First Love | EXO Fanfiction (#Wattys2016)

Chapter 11

Baekhyun kept his promises all the way until his last few tour dates. His calls were fewer and farther between, and sometimes shorter even. He rarely Facetimed Mina, and his texts began to dwindle as well. Six years ago Mina would've told herself he was just busy, but now that she was older she knew something else was a factor, especially when he got back home from the airport after the final tour date for the first leg of the tour.

Melancholy. It was a word Mina would never use to describe Baekhyun, but for the first time today she found herself using it.

He was tense, too focused on his thoughts, and reluctant to share them with her at all. She knew something was very wrong, but she was too scared to ask him why he was so distant and clearly upset.

He left weeks ago with a huge smile on his face. What happened? Mina studied him as he pretended to read a magazine in the chair cattycorner from her. She replayed in her mind their first conversation in person after he returned.

"Hey." She smiled at him as she opened the front door.

"Hey..." He sounded tired. Mina could understand that, but she didn't expect him to abruptly brush by her to enter the apartment. No hug, no kisses, not even a simple I missed you or an I love you. Nothing.

Weird. Maybe he's having a bad morning. She brushed it off as she closed the door and followed him. "How was your flight?"

"Boring," he grumbled as he tossed his work bag on the nearest chair.

She nodded, watching as he kicked his shoes off and sighed. He rubbed the back of his neck before popping it.

He's not going to ask how I've been? She watched him walk away and plop himself on the sofa.

"Are you feeling OK? Can I get you anything?"

"I'm fine. And no." He snuggled into the cushion of the sofa, shutting his eyes and shutting her out as well.

If anything I know that fine means he's not OK. Mina pursed her lips as she studied him. He looks thinner than when I last saw him. And why is he wearing a long sleeve in the summer? He's probably over heated. She sighed. What was he up to?

Something's not right with him. She narrowed her eyes as he flipped a page in the magazine, gluing his eyes to a picture of some model. Her Baekhyun was always spry and playful; where was his spunk?

"Do you need something?" Baekhyun barely looked up at her even though he caught her staring.

She fidgeted in her seat, finding him to be suddenly intimidating. She took in a deep breath before, "It's nothing," fell out of her mouth.

Baekhyun raised an eyebrow but said nothing more as he flipped another page.

Damn it, why did I say that? She let out another sigh, this time making him lift his head from the magazine.

"You obviously have something on your mind. What is it?"

"You're just... quiet... that's all. It's not like you to be so quiet."

He shrugged, his eyebrows suddenly furrowing. "I'm fine. I'm just really tired, Mina."

She narrowed her eyes again, watching as he rubbed his right shoulder and subtly grimaced in pain. Then it hit her. When she was FaceTiming him a few weeks ago she noticed something on his skin in that area. At first she thought it was a round Band-Aid or maybe his team had applied false tattoos for his show, but now she was beginning to think it actually was an injury.

"OK. I'll be quiet and let you rest." She stood to her feet, noticing his eyes did not follow her as usual as she left the room.

What's happened to him? She leaned against their shared bedroom wall and bit her lip. What did they do to him?

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A/N: Hey guys! Here's another surprise update, and even though it's a short one it tells a lot of info. What do you all think is going on? Do you think Mina is overthinking this all ,and Baekhyun is really just exhausted? Discuss if you want!

As always, thank you so much for reading/commenting/voting! It really makes my day to hear from you guys or even when you all vote. I'll see you all next update, and have a lovely weekend!