*

"What do you mean you're going on a trip this weekend?"

"You forgot about it, didn't you? I already asked for your permission and you said I could go!"

"I did?"

"Yeah."

"What was it about again?"

"It's a gathering for dog lovers online and we're going to the beach and take pictures of Vivi. Luhan hyung asked me to come with him and Kyungsoo's also gonna be there with us, so..."

"I see. As long as Kyungsoo's there, you'll be fine."

"By the way, Jongin's gonna be away too and visit his sister's home. He said his niece and nephew already miss him."

"Oh."

"So that means it's just you and Sehun left in the house over the weekend."

"Wait. What?"

"Get along with each other, okay?"

Chanyeol lets out a quiet sigh as the flashback of yesterday's conversation of him and Baekhyun ends in his mind. It's the morning of Saturday today, and just like what he was told, everyone would be away to attend their respective business. The ever-excited trio Baekhyun, Luhan, and Kyungsoo left at the crack of dawn boarding a tourist bus. On the other hand, Jongin followed suit and took his leave a few hours later. He's also as excited, driving his new car to Suncheon, South Jeolla Province.

So currently, the entire mansion is empty and peaceful that Chanyeol can literally hear himself thinking out loud over this dead silence.

Pressing the button of the blender, the soft whirring noise of the device overcomes the air and it sounds calming and satisfying. Chanyeol's in the kitchen right now clad in his gym outfit, preparing his protein shake, vitamins, and fruits to bring to the gym.

"Good morning to me," he tells himself, feeling pretty weird that he's not hearing Baekhyun's lively voice in the background. It's only been hours and he admits he misses Baekhyun already. "He must be having so much fun at the beach right now."

OMG. We've arrived at the beach!

The text from Baekhyun brings a smile to Chanyeol's face. He taps on the photo of Baekhyun wearing sunglasses and doing a peace sign. Baekhyun is hugging Vivi in his arms while Kyungsoo is lost in the background carrying a basket, umbrella, and chair like he became the staff guy. Luhan must be the one holding the phone and taking the picture.

Have fun and don't forget to apply your sunblock, Chanyeol types back in a heartbeat. Baekhyun sends a kissy emoji and tells him to take care of himself as well and that he loves him so much.

Keeping his phone in his back pocket, Chanyeol detaches the protein shake bottle from the blender and slots it inside his bag. Patting his body and recalling if he forgot to bring something, a shiny thing on top of the counter catches his attention.

"Right. My keys."

Now that he thinks about it, he hasn't seen Sehun yet. It's already 8:30 in the morning and the guy hasn't still come out of his room. Isn't he gonna have breakfast? There's food for him prepared by Kyungsoo on the dining table and it's getting cold now.

"Hm. Should I tell him to come down."

Not that Chanyeol cares about Sehun or anything but apparently, according to Baekhyun, Sehun's in the middle of writing his comprehensive thesis that's why he couldn't make it to the dog lovers beach trip.

Chanyeol just shrugs.

"Guess I'll just leave. Have a nice day to me."

He doesn't wanna disturb Sehun and his work so it must be at best if he'll just quietly go on his way. Besides, what would he tell Sehun? It's not like they were really chummy to the point that he could freely barge into Sehun's room and yell at him, 'Hey buddy, get your ass out of there and have your breakfast! The food won't eat itself, you know?!'

Of course, they're friends. They're all friends here. But when it comes to the two of them, it's just... How does he put it? Considering what happened before, although it was a long time ago, it's still kind of... It's not about that issue anymore back then, it's all in the past now and what matters is the present... Yet it's still sort of...

Ah, it's just so difficult to explain.

"Oh, I'm gonna be late. I'll just lock the door just in case..."

Okay. Fine. To be completely honest? He and Sehun are still not that close. It's awkward when it's just the two of them alone. What happened before about Sehun liking Baekhyun was never an issue anymore. The thing is, there's still no "improvement" in their friendship to a deeper level. They are friends but only in a casual-acquaintances manner. Their lovers are friends so that's what makes them also friends, but they don't have that mutual one-on-one relationship they can consider personal.

Here's the thing. They can have a conversation within the group but when it's just he and Sehun left on their own? It turns painfully awkward that at some point, Chanyeol doubts his social skills. He's not bad at socializing with his colleagues at work though, but when it comes to Sehun, he's still walking on eggshells. He has no idea what Sehun's thinking most of the time. Since Sehun is a timid and reserved person by nature, this gives Chanyeol a pretty hard time approaching him in a more intimate way that wouldn't appeal forced or uncomfortable for the other.

Honestly, it's not like Chanyeol didn't try before. Of course, he tried. He really did. He asked Sehun for some drinks together. They played a couple of games, too. They had fun in the previous episodes, yes.

But during these events of interaction, Chanyeol would frequently feel unsatisfied as he attempts to engage in small talks with Sehun. It seems obligatory as if they just don't wanna be rude to each other (and to their circle of friends). There must be a reason why Sehun won't initiate hanging out with him, but it doesn't take away Chanyeol's inkling that the younger dude perhaps (still) hates his guts.

He even asked Baekhyun before why Sehun seemed to act aloof towards him. Baekhyun simply said Sehun was just a little shy. Shy? He doesn't look like it, though. Sehun's been living in the Park household for a long time now so why would he still feel shy? Also, Chanyeol doesn't quite understand how Baekhyun becomes long-time best friends with him. Unlike Jongin who's funny and honest or Kyungsoo who's very easy to get along with, Sehun's personality is somehow different from the rest.

But that doesn't mean he's not nice. Nope. Sehun seems a pretty cool guy. He's kind-hearted and intelligent. He's also charming, handsome, and tall. He dresses up fashionably and neatly. He makes Luhan swoon over him (since he's got a big nose according to facts). He's responsible and diligent, too. He knows how to handle stuff and he's got good common sense. All in all, he's a great guy.

Maybe it's just their personalities don't match that's why they're not super close. They do tend to be similar but it's not enough for them to be compatible as of the moment. There's also no opportunity to bond with just the two of them alone because the guys would find it unusual, potentially leading to a feeling of extreme awkwardness.

So Chanyeol eventually leaves it that way. If he gets a chance, he'll most likely try again. He wants to understand Sehun and get to know him better. They should open up more to each other. He'll find a good time for that.

Anyway, thinking about Sehun makes his brain cells hurt. He shouldn't be pondering so deeply about their relationship. He still has to hit the gym and work out these muscles today. It's leg day after all.

"Hey."

Peering over his shoulder, Chanyeol looks up from his slouched position at the doorstep after tightening his shoelaces. That voice almost surprised him. How can Sehun reveal himself without being noticed?

Sehun walks up to him, looking like he has just woken up (or did he even sleep?), standing lifelessly as though he was a zombie. His hair is messy and he's also wearing baggy clothes and specs, emphasizing the dark rings under his eyes like he was a sleep-deprived student cramming to study on the day of his exams.

"Hey," Chanyeol greets in return, grabbing his backpack and preparing to leave. "There's food on the table if you're hungry. I'm going to the gym today and I'll come back later in the afternoon."

Sehun just shrugs nonchalantly.

"Noted."

"Go figure something out for your lunch. I'm good with my protein shake."

"I can do that. But how about dinner?"

"Dinner?"

"You're having dinner at home?"

"Yeah, I guess?"

"And you're cooking?"

"No...?"

"Then what am I supposed to eat?"

That makes Chanyeol pause. Sehun is only blankly staring at him.

"Oh. Do you, do you want me to cook?" Chanyeol asks hesitantly, rubbing his ear, "I can do that."

Sehun seems to have just realized that he sounded like a jerk towards the house owner roughly a few seconds ago. He then shakes his head, also waving his hands frantically in front of him.

"Oh, no! It's fine. I think I won't be that much hungry at night anyway."

"Nah, I'll just cook. It's not a problem."

"Seriously, you don't have to."

"I insist, I could just make some stew or pasta. Well, I'm not saying this because I'm assuming you can't cook. It's just, you might be busy with stuff so... Yeah."

"No. It's alright. Like, for real. I can just make food for myself. But I'm not saying this because I don't wanna share a meal with you... I mean, how about this? I'll cook for myself and double the portions?"

"Great... That'll surely do."

"Okay. So I'll just make food for you and me."

"Sounds good."

"Got it. Dinner's on me now."

The conversation finishes like that.

Or that's what Chanyeol thought, as Sehun speaks again, repeating what he has just basically said earlier.

"So dinner's on me now, huh?"

"Yeah... You just said it."

"Haha. Right..."

"...Yep."

A thick heavy silence fills in the gap of the both of them not opening their mouths and speaking a word to each other. Sehun is just waiting for that moment to go back to his room already, meanwhile, Chanyeol's also waiting for Sehun to maybe say something if he has anything to add, that is. If there would be crickets here, now has to be their cue to make some noise. This situation feels like talking to a new roommate, except they're not roommates and except they're not new to each other.

When Sehun doesn't still talk as he's only point-blank staring within this long pause, Chanyeol deems it's now safe to say goodbye.

"So I guess I'll just- / I think it's time for me to-"

Shit, why do we have to talk at the same time, Sehun and Chanyeol also mutter in their minds at the same time.

"So... Uh," Chanyeol says first, chucking dryly and forcing a smile while he gestures at the door behind him using his thumb, "I'm leaving now. The gym opens at 9 am and I have to be early, so."

"Yeah. Go on, of course! Take care."

Crap, why did I say Take care, Sehun blurts out mentally. That sounds like I'm being sweet towards him or something.

"You, too."

Damn it, why did I say You too, Chanyeol mentally narrates. It's not like he's also gonna leave the house or something.

"G-goodbye," Sehun mumbles, waves like a robot, and does the courtesy to see Chanyeol off like he's a loving housewife.

"Bye," Chanyeol replies with a nod, steps outside, then releases a sigh of discomfort. That seems to be the longest conversation they had in years.

Left alone inside the house, Sehun stares at the closed door.

Hopping into the driver's seat of his car, Chanyeol stares ahead of the road.

"Fuck, that was awkward," they both say to themselves.

*

[The villa? Yeah. It's so classy. We can see the beach view from the balcony! The facility's nice and the rooms are so spacious! I wish you were here...]

"I know, I'm so jealous... By the way, where are you guys now? There's a lot of people behind you. And dogs, too."

[We're lining up for the buffet. They're serving seafood platters for lunch! Oh my god Sehun, this is the first time I'm seeing this many dogs in my life... Like, there's also corgi, poodle, bulldog, beagle, rottweiler! You name it... They're super cute! This beach is literally a dog haven, I'm telling you.]

"Yeah, I can see you're having so much fun."

[I'm next in line. Wait, I'll just get Vivi's food. Kyungsoo's with Baekhyun and they're lining for ice cream...]

Sehun has this fond and relaxed expression on his face, watching Luhan through the screen of his laptop as he facetimes with him. He can practically overhear in his cozy position on the couch in the living room the refreshing sounds of waves hitting the shore. He's not even there but he can say that the beach is truly beautiful. If not only for the thesis he is writing, he would've come with them. But unfortunately, he has to finish this requirement for his Master's degree.

[Alright, I got my food... Oh, the server gave me extra shrimps! Hehe. She said I'm cute.]

"Okay, good for you."

[What's with that reaction!]

"Go find your table now, hyung. You don't wanna eat lunch while standing, do you?"

[Baekhyun already found us a table, though... There he is! Hey, Baekhyun!]

Without dropping the video call with his boyfriend, Sehun multitasks his work as he cracks his neck side to side, typing on his opened word document. Just a few more revisions and this will be finished. After that, he can relax and make himself lunch. He's also already feeling hungry. The breakfast Kyungsoo made was delicious, by the way.

[Wait, are you alone? Where's Chanyeol?]

"He went to the gym this morning. He said he's coming back in the afternoon."

[Oh, I see... Babe, wanna see Vivi? He's dressed in the pink swimsuit I picked for him~ Look how handsome he is!]

"As long as my son won't look like a daughter then it's fine. Don't make Vivi too much girly. He's a boy."

[He's androgynous, okay? He can nail both looks.]

Standing up from the couch, Sehun carries his Macbook with him to the kitchen and places it on top of the counter. He gets himself some water to drink while also deciding what to eat. Well, it depends on what food's available in the fridge.

Now that he thinks about it, Luhan's getting along with Vivi now and it's the most beautiful thing on earth. Ever since the incident of their dog getting lost, Luhan paid more attention to Vivi and they grew a lot closer. They spend more time together doing things they both like. Vivi likes attention, Luhan likes attention. They're a perfect match. It makes Sehun cry out of happiness sometimes.

[Vivi, come here... Yeah, Dad's looking for you... Wanna see him? He misses you already...]

Sehun has to cover his face and clutch his chest to suppress the overflowing uwu from bursting. Hearing Luhan say Dad makes his heart excited for some reason. He's officially a dog parent now and Luhan is his husband.

[Woof... woof.. woof!]

There Vivi is, the most perfect dog in the whole universe, clad in that pink swimsuit, wagging his tail excitedly as Luhan carries him and focuses his camera on him. Sehun touches the screen of his computer dramatically, preventing the tears to fall from his eyes.

"Oh my god, my son... I wanna pet him."

[I'll just pet him for you!]

Baekhyun appears on the left side of the frame. He rubs Vivi's white fluffy fur and presses a kiss on his head. Sehun smiles.

"Anyway, where's Kyungsoo? I wanna ask him something."

Kyungsoo pops up on the right side of the screen, suddenly hearing his name.

[Yo, what is it?]

"Kyungsoo, I need your help."

[Sure. What can I do for you?]

Tapping his chin and scratching his nape, Sehun inspects this electronic cooking contraption in front of him. Jongin taught him before how to use this device but seems like there's a problem with it now. It won't turn on no matter how much he presses the button. He decided to have french fries and chicken wings for lunch, and throwing them in the air fryer would be the quickest option to cook them.

"The air fryer seems to be broken. What should I do?"

[Have you checked if it's plugged in?]

"Right, wait."

Peeking at the backside of the cooking appliance, Sehun can only laugh to himself, seeing the disconnected plug. What's gotten into him? Even a kid would know this first-hand. Probably it's been a while since he made food using an air fryer. He should've just used the microwave or the stovetop.

"Haha. My bad, the plug's not connected into the socket."

[You're being silly.]

"Kyungsoo, there's a problem again."

[What is it this time?]

"The air fryer needs an adaptor. You know, the thing you connect to the plug?"

[What, it's not there?]

"Nope."

[Look in the cabinets. It must be lying somewhere in there.]

Rummaging through the cabinets and drawers, Sehun doesn't find any.

"It's not here..."

[Are you looking with your eyes or with your mouth?]

"For real, I didn't find it anywhere."

[Oh... Did Chanyeol go to the gym today?]

"Yeah, he did."

[Then he must've used it. Go check the blender. It should be connected to the plug.]

Sighing, Sehun shakes his head, walks to the other side of the kitchen, and approaches said blender. Why is this chore taking too long more than necessary? He just wants to cook using the air fryer and eat his meal in peace, so, the disappointment he feels seeing no damn adaptor in the blender plug is downright irritating. Small things like this can burn out one's patience, honestly.

"It's not here either! Are you sure you're not toying with me, Kyungsoo?"

[No. I'm not. Chanyeol must've taken that adaptor to the gym with him.]

"What? Why would he?"

[I don't know. He must've forgotten to put it back to the air fryer.]

"Argh, seriously!? All of this for nothing?!"

[Chill, okay? Relax. Why do you sound so annoyed?]

"Because I'm fucking hungry! And I'm not me when I'm hungry!"

[Fine. Just use the spare adaptor.]

"There's... There's a spare? Why didn't you just tell me sooner?!"

[Hahaha. I'm sorry... Luhan, baby. Look, Sehun's getting mad. I'm gonna screenshot his face... Anyway, yeah. There's a spare.]

"Alright. So where is it? The spare adaptor."

[Oh, that? I don't know.]

"What!?"

[Chanyeol keeps those kinds of stuff around the house. I'm only in charge of the cooking.]

Sehun takes a deep breath before he can suffer from a terrible headache. Kyungsoo can be such an evil villain sometimes.

"Damn it, I swear to god, Kyungsoo...!"

[What, just call him and ask.]

"Huh?"

[Don't worry, Chanyeol picks up the phone right away.]

"But I... I don't do phone calls."

[Then what do you call this?]

"This? This is different..."

[Anyway, as much as I wanted to chat with you longer, I have to end the call now. We need to finish the meal before the photoshoot, so... Yeah. Bye, Sehun.]

"But I-I don't wanna talk to that guy!"

Beep.

Meanwhile, at the beach.

"Are you sure they're gonna be okay?" Baekhyun worriedly asks Luhan and Kyungsoo. "What if they fight while we're not around?"

"Psh. Of course, they're gonna be fine," Luhan says, waving a flippant hand. "They're both grown men. They can't be just throwing punches at each other like kids. Right, babe?"

"Yeah. When we come back, they'll be best friends in no time. Trust me," Kyungsoo says confidently, "After all, we planned this to happen a long time ago. Those two need to overcome their awkwardness and open up their hearts."

"True. They must connect their hearts on a spiritual level to form a new bond of friendship," Luhan says dreamily, "And in order to do that, we must give them time and space they need."

Baekhyun shrugs.

"Well, you're absolutely right. Anyway, who wants more ice cream!?"

Back to the Park mansion.

"Shit. Do I really have to do this..."

With his one eye cracked open and his thumb hovering the call button on his phone screen while staring at Chanyeol's number for about 7 minutes now, Sehun is internally struggling whether to back out or not. He could've just given up and cooked using the stove so he can get this shit done for heaven's sake, but his pride says no. Never. He must do this and tap the call icon like a man.

But wait, what would he tell Chanyeol? It's not like they were really chummy to the point that he can freely yell at him and ask, 'Hey, bro! I'm gonna use the air fryer so where did you put that damn adaptor? The food won't cook itself, you know?!'

Of course, they're friends. They're all friends here. But when it comes to the two of them, it's just... How does he put it? Considering what happened before, although it was a long time ago, it's still kind of... It's not about that issue anymore back then, it's all in the past now and what matters is the present... Yet it's still sort of...

Ah, it's just so difficult to explain.

"Right, I'm just gonna text him..."

Okay. Fine. To be completely honest? He and Chanyeol are still not that close. It's awkward when it's just the two of them alone. What happened before in high school was never an issue anymore. The thing is, there's still no "improvement" in their friendship to a deeper level. They are friends but only in a casual-acquaintances manner. Their lovers are friends so that's what makes them also friends, but they don't have that mutual one-on-one relationship they can consider personal.

Here's the thing. They can have a conversation within the group but when it's just he and Chanyeol left on their own? It turns painfully awkward that at some point, Sehun doubts his social skills. He's not bad at socializing with his classmates at the university though, but when it comes to Chanyeol, he's still walking on eggshells. He has no idea what Chanyeol's thinking most of the time. Since Chanyeol is an intimidating and outgoing person by nature, this gives Sehun a pretty hard time responding to him in a more casual way which wouldn't appear he's trying hard and behaving uncomfortably.

Honestly, it's not like Sehun didn't try before. Of course, he tried. He really did. He accepted Chanyeol's invitation for some drinks together. They played a couple of games, too. They had fun in the previous episodes, yes.

But during these events of interaction, Sehun would frequently feel uneasy as Chanyeol attempts to engage in small talks with him. It seems obligatory as if they just don't wanna be rude to each other (and to their circle of friends). There sure is a motive as to why Chanyeol would want to hang out with him, but it doesn't take away Sehun's inkling that Baekhyun's husband perhaps (still) hates his guts.

Baekhyun even asked him before why he seemed to act aloof towards Chanyeol. He simply said he was just a little shy. Although it doesn't look like it because he's been living in the Park household for a long time now, truthfully speaking, he still feels embarrassed as though he was underserving to stay in Chanyeol's house for free. Also, he wouldn't get it if Chanyeol would be fond of him. Unlike Jongin who's funny and honest or Kyungsoo who's very easy to get along with, his personality is somehow different from the rest.

Probably it's because Chanyeol is a pretty cool guy. Yeah, that's right. He's compassionate and family-oriented. He's also a gentleman and a faithful husband. He's good-looking and has a nice body. He makes Baekhyun swoon over him (since he's good in bed according to facts). He's generous and dependable, too. He knows how to lead and he's got confidence. All in all, he's a great guy.

Maybe it's just their personalities don't match that's why they're not super close. They do tend to be similar but it's not enough for them to be compatible as of the moment. There's also no opportunity to bond with just the two of them alone because the guys would find it unusual, potentially leading to a feeling of extreme awkwardness.

So Sehun eventually leaves it that way. If he gets a chance, he'll most likely agree to hang out again. He wants to be understood by Chanyeol and get known by him better. They should open up more to each other. He'll wait for a good time for that.

Anyway, thinking about Chanyeol makes his stomach grumble. He shouldn't be pondering so deeply about their relationship. He still has to cook his lunch in the air fryer and this decision is taking him too long. He should just take the easy way out.

"If I text him and he doesn't read it right away, it'll be more awkward. Fine, whatever. I'll just call him."

Sehun closes his eyes and taps the dial button.

"Fuck, I could've just texted," he mumbles, instantly regretting upon hearing the ring on the other line.

The heavy sound of barbells being dropped on the floor and the deep grunts of men working out in this exclusive gym are faintly heard over the music in Chanyeol's earbuds. Chanyeol has been performing slow contractions on the leg press with 10 reps and this is his 4th set now. He pushes the platform to release the supports and focuses on the angles of his hips, knees, and ankles. He lines his knees with his toes and presses the weight slowly, ensuring he doesn't lock his knees at full extension. Sweat doesn't bother him at all, exercising to his heart's content while breathing at a steady pace.

The music suddenly stops playing, indicating that there's an incoming call.

"Who could this be..."

Chanyeol halts his exercise in the meantime, grabbing his towel to wipe off the sweat on his forehead. He reaches for his phone beside him, seeing Sehun's name flashing on the screen. He lifts his eyebrows curiously.

"Why is Sehun calling? He could've just texted."

No, this must be an emergency. He knows Sehun, he will never ring someone up unless it's urgent. What could be the reason for his call? Is it bad news? Did Sehun set the house on fire? Did a robber break into their security system? Are Baekhyun and the guys stranded on an island and couldn't go home? Is this series finally coming to an end?

"Wait. I should answer this real quick."

Leaving the workout area and moving to somewhere else quiet which is the locker room, Chanyeol double-taps his right airpod to answer the call. He also gets this chance to replenish his body, drinking plenty of water.

[Hey, Sehun. Is everything all right?]

Sehun did not expect this concerned tone of voice. He thought Chanyeol would be yelling at him like, 'Hello? How dare you bother me in my workout session?' And now Sehun is suddenly at a loss of words, panicking, scratching his nape, not knowing what to say in this damn situation. Oh god, why did he call again? He hates phone calls as much as he hates small talks. Please, end this misery already.

[Hello? Can you hear me?]

"Yeah, I can."

[Then why aren't you saying anything? Am I clear, though?]

"Sure, you are. I was just calling about the... Uh, what do you call this thing again..."

[This thing? What is it? Tell me.]

"I don't know, I thought it was broken at first but it was just missing something?"

[What is broken? Did that thing blow up? Did you call 119?]

"Huh? You want me to call 119 for an air fryer?"

[Look, I don't understand what you're saying so just tell me what's going on with you.]

Wait, his toned changed. He must be angry, Sehun says in his mind, feeling honestly scared to talk now. Did I just piss him off?

[I was just looking for the adaptor so I can cook with the air fryer. I was wondering if you bought it with you?]

"Oh... That."

Chanyeol spots said adaptor beside his protein shake bottle inside his locker. He feels actually relieved that the house is not on fire.

"Yeah, it's here. I guess I mindlessly put it in my bag this morning... I'm sorry."

[Don't apologize. It's fine.]

Wait, his toned changed. He must be angry, Chanyeol says in his mind. Did I just piss him off?

White noise ascends in the middle of the silence caused by the both of them not exchanging words over the phone for the entire 15 seconds. Chanyeol even checks if he's still connected to the call with Sehun. Seeing he's still on the other line, Chanyeol thinks quickly.

Should I make up for my mistake? Should I offer to call him a food delivery service? After all, this is my responsibility since I told Sehun to go figure something out for lunch.

"Hey, if you want, I can order some ready-to-eat meal and deliver it at home. Is a beef lunchbox okay?"

[Beef? I want beef! I mean... Ahem! No, there's no need. I'm on a diet right now.]

"Oh, I see."

[Can you just tell me where the spare adaptor is? I have to cook my lunch, so.]

"Spare? There's no spare. Right. I should buy one next time."

Hearing this response, Sehun is beyond furious. He's fucking mad. Everything is all making sense now. If there was a spare adaptor in the first place, why would Chanyeol still use the air fryer adaptor for the blender!?

Fuck. Why didn't he think about that? Did Kyungsoo just fool him? And he just allowed Kyungsoo to trick him and embarrass him like this!?

[Aaaarggh!!! Fucking shi--beep!]

The call ends.

Chanyeol stares in a daze, hearing the dial tone after Sehun hangs up on him.

He sighs, shaking his head to himself.

"He's definitely mad. I shouldn't have mentioned beef."

Wallowing in this suffering after that painstakingly awkward phone call with Chanyeol, Sehun pulls his own hair out of frustration.

"Oh, my god... Why did I suddenly end the call? Park Chanyeol must be already thinking how rude I was on the phone! Great job... Now I'm gonna sleep in the streets..."

No, he won't allow this to happen. He must make up for his mistake. Forget lunch and forget beef, he'll just order some McDonald's and while still early, prepare the grandest dinner Chanyeol could ever have. Not that Sehun cares about that guy or anything, he's just fixing his reputation by showing Park Chanyeol his exquisite cooking skills. Second to Kyungsoo, he's the chef in this household. Who needs an air fryer? Air fryers are only for losers.

Grrr. Grrr.

"What was that!"

Sehun flinches, startled by that loud growling sound near him. He then realizes it just came from his stomach.

*

"Thank you, Sir. Come again!"

The chimes cling as Chanyeol exits the pastry shop, carrying a box of red velvet cake and strawberry macarons for take-out. He crosses the road where his car is parked, putting the desserts on the empty passenger's seat before driving off home. Since Baekhyun isn't around, no one's gonna nag at him about this. It won't hurt eating a couple of sweets after going to the gym, right?

Anyway, he also bought some chocolate cupcakes for Sehun as a token of apology for the small incident this morning. Who would decline such sweet pastry? With its soft and fluffy texture that'll melt inside your mouth as soon as you taste it, plus the heavenly flavor of chocolate spreading in your tongue, filling your heart with happiness in every bite?

Yes. That'll surely do the trick to make Sehun warm up to him a little bit.

"Uh, I don't really like eating sweets that much. Thanks, though."

Chanyeol is left frozen on his spot, watching Sehun's disappearing back after the guy straight-up rejected his sweet offer. As soon as he got home, Chanyeol had the slightest expectation that Sehun would at least accept the cupcakes out of formality, but guess he was wrong. Sehun's a tough egg to crack. He's brutally honest.

(Well. Not really. Sehun's still actually regretting about not having beef for lunch and now he's cursing himself in the kitchen for not accepting those damn yummy cupcakes.)

[What's with the deep sigh?]

"Hm?"

[Is everything okay?]

Chanyeol leans back on his swivel chair more comfortably, stretching his neck as he stares blankly at the ceiling for a couple of seconds. Alone in his study room, while munching the macarons he bought earlier, he glances at the laptop where Baekhyun is staring, his close-up face taking over the whole screen.

That startles Chanyeol but it also makes him smile.

"Hey, what are you doing still talking to me? You should be enjoying yourself out there instead."

[I already played frisbee with Vivi. I'm also done strolling around the beach and shopping for souvenirs so I decided to rest now.]

"Was it fun?"

[Of course! And I feel pretty comfortable here in my spot so I'm too lazy to stand up. Plus, the view of the sunset is so beautiful. I can't miss watching this with you.]

Rustling sounds caused by moving on the sand can be heard through the speakers as Baekhyun switches the front camera to the rear camera. The breathtaking view of the pink-scarlet-orange skies above the calm ocean welcomes Chanyeol. The clear sound of the sea breeze and the gentle waves is like ASMR to the ears.

[Look, it's so pretty, right?]

"Yeah. It is."

This picturesque scene is right away disturbed by Luhan and Kyungsoo in the distance, laughing, chasing each other at the shore like a sappy couple in a romance movie. It's perfect.

Except for Luhan tripping on the sand and Kyungsoo kicking his butt. Vivi barks at them.

[Tch. All those two do in front of me was flirt! I thought it was a bonding trip for the three of us but it seems like they only dragged me to petsit Vivi. I almost couldn't stand this lovey-dovey sight. Ugh... Thank god, it wasn't Jongin or Sehun with either of them, or else I'm gonna lose my mind...]

"Hey, you talk like we don't do that."

[But we don't do lovey-dovey stuff in public!]

"You're just jealous because you feel single."

[Ouch... I guess I'm a third-wheeler now.]

"Just let those guys be. You know it only happens sometimes."

[I mean, look at that. Why am I on the beach alone while they get to make out? I wish you were here so we can hold hands and kiss, too.]

"But we always do that already."

[But not on the beach...]

"We had sex once on the beach before. We went skinny-dipping, too."

[Omg. That was crazy... I was still young back then.]

"Wanna do that again?"

[Sure! Why not?]

Chanyeol can't help laughing, listening to Baekhyun's incessant rants and adorable outbursts. Baekhyun tends to get easily influenced by what he sees. When he encounters something new, he wants to experience it himself, too. Just like going to the club and now, being lovey-dovey on the beach.

"Let's go to the beach on our second honeymoon."

[Yes, please. I can't wait!]

"Let's plan it when you get home."

The sun is completely out now. Baekhyun then stands up to close his umbrella and folds his beach towel. Meanwhile, Chanyeol takes this moment to plug in his charger and clear up his desk.

[Oh~ By the way.]

"Hm?"

[Don't you need to hang up now? It's almost dinner time.]

Oh, right. I didn't notice the time, Chanyeol mentally says, looking at the clock displaying 6:14. He's been talking to Baekhyun for three hours now. How can time fly so fast?

That takes him back to the fact that it's only he and Sehun left in this house and that'll go on for the course of two more nights. And a few minutes from now, he has to deal with Sehun again as they share their first-ever dinner.

He sighs.

He doesn't wanna leave this room yet.

[Uhm, I need to get back to the villa and charge my phone too, so...]

"No, wait! Don't hang up yet. Let's talk some more."

[Pfft. I didn't know my husband could be this clingy?]

"Yeah, I'm clingy! I'm very clingy. So let's just talk until we fall asleep, okay?"

[But you said I should be having fun here instead of talking to you?]

"Oh, that. I take it back. Now, where were we? Ah, right. Tell me about that dog you saw earlier. You mentioned it was a Welsh Corgi? You want a Corgi, right?"

Smiling ear-to-ear, Chanyeol folds his hands on top of the table as if he was an interviewer ready to listen very attentively. Baekhyun shakes his head, chuckling, as he holds his phone up while walking.

[Mm, I kinda want one.]

"If we were gonna buy a Corgi, what would you name it? Do you want a girl or a boy? Should we get a Maltese, too? How about a crossbreed between a Maltese and a Poodle? Then let's make the house full of dogs... Oh, and let's get a cat too so it'll be more fun. The house will be full of pets and they're all gonna be friends."

[Haha... You're so cute, seriously... What is this all of a sudden?]

"I don't know, I just say whatever's on my mind. And I'm not cute."

[Look, I have to end this call now as much as I hate saying goodbye. We can talk again later before we sleep~]

Chanyeol heaves a depressing sigh, resting his chin on top of his palm as he childishly rolls his eyes.

"Tch. Fine..."

[That reminds me. Why don't you grab a few drinks with Sehun or watch some movie to kill time over the weekend?]

Chanyeol pauses, falling quiet after that. He opens his mouth to say something but closes it immediately when he realizes he has no comment about that. He can only grab some random stuff for his hand to play with while Baekhyun seems to notice his lack of response.

[So... Can I assume that Sehun's the reason why you were sighing earlier?]

Chanyeol sighs.

"I don't know, babe... I think he still hates me."

[Still? Why?]

"He hated me before right, so I guess he still feels the same way."

[What makes you say that?]

"I just feel like it. I can't really tell."

[Sehun won't hate you for no reason. Well, unless you did something to him? Hahaha.]

I know. He doesn't wanna hang out with me let alone see me around. Most importantly, we make each other uncomfortable, Chanyeol wants to say but he just keeps it in his mind while Baekhyun laughs at him. Look at this little shit. He must be having fun teasing me like this.

[Hey. I'm just kidding! Your face looks so guilty. It's hilarious!]

"Don't you need to hang up now?"

[Nope. I wanna talk more! Were you and Sehun having fun without us? I heard he had trouble using the air fryer. Did you help him cook his lunch?]

"Oh, why don't you look at the time? I'm a little busy right now so maybe we should end this call-"

[Please don't avoid the subject.]

"I'm not avoiding the subject."

[Fine... I'm gonna come clean now! Actually, we were planning about this to happen so you and Sehun can get each other alone~]

"Wait, what?"

[No, but for real. This was a total coincidence. Everybody had somewhere to go and it was a perfect time so I just went along with it~ Are you upset?]

Thinking for a brief moment, Chanyeol shakes his head and tiny smiles.

"No... Not really. I kind of suspected it anyway. But I still feel sad here without you."

[You have Sehun with you!]

"Yeah, but... It's still different. He's not you."

[But he's your friend, too.]

"Can't you just come back earlier? Please? I miss you... Just leave Luhan and Kyungsoo alone and be with your husband."

[You know I can't do that... I have to look after both of them. Luhan hyung gets seasick when we ride the boat while Kyungsoo has terrible eyesight. He can't see when it's far because he forgot to bring his prescription glasses. Also, I'm keeping our money with me and the reservation is under my name.]

"So it's the other way around? I thought it was them who'd take care of you."

[I know, right? Bear with it for a while. We'll be with each other soon.]

"Okay."

Chanyeol messes his hair, sighing under his breath for the umpteenth time. Baekhyun seems to have arrived at the lobby since it's getting more crowded around him. It turns quiet and private after a while when Baekhyun gets inside his assigned room, closing the door behind him with a light click.

[Anyway, let me ask you this. If you wanna know what I wanna eat, what would you do?]

"Huh? What kind of question is that? Of course, I'll ask you."

[If something good or sad happened to you in a day, what would you do first?]

"Uh, I'll talk to you about it...?"

[If I did something you didn't like or I hurt your feelings, what would you do?]

"I'll tell it to you?"

[See! It's simple, right? All you need is communication.]

"Right, communication. Now come home so we can talk. It's easier if you were here. We three could have a conversation."

[Do you remember? You always say this to me, the key to a good relationship is communication. The reason why couples understand each other is because they talk. Friends, too. And families.]

"Yeah, I know..."

[So, instead of assuming things and overthinking by yourself, it's good to just talk about your feelings and be honest with that person. When you do that, you avoid misunderstandings and you also get to hear clear answers. I don't even know why I'm saying this to you! You're the one who's good at this.]

Chanyeol knows it all too well, of course, he does. But there are also times when he can't be the perfect man. He messes up, blurts out things he doesn't mean, thinks negatively, acts dumbly, and does the opposite of what he says. It's Baekhyun who has to remind him about simple things in life, and he's thankful to have him by his side.

[I may not say this often but... I really want you and Sehun to get along well. It's not like you guys were enemies or anything. It's just... I think it'll make me so happy seeing my husband and my childhood best friend hanging out together...]

Baekhyun is being honest, he always is. Chanyeol can feel his sincerity by the way Baekhyun looks at him on the other side of the screen. It's such a pity that they're not together right now while they talk. He can't hold his hand and feel its warmth while they sit side-by-side.

"Will that really make you happy?"

[Of course, it will! But I'm not forcing you to be instant BFF with him. I just want you guys to get closer naturally over time. Because that's how friendships are built, right? Gradually and delicately. Do you agree with me?[

"Yeah, I do."

[Sehun is a really nice person. I'm sure you're gonna like him once you get to know him better. You may not realize it but you two have lots of things in common. Since I'm always around you, I get to pick up those small details about both of you. And I can tell that you and Sehun tend to think the same way sometimes.]

"Nope, we don't think the same way."

[No, like for example. If you two would get to pick a number within a hundred, you'd probably choose the same number! And it's 56! If you'd get to wear a shirt on a random day, there could be a high chance it's the same color, and it's sky blue. If you'd get to select a movie, I bet it'd be a similar genre! And it's Comed-]

"Sci-Fi."

[...yes, Sci-Fi!]

"Since when have you become a fortune-teller?"

[I'm just stating facts.]

"Still, I don't believe you."

[You don't believe me? I mean, you both liked the SAME PERSON at some point, so...]

Chanyeol stares, gritting his teeth, squinting his eyes. Why is Baekhyun so annoying when he's being confident like this?

"You... I hate you, seriously."

[Hahahaha! Oops, did I say something wrong?]

Baekhyun places his phone on top of the table, taking a seat on a chair as he talks with his sulking husband.

[Told you so. You guys are no different from each other. What's stopping you from getting along?]

"You see, Sehun's important to you that's why I can't take him lightly," Chanyeol confesses, "Probably this is why sometimes, I can't approach him like our other friends. I have to be careful because I don't wanna look bad in his eyes..."

[Now that you said it, I'm also like this towards your sister... I wanna look good in front of her because she might think I don't deserve you. Sometimes, I'd feel awkward when it's just us alone. I don't know what to say to her first... I mean, she treats me nicely but I still feel shy.]

"See! Now you get what I mean!!!"

[But you know the secret why we hit it off?]

"Hm? What is it?"

[We found a common ground.]

"Common ground?"

[Yeah, we talk about the things we have in similar.]

"And that is?"

[You. We talk about you! When I meet up with your sister, we talk about Eri and of course, we also include you in our conversation. And that's how we got closer.]

"Tch, I can't believe you guys were gossiping about me behind my back..."

[And you should do that too, you should find a common ground with Sehun and talk about it.]

"Uh, I don't know what our common ground is."

[Are you serious?]

"What, why?"

[You don't know what you and Sehun both have?]

"We both have a huge package?"

[No, aside from that!]

"You...?"

[That's right. Me! I'm your common ground! So talk about me, ask about me, gossip about me. Sehun has lots of stuff to say because we've known each other since we were kids. Oh god, just don't ask him about my embarrassing childhood past... No! Don't ask about what happened in second grade when I fell off the bike, and that one time when I sneezed in class...]

An unconscious smile falls on Chanyeol's lips, imagining a young Baekhyun in his mind.

Honestly, why didn't he think about this sooner? He doesn't know he could be this clueless. Learning about Baekhyun's childhood while also making worthwhile conversations with Sehun? He's killing two birds with one stone. He feels excited already just by thinking about it.

"Baby, I'm hanging up," Chanyeol says, peeking at the door to his left and hearing a soft knock. That must be Sehun outside the room, fetching him for dinner. "Fully charge your phone, wash up, and lock the door when I call back before bedtime. You know what's gonna happen next..."

[And that is?]

"Sexy time."

[Heh. You crazy! I was just gone for a day and you're aleady feeling horny.]

"I didn't say anything, though? Your mind's so dirty. It could be you singing me a lullaby. It's sexy for me."

[Chanyeol sunbae, I share a huge room with those two so it's impossible for us to do virtual phone sex. You pervert...]

"Just send me your nudes, then."

[Hahaha. Fine. But just one.]

He says that as if he doesn't wanna do it, Chanyeol mentally says, smirking. Baekhyun could be fully naked and aroused before he can even call.

"Bye now. Tell Kyungsoo and Luhan I said hi."

[Okay. Eat well and have a nice meal.]

"Wait, Baekhyun."

[Yes?]

"Thanks... for the uh, pep talk. I appreciate it."

[HUH??? What is this!!!]

"Oh my god... Nevermind."

[Did I hear that right? Park Chanyeol is thanking me!? Is this real?! Waaah! You just said the T-word!]

"The hell is a T-word."

[The Thank-you word, Mister! You only say it like, twice a month!]

"You're so annoying... Shut up."

[Oh, so you're annoyed now?]

"Yeah."

[Then why are you smiling so big? I can literally see your gums from here. You look like a Beluga whale slash Yoda.]

"Fuck you."

[Fuck you, too~]

Chanyeol hides his goofy smile behind his hand. Damn it. Why is Baekhyun so vulgar and irritating? Baekhyun must be punished right away when he gets back.

"You know what? Let's hang up now, for real."

[Alright, bye-bye. I'll miss you. I love you!]

"I love you more. Talk to you later."

[Good night!]

Baekhyun ends the call, waving goodbye at him. Chanyeol promptly shuts down his laptop and stands up. Walking to the door, he opens it after what seems like five consecutive knocks.

"Sorry, it took a while."

Sehun is frozen outside, hands clenched in the air as if he was gonna knock again. He quickly puts down his arm, looks away, and clears his throat, playing it cool.

"Dinner's ready."

"Okay. Let's go together."

Suspicious, Sehun squints his eyes.

Hm, he doesn't look like he's in a bad mood. Did something good happen to him?

"What is it?" Chanyeol asks, peeking at Sehun as they walk at the same pace, going down the staircase. Sehun shakes his head.

"Oh, nothing much."

"By the way, wanna have some beer after?" Chanyeol offers out of the blue.

What is this, why am I feeling nervous for some reason? Is he gonna tell me to move out of the house? Sehun thinks quietly, looking at Chanyeol who's just casually smiling at him.

"Don't worry. I just wanna chat if you're up for it. Are you good?"

Whew. Thank god, I thought I'll be homeless for a second.

Sehun nods. He guesses it won't hurt to accept Chanyeol's invitation this time.

"Sure. Let's do that."

*

Quote of the day: "Ultimately the bond of companionship, whether in marriage or friendship, is conversation." - Oscar Wilde

To be continued.

-----

Next chapter preview!

"...we now drink alcohol, open up our hearts, and share deep talks. Only real men do that. Although we're gay but that's not the point. We're still men. Just not straight."

After Sehun finishes his long-ass inspirational message, Chanyeol recovers with a gentle, fond smile, staring at Sehun with a gaze so loving and forgiving. He's looking at him as if he was the most precious thing in the world. He's smiling at him as if what he said was the most beautiful speech he has ever heard in his entire life.

So to you, it's like that.

"Thanks for telling me all of this."

Sehun quickly backs away, blocking Chanyeol's face with his hand.

"S-stop. Don't stare at me. My heart is fluttering right now and it feels weird."

"Yeah? How weird?"

"I... I don't know. But it's not a feeling of bad-weird. It's a feeling of nice-weird, I guess..."

Chanyeol laughs.

"Hm. That's interesting."

-----

"I really had fun writing this sechan special! >< Omg, the next chapter is gonna be my favorite~ I'm so excited to publish it so please complete the challenge quickly!"

- ParkBaekkie