Chapter Text
"Do you want to play with me?"
Sehun clutched the stuffed bunny to his chest tightly, watching as the older kids in the neighborhood were playing basketball, with the hoop that was located two houses down. He was sitting down on the doorsteps a couple of meters away, fidgetting in his seat as was discovering it was getting harder and harder to stay still. His Mother had put his older brother Baekhyun in charge while she made her Saturday errands, which led them here; Baekhyun with two other kids and him being left out, despite numerous attempts of joining in... Even if it would only be for a few moments, it would still be better than nothing, Sehun was five for crying out loud, he needs attention to thrive.
"Hyung?" Sehun's voice was soft, the younger having gotten up from his spot at the stairs to his older brother, who just so happened to be getting ready to take the next shot until the slight tugging from the hem of his shirt stopped him from doing so, looking down and seeing his little brother.
"What?"
"Can I play?" Baekhyun's eyes softened at the sight, puppy eyes from the younger were a rare sight, always happening subconsciously; never aware.
"We're not exactly playing soft," Baekhyun sighed, finding it hard to decline the younger's request, "Give us a few more minutes, then you can."
Sehun's hopefulness left his eyes, the dark orbs becoming dull but are replaced with a pout forming on his lips, "...But, you said that an hour ago."
Baekhyun rolled his eyes, "Sehun, you're not old enough for me to-" The elder was interrupted by Sehun, "You play rough with me all the time!" Stopping his small foot in aggravation, the comment his brother was going to say had hurt more than he was letting on.
"I have an idea of what your tolerance is," pointing towards the three older kids near Bakehyun's age, "they don't."
Sehun looked at the ground dejectedly, willing himself to not cry in front of his brother and the neighborhood kids, which would only prove his brother's point further, "okay..." Walking back to the stairs, sitting down and watching the game pick up from where it was left off before he had interrupted.
A small frown was permanent on the younger's face, shifting his gaze from the game the older kids were playing to the ground. It's not like he could go home, his Mother's car was not in the driveway to their house yet. A slow gradual burn in his eyes signified that tears would soon be rolling down his face, but nothing he couldn't handle if the trip to the emergency room for busting his head open on the kitchen counter was anything to go by.
Looking back at the game, he no longer sees four kids but three. One of them was missing, he must've gone back inside...
Confirming his thoughts when the door behind Sehun opened, small footsteps stopped where he was seated and sat down next to him, "He just doesn't want you to get hurt."
Sehun looked to his left... Or was it his right? He didn't remember, locking eyes with the boy whose name he had forgotten. The elder was holding an icepack over one half of his face, the sweat and dirt on his clothes and skin could be smelt from a mile away if you tried hard enough, "like that?" Sehun's voice wavered.
Chuckling, the elder nodded, "Just like this." Not removing the icepack but switching hands to offer the younger his fist to bump, "I'm Junmyeon."
Sehun not realizing what is being present to him shakes the awaiting fist, "...Sehun."
"Hyung! C'mon," Baekhyun motioned, "Kyungsoo needs his partner."
Junmyeon was just about to join again, but the ten-year-old took one glance at Sehun before shaking his head, "I'm good." Shrugging, the three kids continued their game without teams, knowing the elder had been hurt.
Junmyeon stood up, brushing the dirt clinging to his legs before holding his hand out to the younger.
"Huh?" Sehun's eyes widened at the action, staring at the awaiting hand in confusion before shifting his gaze to the elder.
"Do you want to play with me?"
"...I thought I wasn't old enough?"
Junmyeon's eyes softened more if even possible, he crouched down to the younger's height making himself shorter so he could look up at Sehun, "You're not old enough for Mario Kart?" Smiling as the eyes of the younger brightened at the title of the videogame.
The brightest smile played on the younger's lips, showing his missing front teeth, "really?"
"Go tell your brother," Junmyeon motions with his head, helping the younger from the steps before opening the front door and waiting at the entrance, watching the smaller running to Baekhyun, bouncing on the heels of his feet with excitement, his lips moving a mile a minute. With a single nod from the elder and a thankful look from Baekhyun, Sehun ran up the steps.
For the next few hours, Junmyeon and Sehun played games varying from Mario Kart to Overwatch. Well, Sehun was only able to play half an hour, until Baekhyun and the two other neighborhood kids; Jongdae and Jongin entered the house. Basically stealing the controller from his chubby hands with such a nonchalant manner it was almost natural. Sehun didn't even realize he wasn't playing until the space on the couch was filled, making him sit on the floor from the cramped space.
"Is it my turn?" His voice was barely heard from the explosions from the television and the yelling of the older kids.
"Hunnie, you suck at this game," Baekhyun spoke, trying to lend a hand to Jongdae who seemed to be struggling.
"But... it's fun."
Moments go by, his comment being ignored. Sighing softly, he got up from the floor and walked to the kitchen which had a clear view of the living room because of the open floor plan. Sitting down at the table, he started tracing his finger on the glass table, smudging it with fingerprints.
"Having fun?" The familiar voice chuckled, even more so when he received a half-assed glare.
"It's not fair..." The younger refused to meet Junmyeon's eyes, still tracing his finger on the glass.
He heard footsteps walk away from him. Great, he even managed to shoo off the only person who was willing to give him any attention! But, that thought was put to rest when the same footsteps were heard, walking back in his direction.
Looking up, Sehun locks eyes with the can Junmyeon has grasped in his hands. He furrows his brows in confusion, watching the elder shake it and press the nozzle watching a blue gel fly out of the opening, a rather large amount. Tilting his head, the elder rubs it around on the surface of the table and watching it turn white.
"What-"
"Shaving cream." The elder smiled, drawing designs with his finger. Fascinated, Sehun mimics the actions finding himself at peace, not caring about his surroundings. The videogames long forgotten, he giggles in excitement.
"...Why are you playing with me?" Sehun asks, his bottom lip jutting out slightly, concentrated on his drawing of his family.
"You're old enough."
"Sehunnie, Mommy's home."