They had migrated to a nearby cafe that was amazingly still open, though it was close to one in the morning by now. Once they placed their orders, Zitao had taken off his jacket and given it to Sehun, the younger boy thanking him with a large smile.
Sehun shrugged and buried his face further into the warm coat's material. "...My dad was mad again," he said, words slightly muffled. "I didn't want to be there. I forgot my jacket though."
Zitao nodded with a sympathetic smile but didn't ask anymore questions. He took a bite of his chocolate cake and watched the younger in front of him fidget with his hands. He took the time to actually get a good look at the younger. He couldn't have been more than 18 years old, but the anxiety radiating from him made him seem a bit older. He had hazel, almost amber eyes that were covered by platinum blonde hair. He was a good couple inches shorter than Tao, with snow white skin that stretched over thin arms and impossibly long legs. Overall, his frame was frail and tiny - Tao was afraid if he touched him wrong, Sehun would break in half. When was the last time the boy ate?
"Tao?"
Zitao blinked his eyes rapidly, glancing at Sehun who was looking at him worriedly. "Hmm?"
"You were spacing out. I just wanted to tell you thank you," Sehun said.
Zitao narrowed his eyes at him.
Sehun rolled his eyes. "You know, for bringing me here. Making sure I'm okay. I'm a complete stranger, yet you bought me hot chocolate and gave me your jacket. Just... thank you."
Zitao grinned and his eyes crinkled as he laughed. "It's no problem Sehun. Really, don't worry about it."
Sehun shrugged and smiled at the older again before glancing out the window. He frowned when he saw that the downpour had turned into just a light sprinkle. He could get home no problem now. He glanced over to his companion to see him immersed in his mocha and cake, so he silently stood before shrugging the coat off. He handed the coat back to a surprised Tao.
"Where are you going?" Tao asked, trying to give the jacket back.
Sehun sighed and grabbed his still hot drink off the table. "I need to go home now. I've been gone for a long time and my dad might try and come find me." He shivered at the thought.
Zitao gave him a look. "Sehun, I know that you don't want to go back. It's all over your face." He grinned at the surprised look. "Look, let's just stay and talk for awhile. If you still want to go home then I won't stop you, but there's also quite a comfy couch at my place."
Sehun didn't understand why Zitao was being so nice to him. All they knew about each other were their names and the older boy was offering him a place to stay.
Seeing the skeptical look, Zitao smirked. "No tricks, Sehun - I promise. I even have this roommate named Luhan that I'm sure you'll get along with." He fished out his wallet from his pocket and showed Sehun a picture of a fairly young looking male. With a height no taller than 5'6" and those large eyes, he looked like a twelve year old girl.
"I know what you're thinking," Zitao snickered, "but he's actually 25 years old. He's our hyung."
Sehun groaned and rubbed at his eyes. "So not going to even ask right now," he mumbled, causing Zitao to let out a light laugh.
"Sehun," the older boy mumbled, "come on - just stay here and talk with me for a little bit."
Sehun weighed his options.
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They learned a lot about each other that night. Sehun learned that Tao was originally studying to become a business major to take over his father's company back in China. However, his father had set up a branch close by Tao's college, so Tao would become the head there instead of traveling back home. In the meantime, Tao had opened a tattoo shop that he had been running for over a year now. The older boy had also been doing wushu for years, and was very skilled in hand to hand combat. Countering that, however, would be the older boy's fear of anything of the insect variety and darkness. Sehun laughed when he heard that this Assassin's Creed looking character was afraid of the dark. Tao had whined at him to not laugh, but it was so hard! Tao also seemed to have an affinity for fashion (his favorite brand being Gucci), and enjoyed children immensely, as shown by the multiple pictures in his wallet of his niece, Candy.
Tao, on the other hand, learned very little about Sehun. It seemed the younger really had no control over his life. He was currently in the top 5 in his class, which was fantastic, but the younger made it very clear that he wouldn't be able to afford college. Zitao was saddened by the fact, and when asked why, Sehun only shrugged and complained of his dad spending money (including Sehun's college fund) on things they didn't need. Zitao knew better than to push it, but couldn't help but ask where Sehun's mother was in this whole picture. He was shocked when the younger told him that she had died only a few years ago, due to a fatal car accident that happened the night of one of Sehun's dance recitals. Sehun had always loved dance, and even wanted to go to school to be a choreographer, but ever since that night he hasn't set foot inside a dance studio. Talking about his mother made Sehun tear up, and Zitao decided that that was enough for tonight.
He reached across the table to grab Sehun's wrist and gently tugged him up. He laughed when Sehun blushed in embarrassment and turned away, wiping at his eyes. Zitao sighed and rolled his eyes, handing his coat back to Sehun. Sehun took it with a questioning gaze.
"Put it on," Zitao said gently, as to not upset the other boy further. "You're in no state to return home. You can sleep on the couch at my apartment - Luhan won't mind."
Sehun nodded his head blindly and put on the oversized garment. It was a lot better than returning to a house that doesn't even feel like home.
Powerful story writing.
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