"Why the heck are you dragging me to work with you?" Sehun grumbled as he trailed behind Tao.
Tao chuckled. "It was either bring you with me or let you stay with Luhan."
Sehun thought about it for a moment. True, he didn't know Luhan well, and he didn't want to be an intruder in their home. Maybe it was better that he went with Tao. "I could've just gone home, too."
Tao turned and gave him a look. "You know that I wouldn't let you do that. You'll survive without your dad for a few days. If you need something, then I'll get it for you."
"Tch. You're way too protective. I can handle myself, you know! Besides, I want to get a change of clothes. Yours are too baggy." To make a point, Sehun grabbed a large chunk of Tao's sweatshirt and pulled. It almost dwarfed him and was making him increasingly uncomfortable.
Tao paused in his walking to turn around fully and regard Sehun. They stood in silence for a moment before Tao smirked and continued to walk down the sidewalk.
"H-Hey! What was that stare for? Tao!" Sehun called as he ran to catch up with the older boy.
"Sehun, you're so loud. Calm it down a little, will ya?" Tao teased as he stopped beside a store and opened the door. He motioned for Sehun to enter and smiled when Sehun simply stuck his tongue out.
Tao winked at the younger. "Man, you're childish as well. Get your bubble-butt inside this store before I leave you to the morning rush hour."
Sehun looked appalled at the small name calling and pursed his lips. He stalked past Zitao and only paused when he was in the middle of the building. He took a quick glance around, and was slightly impressed. The floor was a fashionable black hardwood, with a finish that made it shine. The walls were made of clean red brick, and they had pictures and mirrors littering every inch of space. A reception desk -that was white and pristine looking- sat in the middle of it all, along with several chairs for clients to wait on. Sehun could also see a hallway leading into the back. He figured that that's where Tao did all the magic.
"Impressive, isn't it? I worked hard to restore this building to the way it used to be when I was a kid. I think I did a good job." Zitao said.
Sehun nodded along with the elder. "It is really cool looking," he murmured, walking over to the walls and trailing a finger down the rough texture. He turned his head towards Tao. "How do you manage to balance this job and the one at your father's company?"
Tao waved a hand dismissively. "This is just a side job. I only run this business on the weekends and when I have free days."
Sehun hummed in interest and turned back around to further inspect all the art on the walls. Most of them were, from what he could tell, drawings and paintings of ancient China.
"My receptionist should be here soon," Tao's voice interrupted. "He's nice. The kid's in high school like you. Maybe you know him."
"Maybe," Sehun answered, walking over to Tao who was organizing his needles and ink bottles. "Are you a popular artist?"
"Hmm?" Tao asked, turning. "Oh... well, I suppose you could call me popular. Only with a certain group of people though. Most of my customers are from the darker part of town. They come from the streets. They could be part of a few gangs for all I know. They're shady."
Sehun's eyes widened and took on a nervous light. "Have they tried to hurt you?"
Tao looked surprised at the boy's concern for him, but then he laughed. "Sehun, you're asking a national wushu champion if a few gang members roughed him up?"
Sehun pouted and hit Tao's arm. "Shut up! I'm trying to be a good friend here!"
"Yes, yes, " Tao sighed, calming down. "Okay - to answer your question seriously this time. No, they've never tried to hurt me. I'm on good terms with them, so I don't have anything to worry about."
Sehun nodded, pleased. "Good."
They both turned towards the door when they heard it open. Tao's eyes lit up and Sehun only looked at the person in confusion.
"Chanyeol! Finally, you're here!" Tao greeted the male.
Chanyeol laughed as he walked through the doorway, immediately heading for the desk. "Yeah, sorry about that Tao. Got up a bit later than I wanted."
Sehun was stunned by the boy's voice. He had the face of a puppy but the voice of a freaking bass that just dropped. He flinched a slight bit when Chanyeol turned his gaze onto him. The boy was about 6 inches taller than him and definitely broad. It was intimidating, to say the least.
"Who's this Tao?" Even his smile was creepy.
"Ah, this is Sehun," Tao said, swinging an arm around Sehun's waist and dragging him towards the tallest. "I found him last night in the rain without a coat. Took him home and fixed him up a bit. Now he's here."
Chanyeol looked like he wanted to ask a few questions, but simply smiled and held his hand out for Sehun to shake. "Park Chanyeol at your service. Nice to meet you, Sehun."
Sehun reached forward and grasped the larger hand. "Nice to meet you too."
ENDING FOR RIGHT NOW. WILL COME BACK AND EDIT LATER.
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