Even though they barely exchanged any words, they still chose to stay together.  Not once have they bothered to take off their wedding rings, because unconsciously, they’ll gaze at it and overwhelming feelings will fill them.  Baekhyun began pursuing his singing career as a trainee, auditioning for a company and successfully being accepted into it.  However, with his new career, that only drifted both Chanyeol and Baekhyun further apart.

            Baekhyun would practice for countless hours on his dancing and vocals, returning home and falling asleep the moment his face hits his mattress.  He wouldn’t bother showering or eating, because it’s stuck in his head that he will do those the next morning.  With the rigorous training, Baekhyun has lost a hefty amount of weight so his cheeks aren’t as plump as Chanyeol would have remembered. 

            Being stuck in his job, Chanyeol didn’t know about Baekhyun’s singing career.  Just like his husband, he would work for countless hours and fall asleep on the coach.  Baekhyun would leave before Chanyeol would wake up, and he would be asleep by the time his husband returns home.  Baekhyun didn’t feel as lonely, because he started making more friends—and Chanyeol being the last person on his mind throughout his trainee days.

            Months passed, and not one word has ever been exchanged between the two couples.  They were practically strangers, but not once has either of them considered divorce.  Maybe once in a blue moon, they’ll acknowledge each other’s presence, but in a heartbeat, one of them would be out the door and the other one would continue getting ready for their job.   

            One day, Chanyeol sat in his office, completely finished with his work.  His elbows were propped on his table; fingers locked together and pressed lightly on his face.  Chanyeol’s big eyes were narrowed and staring at the graying cloudy sky.  They soon drifted down and landed on a picture frame, where two handsome smiling men were, both wearing tuxedos and sharing the same happy expression.  Sadness filled Chanyeol has his fingers inched forward and brushed the frame of the picture, soon tracing the familiar face that once sent his heart beating at the speed of light.

            What happened to us? The sad thought drifted through his mind and Chanyeol frowned.  He then got deep into thought the last time he has kissed Baekhyun.  A few weeks ago?  The suggestion made his heart crack.  As he thought deeper, he realized that they weren’t even really married anymore.  Just two strangers wearing the same ring—promising love for each other yet there’s no love to give.

            Chanyeol sighed and rested his forehead on his hands.  Mixed emotions started to cause his eyes to water, but once his phone started to go off, all those thoughts went away and his drive to work hard took over.  He picked up the phone, and immediately started to do what his boss instructed, and smiled at the end of what his boss told him before they hung up.

   ~ * ~

            Baekhyun, on the other hand, collapsed on the hard wooden floor, sweat beading down his flawless pale face.  His friends lay beside him, gulping down water like there is no tomorrow.  Baekhyun sat up with a grunt and grabbed his water bottle, following what they did.  The coolness of the water refreshed his exhausted body for a brief second, but soon he felt as if the weight of the world was on his shoulders.  Practice was finally over, and it’s time to head home.  A weird feeling kicked in his gut, and his eye brows furrowed.  That exact moment, his phone vibrated in his bag, so he reached forward and grabbed it.  Baekhyun’s eyes went wide as he read the text.

            I miss you.  Have dinner with me?

            The text was from Chanyeol.  Butterflies erupted in his stomach and a burst of energy filled his body.  Baekhyun unconsciously smiled and put his phone away, starting to pack his belongings.  His friends gave him a weird questioning look, but none bothered to ask what he is so happy about.   

            Truth be told, Baekhyun truly missed Chanyeol.  With his new job, the loneliness was only temporary gone but it still remained in his heart.  He missed his husband’s touch, words, scent—everything.  Chanyeol’s dorky smile would always almost send him off the edge just like it did when they first started dating—

            As Baekhyun thought more, he realized it’s been months since they really had some contact.  They never exchanged words, not even a smile.  This made the blonde husband frown, but he proceeded to pack and leave the building, but his feet dragged as the sad emotions started hitting him one by one.  Maybe now both of them won’t feel the same about each other like they once did.  But there’s always that chance

            When Baekhyun returned home, his senses were met with a mouth watering scent of his favorite foods.  Placing his stuff down, he slowly walked towards the kitchen, where he was greeted by Chanyeol’s back.  His husband was cooking, ear buds in.  Baekhyun’s eyes wandered, amazed on how many dishes Chanyeol has prepared.  His stomach growled and he grinned at how eager it was for him to just grab some chopsticks and eat every dish set out, but he restrained him.

            Chanyeol turned around, and instantly their eyes met.  The giant’s eyes went wide and he stumbled back, heart racing.  Baekhyun half smiled, rubbing his hand behind his neck and also had his heart racing.  However, they both shared something at that exact moment that words themselves can’t express.

            “B-Baekhyun.” Chanyeol managed to say, clearing his throat and proceeding on putting the food on dishes.  Baekhyun felt awkward, realizing yet again they haven’t spoken in months.  Maybe even more than that.  The blonde watched his brunette giant set the table stiffly, unsure of how to act.

            Baekhyun shuffled his feet but finally managed to spit out some words. “It’s been—hi Chanyeol.”

            Chanyeol turned to him, pausing briefly, but forced a smile.  It didn’t feel right on his face.  “Hi, Baekhyun.”

            The blonde didn’t know how to react, so he silently watched the table be set before Chanyeol motioned for him to come and eat.  The food was heaven once it touched Baekhyun’s tongue, but he couldn’t bring himself to compliment Chanyeol for his cooking.  With a brief nod, Baekhyun started cleaning up his mess and helped Chanyeol put away the leftovers.

            Chanyeol’s heart ached the moment Baekhyun was less than an arm length away from him.  He tried gaining his husband’s attention, but his adorable brown eyes didn’t dare lift to meet his. His heart ached even more, and it didn’t take a genius to know that the reason for their isolation is all because of him.

            They both finished cleaning up in silence; the only noise heard was their soft breathing and the sound of their footsteps.  Baekhyun’s heart continued to race, while Chanyeol’s felt like stopping.  Both of them made their way to the living room, sitting on opposite ends of the coach, watching the drama that happened to play.  Watching it has made both of them felt awkward, faces beginning to red because it’s a romance based drama.  It got awkward to the point where Baekhyun stood up and started to leave, but Chanyeol reached towards him and grabbed his wrist.  Baekhyun flinched, but they made eye contact.

            “Wait, please.” Chanyeol begged in a tight voice. “I really want to talk to you.”

            Chanyeol’s sad deep voice broke Baekhyun’s heart. “What’s there to talk about?”

            “Us.  Our marriage…” Chanyeol drifted off, unsure of what to say.  He let go of Baekhyun, silently praying his husband doesn’t walk off.  Luckily enough, he didn’t, but Baekhyun crossed his arms and gazed down at Chanyeol.

            “It’s like we’re not even married anymore.” Baekhyun’s own words pierced his heart.  Chanyeol’s twisted with pain and his turned his head another way, not wanting Baekhyun to see how much his words hurt.

            Chanyeol clasped his hands together. “It’s my entire fault.  I know.  Work got the best of me, I didn’t even think of you.”

            Baekhyun softened up the smallest amount, but he didn’t budge as Chanyeol continued on. “My boss said I have three days off, and it hit me when I realized that I barely spent any time with you.  Not holding you, leaving you here alone—“

            The blonde husband cut him off, “It took you months to realize this?”

            “I—yes.”

            Baekhyun shook his head, “So work is that stressful, or more important than me?”

            “No, it wasn’t like that!” Chanyeol instantly shot up and confronted Baekhyun, who had his head hanging down.  Chanyeol slowly lifted his hands and grasped Baekhyun’s shoulders and squeezed.  Both of them stood there in silence until Baekhyun started sniffing.  The sound threatened to make Chanyeol’s heart break even more, but he continued on.

            “You have every right to hate me.” Chanyeol bit his lip as he tightened his grip on Baekhyun’s shoulders, not tight enough to hurt him. “I left you alone, not even asking how your day as been.  I understand if you want to leave me—“

            Baekhyun cut him off once again. “I would never leave you.”

            “But I—“

            "I miss you. I miss your kisses, your hugs, your sweet words that echo in my head before I fall asleep at night." His voice choked as tears welled up in his eyes. "I don't know if I can handle the loneliness anymore. It's as if you don't see me anymore, or even hear my silent cries for your attention anymore. I'm tired, Chanyeol. But it hurts, because I still love you."

            Chanyeol opened his mouth, his words sinking in, but his husband continued with a weak voice. “I wouldn’t throw our love away.  What we had was real before, and we’re still early in our marriage.  We all go through hardships—“Tears he tried to keep from falling fell but he still talked. “These past few months were one of those.”

            His words left him in a daze.  Chanyeol let go of Baekhyun’s shoulders, which dropped and instinctively wrapped his long arms around Baekhyun’s petite body, pulling him close.  Baekhyun felt smaller and more muscular in his arms, but Chanyeol didn’t question it.  He didn’t feel as plump as he did before, but he was still the Baekhyun that he held under the protection of their blankets.

            Tightening his grip around him with one arm, Chanyeol used his other hand to tilt Baekhyun’s head back.  His eyes were red and watery, with tears slowly falling down them.  Chanyeol wiped the tears away, not breaking their eye contact.  Baekhyun’s heart started to race once again. 

            “I’m sorry.” Chanyeol whispered, cupping Baekhyun’s face with his huge hand. “I’m sorry for my recklessness.  I’m an idiot to put work above our marriage.  I’m sorry for leaving you lonely.  I’m sorry for leaving you hurt.  I’m sorry for breaking my promise to you, saying I’ll always be there when you’re hurt, alone, and sad.  I’m sorry for not giving you the love and happiness you deserve.  I’m sorry—“

            “Please, stop apologizing.” Baekhyun muttered, relaxing his body a bit.  He watched Chanyeol’s eyes water the slightest, but no tears fell. “I understand.”

            “But you deserve every apology in the universe.” Chanyeol whispered in a sad voice. “I don’t deserve you Baekhyun—“

            “Park Chanyeol.” Baekhyun swallowed and spoke in a clearer voice. “I love you.  I love you only.  I was hurt.  I was lonely.  But I never stopped loving you.  I found a new passion that helped erase the loneliness, so I too am at fault.  So, please, stop apologizing.”

            “I-I-I-“Chanyeol was at loss for words.  His heart threatened to burst and his eyes threatened to spill tears.  He was always on the manlier side than Baekhyun, but right now, he felt as if he is shrinking to ground zero.  “Baekhyun…”

            “Before,” Baekhyun didn’t break their gaze. “It hurts calling you mine.  It was like you weren’t even mine to begin with—“

            “I—“

            “But then I pushed that aside, slapping myself for even thinking of such a silly thing.  In the end, you were always mine.  I was always yours; just like we said at the altar.”

            “Home is wherever you are.” Chanyeol recited his words from their wedding, strengthening his grip on Baekhyun as vivid images ran through his mind the day of their wedding.

            “And home is always ready to welcome you with open arms.”Baekhyun finished off his part, the same feeling the day they got married beginning to fill his senses; the day they declared their everlasting love for each other.

            “I promised to never take you or your love for granted—“Chanyeol started off, but was cut off when something soft and trembling was pressed against his lips.  With his eyes closed, tears streaming down his flawless face, Baekhyun got on his toes and kissed Chanyeol.  Ever so passionately,

            Baekhyun’s instincts took over and he didn’t think.  All he saw was Chanyeol.  His heart beat the letters that carved his husband.  He craved for Chanyeol just like he did when they were crazy in love for each other.  Chanyeol stood in shock, unsure of what to do, until Baekhyun’s emotions were transferred over to him.  Hesitantly, Chanyeol ran his hand through Baekhyun’s hair and the other arm tightened around his waist.

            “Whether it is good or bad, I would always come to you.” Baekhyun whispered against his lips until the married couple was both drowned in each other’s kisses, heavy breathing, and feelings they had for each other. They never stopped loving each other, and both of them knew that.

            “It’ll always be you.” 

__________________________

short stories are hard.  I admit.

subscribe, vote, fan, share, etc~ saranghae.