Chapter Text
Sehun wakes up that morning feeling light and warm inside.
He starts his day the way he usually does, but he can feel his heart pounding loudly on his chest. He doesn’t understand why, but he also doesn’t question it. He thinks that he probably woke up on the wrong side of the bed that morning. It’s not a big deal. People have their own bad days.
Despite that, he doesn’t think that he’s having a bad day. He actually feels very happy and he can’t quite put his finger as to why he is feeling that way.
Sehun puts on a light cardigan and leaves it unbuttoned. The cold days have gone and flowers have started blooming again, but the spring breeze sometimes still leaves Sehun shivering. He thinks that it’s better to play it safe. He’s never liked the cold, after all.
He takes his bag and heads out of his one-bedroom apartment. He keeps his place tidy, to his friends’ surprise. He’s not really a very neat person, but he doesn’t have anyone to clean up after him anymore. He shakes his head. There’s no use thinking of the past.
He walks to Happiness Express, his favorite bubble tea shop, savoring the spring breeze. He still has some time before his first class and he wants to eat a light breakfast and drink some bubble tea.
It’s a good day, he thinks. A light smile dons his lips as he approaches his happy place.
When he opens the door to the shop, a small bell chimes and the person manning the counter greet him heartily. He gives a quick nod, being a man of few words, before heading to her.
“Are you getting the usual?” the cashier asks.
Sehun is about to nod, but pauses and stares at the menu. “Actually, I’ll get taro instead of choco,” he says, “but I’m still getting the clubhouse sandwich. For here.”
The cashier rings his order and he pays. He often goes to the shop, but he doesn’t interact with the employees or customers more than necessary. He walks to his usual table at the corner of the shop. It’s a corner filled with memories, both happy and sad. He sits down and stares outside the window in a daze.
He can’t really explain what he’s currently feeling, but it’s not making him uncomfortable so he brushes it off. He gazes at the falling cherry blossoms and thinks about how fast time flies. He still vividly remembers that fateful day in autumn several years ago.
The temperature already hit the negatives then, but he didn’t just feel the cold. He also felt empty inside. Back then, he was young and stupid. He wanted to do something, but he was helpless. The only thing he could do was cry.
His order arrives, waking him up from his daydream. He mumbles a small thank you after his food is served. He quickly finishes his sandwich. There isn’t anything special about it. The bubble tea, however, is a different case. He takes a long sip of his drink and sighs, delighted by the taste. He missed this taste. He usually orders chocolate bubble tea. If he wants a change, he tries a different drink, but he hasn’t ordered the taro flavor in four years.
He finishes his drink and stands. He’s still too early for his class, but he decides to head to school anyway. He lives near Mangwon Station, which is only two stops away from Hongik University. The area is very convenient, which is the main reason why he chose to live there. That’s what he told his parents when he decided to live independently. That’s what he told his friends, who were worried about him. But in truth, he lives there because he’s waiting for someone and he hasn’t lost hope.
He leisurely walks down the road scattered with pink petals. A few blocks from Happiness Express is a small park, which is usually empty during weekdays, but is bustling with people during the weekends. With his eyes glued to the ground, he walks past the park like he usually does. But he suddenly stops in his tracks and retraces his steps
He doesn’t understand why, but he really isn’t feeling himself that day.
He reaches the park, thinking of admiring the beautiful cherry blossoms. But instead, his eyes gravitate towards a familiar figure sitting on an old wooden bench.
Before his mind can process what’s happening, his heart launches into a somersault. “Lu Han,” he whispers to himself, echoing the screaming voice inside his head and heart. He is dumbstruck, feet stuck on the ground. Millions of questions run in his mind, but the only thing he understands is that Lu Han is right there and within his reach.
Lu Han stands up from the bench and heads to the direction of Happiness Express. Sehun finally breaks free from his confusion and runs towards Lu Han.
He stops, unsure if he can keep chasing after him. “Lu?” he calls out, voice cracking.
Lu Han turns to him immediately, his doe eyes brimming with tears.
“Lu,” he says again.
A sob escapes Lu Han’s lips as tears spill from his eyes. He runs to him and he meets him halfway. He engulfs him in a tight hug, Lu Han’s still-petite frame trembling in his arms. He closes his eyes and lets his tears fall as Lu Han wraps his arms around him. He remembers his eighteen-year-old self, who did nothing but cry pathetically when the one he loved the most turned his back to him. But he’s matured and while he will still cry, it won’t be the only thing he’ll do.
He holds Lu Han tighter and kisses his head softly and longingly. “I missed you, hyung,” he whispers.
“I’m sorry,” Lu Han croaks. He raises his eyes to meet Sehun’s.
Sehun’s heart melts and he buries his head on Lu Han’s shoulder. He assures him, “What matters is you’re here now.”
Lu Han sniffs before a fresh batch of tears escapes his eyes again. He squeezes him and whispers, “Thank you.”
They stay still for a few minutes, arms wrapped around each other. The spring breeze scatters fallen petals around them, as if blessing their reunion. After basking in each other’s hugs, Sehun reluctantly lets go of Lu Han. Lu Han looks at him in confusion, feeling disappointed with the lack of warmth.
Sehun smiles at him warmly through his tears and takes his hand. He leads him to the wooden bench—their bench—and they sit down. Lu Han shuffles uncomfortably, but he still holds on to Sehun’s hand tightly.
“Hyung,” the younger boy starts. “I have so many things to ask you and to tell you. But before that…” he stops and takes a deep breath. He looks at Lu Han in the eye and smiles. “Welcome home.”
Lu Han tears up again, but he squeezes Sehun’s hand and says softly, “I’m home.”
Lu Han’s statement was uttered so softly, but it’s the loudest thing Sehun has ever heard.