Love at First Shoot
From: saemriel
Title: Love at First Shoot
Rating: PG
Word Count: 7,500
Prompt: limerence : state of mind which results from a romantic attraction to another person and a desire to form or maintain a relationship and have one’s feeling reciprocated
Warning/s: past!krystal/sehun
Luhan grabbed his camera and reminded his assistant to check if they have everything they need for the photo shoot. He dropped by Minseok’s desk, his bestfriend and business partner was busy organizing their schedule, since it’s wedding season and they have a lot of clients to attend to.
“So I only have Mr. Oh’s prenup shoot for today right?” Luhan checked his own calendar in his phone.
“Yep, Mr. Kim rescheduled…” Minseok briefly looked up from his computer to answer his bestfriend’s query.
“Well, I’ll get going then…good luck on your date with Dae tonight!” Luhan teased before leaving his bestfriend blushing hard inside their office.
Luhan boarded his car and drove off to their scheduled location. Once they reached the place, his two assistants immediately started setting up their equipments while Luhan reviewed their plans for the shoot. He had discussed it with Minseok the day before since it’s his bestfriend who usually talks with the client.
“Uhm, you must be the photographer that Minseok was talking about…” A tall young man approached Luhan while the other was busy with his tablet.
“Ah yes…” Luhan quickly stood up and he quickly realized how tall the man was because even when he’s standing, he still has to lift his head up to meet the other’s eyes.
“Mr. Oh, I’m Luhan… your photographer for today. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding.” Luhan smiled and extended his hand for a greeting.
“Just call me Sehun…” Sehun took Luhan’s hands and shook it. “I’m sorry but my fiancé is running a bit late”
“That’s okay, Sehun. We could do some test shots first, if you want and by the way do you have any other requests for the shoot?”
“Well actually, there’s that willow tree, I’m thinking we could do some individual shots there like I’m waiting for her or something…”
“Okay…” Luhan grabbed his camera and followed Sehun to where the tree was.
Luhan had been taking pictures of the groom for half an hour when the bride finally showed up. Sehun introduced Luhan to his fiancé and they immediately proceeded to the couple shots. Minseok was right, his bestfriend had already told him how Sehun seemed to be a hands-on groom and true enough… Sehun was clear with what he wanted for the shoot.
“Are those the pictures from Mr. Oh’s shoot?” Minseok looked over Luhan’s computer where his bestfriend was editing the pictures.
“Yes…” Luhan answered, taking a sip of his Iced Americano that his bestfriend kindly bought for him.
“He really looks like a professional model…” Minseok commented on the individual shot of the groom under the willow tree.
“I know right… he’s too good looking to get married this young…”
“What?” Minseok scoffed at his bestfriend’s statement.
“What?” Luhan innocently blinked his eyes at Minseok. “All I’m saying is that, he is still young and very good looking to rush into a marriage besides his fiancé doesn’t seem to be as excited as him for their wedding…”
“What do you mean Lu?” Minseok curiously asked.
“Well, first she was late then when we started with the couple shots… I don’t know if she was just not in the mood but she looked like she just wanted the shoot to be over as soon as possible. She looked like she wasn’t interested at all… I mean, isn’t it weird? Usually it’s the bride that fusses me about the shots taken but she didn’t even check the photos.”
“Maybe she was not just feeling well or maybe she’s really not the hands-on type of bride. It’s not like it’s the first time we encountered someone like her…” Minseok defended.
“I don’t know Min… I have a bad feeling about this.” Luhan shook his head while staring at his computer screen.
“Hey! Don’t jinx it! They are still our client.” Minseok lightly hit his bestfriend’s shoulder.
Minseok then went back to his desk while Luhan continued with his editing… that ‘bad feeling’ still doesn’t leave him.
It was Sehun’s wedding day and Luhan had arrived to the hotel where he will take shots while the groom was preparing. It was evident how happy and excited Sehun was for his wedding; he was all smiles as he posed for the camera with his best man and groomsmen.
When they arrived at the church, Luhan followed the groom around while he greeted the guests. Sehun was talking with his father when the wedding planner approached them to say that the bridal car was already on the way.
The entourage took their positions while Luhan snap a couple of shots of Sehun nervously waiting for the ceremony to start.
Half an hour had passed but no bridal car arrived.
Luhan saw closely how Sehun got weary with every minute passing. It took another ten minutes before the wedding planner finally approached the groom with someone that looked like the maid of honor. The woman was muttering apologizes to Sehun while Sehun was continuously shaking his head.
“No, why would she do this to me?!” Sehun weakly sat down, burying his face in his hands.
“I’m sorry Sehun, I don’t understand her decisions too…” the maid of honor rubbed the back of Sehun and muttered another apology before going to the guests to tell them about the unfortunate event.
Sehun was abandoned by his bride on their wedding day. The best man stayed by the groom’s side, trying his best to comfort a silent weeping Sehun. Luhan wanted to go and console Sehun too but he remembered that he’s really not Sehun’s friend… he was just the photographer at his failed wedding.
The guests had long been gone but Sehun and his best friend were still inside the church. Sehun has yet to calm down, he was still in shock and what his fiancé did have really broke his heart. Luhan on the other hand couldn’t find it in his heart to leave the venue; he stayed there in his car, outside the church looking at Sehun from afar.
“You know that you don’t have to deliver it to him right?” Minseok commented as his bestfriend was busy arranging a package.
“But I want to know if he’s okay…”
“Luhan, he got stood up on his wedding a month ago… of course he is not okay.” Minseok reasoned out.
“That is why I want to see him, besides there is not even a guarantee that he is there...I’m just taking chances. If he’s there then at least---“ Luhan paused gauging if he should continue what’s been going through his mind.
“At least what?” Minseok eyed him. “I knew it! From the moment I saw you staring too much while editing his prenuptial pictures, I knew that you like him!”
“W-What? I-it’s not… I…” Luhan fidgeted in his seat. “I… Well, it’s not like he swings that way!” He sighed dejectedly.
“But that still doesn’t stop you from liking him…” Minseok teased further.
“It’s not about that anyway… I just want to give this to him. I want to know if he’s at least doing fine…” Luhan stood up and grabbed the paper bag.
Minseok shook his head and sighed.
“Just be careful Lu, don’t let your heart fall when there’s no one to catch it…”
“You’re thinking too much Min…” Luhan smiled at his bestfriend.
“Am I really?” Minseok sarcastically fired back, of course he knows Luhan… he knows his bestfriend had already fallen.
It’s been ten minutes since Luhan had arrived at the parking lot of the restaurant where Sehun was working as the head chef but the photographer kept on fidgeting in his seat… he was nervous for some reason. After sighing for the nth time, Luhan finally had the nerve to get out of his car and walk towards the restaurant.
Luhan was about to open the door, albeit still nervous, when someone else opened the door from the inside and that someone else was no other than the head chef Oh Sehun.
“Luhan?” The head chef quirked his eyebrows upon seeing who was about to enter the restaurant.
“Mr. Oh…” yep Luhan was trying to be professional here “Good thing that you are here… I wanted to talk to you…”
“Oh! okay but I need to take this call first. How about you go and find a seat inside, I’ll be there as fast as I can…” Sehun gave him an apologetic smile before he took the call.
Luhan did as what he was told and settled in a table at the farthest corner of the restaurant. He fidgeted in his seat, gazing at the door then back to the paper bag in front of him… anxiously waiting for Sehun to come back. His heart beat accelerated when Sehun walked in, ten minutes after the call he made.
“So Luhan, what brought you here? Was there something wrong with the check I send you?” There were concern in Sehun’s eyes as the former groom took the seat right in front of him and Luhan had to mentally slap himself for staring too much.
“N-No, the check was perfectly fine. I just brought these here…” Luhan lightly pushed the paper bag towards Sehun’s direction.
“I’m not sure if you like to see them but you paid for it and I think it’s only right to give these to you.”
“Oh…” Sehun stared at the bag, of course he knows what it was and for a minute he was lost in his own thoughts.
Luhan kind of expected Sehun’s reactions and somehow he felt guilty for reminding Sehun of the failed wedding.
“How rude of me…” Sehun said after recovering from his trance, he raised his hand to call one of the servers. “Order anything you want, Luhan… it’s on the house…”
“N-no… it’s okay. I’m not staying for long anyways, I just really want to deliver these.”
“I insist Luhan, you went out of your way to give me these, the least I could is treat you. In fact I have an idea, I’ll go and personally prepare you our special pasta, just wait here…”
Before Luhan could protest, Sehun was already heading back to the kitchen with the paper bag in his hand and now he doesn’t have a choice but to wait for Sehun to come back.
The head chef did come back, twenty minutes later with a tray of food. Sehun placed two bowls of pasta on the table and sat in front of Luhan. Honestly, Luhan didn’t know how to react, Sehun was serving him with a food that he personally prepared… he never expected that to happen.
“You really didn’t have to, but thank you…this smells delicious.” Luhan shyly smiled at the head chef.
“It is delicious…” Sehun said as a matter-of-fact. “C’mon try it…” he eagerly watched as Luhan obeyed him and tasted the food.
Luhan could only moan in approval, who would have thought that someone as good looking as Sehun could also cook so damn well. Sehun smiled at his reaction and picked up his own fork to eat. The two were contently eating their food when someone entered the restaurant and approached them.
“Sehun…” The woman called their attention and Luhan’s eyes went wide upon recognizing who the girl was.
“Krystal, what are you doing here?” Sehun was clearly not happy seeing her.
“Can we please talk…” Krystal then glanced at Luhan and of course Luhan knows what she meant. He was about to stand up and excuse himself when Sehun grabbed his hand and stopped him.
“Funny, how it took you a month to finally have the nerve to talk to me after everything that you’ve done but can’t you see I’m busy. Luhan and I are on a date, I don’t have the time to talk to you today…” Sehun answered as calmly as he can, his hands never letting go of Luhan’s, who was just staring at him dumbly.
“D-Date? You’re seeing our photographer now?” Krystal was looking at Sehun then to Luhan then to their hands.
“Don’t act like I’m doing something wrong.” Sehun scoffed. “You were the one who ruined everything between us. I no longer have any commitment to you; I think I have the right to date whoever I want.”
“I don’t believe you! You’re only doing this to get back at me. It’s only been a month, I know you… you couldn’t replace me that easily.”
“And why not Krystal? Don’t think too highly of yourself. You’re nothing but a whore who cheated on me with my own bestfriend! and that fucking Taemin even had the nerve to act all innocent and tried to console me when you didn’t showed up at the church because you were already waiting for him at his apartment. I can’t believe I almost got married to you, thank God it didn’t happen!”
“H-How did you know?” Krystal looked guilty as hell.
“You and Taemin really think I’m that stupid not to know? I just really don’t want to see you or him again. I don’t care what you two want to do with your lives, I just don’t want to be involved with any of you ever again, so please don’t come here anymore.” Sehun tugged Luhan’s hand.
“Let’s go Luhan, let’s continue our date somewhere else…” Sehun gently pulled Luhan up and they both walked out of the restaurant hand in hand.
Sehun opened the car door for Luhan and Luhan was surprisingly just following Sehun without any objections. Sehun drove in silence while Luhan glanced at him from time to time. After driving for fifteen minutes, Sehun finally pulled over to the sidewalk.
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that. I panicked when I saw her… I just wanted to let her know that I moved on. I’m sorry Luhan and thank you for not saying anything back there…”
“That’s okay, Sehun…I understand why you did that, really… no harm done.” Luhan reassured him with a smile.
“I should probably take you back to your studio now… again I’m really sorry Luhan…”
Luhan meekly nod and Sehun started the car once again to head back to Luhan’s studio. Again they travelled in silence; Luhan could see how seeing Krystal was affecting Sehun so he just let the other man dwell on it.
Sehun parked his car at the studio’s designated parking lot and walked Luhan to his studio’s entrance, muttering apologies once more.
“I told its okay, stop saying sorry…” Luhan briefly laughed at him before saying one last goodbye and entering his own shop.
Once Sehun’s car pulled out of the parking lot, Minseok was immediately on Luhan’s desk.
“As far as I can remember, you brought your car to the restaurant. Kindly explain to me why Mr. Oh was driving you back?” Minseok raised his eyebrows while waiting for his bestfriend to answer.
“Well, his ex-bride showed up while we were eating and he kinda told his ex-fiance that we were dating then he kinda dragged me out to avoid her.”
“Wait, what?!” Minseok’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion and shock. “He told her ex-fiance that he was dating you and let me guess you didn’t even say anything to deny it?!”
“W-well, he was left at the altar by that girl, I don’t want him to be humiliated in front of her again…” Luhan reasoned out.
“Is that really it? or do you really like him so much you’re willing to do it for him?” Minseok squint his eyes and Luhan shivered from his bestfriend scrutinizing gaze.
“E-Even if I did, I don’t stand a chance…he’s not gay…” Luhan softly admitted.
“I’m pretty sure dating another guy means he’s gay…” Minseok argued back.
“He was just pretending… that was his pride talking. If it weren’t for his stupid runaway bride, he would be married by now… so yeah… definitely not gay. You’re over thinking again, Min.”
“You’ll never know Luhan...”
Just then the door opened and a client walked in, Luhan secretly smirked because at least the client will take Minseok off his back for an hour or so.
Three days later, Luhan was doing another prenuptial shoot when Sehun suddenly showed up.
“Hey Luhan…” Sehun approached the photographer with coffee in his hands.
“Sehun? What are you doing here?”
“Well actually I went to the studio but Minseok said that you were out for a shoot and he also said that you’ll probably be done before lunch so I was wondering if I could invite you out for lunch?” Sehun was looking at him with pleading eyes.
Luhan was greatly puzzled by the sudden invite but this is Sehun who was inviting him… of course he would say yes.
“Uhm, okay… I think we’ll be done in half an hour.”
“Great! I’ll just be waiting in the car…see you later…” Sehun smiled and politely excused himself so that Luhan can focus on his job.
Luhan was actually surprised when Sehun didn’t bring him to his restaurant and he grew even nervous when Sehun was acting all gentleman on him. They sat at the corner booth near the windows and Luhan just let Sehun order for the two of them saying that he trust Sehun’s judgement since he was a chef and all.
The lunch started out well with Sehun trying to start a conversation every now while Luhan answered him, still being a bit shy around the other. When the desserts arrived, Luhan could sense a change in the atmosphere between them. Sehun suddenly reached for his hand and stared into his eyes.
“Luhan, this may sound a little bit unexpected but I really need to ask a huge favor from you…” Sehun spoke seriously.
Oh, so this is what this is all about… Luhan mumbled to himself, a bit disappointed and he think he has an idea what favor Sehun was about to ask of him.
“Luhan, I know you understand why I did it the first time but I really am desperate now. Luhan, I need you…” Sehun held on tightly to Luhan’s hand. “I need your help, please help me push Krystal away by pretending that we are exclusively dating each other…”
Sehun was looking at him with hopeful eyes and deep down, Luhan wanted to disagree, he wanted to shake his head and tell Sehun to not drag him into his shitty affairs but instead Luhan just smiled and nod his head.
“Yeah sure…” Was what came out of Luhan’s mouth and he was pretty sure he will get a handful of scolding from Minseok later.
“Really?” Sehun gasped at him in disbelief in which Luhan answered with another nod.
“Oh! really Luhan! Thank you… thank you. Thank you so much.” Sehun rose from his seat and rushed towards Luhan to envelop him in his arms.
Oh yes! This is so worth it! Luhan thinks as he reciprocated the hug. Of course to him, it was worth it… he was already falling for Sehun after all.
“What the hell! Luhan!!!” Minseok screamed in frustration after Luhan confessed about Sehun’s intentions on taking him out for lunch.
“Why did you agree?!” Minseok questioned but Luhan just remained silent.
“Ok, wrong question…” Luhan’s bestfriend sighed in defeat; of course he knows why Luhan agreed.
“Why? Why did you let yourself fall so easily? You barely know this guy!”
“Min, I…” Luhan tried to defend himself but nothing was running in his mind.
“Luhan!” Minseok took hold of both of Luhan’s shoulder. “I am your bestfriend and it is my duty to stop you from doing anything stupid and let me tell you, this is certainly stupid! He is about to use you and you act like you are okay with it.”
“He was desperate for help, Minseok.”
“And you’re desperate to be with him…” Minseok told him frankly.
“Ok, maybe I am! So what’s so wrong with helping him, it’s a win-win situation for both of us. What harm can it do?”
“You two are just pretending, everything is fake… what happens if you fall deeper? What will you do then Luhan?”
“I’ll deal with it when it happens. I’m a grown up man, Min! I know what I am doing!” Luhan spat back.
“Do you really know what you’re doing, Lu?” Minseok eyed him with worry.
“I know…at the very least I’m ready for the consequences, whatever it is…” Luhan sighed because the truth is, he doesn’t know if he’s really ready for it.
Minseok saw the defeat in Luhan’s eyes; he doesn’t want to upset his bestfriend even more so he decided to let the topic rest for now. Minseok wrapped his arms around Luhan to comfort him with a silent message that whatever happens, he will always be there for his bestfriend.
The first time they went out was when Sehun brought him to Krystal’s family event. Frankly, Luhan doesn’t understand why Sehun had to attend it after everything that Krystal had done to him but Sehun explained that it had something to do with business. But attending the event means meeting Krystal and so Luhan had to be Sehun’s date since that was what Krystal knows.
Sehun treated him well throughout the event, at least Krystal was keeping her distance but the way she eyed Luhan tells that she wasn’t fully convinced that Sehun was really dating Luhan. Sehun pretended that he doesn’t care about Krystal’s opinion but it was evident with how he didn’t let go of Luhan’s hand the entire night that he wanted Krystal to believe their act.
After that event, Sehun told him that they will have to go out every weekend. Luhan no longer asked why, he knows that it was because of Krystal. Luhan was just not sure if it was to make her go away or to make her jealous because Luhan was not sure of Sehun was really over his former fiancé.
Every Saturday, Sehun would pick Luhan up at the studio then they will head out to their date. Sometimes they go watch a movie, other times they would bike around the park or stroll at the mall. Everytime Sehun needed to attend an event, he would always bring Luhan with him and Luhan must admit, he enjoyed spending time with Sehun, the other was actually fun to be with.
Their set-up goes on for months and before Luhan knew it, it was already Christmas season.
The door to their studio opened up and a messenger came in handing a suit for Luhan. Minseok was immediately at his bestfriend side as Luhan reads the card that came along with the suit.
I was buying a new suit when I saw this and the first thing that came to my mind was you, I know this will look good on you. It will mean a lot to me if you wear this to the company ball tomorrow. Take this as an advance Christmas present from me… Merry Christmas! Luhan.
“Are you sure, you two are still pretending? This is not the first time Sehun had sent you gifts.” Minseok said from behind Luhan.
Yes it was true that Sehun often send gifts, most of the times it would be food personally made by Sehun himself and everytime the gifts would come in with a card. Minseok knows how Luhan was keeping all the cards inside his drawer.
“It was just a suit, something that I will wear to a party that he invited me in. It means nothing.” Luhan defended but the way his smile reached his eyes made Minseok raise his eyebrow.
“So in all those dates that you two had gone to, Sehun didn’t even try to kiss you? not once?” Minseok folded his arms in front of his chest, intriguingly eyeing his bestfriend.
“N-no… we were just pretending remember? Why would he k-kiss me?” Luhan couldn’t help the blush creeping on his cheeks.
“So you mean that if Sehun tries to kiss you tomorrow, you will push him away?”
“Minseok, what are you talking about?” Luhan fidgeted in his seat.
“Well you know… Christmas party…kissing under the mistletoe…” Minseok teased, enjoying the way Luhan was visibly panicking.
“Stop it Min, wasn’t it you who told me to be careful then why are you teasing me now?”
“In my defense, when you said that you two will be pretending to be date, I thought it will only last a month or two but it’s been what four? Five months now? How long are two planning to pretend? I mean why can’t Sehun just date you for real?”
“B-because… because he doesn’t like me that way…” Luhan’s answer came out almost like a whisper.
“But you like him.” Minseok said as a matter-of-fact.
“Luhan…” Minseok reached for his bestfriend’s hand. “I think you pretended long enough. It’s time for you to wake from this dream before it becomes a nightmare…”
Luhan looked up at his bestfriend and he doesn’t know what to say…he honestly doesn’t know what to do.
Sehun couldn’t hide his smile when he picked up Luhan at his apartment; the other was wearing the suit that he bought for him and his instincts were right… the suit looked perfect on Luhan.
“Hey, thank you for the suit…”
“Thank you for wearing it tonight. Let’s go?” Sehun extended his arm and Luhan automatically put his hand in.
Sehun opened the car door for Luhan like always then after settling in his seat, he checked Luhan’s seatbelt first before starting the car. Sehun was always like that and Luhan had grown accustomed to it. When they arrived at the venue, Sehun opened the car door again for Luhan and they walked hand and hand to where the party was.
Luhan was no longer surprised to see Krystal there; her family was really part of the Oh’s business circle. Krystal would sometimes approach them to start a casual talk and everytime she was near, Sehun would hold Luhan’s hand tighter.
Except when Krystal was talking to them, Sehun was all smiles throughout the evening. He would whisper jokes to Luhan every now and then especially whenever he thinks that Luhan was getting bored. Sehun rarely leaves his side and when he does, it doesn’t take at least ten minutes for him to return to Luhan’s side. So when twenty minutes had passed and Sehun haven’t return after excusing himself to use the restroom, Luhan instantly grew weary.
Luhan decided to head to the restroom to go check on Sehun but when he got there Sehun was nowhere in sight. He checked his phone to see if Sehun left any message or call for him but there was no notifications on his phone. Luhan was about to dial Sehun’s number when he heard two familiar voices coming from the balcony.
Luhan pushed back the curtains that were separating the balcony from the rest of the hall. His hunch was right; it was Sehun and Krystal’s voices that he heard. The two were talking seriously, Luhan knows it was wrong to eavesdrop but his feet won’t move from where he was standing. They were talking about their former relationship and Krystal was convincing Sehun to accept her back. Sehun wasn’t saying anything, he was just letting Krystal talk but then Krystal suddenly pulled him by his tie and crashed their lips together. Luhan’s eyes widen by Krystal’s sudden move but what made his heart clench was the fact that Sehun wasn’t pushing her away in fact Sehun was reciprocating the kiss.
Luhan’s feet finally found the energy to move, he immediately flee away from the painful sight and went back to the party. He was a bit shaking from the shock so he opted to grab a seat by the bar and order some whiskey to calm his nerves. He doesn’t normally drink at parties but he really needed something to calm him down. He drank the first glass in one shot as soon as it was given to him and after that he ordered another one…and another one… and another one… and another one.
“I rarely see you alone, Sehun is usually by your side… so where is my former bestfriend?” Taemin sat down beside him and ordered his own drink.
“I don’t know… somewhere out there…” Luhan drunkenly answered after having his fifth glass in one go.
“Having a lover’s spat?” Taemin further questioned.
“None of your fucking business!” Luhan downed another glass.
Taemin was about to say something when Sehun suddenly showed up and grabbed Luhan’s elbow.
“Luhan!” Sehun almost yelled at his date then he glared at Taemin. Taemin raised both of his hands and left the two alone.
“Why are you talking to him?”
“I didn’t know, I wasn’t allowed to…” Luhan pulled his arm from Sehun’s grip and he almost stumbled when he stood up so quickly.
Sehun was quick to hold him up but when Luhan thought that he regained his own balance, he pushed Sehun away and walked towards the hall’s exit. He was already drunk and in other circumstances he probably couldn’t walk far without kissing the floor but the sudden adrenaline rush allowed him to take big steps towards the exit without falling. He can hear Sehun calling out for him but that doesn’t stop him from taking big steps further away from Sehun.
“Luhan!” Sehun grabbed him by the arm. They were already outside when Sehun finally caught up to him. “Where are you going?”
“Home” Luhan simply answered while trying to get away from Sehun’s grip.
“Why? Are you not feeling well?” Sehun tried to touch his forehead but Luhan stepped back. “Let me take you home then…”
“No!” Luhan firmly stated and he was finally able to get his arm off Sehun’s hold.
“Luhan, you’re drunk… come, I’ll take you home.” Sehun was about to reach out for him but Luhan stepped back again.
“I said no! I don’t want you to!” Luhan yelled.
Luhan’s eyes met Sehun’s confused ones and Luhan couldn’t take it anymore. He stepped forward and cupped Sehun’s face between his hands then he tiptoed and captured Sehun’s lips. As fast as he stepped forward, Luhan was pushed away by no other than Sehun.
“What are you doing, Luhan?!”
Fuck! This is really a terrible wake-up call Luhan thought as he stared at Sehun’s surprised face. The memory of Sehun reciprocating Krystal’s kiss back at the balcony flashed in his mind and he felt his heart clench more painfully than before.
Sehun kissed her back and pushed you away. It is clear Luhan… it’s fucking clear! Wake the fuck up!
Luhan knew his eyes were welling up and he knew better than to breakdown in front of him. He knows he needed to get away before his tears betray him.
“Minseok was right, we pretended long enough. It’s time for us to stop now. This is all becoming a nightmare to me…” Even Luhan was surprised with how calm his voice was… a complete opposite of what he feels inside. Luhan turned and started walking away from Sehun.
“Luhan…” Sehun called out.
Luhan turned around and bravely faced Sehun. He wanted to give him a chance to speak…he was desperately hoping Sehun would say something to take his pain away but Sehun just stared back at him, his mouth opened and closed but no words came out.
Luhan shook his head and he hated how right his bestfriend was… he fell so hard and no one was there to catch him.
Luhan continued walking away, he heard Sehun called him again but he already knows that it was already useless to stop and listen to him…nothing will change.
Suddenly a convertible stopped in front of him and a grinning Taemin was behind the wheels.
“Need a ride?” Taemin offered and Luhan didn’t even think twice, he opened the car door and hopped in. All he knew was that he needed to get as far away from Sehun as he can and if taking a ride with Taemin was the quickest solution then so be it.
Taemin drove off as soon as Luhan buckled his seatbelt, leaving his former bestfriend on the street calling out to the man sitting in his passenger seat.
“So where to?”
“Just drop me off at the nearest bus stop please and thank you from helping me back there.” Luhan answered, wiping the tears that finally escaped from his eyes.
“Look, I know my history with Sehun was bad but I am not a complete asshole. You’re drunk and I won’t let you take public transportation. Just give me your address or better yet your friend’s address so I can take you there. You need someone to be with you tonight, you should not deal with a broken heart alone. I don’t mind staying with you and listening to you but I know that you are not comfortable being with me so the least I could do is take you to someone who can console you…” Taemin handed Luhan a handkerchief to wipe his tears with.
“Yeah you’re right…” Luhan accepted the handkerchief.
“About what?”
“That you are not a complete asshole.”
Taemin grinned at what Luhan said. “I know right…”
“And also that I need a friend right now, Minseok would probably scold me and say ‘I told you so’ but I really need him now…” Luhan wiped the new set of tears that ran down his face then he told Taemin Jongdae’s address where his bestfriend was currently staying at.
“Good… now just sit there and try not to puke on my car, okay?” Taemin teased.
The rest of the drive to Jongdae’s apartment was silent except from the mellow music that Taemin put on. Taemin just let him cry and didn’t even asked why, he pat Luhan’s back from time to time, consoling him in the simplest way possible.
Luhan doesn’t need to speak a word; the moment he appeared outside his boyfriend’s apartment with bloodshot eyes and drunk, Minseok already knew what happened. He opened his arms wide and waited for his bestfriend to run to him. He glanced at his boyfriend and offered an apologetic smile in which Jongdae answered with another smile, silently telling him that he understand… then Minseok led his crying bestfriend to the guest room.
Luhan cried for another thirty minutes before he was able to tell Minseok what happened at the party. Minseok sighed, he wanted to tell Luhan ‘I told you so’ but he can see how his bestfriend was suffering, he knew it was not the time to be sarcastic about it and add more pain.
“It’s okay, I’m here…” Minseok wrapped his arms tighter around his bestfriend; he’ll save the lecture for tomorrow, for now Luhan needed to know that his bestfriend was there to comfort him.
And for Luhan, those words were enough for him; he buried his face deeper in Minseok’s chest and let his bestfriend cradled him to sleep.
Minseok’s lecture really did came the next day along with a terrible hangover and a runny nose but Luhan knows he deserve it. These were the consequences of the risk he took and he promised that he’ll deal with it… he have to.
Minseok gave him a month break from work, Luhan helped him at the studio from time to time but he was prohibited from doing a shoot until his break was over. Luhan didn’t argued back, Minseok knows him better than he knows himself and if his bestfriend thinks that he still couldn’t handle it then he would obey… at least for now.
Luhan didn’t heard anything from Sehun after that night, not even a single message was sent to him but Luhan no longer want to dwell on it… maybe he was really nothing to Sehun so why would he waste him time on him again.
Ten months later,
Luhan had just entered the studio when he noticed someone familiar shaking hands with Minseok.
“Jongin?” Luhan called out.
“Hey, Luhan! Guess what, Kyungsoo and I are getting married and I specifically asked for you to be our photographer, Sehun said you were the best in town…” Jongin excitedly told him.
“Sehun? Mr. Kim you are friends with Mr. Oh?” Minseok asked curiously.
“Yes, is there a problem?” Jongin asked when he saw the panic in Minseok’s eyes.
“No… nothing at all, Jongin.” Luhan was the one to answer. “I guess I will just see you on the shoot. You’ve already discussed the details with Minseok right?”
“Yes, I did…and yeah, I’ll see you at the shoot. I really need to go, Kyungsoo’s waiting for me…” Jongin waved goodbye at the two and exited the studio.
“Sorry Luhan, I didn’t know…” Minseok quickly apologize after seeing Jongin drove away.
“There’s nothing to apologize for Min, besides a client is a client… so really no need to apologize…” Luhan reassured his bestfriend with a smile.
The prenuptial shoot with Kyungsoo and Jongin went well without any problem. Another month after that was their wedding and Luhan mentally prepared himself with the huge possibility of seeing Sehun after almost a year.
Luhan was designated to Jongin and the moment he entered Jongin’s hotel room, he immediately spotted Sehun among the groomsmen in the room but he kept a straight face and focused on getting the perfect shots for the groom.
Luhan kept himself busy throughout the ceremony. He discretely peek at Sehun’s direction from time to time because a part of him was still somehow hoping but the greater part of him just wanted to keep his distance because he doesn’t want to get hurt again. And somehow he was thankful that Sehun was not doing anything to approach him.
But Luhan spoke too soon because the moment that he excused himself to grab something to drink, Sehun suddenly appeared by his side.
“Hey…”
“Hey…” Luhan tried to respond as casual as he could be.
“Are you busy?”
“Actually yes, I’m the wedding photographer remember?” Luhan raised his camera.
“Well then is it okay if we have a talk after the reception?”
“Talk about what exactly?”
“Us…”
“Us?” Luhan scoffed at the term. “I don’t know what you are talking about, Sehun. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go back to the newlyweds.” He was about to take a step when Sehun stepped in front of him.
“Luhan, please…” Sehun reached out for Luhan’s hand and gently held it. “All those past months that I wasn’t able to talk to you is killing me...”
“And you expect me to believe that?” Luhan chuckled. “You always know where to find me, I didn’t exactly hide, if you really wanted to talk to me…you could have. So don’t act like I made it hard for you to talk to me.”
“But it was hard for me…I didn’t know what to tell you. That night at the ball, I was…” Sehun paused and raked his hair in frustration.
“What Sehun? You were thinking of getting back with Krystal?”
Sehun furrowed his eyebrows in confusion so Luhan just continued. “I saw you Sehun, I saw how you kissed her back that night at the balcony…”
Sehun gasped in surprised, he had no idea that Luhan saw them. Luhan however took Sehun’s shock as a chance to get away from him but he hadn’t taken two steps when Sehun held him by the arm effectively stopping him from going any further.
“No, Luhan you don’t understand…”
“Whatever it is, it doesn’t matter anymore. Look, Sehun I’m busy… I need to get back to Jongin and Kyungsoo.”
“I’m pretty sure Yixing and your other assistants can handle the rest of the reception. Come with me…” Sehun grabbed him by the wrist and dragged him to the less crowded part of the hall.
“What the hell Sehun! I told you I was working!” Luhan yelled at the other and he was about to head back when Sehun took out a Cartier bracelet similar to what Sehun was wearing and handed it to him.
“Look at this. Look at the engraving at the back…”
The date from last year’s company Christmas ball was engraved at the back of the bracelet along with two letters, S and L.
“What does this supposed to mean? Why are you showing it to me?”
“I was supposed to give you that bracelet at the ball. I excused myself to go the restroom because I was panicking; I wanted to confess to you… I wanted us to stop pretending that night. I was rehearsing what I wanted to say to you at the balcony when Krystal saw me. We were talking and then she suddenly kissed me and I found myself kissing her back. I was pretty sure that I had fallen for you but I don’t know why it was so easy for me to kiss her back, I was confused…Then when I got back to the party, I saw you talking to Taemin… I immediately felt angry.”
“If you were gonna confess to me that night then why did you pushed me when I kissed you?”
“You were drunk; I don’t want you doing that just because you’re drunk. Then you suddenly told me that being with me was becoming a nightmare to you and the next thing I know you were running away with Taemin, the same guy that took Krystal away from me. When you left I was devastated, I went to your apartment but you were not there, I automatically thought that you were with Taemin and I so wanted to kill that bastard for taking another important person in my life again.”
“But then Taemin called me and told me that he dropped you off at a friend. He told me that you needed some space and I needed to really sort out my feelings. I don’t know how he found out all about that but there was a reason why he became my bestfriend and that is because he knows me more than I know myself so I just took his advice and gave you your space at the same time, I made sure that I was really over Krystal and that it was you that I really want. It’s you that I really want to be with.”
“And it took you ten freaking months to do all that?!” Luhan wanted so badly to hit Sehun with his camera.
“I really wanted to make sure. You made me fall for you so easily, it scared me. I feared that I was only using you to mend my broken heart, that I was only attracted to you because I wanted to replace Krystal. I wanted to make sure that you were not just a rebound…that the reason why I’ve fallen for you so easily and so fast was because we are really meant to be with each other.” Sehun cupped Luhan’s face with both of his hands.
“I like you Luhan…actually I think I’m already in love with you…” Sehun leaned in and pressed his lips on Luhan’s.
The first touched of their lips were innocent. Sehun pulled away to look at Luhan’s eye before he kissed him again, this time Sehun let his lips linger longer. He pulled away the second time and stared at Luhan’s eyes once more.
“I love you, Luhan…” Sehun said almost breathlessly.
For the third time Sehun leaned in and this time it was no longer just a simple press of his lips on Luhan’s, this time Sehun’s lips started moving against Luhan’s own. He started kissing Luhan’s lower lip then he moved to the upper lips, he was coaxing Luhan to open up… to finally let him in.
And when Luhan finally kissed back, Sehun closed his eyes and let his true feeling take control of him as he savored Luhan’s lips. They kissed each other hungrily like it was the best course that was served at the reception.
Luhan suddenly pushed him away, both of them panting from kissing for so long.
“Aish! I told you, I’m working! Minseok will kill me once he finds out that I’m slacking on the job.” Luhan then snatched the bracelet from Sehun and put it on his own wrist.
“This is mine, right? We’ll talk later after the reception okay?” Luhan lightly pat Sehun’s cheeks like a kid.
“Talk about what?” Sehun smiled as Luhan caressed his cheeks, the Cartier bracelet looking so beautiful on his wrist.
“Us…” Luhan leaned in for one last kiss before walking back to the reception hall, albeit slowly… of course he was waiting for Sehun to catch up on him and this time Sehun didn’t failed him.
Sehun ran to Luhan’s side and intertwined their hands together, their matching bracelets glistening wonderfully around their wrists.
END
Author’s Note: Thank you for allowing me to be a part of Selubration again…let’s all continue loving Sehun and Luhan! I hope you enjoyed this one.Hi! Geal! Hi!
Title: Love at First Shoot
Rating: PG
Word Count: 7,500
Prompt: limerence : state of mind which results from a romantic attraction to another person and a desire to form or maintain a relationship and have one’s feeling reciprocated
Warning/s: past!krystal/sehun
Luhan grabbed his camera and reminded his assistant to check if they have everything they need for the photo shoot. He dropped by Minseok’s desk, his bestfriend and business partner was busy organizing their schedule, since it’s wedding season and they have a lot of clients to attend to.
“So I only have Mr. Oh’s prenup shoot for today right?” Luhan checked his own calendar in his phone.
“Yep, Mr. Kim rescheduled…” Minseok briefly looked up from his computer to answer his bestfriend’s query.
“Well, I’ll get going then…good luck on your date with Dae tonight!” Luhan teased before leaving his bestfriend blushing hard inside their office.
Luhan boarded his car and drove off to their scheduled location. Once they reached the place, his two assistants immediately started setting up their equipments while Luhan reviewed their plans for the shoot. He had discussed it with Minseok the day before since it’s his bestfriend who usually talks with the client.
“Uhm, you must be the photographer that Minseok was talking about…” A tall young man approached Luhan while the other was busy with his tablet.
“Ah yes…” Luhan quickly stood up and he quickly realized how tall the man was because even when he’s standing, he still has to lift his head up to meet the other’s eyes.
“Mr. Oh, I’m Luhan… your photographer for today. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding.” Luhan smiled and extended his hand for a greeting.
“Just call me Sehun…” Sehun took Luhan’s hands and shook it. “I’m sorry but my fiancé is running a bit late”
“That’s okay, Sehun. We could do some test shots first, if you want and by the way do you have any other requests for the shoot?”
“Well actually, there’s that willow tree, I’m thinking we could do some individual shots there like I’m waiting for her or something…”
“Okay…” Luhan grabbed his camera and followed Sehun to where the tree was.
Luhan had been taking pictures of the groom for half an hour when the bride finally showed up. Sehun introduced Luhan to his fiancé and they immediately proceeded to the couple shots. Minseok was right, his bestfriend had already told him how Sehun seemed to be a hands-on groom and true enough… Sehun was clear with what he wanted for the shoot.
“Are those the pictures from Mr. Oh’s shoot?” Minseok looked over Luhan’s computer where his bestfriend was editing the pictures.
“Yes…” Luhan answered, taking a sip of his Iced Americano that his bestfriend kindly bought for him.
“He really looks like a professional model…” Minseok commented on the individual shot of the groom under the willow tree.
“I know right… he’s too good looking to get married this young…”
“What?” Minseok scoffed at his bestfriend’s statement.
“What?” Luhan innocently blinked his eyes at Minseok. “All I’m saying is that, he is still young and very good looking to rush into a marriage besides his fiancé doesn’t seem to be as excited as him for their wedding…”
“What do you mean Lu?” Minseok curiously asked.
“Well, first she was late then when we started with the couple shots… I don’t know if she was just not in the mood but she looked like she just wanted the shoot to be over as soon as possible. She looked like she wasn’t interested at all… I mean, isn’t it weird? Usually it’s the bride that fusses me about the shots taken but she didn’t even check the photos.”
“Maybe she was not just feeling well or maybe she’s really not the hands-on type of bride. It’s not like it’s the first time we encountered someone like her…” Minseok defended.
“I don’t know Min… I have a bad feeling about this.” Luhan shook his head while staring at his computer screen.
“Hey! Don’t jinx it! They are still our client.” Minseok lightly hit his bestfriend’s shoulder.
Minseok then went back to his desk while Luhan continued with his editing… that ‘bad feeling’ still doesn’t leave him.
It was Sehun’s wedding day and Luhan had arrived to the hotel where he will take shots while the groom was preparing. It was evident how happy and excited Sehun was for his wedding; he was all smiles as he posed for the camera with his best man and groomsmen.
When they arrived at the church, Luhan followed the groom around while he greeted the guests. Sehun was talking with his father when the wedding planner approached them to say that the bridal car was already on the way.
The entourage took their positions while Luhan snap a couple of shots of Sehun nervously waiting for the ceremony to start.
Half an hour had passed but no bridal car arrived.
Luhan saw closely how Sehun got weary with every minute passing. It took another ten minutes before the wedding planner finally approached the groom with someone that looked like the maid of honor. The woman was muttering apologizes to Sehun while Sehun was continuously shaking his head.
“No, why would she do this to me?!” Sehun weakly sat down, burying his face in his hands.
“I’m sorry Sehun, I don’t understand her decisions too…” the maid of honor rubbed the back of Sehun and muttered another apology before going to the guests to tell them about the unfortunate event.
Sehun was abandoned by his bride on their wedding day. The best man stayed by the groom’s side, trying his best to comfort a silent weeping Sehun. Luhan wanted to go and console Sehun too but he remembered that he’s really not Sehun’s friend… he was just the photographer at his failed wedding.
The guests had long been gone but Sehun and his best friend were still inside the church. Sehun has yet to calm down, he was still in shock and what his fiancé did have really broke his heart. Luhan on the other hand couldn’t find it in his heart to leave the venue; he stayed there in his car, outside the church looking at Sehun from afar.
“You know that you don’t have to deliver it to him right?” Minseok commented as his bestfriend was busy arranging a package.
“But I want to know if he’s okay…”
“Luhan, he got stood up on his wedding a month ago… of course he is not okay.” Minseok reasoned out.
“That is why I want to see him, besides there is not even a guarantee that he is there...I’m just taking chances. If he’s there then at least---“ Luhan paused gauging if he should continue what’s been going through his mind.
“At least what?” Minseok eyed him. “I knew it! From the moment I saw you staring too much while editing his prenuptial pictures, I knew that you like him!”
“W-What? I-it’s not… I…” Luhan fidgeted in his seat. “I… Well, it’s not like he swings that way!” He sighed dejectedly.
“But that still doesn’t stop you from liking him…” Minseok teased further.
“It’s not about that anyway… I just want to give this to him. I want to know if he’s at least doing fine…” Luhan stood up and grabbed the paper bag.
Minseok shook his head and sighed.
“Just be careful Lu, don’t let your heart fall when there’s no one to catch it…”
“You’re thinking too much Min…” Luhan smiled at his bestfriend.
“Am I really?” Minseok sarcastically fired back, of course he knows Luhan… he knows his bestfriend had already fallen.
It’s been ten minutes since Luhan had arrived at the parking lot of the restaurant where Sehun was working as the head chef but the photographer kept on fidgeting in his seat… he was nervous for some reason. After sighing for the nth time, Luhan finally had the nerve to get out of his car and walk towards the restaurant.
Luhan was about to open the door, albeit still nervous, when someone else opened the door from the inside and that someone else was no other than the head chef Oh Sehun.
“Luhan?” The head chef quirked his eyebrows upon seeing who was about to enter the restaurant.
“Mr. Oh…” yep Luhan was trying to be professional here “Good thing that you are here… I wanted to talk to you…”
“Oh! okay but I need to take this call first. How about you go and find a seat inside, I’ll be there as fast as I can…” Sehun gave him an apologetic smile before he took the call.
Luhan did as what he was told and settled in a table at the farthest corner of the restaurant. He fidgeted in his seat, gazing at the door then back to the paper bag in front of him… anxiously waiting for Sehun to come back. His heart beat accelerated when Sehun walked in, ten minutes after the call he made.
“So Luhan, what brought you here? Was there something wrong with the check I send you?” There were concern in Sehun’s eyes as the former groom took the seat right in front of him and Luhan had to mentally slap himself for staring too much.
“N-No, the check was perfectly fine. I just brought these here…” Luhan lightly pushed the paper bag towards Sehun’s direction.
“I’m not sure if you like to see them but you paid for it and I think it’s only right to give these to you.”
“Oh…” Sehun stared at the bag, of course he knows what it was and for a minute he was lost in his own thoughts.
Luhan kind of expected Sehun’s reactions and somehow he felt guilty for reminding Sehun of the failed wedding.
“How rude of me…” Sehun said after recovering from his trance, he raised his hand to call one of the servers. “Order anything you want, Luhan… it’s on the house…”
“N-no… it’s okay. I’m not staying for long anyways, I just really want to deliver these.”
“I insist Luhan, you went out of your way to give me these, the least I could is treat you. In fact I have an idea, I’ll go and personally prepare you our special pasta, just wait here…”
Before Luhan could protest, Sehun was already heading back to the kitchen with the paper bag in his hand and now he doesn’t have a choice but to wait for Sehun to come back.
The head chef did come back, twenty minutes later with a tray of food. Sehun placed two bowls of pasta on the table and sat in front of Luhan. Honestly, Luhan didn’t know how to react, Sehun was serving him with a food that he personally prepared… he never expected that to happen.
“You really didn’t have to, but thank you…this smells delicious.” Luhan shyly smiled at the head chef.
“It is delicious…” Sehun said as a matter-of-fact. “C’mon try it…” he eagerly watched as Luhan obeyed him and tasted the food.
Luhan could only moan in approval, who would have thought that someone as good looking as Sehun could also cook so damn well. Sehun smiled at his reaction and picked up his own fork to eat. The two were contently eating their food when someone entered the restaurant and approached them.
“Sehun…” The woman called their attention and Luhan’s eyes went wide upon recognizing who the girl was.
“Krystal, what are you doing here?” Sehun was clearly not happy seeing her.
“Can we please talk…” Krystal then glanced at Luhan and of course Luhan knows what she meant. He was about to stand up and excuse himself when Sehun grabbed his hand and stopped him.
“Funny, how it took you a month to finally have the nerve to talk to me after everything that you’ve done but can’t you see I’m busy. Luhan and I are on a date, I don’t have the time to talk to you today…” Sehun answered as calmly as he can, his hands never letting go of Luhan’s, who was just staring at him dumbly.
“D-Date? You’re seeing our photographer now?” Krystal was looking at Sehun then to Luhan then to their hands.
“Don’t act like I’m doing something wrong.” Sehun scoffed. “You were the one who ruined everything between us. I no longer have any commitment to you; I think I have the right to date whoever I want.”
“I don’t believe you! You’re only doing this to get back at me. It’s only been a month, I know you… you couldn’t replace me that easily.”
“And why not Krystal? Don’t think too highly of yourself. You’re nothing but a whore who cheated on me with my own bestfriend! and that fucking Taemin even had the nerve to act all innocent and tried to console me when you didn’t showed up at the church because you were already waiting for him at his apartment. I can’t believe I almost got married to you, thank God it didn’t happen!”
“H-How did you know?” Krystal looked guilty as hell.
“You and Taemin really think I’m that stupid not to know? I just really don’t want to see you or him again. I don’t care what you two want to do with your lives, I just don’t want to be involved with any of you ever again, so please don’t come here anymore.” Sehun tugged Luhan’s hand.
“Let’s go Luhan, let’s continue our date somewhere else…” Sehun gently pulled Luhan up and they both walked out of the restaurant hand in hand.
Sehun opened the car door for Luhan and Luhan was surprisingly just following Sehun without any objections. Sehun drove in silence while Luhan glanced at him from time to time. After driving for fifteen minutes, Sehun finally pulled over to the sidewalk.
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that. I panicked when I saw her… I just wanted to let her know that I moved on. I’m sorry Luhan and thank you for not saying anything back there…”
“That’s okay, Sehun…I understand why you did that, really… no harm done.” Luhan reassured him with a smile.
“I should probably take you back to your studio now… again I’m really sorry Luhan…”
Luhan meekly nod and Sehun started the car once again to head back to Luhan’s studio. Again they travelled in silence; Luhan could see how seeing Krystal was affecting Sehun so he just let the other man dwell on it.
Sehun parked his car at the studio’s designated parking lot and walked Luhan to his studio’s entrance, muttering apologies once more.
“I told its okay, stop saying sorry…” Luhan briefly laughed at him before saying one last goodbye and entering his own shop.
Once Sehun’s car pulled out of the parking lot, Minseok was immediately on Luhan’s desk.
“As far as I can remember, you brought your car to the restaurant. Kindly explain to me why Mr. Oh was driving you back?” Minseok raised his eyebrows while waiting for his bestfriend to answer.
“Well, his ex-bride showed up while we were eating and he kinda told his ex-fiance that we were dating then he kinda dragged me out to avoid her.”
“Wait, what?!” Minseok’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion and shock. “He told her ex-fiance that he was dating you and let me guess you didn’t even say anything to deny it?!”
“W-well, he was left at the altar by that girl, I don’t want him to be humiliated in front of her again…” Luhan reasoned out.
“Is that really it? or do you really like him so much you’re willing to do it for him?” Minseok squint his eyes and Luhan shivered from his bestfriend scrutinizing gaze.
“E-Even if I did, I don’t stand a chance…he’s not gay…” Luhan softly admitted.
“I’m pretty sure dating another guy means he’s gay…” Minseok argued back.
“He was just pretending… that was his pride talking. If it weren’t for his stupid runaway bride, he would be married by now… so yeah… definitely not gay. You’re over thinking again, Min.”
“You’ll never know Luhan...”
Just then the door opened and a client walked in, Luhan secretly smirked because at least the client will take Minseok off his back for an hour or so.
Three days later, Luhan was doing another prenuptial shoot when Sehun suddenly showed up.
“Hey Luhan…” Sehun approached the photographer with coffee in his hands.
“Sehun? What are you doing here?”
“Well actually I went to the studio but Minseok said that you were out for a shoot and he also said that you’ll probably be done before lunch so I was wondering if I could invite you out for lunch?” Sehun was looking at him with pleading eyes.
Luhan was greatly puzzled by the sudden invite but this is Sehun who was inviting him… of course he would say yes.
“Uhm, okay… I think we’ll be done in half an hour.”
“Great! I’ll just be waiting in the car…see you later…” Sehun smiled and politely excused himself so that Luhan can focus on his job.
Luhan was actually surprised when Sehun didn’t bring him to his restaurant and he grew even nervous when Sehun was acting all gentleman on him. They sat at the corner booth near the windows and Luhan just let Sehun order for the two of them saying that he trust Sehun’s judgement since he was a chef and all.
The lunch started out well with Sehun trying to start a conversation every now while Luhan answered him, still being a bit shy around the other. When the desserts arrived, Luhan could sense a change in the atmosphere between them. Sehun suddenly reached for his hand and stared into his eyes.
“Luhan, this may sound a little bit unexpected but I really need to ask a huge favor from you…” Sehun spoke seriously.
Oh, so this is what this is all about… Luhan mumbled to himself, a bit disappointed and he think he has an idea what favor Sehun was about to ask of him.
“Luhan, I know you understand why I did it the first time but I really am desperate now. Luhan, I need you…” Sehun held on tightly to Luhan’s hand. “I need your help, please help me push Krystal away by pretending that we are exclusively dating each other…”
Sehun was looking at him with hopeful eyes and deep down, Luhan wanted to disagree, he wanted to shake his head and tell Sehun to not drag him into his shitty affairs but instead Luhan just smiled and nod his head.
“Yeah sure…” Was what came out of Luhan’s mouth and he was pretty sure he will get a handful of scolding from Minseok later.
“Really?” Sehun gasped at him in disbelief in which Luhan answered with another nod.
“Oh! really Luhan! Thank you… thank you. Thank you so much.” Sehun rose from his seat and rushed towards Luhan to envelop him in his arms.
Oh yes! This is so worth it! Luhan thinks as he reciprocated the hug. Of course to him, it was worth it… he was already falling for Sehun after all.
“What the hell! Luhan!!!” Minseok screamed in frustration after Luhan confessed about Sehun’s intentions on taking him out for lunch.
“Why did you agree?!” Minseok questioned but Luhan just remained silent.
“Ok, wrong question…” Luhan’s bestfriend sighed in defeat; of course he knows why Luhan agreed.
“Why? Why did you let yourself fall so easily? You barely know this guy!”
“Min, I…” Luhan tried to defend himself but nothing was running in his mind.
“Luhan!” Minseok took hold of both of Luhan’s shoulder. “I am your bestfriend and it is my duty to stop you from doing anything stupid and let me tell you, this is certainly stupid! He is about to use you and you act like you are okay with it.”
“He was desperate for help, Minseok.”
“And you’re desperate to be with him…” Minseok told him frankly.
“Ok, maybe I am! So what’s so wrong with helping him, it’s a win-win situation for both of us. What harm can it do?”
“You two are just pretending, everything is fake… what happens if you fall deeper? What will you do then Luhan?”
“I’ll deal with it when it happens. I’m a grown up man, Min! I know what I am doing!” Luhan spat back.
“Do you really know what you’re doing, Lu?” Minseok eyed him with worry.
“I know…at the very least I’m ready for the consequences, whatever it is…” Luhan sighed because the truth is, he doesn’t know if he’s really ready for it.
Minseok saw the defeat in Luhan’s eyes; he doesn’t want to upset his bestfriend even more so he decided to let the topic rest for now. Minseok wrapped his arms around Luhan to comfort him with a silent message that whatever happens, he will always be there for his bestfriend.
The first time they went out was when Sehun brought him to Krystal’s family event. Frankly, Luhan doesn’t understand why Sehun had to attend it after everything that Krystal had done to him but Sehun explained that it had something to do with business. But attending the event means meeting Krystal and so Luhan had to be Sehun’s date since that was what Krystal knows.
Sehun treated him well throughout the event, at least Krystal was keeping her distance but the way she eyed Luhan tells that she wasn’t fully convinced that Sehun was really dating Luhan. Sehun pretended that he doesn’t care about Krystal’s opinion but it was evident with how he didn’t let go of Luhan’s hand the entire night that he wanted Krystal to believe their act.
After that event, Sehun told him that they will have to go out every weekend. Luhan no longer asked why, he knows that it was because of Krystal. Luhan was just not sure if it was to make her go away or to make her jealous because Luhan was not sure of Sehun was really over his former fiancé.
Every Saturday, Sehun would pick Luhan up at the studio then they will head out to their date. Sometimes they go watch a movie, other times they would bike around the park or stroll at the mall. Everytime Sehun needed to attend an event, he would always bring Luhan with him and Luhan must admit, he enjoyed spending time with Sehun, the other was actually fun to be with.
Their set-up goes on for months and before Luhan knew it, it was already Christmas season.
The door to their studio opened up and a messenger came in handing a suit for Luhan. Minseok was immediately at his bestfriend side as Luhan reads the card that came along with the suit.
I was buying a new suit when I saw this and the first thing that came to my mind was you, I know this will look good on you. It will mean a lot to me if you wear this to the company ball tomorrow. Take this as an advance Christmas present from me… Merry Christmas! Luhan.
“Are you sure, you two are still pretending? This is not the first time Sehun had sent you gifts.” Minseok said from behind Luhan.
Yes it was true that Sehun often send gifts, most of the times it would be food personally made by Sehun himself and everytime the gifts would come in with a card. Minseok knows how Luhan was keeping all the cards inside his drawer.
“It was just a suit, something that I will wear to a party that he invited me in. It means nothing.” Luhan defended but the way his smile reached his eyes made Minseok raise his eyebrow.
“So in all those dates that you two had gone to, Sehun didn’t even try to kiss you? not once?” Minseok folded his arms in front of his chest, intriguingly eyeing his bestfriend.
“N-no… we were just pretending remember? Why would he k-kiss me?” Luhan couldn’t help the blush creeping on his cheeks.
“So you mean that if Sehun tries to kiss you tomorrow, you will push him away?”
“Minseok, what are you talking about?” Luhan fidgeted in his seat.
“Well you know… Christmas party…kissing under the mistletoe…” Minseok teased, enjoying the way Luhan was visibly panicking.
“Stop it Min, wasn’t it you who told me to be careful then why are you teasing me now?”
“In my defense, when you said that you two will be pretending to be date, I thought it will only last a month or two but it’s been what four? Five months now? How long are two planning to pretend? I mean why can’t Sehun just date you for real?”
“B-because… because he doesn’t like me that way…” Luhan’s answer came out almost like a whisper.
“But you like him.” Minseok said as a matter-of-fact.
“Luhan…” Minseok reached for his bestfriend’s hand. “I think you pretended long enough. It’s time for you to wake from this dream before it becomes a nightmare…”
Luhan looked up at his bestfriend and he doesn’t know what to say…he honestly doesn’t know what to do.
Sehun couldn’t hide his smile when he picked up Luhan at his apartment; the other was wearing the suit that he bought for him and his instincts were right… the suit looked perfect on Luhan.
“Hey, thank you for the suit…”
“Thank you for wearing it tonight. Let’s go?” Sehun extended his arm and Luhan automatically put his hand in.
Sehun opened the car door for Luhan like always then after settling in his seat, he checked Luhan’s seatbelt first before starting the car. Sehun was always like that and Luhan had grown accustomed to it. When they arrived at the venue, Sehun opened the car door again for Luhan and they walked hand and hand to where the party was.
Luhan was no longer surprised to see Krystal there; her family was really part of the Oh’s business circle. Krystal would sometimes approach them to start a casual talk and everytime she was near, Sehun would hold Luhan’s hand tighter.
Except when Krystal was talking to them, Sehun was all smiles throughout the evening. He would whisper jokes to Luhan every now and then especially whenever he thinks that Luhan was getting bored. Sehun rarely leaves his side and when he does, it doesn’t take at least ten minutes for him to return to Luhan’s side. So when twenty minutes had passed and Sehun haven’t return after excusing himself to use the restroom, Luhan instantly grew weary.
Luhan decided to head to the restroom to go check on Sehun but when he got there Sehun was nowhere in sight. He checked his phone to see if Sehun left any message or call for him but there was no notifications on his phone. Luhan was about to dial Sehun’s number when he heard two familiar voices coming from the balcony.
Luhan pushed back the curtains that were separating the balcony from the rest of the hall. His hunch was right; it was Sehun and Krystal’s voices that he heard. The two were talking seriously, Luhan knows it was wrong to eavesdrop but his feet won’t move from where he was standing. They were talking about their former relationship and Krystal was convincing Sehun to accept her back. Sehun wasn’t saying anything, he was just letting Krystal talk but then Krystal suddenly pulled him by his tie and crashed their lips together. Luhan’s eyes widen by Krystal’s sudden move but what made his heart clench was the fact that Sehun wasn’t pushing her away in fact Sehun was reciprocating the kiss.
Luhan’s feet finally found the energy to move, he immediately flee away from the painful sight and went back to the party. He was a bit shaking from the shock so he opted to grab a seat by the bar and order some whiskey to calm his nerves. He doesn’t normally drink at parties but he really needed something to calm him down. He drank the first glass in one shot as soon as it was given to him and after that he ordered another one…and another one… and another one… and another one.
“I rarely see you alone, Sehun is usually by your side… so where is my former bestfriend?” Taemin sat down beside him and ordered his own drink.
“I don’t know… somewhere out there…” Luhan drunkenly answered after having his fifth glass in one go.
“Having a lover’s spat?” Taemin further questioned.
“None of your fucking business!” Luhan downed another glass.
Taemin was about to say something when Sehun suddenly showed up and grabbed Luhan’s elbow.
“Luhan!” Sehun almost yelled at his date then he glared at Taemin. Taemin raised both of his hands and left the two alone.
“Why are you talking to him?”
“I didn’t know, I wasn’t allowed to…” Luhan pulled his arm from Sehun’s grip and he almost stumbled when he stood up so quickly.
Sehun was quick to hold him up but when Luhan thought that he regained his own balance, he pushed Sehun away and walked towards the hall’s exit. He was already drunk and in other circumstances he probably couldn’t walk far without kissing the floor but the sudden adrenaline rush allowed him to take big steps towards the exit without falling. He can hear Sehun calling out for him but that doesn’t stop him from taking big steps further away from Sehun.
“Luhan!” Sehun grabbed him by the arm. They were already outside when Sehun finally caught up to him. “Where are you going?”
“Home” Luhan simply answered while trying to get away from Sehun’s grip.
“Why? Are you not feeling well?” Sehun tried to touch his forehead but Luhan stepped back. “Let me take you home then…”
“No!” Luhan firmly stated and he was finally able to get his arm off Sehun’s hold.
“Luhan, you’re drunk… come, I’ll take you home.” Sehun was about to reach out for him but Luhan stepped back again.
“I said no! I don’t want you to!” Luhan yelled.
Luhan’s eyes met Sehun’s confused ones and Luhan couldn’t take it anymore. He stepped forward and cupped Sehun’s face between his hands then he tiptoed and captured Sehun’s lips. As fast as he stepped forward, Luhan was pushed away by no other than Sehun.
“What are you doing, Luhan?!”
Fuck! This is really a terrible wake-up call Luhan thought as he stared at Sehun’s surprised face. The memory of Sehun reciprocating Krystal’s kiss back at the balcony flashed in his mind and he felt his heart clench more painfully than before.
Sehun kissed her back and pushed you away. It is clear Luhan… it’s fucking clear! Wake the fuck up!
Luhan knew his eyes were welling up and he knew better than to breakdown in front of him. He knows he needed to get away before his tears betray him.
“Minseok was right, we pretended long enough. It’s time for us to stop now. This is all becoming a nightmare to me…” Even Luhan was surprised with how calm his voice was… a complete opposite of what he feels inside. Luhan turned and started walking away from Sehun.
“Luhan…” Sehun called out.
Luhan turned around and bravely faced Sehun. He wanted to give him a chance to speak…he was desperately hoping Sehun would say something to take his pain away but Sehun just stared back at him, his mouth opened and closed but no words came out.
Luhan shook his head and he hated how right his bestfriend was… he fell so hard and no one was there to catch him.
Luhan continued walking away, he heard Sehun called him again but he already knows that it was already useless to stop and listen to him…nothing will change.
Suddenly a convertible stopped in front of him and a grinning Taemin was behind the wheels.
“Need a ride?” Taemin offered and Luhan didn’t even think twice, he opened the car door and hopped in. All he knew was that he needed to get as far away from Sehun as he can and if taking a ride with Taemin was the quickest solution then so be it.
Taemin drove off as soon as Luhan buckled his seatbelt, leaving his former bestfriend on the street calling out to the man sitting in his passenger seat.
“So where to?”
“Just drop me off at the nearest bus stop please and thank you from helping me back there.” Luhan answered, wiping the tears that finally escaped from his eyes.
“Look, I know my history with Sehun was bad but I am not a complete asshole. You’re drunk and I won’t let you take public transportation. Just give me your address or better yet your friend’s address so I can take you there. You need someone to be with you tonight, you should not deal with a broken heart alone. I don’t mind staying with you and listening to you but I know that you are not comfortable being with me so the least I could do is take you to someone who can console you…” Taemin handed Luhan a handkerchief to wipe his tears with.
“Yeah you’re right…” Luhan accepted the handkerchief.
“About what?”
“That you are not a complete asshole.”
Taemin grinned at what Luhan said. “I know right…”
“And also that I need a friend right now, Minseok would probably scold me and say ‘I told you so’ but I really need him now…” Luhan wiped the new set of tears that ran down his face then he told Taemin Jongdae’s address where his bestfriend was currently staying at.
“Good… now just sit there and try not to puke on my car, okay?” Taemin teased.
The rest of the drive to Jongdae’s apartment was silent except from the mellow music that Taemin put on. Taemin just let him cry and didn’t even asked why, he pat Luhan’s back from time to time, consoling him in the simplest way possible.
Luhan doesn’t need to speak a word; the moment he appeared outside his boyfriend’s apartment with bloodshot eyes and drunk, Minseok already knew what happened. He opened his arms wide and waited for his bestfriend to run to him. He glanced at his boyfriend and offered an apologetic smile in which Jongdae answered with another smile, silently telling him that he understand… then Minseok led his crying bestfriend to the guest room.
Luhan cried for another thirty minutes before he was able to tell Minseok what happened at the party. Minseok sighed, he wanted to tell Luhan ‘I told you so’ but he can see how his bestfriend was suffering, he knew it was not the time to be sarcastic about it and add more pain.
“It’s okay, I’m here…” Minseok wrapped his arms tighter around his bestfriend; he’ll save the lecture for tomorrow, for now Luhan needed to know that his bestfriend was there to comfort him.
And for Luhan, those words were enough for him; he buried his face deeper in Minseok’s chest and let his bestfriend cradled him to sleep.
Minseok’s lecture really did came the next day along with a terrible hangover and a runny nose but Luhan knows he deserve it. These were the consequences of the risk he took and he promised that he’ll deal with it… he have to.
Minseok gave him a month break from work, Luhan helped him at the studio from time to time but he was prohibited from doing a shoot until his break was over. Luhan didn’t argued back, Minseok knows him better than he knows himself and if his bestfriend thinks that he still couldn’t handle it then he would obey… at least for now.
Luhan didn’t heard anything from Sehun after that night, not even a single message was sent to him but Luhan no longer want to dwell on it… maybe he was really nothing to Sehun so why would he waste him time on him again.
Ten months later,
Luhan had just entered the studio when he noticed someone familiar shaking hands with Minseok.
“Jongin?” Luhan called out.
“Hey, Luhan! Guess what, Kyungsoo and I are getting married and I specifically asked for you to be our photographer, Sehun said you were the best in town…” Jongin excitedly told him.
“Sehun? Mr. Kim you are friends with Mr. Oh?” Minseok asked curiously.
“Yes, is there a problem?” Jongin asked when he saw the panic in Minseok’s eyes.
“No… nothing at all, Jongin.” Luhan was the one to answer. “I guess I will just see you on the shoot. You’ve already discussed the details with Minseok right?”
“Yes, I did…and yeah, I’ll see you at the shoot. I really need to go, Kyungsoo’s waiting for me…” Jongin waved goodbye at the two and exited the studio.
“Sorry Luhan, I didn’t know…” Minseok quickly apologize after seeing Jongin drove away.
“There’s nothing to apologize for Min, besides a client is a client… so really no need to apologize…” Luhan reassured his bestfriend with a smile.
The prenuptial shoot with Kyungsoo and Jongin went well without any problem. Another month after that was their wedding and Luhan mentally prepared himself with the huge possibility of seeing Sehun after almost a year.
Luhan was designated to Jongin and the moment he entered Jongin’s hotel room, he immediately spotted Sehun among the groomsmen in the room but he kept a straight face and focused on getting the perfect shots for the groom.
Luhan kept himself busy throughout the ceremony. He discretely peek at Sehun’s direction from time to time because a part of him was still somehow hoping but the greater part of him just wanted to keep his distance because he doesn’t want to get hurt again. And somehow he was thankful that Sehun was not doing anything to approach him.
But Luhan spoke too soon because the moment that he excused himself to grab something to drink, Sehun suddenly appeared by his side.
“Hey…”
“Hey…” Luhan tried to respond as casual as he could be.
“Are you busy?”
“Actually yes, I’m the wedding photographer remember?” Luhan raised his camera.
“Well then is it okay if we have a talk after the reception?”
“Talk about what exactly?”
“Us…”
“Us?” Luhan scoffed at the term. “I don’t know what you are talking about, Sehun. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go back to the newlyweds.” He was about to take a step when Sehun stepped in front of him.
“Luhan, please…” Sehun reached out for Luhan’s hand and gently held it. “All those past months that I wasn’t able to talk to you is killing me...”
“And you expect me to believe that?” Luhan chuckled. “You always know where to find me, I didn’t exactly hide, if you really wanted to talk to me…you could have. So don’t act like I made it hard for you to talk to me.”
“But it was hard for me…I didn’t know what to tell you. That night at the ball, I was…” Sehun paused and raked his hair in frustration.
“What Sehun? You were thinking of getting back with Krystal?”
Sehun furrowed his eyebrows in confusion so Luhan just continued. “I saw you Sehun, I saw how you kissed her back that night at the balcony…”
Sehun gasped in surprised, he had no idea that Luhan saw them. Luhan however took Sehun’s shock as a chance to get away from him but he hadn’t taken two steps when Sehun held him by the arm effectively stopping him from going any further.
“No, Luhan you don’t understand…”
“Whatever it is, it doesn’t matter anymore. Look, Sehun I’m busy… I need to get back to Jongin and Kyungsoo.”
“I’m pretty sure Yixing and your other assistants can handle the rest of the reception. Come with me…” Sehun grabbed him by the wrist and dragged him to the less crowded part of the hall.
“What the hell Sehun! I told you I was working!” Luhan yelled at the other and he was about to head back when Sehun took out a Cartier bracelet similar to what Sehun was wearing and handed it to him.
“Look at this. Look at the engraving at the back…”
The date from last year’s company Christmas ball was engraved at the back of the bracelet along with two letters, S and L.
“What does this supposed to mean? Why are you showing it to me?”
“I was supposed to give you that bracelet at the ball. I excused myself to go the restroom because I was panicking; I wanted to confess to you… I wanted us to stop pretending that night. I was rehearsing what I wanted to say to you at the balcony when Krystal saw me. We were talking and then she suddenly kissed me and I found myself kissing her back. I was pretty sure that I had fallen for you but I don’t know why it was so easy for me to kiss her back, I was confused…Then when I got back to the party, I saw you talking to Taemin… I immediately felt angry.”
“If you were gonna confess to me that night then why did you pushed me when I kissed you?”
“You were drunk; I don’t want you doing that just because you’re drunk. Then you suddenly told me that being with me was becoming a nightmare to you and the next thing I know you were running away with Taemin, the same guy that took Krystal away from me. When you left I was devastated, I went to your apartment but you were not there, I automatically thought that you were with Taemin and I so wanted to kill that bastard for taking another important person in my life again.”
“But then Taemin called me and told me that he dropped you off at a friend. He told me that you needed some space and I needed to really sort out my feelings. I don’t know how he found out all about that but there was a reason why he became my bestfriend and that is because he knows me more than I know myself so I just took his advice and gave you your space at the same time, I made sure that I was really over Krystal and that it was you that I really want. It’s you that I really want to be with.”
“And it took you ten freaking months to do all that?!” Luhan wanted so badly to hit Sehun with his camera.
“I really wanted to make sure. You made me fall for you so easily, it scared me. I feared that I was only using you to mend my broken heart, that I was only attracted to you because I wanted to replace Krystal. I wanted to make sure that you were not just a rebound…that the reason why I’ve fallen for you so easily and so fast was because we are really meant to be with each other.” Sehun cupped Luhan’s face with both of his hands.
“I like you Luhan…actually I think I’m already in love with you…” Sehun leaned in and pressed his lips on Luhan’s.
The first touched of their lips were innocent. Sehun pulled away to look at Luhan’s eye before he kissed him again, this time Sehun let his lips linger longer. He pulled away the second time and stared at Luhan’s eyes once more.
“I love you, Luhan…” Sehun said almost breathlessly.
For the third time Sehun leaned in and this time it was no longer just a simple press of his lips on Luhan’s, this time Sehun’s lips started moving against Luhan’s own. He started kissing Luhan’s lower lip then he moved to the upper lips, he was coaxing Luhan to open up… to finally let him in.
And when Luhan finally kissed back, Sehun closed his eyes and let his true feeling take control of him as he savored Luhan’s lips. They kissed each other hungrily like it was the best course that was served at the reception.
Luhan suddenly pushed him away, both of them panting from kissing for so long.
“Aish! I told you, I’m working! Minseok will kill me once he finds out that I’m slacking on the job.” Luhan then snatched the bracelet from Sehun and put it on his own wrist.
“This is mine, right? We’ll talk later after the reception okay?” Luhan lightly pat Sehun’s cheeks like a kid.
“Talk about what?” Sehun smiled as Luhan caressed his cheeks, the Cartier bracelet looking so beautiful on his wrist.
“Us…” Luhan leaned in for one last kiss before walking back to the reception hall, albeit slowly… of course he was waiting for Sehun to catch up on him and this time Sehun didn’t failed him.
Sehun ran to Luhan’s side and intertwined their hands together, their matching bracelets glistening wonderfully around their wrists.
END
Author’s Note: Thank you for allowing me to be a part of Selubration again…let’s all continue loving Sehun and Luhan! I hope you enjoyed this one.Hi! Geal! Hi!