Title: The Universe of Us (Part 2 FINAL)
Paring: Chanyeol/Baekhyun
Side Pairings: Jongin/Kyungsoo, Sehun/Luhan
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Hybrid!au, Office!au, Romance, Comedy, Angst
Word count: 10.6k words

Summary: Baekhyun is Chanyeol's independent Corgi hybrid* who works as his Secretary. But as his owner, Chanyeol hopes that someday, Baekhyun will come to rely on him more.

(*Hybrid - half-human, half-animal)

*

"Boyfriend?"

"Exactly!"

Sehun furiously pounds his fist against the table, nodding his head like a creep. Luhan, who's a little embarrassed about his owner's enthusiasm, only clears his throat and sips his tea. It's breaktime right now, and they don't actually have to worry about slacking off from work because the CEO himself is right here in front of them. Chanyeol must be bored in his office all by himself so he went down to the lounge and decided to chat, or he must be seeking for advice and he needs something. There's nothing in between.

Intrigued, Chanyeol curiously leans in closer to the huddle, looking around the busy place with employees basically not giving a damn about their surroundings. He clears his throat, drumming his fingers on the table.

"Are you sure that's what Baekhyun wants? A boyfriend?"

Luhan and Sehun exchange knowing looks, as if mentally yelling to each other finally, the idiot is gonna make a move!

"Yes! Baekhyun wants to have a boyfriend!" Sehun confirms, eyeing Luhan beside him and wiggling his eyebrows suggestively, "I mean, isn't it obvious, Chanyeol? He's already on that phase of his life to go out on a date, you know. To have someone to call his lover. Right, baby?"

"Yep! As a fellow hybrid and as Baekhyun's friend, I can definitely tell that your pet is yearning for love," Luhan explains, purposely emphasizing each word of his sentence, "He's just, ehem, waiting for someone to come and ask him out on a date. Baekhyun hasn't been in a relationship before because he's been too focused on his career. But now, I think he's ready to have a boyfriend!"

"True! He already likes someone, after all!"

Chanyeol's eyes enlarge, surprised.

"He already likes someone? Really?"

Luhan freezes, lowkey elbowing Sehun and whispering within gritted teeth as he chuckles awkwardly, "Don't. Tell him. Everything, you stupid shit. Ha-ha-ha."

Sehun laughs exaggerated, going to Chanyeol's side and slinging a friendly arm around his shoulder, "W-what I mean is that! He must've already liked someone! Hahaha! Why don't you try asking him?"

"Yeah! It'll be better to ask Baekhyun himself about what he wants, right? We won't be much help anyway."

Chanyeol shakes his head, smiling. "No. You helped a lot. Thanks." He clasps the couple's shoulders before he leaves, nodding to himself. "Boyfriend? Hmm. Why didn't I think of that sooner?"

Sehun's eyes follow Chanyeol's disappearing back, "You think he's gonna finally realize?"

Luhan shrugs noncommittally, "He reminds me of you before we even started dating."

"Hey! I'm not that kind of naive, you know?!"

"You are."

Thinking about what Sehun and Luhan told him, Chanyeol, as he heads back to his office to work, lets his thoughts wandering and flying in the air. Even in the middle of a meeting with literally a presenter explaining in front, Chanyeol is still pre-occupied, flipping and playing with his pen absentmindedly. Baekhyun has to tap him so he could get back to his senses, asking him what he thinks about the proposal. Chanyeol can only nod and give a thumbs up.

Everyone has gone off work except for Baekhyun; there is still some unfinished reports to accomplish so an overtime could be possible. Carrying the materials, Baekhyun quietly enters Chanyeol's office, seeing his boss furrowing his eyebrows staring at his computer screen. Baekhyun just rolls his eyes and sighs; he already knows that Chanyeol must be having another hard time thinking which one to buy in an online shopping website.

"Mr. Park, these are the documents waiting for your approval before the PR team receives them on Tuesday. You can read these tomorrow," Baekhyun says after placing a mountain of papers on Chanyeol's desk. He receives zero response. "Chanyeol. Hey. I said you can look at these tomorrow."

Chanyeol just waves his hands dismissively, finally acknowledging him with minimum effort, "Yeah, I heard you. Just leave them there."

"What are you busy about anyway?" Baekhyun tries to peek at the monitor, raising an eyebrow in annoyance. "You're practically unreachable the whole day. What have you been doing all this time? Let me see!"

"Hoho! No peeking!" Chanyeol rapidly clicks the mouse, minimizing the window before Baekhyun can even set his eyes upon the computer screen, "You sneaky little shit."

"Gross," Baekhyun slits his eyes, shaking his head helplessly. He goes over the spacious receiving area and cleans up the mess there.

"Hey! That's-- that's not what you think it is, okay!?"

"Whatever, I'm not interested."

"But I'm interested."

Baekhyun suddenly pauses picking up the trash, turning to look at Chanyeol sitting on his swivel chair and sliding it around like a kid.

"I'm suddenly interested, Baekhyun," Chanyeol smiles brightly, "Tell me your ideal type."

As if his throat suddenly goes dry, Baekhyun coughs aggressively and grabs a glass of water while Chanyeol just cluelessly watch him die. He soothes his chest to recover himself, staring at the man in disbelief. Did he just hear it right? Is Chanyeol asking a personal question?

"What's your ideal type?" Chanyeol repeats as if he's just asking about the weather. He tilts his head, lacing his fingers on his desk like an interviewer. "Come on, just say it."

"W-w-why do you suddenly wanna know?" Baekhyun fans his boiling face. He turns his back around to continue cleaning, and Chanyeol doesn't miss how the hybrid's tail and ears flip shyly, "I don't see the point why I should tell you."

"Come on, Baekhyun. Just tell me your ideal type, okay? It's not like you're gonna die if you tell me."

"I'm gonna die in embarrassment if I tell you," Baekhyun mumbles to himself.

"What? You saying something?"

"Nothing! I said, tell me yours first."

"Oh, I see," Chanyeol chuckles, leaning against the backrest of his chair more comfortably. He places his long legs on top of his table while playing with a pen on his fingers, "My ideal type, huh?"

Baekhyun's ears perk, lowkey getting interested, too. "Yeah. Tell me yours first before I tell you mine."

"Well. My ideal type is someone who has a hair, eyes, a nose, ears, and a mouth. I like someone with a pair of arms too, and legs," Chanyeol grins, and maybe Baekhyun wants to hit his face because he is too goddamned attractive, "Your turn."

"Right. Very informative."

"Now, tell me yours."

"All right. I like someone who is tall and handsome," Baekhyun simply says, "Like, really tall. His height must be over 180 centimeters."

"Oh."

"Not only he is tall. He must be successful, too, and smart with an IQ of over 140. He must own an expensive car, a big house, and a huge company like Park & B Holdings. He must earn a net worth of approximately 9 billion won. Besides that, he must have a reeaally nice body, like a broad chest and six-pack abs. A big thing is just a plus. Personality wise, I like someone who is sweet and caring, and who is kind to me. I don't care if he could be an idiot sometimes. What matters is that, he's still perfect to me. That's all."

Silence.

Baekhyun smiles.

"You... you really had a lot to say, don't you," Chanyeol mutters in shock, "Does that kind of man even exist?"

"Oh god," Baekhyun chuckles and shakes his head. Chanyeol is making him cry in all various ways, "Shall we go home now?"

"Yeah. Prepare the car and I'll finish this up."

"Okay, then. Just call me when you're done."

Chanyeol sighs in devastation, staring at Baekhyun's profile on his computer screen. He's had trouble selecting a nice display picture so in the end, he just settled uploading a cute picture of a puppy Corgi. He wishes it's attractive enough to get a lot of hearts.

"Damn. How am I gonna put all of that in his bio?"

-

"Okay, so, all you need to do is be yourself."

"Mm-hm?"

"And don't forget to smile."

"Okay...?"

"Good."

Chanyeol grins proudly, cupping Baekhyun's pouty face and placing his both hands on Baekhyun's shoulder. He gently massages his hybrid who is looking up to him with eyes filled with anticipation, confusion, excitement, happiness, and a hint of worry.

Chanyeol smiles brighter, enthusiastically even, "You can do it, Baekhyun. I trust you."

"So, uh, do I just have to wait here outside or...?" Baekhyun asks, still holding on to the door after getting off Chanyeol's car. His owner drove him to a restaurant, telling him to wear nice clothes beforehand, so that's why he's here, prettily dressed up for an appointment Chanyeol won't elaborate. The man said it's gonna be a surprise that's why Baekhyun is a bit nervous about this.

"No, you have to enter the restaurant," Chanyeol is at the driver's seat, peeking at Baekhyun as he beams, "I already reserved a table so you don't have to worry! This is your second day-off and I wanna make up to you, so enjoy your day and have a good time, okay?"

"Okay, but, when are you gonna follow me inside?" Baekhyun asks hopefully, smiling giddily at Chanyeol. "Will you take long?"

"Oh. Me? Uhm, I uh, I still have to drop by somewhere. Right, I'll buy you a strawberry cake. Your favorite," Chanyeol chuckles, rubbing his nape anxiously, "I'll come and get you later, alright? Bye, honey!"

"Chanyeol, wait!"

Chanyeol's car drives off before Baekhyun can even ask, leaving the hybrid alone at the pavement. Releasing a sigh, Baekhyun just tiny-smiles to himself while he proceeds entering the restaurant. The aroma of the delicious meals welcomes his nose, but he can't still stop thinking about what Chanyeol could be planning this time. His owner is really weird and unpredictable sometimes.

"It's not even a special day, so why another day-off," Baekhyun mumbles to himself when he takes a seat at the table Chanyeol told him he already reserved. There he finds a bouquet of beautiful red roses. He smiles even wider, and picks them up close to his chest. He smells them and sets them aside, before dreamily looking outside the window as thoughts of Chanyeol fill his mind.

"Corgi B? Is that you?"

Baekhyun turns to a voice of a newcomer.

"Wait, you're Baekhyun, right? Don't tell me you're also Corgi B!?"

Baekhyun is astonished by the stranger suddenly approaching him. Looking around, he checks if he is the one being talked to by this god-like beautiful human. The man is tall, good-looking, and hot; he has deep expressive eyes, thick eyebrows, a chiseled nose, and pretty lips, while his hair is neatly styled up. The guy also has broad shoulders and long legs resembling a model or a celebrity. Baekhyun feels like he has seen this man somewhere before, he isn't entirely sure.

"It's nice to see you here! I didn't expect it'd be you on the dating app!"

The man sits in front of Baekhyun, smiling all-too-familiar and bright. Baekhyun can only give him a surprised and overwhelmed look.

"Do I know--- ah," Recognition flashes in Baekhyun's eyes. "The restaurant owner, right? Mr. Lucas?"

"Yes. That's me," Lucas chuckles in relief, "I thought you wouldn't remember. I can't believe you're gonna be my blind date for today."

Baekhyun stares.

"Blind date? What do you mean?"

"Well. Mr. Park Chanyeol and I kind of knew each other in a while, and he set us up together on a dating app. I guess he didn't tell you?"

"He.... didn't tell me anything."

"Do you want to order now? Waiter, here please."

Hearing these foreign information all at once, the radiant smile gradually wears off Baekhyun's face. His heart sinks into the pit of his stomach while his surroundings turn into a blur. The man is talking to him yet he can't understand anything. His brain seems to shut down, as though his energy is being sucked out of his body because it suddenly hurts a lot. So this is what it's all about; so that's why Chanyeol asked him for his ideal type that time.

Baekhyun is not dumb, he knows what dating is, he knows how relationship works between two individuals, and he knows what romance is. He's not even that innocent to begin with. So why would Chanyeol act like he is doing him a favor? Baekhyun didn't ask for this. What made his owner think he wanted to date? Why didn't Chanyeol consult him first about it? And why would Chanyeol even think that he would like this thing as a surprise?

Baekhyun feels betrayed, disappointed, and hurt. But above all, he is more angry at himself because he expected something. He wouldn't be pained like this if he didn't assume of anything otherwise. As usual, Chanyeol won't still realize his romantic feelings. He's nothing but a pet hybrid to Chanyeol anyway. A pet hybrid whom Chanyeol cherishes, dotes, and adores like a priceless possession, a precious belonging.

"You know Baekhyun, the first time I saw you in my restaurant, I thought you were really cute. I'm fond of hybrids actually, and I'm honestly interested in you," Lucas says, "So I'm glad that it was you whom I'm meeting today."

"Oh, is that so," Baekhyun answers flatly.

Lucas only smiles, "You look kind of disappointed more than surprised. I'm sorry if this was new to you."

"Ah, no. You don't have to apologize. It's my fault for coming here anyway without knowing anything. Besides, I should've asked my owner about this meeting. It's my bad."

Baekhyun stands up to prepare to leave.

"Where are you going? Are you leaving already?"

"Yes. I want to go home."

"But how about our date? The food will still be served."

"I'm sorry, Mr. Lucas, but I don't have any interest in blind dating," Baekhyun answers curtly. "And I already have someone I like. Please, excuse me."

"Wait."

Baekhyun stops.

"Is it your owner? The one that you like?"

Baekhyun doesn't hesitate when he answers, "Yes."

"I see," Lucas replies. "That was a quick rejection."

"I don't want to get your hopes up so I'm already saying it in advance."

"Well then, if that's the case, why don't we just, you know, hang out? As friends? I want to be friends with a hybrid, especially with you, Baekhyun."

"Friends?"

"Yeah. Come on, just sit down with me. It'll be such a waste if you leave early without eating anything."

"I guess that'll be all right," Baekhyun sits back down again and accepts the offer. He thinks it'll be rude if he rejects the man's harmless invitation. "So uhm, should I just call you Lucas?

"Sure! Fine with me."

"Okay, Lucas."

Their food arrives, and that is only when it dawns on Baekhyun that he is starving upon seeing the steak. He didn't get to eat breakfast this morning because Chanyeol told him he didn't have to.

"You know what? Mr. Park Chanyeol looked really excited about this date," Lucas says as they start eating, "Just imagine how disappointed he'd be if you told him it didn't work out."

"You have a point."

"So, cheers to a new friend? I don't want to date someone who's already emotionally committed," Lucas shrugs, "It's too complicated, so I'd rather be your acquaintance."

Baekhyun gives a small smile as he joins Lucas for a toast, "Thank you for understanding."

"No problem."

Chanyeol receives his change after paying for the strawberry cake he bought from the shop that Baekhyun likes. He has just got off from work, and looking at his watch, he decides it's now time to pick Baekhyun up. It has been hours anyway and it's already dark; they should go home now for their bonding time. Smiling ear-to-ear, Chanyeol rides his car and puts the box of dessert on the passenger's seat, navigating his GPS to the restaurant he left Baekhyun at. Baekhyun must be done with his date by now and he can't wait to finally see his hybrid after being apart from him for a whole day. He misses Baekhyun already.

"Should I text him I'm already here," Chanyeol fumbles with his phone after he parks in front of the restaurant. From a distance, he eyes the spot of the table he reserved for Baekhyun and his date, seeing it already empty. "I told him I'm picking him up, though. Did Baekhyun leave already?"

Patiently listening to the consecutive rings on the other line with the phone on his ear and the stirring wheel on his other hand, Chanyeol scans the parking lot for a Corgi hybrid that might be waiting for him. Baekhyun is not answering his phone, so maybe he should get out of the car now and look for his pet--

There he is.

Ending the call, Chanyeol slowly drops the device from his ear, staring at the scene in front of him.

He sees Baekhyun outside the restaurant, having a happy conversation with Lucas, the man he set Baekhyun up with. Not only they are standing too close to each other, Baekhyun is also wearing Lucas' coat, judging it's kind of a chilly weather today. The two of them must be talking about something interesting based on how Baekhyun is laughing heartily, causing his caramel ears to twitch and flap, that even from a far Chanyeol can feel Baaekhyun's bright aura. Seems like Lucas has whispered something to Baekhyun that has the hybrid politely shaking his head and waving his hands to decline him, but Baekhyun ends up nodding to him anyway, because of something Lucas said that Chanyeol isn't able to hear.

Chanyeol can only look at them in silence, and an indescribable emotion painstakingly settles in his gut he has never felt before. It's the first time he is seeing Baekhyun standing close to another man, let alone seeing him smile with another man aside from his friends and co-workers. Chanyeol should be happy about the outcome but it seems to be the opposite. Does Baekhyun really have to wear that man's coat? Does he have to smile so pretty like that? Could Lucas be a potential boyfriend?

Chanyeol can only say one thing; he surprisingly absolutely dreadfully hates it. But he shouldn't be too obvious about it. He is the reason for their encounter after all.

Baekhyun. Look at your right, I'm here now.

Chanyeol is still about to hit send, when a message notification beats him to it. It's from Baekhyun, and before he knows it, the Corgi hybrid is already gone out of his sight.

Chanyeol. I'm done for today but you don't have to pick me up.

"Th-that's it? That's the message?" Chanyeol sarcastically laughs in disbelief. He checks outside only to prove that Baekhyun is not there anymore. "Did he already leave with that guy?"

"Thank you for taking me home and for lending me your coat," Baekhyun says, bowing at Lucas after he gets off his car. "I actually enjoyed hanging out with you today."

"I'm glad to hear that. Just call me when you have free time, I'll be with you," Lucas answers, waving his hand goodbye. Baekhyun waves at him back, seeing the man off before he enters the house.

Silence welcomes Baekhyun. The light kills the darkness as soon as he turns on the switch. Padding slowly into the living room with his feet and chest heavy, he feels like already crying the moment Chanyeol's scent overcomes his nose once again. Tears are burning at the back of his eyelids; he just wants to curl up and sob in the corner, because no matter how much he feels hurt by what Chanyeol did, he still is just a weak hybrid yearning for his owner's presence. He doesn't want to go back home yet, he doesn't want to even see Chanyeol's face, yet here he is, pathetically happy nestled in Chanyeol's house he can call his comfort zone.

"No, don't cry. You're an independent and strong hybrid," Baekhyun states to himself as he stares at the mirror. His collar reminds him of the reality that he belongs to Chanyeol, so even if it hurts, he must bear with it. "Right. Chanyeol shouldn't see you like this. This is nothing to cry about." He immediately washes his face and goes out of the bathroom, looking slightly normal. Chanyeol must have read his message, so he should be home any minute from now.

The door unlocks.

Baekhyun, in his position on the couch, quickly straightens his back and turns to look at Chanyeol at the doorstep. He prevents his ears to make a slightest move while he keeps his tail at ease, acting calm and neutral about his owner's arrival.

"Welcome home."

Chanyeol can feel there is something wrong. Baekhyun didn't go to him and hug him like what he'd always do. The hybrid is also wearing his own clothes, and he strangely looks composed and nonchalant. Baekhyun must also be exhausted for the day just like him, so maybe it'll be best not to treat it as a big deal.

"You're already here."

"Yeah. About five minutes ago."

"Did you get home by yourself?"

"No. Lucas drove me home."

"I see... I'm gonna go wash up first."

"Okay."

And the conversation ends like that.

It's still dead silent when Chanyeol comes back to the living room after showering; only the faint volume of the TV playing soccer is serving as the background noise. Baekhyun has already washed up as well, wearing his own pajamas and sitting there at the sofa, hugging a pillow. Chanyeol decides to announce his presence by sitting in front of the hybrid, not too close and not considered too far. His breathing is louder than the soccer commentary, and probably Chanyeol is the only one who's feeling uncomfortable. Is he guilty? Maybe.

"How's your..." Chanyeol starts, "How's your date?"

Baekhyun only spares his owner a short look before he trails his eyes again at the TV like it's more interesting than Chanyeol's face.

"It was fun."

"Really?"

"Yeah. Lucas and I got to know each other well. He seems a decent man."

"Do you like him?"

The way Chanyeol said it just have to send a pang in Baekhyun's heart. It's as though the sincerity in his owner's deep eyes when he looks at him is genuine; his stare is piercing into his vulnerability. Baekhyun tears his gaze away, it's pointless anyway. How could he like a man whom he just met? And if Chanyeol is just asking for a simple plain like towards humans, then Baekhyun can say that yes, he likes Lucas as a living thing.

"Yes."

Chanyeol hums just so he can have a reaction.

"Would you see him again?"

"It depends if you're gonna give me another day-off."

Chanyeol laughs. And Baekhyun hates it.

"I brought you your strawberry cake. Do you wanna eat it?"

"No. I'm still full."

"Come here, then. I'm just gonna pet you," Chanyeol says like nothing happened, like he didn't just make Baekhyun feel like shit. He opens his arms wide and pats his lap so that Baekhyun can lie his head on top of it. "We haven't done it today, right?"

"I'm sorry but I'm already tired," Clenching his fists, Baekhyun stands up and turns his back away, "I'm gonna have to sleep in my own room tonight. Good night."

That is only when Chanyeol finally realizes that there is indeed something wrong when it echoes in his brain the loud thudding sound of Baekhyun's door slamming in front of his face. Sighing to himself, he curses under his breath and buries his face into his palms. He knew it. Baekhyun is angry. Is Baekhyun upset about the date? Was it because he didn't tell Baekhyun anything about it?

"God, he's really mad," Chanyeol mutters as he pulls his own hair out of frustration "Ugh, what the hell have I done..."

Sleep is yet to visit Chanyeol this eleven o'clock in the evening no matter how much he tries counting sheep. Perhaps it's the lack of Baekhyun by his side that he concludes his bed is suddenly this big after all. He can't just fall asleep knowing Baekhyun is mad at him, so he decides he's going to apologize.

That's why he's in front of Baekhyun's bedroom right now, knuckles ready to knock on the door.

Chanyeol takes a deep breath, and is about to knock when---

Sniffle.

Chanyeol steps closer to the door, seriously furrowing his eyebrows and leaning his ear against the hard surface. He then hears more sniffing noises, series of coughs, and hard panting, causing his eyes to widen in worry. Is Baekhyun crying?

"Baekhyun?"

Chanyeol attempts to turn the doorknob, and it's fortunate that the door isn't locked. He immediately enters the room, and much to his great surprise, he finds Baekhyun helplessly lying on the floor while the male is trying to reach something under the bed. Muttering a curse, Chanyeol abruptly goes to the rescue; he pulls Baekhyun up in his arms, carrying him back on the bed. He checks for any concussion or wounds there might be on Baekhyun's feverish body and thankfully finds none. The hybrid is now sweating hard that his hair is messily sticking to his forehead, while his eyes are blood-shot red and dilated. His breathing unsteady and ragged, Baekhyun has his mouth hanging open as he trembles, wriggling uncomfortably on the bed while he cries.

A surge of pain flashes to Chanyeol witnessing this heartbreaking sight, especially when Baekhyun desperately clutches on his shirt as he tries to point something on the floor. Chanyeol looks for the bottle of medicine his pet has been trying to get, and when he retrieves it, Baekhyun quickly steals it from him. With shaking hands, Baekhyun pours a huge amount of pills on his palm, before popping them all inside his mouth and swallowing them in one go.

Chanyeol firmly holds Baekhyun's shoulders, searching for the hybrid's eyes to meet his own.

"Baekhyun, why did you do that? It could be dangerous!"

"I-I don't care," Baekhyun breathes heavily, weakly elbowing Chanyeol away from him. He grabs a blanket in attempt to cover the effect of his heat from Chanyeol's concerned gaze. "Please, let go of me... I want to just sleep this off. Don't worry about me..."

"No. You need help," Chanyeol argues, discarding away the blanket and throwing it to the floor. He makes Baekhyun recline on his back as he settles in between his legs, seriously staring at his pet in the eyes, "I'm going to do it."

"No... Don't..." Baekhyun shakes his head as painful tears well up in his eyes. He fights back, mustering all his strength to kick Chanyeol below him. Since the human is stronger, Chanyeol is able to unbutton his shirt to release him from the suffocating feeling. Baekhyun feels his owner's unsure and shivering hands stopping right on the waistband of his pants. "STOP! DON'T DO IT!"

Chanyeol keeps his hands, preventing himself not to shed a tear as he sees Baekhyun's own suffering. "But you have to! If you don't release, you won't feel better!"

"I don't care! I don't need your help, so please! Just stay away from me!" Baekhyun sobs louder, "Please... Don't do this, Chanyeol... I'm begging you!"

"Why are you being so stubborn? I just want to help ease your pain!"

"You think it will be over after that? It will always be painful! You won't even understand..."

Chanyeol sighs, "Baekhyun..."

"If you're just gonna do this because I'm your pet and you feel responsible, then forget it. I don't need your charity. I'd rather be by myself than have you!"

"Why are you being so self-centered? What makes you think you can always do everything by yourself? Don't you see me as someone who truly cares for you?"

"No... That's not it... You don't actually worry about me... You're only contained to the idea of having a pet hybrid to take care of... You just wanted to be a good owner, but you don't even care about how I feel!"

There's hurt, but there's also a feeling of disappointment and anger when Chanyeol unwillingly releases Baekhyun.

"I don't care about how you feel? I've been trying to get close to you but it's you who won't accept me! You're too scared to be left alone, you don't trust me completely even after I promised you I'll never leave you. And now you won't even allow me to help you! Right, it's my fault that I'm a terrible owner! It's my fault that my efforts are going to waste!"

Baekhyun glares furiously, "I don't need your efforts! I want you to stop caring if you're only going to give me false hope. You don't have to try anything from now on, so just please. Please let me breathe in peace... I want to resolve this by myself.. I don't want any of your pity!"

Chanyeol stands up, gripping his fist hard as he gets the blanket and throws it harshly to Baekhyun's body.

"Fine. I won't bother you anymore."

The faint noise of Chanyeol's disappearing footsteps makes Baekhyun's heart break. He wishes for this to happen, so he should bear with the consequences.

The next morning they see each other, Baekhyun, unless necessary, doesn't talk to Chanyeol until the day ends. True to his words, Chanyeol never bothers reaching to him either.

*

Two weeks have passed. Everybody was surprised and happy when Jongin proposed to Kyungsoo at the company's cafeteria. Baekhyun is more than glad seeing his friend cry tears of joy when Kyungsoo hugged Jongin, saying yes to him. An engagement party for the couple is thrown, and everyone in the corporate industry is invited.

"You okay, Baekhyun? You look a little tired..."

Baekhyun tears his gaze away from Jongin and Kyungsoo greeting the VIP's coming inside the venue. He gives Sehun beside him a small smile as he lets the man accompany him on the table.

"I'm fine, Sehun. I just didn't get enough sleep last night..."

"Again? How long has it been?"

"Two weeks, I guess..."

When a waiter passes behind him, Sehun grabs two glasses of champagne; one for him and one for Baekhyun.

"Maybe it was partly our fault, why you and Chanyeol are now still in the middle of a fight," Sehun sighs, taking a sip of his drink. "Ugh! I shouldn't have told him that!"

"What do you mean?"

"Actually, Chanyeol asked Luhan and I about what you like... And I told him you wanted a boyfriend."

Baekhyun chuckles, "What?"

"And I thought he would finally get it! But he completely misunderstood it and got you a blind date instead. He's really hopeless," Sehun releases a sigh, "I'm sorry, my friend. We tried to help but it just turned worse."

"You don't have to say sorry. It's my fault anyway," Baekhyun sadly smiles, "It's my fault for falling in love with someone who won't even love me back."

"No, Baekhyun. I think Chanyeol loves you. He really does," Sehun places his hand on top of his hybrid friend, lightly squeezing it, "He hasn't realize it yet... He just can't tell apart his feelings for you as an individual and as his hybrid." He shrugs. "Everybody else can see that. Well, except for Chanyeol."

"He loves me because I'm his pet, of course. I know that already."

"Yes, he loves you as his pet and he loves you as Baekhyun. He just can't tell the difference yet. He needs to understand it himself."

"Please, don't get my hopes up by saying that," Baekhyun swigs his drink and laughs, "Especially now that I've decided to let go of these feelings for him."

"Let go? What do you mean?"

"I'm now going to stop loving him."

Sehun stares, "Baekhyun..."

"I thought I can hold on forever, but I can't, after all," Baekhyun shakes his head, "I'm not a superhybrid... All of this facade must come to an end now... I'm actually getting tired pretending I'm okay around Chanyeol... It's so hard to live with him especially during my heats." He immediately gets rid of his tears as Sehun listens to him. "And especially now that we still aren't on good terms... I want us to make up, but I also don't want us to make up... Because if we reconciled, everything will go back to normal and that would only mean I have to hide my feelings again... I'm exhausted. I want to be free."

"Are you... going to confess to Chanyeol?"

"Yes. And end it."

"But how about Chanyeol? Won't you consider how he feels for you?"

"I told you, Sehun. He has all the love in the world for me except for romantic love... I can no longer stay with him if we don't feel the same way. It will never work out."

"Just wait, okay? Give it a little time. Maybe he'll finally realize he loves you after you tell him your feelings! Right? You know how Chanyeol is. He'll never understand a thing if you don't say it to his face."

"I know. But I'll just confess to him without expecting anything in return. I'm fine with that. I've always been."

Sehun still has something more to say to convince him, but Baekhyun giving a contented smile makes Sehun only shut up. He ends up nodding, wishing his friend a good luck.

As Baekhyun leaves the table in search for Chanyeol, he waddles himself through the throng of visitors inside the hall. Looking left to right while running to trace back his steps to where he last saw his owner, Baekhyun takes his time to collect his thoughts and emotions.

Is this finally the end? After all the years Baekhyun has kept his feelings hidden, is he finally going to admit to Chanyeol that he loves him?

That he loves Chanyeol not because he is his owner, but he loves Chanyeol as a man?

This is surely for the better; to finally make the situation clear between them. Baekhyun knows Chanyeol must be troubled, too. His precious pet whom he adores so much is still holding back to open up to him. His hybrid whom he dotes a lot won't still trust him completely. Why? Chanyeol must have asked these questions a lot and Baekhyun is responsible for the answers. As an owner, Baekhyun also understands that it must be hard on Chanyeol's part despite his many efforts. So, Baekhyun must be honest with Chanyeol to be fair. It's never Chanyeol's fault for being a good owner. He's not a terrible owner to begin with.

Chanyeol is just an idiot man; meanwhile Baekhyun is only a weak hybrid.

People. Hybrids. Lights. Drinks. Where is Chanyeol? Baekhyun needs to find him right now while he still has this courage to confess. He should do it tonight. He should tell Chanyeol everything tonight.

"Baekhyun! Why are you in a rush? Did something happen?"

Kyungsoo catches a running Baekhyun who accidentally bumped onto him.

"Kyungsoo. Did you--" Baekhyun breathes. "Did you see Chanyeol? I need to talk to him."

"Chanyeol? I think I saw him at the garden---"

"Thanks!"

Baekhyun dashes, not letting Kyungsoo finish his sentence. After a series of running, he finally spots Chanyeol alone at the garden. Chanyeol is sitting on the bench in front of the fountain, holding a bottle of wine with his clothes disheveled. Baekhyun only watches as Chanyeol gulps the alcohol, before the man is quietly staring again at nothingness. The blank and sullen expression on Chanyeol's face causes Baekhyun's heart to constrict. He didn't expect to see his owner in this state. Chanyeol was still okay earlier talking with the guests, and Baekhyun thought he would still be there right now.

Baekhyun carefully takes a step, and the scrunching noise of the leaves under his shoe causes Chanyeol to turn to his presence. They share a long minute of silence, when Chanyeol decides to wobbly stand up, his body swaying out of balance.

Quickly approaching his owner, although heavy, Baekhyun catches Chanyeol using his smaller body so that the man won't fall. Chanyeol's arms are long so Baekhyun struggles to pull him, and in this close distance he can smell the stench of wine in his owner's breath. How many bottles did Chanyeol drink anyway? Baekhyun has seen Chanyeol drunk many times due to parties and events, but since his owner is a responsible drinker, he doesn't have to worry about him. Maybe this is the first time he is seeing Chanyeol all wasted and disoriented.

"Get... get away from me," Chanyeol mumbles incoherently, pushing Baekhyun away who is having a hard time holding him, "I said! Get away from me! Let me go... Now! Ugh... Shit... Don't touch me... What the hell!"

Baekhyun grabs the bottle of wine away from Chanyeol's clutch, throwing it to the grass. He adjusts Chanyeol so that the man is slinging his arm around his shoulder. Confession now cancelled, Baekhyun takes a deep breath and decides he should first take Chanyeol home. He can't have him acting all drunk in Jongin and Kyungsoo's engagement party.

"Chanyeol, you're drunk... How much did you have to drink?"

"No... I said... Don't touch me!" Chanyeol slurs as he moves side to side. He uses his strength to shove Baekhyun away from him, causing the smaller to fall and land on the grass. "How dare you..." He only glares down at Baekhyun, while the hybrid looks up to him with pained eyes. "No one can touch me... like that... Get lost, will you?"

Despite having already denied, Baekhyun still stands up and clings to Chanyeol. He knows Chanyeol is just drunk. He's not on his right mind so they must get home as soon as possible so Chanyeol can sober up and rest.

"Come on, Chanyeol... Don't do this..." Baekhyun begs, firmly holding Chanyeol's arms and facing him to his direction when the man tries to turn around his back and walk away from him, "Here. The car's this way. We should go home now, okay? You're coming with me, alright?"

"Ugh... Shit... Let me go! Didn't you... hear what I just said!?" Chanyeol angrily blurts out that has Baekhyun flinching. "Baekhyun... He doesn't like it... when others' scent... stick to me... I don't want him... to get mad again... So just..." He wriggles himself out of Baekhyun's touch. "Go away... I only want Baekhyun... Baekhyun... Please... Come here... I need Baekhyun!"

Baekhyun tightly hugs Chanyeol as he bites back his tears to stream down his face.

"I'm Baekhyun... I'm here..."

"Baekhyun?"

"It's me... Let's go home, okay?"

"Okay..."

Momentarily checking Chanyeol passed out on the passenger seat beside him, Baekhyun drives the two of them home. He blinks the tears blurring his vision as he focuses his eyes on the road. Why did Chanyeol drink this much? Was he also that troubled about their fight? Seeing Chanyeol like this hurts Baekhyun a lot. Chanyeol is not usually one to lose his cool. He doesn't normally act like this, so why... just because of him...

Arriving several minutes at their house, Baekhyun seeks help from two kind high school students he saw on the street to carry Chanyeol inside. They take him upstairs to his bedroom, and Baekhyun offered the kids money to buy snacks.

After taking off Chanyeol's shoes and socks, and loosening two buttons of his shirt, Baekhyun tucks his owner under the blanket before turning on the lampshade. He is about to leave the room when Chanyeol never lets go of his hand, still tightly clutching it as he mutters in his half-asleep, half-dreaming, half-awake, half-drunk, and half-sober state:

"Why... Why would you treat me like this..."

Baekhyun pauses and gazes down at the man lying on the bed, looking so broken and depressed. He allows Chanyeol to pull him by his side as he holds his hand securely. Baekhyun doesn't know if Chanyeol is aware whether he is awake or still in a state of drunkenness. Nevertheless, he stays beside Chanyeol and studies the man's eyes starting to draw tears.

Is Chanyeol... crying right now?

"What... did I do to you... I don't know... I'm sorry... if I'm hurting you because I didn't know what I did... I'm sorry... Just please... talk to me again... Because I can't live like this..." Chanyeol sobs as he looks at the ceiling with blurry eyes, "It just hurts a lot, Baekhyun... I don't know... what to do anymore..."

"I can't live like this too, because it also hurts a lot," Baekhyun says, and he's also crying too, unable to hold back his tears any longer. "Because I love you so much, Chanyeol. I've been in love with you all this time."

Chanyeol looks down beside him as Baekhyun replies him with silence. Baekhyun stares up to his owner's deep eyes trained at him. He forgets everything; all of his worries and fears, and just does the job to decrease the distance in between their mouths. Closing his eyes as tears drop slowly on his cheeks, he touches Chanyeol's face and kisses him--- feeling the warmth of their breaths become one. He can taste the wine on Chanyeol's lips and it's sweet; yet it's also salty because of the tears that have managed to drip from his eyes.

Baekhyun doesn't care anymore whether Chanyeol is conscious of what is happening or not; he doesn't want to think anymore whether Chanyeol is still drunk or dazed. He just wants to hold Chanyeol close like this, kiss him for all his worth, and tell him how much he loves him by his lips moving against Chanyeol's.

It is to Baekhyun's greatest surprise when Chanyeol pulls back from the kiss, exchanging their positions so that Chanyeol is on top and Baekhyun is on his back; Baekhyun can only worry with his mouth agape, when Chanyeol stares down at him intently, life and color returning back to his gaze. Chanyeol squeezes his eyes shut, shakes his head, and breathes deeply. In attempt to will away the alcohol and process what has just happened, he turns to look at Baekhyun underneath him, waiting, anticipating.

"What did you just say?"

"I love you," Baekhyun repeats, louder this time, "I told you I love you. I'm in love with you. I've been always in love with you. Not because you're my owner, but because you are Chanyeol." He cups Chanyeol's face with his one hand as he fondly looks up to him, "Because you are the Chanyeol who takes care of me. Because you are the Chanyeol who makes me happy. Because you are the Chanyeol who kept me when I had no one. Because you are the Chanyeol who makes me a strong individual, at the same time the Chanyeol who makes me weak on my knees. I love you because you are the Chanyeol, my only reason why I live."

Chanyeol breathes, "Baekhyun, I..."

"Please let me finish first," Baekhyun says, smiling although it really hurts deep inside, "I already know how you feel about me. I'm your pet Corgi hybrid who works for you for five years now. Of course, you love me too, and you really care for me. You shower me with lots of affection and you want me to be always happy. I'm precious to you, right?"

Baekhyun shakes his head.

"But no. I don't see you the way how pets see their owners. Everytime you kiss my forehead, I wish you were kissing my lips instead. Everytime you touch and pet me, I wish you were hugging me and making love to me. I look at you as a man whom I can be with on dates. I look at you as a person whom I can be with for the rest of my life. Why? That's because I love you and I have romantic feelings for you that I've been hiding all this time..."

Chanyeol touches Baekhyun's cheek, putting the stray hair away. Baekhyun's gaze never falters.

"Then let's do that. Let's do everything you want. I'm willing to do anything to make you happy. Let's go on dates and hold hands. Let's kiss and make love. Let's be together and stay with each other," Chanyeol whispers. "Now that you told me what you want and how you feel, I can be more than your owner to you."

"No... You don't understand... You can't just..." Baekhyun lightly pushes Chanyeol away, sitting on the bed against the headboard. He hugs his knees close to his chest. "It's not supposed to be like this... You're not supposed to say things so easily like that... Did you hear what I just said? I just confessed my love for you. You're not even surprised... This is a serious matter... You can't just tell me let's do what I want... It's not fair... It's like you're just giving it away to me like candy."

Chanyeol feels himself sobering up. He hears Baekhyun loud and clear. He's back to his sanity after that unexpected kiss and confession. Sitting on the bed in front of the hybrid, he observes how Baekhyun's ears twitch slowly and his tail flip back and forth. It makes him cry even more.

"Then what do you want me to do? Get mad at you? Push you away?" Chanyeol gently says. "What can I do now that I feel relieved after hearing you say you love me? Can I help it that I feel very much happy knowing that you have feelings for me after all? I thought you hated me. I even thought you were tired of me and you were just putting up with me. Heck, I even thought you were still longing for your old owner, and you're longing for another man that is not me. All these overthinking and these crazy emotions are killing me that it keeps me from sleeping at night. I thought I might go insane so I decided to get drunk to forget these bad thoughts."

"Chanyeol..."

"I never looked at anyone the way how I looked at you, Baekhyun. I never identified my love for you as anything--- as my pet or as an individual, it doesn't really matter to me. I just know you're the most precious and most important to me. I want to see you smile and be my side. I want to hold you and make you only mine. So, if the love I feel for you is the same love you feel for me, then is there still a reason for us not to be together?"

Baekhyun tries to wipe his many tears with the back of his hand as he cries, letting his sobs escape his mouth as he finally loses himself. He doesn't expect Chanyeol telling him any single thing of what he heard. He admits he is over the clouds glad. He still can't believe if it's real or just a dream. He even decided to forget his feelings for his owner but now, he doesn't know if he still can. He doesn't know if he still should.

"Then, please... Pease tell me you love me," Baekhyun says, "I want to hear it from you."

"Of course, I love you," Chanyeol answers, "If I haven't realized it clearly, I apologize... I'm really sorry... All I did was apologize to you because I only hurt you... So I'm telling you right now that I love you so much, Baekhyun. I really do." He scoots closer and pulls him in for a cozy hug, and god, how Baekhyun misses having Chanyeol's warmth and scent fill him again, "It was my biggest mistake for sending you on that blind date. I shouldn't have done that. It only hurt you, and it also hurt me, too."

"You were hurt, too?"

"Yeah, I was... kind of, well... jealous when you... wore Lucas' coat."

Baekhyun slightly peeks at Chanyeol's face, "Really?"

"Yeah! I could punch that guy on the face when he dared touch you. I can't even believe myself I allowed that to happen. You only belong to me and no one else, okay? I'm late to realize that I hate it when you smile at another man that is not me!"

Chanyeol clears his throat when he feels he is getting all whiney and dramatic.

"I don't wanna talk about that anymore. What's important is that, I love you... I love you because you're my lovely pet Corgi hybrid." Chanyeol leans away to stare at Baekhyun's puffy eyes. "And I love you because you are the Baekhyun who makes me look forward to another day." He presses closer and kisses Baekhyun's lips deeply. "I love you so much, baby." Then he kisses the top of his head and hugs him tight, "I'm sorry for saying these important words just now... I could say I love you forever to prove my sincerity to you."

"I'm sorry, too... if I told you words that I shouldn't have said," Baekhyun mumbles against Chanyeol's chest, "I didn't mean to tell you to leave me alone and go away... I know you were just trying to help me get over my heat. I was insensitive and selfish... I yelled at you and pushed you away when you only mean nothing but concern... Just because I was hurting doesn't mean you should get hurt, too... You're only worried about me but I take it as pity... From now on, I'm going to be honest about how I feel... I'll tell everything to you. I will share everything to you."

"Then, that only means you should be my equal."

Baekhyun's heart skips a beat hearing that word.

"E-equal?"

"Yes. Equal," Chanyeol smiles as he softly rubs Baekhyun's perky ears, "Do you want to be my equal? My lover? My life-time partner?"

"Are you asking me out..." Baekhyun blinks fast. "Or are you proposing to me now?"

"We'll get there," Chanyeol chuckles, pressing a light kiss on Baekhyun's nose, "But for now, I'll just ask you if I could be your... uh..." He scratches his nape sheepishly, "Your boyfriend. So... Can I?"

Everything seems to be unreal to Baekhyun. Chanyeol, his owner, the man of his dreams, is right here, asking him to be his boyfriend. Is this happening for real? Does Chanyeol really want them to be equals? Baekhyun is not hallucinating right now, is he? One moment he was just crying, and now he's blushing so hard like his heart is gonna explode. How is Chanyeol able to do this to him?

"But... But I'm not even your ideal type! I'm not charming, I don't have a great body, I'm not someone who depends on you. I don't even have the same hobbies as you. So why now---"

"Oh, my ideal type? The things I told Chairman Zhang?"

"Yes!"

"I just made them up. I don't actually have an ideal type. Hmm. Is it safe to say that my ideal type is you?"

Baekhyun reddens even more. "S-stop being cheesy."

"Come to think of it," Chanyeol inches closer to Baekhyun teasingly, "So, it was me whom you were talking about that time? Your ideal type who must be tall and handsome and rich, and who must be kind who is an idiot sometimes?"

"It's about time," Baekhyun deadpans, "Yes, it was you, Chanyeol."

"Oh. Now I know," Chanyeol laughs, "So answer me. Do you want to be my equal?"

"What do you think?"

"You tell me."

Baekhyun narrows his eyes and responds through a peck on Chanyeol's mouth. He lies the two of them down back on the bed, wrapping his arms around Chanyeol's neck as he kisses Chanyeol's lips deeper, sweeter, and longer. Going more passionate, Chanyeol affectionately smiles into their kiss as he turns to lead Baekhyun. Holding Baekhyun's petite waist and his lower back as they share one heartbeat, Chanyeol pulls away to suck for air, whispering, "I'll take that as a yes." And then he's kissing Baekhyun again, torrid and intensified this time.

Fabric discarded and kissing flesh to flesh, they make love on the bed; Chanyeol fulfills Baekhyun's wishes and demands as he handles him with proper care and pure love. Baekhyun offers Chanyeol every inch of his body and every ounce of his soul, every beat of his heart and everything that he belongs. Chanyeol is his owner after all. He has the right to claim him as his, to mark him, to leave his scent on him, to etch himself inside of him, in all ways that Chanyeol wants, in all ways that Baekhyun desires.

To Baekhyun, Chanyeol's touches and kisses are like salvation. They save him from the loneliness he had when he was abandoned. They assure him that he is now loved and protected, that he has now someone whom he can call his, and that is Chanyeol, who makes him realize that his feelings can be reciprocated. It's not one-sided nor unrequited, it has ways been mutual; Chanyeol never puts a label on it, he expresses it to him through his actions and Baekhyun admits he is just also one foolish hybrid not to acknowledge it from the start.

But it doesn't matter anymore because they have now united; Chanyeol and Baekhyun's hands intertwined, lips sealed into a kiss, body moving at the same rhythm, they both reach the moment of greatest pleasure. It's music to Chanyeol's ears hearing Baekhyun call his name on his peak, so he rewards himself by kissing Baekhyun again and copulating until dawn.

-

Tomorrow morning, Baekhyun wakes up on Chanyeol's bed alone, and the evidence of last night's love making is freshly engraved on every part of his skin. Going to the bathroom, he stands on his bare self in front of the mirror, seeing Chanyeol's marks all over him and nothing in himself but the gold collar on his neck. He smiles happily, reminding him that last night wasn't a dream. It was real, and the pain he is feeling in his lower half proves him that this is definitely the reality--- the reality that him and Chanyeol are now equals.

"I knew it. You're really pretty with only your collar on."

Baekhyun jolts to the voice, his tail automatically swishing in between his legs to cover his private part. He sees a topless Chanyeol leaning against the sink, his arms crossed against his chest while sporting a confident smirk on his lips. It makes Baekhyun blush early in the morning, especially now that he is nude and exposed in front of his owner. Good thing it's a weekend today, Baekhyun won't have to worry about limping at work.

"Come here," Chanyeol gestures his hand, and Baekhyun slowly and obediently walks towards the man. He closes his eyes when Chanyeol pets his head, gently rubbing his hand against his ears as he also softly touches his neck. He hears Chanyeol laugh when he groans when his owner teasingly pinches his cheek. "Good morning, Baekhyun."

Baekhyun gives Chanyeol a one-second look, before he is looking down to his toes again.

"G-good morning, Chanyeol."

"Why are you getting all shy about?"

"I-I'm not shy! I just can't look at you in the eyes..."

"May I know why?"

"You're too handsome I could melt."

That causes more laughter to Chanyeol. He suddenly pulls Baekhyun's waist and greets him with a sweet kiss on the lips. Baekhyun almost barks in discontent when his owner releases right away.

"You wanna wash up together?"

"Okay."

Squeezing the shampoo bottle as he settles on the bathtub with Baekhyun sitting in between his legs, Chanyeol hums a happy tune under his breath while he rubs the shampoo on Baekhyun's hair. He gently massages his pet's scalp with his fingertips, not forgetting to also include the undersides of his ears.

"Let's clean your ears, too. There," Chanyeol says, obviously enjoying what he's doing. Baekhyun can clearly see the glimmer in Chanyeol's eyes as he thoroughly rubs his fur with the sponge. "And now your tail. Give me your tail."

Baekhyun can say he can take a bath himself, but he just lets Chanyeol do his thing because his owner is totally having fun washing him up and he can't ruin this moment. Besides, it feels good. Really good. He can fall asleep in the bathtub with Chanyeol literally scrubbing his body.

"Raise your arms, let's also scrub your armpits."

"Oh my god, Chanyeol..."

"Hush! I said no talking, alright? You might eat the bubbles and it might upset your stomach. Baekhyunnie must smell good to be a nice pet," Chanyeol coos, and Baekhyun can only laugh now that his owner is acting all motherly and caring. He must get used to it now. "Very good."

"But how about Baekhyunnie's kiss? I deserve that too, right?"

Chanyeol chuckles. "Fine. Come here."

Baekhyun leans closer and kisses Chanyeol, and then he also scoops a huge amount of bubbles with his palm, blowing it to Chanyeol's face. Laughing at Chanyeol's frowning reaction when the bubbles land on his mouth, Baekhyun stands up and gets out of the tub, hiding behind the shower curtain.

"Hahaha! You look like a snowman."

"Baekhyun! Sit!" Chanyeol commands.

"I don't want to!"

"Come back here!"

"Make me!"

When Baekhyun doesn't listen, Chanyeol goes after him, chasing the hybrid around the bathroom. He catches a giggling Baekhyun by the waist, pinning him against the wall and caging him inside his arms. He gazes down at Baekhyun, clicking his tongue.

"Okay, let's stop playing now."

Then Chanyeol bends down, and claims Baekhyun's lips for a searing kiss.

"I love you so much."

"I love you, too, Chanyeol."

As he kisses his owner back, Baekhyun's elbow hits the the knob, causing the shower to turn on above them. He adjust his arms properly, placing them on top of Chanyeol's shoulder while they both get soaked under the shower. They kiss heatedly, eventually making love once again until both of them are spent and satisfied. Chanyeol is just glad that it's a weekend today; he can have Baekhyun all to himself.

-

"Are you sure you're still not yet in your cycle?"

Baekhyun chews his bottom lip and nods his head, "Yes." He lets Chanyeol linger behind him to wrap his arms around his body. They both overlook at the high-rise buildings outside the glass of their office.

"Am I too needy? Am I getting annoying?"

"No, baby... You're not," Chanyeol laughs and presses a soft kiss on Baekhyun's nape. He faces Baekhyun who is pouting cutely at him. "I'm just surprised at how active you are."

"Isn't that a good thing?"

"You're healthy, so yes, it's a good thing."

Baekhyun answers with a shy smile as Chanyeol pinches his nose.

"Now I wonder how you'll be when you're in heat. Should I now file a one-week leave of absence?"

Baekhyun shakes his head, "No! You don't have to! I can take care of myself if you'll be busy with work. I could just use some suppressants and---"

"Suppressants? You mean these?" Chanyeol walks towards Baekhyun's desk, opening a drawer, and fishing out a white bottle. He shakes it. "You won't need these anymore." Then he shoots it to the nearest trash, laughing maniacally. "There. Right to where it belongs."

"Can I really rely on you now?"

"Of course. I'm here now. I'll take care of your needs. I promise."

"For real?"

"Yes. For real."

They both share a laugh.

"You sure you're okay now? Does your lower back still hurt?"

"It hurts a little but I can bear with it," Baekhyun firmly says, pounding on his chest, "You know me. I'm a strong and independent hybrid. I can do everything you order me to do."

Walking in front of Baekhyun, Chanyeol leans forward, brushing their noses together for an Eskimo kiss. Baekhyun freezes when Chanyeol's finger grazes on his nape, his owner fumbling with the lock of his collar and finally taking it off. He instantly shivers at the absence of his collar around his neck, exposing his pale skin out in the air.

Chanyeol notes how Baekhyun cowers, his ears plopping down while his shoulders droop.

"I feel so naked without my collar," Baekhyun mumbles. "Please put it back..."

"Don't you wanna take it off? Doesn't it suffocate you?" Chanyeol worriedly asks, "I could get you a necklace instead if you want."

"No," Baekhyun furiously denies, "I still want my collar... It's a symbol that I belong to you... I don't wanna change any of that. We might be equals now, but I'm still your pet, and I want the world to know that I already have an owner."

"Okay. I understand," Chanyeol answers, wearing the gold collar on Baekhyun's neck again. He chastely presses a kiss on his pet's eyelids as he smiles. "I'm sorry for making you a bit uncomfortable. I won't take it off ever again. Well, unless I wanna tease you."

Baekhyun weakly punches him, "Mean."

"At least you love me."

"I kind of hate you a little now."

"A little? You mean just like your di---"

"Shut up!"

Making sure the blinds are lowered and the door is locked, Chanyeol adoringly kisses his hybrid to retort back. He lovingly embraces Baekhyun afterwards, whispering sweet nothings to his ear and sharing with him his plans about what they should do together today. Baekhyun brightly smiles and holds Chanyeol's hand as he listens to his owner talk, dreamily staring at Chanyeol's beautiful eyes that only speaks of nothing but affection and sincerity. It makes Baekhyun feel that he is loved every day, every hour, every minute, and every second of his life. Forever.

"So, what do you want for our date? A dinner at the restaurant after the movies, or a trip to the amusement park after we grab sandwiches at Subway?"

Baekhyun chuckles heartily.

"I'm fine with anything as long as I'm with you, Chanyeol."

Smiling at Baekhyun, Chanyeol brings Baekhyun's hand close to his lips, kissing his knuckles softly. He winks.

"Alright. Netflix and chill, then."

-

"Is it true, Baekhyun!? Are you finally dating Chanyeol?"

"Yes, I am. You've been asking this for like, nine times already, Kyungsoo."

"It's just, I can't still just believe it, oh my god. I'm so happy for you, Baekhyun!"

"Sehun and I are also happy for you, Baekhyun!"

"Thank you, guys. Thanks for always cheering on me."

"So, ehem. Did you finally do it with Chanyeol? How was it?"

"Is it really big?"

"How long did you two last?"

"Did it really hurt the first time?"

"What's with this huddle?"

"Oh! Chanyeol's here. Hello, boss!"

"Hi, Luhan. Hi, Kyungsoo. Hi, Sehun."

"How about me?"

"Hi, Jongin. You know you're supposed to be in your office now, right? What are you doing here? And all of you, get back to work!"

"Why are you so cruel! They just wanna chat with me."

"Baekhyun, if you wanna have a conversation, just talk to your boyfriend. Come with me."

"Wait, are you closing the door right now?"

"Yeah. Let's do it! You've been looking at this since morning, right?"

"Oh my god, Chanyeol... We're in the office... Stop!"

"What? No one's looking..."

"We're supposed to be working!"

"Your ears and tail are twitching, baby. I know you want this, too."

"This is... inappropriate..."

"Come on... Just lick it."

"But..."

"Open your mouth and suck it..."

"Chanyeol..."

"Hm?"

"What flavor is this?"

"Cucumber."

"You know I hate cucumber-flavored popsicle, right?"

"Oh, I forgot! Well, how about banana instead? Should I buy you one?"

"Mr. Park?"

"Yes?"

"Please get back to work now."

"Fine. I need a kiss at least."

"Mwah. Is that enough?"

"Great. More than enough, even."

*

END