A House Divided - Changbin Ending

Chapter Twelve

Chapter 12

Spending 14 hours on a plane and two hours of bumper to bumper traffic would be enough to make anyone want to sleep for 24 hours straight. Chris wished he could stop by the hotel and take a nap, even if only for an hour. His jetlagged body pleaded for rest. Instead, he found himself jogging down a sandy pathway through a bright grove of trees. Garment bag in tow, he focused on controlling his stagnant breath as he ran. In through the nose, out through the mouth. He thought. Remembering days when he could dance and sing for hours at a time, he felt mildly ashamed by his lack of stamina. Life as a former idol had been good to him, and good for him. He didn't care that he had lost some muscle and sometimes got winded going up a flight of stairs. He was happy and healthy, both mentally and physically. The time away had allowed him to pursue old and new interests alike.

In the distance he could make out a crisp, white event tent. Seeing his destination come into view was relieving, providing him hope that the running would soon come to an end. Just shy of the entry-way, his phone began dinging wildly. Using it as an excuse to catch his breath, he pulled the screaming device from his pocket to find a slew of loving reminders.

Mo [10:30am]: Did you remember the suit? Chris? Hello?

Mo[10:40am]: Please don't show up to this naked!

Mo [10:41am]: Please do* show up naked. Damn autocorrect, always changing my words.

Mo: [10:44am]: Love you, Roo. See ya soon, naked or not ;)

It had been 5 days since they last saw Mo, and it was safe to say they were both ready to see one another. Before moving on, he sent a selfie of his sweaty face and protruding forehead vein. He thought its exercise-induced appearance would be humorous.

Chris [10:50am]: An old friend came to visit. LOL.

Chris [10:50am]: Love you, and nakedness might upset the bride but can be arranged ;P

Securing the phone back in the pocket of his jeans, he headed into the lavish tent.

Inside everything was abuzz with stylists, last-minute tailors, and over-tasked personnel. He felt under-dressed and out of place amongst all the hip and stylish people. Feeling sure his back sweat and hat hair wouldn't impress anyone, he searched for a place to change clothes. When a cool breeze swept across the site, Chris rejoiced that his perspiration might cease. With the chilling air came a gust of sound, one he would continue to recognize for the rest of his life.

"Yooooh! Hyung!" Sifting through the sea of bodies, Changbin came into view. Half dressed and carrying two icey bottles of beer, he immediately came in for a hug.

"Don't!" Chris Grimaced. "I jogged the entire way here and now I'm smelly and gross."

Ignoring the warning, Bin threw his arms around him. Upon release, he handed over one of the beers and launched straight into his normal antics.

"I can't believe you ran all the way here from California." A cheeky grin spread across his face. Mo must be keeping you in shape." With a wink, he held his bottle up as a salute of sorts, and the two gulped them down. The frosty beverage both refreshed and relaxed the long-time friends.

"So, is the no-pants look what's in style these days?" Chris peered down at the boxers and bare legs of his former bandmate. The only item of his suit that he managed to put on was the white collared shirt and black bowtie.

"He was fully dressed a moment ago," Han Jisung chimed in, "but he kept complaining about being hot." He looked over at Changbin disapprovingly amused. The three stood around, joking around and sharing stories, before being sequestered to get dressed.