Metal

92%

The first thing that comes to Sehun's mind when he wakes up is how much he loves seeing Tao's face basked in pale sunlight at the strike of dawn. Tao's arms are usually wrapped around him and he typically relishes the warmth the other gives off. It's a comfort compared to the painful question of what are we going to do today? that always seems to be probing at his head and trying to knock him back down into the pit of anxiety. Unfortunately, he happens to think this for that is the one thing he does not see this morning and it is the one thing that does not happen. No. Instead, there is an empty space where his other half should be.

The second thing that comes to Sehun's mind when he wakes up is Kyungsoo.

It had been bugging him in his sleep. Someone he's not particularly close to but can still rely on? They need somewhere to stay? Who is he not quite close to?

Kyungsoo. That's who.

Of course, Kyungsoo is the nice boy who Jongin had loved. (Still loves, Sehun corrects himself.) And there, within the lines and letters of the name Do Kyungsoo, is their next refuge.

He's so lost in his own epiphany that he doesn't even notice Tao's muttered profanities until they're right next to his ear. It's a low string of "shit shit shit" and Sehun rolls over with a moan. It's still dark outside.

"What is it?" An arm drags Sehun's body off the bed with a jerk.

"We can't stay here, Sehun. Shit, shit, shit. We can't stay here another night," Tao continues pacing around, his fingers raking through his hair. "Do you know what time it is? We fell asleep, Sehun. We can't stay. We have to go."

Sehun sits up, alarmed, and starts dressing himself. The shock runs through his veins, leaving him unable to speak.

"Did you think of anyone, Sehun?" Tao goes up to him, hands holding onto his shoulders. Tense. "It's extremely last minute."

"Yeah. I did."

Tao nods. "Good." He heads over to his jacket and throws Sehun's cell to him. "Sorry, Hunnie." He gives him a peck on the forehead. "But this is bad. We need to go. Quickly."

Sehun scrolls through his limited contact list until he reaches Kyungsoo's number. It rings only twice before there's a click and a voice on the other side says, "Sehun?" 

He sounds surprised. "Yeah. Hey. Kyungsoo." Sehun looks over to see Tao motioning for him to get up. He stands. "I'm really sorry it's late."

"It's fine. Is there something you need?"

"Yes, actually. My friend and I, we need somewhere to stay. Just for a night."

"Wha- why? Is there something wrong?" Sehun imagines Kyungsoo's eyes widening like a deer in the headlights, eye whites ringing his brown irises.

"It's kinda-- We're kind of desperate. I'm really sorry, but is it okay if we stay with you?"

There's a pause. Every tick of the clock makes Sehun feel more and more anxious.

"Why," Kyungsoo hesitates, "didn't you ask Jongin?"

Because we could be found and killed. "He's... not picking up." Tao's hand is around his wrist again, a familiar feeling, and he's being pulled out of the hotel room, still on the phone.

"Oh." Concern. "I see. Yeah, sure. You can stay. You know my address, right?"

"Yeah. I do. Thank you so much, Kyungsoo. Really. I owe you my life for this."

"What?" The surprise is back in his tone. "Your life?"

Maybe he shouldn't have said that. "I mean, I owe you. A lot."