*

"OH!!! SEHUN!!!! YOOHOO!!! WHERE ARE YOU!?"

Sehun stops walking and immediately turns his back around, "Oh, shit."

"Sehunnieeeee!!!"

Running for dear life along the hallway, he doesn't look back a single bit while looking for a place to hide. He sees the closest possible hiding place which is Baekhyun's room, so he enters it and slams the door shut after locking it securely.

Baekhyun, who's resting on his bed right now, slightly gets up to see a panicked Sehun 'sshhh'-ing at him, his eyes begging.

"Baekhyun," Luhan calls from the outside, knocking on the door, "Is Sehun in there?"

Please, don't tell him I'm here, Sehun mouths at Baekhyun as he puts his hands together while he pleads. Please!

"Can I come inside your room!? I think I just saw Sehun walking in there!"

"It's really messy in here, I'm cleaning my room right now!" Baekhyun obviously lies as he throws Sehun a fishy stare, "And no, Luhan hyung! Sehun's not here! Isn't he at school with Jongin?"

Thanks! You're the best, Sehun rejoices while he plops himself on the bed beside Baekhyun squinting his eyes at him.

"Oh, he is?" Luhan mutters to himself, massaging his chin as he now walks away, "Hmm. But I think I just saw him here, though."

Sehun breathes a long one, joining Baekhyun to his staring feat at the ceiling. He's quite glad Baekhyun doesn't ask anymore, Baekhyun already knew anyway, about Luhan asking him out. He thought it was just a practical joke but Luhan cornering him three days after avoiding him proved that he really did mean saying 'Be my third boyfriend, Sehun.'

Of course he didn't know what to answer on the spot at that moment. He was shook or maybe flustered or maybe confused, so what he did was just embarrassingly ran away and excused himself because of diarrhea.

Baekhyun and him both let out an agonizing sigh at the same time while they stare blankly at the ceiling.

"What's bothering you?" Sehun asks, looking at the male beside him who's been holding a square piece of card in his hand, "You look so depressed."

"Chanyeol sunbae's mother wrote me a note," Baekhyun says, and he's feeling his eyes getting watery again, "At the back of this invitation..."

"What did she say?" Sehun asks, reading the note himself.

I just ask you to take care of my son if ever I'd be gone. That's my only wish for my 60th birthday.

I'm sorry for mistreating you.

The silence is albeit comfortable and melancholic but it's not that suffocating. Sehun can tell Baekhyun was pained by it and he has already cried. He's knows Baekhyun has been through a lot of emotional distress and bringing it up again, talking about it again, and consoling him again, would be just repetitive. Even if he doesn't ask him verbally, he can sense that he's always been fine and is still holding up.

"You want a hug?"

Baekhyun tiny smiles, "Just buy me ice cream anytime."

"Okay."

"How about you? Are you all right?"

Sehun slowly shakes his head, "No..." He releases a sigh and covers his eyes using his palms. "I'm actually so confused right now..."

Baekhyun lies on his stomach, perching his chin on top of Sehun's arm as he peeks at his face, "You can always tell me everything."

"You already know everything."

"Well then, why don't you just give them both a chance?"

Sehun shoots him a stare as if he has just said something ridiculous and unexpected. Baekhyun heartily laughs at his comical reaction, before he comfortably goes on placing his head on top of Sehun's stomach.

"Baekhyun."

"Hm?"

"How do you think... is it even possible liking more than one people at the same time?"

"Well, I know that feeling," Baekhyun replies, and he just lets Sehun play with his hair gently with his hand, "I like Chanyeol sunbae and I also like Chanyeol. They're now two people but you see, I like the both of them!"

Sehun snorts, "Chanyeol is just one person with two different personalities. That's just different in my case."

"Your case?" Baekhyun perks his head with interest, smiling knowingly, "Tell me about your case."

Sehun clears his throat, "I-I can't bring myself to say it but I'm definitely sure about one thing."

"What's that one thing?"

"I don't like Kyungsoo that way..."

"How do you see Kyungsoo as, then?"

"I see him as a good friend who takes care of me really well and whom I can always rely on."

Baekhyun nods as he listens attentively, "Okay, then how about Jongin?"

"I see him as my best friend, just like you, but in a different kind of way?"

"What kind of way?"

Sehun tries hard not to fucking blush because that's just hella gay. "I think Jongin is a person who's really warm? Whom also I kind of... want to be with for a long time..."

Baekhyun secretly beams at that, hiding his smile behind his hand, "Well, how about Luhan hyung?"

Sehun may have swallowed a heavy lump inside his throat hearing that name.

"Uh. I think he's pretty and sexy and he's really hot? And I kind of... sometimes jacked off to the thoughts of him naked..." He gets a pillow and shoves his face with it. "Damn, I know! I'm such a fucking pervert."

"What the hell, this son of a bitch," Baekhyun smirks, hitting Sehun weakly on the chest, "Now I get it."

"I still don't get it," Sehun groans, feeling all the more complicated, "But honestly though, I think what I feel for you didn't even change because I know I still have lingering feelings towards you. I just don't love you now like how I loved you back then." He massages his head. "Wait, does that even make any sense?"

Baekhyun chuckles, "You love me but you love me less now because you already like someone else. That's just it!"

"Well, I just know to myself that me liking someone doesn't mean I don't love you anymore," Sehun explains, yet he himself is still as confused, "I just feel like my heart just grew bigger to welcome more people in it? Fuck, Baekhyun. Does this mean I'm just a total player!?"

Baekhyun gets up from lying position just to let out a laugh, slapping Sehun's thigh in the process. There are practically tears in his eyes as he holds his stomach while he guffaws.

"This is the first time I'm trying to be honest with myself and all you did was laugh at me," Sehun mutters, "I'm offended..."

"I'm sorry, I just--hahaha--didn't expect this information coming from you, like, hearing this actually from you," Baekhyun says, "I'm so proud of you!"

Sehun rolls his eyes, "I hate you."

Baekhyun turns serious again after he finishes laughing. He sits on the bed with his knees hugged inside his arms.

"Anyway, have you heard of polyamory, Sehun?"

"Poly---what?"

"Polyamory."

"No, I..." Sehun shakes his head, "I haven't heard of polyamory before. What is it?"

"Jongin, Luhan, and Kyungsoo. They're doing polyamory," Baekhyun says with as smile, "They're in a polyamorous relationship, that's the technical term, by the way. You see, it's a consensual and responsible non-monogamy with all of them openly dating each other."

Sehun blinks, "How did you know that stuff?"

"Just like you and just like everyone else, I was also confused at first," Baekhyun says, "People are judging them without knowing anything just because they're living that way... I didn't want to be like those people to my friends that's why I looked it up and did my research... I wanted to know and understand how their relationship works. I wanted to relate to how they feel."

"Polyamory. So, that was it... It was really a serious relationship after all," Sehun mutters, "I feel kind of guilty for thinking before that they were just, you know, hanging out together and fucking each other..."

"It wasn't like that," Baekhyun says, "Back in the student council before, you're aware of what I did, right?" Sehun nods at him.

"I was an oblivious slut who fooled around with all of them... It didn't matter if I made out with them or get sucked off by any of them, as long as I felt good and satisfied that time." Baekhyun grins sheepishly, "As long as Chanyeol sunbae was fine with it, then I just did whatever horny stuff I was offered."

"Yeah. I can't still believe you did all those things," Sehun shivers, "I feel weird right now thinking about it."

"But you see, I fell in love with Chanyeol sunbae and he ended up falling for me, too. We loved each other and lived together! He basically saved me from them," Baekhyun says, "But in your case?" He clicks his tongue, shaking his head, "You fell into their trap and I'm afraid, there's no turning back."

Sehun stares, "W-what do you mean?"

"You choose. It's either you stay single or you date Luhan alone. But remember that Jongin is not gonna stay still if you do that. Or it's either you choose to be with Jongin alone, but also remember that Kyungsoo is not gonna let you live," Baekhyun says, crossing his arms over his chest, "It's like they're a package! You can't have one but you can have all."

"I'll just be your boyfriend, if that's the case."

"Chanyeol sunbae is gonna kill you when his memories come back."

"I'll just kill myself before he does it to get this shit done."

"Remember, suicide is never an option!"

"I'll just turn straight then!"

"That," Baekhyun gasps in surprise, "is the most insulting thing you've ever told me."

"Then what the hell am I supposed to do!?" Sehun blurts out, "My feelings are just as complicated as my confused mind... Oh god."

"Just follow your heart, Sehun." Baekhyun pats his chest, "I know you just can't decide because you don't want to take risks."

"Maybe you're right..."

"You should talk to him first, maybe ask for permission, too."

"Is it okay if I do that?"

"Of course. I think he already knows anyway."

"Living with all of them makes me suffer from early signs of emotional disturbance," Sehun says with a dead sigh, "I'm not even sure if I wanted a commitment with anybody... I just," he looks at Baekhyun in the eyes, "I just wanted to feel special and loved..."

"Awww," Baekhyun coos, squeezing Sehun's cheek, "I know someone wanted to do it to you, to love you and take care of you, too." He smiles. "Maybe he's just worried of how you'd react to that... Maybe he's just waiting for you to realize the situation."

"And who... do you think that maybe?"

Baekhyun shrugs his shoulders, "Well, all I know is that he has a dick. I'm sure of that."

*

"So, you wanna have a small chat?"

Kyungsoo sits on the chair after he places a cup of chocolate drink on the counter top in front of Sehun.

"Uhm," Sehun hugs his new pet puppy inside his arms which is just now sleeping quietly, "Yeah, I guess."

"I heard Luhan gave the puppy to you. What's his name?"

"I decided to just name him Vivi."

"Why Vivi?"

"It sounds classy. Vivi."

"But he's a boy, though."

"Vivi is a gender neutral name, Kyungsoo."

"Okay," Kyungsoo chuckles, "How is it going, then? Your scientific research, I mean."

"Oh, that."

"What happened to your kissing survey? Did you gather enough data now?"

A blush slowly makes way into Sehun's cheeks as he only massages Vivi's fluffy head.

"Actually, I kind of... wanted to talk to you about something related to that."

Kyungsoo hums, "Okay?"

"Your boyfriend, Luhan. He asked me out."

"Oh, I see."

Sehun is quite surprised of Kyungsoo not showing any signs of surprise at all. It's as if he's been only waiting to hear it for him to personally say it. He's actually expecting Kyungsoo to get slightly bothered or curious about it though, but the small male just nods at him as if he completely understands.

Kyungsoo smiles, "So he finally grew a pair, huh?"

"He asked me if I could be his third boyfriend," Sehun mutters, "And I'm still not quite sure about what to respond to that."

"Well, did you answer him already?" Kyungsoo asks, taking a sip of his own chocolate drink, "Have you talked to him yet?"

"No, I haven't said anything yet," Sehun answers quietly, "I was just thinking... Would it be okay if I say yes?"

"Are you asking for permission or are you asking for my opinion?"

Sehun thinks for a brief moment. "I'm asking for both."

"Okay then. My answer's gonna be," Kyungsoo pauses, "Yes to the permission. Yes to the opinion."

Sehun has to prevent his smile to show. "Really?"

"Of course. If Luhan wants to do it, then who am I to stop him? There's no harm on trying if you two would work out or not," Kyungsoo smiles, "If you ask Jongin, he's gonna say the same answer."

"Okay, uh," Sehun clears his throat, "So, about Jongin..."

"What about him?"

Kyungsoo notes how Sehun's hold slightly tenses around his cup. Sehun finally lets go of Vivi on the floor to allow him to play by himself.

Silence falls between them.

"If you can't say it, then I'll just answer it myself," Kyungsoo mutters, watching how Sehun's eyes flash with worry, "If Jongin's okay with it, then I'm fine with it, too."

"Why?"

"Because that's just how things work among us. Because if you both wanted it, and if we also wanted it, and if the whole world wanted it, I'm just gonna be happy for the person I love."

"But Kyungsoo," Sehun says as he stares at his own hands, "I just wanted to stay friends," then he looks up to Kyungsoo, "with this feelings alongside."

"But why?"

"Because I don't wanna change anything."

"Okay, if that's what you want then," Kyungsoo says, "But if ever Jongin asked for you, won't you change your mind?"

Sehun isn't able to answer that yet. It takes a minute before he says, "Well, would he?"

"Maybe," Kyungsoo laughs at that, "Just want to remind you that when it comes to the wedding, it's gonna be me as the legal husband, Luhan already knows that." He shrugs. "I want to wear a fucking tuxedo."

Vivi ends up crying on the floor and barking because he is hungry, and Kyungsoo does the job to feed him his milk. Excusing himself and carrying the white fluffy puppy in his arms, Kyungsoo tells him that he should talk to Jongin next.

That is why he is now outside of Jongin's workplace waiting, following Kyungsoo advice.

"Hey," Jongin greets, seeing Sehun leaning against the wall with his hands shoved inside his hoodie pockets.

"Hey."

"Did you come here to pick me up? How sweet."

"No. I happened to just pass by."

Jongin looks down to Sehun's feet wearing slippers, and it makes him slightly chuckle. "Right."

"Do you mind if we walk home together?"

"No, not at all."

"Okay."

Baekhyun wanted some ice cream anyway so Sehun decided to buy him one at the convenience store few blocks away from the chicken store Jongin is working at. He also went to grab some yoghurt and chips for Luhan as an apology offering for avoiding him for the past few days. Of course, he has to bring the snacks before coming to Jongin not to make it appear like he just solely went to see him or something.

"You want some?"

Sehun offers Jongin a sausage stick.

"Thanks."

Tearing the thin plastic using his teeth, Jongin takes a small bite of the sausage and slowly sways himself on the swing. For some reason, both of them are now at a playground for kids; two guys sitting on the swing their legs barely fitting in because of their height.

"So, what do you wanna talk about?" Jongin asks in the quiet.

Apparently, Jongin isn't that too dumb at some point.

"Wait, is this about Luhan asking you out?"

Sehun raises an eyebrow, "How did you know about that?"

"Of course, I would know. We're all literally living under one roof, remember."

"Yeah, you're right."

Sehun decides to already eat the tank boy ice cream he saved for later. It seems like it's the right moment to have it anyway.

"Have you said yes to him?" Jongin asks quietly, just staring ahead of him, at the empty four-feet kiddie slide.

"What do you think?" Sehun asks back, turning to look at him with questioning eyes. "Should I say yes to him?"

"Why are you asking me?"

"You're his first boyfriend, so I'll definitely have to ask you."

Jongin hums, "Well, do you even like him?"

Sehun stops his feet on the ground from moving the swing before he deems to answer.

"Uh," he mumbles, "What kind of like?"

"That kind of like when you want to hold his hand? That kind of like when you want to call him at two in the morning when you can't sleep?"

"That kind of like?"

"Yeah."

"I think I'd like that..."

"So why not give it a try, then?" Jongin says, glancing at him shortly before taking a bite of his snack again, "Like I said, I just wish for you to be happy."

"How about you?"

"Hm?"

"If I go out with him, will you be happy?"

Jongin takes his time to look up to the sky. It's dark, as expected, the moon is missing tonight.

"Of course," he then says in return, "That is just what I wanted."

"Okay," Sehun tiny smiles, "Let's just share him, then. I don't really mind."

It's not that chilly yet it's not that warm either. Jongin is sure there's no breeze blowing at the moment, but he oddly feels cold and his entire skin can feel it. Maybe it's a given that he's only wearing thin clothes right now.

Or maybe because of another reason, somehow.

"Don't you mind, too?"

Sehun turns to look at him, "What?"

"If I share myself to you?"

That makes Sehun briefly speechless.

"Don't you mind too, if I share myself to you?" Jongin repeats.

Silently, Sehun only stares at him and Jongin stares back as well.

Like it's a very crucial question he needs to immediately respond to.

"The hell was that," is what he only says, before he is letting out a smile he isn't able to contain anymore even he hides it behind his hand.

"What," Jongin heartily laughs, then he realizes the moon has just showed up to the sky. It's not missing, it was just hiding behind a cloud like it was just shy. "Just answer me. Don't you mind or do you mind?"

"Well, it depends."

"Say it."

"It depends on whether you'd want me or not."

Jongin reaches out closer to weakly punch him on the shoulder, "But you already know the answer to that."

Sehun feigns innocence, "Well, I don't know the answer to that. You tell me."

"Are you fucking dumb," Jongin says, "I already told you about it."

"Really? When did that happen?"

"Bitch, you have amnesia?"

"Oh! Is it what you told me last time, that you have mutual feelings with me?" Sehun says, "That if you yuck me then I yuck you too. If you hate me then I hate you too, so if you like m---"

"Yeah," Jongin interrupts, "That's it. That's just the logic to that, right?"

"Maybe."

"You know I was just waiting."

"You're waiting for what?"

Jongin reaches out to ruffle his hair. "For you to realize the situation, you dumbass." Then he shoves his head down playfully.

"I'm touched."

"Your heart fluttered, right?"

"No. What a moron," Sehun says as he stands up and stretches his arms. "Come on, let's go home before it gets really late." He leaves first, not bothering to look back at Jongin still sitting on the swing.

He doesn't wait for the other male to walk with him.

But then he hears the swing creaking afterwards, before he is feeling Jongin right behind him pouncing at him and slinging an arm around his shoulder to lock him.

"Sehun!" Jongin exclaims, who is now already beside him. "Hey, look at me for a second!"

Sehun groans in annoyance, "Fuck, what is it!"

Jongin leans his face closer, and like a vampire, he uses his teeth to bite a certain spot on Sehun's neck, licking the reddish mark afterwards.

"YOU MOTHERFUCKER!!! That hurt!" Sehun wildly screams, rubbing the bitten skin above his collarbone before he chases Jongin running like crazy, "You gay ass *****!"

"Hey!" Jongin chuckles after saying back, "That's your *****!"

*

Sehun carefully pulls out the chair and takes a seat in front of Luhan who is now currently in the middle of lifting an indifferent eyebrow at him.

"It's just about time."

He bows his head apologetically, "Hyung, I'm sorry for avoiding you for the past few days." He rubs the back of his ear. "I just needed time to think about it."

Luhan grins happily at him, perching his chin on top of his hands in a very cute manner. "Well, have you decided already?"

Sehun looks around the cafeteria, leans in and whispers. "Three dates."

"Three dates?"

"Let's have three dates first before I decide to officially go out with you."

Luhan laughs, "Aw. That's cute!"

"I'm being serious right now."

"How about this? Let's just have two dates and one fuck."

Sehun almost gags on the fries he has yet decided to put on his mouth, "What?"

"You see, I really want you to lose your virginity on me," Luhan says, "I want to have your cock up in my ass."

"God, you're really straight-forward, aren't you," Sehun sighs.

"Yes, I am. So when I want something, I make sure to have that something," Luhan smirks confidently, "Don't you know that before Chanyeol could even touch your best friend back in the student council, I happened to kiss Baekhyun first?"

Sehun's eyes widen, "What?"

"And before Jongin could even fuck Kyungsoo, I should touch him first!" Luhan slaps the table hard, making the younger male surprised, "So that only means everyone should go through me first."

"Y-you're scaring me," Sehun mutters, backing away a little, "I have to call my Mom first..."

Laughing, Luhan stands up and turns around, pointing at his sexy rear and showing it proudly to Sehun. "You want this ass, right?"

Sehun finds himself just nodding absent-mindedly before he could even say something dumb.

"It's settled, then!" Luhan announces, clapping his hands, "Two dates and one fuck it is!"

"Oh god..." Sehun silently cries to himself while Luhan hooks his hands around his arm to drag him to somewhere, "Where are we going.... I'm not yet ready.... I wanna go home... I'm going home...."

*

To be continued.