love or something like it [1/2]
title: love or something like it
pairing: baekhyun/chanyeol
length: twoshot (bc lj is a bitch)
word count: 10,300~
genre: fail, fluff, humor
warning/s: awful plot, unoriginality, language and baekhyun's hair
summary:
the thing with byun baekhyun is he wants a happy ending.
the thing with park chanyeol is he is tall.
this isn't a fairy tale. really, it isn't.
an: here i am again with my weird summaries that has nothing to do with the fic. sorry for this. really.
an2: written for my bb E, for her prompt in OSM SS Fic Exchange.
an3: I love you ella poop.
"I like you!"
The short confession turns into a drawn out scream that echoes across the school's student-filled corridors. Baekhyun winces. Why did everyone decide to stop talking at the exact moment those words left his mouth?
He glances at the shocked looking Kim Junmyeon and barely stops himself from bolting away right that second and hiding under a rock, never to come out again.
"Oh, I'm... Thank you," the student body president replies, still obviously taken aback. "But I, uh, already have someone I like. I'm sorry."
Baekhyun hears the snickers and feels the derisive stares of the people around them. He can feel heat suffuse his cheeks. He needs to get out of there as soon as possible.
Just say it's okay then go.
He opens his mouth to speak but what comes out is loud snort. "Then your ass is doomed. Who would even like you? Your hair is stupid as fuck and you look as old as my grandfather!"
He can hear a few students gasp at his words and stare, mouths open, at him in shock. Kim Junmyeon is not only popular because of his good looks, but also his brains. Baekhyun knows it but he can't control the insults that spill automatically from his lips.
"Uh, are you perchance rejecting me?" Junmyeon asks incredulously.
No. "Damn right, I am!" he shouts instead. With a dismissive nod, he strolls away.
Walk straight, slowly. Easy. You're the bomb, Byun Baek, he tells himself.
It isn't until he turns a corner that he starts to frantically run.
He runs and runs, trying to get away from everyone as soon as possible. He can barely catch his breath but he doesn't want to waste a second to breathe until he reaches his secret place. He flies up three flights of stairs. Almost there.
He finally reaches the secluded boy's comfort room on the fourth floor. As usual, there is no one around. Baekhyun approaches the sink and gazes at his reflection. His eyes go to his black hair and the lone lock of gold that is curled against the center of his forehead. He thinks it's the coolest thing and he has sported it since freshman year, making him stand out from the lame dumbs that populated the school. He looks at his face then at his pale neck where a long golden necklace given by his older brother hangs. ‘Dopeshit’ the large pendant read and Baekhyun smiles for the first time since the disaster earlier.
The smile quickly fades though. He planned his confession (even its outcome) a week prior. He was so sure that Kim Junmyeon would be so thankful that Byun Baekhyun noticed him that he would fall down on his knees with gratitude. Then Baekhyun would help him up and they would walk hand in hand through the school corridors like a happy couple complete with peach blossoms scattered along their path.
So now, Baekhyun is confused as to why it didn't work. He thinks--no, he knows he's like the coolest guy here. To top off his undeniable charm, he dresses in the latest fashion (Well, he is currently in a school uniform but he buttons his shirt up to the neck which makes him look suave) with the help of his brother who was popular during his time here, too.
He blows air into his cheeks and lets it out slowly. He's definitely a catch so what actually went wrong? Why didn’t Junmyeon fall for his charms?
He isn't given more time to puzzle over it, though, because the bell rings, signalling the end of lunch. He straightens his clothes and fixes the black patterned bandana tied around his right wrist. Baekhyun takes a fortifying breath before he heads out the door.
He ambles past a small corridor but after a few steps he stops. He backtracks a little and confirms what he thought he just saw. There's a tall boy being backed into a corner by a male student from Baekhyun's class. Baekhyun raises an eyebrow as he hears his usually timid classmate browbeat the giant student.
"So pretty," the shorter boy says with a smirk. "Having people fall all over you. You must be so proud."
"I'm not," the giant responds quietly.
The bully scoffs. "Of course you are. But a pity that people don't know they're just wasting their time on a spineless shit like you."
"Please don't use profanity," the taller boy answers.
"Oh, why? Does it hurt your feelings? Are you gonna run to mommy now?"
Baekhyun's brow arches when the taller boy doesn't reply. He doesn't have the time for this but--
"Hey, dumbass!" he shouts and the shorter boy's head whips to his direction. His face registers surprise when he sees Baekhyun coming closer. "What the fuck are you trying to pull?"
It's kind of funny how the boy visibly cowers at the sight of him. Baekhyun wants to laugh at how his classmate loses all of his cool within seconds and quickly scampers away. He watches the hasty retreat and rolls his eyes. He hasn't even done anything yet. Why was he so scared?
"Thank you," the taller boy says.
"The hell were you doing anyway getting bullied by that midget?" Baekhyun asks, not liking how he has to crane his neck up just to look at him.
The boy only shrugs and answers, "Thank you."
"Whatever, loser," he replies before he turns away. He doesn't spare him another thought as he walks towards class.
Baekhyun doesn't see the smile the other boy gives him as he watches his rescuer stalk off.
The thing with Byun Baekhyun is--How should we put it? You know the brain-to-mouth filter humans are supposed to have? Well, he doesn't have one.
It isn't that he doesn't think before speaking. He does. But it's entirely different from the things that come out of his mouth. When a normal person will say a simple thank you, Byun Baekhyun will curse at them, say their name in vain, and--if they’re really lucky--will even throw a crack or two into the mix. When others will give a person praise, Byun Baekhyun will hurl insults that'll make them break down and cry. But if they do, Byun Baekhyun will most probably look at them weirdly and ask what's wrong.
More unfortunate is the fact that Byun Baekhyun isn't aware that how he talks (and dresses) isn't cool or normal at all. This results to people being afraid of him or--more accurately put--afraid of being seen with him or anyone near him for that matter. It is no wonder then that for all that he thinks himself to be cool and popular, Byun Baekhyun is really alone.
It's mostly his brother's fault but we'll get to that part later. For right now, there's this certain classmate who is itching to give our hero a piece of his mind (whether Baekhyun likes it or not) and who unwittingly sets our story's wheels in motion.
"I know right? I can't believe he had the nerve to actually confess to Junmyeon!"
Baekhyun stiffens as he hears the name of the council president. He is once again reminded of the confession fiasco yesterday. He turns in his seat to look at several of his classmates and he can honestly say he's not surprised to see Kim Jongdae in the middle of the group, taking advantage of the study period to gossip.
They've always been at odds since second grade when Jongdae cried because Baekhyun told him that he was adopted. Kim Jongdae wasn't adopted and what Baekhyun actually meant was that he doesn't look like his mom. They never did make up so here they were.
"Just look at him." Jongdae gives him a once over before he laughs making it obvious that they are really talking about Baekhyun.
He ignores his classmates and returns to writing on his planner. Now that he wasn't able to get Junmyeon, what's to be done? He taps the end of the pen against his chin. Truth be told, he isn't that into the council president. It's just that Kim Junmyeon possesses all the qualifications he has for a boyfriend. Baekhyun's already in his senior year and he has to have a boyfriend soon because it's his happy ending on the line here.
He gets distracted however when a shadow hovers over him. He looks up to a smirking Jongdae who leans his butt against the seat beside Baekhyun's. "In case you're wondering, yes we were talking about you."
"Why don't you tell them you got yo' panties twisted because you like Junmyeon yourself but you're chicken shit," Baekhyun says.
Jongdae gapes at the sudden attack and sputters, "I--I don't like him!" The boy straightens and retaliates. "This is why nobody wants you, Byun Baekhyun. You're too uncivilized and... just look at your self."
Baekhyun looks down at his clothes. There's not a thing out of place. His necklace shines back at him. It's perfectly dope.
Jongdae lets out a patronizing laugh. "Oh, Baekhyun. You don't even know what's wrong with you, do you? You don't have manners and you look ridiculous. Poor boy, you'll never ever get a boyfriend," he ends with a pitying shake of his head.
What? He, Byun Baekhyun, looks ridiculous?
He scoffs at the other boy. "Excuse you. I'll have a boyfriend. I can have anybody I want."
"Oh, really?" Jongdae smirks again. "Anybody? Even the most popular boy in school?"
"Even him!" Baekhyun immediately answers. "He'll beg to date me. I am Byun Baekhyun!"
He doesn't like the glint in Jongdae's eyes.
"Yeah? So my friends and I are going out for snacks later after class. Come with us and take Zhang Yixing with you, okay?"
He knew it, Jongdae was up to something with that grin of his. Everyone knows that Zhang Yixing is easily the most popular guy on campus.
"Is there a problem?" the other boy asks. "Oh, can't you ask him? I thought--"
"We'll fucking go," Baekhyun responds.
"Okay, then. See you later." Jongdae gives him a little mocking salute before he returns to his seat.
No big deal, Byun Baek. You can get Zhang Yixing. Piece of cake.
Another thing with Byun Baekhyun is that--more often than not--his head is high up there in the clouds endlessly making up scenarios. Little romantic fairy tales that will put a little girl's dreams to shame. Either that, or they will make the little girl face palm when she hears them. Regrettably--also more often than not--things don't turn out the way he imagines them to be.
Which is in fact a pretty good thing for it’s actually how he meets his fairy godfather.
Sort of.
His heart thumps quite fast.
It feels so far but his destination is only two doors down the corridor. Baekhyun ignores the curious glances he gets as he walks towards Zhang Yixing's class which also happens to be Kim Junmyeon's class and if it weren't for Jongdae breathing down his neck right now he would have waited a few more days before even approaching the said room. However, he has something to prove so he tightens his grip on the strap of his backpack and forges on.
This will be simple, he thinks. He'll enter the room and everyone will stop to admire his dopeness. Zhang Yixing will be sitting on his chair but will immediately stand up once he sees Baekhyun. There won't be a need for too many words as a matter of fact. Baekhyun will approach him, smile and invite him to go out for ice cream. Then Yixing, overcome with gladness, will stand up and hold on to Baekhyun's hand before he'll pull him running outside into the sunset. Yes, simple enough.
Baekhyun reaches class 3-A and without further ado enters the room. It gives him some relief that there aren't too many people inside as the others are already shuffling out, eager to go home. No one stops to admire his dopeness but it isn't only that that differs from his imagined scene. Zhang Yixing is actually standing and talking to some classmate of his when Baekhyun approaches him.
(He doesn't look it but inside he's really nervous. He always is. He just never lets anybody see.)
"Hey, bitch!" he blurts out. Just like it always is, his voice comes out too loud and there's sudden silence as he attracts the attention of everyone there. Yixing slowly looks up to face him, revealing the other student's--Kim Junmyeon's--surprised expression. Baekhyun shoots a glance at him but the council official shifts his gaze, seemingly afraid of eye contact.
He understands (he feels a bit mortified himself) and he isn't there for Junmyeon anyway. He looks at the blonde student, waiting for his famous bedimpled smile to appear but Yixing just stares at him.
I'm Byun Baekhyun, would you like to come with me downtown for ice cream? Is what he is supposed to say.
"I like you so get your ass moving and let's go grab some shit," is what Baekhyun ends up saying.
"Are you talking to me?" Yixing asks hesitantly.
Baekhyun nods. "Yeah, dumbface."
The other boy gives him a perplexed look. "Right. But who are you?"
He hears sharp laughter behind him and Baekhyun doesn't need to turn to know it's Jongdae and his posse, always eager to witness him make a fool of himself. Soon after, the other students are joining with the laughing. Baekhyun feels himself blush with embarrassment but he won't give up that easily.
He starts to answer but then a large hand holds onto his arm.
"It's okay. You can stop. You win the bet."
Baekhyun looks up... and up. "Huh?" What bet?
"Bet?","What did Park say?", "What's he talking about?" Baekhyun hears the others murmuring and he wants to ask the same thing. The giant just tugs on his arm and starts pulling him away.
"You know him, Chanyeol?" Yixing asks.
"Yes. Please forgive him. He's a very confused kid. Excuse us," the boy--Chanyeol--replies and continues to drag Baekhyun out.
"Where the fuck--" the short boy protests.
"Okay," Yixing laughs. "I thought he was serious."
I am! he wants to shout out but the stranger chooses that moment to haul Baekhyun against him and almost carry him out the door.
Baekhyun tries to get himself free but the taller boy's grip, although not painful, is tight. The boy doesn't stop pulling him until they're standing on the school's rooftop. His eyes widen when he's pushed against the wall beside the door and the other male leans in to start unbuttoning the top buttons of Baekhyun's shirt.
The shorter boy is too shocked to do anything but gape at the large hands on his clothes. He feels those same hands run through his well-styled and hair and really, that's where he draws the line. Nobody touches his hair.
"Ya, you fucker!" Baekhyun shoves the other away. "Get your hands off me!"
Chanyeol steps back. "You don't go around confessing to people looking like that."
Baekhyun's hands go up to his hair. "You jerkwad! You ruined my hair!"
The giant just shrugs and smiles at him. Baekhyun scowls but pauses because it's the first time he actually notices how the other looks.
He is easily over six feet tall. He has black, short cropped hair and large brown eyes. The boy is on the thin side but Baekhyun can see the firm lines of his arms through his blazer and the flattering way his uniform falls on his body. Baekhyun returns his gaze to the giant's face.
That face, he decides, is so beautiful he wants to punch it.
"Can you stop the damned smiling?!" Baekhyun growls. "It hurts the eyes!"
The boy's lips spread wider. What? Is he laughing at me? No one laughs at Byun Baekhyun!
"Are you laughing at me? Are you?!"
The boy just shrugs and continues smiling.
Wait. That shrug.
"Hey, you're the loser who was being bullied the other day," he points at him. The boy's smile dims a little.
"Yes. So I just returned the favor."
"Returning the favor? I don't need your damned help!" Baekhyun says indignantly. No, he definitely does not. But he suddenly recalls the laughter that followed after his invitation. On second thought, maybe he does.
Except,"You don't even have enough swag to charm shit, why the hell would I need help from a douche like you?"
Chanyeol gives him a grin once more. "My name is Park Chanyeol. Can you find it in your heart to use it in the future?"
"I said stop with the freaking smiling," he mumbles. "No wonder you get bullied. You're just begging to be punched."
"I don't believe in violence." Chanyeol crosses his arms across his chest and Baekhyun thinks it's unfair how the guy managed to look more handsome. "What do you suggest I do then?"
Baekhyun rests his hands on his hips. "You tell them to fuck off."
Chanyeol laughs and Baekhyun thinks even the way he laughs is beautiful.
“Okay, since you gave me advice, let me at least help you to get the boy of your dreams.”
“I told you. I don’t need your help,”
He feels Chanyeol give him a once over. "Believe me, you do."
Baekhyun gives in. He has just about less than two months before graduation. My happy ending, I have to have it.
"Fine! But... You'll let me teach you how to swag," Baekhyun replies. It's the only thing he can offer this pile of sissy shit in return.
"Deal," Chanyeol says as he holds out his hand.
"Sure thang, mothafuckah."
"First up, never say that word again," Chanyeol says with a frown.
"What word? Mothafuckah? But it's completely dope!" he argues.
"No. Don't use that word, either."
Baekhyun groans silently. What has he gotten himself into?
"Why the fuck not?"
Park Chanyeol sighs wearily, "Meet me at 10 this saturday. Fifth station. Trust me, we have a lot to do."
Byun Baekhyun, as you may have noticed by now, has this obsession with happily ever after. You can't blame him though because, you see, his parents' story is as sweet and romantic as any fairy tale is. They met during senior year, fell in love and went on to stay in love even after their marriage five years later. They had two children who grew up seeing their parents wake up with a kiss every morning and an I love you before they go to sleep at night. Except for the unfortunate accident which took their lives when Byun Baekhyun was but ten years old, theirs would have been a perfect love story. Byun Baekhyun remembers watching his papa rest his head on his mama's shoulder when they watched TV and thinking he wants the same for himself.
Our Baekhyunnie is left in the care of his older brother who tried his best to take care of him and keep him away from the people who might take advantage of his little brother. He did--and still does--a good job of it but he creates a number of complications that our poor Park Chanyeol has to deal with that weekend.
Baekhyun arrives at the fifth station a few minutes before 10AM in his full dopeshit regalia--oversized everything. Park Chanyeol can only watch in dismay as he looks at the boy walking towards him--hair parted in the center with that horrid golden lock curling on his forehead, golden necklace swinging heavily around his neck, black bandana wrapped around his right wrist, and the sleeves of his XXXXL DICKHEAD T-shirt flapping against his thin arms. Baekhyun almost trips on the hem of his jeans.
"I can hear you curse at me a mile away," Chanyeol says and his eyes dip to the word printed across Baekhyun's chest.
"Cool as fuck, huh?" Baekhyun grins. He sees the taller boy pinch the bridge of his nose. "The hell you wearing, douche?"
The shorter boy eyes Chanyeol's gray plaid shirt and slim black jeans and he thinks they kind of look nice. But not as nice as his outfit.
"What normal people wear," Chanyeol answers before ushering him towards the train. He doesn't say more and they spend the short train ride with Baekhyun wondering what in the world Park Chanyeol ate to become as tall as the fricking Mt. Everest. He's only at eye level with the boy's nose and he thinks it's so bloody perfect.
"What?" Chanyeol asks him suddenly.
He didn't notice that the taller boy has been watching him watch him and he blushes. "You're fugly."
"Thank you," Chanyeol chuckles.
Baekhyun isn't used to that response, however. After all his insults, Chanyeol should have left him alone by now but he's still there.
They reach downtown shortly after. Baekhyun trails after the tall dude and can't help but be drawn to the way he walks gracefully down the street like... a model. He's a lot different from the Park Chanyeol in school who can't even look at the person bullying him.
"We're here." The giant stops abruptly and Baekhyun bumps his nose against his back.
He rubs his nose half annoyed but pauses when he sees where Chanyeol has taken him. "No," he steps back, preparing to run for his life. He looks in horror at the large sign outside the hair salon. "No."
"Yes," Chanyeol says while he holds on to Baekhyun's shoulders to keep him from running away and pushes him towards the entrance.
The shorter boy does his best to push back and halt their advance with his legs but to no avail. He finds himself inside and Baekhyun's about to kill Park Chanyeol.
"No one touches my hair," he hisses at the other.
"This will have to go." Chanyeol points at the lock of hair on his forehead.
"But it's swag. Hyung says so," he argues.
The dark haired boy looks incredulous. "It isn't. At all."
"But--"
"Byun Baekhyun, do you want to get Zhang Yixing to go out with you or not?"
"Of course I do fucktard."
"Then," Chanyeol holds up a hand and pretends to cut off Baekhyun's golden hair. "Off they go."
Baekhyun drops down grudgingly at an empty chair in front of a large mirror. He stares at his beloved hair and he wants to cry.
"Come now, don't cry," Chanyeol leans down so their faces are side by side. Baekhyun glances at their reflection and notices how different they look from each other. His eyes travel to Chanyeol's expertly styled hair and reassuring smile.
"I told you to stop smiling, fegit." He pouts but the other boy's lips remain curved.
A stylist comes to them and asks what cut they want. Baekhyun lets Chanyeol talk to her. It's obvious he knows more about it than he does. He doesn't interrupt until he hears them talking about color. "Wait! What do you mean only one color?"
"You either make it black or blonde," Chanyeol explains. The guy raises a perfect brow when Baekhyun attempts to argue. He fumes but then the dictatorial guy strolls away leaving him alone with the stylist. "Ah, noona?"
The lady leans down and Baekhyun whispers into her ear. She straightens after Baekhyun finishes with his request and asks, "Are you sure?"
Baekhyun assures her with a definite yes. It isn't until two hours later that Baekhyun is gaping at his own reflection. The sides are shorter and his hair now falls softly across his forehead. Gone is the blonde lock of hair. He actually looks... really good.
He sees Chanyeol stand behind him and the now familiar deep voice says, "So magenta, huh?"
He looks up and sticks his tongue out. He can't really say anything more. Chanyeol suprisingly doesn’t argue with his choice and Baekhyun smiles to himself, feeling accomplished.
Next stop: clothes.
Chanyeol brings him to different shops and makes him try clothes on and on and on until Baekhyun feels dizzy. After more than three hours, Baekhyun now has several pairs of skinny jeans, a blazer and two long sleeved shirts. He thinks that they are too plain and boring but Chanyeol says they're what are in so he agrees. He only has a few bills left and he hopes his brother won't ask where his allowance went.
"Just two more t-shirts and you're good to go," Chanyeol tells him. "Since you've been very obedient and only said dick two times for the last hour, I give you leave to choose your own--hey, wait. Don't buy anything bigger than a medium!"
Baekhyun rolls his eyes and excitedly stalks away, glad that he'll have a moment to shop on his own. His eyes light up when he sees a store with stuff that are definitely his style. It doesn't take him long to finish shopping and he spots Chanyeol not far from where he left him. Baekhyun's steps slow as he comes nearer and gets a clearer view of the taller guy. Sitting by the fountain in the mall's atrium, he looks hopelessly out of place. Like a prince among peasants, to be honest. Baekhyun wonders, not for the first time, how someone as beautiful as him isn't popular at school.
"Hey, Park Dumbyeol. I'm done." He waves the plastic bag in front of Chanyeol's face.
"Let me see."
Baekhyun takes out a shirt and throws the bag at the other boy who barely catches it. He places the shirt against his chest to let Chanyeol see that it fits his body just right. He sees the taller boy's approving grin give way to a resigned laugh.
"’Fuck This Shit'," he reads the shirt print. "Why am I not surprised?"
"Well, you didn't say anything about the design--" Baekhyun says defensively. He really likes the blood-spattered skull in front of the shirt.
Chanyeol stands up and ruffles his hair. "It's okay, Byun Baekhyun. I don't want to entirely take away your... swag."
It's curious, Baekhyun thinks as he watches Chanyeol's retreating back, why he can't suddenly seem to breathe.
He may not look it but Byun Baekhyun certainly believes in love everlasting--all the rainbows and unicorns and poop. But he, surprisingly, has never been truly in love before. One can say that it's because he's idealistic and has pretty high standards, based from the ridiculously long list of requirements he has written down in his diary. (It's quite manly. It's colored blue.) But to be honest? It's just because Byun Baekhyun is clueless and he won't know love even if it bites him in the butt, says "Ola, amigo!" and does the salsa.
Again, we have his brother to thank for that but we'll get to him a little bit later. Because who wants to talk about him when we can talk about what Byun Baekhyun's doing on Park Chanyeol's bed instead?
"Chanyeol... it hurts," he moans.
"Shhh. It will get better," Chanyeol murmurs.
It's Friday after class--the second weekend of Baekhyun's makeover--and he finds himself in Park Chanyeol's room, on top of his bed, lying on his back... and clutching his abused eye. "It's been three fucking minutes, the hell it'll get better!"
"Hey, watch your language." Chanyeol chuckles and sits beside him. "I told you to stay still."
"Why do I have to put that shit on my eye anyway?" Baekhyun moans again, earning another laugh from the taller boy.
"This shit is called eyeliner and it makes your eyes stand out. Don't you want to look all pretty for Zhang Yixing?"
Baekhyun is tempted to answer no. If it hurts to get poked in the eye by that evil eyeliner thing then Zhang Yixing may not be worth it. But then prom's nearing and next to it is graduation. He needs his fairy tale to come true soon.
"Come on. Let's try again," Chanyeol says when he doesn't answer. "Just don't blink too much and it will be fine."
Baekhyun reluctantly sits up, grumbling all the while. The taller boy stands and goes in front of Baekhyun to position his hand above the smaller male's face.
"Okay." The boy tilts Baekhyun's chin up. "Now, please don't move."
It's really quite hard following that request because Baekhyun's stomach is fluttering once more. His stomach has been out of sorts for several days now and he isn't quite sure what to do. He remembers feeling it for the first time when he passed by Chanyeol on his way to his classroom. The giant smiled at him in greeting. He felt cold and then hot and there was that dastardly fluttering.
Baekhyun feels Chanyeol's left hand warm on his chin and he gets this urge to kick him in the gut.
"Ya, Byun. I told you to stay still not kill yourself by not breathing."
Flustered, Baekhyun lets out a labored breath and distracts himself from the thought that Chanyeol's face is so close to his own, their noses are almost touching. Of course it's not really affecting him because if it does then it'll be weird. And Baekhyun's not weird. He's dope. He's... he's... Chanyeol leans closer and Baekhyun loses his train of thought altogether.
"You should take off your beanie. Don't you want people to see your new look?" Chanyeol asks, his eyes trained on Baekhyun's lids as he applies the liner gently across his eyelids.
"No, not yet." He's unsure why he doesn't want others to see his newly colored hair yet. Is he actually saving it for when he next asks Yixing out? Not yet prepared to inspect his own reasons, Baekhyun changes the subject. "How do you even know how to apply this shit?"
Chanyeol sighs at his use of 'shit' again but answers, "I have my Yuri-noona. My sister's four years older than me and is a model. She's away right now because of work. She taught me everything I needed to know about... things," he ended.
"About dressing up and all that?"
"Yeah."
Chanyeol moves to apply the liner to his other eye. "Hey, Byun. Can I ask why?"
"Why what?" he answers distractedly.
"Why do you want to have a boyfriend?"
"It's because I want to see my name written on the bathroom mirror with toothpaste," Baekhyun says.
"What?" Chanyeol stops applying the liner and looks into Baekhyun's eyes.
"I used to wonder why my parents took so long to go out of the bathroom every night. So one time, I finally got the courage to open the door while they were inside. I saw them standing in front of the sink, smiling at each other. My papa drew a big heart on the mirror using toothpaste and mama wrote their names inside. I want that, too."
A few heartbeats after, Chanyeol pokes Baekhyun's forehead with the other end of the eyeliner. "I can't believe I'm helping you out just because you want your name written with toothpaste," he says drily.
"They were happy," Baekhyun replies and searches into Chanyeol's eyes. For some reason, he wants him to understand. "I just want to be happy like that."
The taller boy unexpectedly cups his cheek. Baekhyun forgets how to breathe again. "I get it, Baekhyun. Let's get you that happy ending then."
And Chanyeol does his best to give Baekhyun his make-over. They spend the next two weeks studying etiquette over sundaes down at the nearby ice cream parlor. After classes, they can always be found at the table near the corner window, arguing over what to say (You look really good tonight) and what not to say (Hey, yo' asshat) when going on a date with a guy you like.
Baekhyun and Chanyeol settle into a comfortable routine and somewhere along the way Baekhyun forgets why he is having a make-over in the first place. Somehow, he ends up enjoying the company of the big oaf even if he always cuts and corrects Baekhyun when he speaks.
The shorter boy finds himself looking forward to their walk home even if it hurts his neck when he has to look up at Chanyeol because he is just so tall. He even welcomes Chanyeol's wide grins even if they still hurt his eyes.
Baekhyun learns to live with the strange fluttering in his stomach.
part ii
pairing: baekhyun/chanyeol
length: twoshot (bc lj is a bitch)
word count: 10,300~
genre: fail, fluff, humor
warning/s: awful plot, unoriginality, language and baekhyun's hair
summary:
the thing with byun baekhyun is he wants a happy ending.
the thing with park chanyeol is he is tall.
this isn't a fairy tale. really, it isn't.
an: here i am again with my weird summaries that has nothing to do with the fic. sorry for this. really.
an2: written for my bb E, for her prompt in OSM SS Fic Exchange.
an3: I love you ella poop.
"I like you!"
The short confession turns into a drawn out scream that echoes across the school's student-filled corridors. Baekhyun winces. Why did everyone decide to stop talking at the exact moment those words left his mouth?
He glances at the shocked looking Kim Junmyeon and barely stops himself from bolting away right that second and hiding under a rock, never to come out again.
"Oh, I'm... Thank you," the student body president replies, still obviously taken aback. "But I, uh, already have someone I like. I'm sorry."
Baekhyun hears the snickers and feels the derisive stares of the people around them. He can feel heat suffuse his cheeks. He needs to get out of there as soon as possible.
Just say it's okay then go.
He opens his mouth to speak but what comes out is loud snort. "Then your ass is doomed. Who would even like you? Your hair is stupid as fuck and you look as old as my grandfather!"
He can hear a few students gasp at his words and stare, mouths open, at him in shock. Kim Junmyeon is not only popular because of his good looks, but also his brains. Baekhyun knows it but he can't control the insults that spill automatically from his lips.
"Uh, are you perchance rejecting me?" Junmyeon asks incredulously.
No. "Damn right, I am!" he shouts instead. With a dismissive nod, he strolls away.
Walk straight, slowly. Easy. You're the bomb, Byun Baek, he tells himself.
It isn't until he turns a corner that he starts to frantically run.
He runs and runs, trying to get away from everyone as soon as possible. He can barely catch his breath but he doesn't want to waste a second to breathe until he reaches his secret place. He flies up three flights of stairs. Almost there.
He finally reaches the secluded boy's comfort room on the fourth floor. As usual, there is no one around. Baekhyun approaches the sink and gazes at his reflection. His eyes go to his black hair and the lone lock of gold that is curled against the center of his forehead. He thinks it's the coolest thing and he has sported it since freshman year, making him stand out from the lame dumbs that populated the school. He looks at his face then at his pale neck where a long golden necklace given by his older brother hangs. ‘Dopeshit’ the large pendant read and Baekhyun smiles for the first time since the disaster earlier.
The smile quickly fades though. He planned his confession (even its outcome) a week prior. He was so sure that Kim Junmyeon would be so thankful that Byun Baekhyun noticed him that he would fall down on his knees with gratitude. Then Baekhyun would help him up and they would walk hand in hand through the school corridors like a happy couple complete with peach blossoms scattered along their path.
So now, Baekhyun is confused as to why it didn't work. He thinks--no, he knows he's like the coolest guy here. To top off his undeniable charm, he dresses in the latest fashion (Well, he is currently in a school uniform but he buttons his shirt up to the neck which makes him look suave) with the help of his brother who was popular during his time here, too.
He blows air into his cheeks and lets it out slowly. He's definitely a catch so what actually went wrong? Why didn’t Junmyeon fall for his charms?
He isn't given more time to puzzle over it, though, because the bell rings, signalling the end of lunch. He straightens his clothes and fixes the black patterned bandana tied around his right wrist. Baekhyun takes a fortifying breath before he heads out the door.
He ambles past a small corridor but after a few steps he stops. He backtracks a little and confirms what he thought he just saw. There's a tall boy being backed into a corner by a male student from Baekhyun's class. Baekhyun raises an eyebrow as he hears his usually timid classmate browbeat the giant student.
"So pretty," the shorter boy says with a smirk. "Having people fall all over you. You must be so proud."
"I'm not," the giant responds quietly.
The bully scoffs. "Of course you are. But a pity that people don't know they're just wasting their time on a spineless shit like you."
"Please don't use profanity," the taller boy answers.
"Oh, why? Does it hurt your feelings? Are you gonna run to mommy now?"
Baekhyun's brow arches when the taller boy doesn't reply. He doesn't have the time for this but--
"Hey, dumbass!" he shouts and the shorter boy's head whips to his direction. His face registers surprise when he sees Baekhyun coming closer. "What the fuck are you trying to pull?"
It's kind of funny how the boy visibly cowers at the sight of him. Baekhyun wants to laugh at how his classmate loses all of his cool within seconds and quickly scampers away. He watches the hasty retreat and rolls his eyes. He hasn't even done anything yet. Why was he so scared?
"Thank you," the taller boy says.
"The hell were you doing anyway getting bullied by that midget?" Baekhyun asks, not liking how he has to crane his neck up just to look at him.
The boy only shrugs and answers, "Thank you."
"Whatever, loser," he replies before he turns away. He doesn't spare him another thought as he walks towards class.
Baekhyun doesn't see the smile the other boy gives him as he watches his rescuer stalk off.
The thing with Byun Baekhyun is--How should we put it? You know the brain-to-mouth filter humans are supposed to have? Well, he doesn't have one.
It isn't that he doesn't think before speaking. He does. But it's entirely different from the things that come out of his mouth. When a normal person will say a simple thank you, Byun Baekhyun will curse at them, say their name in vain, and--if they’re really lucky--will even throw a crack or two into the mix. When others will give a person praise, Byun Baekhyun will hurl insults that'll make them break down and cry. But if they do, Byun Baekhyun will most probably look at them weirdly and ask what's wrong.
More unfortunate is the fact that Byun Baekhyun isn't aware that how he talks (and dresses) isn't cool or normal at all. This results to people being afraid of him or--more accurately put--afraid of being seen with him or anyone near him for that matter. It is no wonder then that for all that he thinks himself to be cool and popular, Byun Baekhyun is really alone.
It's mostly his brother's fault but we'll get to that part later. For right now, there's this certain classmate who is itching to give our hero a piece of his mind (whether Baekhyun likes it or not) and who unwittingly sets our story's wheels in motion.
"I know right? I can't believe he had the nerve to actually confess to Junmyeon!"
Baekhyun stiffens as he hears the name of the council president. He is once again reminded of the confession fiasco yesterday. He turns in his seat to look at several of his classmates and he can honestly say he's not surprised to see Kim Jongdae in the middle of the group, taking advantage of the study period to gossip.
They've always been at odds since second grade when Jongdae cried because Baekhyun told him that he was adopted. Kim Jongdae wasn't adopted and what Baekhyun actually meant was that he doesn't look like his mom. They never did make up so here they were.
"Just look at him." Jongdae gives him a once over before he laughs making it obvious that they are really talking about Baekhyun.
He ignores his classmates and returns to writing on his planner. Now that he wasn't able to get Junmyeon, what's to be done? He taps the end of the pen against his chin. Truth be told, he isn't that into the council president. It's just that Kim Junmyeon possesses all the qualifications he has for a boyfriend. Baekhyun's already in his senior year and he has to have a boyfriend soon because it's his happy ending on the line here.
He gets distracted however when a shadow hovers over him. He looks up to a smirking Jongdae who leans his butt against the seat beside Baekhyun's. "In case you're wondering, yes we were talking about you."
"Why don't you tell them you got yo' panties twisted because you like Junmyeon yourself but you're chicken shit," Baekhyun says.
Jongdae gapes at the sudden attack and sputters, "I--I don't like him!" The boy straightens and retaliates. "This is why nobody wants you, Byun Baekhyun. You're too uncivilized and... just look at your self."
Baekhyun looks down at his clothes. There's not a thing out of place. His necklace shines back at him. It's perfectly dope.
Jongdae lets out a patronizing laugh. "Oh, Baekhyun. You don't even know what's wrong with you, do you? You don't have manners and you look ridiculous. Poor boy, you'll never ever get a boyfriend," he ends with a pitying shake of his head.
What? He, Byun Baekhyun, looks ridiculous?
He scoffs at the other boy. "Excuse you. I'll have a boyfriend. I can have anybody I want."
"Oh, really?" Jongdae smirks again. "Anybody? Even the most popular boy in school?"
"Even him!" Baekhyun immediately answers. "He'll beg to date me. I am Byun Baekhyun!"
He doesn't like the glint in Jongdae's eyes.
"Yeah? So my friends and I are going out for snacks later after class. Come with us and take Zhang Yixing with you, okay?"
He knew it, Jongdae was up to something with that grin of his. Everyone knows that Zhang Yixing is easily the most popular guy on campus.
"Is there a problem?" the other boy asks. "Oh, can't you ask him? I thought--"
"We'll fucking go," Baekhyun responds.
"Okay, then. See you later." Jongdae gives him a little mocking salute before he returns to his seat.
No big deal, Byun Baek. You can get Zhang Yixing. Piece of cake.
Another thing with Byun Baekhyun is that--more often than not--his head is high up there in the clouds endlessly making up scenarios. Little romantic fairy tales that will put a little girl's dreams to shame. Either that, or they will make the little girl face palm when she hears them. Regrettably--also more often than not--things don't turn out the way he imagines them to be.
Which is in fact a pretty good thing for it’s actually how he meets his fairy godfather.
Sort of.
His heart thumps quite fast.
It feels so far but his destination is only two doors down the corridor. Baekhyun ignores the curious glances he gets as he walks towards Zhang Yixing's class which also happens to be Kim Junmyeon's class and if it weren't for Jongdae breathing down his neck right now he would have waited a few more days before even approaching the said room. However, he has something to prove so he tightens his grip on the strap of his backpack and forges on.
This will be simple, he thinks. He'll enter the room and everyone will stop to admire his dopeness. Zhang Yixing will be sitting on his chair but will immediately stand up once he sees Baekhyun. There won't be a need for too many words as a matter of fact. Baekhyun will approach him, smile and invite him to go out for ice cream. Then Yixing, overcome with gladness, will stand up and hold on to Baekhyun's hand before he'll pull him running outside into the sunset. Yes, simple enough.
Baekhyun reaches class 3-A and without further ado enters the room. It gives him some relief that there aren't too many people inside as the others are already shuffling out, eager to go home. No one stops to admire his dopeness but it isn't only that that differs from his imagined scene. Zhang Yixing is actually standing and talking to some classmate of his when Baekhyun approaches him.
(He doesn't look it but inside he's really nervous. He always is. He just never lets anybody see.)
"Hey, bitch!" he blurts out. Just like it always is, his voice comes out too loud and there's sudden silence as he attracts the attention of everyone there. Yixing slowly looks up to face him, revealing the other student's--Kim Junmyeon's--surprised expression. Baekhyun shoots a glance at him but the council official shifts his gaze, seemingly afraid of eye contact.
He understands (he feels a bit mortified himself) and he isn't there for Junmyeon anyway. He looks at the blonde student, waiting for his famous bedimpled smile to appear but Yixing just stares at him.
I'm Byun Baekhyun, would you like to come with me downtown for ice cream? Is what he is supposed to say.
"I like you so get your ass moving and let's go grab some shit," is what Baekhyun ends up saying.
"Are you talking to me?" Yixing asks hesitantly.
Baekhyun nods. "Yeah, dumbface."
The other boy gives him a perplexed look. "Right. But who are you?"
He hears sharp laughter behind him and Baekhyun doesn't need to turn to know it's Jongdae and his posse, always eager to witness him make a fool of himself. Soon after, the other students are joining with the laughing. Baekhyun feels himself blush with embarrassment but he won't give up that easily.
He starts to answer but then a large hand holds onto his arm.
"It's okay. You can stop. You win the bet."
Baekhyun looks up... and up. "Huh?" What bet?
"Bet?","What did Park say?", "What's he talking about?" Baekhyun hears the others murmuring and he wants to ask the same thing. The giant just tugs on his arm and starts pulling him away.
"You know him, Chanyeol?" Yixing asks.
"Yes. Please forgive him. He's a very confused kid. Excuse us," the boy--Chanyeol--replies and continues to drag Baekhyun out.
"Where the fuck--" the short boy protests.
"Okay," Yixing laughs. "I thought he was serious."
I am! he wants to shout out but the stranger chooses that moment to haul Baekhyun against him and almost carry him out the door.
Baekhyun tries to get himself free but the taller boy's grip, although not painful, is tight. The boy doesn't stop pulling him until they're standing on the school's rooftop. His eyes widen when he's pushed against the wall beside the door and the other male leans in to start unbuttoning the top buttons of Baekhyun's shirt.
The shorter boy is too shocked to do anything but gape at the large hands on his clothes. He feels those same hands run through his well-styled and hair and really, that's where he draws the line. Nobody touches his hair.
"Ya, you fucker!" Baekhyun shoves the other away. "Get your hands off me!"
Chanyeol steps back. "You don't go around confessing to people looking like that."
Baekhyun's hands go up to his hair. "You jerkwad! You ruined my hair!"
The giant just shrugs and smiles at him. Baekhyun scowls but pauses because it's the first time he actually notices how the other looks.
He is easily over six feet tall. He has black, short cropped hair and large brown eyes. The boy is on the thin side but Baekhyun can see the firm lines of his arms through his blazer and the flattering way his uniform falls on his body. Baekhyun returns his gaze to the giant's face.
That face, he decides, is so beautiful he wants to punch it.
"Can you stop the damned smiling?!" Baekhyun growls. "It hurts the eyes!"
The boy's lips spread wider. What? Is he laughing at me? No one laughs at Byun Baekhyun!
"Are you laughing at me? Are you?!"
The boy just shrugs and continues smiling.
Wait. That shrug.
"Hey, you're the loser who was being bullied the other day," he points at him. The boy's smile dims a little.
"Yes. So I just returned the favor."
"Returning the favor? I don't need your damned help!" Baekhyun says indignantly. No, he definitely does not. But he suddenly recalls the laughter that followed after his invitation. On second thought, maybe he does.
Except,"You don't even have enough swag to charm shit, why the hell would I need help from a douche like you?"
Chanyeol gives him a grin once more. "My name is Park Chanyeol. Can you find it in your heart to use it in the future?"
"I said stop with the freaking smiling," he mumbles. "No wonder you get bullied. You're just begging to be punched."
"I don't believe in violence." Chanyeol crosses his arms across his chest and Baekhyun thinks it's unfair how the guy managed to look more handsome. "What do you suggest I do then?"
Baekhyun rests his hands on his hips. "You tell them to fuck off."
Chanyeol laughs and Baekhyun thinks even the way he laughs is beautiful.
“Okay, since you gave me advice, let me at least help you to get the boy of your dreams.”
“I told you. I don’t need your help,”
He feels Chanyeol give him a once over. "Believe me, you do."
Baekhyun gives in. He has just about less than two months before graduation. My happy ending, I have to have it.
"Fine! But... You'll let me teach you how to swag," Baekhyun replies. It's the only thing he can offer this pile of sissy shit in return.
"Deal," Chanyeol says as he holds out his hand.
"Sure thang, mothafuckah."
"First up, never say that word again," Chanyeol says with a frown.
"What word? Mothafuckah? But it's completely dope!" he argues.
"No. Don't use that word, either."
Baekhyun groans silently. What has he gotten himself into?
"Why the fuck not?"
Park Chanyeol sighs wearily, "Meet me at 10 this saturday. Fifth station. Trust me, we have a lot to do."
Byun Baekhyun, as you may have noticed by now, has this obsession with happily ever after. You can't blame him though because, you see, his parents' story is as sweet and romantic as any fairy tale is. They met during senior year, fell in love and went on to stay in love even after their marriage five years later. They had two children who grew up seeing their parents wake up with a kiss every morning and an I love you before they go to sleep at night. Except for the unfortunate accident which took their lives when Byun Baekhyun was but ten years old, theirs would have been a perfect love story. Byun Baekhyun remembers watching his papa rest his head on his mama's shoulder when they watched TV and thinking he wants the same for himself.
Our Baekhyunnie is left in the care of his older brother who tried his best to take care of him and keep him away from the people who might take advantage of his little brother. He did--and still does--a good job of it but he creates a number of complications that our poor Park Chanyeol has to deal with that weekend.
Baekhyun arrives at the fifth station a few minutes before 10AM in his full dopeshit regalia--oversized everything. Park Chanyeol can only watch in dismay as he looks at the boy walking towards him--hair parted in the center with that horrid golden lock curling on his forehead, golden necklace swinging heavily around his neck, black bandana wrapped around his right wrist, and the sleeves of his XXXXL DICKHEAD T-shirt flapping against his thin arms. Baekhyun almost trips on the hem of his jeans.
"I can hear you curse at me a mile away," Chanyeol says and his eyes dip to the word printed across Baekhyun's chest.
"Cool as fuck, huh?" Baekhyun grins. He sees the taller boy pinch the bridge of his nose. "The hell you wearing, douche?"
The shorter boy eyes Chanyeol's gray plaid shirt and slim black jeans and he thinks they kind of look nice. But not as nice as his outfit.
"What normal people wear," Chanyeol answers before ushering him towards the train. He doesn't say more and they spend the short train ride with Baekhyun wondering what in the world Park Chanyeol ate to become as tall as the fricking Mt. Everest. He's only at eye level with the boy's nose and he thinks it's so bloody perfect.
"What?" Chanyeol asks him suddenly.
He didn't notice that the taller boy has been watching him watch him and he blushes. "You're fugly."
"Thank you," Chanyeol chuckles.
Baekhyun isn't used to that response, however. After all his insults, Chanyeol should have left him alone by now but he's still there.
They reach downtown shortly after. Baekhyun trails after the tall dude and can't help but be drawn to the way he walks gracefully down the street like... a model. He's a lot different from the Park Chanyeol in school who can't even look at the person bullying him.
"We're here." The giant stops abruptly and Baekhyun bumps his nose against his back.
He rubs his nose half annoyed but pauses when he sees where Chanyeol has taken him. "No," he steps back, preparing to run for his life. He looks in horror at the large sign outside the hair salon. "No."
"Yes," Chanyeol says while he holds on to Baekhyun's shoulders to keep him from running away and pushes him towards the entrance.
The shorter boy does his best to push back and halt their advance with his legs but to no avail. He finds himself inside and Baekhyun's about to kill Park Chanyeol.
"No one touches my hair," he hisses at the other.
"This will have to go." Chanyeol points at the lock of hair on his forehead.
"But it's swag. Hyung says so," he argues.
The dark haired boy looks incredulous. "It isn't. At all."
"But--"
"Byun Baekhyun, do you want to get Zhang Yixing to go out with you or not?"
"Of course I do fucktard."
"Then," Chanyeol holds up a hand and pretends to cut off Baekhyun's golden hair. "Off they go."
Baekhyun drops down grudgingly at an empty chair in front of a large mirror. He stares at his beloved hair and he wants to cry.
"Come now, don't cry," Chanyeol leans down so their faces are side by side. Baekhyun glances at their reflection and notices how different they look from each other. His eyes travel to Chanyeol's expertly styled hair and reassuring smile.
"I told you to stop smiling, fegit." He pouts but the other boy's lips remain curved.
A stylist comes to them and asks what cut they want. Baekhyun lets Chanyeol talk to her. It's obvious he knows more about it than he does. He doesn't interrupt until he hears them talking about color. "Wait! What do you mean only one color?"
"You either make it black or blonde," Chanyeol explains. The guy raises a perfect brow when Baekhyun attempts to argue. He fumes but then the dictatorial guy strolls away leaving him alone with the stylist. "Ah, noona?"
The lady leans down and Baekhyun whispers into her ear. She straightens after Baekhyun finishes with his request and asks, "Are you sure?"
Baekhyun assures her with a definite yes. It isn't until two hours later that Baekhyun is gaping at his own reflection. The sides are shorter and his hair now falls softly across his forehead. Gone is the blonde lock of hair. He actually looks... really good.
He sees Chanyeol stand behind him and the now familiar deep voice says, "So magenta, huh?"
He looks up and sticks his tongue out. He can't really say anything more. Chanyeol suprisingly doesn’t argue with his choice and Baekhyun smiles to himself, feeling accomplished.
Next stop: clothes.
Chanyeol brings him to different shops and makes him try clothes on and on and on until Baekhyun feels dizzy. After more than three hours, Baekhyun now has several pairs of skinny jeans, a blazer and two long sleeved shirts. He thinks that they are too plain and boring but Chanyeol says they're what are in so he agrees. He only has a few bills left and he hopes his brother won't ask where his allowance went.
"Just two more t-shirts and you're good to go," Chanyeol tells him. "Since you've been very obedient and only said dick two times for the last hour, I give you leave to choose your own--hey, wait. Don't buy anything bigger than a medium!"
Baekhyun rolls his eyes and excitedly stalks away, glad that he'll have a moment to shop on his own. His eyes light up when he sees a store with stuff that are definitely his style. It doesn't take him long to finish shopping and he spots Chanyeol not far from where he left him. Baekhyun's steps slow as he comes nearer and gets a clearer view of the taller guy. Sitting by the fountain in the mall's atrium, he looks hopelessly out of place. Like a prince among peasants, to be honest. Baekhyun wonders, not for the first time, how someone as beautiful as him isn't popular at school.
"Hey, Park Dumbyeol. I'm done." He waves the plastic bag in front of Chanyeol's face.
"Let me see."
Baekhyun takes out a shirt and throws the bag at the other boy who barely catches it. He places the shirt against his chest to let Chanyeol see that it fits his body just right. He sees the taller boy's approving grin give way to a resigned laugh.
"’Fuck This Shit'," he reads the shirt print. "Why am I not surprised?"
"Well, you didn't say anything about the design--" Baekhyun says defensively. He really likes the blood-spattered skull in front of the shirt.
Chanyeol stands up and ruffles his hair. "It's okay, Byun Baekhyun. I don't want to entirely take away your... swag."
It's curious, Baekhyun thinks as he watches Chanyeol's retreating back, why he can't suddenly seem to breathe.
He may not look it but Byun Baekhyun certainly believes in love everlasting--all the rainbows and unicorns and poop. But he, surprisingly, has never been truly in love before. One can say that it's because he's idealistic and has pretty high standards, based from the ridiculously long list of requirements he has written down in his diary. (It's quite manly. It's colored blue.) But to be honest? It's just because Byun Baekhyun is clueless and he won't know love even if it bites him in the butt, says "Ola, amigo!" and does the salsa.
Again, we have his brother to thank for that but we'll get to him a little bit later. Because who wants to talk about him when we can talk about what Byun Baekhyun's doing on Park Chanyeol's bed instead?
"Chanyeol... it hurts," he moans.
"Shhh. It will get better," Chanyeol murmurs.
It's Friday after class--the second weekend of Baekhyun's makeover--and he finds himself in Park Chanyeol's room, on top of his bed, lying on his back... and clutching his abused eye. "It's been three fucking minutes, the hell it'll get better!"
"Hey, watch your language." Chanyeol chuckles and sits beside him. "I told you to stay still."
"Why do I have to put that shit on my eye anyway?" Baekhyun moans again, earning another laugh from the taller boy.
"This shit is called eyeliner and it makes your eyes stand out. Don't you want to look all pretty for Zhang Yixing?"
Baekhyun is tempted to answer no. If it hurts to get poked in the eye by that evil eyeliner thing then Zhang Yixing may not be worth it. But then prom's nearing and next to it is graduation. He needs his fairy tale to come true soon.
"Come on. Let's try again," Chanyeol says when he doesn't answer. "Just don't blink too much and it will be fine."
Baekhyun reluctantly sits up, grumbling all the while. The taller boy stands and goes in front of Baekhyun to position his hand above the smaller male's face.
"Okay." The boy tilts Baekhyun's chin up. "Now, please don't move."
It's really quite hard following that request because Baekhyun's stomach is fluttering once more. His stomach has been out of sorts for several days now and he isn't quite sure what to do. He remembers feeling it for the first time when he passed by Chanyeol on his way to his classroom. The giant smiled at him in greeting. He felt cold and then hot and there was that dastardly fluttering.
Baekhyun feels Chanyeol's left hand warm on his chin and he gets this urge to kick him in the gut.
"Ya, Byun. I told you to stay still not kill yourself by not breathing."
Flustered, Baekhyun lets out a labored breath and distracts himself from the thought that Chanyeol's face is so close to his own, their noses are almost touching. Of course it's not really affecting him because if it does then it'll be weird. And Baekhyun's not weird. He's dope. He's... he's... Chanyeol leans closer and Baekhyun loses his train of thought altogether.
"You should take off your beanie. Don't you want people to see your new look?" Chanyeol asks, his eyes trained on Baekhyun's lids as he applies the liner gently across his eyelids.
"No, not yet." He's unsure why he doesn't want others to see his newly colored hair yet. Is he actually saving it for when he next asks Yixing out? Not yet prepared to inspect his own reasons, Baekhyun changes the subject. "How do you even know how to apply this shit?"
Chanyeol sighs at his use of 'shit' again but answers, "I have my Yuri-noona. My sister's four years older than me and is a model. She's away right now because of work. She taught me everything I needed to know about... things," he ended.
"About dressing up and all that?"
"Yeah."
Chanyeol moves to apply the liner to his other eye. "Hey, Byun. Can I ask why?"
"Why what?" he answers distractedly.
"Why do you want to have a boyfriend?"
"It's because I want to see my name written on the bathroom mirror with toothpaste," Baekhyun says.
"What?" Chanyeol stops applying the liner and looks into Baekhyun's eyes.
"I used to wonder why my parents took so long to go out of the bathroom every night. So one time, I finally got the courage to open the door while they were inside. I saw them standing in front of the sink, smiling at each other. My papa drew a big heart on the mirror using toothpaste and mama wrote their names inside. I want that, too."
A few heartbeats after, Chanyeol pokes Baekhyun's forehead with the other end of the eyeliner. "I can't believe I'm helping you out just because you want your name written with toothpaste," he says drily.
"They were happy," Baekhyun replies and searches into Chanyeol's eyes. For some reason, he wants him to understand. "I just want to be happy like that."
The taller boy unexpectedly cups his cheek. Baekhyun forgets how to breathe again. "I get it, Baekhyun. Let's get you that happy ending then."
And Chanyeol does his best to give Baekhyun his make-over. They spend the next two weeks studying etiquette over sundaes down at the nearby ice cream parlor. After classes, they can always be found at the table near the corner window, arguing over what to say (You look really good tonight) and what not to say (Hey, yo' asshat) when going on a date with a guy you like.
Baekhyun and Chanyeol settle into a comfortable routine and somewhere along the way Baekhyun forgets why he is having a make-over in the first place. Somehow, he ends up enjoying the company of the big oaf even if he always cuts and corrects Baekhyun when he speaks.
The shorter boy finds himself looking forward to their walk home even if it hurts his neck when he has to look up at Chanyeol because he is just so tall. He even welcomes Chanyeol's wide grins even if they still hurt his eyes.
Baekhyun learns to live with the strange fluttering in his stomach.
part ii