When they rejoined the rest of their friends, the group bounced from one game to another, the air filled with laughter, obnoxious cackling, and chaotic trash talk that could probably be heard three arcades down. Baekhyun was determined - determined - to reclaim his dignity. But after losing a few more rounds (one of which involved him flailing so violently during DDR that he not only missed half the steps, but tripped over his own feet and ended up sprawled on the floor like a starfish), he finally admitted defeat. Today was not his lucky day.

The group, wiping tears of laughter from their eyes, dragged him next door to grab some pizza. Baekhyun slumped into his chair like a defeated war general, his hair sticking up in random directions, but his spirits surprisingly high despite the monumental losses. That is, until Chanyeol plopped down next to him with that smug grin - the one that Baekhyun would happily slap off his face using a slice of greasy pepperoni pizza if society would let him.

After ordering, Jongin leaned back in his seat, swirling his soda like he was about to deliver life-changing advice. "So, Baekhyun," he began with a smirk, "how's it feel to get roasted across multiple platforms today? Arcade games, DDR, air hockey, and - oh wait - walking without tripping, should we add that to the list?"

Baekhyun let out a long, theatrical sigh, slumping dramatically against the back of his chair. "I wasn't losing. I was testing the limits of everyone else's luck."

"Testing the limits of Chanyeol's patience, more like," Jongdae chimed in, biting into a slice of pizza once it arrived.

Sehun grinned wickedly, leaning closer like he was sharing a juicy secret. "Speaking of patience, let's talk about your epic DDR fall. You flailed like a bird learning how to fly mid-air."

Baekhyun stiffened, narrowing his eyes at him. "It wasn't a fall, I was improvising."

"Oh sure," Jongdae snorted. "That spin-kick at the end? Chef's kiss. Truly an artist in motion."

Sehun, who had taken out his phone at lightning speed, held up the recorded footage for everyone to see. The video replayed Baekhyun slipping dramatically, limbs flailing like he was reenacting an action movie in slow motion, and landing in a heap on the floor. The entire table burst into laughter, except Baekhyun, who had his arms crossed in defiance. "Delete that," Baekhyun demanded.

"Never," Sehun wheezed, wiping tears from his eyes.

"You're such a brat," Baekhyun muttered, grabbing his soda and taking a long sip, as if hydrating would give him the strength to survive this.

Chanyeol, seated next to him and enjoying every second of the chaos, leaned back with his usual smirk. "Hey, look on the bright side, at least your fall was graceful, like a cat falling off a countertop."

Baekhyun slowly turned his head, glaring at him. "Careful, I'll pour this soda directly over your head."

Chanyeol chuckled, his arm casually draping over the back of Baekhyun's chair. "I'd like to see you try, shorty."

"Keep talking, giraffe," Baekhyun snapped, "and I'll make sure you leave this place wearing extra cheese."

"I'd still look good in it," Chanyeol replied smoothly, earning a chorus of "oooohs" from their friends.

"Maybe I should've let you faceplant on the DDR floor," Baekhyun grumbled.

"You practically did," Chanyeol teased, sipping from his drink.

Jongin nudged Sehun. "The banter, the insults, they're literally a textbook married couple."

Baekhyun stared at them with a look of disgust on his face. "Excuse me?"

Sehun, now grinning ear to ear, nodded. "It's the way you insult each other, but still fused together."

Jongdae added with a snicker, "don't forget how Chanyeol helped him up off the DDR mat like some knight in shining sneakers."

"I didn't ask for his help!" Baekhyun protested, his cheeks flushing. "I had it under control."

Chanyeol chuckled again, leaning in closer, his breath warm against Baekhyun's ear. "Oh, you definitely had it under control. I was just helping for the dramatic effect."

Baekhyun's fingers twitched like he was seconds away from launching his slice of pizza at Chanyeol's face. "You're lucky I'm too hungry to throw this."

Chanyeol shrugged, biting into his own slice with zero concern. "Admit it, you'd miss me if I weren't around to torment you."

Baekhyun groaned as Jongin clapped him on the back. "This night just keeps getting better," Jongin laughed.

Sehun pointed at Baekhyun's flushed face. "He's blushing!"

"I am NOT!" Baekhyun yelled, though the heat crawling up his neck said otherwise.

Chanyeol leaned closer, his voice dropping low enough for only Baekhyun to hear. "Relax, sweetheart. I'm not going anywhere."

Baekhyun hated the way those words sent his heart racing. Stupid Chanyeol. Stupid smirk. Stupid fluttering feelings.

Their teasing and friendly banter continued as they ate their pizzas, and when they had eaten up every slice, Jongdae tapped the table, glancing between them. "So, how many drinks are we betting Baekhyun spills at the club tonight?"

Baekhyun perked up. "Oh, don't tempt me. One 'accidental' spill, coming right up."

"Make it two," Chanyeol added, laughing.

"Keep talking," Baekhyun warned him with a glare, "and I'll make sure to spill something on you."

Chanyeol chuckled, completely unfazed as they stood and started heading toward the club. "Looking forward to it."

As they stepped into the cool night air, the buzzing excitement returned. Tonight was going to be chaotic, but with this group - and Chanyeol being his usual annoying self - Baekhyun wouldn't have it any other way.

Their walk toward the club was chaos in motion, loud and obnoxious, exactly how Baekhyun liked it. He strutted ahead with a cocky bounce, spinning around to face the group as he walked backward down the sidewalk. His arms were spread wide like he was accepting a Grammy. "Alright, listen up, peasants! I'm declaring it now: I'm gonna be the star of the dance floor tonight. All eyes on me."

Jongdae snorted so loudly it could've been mistaken for a car honk. "Excuse you? Star? The only stars you'll see tonight are the ones you hallucinate when you trip over yourself. Again."

Baekhyun gasped dramatically, clutching his chest as if Jongdae had shot him. "How dare you? My dance moves are flawless, practically award-worthy."

"Yeah, if there's an award for most creative ways to fall on your face," Chanyeol said from behind, his deep chuckle already grating Baekhyun's nerves.

Baekhyun spun around so fast he almost tripped on his own feet, but he caught himself in what he considered a graceful save (no one else would agree). He shot Chanyeol a deadly glare. "First of all, noodle limbs, my footwork is pristine. Second of all, the only thing stiffer than your dancing is your personality."

Chanyeol raised an eyebrow, a smug smile creeping across his face. "Oh? And what would you know about my dancing?"

Baekhyun smirked, stepping closer, chest puffed out like a rooster about to throw down. "Because you give off robot trying to moonwalk energy. No rhythm. No flow. Just awkward, malfunctioning limbs."

"Oooh!" Sehun hollered from behind, nearly doubling over with laughter. "Get wrecked."

Chanyeol placed a hand over his heart, feigning pain. "I'll have you know, my moves are legendary."

"Legendary disasters," Jongin chimed in, barely able to contain his giggles. "Remember when you tried to body roll last time and just looked like you were having a muscle cramp?"

Junmyeon shivered like the memory haunted him. "I'm still recovering."

Chanyeol waved them off and pointed a finger at Baekhyun. "Laugh all you want. Just wait until we're out there. You'll be the first to crash and burn whilst I'm stealing the spotlight."

Baekhyun let out the loudest, most dramatic laugh imaginable. "You? Stealing the spotlight? Please, the only thing you're stealing is my patience."

"Damn," Jongdae whispered, fanning himself, "someone get Chanyeol some ice."

Chanyeol's eyes narrowed, his smirk never fading. "Wanna bet, hotshot?"

Baekhyun's competitive spirit lit up like fireworks. "Oh, you're on. Loser buys drinks for the winner."

Chanyeol's gaze sharpened, his grin widening. "Hope your bank account's ready. I'm drinking for free."

Baekhyun jabbed a finger into Chanyeol's chest. "I'll be drinking your tears."

Chanyeol smirked. "I'll be drowning in your misery."

The argument escalated as they got closer to the club, the insults flying faster than they could walk. Baekhyun got so riled up that he was seconds away from pouncing on Chanyeol like a feral cat when Kyungsoo grabbed the back of Baekhyun's jacket collar and yanked him back.

"Let me go, Kyungsoo!" Baekhyun thrashed like a toddler throwing a tantrum.

"No," Kyungsoo replied calmly, tightening his grip like he was holding a squirming puppy. "I'm not letting you bite his kneecaps in public."

Chanyeol, thoroughly entertained, leaned down just enough to make it worse. "Aw, is the little guy mad? Should I get you a booster seat on the dance floor?"

Baekhyun's face turned the colour of molten lava. "I SWEAR TO GOD, CHANYEOL - "

Kyungsoo pulled harder, nearly choking him. "Both of you, shut up. We're in public. Behave like normal humans for once."

Jongin wiped tears from his eyes, gasping for breath between laughs. "I can't breathe - Kyungsoo's parenting both of them."

"Let's just get inside before Baekhyun combusts," Sehun wheezed, slapping Chanyeol on the back. "You really know how to push his buttons."

Chanyeol shrugged, looking far too pleased with himself. "It's a talent."

Baekhyun huffed, finally breaking free from Kyungsoo's grip and smoothing down his jacket. "I'm going to destroy you on that dance floor, Chanyeol."

Chanyeol leaned in, his smirk devilish. "I'll be waiting."

Baekhyun stormed ahead as the group approached the club, muttering under his breath, "I'm gonna wipe that smug grin off his stupidly attractive face - ugh, I mean his stupid face. Just his face."

"Whatever you say," Jongdae whispered to Jongin, who just nodded knowingly.

The moment they stepped inside the club, the thumping bass of the club music vibrated through their bones, the dim lighting casting a warm glow over the numerous trays of drinks and shots littering the tables. The group was loud, laughing, and full of energy after their arcade antics. But Baekhyun's mood shifted the moment Sehun forced him into the seat next to Chanyeol.

"I'm not sitting here," Baekhyun protested, arms crossed.

"Yeah, put him on the other side," Chanyeol added lazily, though there was no real urgency in his voice.

Jongdae, grinning like the devil, pushed them both down into the booth with alarming force. "Oh, relax. Just sit together, make some memories, or roast each other into oblivion. Either way, it's a win for us."

"I hate you," Baekhyun muttered as Jongdae sat across from him, clearly enjoying every second of this.

But to Baekhyun's surprise, he didn't feel the usual overwhelming irritation at being forced next to Chanyeol. Normally, the brush of their arms would've sent him shifting away in annoyance, muttering something about personal space, but tonight, he barely moved. Their arms rested against each other, warmth bleeding through the fabric of his jacket. Chanyeol stretched one long leg casually beneath the table, his knee lightly tapping Baekhyun's. Baekhyun didn't pull away. In fact, it grounded him more than he'd like to admit.

Why don't I mind this as much as I used to? He cast a sidelong glance at Chanyeol, who was leaning back lazily, one hand resting on the table, the other loosely gripping his glass. The club lights reflected off the rim of his drink, casting a faint glow against his fingers. His sleeves were rolled up just enough to reveal his forearms - an unfair distraction Baekhyun wished he hadn't noticed.

Chanyeol lifted the glass to his lips, and for a second, Baekhyun's gaze fixated on the way his throat moved as he swallowed. Snap out of it, Baekhyun. He shifted his focus to something else - anything else - but then Chanyeol's scent, a mix of woodsy cologne and something subtly warm, filled the small space between them, making it impossible to think straight.

When Baekhyun glanced up again, he caught Chanyeol looking at him. It wasn't the usual teasing glance that came with a smirk or a witty comment. This time, Chanyeol's gaze was steady, calm, as if he wasn't fighting something either. Their eyes met, and for a moment, everything around them seemed to blur. The music, the chatter, the clinking of glasses - it all faded into the background. Baekhyun's heart thumped awkwardly in his chest, and he quickly looked away, swallowing the lump in his throat. Does he feel the same? The thought buzzed in the back of Baekhyun's mind, dangerous and persistent. He shook it off, focusing on his drink. No way. I'm just reading too much into things.

Chanyeol, meanwhile, took another sip of his drink. Baekhyun hated how he always seemed so calm, as if nothing ever rattled him. But then again, he'd noticed the small cracks lately - how Chanyeol's gaze lingered longer than usual, how his teasing wasn't as biting as it used to be. Maybe Baekhyun wasn't the only one pretending not to notice the shift between them.

"All right, everyone," Sehun's loud voice broke through Baekhyun's spiralling thoughts. Sehun rubbed his hands together like he was about to launch them into chaos. "We're playing 'Dare or Shot.' Simple rules. You either do the dare or take a shot. No whining."

"And no backing out once you've started," Jongin added gleefully, pouring more shots into their glasses.

Baekhyun rolled his eyes, but a small smile tugged at his lips. The thrill of impending chaos hummed through him, a welcome distraction from the mess brewing in his head. He downed the rest of his drink, the alcohol buzzing warmly in his veins. After all, if there was one thing Baekhyun excelled at, it was making noise, causing mischief, and pretending his heart wasn't on a warpath tonight.

The first few rounds were tame: Sehun dared Jongdae to do an awkward dance, and Jongdae delivered with over-the-top flair that had the group in tears. Kyungsoo dared Junmyeon to chug a beer without using his hands, and he ended up with half of it down his shirt, spluttering as they cackled mercilessly.

Baekhyun's confidence grew after his second drink, and he revelled in the banter, throwing sassy remarks at anyone who dared him. He teased Sehun for not being able to hold his liquor, mocked Jongin's 'failed seductive wink' during his dare, and roasted Junmyeon for being 'an embarrassment to beer drinkers everywhere.'

But then, it was Chanyeol's turn. His gaze flickered to Baekhyun, and the grin that spread across his face sent a chill down Baekhyun's spine.

"I dare Baekhyun," Chanyeol drawled, pausing for dramatic effect, "to do something he won't get out of easily."

Baekhyun's eyes narrowed, suspicion blooming. "Be specific, giant."

"Oh, I will," Chanyeol said, leaning forward slightly, his gaze locking onto Baekhyun's like he'd been waiting for this moment all night. "I dare you to go up to the DJ booth, grab the mic, and sing 'Baby Shark' with full choreography."

The group erupted; Jongdae was clapping his hands like a seal, practically gasping for air as Sehun fell off his chair in a fit of laughter. Jongin was doubled over the table, tears streaming down his face. Even Junmyeon was laughing uncontrollably.

Baekhyun blinked in shock, as if Chanyeol had just asked him to run a marathon naked. "You've got to be kidding me."

Chanyeol smirked, clearly revelling in the chaos he'd just unleashed. "What's wrong, sweetheart? Too much for you?" He leaned back in his seat, looking far too pleased with himself. "I mean, you could always take the shot."

Baekhyun narrowed his eyes, his competitive streak flaring to life. "You'd like that, wouldn't you?"

"I don't think you'll do it," Chanyeol said, voice calm but dripping with challenge.

Baekhyun shot up from his seat, nearly knocking his drink over. "Watch me."

The table exploded in cheers and chants of "Baekhyun! Baekhyun! Baekhyun!" as he made his way across the club, shoulders squared and determination radiating off him like a warrior heading into battle. Chanyeol watched, surprised but undeniably entertained.

Baekhyun reached the DJ booth, leaned in, and said something to the DJ. For a second, Chanyeol thought maybe he was chickening out or negotiating a way out of the dare. But then, the unmistakable intro of 'Baby Shark' blasted through the speakers.

"Oh my god, he's actually doing it," Jongdae said through his laugh, and all of them were gleefully watching him. Sehun was quick to fish out his phone again.

The crowd on the dance floor turned toward the DJ booth as Baekhyun grabbed the mic with the confidence of a pop star headlining a world tour. "Baby shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo!" he sang loudly, punctuating each line with exaggerated dance moves that could only be described as chaotic brilliance.

The club went wild with cheers, laughter and dances along with the star.

"This is the greatest thing I've ever seen," Sehun yelled, recording everything on his phone. "He's fearless!"

Jongin was on the floor, clutching his stomach. "Oh my god, I'm framing this video and playing it at his wedding."

Chanyeol couldn't stop laughing, his eyes glued to Baekhyun as he threw himself into the dance. His arms flailed dramatically, his hips swayed with zero shame, and he even got a group of drunk strangers to join him in the choreography. By the time the song ended, Baekhyun was out of breath, his face flushed, but his smile was blinding.

Baekhyun practically floated back to the table, his body buzzing with both adrenaline and secondhand embarrassment. Did I seriously just perform Baby Shark in front of a packed club? The thought alone made him want to crawl under the table and vanish, but the wild applause from his friends drowned out any chance of hiding. Sehun was banging his fist on the table, still wheezing from laughter, and Junmyeon looked like he was about to cry.

As Baekhyun plopped into his seat, panting and sweaty, he grabbed his drink and chugged half of it without pausing. He could still feel the heat on his cheeks, not just from the embarrassment, but from the way Chanyeol's gaze was locked on him, laughter crinkling the corners of his eyes. Why does he look so proud of me? Baekhyun wondered, and for some reason, that thought made him feel warm in a way the alcohol couldn't explain.

"I can't believe you actually did it," Chanyeol said, still laughing, the sound warm and unrestrained, like he couldn't be happier. His eyes sparkled under the dim club lights, and Baekhyun hated how much he was noticing them.

Baekhyun lowered his glass, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "I told you I wasn't going to give you the satisfaction of seeing me back down." His voice came out stronger than he felt, but there was something comforting about the way Chanyeol was looking at him, like he wasn't laughing at him, but with him.

Sehun wiped tears from his face, barely able to speak through his giggles. "You're a legend."

"You're insane," Chanyeol added, his grin softening slightly as his gaze lingered on Baekhyun. There was no trace of mockery, just genuine amusement and something soft.

Baekhyun leaned back, crossing his arms smugly, though his heart was still racing. "I know. And I crushed that performance, thank you very much."

Kyungsoo, thoroughly entertained, took a sip of his drink before nodding. "That's your best moment yet."

Baekhyun bowed dramatically, one hand pressed to his chest. "Many thanks to my loyal audience. I'll be signing autographs by the bar later."

Chanyeol shook his head, his laughter finally calming, though the grin remained plastered on his face. "You were ridiculous up there, but I'll give you credit, you didn't hold back."

Baekhyun felt the heat creeping up his neck again. "Of course I didn't," he replied, but his usual sass was half-hearted because - deep down - Chanyeol's words meant more than he wanted to admit; the way Chanyeol had cheered him on, laughing, but never once humiliated him, had made the whole thing feel... fun. For once, Baekhyun wasn't just the target of a joke, he was the star, and Chanyeol had made sure he owned it.

He looked away, sipping the rest of his drink, but his gaze flickered back to Chanyeol as he leaned over to grab a handful of snacks. His long fingers brushed against Baekhyun's for a brief second, and Baekhyun nearly dropped his glass. Why do I feel like this idiot has magical powers or something?

"Regret it yet?" Chanyeol asked as he was leaning in close.

Baekhyun exhaled through his nose, forcing himself to smirk despite the fluttering in his chest. "Not at all. I'm just glad someone got to enjoy my talent tonight." He shot him a sideways glance. "Even if that someone is you."

Chanyeol chuckled, leaning back in his seat. "What can I say? You're entertaining." The comment should've made Baekhyun roll his eyes or fire back with a sarcastic retort, but instead, it made him feel... proud. What's happening to me? He brushed the thought aside, refusing to let it ruin the moment.

"Just don't get used to it," Baekhyun warned, pushing down the lingering warmth in his chest.