For the last couple of days Baekhyun and Annie have been going to the places with possible warehouses or offices of Rubies.They got this information from the captives they got during they burned the warehouse in Seoul.Turned out that Rubies also had a few small hideouts all across Seoul.That shocked all of them.Rubies were planning something big.Joonmyun wants to teach them a lesson very soon.He ordered them to destroy whatever hideout of Rubies they see.According to Joonmyun they are already announced war when they burned down that warehouse.They shouldn't go easy now.So he sent some members in pairs to see if the informations they got are actually true or not.Some turned out to be true.

Like the last few days Annie and Baekhyun are riding their bike to one of the places with potential hideouts.They started the journey at 6 pm.The place was on another part of Seoul so it took them 1.30 hours to just get there on bike while Annie drove really fast.

After getting there they searched for the hideout in the abandoned area.They found no one there.There wasn't any hide out.They couldn't find one even after searching for awhile.

That day Annie was being really rushed.She was trying to do everything really quickly and convincing Baekhyun that they should go back quickly.Baekhyun didn't know what the rush was about and it was really unlike Annie.She also seemed stressed and anxious.

Baekhyun doesn't know why but everyone in his gang has been acting really weird today.He can't figure out what's wrong with them.Annie is acting like that too.

After thoroughly searching that area Baekhyun sighed because they can't find anything.Annie then held his arm and said,"We have searched enough.Now Let's go home."

"No,now that we are here let's search the areas beside this.They might relocate after that burning incident,"Baekhyun said.

He frowned because as soon as he said that Annie looked both panicked and disappointed.Baekhyun asked,"What's wrong?"

"I'm sure there nothing else here.Let's get back,"Annie said.

"Annie-ah,why are you acting like this today?Are you feeling unwell?"Baekhyun asked.

As if a light bulb went on in Annie's head.She held back her smile and said,"Yes,I'm feeling really bad.I have a severe headache.So Let's go back.I feel like I would faint."

"Oh,do you?"Baekhyun asked,not at all buying Annie's excuse.

But Annie looked at him hopefully to get a desired answer.

Baekhyun smiled.Annie smiled too thinking she had managed to convince Baekhyun to get back.

But when Baekhyun opened his mouth her smile dropped.

Baekhyun patted her head and said,"Why don't you go and sit somewhere then?I can do the searching by myself."

"What?No!Thats not the point,Baek!"

"Then What is the point?Stop beating around the damn bush and tell me what the fuck is up!"Baekhyun said.

Annie sighed.

"I see how it is then.We are not going back so soon if you don't give me a good enough reason.I will do the searching by myself ma'am.Just go and sit somewhere,"Baekhyun said and pulled his arm out of Annie's grip.Annie held it again,stopping Baekhyun.

"Hey let's go.Can you not do this for my sake?You said you like me!"

"Don't even try,"Baekhyun said while pulling his arm away again,"Work is work,honey."

Annie looked down. Baekhyun was about walking away.But then took a few steps back and told Annie,"If you are worried about us not reaching before 12,don't worry.I will take you back before 12.I promise."

Annie pouted in defeat.Baekhyun found that really cute.He again ruffled Annie's hair and said,"Do you want to sit or go on searching with me?"

"I'm sure we won't find anything else but I would search with you,"Annie said while sulking.

Baekhyun chuckled,"Let's go then."

Baekhyun and Annie were now searching another area beside the previous one.Baekhyun couldn't find anything here as well.The area was small so it took him less then ten minutes.He sighed and felt thirsty.He remembered that Annie brought water with her.So he walked towards where Annie was.Annie was standing in front of a abandoned store.It's shutter was closed.She was back facing him and taking on the phone.She didn't sense his presence.So he decided to give her a little surprise and see her reaction.

But as he approached her he was the one getting surprised and kind of suspicious.She was talking on the phone and he could hear her.

"No..I mean..that plan definitely won't work on him.Do you not know how much of a workaholic he is?I tried to give him so many excuses..he still won't budge.And you are telling me that he would run there if I told him that he is injured?Never!"Annie asked on phone.

What the other side said Baekhyun didn't hear.He's pretty sure she's talking about him.What is she doing?

Annie suddenly turned around while talking on the phone.When she saw him right in front of her she was obviously surprised.She quickly hung up her phone and smiled at him,"Are you done,Baek?"

Baekhyun didn't like any of it.His mood was changing quickly.He was getting angry.

"What are you doing,Annie?"Baekhyun asked sternly while taking a step towards her.

She tried to put on another fake smile and stepped back,"I was talking on the phone."

"Exactly.And with who?"Baekhyun asked while taking a step ahead.

She took a step back.

"Just.."

"Just?"He again took a step forward.He just hopes it's not what he thinks it is.He hopes Annie isn't actually plotting something against him.Or else he doesn't know what he might do.

"Baekyun..it's.."

"It's what?!!" Baekhyun asked.

Before anything else could happen or Baekhyun could get angrier,his phone rang.Annie sighed in relief.Her back was about to hit the store's shutter behind her.

Baekhyun picked up his phone angrily.It was Joonmyun.

"What?"Baekhyun asked while picking up.Not even hiding the fact that he's angry.

"Baekhyun-ah.."

Something seemed wrong with Joonmyun's voice.Something was wrong.

"Yeah,What?"

"He is hurt."

Baekhyun frowned.

Wtf is he saying?

"Who is hurt?And why should I care?"Baekhyun asked.

"Baekhyun-ah.."

The next thing Joonmyun said made Baekhyun's eyes widen and heart drop.

"Taehyung is hurt.....badly."

"WHAT?"

"Yes,he got beat up at a match tonight.He's severely injured.He's calling you.Come back."

Baekhyun gritted his teeth,"Which bastard was it?"

"That's not important now.Just come back.Taehyung is asking for you."

"I'm on my way.Take care of him or I will.."

"Yeah...just come back."

Baekhyun quickly hung up the phone.He didn't care about anything that happened with Annie just a few seconds earlier.He can take care of that later.

He took the bike's keys from Annie and hopped on the bike.Annie got behind him and he quickly started the bike.He drove as fast as he could without thinking about anything beside one thing.

He needed to make sure Taehyung was alright.

Baekhyun was driving at the speed of light.He was driving so fast.He almost forgot that Annie was sitting behind him,amazed by the driving.Baekhyun wasn't thinking about anything that time.He just needed to get to the territory as fast as he could.

Baekhyun drove so fast it made Annie dizzy and a bit nauseous.It's surprising cause she is used to high speed.But how fast actually was he driving?

They got to the territory way before they normally would.Baekhyun quickly got of the bike and entered the territory.Annie followed him in.

Baekhyun frowned seeing the territory so quiet and dark.The lights were all off,no one was there,the racing and fights were happening.Even the bar was closed.The casino had no lights on too.Baekhyun panicked.

What the hell happened here?Did some one attack the territory?

Baekhyun got his phone out and dialed Joonmyun's number.Joonmyun soon picked up and Baekhyun bombarded with questions?

"What happened here?Did someone attack?Did y'all lose?Is Taehyung okay?Are you all okay?Where are you all?"

"Calm down.."

"How do you expect me to calm down after I see this?Answer me Goddamn it!!"Baekhyun shouted.

"Fine....just come to the casino.Quickly!"Joonmyun said in a panicked tone.

The panic in Joonmyun's voice made Baekhyun more panicked.Baekhyun kept his phone in his pocket and got this gun out.

"Baekhyun..you won't need that.."Annie said pointing at the gun.

Baekhyun frowned at her and didn't respond.There is a chance that she is behind this.She has been acting really suspicious today.He would deal with her later.For now he should just go to the casino.

Baekhyun didn't say anything,held Annie's hand and ran towards the casino without saying anything else.He held her hand just to make sure she doesn't try anything that he won't like.

As Baekhyun was approaching the casino his heart was filling with many assumptions and possibilities.What if Annie actually was the spy?What would he do?His gang would always come first.But then..what about her..?

And is Taehyung and the other members okay?What happened to them?And didn't Joonmyun say only Taehyung got hurt in a fight?Then where is everyone else?

Baekhyun entered the dark casino with a heart full of worries.And he can't remember the last time he saw this casino in so much darkness.It was always so full of lights and noises.

But as soon as Baekhyun entered the casino loud noises were heard from both of his sides.Baekhyun frowned.

This sounds.....

.......like party poppers?

Wtf?

Before Baekhyun could think any further all the lights went on.Loud cheers were heard.His eyes narrowed in the sudden brightness.As he looked ahead he saw all of this gangmates and associates in the casino.The casino was decked out in different kind of accessories.

They all were saying something.Baekhyun didn't know what was going on so suddenly.He paid attention to what they were all saying and it shocked Baekhyun.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY,BAEKHYUN!!"

Baekhyun frowned.

It's my birthday?

What's the date?

It's May's...well damn it's my birthday.

They all scared the shit out of me...for this???

Baekhyun honestly had forgotten about this.But suddenly a thought came to his mind and he looked up with widened eyes,"Where's Tae..."

Before he could finish Taehyung jumped on Baekhyun from some corner and hugged Baekhyun really tightly,"Happy birthday hyung."

Baekhyun hugged back while smiling,"Thank you,Tae.Are you Okay?You are not hurt,are you?"

"No,I kind of made Joonmyun hyung lie to get you to come here,"Taehyung said while laughing,"There was no other way,hyung.Sorry."

Baekhyun chuckled and patted his head,"I'm just glad you are okay."

Suddenly Namjoon and Joonmyun joined the hug.

"Thanks for being born,"Joonmyun said,"Even though you might be a pain in the ass,I don't know what I would do without you."

"I would take that as a compliment,"Baekhyun said.

"We knew you would forget your birthday hyung.But we had to celebrate this.Sorry for surprising you like this,"Namjoon said.

"Yeah,you wouldn't agree if we asked you to throw a birthday party or let us.So..we.."Taehyung said,"..planned it by ourselves."

Baekhyun chuckled,"Okay,thank you..and I'm not that angry..so leave me I can't breathe."

They slowly left the hug.Everyone present in the room were silently staring at that heartwarming scenery ahead of them.They act annoyed at each other but the four of them came a long way together.

"Emotional stuff aside...let's party,shall we?"Lucas asked,"We Even got a DJ!"

"Who?"Baekhyun frowned.

"Me,"Doyoung said,"I took a course on DJING few days ago."

"Y'all Have too much free time,don't you?And I can't breathe for a single moment.."Baekhyun said.

"No scolding today,hyung.Or no work related topic hyung.You just relax tonight and party.You can't leave the party half way to go work,"Taehyung said,"That's a rule."

"But.."

Taehyung looked at Baekhyun sadly and Baekhyun gave up while sighing,"Fine."

"Let's party then,shall we?" Baekhyun looked at everyone else in the room,"It's my birthday after all!!"

"Yes!!!"

The party went on.Doyoung did a great job djing.No one talked about anything related to the gang as Taehyung said.Everyone danced,chit chatted with each other,danced their heart out,ate delicious food.Baekhyun isn't scolding anyone or getting angry.So all of his team mates are coming and talking to him.

It's been a few hours since the party started.Baekhyun was now talking to Yixing and Chanyeol.While talking to them Baekhyun was looking around.He has been so busy talking to everyone tonight he didn't get a chance to be with Annie.He owes an apology to her.He suspected her without any reason.God knows what he would do if Joonmyun didn't call him that moment.

Baekhyun saw Annie here and there in the party talking to people,drinking and dancing.But where is she now?It's 11:30.Did she leave early tonight?

Suddenly Sunmi came from the dance floor and swung an arm around Baekhyun,"Searching for someone,birthday boy?"

"Yeah..where is Annie?Wasn't she with you just a few moments ago?"Baekhyun asked,"Did she leave?"

"No..she was feeling stuffy so she went out to get some fresh air,"Sunmi said,"She's probably behind the casino.Why you ask?"

"Oh..hold this.."Baekhyun said and handed Sunmi his glass of vodka,"You guys stay here,I be right back."

Before Sunmi,Chanyeol or Yixing could speak,Baekhyun ran out to the casino to get to the back of the casino.

Sunmi was right.Baekhyun found Annie sitting on top of a boundary wall,looking at the sky while drinking a can of beer.

Baekhyun smiled.She didn't even notice his presence,"Hey."

Annie snapped out and looked down at Baekhyun,"Hi,Baek.Why are you here?It's your party."

Baekhyun didn't reply.He got up to the boundary wall and sat beside her.She looked at him.

Baekhyun didn't say anything for awhile.Just looked at each other's faces.Annie's bangs were flying because of the wind.She looked unbelievably pretty.She was wearing an expression Baekhyun didn't see her wear before.Baekhyun doesn't know what it is.

Baekhyun broke the silence first,"I'm sorry,Annie."

Annie was taken off guard,"What for?"

"For thinking you were up to something bad when you were just trying to surprise me," Baekhyun said.

Annie chuckled,"Don't even.And I didn't give you enough reasons to trust me,did I?So it's okay."

"Then why were so out of character today?You normally like parties.You looked so gloomy and quiet tonight.Did something happen?"Baekhyun asked.

"No,Baek.."

"Something is definitely up,"Baekhyun said,"You are sad."

"I'm not sad..it's just.."

"It's just..?"

"It's just Baek..I'm really happy and touched tonight.I didn't feel this happy and relieved ever.So it just feels weird..and surreal.I don't know how to deal with it.You get what I mean?"Annie asked while looking down.

Baekhyun chuckled,"You are so cute,Ann."

Annie looked up and glared at him.Baekhyun chuckled again while taking the beer can away from her hand and sipping on it,"What got our Annie so happy today?That it's her knight and shinning armor's birthday?That at this very date..an amazing human being was born.."

Annie cringed hearing that.

Baekhyun laughed seeing her expression,"Come on,tell me,what's up."

Annie stayed quiet for a few moments before she slowly asked,"You really care for Taehyung,don't you?Even when he's not your real brother?"

Baekhyun was shocked at that sudden question.

"I mean..the way you flew here as soon as you heard he is injured.I still can't believe it,"Annie said.

Baekhyun sipped on the beer and looked away from Annie,"Annie-ah?"

Annie looked at his side profile,"Hmm?"

"I have never thought of Taehyung as someone who's not my real brother.Not having blood connection doesn't mean you can't be real family.I raised Taehyung and he is my brother.And I will keep protecting him no matter what.That boy has already been through a lot in his life.He won't suffer anymore as long as I'm around.In fact no one can touch anyone from my gang as long as I'm around."

Baekhyun meant every single sentence he said.Annie could tell by his voice.

Baekhyun was looking away so he didn't see Annie's eyes sparkling with tears.She managed to stop it and said,"Ah!I thought you grew up to be an emotionless,workaholic as bitch.But looks like you still have human emotions."

Baekhyun frowned and turned to her.

Annie suddenly patted his head and sincerely said,"You grew up to be fine man,Byun Baekhyun.Thank you."

Baekhyun's heart suddenly felt weird.Annie's sudden action shocked him and made him feel so many emotions at once.Before he could process anything any of those feelings,Annie threw her hands up to stretch and her playful self returned.

"As I'm so happy today,Baek.I'm going to do something,I didn't plan on doing."

"What?"

"I won't be awkward with you anymore.Let's actually be friends."

Baekhyun widened his eyes.After so many tries she finally is saying that out loud. Baekhyun was really happy internally but on the outside he kept his calm,"Are you friend zoning me?"

Annie smiled,"Yes,we cant date.Like ever."

"Why?!"

"Because we can't,friend.Let's not be awkward around each other anymore.And Yes,That challenge is still on."

"What?"

"The day you find out who I am,I will leave this gang."

"No!You can't leave.You don't have to leave."

Annie shook her head,"The day you find out who I am,you are going to eat your words."

Baekhyun frowned.

Annie looked at her watch,"It's 12.I gotta go."

Before Annie could jump down from the boundary wall Baekhyun suddenly put his arm around her waist to make her stop from jumping down.He didn't want her to leave.While he was looking at her stunned eyes,he realized how much he wants to be with her.

"Stay,"Baekhyun said.

"Baek,I can't.You know it,"She said while slowly removing his hand from her waist,"And we are just friends remember?"

Baekhyun sighed,"It's my birthday.You can't refuse me."

Annie gave a small smile,"It's 12,Baek.The birthday is over.You missed your chance."

Then she jumped off the boundary wall and looked up at him,"Don't sit here alone like a loser.Go and enjoy the party."

Baekhyun rolled his eyes.

She just chuckled and waved at him before leaving him.

Baekhyun sighed and watched her walk away while sipping his beer.

He doesn't know what happened tonight but he realized how much he likes spending time with her.There was something about her presence that made him happy without any reason.He realized he lonely he feels once she leaves.

But if he finds out who she is..she is going to leave the gang for once and for all?

Does that make sense?

Just thinking about that made him sad.His feelings about Annie are evolving quickly and he doesn't like it.

Baekhyun sighed.

So many thoughts were running through his mind at that very moment.He doesn't know if all this is because of alcohol or if he's just going crazy.

But that very night,for the very first time in his life,the Byun Baekhyun was thinking of giving up on a challenge.

___________________________

A/N:

Hi there people!!

I'm like Baekhyun.I tend to forget my birthday.Not because I'm busy,just because I'm forgetful and don't like celebrating birthdays.

Anyway,share your feelings about birthdays with me here!!I would love to know how you celebrate your birthday!'