*

It has been a month since he left New York.

[The number you are trying to call is unavailable at this moment. Please leave a message after...]

And Baekhyun hasn't heard of Chanyeol for a week now.

The first three weeks of being long-distance was okay, they would chat 24/7 and talk to each other every night, telling stories after stories what happened in their entire day. It only started to fail one night when Baekhyun missed a call from Chanyeol because he was asleep.

Friday • 11:57PM
1 missed call, Chanyeol Sunbae

It was the last detail of Chanyeol attempting to contact him ever since that day, and Baekhyun feels utterly heartbroken and anxious. As he lies on the bed with a phone in hand, he taps again the speech bubble icon on his phone and binge-reads among the hundreds of unread messages he sent to Chanyeol for the whole week.

Saturday • 6:14AM
Good morning, Chanyeol sunbae! I was trying to call you back but you weren't picking up. I was sleeping already when you called me last night. What's up?

Sunday • 10:40PM
Chanyeol sunbae, are you sleeping already? Good night, then. Kiss. Kiss. Kiss.

Monday • 9:01AM
Good morning! I'm off to school now. I love you!

Monday • 11:28AM
You're not forgetting to take your meds, are you? I'm worried! Please call me. ㅠㅠ

Tuesday • 5:02PM
How are your parents doing at home? I saw Yura's post and looks like you went out together for dinner~ I asked her but seems like she hasn't read my message yet.

Tuesday • 8:19PM
I passed the exam today! We ate in a family restaurant after class. We should go there together, too, when you came back. I'm excited!

Wednesday • 6:14PM
I'm horny! Should I send nudes? ㅋㅋㅋㅋ

Friday • 8:08AM
It was Jongin and Kyungsoo's birthday yesterday and we were forced to leave the house. ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡ °). I'm bored, though. I wonder what you're doing. Should I give you a call?

Friday • 9:11PM
Chanyeol sunbae, you must be really busy right now... Please read my message at least. I'm very worried...

"It has been a week," Baekhyun mutters to himself as he clutches his heavy chest. Wiping the tears falling from his eyes, he curls himself into a ball and silently cries, just like the other day and yesterday of him basked into his lonely depressing thoughts. "Why isn't he answering me... Is he going to leave me now?"

The thumbs on the screen of his phone are shaking as Baekhyun types a message to Chanyeol that he keeps on deleting. He can't think of anything to say. He has been calling him nonstop, every hour, everyday, but Chanyeol won't still pick up. Thinking about something bad happening to Chanyeol only put him into tears and brought him an anxious heart.

"No... He promised that he's coming back," Baekhyun consoles himself in between sobs, recollecting all his faith to Chanyeol. "Right... I should wait for him.... I shouldn't be thinking negatively like this..."

A gentle knock on the door pulls him out of his trance, so he immediately straightens up on the bed and rubs his tears-soaked eyes with his shirt. "C-come in."

Kyungsoo carefully enters the room, closing the door behind him as he stands a good distance from Baekhyun on the bed. He studies the male's pitiful state--- hair disheveled and swollen eyes, and it makes his heart sink. Baekhyun hasn't been coming out of his room nor has he been eating properly these days just waiting for Chanyeol's call.

Even if Baekhyun is already suffering like this, Kyungsoo never heard him say anything. Baekhyun would only fake a smile whenever they ask him if he was okay. He would tell them not to worry about him, that they should just focus on studying and being happy together.

And it all the more hurts Kyungsoo's part as a friend.

"Dinner is ready, Baekhyun. Everyone is waiting for you downstairs."

"I would like to just eat here," Baekhyun answers, because just going to the dining room already reminds him of Chanyeol and it pains him a lot. He misses Chanyeol so fucking much, "I'm sorry if I want to be alone..."

"But you won't touch your food again if I leave it here," Kyungsoo says, sighing, "I'm worried about you... We are all worried about you."

Baekhyun shakes his head, "Please worry about yourself more than me. I'm fine, I can handle myself." He forces a smile, yet again. "Thanks, Kyungsoo."

Finally giving up when Baekhyun turns his back at him to go back to lying down, Kyungsoo only closes the door with a disheartened sigh.

"What did he say? Is he coming out of his room now?" Luhan hopefully asks.

"Did you tell him we've been worried sick about him?" Jongin follows, waiting for Kyungsoo to respond.

Kyungsoo slowly shakes his head. "Baekhyun won't be eating with us tonight and I don't think he has plans on doing so."

"Hasn't Chanyeol called him yet?" Jongin says, "That bastard! After he sent Baekhyun home to us, he's just gonna disappear like this!?"

"Sshh! Baekhyun might hear you!" Luhan hushes him, pulling him away. "Come on, let's just take this meeting at the living room."

Kyungsoo shakes his head and follows his boyfriends on the couch. He glances one last time upstairs, seeing Sehun now knocking on Baekhyun's door to try again.

"I knew there was something weird," Jongin says, slapping the table in front of him before he crosses his arms against his chest, "Chanyeol won't just give us this house for no damn reason. Fuck it, I should've known sooner! He wants us to look after Baekhyun because he has no plans on coming back to Korea!"

"Jongin! What the fuck are you even talking about right now?" Kyungsoo blurts out, "You're speaking bullshit!"

"Then how can you explain this, huh?" Jongin gestures his hand angrily, "Suddenly no texts? No calls? He's supposed to be coming home after a month, isn't he? But look! He just hid himself like a fucking coward!"

"Don't jump into conclusions. We know nothing about the situation."

"Kyungsoo, I'm also worried," Luhan says, "I tried calling him myself but he won't answer. That son of a bitch."

"I knew it!" Jongin yells. "He's really gonna abandon Baekhyun!"

Sehun turns his head, hearing Jongin's voice from the living room.

"Calm the fuck down, oh my god," Kyungsoo massages his hurting temples, "Let's just wait, okay? I believe in Chanyeol. He's... He's our friend, right?" He looks at the two with expectation. "He loves Baekhyun so much and he won't do this without a reason. Maybe he was just busy or he was doing something important."

"How long do we still have to wait?" Luhan asks.

"Two more days," Sehun answers as he goes downstairs while the three look at him. He sits on the couch beside Kyungsoo, also releasing a sigh. "The day after tomorrow is Chanyeol's supposed to be arrival in Korea."

"Let's see then, if he will come on that day. And if he doesn't show up at the airport," Jongin says, "There must be something going on."

"I'm nervous about this," Luhan mutters, "What if he doesn't show up? What should we do?"

"If only I could, then I would fly to New York right now to see Chanyeol," Jongin says. "I'll punch him on the face."

"Have you noticed anything weird, you know, when you met Chanyeol back in New York?" Kyungsoo asks Sehun. "I only heard it from Jongin. But what actually happened?"

Sehun recalls his memory, leaning his back on the couch more comfortably. "Let's see..."

All eyes are on him as silence fills the air.

"It wasn't that weird, it was kind of actually," Sehun searches for the right words to say, and it is obvious he's struggling, "Uh, what do you call this... Familiar?"

"But you were not that close, right? Your relationship before wasn't that good. You didn't even talk to him back in high school," Jongin says. "Why did you say it was familiar?"

"Because we share the same feelings," Sehun answers, "In that foreign place and in that particular time, there was the only two of us who could understand each other. We both love the same person, and we both wanted one thing." He laughs sadly to himself. "And that is to make Baekhyun happy."

Maybe there are tears on Kyungsoo's eyes hearing those words. Jongin's face is unreadable at first but he recovers after with a nod. Luhan doesn't say anything.

"A month ago before I went to New York," Sehun says, "I received a good news from his department that Baekhyun got a scholarship. Chanyeol knew about it as well but he didn't tell Baekhyun anything. There was a document needed to be signed for validation and I was supposed to ship it to New York. But then Chanyeol contacted me and told me to go to New York myself."

"You mean, he messaged you first?" Luhan asks. "He asked to meet you?"

"Yeah. He said I should go there because he wanted to tell me something. He also told me to see Baekhyun."

"That something you were talking about, is it this house? That he's letting us four live here to take care of Baekhyun?" Jongin says and Sehun nods, "Did he say that time, or at least hinted about him not coming back?"

"No, he didn't," Sehun shakes his head, "So I'm believing that Chanyeol is coming back for Baekhyun. He promised."

"But what if he lied? What if he broke his promise?" Luhan asks. "What are you going to do," he stops then he gives Jongin a glance, "if Chanyeol actually leaves Baekhyun?"

Sehun falls silent at that blunt question, dumbfounded.

"Would you take Baekhyun away from Chanyeol?"

"Stop. That was crossing the line," Kyungsoo says, elbowing Luhan.

"I wasn't crossing the line. I was just asking a hypothetical question," Luhan defends himself. "If you don't wanna answer then don't. It's not like I'm forcing you to---"

"I'll take the chance to make Baekhyun mine," Sehun suddenly answers, staring at Luhan intently, "Does that answer your question?"

Luhan just follows with his eyes as Sehun stands up to leave. Jongin looks at his boyfriend first then back at Sehun, before deciding to come after his friend outside.

Feeling his heart heavier because of the current situation, Kyungsoo composes himself and places his palm on Luhan's balled fist on top of his lap.

"Fuck," Luhan mutters to himself, shoving his face into Kyungsoo's shoulder. "I hate myself, Kyungsoo."

"I hate myself too," Kyungsoo says, "For not being able to do anything at times like this."

"Are you okay?" Jongin asks as soon as he finds Sehun slumped on the terrace, letting the cool breeze calm him down. The moon is at its full phase tonight, making the night brighter even under the dark skies.

Sehun doesn't answer. He just lifts his face a little to see Jongin now joining him, just standing a meter away to let him breathe.

"Should I tell you the truth?" Sehun says, then he looks down to his shoes and smiles as he prevents the tears to fall, "No, I'm not okay, Jongin. I'm fucking hurting deep inside."

Jongin just listens.

"Seeing Baekhyun suffering like this... Seeing him waiting everyday and getting hurt every night, it pains me a lot," Sehun mutters before taking a deep shaky breath, "I can't even do anything but just watch him in silence... Because I know it's not me whom he needs..." He chuckles bitterly. "I am the one more anxious thinking what if Chanyeol doesn't come back... I am the one more scared thinking what if Chanyeol won't keep his promise... Because how would I make Baekhyun happy if it happens? How would I not make him cry like Chanyeol does?"

Tears unconsciously fall from his eyes so he quickly wills them away, "Fuck, these eyes." He laughs to cover them up while Jongin stares sympathetically at him. "Who's cutting onions, damn it."

With feather-light steps, Jongin paces closer until he is beside Sehun. He clears his throat and averts his sight, looking anywhere but the male. He brings a hand on Sehun's shoulder and taps it gently to comfort him.

"I hope this helps."

Sehun looks at him.

"If you're gonna comfort me, then you should do it properly."

Jongin sighs, then he suddenly pulls Sehun into an embrace. Sehun ends up having his face buried on the crook of Jongin's neck, and he might want to push the male away but he is now enclosed tightly inside his arms.

"Jongin. What are you doing..."

"Sehun. I know this might sound strange but," Jongin whispers into Sehun's ear as he hugs him at the veranda under the moonlight. "I know I might regret this later if I don't say it right now so listen to me."

"What is it?"

"I'm willing to give you up for Luhan, so just... Please, just forget Baekhyun. I can't bear seeing you troubled like this... If you get hurt because of Baekhyun, then I get hurt, too... Not only me, but Luhan too."

"I don't understand what the hell you're even saying," Sehun mutters, "And will you please let go of me now? I can't literally breathe."

Jongin heaves a sigh and leans away, holding Sehun's shoulders as he looks at his face. "Did you mean what you told Luhan? That you're gonna take Baekhyun away from Chanyeol?"

"I should've done that a long time ago," Sehun says. "If I could, then I would've done that a long time ago..."

"So, why did you say that?" Jongin asks, furrowing his eyebrows, "Why the fuck would you tell him that?"

"Because he's getting on my nerves," Sehun says, looking annoyed, "Ever since Baekhyun came back, it's like, I don't know, he's getting irritated at me for some reason? I treat him nicely and this is how he treats me?"

"Maybe he was just jealous," Jongin says.

"And why would he? Does he still like Baekhyun?"

Jongin stares at him.

And lets out a sarcastic laugh.

"Fucking asshole," he clicks his tongue and shakes his head, "You really dumb or what? You bastard."

Sehun is baffled, "What?"

Jongin takes a deep breath before he speaks.

"Luhan, that bitch, and yes he's my boyfriend," he points at the door, before pointing at Sehun's chest, poking it hard and pushing it backwards, "He. Fucking. Likes. You."

"What?"

"And. So. Do. I," Jongin says. "You get that?"

"Hah???"

Jongin shoves him aside, disappointed. "You know what? Fuck you. Now I realize why Baekhyun won't fall in love you. You are so fucking dense! Take the goddamned hint, dude. I'm already getting a headache because of Chanyeol, and now also because of you." He massages his forehead while retreating back inside the mansion. "Kyungsoo! Can you make me a cup of coffee!"

Sehun stares astounded at his disappearing back. "Is he trying to cheer me up or what?"

*

They are on stakeout.

"I'm already inside the greeting area. Where is he?"

[Go to Floor 1 Arrival Hall. Baekhyun is wearing a blue shirt.]

[He's standing with the awaiting passengers beside the designated exit. You can see him immediately.]

[Sehun, what is Chanyeol's arrival time?]

Sehun looks at the large information screen above him, "Five minutes from now."

[I'll go there inside to check another exit. Wait for me.]

[Jongin, Baekhyun might see you! He told us not to accompany him to the airport, remember? Just stay here in the car.]

[If you blow our cover up, I'm gonna fucking kill you. He shouldn't know we skipped classes to look after him.]

[Babe. We need to make sure we won't miss Chanyeol's arrival. Don't worry, I'll hide myself well.]

"The arriving passengers are coming in," Sehun mutters as he runs into the hall with a phone in his ear. He right away sees Baekhyun on the bench with the throng of people waiting for their loved ones.

[Just wait and look closely, Sehun. Don't take your eyes away.]

[Yeah. Chanyeol must be walking inside the airport at this moment.]

"Okay, I'm looking for him now," Sehun says, scanning every passenger's faces like a hawk. "Jongin, what's the situation in there?"

[I managed to sneak inside the VIP terminal and I can see passengers from New York coming in right now. There's only few people here, though.]

[Just watch closely, Chanyeol might've taken that way.]

"Okay," Jongin answers, before looking at the exit and waiting patiently. He sees white foreigners and black people, some are also Asians who seem to be businessmen. He walks closer and cranes his neck up, spotting for a possible tall guy with elfish ears walking with a luggage with him. "Where are you..."

Because he's not looking on his way, he accidentally bumps into someone, and that is only when he realizes the situation when he hears a toy falling on the floor.

"Oh, I'm sorry!" Jongin quickly apologizes to the woman carrying her one-year old daughter in her arms. He picks up the toy rattle and hands it to the baby girl with a smile. "Here you go."

"Thank you," the woman says with a short bow, before walking again with whom Jongin assumes to be her husband. She looks familiar, though. He wonders where he saw her.

"She's really pretty," Jongin says dreamily, then he mutters a curse under his breath when he realizes he just got distracted by that, "Holy shit! I was supposed to be looking for Chanyeol!" He turns his head left and right, dashing to the main entrance only to see the gates now closing. "Oh my god, no." He scans the people who just entered after that woman with a baby, and since there are only six of them who are all women, he can immediately tell if he missed Chanyeol or not.

Looking up to the monitor above him, he sees the status changing and another flight from another country arriving. Just to make sure, he approaches the information desk and asks if that was all the passengers, receiving a nod as an answer.

"Can I at least see the list of the VIP passengers, please? My friend is supposed to be arriving today but I haven't seen him enter the gate! I was just worried about him!"

"I'm sorry, that is classified information and we can't provide you with that," the staff says, "Anyhow, that person you were looking for most likely arrived at Floor 1 if you didn't see him here."

"Please, just let me check the CCTV's."

The staff gives him a look.

"PLEASE, I'M BEGGING YOU!" Jongin screams, shocking the ladies at the front desk when he kneels on the floor. "THAT WAS MY FRIEND WHOM I HAVEN'T SEEN ALL MY LIFE AND HE WAS DYING OF BRAIN CANCER!!! I want to see him one last time!" He fakes tears. "Oh, god Chanyeol! Don't die yet!"

"Security!" the staff says, and Jongin is being forcedly dragged out of the airport, throwing him outside by two security guards.

"Ouch, that was my butt!" Jongin yells, dusting off his pants before he stands up. He hears Luhan and Kyungsoo cursing him at his earpiece."I'm sorry, okay? I tried my best."

[I'm gonna fucking strangle you to death, Kim Jongin!]

[Kyungsoo, calm down! Let's just hit him when we got home!]

Jongin sighs. "Guys. I haven't seen Chanyeol. There were only fifteen to twenty passengers there and I'm definitely sure he wasn't among them."

[Are you sure? You were definitely ogling at that woman, though.]

"God, Kyungsoo! Stop being jealous, it's not the right time!" Jongin says. "And that woman has a child, for fuck's sake."

[You did great, Jongin. Get back to the car now. I'll look after Baekhyun for the meantime.]

"Sehun, did you see Chanyeol there?"

Sehun looks up to the monitor changing status, then at Baekhyun still waiting from a far sitting on the bench. Sighing and feeling his heart break at the sight, he pinches the bridge of his nose and shakes his head.

"No... I didn't see him."

[Are you sure?]

"Yes."

He hears a deep sigh on the other line.

[Should we... still wait for you?]

"No, Kyungsoo," Sehun takes a seat at a bench somewhere hidden, just a spot where he can watch Baekhyun in secret, "You should head back now. I'll take Baekhyun home whenever he's ready."

[Okay, then. Call me.]

"Thanks."

[Sehun.]

Sehun hears Luhan on the other line, "Yes?"

[It's gonna be fine so don't stress out yourself too much. Don't skip lunch.]

A smile makes its way into his mouth, "I won't."

[Oh, and one more thing.]

"What is it?"

[I'm sorry for that night. I didn't mean to say that to you.]

"I'm sorry too, I also didn't mean to say that to you."

[Are we okay now?]

"Sure."

[You all know we could hear you, right.]

[Fucking dramatic.]

[Babe, you're just jealous.]

[And why would I? Huh!?]

[Because you have a big crush on your best---]

The call suddenly hangs up.

"Retards," Sehun shakes his head with a chuckle before he pockets his phone. Going back to reality, he looks at Baekhyun at the distance. Baekhyun is not crying, surprisingly. Maybe he has already cried his tears out that's why he's just staring blankly, his face expressionless.

Baekhyun stands up wobbly, so Sehun stands up in alarm as well. He wants to go to him and collect him, hug him and tell him he's there for him but he can't. His feet seem to be glued on the floor, his heart is weak.

Baekhyun takes his seat again and continues gazing lifelessly, so Sehun watches him on his spot while enduring his aching chest.

They stayed like this for eight hours until it's dark, and until Sehun decides this is enough.

Mustering the courage he saved, he marches towards Baekhyun and stops in front of him. The male lifts his head slowly, looking at Sehun with his dull eyes that was once full of hope and dreams.

"Baekhyun," Sehun says in the quiet, "Let's go home..."

"Sehun," Baekhyun mutters, and that is only when he breaks, that Sehun has to catch him in his arms. "I will... I will come back here tomorrow... Will you... come with me?"

"No," Sehun answers, hugging Baekhyun. He looks up so that his tears won't fall from his eyes but to no avail. "It's cold here... and you'll get sick..."

"But what if I miss Chanyeol sunbae again?" Baekhyun says, clutching Sehun's shirt, "What if he arrives and he sees I'm not waiting for him? He'll get disappointed... He'll be sad..." He looks up to Sehun's face and shakes his head. "I don't want Chanyeol sunbae to be sad..." He wipes away the tears on Sehun's cheeks. "Why are you crying, Sehun?"

"Because I'm crying for you," Sehun answers, "B-because it hurts so much... seeing you like this..."

"Thank you for crying for me," Baekhyun says, "Thank you for not leaving me alone, and for watching over me from a far." He takes Sehun's hand, and Sehun can feel how it trembles against his palm.

Baekhyun manages to still smile at him behind his broken heart.

"Let's go home, I'll be still going early tomorrow."

*

To be continued.