Remembrance - Chapter 6

[imaginarybulb]

Title: Remembrance
Author: imaginarybulb
Pairing(s): Kyuhyun/Donghae, Kyuhyun/ZhouMi, Kyuhyun/Sungmin (yes, Kyuhyun is loved by three men >.<), Chaerin/Hyukjae, more pairings will be revealed in upcoming chapters
Rating: PG-13 to NC-17
Summary:

I love you,

Even if the world is shaking,

Even if the sky is falling,

Even if the ground is breaking,

Even if I was left alone,

Even if you leave,

Even if he’s there,

Even if that beautiful smile isn’t mine anymore




-Actually I’m so insecure, without you how do I live each day?-

He was walking through a beautiful place.

He was walking through a familiar but unfamiliar large green field filled with flowers and sunshine. He was closing his eyes as he breathes in the fresh air, a small smile tugged on his lips. He felt like he’s in heaven or some sort-or maybe he was dreaming, but that couldn’t be it, because he could feel the sunshine and the wind, could smell the grass and an intangible scent and everything felt so real.

He stopped walking as he opened his eyes slowly and he stared blankly at the breathtaking view in front of him.

Why do I feel lonely?

A sudden wave of sorrow and fear surged through his body and he looked around him frantically, eyes searching for something he’s not sure what.

“Hyu-”

Kuixian woke up to the sun shining, the smell of breakfast and the clanking of cooking utensils from the kitchen. He yawned as he stumbled out of the bed, making his way to the kitchen. He stood in the doorway and a small smile stretched across his sleepy face as he watched Zhou Mi washing the dirtied dishes, back-facing him.

As if sensing the younger one was up, Zhou Mi turned around and a huge smile broke across his face, “Good morning, beautiful~”

Kuixian snorted, but chuckled nevertheless. He nodded and dragged his feet to the table, “Morning.” His hungry eyes roamed across the various foods Zhou Mi had made. Zhou Mi is a great cook, except that he rarely cooks for them since they’re too busy with the café. It’s been a while since Kuixian had taste Zhou Mi’s cooks and given the opportunity to taste them today, made his tummy grumbled impatiently.

The older male chuckled at hearing the soft grumble of Kuixian’s black-hole-like stomach, “What are you waiting for? I made all of that special for you.”

“How can I be sure you’re not poisoning me?” Kuixian asked as he sat by the table, eyes narrowed harmlessly at the older male.

Zhou Mi mocked surprised, “How could you say that!? I’m not that evil!”

The younger one rolled his eyes at this, “Please, the last time I ate your food, you put aphrodisiac in it.”

“And thanks to that, we have the wildest night ever,” Zhou Mi smirked, before a whine of pain came from him when Kuixian threw a spoon directly to his head.

Zhou Mi watched and waited in anticipation as Kuixian took a tentative bite of his breakfast, “….It’s good…” Kuixian murmured softly around the tip of his fork, and Zhou Mi smiled softly.

“Do you know, you looked so cute when you eat?”

Kuixian looked up and gave the older male an ‘are-you-stupid’ look, “Huh?”

“When you eat, you always made these cute faces, like you’re enjoying the food so much. No matter what you eat; from heavy meals to light snacks, all the time,” the older male explained, a grin accompanies his explanation, “That’s why I liked watching you eat.”

A blush crept on Kuixian’s face and he quickly lowered his flushed face so that Zhou Mi won’t saw it. But it’s already too late since Zhou Mi already caught the tomato face in front of him. He cleared his throat and poked his breakfast lightly with the fork, “Sh-Shut up! That’s creepy!”

Zhou Mi laughed, “But I’m telling you the truth!”

“Ugh, just go away, will you?” Kuixian said as he pushed Zhou Mi’s approaching face away, “If you keep staring at me, I won’t be able to eat.”

And as if the God heard Kuixian’s ‘prayer’, Zhou Mi’s phone rang, forcing the older male to get up from the table and leave Kuixian to spend his golden time with his home-made breakfast.

“Hello?” Zhou Mi answered and harmlessly glared at the grinning Kuixian.

Kuixian chuckled with his mouth full before returning his attention to his food. The food was really delicious and he’s having a sweet time devouring his breakfast until he felt the sudden pound in his head.

His movement came to a halt when the older male suddenly stroked his puffed out cheek softly, a serene smile on his handsome face, “What is it, hyung?”

The other’s smile widened, “Nothing. You just looked so cute when you eat.”

What the-Kuixian stood up abruptly from his seat as he felt a wave of nausea surged through his body. His head was pounding and his heart was thumping loudly against his chest and everything suddenly felt so fucking painful. He fell on his knees when his legs gave away and drops of tears rolled down his cheeks. He covered his mouth and shut his eyes tightly, please stop. It hurts, it hurts, it hurts-

“Kuixian!?” when an alarmed Zhoumi appeared in front of him, Kuixian opened his eyes, only to grabbed the older male, cracking voice begging him to stop, help me, stop, before he finally loses his consciousness.

“You’re so cute, Kyuhyun-ah. Hyung’s cutie.”

--

“I’ll be fine, Mi.”

Zhou Mi sighed as he watched Kuixian slipped into his jacket. After the younger one had regained consciousness, he insisted on going to the café, despite Zhou Mi’s disapproval.

“But what if you fainted again? You should rest, Kuixian,” Zhou Mi tried again as he gave his lover a pleading look.

Kuixian sighed inwardly before smiling softly as he held Zhou Mi’s hand, “I told you I’m fine. I promise if I feel weird or something’s wrong, you’ll be the first one to know.”

Zhou Mi stared at the younger one for a moment before sighing for the second time and nodding slowly. Kuixian’s smile grew wider and he stood up before kissing Zhou Mi’s cheek, “Thanks.” He knew he should’ve just follow Zhou Mi’s advice and take a rest, but he didn’t like hospital that much. Besides, the café needs him and the last thing he wanted to do is troubling for his friends, especially Zhou Mi (no matter how much the older male insisted that he’s not a trouble).

The older male stretched a small smile as he watched Kuixian exited the room. He then turned his head to Dongwoon, “Thanks Dongyun.”

Dongwoon nodded with a small smile before his face turned serious, “Gege-”

“I know,” Zhou Mi cuts him off, his smile saddened, “I know, Dongyun. But I don’t think I’m ready for that yet.”

“But what if he remembers?” Dongwoon inquired and Zhou Mi couldn’t find himself answering that dreadful question like before.

--

Donghae brought the cigarette up to his lips, sucking in before blowing the smoke up into the sky. It’s already 5 in the morning and Donghae was having his fourth cigarette that day.

“I thought you’re going to hide it from me.”

Heechul’s voice greeted him and Donghae chuckled lightly as he sucked in the smoke before releasing them again, “I thought you already knew.”

“I do,” Heechul answered and walked next to him, looking at the same direction as the younger male.

“Are you okay?” Heechul asked after a brief silence and Donghae didn’t answer right away. He stills, sucked in the smoke and releasing it, because he’s not sure if he’s okay.

“Yeah, maybe, I don’t know.”

Heechul didn’t press into the matter further and he left to give Donghae some space he needed. Donghae took the opportunity to breathe in more smokes, hoping that they’ll cloud his brain, blurring the images of him that had been playing in his head like a broken record.

Tell me…. Donghae gripped his own hair with one hand, the other that was holding the cigarette trembled, if it really is you, Kyuhyun…

--

“Remember, you have to rest. Don’t work too hard or you’ll fall sick. I don’t want you to call me in the middle of the night whining about having a headache, understand?”

Heechul grinned as Chaerin continued her nags while fixing his coat. He knew the younger one loves him (no matter how much she nags) and he’s more than happy being able to hear her nags. He stole a glance towards Hyukjae and his grin turned into a smirk at the pout the younger male was giving the two siblings.

Taking the chance to boil Hyukjae’s jealousy, he hugged his sister, earning a surprised yelp from the female, “Thank you, Chaerin-ah. Oppa will remember that. I love you.”

Chaerin laughed, not noticing the jaw-dropped look on Hyukjae’s face, “I love you too, oppa.”

Hyukjae gritted his teeth, before pulling Chaerin away and hugged Heechul, surprising the two, “Yah, what-”

“Goodbye, Heechul hyung~” Hyukjae cooed, hugging the struggling male tighter, “We’re sooooo not gonna miss you~!”

“Yah, Lee Hyukjae!!” Heechul pulled away roughly and glared at the snickering male, “Why you-” he raised his arm, preparing to hit the monkey before stopping abruptly when the said monkey hid behind Chaerin.

“Heechul oppa, Hyukjae oppa,” Chaerin sighed tiredly, “Do I have to deal with you two bickering with each other every single time you guys meet?”

Heechul pouted, “But he’s the one started it.”

“What!? You’re the one who won’t keep your hands away from Chaerin!”

“She’s my sister, dumbass!!”

“Well too bad, she’s my wife!!”

“SHUT UP WILL YOU!!??” Chaerin suddenly yelled as she hits the back of Hyukjae and Heechul’s head, a dark look on her face. Hyukjae and Heechul gulped silently, they knew not to mess with this Chaerin. Once, they made Chaerin angry that they almost lose their life (and thank God they escaped with a few bruises and scratches).

Chaerin closed her eyes as she took a deep breath, I’m a grown adult and I’m going to handle this like an adult, before opening them again with a tight smile, “My dear Heechul oppa and Hyukjae oppa….”

Her looks then darkened, but the smile was still there, “If you guys continue these childish acts of yours, I swear I’ll make you suffer and you know damn well how good I am in suffering someone’s life, right?”

Heechul and Hyukjae nodded meekly and Chaerin grinned, “Good! I guess we’re okay now, right?”

The pair nodded for the second time and Chaerin’s face turned to her usual soft look. Donghae chuckled as he watched the whole scene in front of him before walking towards the trio, “Hyung, we got to go.”

Heechul nodded at the younger one and cleared his throat awkwardly, “Uh… I guess we’ll go now.” He hugged his sister, “When will you come back to Korea?”

“Soon, probably. Hyukjae oppa said he just needed to finish a couple projects before we can go back to Korea,” the younger female shrugged.

Heechul hummed in reply before the two pulled away. He grinned at his sister and patted her head, “Take care, Chaerin-ah.”

“You too, oppa.”

Donghae exchanged hugs with Hyukjae and the older of the two felt relieved because this time their hugs weren’t so awkward like the time Donghae and Heechul arrived in China. They exchanged ‘take care’s and Donghae was about to leave with Heechul when Chaerin suddenly grabbed his hand and hugged him, catching him off guard.

“Chae-”

“You have to eat well, oppa. You’re a bit skinnier than before. Take care of your health and if Heechul oppa makes you work overtime, call me and I’ll fly to Korea to kick his butt, okay?”

Donghae stayed silent, still confused at what was happening. His hands were hung mid-air and he couldn’t find himself to utter a single word. Heechul and Hyukjae were looking at them, a smile on their faces.

“Oppa….” Chaerin suddenly said and Donghae heard she lets out a shuddering breath, “I’m sorry…”

This time, Donghae was frozen shocked. Yes, he didn’t expect Chaerin to hug him, but he’s more surprised when Chaerin apologized to him. They hadn’t talked about that for a while, and heck, they even tried to avoid talking about that all this time. After what had happened, all the painful memories from the past were kept hidden, buried deep inside and none of them dared to open the Pandora box. It was an unwritten rule between the four of them, an unsaid agreement.

The pair stayed silent for a while and the mental images of the two of them as childhood friends, laughing and playing together like they had no worries or problems in the world flashes through Donghae’s mind. He blinked, feeling his eyes teary before slowly placed his hands on the younger female’s back. Chaerin jumped at the contact but she made no attempt to move or pull away and Donghae took the opportunity to press harder, to hold her tighter.

And he felt like half of the burden in his heart had dissipated into dusts.

“Oppa…” Chaerin’s voice was cracked and Donghae knew she’s holding her tears. He smiled softly, it’s just like Chaerin. She’ll never cry in front of other people. He held her closer, “It’s okay, Chaerin-ah… Everything’s okay…”

We’re okay…

--

It was another busy day for Indulgence but as the evening came, the customers had finally lessened. Kuixian was about to let out a sigh of relieve when a familiar woman entered the door of the café with a bright smile and loud, “Bonjour~!”

Kuixian’s eyes widened as he stood up abruptly. He grinned, “Auntie!!”

“Kuixian, my baby~!” the woman - who is in her forties - laughed loudly, arms stretched out to hug the younger male, “I haven’t seen you for quite a while!”

“You’re always travelling, Auntie,” Kuixian grinned as he pulled away from the older woman. Auntie Yuki is Zhou Mi’s aunt and is a Japanese. She’s married with Zhou Mi’s uncle and when her husband died 10 years ago, she began travelling all over the world to live out her life to the fullest, like she had said. That’s why it’s rare for them to meet and the last time was a year ago before she went to France.

“Where’s Mimi?” Auntie Yuki asked, and before Kuixian could answer her, Zhou Mi’s loud voice greeted them.

“AUNTIE!!!”

Kuixian giggled as Auntie Yuki and Zhou Mi began exchanging hugs, both laughing. Soon, Victoria, Hangeng and Henry (who refused to meet Auntie Yuki at first because she always abuses my cheeks, gege!) began welcoming the older woman and that night, Indulgence was filled with laughter and stories.

--

Donghae smiled softly as he stared at the fluffy white clouds, the event with Chaerin replaying in his mind. It felt good, and he felt as if he could breathe a bit better.

“Someone’s happy,” Heechul voiced out teasingly, causing Donghae to laugh lightly.

“You’re right hyung, I am a bit happy. I’m glad Chaerin and I are finally…okay.”

Heechul smiled as Donghae continued to stare at the orange sky and white clouds with the same serene smile on his face. He’s glad that Donghae and Chaerin had finally made up and become the close friends they used to be when they were younger, before everything that had happened. And seeing Donghae laughed, though not cheerily or happily like before, it’s already enough for Heechul.

He won’t ask any more than this.

--

“And then I hit him where it hurts!” Auntie Yuki laughed out loud, “That’s what you got when you tried to cheat this lady!”

The whole table roared with laughter as Auntie Yuki finished telling her experiences while being in France. She had even showed them all the pictures she had taken while being in the beautiful country and Kuixian couldn’t help but to feel a bit jealous.

I wished I can travel to foreign country too… Kuixian thought silently as he watched one of the pictures of Auntie Yuki (with her grinning happily while spreading her arms out near the Eiffel tower) in Paris.

“Where will you go next?” Hangeng asked and Auntie Yuki sighed as she leaned back against the chair.

“I think I’ll take a break for a while. But I’m thinking of going to Korea.”

All heads snapped towards the older woman, most of them looked with wariness and confusion and one with excitement.

“Korea?” Kuixian asked, eyes shining. He had heard about this country before but didn’t exactly remember when. But he did hear that it’s a very beautiful country.

“Yep,” Auntie Yuki grinned, oblivious of the look of worry in Zhou Mi and Hangeng’s faces and confusion on Henry and Victoria’s. “It’s a great country! The people are friendly and the foods are one of the best!”

Kuixian listened intently with mouth ajar, the corners of his lips curved upwards but Auntie Yuki’s words were cut off suddenly by Zhou Mi.

“I’ve been there before, there’s nothing special about it.”

Kuixian’s head snapped towards Zhou Mi, “Really!? You never told me that!”

“It’s not important, Kuixian-”

“It is! No wonder I felt like I’ve heard about Korea before!”

Zhou Mi did a double-take, his eyes widened, “You….what?”

Kuixian shrugged nonchalantly, “I felt like I’ve been to Korea before. And I even understand their language.” He then remembered about the stranger from before, now I realized he was speaking in Korean… but quickly pushed the thoughts to the back of his mind; he didn’t want to remember about that weird guy, ever.

Zhou Mi’s body tensed as he clenched his hands tightly but stopped when Hangeng patted his shoulder comfortingly with a small smile. He sighed and nodded silently at the older male and Auntie Yuki, feigning ignorant with Zhou Mi’s weird behavior, clapped her hands as if realizing something.

“I just remembered I have something to give you,” the older woman said as she rummaged through her large bag before taking out two pieces of paper with a loud ‘a-ha!’

“Here, for you and Mimi,” she handed the paper to Kuixian with a grin. Kuixian took the paper with puzzlement and when he studied the two pieces of paper, it turned out to be a pair of tickets.

A pair of plane tickets to Korea to be exact.

While Kuixian’s eyes widened in surprised excitement, Zhou Mi’s eyes widened with disbelieve fear. Auntie Yuki winked at the pair, “My present for you two. I heard from Mimi you’re going to get married, right?”

Kuixian flushed a darker shade of red as he covered his face with the hand that was holding the tickets and the other gripping Zhou Mi’s sleeve in embarrassment. Zhou Mi, whose brain had already went from panic to relieved before return to panic and fear, turned his head towards Kuixian and he felt as if all his anxiety and fear had vanished into thin air when he saw Kuixian gripping his sleeve as if wanting Zhou Mi to hold him, to protect him from the embarrassment he felt right now. He sighed soundlessly with a smile, what are you so anxious about, Zhou Mi…? You know he loves you, right?

“Auntie, I told you to keep it a secret from Kuixian, right?” Zhou Mi pouted at the older woman who snorted in reply.

“Pfft, it’s not like you haven’t propose to him,” she leaned closer to the pair, “How’s it? Do you like it?”

Kuixian nodded, “Thanks, Auntie. But uh… We’ll have to see if we’re free. Mi gege is always busy lately.”

Auntie Yuki scoffed, “What’s this!? You two are suppose to take this once-in-a-lifetime chance! Have fun, spend time together!”

“We’re fine as long as we’re together, Auntie. Even if it’s just in our apartment.”

“Aish… You’re no fun, Mimi dear. At least do it for Kuixian. That kid hadn’t got the chance to step out of his cocoon! The farthest he had been was well, I don’t know, that restaurant at the corner of the street? And that goes without saying you’re stuck to him all the time.”

Zhou Mi sighed at this and Kuixian quickly said, “It’s okay, Auntie,” bringing everyone attention to him, “I’m fine actually. U-Uh, like Mi had said, it’s okay as long as we’re together.”

Auntie Yuki shot him a sympathetic look, “Are you sure you’re fine?”

Kuixian grinned, “Positive.” But Zhou Mi noticed he’s still looking at the pair of tickets with something danced in his eyes, something that made Zhou Mi’s heart tightened painfully.

Longing.

--

“It’s really fun to meet Auntie Yuki again. She always has something interesting to talk about,” Kuixian exclaimed happily.

Zhou Mi smiled, his eyes on the road, “You like hearing her stories?”

“Yeah. I mean, it’s from her stories I knew so much about outside world. I mean, I’ve never been-” Kuixian stopped himself, his hands covering his mouth in its own accord. He shot an apologetic look at Zhou Mi, “Sorry, Mi…”

Zhou Mi sighed, “It’s okay, Kuixian. I understand. Auntie was right, you never got the chance to see other places except for here.”

“I don’t mind that much actually,” the younger one muttered softly, “Though I did not deny the fact that it’ll be fun if we can go to Korea.”

At hearing this, Zhou Mi almost pressed the brake of his car from shock. He felt a moment of panic, but he recovered by forcing out a laugh, “Wh-Why? I told you I’ve been there before and there’s nothing special about it, right?”

“That’s what you said…” Kuixian puffed his cheeks before he thought of something, “That reminds me, how come I understood Korean? I mean, I’ve never been there, right?”

This time, Zhou Mi really couldn’t stop the fast-beating of his heart and the nervous sweats that had formed on his forehead. He swallowed thickly, “Uhm… I just…remembered… You had been to Korea before…”

Kuixian’s eyes widened at this, “Really!? When!? Why didn’t you tell me before!?”

“It was long time ago… I forgot to mention. I thought it’s not a big deal.”

“But it is a big deal!” Kuixian exclaimed. “At least I know that I have been to other country before and I’m not living inside my own cocoon like Auntie Yuki had said,” he muttered softly as he leaned back against the leather seat, his lips curled into a small pout.

Kuixian sighed, “If only the accident didn’t happened, then I would probably remember my pasts.”

This time, Zhou Mi did press the brake, sending the car into an abrupt stop. Kuixian jumped, startled at Zhou Mi’s sudden action, “Wh-What’s wrong!?”

He flinched when Zhou Mi glared at him, though his eyes were glassy. Kuixian gulped and he hesitantly placed his hand on Zhou Mi’s tensed shoulder, “Mi?”

“I told you not to mention about that accident anymore right?” Zhou Mi glowered and Kuixian pulled back his hand in fear. Of course he knew that, he just forgot. After the accident three years ago, Zhou Mi had told him to forget what had happened and just focus on their futures. Kuixian had promised him that, since he himself didn’t want to remember about it; the crash, the pain.

“I’m sorry…” Kuixian said ruefully. “I promise I won’t mention about it anymore, okay? What’s important now is that I have you with me, so I don’t need to worry about the pasts,” the younger male said softly, his hand finding Zhou Mi’s shoulder again, “I’m glad you’re here with me, Mi gege…”

Zhou Mi looked at Kuixian intently before the hurt and anger dissipated slowly and a small smile spread across his face. He held Kuixian’s hand in his, kissing the younger one’s knuckles, “I’m glad I have you here too, Kuixian.”

--

“I don’t understand,” Victoria demanded with furrowed brows as soon as Zhou Mi arrived at the kitchen. The younger female had asked him to meet her in the kitchen to help her with something and Henry in something but as soon as he entered the kitchen, he was greeted by a frowning Victoria and a worried-looking Henry.

“Excuse me?” he cocked his brow in confusion.

“About Kuixian, and you and your paranoia about everything related to Korea,” the female answered, her frown didn’t falter a bit.

Hearing this, Zhou Mi quickly shut the door, preventing anyone from hearing this conversation, which causes Victoria’s frown to deepen. Kuixian was still talking with Aunt Yuki with Hangeng and the last thing he wants (hell, it’s not even the last thing he wants) is for Kuixian to hear this.

“Victoria, look-”

“Don’t lie to me, Mi,” the waitress bit out, “I don’t get it why you’re so afraid of Kuixian knowing anything about Korea….” She gave him a suspicious look, “Does this had to do with Kuixian’s accident three years ago?”

“Victoria!” Henry gasped as Zhou Mi’s head snapped towards the waitress, eyes wide. They had promised to each other that they won’t bring up anything related to the accident so that Kuixian won’t have to remember about it anymore. However, hearing the waitress had broken the unwritten promise, the chubby waiter was worried if it’s going to affect their friendship.

“Well?” Victoria questioned, ignoring Henry who were pulling her arm softly, a silent plea for her to stop.

Taking a deep breath, Zhou Mi calmed himself down. If he appears panic and anxious, Victoria won’t let this matter rest. He exhaled softly as he locked his eyes with the young waitress, “No, it has nothing to do with it. Please don’t ask anything related to this, I have my own reasons.”

Victoria tongued her inside cheeks, clearly she was unsatisfied with Zhou Mi’s answer. She was about to say something when Hangeng suddenly entered the kitchen, a confused look on his face, “What took you guys so long?”

However, sensing the tense atmosphere, Hangeng sighed as he entered the kitchen, closing the door behind him, “What’s wrong?”

“Um-”

“I want to know why Mi is paranoid about Korea,” Victoria cuts Henry off, “I want to know why he’s so afraid if Kuixian knows anything about Korea. I don’t get it.”

“Victoria, I told you. I have my own reasons,” Zhou Mi said with a sigh.

“That’s the problem! Why can’t you tell us your reasons!? You said we’re friends and yet you’re hiding things from us!” the female said angrily, her voice went an octave higher.

“Victoria….” Zhou Mi’s voice trembled slightly. He felt guilty for hiding it from his friends, but he really couldn’t tell them the truth. He wished they would know how much pain he was in for having to keep this dark secret with him for a long time.

“I’m sorry, but I just…” tears welled up in his eyes and the anger on Victoria’s face fade away instantly. “I swear, if I could, I will tell you but I just…I couldn’t…” he whispered brokenly as he gave the younger female a pleading look.

“Mi…” the waitress said softly; she’s sorry for her friend, but she really want to know the truth.

“Victoria…” Hangeng placed his hand on her shoulder, a frown on his face.

“But-”

“Song Qian,” Hangeng said, voice sterner. Victoria but her lips; she knew if Hangeng uses her Chinese name, that means the older male is dead serious.

She sighed in defeat, “Fine…” She gave Zhou Mi a stare, “I understand you can’t tell us, but if you’re ready… Will you tell us?”

Zhou Mi looked at Victoria for a moment before he nodded, “Okay…” He sighed in relieved and stretched out a small smile as Victoria patted his back and gave him a comforting smile.

“What’s going on here?” Auntie Yuki suddenly asked, her brows arched in mild confusion, “I don’t know you took this long to make me a cappuccino.”

Victoria offered the older woman a sweet smile, “Sorry about that Auntie Yuki. There’s some problem but it’s okay now. I’ll prepare your cappuccino now.”

Auntie Yuki nodded with a smile as she let Victoria and Henry passed by her. She then dragged Zhou Mi outside when her nephew was about to go back to Kuixian, who’s sitting alone while going through the collection of pictures of Auntie Yuki while being in foreign country, a child-like excitement on his face. Hangeng gave him a knowing look before he went to Kuixian.

“What is it, Auntie?” he inquired curiously as soon as they went outside.

“That kid… Have you told him yet?”

The look on Zhou Mi’s face falters as he looked at Victoria who was preparing the cappuccino with Henry watching her like a puppy and Kuixian who’s still absorb in his own little world, relieved that their ears won’t caught their conversation.

He sighed softly while shaking his head, “No.”

Auntie Yuki was the only one beside Dongwoon and Hangeng who knew about his past and his secrets. The older woman had treated him like her own son and he himself had considered her as her own mother (he even wished he’s her real son, not his parents’). Even Dongwoon and Hangeng had objected to the decision he made three years ago; though they had kinda accepted the decision now. But Auntie Yuki didn’t say anything; she didn’t object and she didn’t approve either. She just patted his shoulder and told him to do what he thinks the best.

“I said this before…” the Japanese female said after a moment of silence, “Do what you think is the best. And do things that can bring you happiness since you deserve it after all those shits you’ve been through.”

Zhou Mi turned towards the older female as she fished out her cigarette and a Zippo. She lighted up the cancer stick and breathes in the smoke before exhaling it softly. They all knew about her smoking habit but didn’t pay much attention to it since nothing can stop the older woman.

“But…” she said as she inhaled and exhaled puffs of white clouds and gave him a knowing side-glance, “What are you going to do if one day he remembers?”

And for the second time that day, Zhou Mi found himself couldn’t utter a single answer like he normally did to assure himself.

“Mi?”

Zhou Mi flinched when Kuixian’s hand landed on his shoulder softly, causing the younger male to jump in surprise as well. His widened eyes met Kuixian’s similar expression and a few seconds passed before Kuixian sat on the floor, his big, doe-eyes looking up at Zhou Mi worriedly. His hands find Zhou Mi’s and Zhou Mi relaxed as the younger male gripped his hand slightly.

“Mi…? Are you okay?” he asked softly.

The older male smiled, touched by Kuixian’s gentleness. No matter how snarky the younger male is, he knew deep down, there’s a pure and kind heart beating inside. He ran his knuckles softly on Kuixian’s beautifully pale acne-scarred cheek; his smile softened when Kuixian closed his eyes and leaned to the touch. He ran his fingers through Kuixian’s soft brown locks and tucked some strands behind his ear, a loving look on his face.

“Mi…” Kuixian opened his eyes, “Are you okay?” he repeated the same question.

“Yeah… I’m okay now,” he answered softly and Kuixian tilted his head to the side, confused by the answer. However, the younger one didn’t say anything and pulled him into a hug, catching Zhou Mi off guard.

“If you’re bothered by that Korea thing… Then it’s okay. I won’t force you to go if you don’t want to. I understand if you didn’t want to go.”

Zhou Mi’s heart warmed at Kuixian’s words. He hugged his young lover and nuzzled his nose into his hair, “I’m sorry…”

“It’s okay…” Kuixian chuckled, “You said it yourself. As long as we’re together, it doesn’t matter where we are.”

Closing his eyes briefly, Zhou Mi pulled away from Kuixian, earning a confused look from his lover, “Mi-”

Kuixian’s confusion was cut short when Zhou Mi suddenly kissed him. He was surprised at first but then relaxed as he gladly parted his lips when Zhou Mi nibbled his lower lip, asking for an entrance. Their kisses were soft and innocent at first but it turned needier by the time. Kuixian moaned when Zhou Mi’s tongue mingled with his in a passionate and slow dance, his arms wrapped around the older male’s neck, pulling him closer.

Zhou Mi wrapped his arms around Kuixian’s waist before he stood up and pulling Kuixian up in the same time. The younger male jumped and hooked his long legs around Zhou Mi’s waist, their kisses turned hotter by the seconds. He gently laid his younger lover on the bed and broke the kiss to catch their breath, a smirk found its way on his lips when Kuixian whined at the lost.

His smirk then softened into a smile as he cupped Kuixian’s flushed cheeks, “Beautiful…” he murmured against the younger one’s ruby red bow-shaped lips, “You’re so beautiful, Kuixian…” before kissing him again.

“Mi…” Kuixian whimpered when Zhou Mi pressed butterfly kisses on his neck before the older male stopped to look at him, “Wh-What…?” he asked, clearly disappointed when Zhou Mi stopped his ministrations.

“Kuixian…” he started as he ran his fingers through Kuixian’s hair, “Let’s go to Korea.”

Kuixian’s eyes widened, “Wh...What…? B-But Mi…”

Zhou Mi shook his head, “Auntie was right, Kuixian. It’s unfair for you. You should go out more. Travel, see the world outside.”

The younger one swallowed thickly, “But you said I’ve been to Korea… It’s okay, Mi. Even if I didn’t remember it, I’m fine.”

But the way you looked at Auntie’s pictures said otherwise, “I’m okay with it, Kuixian. I know, how much you wanted to go to Korea. If that makes you happy, then I’ll be happy too.”

“Mi…” Kuixian said softy, his eyes watered, moved by Zhou Mi’s words. He pulled the older male into a hug as he cried out, “Thank you Mi… Thank you so much…”

Zhou Mi smiled against Kuixian’s hair, feeling some sort of calmness, “For you, my love… I’ll do anything for you.”

Because you’re everything for me. My love, my heart, my oxygen….my everything.