The Betrothed
the betrothed.
Friendship is very much like Family. Whoever comes into our life is bound to create a spot in one's heart, no matter the size... Reminding us even the shortest time spent with them.
. . .
A few meters away from the City, their humble home stands among the freezing snow of Amber Forest. They lived by themselves, occassionally visiting Society to feel the good atmosphere as one family on a special time of day.
It was a family of orphans. They grew up under a kind old woman who gave them their needs. She didn't give them up for adoption, instead it was more like she adopted them. She gave them food, clothed them and even spoiled them to the very extent that they've forgotten that they were complete strangers to one another. She picked one of them up under the post box. She explained how, on that quiet day, all silence broke down with a loud cry and pleas that she ran out the door to tend to him. Aside from him, were two other boys. The eldest one among them was often called by Mother Xin Yi, is Sehun and the youngest among the three, Baekhyun.
Sehun was given to Mother Xin Yi along with the house. She was the house keeper and because of very critical reasons, Sehun's parents didn't have any choice but to leave him with her. Sehun is quite tall. He wore his hair in messily, dusty chocolate brown hair flowing gently with his every move, dull-hazel eyes and looks that could kill... But behind his almost-angelic face was the distant boy who isolated himself from the rest of the world. He talked, but only on rare occassions. He would laugh, smile and make funny faces just for Mother Xin Yi, it's very hard to come by those chances.
Baekhyun on the other hand, was discovered among the Laundry. Luhan was 7 years old as much as he could remember. He was the one who found him lying asleep on one of the baskets. Mother Xin Yi tried to run after his parent, but it was too late. Baekhyun has a light build in body, with golden hair worn freely, the people would more than often mistake him for a girl, but he grew accustomed to it that the people from the whole city knew about him and even gave him the title "The friendliest person in Amber City."
. . .
"Mother Xin Yi?" Luhan called on to her.
She was seated on her rocking chair, quietly murmuring 'Knit 1, Pearl 2, Knit 1, Pearl 2' as she dove herself once more into concentration. Baekhyun passed by, eating a Dulce cake slice in a plate, the icing all over his face, "Baekkie! look at you!" Luhan nagged at him in a motherly tone as he reached for the kitchen tissue.
The smaller boy closed his eyes, steadily holding the plate and munching on the cake "Geez, what is it Lu?" He giggled, "Do you want some?"
Instead of giving him an answer, Luhan picked the icing still stuck upon his nose, "Thank you dear, but this dirt on you is enough to make my eyes full." He laughed again with a snork, "By the way, Baekhyun. Have you seen Sehun?" He asked him on a high note.
"Sehun's up at the roof top. It's his parents' Wedding Anniversary."
And as discrete as Luhan could, he sneaked his way up to the rooftop with the flowers that he gathered this afternoon. Luhan saw him sitting by the window sill, celebrating by himself. "Sehunnie?"
He quickly saw how the taller scanned the pitch black surrounding, looking for him. "Luhan. What is it?" He asked, voice deep and flat in tone.
"Isn't today your parents' Wedding Anniversary?" He built up a smile as he made his way to him to hand the bouquet.
"Thank you." He grinned dimly.
Luhan know it's forbidden, but upon reaching puberty, he came to discover his admiration for Sehun far more than a brother's care. Sehun being the talk of the City, while Luhan on the other hand a young boy who does nothing but stay home and read books for past time... There was nothing to match. With this, he pushed his growing feelings for him to the depths of his heart.
Quietly into the night, they rested themselves on the rooftop, sitting side by side. As the clock hit midnight, Sehun stood straight and reached for his pocket. "Luhan."
"Yes?" His voice cracked as he replied to him in startle.
"Hold your hands out." He commanded in a tone that was not once encountered by the smaller.
Luhan blinked twice and repeated, "M-my hands?" and he tilted his head looking for his expression. As he brought them out, there quickly landed an object on his open palm and Sehun held them closed.
"Don't open it until I'm gone." He ordered, his breath growing heavier by the second. As soon as he climbed off the window, bringing the flower Luhan had prepared and his parents' picture frame, the smaller grasped his left palm to find a silver locket with a small paper rolled securely.
In it was written, 'Happy Birthday, dearest Luhannie'.
. . .
Things seemed pleasant from that day on... And Luhan thought that it wouldn't really hurt if he told Sehun how he really felt. So he did. He pushed, debated and fought with himself whether this was a good idea...
"Sehun?" he knocked on his door, his heart pounding loudly.
Sehun opened the door with a creak, "What is it?"
"Uh... Do you mind if I come in? I have something to tell you." the smaller asked him, voice trembling uncontrollably.
Without a word, Sehun backed away from the door and removed the locks, "Invite yourself in." Luhan stepped into his room, a scent of vanilla covered his surroundings, "So, what did you want to tell me?" He asked in a hurry.
"Uh..., I-- I th--" Luhan stuttered horribly. Out of nowhere, Sehun's bags and packages appeared, "Y-you're leaving?" he asked, tone a little offended.
"Yes, I found my parents. They wanted me to travel and meet them as early as possible."
Luhan's heart stopped for a moment. "I... I see." With a deep sigh he stood up and headed for the door.
"I thought you had something to say?"
Anger lit inside the round-eyed boy as he almost blurted out, "I just wanted to say--"
"Never mind, I don't want to hear it after all." Sehun cut his words through as he carried his bags out and headed for the gates.
Failure to stopping him, Luhan ran up to the old lady, "Mother Xin Yi, Sehun he--"
"Don't worry dear, he'll be back. He's just hungry for his parents' love. I assure you dear child, he'll come back for you."
. . .
Time passed quickly, Luhan grew tired awaiting his arrival. "Mother Xin Yu...?" he asked for her. This time, not for Sehin, but for himself.
"Go dear. You have a big adventure ahead of you. Write about them to me and never forget to visit when you can." Her voice cracking as she raised a note higher, bidding Luhan farewell. It always seemed to amaze him how Mother Xin Yi could tell what they wanted to say even before they told her...
Luhan packed his bags hurriedly and darted out through the main hall. There was nothing stopping him anyway. Atleast, not the thought of Sehun would.
"Luhannie!" Baekhyun yelled his name from the door.
"Yes, Baekhyun?" Walking a few steps toward him the older knelt, holding his fragile face in front of him.
"What about Sehun, Lulu?" He pleaded with loneliness. "I thought we were going to wait for him?"
"Please do that for me. Take care of Mother Xin Yi too, you hear?" Luhan gets nod full of confidence, smiling with his tears giving away.
'We'll meet again, Sehun. If we were really supposed to be together, being separated once or however times, I'm sure our paths will always cross.'
. . .
"Mother Xin Yi, is Luhan home? Did he head to the City?" A husky voice in complete excitement entered the house,
"Sehun! You're back!" Baekhyun jumped with joy as he greeted him.
"You missed him, child."
"What...?"
"He left, two days ago."
Sehun fell silent to the revelation.
"Did you finally find out?"
"What do you mean, mother Xin Yi?" Sehun asked again.
"That Luhan is your betrothed."
*betrothed - the person to whom one is engaged.