Step: Chapter 3
Step: Chapter 3
chi-eng translated, 3838 words, luhan centric, all members involved, various pairings
"With each step, 15 years of your lives will deplete"
The dinner comes to an end with the entertaining discussions by several of the Japanese directors, all having gorged themselves with sufficient amounts of rice and wine and Luhan who is drunk and almost unconscious. The experienced manager on the Japanese end seems to have developed an interest in Baekhyun, dragging him and the translator as they leave the hotel. The company executives maintain their smiling faces amidst the fatigue whilst enthusiastically keeping up with the conversations. Similarly, Kris who is drunk and has his energy entirely drained helps up Luhan who is now sprawled over the table, lifting the latter’s arm as they walk out the door.
A few steps later, Luhan starts reeling in pain suddenly. Kris rushes him to the toilet, watching as Luhan’s stomach refuses to throw up everything but the alcohol, as though the empty stomach has an announcement to make.
“Kris, how is it?” Chanyeol enters the toilet, turning to watch as the kneeling Luhan retches uncontrollably.
“You go ahead and leave; I’ll send him back since I live with him, anyway.” Kris glances at Chanyeol and back at the person beside him.
Chanyeol looks at both and then turns to look out, “alright,” he says, “do you have enough cash with you?”
“I brought them.” Kris nods, without turning his head, Chanyeol pauses for a second or two and takes out a huge bank note, places it beside Kris before he dashes out the door. Kris stands up and returns to the function room to pour Luhan a glass of water hurriedly before supporting him up to rinse his mouth. He looks at his watch, 10.40pm.
The pouring rain eventually gets worse, and by the time Kris carries Luhan and shuffles outside, it seems barely even survivable without an umbrella. Outside the hotel, a black Buick awaits. The car window winds downwards, a hand reaches out in their direction and snaps. Kris seems pretty surprised at the fact that the company even has the conscience to leave them a car. In the rain, he struggles to open the door and lifts Luhan in before protecting the smaller one by himself and shutting the door.
The dark roads outside flash past the windows. Meanwhile, Kris uses his hand to check the heat on Luhan’s forehead, and recalls in silence if there were any antipyretics which have yet to expire before pulling out his phone to call Yixing.
The phone from the person beside him rings while the number he calls remains unanswered.
He reaches his hand into Luhan’s pocket only to retrieve an all too-familiar white lenovo of Yixing’s. This phone was definitely left by Yixing in their room and Luhan probably mixed them up.
Instead, he dials Luhan’s number. Indeed, Yixing picks up.
“Hey Yixing, you and Luhan took the wrong phones.” Kris says.
“Yes, how are the both of you?” Replies the other end.
“We’ll talk when we get home,” Kris massages the aching temper of his, attributing it all to the alcohol he had taken. “Do you have any antipyretics and medication for hangovers? If not I’ll buy them.”
“I have both, what happened? Did Luhan’s fever aggravate?” Comes a reply in a panicky tone.
“Go open the windows for some fresh air and prepare some tea.” Kris frowns and flips through the money in his wallet.
“If it’s getting worse, go straight to the hospital.” Yixing says.
Kris looks at Luhan before shaking his head, “He can’t bear it for much longer. The waiting time at the hospital would take too long; we’re going home first.”
“Alright, okay, I’ll go downstairs to wait......” the person’s sentence on the other end has not completed but Kris’ phone gradually dies to its black screen. He places the phone back in his bag, looking at Luhan who curls underneath his jacket one moment and then desperately hauling it downwards the next. Using his own icy cold hands, he attempts to reduce Luhan’s forehead temperature. He lifts his head, only to realise they’ve drove onto the expressway.
“Where are we going?” Kris frowns and questions, the car jerks its way up a split road along the expressway, taking them towards an unfamiliar area.
“Hey! Where are you taking us?” Kris taps the driver’s shoulders, realising that the driver has a mask and a pair of huge glasses on, the man lifts his cap and speaks turns his head around at Kris and addresses him in a placid voice, “there is another car behind us. Four people are in it, be obedient or you will be in danger.”
Kris pales and is stunned for two seconds, he turns to see a same black Buick trailing behind them. People in it are vaguely wearing masks and glasses too.
Turning around, Kris feels his splitting headache. He hugs Luhan’s body and reaches gently into the latter’s pocket for his phone.
“Turn off your phone.” Comes the calm voice in front of them, “From now on, you aren’t allowed to make any calls or my initial promise will not be fulfilled.”
Squinting his eyes at the heavy rain outside, Kris uses his body to block the breeze from outside. He turns to watch the black car tailing behind tightly and then exchanges a glance at Luhan who looks almost lifeless. The car inches further off track and eventually, he makes no phone calls.
Not long after, the car stops just beside is a darkened farm and not far from it sits a wooden shed used by farmers to keep their tools in. The door beside him opens as Kris drags Luhan who is lying against the car seat and staggers down. The car tailing behind parks suitably beside them and 4 men alight wearing the same masks, glasses, and hats.
“Big brother, what do you want exactly.....” Kris pants and supports Luhan, “we neither have money nor value......”
The driver does not speak, he throws Kris’ and Luhan’s bag into the car and another removes their jackets and throws them in, he pats them casually from head to toe, Luhan’s phone is then retrieved and thrown into the car as well.
The driver points towards the wooden shed, gesturing them to go.
“He is having a fever.” Kris flashes a look of helplessness towards the man, “Please dial a cab and send him home, I’ll stay.”
The man continues pointing towards the wooden shed, without speaking a word.
Kris lifts his head to look at the run down shed before lowering it again to look at his surroundings, there isn’t a single passerby in sight. The few people standing behind him drags Luhan away from him, Kris responses instantly, “don’t, I’ll do it.”
The shed is only of about 20 square metres, hanging above are two low wattage lamps, its furnishings appear to be pretty ruddy. On the wall is an old pendulum clock, and apart from the table and a few chairs, there aren’t any other furnitures. Walking in and turning his back at the doorway, Kris finds himself unable to identify his driver anymore.
A man moves in front of the table and picks up a rather professional looking camera, focusing it at them. Before Kris can even react, he and Luhan are separated. Two man grab hold of his arm while the other guy guards the door, leaving a pretty lifeless Luhan sitting on the chair.
“I’m sorry, I’m working for people too and I’m not going to harm you, I just need a few photos of your primitive beauty.” The man holding the camera speaks. Looking at the others, Kris turns and watches in horror as his clothes are being cut by a scissors and easily being removed from the sleeves. He protests vehemently but to no avail; his sober and energy-drained body feels as though it was suppressed by metal. Looking as the man guarding the door walks over and kicks at his knees. His pants start to be unbuttoned and relieved, pulling the zipper down.
Turning his head silently, Kris watches as Luhan’s pants are also halfway down. He sighs and owns up to his defeat, saying, “wait, brothers, wait.”
The man looks to Kris, those at the side freeze too, Kris lowers his head, “tell them to let me go, I have something to say.”
The man at him quietly. Kris speaks, “I’m not escaping, I won’t run if Luhan is in your hands.”
There is a brief silence for a few seconds, the man lifts his eyes to look at the rest and they release Kris. The man who was originally situated at the door returns to his spot while the other two stand firmly besides the teen.
Kris strides towards the table, “Don’t move any further,” says the person beside him. Kris nods as he pants, kneeling down in front of the person seated as he leans on the edge of the table.
“Big brother, you know what these kinds of photo shoots mean to us.” Kris looks at that person, the rest of the party remains silent.
“I know you are a good man, you just need a bait. I will give you a bait, one that will satisfy you...” He looks at all of them with his mouth agape. He stretches his hands out and makes a gesture of restrain, “don’t reject this first. please look, I’ll do it until you are satisfied.” Kris says pleadingly, the others look at the camera, unsure.
Standing up, Kris walks towards Luhan who is sitting against the chair. Half naked, he helps the younger one put on his pants and supports his half-naked self against the wall.
It’s a house full of people observing them, Luhan lifts his heavy eyelids to look at him.
“I’m sorry.” Kris whispers.
Luhan smiles in reply, “you’re welcome.” He speaks in Chinese, nodding gently.
With his head down, in silence, Kris gently pulls Luhan close, bringing a superficial kiss to his lips.
A few seconds later, Kris stops.
He knows the person behind him is not filming.
Standing in silence, Kris glances out the window and grabs Luhan’s hands tightly. Luhan pants and steals a glance at the few people and the camera. Deep down, his heart is screaming for him to wake up but the splitting heading continues.Turning his head in difficulty, he rests his head against the icy cold wall. The heavy breathing of Kris’ beside his ears seems like a silent inquiry. Shutting his eyes, Luhan nods slightly, before the matter gets worse, I’m handing it all to you.
Readjusting his breaths, this time, Kris pry opens Luhan’s mouth and kisses for real. Their eyes shut and the world darkens. Luhan is glad his brain had lost its ability to handle data properly, all thanks to the hangover and the burning sensation in his brain.
Kris doesn’t remember how long the kiss lasted, but he thinks it must have broken the record of his kissing duration in this rather short life time. Under the scrutiny of the bunch, he kisses Luhan and shifts their position towards the brightest lamp, adjusting every possible angle and posture in recognition of their viewers’ gaze. The enthusiastically sensational performance continues under the roof in silence. In desperation, despite nerve tenses, using both hands, he caresses the other party’s muscular back, moving down to the waist.
The flash goes off a few times, the photographer stands up and walks to the other side. Kris continues kissing madly, having no intention to stop.
“Place his hands on your waist,” Kris drags Luhan’s hands and obeys the instructions, quickening his pace a little.
“Move him to the table, and don’t block his face with your hands.” Kris picks up Luhan and rests him on the table. He places his hands on Luhan’s waist, projecting the unobstructed side view of a kissing scene, the flash hectically surrounding them from different angles.
The shutter sound gradually decreases until it finally stops. “Done.” The pendulum clock on the wall announces the arrival of 11pm and from the side, sounds of calm instructions and the retraction of lens are heard.
Shutting his eyes, Kris parts from Luhan’s bruised lips, he lowers his head and allows him to rest on himself. In the silent atmosphere, all that is left is the heavy breathing.
From behind, sounds of the camera being turned off and the packing of bags is heard. Passing by, the man says, “It’s been hard on you; treat it as a new lesson for actors. Also, don’t inform the police; it’s all for your own good.” Brushing past, an unknown perfume scent diffuses.
One by one, they walk out. Footstep sounds travel towards them again after the car door opens, and as their phones are thrown back, the man says, “contact your friends, be careful.” Then, its the sound of two cars driving away.
Slumped on the ground, Kris picks up the phone with his trembling hands. Turning the power on, the phone’s announces its low power and declares itself out of power. He turns to switch on the other phone, the four digit power on passcode shows up on the flat screen.
He pauses then keys in 4 digits, the phone starts up briskly and a ringtone plays instantly.
Shivering, he searches twice before finally finding Luhan’s number, he presses it.
“Hello? Why aren’t you here yet? I’ve been waiting for 20 minutes.” Yixing projects his voice.
“Yixing,” Kris’ husky voice replies, “something happened to us...” He turns to look at the resting Luhan on his shoulders, “I’ll search up our location on the phone then send it to you.... You flag a cab and come pick us.” He says, stammering.
The opposite end remains silent for two seconds before a ruckus starts, “where are you? What happened?”
Kris seems to have lost the last of his energy, “do as I say, also, don’t inform anyone else... remember to bring a thick jacket.” He hangs up, locates themselves and sends the text.
The minute Yixing arrives, rain is pouring outside. In the damp shed, Kris covers Luhan with all the messily cut clothes, Luhan rests on his thighs.
Lifting his pale face, Kris looks at Yixing speechlessly.
Yixing does not speak, and he helps Luhan put on the thick outerwear he brought, removing his and giving it to Kris. He bends and lifts Luhan into the left backseat of the taxi then turns behind in search of the complete lost soul and pale faced Kris.
They face each other for a full two seconds before Yixing grabs Kris and hugs him for an instant. He releases his hold on him as Kris gets into the right backseat. Yixing shuts the door with a “bam” before approaching the front passenger seat.
“Back to the city.” He says.
The heavy rain falls against the car windows as the windscreen wiper shuffles back and forth non-stop. Kris touches Luhan’s forehead and speaks through his weariness, “please drive faster, sir.”
“What exactly happened?” Yixing’s voice is heard from the front seat.
“Nothing much, we’ll talk when we get back.” Kris wipes his face, lifting his head and looking out the window.
Yixing doesn’t speak anymore, he turns to look at Luhan’s red face and closed eyes, his fair complexioned hand slumps freely on the seat and on his wrist is the rosary he has been wearing since the day of their hike. Turning back, he quietly gazes out the window, nature and trees seem to have been washed anew. As though hinting a certain finale, as though hinting a new beginning.
He rests his hand on the window glasses and supports his mouth, in the quiet car, three people look in three various directions while the car zooms forward in the heavy rain.
The surroundings are faint and apart from the indistinct bright traffic lights, all that is left is the blinking green light not too far away being sliced again and again by the moving of the windscreen wipers......
All of a sudden, his body breaks the inertia and shoots forward. A short and screeching sound coming from the brakes screams into his ears. As Kris lifts his head, an incoming truck in attempt to turn left heads straight towards them on their right from in front. The driver quickly spins the steering wheel........
In that moment all lights seem to have gone off, severe impacts of their bodies are made in the narrow seat space spins, hitting onto hard objects, the left area below his chest evolves a sharp pain, dizziness sets in......
The spinning car stops from the friction caused by the ground, the spinning of their bodies stop too, just for a few seconds, or maybe a few lifetimes, everything returns to it’s peacefulness in an instant, leaving only the quiet sound of rainfall.
After a long time, panicking passersby and rushing footsteps start coming from their surroundings. In the rain, someone seems to be sayings something on the phone and the flooding of water on the road side seem to have converged into a river.
In the darkness, Kris slowly moves his limbs that are slowly gaining consciousness. His peripheral vision sweeps from both sides and faces Luhan whose eyes are gradually opening as well, they both exchange glances and look at the same time towards the front seat.......
The ambulance saves and places them on a stretcher. Tears start streaming subconsciously out of Kris’ eyes. Healthcare personnel fixes a mask skillfully over his cervical vertebra, “don’t look anymore.” And as he speaks, he blocks the former’s view with his body.
Wanting to scream but unable to make any sound......... Kris pants heavily and looks up towards the sky. The thin mist blurs his vision as a stretcher with a white cloth covering over it is lifted past him. Luhan who is clinging desperately onto the stretcher has his hands removed by the medical staff....
Without hearing anything, without seeing anything........
“Your mobile phone has been changed to the white model you’ve selected, please set an initial passcode, I’ll find you a gift box.”
“Yixing, something happened to us...... Flag a cab and come pick us up.”
“Please drive faster, sir......”
God: I’ve helped you once; I allowed your phone to run out of battery.
Kris: But he is innocent!
God: How about Jesus on the cross, was he innocent or guilty? As for you, have you really repented?
I beg for your mercy, please, I beg for your mercy...
It’s too late.
Why not me?
You have your own destiny.
The siren of the ambulance seems to be reverberating sharply in his head. The surrounding is chaotic yet peaceful, the heavy rain falls on the car windows, scrubbing this moment of history.
The fate of each person’s is well written early; the book that belongs to him, where is it?
Close your eyes.....
Why are you waving your hands at me with a smile, where are you going?
Your lips line, are you saying goodbye.......
The masked medical workers look as traces of water flow endlessly through the corner of his eyes, helplessly wiping every drop to prevent it from flowing into his stable neck. She turns to look at the other charming boy who is not heavily injured but less sober. He lies on the stretcher, clutching onto the other boy’s hand, one whose fate seems to have been dictated, as though giving him body warmth.
Wanting him to return to the stretcher is something challenging. Watching as the boy rests on the icy cold ground, the medical personnel eventually gives up.
It isn’t wise to treat the wounded as such, but it’s all up to him.
Two weeks later, they are discharged.
“Exit from the back door; the front is filled with media.” The manager guards the tall and slim manager and walks hastily through the hallway, “if you meet any reporters, just remain silent.”
Kris neither nods nor shakes his head, walking expressionlessly along the corridors. The nurses unceasingly whisper as they pass, sending off these teenage idols who haven’t uttered a word in these past two weeks.
“Is he the one who locked himself in the toilet and started smashing things?” The middle aged nurse glances at the handsome young man not far away, accompanied by two staff, “or the one who didn’t eat for two days?”
The nurses at the side watch in disney and the few stroll further away, “he is the one who smashed things, the one who refused to eat ate in the end....” She looks at the nurse, “then, the toilet keys were nowhere to be found, eventually, the one who refused to eat persuaded at the door before he unlocked the door himself and came out.
“That’s quite powerful, how did he persuade, you should learn too.” The nurse watches the back view of the teen inching further and further away.
“I don’t know,” says the nurse in a rather sorry tone, “I need to grasp Chinese in order to know.”
“It is said that the car remained but the driver was nowhere to be found, I wonder what the police is even doing.” The nurses flop through the hospital records, “the other boy was discharged last week, please finish up the medical records, their company is coming to pay in the afternoon.”
“Alright.” Says the nurse as her eyes wander in a distant again, she flips the records and recalls the conversation she had with the China boy Luhan last week before he was discharged.
“Please take good care of the boy who’s sharing the same ward as me.” The boy says with much respect, trying to flash a smile, but he fails.
“We take care of all our patients very well.” Replies the smiling nurse.
Upon hearing this, Luhan hesitates. “I mean...... don’t provide him with any more opportunities to lock himself in the toilet.” He lifts his head to look at the nurse.
The nurse returns Luhan’s gaze, guessing his meaning in vague comprehension, “that was an accident; it probably won’t happen again.”
At night when he has no company, it would be best to check on him from time to time.” Luhan knows he’s coming off as demanding but he looks pleadingly at the nurse again. He knows the nurses recognises them, “please.” He says.
“Don’t worry.” The nurse chuckles, “I will urge my sisters working during later shifts to look over his ward especially.”
“Thank you very much, also..... Please inform them not to bring up the name LAY.” Luhan’s hands that’s resting on the countertop slowly slides away.
Watching Luhan’s back, the nurse lowers her head and picks up the entertainment section of the newspaper. On the headlines, the group’s name and several Chinese names keep surfacing. The boy Luhan just mentioned appears repeatedly, along with pictures of him individually and even in group photos.
Folding up the newspaper, she dumps all the editions into the trash bin.
Original fic
Translated by heecups, proofread by wayve and pineapplepharts!
Please ask for permission before reposting!
chi-eng translated, 3838 words, luhan centric, all members involved, various pairings
"With each step, 15 years of your lives will deplete"
The dinner comes to an end with the entertaining discussions by several of the Japanese directors, all having gorged themselves with sufficient amounts of rice and wine and Luhan who is drunk and almost unconscious. The experienced manager on the Japanese end seems to have developed an interest in Baekhyun, dragging him and the translator as they leave the hotel. The company executives maintain their smiling faces amidst the fatigue whilst enthusiastically keeping up with the conversations. Similarly, Kris who is drunk and has his energy entirely drained helps up Luhan who is now sprawled over the table, lifting the latter’s arm as they walk out the door.
A few steps later, Luhan starts reeling in pain suddenly. Kris rushes him to the toilet, watching as Luhan’s stomach refuses to throw up everything but the alcohol, as though the empty stomach has an announcement to make.
“Kris, how is it?” Chanyeol enters the toilet, turning to watch as the kneeling Luhan retches uncontrollably.
“You go ahead and leave; I’ll send him back since I live with him, anyway.” Kris glances at Chanyeol and back at the person beside him.
Chanyeol looks at both and then turns to look out, “alright,” he says, “do you have enough cash with you?”
“I brought them.” Kris nods, without turning his head, Chanyeol pauses for a second or two and takes out a huge bank note, places it beside Kris before he dashes out the door. Kris stands up and returns to the function room to pour Luhan a glass of water hurriedly before supporting him up to rinse his mouth. He looks at his watch, 10.40pm.
The pouring rain eventually gets worse, and by the time Kris carries Luhan and shuffles outside, it seems barely even survivable without an umbrella. Outside the hotel, a black Buick awaits. The car window winds downwards, a hand reaches out in their direction and snaps. Kris seems pretty surprised at the fact that the company even has the conscience to leave them a car. In the rain, he struggles to open the door and lifts Luhan in before protecting the smaller one by himself and shutting the door.
The dark roads outside flash past the windows. Meanwhile, Kris uses his hand to check the heat on Luhan’s forehead, and recalls in silence if there were any antipyretics which have yet to expire before pulling out his phone to call Yixing.
The phone from the person beside him rings while the number he calls remains unanswered.
He reaches his hand into Luhan’s pocket only to retrieve an all too-familiar white lenovo of Yixing’s. This phone was definitely left by Yixing in their room and Luhan probably mixed them up.
Instead, he dials Luhan’s number. Indeed, Yixing picks up.
“Hey Yixing, you and Luhan took the wrong phones.” Kris says.
“Yes, how are the both of you?” Replies the other end.
“We’ll talk when we get home,” Kris massages the aching temper of his, attributing it all to the alcohol he had taken. “Do you have any antipyretics and medication for hangovers? If not I’ll buy them.”
“I have both, what happened? Did Luhan’s fever aggravate?” Comes a reply in a panicky tone.
“Go open the windows for some fresh air and prepare some tea.” Kris frowns and flips through the money in his wallet.
“If it’s getting worse, go straight to the hospital.” Yixing says.
Kris looks at Luhan before shaking his head, “He can’t bear it for much longer. The waiting time at the hospital would take too long; we’re going home first.”
“Alright, okay, I’ll go downstairs to wait......” the person’s sentence on the other end has not completed but Kris’ phone gradually dies to its black screen. He places the phone back in his bag, looking at Luhan who curls underneath his jacket one moment and then desperately hauling it downwards the next. Using his own icy cold hands, he attempts to reduce Luhan’s forehead temperature. He lifts his head, only to realise they’ve drove onto the expressway.
“Where are we going?” Kris frowns and questions, the car jerks its way up a split road along the expressway, taking them towards an unfamiliar area.
“Hey! Where are you taking us?” Kris taps the driver’s shoulders, realising that the driver has a mask and a pair of huge glasses on, the man lifts his cap and speaks turns his head around at Kris and addresses him in a placid voice, “there is another car behind us. Four people are in it, be obedient or you will be in danger.”
Kris pales and is stunned for two seconds, he turns to see a same black Buick trailing behind them. People in it are vaguely wearing masks and glasses too.
Turning around, Kris feels his splitting headache. He hugs Luhan’s body and reaches gently into the latter’s pocket for his phone.
“Turn off your phone.” Comes the calm voice in front of them, “From now on, you aren’t allowed to make any calls or my initial promise will not be fulfilled.”
Squinting his eyes at the heavy rain outside, Kris uses his body to block the breeze from outside. He turns to watch the black car tailing behind tightly and then exchanges a glance at Luhan who looks almost lifeless. The car inches further off track and eventually, he makes no phone calls.
Not long after, the car stops just beside is a darkened farm and not far from it sits a wooden shed used by farmers to keep their tools in. The door beside him opens as Kris drags Luhan who is lying against the car seat and staggers down. The car tailing behind parks suitably beside them and 4 men alight wearing the same masks, glasses, and hats.
“Big brother, what do you want exactly.....” Kris pants and supports Luhan, “we neither have money nor value......”
The driver does not speak, he throws Kris’ and Luhan’s bag into the car and another removes their jackets and throws them in, he pats them casually from head to toe, Luhan’s phone is then retrieved and thrown into the car as well.
The driver points towards the wooden shed, gesturing them to go.
“He is having a fever.” Kris flashes a look of helplessness towards the man, “Please dial a cab and send him home, I’ll stay.”
The man continues pointing towards the wooden shed, without speaking a word.
Kris lifts his head to look at the run down shed before lowering it again to look at his surroundings, there isn’t a single passerby in sight. The few people standing behind him drags Luhan away from him, Kris responses instantly, “don’t, I’ll do it.”
The shed is only of about 20 square metres, hanging above are two low wattage lamps, its furnishings appear to be pretty ruddy. On the wall is an old pendulum clock, and apart from the table and a few chairs, there aren’t any other furnitures. Walking in and turning his back at the doorway, Kris finds himself unable to identify his driver anymore.
A man moves in front of the table and picks up a rather professional looking camera, focusing it at them. Before Kris can even react, he and Luhan are separated. Two man grab hold of his arm while the other guy guards the door, leaving a pretty lifeless Luhan sitting on the chair.
“I’m sorry, I’m working for people too and I’m not going to harm you, I just need a few photos of your primitive beauty.” The man holding the camera speaks. Looking at the others, Kris turns and watches in horror as his clothes are being cut by a scissors and easily being removed from the sleeves. He protests vehemently but to no avail; his sober and energy-drained body feels as though it was suppressed by metal. Looking as the man guarding the door walks over and kicks at his knees. His pants start to be unbuttoned and relieved, pulling the zipper down.
Turning his head silently, Kris watches as Luhan’s pants are also halfway down. He sighs and owns up to his defeat, saying, “wait, brothers, wait.”
The man looks to Kris, those at the side freeze too, Kris lowers his head, “tell them to let me go, I have something to say.”
The man at him quietly. Kris speaks, “I’m not escaping, I won’t run if Luhan is in your hands.”
There is a brief silence for a few seconds, the man lifts his eyes to look at the rest and they release Kris. The man who was originally situated at the door returns to his spot while the other two stand firmly besides the teen.
Kris strides towards the table, “Don’t move any further,” says the person beside him. Kris nods as he pants, kneeling down in front of the person seated as he leans on the edge of the table.
“Big brother, you know what these kinds of photo shoots mean to us.” Kris looks at that person, the rest of the party remains silent.
“I know you are a good man, you just need a bait. I will give you a bait, one that will satisfy you...” He looks at all of them with his mouth agape. He stretches his hands out and makes a gesture of restrain, “don’t reject this first. please look, I’ll do it until you are satisfied.” Kris says pleadingly, the others look at the camera, unsure.
Standing up, Kris walks towards Luhan who is sitting against the chair. Half naked, he helps the younger one put on his pants and supports his half-naked self against the wall.
It’s a house full of people observing them, Luhan lifts his heavy eyelids to look at him.
“I’m sorry.” Kris whispers.
Luhan smiles in reply, “you’re welcome.” He speaks in Chinese, nodding gently.
With his head down, in silence, Kris gently pulls Luhan close, bringing a superficial kiss to his lips.
A few seconds later, Kris stops.
He knows the person behind him is not filming.
Standing in silence, Kris glances out the window and grabs Luhan’s hands tightly. Luhan pants and steals a glance at the few people and the camera. Deep down, his heart is screaming for him to wake up but the splitting heading continues.Turning his head in difficulty, he rests his head against the icy cold wall. The heavy breathing of Kris’ beside his ears seems like a silent inquiry. Shutting his eyes, Luhan nods slightly, before the matter gets worse, I’m handing it all to you.
Readjusting his breaths, this time, Kris pry opens Luhan’s mouth and kisses for real. Their eyes shut and the world darkens. Luhan is glad his brain had lost its ability to handle data properly, all thanks to the hangover and the burning sensation in his brain.
Kris doesn’t remember how long the kiss lasted, but he thinks it must have broken the record of his kissing duration in this rather short life time. Under the scrutiny of the bunch, he kisses Luhan and shifts their position towards the brightest lamp, adjusting every possible angle and posture in recognition of their viewers’ gaze. The enthusiastically sensational performance continues under the roof in silence. In desperation, despite nerve tenses, using both hands, he caresses the other party’s muscular back, moving down to the waist.
The flash goes off a few times, the photographer stands up and walks to the other side. Kris continues kissing madly, having no intention to stop.
“Place his hands on your waist,” Kris drags Luhan’s hands and obeys the instructions, quickening his pace a little.
“Move him to the table, and don’t block his face with your hands.” Kris picks up Luhan and rests him on the table. He places his hands on Luhan’s waist, projecting the unobstructed side view of a kissing scene, the flash hectically surrounding them from different angles.
The shutter sound gradually decreases until it finally stops. “Done.” The pendulum clock on the wall announces the arrival of 11pm and from the side, sounds of calm instructions and the retraction of lens are heard.
Shutting his eyes, Kris parts from Luhan’s bruised lips, he lowers his head and allows him to rest on himself. In the silent atmosphere, all that is left is the heavy breathing.
From behind, sounds of the camera being turned off and the packing of bags is heard. Passing by, the man says, “It’s been hard on you; treat it as a new lesson for actors. Also, don’t inform the police; it’s all for your own good.” Brushing past, an unknown perfume scent diffuses.
One by one, they walk out. Footstep sounds travel towards them again after the car door opens, and as their phones are thrown back, the man says, “contact your friends, be careful.” Then, its the sound of two cars driving away.
Slumped on the ground, Kris picks up the phone with his trembling hands. Turning the power on, the phone’s announces its low power and declares itself out of power. He turns to switch on the other phone, the four digit power on passcode shows up on the flat screen.
He pauses then keys in 4 digits, the phone starts up briskly and a ringtone plays instantly.
Shivering, he searches twice before finally finding Luhan’s number, he presses it.
“Hello? Why aren’t you here yet? I’ve been waiting for 20 minutes.” Yixing projects his voice.
“Yixing,” Kris’ husky voice replies, “something happened to us...” He turns to look at the resting Luhan on his shoulders, “I’ll search up our location on the phone then send it to you.... You flag a cab and come pick us.” He says, stammering.
The opposite end remains silent for two seconds before a ruckus starts, “where are you? What happened?”
Kris seems to have lost the last of his energy, “do as I say, also, don’t inform anyone else... remember to bring a thick jacket.” He hangs up, locates themselves and sends the text.
The minute Yixing arrives, rain is pouring outside. In the damp shed, Kris covers Luhan with all the messily cut clothes, Luhan rests on his thighs.
Lifting his pale face, Kris looks at Yixing speechlessly.
Yixing does not speak, and he helps Luhan put on the thick outerwear he brought, removing his and giving it to Kris. He bends and lifts Luhan into the left backseat of the taxi then turns behind in search of the complete lost soul and pale faced Kris.
They face each other for a full two seconds before Yixing grabs Kris and hugs him for an instant. He releases his hold on him as Kris gets into the right backseat. Yixing shuts the door with a “bam” before approaching the front passenger seat.
“Back to the city.” He says.
The heavy rain falls against the car windows as the windscreen wiper shuffles back and forth non-stop. Kris touches Luhan’s forehead and speaks through his weariness, “please drive faster, sir.”
“What exactly happened?” Yixing’s voice is heard from the front seat.
“Nothing much, we’ll talk when we get back.” Kris wipes his face, lifting his head and looking out the window.
Yixing doesn’t speak anymore, he turns to look at Luhan’s red face and closed eyes, his fair complexioned hand slumps freely on the seat and on his wrist is the rosary he has been wearing since the day of their hike. Turning back, he quietly gazes out the window, nature and trees seem to have been washed anew. As though hinting a certain finale, as though hinting a new beginning.
He rests his hand on the window glasses and supports his mouth, in the quiet car, three people look in three various directions while the car zooms forward in the heavy rain.
The surroundings are faint and apart from the indistinct bright traffic lights, all that is left is the blinking green light not too far away being sliced again and again by the moving of the windscreen wipers......
All of a sudden, his body breaks the inertia and shoots forward. A short and screeching sound coming from the brakes screams into his ears. As Kris lifts his head, an incoming truck in attempt to turn left heads straight towards them on their right from in front. The driver quickly spins the steering wheel........
In that moment all lights seem to have gone off, severe impacts of their bodies are made in the narrow seat space spins, hitting onto hard objects, the left area below his chest evolves a sharp pain, dizziness sets in......
The spinning car stops from the friction caused by the ground, the spinning of their bodies stop too, just for a few seconds, or maybe a few lifetimes, everything returns to it’s peacefulness in an instant, leaving only the quiet sound of rainfall.
After a long time, panicking passersby and rushing footsteps start coming from their surroundings. In the rain, someone seems to be sayings something on the phone and the flooding of water on the road side seem to have converged into a river.
In the darkness, Kris slowly moves his limbs that are slowly gaining consciousness. His peripheral vision sweeps from both sides and faces Luhan whose eyes are gradually opening as well, they both exchange glances and look at the same time towards the front seat.......
The ambulance saves and places them on a stretcher. Tears start streaming subconsciously out of Kris’ eyes. Healthcare personnel fixes a mask skillfully over his cervical vertebra, “don’t look anymore.” And as he speaks, he blocks the former’s view with his body.
Wanting to scream but unable to make any sound......... Kris pants heavily and looks up towards the sky. The thin mist blurs his vision as a stretcher with a white cloth covering over it is lifted past him. Luhan who is clinging desperately onto the stretcher has his hands removed by the medical staff....
Without hearing anything, without seeing anything........
“Your mobile phone has been changed to the white model you’ve selected, please set an initial passcode, I’ll find you a gift box.”
“Yixing, something happened to us...... Flag a cab and come pick us up.”
“Please drive faster, sir......”
God: I’ve helped you once; I allowed your phone to run out of battery.
Kris: But he is innocent!
God: How about Jesus on the cross, was he innocent or guilty? As for you, have you really repented?
I beg for your mercy, please, I beg for your mercy...
It’s too late.
Why not me?
You have your own destiny.
The siren of the ambulance seems to be reverberating sharply in his head. The surrounding is chaotic yet peaceful, the heavy rain falls on the car windows, scrubbing this moment of history.
The fate of each person’s is well written early; the book that belongs to him, where is it?
Close your eyes.....
Why are you waving your hands at me with a smile, where are you going?
Your lips line, are you saying goodbye.......
The masked medical workers look as traces of water flow endlessly through the corner of his eyes, helplessly wiping every drop to prevent it from flowing into his stable neck. She turns to look at the other charming boy who is not heavily injured but less sober. He lies on the stretcher, clutching onto the other boy’s hand, one whose fate seems to have been dictated, as though giving him body warmth.
Wanting him to return to the stretcher is something challenging. Watching as the boy rests on the icy cold ground, the medical personnel eventually gives up.
It isn’t wise to treat the wounded as such, but it’s all up to him.
Two weeks later, they are discharged.
“Exit from the back door; the front is filled with media.” The manager guards the tall and slim manager and walks hastily through the hallway, “if you meet any reporters, just remain silent.”
Kris neither nods nor shakes his head, walking expressionlessly along the corridors. The nurses unceasingly whisper as they pass, sending off these teenage idols who haven’t uttered a word in these past two weeks.
“Is he the one who locked himself in the toilet and started smashing things?” The middle aged nurse glances at the handsome young man not far away, accompanied by two staff, “or the one who didn’t eat for two days?”
The nurses at the side watch in disney and the few stroll further away, “he is the one who smashed things, the one who refused to eat ate in the end....” She looks at the nurse, “then, the toilet keys were nowhere to be found, eventually, the one who refused to eat persuaded at the door before he unlocked the door himself and came out.
“That’s quite powerful, how did he persuade, you should learn too.” The nurse watches the back view of the teen inching further and further away.
“I don’t know,” says the nurse in a rather sorry tone, “I need to grasp Chinese in order to know.”
“It is said that the car remained but the driver was nowhere to be found, I wonder what the police is even doing.” The nurses flop through the hospital records, “the other boy was discharged last week, please finish up the medical records, their company is coming to pay in the afternoon.”
“Alright.” Says the nurse as her eyes wander in a distant again, she flips the records and recalls the conversation she had with the China boy Luhan last week before he was discharged.
“Please take good care of the boy who’s sharing the same ward as me.” The boy says with much respect, trying to flash a smile, but he fails.
“We take care of all our patients very well.” Replies the smiling nurse.
Upon hearing this, Luhan hesitates. “I mean...... don’t provide him with any more opportunities to lock himself in the toilet.” He lifts his head to look at the nurse.
The nurse returns Luhan’s gaze, guessing his meaning in vague comprehension, “that was an accident; it probably won’t happen again.”
At night when he has no company, it would be best to check on him from time to time.” Luhan knows he’s coming off as demanding but he looks pleadingly at the nurse again. He knows the nurses recognises them, “please.” He says.
“Don’t worry.” The nurse chuckles, “I will urge my sisters working during later shifts to look over his ward especially.”
“Thank you very much, also..... Please inform them not to bring up the name LAY.” Luhan’s hands that’s resting on the countertop slowly slides away.
Watching Luhan’s back, the nurse lowers her head and picks up the entertainment section of the newspaper. On the headlines, the group’s name and several Chinese names keep surfacing. The boy Luhan just mentioned appears repeatedly, along with pictures of him individually and even in group photos.
Folding up the newspaper, she dumps all the editions into the trash bin.
Original fic
Translated by heecups, proofread by wayve and pineapplepharts!
Please ask for permission before reposting!