of longing. But most importantly, the kiss was that of  love.

"I really do love you Kris. Please. Don't ever doubt that."

Astounded by the sudden change in mood, Kris gulped as he lost himself in Kyungsoo's eyes.

"If...  That's what it takes to make you happy."

"You have no idea."

The look in Kyungsoo's eye gave him this strange feeling of certainty that Kyungsoo, the boy whose hand he had first crushed as he had set out on his adventure to Seoul, would be there to hold his hand every flight to come.
And so, Kris leaned in to once again catch heart-shaped lips in a tender kiss.

'Confess to Do Kyungsoo... Check.'
 

Meanwhile.
Back at the airport.

"It's been over an hour Joonmyun. The plane's taken off. It's pretty clear they're not coming."

TCA sat twiddling their thumbs in boredom while Joonmyun paced the floor thin.
So apparently Kyungsoo and Kris was now on their way to Canada and not on their way out from the passenger terminal as agreed.

Yup... He definitely, absolutely, still hated, Do Kyungsoo. 

A/N 
FINALLY! 
140k words(ish) and 7 months later the fic is finally at its last chapter!! It has been tough but thanks to all your encouragement I am finally able to mark my fic complete! So thank you so much for that! 
I still have an epilogue to write but the official story is now over and I can start getting over the fact that Kris is no longer a part of EXO and Luhan is leaving as well. Kinda funny that the two fics I've written is about Krisoo and Xiuhan... 
Anyway... I love you all and again thank you so much for your support! <3<3<3 
(Agehachou... I tried putting you in but... Your user name is weird xD Sorry.) 
Also to those who haven't read the whole thing, the song Kyungsoo is singing at the concert is "You give me something" by James Morrison (: