Luhan peeked into the vocal lesson room and found who he was looking for.

Baekhyun was leaning against the wall, smiling while looking at his phone.

“Texting Taeyeon noona?” Luhan asked, wiggling his eyebrows.

Baekhyun looked up quickly. “I was just texting Chanyeol!"

"Yeah, okay," Luhan laughed, walking over.

"Kkaepsong~" Baekhyun said, grinning. They both sat down.

“How’s vocal practice?” Luhan asked.

“Eh, same old,” Baekhyun said, shrugging. “Ssaem* said I should talk less whenever I can to rest my voice,” he said, pouting.

“Yeah, you really should,” Luhan nodded solemnly, with a glint in his eyes. Baekhyun punched his arm lightly.

“Anyway, what brings you here?” Baekhyun asked, eyes back on his phone.

“I need to tell you something.”

“Yeah?” Baekhyun looked back up. “What’s with the serious expression, hyung?” he laughed nervously.

“I’m leaving, Baekhyun.”

Baekhyun raised his eyesbrows. “Leaving where?”

“I'm leaving the group,” Luhan said.

“What? But why, hyung?”

“You know I’m sick, Baekhyun.”

“Is it because of the sleeping pills you’ve been taking?”

Luhan nodded. “Part of it. The doctor said I should rest.”

“Then rest, hyung. Ask for a break…” Baekhyun pleaded.

Luhan shook his head slowly. “I can’t do this anymore, Baekhyun.”

Baekhyun straightened up. “What about us? You know what happened when Kris left.”

“I’m sorry,” Luhan said.

Baekhyun opened his mouth to retort, when he caught a glimpse of Luhan’s face and stopped. Luhan looked so tired and his face was slightly bloated. He noticed how Luhan had put on light concealer despite not having a schedule today. He swallowed the words that were about to come out.

“I’m really sorry,” Luhan repeated, his eyes on the ground.

Baekhyun fiddled with the bracelet on his wrist. He took a deep breath. “Your health comes first, hyung. I-I wish you well,” he said.

Luhan nodded. He got up unsteadily and squeezed Baekhyun’s shoulder. “I hope your relationship works out well, Baekhyun. It’s good to see you so happy.”

Baekhyun watched as Luhan slowly walked out and closed the door behind him. He leaned his head back on the wall and closed his eyes.

*ssaem= short for "teacher"