“Tao?” Luhan called, heading into their walk-in closet.

“Mm?” A muffled reply was heard.

“What are you doing this late at night?” Luhan asked.

“Choosing a stylish outfit for our next flight,” Tao grinned. “Hey, do these go together?” he asked, holding up a t-shirt and belt.

“Uh, yeah…” Luhan replied, absentmindedly. “Listen, Tao, we need to talk.”

“About what?” Tao asked, walking out of the closet and laying his clothes down neatly on a nearby futon. He sat on his bed and patted the space next to him.

Luhan followed and sat down. He took a deep breath before looking Tao straight in the eyes.

“Tao, I’m leaving.”

Tao's eyes widened and he opened and closed his mouth a few times. “Leaving, as in…?”

“Yeah.”

“But Lu-ge… it’s only been four months since D-duizhang l-left…”

“I know,” Luhan said. “I’m sorry.”

Tao looked down and started fumbling with his rings.

Luhan put his arms around Tao and felt the latter's shoulders shaking.

A muffled sob was heard.

“Tao?” Luhan called gently. "Zitao?"

Said person looked up with tears running down his face.

“Lu-ge… I-I don’t think I can handle another one of you leaving,” he said quietly. “What about the rest of the members? Yixing ge?”

“I know,” Luhan replied softly. “I really didn’t want to resort to this. I tried to hold out as long as I can, but I don’t think my body can handle the stress anymore, Tao.”

“A-are you sure about this? You won’t have any r-regrets?” Tao asked.

“I-I’m sure,” Luhan said, voice faltering ever so slightly.

A short silence fell between them. Tao continued playing with his rings. 

Luhan looked around at all the stuffed panda bears scattered around the room.

“I want to go back to this time last year, Lu-ge," Tao suddenly spoke.

“Me too.”

Tao nodded and let out a shaky breath. “Are you going to tell the others? Suho hyung?”

“I will,” Luhan said. He stood up unsteadily and headed for the door before turning around. “Tao?”

“Mm?”

“I’m sorry for leaving you, too," Luhan said before closing the door softly behind him.

Tao collapsed on the bed, and broke into fresh sobs.

* * *

Tao took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down.

He reached for his phone.

Hun...

A reply came less than 30 seconds later:

I know.