Not with him

Part 2/3

"I want to apologise for my behaviour yesterday," Sehun said politely to the rest of EXO. "Especially to you, M-inseok."

He sat down and gritted his teeth. It had been going so well, then he just had to stumble on Xiumin's name.

He hated him.

Kai cleared his throat. "Seeing as EXO M are leaving us for two weeks, I'd like to propose a toast."

Sehun's stomach lurched. He'd forgotten.

Maybe it was a good thing. He wouldn't have to see Xiumin and Luhan for a while - that would be a good break. His crush would pass, and life would return to normal.

Was it even a crush? It was probably just his brain building on his current loneliness...a hormone thingy or something like that.

Well, there was no way he was going to act on the feelings. He would wait for this silly crush on the older boy to pass, then they'd go back to being friends.

Just friends.

Sehun would even support that Xiuhan nonsense. Although it's never gonna work out, he told himself. They're just not compatible.

He avoided Xiumin all day, which also kept my away from Luhan. That worked fine.

That evening, EXO M left. Sehun hugged Tao and Lay, but by the time Xiumin turned to hug him the youngest boy had intentionally started an animated conversation with Kyungsoo.

Xiumin shrugged, patted Sehun's head softly and hitched his bag up his shoulder. "Let's go," he said, pointing to the car.

~~~

Sehun had been able to mostly keep his jealousy under control and out of mind. He hadn't mentioned Luhan and Xiumin in conversation if possible, and if one of the others brought them up he tuned out.

It worked.

For two weeks.

Then they came back.

Sehun's heart ached in his chest when he saw them. The two oldest in the band, holding hands cutely and smiling sweetly.

Chanyeol went to kiss Xiumin's cheek affectionately, but Luhan gave him a piercing look.

Xiumin smiled to himself. Mission achieved. Protection levels high.

Sehun ran to the bathroom and spat in the sink. He twisted the tap and saw the clear, hot water swirl around in the bowl. Why not me? Why does he not like me?

He spat again.

"Sehun, are you alright?" Luhan was standing by the open doorway.

"Luhan, I'm fine," Sehun groaned.

"Suho said you didn't like me being with Minseok," Luhan said, putting his arm around the irritated maknae. "Why is that?"

"I don't--" Sehun started, but he was cut off by Luhan.

"Are you just wanting to be in a relationship yourself? I can set you up with someone..."

No, it's not that, I'm in love with--

"...if you want."

"No!" Sehun shouted. Then he corrected himself quickly. "No, thank you."

"If you're sure..."

How do you think this is gonna turn out?