Step: Chapter 12, Part I
Step: Chapter 12, Part I
chi-eng translated, 5201 words, luhan centric, all members involved, various pairings
"With each step, 15 years of your lives will deplete"
Part II
Rushing to open the dorm door, all that awaits is Jongdae and the two empty rooms. A message from Sehun sets Luhan’s ringtone off: “Happy birthday brother.” He glances at the time, 20th April, 12:01am.
“Where is Yixing?” Disposing his phone into the bag again, Luhan flashes a frantic look at Jongdae.
“He’s just in the building beside.” Jongdae points out the window.
Dashing up the 2nd level and into Sehun’s room, Yixing is playing his computer game right at the bedside, the person standing beside him is chatting with Sehun.
“Brother,” Sehun looks to Luhan, “you saw it....” Without even finishing his sentence, Luhan now already has himself thrown in Yixing’s embrace.
“Hey, you’re going to strangle me to death....” Yixing gazes at the disappointed Sehun and awkwardly grips onto Luhan’s arm, “Sehun is speaking to you, hey....” He whispers in Mandarin.
Chen? Kris frowns.
Chen smiles embarrassingly at Kris, “then....... I’ll leave you guys to chat, I’m returning to my place.” He points in the direction of next door and leaves the room.
Pausing for two seconds as he watches Chen’s back view, Kris slowly enters Chanyeol’s room, Sehun looks emotionally at Luhan, before the latter follows Kris out.
Chanyeol silently packs his bag and watches as Kris enters, subconsciously, he stops his movements.
“What?” Kris looks into his bag to see bottles with english fonts, and then a mask lying above it all.
“I’m sending this to Baekhyun tomorrow.” Chanyeol droops his eyelids, “the doctor said he still needs to stay a little longer for observation purposes.”
“He’s........ injured?” Kris frowns, selecting his words cautiously.
Chanyeol and Sehun both shoot the clueless him a look.
“Yes, and that’s if you consider severe depression an injury.”
Minutes later, Kris enters the next room, “Luhan, come here for awhile.” His face sweep of all smiles.
Luhan stands, eyeing him suspiciously. Yixing stands too, holding on to Luhan.
“What did the doctor say, he has to stay for observation? Can’t he just take pills?” Yixing’s line reverberates, similarly wiping all smiles off Luhan’s face.
“The doctor claims that his condition right now is beyond self healing, the severe depression may deteriorate and lead to suicide symptoms, but we can’t possibly keep an eye on him 24/7.” Chanyeol lowers his head.
“But didn’t the doctor mention that his treatment has been working?” Yixing frowns, “as long as we interact more with him, attract his attention and avoid provoking him... He is so cheerful by nature......” Yixing stops.
“He is actually wide awake, he understands his situation and is working hard to recuperate....” Chanyeol says, “but it’s the insomnia and the occasional restlessness, anxiety, and anything especially involving Jongin.”
“Who would still mention Jongin in front of him, haven’t we cleared it up?” Yixing says, “Just tell him not to go online.”
“It can’t be avoided, the daily outbreaks through the newspapers, news and internet.....” Chanyeol continues, “he too, is part of EXO, avoiding is simply impossible.”
Luhan’s face whitens, he eyes Kris, the other stays rooted to the spot.
Where’s Jongin? When he was rushing out of Jongdae’s room and into Yixing’s, why didn’t anyone think of this question?
From where should the story begin, Tao has no idea, he looks at Luhan and Kris sitting opposite him and runs his hands through his hair, “no one is at fault, do we really have to bring up the incident?”
Beginning from the afternoon that day, the rain pours rhythmically, the preset cell phone reminder rings, Tao vaguely recalls the drama ready made more than a year ago, retrieving the pen from a corner in the dresser, he creeps downstairs silently.
Luhan tosses the blanket over himself and goes to sleep, face a little reddish. On the bedside table sits a thermometer and a glass of water. Kris leans against his bedframe, as though asleep too.
Touching Luhan’s forehead and realizing the heat, Tao looks at the both who are asleep, he thinks he is a little lame.
He hesitates before reaching for a pen to start drawing gently on Kris’ eyelids and its surroundings. According to my drawing skills….. You really can’t be the least bothered about your face, can you? Tao ponders silently.
A heavier impact on the right eye causes Kris to frown, he opens his eyes, only to see Tao right in front of him with a pen.
“What are you doing?” The pen’s description slowly enters his sight as he stares, “lasts more than 36 hours.”
He grabs the pen instantly and reads the description again. Lifting his head, he stares fimly at Tao, before heading towards the bathroom.
“Huang Zitao you get over here right now!!” A voice booms from the bathroom, giving both the sleeping Luhan and Jongin who’s just in the room beside reading Baekhyun’s message, a shock.
Luhan sits up, frowning, only to hear the hollering continue, “who allowed you to draw, you think this is fun?!”
“Damn it, blame yourself….” Tao replies, his voice not any softer.
“Myself?” Kris points to his panda like eyes.
Jongin plops himself against the door with a pout before turning back into the room to retrieve his cell phone. Kris grabs the phone lying beside the basin, “I’d be crazy to have let you draw!”
“I really think you’re a little crazy…..” Tao stares and chuckles and at Kris. From the side, Jongin joins, “hey, look here!” A beautiful panda reveals itself.
“What are all of you doing?” Luhan stumbles over, hands hovering over his forehead, he looks rather abruptly at Kris and takes a few steps backwards, “even if you’re yearning so bad to quit the entertainment industry, this is no acceptable way to do it.”
Kris rolls his eyes and turns to Tao, “how do I remove it?”
“I don’t know.” Tao innocently gestures, his voice however rudely interrupted by the knocking of the door, Tao instantly rushes over to open.
“It’s time to go,” Chanyeol waves and strides in, “the car is waiting downstairs.” Catching a glimpse of Kris, he points into midair, no words however, escape his mouth.
“Isn’t this the pen Luhan told me to pass to Kris?” Chanyeol snatches the pen from Tao, “how did the ink get on your face?”
“Hey! It’s none of my business.” Luhan quickly clears the suspicion from himself, “when did I even ask you to buy a pen.”
“Oh? It’s….” Chanyeol frowns and recalls, “It’s.. It’s………”
“Alright, how do I wash this off.” Kris tugs at Chanyeol.
“You’d have to go to….. However,” Chanyeol looks outside, “how will you…..”
Just then the manager’s voice interrupts their conversation from below, “Kris, Luhan, come down now, hurry, don’t waste time!” And as he speaks, he trudges quickly up the second floor.
Observing Kris’ face, the manager becomes speechless.
“You stay here, you, you and you, get downstairs this instant!” The manager points to Luhan, Chanyeol and Tao.
“Me?” Tao points at his nose.
“Yes,” the manager dashes downstairs, “if we don’t leave now, we’ll be late, hurry!”
Before descending the stairs, Jongin grabs hold of Chanyeol’s arms, “Baekhyun is going?”
Chanyeol nods, pointing at the car stationed below.
Jongin’s eyes wander downstairs, he turns and fakes a smile before patting Chanyeol’s shoulders and then returns to his room.
--
Having been entangled in the matter for more than a year, should there be a closure? Baekhyun doesn’t know.
One with errors to begin with now further develops along the wrong track; resulting in larger mistaken endings; and not to mention the fact that reminders had been constantly put out, it’s a punishment.
He suspects that Jongin has projected his attachment towards dance onto himself - indeed, there’s nothing wrong in taking up challenges, indeed, there’s nothing wrong in wanting to conquer other fields, however, upon conquering, shouldn’t one be tired and bored?
Being men, and having tried, isn’t that enough?
--
“I want to do this for real.” On the balcony yesterday, Jongin has him cornered against the wall.
“You’re going to cause yourself death.” Baekhyun said, looking away helplessly.
“I am already in M, where else can they take me to, Mars?” Jongin stared.
“It’s impossible for us, wake up.” Baekhyun looked down.
“How else would you know if you haven’t tried?” Jongin said, a tinge of anxiousness filling his lines.
“It’s a dead end, can’t you see the blockage ahead?” Baekhyun said.
“Who doesn’t have death lying before them! Then what are you even living for?” Jongin hollered.
Shoving Jongin’s hands aside, Baekhyun walked towards the exit, “feelings like ours won’t last long, if you’re giving up your career for this, you’ll regret.”
“Are you afraid of me giving up my career or are you afraid of yourself?” Jongin echoed from behind.
Baekhyun turned to look, “myself.” He laughed, “I’m actually scared as hell.”
Jongin pulled Baekhyun in and hugged tightly, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry.......” Baekhyun hung his hand loosely while Jongin’s messed up hair brushed against his cheek.
“Let’s never fight again,” Jongin chimed through his shaky voice, “we only meet a few times every year, and everytime we meet it’s either a fight or a cold war that happens........” He pushed Baekhyun’s face in and sent a kiss, only to be shoved backwards, “we’re at the company, are you insane!”
Crouching down slowly, Jongin lowered his head in all exhaustion.
“It is a simple matter, why has it become this complicated?” He said, his voice hoarse.
“It’s because we are idols,” Baekhyun chuckled, “I have an idea as to how we can simplify matters,” he said, “let’s break up.”
--
At the rowdy dinner table, Baekhyun feels that getting drunk might not be too bad an option - for the very first time. It also means he can lend Luhan a helping hand, it just seems too perfect.
The Japanese seem to have developed a strong interest in Chinese martial arts, the smallest strokes could attract large amounts of attention, even under the horrible expressions of Luhan with wine splashed over his face. Baekhyun clutches his wine glass, laughing especially gleefully. Chanyeol’s alcohol tolerance is obviously much better than his, he thinks he has probably never witnessed someone with bad alcohol tolerance substitute for someone else anyway. Chanyeol, I would like to be just like you, having your feelings organized prior to debut, but I never got to do it.
Life isn’t a musical staff - to pause exactly where the note is drawn. How many years of practise would that take?
--
As he boards the car, Baekhyun isn’t entirely conscious anymore. He clutches his stomach which hurts from the gastric and watches vaguely as Chanyeol who initially followed him, get redirected into the car in front while Luhan who’s almost in an equally bad state as himself gets directed back behind, “you can get into the Buick at the back,” says the manager.
Luhan is incredibly dizzy. If the person beside him had been Kris or even Kai, he probably would have fainted over, but Baekhyun’s condition doesn’t seem to be any better, and he isn’t sure if his facial expression is due to the gastric pain.
“Where are you?” Luhan frowns in attempt to ward of the dizziness.
“I’m buying oilment, Kris’s face got drawn on by Tao.” Yixing speaks as he strolls towards the checkout counter, “I’ve sent Chanyeol a bunch of texts, he only returned awhile ago, we’ve been looking for him for an entire day.....” nags the voice from the other end.
“Chanyeol’s phone was probably on silent mode,” Luhan touches his forehead, speaking with pauses every now and then, “forget it if you’re not home, where’s Kris?” he asks, furrowing his brows.
“He’s in the car,” Yixing eyes the cab parked outside, “I told him that no one would spot in the night with his shades on but he just refused to come out.” Yixing says, “a while ago Tao sent a message asking him to fetch someone from the airport, we’ll be going once we’re done cleaning his face later.”
“Alright.” Luhan speaks listlessly, “are there any gastric tablets and something to sober me up at home..?”
“How much did you drink?” Yixing frowns, “are you alright?”
“Don’t worry, I’m fine,” Luhan suppresses his own dizziness, “Baekhyun doesn’t look too good.”
“I have something for the alcohol, but I’m not too sure about the gastric, you should call Jongin to double check.” Yixing says.
“Alright.” Luhan hangs up and looks at Baekhyun lying unconsciously beside him, before he dials for Jongin.
--
Not long after..
“Contact your friends, be safe.” Two phones are thrown back to him.
Luhan switches on his phone, only to reveal 15 missed calls from Jongin. Pressing the button, he returns the call.
“How is Baekhyun? Why was your phone switched off after dialing for me?” The person on the other end sounds frantic, Luhan could as though make out the other party pacing across the house.
“Jongin.....” Luhan looks to the ground, “come get us.”
Pausing for a second, two questions come with no breaks in between, “fetch you? Aren’t you on the way back?”
“We’re.....” Luhan switches his gaze towards Baekhyun, “on the outskirts. I’ll text you the location, come quick.”
Ignoring the frantic questionings from the other end, Luhan hangs out, pin points their location and sends the text.
Out of the subsequent 10 calls, he only picks one. “Baekhyun is fine,” he says. “I’m on my way now!” Comes the voice from the other end.
Luhan hangs up.
--
The dim desk light illuminates, Luhan and Kris nestle on their respective beds, the leaves outside rustle, exactly like it had been just a few days ago.
The pair silences in the darkness.
“We’re losing more and more.” Luhan says, “before we stepped this time, it was a burden of one life, we lost 60 years. Now, it’s a burden of 1 and a half lives, we have lost 90 years.”
“Yixing is alive,” Kris allows his eyes to wander to the ceiling, “it’s an improvement.”
Pausing for a second, Luhan shuts his eyes, “but the game isn’t played like that.”
“Today seems to be your birthday.” Kris points at the present on the table, “Sehun brought it in and left hurriedly.” He looks to Luhan.
There is a moment of silence, Luhan grabs the present, unwrapping it.
It’s a pretty music box and just beneath it is a letter, lifting the lid, a simple yet familiar melody plays.
Blinking, Kris speaks, “it’s custom made, I didn’t think you could buy a music box with the “Olive Tree’ tune in Korea.”
“I’ve only told him the name once,” Luhan caps it down, “he doesn’t even know the meaning of the lyrics.”
“He has google translate for that.” Kris chuckles and points towards an un-shut tab on the computer screen; those ambiguous and meaningful text, now translated into paragraphs of gibberish.
Luhan stares for a moment and walks towards the unclosed tab.
“What do you say? Do we continue?” Kris doesn’t look to Luhan.
“Do we have a choice?” Luhan doesn’t return a look either.
Freezing for a moment, Kris nods, “that’s right, we’re murderers.”
“You’ll die.” Luhan bends his head.
“So will you.” Kris replies.
Both of them lift their heads to look at each other yet after a while, lower their heads and laugh again.
Luhan sits on the bed, resting his head against the wall, tapping the spot beside him.
Kris freezes for a moment then proceeds to sit.
“I’m probably the worst failure of a boss you’ve ever seen.” Luhan chuckles.
“Indeed, you’re rather a failure.” Kris nods, replying through a laughter.
“If one day I go bankrupt,” Luhan turns to look, “you......”
“I will sue you,” Kris replies firmly, “for exploitation and forced cheap labour, and withholding wages.”
Luhan freezes, then chuckles. “I am definitely unable to pay you your wages.” He bends his head.
However, I can buy you insurance.
[20.04.2012 Noon]
The shadow of the accident envelopes the entire group, the absence of one member of each group results in an early ending to the photoshoot, Yixing looks towards Luhan in the corner, chatting happily on the phone, with chunks of disjointed Chinese reverberating in his ears.
“Our meals are settled by the events management team....” Luhan laughs, “not dieting, I’m not on a diet anymore.”
“How are the stocks you bought? Lately the index seems to have fallen quite largely....” He sits on the ground, clutching one leg, “China currency has went up again, also, remember that I have an account here in Korea too....” He lifts his eyelids.
The chats he has with his family is no longer just the minimum, he now chatters exhilaratingly of all things interesting around him, some inferred, others made up.
“I don’t have a girlfriend,” he laughs, the crinkles by his eyes forming, “you used to chase and beat me, making me feel like I’m from an underground society, why are you so concerned about this now, I’m busy, how is it even possible......”
On the other end, the naggings and advices repeat a thousand times; take note of your body, eat regularly, don’t go on diets, don’t push yourself too hard while performing...... Luhan can memorize everything.
As per usual, it’s the smile and nods used in response to the naggings although tears have seeped through the corners of his eyes and down, “you guys too, take care of yourself.” He holds the phone slightly further away, taking in a deep breath and then adjusting his tone of voice.
“Are telephone expenses high?” Comes a tone of worry from the other end, “don’t end up spending all your money on calls.”
“I have money now.” Luhan swipes his hand across his eyes, still smiling.
“As long as you’re fine,” the other end says, “are you promoting overseas again now, hurry up and go, or your manager would say you aren’t professional.”
“Okay.” Luhan says, pursing his mouth, “take care of yourself.”
“Did you catch a cold? Why is your voice so hoarse?”
“I’m fine, someone’s telling me to go.” Luhan hangs up the phone, leaning his head against the wall. He shuts his eyes.
Approaching the corner, Yixing sits down beside him, he doesn’t speak.
The phone gradually falls to the ground, Luhan opens his eyes, staring into the nothingness before him, clutching the hand of the person just beside him.
“You must live properly for me.” As he blinks, Luhan hints.
Yixing turns to him, still silent, “same, I still want to go fishing with you when we grow old.”
“Fishing..” Luhan laughs, “by then, you’ll have accompaniment by your family.”
“Aren’t you family? Yixing looks to him, smiling as well.
There is a pause before Luhan turns to face the other side, “idiot......” He shakes his head, “a brat like you really doesn’t suit these sensations.”
Yixing lowers his head, embracing the other’s shoulders, “and you think you’d make the cut?”
Standing, Luhan pats his bottoms before walking towards the doors. Coincidentally, he bumps into Sehun who’s entering, “are you okay?” He stares at Luhan’s red and teary eyes.
Lowering his head awkwardly, Luhan lifts one hand to pinch Sehun’s cheeks before tapping his shoulders and walking around him, “I’m fine.”
A few hours later, in the bathroom at the dormitory, Kris clutches the phone and the credit he had overused, head banging his forehead against the wall.
Regathering his emotions, Kris stuffs his phone back in his pocket before opening the bathroom doors, Luhan has himself situated at the entrance of the corridors, waiting for him. Placing his phone and keys on the dining table, Kris whips out a few cash notes from his wallet before placing the wallet down. A familiar looking letter rests just beside, it’s an unopened letter.
Stuffing a handful of nails into Kris’ pockets, Luhan speaks, “when we’re done with them, keep it as a souvenir.”
Handing the letter to Luhan, Kris mutters, “Before you go, you should read Sehun’s letter.”
Bending his head to retrieve it, Luhan brushed his fingers across the envelopes and supports himself against a cabinet, he looks at the dazzling sunlight outside the window.
“I’m not reading.” Luhan smiles and bends his head, “let’s go.”
-
The perfect weather, the perfect sunlight, just like the afternoon from a month ago - when he had passed a pamphlet to Kris, back then, Yixing was alive, Jongin too, everyone was.
As though having a fishing line hung across their eyes with a tantalising bait; it being that simple morning.
Approaching the sides of the cliff, Kris looks back at Luhan.
“After leaving this time, will we never meet again?” Kris says.
Luhan slides downwards along the cliff walls, “don’t be such a pessimist, you will still see the me from the past, yourself too.”
“There are some things you wouldn’t understand if I told the past you.” Kris glances at the forests opposite.
Luhan ignores him, his eyes drained of his soul as he looks to the ground.
Kris looks at him, and then bends his head.
The present you wouldn’t understand either, even if I were to say it. Ultimately, the best and purest partnership is one with synchronized movements and cooperation. In this world, in every plausible relationship, I want to fight back to back, with you, as equal brothers in arms. That; is what I yearn for the most.
As long as you throw me a gun, I would fight my way through with you, and even if what waits isn’t victory, I would still protect and support you from behind, never falling before you do.
Therefore, my dear partner, my inseparable teammate, my eternal brother, it’s fine even if you’re kept from some facts, as compared to the insignificant matters, being able to fight alongside you is my greatest honor.
-
The moment the nail is hammered, Luhan knows his life is probably coming to an end, watching as Kris immerses himself into deep sleep first, Luhan retrieves his phone from his pocket and snaps a photo of the empty forest before his eyes.
His shoe motions in the direction of the red arrow on the ground. Finding it a little lame, he drops his phone into Kris’ hands.
Lifting his head, the sunlight is some sort of blinding, he uses his hands to block his eyes and looks relishingly into the sky.
“Clown, is the time when we step back decided by you?” He blinks.
Smiling into the glory of the sun, he whispers, “this time, please help us.”
The rehearsal continues, the all too familiar hit song finally reaches its last tune, Kris and the others gradually rise and turn backwards. Standing at the peak of the pyramid formation, Yixing clutches his waist and stands with some difficulty.
Luhan shuffles over quickly to grab his shoulders, Kris picks the mic up from the ground and hands it to him. Yixing retrieves it, his eyes drooping. His expression never fails to reveal the immense fear in him every time his injury re-occurs.
“Awesome, recording will start in 10 minutes.” The voice from the speaker reverberates; neglecting the abnormal state of the lead dancer, Luhan turns to glare at the speaker, hesitating to voice his words. Yixing tugs at his sleeves before shaking his head.
Entering backstage to retrieve his phone, the text “2013, 28th January” enters his sight, “I’m going out for a while.” he whispers softly in Chinese to Luhan, before dashing out the building.
It is a single storey theatre, Kris obviously does not have a way to find 53 doors, rushing out into the rain, he scrutinizes the surrounding wildly, Chanyeol stays in pursuit behind.
“Kris, what are you doing?” Chanyeol blocks the rain with his hands.
“Are there any hotels, motels or office building nearby?” Kris faces Chanyeol, his face drenched with rain water.
“There is, but you..” Chanyeol uses one hand to cover the rather small surface area of Kris’ head, “you are so drenched, but in 10 minutes, we’ll be filming.”
“Take me there.” Kris lunges at his arms, staring straight into his eyes.
Chanyeol looks at him, lost, “we’re in Thailand, not far across that road is a 5-star hotel, but.....” Before he even has the opportunity to finish, Kris is already gone into the pouring rain.
“Hey! Kris, you...” Chanyeol turns and allows his sight to wander, and then looks uneasily at Kris. He hesitates for a moment and follows in pursuit.
“I’m sorry, Sir. may I know.....” The hotel lobby is magnificent, as sleek branded cars pull up along the driveway at the entrance every now and then, he watches a drenched teenager barge through the big entrance doors, the front desk staff, acting by initial instinct attempts to stop him.
Ignoring the Thai he couldn’t understand, Kris stomps forwards, with Chanyeol equally drenched and frantic barging in through the doors in pursuit just then.
A few security personnels move forward to block Kris and after a while, the manager makes his appearance, politely revealing his staff identification card and questioning in English, “may I know if there’s anything I can assist you with?”
Chanyeol moves forwards and tugs at Kris’ sleeves with an expression of awkwardness, he smiles at the manager and security guards.
“We’re here to..... Visit a friend.” Kris says.
“May I know your friend’s name?” The lobby manager stares at the desperate yet charming teen, who nonetheless looks pathetic now.
“I’m............” In that instant, Kris is at a loss for words, “I haven’t seen him before, I’m just here.....”
The manager chuckles at Kris standing too awkwardly but doesn’t speak.
“If you have yet to meet your friend, please give us his room number and name so we can seek his permission, if that isn’t a problem.” The manager purses his lips, the meaning of his words unclear.
Observing the expression written on the manager’s face, Kris gradually figures his meaning.
“Please understand that it isn’t prohibited for people of your status and appearance to be in here, but there are some amongst you who barge in without a specific meeting target, causing umpteen complaints from guests for disturbance of this kind.” He looks to Kris, “you need to know that it’s a five star hotel and not just any normal motel outside.”
The awkwardness gradually diffuses into the atmosphere; Chanyeol slowly releases Kris’ hands, bending his head in silence.
Cocking his head a little, Chanyeol redraws a card out his wallet and taps onto the counter.
“We’ll take a room.” He says.
Both the manager and service staff freeze for a moment, the latter sweeps a glance through the corners of his eyes at the manager.
Using his left hand to point on the events calendar, the service staff apologizes politely, “the rooms that are fully booked tonight are the twin economy room, twin standard rooms, twin business rooms and twin......” Before he even finishes his line, Chanyeol interrupts, “the most expensive one.”
Kris turns to look at him before asking in Korean through a smile, “have you brought enough money, I haven’t got any with me.”
“Don’t worry, I have enough for a night.” Chanyeol blinks.
“Thank you for your patronage, the presidential couple suit is booked for you; we will be deducting an amount for deposit first, please presents your identification card.” The service staff flashes a bright smile at them before the manager’s attitude takes a 180 degrees change as well, a face now full of smiles.
Both of them flash awkward emotions, Chanyeol rests his arms on the counter as he takes eternity to flip through his wallet for a Korean ID, “I don’t have my passport, will this be okay?”
“This is.......” The service personnel looks to the Korean words on the card before turning to his manager.
Chanyeol doesn’t stop flipping through his wallet. Eventually, he finds his driving license, “this is an international driving license, it’s recognised in Thailand as well.”
The front desk personnel retrieves the driving license and keys in the details on the computer, Chanyeol withdraws a few large cash notes from his wallet and stuffs it into the manager’s palms.
“Although your driving license is Thai-recognised, it is by our hotel rules that....” He doesn’t get the chance to finish, the manager raises his hand and gestures for him to stop and nods, giving the green light to proceed.
“Then....” The front desk person flashes the brightest smile while security disperses, “please sign over here, this is your room card, please proceed ahead, the lift is on your right.”
Upon signing, Chanyeol stuffs the room card into his pocket, he doesn’t take another glance at the manager and instead follows Kris straight towards the lift.
In the silence, Kris presses a random level and watches as the lift door shuts gradually.
“You actually have quite a temper,” Kris says, looking at Chanyeol and his baby fat through the mirror, “you can’t bear to watch your friends be mistreated.”
“Chanyeol lifts a brow towards the mirror on the opposite end, “cheh~ we only have your charming looks to blame.”
“Being handsome doesn’t help make a living.” Kris chuckles, “it’s all thanks to your card.”
Chanyeol jerks his head to one side, he doesn’t speak. Using his hands to fix his watch, he voices, “what exactly are you doing here?” The voice doesn’t finish his sentence, the lift door opens with a ‘ding” and Kris dashes out.
Gently tapping on all the doors along the red carpet, Kris counts mentally.
Frowning at the weird actions of Kris, Chanyeol apologizes to the few who open their doors as he looks at his watch, following Kris as he swerves through left and right of the halls.
51, 52, 53.
Kris comes to a halt, he turns to Chanyeol and asks, “how long has it been since the rehearsal ended?”
“From the end of rehearsal till now?” Chanyeol says, “not too long, about 20 minutes I guess.”
Tucking his hand in his pockets, Kris turns to Chanyeol, “let’s go back.”
Standing at the lift landing, Kris’ hands nonetheless remain tucked in his pockets, Chanyeol stares at him weirdly before turning to press the down button.
“You are really weird today.” Chanyeol summarizes, “you have to clarify yourself someday.”
“I might not be in time for that.” Kris lifts his head to gaze at the ceiling, perhaps his life is already over drafted, perhaps it is down to the last few moments of his step back.
“You might not have time?” Chanyeol purses his lips, “Kris you have always been busy with this and that, but you don’t have time for the important matters?”
Amidst the silence, the lift door dings and opens, from outside, as strangers shuffle past occasionally, Kris remains rooted to the spot.
All along, he has perceived himself to be rather rational, possessing the ability to make his own decisions, someone with the ability to sacrifice the tiny details and portray the big picture clearly. And towards people who act on temperament, he would probably laugh it off because he knows - he will never become someone like that.
Part II
Original fic
Translated by heecups and ♡
Please ask before reposting!
chi-eng translated, 5201 words, luhan centric, all members involved, various pairings
"With each step, 15 years of your lives will deplete"
Part II
Rushing to open the dorm door, all that awaits is Jongdae and the two empty rooms. A message from Sehun sets Luhan’s ringtone off: “Happy birthday brother.” He glances at the time, 20th April, 12:01am.
“Where is Yixing?” Disposing his phone into the bag again, Luhan flashes a frantic look at Jongdae.
“He’s just in the building beside.” Jongdae points out the window.
Dashing up the 2nd level and into Sehun’s room, Yixing is playing his computer game right at the bedside, the person standing beside him is chatting with Sehun.
“Brother,” Sehun looks to Luhan, “you saw it....” Without even finishing his sentence, Luhan now already has himself thrown in Yixing’s embrace.
“Hey, you’re going to strangle me to death....” Yixing gazes at the disappointed Sehun and awkwardly grips onto Luhan’s arm, “Sehun is speaking to you, hey....” He whispers in Mandarin.
Chen? Kris frowns.
Chen smiles embarrassingly at Kris, “then....... I’ll leave you guys to chat, I’m returning to my place.” He points in the direction of next door and leaves the room.
Pausing for two seconds as he watches Chen’s back view, Kris slowly enters Chanyeol’s room, Sehun looks emotionally at Luhan, before the latter follows Kris out.
Chanyeol silently packs his bag and watches as Kris enters, subconsciously, he stops his movements.
“What?” Kris looks into his bag to see bottles with english fonts, and then a mask lying above it all.
“I’m sending this to Baekhyun tomorrow.” Chanyeol droops his eyelids, “the doctor said he still needs to stay a little longer for observation purposes.”
“He’s........ injured?” Kris frowns, selecting his words cautiously.
Chanyeol and Sehun both shoot the clueless him a look.
“Yes, and that’s if you consider severe depression an injury.”
Minutes later, Kris enters the next room, “Luhan, come here for awhile.” His face sweep of all smiles.
Luhan stands, eyeing him suspiciously. Yixing stands too, holding on to Luhan.
“What did the doctor say, he has to stay for observation? Can’t he just take pills?” Yixing’s line reverberates, similarly wiping all smiles off Luhan’s face.
“The doctor claims that his condition right now is beyond self healing, the severe depression may deteriorate and lead to suicide symptoms, but we can’t possibly keep an eye on him 24/7.” Chanyeol lowers his head.
“But didn’t the doctor mention that his treatment has been working?” Yixing frowns, “as long as we interact more with him, attract his attention and avoid provoking him... He is so cheerful by nature......” Yixing stops.
“He is actually wide awake, he understands his situation and is working hard to recuperate....” Chanyeol says, “but it’s the insomnia and the occasional restlessness, anxiety, and anything especially involving Jongin.”
“Who would still mention Jongin in front of him, haven’t we cleared it up?” Yixing says, “Just tell him not to go online.”
“It can’t be avoided, the daily outbreaks through the newspapers, news and internet.....” Chanyeol continues, “he too, is part of EXO, avoiding is simply impossible.”
Luhan’s face whitens, he eyes Kris, the other stays rooted to the spot.
Where’s Jongin? When he was rushing out of Jongdae’s room and into Yixing’s, why didn’t anyone think of this question?
From where should the story begin, Tao has no idea, he looks at Luhan and Kris sitting opposite him and runs his hands through his hair, “no one is at fault, do we really have to bring up the incident?”
Beginning from the afternoon that day, the rain pours rhythmically, the preset cell phone reminder rings, Tao vaguely recalls the drama ready made more than a year ago, retrieving the pen from a corner in the dresser, he creeps downstairs silently.
Luhan tosses the blanket over himself and goes to sleep, face a little reddish. On the bedside table sits a thermometer and a glass of water. Kris leans against his bedframe, as though asleep too.
Touching Luhan’s forehead and realizing the heat, Tao looks at the both who are asleep, he thinks he is a little lame.
He hesitates before reaching for a pen to start drawing gently on Kris’ eyelids and its surroundings. According to my drawing skills….. You really can’t be the least bothered about your face, can you? Tao ponders silently.
A heavier impact on the right eye causes Kris to frown, he opens his eyes, only to see Tao right in front of him with a pen.
“What are you doing?” The pen’s description slowly enters his sight as he stares, “lasts more than 36 hours.”
He grabs the pen instantly and reads the description again. Lifting his head, he stares fimly at Tao, before heading towards the bathroom.
“Huang Zitao you get over here right now!!” A voice booms from the bathroom, giving both the sleeping Luhan and Jongin who’s just in the room beside reading Baekhyun’s message, a shock.
Luhan sits up, frowning, only to hear the hollering continue, “who allowed you to draw, you think this is fun?!”
“Damn it, blame yourself….” Tao replies, his voice not any softer.
“Myself?” Kris points to his panda like eyes.
Jongin plops himself against the door with a pout before turning back into the room to retrieve his cell phone. Kris grabs the phone lying beside the basin, “I’d be crazy to have let you draw!”
“I really think you’re a little crazy…..” Tao stares and chuckles and at Kris. From the side, Jongin joins, “hey, look here!” A beautiful panda reveals itself.
“What are all of you doing?” Luhan stumbles over, hands hovering over his forehead, he looks rather abruptly at Kris and takes a few steps backwards, “even if you’re yearning so bad to quit the entertainment industry, this is no acceptable way to do it.”
Kris rolls his eyes and turns to Tao, “how do I remove it?”
“I don’t know.” Tao innocently gestures, his voice however rudely interrupted by the knocking of the door, Tao instantly rushes over to open.
“It’s time to go,” Chanyeol waves and strides in, “the car is waiting downstairs.” Catching a glimpse of Kris, he points into midair, no words however, escape his mouth.
“Isn’t this the pen Luhan told me to pass to Kris?” Chanyeol snatches the pen from Tao, “how did the ink get on your face?”
“Hey! It’s none of my business.” Luhan quickly clears the suspicion from himself, “when did I even ask you to buy a pen.”
“Oh? It’s….” Chanyeol frowns and recalls, “It’s.. It’s………”
“Alright, how do I wash this off.” Kris tugs at Chanyeol.
“You’d have to go to….. However,” Chanyeol looks outside, “how will you…..”
Just then the manager’s voice interrupts their conversation from below, “Kris, Luhan, come down now, hurry, don’t waste time!” And as he speaks, he trudges quickly up the second floor.
Observing Kris’ face, the manager becomes speechless.
“You stay here, you, you and you, get downstairs this instant!” The manager points to Luhan, Chanyeol and Tao.
“Me?” Tao points at his nose.
“Yes,” the manager dashes downstairs, “if we don’t leave now, we’ll be late, hurry!”
Before descending the stairs, Jongin grabs hold of Chanyeol’s arms, “Baekhyun is going?”
Chanyeol nods, pointing at the car stationed below.
Jongin’s eyes wander downstairs, he turns and fakes a smile before patting Chanyeol’s shoulders and then returns to his room.
--
Having been entangled in the matter for more than a year, should there be a closure? Baekhyun doesn’t know.
One with errors to begin with now further develops along the wrong track; resulting in larger mistaken endings; and not to mention the fact that reminders had been constantly put out, it’s a punishment.
He suspects that Jongin has projected his attachment towards dance onto himself - indeed, there’s nothing wrong in taking up challenges, indeed, there’s nothing wrong in wanting to conquer other fields, however, upon conquering, shouldn’t one be tired and bored?
Being men, and having tried, isn’t that enough?
--
“I want to do this for real.” On the balcony yesterday, Jongin has him cornered against the wall.
“You’re going to cause yourself death.” Baekhyun said, looking away helplessly.
“I am already in M, where else can they take me to, Mars?” Jongin stared.
“It’s impossible for us, wake up.” Baekhyun looked down.
“How else would you know if you haven’t tried?” Jongin said, a tinge of anxiousness filling his lines.
“It’s a dead end, can’t you see the blockage ahead?” Baekhyun said.
“Who doesn’t have death lying before them! Then what are you even living for?” Jongin hollered.
Shoving Jongin’s hands aside, Baekhyun walked towards the exit, “feelings like ours won’t last long, if you’re giving up your career for this, you’ll regret.”
“Are you afraid of me giving up my career or are you afraid of yourself?” Jongin echoed from behind.
Baekhyun turned to look, “myself.” He laughed, “I’m actually scared as hell.”
Jongin pulled Baekhyun in and hugged tightly, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry.......” Baekhyun hung his hand loosely while Jongin’s messed up hair brushed against his cheek.
“Let’s never fight again,” Jongin chimed through his shaky voice, “we only meet a few times every year, and everytime we meet it’s either a fight or a cold war that happens........” He pushed Baekhyun’s face in and sent a kiss, only to be shoved backwards, “we’re at the company, are you insane!”
Crouching down slowly, Jongin lowered his head in all exhaustion.
“It is a simple matter, why has it become this complicated?” He said, his voice hoarse.
“It’s because we are idols,” Baekhyun chuckled, “I have an idea as to how we can simplify matters,” he said, “let’s break up.”
--
At the rowdy dinner table, Baekhyun feels that getting drunk might not be too bad an option - for the very first time. It also means he can lend Luhan a helping hand, it just seems too perfect.
The Japanese seem to have developed a strong interest in Chinese martial arts, the smallest strokes could attract large amounts of attention, even under the horrible expressions of Luhan with wine splashed over his face. Baekhyun clutches his wine glass, laughing especially gleefully. Chanyeol’s alcohol tolerance is obviously much better than his, he thinks he has probably never witnessed someone with bad alcohol tolerance substitute for someone else anyway. Chanyeol, I would like to be just like you, having your feelings organized prior to debut, but I never got to do it.
Life isn’t a musical staff - to pause exactly where the note is drawn. How many years of practise would that take?
--
As he boards the car, Baekhyun isn’t entirely conscious anymore. He clutches his stomach which hurts from the gastric and watches vaguely as Chanyeol who initially followed him, get redirected into the car in front while Luhan who’s almost in an equally bad state as himself gets directed back behind, “you can get into the Buick at the back,” says the manager.
Luhan is incredibly dizzy. If the person beside him had been Kris or even Kai, he probably would have fainted over, but Baekhyun’s condition doesn’t seem to be any better, and he isn’t sure if his facial expression is due to the gastric pain.
“Where are you?” Luhan frowns in attempt to ward of the dizziness.
“I’m buying oilment, Kris’s face got drawn on by Tao.” Yixing speaks as he strolls towards the checkout counter, “I’ve sent Chanyeol a bunch of texts, he only returned awhile ago, we’ve been looking for him for an entire day.....” nags the voice from the other end.
“Chanyeol’s phone was probably on silent mode,” Luhan touches his forehead, speaking with pauses every now and then, “forget it if you’re not home, where’s Kris?” he asks, furrowing his brows.
“He’s in the car,” Yixing eyes the cab parked outside, “I told him that no one would spot in the night with his shades on but he just refused to come out.” Yixing says, “a while ago Tao sent a message asking him to fetch someone from the airport, we’ll be going once we’re done cleaning his face later.”
“Alright.” Luhan speaks listlessly, “are there any gastric tablets and something to sober me up at home..?”
“How much did you drink?” Yixing frowns, “are you alright?”
“Don’t worry, I’m fine,” Luhan suppresses his own dizziness, “Baekhyun doesn’t look too good.”
“I have something for the alcohol, but I’m not too sure about the gastric, you should call Jongin to double check.” Yixing says.
“Alright.” Luhan hangs up and looks at Baekhyun lying unconsciously beside him, before he dials for Jongin.
--
Not long after..
“Contact your friends, be safe.” Two phones are thrown back to him.
Luhan switches on his phone, only to reveal 15 missed calls from Jongin. Pressing the button, he returns the call.
“How is Baekhyun? Why was your phone switched off after dialing for me?” The person on the other end sounds frantic, Luhan could as though make out the other party pacing across the house.
“Jongin.....” Luhan looks to the ground, “come get us.”
Pausing for a second, two questions come with no breaks in between, “fetch you? Aren’t you on the way back?”
“We’re.....” Luhan switches his gaze towards Baekhyun, “on the outskirts. I’ll text you the location, come quick.”
Ignoring the frantic questionings from the other end, Luhan hangs out, pin points their location and sends the text.
Out of the subsequent 10 calls, he only picks one. “Baekhyun is fine,” he says. “I’m on my way now!” Comes the voice from the other end.
Luhan hangs up.
--
The dim desk light illuminates, Luhan and Kris nestle on their respective beds, the leaves outside rustle, exactly like it had been just a few days ago.
The pair silences in the darkness.
“We’re losing more and more.” Luhan says, “before we stepped this time, it was a burden of one life, we lost 60 years. Now, it’s a burden of 1 and a half lives, we have lost 90 years.”
“Yixing is alive,” Kris allows his eyes to wander to the ceiling, “it’s an improvement.”
Pausing for a second, Luhan shuts his eyes, “but the game isn’t played like that.”
“Today seems to be your birthday.” Kris points at the present on the table, “Sehun brought it in and left hurriedly.” He looks to Luhan.
There is a moment of silence, Luhan grabs the present, unwrapping it.
It’s a pretty music box and just beneath it is a letter, lifting the lid, a simple yet familiar melody plays.
Blinking, Kris speaks, “it’s custom made, I didn’t think you could buy a music box with the “Olive Tree’ tune in Korea.”
“I’ve only told him the name once,” Luhan caps it down, “he doesn’t even know the meaning of the lyrics.”
“He has google translate for that.” Kris chuckles and points towards an un-shut tab on the computer screen; those ambiguous and meaningful text, now translated into paragraphs of gibberish.
Luhan stares for a moment and walks towards the unclosed tab.
“What do you say? Do we continue?” Kris doesn’t look to Luhan.
“Do we have a choice?” Luhan doesn’t return a look either.
Freezing for a moment, Kris nods, “that’s right, we’re murderers.”
“You’ll die.” Luhan bends his head.
“So will you.” Kris replies.
Both of them lift their heads to look at each other yet after a while, lower their heads and laugh again.
Luhan sits on the bed, resting his head against the wall, tapping the spot beside him.
Kris freezes for a moment then proceeds to sit.
“I’m probably the worst failure of a boss you’ve ever seen.” Luhan chuckles.
“Indeed, you’re rather a failure.” Kris nods, replying through a laughter.
“If one day I go bankrupt,” Luhan turns to look, “you......”
“I will sue you,” Kris replies firmly, “for exploitation and forced cheap labour, and withholding wages.”
Luhan freezes, then chuckles. “I am definitely unable to pay you your wages.” He bends his head.
However, I can buy you insurance.
[20.04.2012 Noon]
The shadow of the accident envelopes the entire group, the absence of one member of each group results in an early ending to the photoshoot, Yixing looks towards Luhan in the corner, chatting happily on the phone, with chunks of disjointed Chinese reverberating in his ears.
“Our meals are settled by the events management team....” Luhan laughs, “not dieting, I’m not on a diet anymore.”
“How are the stocks you bought? Lately the index seems to have fallen quite largely....” He sits on the ground, clutching one leg, “China currency has went up again, also, remember that I have an account here in Korea too....” He lifts his eyelids.
The chats he has with his family is no longer just the minimum, he now chatters exhilaratingly of all things interesting around him, some inferred, others made up.
“I don’t have a girlfriend,” he laughs, the crinkles by his eyes forming, “you used to chase and beat me, making me feel like I’m from an underground society, why are you so concerned about this now, I’m busy, how is it even possible......”
On the other end, the naggings and advices repeat a thousand times; take note of your body, eat regularly, don’t go on diets, don’t push yourself too hard while performing...... Luhan can memorize everything.
As per usual, it’s the smile and nods used in response to the naggings although tears have seeped through the corners of his eyes and down, “you guys too, take care of yourself.” He holds the phone slightly further away, taking in a deep breath and then adjusting his tone of voice.
“Are telephone expenses high?” Comes a tone of worry from the other end, “don’t end up spending all your money on calls.”
“I have money now.” Luhan swipes his hand across his eyes, still smiling.
“As long as you’re fine,” the other end says, “are you promoting overseas again now, hurry up and go, or your manager would say you aren’t professional.”
“Okay.” Luhan says, pursing his mouth, “take care of yourself.”
“Did you catch a cold? Why is your voice so hoarse?”
“I’m fine, someone’s telling me to go.” Luhan hangs up the phone, leaning his head against the wall. He shuts his eyes.
Approaching the corner, Yixing sits down beside him, he doesn’t speak.
The phone gradually falls to the ground, Luhan opens his eyes, staring into the nothingness before him, clutching the hand of the person just beside him.
“You must live properly for me.” As he blinks, Luhan hints.
Yixing turns to him, still silent, “same, I still want to go fishing with you when we grow old.”
“Fishing..” Luhan laughs, “by then, you’ll have accompaniment by your family.”
“Aren’t you family? Yixing looks to him, smiling as well.
There is a pause before Luhan turns to face the other side, “idiot......” He shakes his head, “a brat like you really doesn’t suit these sensations.”
Yixing lowers his head, embracing the other’s shoulders, “and you think you’d make the cut?”
Standing, Luhan pats his bottoms before walking towards the doors. Coincidentally, he bumps into Sehun who’s entering, “are you okay?” He stares at Luhan’s red and teary eyes.
Lowering his head awkwardly, Luhan lifts one hand to pinch Sehun’s cheeks before tapping his shoulders and walking around him, “I’m fine.”
A few hours later, in the bathroom at the dormitory, Kris clutches the phone and the credit he had overused, head banging his forehead against the wall.
Regathering his emotions, Kris stuffs his phone back in his pocket before opening the bathroom doors, Luhan has himself situated at the entrance of the corridors, waiting for him. Placing his phone and keys on the dining table, Kris whips out a few cash notes from his wallet before placing the wallet down. A familiar looking letter rests just beside, it’s an unopened letter.
Stuffing a handful of nails into Kris’ pockets, Luhan speaks, “when we’re done with them, keep it as a souvenir.”
Handing the letter to Luhan, Kris mutters, “Before you go, you should read Sehun’s letter.”
Bending his head to retrieve it, Luhan brushed his fingers across the envelopes and supports himself against a cabinet, he looks at the dazzling sunlight outside the window.
“I’m not reading.” Luhan smiles and bends his head, “let’s go.”
-
The perfect weather, the perfect sunlight, just like the afternoon from a month ago - when he had passed a pamphlet to Kris, back then, Yixing was alive, Jongin too, everyone was.
As though having a fishing line hung across their eyes with a tantalising bait; it being that simple morning.
Approaching the sides of the cliff, Kris looks back at Luhan.
“After leaving this time, will we never meet again?” Kris says.
Luhan slides downwards along the cliff walls, “don’t be such a pessimist, you will still see the me from the past, yourself too.”
“There are some things you wouldn’t understand if I told the past you.” Kris glances at the forests opposite.
Luhan ignores him, his eyes drained of his soul as he looks to the ground.
Kris looks at him, and then bends his head.
The present you wouldn’t understand either, even if I were to say it. Ultimately, the best and purest partnership is one with synchronized movements and cooperation. In this world, in every plausible relationship, I want to fight back to back, with you, as equal brothers in arms. That; is what I yearn for the most.
As long as you throw me a gun, I would fight my way through with you, and even if what waits isn’t victory, I would still protect and support you from behind, never falling before you do.
Therefore, my dear partner, my inseparable teammate, my eternal brother, it’s fine even if you’re kept from some facts, as compared to the insignificant matters, being able to fight alongside you is my greatest honor.
-
The moment the nail is hammered, Luhan knows his life is probably coming to an end, watching as Kris immerses himself into deep sleep first, Luhan retrieves his phone from his pocket and snaps a photo of the empty forest before his eyes.
His shoe motions in the direction of the red arrow on the ground. Finding it a little lame, he drops his phone into Kris’ hands.
Lifting his head, the sunlight is some sort of blinding, he uses his hands to block his eyes and looks relishingly into the sky.
“Clown, is the time when we step back decided by you?” He blinks.
Smiling into the glory of the sun, he whispers, “this time, please help us.”
The rehearsal continues, the all too familiar hit song finally reaches its last tune, Kris and the others gradually rise and turn backwards. Standing at the peak of the pyramid formation, Yixing clutches his waist and stands with some difficulty.
Luhan shuffles over quickly to grab his shoulders, Kris picks the mic up from the ground and hands it to him. Yixing retrieves it, his eyes drooping. His expression never fails to reveal the immense fear in him every time his injury re-occurs.
“Awesome, recording will start in 10 minutes.” The voice from the speaker reverberates; neglecting the abnormal state of the lead dancer, Luhan turns to glare at the speaker, hesitating to voice his words. Yixing tugs at his sleeves before shaking his head.
Entering backstage to retrieve his phone, the text “2013, 28th January” enters his sight, “I’m going out for a while.” he whispers softly in Chinese to Luhan, before dashing out the building.
It is a single storey theatre, Kris obviously does not have a way to find 53 doors, rushing out into the rain, he scrutinizes the surrounding wildly, Chanyeol stays in pursuit behind.
“Kris, what are you doing?” Chanyeol blocks the rain with his hands.
“Are there any hotels, motels or office building nearby?” Kris faces Chanyeol, his face drenched with rain water.
“There is, but you..” Chanyeol uses one hand to cover the rather small surface area of Kris’ head, “you are so drenched, but in 10 minutes, we’ll be filming.”
“Take me there.” Kris lunges at his arms, staring straight into his eyes.
Chanyeol looks at him, lost, “we’re in Thailand, not far across that road is a 5-star hotel, but.....” Before he even has the opportunity to finish, Kris is already gone into the pouring rain.
“Hey! Kris, you...” Chanyeol turns and allows his sight to wander, and then looks uneasily at Kris. He hesitates for a moment and follows in pursuit.
“I’m sorry, Sir. may I know.....” The hotel lobby is magnificent, as sleek branded cars pull up along the driveway at the entrance every now and then, he watches a drenched teenager barge through the big entrance doors, the front desk staff, acting by initial instinct attempts to stop him.
Ignoring the Thai he couldn’t understand, Kris stomps forwards, with Chanyeol equally drenched and frantic barging in through the doors in pursuit just then.
A few security personnels move forward to block Kris and after a while, the manager makes his appearance, politely revealing his staff identification card and questioning in English, “may I know if there’s anything I can assist you with?”
Chanyeol moves forwards and tugs at Kris’ sleeves with an expression of awkwardness, he smiles at the manager and security guards.
“We’re here to..... Visit a friend.” Kris says.
“May I know your friend’s name?” The lobby manager stares at the desperate yet charming teen, who nonetheless looks pathetic now.
“I’m............” In that instant, Kris is at a loss for words, “I haven’t seen him before, I’m just here.....”
The manager chuckles at Kris standing too awkwardly but doesn’t speak.
“If you have yet to meet your friend, please give us his room number and name so we can seek his permission, if that isn’t a problem.” The manager purses his lips, the meaning of his words unclear.
Observing the expression written on the manager’s face, Kris gradually figures his meaning.
“Please understand that it isn’t prohibited for people of your status and appearance to be in here, but there are some amongst you who barge in without a specific meeting target, causing umpteen complaints from guests for disturbance of this kind.” He looks to Kris, “you need to know that it’s a five star hotel and not just any normal motel outside.”
The awkwardness gradually diffuses into the atmosphere; Chanyeol slowly releases Kris’ hands, bending his head in silence.
Cocking his head a little, Chanyeol redraws a card out his wallet and taps onto the counter.
“We’ll take a room.” He says.
Both the manager and service staff freeze for a moment, the latter sweeps a glance through the corners of his eyes at the manager.
Using his left hand to point on the events calendar, the service staff apologizes politely, “the rooms that are fully booked tonight are the twin economy room, twin standard rooms, twin business rooms and twin......” Before he even finishes his line, Chanyeol interrupts, “the most expensive one.”
Kris turns to look at him before asking in Korean through a smile, “have you brought enough money, I haven’t got any with me.”
“Don’t worry, I have enough for a night.” Chanyeol blinks.
“Thank you for your patronage, the presidential couple suit is booked for you; we will be deducting an amount for deposit first, please presents your identification card.” The service staff flashes a bright smile at them before the manager’s attitude takes a 180 degrees change as well, a face now full of smiles.
Both of them flash awkward emotions, Chanyeol rests his arms on the counter as he takes eternity to flip through his wallet for a Korean ID, “I don’t have my passport, will this be okay?”
“This is.......” The service personnel looks to the Korean words on the card before turning to his manager.
Chanyeol doesn’t stop flipping through his wallet. Eventually, he finds his driving license, “this is an international driving license, it’s recognised in Thailand as well.”
The front desk personnel retrieves the driving license and keys in the details on the computer, Chanyeol withdraws a few large cash notes from his wallet and stuffs it into the manager’s palms.
“Although your driving license is Thai-recognised, it is by our hotel rules that....” He doesn’t get the chance to finish, the manager raises his hand and gestures for him to stop and nods, giving the green light to proceed.
“Then....” The front desk person flashes the brightest smile while security disperses, “please sign over here, this is your room card, please proceed ahead, the lift is on your right.”
Upon signing, Chanyeol stuffs the room card into his pocket, he doesn’t take another glance at the manager and instead follows Kris straight towards the lift.
In the silence, Kris presses a random level and watches as the lift door shuts gradually.
“You actually have quite a temper,” Kris says, looking at Chanyeol and his baby fat through the mirror, “you can’t bear to watch your friends be mistreated.”
“Chanyeol lifts a brow towards the mirror on the opposite end, “cheh~ we only have your charming looks to blame.”
“Being handsome doesn’t help make a living.” Kris chuckles, “it’s all thanks to your card.”
Chanyeol jerks his head to one side, he doesn’t speak. Using his hands to fix his watch, he voices, “what exactly are you doing here?” The voice doesn’t finish his sentence, the lift door opens with a ‘ding” and Kris dashes out.
Gently tapping on all the doors along the red carpet, Kris counts mentally.
Frowning at the weird actions of Kris, Chanyeol apologizes to the few who open their doors as he looks at his watch, following Kris as he swerves through left and right of the halls.
51, 52, 53.
Kris comes to a halt, he turns to Chanyeol and asks, “how long has it been since the rehearsal ended?”
“From the end of rehearsal till now?” Chanyeol says, “not too long, about 20 minutes I guess.”
Tucking his hand in his pockets, Kris turns to Chanyeol, “let’s go back.”
Standing at the lift landing, Kris’ hands nonetheless remain tucked in his pockets, Chanyeol stares at him weirdly before turning to press the down button.
“You are really weird today.” Chanyeol summarizes, “you have to clarify yourself someday.”
“I might not be in time for that.” Kris lifts his head to gaze at the ceiling, perhaps his life is already over drafted, perhaps it is down to the last few moments of his step back.
“You might not have time?” Chanyeol purses his lips, “Kris you have always been busy with this and that, but you don’t have time for the important matters?”
Amidst the silence, the lift door dings and opens, from outside, as strangers shuffle past occasionally, Kris remains rooted to the spot.
All along, he has perceived himself to be rather rational, possessing the ability to make his own decisions, someone with the ability to sacrifice the tiny details and portray the big picture clearly. And towards people who act on temperament, he would probably laugh it off because he knows - he will never become someone like that.
Part II
Original fic
Translated by heecups and ♡
Please ask before reposting!