Unbreakable [3/4]
Title: Unbreakable
Pairing: Baekhyun/Chanyeol, hint!Kai/Baekhyun
Genre: Angst, Fluff
Word Count: 27k+
Summary: When Baekhyun breaks, everything else does. Or so he thinks.
--
The good things had to come to an end though. After a day or so, Baekhyun ended up with a sprained leg when he fell over one of the cliffs. It wasn’t that bad. It could’ve been worse. But Jongin kept on pestering him about the incident. He knew Baekhyun long enough to say that he isn’t clumsy. If anything, he’s careful. So it doesn’t make any bit of a sense when he heard Baekhyun explain to Jaekyung that he didn’t see the steep slope when he was walking.
Baekhyun, of all people, knows about the lies he created himself and the lies he ought to believe. There was no one with him that time. No one other than Jongup who claimed to have no recollection of the incident until Baekhyun was left screaming for help. The realization dawned on him-that you couldn’t rat even if you wanted to, because no one knows the truth. It will just look like the two of you aref trying to find faults in each other which will eventually lead to your downfalls.
“You’re hiding something from me,” Jongin tells him that night when he offered to help Baekhyun replace the bandage.
“No, I’m not,” Baekhyun winced so Jongin retracted his hand.
“Yes, you are. I don’t believe in your story. There’s something missing. You’re trying to cover someone up,”
“No, I’m not,” Jongin sighed and pressed harder on to Baekhyun’s leg. Baekhyun let out a painful scream and pushed Jongin away. “What are you doing?!”
‘Trying to squeeze the truth out of you,”
“Jerk,” Baekhyun mumbled while caressing his sprained leg, trying to coo it as if it was a baby.
“Are you really not going to tell me?”
“It’s not like there’s something I should tell.”
“Baek-“ Jongin was cut off with Jongup’s presence by the tent entrance. The latter seemed to have avoided any eye contacts while struggling to grab his sleeping bag, avoiding hitting Baekhyun and avoiding touching Jongin. Jongin raised an eyebrow and waited for an explanation. It was until he has successfully thrown all his things outside the tent when Jongup noticed the stares Jongin has been giving him.
“Uh,” Jongup started, glancing at Baekhyun for a mere second and then back to Jongin. “We’re changing tents,”
Jongin almost choked on humid air. “Excuse me?”
“It’s not a big deal, right? I mean, you two are close so…”
“That’s not the point. The point is you decided this on your own. Don’t I have a say in this?”
“Jongin,” Baekhyun called the younger softly, trying to prevent another possible fist fight. There has been enough tension in this camping that they can’t afford to contribute any more.
“Fine,” Jongin sighed then turned to Baekhyun. “No snoring, okay?”
“I don’t snore,” Baekhyun replied with a grin.
“Really? Jongup said you make these weird noises at night.” Jongin teased, pulling Baekhyun’s foot back on his lap to continue wrapping the bandage.
Baekhyun blinked. “So it’s true,”
“What is?”
“Chanyeol told me I make puppy noises when I sleep.” Baekhyun elaborated with a pout.
Jongin glanced up at him and laughed. “Come to think of it, you do look like a puppy,”
“He told me that too,” Baekhyun replied. “I thought he was just teasing me. Do I really look like a puppy?”
Jongin stopped and stared at him, stared at every detail of his face-his long eyelashes, his red lips, his ears and his eyes, at what made him look like a puppy then he resents that Baekhyun is just impossibly adorable, that kind of person who doesn’t know how adorably attractive he is. Baekhyun being simple-minded made Jongin want to take Chanyeol’s place, to know someone who doesn’t need you to be perfect, to love someone who loves you as you are, because that’s just how Baekhyun is, eyes open to all the imperfections of the world but mind open to accept them all. He doesn’t expect a lot but is given a lot.
“You could pass,” Jongin breathed with a soft chuckle. “Seems like Chanyeol tells you everything?”
Baekhyun shrugged. “He’s very vocal. I haven’t told you why exactly he was popular?” Jongin shook his head. “Well, he was a prankster. One of his nicks, aside from Adonis, was the Boss.”
Jongin snorted. “The Boss?”
“He pranks people a lot. Like, a lot. One time, there were these rich kids from our rival school who came to our school because of a 3-day Quiz Bowl we hosted. Those kids were really arrogant and…wore a lot of gel. So, during the day when they were busy training, Chanyeol, along with his friends, sneaked in into their rooms and replaced their shampoo with blue dye and their gel with pink paste.”
“No way!”
“Yes way. Since I was a member of our school’s Quiz team, the next morning when they came to training, they had blue and pink hairs and they tried to cover it up with beanies and hats. They almost got disqualified because of that. They said they weren’t able to tell the shampoo and the dyes apart, which was a huge mistake because some students started saying that if they can’t tell simple things apart, how much more win the Quiz Bowl?” Baekhyun stopped and winced when Jongin’s pressure left his injured ankle, feeling a second of pain until there was nothing. He shifted to a more comfortable position, with Jongin helping him by placing a pillow under his leg, before continuing. “They eventually forfeited because of the humiliation.”
“I can imagine,” Jongin said. “Arrogant and all? Their pride must be higher than all of their WPAs combined.”
“Instant karma,” Baekhyun shrugged and chuckled.
“You miss Chanyeol?”
“So much,” Baekhyun replied in a mere second. “We’ve never been separated like this, not without any communication. It actually surprises me that I managed to stay calm, you know. Maybe because you’re here. I have someone to talk to or talk about Chanyeol or just anything without complaining how talkative I am,”
“People complain you’re talkative?” Jongin asked in disbelief. “You barely even talk,”
Bekhyun grinned. “You don’t know me that well,”
Jongin nodded. “Come to think of it, you do talk a lot. You’re a story-teller. A swimmer and a story-teller, sounds good.” Baekhyun threw a pillow at Jongin. Jongin immediately dodged with his arm. “Maybe you can even talk to the fishes about your love life,”
“Jongin!” Baekhyun threw another one where it crash landed straight into Jongin’s face. “Got ya,”
Jongin laughed until he dropped on his sleeping bag, his hand clutched on his stomach as he tried to forget about the image he imagined of Baekhyun actually talking to the fishes and looking stupid as hell. Because, who the hell would talk to a fish?
“Oy Jongin, that’s enough, it’s not that funny!” Baekhyun pouted angrily.
“Wait-give-give me 10 more minutes,” He murmured before laughing out loud again.
“Fine, then I’ll be back in 10 minutes,” Baekhyun walked out of the tent, shaking his head to hide his giggle. It’s the first time he heard Jongin laugh, actually saw him laugh like that, like he was a kid, like he isn’t Kai, like a free child with wings, ready to fly. It was cute, he admits, that he needed air and space to take it all in. Jongin wouldn’t him to fuss about how cute he was or else he would’ve given him a punch.
He walked slowly to one of the logs they used as a bench, limping slightly, and sat down. He stretched his arms, breathing the cold fresh air around him. It’s been awhile since he’s been this close to nature. The last time he had camping was during the trip he had with his group of friends and Chanyeol’s group of friends near the mountains, the purpose of which was to unwind themselves of the stress caused by the finals. It was really memorable, especially since he got to spend it with Chanyeol and how he saw fireflies in close proximity with him. Chanyeol is someone who would normally spazz about those things but he also knows how Baekhyun is fascinated with everything that involves light.
His train of thoughts was interrupted when a twig broke not a meter away from him. He snapped and turned and saw Jongup standing not too far away from him, his expression not any less than surprised.
“B-Baekhyun,”
Baekhyun was nowhere near confused when he noticed that Jongin was quite intimidated by his presence. “Hey,” Yet he greets him with a smile. A genuine smile. He knows but there was no reason for him to let the world know that he does. Jongup doesn’t reply then again he doesn’t expect him to. “Cold night, isn’t it?” Baekhyun looked up to the sky, straightening his injured leg so it doesn’t stress. Stars remind him of Chanyeol. One of the things Chanyeol loves taking pictures of are the stars, every Thursday night, when they spend time together on the roof because they’re cool like that. Baekhyun chuckles as he realizes again that Chanyeol’s house was probably built for that purpose. They discovered the ladder accidentally when they were looking for the guinea pig for their Chemistry project in high school like how they accidentally met each other in a CD shop 10 months prior when Chanyeol first moved in.
Jongup may not talk but that doesn’t stop him from looking at the latter, smiling and blushing on his own. Then his gaze fell upon the bandage on Baekhyun’s leg. He bit his lip, waiting for it to bleed, so he can feel pain like what he caused to Baekhyun. He sighed heavily and put his hand inside his pocket. “Baekhyun,”
“Hm?” Baekhyun hummed a response, eyes still fixed on the stars.
“I’m sorry,”
It was inevitable at the least.
“I know you know I pushed you down that cliff. I’m sorry I didn’t know what I was thinking.”
“But you know the reason, right?”
Jongup sat beside him slowly. “I guess I was jealous. You know…Jaekyung seem to really pay attention to you.”
“That’s because I’m new.”
“Jaekyung doesn’t give a damn whether you’re a newbie or not.” Jongup shook his head. “Maybe I was just scared. If ever, this will be my first competition after my accident. I never really had the nerves to join any prior to this in fear that my body will fail me, but this time I’m sure. And then you came. And I was worried you’d take my place.”
Baekhyun gaped. “I will never want to take your place.”
Jongup groaned. “Jesus Christ Baekhyun, you’re too good for your own good. I pushed you down that cliff yet you don’t scold me or yell at me or whatever. You have to understand, not all of us here thinks like you or understands you like Jongin and I do. You should try becoming aware of your surroundings more and try to sense danger.”
Baekhyun looked at him and blinked.
“You know what, forget it. An Angel must have raised you.”
Baekhyun smiled at him.
Jongup sighed heavily and pulled his hand out from his pocket, revealing a phone in his hands. “Here,”
“What?”
“Peace offering.”
Baekhyun took the phone and stared at it.
“You want to talk to your lover? I can lend you that phone. The other members use it too. We kind of like…sneaked it in here together.”
Baekhyun lit up and smiled. “It’s okay for me to use it?”
Jongup shrugged. “Yeah…sure. Oh and make sure you use it over there,” He pointed somewhere behind the trees where the moonlight was clear. “Signal’s strong over there,”
“Thank you,”
--
“Thank God you called, I’m so worried.”
“Thank God I found a signal. And thank god someone lent me a phone,” Baekhyun giggled, hoping that his happiness can reach Chanyeol even at the distance. “Sorry for making you worry. We’re going home tomorrow.”
“Eh? I thought you’re going to stay there for a week?”
“Things happened.”
“What things?” Chanyeol asked, ideas already popping in his mind. “Baekhyun.”
Baekhyun bit his lip. No use hiding now. Chanyeol never called him by his first name ever since they became official except when he’s serious. Chanyeol can read him like an open book. “Fist fights and…I injured my leg.”
“What? Are you okay?”
“Yeah, it doesn’t hurt that much now.”
“Are you sure?”
Baekhyun chuckled. “Mine, I’m not dying.”
Chanyeol laughed. “I know I’m just worried you probably can’t stop crying.”
“Ya!”
“What? You are a cry baby. Remember when you-“
“Park Chanyeol!”
“I’m just kidding.” Chanyeol laughed. “How did you injure your leg though?”
“I fell down the cliff.”
“You fell down the cliff? Mine, I can feel you lying. There’s no point lying to me.”
“How do you do that?” Baekhyun pouted.
“I just love you a lot,”
“Eweee!” Baekhyun laughed loudly.
“I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you-“
“Alright alright! Stop! Hahahaha.”
“Now tell me how you fell down that cliff. You and I both know you have 20/20 vision, unlike me.” Chanyeol said and faked a sniff.
“Do you have to know everything?”
“Is that a rhetorical question?”
“Ugh. I hate you. Someone pushed me down.”
“Can’t say I didn’t expect that. Do you know who it was?”
Baekhyun paused, debating whether to tell Chanyeol or not. This was certainly the first time he encountered this dilemma. Normally he wouldn’t have problems telling Chanyeol everything but it was only because it was the right thing to do. Although in this case, telling Chanyeol might be the right thing to do for him but it was unreasonable to say the least. There was no reason for Chanyeol to know and he doesn’t need to. He doesn’t want to be a worrier. Besides, what would he do if he knew?
“No…” Baekhyun replied. “I don’t. I didn’t see the face.”
Chanyeol clicked his tongue. “Too bad. Be careful next time, okay? Don’t let your guard down. It’s quite a competition out there, isn’t it?”
Baekhyun heaved a heavy sigh. “Well, there is a competition coming.”
“Oh, really?”
“Seems to be the most important competition of the year. Annual something something. We’re in a selection period now to select the members of the official team. That’s why there’s too much tension between the members.”
“Knowing you, you’re probably the easiest target. You’re too gullible for your own good.”
“I am not!”
“Yes you are. Don’t try to deny it. Remember when-“
“Okay okay!” Baekhyun threw his head back laughing, accidentally glancing up the night sky. “Hey Mine, there are a lot of stars today.”
“Looking at it,” Chanyeol mumbled. “It feels different up here in the roof without you,”
So, it was Thursday night, their Thursday. “Jeevee’s keeping you company, right?”
“It would be much more appreciated if he wasn’t asleep,” Chanyeol chuckled slightly. “You used to fall asleep in my lap too because you can never stay awake past your bed time,”
“Well, I’m not used to staying up late like you.” Baekhyun pouted. “And Jeevee’s still a baby. He needs sleep.”
“Yeah, you’re right,”
There was an unnerving silence. It wasn’t peculiar because they always have silences like this. When their stories run out, they keep quiet, because they can feel that they have talked enough. So they just keep quiet and feel each other’s presence, trying to remember it and never forget. Yes, their stories may run out but their love and their forever will never run out. That’s for sure.
“I miss you,”
“Me too,”
--
(“Curiouser, curiouser,”
Baekhyun looked up from his book. “Kyungsoo?”
“Oh, sorry. I just saw something you might like,”
Baekhyun nodded and went back to his book.
The sky was dark and so was the library. The students seemed to have noticed the gloomy weather and decided to go home early before the rain pours down but not them. Rain or shine, books serve as their company. While Baekhyun mostly reads novels, Kyungsoo likes general knowledge, history and ancient cultures. The latter seems to be very fond of the past. Baekhyun is not but he likes it when Kyungsoo talks about them.
“Georges de la Tour, a painter,” Kyungsoo started. “Spent most of his time painting religious scenes lit by candlelight,” He turned the book and pushed it to Baekhyun. Baekhyun turned to look and saw pictures of his paintings connected with the same aspect, a lit candlelight. They are beautiful. The lights are very fascinating. “Pretty, aren’t they?”
Baekhyun smiles as Kyungsoo pulls the book back. “That is so just like you,”
Kyungsoo saw Baekhyun’s phone on the table, beside the read books, lit up and sighed. “How long are you going to make Chanyeol wait outside?”
Baekhyun glanced at the benches near the entrance of the library then back to his book. “I didn’t ask him to wait.”
“You never ask a suitor anything because of reasons. But, come on B, he’s been chasing you for what, 2 months?”
“Three.” Baekhyun corrects.
Kyungsoo rolled his eyes. “See? And don’t tell me you’re not already accustomed to his presence because I can see you’re eventually getting comfortable with his way of expressing his love and efforts by walking you home and carrying your books, which are a lot by the way.”
Baekhyun shut his book and sighed. “Who doesn’t like having someone carry your things for you?”
“Look at how dense you are,”
“I’m not dense. You know I’m not good with relationships. I’m just going to expect more and more and eventually he’ll wander away from me because he’ll feel less appreciated. You know how I’m like.” Baekhyun argues. “I’m saving him from a possible heartbreak.” For the both of us.
“I’m pretty sure he knows that.” Kyungsoo smiled. “And I’m sure he knows that he’ll love you more than you will ever love him. He’s probably concerned about the opposite, you wandering away from him. Don’t you think being less appreciated is better than not being appreciated at all?”
Baekhyun shuts the book the second time although it was uncalled for. He ended up leaving first, meeting Chanyeol outside who’s wearing a stupid grin on his face, the same time the rain poured down hard. Chanyeol didn’t have an umbrella and Baekhyun kind of expected that. But Chanyeol asked him to wait for a minute, ran back inside the library and after 5-10 minutes arrived back, with an old umbrella on hand, and dusts all over his coat and hair.
Baekhyun laughs then, brushing the dusts off the latter, mumbling something along the words “You didn’t have to rummage through the lost and found boxes.”
Chanyeol disagreed and they leave together, standing close under the umbrella.
And Baekhyun appreciates his efforts.)
The rain drops were soft against his ears as he wakes from his slumber. Baekhyun blinked his eyes to clear his vision and realized it was raining hard again, even though it was sunny for a few days. He straightened up while his eyes are still fixed on the glass window and the water forming lines on it. Jongin was still soundly asleep beside him, his head resting on his shoulders. He pulls his phone out, turned it on after days of being shut off, and found the screen bombarded with 20 messages and counting, mostly from Chanyeol.
He opens Kyungsoo’s message though.
From: Best
Sent: 2:15 PM
B, I shipped your laptop there this morning.
Sorry it took so long, it should be already in your dorm by evening.
P.S. Can you buy me some fruits when you go home? :3
He doesn’t even wonder why his mom didn’t ship it herself because Kyungsoo’s always been the motherly type, always a level higher than him in terms of concern, care and awareness that his own mother doesn’t even fuss over him that much anymore.
He taps on the screen to reply, realizing that it’s been so long since the last time they texted each other. They basically tell everything to each other that they don’t have reasons to text. Jongin moves while he does, mumbling something along the words “It’s so cold” and scooting closer to him.
“It’s raining,” Baekhyun said, putting his phone back on his pocket.
Jongin yawns while sitting up. “What time is it?”
“It’s 4:35,”
Jongin looked around and found half of the team fast asleep. “Wow, the rain is pretty convenient like this,” The weather hurts his leg too. Baekhyun hissed, stretching his leg slowly. “Does it hurt? Sucks having an injury.”
“Just a little.”
“I talked to Jongup…actually, he talked to me.”
“Oh?”
“He told me he pushed you.” Baekhyun paused. “You knew didn’t you?” Baekhyun smiled guiltily. “Aish. You two are so troublesome. If it’s like this, why not tell me? It’s not like I’m a stranger to the both of you.”
“I think your cousin knows very well how you’d react,”
“How did you know we’re cousins?”
Baekhyun shrugged. “Wild guess. You two have odd similarities, anyway.”
“I’m not even going to ask what.” Jongin was obviously not amused. He leans back to sleep again and Baekhyun was left fiddling with his phone.
The idea of calling Chanyeol came up.
He’s never called Chanyeol at this time because normally they’ll be hanging out at his shop but it never hurts to try. It’s not odd that he doesn’t answer after the fifth ring.
“Hello?”
But it’s odd when Kyungsoo does.
“Hello? Who’s calling? Oh-shit.”
Kyungsoo hangs up.
Baekhyun bit his lip and pulled his phone away.
--
They arrive back in school at dinner time, where the sun had just set and the rain had stopped, leaving trails gloom and wetness on the pavements. The air was cold around him as he walks through the hallways to his room, the weight of his bag slowing him down, and of course his injured leg. Jongin volunteered to help him earlier but he doesn’t want him to see his face contorting because of confusion. Other than that, it’s the growing worry inside him after the unexpected phone call. He knew he shouldn’t be thinking about bad things but he can’t help but wonder why on Earth Kyungsoo was there, even more why does he need to answer Chanyeol’s phone?
He shook his head, figuring that talking to himself wouldn’t help him. He arrived outside his shared room and tapped his pockets for his keys. When he opened the door, he saw Sungyeol coming out of the bathroom topless with only a towel covering his below, and he doesn’t eve squeak in surprise. Instead, he dropped his bags beside the door and threw his coat on the computer chair.
“You’re here,” Sungyeol greets. “Your lack of reaction worries me,”
Baekhyun kicked his shoes off slowly and chuckled. “This is not the first time I entered the room with you topless,”
“Yeah, you’re right,” Sungyeol shrugs, eyes fixed on Baekhyun’s injured leg while the latter walks to his bed. “Happened a lot of times before,”
“Every time to be exact,” Baekhyun replied before plopping down to his comfy bed, heaving a heavy sigh of repose.
“I thought you were supposed to be back on Saturday?” Sungyeol asks while rummaging through his drawers for a change of clothes.
“Things happened,”
“Explains your injured leg.” Sungyeol shook his leg. “Curiouser, curiouser,”
Baekhyun sat up. “What did you say?”
Sungyeol turned to him in confusion. “Explains your injured leg?”
“No, after that.”
“Curiouser, curiouser?”
Baekhyun nodded. “Where did you hear that?”
“Oh, it’s a common expression. I often hear Myungsoo say it.”
Baekhyun furrows his eyebrows in confusion. “Myungsoo?” He asks, bending his tongue with the name, as he wonders why such name that sounds so much like Kyungsoo exists.
“Yeah, my best friend,” Sungyeol replied when he finally settled with his old jersey and a pair of khaki shorts. “The guy you always see me with whenever you pass by the gym,”
“Oh,” Something finally clicked. “Your fling,”
“He’s my best friend.”
“Who’s also your fling,”
“Oh drop it,”
Baekhyun let out a small chuckle before lying back on the bed and covered his face with his palms, trying to erase the confusion off his mind. He stills when he felt something drop beside him. He peaked from in between his fingers and saw a small box. He sat up to open it.
“That arrived earlier,” Sungyeol informed.
“My laptop,” Baekhyun smiled.
“I never realized you didn’t have a laptop,”
“That’s because you never look away from your own,”
“Hey!” Sungyeol yelled offended after successfully zipping his jacket. “I talk to you sometimes,”
Baekhyn shook his head and laughed. “Going somewhere?”
“Yeah, dinner with my best friend,” Sungyeol replied, enunciating the italics. His gaze fell down the brunette’s injured leg. “Do you want me to bring home food for you?”
“Eh?” Baekhyun blinked.
“The perks of having an injured leg,” Sungyeol winked and opened the door.
Baekhyun wanted to say he didn’t have to but Sungyeol would just insist. So he let Sungyeol walk out from that door with a small thank you. He’s happy to know that in the darkest of times, there are people who are willing to bring the light.
And he was happier to find the faucet fixed.
--
Two weeks before the competition, he found himself feeling so utterly useless whenever he’s left sitting on the bench because of his leg and would end up watching the others train. The doctor said to wait a few more days before he can go back to swimming. He isn’t sure he can wait that long, especially when something doesn’t feel right, because swimming is the only thing who can calm him. Jongin seemed to have noticed his change of facial expressions in response to something that doesn’t feel right because the latter kept on sending over worried looks. He can’t help it. Last night, he can’t even touch his phone. The only time he did was when it rang at the middle of the night only to find a text message from Chanyeol, apologizing for not calling and asking if he had arrived safely. He didn’t reply, not because he was sleepy, but because he didn’t feel the need to. He called him in the morning though but his mom answered, saying Chanyeol left his phone at home and when he asked where he went and when his mother said at Kyungsoo’s house, he knew his day wouldn’t go so well.
Chanyeol never leaves his phone at home. He’d freak out.
“You alright?”
Baekhyun turned beside him and saw Jongin sitting down, hair and body wet, and towel draped over his shoulders. “Yeah,”
“You don’t look so good,”
“Not really,” Baekhyun shrugged. “My best friend happened to have answered my lover’s phone when I called,” And yes, he was irritated that he had to say it out loud.
Jongin whistled in amusement. “I take it you’re imagining bad things,”
“It’s not something you can avoid,” Baekhyun crossed his arms and pouted.
“Stop overthinking, idiot. The problem starts there. You don’t want to create problems for yourself,”
Baekhyun chuckled. “Look who’s calling me an idiot,”
“Excuse me, I happen to top all my subjects,”
“Ha ha,”
--
As much as he wants to shake off the feeling of anxiety building inside his body, Kyungsoo’s photos on Chanyeol’s Facebook profile doesn’t really help. And they’re not just random photos, they’re photo shoots, and he’s got his own album. Baekhyun’s the only one with a separate album on Chanyeol’s profile. And he can’t help but think that with his absence, Kyungsoo was advancing towards Chanyeol’s life. He logs out and shuts his laptop.
Sungyeol entered, surprised to see him this early. “Back so soon?”
“Ask my leg,”
Sungyeol tsk-ed. “You really didn’t think you can go practice with an injured leg, did you?”
“Well, what else was I supposed to do?”
Sungyeol paused for a moment to think. “Want to grab some snacks?”
Comfort food. Perfect.
Baekhyun nodded and smiled.
--
They go to that same shop Jongin first took him to. Students seem to really like the place. Well, it’s not surprising, the place does have a nostalgic feeling, relieving you from stress. Baekhyun isn’t even sure if he should be stressing about certain things at the moment. Maybe Sungyeol is right. He shouldn’t overthink things. It’s probably nothing. But it’s hard to judge when they’re separated like this, when he can’t even see Chanyeol. How was he supposed to know? The only means of connection they have is their phones, yet he can’t even contact Chanyeol properly.
“Two chocolate sundaes! It’s on the house.”
Baekhyun blinked at Sungyeol. “Huh?”
“A treat from Ms. Nicole,”
Baekhyun turned to the counter and saw Nicole waving at them. “Your friend?”
“Not really. She’s new.”
The shop’s bells rang loudly, indicating that a new customer had graced their presence. Sungyeol turned to see and immediately lit up. “Guys!” He yelled. There were two guys who recognized him. Two impossibly tall guys. Baekhyun stared as they walk over, amazed at how tall they were.
“Hey, whatcha doin’ here? You left early.” One of the guys, the blond one, asked.
“I’m on babysitting duty,” Sungyeol whispered loudly. “Anyway, Baekhyun, this is Kris and this is Junhong,”
Junhong waved cutely at him.
“Kris, Junhong, this is my roommate, Baekhyun,”
“Oh, that’s him?” Kris asked in amusement. “Hey can you stand up?”
Baekhyun blinked in confusion but stood up anyway. He heard the two gasp in unison. “You really are short.”
“I know that. Thank you very much.” Baekhyun sat back slowly.
Kris and Junhong laughed. “Anyway, we’re going to order now. See ya later you two.”
Sungyeol waved them off.
Baekhyun took a spoonful of the sundae, wincing when the cream touched his tongue, but not because of the taste or it was cold, but because his leg started hurting again. Sungyeol noticed and shot a worried look. “You should really get it checked.” Sungyeol said.
“I know. I’m going tomorrow.”
“Ah. That’s right. The Swimming Competition is in two weeks, right?”
Baekhyun nodded.
“Then the official team has been chosen?”
Baekhyun shook his head. “Not yet. Jaekyung said she’ll announce it…tomorrow.”
“So, how is it? Do you feel like you’re going to make it?”
“I hope so but if my leg isn’t completely healed, I think there won’t be any chance.”
“Whaaaat? That’s too bad. I heard you’re really a great swimmer!” Sungyeol said with a cheeky grin. “And I wanted to bring my friends from the basketball team to watch the competition so we can cheer for you.”
“You don’t have to.”
“What? It helps boost your confidence and lessen the other team’s. We’re very good at it.” Judging from the way Sungyeol emphasized the word very and his sarcastic smile, Baekhyun isn’t sure what his definition of good is. “Besides, they like you.”
“They are who?”
“My teammates. They find your height an asset.”
“Uh…” Baekhyun blinked. “Thanks.”
“They said you’re very charming.”
“I see.”
“And I would love to strangle you to death because-come on, can’t you take a hint? Aren’t you supposed to be the smart one?”
“I’m not sure how to respond to that.”
“Alright, if the sundae and the matchmaking hint didn’t work…spill it.”
“Spill what out?”
“You’re my roommate. Of course I can sense that there’s something wrong with your love life. You don’t bawl over an injured leg so it’s something else.”
“I didn’t bawl!” Baekhyun defended.
“Oh yeah? What was that sound last night?” Sungyeol raised an eyebrow as if provoking.
Baekhyun bit his lip and crossed his arms. “Fine. Maybe I did bawl-“
“Ha!”
“But you would do the same if you were in my place!”
“So,” Sungyeol said, softly this time, while leaning on the table. “What exactly happened?”
Baekhyun contemplated for a moment whether to speak out to a random stranger or not but then he realized Sungyeol is not a random stranger. He’s his roommate and his friend. “I don’t know. Chanyeol doesn’t seem to have time for me anymore.”
“Chanyeol? Your lover? The guy you talk to every minute of the day except when you’re in practice?” There was disbelief in his voice that Baekhyun wondered if he was actually that obvious.
“Used to.” Baekhyun admitted sadly. “I can’t call him anymore without praying that he answer it and not his mother. And he seems to be spending a lot of time with Kyungsoo nowadays.”
“Your best friend? What’s wrong with that? Isn’t it normal for things to turn out that way? I mean, your lover getting to know your best friend.”
“It’s not getting to know.” Baekhyun rolled his eyes. “And it’s not normal if he doesn’t tell me anything about it. He never told me he went to Kyungsoo’s house. He doesn’t tell me what he did for the day whenever we talk. It’s like he’s hiding something. Which is probably the case…”
“Hold it,” Sungyeol held a hand up. “What do you mean not getting to know? Aren’t they friends before or...?”
“I wouldn’t say friends. They don’t talk that much. I don’t know. The world just turned out that way. Kyungsoo’s absent when Chanyeol’s around. Chanyeol’s absent when Kyungsoo’s around.” Baekhyun shrugged. “Just like that.”
“Sounds like they’re perfectly fine with each other. I mean, for Kyungsoo to leave you with Chanyeol, for Chanyeol to let Kyungsoo take care of you. It’s because you’re there. And now you’re not. They hold on to something closest to you, which are themselves.” Sungyeol’s words made sense at the same time they don’t. “You should just talk to him, tell him, ask him.”
“I can’t. There’s no point. If he doesn’t want to tell me, then so be it.” Baekhyun sighed deeply. “We never have to ask each other anything. Because we know. Because we tell each other everything.”
“Maybe it’s just something…simple. You know…something that doesn’t concern you?”
“Something that involves my lover and my best friend? What do you mean it doesn’t concern me?”
Sungyeol shook his head. “We’re not getting anywhere.”
Baekhyun groaned.
--
The got back late at night, thanks to Sungyeol’s endless stories and Nicole’s funny comments. They were even the ones who closed the shop. Still, it was one of the best moments of Baekhyun’s life. He was by the doorway when he remembered about the phone he decided to leave on the table. It was ringing when they come in and he hesitated for a bit whether to answer it or not after seeing Chanyeol’s name on the caller I.D. but Sungyeol’s smile eased him a bit. Maybe they’re right. Maybe Jongin’s right. Maybe Sungyeol’s right. Maybe I’m wrong.
He picked up the phone. “Hello?”
“Mine!”
It surprised him that his heart beat fast as soon as he heard Chanyeol’s voice over the phone. He didn’t know he missed his honey-like deep voice so much until now. “I’ve been trying to reach you all afternoon! Mom said you called. I left my phone I’m sorry.”
Baekhyun just listened and imagined the panic on Chanyeol’s face.
“Mine?”
The way Chanyeol would awkwardly fit himself in between their fridge and their drawer because the phone is located on top of the drawer so he doesn’t bother his mother.
“Are you there?”
The way Chanyeol’s face would contort whenever his long limbs would hit the ends of the table.
“Mine…?”
He missed them all.
“Yes.” Baekhyun murmured, his fingers gripping the phone hard, as if it would magically transform into Chanyeol.
“Are you sick? You don’t sound so good.”
“No, I’m fine. Just tired.”
“Okay. You’re not mad are you? I swear I didn’t mean to leave my phone.”
“It’s okay, Mine.”
Baekhyun can feel Chanyeol’s relieved smile. “Thank God. Hey, that day’s coming.”
Baekhyun turned to the calendar hanged beside the corkboard. He smiled. “Yes, that day.”
“And guess what?” Chanyeol asked with his infamous childish tone. “I’m coming there to see you!” Baekhyun swore he would’ve dropped the phone if not for Chanyeol who shrieked when his head hit the concrete. “Aw, being tall sucks. Anyway, mine, did you hear me? I said I’m coming-“
“I heard you,” Baekhyun bit his lip to avoid getting too emotional. “You’re really coming?”
“Of course I am. It’s our special day.” There was warmth on Chanyeol’s voice. The warmth Baekhyun missed the most. “I promised to keep it special.”
Baekhyun mentally slapped himself for ever doubting Chanyeol when he, of all people, knows how much love Chanyeol gave to him, how much care, how much trust. It’s like he gave everything to him and here he is, eating all of it, but not digesting. Chanyeol would never make him sad. Never.
Baekhyun broke down on the floor, both of his hands clenching the phone, as he curls. “Hey Mine, are you crying? Please don’t cry. Mine…”
“I’m not crying,” Baekhyun murmured in between sniffs. “I’m just happy.”
There was a pause.
“I’m glad. I love you,”
“I love you,”
So, so much.
--
“And we’re done!” The doctor announced enthusiastically while doing a last check-up on Baekhyun’s leg. Jongin was leaning on the wall beside the door, watching. Baekhyun stretched his leg slowly, expecting a pain that didn’t come. He smiled widely, an image of him freely swimming under the water flashing on his mind. “There seems to be no problem. If it starts to hurt again, just come back so we can do another check-up, okay?”
Baekhyun nodded at Dr. Singh while swinging his legs back and forth. “Don’t push it too hard. Just let your leg relax.”
“Can I go back to swimming now?”
“Yes but be careful. It may start hurting again.”
“Okay.” Jongin walked over to help Baekhyun stand up. “Thanks doctor!”
“You’re welcome. Watch your step, alright?”
Baekhyun smiled and nodded. When he felt like he can manage to walk on his own, he gave Jongin a reassuring smile and the latter walked back. It felt weird not having that bandage around his leg anymore but was good.
“You seem really happy.” Jongin said as he continued to watch Baekhyun hop on the hallway out of the clinic.
“Of course I am!”
Jongin raised his eyebrows when he saw Baekhyun running outside. He immediately followed and found him standing in front of an ice cream vendor. “You want some?”
“Okay. But we have to get back quickly. Jaekyung’s going to announce the members of the official team.”
Baekhyun smiled and offered him a chocolate-flavored ice cream.
--
“Thank you. Have a nice day!”
Kyungsoo entered the same time the shop’s last customer left, Chanyeol’s greetings fresh in his ears. “You work too hard,” He said while taking a seat, placing a lunch box on the table. “For you,”
Chanyeol walked over to look and recognized the lunch box as Kyungsoo’s favorite container of the meals he cook for Baekhyun. “You didn’t have to,”
Kyungsoo didn’t say anything. He let Chanyeol do his things around the shop, which includes putting the materials back in their places, carefully placing the cameras on the shelves, sweeping slightly and throwing the garbage. The most interesting part was Chanyeol counting his bills which he kept hidden on the shop’s safe. “You really miss him,” He breathed.
“Don’t you?” Chanyeol asked, smiling slightly.
Not to the point of working over-time just to earn enough money for travel expenses in time for Baekhyun’s competition. Kyungsoo finds it unlucky that the date of Baekhyun’s competition lies on the same date as their anniversary. But who was he kidding? Chanyeol would do anything.
You really love him. Kyungsoo smiled back. I’m glad.
--
The pool was quiet when they arrived, no water splashes, no sounds of bare feet slapping the tiles and no Jaekyung yelling. They quietly made their way behind the crowd just in time Jaekyung arrived with a paper on hand. Baekhyun noticed there were other students scattered at the bleachers above them, probably also looking forward to the announcement. It was his first time so he didn’t know it was a big deal. But then again they appeared on various magazines and television shows.
Jaekyung cleared his throat. “Okay, the list is on my hand. Now I want you to remember that all of you are deserving, okay? All of you worked very hard until this day. But some are just born failures so I’m sorry if your name isn’t called.
Jongin rolled his eyes.
“That’s very revealing,” Baekhyn whispered on his ear.
“I know, her coaching style,”
“No, I meant her top,”
Jongin looked back at Jaekyung. Right, she was wearing an oversized polo shirt with two buttons unbuttoned, revealing her cleavage. He crooked his eyebrows at Baekhyun’s comments but shrug it off.
“I’m going to announce the members now,” Jaekyung started. “Kim Jongin,”
Baekhyun leaped happily. “Jongin!”
Jongin smiled at him.
“Jongup,”
Baekhyun clapped happily and gave Jongup, who was sitting across them, thumbs-up when he turned around. The rest of the names came as a blur since he barely knew some of them. Until he heard his name amidst the noises of the members congratulating each other. He couldn’t believe it.
“Baekhyun, you got in!” Jongin yelled beside him.
Baekhyun jumped up and hugged Jongin in joy, his lips stuck on a big smile.
--
Chanyeol stared at Baekhyun’s picture beside the PC he uses to edit the photos and imagined what it would be like to see his face again, to see his smile again, to be able to hold him again. Two months went by so fast but time moves slow for two longing hearts.
--
Jongup grabbed Baekhyun and ruffled his hair. Baekhyun giggled happily. “Ya! Stop!”
Then Jongin grabbed him again and pointed somewhere at the bleachers. He saw Sungyeol with both of his hands raised high, with two thumbs-up, and smiling widely at him. Beside him were his teammates who were also clapping along with the crowd.
Chanyeol.
--
Baekhyun.
--
If you can see me now…
--
If I can see you now…
--
You’ll be happy.
--
I’ll be happy.
[Part 4]
Pairing: Baekhyun/Chanyeol, hint!Kai/Baekhyun
Genre: Angst, Fluff
Word Count: 27k+
Summary: When Baekhyun breaks, everything else does. Or so he thinks.
--
The good things had to come to an end though. After a day or so, Baekhyun ended up with a sprained leg when he fell over one of the cliffs. It wasn’t that bad. It could’ve been worse. But Jongin kept on pestering him about the incident. He knew Baekhyun long enough to say that he isn’t clumsy. If anything, he’s careful. So it doesn’t make any bit of a sense when he heard Baekhyun explain to Jaekyung that he didn’t see the steep slope when he was walking.
Baekhyun, of all people, knows about the lies he created himself and the lies he ought to believe. There was no one with him that time. No one other than Jongup who claimed to have no recollection of the incident until Baekhyun was left screaming for help. The realization dawned on him-that you couldn’t rat even if you wanted to, because no one knows the truth. It will just look like the two of you aref trying to find faults in each other which will eventually lead to your downfalls.
“You’re hiding something from me,” Jongin tells him that night when he offered to help Baekhyun replace the bandage.
“No, I’m not,” Baekhyun winced so Jongin retracted his hand.
“Yes, you are. I don’t believe in your story. There’s something missing. You’re trying to cover someone up,”
“No, I’m not,” Jongin sighed and pressed harder on to Baekhyun’s leg. Baekhyun let out a painful scream and pushed Jongin away. “What are you doing?!”
‘Trying to squeeze the truth out of you,”
“Jerk,” Baekhyun mumbled while caressing his sprained leg, trying to coo it as if it was a baby.
“Are you really not going to tell me?”
“It’s not like there’s something I should tell.”
“Baek-“ Jongin was cut off with Jongup’s presence by the tent entrance. The latter seemed to have avoided any eye contacts while struggling to grab his sleeping bag, avoiding hitting Baekhyun and avoiding touching Jongin. Jongin raised an eyebrow and waited for an explanation. It was until he has successfully thrown all his things outside the tent when Jongup noticed the stares Jongin has been giving him.
“Uh,” Jongup started, glancing at Baekhyun for a mere second and then back to Jongin. “We’re changing tents,”
Jongin almost choked on humid air. “Excuse me?”
“It’s not a big deal, right? I mean, you two are close so…”
“That’s not the point. The point is you decided this on your own. Don’t I have a say in this?”
“Jongin,” Baekhyun called the younger softly, trying to prevent another possible fist fight. There has been enough tension in this camping that they can’t afford to contribute any more.
“Fine,” Jongin sighed then turned to Baekhyun. “No snoring, okay?”
“I don’t snore,” Baekhyun replied with a grin.
“Really? Jongup said you make these weird noises at night.” Jongin teased, pulling Baekhyun’s foot back on his lap to continue wrapping the bandage.
Baekhyun blinked. “So it’s true,”
“What is?”
“Chanyeol told me I make puppy noises when I sleep.” Baekhyun elaborated with a pout.
Jongin glanced up at him and laughed. “Come to think of it, you do look like a puppy,”
“He told me that too,” Baekhyun replied. “I thought he was just teasing me. Do I really look like a puppy?”
Jongin stopped and stared at him, stared at every detail of his face-his long eyelashes, his red lips, his ears and his eyes, at what made him look like a puppy then he resents that Baekhyun is just impossibly adorable, that kind of person who doesn’t know how adorably attractive he is. Baekhyun being simple-minded made Jongin want to take Chanyeol’s place, to know someone who doesn’t need you to be perfect, to love someone who loves you as you are, because that’s just how Baekhyun is, eyes open to all the imperfections of the world but mind open to accept them all. He doesn’t expect a lot but is given a lot.
“You could pass,” Jongin breathed with a soft chuckle. “Seems like Chanyeol tells you everything?”
Baekhyun shrugged. “He’s very vocal. I haven’t told you why exactly he was popular?” Jongin shook his head. “Well, he was a prankster. One of his nicks, aside from Adonis, was the Boss.”
Jongin snorted. “The Boss?”
“He pranks people a lot. Like, a lot. One time, there were these rich kids from our rival school who came to our school because of a 3-day Quiz Bowl we hosted. Those kids were really arrogant and…wore a lot of gel. So, during the day when they were busy training, Chanyeol, along with his friends, sneaked in into their rooms and replaced their shampoo with blue dye and their gel with pink paste.”
“No way!”
“Yes way. Since I was a member of our school’s Quiz team, the next morning when they came to training, they had blue and pink hairs and they tried to cover it up with beanies and hats. They almost got disqualified because of that. They said they weren’t able to tell the shampoo and the dyes apart, which was a huge mistake because some students started saying that if they can’t tell simple things apart, how much more win the Quiz Bowl?” Baekhyun stopped and winced when Jongin’s pressure left his injured ankle, feeling a second of pain until there was nothing. He shifted to a more comfortable position, with Jongin helping him by placing a pillow under his leg, before continuing. “They eventually forfeited because of the humiliation.”
“I can imagine,” Jongin said. “Arrogant and all? Their pride must be higher than all of their WPAs combined.”
“Instant karma,” Baekhyun shrugged and chuckled.
“You miss Chanyeol?”
“So much,” Baekhyun replied in a mere second. “We’ve never been separated like this, not without any communication. It actually surprises me that I managed to stay calm, you know. Maybe because you’re here. I have someone to talk to or talk about Chanyeol or just anything without complaining how talkative I am,”
“People complain you’re talkative?” Jongin asked in disbelief. “You barely even talk,”
Bekhyun grinned. “You don’t know me that well,”
Jongin nodded. “Come to think of it, you do talk a lot. You’re a story-teller. A swimmer and a story-teller, sounds good.” Baekhyun threw a pillow at Jongin. Jongin immediately dodged with his arm. “Maybe you can even talk to the fishes about your love life,”
“Jongin!” Baekhyun threw another one where it crash landed straight into Jongin’s face. “Got ya,”
Jongin laughed until he dropped on his sleeping bag, his hand clutched on his stomach as he tried to forget about the image he imagined of Baekhyun actually talking to the fishes and looking stupid as hell. Because, who the hell would talk to a fish?
“Oy Jongin, that’s enough, it’s not that funny!” Baekhyun pouted angrily.
“Wait-give-give me 10 more minutes,” He murmured before laughing out loud again.
“Fine, then I’ll be back in 10 minutes,” Baekhyun walked out of the tent, shaking his head to hide his giggle. It’s the first time he heard Jongin laugh, actually saw him laugh like that, like he was a kid, like he isn’t Kai, like a free child with wings, ready to fly. It was cute, he admits, that he needed air and space to take it all in. Jongin wouldn’t him to fuss about how cute he was or else he would’ve given him a punch.
He walked slowly to one of the logs they used as a bench, limping slightly, and sat down. He stretched his arms, breathing the cold fresh air around him. It’s been awhile since he’s been this close to nature. The last time he had camping was during the trip he had with his group of friends and Chanyeol’s group of friends near the mountains, the purpose of which was to unwind themselves of the stress caused by the finals. It was really memorable, especially since he got to spend it with Chanyeol and how he saw fireflies in close proximity with him. Chanyeol is someone who would normally spazz about those things but he also knows how Baekhyun is fascinated with everything that involves light.
His train of thoughts was interrupted when a twig broke not a meter away from him. He snapped and turned and saw Jongup standing not too far away from him, his expression not any less than surprised.
“B-Baekhyun,”
Baekhyun was nowhere near confused when he noticed that Jongin was quite intimidated by his presence. “Hey,” Yet he greets him with a smile. A genuine smile. He knows but there was no reason for him to let the world know that he does. Jongup doesn’t reply then again he doesn’t expect him to. “Cold night, isn’t it?” Baekhyun looked up to the sky, straightening his injured leg so it doesn’t stress. Stars remind him of Chanyeol. One of the things Chanyeol loves taking pictures of are the stars, every Thursday night, when they spend time together on the roof because they’re cool like that. Baekhyun chuckles as he realizes again that Chanyeol’s house was probably built for that purpose. They discovered the ladder accidentally when they were looking for the guinea pig for their Chemistry project in high school like how they accidentally met each other in a CD shop 10 months prior when Chanyeol first moved in.
Jongup may not talk but that doesn’t stop him from looking at the latter, smiling and blushing on his own. Then his gaze fell upon the bandage on Baekhyun’s leg. He bit his lip, waiting for it to bleed, so he can feel pain like what he caused to Baekhyun. He sighed heavily and put his hand inside his pocket. “Baekhyun,”
“Hm?” Baekhyun hummed a response, eyes still fixed on the stars.
“I’m sorry,”
It was inevitable at the least.
“I know you know I pushed you down that cliff. I’m sorry I didn’t know what I was thinking.”
“But you know the reason, right?”
Jongup sat beside him slowly. “I guess I was jealous. You know…Jaekyung seem to really pay attention to you.”
“That’s because I’m new.”
“Jaekyung doesn’t give a damn whether you’re a newbie or not.” Jongup shook his head. “Maybe I was just scared. If ever, this will be my first competition after my accident. I never really had the nerves to join any prior to this in fear that my body will fail me, but this time I’m sure. And then you came. And I was worried you’d take my place.”
Baekhyun gaped. “I will never want to take your place.”
Jongup groaned. “Jesus Christ Baekhyun, you’re too good for your own good. I pushed you down that cliff yet you don’t scold me or yell at me or whatever. You have to understand, not all of us here thinks like you or understands you like Jongin and I do. You should try becoming aware of your surroundings more and try to sense danger.”
Baekhyun looked at him and blinked.
“You know what, forget it. An Angel must have raised you.”
Baekhyun smiled at him.
Jongup sighed heavily and pulled his hand out from his pocket, revealing a phone in his hands. “Here,”
“What?”
“Peace offering.”
Baekhyun took the phone and stared at it.
“You want to talk to your lover? I can lend you that phone. The other members use it too. We kind of like…sneaked it in here together.”
Baekhyun lit up and smiled. “It’s okay for me to use it?”
Jongup shrugged. “Yeah…sure. Oh and make sure you use it over there,” He pointed somewhere behind the trees where the moonlight was clear. “Signal’s strong over there,”
“Thank you,”
--
“Thank God you called, I’m so worried.”
“Thank God I found a signal. And thank god someone lent me a phone,” Baekhyun giggled, hoping that his happiness can reach Chanyeol even at the distance. “Sorry for making you worry. We’re going home tomorrow.”
“Eh? I thought you’re going to stay there for a week?”
“Things happened.”
“What things?” Chanyeol asked, ideas already popping in his mind. “Baekhyun.”
Baekhyun bit his lip. No use hiding now. Chanyeol never called him by his first name ever since they became official except when he’s serious. Chanyeol can read him like an open book. “Fist fights and…I injured my leg.”
“What? Are you okay?”
“Yeah, it doesn’t hurt that much now.”
“Are you sure?”
Baekhyun chuckled. “Mine, I’m not dying.”
Chanyeol laughed. “I know I’m just worried you probably can’t stop crying.”
“Ya!”
“What? You are a cry baby. Remember when you-“
“Park Chanyeol!”
“I’m just kidding.” Chanyeol laughed. “How did you injure your leg though?”
“I fell down the cliff.”
“You fell down the cliff? Mine, I can feel you lying. There’s no point lying to me.”
“How do you do that?” Baekhyun pouted.
“I just love you a lot,”
“Eweee!” Baekhyun laughed loudly.
“I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you-“
“Alright alright! Stop! Hahahaha.”
“Now tell me how you fell down that cliff. You and I both know you have 20/20 vision, unlike me.” Chanyeol said and faked a sniff.
“Do you have to know everything?”
“Is that a rhetorical question?”
“Ugh. I hate you. Someone pushed me down.”
“Can’t say I didn’t expect that. Do you know who it was?”
Baekhyun paused, debating whether to tell Chanyeol or not. This was certainly the first time he encountered this dilemma. Normally he wouldn’t have problems telling Chanyeol everything but it was only because it was the right thing to do. Although in this case, telling Chanyeol might be the right thing to do for him but it was unreasonable to say the least. There was no reason for Chanyeol to know and he doesn’t need to. He doesn’t want to be a worrier. Besides, what would he do if he knew?
“No…” Baekhyun replied. “I don’t. I didn’t see the face.”
Chanyeol clicked his tongue. “Too bad. Be careful next time, okay? Don’t let your guard down. It’s quite a competition out there, isn’t it?”
Baekhyun heaved a heavy sigh. “Well, there is a competition coming.”
“Oh, really?”
“Seems to be the most important competition of the year. Annual something something. We’re in a selection period now to select the members of the official team. That’s why there’s too much tension between the members.”
“Knowing you, you’re probably the easiest target. You’re too gullible for your own good.”
“I am not!”
“Yes you are. Don’t try to deny it. Remember when-“
“Okay okay!” Baekhyun threw his head back laughing, accidentally glancing up the night sky. “Hey Mine, there are a lot of stars today.”
“Looking at it,” Chanyeol mumbled. “It feels different up here in the roof without you,”
So, it was Thursday night, their Thursday. “Jeevee’s keeping you company, right?”
“It would be much more appreciated if he wasn’t asleep,” Chanyeol chuckled slightly. “You used to fall asleep in my lap too because you can never stay awake past your bed time,”
“Well, I’m not used to staying up late like you.” Baekhyun pouted. “And Jeevee’s still a baby. He needs sleep.”
“Yeah, you’re right,”
There was an unnerving silence. It wasn’t peculiar because they always have silences like this. When their stories run out, they keep quiet, because they can feel that they have talked enough. So they just keep quiet and feel each other’s presence, trying to remember it and never forget. Yes, their stories may run out but their love and their forever will never run out. That’s for sure.
“I miss you,”
“Me too,”
--
(“Curiouser, curiouser,”
Baekhyun looked up from his book. “Kyungsoo?”
“Oh, sorry. I just saw something you might like,”
Baekhyun nodded and went back to his book.
The sky was dark and so was the library. The students seemed to have noticed the gloomy weather and decided to go home early before the rain pours down but not them. Rain or shine, books serve as their company. While Baekhyun mostly reads novels, Kyungsoo likes general knowledge, history and ancient cultures. The latter seems to be very fond of the past. Baekhyun is not but he likes it when Kyungsoo talks about them.
“Georges de la Tour, a painter,” Kyungsoo started. “Spent most of his time painting religious scenes lit by candlelight,” He turned the book and pushed it to Baekhyun. Baekhyun turned to look and saw pictures of his paintings connected with the same aspect, a lit candlelight. They are beautiful. The lights are very fascinating. “Pretty, aren’t they?”
Baekhyun smiles as Kyungsoo pulls the book back. “That is so just like you,”
Kyungsoo saw Baekhyun’s phone on the table, beside the read books, lit up and sighed. “How long are you going to make Chanyeol wait outside?”
Baekhyun glanced at the benches near the entrance of the library then back to his book. “I didn’t ask him to wait.”
“You never ask a suitor anything because of reasons. But, come on B, he’s been chasing you for what, 2 months?”
“Three.” Baekhyun corrects.
Kyungsoo rolled his eyes. “See? And don’t tell me you’re not already accustomed to his presence because I can see you’re eventually getting comfortable with his way of expressing his love and efforts by walking you home and carrying your books, which are a lot by the way.”
Baekhyun shut his book and sighed. “Who doesn’t like having someone carry your things for you?”
“Look at how dense you are,”
“I’m not dense. You know I’m not good with relationships. I’m just going to expect more and more and eventually he’ll wander away from me because he’ll feel less appreciated. You know how I’m like.” Baekhyun argues. “I’m saving him from a possible heartbreak.” For the both of us.
“I’m pretty sure he knows that.” Kyungsoo smiled. “And I’m sure he knows that he’ll love you more than you will ever love him. He’s probably concerned about the opposite, you wandering away from him. Don’t you think being less appreciated is better than not being appreciated at all?”
Baekhyun shuts the book the second time although it was uncalled for. He ended up leaving first, meeting Chanyeol outside who’s wearing a stupid grin on his face, the same time the rain poured down hard. Chanyeol didn’t have an umbrella and Baekhyun kind of expected that. But Chanyeol asked him to wait for a minute, ran back inside the library and after 5-10 minutes arrived back, with an old umbrella on hand, and dusts all over his coat and hair.
Baekhyun laughs then, brushing the dusts off the latter, mumbling something along the words “You didn’t have to rummage through the lost and found boxes.”
Chanyeol disagreed and they leave together, standing close under the umbrella.
And Baekhyun appreciates his efforts.)
The rain drops were soft against his ears as he wakes from his slumber. Baekhyun blinked his eyes to clear his vision and realized it was raining hard again, even though it was sunny for a few days. He straightened up while his eyes are still fixed on the glass window and the water forming lines on it. Jongin was still soundly asleep beside him, his head resting on his shoulders. He pulls his phone out, turned it on after days of being shut off, and found the screen bombarded with 20 messages and counting, mostly from Chanyeol.
He opens Kyungsoo’s message though.
From: Best
Sent: 2:15 PM
B, I shipped your laptop there this morning.
Sorry it took so long, it should be already in your dorm by evening.
P.S. Can you buy me some fruits when you go home? :3
He doesn’t even wonder why his mom didn’t ship it herself because Kyungsoo’s always been the motherly type, always a level higher than him in terms of concern, care and awareness that his own mother doesn’t even fuss over him that much anymore.
He taps on the screen to reply, realizing that it’s been so long since the last time they texted each other. They basically tell everything to each other that they don’t have reasons to text. Jongin moves while he does, mumbling something along the words “It’s so cold” and scooting closer to him.
“It’s raining,” Baekhyun said, putting his phone back on his pocket.
Jongin yawns while sitting up. “What time is it?”
“It’s 4:35,”
Jongin looked around and found half of the team fast asleep. “Wow, the rain is pretty convenient like this,” The weather hurts his leg too. Baekhyun hissed, stretching his leg slowly. “Does it hurt? Sucks having an injury.”
“Just a little.”
“I talked to Jongup…actually, he talked to me.”
“Oh?”
“He told me he pushed you.” Baekhyun paused. “You knew didn’t you?” Baekhyun smiled guiltily. “Aish. You two are so troublesome. If it’s like this, why not tell me? It’s not like I’m a stranger to the both of you.”
“I think your cousin knows very well how you’d react,”
“How did you know we’re cousins?”
Baekhyun shrugged. “Wild guess. You two have odd similarities, anyway.”
“I’m not even going to ask what.” Jongin was obviously not amused. He leans back to sleep again and Baekhyun was left fiddling with his phone.
The idea of calling Chanyeol came up.
He’s never called Chanyeol at this time because normally they’ll be hanging out at his shop but it never hurts to try. It’s not odd that he doesn’t answer after the fifth ring.
“Hello?”
But it’s odd when Kyungsoo does.
“Hello? Who’s calling? Oh-shit.”
Kyungsoo hangs up.
Baekhyun bit his lip and pulled his phone away.
--
They arrive back in school at dinner time, where the sun had just set and the rain had stopped, leaving trails gloom and wetness on the pavements. The air was cold around him as he walks through the hallways to his room, the weight of his bag slowing him down, and of course his injured leg. Jongin volunteered to help him earlier but he doesn’t want him to see his face contorting because of confusion. Other than that, it’s the growing worry inside him after the unexpected phone call. He knew he shouldn’t be thinking about bad things but he can’t help but wonder why on Earth Kyungsoo was there, even more why does he need to answer Chanyeol’s phone?
He shook his head, figuring that talking to himself wouldn’t help him. He arrived outside his shared room and tapped his pockets for his keys. When he opened the door, he saw Sungyeol coming out of the bathroom topless with only a towel covering his below, and he doesn’t eve squeak in surprise. Instead, he dropped his bags beside the door and threw his coat on the computer chair.
“You’re here,” Sungyeol greets. “Your lack of reaction worries me,”
Baekhyun kicked his shoes off slowly and chuckled. “This is not the first time I entered the room with you topless,”
“Yeah, you’re right,” Sungyeol shrugs, eyes fixed on Baekhyun’s injured leg while the latter walks to his bed. “Happened a lot of times before,”
“Every time to be exact,” Baekhyun replied before plopping down to his comfy bed, heaving a heavy sigh of repose.
“I thought you were supposed to be back on Saturday?” Sungyeol asks while rummaging through his drawers for a change of clothes.
“Things happened,”
“Explains your injured leg.” Sungyeol shook his leg. “Curiouser, curiouser,”
Baekhyun sat up. “What did you say?”
Sungyeol turned to him in confusion. “Explains your injured leg?”
“No, after that.”
“Curiouser, curiouser?”
Baekhyun nodded. “Where did you hear that?”
“Oh, it’s a common expression. I often hear Myungsoo say it.”
Baekhyun furrows his eyebrows in confusion. “Myungsoo?” He asks, bending his tongue with the name, as he wonders why such name that sounds so much like Kyungsoo exists.
“Yeah, my best friend,” Sungyeol replied when he finally settled with his old jersey and a pair of khaki shorts. “The guy you always see me with whenever you pass by the gym,”
“Oh,” Something finally clicked. “Your fling,”
“He’s my best friend.”
“Who’s also your fling,”
“Oh drop it,”
Baekhyun let out a small chuckle before lying back on the bed and covered his face with his palms, trying to erase the confusion off his mind. He stills when he felt something drop beside him. He peaked from in between his fingers and saw a small box. He sat up to open it.
“That arrived earlier,” Sungyeol informed.
“My laptop,” Baekhyun smiled.
“I never realized you didn’t have a laptop,”
“That’s because you never look away from your own,”
“Hey!” Sungyeol yelled offended after successfully zipping his jacket. “I talk to you sometimes,”
Baekhyn shook his head and laughed. “Going somewhere?”
“Yeah, dinner with my best friend,” Sungyeol replied, enunciating the italics. His gaze fell down the brunette’s injured leg. “Do you want me to bring home food for you?”
“Eh?” Baekhyun blinked.
“The perks of having an injured leg,” Sungyeol winked and opened the door.
Baekhyun wanted to say he didn’t have to but Sungyeol would just insist. So he let Sungyeol walk out from that door with a small thank you. He’s happy to know that in the darkest of times, there are people who are willing to bring the light.
And he was happier to find the faucet fixed.
--
Two weeks before the competition, he found himself feeling so utterly useless whenever he’s left sitting on the bench because of his leg and would end up watching the others train. The doctor said to wait a few more days before he can go back to swimming. He isn’t sure he can wait that long, especially when something doesn’t feel right, because swimming is the only thing who can calm him. Jongin seemed to have noticed his change of facial expressions in response to something that doesn’t feel right because the latter kept on sending over worried looks. He can’t help it. Last night, he can’t even touch his phone. The only time he did was when it rang at the middle of the night only to find a text message from Chanyeol, apologizing for not calling and asking if he had arrived safely. He didn’t reply, not because he was sleepy, but because he didn’t feel the need to. He called him in the morning though but his mom answered, saying Chanyeol left his phone at home and when he asked where he went and when his mother said at Kyungsoo’s house, he knew his day wouldn’t go so well.
Chanyeol never leaves his phone at home. He’d freak out.
“You alright?”
Baekhyun turned beside him and saw Jongin sitting down, hair and body wet, and towel draped over his shoulders. “Yeah,”
“You don’t look so good,”
“Not really,” Baekhyun shrugged. “My best friend happened to have answered my lover’s phone when I called,” And yes, he was irritated that he had to say it out loud.
Jongin whistled in amusement. “I take it you’re imagining bad things,”
“It’s not something you can avoid,” Baekhyun crossed his arms and pouted.
“Stop overthinking, idiot. The problem starts there. You don’t want to create problems for yourself,”
Baekhyun chuckled. “Look who’s calling me an idiot,”
“Excuse me, I happen to top all my subjects,”
“Ha ha,”
--
As much as he wants to shake off the feeling of anxiety building inside his body, Kyungsoo’s photos on Chanyeol’s Facebook profile doesn’t really help. And they’re not just random photos, they’re photo shoots, and he’s got his own album. Baekhyun’s the only one with a separate album on Chanyeol’s profile. And he can’t help but think that with his absence, Kyungsoo was advancing towards Chanyeol’s life. He logs out and shuts his laptop.
Sungyeol entered, surprised to see him this early. “Back so soon?”
“Ask my leg,”
Sungyeol tsk-ed. “You really didn’t think you can go practice with an injured leg, did you?”
“Well, what else was I supposed to do?”
Sungyeol paused for a moment to think. “Want to grab some snacks?”
Comfort food. Perfect.
Baekhyun nodded and smiled.
--
They go to that same shop Jongin first took him to. Students seem to really like the place. Well, it’s not surprising, the place does have a nostalgic feeling, relieving you from stress. Baekhyun isn’t even sure if he should be stressing about certain things at the moment. Maybe Sungyeol is right. He shouldn’t overthink things. It’s probably nothing. But it’s hard to judge when they’re separated like this, when he can’t even see Chanyeol. How was he supposed to know? The only means of connection they have is their phones, yet he can’t even contact Chanyeol properly.
“Two chocolate sundaes! It’s on the house.”
Baekhyun blinked at Sungyeol. “Huh?”
“A treat from Ms. Nicole,”
Baekhyun turned to the counter and saw Nicole waving at them. “Your friend?”
“Not really. She’s new.”
The shop’s bells rang loudly, indicating that a new customer had graced their presence. Sungyeol turned to see and immediately lit up. “Guys!” He yelled. There were two guys who recognized him. Two impossibly tall guys. Baekhyun stared as they walk over, amazed at how tall they were.
“Hey, whatcha doin’ here? You left early.” One of the guys, the blond one, asked.
“I’m on babysitting duty,” Sungyeol whispered loudly. “Anyway, Baekhyun, this is Kris and this is Junhong,”
Junhong waved cutely at him.
“Kris, Junhong, this is my roommate, Baekhyun,”
“Oh, that’s him?” Kris asked in amusement. “Hey can you stand up?”
Baekhyun blinked in confusion but stood up anyway. He heard the two gasp in unison. “You really are short.”
“I know that. Thank you very much.” Baekhyun sat back slowly.
Kris and Junhong laughed. “Anyway, we’re going to order now. See ya later you two.”
Sungyeol waved them off.
Baekhyun took a spoonful of the sundae, wincing when the cream touched his tongue, but not because of the taste or it was cold, but because his leg started hurting again. Sungyeol noticed and shot a worried look. “You should really get it checked.” Sungyeol said.
“I know. I’m going tomorrow.”
“Ah. That’s right. The Swimming Competition is in two weeks, right?”
Baekhyun nodded.
“Then the official team has been chosen?”
Baekhyun shook his head. “Not yet. Jaekyung said she’ll announce it…tomorrow.”
“So, how is it? Do you feel like you’re going to make it?”
“I hope so but if my leg isn’t completely healed, I think there won’t be any chance.”
“Whaaaat? That’s too bad. I heard you’re really a great swimmer!” Sungyeol said with a cheeky grin. “And I wanted to bring my friends from the basketball team to watch the competition so we can cheer for you.”
“You don’t have to.”
“What? It helps boost your confidence and lessen the other team’s. We’re very good at it.” Judging from the way Sungyeol emphasized the word very and his sarcastic smile, Baekhyun isn’t sure what his definition of good is. “Besides, they like you.”
“They are who?”
“My teammates. They find your height an asset.”
“Uh…” Baekhyun blinked. “Thanks.”
“They said you’re very charming.”
“I see.”
“And I would love to strangle you to death because-come on, can’t you take a hint? Aren’t you supposed to be the smart one?”
“I’m not sure how to respond to that.”
“Alright, if the sundae and the matchmaking hint didn’t work…spill it.”
“Spill what out?”
“You’re my roommate. Of course I can sense that there’s something wrong with your love life. You don’t bawl over an injured leg so it’s something else.”
“I didn’t bawl!” Baekhyun defended.
“Oh yeah? What was that sound last night?” Sungyeol raised an eyebrow as if provoking.
Baekhyun bit his lip and crossed his arms. “Fine. Maybe I did bawl-“
“Ha!”
“But you would do the same if you were in my place!”
“So,” Sungyeol said, softly this time, while leaning on the table. “What exactly happened?”
Baekhyun contemplated for a moment whether to speak out to a random stranger or not but then he realized Sungyeol is not a random stranger. He’s his roommate and his friend. “I don’t know. Chanyeol doesn’t seem to have time for me anymore.”
“Chanyeol? Your lover? The guy you talk to every minute of the day except when you’re in practice?” There was disbelief in his voice that Baekhyun wondered if he was actually that obvious.
“Used to.” Baekhyun admitted sadly. “I can’t call him anymore without praying that he answer it and not his mother. And he seems to be spending a lot of time with Kyungsoo nowadays.”
“Your best friend? What’s wrong with that? Isn’t it normal for things to turn out that way? I mean, your lover getting to know your best friend.”
“It’s not getting to know.” Baekhyun rolled his eyes. “And it’s not normal if he doesn’t tell me anything about it. He never told me he went to Kyungsoo’s house. He doesn’t tell me what he did for the day whenever we talk. It’s like he’s hiding something. Which is probably the case…”
“Hold it,” Sungyeol held a hand up. “What do you mean not getting to know? Aren’t they friends before or...?”
“I wouldn’t say friends. They don’t talk that much. I don’t know. The world just turned out that way. Kyungsoo’s absent when Chanyeol’s around. Chanyeol’s absent when Kyungsoo’s around.” Baekhyun shrugged. “Just like that.”
“Sounds like they’re perfectly fine with each other. I mean, for Kyungsoo to leave you with Chanyeol, for Chanyeol to let Kyungsoo take care of you. It’s because you’re there. And now you’re not. They hold on to something closest to you, which are themselves.” Sungyeol’s words made sense at the same time they don’t. “You should just talk to him, tell him, ask him.”
“I can’t. There’s no point. If he doesn’t want to tell me, then so be it.” Baekhyun sighed deeply. “We never have to ask each other anything. Because we know. Because we tell each other everything.”
“Maybe it’s just something…simple. You know…something that doesn’t concern you?”
“Something that involves my lover and my best friend? What do you mean it doesn’t concern me?”
Sungyeol shook his head. “We’re not getting anywhere.”
Baekhyun groaned.
--
The got back late at night, thanks to Sungyeol’s endless stories and Nicole’s funny comments. They were even the ones who closed the shop. Still, it was one of the best moments of Baekhyun’s life. He was by the doorway when he remembered about the phone he decided to leave on the table. It was ringing when they come in and he hesitated for a bit whether to answer it or not after seeing Chanyeol’s name on the caller I.D. but Sungyeol’s smile eased him a bit. Maybe they’re right. Maybe Jongin’s right. Maybe Sungyeol’s right. Maybe I’m wrong.
He picked up the phone. “Hello?”
“Mine!”
It surprised him that his heart beat fast as soon as he heard Chanyeol’s voice over the phone. He didn’t know he missed his honey-like deep voice so much until now. “I’ve been trying to reach you all afternoon! Mom said you called. I left my phone I’m sorry.”
Baekhyun just listened and imagined the panic on Chanyeol’s face.
“Mine?”
The way Chanyeol would awkwardly fit himself in between their fridge and their drawer because the phone is located on top of the drawer so he doesn’t bother his mother.
“Are you there?”
The way Chanyeol’s face would contort whenever his long limbs would hit the ends of the table.
“Mine…?”
He missed them all.
“Yes.” Baekhyun murmured, his fingers gripping the phone hard, as if it would magically transform into Chanyeol.
“Are you sick? You don’t sound so good.”
“No, I’m fine. Just tired.”
“Okay. You’re not mad are you? I swear I didn’t mean to leave my phone.”
“It’s okay, Mine.”
Baekhyun can feel Chanyeol’s relieved smile. “Thank God. Hey, that day’s coming.”
Baekhyun turned to the calendar hanged beside the corkboard. He smiled. “Yes, that day.”
“And guess what?” Chanyeol asked with his infamous childish tone. “I’m coming there to see you!” Baekhyun swore he would’ve dropped the phone if not for Chanyeol who shrieked when his head hit the concrete. “Aw, being tall sucks. Anyway, mine, did you hear me? I said I’m coming-“
“I heard you,” Baekhyun bit his lip to avoid getting too emotional. “You’re really coming?”
“Of course I am. It’s our special day.” There was warmth on Chanyeol’s voice. The warmth Baekhyun missed the most. “I promised to keep it special.”
Baekhyun mentally slapped himself for ever doubting Chanyeol when he, of all people, knows how much love Chanyeol gave to him, how much care, how much trust. It’s like he gave everything to him and here he is, eating all of it, but not digesting. Chanyeol would never make him sad. Never.
Baekhyun broke down on the floor, both of his hands clenching the phone, as he curls. “Hey Mine, are you crying? Please don’t cry. Mine…”
“I’m not crying,” Baekhyun murmured in between sniffs. “I’m just happy.”
There was a pause.
“I’m glad. I love you,”
“I love you,”
So, so much.
--
“And we’re done!” The doctor announced enthusiastically while doing a last check-up on Baekhyun’s leg. Jongin was leaning on the wall beside the door, watching. Baekhyun stretched his leg slowly, expecting a pain that didn’t come. He smiled widely, an image of him freely swimming under the water flashing on his mind. “There seems to be no problem. If it starts to hurt again, just come back so we can do another check-up, okay?”
Baekhyun nodded at Dr. Singh while swinging his legs back and forth. “Don’t push it too hard. Just let your leg relax.”
“Can I go back to swimming now?”
“Yes but be careful. It may start hurting again.”
“Okay.” Jongin walked over to help Baekhyun stand up. “Thanks doctor!”
“You’re welcome. Watch your step, alright?”
Baekhyun smiled and nodded. When he felt like he can manage to walk on his own, he gave Jongin a reassuring smile and the latter walked back. It felt weird not having that bandage around his leg anymore but was good.
“You seem really happy.” Jongin said as he continued to watch Baekhyun hop on the hallway out of the clinic.
“Of course I am!”
Jongin raised his eyebrows when he saw Baekhyun running outside. He immediately followed and found him standing in front of an ice cream vendor. “You want some?”
“Okay. But we have to get back quickly. Jaekyung’s going to announce the members of the official team.”
Baekhyun smiled and offered him a chocolate-flavored ice cream.
--
“Thank you. Have a nice day!”
Kyungsoo entered the same time the shop’s last customer left, Chanyeol’s greetings fresh in his ears. “You work too hard,” He said while taking a seat, placing a lunch box on the table. “For you,”
Chanyeol walked over to look and recognized the lunch box as Kyungsoo’s favorite container of the meals he cook for Baekhyun. “You didn’t have to,”
Kyungsoo didn’t say anything. He let Chanyeol do his things around the shop, which includes putting the materials back in their places, carefully placing the cameras on the shelves, sweeping slightly and throwing the garbage. The most interesting part was Chanyeol counting his bills which he kept hidden on the shop’s safe. “You really miss him,” He breathed.
“Don’t you?” Chanyeol asked, smiling slightly.
Not to the point of working over-time just to earn enough money for travel expenses in time for Baekhyun’s competition. Kyungsoo finds it unlucky that the date of Baekhyun’s competition lies on the same date as their anniversary. But who was he kidding? Chanyeol would do anything.
You really love him. Kyungsoo smiled back. I’m glad.
--
The pool was quiet when they arrived, no water splashes, no sounds of bare feet slapping the tiles and no Jaekyung yelling. They quietly made their way behind the crowd just in time Jaekyung arrived with a paper on hand. Baekhyun noticed there were other students scattered at the bleachers above them, probably also looking forward to the announcement. It was his first time so he didn’t know it was a big deal. But then again they appeared on various magazines and television shows.
Jaekyung cleared his throat. “Okay, the list is on my hand. Now I want you to remember that all of you are deserving, okay? All of you worked very hard until this day. But some are just born failures so I’m sorry if your name isn’t called.
Jongin rolled his eyes.
“That’s very revealing,” Baekhyn whispered on his ear.
“I know, her coaching style,”
“No, I meant her top,”
Jongin looked back at Jaekyung. Right, she was wearing an oversized polo shirt with two buttons unbuttoned, revealing her cleavage. He crooked his eyebrows at Baekhyun’s comments but shrug it off.
“I’m going to announce the members now,” Jaekyung started. “Kim Jongin,”
Baekhyun leaped happily. “Jongin!”
Jongin smiled at him.
“Jongup,”
Baekhyun clapped happily and gave Jongup, who was sitting across them, thumbs-up when he turned around. The rest of the names came as a blur since he barely knew some of them. Until he heard his name amidst the noises of the members congratulating each other. He couldn’t believe it.
“Baekhyun, you got in!” Jongin yelled beside him.
Baekhyun jumped up and hugged Jongin in joy, his lips stuck on a big smile.
--
Chanyeol stared at Baekhyun’s picture beside the PC he uses to edit the photos and imagined what it would be like to see his face again, to see his smile again, to be able to hold him again. Two months went by so fast but time moves slow for two longing hearts.
--
Jongup grabbed Baekhyun and ruffled his hair. Baekhyun giggled happily. “Ya! Stop!”
Then Jongin grabbed him again and pointed somewhere at the bleachers. He saw Sungyeol with both of his hands raised high, with two thumbs-up, and smiling widely at him. Beside him were his teammates who were also clapping along with the crowd.
Chanyeol.
--
Baekhyun.
--
If you can see me now…
--
If I can see you now…
--
You’ll be happy.
--
I’ll be happy.
[Part 4]