The dawn is chilly when I decided to go for a walk. I am still in my pajamas and I only took my phone and coat, wrapping the expensive fabric tightly around my body before walking out of the doors. My first piece lies finished and shining on my studio table and I know I should be starting with the second one sooner or later. Park Chanyeol has been sending me midnight snacks ever since day one and I don't know how to thank him enough. All his efforts into putting me in as much comfort as possible really help me in becoming more at ease with the stress and pressure of the exhibit.

As I walked down our front yard, the house guard on duty gave me a nod and a small smile before moving over to open the huge gates. "Working on another artwork, sir?" the forty year old security asked.

"Yes," I answered, pausing and slipping my palms into my pockets and feeling the wrapped sugars I packed for the walk. "Kindly wait for me. It'll only take a few minutes."

"Sure, sir," he said. "Just be careful out there. It really kind of worries me whenever you do this."

I chuckled before nodding my head. "I will. Thanks."

Taking a long walk around our village has been one way of getting inspiration and ideas for my art. I don't know, but I found this out one time in middle school when I was just feeling bored and decided on slipping out of the house when the guard was snoring loudly and deeply during his shift. My parents don't really agree, and so does Park Chanyeol, but our small compound is safe enough considering the numerous security guards roaming around 24/7 with their German Shepherds at hand.

As I took out a candy from my pocket and travel my gaze around the well-lit area, a car suddenly stopped by the road beside me and I immediately turned my head to look cautiously. I am now a few long walks from our house and this isn't a good time for a kidnap. The car slowing down isn't Park Chanyeol's black Porsche but I wonder if he bought a new one. I stopped walking just as the silver Volkswagen continued driving for a little more meters before pulling over to a designated parking space. The engine turned off and the door of the driver's side opened.

I squinted at the man walking over. "JD?"

"Hey, Byun Baekhyun," he breathes, fog gathering around his lips. The designer is wearing fashionable but heavy-set clothes and they look warm but worn out as if he's been using them for a whole day now. He even looks sleep-deprived, with his eyes seemingly tired as he gazes at me. JD stopped walking and stood there, a few inches from me with his stare partly showing surprise and nervousness at the same time.

"What are you doing here at this hour?" I asked. "It's two in the morning... And freezing." With that, the wind blew and I wrapped my arms around my body as I shiver from the cold. I know I should have brought gloves. Or a scarf. Or both. I really don't think sometimes.

"That's my line," he said, inspecting me quickly. "Are you escaping or something? It's not really that safe out here, you know?"

"I'm fine," I said, shrugging. "I do this every time I'm working on some artwork. It helps me think." With that, I continued walking along the pavement and unwrapping the candy before slipping it in my mouth. The sweetness immediately made me sigh. When I glanced beside me, the designer is already walking close, matching my pace.

"Is it okay if I join you?" JD asked, cautious.

I gave him a look. "You don't seem like a bad person so it's fine," I said, grinning. "But aren't you rushing somewhere before you saw me?"

"I'm actually just heading home from a party to my sister's house. She lives in this village," he explained before suddenly stopping on his tracks. When he did, I did the same, watching in curiosity as he slowly unwraps his own black scarf. "Here. You might catch a cold." And before I know it, he's already standing directly in front of me, wrapping the knitted cloth around my neck and tucking my chin. I could smell his scent and the strong perfume he's wearing. It is really familiar. I paused, trying to place the smell in my memory but JD went to reach for his coat's pocket and he pulled out a red beanie hat.

There's not much time to react and I only muttered a surprised, "Oh." as he slipped the hat on my head, immediately warming me up. His fingers gently went to graze my hair, fixing and brushing them off my face. For a second, I felt the back of his fingers touch my cheek and up to my freezing ears and as I watched his face, I recognize the emotion I should have noted the very first time he was showing it.

Stupid, stupid, Byun Baekhyun.

"W-What— What are you—," I stammered before taking a step back. "T-This really isn't necessary." Embarrassed, I looked down and tugged at the scarf I am wearing, emphasizing my point by making a move to remove it. But JD's hand suddenly wrapped around mine to stop me.

"You..." he whispered, his eyes boring into mine. "You really don't remember me, do you?"

Taking another step back, I tried to meet his even more piercing gaze. "So we've already met before," I said before pulling my hand back and away from his touch. "I knew it wasn't just my imagination. Who are you?"

JD pursed his lips and I took the time to travel my gaze along his face and clothes. Familiar. Even his voice and the way he touches his face whenever he's nervous is familiar. I've seen this all before. I have felt his touch before. He... He had grabbed my hand before...

"I..." The designer started before wetting his bottom lip and swallowing. "I saved your book, Byun Baekhyun. I'm that guy from the bookstore. Jung Daehyun."

The truth washed through me like a pail of ice-cold water. Even the weather tried to mimic the feeling, blowing wind after wind of cool air across my face and hair. I clenched at the scarf I am wearing as I stared at this man before me in horror. What am I doing here? I think I just threw myself voluntarily into danger.

Without much thinking, I turned to one side and started to walk. Jung Daehyun followed in an instant. "I shouldn't be here," I said, suddenly breathless. "You shouldn't be here."

"Park Chanyeol knew," he said, grabbing my wrist to stop me. "He knew who I was and he didn't tell you."

I faced him, glaring. "Well then, my fiancé has the decency to let me hear the truth directly from you. He gave you that much respect," I said between gritted teeth. "How dare you pretend all these time? You knew how I feel about you from the very start!"

"That is why I did it," Daehyun exclaimed, his hold tightening. "Do you really think I would even have the chance to be alone with you now if I didn't pretend? If I didn't lie?" He held my shoulders, pulling me close until I cannot see anything but his pained expression. "Byun Baekhyun, listen to me—"

"NO!" I shouted and started squirming away from his hold. "I don't want to hear anything from you! Let me go, you fcking idiot!" With that, Daehyun's hold loosened, letting me free from his grip. He took a step back from me, gripping his hair in frustration as he started pacing in circles. I could hear dog barking, indicating that village securities are just close by. But this isn't a situation meant for them to intervene.

When Daehyun suddenly stopped, there's a different look in his eyes. "I didn't know you'll be this difficult," he said and before I knew it, he already grabbed my face, pulling me to him in a dangerously close distance. "I wanted you since that day, you know that?" his breath smells like alcohol and smoke and danger and I planted my palms on his chest, pushing him back as far as possible. "No one in my whole life had me feeling like this. I don't do things like this, Baekhyun. I don't go running after someone who won't even look back."

"Stop," I whispered, meeting his gaze and feeling the tears well in my eyes before I knew it. "Stop this, Daehyun."

"I even told Park Chanyeol I'm willing to play dirty," he breathed, pulling my face ever so close. "I'm willing to steal you off his grip in whatever way possible. A-And I'm not that kind of person. Just what... What are you doing to me, Byun Baekhyun?" His thumb started brushing my cheeks, wiping the first teardrops that fell. Even as I shiver in fear against his hold, Daehyun still looks at me with affection hidden behind the flaming desires in his eyes.

When I felt his lips press against my forehead, that's when I let out a sob.

"D-Don't—," I cried as I squeezed my eyes shut and dread for what is coming. I know his lips are hovering directly over mine. I know what's about to come. Even as I pushed and squirmed, I feel weak and helpless because of fear. I continued crying and gasping for air and Daehyun might have felt surprise and pity because when he spoke, his voice is definitely gentler.

"Baekhyun..."

"Please don't..." I sobbed, opening my eyes to meet his. "D-Don't hurt him. Please don't hurt my Park Chanyeol like this..."

Almost immediately, Daehyun's hands fell from my face and to his sides. His eyes are wide open in disbelief and longing but I could never return the gesture. Not when I know whom my whole being belongs to. Not when I know whom my heart is beating for. I buried my face in my hands as I continued crying all the fear and dread out of my system. I was too close... Too close to wounding his heart and trust.

"This— This isn't the first time I got rejected," Daehyun whispered as he stares down at me in surprise. "But this is the very first time someone begged me to stop so as not to hurt someone else. Why... Why aren't you saving yourself, Byun Baekhyun? Why do you still think of him at times like this?"

"I-I can't hurt him," I sobbed, wiping my tears with the back of my hand. "I can never do it. I just can't, Daehyun. I-I'm sorry... But I love him. I love him..."

Jung Daehyun looked down in frustration. He slipped his hands inside the pockets of his designer coat as he stares at his boots, brows furrowed tightly. "Why are you making things even harder for me?" he breathes. "Why is it too hard to not like you?"

"I-I'm really sorry," I whispered, breathless from all the crying. "Please forgive me. I'm really sorry..." With that, I gently reached up for the scarf I am wearing, unwrapping it around me before taking off the beanie hat. I handed them to him and Daehyun looked at the items for a whole minute before taking them.

"Ah, sht," Daehyun said as he tucks the items under his arm. "I swear I won't be washing these until I get over you." Although there's still an edge to his voice, he lets me maintain a safe distance from him. Even as I continued apologizing, Daehyun still looks at me with the same emotion as the very first time we met. A security walked passed us, giving us curious looks but I just smiled and nodded as a greeting, urging him on. When I returned my look to Jung Daehyun, he sighed through his lips, pinching the bridge of his nose in thinking. "Seriously, this is harder than I thought."

Embarrassed, I looked down and away from him.

"Come here," he murmured, hand taking my arm. "Can I at least send you home? I know you're tired already."

But I stepped back even before he touched me. "N-No," I murmured, afraid. "I-I'll be fine." And before he could say another word, I started walking farther into the center of the village where I usually end up. There's an open park and a playground where I usually take my time staring at a lake frozen during the winter. I know I can't go home after what happened. I can't even think straight right now. I need air. And I need silence.

After a few long walks, I turned to see Jung Daehyun gone.

When I reached the park, I settled on a swing, resting my head against the chains that hold it. I only wanted to find inspiration tonight. I never wanted that encounter. Why is danger coming after me in times when I am the least ready? As I pulled my phone from my pocket to sketch, it suddenly started ringing.

'PCY calling...'

It's past three in the morning. What has gotten into him?

"Park Chanyeol," I murmured after answering the call. "What is it?"

There was a relieved sigh from the other line. "I... I just wanted to hear your voice," Chanyeol whispered. "I'm working late tonight and suddenly missed you. I'm sorry, baby. Did I wake you up?"

I don't know what happened or what it is with his voice but my heart just started breaking and twisting in agony and dread. I almost hurt him. I almost did. "N-No," I choked, swallowing back the sobs. "You didn't."

"Baekhyun?" my fiancé whispered, worried now. "Are you okay?"

I squeezed my eyes shut. "No," I sobbed, the tears coming in faster than I expected. "I-I'm not okay, Park Chan. I-I'm sorry... I'm such an idiot."

There was a series of noises from the other line. "Fck, Baek," Chanyeol breathed and I heard a door slam. "W-What happened—? Oh, sht. Now I'm really worried." Footsteps and more noise drowned Chanyeol's cursing. "W-Where are you?"

I looked around the park and noticed a silver car parked not far from me. Maybe Jung Daehyun doesn't really want to hurt me, maybe he only wants me safe. But a shiver still went down my spine. "I'm... taking the walk." I answered as I swallowed back tears.

"Seriously, Baek..." Chanyeol sounds frustrated. And really, really worried. "I really hate it when you do that."

"S-Sorry," I whispered. "Can you... Pick me up?"

There was a long, troubled sigh. "Baby, I'm actually on it now."

Park Chanyeol arrived in about thirty minutes so when he showed up on foot, I knew then he took the subway. I almost ran to him when he came, breathless and clutching a shawl in one hand. When he reached me, he immediately wrapped the cloth around my neck. "Byun Baekhyun, you're freezing," he said in a low voice. "You should have asked your brother to come here if I took too long." Chanyeol slipped a beanie to my head and gloves to my hands.

"Hyung isn't around," I murmured, pulling the shawl up my lips. "I'm sorry if you even took the subway because of me. I... I was being stupid." Public transportations aren't Chanyeol's thing because they make him uncomfortable. But he's here because of me and my stupid crying. He's here because I made him. What a fcking irresponsible thing to do.

Stupid, stupid, Byun Baekhyun.

"That's ridiculous," Chanyeol sighed, wrapping his arm around my shoulders before pulling me into a hug and murmuring a soft, "Are you warmer now?" Gently, I felt his lips against my hair and I breathed out a sigh, holding unto his coat and burying my face against the comforts of his chest. This has always been where I belong. Where I feel the most at ease.

"I'm sorry," I whispered against his chest. "I... I was just so afraid..."

Chanyeol pulled back a little so he could look at my face. "Why? What happened?" And as if sensing something's off, he started looking around the place while pulling me tighter around his arms. I didn't answer because soon, I saw the recognition in his eyes. Park Chanyeol's jaw clenched and he slowly unwrapped his arms around me. One of his hands, though, travelled down my arm to hold onto my trembling hand.

The door of the silver Volkswagen swung open and Jung Daehyun emerged with a stone hard expression. He's been watching me since I arrived here at the park and although that isn't a really bad thing, being around him again is kind of making my heart clench in fear. My body isn't accustomed to fright or terror that's why I'm always in danger of having panic attacks. My system isn't that strong and maybe that's why Chanyeol is exerting more effort into taking care of me than necessary.

"Park Chanyeol," Daehyun muttered when he reached us. "I didn't know you'll come here this late."

"What did you do?" Chanyeol asked between gritted teeth, wasting no time. "What the hell did you do, Jung Daehyun?" With that, Daehyun glanced at me and almost immediately, Park Chanyeol pulled me behind him. "Don't you fcking dare look at him," he sneered. "Don't you fcking dare lay your eyes on my fiancé."

"You can't tell me what to do, Park," Daehyun said with a laugh. "And what if I do? What will you do, huh? Punch me?"

Chanyeol took a step forward but I grabbed his arm to stop him. "P-Please," I murmured, shaking my head and trembling. "Let's just go." Park Chanyeol gave me a glance. He studied my face, his eyes searching the emotions plastered on them. Can he see how afraid I am right now? I just wanted to go away. I shouldn't have called him. I shouldn't have.

Heaving a final sigh, Chanyeol turned to Daehyun. "This is the final straw," he hissed. "I don't want to see you helping with the wedding anymore. You're fired."

Daehyun grits his teeth but didn't say anything as we turned and walk away. I tugged unto Chanyeol's hand and he moved to wrap his arm around my shoulder in a protective manner. I am shivering from the cold and fear but Park Chanyeol's presence beside me makes everything more bearable. Deep inside, I am blaming myself for this. For everything that is happening right now. I didn't know. This stupid me didn't know. I walked closer to Chanyeol and he held unto me tighter, almost afraid of letting me go.

We're almost out of the park when Jung Daehyun spoke again.

"Byun Baekhyun's skin..." he started and Chanyeol basically froze. "It's the softest one I have ever kissed."

What happened after that was a blur.

Park Chanyeol immediately let go of me and the next thing I knew, Daehyun is knocked out cold, his body lying helpless on the grass. The guards would find him soon and although I was shocked and worried, the rising and falling of his chest made me breathe out a sigh of relief. He's not dead. He isn't. My fiancé only gave him a long, cold stare before walking over to me, grabbing my hand and walking fast towards the empty road. I was basically breathing through my mouth then, one hand clutching my chest and urging my heart to beat normally. To my utter surprise, Chanyeol pulled me to him and held me in the way he did before.

Park Chanyeol was quiet until we reached the pavement.

"Where did he kiss you?" he asked in a soft voice.

I looked down, biting my lip. "F-Forehead."

"Hm," Chanyeol lets out a sigh. "He deserved that punch, then."

There's not much emotion on his face when we stopped walking a few streets from the park. He just held me there and for a second, I thought he's going to start screaming at me. But without warning, Park Chanyeol slowly reached for my face and wiped my forehead clean from some invisible dirt with his gloved hand. He's pouting in a very casual way and frowning even. Without warning, Chanyeol leaned down and pressed his lips against my cheek, kissing it before traveling his lips up to my forehead. His kiss lingered, making me close my eyes until a breath escaped my parted lips.

"I didn't know..." I murmured as I clutched unto his coat, preventing him from pulling back. "I-I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault, so stop apologizing," Chanyeol breathed against my skin. "I'm here now, Byun Baekhyun. You're safe with me."

"I know," I whispered as I reached for his face. "I know, Park Chanyeol." I pulled back just a second enough to tiptoe and press my lips against his. I kissed him then and there, my eyes squeezed shut and the only thing making me dizzy is his plump, warm lips against mine. Chanyeol froze and it took him a few more seconds to wrap his hands around my waist and pull me closer to his body. I pinned his bottom lip between my lips and sucked, wrapping my arms around his neck to prevent him from pulling back. "I love you," I breathed, kissing him again. "I love you, okay?"

Chanyeol nods and he gave the side of my lips another kiss before pressing his forehead against mine, breathing out a sigh of relief. "Don't let anyone touch you like that again," he said seriously. "I swear I could kill someone."

I can't help but giggle, reaching for his face and brushing my thumb along his cheek. "Please don't be fcking serious," I shook my head in amusement. "You shouldn't dare murder someone for me."

"What should I do then?" Chanyeol sighed, frowning. "Stand by and watch my fiancé get hit on by some other disgusting humans?"

"No!" I chuckled, hugging him this time. "Just... Stay by my side, won't you, Park Chanyeol? Don't leave me. Ever." I poked his hard chest. "Or I'll be the one to murder you."

Finally, Chanyeol lets out a low laugh. "Really," he chuckled, encircling one arm around my waist and guiding me back to our home.

"Really." I nodded as I walked closer to his warmth.

"Oh, okay," Chanyeol kissed my hair. "Let's go home. I'll make you something to eat."

With that, I looked up at him in disbelief. "You can cook?!"

"Um," Chanyeol looked away with a blush. "Do instant noodles count?" 

x x x 

a/n: Please don't get mad at me for this update! =3=

Anyways, I think instant noodles don't count, Park Chanyeol.