~Time skip: 1 month~

It was time for the switch. Eric eagerly waited at home after school, his friends playing games with each other.

"Eric, just play a few rounds with us. You won't missed the package."

"I'm fine. Keep playing."

The two sighed, pausing the game. Changmin dragged Eric over to where they sat, placing a controller in his hand.

"Play. It's not like you won't hear the door being rung." fussed Changmin.

They weren't going to take no for an answer, so he started playing with them. All thoughts of Kevin left his mind as they cooperated to beat monsters and dungeons.

Mrs. Sohn arrived home just as mail was delivered to their home. She noticed the lack of a package.

"No package?"

"No ma'am. Expecting one?"

"Yes. We usually get a package around this time. Your coworkers would know."

"Didn't see one. Sorry."

She thanked them, heading inside. She smiled softly, watching the boys game together. She'd wait to deliver the bad news to Eric.

Hours passed, Changmin and Haknyeon finally heading home. Eric exhaled before realization set in. He missed the mail. He scrambled to his mother's room, Mrs. Sohn staring wide eyed at her frantic son.

"Did it come?!"

"The package? No sweetie. Maybe he sent it late."

Eric deflated, breaking her heart. There was nothing they could do but wait. Actually...

"Let me call his father." she suggested.

Eric waited patiently as she called.

"Hello, Eric's mom here. Yes, I'm well and you? Wonderful to hear. You see, Eric here's a little worried about the exchange. We didn't receive it as expected. Uh huh. I see. Yes, I understand. I'll tell him that. Thank you. Have a great evening."

Eric looked at her pleadingly.

"He said Kevin was going to take care of it like you usually do. He just provides the box. They had an argument recently so they're not on speaking terms right now."

That was the worst news he could've received. His mom tried cheering him up but it wasn't enough. Kevin was never late with the transfer. This just further proves that... Eric ran to his room, locking himself inside. It was official now. Kevin was ending their ten years of friendship. He shakily opened their chat, sending a message.

Kevin... What was he doing to him? Eric let his tears fall, tossing his phone aside. He didn't know what to do.

•

Eric dragged himself to school, trying and failing to contact Kevin. He wouldn't even read his messages now. He clearly did something wrong so why wouldn't he tell him? Was this his way out of the friendship?

Changmin and Haknyeon shared a look, knowing exactly what the issue was. Kevin. Changmin had half a mind to find Kevin's social and tear into him, but doing so wouldn't make Eric happy.

"What do you think happened now?" questioned Haknyeon.

"Easy. Their friendship is falling apart."

"Huh? How can you tell?"

"Eric looks like the world has ended. I think that says enough of what happened."

They planned to approach him during lunch, knowing he needed them more than ever now.

The bell rang, everyone scurrying off to find friends and eat lunch. Eric stayed put, closing his eyes to sleep. Maybe if he slept he'd wake up back in the real world. The world where he and Kevin were still friends. The sound of moving chairs filled his ears, but he didn't move an inch.

"It's okay to cry, Eric. I know he meant a lot to you. Kevin lost a really great friend." spoke Changmin, placing a hand atop Eric's head. "We will never match up to Kevin, but we have our own best parts too."

"Yeah. Rely on us a little too." Haknyeon added on.

"Thanks..."

They took turns getting lunch, not wanting to leave Eric alone. Eric picked at the food they brought back, appreciating their company. It hurt. It hurt so much, yet seeing them trying so hard to cheer him up... He couldn't just ignore their feelings either. Eric sat up, giving them both a hug.

"I'm really lucky to have friends like you... I'll try to move on at my own pace..." Eric spoke, pulling away from them. "I'll try..."

"Don't force yourself, Eric. It's fine to let yourself hurt for a bit." smiled Changmin. "Just let it out."

And he did.

•

School finished for the day, the friends happily chatting with each other. They invited themselves over to Changmin's, the latter having let it slip his dad was baking today.

"You're both like vultures! Sheesh."

"Then tell your dad not to bake so well." laughed Haknyeon, playful nudging Changmin.

"And you wouldn't deny your sad friend something to cheer him up would you?"

Changmin let out an exasperated sigh, letting his dad know vultures were coming home with him. His dad took it in stride, deciding to bake something additional for them.

"You're both so lucky he's nice."

They cheered, excited to get to Changmin's.

Mrs Sohn checked the mail, still seeing no package. Was Kevin having trouble? Not knowing worried her, more for Eric's sake than her own. They just had to trust Kevin remembered at some point.

•

Eric arrived home, greeting his mother before heading to his room. Strange. He didn't ask about the package. What was going on with those two boys?

Eric flopped onto his bed, scrolling through social media. It was okay to let go. That was what Mr Ju had told him. Even long standing friendship fade over time. It was going to be tough, letting go of all the history. He sat up at the sound of knocking on his door.

"It's open Mom."

Mrs Sohn entered, giving him a gentle smile.

"You didn't ask about the package. Do you know something?"

"I'm... I'm letting it go. I don't need the package anymore."

Her eyes widened, filling with concern. Something was going on that Eric wasn't telling her.

"What's really going on, Eric? You can talk to me." she spoke, sitting by his side.

"We aren't friends anymore."

Her concern gave way to surprise and sadness. So they had a falling out after so long. She quietly hugged Eric close to her, knowing comfort and affection would do more than words. They sat in silence as Eric accepted her comfort.

"I'm sorry, honey. Friends come and go. That's an unfortunate part of life. Your other friends will help you get through it."

"Yeah, I know. They're great." smiled Eric.

Mrs Sohn left to give him space, making a call to Kevin's father.

Eric sighed, hovering over Kevin's contact. Was it wise to delete the number? He left it alone for now, deciding to sleep instead. He had other things to worry about and Kevin would no longer be one of them.