Chapter 2

It took Luhan a moment to take in the things unraveling before him. He didn't understand what's happening, yet deep down he had a feeling, a hunch. He followed her trail, each step faster than the one before it as he nears the door. Baekhyun, whom he noticed to be looking at the direction Sunhee went, turned around as he heaved a sigh, causing Luhan to witness the shift in his demeanor. The glimmer he saw in his eyes earlier is now replaced by guilt. Luhan didn't question him, and Baekhyun didn't bother to make small talk. The latter proceeded to give him a curt nod before he joined his friends, while Luhan speed walked his way to look for her.

When he got outside, he found Sunhee sitting down on the bench in the garden of the hotel where the photo shoot will take place. She has her eyes closed, the rays of the afternoon sun directed on her as she takes in the warmth it gives off. There's a sense of peacefulness in her that radiated through her face, and it made Luhan feel at ease. He watches her from where he's standing, finding it amusing how she so suddenly took off, and how seeing her act like that awoken something inside him, something he's been trying hard to suppress.

He had known Sunhee enough to know what kind of person she is, and the rarity of this moment bewildered him. When he met her, he knew that she was the type of person who had beliefs and stood by them as long as she isn't stepping on anyone's toes. He can tell that behind her friendly smile and her cool and composed exterior that she had been beaten and dragged down, yet she always manages to get back up her feet, a trait he knew more than he cared to admit. Sunhee is the realest person he met, yet at times he felt as if she's hiding behind a façade, a wall he can't seem to break through.

"You know, it's impolite to stare, Luhan."

After those words were spoken, Luhan heard her heavy breath pass through her lips as she sighs deeply, and then she opens her eyes to look at him, her lips molding into a broken smile. The cold drink placed beside her is left untouched and forgotten, something Luhan didn't fail to notice. Sunhee was never the type to put anything to waste, and he wondered what it was that's bothering her so much.

"Yeah?" He takes step after step towards her, taking the seat beside her, but leaving enough space for her to breathe.

"Well, who's to say that's impolite when you just took off and left a man hanging, Sunhee?" He asks playfully, and he notices how uncomfortable the girl has gotten.

Luhan didn't want to ask her why she did that in the first place. He didn't wish to intervene, but he couldn't help himself. He can tell that there was something so sad about Sunhee, something so raw and so vulnerable that it pains him to see her struggle to keep up a front. Sometimes he wished she'd stop acting so tough because he can easily see right through her. Luhan wished she'd just give in to her emotions and let him be her anchor because he knows deep down that he will do anything for this girl.

"I just needed some fresh air." Sunhee lifted her gaze, staring at the man beside her, yet for Luhan, it felt as if she's looking right past him, her eyes void of any emotions.

"It's about to start isn't it?"

The way she asked that question revealed nothing, but the tone in her voice sounded like a cry for help. Luhan couldn't decipher what those words meant. He knew it's not the photo shoot she's talking about, but whatever it was, he wished he knew, maybe then he can get rid of the pain that is straining her beautiful eyes.

"Sunhee, are you feeling okay? If you're not, then I'd be willing to cover for you."

He asked the question in a way the girl won't feel attacked, but Sunhee still felt that way somehow. It made her want to distance herself from everything and everyone and just pretend none of this was happening. She wanted to disappear, so she prayed for something to happen and just magically take her away from this pain she had to endure.

"I'm perfectly fine." She choked the words out her mouth. "You should go, your presence is much needed in the exhibit."

The truth is, her tears had dried up a long time ago and her heart's already numb. She doesn't understand why there are these sudden tears threatening to fall from her eyes, and her heart feels like it's being ripped from her chest. Maybe she's not okay. Maybe after five years she still mourns for something she didn't really have, for something that felt sincere yet turned out to be a lie. The reality slapped her back to her senses, making her want to curl into a ball and just cry her heart out until she passes out, but she told herself she'll never cry again, at least not because of him.

"I should get back inside. I'll let you know when we're done." She simply brushed past him and walked into the hotel, leaving Luhan alone in his train of thoughts.

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Baekhyun watches as Sunhee enters the room, and then he turns to look to his right, seeing his friends who are still oblivious of her presence. When he turned to face Sunhee again, he saw that she's with the staff that she came with, probably hearing the news that said photo shoot is canceled as they go about their way to pack the equipment they had set up.

He shakes his head in disappointment, finding his plan to be foiled all because his friend had to go on and play a prank on Hyunmi.

He knew the engagement was only a way for his friend to get what he wanted, and Hyunmi claims that she felt nothing but hatred for the guy, but he immediately distanced himself from her because he didn't want history to repeat itself. He can tell that there's something brewing between the two, and as much as he's attracted to Hyunmi, he'd rather keep his friends by his side.

"Yes, I know we had an agreement." Hyunmi says the words in utter annoyance, Baekhyun can't help but smile. "But don't you dare think I won't back out. I am so done with your bullshit Kim Jongin!"

"You're getting worked up all because of a damn dress?"

Baekhyun watches as Hyunmi sighs deeply, her fingers on her temples as she tries her best to keep herself calm. He can tell by the way she looks at his friend that she has had it with him, and he really couldn't blame her. Jongin was getting a bit too much, and it's not like he's paying her to play the role of his endearing and lovely fiancée either

"Do you really think I'm acting this way because of a damn dress?" She rolls her eyes in annoyance, while Sehun who is beside the two starts to laugh at Jongin who looks like he's about to shit his pants.

Never has Baekhyun seen Jongin to be this intimidated by a woman before, and he wished he had a camera with him, so he can make this memory last forever.

"You leave me no choice," Hyunmi says fuming. "I'm calling the engagement off."

Jongin's face grew pale, but it was for only a fraction of a second before he redeems himself again.

"This engagement is going to happen whether you like it or not Ms. Park."

At this point in time, the pair has already had everyone's attention. Everyone in that room stopped what they're doing to listen to the two bickering on and on about whether the engagement is gonna happen or not, but the only person in that room that matters seemed oblivious of her surroundings as she continued to do her job.

Baekhyun watches Sunhee carefully, wondering why she seemed unbothered, and when he noticed why, he couldn't help but smile. Baekhyun has known Sunhee way back in college, and it's quite endearing to him that she has not changed much. He doesn't know how long she had her earphones on, but if she didn't hear anything Hyunmi and Jongin had said, then maybe he still has a chance to see if she still has feelings for his friend or not.

He made all of this happen to help out Jongin, at least that was the plan. He didn't know that by doing so he will stumble upon her. It was when he attended the exhibit of a struggling yet talented photographer by the name of Luhan that he saw her again. Baekhyun thought it was only his mind playing tricks on him, but when he got a clearer view of her, he felt overjoyed. It was the first time in a long time that he'd seen her familiar face, and he couldn't help but think of Sehun.

His friend who had gone back from abroad after five long years had been indifferent, it was a wonder he still came back. Baekhyun found himself struggling to grapple with the exact nature of why he became the way he is. He only thought that the hardships his friend had gone through is the very reason why he became such a hard man, but he had a feeling it was because of something else, something that happened in the past that had crippled him. For weeks he tried to read Sehun, but when he saw how affectionate Sehun is to Hyunmi, despite him acting so uncaring towards others, he knew it was because of her. Because after five painful years Sehun is still in love with the same girl. Hyunmi, for some reason, reminds him of Sunhee. It was probably because of the way she can talk to Jongin like she's not intimidated, or of how apathetic she is towards their status. Hyunmi, just like Sunhee, didn't like the boys for their money. She is a genuine soul, and that's what Sehun found so endearing about her that the two eventually became close.

Baekhyun is well aware of the consequences his actions entail, but he didn't think that what he desired could be at the expense of Sehun and Sunhee's hearts. Baekhyun would never have known that what he wanted would only break them because for Sunhee, Sehun is nothing more but a reminder of how cruel the world can be, of how she believed in something she felt was good but eventually turned to be the cause of her demise. For Sehun, Sunhee was and still is the biggest hindrance for him. He can have everything the world has to offer, but if he failed to have the only person that mattered to him before, then he'd rather not have anything at all.

Baekhyun can only hope that what he's doing will mend their broken hearts, but hope is nothing more than an illusion. Hope is for people who have set their hearts up for failure.

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"I'm going to put this back in the car." Luhan's assistant tapped on Sunhee's shoulder, taking her attention from the music blasting in her ears.

"Let me come with."

She reached for the bag containing the lenses and the camera, not wanting to spend another second inside the same room as the people she used to know, but their intern, being the gentleman that he is, took the bag from her.

"It's okay miss Sunhee, we got this." He said with a friendly smile, but Sunhee insisted to come.

"Yeah, leave everything to us, Mr. Byun probably wants to have a talk." The woman says, her eyes on Baekhyun who is closing in on her.

With the sight of Baekhyun, something inside her started to stir. She never thought she'd see him for the second time this week, and she can't help but think that he planned all of this. Had he intended for her to see his friend again? Does Baekhyun hold such a grudge on her that he wanted her to see him with another woman?

"We're heading out first miss Sunhee." The intern waved goodbye to her, and she badly wanted to ask them not to leave, but she couldn't find her voice.

The equipment had been placed in the car of Luhan's assistant, and there was no space left for her to sit anyway, so waiting for her isn't likely. She didn't have her car at her disposal since she left it back home because the engine had failed to start. Luhan who drove her here has already left, so she figured she'd talk to Baekhyun for a brief second and take a cab and call it a day.

Sunhee takes a deep sigh as she turns to face him. Noticing how Baekhyun is staring her down with a guilty look on his face, she stared back without a hint of emotion. Sunhee felt betrayed by him, but she refused to let him feel like he's got the upper hand. If being miserable is what Baekhyun wants her to feel, then she will never give him the satisfaction. If taking Sehun's photo next to the woman he's about to marry is what Baekhyun wants, then that's what Baekhyun will get. She can do all that and more, just as long she can leave unscathed.

"It's you again." She breathed.

"How's your car?"

Baekhyun cracked a soft grin from how hostile Sunhee is towards him. He couldn't blame her for acting this way, for what he wanted is at her expense. No one knew of his plans, not Sunhee, not even his friends.

"My car's okay, Baekhyun." She lied. "When can we reschedule?"

It's funny how the world works. Who would have thought that she'd witness the engagement of her ex? What's worse is that she has to be the one to take their damn photo, so they can announce it to the world. She shakes her head as she contemplates. She's never going to see them after this, and it's stupid for her to be hurt by the thought of her past lover being in the arms of someone else, someone who's fit to be his bride.

"Reschedule?" Baekhyun's temple creases, but it was an act, and he liked what he's hearing.

"The photo shoot. They say it's canceled."

Sunhee felt it was alright to be in the same room as Sehun. As much as she finds the situation ironic, she deemed it was okay, after all, goodbye is never too far off.

Baekhyun took his time to answer. He wanted to assemble his thoughts properly. Maybe think of a better way to see right through her. From what Sunhee said, it seemed like she didn't hear a word that the fake couple had said, and from what he's seeing, she doesn't know that it's Jongin Hyunmi's about to marry.

"We won't be needing your services anymore, I apologize for taking your time."

All Sunhee's apathetic feelings for him seem to grow. She felt embarrassed because it seemed to her that he only asked for her so she could see his friend with another woman. It wasn't her services they wanted, but it was her dignity they're asking for.

"That's perfectly fine Baekhyun. I'm pretty sure you can handle this on your own."

In the light of the events, Baekhyun felt his heart sinking. Sunhee didn't know that there were certain things that hindered him from doing the thing he loved, of course, she'll think he can still handle a camera.

"Didn't you hear Sunhee?" Baekhyun smiled painfully, remembering the accident that left him crippled and unable to do the only thing he's passionate about.

"The engagement is off."

"What do you mean the engagement is off?" Sunhee pondered for a while. Didn't she just see the couple together?

"It means no one's getting married for now." Baekhyun replied.

Just then, the sound of Hyunmi's voice resonated in her ears, giving her no time to process what Baekhyun had said. She looked at her and kept her ground but did her best to smile at her nonetheless. Sunhee doesn't trust herself enough to even utter a word to her. She wasn't sure she's in the right state of mind, after all, this is the woman Sehun's going to marry.

She noticed for the first time the tall blonde man beside Hyunmi. The man piqued her curiosity. Something about him felt oddly familiar, so when he turned around, shock couldn't even begin to explain what she's feeling.

Meanwhile, Hyunmi is still oblivious of everything that's unfolding in front of her. She waves at Sunhee, giving her a friendly smile, looking almost too perfect in her pink engagement gown, that the sight of her left a bitter taste in Sunhee's mouth.

Everything is happening so fast that Sunhee failed to notice how Jongin is walking towards her way, leaving Hyunmi alone on her spot. The excitement in his eyes from seeing her is so evident that Hyunmi felt somewhat offended. When Jongin took the remainder of the steps, it was when Sehun came back to the room, his keys in his hand, ready to leave the hotel. Jongin had asked him earlier to take Hyunmi home, and he was more than willing to do so.

"S-Sunhee?" Jongin muttered. It was loud enough for Sehun to hear.

Almost immediately his head turned to look at his friend, and then, he saw her.

After five long years, he never thought that seeing her face will bring back haunting memories of the past. It's like the feeling of ripping band-aid off an unhealed wound, so raw and so painful that it left him speechless.

"You know each other?" Hyunmi breaks the silence that ensued, and it made everyone around her uncomfortable.

Seeing Sunhee again after those agonizing years, it frightened Sehun. He doesn't know how to feel. He doesn't know how to deal with the situation, because what else is there to say? When he heard Hyunmi asking the same question again, he couldn't help but be bitter about the situation.

"Yeah, she's an old friend." Baekhyun finally answered. "We went to college together."

"You know her too Sehun?" Hyunmi asks, purposely leaving out Jongin in the conversation. She didn't know what storm she's brewing and she only got a glimpse of it when she saw Sehun staring at Sunhee, the same way the latter's eyes are glued painstakingly on Sehun.

"You do know her, don't you?" Hyunmi asks for the second time. She saw the emptiness in the male's eyes, yet there's a sense of longing in them, that even the sight of it pained her.

"More than you'll know." Sehun finally replied. He turns to Hyunmi and offers his arm to her, his eyes now void of any emotions.

"Let's go." He says, breaking the awkwardness Hyunmi felt. "I'm taking you home."