Playing Games
Title:Playing Games
Pairing:Eli/Xander
Rating:Pgish
Summary:Eli decides to play a game with Xander after he makes a choice…. How will the game turnout?
Disclaimer: It’s been a while since I have written anything so I’m not sure exactly how things will turn out. Please R&R
"I HATE THIS" The screaming down the hall never seemed to end these days. Kevin, Eli and Xander were always into an argument of some form. Though no one knew what was going on.
"Eli calm down" Kevin was trying to control the situation though because he was younger he was shoved aside.
"Xander You promised us... You promised that you would never leave us." Eli was trying to calm down but you could hear the hatred on his voice. "Kevin don't you see what he is doing to us he wants us to break up and not grow as a family."
"Eli that's not the reason" Xander was trying to tell his side but Eli wasn't going to listen to him.
~~Couple Hours earlier~~
"Xander you sure about this?" Kevin asked quietly so that no one could hear the couple chatting.
The elder nodded his head and kept his eyes down. "Kev I just need time to be away from everything I just need to take a break and try to calm down and keep myself sane. I need my family and God to help me through this."
Kevin nodded and turned away from the elder. He walked out of the studio and stood against the wall trying to keep his thoughts straight.
"So Xander is going to be leaving. I just wish he would tell us what's really on his mind." Kevin sighed and stayed put. He didn't want to see Xander go but there was a tension in the elders dancing and the flow of his rapping. Kevin then looked down at his watch and noticed that he had been out in the hall for about ten minutes. He stood up and walked back into the room smiling as if nothing was wrong.
~~Present~~
"Kevin please explain to him what I had told you. I know he won’t listen to me but he should listen to you" Xander gave Kevin pleading eyes. He didn't want Eli hating him before he had left it just wasn't right.
"I'll try but no promises." Xander nodded and Kevin turned the direction that Eli had gone.
Kevin then heard crying from inside the room and knocked on the door.
Inside the room Eli had been crying but as soon as he heard the knock on the door he got up from the bed and moved towards the door of his room. "Kevin I know Xander sent you, So what do you want?" Eli said through the door.
"Eli don't be mad at him he is only doing what he thinks is best for all of us" Kevin said back pleadingly hoping Eli would open the door for him.
"Well what about Pops in Seoul or Dongho? We all know that he looks up to Xander. Actually we all do but..." he paused not sure where he was going with his statement. "I just don't know anything anymore" Eli moved away from the door and opened it part way providing Kevin with an entrance. As Eli moved back to his bed he spoke softly "Kevin you just don't get it though, I just need to calm down first before I talk to anyone about what is going on." At that Eli flung himself onto his bed with his face in his pillow he started crying.
Kevin pushed the door open far enough for him to walk in and as soon as he was in the elders room he shut the door and moved over to Eli and sat on the edge of the bed.
"Eli please listen to me Xander didn't know that he was making these choices until today. You know this right" Kevin started to rub the Eli's back trying to comfort the elder. "Just know that Xander wasn't trying to hurt any of us he was just trying to protect us"
Eli's cries softened a little and rolled onto his back. "Kevin I know this but it still doesn't hurt any less. I'm going to miss him and I don't want him to leave. I just.... I just don't know any more." he paused for a moment trying to form a thought. "Kevin Xander made a promise to me and I guess that he just isn't going to keep it now" Eli then rolled back onto his stomach burying his head in the pillow.
Kevin sighed and got up off the bed. "Eli." He shook his head and then left the room closing the door behind himself.
~~~~~~~~~ Three Weeks Ago ~~~~~
"Eli Please come here for a minute I need to talk to you." Xander called from the kitchen.
Eli got up from the couch and moved to the kitchen "Yeah Xander what do ya need?"
Xander turned to face Eli "I need to make a promise with you and you alone."
"What kind of promise?" Eli gave a worried look towards Xander.
Xander then sighed and moved closer to Eli "It's a promise to never leave U-Kiss no matter what happens even if we decide to disband I don't want to leave any of you guys."
"Xander what are you talking about? What do ya mean?"
"Just let me make this promise to you now please." Xander was almost begging for Eli to make this promise.
"Ok you made this promise. Now can I know what this is all about?"
Xander shook his head and walked out of the kitchen leaving a very confused and worried Eli standing in the middle of the room.
~~~~~~~~~ Present ~~~~~~~~
"Eli? Eli? You awake yet?" a soft hand pressed against Eli's back "Eli please just show me your alive" The hand started to rub circles on his back soothingly "Please?" The voice sounded like it was pleading.
Eli rolled over to see who it was that had woken him up from his sleep and saw Soohyun. Eli grumbled something and then flipped himself back over onto his stomach not wanting to talk to anyone. Xander had broken his promise as well as his heart. Soohyun was nice to have in the room but wasn't going to help with the heartache.
The bed shifted slightly and started smelling something sweet. "Xander made all of this for you. If you want it I recommend eating soon Kibum and Dongho were eyeing it when Xander was making it." Eli felt the extra weight on the bed lift and heard the door open and close and Soohyun left the room leaving Eli alone.
Eli looked in the direction of the smell and rolled to his side noticing a plate on the night stand next to his bed. On the plate there was fudge and a cup of hot chocolate. As soon as Eli grabbed a piece of fudge and saw a note setting next to the mug of hot chocolate. He looked at it and then wanted to throw the whole tray at the door but decided not to. Instead he crumpled the note up and threw it at the door not thinking twice of what he was going to do next.
~~~~~ A Week Later ~~~~~
"Kevin have you seen Eli today?" Dongho asked.
"No I haven't Dongho, why?" Kevin replied.
"I'm just worried about him I haven't heard anything from his room in a few days." Dongho then moved out of the room leaving Kevin on the couch.
Xander came into the room and sat down next to Kevin. "Hey Kev how are you?"
"Worried"
"About what?" Xander scooted closer not liking the fact Kevin was worried.
"Eli" Kevin replied keeping to one word responses.
"Kevin..." Xander looked at the younger with pleading eyes. "Tell me please?"
"I think...." Kevin shook his head not sure where he was going with his thought. "I think that we may have gone too far this time Xander" Xander gave a questioning look trying to understand. "Xander you need to figure it out yourself." with that Kevin got up and left Xander sitting on the couch questioning himself.
Back at Eli's room Dongho kept knocking on the door not getting a response. "Eli! Eli!" he yelled through the door trying to get Eli to make some noise in the room. "ELI!" Dongho yelled louder.
Kevin walked up to Dongho noticing that the younger was trying to get Eli to come out. "Dongho did you try opening the door?" Kevin asked quietly.
Dongho shook his head but placed his hand on the doorknob."Should I hyung?"
Kevin nodded and Dongho turned the knob pushing the door open. There was a lump on the bed and Kevin walked towards it. As Kevin got closer he noticed that there was no one under the covers. He started to turn in circles looking for any clues that may have showed him where Eli may have run off to.
Kevin then looked over by Dongho's feet and saw a pink piece of paper by his feet. Kevin walked over and picked it up and opened it to read it. Dongho looked over Kevin's shoulder trying to see what the note said then noticed it was in English.
"Kevin what does it say?" Dongho asked curiously.
"Dongho it's in english and could you could please get Xander for me it's for him" Kevin replied trying not to giggle.
Dongho left pouting but got Xander and brought him to Kevin.
"Yes Kevin? What do ya need?" The ender asked as he entered the room smiling. "Did you find Eli?"
Kevin lowered his head hiding his expression. He handed the note over to Xander "I want you to read out loud please" Kevin asked wanting to make sure that he hadn't misread it.
Xander skimmed the note carefully then started shaking he had forgotten that today was Valentine’s Day. "It says:
Dear Xander,
Please come find me I want to know how you feel about me. I know how the others feel. In order to find me you need to follow the clues. Each member has their own hint for you though they may not know it. Kevin just helped you with this one and to find the next one here is your clue. you need to turn three times and face the closet if you see something red I would grab it if I were you, Then run towards the door. Find a girl dressed in pink and give it to her. She shall give you the next clue.
P.S. The girl might be a guy And Happy V-Day"
Xander started freaking out and sighed to calm his nerves. He started to do as the note asked and turned in a circle three times and then headed towards the closet.
"You ok Xander?" Soohyun asked as he passed by the room.
Kevin kept his head down and pulled Dongho and Soohyun away from the room as Xander was officially on a mission to find Eli.
Xander mumbled and opened the closet door "Crap I forgot how much stuff Eli has, though at least he got rid of the extra red items that he had in here" after that the elder started digging for something red that he was supposed to give to the girl.
A few minutes later Xander was about to give up on the search when he saw something out of the corner of his eye. "Ah-Ha!" he pulled the item and noticed it was exactly what he was looking for as it had said 'Xander for you now give this to the first girl you see when you leave my room.' With that Xander shot up from the floor kicking things back into the closet and ran out the door and down the hall.
He looked into the room across the hall and didn't see anyone over there. When Xander walked out of the room he saw someone standing at the end of the hall to his right. Xander casually walked towards the person and saw a female figure there. As he moved even closer he noticed it happened to be Dongho.
"How did he change that fast?" he asked himself.
"Hi Xander" the perky voice went straight through him. "You have the note for me?"
Xander nodded and passed the note to Dongho. Dongho opened and read the note to himself. After that he nodded to himself leaving Xander standing in the middle of the room.
"But but... crap.... Where the heck is my next clue? Was I supposed to follow her?" Xander threw his hands in the air and sat on the floor.
"Cough cough your not supposed to sit down yet" someone said from behind Xander.
"But no one told me what to do next" Xander pouted.
"We can't tell you until you are standing and looking at the T.V." The voice said again.
"Ugh fine." Xander stood up and faced the T.V. waiting for the next thing to happen. The T.V. turned on and the next clue was supposed to be revealed.
Xander chuckled to himself as he saw Eli standing in front of the camera making a short video for the next clue.
"Xander you see me here and you see me there but now all you gotta do is find the next location with the next few words. Here's your clue: Roses are red Violets are blue. There's some swings in this corner and some food too. You can ask Soohyun two questions to where this will lead you though knowing him he may or may not be of help. Just hope to see you soon." Eli gave a smile and everything was shut off. Xander turned around to see if he could find the next clue.
There was some laughing coming from the backyard so Xander went back there. As soon as he reached the back porch he remembered that there was some swings in the back left corner. He looked out the door and saw the swings and there was a picnic basket setting next to it. As Xander moved closer he saw a note on the basket. He picked it up and read.
‘Xander I know you want what’s inside but please understand that you can’t have it just yet please DO NOT open it now time for your clue. You were just in the living room and there are rooms next to it. Choose one of those and you will find either the next item to go with the basket here or you will find another clue. For this Dongho will be your friend.’
Xander stood there confused for a minute then realized that Dongho’s room was right next to living room and that is where he would most likely find his next clue.
Xander stood up from his crouched position and moved towards the house not looking left or right. As soon as Xander got into the house, he noticed that things seemed to be too quiet. Looking around he didn’t see any of his bandmates.
Shrugging he moved to Dongho’s room and cringed knowing that the maknae never really cleaned his room. Sighing Xander moved to the door and knocked. No reply. Xander grabbed the doorknob and turned it, hoping that the youngest member was finally out of the dreadful female clothes. Opening up the door he noticed that Dongho was nowhere to be in site and the clothes he had on were laying on the bed.
‘Kevin looks better dressed up anyway’ He thought to himself.
Xander took another look around the room and tried to find something that went into a picnic basket but couldn’t find anything familiar.
On the bed there were Dongho’s clothes, which didn’t surprise the elder. On the doorknob of the closet was a bag full of who knows what that Xander didn’t want to sift through. Xander was about to give up when he noticed that there was a box on the floor next to the door. He took a step closer and noticed that it was a box of silverware.
“That’s something you need for a picnic.” Xander spoke to himself. He picked up the box and noticed a piece of paper taped to the floor underneath it. He picked it up and read it aloud “I realize that this may have been hard to find as we all know our little Dongho has a very messy room. However you are now on a time limit. You need to find me by 5:30 on August 1. That should be plenty of time for you.” Xander looked at his watch and noticed that it was already 3:00 on August 1. “Crap!”
Xander ran out of the room reading the note as he went along.
Here is your next clue.
You have three more to go but each will take some time.
Colorful pictures surround this place.
Each with a different meaning
Some of the pictures can be seen while others are only heard
Keep in mind of the time
And the friend you will have this time is Kibum.
Xander paused for a moment and thought about where Kibum was.
After a few moments he realized that Kibum owned a store downtown. It usually had music for sale but Kibum also sold photographs. Xander thought a few minutes and realized that there was no way he was going to be able to drive to Kibum’s store and find the next clue in time, so he decided to call the younger man.
“Hello, Kibum’s Music and More, This is Kibum how may I help you?”
Xander sighed of relief. “Hey Kibum its Xander do you think you could help me?”
“Is it about a certain clue that was left here yesterday for you?” Kibum replied.
“Yes, is there anyway that you could give it to me over the phone?”
Kibum chuckled a little “I was given direct orders to not tell you anything unless you came in person.”
Xander knew it was too good to be true. “Well then I guess I’ll give up my hunt for Eli.”
“Wait, What! You’re going to give up THAT easily?”
Xander nodded “Yeah, What’s the point he gave me a time limit and I’m not going to make it to your store to even meet the time limit that was given to me.” He sighed into the receiver. “I guess I’m just a failure and it’s a good thing that I’m leaving.”
Kibum understood what the older man was going through but he knew that once Xander made up his mind there wasn’t changing a thing. “Well I’ll tell Eli that you gave up because of the ridiculous time frame to get things done. And do you want me to tell him bye or you as well.”
Xander shook his head. “No I’ll tell him Goodbye. Thanks Kibum tell Eli he knows where he can find me.”
“Will do I hope you know what you are doing Hyung.”
“I do.” Xander hung up the phone. There was no turning back now he had to pack up his things and leave before the others noticed.
Going to his room he noticed that the house seemed very quiet. Not really caring he pulled out his suitcase and started packing up his clothes. No one could change his mind now, not even Eli.
Xander put his last shirt into his suitcase and started on the shoes. He had way too many for a guy but he loved his shoes especially his gold ones. Smiling he set those ones aside and attached a note to them saying Eli, I know how much you cared for me but I just can’t play these games with you anymore. I have to move on and don’t forget I love you and don’t forget the promise you made me.
Xander finished packing everything up and moved towards the living room. The house was still very quiet so Xander went to each room and checked to see if everyone was in their rooms deciding that no one was home he went back to the living room with a notebook and a pen and starting writing notes to everyone apologizing about his departure. By the time he was done with the letters Xander was in tears. Not sure where he was going to go he grabbed his bags and walked out to the street.
~~~~~~~~ 1 Year Later ~~~~~~~~~
“Xander, I can’t believe you did that!” a soft voice came up from behind him
Xander turned around and smiled. “It’s what I had to do.”
Xander had left his bandmates in Korea but found some new friends in Malaysia and the Philippines. Though they would never replace the people that he knew there was only so much a person could do.
They had just got done filming a movie where Xander was actually the lead and in honesty he missed Kevin, Eli and Dongho for sure but he knew that he had to get out of there before it got ugly.
Xander turned to face his new friends and waved to his fans across the lake that he just swam. The makeup artists hated him for it but it was something he liked to do for his fans. Just random stunts.
Xander had been keeping tabs on his old friends and he was glad to hear that Eli had stayed with them but he was also sad to hear that he and Kibum had been replaced by more ‘Experienced’ artists.
Lost in thought Xander felt a hand on his shoulder. “Hey Xander are you going to come celebrate with us tonight?”
“You know I think I will, Melody.” Xander turned and smiled at the young female. “It’s been a while since I last went to a decent party.
“Good there is someone that is going to be there that I want you to meet.” Melody pulled Xander by the arm and he had no choice but to follow, giggling.
At the party there were several people that Xander knew and then there were some that he didn’t know. Melody had pulled Xander to the dance floor and that was where he was left as well. Random people came up and thanked the older man on what he had accomplished, but he didn’t feel very thankful about it at all.
Shortly after Xander was being dragged off the dance floor by familiar hands. Looking around he couldn’t see who was there. Everything seemed to go by in a blur. When the hands that were holding Xander let go they were outside. There wasn’t much he could do except turn around to see what was going on.
“You know you can turn around to see who I am.” A male voice spoke up. “I promise you might want to see who I am.”
Xander was hesitant on facing the other male but after a couple of minutes of thinking about it Xander turned around to face the other man. “I’m sorry but I rec-“ He stopped what he was thinking and felt the urge to run away but his feet were planted where they were.
The other male looked up and smiled at Xander. “I know it’s been a year but I couldn’t wait any more to look for you.” He wrapped his arms around Xander as to give a hug.
Xander stood still not knowing what he should do as there was so many thoughts that were going through his mind. “Eli…. I don’t know what to say.” He stated while pushing the younger man away. “I-I-I missed you but you were the last person I would think to see tonight.”
Eli backed away and just hid his face in the hat that he had been wearing. “I hated knowing that you gave up on me so easily, I just wanted to know if that’s exactly what you felt. I can’t help thinking that there is more to this than you are letting on. I know there was plenty of time to find me last year but I just need to know why you didn’t.”
Xander looked at the younger man and gave a somber look. “I left because I knew I shouldn’t stay, you did give me a challenge that tested my limits and I lost hope that I would find you and that you wouldn’t be there when I needed you.” Sighing he pushed Eli away. “I didn’t want to give up on you but my hope was at a loss. You just made me-“
“Xander I didn’t do it on purpose. You gave me no choice. I needed to know you cared for me!”
Xander looked at Eli and turned to walk away. “You broke my heart and there is nothing I can do about it. I wanted to look for you but with the idea of having to look for you for so long there was nothing that I could do about it.”
Eli faced Xander giving a sad smile. “That’s all I need to hear. I guess you need to get back to your party.”
Nodding, Xander walked back to the party.
Both Eli and Xander stayed connected after that night. However things were never the same between the two of them. The words that were exchanged after that moment were vague but honest. Neither one of them made complete amends but they became civil to each other. Though no one knew exactly how the other felt.
Pairing:Eli/Xander
Rating:Pgish
Summary:Eli decides to play a game with Xander after he makes a choice…. How will the game turnout?
Disclaimer: It’s been a while since I have written anything so I’m not sure exactly how things will turn out. Please R&R
"I HATE THIS" The screaming down the hall never seemed to end these days. Kevin, Eli and Xander were always into an argument of some form. Though no one knew what was going on.
"Eli calm down" Kevin was trying to control the situation though because he was younger he was shoved aside.
"Xander You promised us... You promised that you would never leave us." Eli was trying to calm down but you could hear the hatred on his voice. "Kevin don't you see what he is doing to us he wants us to break up and not grow as a family."
"Eli that's not the reason" Xander was trying to tell his side but Eli wasn't going to listen to him.
~~Couple Hours earlier~~
"Xander you sure about this?" Kevin asked quietly so that no one could hear the couple chatting.
The elder nodded his head and kept his eyes down. "Kev I just need time to be away from everything I just need to take a break and try to calm down and keep myself sane. I need my family and God to help me through this."
Kevin nodded and turned away from the elder. He walked out of the studio and stood against the wall trying to keep his thoughts straight.
"So Xander is going to be leaving. I just wish he would tell us what's really on his mind." Kevin sighed and stayed put. He didn't want to see Xander go but there was a tension in the elders dancing and the flow of his rapping. Kevin then looked down at his watch and noticed that he had been out in the hall for about ten minutes. He stood up and walked back into the room smiling as if nothing was wrong.
~~Present~~
"Kevin please explain to him what I had told you. I know he won’t listen to me but he should listen to you" Xander gave Kevin pleading eyes. He didn't want Eli hating him before he had left it just wasn't right.
"I'll try but no promises." Xander nodded and Kevin turned the direction that Eli had gone.
Kevin then heard crying from inside the room and knocked on the door.
Inside the room Eli had been crying but as soon as he heard the knock on the door he got up from the bed and moved towards the door of his room. "Kevin I know Xander sent you, So what do you want?" Eli said through the door.
"Eli don't be mad at him he is only doing what he thinks is best for all of us" Kevin said back pleadingly hoping Eli would open the door for him.
"Well what about Pops in Seoul or Dongho? We all know that he looks up to Xander. Actually we all do but..." he paused not sure where he was going with his statement. "I just don't know anything anymore" Eli moved away from the door and opened it part way providing Kevin with an entrance. As Eli moved back to his bed he spoke softly "Kevin you just don't get it though, I just need to calm down first before I talk to anyone about what is going on." At that Eli flung himself onto his bed with his face in his pillow he started crying.
Kevin pushed the door open far enough for him to walk in and as soon as he was in the elders room he shut the door and moved over to Eli and sat on the edge of the bed.
"Eli please listen to me Xander didn't know that he was making these choices until today. You know this right" Kevin started to rub the Eli's back trying to comfort the elder. "Just know that Xander wasn't trying to hurt any of us he was just trying to protect us"
Eli's cries softened a little and rolled onto his back. "Kevin I know this but it still doesn't hurt any less. I'm going to miss him and I don't want him to leave. I just.... I just don't know any more." he paused for a moment trying to form a thought. "Kevin Xander made a promise to me and I guess that he just isn't going to keep it now" Eli then rolled back onto his stomach burying his head in the pillow.
Kevin sighed and got up off the bed. "Eli." He shook his head and then left the room closing the door behind himself.
~~~~~~~~~ Three Weeks Ago ~~~~~
"Eli Please come here for a minute I need to talk to you." Xander called from the kitchen.
Eli got up from the couch and moved to the kitchen "Yeah Xander what do ya need?"
Xander turned to face Eli "I need to make a promise with you and you alone."
"What kind of promise?" Eli gave a worried look towards Xander.
Xander then sighed and moved closer to Eli "It's a promise to never leave U-Kiss no matter what happens even if we decide to disband I don't want to leave any of you guys."
"Xander what are you talking about? What do ya mean?"
"Just let me make this promise to you now please." Xander was almost begging for Eli to make this promise.
"Ok you made this promise. Now can I know what this is all about?"
Xander shook his head and walked out of the kitchen leaving a very confused and worried Eli standing in the middle of the room.
~~~~~~~~~ Present ~~~~~~~~
"Eli? Eli? You awake yet?" a soft hand pressed against Eli's back "Eli please just show me your alive" The hand started to rub circles on his back soothingly "Please?" The voice sounded like it was pleading.
Eli rolled over to see who it was that had woken him up from his sleep and saw Soohyun. Eli grumbled something and then flipped himself back over onto his stomach not wanting to talk to anyone. Xander had broken his promise as well as his heart. Soohyun was nice to have in the room but wasn't going to help with the heartache.
The bed shifted slightly and started smelling something sweet. "Xander made all of this for you. If you want it I recommend eating soon Kibum and Dongho were eyeing it when Xander was making it." Eli felt the extra weight on the bed lift and heard the door open and close and Soohyun left the room leaving Eli alone.
Eli looked in the direction of the smell and rolled to his side noticing a plate on the night stand next to his bed. On the plate there was fudge and a cup of hot chocolate. As soon as Eli grabbed a piece of fudge and saw a note setting next to the mug of hot chocolate. He looked at it and then wanted to throw the whole tray at the door but decided not to. Instead he crumpled the note up and threw it at the door not thinking twice of what he was going to do next.
~~~~~ A Week Later ~~~~~
"Kevin have you seen Eli today?" Dongho asked.
"No I haven't Dongho, why?" Kevin replied.
"I'm just worried about him I haven't heard anything from his room in a few days." Dongho then moved out of the room leaving Kevin on the couch.
Xander came into the room and sat down next to Kevin. "Hey Kev how are you?"
"Worried"
"About what?" Xander scooted closer not liking the fact Kevin was worried.
"Eli" Kevin replied keeping to one word responses.
"Kevin..." Xander looked at the younger with pleading eyes. "Tell me please?"
"I think...." Kevin shook his head not sure where he was going with his thought. "I think that we may have gone too far this time Xander" Xander gave a questioning look trying to understand. "Xander you need to figure it out yourself." with that Kevin got up and left Xander sitting on the couch questioning himself.
Back at Eli's room Dongho kept knocking on the door not getting a response. "Eli! Eli!" he yelled through the door trying to get Eli to make some noise in the room. "ELI!" Dongho yelled louder.
Kevin walked up to Dongho noticing that the younger was trying to get Eli to come out. "Dongho did you try opening the door?" Kevin asked quietly.
Dongho shook his head but placed his hand on the doorknob."Should I hyung?"
Kevin nodded and Dongho turned the knob pushing the door open. There was a lump on the bed and Kevin walked towards it. As Kevin got closer he noticed that there was no one under the covers. He started to turn in circles looking for any clues that may have showed him where Eli may have run off to.
Kevin then looked over by Dongho's feet and saw a pink piece of paper by his feet. Kevin walked over and picked it up and opened it to read it. Dongho looked over Kevin's shoulder trying to see what the note said then noticed it was in English.
"Kevin what does it say?" Dongho asked curiously.
"Dongho it's in english and could you could please get Xander for me it's for him" Kevin replied trying not to giggle.
Dongho left pouting but got Xander and brought him to Kevin.
"Yes Kevin? What do ya need?" The ender asked as he entered the room smiling. "Did you find Eli?"
Kevin lowered his head hiding his expression. He handed the note over to Xander "I want you to read out loud please" Kevin asked wanting to make sure that he hadn't misread it.
Xander skimmed the note carefully then started shaking he had forgotten that today was Valentine’s Day. "It says:
Dear Xander,
Please come find me I want to know how you feel about me. I know how the others feel. In order to find me you need to follow the clues. Each member has their own hint for you though they may not know it. Kevin just helped you with this one and to find the next one here is your clue. you need to turn three times and face the closet if you see something red I would grab it if I were you, Then run towards the door. Find a girl dressed in pink and give it to her. She shall give you the next clue.
P.S. The girl might be a guy And Happy V-Day"
Xander started freaking out and sighed to calm his nerves. He started to do as the note asked and turned in a circle three times and then headed towards the closet.
"You ok Xander?" Soohyun asked as he passed by the room.
Kevin kept his head down and pulled Dongho and Soohyun away from the room as Xander was officially on a mission to find Eli.
Xander mumbled and opened the closet door "Crap I forgot how much stuff Eli has, though at least he got rid of the extra red items that he had in here" after that the elder started digging for something red that he was supposed to give to the girl.
A few minutes later Xander was about to give up on the search when he saw something out of the corner of his eye. "Ah-Ha!" he pulled the item and noticed it was exactly what he was looking for as it had said 'Xander for you now give this to the first girl you see when you leave my room.' With that Xander shot up from the floor kicking things back into the closet and ran out the door and down the hall.
He looked into the room across the hall and didn't see anyone over there. When Xander walked out of the room he saw someone standing at the end of the hall to his right. Xander casually walked towards the person and saw a female figure there. As he moved even closer he noticed it happened to be Dongho.
"How did he change that fast?" he asked himself.
"Hi Xander" the perky voice went straight through him. "You have the note for me?"
Xander nodded and passed the note to Dongho. Dongho opened and read the note to himself. After that he nodded to himself leaving Xander standing in the middle of the room.
"But but... crap.... Where the heck is my next clue? Was I supposed to follow her?" Xander threw his hands in the air and sat on the floor.
"Cough cough your not supposed to sit down yet" someone said from behind Xander.
"But no one told me what to do next" Xander pouted.
"We can't tell you until you are standing and looking at the T.V." The voice said again.
"Ugh fine." Xander stood up and faced the T.V. waiting for the next thing to happen. The T.V. turned on and the next clue was supposed to be revealed.
Xander chuckled to himself as he saw Eli standing in front of the camera making a short video for the next clue.
"Xander you see me here and you see me there but now all you gotta do is find the next location with the next few words. Here's your clue: Roses are red Violets are blue. There's some swings in this corner and some food too. You can ask Soohyun two questions to where this will lead you though knowing him he may or may not be of help. Just hope to see you soon." Eli gave a smile and everything was shut off. Xander turned around to see if he could find the next clue.
There was some laughing coming from the backyard so Xander went back there. As soon as he reached the back porch he remembered that there was some swings in the back left corner. He looked out the door and saw the swings and there was a picnic basket setting next to it. As Xander moved closer he saw a note on the basket. He picked it up and read.
‘Xander I know you want what’s inside but please understand that you can’t have it just yet please DO NOT open it now time for your clue. You were just in the living room and there are rooms next to it. Choose one of those and you will find either the next item to go with the basket here or you will find another clue. For this Dongho will be your friend.’
Xander stood there confused for a minute then realized that Dongho’s room was right next to living room and that is where he would most likely find his next clue.
Xander stood up from his crouched position and moved towards the house not looking left or right. As soon as Xander got into the house, he noticed that things seemed to be too quiet. Looking around he didn’t see any of his bandmates.
Shrugging he moved to Dongho’s room and cringed knowing that the maknae never really cleaned his room. Sighing Xander moved to the door and knocked. No reply. Xander grabbed the doorknob and turned it, hoping that the youngest member was finally out of the dreadful female clothes. Opening up the door he noticed that Dongho was nowhere to be in site and the clothes he had on were laying on the bed.
‘Kevin looks better dressed up anyway’ He thought to himself.
Xander took another look around the room and tried to find something that went into a picnic basket but couldn’t find anything familiar.
On the bed there were Dongho’s clothes, which didn’t surprise the elder. On the doorknob of the closet was a bag full of who knows what that Xander didn’t want to sift through. Xander was about to give up when he noticed that there was a box on the floor next to the door. He took a step closer and noticed that it was a box of silverware.
“That’s something you need for a picnic.” Xander spoke to himself. He picked up the box and noticed a piece of paper taped to the floor underneath it. He picked it up and read it aloud “I realize that this may have been hard to find as we all know our little Dongho has a very messy room. However you are now on a time limit. You need to find me by 5:30 on August 1. That should be plenty of time for you.” Xander looked at his watch and noticed that it was already 3:00 on August 1. “Crap!”
Xander ran out of the room reading the note as he went along.
Here is your next clue.
You have three more to go but each will take some time.
Colorful pictures surround this place.
Each with a different meaning
Some of the pictures can be seen while others are only heard
Keep in mind of the time
And the friend you will have this time is Kibum.
Xander paused for a moment and thought about where Kibum was.
After a few moments he realized that Kibum owned a store downtown. It usually had music for sale but Kibum also sold photographs. Xander thought a few minutes and realized that there was no way he was going to be able to drive to Kibum’s store and find the next clue in time, so he decided to call the younger man.
“Hello, Kibum’s Music and More, This is Kibum how may I help you?”
Xander sighed of relief. “Hey Kibum its Xander do you think you could help me?”
“Is it about a certain clue that was left here yesterday for you?” Kibum replied.
“Yes, is there anyway that you could give it to me over the phone?”
Kibum chuckled a little “I was given direct orders to not tell you anything unless you came in person.”
Xander knew it was too good to be true. “Well then I guess I’ll give up my hunt for Eli.”
“Wait, What! You’re going to give up THAT easily?”
Xander nodded “Yeah, What’s the point he gave me a time limit and I’m not going to make it to your store to even meet the time limit that was given to me.” He sighed into the receiver. “I guess I’m just a failure and it’s a good thing that I’m leaving.”
Kibum understood what the older man was going through but he knew that once Xander made up his mind there wasn’t changing a thing. “Well I’ll tell Eli that you gave up because of the ridiculous time frame to get things done. And do you want me to tell him bye or you as well.”
Xander shook his head. “No I’ll tell him Goodbye. Thanks Kibum tell Eli he knows where he can find me.”
“Will do I hope you know what you are doing Hyung.”
“I do.” Xander hung up the phone. There was no turning back now he had to pack up his things and leave before the others noticed.
Going to his room he noticed that the house seemed very quiet. Not really caring he pulled out his suitcase and started packing up his clothes. No one could change his mind now, not even Eli.
Xander put his last shirt into his suitcase and started on the shoes. He had way too many for a guy but he loved his shoes especially his gold ones. Smiling he set those ones aside and attached a note to them saying Eli, I know how much you cared for me but I just can’t play these games with you anymore. I have to move on and don’t forget I love you and don’t forget the promise you made me.
Xander finished packing everything up and moved towards the living room. The house was still very quiet so Xander went to each room and checked to see if everyone was in their rooms deciding that no one was home he went back to the living room with a notebook and a pen and starting writing notes to everyone apologizing about his departure. By the time he was done with the letters Xander was in tears. Not sure where he was going to go he grabbed his bags and walked out to the street.
~~~~~~~~ 1 Year Later ~~~~~~~~~
“Xander, I can’t believe you did that!” a soft voice came up from behind him
Xander turned around and smiled. “It’s what I had to do.”
Xander had left his bandmates in Korea but found some new friends in Malaysia and the Philippines. Though they would never replace the people that he knew there was only so much a person could do.
They had just got done filming a movie where Xander was actually the lead and in honesty he missed Kevin, Eli and Dongho for sure but he knew that he had to get out of there before it got ugly.
Xander turned to face his new friends and waved to his fans across the lake that he just swam. The makeup artists hated him for it but it was something he liked to do for his fans. Just random stunts.
Xander had been keeping tabs on his old friends and he was glad to hear that Eli had stayed with them but he was also sad to hear that he and Kibum had been replaced by more ‘Experienced’ artists.
Lost in thought Xander felt a hand on his shoulder. “Hey Xander are you going to come celebrate with us tonight?”
“You know I think I will, Melody.” Xander turned and smiled at the young female. “It’s been a while since I last went to a decent party.
“Good there is someone that is going to be there that I want you to meet.” Melody pulled Xander by the arm and he had no choice but to follow, giggling.
At the party there were several people that Xander knew and then there were some that he didn’t know. Melody had pulled Xander to the dance floor and that was where he was left as well. Random people came up and thanked the older man on what he had accomplished, but he didn’t feel very thankful about it at all.
Shortly after Xander was being dragged off the dance floor by familiar hands. Looking around he couldn’t see who was there. Everything seemed to go by in a blur. When the hands that were holding Xander let go they were outside. There wasn’t much he could do except turn around to see what was going on.
“You know you can turn around to see who I am.” A male voice spoke up. “I promise you might want to see who I am.”
Xander was hesitant on facing the other male but after a couple of minutes of thinking about it Xander turned around to face the other man. “I’m sorry but I rec-“ He stopped what he was thinking and felt the urge to run away but his feet were planted where they were.
The other male looked up and smiled at Xander. “I know it’s been a year but I couldn’t wait any more to look for you.” He wrapped his arms around Xander as to give a hug.
Xander stood still not knowing what he should do as there was so many thoughts that were going through his mind. “Eli…. I don’t know what to say.” He stated while pushing the younger man away. “I-I-I missed you but you were the last person I would think to see tonight.”
Eli backed away and just hid his face in the hat that he had been wearing. “I hated knowing that you gave up on me so easily, I just wanted to know if that’s exactly what you felt. I can’t help thinking that there is more to this than you are letting on. I know there was plenty of time to find me last year but I just need to know why you didn’t.”
Xander looked at the younger man and gave a somber look. “I left because I knew I shouldn’t stay, you did give me a challenge that tested my limits and I lost hope that I would find you and that you wouldn’t be there when I needed you.” Sighing he pushed Eli away. “I didn’t want to give up on you but my hope was at a loss. You just made me-“
“Xander I didn’t do it on purpose. You gave me no choice. I needed to know you cared for me!”
Xander looked at Eli and turned to walk away. “You broke my heart and there is nothing I can do about it. I wanted to look for you but with the idea of having to look for you for so long there was nothing that I could do about it.”
Eli faced Xander giving a sad smile. “That’s all I need to hear. I guess you need to get back to your party.”
Nodding, Xander walked back to the party.
Both Eli and Xander stayed connected after that night. However things were never the same between the two of them. The words that were exchanged after that moment were vague but honest. Neither one of them made complete amends but they became civil to each other. Though no one knew exactly how the other felt.