like never before | beomkai

10 | keeping people close

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As established; old habits die hard. Unfortunately for Kai, journaling wasn't the only habit he failed to let go.

"We agreed that you'll stop doing that by now, Kai. It's unhealthy. You kept missing lunch in high school because you were too obsessed with burying your nose in books studying lessons we won't even tackle until next month!" Taehyun was exhausted. He's laying on Kai's bed and reading a book from the other's bookshelf, groaning when he peeked the schedule clipped on the mirror.

It was similar to the one Kai used to follow in high school—another "life plan" as Taehyun describes it. An everyday plan that Kai makes on Sundays to follow. It's not even those simple schedules for lectures! Heck, there's a schedule for the exact minutes Kai was going to sit on the hallway benches in between classes!

10:05 - 10:18 | 13 minutes - Read notes and buy chocolates.

10:18 - 10:20 | 2 minutes - Walk to class.

Taehyun wants to scream, but the pout on his best friend's lips makes him sigh in defeat. How can he yell at someone who looks like a sad puppy? Curse Huening Kai for being such a cutie without even trying.

"It keeps me from feeling anxious. At least I know I won't mess up if I follow this," Kai explained; and to be honest, that was valid. Taehyun considers this.

"I just thought you stopped doing this since it has almost been a month since college started. Is everything alright in class? I told you, you should have taken my course, so you wouldn't have people picking on you-"

"Nobody's picking on me! This isn't high school where everyone's in each other's business—thank goodness. It's just a me thing. I feel anxious when I don't know what's going to happen next."

Taehyun kicks the other's leg, just strong enough to annoy him. "This schedule of yours won't make it easier. Things don't always go according to plan, you should know that by now."

"What do you mean by that?" Kai furrowed his brows.

"I knew you had no plans reconnecting with the others back then, but now you're inviting everyone over."

"It's my dad's birthday and he's the one who invited them, not me."

A snort was earned from Taehyun. Seeing Kai in denial is comedy. "Should I tell them not to come anymore?"

"No!" Kai said, loudly and almost too quickly. He regains composure when he sees the playful look on Taehyun's face. "I mean, it's rude to take back an invitation. Plus, they're my friends, too."

At that, Taehyun no longer comments. He's nothing but happy that Kai is opening up more, and allowing more people to be part of the small circle he keeps.

"Stop making schedules," Taehyun went back to reading.

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It was no surprise that Kai's family practically adopted Yeonjun and Soobin when they arrived. He couldn't even watch when his father came to enthusiastically shake Soobin's hand before pulling the tall boy in a hug, and telling Yeonjun bad jokes to which the older one returns like it's second nature. (Kai didn't question any further as he was sure his dad knew Yeonjun by now from the amount of times Taehyun brought the older over for breakfast after working out.)

Kai wasn't sure if Beomgyu was just late or wasn't coming at all, but he was far too shy to ask about the particular boy.

Lucky for him, Taehyun did the honors without knowing. "Beomgyu hyung?"