"Mom! Did you pick up a box?"

"Shoot. I knew I forgot something. I can pick one up when I go out later."

"Don't forget this time."

She waved him off, going back to learning her new recipe. Eric headed to his room, flopping down onto the bed. He picked up the aging plushie, looking it over.

"Kevin Moon."

A smile filled with joy and love decorated his face. For years they lived apart, only meeting when their parents arranged them. It all changed one day, something no one could predict happening. His father contracted an incurable illness. He remembered those days vividly. The pain on his father's face as he continued to deteriorate in front of them, his mother's cries of anguish as she asked for someone to help him, not to forget his own actions and emotions during that time.

He got through it with Kevin. The Moons had received word about the situation and it surprised him to learn Kevin was adamant about staying over with him the entire time. His presence was a tremendous help, even if it meant he missed school because of it. Kevin was his rock during those tough days. He even attended the funeral after his father passed.

Kevin had earned a special place in his heart that could never be removed. Maybe he'd send something extra this time around, possibly brightening Kevin's day.

"Eric, I'm heading out. Don't open the door for strangers!"

"I know, Mom! Be safe!"

Eric exhaled, taking out his phone to use. He opened up social media, scrolling through posts. He wanted to see Kevin again. He quietly went to his profile, staring at the latest photo posted. Kevin was posing with friends at a party. One day he'd like to post a picture of them together. They didn't have many photos together as they got older, which was understandable. They were getting busier with their lives. Soon they'd be adults and have even busier schedules.

"Will you forget me, Kevin?" Eric muttered, the words tasting bitter. "I'll always remember you."

•

Mrs. Sohn arrived home, announcing her presence. Eric hurried downstairs, seeing the box.

"You didn't forget it!"

"I know how important this package thing is to you. I'll leave you to it."

Eric took the box upstairs, gathering everything he planned to put in the box. He put in the other items first before placing the seal plush on top. Kevin was going to love the extra stuff. At least he hoped so. He sealed up the box, making sure the postal service could see where it needed to go.

Mrs. Sohn looked up, seeing Eric getting ready to go out.

"Done already? Can't wait to get it to him, can't you?"

"Yep! I'll be back!"

•

Eric laid in bed, looking up at the blank ceiling. He wondered what Kevin was up to. Unlocked his phone, opening up his chat with Kevin

It wasn't like Kevin to not respond. Maybe he was really tired. Eric scrolled through their chat history, the uneasy feeling growing inside of him. He didn't want to acknowledge the truth that was forming before his eyes. Acknowledging it meant confirming it. Yet he couldn't turn a blind eye anymore. Not when it was this glaringly obvious.

"You're tired of me, aren't you Kevin?" whispered Eric, putting his phone on sleep.

•

Eric walked onto school grounds, greeting his friends.

"You look sad. That's unusual for Eric Sohn."

"Is it that obvious, Haknyeon?" questioned Eric.

"It's as obvious as a sign in neon letters. So, what happened? Lost in another video game?"

"I wish. It's just personal stuff."

"Translation: It's not something for your ears." nodded Haknyeon. "Fine. I'll go fetch Chang-"

"NO!"

They looked at each other in surprise. It was rare for Eric to shout. Eric cleared his throat, walking on ahead.

"So not even Min is privy to it either. Is it...?"

Changmin happily waved at Eric who beelined for his seat. Weird. Haknyeon came after, approaching him with concern all over his face.

"Is it-"

"Kevin? Yes."

They sighed heavily, glancing at their friend.

"You know I'm powerless against Kevin." shrugged Changmin. "That dude has him under lock and key."

"Well, I was trying to hope."

They took their seats, often eyeing Eric when they could. He wasn't trying to distract himself so it couldn't be that bad. Still, he was fidgety. The two wrote notes to each other, planning to double team him. It was probably the only way he'd talk.

Lunch time rolled around, Haknyeon and Changmin blocking Eric in.

"What did Kevin do?"

"And don't try to say nothing happened. We know your mannerisms." Haknyeon stated.

"It's not a big deal."

Neither were convinced.

"He started dating someone." guess Changmin.

"No."

Though if Kevin did, Eric would probably look worse for wear. It was obvious Eric had a crush, yet it amazed him Eric didn't seem to know himself. That or he was willingly turning a blind eye to his feelings for whatever reason.

"Then did you argue?"

"No."

Now both were confused. Just what could've happened between them? Eric looked between them, seeing they weren't going to let him go.

"It's nothing to worry about. Kevin is too busy to chat these days."

"That's what has you so fidgety? You know he can't stand to be away from you." snorted Changmin. "You guys will be fine."

They finally let him go, heading off to get lunch. They didn't understand the full extent of what he told them. It wasn't even just Kevin being busy. He... he was losing interest in their friendship. Eric lost his appetite, opting to sleep through the lunch break.

The two were quick to notice Eric's lack of presence. Neither wanted to be the one to bring it up, not wanting to ruin the mood.

"We should bring something back for him, like good friends would."

Haknyeon nodded, putting side food. They quickly finished, hurrying back upstairs to feed Eric. They found him looking outside the window at nothing in particular. Must be Kevin again. Neither understood how or why Eric got so attached to Kevin, but ever since they first met it's been this way.

"We brought you stuff to munch on. At least eat something." Changmin called out, placing the spoils on his desk.

"Why are you so attached to Kevin anyway? It's not like you grew up together." commented Haknyeon. "What's so special about him?"

Haknyeon had already spoken before Changmin could stop him. That was a path one wasn't meant to take. The topic it led to was full of painful memories. Haknyeon looked between them, wondering why the mood had become tense. Did he say something wrong?

"Just eat your lunch, Eric. Let's go, Hak."

"But-"

Changmin forcefully dragged him away, quietly chastising him for his ignorance. Eric picked at the food they left, feeling himself tearing up. He was just as confused as they were. Why was Kevin pulling away? He was too afraid to ask. He didn't want the answer.