"So..today I gathered all of you here to make a very important announcement,"Baekhyun said a bit nervously while looking at all of his teammates in front of him.

Currently Baekhyun is standing on a table in their casino.He called all of teammates here to make an announcement.All of them are here except Joonmyun and Namjoon.They are having a small meeting.He has already told them his decision.Here most of them are looking at him are looking at him curiously and some of them doesn't want to be here.But Baekhyun thought just because he started it in front of them he should finish this in front of them as well.Baekhyun is a bit scared and nervous of their reaction.This was such a big decision for him.He just hopes that they receive it well and understand him.

"So..I thought very much for the last few days and made a really important and big decision.That I.."Baekhyun stopped.He doesn't know how to say it.He doesn't know how they will take it and if they will make fun of it.

"Baekhyun,did you kill someone unnecessarily?"Irene asked.

"What..no,"Baekhyun said.

"Did you get anyone pregnant?"Seokjin asked,"Protection is important guys.How many times do I have to tell you all?"

Baekhyun frowned,"No.I didn't.Listen to m..

"Is any of your exes chasing you?I am the expert in getting rid of crazy exes,"Joy said.

"What the fu.."

"OR!!Did you put milk before cereal?"Jimin asked and looked freaked out,"Oh my God,you should be prisoned.Like right now."

"Or did you burn your house down while trying to cook?"Chanyeol asked,"Cause you almost burned down my house while trying to cook..it was horrible."

"Shut up,Yeol,"Baekhyun said,"Listen to me.."

No one listened to him they all just kept speculating what Baekhyun did.And all of the speculations were stupid.They didn't even let Baekhyun speak.Baekhyun's tried to wait for it all to be over but their speculations never stopped.Baekhyun was running out of patience while standing on the table.

I had forgotten how stupid the people I associate myself with are.

Baekhyun couldn't take it anymore.He stomped his foot loudly on the expensive ass table of the casino and then shouted,"FUCKING LISTEN TO ME!"

That got everyone to shut up and actually listen to him.All of them looked at Baekhyun.That got Baekhyun nervous again.What he is about to tell them is way bigger than any of their speculations.

Seeing Baekhyun nervous Joonmyun said,"It's okay,Baekhyun.Tell us whatever you have to say.No one would judge you."

"Yeah.I'm really excited to know what he has to say,"Sunmi said.

Baekhyun took a deep breath,"Okay.."

Everyone looked at him excitedly.

Baekhyun decided to finally say it,"The decision I took is that...I,Byun Baekhyun.."He stopped again.This kind of decision is so new to him.

"You,Byun Baekhyun...?"Jongin asked.

Baekhyun took a deep breath again and closed his eyes to let it all out,"I,Byun Baekhyun have decided to give up on the challenge of finding who Annie really is."

Baekhyun had his eyes shut,he was waiting for them to start screaming.But he didn't get the reaction he wanted.All he got was complete silence. Baekhyun figured they all were really shocked to even say anything.

It's the first time Byun Baekhyun is giving up on a mission after all.

They are bound to be shocked.Baekhyun slowly opened his eyes expecting to see their shocked faces.But when he opened his eyes he saw the expressions he didn't expect at all.Everyone looked unamused.Baekhyun was confused.

Why aren't they shocked?

"And so?"Kyungsoo finally broke the silence and asked,"What do you want us to do about it?"

Only Taehyung applauded happily and said,"Yay,finally hyung."

"Gosh,I thought something big is happening,"Sehun said.

Baekhyun raised his brows.

I,Baekhyun giving up on a mission isn't big for these peasants?

Baekhyun tried again.
"Guys..I mean it.I'm truly giving up on a mission.For the very first time in my life,"Baekhyun said.

"Congrats,"Jongdae said and sarcastically clapped.

"Geez how is that worse than putting milk in cereal first?"Jimin said in a low voice but Baekhyun could hear it.

Baekhyun couldn't believe his ears.What reaction he expected and what reaction he is getting.Baekhyun sighed.This took so much thinking and was so stressful.And now he's getting this reaction.

Why do I associate myself with them again?

"Come on,Baek.We already know something is going between you and her.We all saw this coming,"Irene said.

Baekhyun was about to protest.

Right then the door opened and Annie walked in.She looked really confused.She looked at everyone and asked,"Why is everyone here?"

She then looked at Baekhyun and pointed at him,"Why are you standing on the table?"

"Nobody say anything,"Baekhyun said.He isn't ready to let Annie know yet.He had planned to tell Annie after telling everyone else,himself in private.Today for some reason she came early.She isn't supposed to be here at 7:30.She isn't supposed to know this here,yet.

"Why?Is it a secret?Shall I come back later?"Annie asked,clueless.

Some of the members were about to open their mouth to tell her what was going on.But Baekhyun stopped them,"I,myself will tell her.None of you will."

"Guys,what's up?Is he planning to kill me?"Annie asked still confused.

"In a way yes,being with him is worse than death anyways.."Jongin said winning a glare from Baekhyun.

"Guys I'm so confused,"Annie said,"Just tell me."

"If anyone tells her what I just said I will kill..."

Before Baekhyun could finish Sunmi looked at Annie and said,"Baekhyun is giving up on his mission to find out who you are.He didn't tell us the reason.But I am sure it's because he wants to date you."

Baekhyun glared at Sunmi.He wanted to tell her this himself in private.Nothing is working out for him today.

Sunmi felt his glare on her so he turned at her and raised her brows,"What?"

"I'm gonna kill you,"Baekhyun said.

"I have Joonmyun,"Sunmi said and smirked.

Baekhyun rolled his eyes and slowly turned to Annie.Now she is probably also going to unamused and uninterested like the others in the group.

But when he turned to her he saw something completely different.She was beyond shocked.As soon as he looked at her she asked,"You quit the challenge?You?Byun Baekhyun?"

Annie looked really touched and honored and also a bit happy.That made Baekhyun happy.All of his irritation went away.He smiled.

"Yeah,"Baekhyun said while getting down from the table,"Anyway let's go.We have work to do."

Annie nodded,understanding Baekhyun's wish of not talking about this anymore in front of others.

Baekhyun quickly walked towards Annie and held her wrist and puller her behind him.Annie didn't protest.

"I think the ship is sailing,"Yuta shouted.

"They are so damn cute,"Seulgi said,"I wanted this to happen for so long."

Annie and Baekhyun both felt really weird while listening to them.This was such a new feeling for both of them.

"Yeah,you two are really cute and all BUT REMEMBER TO USE PROTECTION,"Seokjin shouted for them to hear.He even cupped his mouth with both of his hands.

Annie's cheeks had turned red.Baekhyun noticed it.So he turned back and glared at Seokjin before shouting,"Everyone Stop lazing around and get to work!"

He could hear protests and complains but he didn't stop,he just continued to drag Annie out of the casino.

After they were finally out of the casino Baekhyun left her hand and looked at her.Her cheeks were still red and she was shocked.

Baekhyun has rarely seen her cheeks get red out of embarrassment.

"You Okay?"Baekhyun asked.

Annie snapped out of her thoughts and nodded,"Oh yeah.I am."

"Let's go then."

Annie nodded and then they walked towards where Baekhyun's bike was parked.They were walking side by side.The parking area was a bit far from the casino so they had to walk quite a bit.

Annie still looked really out of it.As if there were many things tuning in her head.Baekhyun wasn't sure if he should disturb her or not but he couldn't wait anymore as well.He was dying out of curiosity.Annie already got to know about the decision he made before he could tell her personally.He needs to know if it helped to change her mind.

"Annie?"Baekhyun called.

"Hmm?"Annie turned to him.

"So you've heard about me deciding to quit the challenge.What do you think about it?" Baekhyun asked.

"I'm shocked,stunned and honored,"Annie chuckled,"And I think a bit happy too."

Baekhyun smiled hopefully,"So does that mean we can be more than friends now?"

Annie paused.

Baekhyun's heart dropped seeing her pause.

She's about to say no,isn't she?

Quitting a challenge is a very big deal for Baekhyun.If even after this Annie doesn't see how serious he is about then Baekhyun doesn't know what to do.Then Baekhyun doesn't know if this will ever work.That would be devastating.

Baekhyun was just waiting for Annie's answer.

"Baekhyun-ah,I..know you have given up on a challenge for me.I know how much big of a deal this is for you.Trust me,it is for me as well.I know you have feelings for me and I think I have too.I also really want this to work.But.."

At this point they have both reached the parking area.Fortunately no one is here.Baekhyun's bike could be seen.

They both stopped walking and looked at each other.

"But what?" Baekhyun asked,"What's the problem then?"

Annie sighed and looked away.

"Tell me,Annie.I would fix it,"Baekhyun said while holding both of Annie's upper arms.

"I'm..I'm scared..Baek.."Annie said and sighed.

Baekhyun was confused,"Why are you scared?"

"I'm scared that the moment you get to know about the real me you might hate me,"Annie said in a barely audible voice,"I don't want to hurt you."

Baekhyun didn't hear any of it,"Annie,I can't hear you.Tell me freely what's the problem."

"It's just..I will never be able to tell you who I am but I don't want to keep you in the dark for too long,"Annie said and sighed.

Baekhyun paused for a minute to think.Why is he finding out who she is such big of a deal?But if she wants it,Baekhyun will do it for her.

"I don't care,Annie.I don't care who you are,what you do.I won't ever care.I promise you,"Baekhyun said.

"No,Baek.I might end up hurting you,"Annie said and sighed.Baekhyun could literally feel her sadness.It broke his heart too.

Baekhyun sighed,"I never walked away from an experience just because it might hurt me.I'm Byun Baekhyun and I'm not afraid to get hurt."

"But I don't want to hurt you."

"I won't get hurt,Annie.I want this.You want this too.Face it."

"But.."

Baekhyun sighed.That was the moment he lost the last bit of his patience.He couldn't take this anymore.He has talked enough already and he gets that talking to her isn't going to work anymore.

So before Annie could finish Baekhyun muttered under his breath,"Oh for God's sake.."

Then he pulled Annie closer and before she could speak or do anything he slammed his lips on her.He knew she was shocked but this was the only way now.He kiss didn't last very long but it was affectionate enough to pass his feelings to Annie.

After he pulled away he looked at Annie whose cheeks were red like a tomato.She was feeling shy and so confused.

Baekhyun chuckled seeing how cute she looked,"So now?"

"Now what?"Annie slowly asked.

"Do we get to be together or shall I continue?"Baekhyun asked and was actually about to lean down and kiss her again but right then Annie moved away and said,"No,I'm fine."

"And?" Baekhyun asked,chuckling,"What did you decide?"

Annie paused for a moment.She had so many thoughts running in her head.But that was the moment she decided to fuck all of it and told herself whatever happens in the future we will see in the future then she looked at Baekhyun who was looking at her hopefully.

Baekhyun saw Annie suddenly smirk and then she said,"I guess we will see."

Then she turned around and walked towards Baekhyun's bike.

Baekhyun felt like he was on cloud nine.She didn't say straight up no like she used to.This is a big improvement.

Baekhyun stood there looking at her for a few seconds.She went to the bike and turned around,"Will you stand there forever?Don't we have work to do?"

Baekhyun chuckled and walked towards her.

"Pass me the keys.I will drive," Annie said while smiling.

Baekhyun got keys out of his pocket and threw them towards Annie to catch.Annie caught it and smiled happily at Baekhyun.She also looked really happy.

Seeing her this happy made Baekhyun happier.

Their time working passed by really quick.They had a lot of work to finish.But work was really enjoyable together.Spending time like this was fun for Baekhyun.None of them went out of their way to flirt with the other one.But the small smiles,words,actions,holding hands,these moments were so precious.They talked and jokes while having dinner.They were having fun in each other's company as usual. When Taehyung said if he dates Annie he wouldn't have to sacrifice his work that much.It was true.Baekhyun liked it.Annie seemed to like it too.

When the clock struck 12 it was time for Annie to go. Baekhyun sighed and came out of the warehouse they were working at with her.

Annie turned to him and said while smiling,"Guess I have to leave now.See you tomorrow."

Annie was about to turn around and leave but Baekhyun held her hand and that made her stop and turn around.

Annie raised her eyebrows.

Baekhyun pouted like a little kid,"Do you have to leave?"

He really doesn't want Annie to leave.

Annie's heart felt weird seeing how cute he looked.Her heart broke but she had to say no.She doesn't want to go either.She wants to stay with him.Him looking at her like that,holding her hand isn't helping it at all.

"I don't want to go,Baek.But I have to go,"Annie said sadly.

Baekhyun sighed and pulled her closer to him and put his arms around her waist,"Don't go,"he said while looking straight at her eyes.

Annie smiled and put her arms around his neck and said,"Baekhyun-ah,we didn't do anything special tonight.But it felt so special.I liked the way you held my hands,liked your every word.I wanted to stay back but too bad it's already 12."

Baekhyun sighed.

Annie smiled and boped his nose cutely and said,"Text me.I will answer."

"But.."

Annie looked at her wrist watch and looked sad,"Baekhyun-ah,I'm sorry I can't stay anymore.Gotta go.It's 12 am."

Baekhyun knew she would have to leave anyway.He sighed again before slowly releasing her from his arms.

Annie smiled sadly and took back her arms as well.

"See you tomorrow,"Annie said and turned around no matter how much it hurt her to leave Baekhyun alone tonight.She felt sad that her leaving made Baekhyun this sad.

Baekhyun watched her slowly walk away.He felt really sad.Why did she have to leave on such a happy day?

While he was watching her walk away suddenly something strange happened.She suddenly turned around and ran towards him shocking him.She ran right towards him and then engulfed him in a really tight hug and then gave him a big kiss on his cheek.That hug and kiss instantly made his sadness go away.

Annie looked at Baekhyun and said,"I know how you feel.But I'm sorry."

"No,it's okay now,"Baekhyun said and was about to lean in to kiss her on her lips but right then Annie smirked and put her fingers on his lips stopping him.

"What's the hurry,Mr.Byun?"Annie smirked and it made Baekhyun chuckle as well.Then she slowly pulled away from the hug.

"I really have to go now.Bye,"Annie said and turned around.

This time Baekhyun wasn't gloomy.His mood has lightened and he felt happy.

While she was leaving he cupped his mouth with both of his hands and shouted,"I will text you!"

"Okay!!!"She shouted while looking back.

Baekhyun chuckled.

The price he had to pay for this was big.But at least he his happy when she is with him.

Who knew that quitting a challenge would make Byun Baekhyun this much happier than actually winning it?

___________________________

A/N:

*obsessed with Taemin's 'criminal'*