Leave Out All The Rest
Title: Leave Out All The Rest
Author: zeropercent
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Sehun/Luhan
Summary: He can’t bear to look at it, knowing he’s dying.
Disclaimer: Cut and title go to Linkin Park. Not real, didn’t happen, false, etc.
Every baby is born with an orb clenched in their fists. When they’re born, the orb shines bright. The doctors put it on a necklace, and give it to the baby. It’s not taken off until death.
Luhan hides his under his shirt. His light is dim. He can’t bear to look at it, knowing he’s dying. He doesn’t want people to see it, either. When looking for significant others, people search for those with bright orbs. Luhan has been turned down numerous times the second the other person saw his orb.
He knows that if he ever finds his soul mate, his orb will illuminate. But that’s the problem. He’ll never find his. And he’s running out of time.
He works as a cashier in a bookstore. He’s glad not many people come in, since he feels overwhelming jealousy when he sees people his age, or older than him, with bright orbs around their necks.
One customer comes in at noon. The boy pays for his book, telling Luhan thank you and proceeds to sit in the corner to read for the next few hours.
Luhan doesn’t look at him once.
-
“Excuse me.”
Luhan turns around quickly, successfully knocking over a stack of books on the counter. “I’m sorry, just one minute.” He picks them up, carefully putting them back. “Yes?”
“I was wondering where the fantasy books were.”
Now, Luhan never makes eye contact with people, but he knows, by the sound of this person’s voice, that it’s the same boy from yesterday. A soft tone, a slight lisp. Luhan points, “They’re in the back on the left.”
“Thank you,” the boy seems to inch closer, looking at Luhan’s name tag, “Luhan.”
Luhan feels his face get hot and he ducks his head, facing the register once again.
-
Luhan notices the boy come in the next day, as well. Luhan looks at his face for once. And he’s beautiful. There’s no denying it. Luhan raises an eyebrow, “You certainly couldn’t have finished that book already.”
“I’m halfway through. I just needed something for school.” A momentary pause, “I’m Sehun.”
Luhan’s eyes travel down to his neck, to his necklace, shining against his skin. He unintentionally frowns, to which Sehun asks if he’s okay.
“I’m fine.”
Sehun nods, and goes to look for a book.
-
Sehun comes in every day for the next month. They usually make small talk and Sehun reads in the corner of the store. Luhan has noticed the way he becomes completely enveloped in the book. He leans over it, staring at the words intently. His hair falls in his face and he doesn’t bother brushing it away.
Today, he has a bag slung over his shoulder, holding two cups, one in each hand. He places one on the counter, “I don’t know how you like your coffee but I put some sugar in it...”
“You didn’t have to.” Luhan tentatively picks it up, taking a sip. “It’s perfect. Thank you.”
Sehun puts his own down and asks, “Can I grab a chair?” Luhan nods, and Sehun sits right next to the register, on the other side of Luhan. He opens his bag and pulls out some papers and a pencil, “I hope you don’t mind.”
“Not at all.”
“University is just,” he makes a hand movement, shrugging slightly.
Luhan can’t stop himself from staring. Sehun works diligently, his tongue darting out to lick his lips every once in a while. Occasionally he reaches over for his cup to drink out of it. Luhan finishes his coffee, throwing it into the trash can under the counter. “How old are you, Sehun?”
“Nineteen.” Sehun doesn’t ask how old he is, but he keeps his eyes fixed on Luhan. He blatantly stares at Luhan’s neck, where his orb should be but is covered by his shirt. Luhan feels self-conscious and coughs, making Sehun avert his gaze.
“I’m sorry for staring.”
Luhan bites his lip and nods, accepting the apology.
-
It’s pouring. No, it’s a borderline hurricane. Luhan sees people rushing around through the one way glass, most with umbrellas, others without. Sometimes Luhan likes to think of where they’re going. To work, home to their significant other and children, away.
The front door swings open and a disheveled and soaked Sehun appears. “Hi.”
Luhan just keeps his focus on him.
Sehun puts his bag on the floor and shakes his head like a dog trying to dry himself off. Luhan comments, “You’re going to get sick.” Sehun pays no mind to his words and brings a chair up. Luhan rolls his eyes and gives Sehun his jacket, “At least change into this.”
Sehun pulls off his wet shirt with no hesitation, before pulling Luhan’s hoodie over his head. “Thanks.”
Luhan smiles, a genuine smile that no one has seen in a long time. Sehun asks, “Does it get lonely here?”
Luhan briefly considers lying and saying no. But Sehun has been so nice to him; he thinks lying to him would be somewhat of a betrayal. “Sometimes. It used to a lot. Not anymore, though.”
Sehun leans forward on the counter, his face close to Luhan’s. Luhan stares him in the eye, and Sehun grabs his face, kissing him. When he pulls away, Luhan has a slight smile. Sehun grins back, pulling out his homework.
-
Luhan’s reorganizing books when someone comes up behind him and turns him around. His first thought is to fight back but he sees Sehun’s eyes and instantly calms down. Sehun kisses him again. But this time, Luhan wraps his arms around his neck. Sehun presses him against the bookshelf, holding his hips.
“Will you show me your necklace?” Luhan pushes Sehun away, shaking his head. “Why not?”
“Because you won’t look at me the same.”
“Please, Luhan.”
Luhan pulls it out from under the collar of his shirt. Sehun reaches out, holding it in his hand. Luhan lowers his head, “I told you.” He expects Sehun to make up a half-assed excuse to leave, but instead, Sehun just cups the side of his face and presses his lips to his cheek.
-
Luhan doesn’t think Sehun would come back after that. Much to his surprise, Sehun does. He acts the same. He doesn’t treat Luhan like he’s weak, like he’s dying.
Sehun doesn’t pull up a chair as he usually does. Instead, he asks, “Will you come get bubble tea with me?”
Luhan looks at the clock. He can take a lunch break. People don’t come in anyways. “Okay.”
As they walk, Sehun laces their fingers together so Luhan doesn’t drift away in the crowd of people. Luhan squeezes his hand, putting his head on Sehun’s shoulder.
-
The two of them going out becomes a frequent thing. Sehun takes Luhan for bubble tea, coffee, and ice cream.
He lives for the moments when Luhan beams at him, his aura nothing but pure sunshine.
Sehun notices slight changes in Luhan’s posture and in his face. He seems to stand up straighter. He looks less tired. He wants to ask Luhan about his orb again, but thinks one time was enough.
-
Sehun spends the night at Luhan’s apartment the following Saturday. They watch movies until midnight, and then go to Luhan’s room to sleep.
Luhan nuzzles his face against Sehun’s chest, feeling Sehun run his fingers through his hair. Luhan peers up at him and Sehun whispers, “Let me see?”
Luhan nods, and Sehun carefully pulls his necklace out. Sehun says his name and Luhan looks down at his orb, the light flickering.
Luhan just kisses Sehun. He kisses him until they’re both gasping for air, fisting their hands in each other’s shirts.
Luhan buries his face in the crook of Sehun’s neck and lets himself cry. He sobs, tears falling onto Sehun’s skin. Sehun rubs his back comfortingly.
Luhan says, “I was going to die.”
“I know.” Sehun brings a hand up and wipes at Luhan’s cheeks.
Luhan smiles and shuts his eyes, “Thank you.”
-
Within a week, Luhan’s orb is as bright as Sehun’s. He wears it outside of his shirt, no longer ashamed. In fact, he’s extremely proud.
Sehun does his homework while Luhan tries to distract him. Luhan waves his hand in front of his face and Sehun grabs his wrist, pulling him close and kissing his jaw.
“Hyung, if you let me do my work for ten more minutes I’ll buy you bubble tea.”
“Do you promise?”
“I promise.”
Luhan brushes Sehun’s hair from his eyes, “Fine.”
Author: zeropercent
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Sehun/Luhan
Summary: He can’t bear to look at it, knowing he’s dying.
Disclaimer: Cut and title go to Linkin Park. Not real, didn’t happen, false, etc.
Every baby is born with an orb clenched in their fists. When they’re born, the orb shines bright. The doctors put it on a necklace, and give it to the baby. It’s not taken off until death.
Luhan hides his under his shirt. His light is dim. He can’t bear to look at it, knowing he’s dying. He doesn’t want people to see it, either. When looking for significant others, people search for those with bright orbs. Luhan has been turned down numerous times the second the other person saw his orb.
He knows that if he ever finds his soul mate, his orb will illuminate. But that’s the problem. He’ll never find his. And he’s running out of time.
He works as a cashier in a bookstore. He’s glad not many people come in, since he feels overwhelming jealousy when he sees people his age, or older than him, with bright orbs around their necks.
One customer comes in at noon. The boy pays for his book, telling Luhan thank you and proceeds to sit in the corner to read for the next few hours.
Luhan doesn’t look at him once.
-
“Excuse me.”
Luhan turns around quickly, successfully knocking over a stack of books on the counter. “I’m sorry, just one minute.” He picks them up, carefully putting them back. “Yes?”
“I was wondering where the fantasy books were.”
Now, Luhan never makes eye contact with people, but he knows, by the sound of this person’s voice, that it’s the same boy from yesterday. A soft tone, a slight lisp. Luhan points, “They’re in the back on the left.”
“Thank you,” the boy seems to inch closer, looking at Luhan’s name tag, “Luhan.”
Luhan feels his face get hot and he ducks his head, facing the register once again.
-
Luhan notices the boy come in the next day, as well. Luhan looks at his face for once. And he’s beautiful. There’s no denying it. Luhan raises an eyebrow, “You certainly couldn’t have finished that book already.”
“I’m halfway through. I just needed something for school.” A momentary pause, “I’m Sehun.”
Luhan’s eyes travel down to his neck, to his necklace, shining against his skin. He unintentionally frowns, to which Sehun asks if he’s okay.
“I’m fine.”
Sehun nods, and goes to look for a book.
-
Sehun comes in every day for the next month. They usually make small talk and Sehun reads in the corner of the store. Luhan has noticed the way he becomes completely enveloped in the book. He leans over it, staring at the words intently. His hair falls in his face and he doesn’t bother brushing it away.
Today, he has a bag slung over his shoulder, holding two cups, one in each hand. He places one on the counter, “I don’t know how you like your coffee but I put some sugar in it...”
“You didn’t have to.” Luhan tentatively picks it up, taking a sip. “It’s perfect. Thank you.”
Sehun puts his own down and asks, “Can I grab a chair?” Luhan nods, and Sehun sits right next to the register, on the other side of Luhan. He opens his bag and pulls out some papers and a pencil, “I hope you don’t mind.”
“Not at all.”
“University is just,” he makes a hand movement, shrugging slightly.
Luhan can’t stop himself from staring. Sehun works diligently, his tongue darting out to lick his lips every once in a while. Occasionally he reaches over for his cup to drink out of it. Luhan finishes his coffee, throwing it into the trash can under the counter. “How old are you, Sehun?”
“Nineteen.” Sehun doesn’t ask how old he is, but he keeps his eyes fixed on Luhan. He blatantly stares at Luhan’s neck, where his orb should be but is covered by his shirt. Luhan feels self-conscious and coughs, making Sehun avert his gaze.
“I’m sorry for staring.”
Luhan bites his lip and nods, accepting the apology.
-
It’s pouring. No, it’s a borderline hurricane. Luhan sees people rushing around through the one way glass, most with umbrellas, others without. Sometimes Luhan likes to think of where they’re going. To work, home to their significant other and children, away.
The front door swings open and a disheveled and soaked Sehun appears. “Hi.”
Luhan just keeps his focus on him.
Sehun puts his bag on the floor and shakes his head like a dog trying to dry himself off. Luhan comments, “You’re going to get sick.” Sehun pays no mind to his words and brings a chair up. Luhan rolls his eyes and gives Sehun his jacket, “At least change into this.”
Sehun pulls off his wet shirt with no hesitation, before pulling Luhan’s hoodie over his head. “Thanks.”
Luhan smiles, a genuine smile that no one has seen in a long time. Sehun asks, “Does it get lonely here?”
Luhan briefly considers lying and saying no. But Sehun has been so nice to him; he thinks lying to him would be somewhat of a betrayal. “Sometimes. It used to a lot. Not anymore, though.”
Sehun leans forward on the counter, his face close to Luhan’s. Luhan stares him in the eye, and Sehun grabs his face, kissing him. When he pulls away, Luhan has a slight smile. Sehun grins back, pulling out his homework.
-
Luhan’s reorganizing books when someone comes up behind him and turns him around. His first thought is to fight back but he sees Sehun’s eyes and instantly calms down. Sehun kisses him again. But this time, Luhan wraps his arms around his neck. Sehun presses him against the bookshelf, holding his hips.
“Will you show me your necklace?” Luhan pushes Sehun away, shaking his head. “Why not?”
“Because you won’t look at me the same.”
“Please, Luhan.”
Luhan pulls it out from under the collar of his shirt. Sehun reaches out, holding it in his hand. Luhan lowers his head, “I told you.” He expects Sehun to make up a half-assed excuse to leave, but instead, Sehun just cups the side of his face and presses his lips to his cheek.
-
Luhan doesn’t think Sehun would come back after that. Much to his surprise, Sehun does. He acts the same. He doesn’t treat Luhan like he’s weak, like he’s dying.
Sehun doesn’t pull up a chair as he usually does. Instead, he asks, “Will you come get bubble tea with me?”
Luhan looks at the clock. He can take a lunch break. People don’t come in anyways. “Okay.”
As they walk, Sehun laces their fingers together so Luhan doesn’t drift away in the crowd of people. Luhan squeezes his hand, putting his head on Sehun’s shoulder.
-
The two of them going out becomes a frequent thing. Sehun takes Luhan for bubble tea, coffee, and ice cream.
He lives for the moments when Luhan beams at him, his aura nothing but pure sunshine.
Sehun notices slight changes in Luhan’s posture and in his face. He seems to stand up straighter. He looks less tired. He wants to ask Luhan about his orb again, but thinks one time was enough.
-
Sehun spends the night at Luhan’s apartment the following Saturday. They watch movies until midnight, and then go to Luhan’s room to sleep.
Luhan nuzzles his face against Sehun’s chest, feeling Sehun run his fingers through his hair. Luhan peers up at him and Sehun whispers, “Let me see?”
Luhan nods, and Sehun carefully pulls his necklace out. Sehun says his name and Luhan looks down at his orb, the light flickering.
Luhan just kisses Sehun. He kisses him until they’re both gasping for air, fisting their hands in each other’s shirts.
Luhan buries his face in the crook of Sehun’s neck and lets himself cry. He sobs, tears falling onto Sehun’s skin. Sehun rubs his back comfortingly.
Luhan says, “I was going to die.”
“I know.” Sehun brings a hand up and wipes at Luhan’s cheeks.
Luhan smiles and shuts his eyes, “Thank you.”
-
Within a week, Luhan’s orb is as bright as Sehun’s. He wears it outside of his shirt, no longer ashamed. In fact, he’s extremely proud.
Sehun does his homework while Luhan tries to distract him. Luhan waves his hand in front of his face and Sehun grabs his wrist, pulling him close and kissing his jaw.
“Hyung, if you let me do my work for ten more minutes I’ll buy you bubble tea.”
“Do you promise?”
“I promise.”
Luhan brushes Sehun’s hair from his eyes, “Fine.”