Resurrection - Part VII

[seisdemayo]

Title: Resurrection
Rating: PG
Pairing: Sehun/Kai
Summary: A piercing scream, a loud honk, a powerful crash... did he come back to life?


Are you prepared to let Chanyeol face Shixun?

"The drive to help him is stronger now. There's nothing you can do, Kai."

You finally admitted you were being selfish.

"I am not being selfish." Kai muttered angrily to himself.

"Who's selfish?" Chanyeol came into the living room with his bag in hand and a cellphone on his ear in the other.

"Yes, manager. I'm about to meet him. Can you please consider him for the coming shoot tomorrow?" He turned to his phone.

Kai tensed as he waited for Chanyeol's reaction.

"Really? That's great. Thank you! I'll call you back."

"What did he say?" Kai urged.

"Said the other model backed out a few days ago and they were about to just go with me but then a new model is welcome." Chanyeol beamed. "But you have to make sure this person qualifies okay?"

Kai blinked at Chanyeol, not knowing how to explain it to him so he just said, "I'm sure he will."

Kai and Chanyeol stood in front of Sehun's door.

"Chanyeol, whoever you see don't think he's someone we know. Don't call him a different name. His name is Shixun. He's... he's just not who you think he is."

"What are you talking about?" Chanyeol narrowed his eyes at his friend.

Kai gulped. "Chanyeol, this person, he looks so much like--"

The door opened and out came Sehun.

"Ah, you're here." He greeted shyly.

Chanyeol froze, his eyes widened at the sight of the person in front of him.

Kai inhaled deeply. "Shixun, this is Chanyeol. And Chanyeol, this is Shixun."

Chanyeol was pulled by Kai in the house a few moments later. He couldn't seem to recover from the shock he got after Sehun's appearance right before his eyes.

Kai mentioned Chanyeol to Sehun the previous night, telling him about his job and that if Sehun is willing, he could be of help to him. Sehun didn't seem to know any Chanyeol nor have heard of him. For a moment, it made him relieved. Maybe, just maybe, although Kai would never want to admit it, he's selfish.

After serving them coffee, Sehun sat himself on the armchair at the side and waited for anyone to speak.

Kai leaned in to Chanyeol and whispered. "He isn't him."

Chanyeol blinked before looking back to Sehun. "I'm sorry... for being impolite. I'm Chanyeol."

"It's okay. Kai told me you could help me?"

Chanyeol took a glimpse of Kai before staring back at Sehun. He still seemed tensed.

"Yes. About that, you're in. Tomorrow's the shoot. You can come with... Kai, then we'll all drive together to the location."

"Great." Sehun smiled and looked at Kai.

"Yeah." Kai answered, slightly distracted. "I guess that's all Chanyeol wanted to say. We should head home."

He stood and so did Chanyeol.

"It was nice to meet you, Shixun." Chanyeol extended a hand.

"You too, Chanyeol. Thank you so much!" Sehun shook his hand and Chanyeol couldn't take his eyes off of him.

Kai pulled him by the door and set off quite hurriedly. Sehun waved at them with a smile before he closed the door.

"What was that?" Kai asked in an annoyed tone. He couldn't stand Chanyeol looking at Sehun like that, he didn't know why, it just annoyed him. "I told you he isn't Sehun. You didn't have to make him feel so uncomfortable."

It was a lie. Sehun didn't seem like he's that uncomfortable. But Kai still couldn't find where his annoyance was coming from.

"That guy. Who is he?" Chanyeol stood there, dumbfounded by what he just witnessed. "That's Sehun, isn't he?"

"He's not." Kai flinched at the way Chanyeol expressed his surprise. "He's Wu Shixun. Half-Korean, half-Chinese. He lives in China but has business here in Korea. He's not Sehun. I was meeting with him for a few days now. He's not Sehun."

"Did you tell Baekhyun yet?" There was dread in Chanyeol's voice.

"No. I didn't tell anyone because I knew you'd be confused like this."

Something stronger tugged at Kai's insides. He felt more annoyed than ever. What was it to them that he's friends with someone who looks like his ex? Why does he have to tell anyone about it? Why does he have to tell Baekhyun about it? He clenched his fist.

"You should have told Baekhyun." Chanyeol seemed afraid, for the first time. The surprise wasn't there anymore, but it was replaced by fear.

"Why?" Kai asked angrily. "What does it have to do with Baekhyun?" He almost screamed but he didn't. He felt agitated. Does he always have to share what he has with Baekhyun? First his friends. It was Baekhyun Chanyeol brought to their table that day. And then, Sehun. Sehun was Kai's, but he was also Baekhyun's. He could take Sehun away from anyone but Baekhyun. Then, his pain. He shares that with Baekhyun as well.

What does Baekhyun have to do with Shixun?

"Why can't I have my own friend for myself?" Kai said it out loud frustratingly. The moment it came out of his mouth, he understood where his anger was coming from. He was being possessive. He was tired of sharing. He wanted Shixun for himself. Because he was selfish.

He was selfish for he once lost someone because he wasn't able to hold onto him strongly enough.

"Baekhyun has to know."

"Why does it matter to him?!"

"Because he--"

"What, Chanyeol?!"

Chanyeol gulped and only looked at Kai's eyes.

"Are you hiding something from me?"

It took a few more seconds before Chanyeol broke their eye contact. He sighed in defeat and shook his head.

"No." He hung his head low. "I'm not. I'm sorry. I was just... shocked. He looked so much like Sehun. I thought... I just thought..."

Kai's eyes softened. Of course, Chanyeol is also Sehun's friend. It's just normal for him to act like this. He lost him too.

"He's not. He's not Sehun. Let's just... believe it." Kai held Chanyeol's gaze and the other nodded.

"Sorry." Kai muttered.

"I... understand." Chanyeol exhaled deeply and closed his eyes.

"I'm sorry too, Jongin."

Chanyeol still had his eyes closed when Kai looked up at him in mild surprise. He rarely calls him by his real name. Chanyeol only does that when he's serious. He only does that when the situation is serious. If it was that important, then what was he sorry for?

"The location is the beach?" Kai asked Chanyeol quietly. That resort only gave him the best yet the most painful memories. And he knew Baekhyun has them too. At the thought of Baekhyun, he suddenly regretted his decision for a few seconds. But he had promised Chanyeol. And seriously, what would become of him if he kept it a secret to them when they were the people who actually stayed by his side for those 3 dark years?

Kai was going to introduce Shixun to them. And he had to do it now because Chanyeol invited all of them to the shoot.

"There's something I have to warn you about." Chanyeol started when Kai got out of the mini van Chanyeol's manager drove to fetch them. "This Shixun."

Chanyeol watched his friends before his eyes landed on Baekhyun's. "He's a perfect copy of Sehun."

Gasps surrounded the van. A glint appeared in Baekhyun's eyes before they vanished and he looked away.

"Try to act normally."

And then, the door opened and Kai helped Sehun up into the van. Every pair of eyes darted towards Sehun. Everyone's but Baekhyun's.

"Hello." Sehun greeted formally.

"This is Shixun." Kai started. "And this is Kyungsoo, Suho..."

Sehun smiled at each of them politely.

"...and Baekhyun." That was when Baekhyun glanced at him and their eyes met. Sehun gave another soft smile at him but Baekhyun did not reciprocate it and stared at him coldly.

"This is Chanyeol, you met each other yesterday." Sehun cut the gaze and turned to Chanyeol. Chanyeol nodded and smiled a little.

"Shixun just moved to Korea a few days ago." They all just nodded.

It was silent all throughout the drive. Sehun didn't seem to mind at all. But Kai thought they must have had a lot of questions in their heads, but they're keeping quiet to be polite. He settled for the silence and let himself doze off to sleep.

"Kai." Someone was shaking him awake. "We're here."

Kai stirred, only half-awake when he saw Sehun's face so close to his. The figure blinked at him while he registered who was in front of him.

"Kai?"

That voice. It only belongs to one person.

"They said we're here. You should get up."

Kai closed his eyes to savor that voice. When was the last time he talked to him? He had dreamt of him a lot of times, but his dreams were never like this. His dreams mostly involved a bus and a scream.

"Kai." The voice was becoming softer. His dream was fading.

"Kai."

Sehun. He called in his head.

He reached out in front of him and took the opportunity to hold him back, so he couldn't run, so he wouldn't die. Kai felt something solid in his palm and he closed in on it. Then he did it, he captured his lips with his own.

He felt two hands push at him weakly and Kai was brought back to reality. He found himself holding onto Sehun-- Shixun, who had his eyes wide in surprise at him. Their lips connected delicately.

Kai pushed Sehun reflexively and Sehun clutched the seat to balance himself. A moment of silence passed them and Kai was staring at Sehun wide-eyed. Sehun was shocked too, yet still calm, and he only stood there with pink tints on his cheeks.

Kai opened his mouth to say something but nothing came out. He kissed Shixun, and he can't forget that feeling. It was exactly how he feels when it's Sehun. What does that mean?

Is he Sehun? Or is he already in love with Shixun? Only one answer was possible. But it can't be. It shouldn't be.

He gulped as he continued staring at Sehun, trying to find the words to explain to him what happened. But as he gazed at his lips, his heart started beating so fast.

"They're all setting up on the beach. We should go." Sehun whispered avoiding his eyes as he turned back and walked to where the others were, alone.

His back was all Kai watched before his heart slowed down. When he came back fully to his senses, he smacked his head on the headrest in front of him.

He can't be in love... all over again.

The sun was up so high so Kai sat on the cottage nearest the shore as he watched the staff take pictures of Chanyeol and Sehun in swimming shorts, holding the particular product in their hands, while they both smiled directly to the camera. Chanyeol was close to being professional, no wonder he had many offers. Sehun didn't seem to be behind, he was coping well. Suho and Kyungsoo watched at the sides and were giving encouragement to both guys. He watched as Sehun laughed at a joke Kyungsoo told and Chanyeol hitting Sehun's arm lightly. Suho even held Sehun's top for him while they shoot without it. Watching them from afar makes him forget that that guy right there with them is Shixun, instead he sees Sehun.

Kai couldn't take his eyes off of Sehun. How did he fall for him so fast? He only wanted to get to know him.

A figure sat beside him and Kai only broke his gaze away when he felt the additional weight on the cottage.

"Where did you meet him?" Baekhyun was eye-ing Sehun too, but it was different from the soft affectionate look Kai was giving him.

"I saw him near Crowne Diamond."

"Did he approach you?"

"He didn't. I did."

Baekhyun remained silent after that. Kai did too and focused back on the scene in the shore. His eyes searched for Sehun and when he found him, their eyes met for a second. Sehun looked away immediately and turned his back, talking to Chanyeol about the poses he had to do.

A soft sigh escaped Kai's lips.

"Why is he in our lives, Kai?" Baekhyun muttered in a soft whisper. Kai was brought back to their conversation. The tone Baekhyun used, it wasn't like he was happy about it. In fact, he wasn't. It felt like Baekhyun was in pain more than anything. Kai suddenly felt guilty for thinking so selfishly. He judged Baekhyun again. And he judged him wrongly... again. He thought Baekhyun would immediately take Sehun-- Shixun, away from him. But he didn't. And right now, instead of being there with Shixun, here he was, with Kai.

"Maybe he was meant to find us. Or me finding him." Kai answered, deep in his thoughts.

"Kai, there's something I want to tell you." Baekhyun started.

"You know what? Maybe I'm right." Kai interrupted. "Shixun found his way here for us to meet. Maybe he was sent to help the both of us, all of us. Sehun left, but Shixun came. Maybe this means something. It's telling us that once a person is gone, he is gone. But someone will come along, to fill the empty space back. And that's him."

Kai was surprised at what he said himself. Baekhyun stared at him disbelievingly.

"And we forget him?"

It hit Kai hard. Isn't that what he meant when he said those words? Forget Sehun?

"It's... not what I mean." Kai looked down. He spoke in a low voice. "You all wanted me to move on. And I can only do that if I believe that Sehun is gone. It's not that easy. But somehow, for some reason, he makes it easier."

Baekhyun just shifted his eyes to the new guy who was now walking back with the rest towards them.

"I don't know, Kai. I can't help but think that this Shixun is related to Sehun." Baekhyun looked straight ahead to the beach. "But you may be right. Maybe he's back to fill the gaps."

"The staff packed up." Chanyeol announced when they reached Kai and Baekhyun. "Said we can enjoy the rest of the day." A grin spread across his face.

"Chanyeol did pretty good! We have a natural born star here." Suho praised him but Chanyeol turned red and ignored him. He was still not used to being teased for going for entertainment.

"Shixun was good too." Kyungsoo clapped him on the back and Kai immediately looked at Sehun. He only smiled shyly and avoided his eyes.

"It's swim time!" Chanyeol pulled Baekhyun up and dragged him to the beach. Kyungsoo ran after him while Suho just shook his head and followed.

Sehun turned to follow them but Kai held him back.

"About earlier, I'm sorry. I was half-unconscious and-"

"It's ok. Let's forget it." Sehun didn't let him finish. He looked Kai in the eyes for the first time again and gave him a genuine smile. "Things happen. It will be harder to explain."

Kai only nodded. He couldn't calm his heart down.

"Last to reach the shore gets to take his pants off." Sehun joked and ran towards the others who were wrestling each other in the water. Kai sprinted fast after him because he remembered he wasn't wearing swimming clothes on.

That was one of the few times Kai saw the difference between Sehun and Shixun. For one, he wasn't afraid of the water. And he could definitely swim.

Kai felt relieved. He was glad he could get rid of his delusions.

They were all seated around a round table and were playing poker. Kai didn't join and watched them laugh around, sometimes cursing one another for winning so fast. He took a glimpse of Shixun who was seated next to him, holding his cards closely to himself in case anyone takes a peek. However, whenever he catches Kai looking at him, he shows him his cards and grins. Kai couldn't help but to send the grins back.

Baekhyun was the dealer, and he only had his own poker face on everytime. But he didn't miss a single exchange of looks between Kai and Sehun. He mostly watched Sehun. He wanted to know how similar he is to the real Sehun, apart from his face.

The alcohols were served in the middle of the third game and Chanyeol cooed happily. He took a glass for himself and Baekhyun did the same. Suho was handed the glass and he took his first shot immediately. Kyungsoo declined and so did Sehun.

"Aye. You two have to take it, I'm paying for it." Chanyeol insisted. Kyungsoo scrunched up his nose.

"Ya, I eat whatever you want me to eat, learn to return the favor." He retorted at Kyungsoo. The latter unwillingly took his glass and settled it on the table. Kai took his own too.

"Shixun." Chanyeol nodded his head towards the last glass. "Pick it up."

Without any other choice, Sehun did.

"I'm going to win this." Chanyeol declared positively as he put down a card, taking a sip from his glass.

A few more turns and Chanyeol did win the round.

"I told you guys, I'm the poker king!" Chanyeol stood proudly as he asked for more drinks. "Now you all have to drink two shots for me."

"I don't remember having this rule, Yeol." Suho raised a brow.

"Just do it. I don't have this much fun after every shoot so just deal with it." He grinned. "Shixun, you should drink too okay? You lost."

"If he doesn't want to, I can do it for him." Kai sensed the discomfort on Sehun but Chanyeol refused.

"You were here and witnessed their loss, so you will take the punishment as well. And Shixun will too."

Kai looked helplessly at Sehun.

"That's right. You should drink, too, Shixun." Baekhyun urged, and it was the first time he addressed him personally the whole day.

"It's not so bad." Suho encouraged and Sehun just nodded.

"Okay."

Chanyeol fist-pumped the air. He raised his hand to the center while the other did the same.

"For this beautiful day!!" Chanyeol half shouted and they all raised their glasses before hearing little clinks.

"I swear to god this kid is already drunk." Kyungsoo whispered a little loudly and everyone snickered. Baekhyun tipped his first glass followed by the second. All their actions were in sync as they downed the contents of their alcohols in their throats. Kai felt a mild burning sensation in his esophagus but it felt refreshing.

He looked at Sehun who licked his lips after his second shot. Sehun faced Kai and made a face. Kai found it cute that he wasn't able to control himself and pinched his cheek admiringly. The table fell silent and he realized everyone's eyes were on them.

Kai let his hand fall and looked at them questioningly.

"You two, get a room." Chanyeol hiccupped.

Sehun blushed and Kai uttered an embarrassed 'shut up'.

They all laughed and ignored the now awkward Kai. Sehun tried to put up a straight face but he couldn't help but giggle. Kai heard it but tried not to look at him at the moment. He couldn't calm his suddenly racing heart down. Instead he looked around the table, at Baekhyun who just finished distributing the cards, and who was now staring... at Sehun.

The happy bubble in his head seemed to burst at the way Baekhyun looked at Sehun. His heart started ramming faster on his chest. He trailed and followed Baekhyun's gaze towards the person next to him. And then, he saw why Baekhyun was staring hard at him.

Sehun was red in the face.

And he knew it wasn't because he pinched his cheek before.

"Shixun, are you okay?" Kai asked with a slight tone of fear. Not for the reason that Sehun might not be okay. But for the reason of what he might find out, right now.

Sehun blinked confused-ly. He saw how Kai looked at his face and it suddenly hit him. He brought his hand to his face.

"Ah." Sehun realized what he meant. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you ahead, I'm allergic to alcohol."

That was the second time the table fell silent.