It all seemed like a nightmare.

Baekhyun and Daehyun sat together in an empty classroom. Baekhyun's arms were wrapped around his legs, he was sniffling still. Daehyun sat quietly beside him, every cell in his body telling him to comfort his boyfriend, but also knowing that'd be a mistake.

Baekhyun was torn, and Daehyun could see layers of him falling away as only sadness remained. It was another moment before Baekhyun quietly spoke, his gaze and mind in a distant place.

"Daehyun. I need to confess some things to you...." Baekhyun trailed off as he pivoted his body towards Daehyun, reaching out and clutching his hand into his. "I–I kissed Chanyeol." Daehyun's eyes widened and pain flashed over his face.

Baekhyun sighed as he slowly reached out, gently touching Daehyun's left cheek as he softly said, "But please, I need you to listen to the why." Daehyun's brow furrowed but he still nodded, speech failing him.

"Okay." Baekhyun sighed. "Um, well, basically.... Chanyeol and I . . . we've known each other since we were kids but he moved away. When he left, it hurt so much that my young mind forced me to forget him. But I remember now, and . . . He told me why he left. He—-he's sick, Daehyun," Baekhyun choked out on a sob. "He's sick and he came back for me. Can you believe that?" Baekhyun trailed off. "He—-he loves me. And I love him too."

Baekhyun began to cry again and Daehyun, although conflicted, reached forward and wrapped his arms around Baekhyun's small frame. He inhaled an unsteady breath before asking, "So where does this leave us . . .?"

Baekhyun pulled back, sniffling as he glanced up at Daehyun. He wiped his cheeks and quietly said, "I love you, Daehyun. I really do. And I know it's selfish, but I . . . I need you to give me time away from you to be with Chanyeol. He needs me. He came back for me...." Baekhyun whispered.

Daehyun could see the sincerity behind Baekhyun's eyes, and brow furrowed he plucked at the frayed fabric of his jeans as he quietly muttered, "Why now? Why do you have to go to him?"

Baekhyun sniffled and bit his bottom lip before he mumbled, "He's sick Daehyun. He's been sick for awhile and . . ." Baekhyun trailed off.

"And what?"

"He's dying, Daehyun. He has cancer," Baekhyun half-yelled.

Daehyun's breath hitched and his mouth opened and closed. He didn't know what to say. What could possibly be the most appropriate response to hearing that his boyfriend's . . . whatever he was was dying? What could he possibly say to not come off as an asshole?

Daehyun exhaled in frustration and raked a hand through his hair as he muttered, "I don't even know what to say right now, Baek. I need some time to think."

Baekhyun sighed and rubbed his face, wiping away the tears as he softly asked, "How much time do you need?"

Daehyun shrugged. "I don't know . . . What about Chanyeol? Where is he?"

"The library."

Daehyun sighed. "You know I love you . . . More than anything, Baek. And it hurts me to think of you with someone else, yet a part of me knows you need this . . . That you both do, but I don't know how long you expect me to wait for you while you fu—"

Daehyun trailed off and rubbed his face in frustration as Baekhyun's eyes began to widen. His face flushed in anger as he yelled, "Is that what you seriously think of me, Daehyun!? You know me and can't honestly think that the first chance I get I'll ran away to screw another guy? How little of me do you really think?" Baekhyun quietly asked, his fire burning out as the sadness seeped in. He slowly stood up and once again wiped his eyes with his sleeve.

"I don't want to talk anymore . . ." Baekhyun whispered before he left the room, leaving Daehyun to sit in an anguished silence.

Baekhyun's slow trek back to the library was a thoughtful one filled with despondency. He hated to even think it, but Chanyeol's return was really hurting him. He hated that he'd come back with not only bad news, but that he came back to tell Baekhyun he loved him with no promises for a happy future. An all Baekhyun could see were rain clouds as he cried over the grave of the man he loved.

Baekhyun moved with a lethargic slowness back to their little secluded corner. Chanyeol was sitting with his legs curled to his chest and his head resting on his folded arms. Baekhyun sighed and settled down beside him. He smiled sadly as he ran his hand over Chanyeol's hair and leaned his head against his shoulder.

"I think Daehyun and I just broke up . . ." Baekhyun whispered.

Chanyeol lifted his head and brushed his hand over Baekhyun's cheek before he softly asked, "Really? I'm sorry." Chanyeol sighed.

Baekhyun sighed with a small smile as he softly replied, "It's okay. It was my decision."

"But I still caused it," Chanyeol muttered matter-of-factly.

Baekhyun didn't say anything. How could he? He'd only be lying if he said it hadn't been Chanyeol's fault, and it made him feel like shit.

"Do we have to stay here?" Baekhyun asked.

"Where would we go?" Chanyeol softly muttered.

"Anywhere you want," Baekhyun said.

Chanyeol chuckled. "That sounds a lot like the 'Make a wish' foundation."

Baekhyun laughed too. "Sorry. I just don't know what you can . . ." Baekhyun trailed off.

"I'm dying, Baek. Whatever you decide won't matter," Chanyeol said matter-of-factly.

Baekhyun's brow furrowed and his eyes glazed over as he quietly muttered, "Yeah. You're right.... Sorry."

Chanyeol sighed and wrapped an arm around Baekhyun's shoulders. "Please, don't apologize. Just be with me."

Baekhyun smiled sadly and whispered, "Okay, Chanyeol. I'll stay with you."

Until the end . . .

Word count: 975