New Beginning | Tao vs Chanyeol x Reader

Chapter 17

I rushed off to get the snack for what I was sure was going to be a long endeavor. I wandered through the vending machine, looking for a snack for Tao. I realized exactly what it meant if Tao got the Apprenticeship and Chanyeol got accepted for his application. They would leave. They would be gone for so long.

Was it selfish that my stomach dropped?

Sure, I had just told Chanyeol that a year or two was no big deal. But it really was, especially since my life was no longer measured in four-year chunks.

One or even both, of my best male friends were leaving.

That sucked.

“Oh, come on, stop thinking about yourself! This is what they wants.” I said to myself and I wanted it for them too. I just kinda hoped that someone beat Tao out of the position and Chanyeol didn't get pick. I was probably a terrible person.

My mood was worse when I returned to the dojo courtyard from the vending machine and I sat at the side of the yard to wait for Tao. He arrived a few minutes later, cheeks slightly flushed.

“So what did you end up getting?” he asked me. He plopped down next to me and automatically looped one of his arms around me. It was just so matter of fact, so natural, that for once I didn’t feel my face turn red. Instead, I leaned my head on his shoulder and let myself rest against his side.

“I got some chip that you liked.” I said to him.

“Oh yum! Lemme eat ‘em.” I handed them over and he happily munched away, speaking between mouthfuls of snacks.

“So I figure I’ll warm up first, then do my routine. We should do one straight on shot, then I’ll pick some good angles for close ups. That’s probably all we’ll get through tonight.” he paused and put his index finger at his chin, “but then I can get the footage to my friend so they can edit it.” he finished.

“It certainly is a process, isn’t it?” I said to him.

“Yeah, it definitely is.” he let out a small laugh.

“But like I read once, things that come easily aren’t worthwhile. Worthwhile things don’t come easily” he said.

That sounds like something coach Hana would say. He finished eating and wiped his hands on the grass.

“Alright, are you ready?” he asked me as he tried to stand.

“Of course.” I replied back.

“Great!” he said.

Stood, picking up his duffle bag with one hand, then his other hand grasping mine.

“Then let’s get this taken care of!” he said. My heart was rushing again as he pulled me out into the yard. What was with this boy and his ability to make everything seems so amazing? He certainly was something else. I just hoped I didn’t let him down.

In the end, my job turned out to be easy. I just hit record, pause and made sure the camera didn’t fall over. Tao was the one who set up the tripod, and placed it wherever he thought was best.

But still, I applauded and helped where I could. Watching him was really something else. He was like a dancer, but with more force. A fighter, but with more grace. He was nothing I had ever really seen before. By the time we finished, he was panting and my heart was keeping time to his breaths.

“You know, if I leave, we’re going to need someone to teach the yoga class.” he said. There he was, with the talk of going away again. I suppose I needed to get used to it.

“Hyori would be great. She’s very dedicated.” I suggested.

“Actually, I was thinking you would be the best choice.” he said. Now that I wasn’t prepared for. I gave him a shocked look, but he just laughed. Both of the guys want me to manage their goods.

“Our friends are definitely great, but they’ve got other plans.” he said as he began to listing, “Nana is first and foremost a model. Secondly, Hyori is about to get her black belt and will be assisting with MMA classes. You’re the only one who has both the talent, and the time to dedicate.”

“You really thing I’d be good enough?” I asked him.

....had I found something?

Something that could be a new dream for me? Did I want to instruct yoga? I had never really given it a serious thought. But the idea that my best friend thought I was good enough was certainly nice.

“Of course, I’m probably getting a bit ahead of ourselves. I have to actually get the apprenticeship first” he said.

“Well, like Nana said, there’s no way they won’t pick you. I certainly believe in you.”

I turned away slightly, not wanting him to see my face flush yet again. But instead his arms wrapped around me, and I felt myself gently pulled into a back hug.

“Are you upset?” he whispered to me while resting his head at my shoulder.
“No, of course not. I just...” I hesitated.
“You just what?” he asked me. Once more, I only felt warmth and support in his embrace.What had I done to deserve such a good friend? And did I want him to be more than that?

“It’s just that, not too long ago, my future was a very straight and predictable path. Now.. Now it feels like everything could happen. It’s scary.” I said to him.

“But it’s also exciting, isn’t it? No one wants to know the ending before they start reading.” he said to me.

“I suppose you’re right.” I said almost can’t be heard.

“Besides, the only thing that’s important to me right now in this moment, is that you allow me to walk you home tonight.“

He let go of me and when I turned to face him, he already had his arm offered. “I think that would be the perfect way to end the night.” I replied.

It started to get dark. I looped my arm through his and let him lead me home. He was right. Tomorrow had plenty of worries and things to prepare for. But for tonight, we could just be happy in each other’s company.