Please Smile (EXO Fan Fiction)

Chapter Twenty One.

Luhan held me tightly in his arms as we lay together on the grass, stargazing.  We were wrapped in a blanket to protect our skin and health from the chilly weather this evening, but I didn’t feel the cold once the moment his arms were wrapped around my waist.

                I ran my finger over his forearm, where I felt how soft his skin was. “Are you excited for the next two days?”

                Luhan held me a tighter. “I have mixed feelings about it.”

                I nodded, lifting my chin up and gazing at his defined jaw line that was outlined by the moonlight. “You’ve worked for a year for this day to come.  You should be excited.”

                Luhan tilted his head down and I met his shining deer-like eyes, which sparkled a bit sadly. “I’ve been looking forward for this day for such a long time, yes,” he sighed and pressed his cheek against my forehead, “but I didn’t expect to be separated from you for such a long time.”

                I bit my lip and rubbed his arm comfortingly. “We’ll make it work, won’t we?”

                Luhan went stiff underneath me and I frowned.  It didn’t help that I couldn’t read his facial expression by the way his face is against my head. “Of course we will.”

                His voice trembled a bit and I sat up straight, turning around and meeting him face to face. “What’s wrong?”

                Luhan lifted a brow, “Nothing is wrong.”

                I crossed my arms. “I know when something is wrong with you, Luhan.  Tell me.”

                Luhan dropped his gaze and I clenched my hands tightly, feeling irritated. “We only have tonight to be together, and I won’t see you again for a few months, even though—even though—“

                I cut off abruptly, not wanting to say the words aloud.  Luhan lifted his head and our eyes met in a heartbeat.  His were wavering and he had a small frown forming on his face. I saw his lips begin to tremble as he began to speak. “That’s the problem, Hyomin.”

                “Being separated?”

                “That and,” Luhan shifted uncomfortably, “not being here when you need me most, especially since your health is at its worst now when we will begin our promotions.”

                I felt my lips form a soft smile, “You’ll begin your promotions as an officially graduated student.  You don’t have to worry about school, and I won’t be going anywhere anytime soon, I can assure that.”

                “How can you be so sure, Hyomin?” Luhan’s voice cracked and my eyes went wide. “You’ve been sick for well over a year.  I can’t help but worry about you all the time because—because of how weak you’re becoming now.  And now I’ll be China, so many miles away from you.  The worst thing that could happen is that you’ll leave—“

                “Luhan.” I gently cut him off, reaching forward and clasping his hands in mine, “I’ll never leave you.  I’ll wait for you until the day comes.  I will fight all the pain away, and work hard so I don’t leave you.  So from now, please, don’t worry anymore.  Just focus on your future career that will finally come true tomorrow night.”

                Luhan sighed and brought my hands to his lips, kissing my knuckled tenderly. “I don’t want you to suffer because of me.”