Present, 2022

(30)

Perhaps Chanyeol's imagination has gotten the better of him.

In his mind, he had already finished making up the scenario of his grand reunion with Baekhyun from the beginning till end. How he picked Baekhyun up in the airport after his ten-day business trip in Denmark. How he welcomed Baekhyun home and hugged him tightly as soon as his 'best friend' stepped out of the plane. How they kissed in the middle of the airport as if everything was in slow-mo. How they got into his car heading back to Baekhyun's place, holding each other's hands and telling each other I love you.

But fairly enough, it was all nothing but a wishful thinking.

Because right now, on the D-day of Baekhyun's return to Korea, it is nowhere near the fantasy Chanyeol has imagined. It's 12:35 noon. He's arrived at Incheon airport fifteen minutes late because of the traffic. Baekhyun is in front of him, jetlagged, exhausted, clutching his luggage, and staring at him blankly with those sleep-deprived eyes.

Chanyeol turns speechless, words stuck in his throat. He can only open and close his mouth dumbly probably due to his excitement, anxiety, nervousness, and yearning he's all feeling in this moment.

"Can you put this in the trunk?"

"S-sure."

That was it.

He hasn't seen Baekhyun in ten agonizing days yet here he is, driving in thick silence like he was Baekhyun's taxi driver. This isn't what Chanyeol had in mind. He should start a conversation to fill in the heavy atmosphere. He shouldn't allow for any awkwardness to exist like he and Baekhyun were total strangers. He should behave confidently like the mighty Park Chanyeol that he is.

Except he couldn't.

Flashbacks of that night's drunken phone call flood into his subconscious. It's making his insides twinge how super embarrassing the memories are. Why would he even remember that now? How dare he express his bottled feelings to Baekhyun in that situation? He can't look Baekhyun in the eyes as this excruciating shame is killing him. He was out of his mind back then.

Thank god, Baekhyun isn't paying attention to him, as the man has his eyes closed while resting his head against the car window. Baekhyun must be awfully tired from his long flight. The business trip must've worn him out too much and it's evident on his pale complexion. He seems like he's lost some weight, too. He was dead busy during his ten-day stay abroad that Chanyeol can't remember the last time they had a proper conversation except for their short morning texts.

"Wait, that's not the route to the subway station..."

"I'm driving you home. You should rest for today."

Baekhyun chooses not to respond to their conversation so the talk ends after that. Even if Chanyeol wants to say something, he can't bring himself from doing so. He only has his lips sealed from the moment they left the airport until they arrived at Baekhyun's apartment building. He helps the other carry his luggage and bags to the elevator before taking him to his front door. He didn't bother coming in. He still needs to return to the company before the lunch break ends so he can finish the reports due at 6 pm today. Hope he meets the deadline.

"See you at work tomorrow."

Baekhyun nods and mutters a faint. Yeah, sure. He is about to close the door when he pauses, noticing an unmoving Chanyeol still standing outside his unit. The man is wearing a conflicted expression on his face. He appears troubled and fidgety for some reason.

"What is it?" Baekhyun asks, looking expectantly at Chanyeol. "You've got something else to say?"

"Huh?" Chanyeol blinks. "Oh." He averts his gaze fast and steps back. "Uh. I should be back to the office at 1:30." He peeks at his wristwatch. "So, yeah. I'll better get going now. I'll grab a bite on the way."

"Drive-thru?"

"Most likely. You should have your lunch, too. Want me to call food delivery?"

Baekhyun shakes his head.

"No need. I'll just buy some kimbap from the convenience store nearby."

"You sure?"

"Yeah, I'm not that hungry anyway."

"Okay, then." Exhaling, Chanyeol rubs his palms against the sides of his pants. He smiles at Baekhyun and raises his hand, doing a hesitant wave. "Bye."

Damn it, I'm such a fucking idiot. Fuck!

Chanyeol bangs his head on the steering wheel during a red light. Cursing himself while driving isn't doing him any good. He's not in the mood to go back to the company but he needs to. His chest would've at least felt lighter if only he had the courage to say these words to Baekhyun earlier.

Sorry. You must be confused about what I said that night.

Welcome back, Baekhyun. I missed you so much.

I should explain myself to you, should I?

"No, no. I did the right thing... Baekhyun must be really tired from his flight. I can't be suddenly bringing that up. And I can't be making this into a big deal. He must've forgotten about it already... Right. He must be thinking I was just drunk that's why I said such things. We're fine. We're okay."

A week has passed.

Work's been successfully thriving. Schedules are hectic following the launch of their mobile game. Meetings, interviews, game conventions, brainstorming, and presentations, they all keep them busy.

Chanyeol would be lying if he said nothing has changed ever since Baekhyun got back, because if he were to be brutally honest, what they are today isn't like what they were in the past before that goddamned business trip.

Sure, they talk. But he and Baekhyun are not talking. And Chanyeol thinks it's his fault.

We'll talk again later once you've sobered up, Baekhyun had said in that phone call, but six days had gone by fast and it never came. Every time Chanyeol sees a chance to approach Baekhyun, the man is always swarmed by their colleagues trying to ask for help. Lunchbreak doesn't exist, only working beak does. They can't possibly talk while on the job. Meanwhile, getting off work is just a time to sleep in one's place, take a bath, and change clothes. Texting or calling at night is only a waste of time. And then the cycle repeats the next day like a new routine.

"Excuses. You're full of excuses."

Chanyeol pauses chewing his food. He turns to the man across from him whose phone is pressed against his ear.

"What? You said you were gonna stop online shopping! Yeah... But tell me. Where are you planning to put that extra wardrobe cabinet, huh?"

Chanyeol sighs, shaking his head.

"Fine... Okay... You deal with the movers. No... What? Babe, I said not to touch my PC. Alright... Bye. Talk to you later."

Sehun slides his phone into his pocket, shrugging.

"Sorry about that, hyung. My girlfriend's just a little addicted to buying furniture. She's too excited decorating around the house."

"So. How's your new neighborhood?" Chanyeol asks. "Are you adjusting well?"

"Yup. The residents are nice. I'm neighbors with my brother-in-law. I love my place since it's closer to our company! Baekhyun hyung is actually jealous of my house. Haha. He said he wanted to live with me again but I told him Vivi wouldn't like it."

Chanyeol chuckles. He suddenly recalls this morning how Sehun excitedly stormed into his office, announcing that he recently joined the company's Marketing Department as a new intern. Sehun even got the Chairman's recommendation because apparently, Director Zhang Yixing's father and Sehun's father are golf buddies. Of course, Sehun's skills are also what made him get the job despite the fact that he'll be starting from the bottom again.

"Welcome to Chromosome Games Incorporated, Mr. Oh Sehun. I'm looking forward to working with you."

"It's a pleasure, Mr. Park Chanyeol. Please take care of me from now on, sunbaenim."

"Pfft. Haha. It's weird to hear that from you but in a good way, of course."

"Don't worry. You'll get used to my annoying presence like how you did in the past."

Sehun accepts the older's hand, shaking it and bowing politely. He then glances around the vast cafeteria as if he was searching for someone.

"By the way, where's Baekhyun hyung? He agreed to join us for lunch. We're almost done here. Is he still in a meeting?"

"Maybe? I don't know."

"Wait a minute."

"What?"

"You? Out of all people, don't know?"

Chanyeol drinks his water.

"He didn't say anything when he left his desk."

"Hah. I knew it! Something's up between you two, isn't it?"

"What do you mean?"

"You can't fool me. I may have been away for quite a long time but my years of expertise as your dorm son slash your third wheeler will never betray me."

"You know what, you're imagining things."

"You think I wouldn't notice? The moment I barged into your joint office this morning, I thought I entered the North pole because of how cold the air was. You guys obviously got into a fight. Go ahead and apologize to Baekhyun hyung right this instant."

Chanyeol can't decide whether Sehun joining their workforce is a good thing or not. But one thing's certain, from now on, he'll have an extra push when it comes to Baekhyun, and it's the form of this guy right here.

"Fine... I'll do it. I'll talk to him and apologize."

"Really? You're gonna finally confess your feelings for him?"

"W-what? No! And where did that baseless assumption come from?"

"From my seven-year-old gut feel?"

"Well, your 2015 gut feel has long due expired."

"So you're saying it was true."

"I mean, nonsense. It was nonsense."

Bzzt. Bzzt.

"Wait. I just got a text," Sehun says.

Sorry, Sehun. I can't join you guys after all. I had a previous engagement. Go ahead and eat without me.

"I think you just blew this chance up, Chanyeol hyung. Better luck next time."

"He must be still busy."

"He's clearly avoiding you."

"No, he's not. He's just a little preoccupied with work."

"I doubt it."

"So. Did Baekhyun say where he was going?"

"No, he didn't. Why don't you ask him yourself?"

Staring at his phone under the table, Chanyeol contemplates what to text Baekhyun after their conversation died the other day. He can't be asking about work emails and game stuff at this time, can he?

Baekhyun, what are you up to? Just curious.

There's a two-minute gap before Baekhyun replies.

I have some lunch plans.

With who?

Just someone I know.

Oh... Is that so. Have fun, then.

I already told the Boss I'm clocking out early. Don't wait for me.

Okay.

That was that.

Slumping on the table, Chanyeol groans before hiding his phone away.

"Hey, Sehun.... What if Baekhyun starts dating again?"

"I mean, that could be possible?"

"You think so?"

"I heard women in my department are keeping tabs on Baekhyun hyung. Who knows when they're gonna make a move because somebody's still being a coward for more than a decade now!?"

"Damn it! Are you talking about me?"

"Huh? Where did you get that baseless assumption?"

"Treat me to some soju after work, you brat."

"Aren't older people supposed to do that?"

*

The elevator dings open by the time Baekhyun finishes texting. Doctors and patients enter the metal box in exchange for him. Baekhyun slots his phone into his bag as he heads to the nurse's station.

"Excuse me. Can I have the visitor's slip for Room 309? My name's Byun Baekhyun."

"Are you here for Mr. Park Sungjin?"

"Yes. He's been expecting me since last week but I was on a business trip."

"Please leave your sign in this form, Mr. Byun. The patient's room is on the right wing, fourth door."

"Okay. Thank you so much."

Carrying a lunchbox and a fruit basket when he arrives at the VIP room, Baekhyun sees Chanyeol's father resting in the bed and looking outside the window. The two consecutive gentle knocks on the door makes the man notice him.

Mr. Park smiles, nodding to acknowledge his presence.

"Come in, son. I've been waiting for you."

"How's your condition, Sir? Are you feeling better now?"

"This old geezer's not yet dead, thankfully. Did you bring me the abalone porridge?"

The curtains are drawn away to let the sunlight inside the room as they peacefully eat lunch. Chanyeol's father is a man of few words; he speaks to compliment the weather and the taste of the abalone. He hums from time to time and asks short questions which Baekhyun politely responds with yeses and no's. Silly memories of his youth with Chanyeol are brought back too, and they share lighthearted laughs as Baekhyun peels some fruit for his best friend's parent.

"I wonder how long do I have to wait for that child to introduce someone to the family."

"He never did?"

"Not even once. His mother and I must've spoiled him too much. That son of mine still does whatever he wants at that age. He doesn't take marriage plans seriously."

"You know what they say these days, Sir. Thirty is the new twenty. Chanyeol's still young. He'll figure it out on his own."

Or maybe not, Baekhyun whispers in his mind. He out of the blue recalls Chanyeol's statement in the past of not wanting to tie the knot nor having any children. And according to Chanyeol, he was only dating people for the sake of experience and company.

You said you didn't wanna be a husband.

Well, I changed my mind.

What gives? Thought you didn't wanna get married.

Didn't want to if it's not with you.

Baekhyun pauses midway. He has the knife stuck in the apple peel.

Being in Copenhagen must've made Chanyeol delusional, saying stuff like that as if he actually meant it.

"Every parent's wish is to see their kid settle down before passing away. Chanyeol is surely gonna be the death of me if he still doesn't marry anytime soon, that brat..."

One question. Does your family know?

No. There are only four people who knew.

After Baekhyun recalls the conversation he and Chanyeol had in college, he gives up on peeling the apple. He puts away the fruit and places it on the bedside table. Up until now he still doesn't know the four people who only know about Chanyeol's sexual orientation. How much more Chanyeol's father? He's still probably clueless. Chanyeol has been secretive since then.

"Sir, what if your son happens to be different?"

"How different?"

"Just, you know, different from anybody else?"

The man chuckles softly.

"I know my kid, Baekhyun. He's been different since he was young. Every person is."

"Yes. You're right..."

"How about you?"

"Me?"

"Are you different?"

Baekhyun falls silent for a while. He recovers with a simple smile and a curt headshake.

"No, I'm not. I'm just like everybody else."

"I see... You must be scared."

"Of what, Sir?"

"Of change."

"I don't understand."

"Remember, it's the only permanent thing in this world. You must face it head-on."

Their meeting ends shortly with a promise of having dinner together on Yura's birthday. Baekhyun bids farewell and wishes Chanyeol's Dad good health. He leaves the room feeling relieved yet somehow conflicted. The father and the son, they're both hard to understand sometimes. Being complicated probably runs in the Park family, Baekhyun thinks while exiting the hospital's premises.

"Baekhyun?"

Ah, as if you could get any luckier than this...

"What brings you here in the hospital? Are you sick?"

Baekhyun disregards his internal monologue, fake-smiling at the person who, by chance, spots him waiting in the lobby. As if the rain suddenly pouring isn't enough to ruin his day, coinciding with the time he forgot his umbrella in his broken car which he just brought to the repair today. Now he still has to meet the person he hates?

"No, I'm fine. I just visited a close relative admitted here," Baekhyun explicitly lies. He wants to cut the story short, and saying he went to see Chanyeol's father will definitely open up more topic, "How about you?"

"The friend I met from the military works as a nurse here. He was just transferred in this hospital a few days ago so I dropped by to send my regards."

"Oh, I see. How thoughtful of you, Kyungsoo."

Great. You're friends with everybody, what else is new?

"Are you heading home now?"

"I can't, unfortunately. I don't have a car or an umbrella with me so I guess I'll just have to wait for the rain to stop. Taxi's expensive so I'll be taking the bus."

"Why don't you just ask Chanyeol to pick you up?"

Kyungsoo, Baekhyun's not-so-close acquaintance in college, Chanyeol's past bed-friend, and Kim Jongin's present boyfriend, decides to extend this small talk by taking a seat one space away from Baekhyun's chair.

"I'm sure Chanyeol will come in a flash as soon as you text him you need a ride home."

"Really? He must be like that to you when you guys used to-" Baekhyun stops himself before he can even run his mouth and say something inappropriate. Kyungsoo's just giving him a blank, wary look. "Ahem. I mean, he must be the one-call-away type of a friend."

"I'm saying it's you, so of course, he'll do it in a heartbeat. Just say and he'll come flying to get you without hesitation."

"Haha. Is that so? Too bad I don't wanna see his face right now."

"So you guys had a fight, huh?"

"No, we didn't. And if we did, don't we all? With our friends?"

"I don't make that expression when I bicker with my nurse friend. By the way, he's gay. That dude is really nice and good-looking. Wanna meet him? He's single and ready to mingle."

"No, thanks. I'm not interested."

"Oh, shit. I forgot you were straight! My bad."

"So you're one talkative guy, huh."

"This is how I usually am towards the people who hate me."

"I don't hate you."

"You do."

Kyungsoo stares deeply as though he's got the upper hand.

"What you feel about me since college hasn't changed, Baekhyun. You still don't like me. Every time we see each other, you'd glare at me behind those fake smiles. You've got this look in your eyes as if you were telling me to stay away. Back off, Chanyeol is mine. It's like you were drilling that into my head over and over again."

That leaves Baekhyun speechless. His gaze starts wavering but he never falters. He keeps his guard up for any potential verbal attack, just in case.

"Why, is it because I was the closest person to Chanyeol other than you? Or is it because I got to sleep with your precious best friend behind your back?" Kyungsoo asks. "You were jealous, weren't you?"

Baekhyun grits his teeth, feeling offended and butt-hurt. What the fuck is this bastard talking about?

"Enough. It was all in the past and you're still making up issues on your own."

"No hard feelings, I'm just stating my opinion."

"Then, stop. It's not worth it."

"Anyway. I felt like I needed to tell you this if ever I got the opportunity to sit with you again," Kyungsoo says, testing the waters, "And I think now could be a good time."

"What is it?"

"You see, Chanyeol and I aren't in that kind of relationship. Whatever he might've told you about us isn't true. Well, what happened at the bar was... I mean, it was only because of Jongin, my ex who's now my boyfriend again. Chanyeol had to help me out but that kiss absolutely meant nothing. I'm sure his first kiss would've meant something more compared to that."

Baekhyun keeps himself from hinting a single reaction as he maintains a poker face.

First kiss, huh? How memorable could it be for Chanyeol if he was the one who, in the first place, insisted to pretend it never happened? Then again, it was a long time ago, and Baekhyun barely remembers it even existing. He's forgotten about it not until Kyungsoo mentioned it.

"Our set-up strictly ended that night you caught us in his condo in that awkward situation back in college," Kyungsoo continues, "Before even Jongin came, Chanyeol and I are no longer sleeping together. We're good friends and that's it."

Kyungsoo and I are just consensually giving each other sexual benefits.

So it was a lie?

Kyungsoo and I didn't break up. Nothing is going on between us in the first place.

And that was the truth?

"Just to make it clear, Baekhyun. Both of us hardly remember it happening, what we had seven years ago. And I doubt Chanyeol has spent the night with someone since then."

"Your point?"

"I'm saying he never slept with anyone after that. And if he ever got exes, those were nothing but purely platonic friendships. Chanyeol only loved one person in his life and you know who that is."

A long pause settles in.

"You-" Baekhyun cuts off his words, astounded and baffled. He has no idea what to say, feeling like his chest is about to burst. His head is painful and it's so confusing. Why would he need to hear such information? And what is he supposed to react? Should he feel sorry? Angry? Betrayed? Guilty?

Or something else?

"You don't have to explain yourself, Kyungsoo. Nor tell me anything about Chanyeol's privacy."

"I supposed you wanted to know. You seem relieved."

"I'm not. And I don't have a reason to be so."

Kyungsoo lets out a dry, humorless laugh.

"You still don't realize it, do you?"

"Realize what?"

"Your feelings?"

Kyungsoo immediately stands up, not waiting for a reply.

"The rain stopped."

Baekhyun turns to glance outside, and yes, the dark skies are beginning to clear away. People in the sidewalk are closing their umbrellas.

Kyungsoo takes a glimpse at his wristwatch, preparing to leave.

"Jongin must be at the parking lot already. He's picking me up so I have to go. Guess I'll see you around."

"If we accidentally bumped into each other again, that is."

"Let's grab a drink next time? That could cheer you up. I'll bring my boyfriend with me. Just don't tell Chanyeol. He hates Jongin for some reason."

"I don't need any cheering up especially from the two of you, the one I hate and the boyfriend of the one I hate."

"Will you already forget that time when Jongin flirted with you? He's just trying to make me jealous. It's not about you, dude."

"Honestly, I really don't give a damn about your gay love life."

"Tch. Hope you die loveless. Bye."

"Wait," Baekhyun holds Kyungsoo's elbow randomly. The hard expression on his face is now replaced by that of an innocent boy--confused, lost, and worried. "I still wanna know something."

Kyungsoo curiously raises an eyebrow.

"Sure. Ask away."

"Chanyeol's first love. Who is it?"

"Oh, the guy from high school?"

"Yeah."

A genuine smile turning into a meaningful smirk is Kyungsoo's response. He can't help thinking: Ah, Park Chanyeol. You're one hell of a bastard. Look at this... What have you done?

"Why don't you ask him yourself?"

*

You still don't realize it, do you? Your feelings?

"Who the hell is he to say that? What does he even know about me!? That son of a bitch!"

To say Baekhyun is not angry is a lie. He's beyond furious. He's exasperated. What feelings is Kyungsoo talking about? If anything, he's feeling hungry. All those talks with Kyungsoo starved him to death. Good thing he still has some leftover chicken he could stuff himself with to ease this anger burning inside of him.

"Ouch!"

Stubbing his toe on the foot of the kitchen table, Baekhyun wails out in pain. The fried chicken hops out of the plate as if it was alive, landing straight on the unhygienic floor. Now with a swollen toe and a dinner going to waste, he feels twice miserable than being left by Kyungsoo in the hospital with an unanswered question.

"Fuuuck! This is all Do Kyungsoo's fault!"

Slurping his soggy noodles in front of his TV playing the late-night news at 11 pm, Baekhyun is sunk on his couch, looking so depressed in his sullen living room. It's raining outside again and he wishes work would be suspended tomorrow. At times like this is when he realizes that living alone at thirty sucks. He doesn't have someone to cuddle with in this cold, lonely weather. If only he had a girlfriend, they could be having sex by now to make things hot and steamy.

Suddenly becoming hyper-aware of his obviously empty apartment, Baekhyun pauses, clears his throat, and adjusts himself from lying on the couch.

"It's been a while since I've blown off some steam. Maybe I should watch one."

Mngh, ooh... Yeah, right there! Fuck me harder, Daddy! Ugh, ravage my slutty hole!

Oh, yeah? You like that, bitch!? Ugh, you wanna cum so bad with my monstrous sword inside you?

Yes, please...! Pound my slimy tightness with your big, meaty rod! More, deeper..! Aaaah!

Shit, you're so fucking hot! Haah, ugh yes... I'm gonna ejaculate! Take my love juice inside your pink tunnel...! Here I come!

Staring boredly at his screen amidst the dark, Baekhyun decreases the volume of the porn he's watching until the moaning and slapping noises fade away. Disappointed and cringed, he unplugs his earphones. He puts away the bottle of lotion and the box of tissues. He waits for the NSFW video to finish playing so that he can call it a night. Because instead of getting a hard-on, he just got a headache.

"This porn is so trash. How would I get off to this shit?"

What made him jump out of his skin though, is someone's caller ID popping up on his notification bar, requesting a video call. Alert, his thumb is quick enough to exit incognito tab and swipe back to his home screen like nothing happened.

The call then drops three seconds later, making it a missed call.

Baekhyun heaves a sigh of relief. That was close.

"What could he be up to at 11:16 pm?"

His question is answered by another call again, and this time, Baekhyun decided to pick it up just because he's curious and maybe a bit worried. Chanyeol isn't in trouble, is he?

"Hello?"

[Oh, Baekhyun hyung! My bad, wrong number--hey! Give me the phone! I said not to drunk-call him again--Don't worry! You can hang up now and go back to bed...!]

"Sehun? Are you with Chanyeol right now?" Baekhyun gets up, wears his slippers, and turns on the lights. "And you two went drinking?"

[Heeeey... What's up! Hehe.]

Baekhyun pauses and grimaces. Oh, god. Here we go again.

"Where are you?"

[Oh, meee? I'm at Sehun's new house! Oh, shit! What's that--fuck! Vivi, don't bite my leg...! Ouch!]

Massaging his forehead, Baekhyun sighs and sits on the verge of his bed.

"You should stop drinking for heaven's sake, Chanyeol."

[I can't...]

"Why not?"

[Because I'll cry if I don't...]

"What?"

[Give me that--! Hello? Baekhyun hyung, sorry for disturbing your sleep. Chanyeol hyung insisted to grab some drinks, so yeah. Anyway, you have nothing to worry about. I'm gonna let him sleep here for tonight.]

"Yeah. You should do that. Thanks, Sehun."

[No worries. See you tomorrow at work. Bye!]

Beep.

Baekhyun is not happy after the phone call. He has all the reasons to feel betrayed and cheated on.

"So you've got a new buddy now, huh? You fucking jerk... Hanging out with Sehun instead of me... How dare you."

Well, at least he's feeling guilty about it, Baekhyun thinks as he sees in the corners of his eyes how Chanyeol swerves away walking, marching in the opposite direction of the corridor so that they won't cross paths with each other. Ever since this morning, Chanyeol has been clearly avoiding him. Whenever they make eye contact during the meeting, Chanyeol purposely looks away and pretends to scribble on his notes. He'll cover his face with a folder or hide behind a co-worker's back when Baekhyun is near. He'll intentionally make sure he and Baekhyun have no chance to interact whatsoever.

Just like what happened in the office pantry. Baekhyun was making himself a cup of coffee when Chanyeol barged inside. The second he saw Baekhyun, Chanyeol backed off at record speed and ran away. His pride on the line, Baekhyun chased Chanyeol down the hallway like they were playing tag, and so that explains why they're now in the elevator, heavy-panting and cornering each other. Baekhyun is outside, while Chanyeol is inside.

"You-what's wrong with you!?" Baekhyun screams, pointing an accusing finger at Chanyeol cowering in fear despite his tall frame. "Stop avoiding me!"

"H-huh? I'm not avoiding you," Chanyeol lies, averting his gaze. He lowkey reaches for the button and taps it repeatedly so that the door will do its job. "I don't know what you're talking about!"

The elevator is about to close so Baekhyun quickly puts his foot in the middle to stop it. Unsuspectingly, he is shoved inside the elevator by some unknown force behind him, making him fall right exactly inside Chanyeol's welcoming arms.

Chanyeol freezes, staring down at Baekhyun who's also staring back at him.

"Well, well, well~ If this isn't the husbands having their daily flirting!"

"We should've taken the next one, Mr. Kim. Look at them intimately hugging in public!"

"Really? Chanyeol and Baekhyun? You can't even take your hands off each other even in the elevator?"

"Omg. I'm so jealous~ Sweetest husbands ever!"

Baekhyun straightens his posture, pushing Chanyeol away out of his breathing space. Clearing his throat, Chanyeol distances himself and dusts off the specs on his suit.

An awkward silence ascends in the elevator. Kim Junmyeon and the company (one man, three women) fall quiet as no one has the audacity to speak after that.

The elavator finally opens; Wordlessly, Baekhyun heads out first followed by a meek Chanyeol, leaving the group speechless, flabbergasted, and uncomfortable.

"We... kinda went overboard, didn't we?"

*

"Hello? Yeah, Baekbeom hyung... I'm still at work... Uh-huh... You already got the package I sent you?"

Thud.

With Baekhyun's voice fading softly, the glass door to the balcony of their joint office shuts close. Chanyeol is left at his desk, peeking a little outside the window at Baekhyun having his phone call.

Chanyeol exhales, shakes his head, and goes back to working on his computer.

"Later... I promise I'll talk to you later."

[No, but seriously, Baekhyun... What's the occasion? Why did you send me a brand new gaming PC?]

Baekhyun ruffles his own hair, relishing the city breeze while admiring the tall buildings and towers in his view.

"I'm not gonna need that PC anymore. So instead of throwing it away, I just decided to give it to you. Do whatever you want with it, hyung. It's all yours now."

[You weren't fired, were you? Come on, be honest with your brother. Hm?]

Baekhyun sighs gloomily.

"Well, I could just buy another one with my own money. Seeing that set-up in my house only reminds me of her, so... Yeah."

[Oh. My. Fucking. Gawd.]

"Please don't tell Mom yet-"

[Hah! I'm telling Mom! Mooom! You don't have a daughter-in-law anymore! Haha. She's gonna kill you for sure...!]

"Will you shut the hell up!?"

[Just kidding. She's not here. She's out shopping with your noona and the kids.]

Byun Baekbeom, his 36-year-old brother, could be stupid and annoying at times, but he knows when and how to get serious. After joking around a bit, the man attentively listens and hums as Baekhyun tells him the story of his breakup. Baekhyun honestly thought he would hear the older blaming him or his games, so Baekhyun admits it somehow touched his heart when his brother didn't do any of that. Instead, Baekbeom genuinely comforted him and said that Things happen for a reason and When one door closes, another one opens. He also promised not to tell their parents about his 'canceled marriage plans' because according to Baekbeom, "He's a man of his word" and "Any secret is safe with him."

[Enough talking about the past. Thanks for the PC, for real. I'm the older one here but I always get stuff from you. This is kinda embarrassing...]

"You don't have to feel embarrassed. Just make up for it next time."

[Right. On your wedding day, I'll gift you a huge amount of congratulatory money.]

Baekhyun's response is only silence.

[Ahem. By the way, how's Chanyeol? Send him my thanks. If it weren't for him, I'd still be taking the bus to work. Who would've known? That car could still work perfectly.]

"Wait, he gave you a car!?"

[Yeah, his old ones, basically. But I spent on all the renovations. He didn't tell you?]

"No..."

[It just probably slipped off his mind. But anyway. How is he?]

"He's fine, I guess? But he's been acting a bit weird lately..."

[Oh, really? Weird, huh?]

"Yeah. But he's already been weird since then."

[Haha! Damn, it's about time! So. When is that guy gonna turn 30 again?]

"This November. Why?"

[Oh, I see... Just wondering. Has he got a boyfriend now, perhaps...? Has he got any guy he's seeing lately?]

"Not that I know of--wait a minute."

[What?]

"How'd you know about that!?"

[About what?]

"About the fact that he's into, you know, men?"

[You fool, I've known since then! Hahaha. You didn't know? I already found out when he was fucking 18. He admitted it himself and he confided in me!]

"Huh? You've got to be kidding me!!!"

[And you call yourself his best friend? Dude, you don't deserve that title! Anyway. I'm hanging up now, the guys are here... Again, thanks for the new computer. Bye, talk to you soon!]

Beep.

"What the fuck?"

Indeed, Baekhyun has all the reasons to feel betrayed and cheated on. First, Kyungsoo knows something about Chanyeol's life that he doesn't. Second, Sehun is now replacing him as Chanyeol's new best friend. Third, Baekbeom might've been secretly acting as Chanyeol's older brother all along.

Is this a sense of abandonment he is feeling?

Now I get why he's being distant from me. He might not need me anymore, Baekhyun thinks to himself, following Chanyeol with his gaze as the man works around the office. Chanyeol is, in fact, aware that he's being stared at.

So you're finally gonna end our friendship after you realized I'm getting useless to you over time? How could you do this to me, Park Chanyeol? After all you said in that drunken phone call? Were those all just lies?

"Stop... I can't do this anymore."

Chanyeol raises his hands like he was surrendering to the police. Standing up, he leaves his work area and approaches Baekhyun at his desk.

"Please don't glare at me like that, Baekhyun. You're gonna kill me with those eyes."

Baekhyun gives Chanyeol in front of him, a quick scan from head to toe. He tilts his head to the side, asking to change locations.

"You wanna talk?"

Everywhere at Chromosome Games Incorporated is unsafe save for the fire exit. Their co-workers might spot them together in the cafeteria, conference room, rooftop, game hall, lobby, pantry, bathroom, and parking lot, then inevitably speculate things again, sparking up more rumors. Better safe than sorry.

This reminds Chanyeol of the night when Baekhyun confronted him back in college. They talked in a small corner like this which was the fire exit. The way Baekhyun stared at him before was identical to how he looks at him now, too. Deeply and intently.

"Is this place okay?"

"Yeah, it won't probably take long anyway. Speak up now."

Realizing they're definitely the only ones here at this moment, here in this tiny, constricted space, Chanyeol feels nervous and disoriented. The emotions he felt when Baekhyun was away from the business trip all come back as he stands face-to-face with him now. His palms are sweaty and tensed. He can hear his heart pounding in his ears. Is this how he really misses Baekhyun? Terribly and desperately?

But before anything else, he should ask that question, shouldn't he?

"So, uh..."

"What is it?"

"Not that it concerns me but... Are you perhaps dating someone right now?"

Baekhyun is appalled by Chanyeol's question.

"What?"

"I-I mean, you had lunch plans with someone the other day so I thought you might be starting to date again. W-well, I'm just asking out of curiosity! If you wanna keep it private, it's fine not to answer. I'll respect your privacy."

Avoiding eye contact, stuttering, fidgeting, and sweating, Baekhyun notes. These are all signs of discomfort Chanyeol is showing. Does Chanyeol hate him that much already? To the point that he finds being near him unpleasant and intolerable?

Then again, Chanyeol is so dumb. What a brainless idiot. Where did that assumption even come from? How could he even start dating somebody when he was just about to embarrassingly jerk off to some trashy porn several nights ago? Not to mention he barely have time to meet people considering how busy work is? Yes, he might be lonely but he's not looking for a partner as of now. It's out of the picture.

"Are you stupid?"

"Huh?"

"Do I look happy and in love to you?"

"Uhm, no...?"

"Do I look sparkling?"

Yes, Chanyeol immediately says in his mind but he recovers with a headshake.

"Uh. Not really."

"Hope that answered your question."

Chanyeol presses his lips together so that he can control his mouth from smiling too wide. He nods and pretends to be casual with it.

"I see."

"I met with your Dad," Baekhyun adds. He rubs the back of his ear which is not even itchy. "I had lunch with him at the hospital the other day."

Chanyeol turns speechless, eyes wide. His heart feels like floating. So Baekhyun met his Dad. Baekhyun went to see his sick father in the hospital. To think he got drunk with Sehun because of an imaginary rival. What a relief.

"Then why didn't you say anything?"

"Do I have to tell you everything?" Baekhyun argues, "When you gave my brother a car, did you even tell me about it?"

Chanyeol simply shrugs, tiny-smiling.

"Guess we're even now."

"Not really."

"Why not?"

Baekhyun coughs.

"You hung out with Sehun without me."

"Oh, that..."

"You planning to make him your new best friend or what?"

"Why? You jealous?"

Staring at each other in heavy silence, Chanyeol waits for a slight crack in Baekhyun's stoic expression. He loses though because he's the first one to break into a smile and let out a chuckle.

"Pfft. Haha."

Baekhyun rolls his eyes.

"Bastard, don't laugh."

"Why would you even think I was trying to replace you, silly?"

"Because you were avoiding me. You've been acting strange ever since I got back from the business trip."

Chanyeol stiffens at the mention of the last word. Now they're almost getting there.

"You were the one who acted cold first."

"I was just waiting for you to say something, but a week has passed and you still haven't said anything," Baekhyun says back.

"You were so busy. It was hard to approach you," Chanyeol reasons out.

"I've always got time for you."

"You looked unbothered so I assumed you already forgot about it..."

"How would I? Unless you clearly explained yourself to me, what you said in that phone call will forever stay on my mind. I don't easily forget things, Chanyeol. You know how sharp my memory is."

Baekhyun is right. And there's something in the way Baekhyun said it that made Chanyeol's heart skip a beat. How he stares earnestly at him has Chanyeol finally mustering up some courage. So, from here on out, he'll no longer dilly-dally and waste time.

"Then, will you listen to me?"

"Of course."

"I won't take back my words nor make up any excuses, because what I blabbered to you in that phone call was all true. Now it's already up to you whether to believe me or not, but one thing's for sure, I might be drunk at that time but I was honest. I'm so sorry if I might've confused you. I promise not to do it again."

One moment, Chanyeol is stepping closer to Baekhyun and decreasing the gap between their feet. Next, he's already having his arms wrapped around Baekhyun after what seems like an eternity.

"Every single thing I'm doing and will do to you, every word I'm saying and will say to you. They all have a reason," Chanyeol says.

"...and that reason is?"

"Go figure it out."

"How am I supposed to do that?" Baekhyun asks. "You think I'm a mind reader?"

"Seventh," Chanyeol mutters particularly to himself, ignoring Baekhyun's question. He hugs Baekhyun tightly, taking in the other's warmth radiating off his body, "Sorry for not asking consent before hugging you. Are you angry?"

"Not really..."

"So, have we made up now?"

"Maybe?"

"Just say yes or no."

"Fine. Yes, we have."

"Thank god... You see, I should've done this the moment I saw you at the airport. But then I got cold feet and ended up doing nothing."

"Why? It's just me."

"It's because it's you, that's why."

Baekhyun stands frozen in his spot, unmoving like a statue. The only thing he can do is accept Chanyeol's embrace and clench his fists into balls. Chanyeol's clothes smell of coffee and vanilla; the scent is making him palpitate. Also, he can hear how loud and fast it is--Chanyeol's heartbeat right now.

"I know this is late but I still wanna say this to you."

Chanyeol slightly leans away so that he can gaze right into the other's mesmerizing eyes. Sincerely, he shows Baekhyun his most handsome smile.

"Welcome back, Baekhyun. I'm so happy to be with you again."

Cupping Baekhyun's face with his hands, Chanyeol leans in and presses a feather-light kiss on Baekhyun's forehead.

"No, I wasn't acting like your Grandma," Chanyeol mutters, lovingly caressing Baekhyun's fringe. "You know why I kissed your forehead?"

And then there it is.

Whether Baekhyun admits it or not, what he experienced that particular night in Copenhagen is all coming back to him now.

"I did it because I missed you so much," Chanyeol says.

On what reason can Baekhyun blame as to why his insides are feeling a bit tingly than normal? Why does his throat feel a little dryer than usual? Would there be a plausible explanation for the sudden sweltering of his palms and the unexplained clenching of his tummy?

"Do I have to explain myself more?"

Baekhyun stays cool-headed despite the warmth that is creeping at the back of his ears, looking at Chanyeol this near. He's not even drunk but why does he feel like his cheeks are on fire? What is this burning sensation in his chest, as if he was experiencing something utterly familiar once again?

"No, you don't have to."

Baekhyun affectionately smiles, and to Chanyeol, it's gameover.

"I missed you too, Chanyeol."

Call him crazy or not, but the tears in Chanyeol's eyes are already starting to fall. A grown man like him is getting teary-eyed for absolutely no reason. It must be from happiness, frustration, and overwhelm. How unmanly that he's allowing the love of his life to see this ugly side of him.

"Hey. What's wrong?" Baekhyun asks. "You okay?"

"Fuck it, Baekhyun... I wanna do something to you but for some reason, I can't. So just punch me or kick me, because I'm still gonna do it whether you like it or not. I'm prepared for the consequences."

"What the hell are you saying?"

Having an internal struggle about whether to do it or not, Chanyeol lets the bad side win. He courageously takes the risk by reaching for Baekhyun's face again, but this time, he kisses Baekhyun hard, deep, and long.

On the cheek.

"Mmnghhh! Oh my god. You are so fucking adorable!!!"

And then he releases him five seconds later.

Baekhyun's eyes widen in shock, having his cheek smooched like he was a plump, healthy baby.

"There! Now just hit me. Punch me. Kick me. Assault me all you want. Be violent with me. Come on, I'll accept the punishment!"

Chanyeol patiently waits but it never comes.

"Move," Baekhyun mutters, shoving Chanyeol aside. Hiding his face, he quietly walks out and closes the door, leaving a confused Chanyeol alone at the fire exit.

Chanyeol blinks.

"He didn't hit me?"

The water overflows from the sink because of the opened faucet. Baekhyun, while staring at his reflection in the bathroom mirror, aggressively washes his face. The redness on his cheeks won't go away no matter how much he gives them a rinse, the same goes for the loud thumping inside his ribcage. His heart's still pounding like crazy. It's like it will explode any minute from now. Why does Chanyeol have this effect on him? Could it mean something else?

No. This is bad; he shouldn't be feeling that certain way towards Chanyeol. Chanyeol is his dearest close friend and he's a guy. There's absolutely no way this could be a crush or an infatuation. He's a 30-year-old adult, not an 18-year-old teenager.

But first and foremost, what are they even doing? What kind of situation is this?

"Shit.. Stop thinking about it," Baekhyun pulls his own hair, "It was just a harmless skinship. Nothing more!"

Right. It's just impossible. He is a heterosexual man. He is not attracted to dudes. How can a straight individual like him change preferences in such a short period of time? It might be a little confusing but what he felt for his female exes shouldn't be the same as what he is feeling towards his male childhood best friend. What's happening to him must be because of piled-up stress and probable underlying heart conditions. He must visit a doctor real soon.

"Baekhyun! You okay?"

Chanyeol barges into the bathroom, catching Baekhyun in that disheveled state. He gasps, seeing how unruly and flushed the other man is.

"Damn... Your cheeks look red and swollen."

Baekhyun glares.

"And whose fault do you think it is?"

Chanyeol's gaze softens. "Mine?" He laughs, leaning against the door frame with a cocky smirk on his lips. "Did I just make you blush?"

"No. I'm just feeling a bit hot!"

"Oh, come on. I only kissed your cheek and you're already like this? How much more if I kissed you on the lips--"

"GET OUT!!!"

Baekhyun throws his shoe towards Chanyeol's direction, but Chanyeol is quick to shut the door close, laughing like a madman.

Don't open the door unless I say so! Baekhyun screams from the inside.

Chanyeol chuckles and waits for Baekhyun outside the bathroom. Shoving his palms on his face, he presses his back against the door, wearing a dumb, lovestruck smile across his mouth. This is dangerous. It's only a matter of time and he won't be able to hold himself back anymore.

"Fuck. I should've kissed him for real."

*

It's raining hard again just like yesterday. Baekhyun thought he could already get his car back from the repair but unfortunately, it's still scheduled to be fixed by Monday.

"You could get sick if you walked under this kind of rain. Always bring an umbrella to work, okay?"

Thankfully, Chanyeol is more than willing to be Baekhyun's temporary driver. Chanyeol says he'll be Baekhyun's ride home until everything goes back to normal, and that includes the weather, the traffic, and the car. If any of those variables aren't looking good, he won't let Baekhyun drive by himself. He has to take Baekhyun home no matter what.

"Since when did you become this overprotective?"

"Since today. You know what, I should've done this sooner. Why didn't I think of this before?"

Chanyeol peers over his shoulder as he maneuvers the wheel, smoothly getting the car out from its reverse parking while Baekhyun meticulously observes him. Does this guy really need to stick his tongue out and lick his bottom lip while doing that?

"Careful, there's a truck on hazard behind us," Baekhyun says.

"I know, I can see it. You wanna drive instead of me or what?" Chanyeol says.

"Fine. I'll keep my mouth shut."

"Good. I don't even comment when you drive."

"It's because I'm a better driver than you."

"I got my license earlier than you."

"It was just a week ahead, dummy."

Baekhyun tries not to think how he finds it odd that it feels as though it was the first time he's seeing Chanyeol drive. He's been in this very car a million times before so why does this situation feel unfamiliar and new? Did something perhaps change? The interior of the car, maybe? Or the diffuser?

Then again, he must be preoccupied with stuff in the past so he must've failed to notice how attractive Chanyeol was. Has Chanyeol always looked like this? Since when did this man carry such an appealing and sexy vibe?

Wait. Did he just say Chanyeol is sexy--No, he didn't.

"Hey. Let's grab some dinner. I'm hungry," Chanyeol says.

"Sure. What should we eat?"

"Ramen? Let's have some ramen at your place."

Baekhyun suddenly chokes in his saliva.

Chanyeol passes him a bottle of water using his free hand.

"Here, drink this slowly. You all right?"

What the... Is this dude hinting something or is my head's just messing with me, Baekhyun thinks to himself, putting his guard up unnecessarily.

"You know what? Why don't we just eat separately? I'm having dinner at my place, and you're having dinner at yours."

Chanyeol shrugs and smiles.

"No worries. Let's just have a meal together next time."

While calmly venturing the rainy road with pop music playing on the radio, Chanyeol takes a quick peek at Baekhyun's hand. He'll do anything just to touch that beautiful hand again. If a genie were to magically appear right now to grant him three wishes, his third wish is to be able to hold Baekhyun's hand. His second wish is to be able to kiss Baekhyun's lips. While the third one would be...

"By the way. Do you remember Kim Jongdae, that classmate of mine from high school? Our angel buddy?"

The third one would be NSFW. He can't describe it in detail. It won't be wholesome.

"Yeah, of course. He was my neighbor. We three used to hang out a lot back then. Why?"

"I recently got in touch with him again. Apparently, he works for SMsoft Holdings. I found his number from the list of sponsors," Baekhyun says.

"What, really? Small world!" Chanyeol exclaims.

"I know, right? I haven't heard from him for quite a while so I was surprised to find out he's got two kids now. I only found out from the high school group chat that he got engaged."

"Me, too... I lost contact with him in Senior year of college."

"So you guys still kept in touch while we were in college?"

"Yup, until senior year. But we kinda stopped talking when he got married."

Baekhyun pauses when something clicks into his memory. It was snowing, seven years ago. At Chanyeol's car, they had this conversation.

You see, I couldn't confess, after all.

Huh? Why not?

Because I just found out that...

You just found out that?

I just found out that he's married now.

Wait, what!?

Haha, well. That's just how it is, so... Yeah. Goodbye, my first love.

"His wife must be so lucky to have him as her husband," Chanyeol says with a fond smile in his face. "Jongdae was like an angel back in our high school days. He's one of the kindest people I know."

An unsettling sensation lurks inside Baekhyun's gut as if he was having indigestion. His chest aches. His tummy is twisting in an unexplainable way. He hates this feeling.

Now it all makes sense. He kinda have an inkling, but the guy from high school and Chanyeol's first love was really...

"So it was actually Kim Jongdae after all..."

Chanyeol turns to Baekhyun when he hears him mumbling.

"Mm? What were you saying?"

"Nothing."

"You said Jongdae is affiliated with SMsoft Holdings, right? Great timing. We might see him again at the joint excursion next week!"

Baekhyun scoffs, looking outside the window. Now his mood has turned sour.

"Tch. Why are you so excited to see him? He's married now, you know? He already has children, too."

"And what about it? Of course, I wanna catch up with an old buddy. I wonder what he's doing now."

"Curious much? Text him, then. Call him! No, go to his house! Meet him right now!"

"Huh? Why're you getting mad all of a sudden? You were the one who brought him up!"

"Fuck you!"

Chanyeol whimpers in extreme pain when Baekhyun grabs his hair while he's innocently driving.

"OUCH!!! Shit--what the hell is wrong with you!? MY HAIR! Aacckkk! Stop pulling it!"

"You said to be violent with you so accept my wrath!"

"Not when I'm driving!?"

"I'll do it whenever and wherever I want."

"Then do it in bed-"

"WHAT?"

"I said, the lights turned red!"

*

Amidst the joint partnership ceremony of the two companies: Chromosome Games Incorporated and SMsoft Holdings, Chanyeol sees in the corners of his eyes, the way Baekhyun proudly shakes hands with Kim Jongdae, their old friend who turns out to be the son-in-law of SMsoft Holdings Director.

Apparently, Jongdae's wife, the company CEO, is the granddaughter of SMsoft Holding's President. She has Jongdae as her right-hand-man slash Secretary. Basically, Jongdae is the husband of the CEO, a third-generation chaebol.

"Kim Jongdae, you fucking bastaaaard! I missed you!"

"Byun Baekhyun, my man! It's been a while!"

The pride in Baekhyun's eyes is brimming. Meeting Jongdae again must've bought him happiness. In retrospect, those two were super close back in high school. They were seatmates and partners in self-study. Jongdae was Baekhyun's Math tutor and Baekhyun was Jongdae's guardian angel.

Chanyeol can still remember that time when Baekhyun carried Jongdae on his back, taking him to the infirmary when the latter got injured on Sports Day in his Senior year of high school. The three of them hung out in the arcade after school and Chanyeol paid for everything including the snacks. Oh, good old days. To think that Kim Jongdae is practically one of their Bosses now. The man got successful in life. He's blessed with a loving family and a stable career.

"Can I join in, too?"

Baekhyun looks behind him, seeing a tall figure who's waiting for his turn to greet their old acquaintance.

"Yo, Park Chanyeol! How's it going, huh? Come here, buddy!"

Chanyeol smiles and pulls the man into a bone-crushing hug. Jongdae didn't change that much at all; he still has this alluring, curly smile, comma hair, bright eyes, and a high-pitched voice. No one can tell he's already thirty and a father of two.

"Baekhyun here already met my wife this morning! Right, Baekhyun?"

"Oh, you did?" Chanyeol asks, turning to Baekhyun.

"Yup. She's amazing."

Baekhyun steps aside as he lets the two gentlemen have their own moment.

"Come, Chanyeol. Let me introduce you to her! Hey, honey~! This is the friend I was telling you about. Remember, Park Chanyeol?"

"Oh. Hello, Ma'am! Are those your little ones? The kids playing in our gaming hall?"

To entertain himself and not feel alone, Baekhyun joins Sehun and their other colleagues in the food section, gobbling up some snacks and drinks. He feels proud that Sehun is getting along quite well with the people in the company. Sehun even personally knows the SMsoft Holdings CEO. He's surpisingly a man with lots of connections.

Among the busy atmosphere though, Baekhyun keeps watching the way Chanyeol and Jongdae interact on the corners of his eyes.

"Chanyeol, Baekhyun! Over here!"

The trio shortly reunite during dinner. It is held in a samgyupsal restaurant where the whole building is rented by the company to accommodate all employees and staff. Jongdae purposely chooses a comfy table for them three so that they can sit down all together and catch up with each other's lives. Alcohol and meat are served and they're ready to dig in.

"But honestly! I expected that you two would be working together in the same company. My guts didn't betray me," Jongdae says while grilling the first batch of meat, "Turns out you barely separated since high school, huh? Is this really fate? Haha."

"And I didn't expect you to work in the corporate field. I thought you'd pursue your dream as a professional singer," Baekhyun says, reminiscing about the past when Jongdae used to sing at the school's festival. "You still got that golden voice?"

"Of course! I'm singing at weddings now! I actually sang at my own wedding."

Thank you, Chanyeol mutters to the waitress who served the utensils and side dishes. It's an automatic response of his body to prepare Baekhyun's food while Baekhyun does nothing but wait. Chanyeol lays out Baekhyun's rice bowl, spoon, and chopsticks, serving him some water as well.

You want the meat a bit crispy?

Yeah, but not too burnt...

Okay. Then, how about this sauce?

Just a little. That's spicy, right?

Jongdae can do nothing but stare at the cheesy sight in front of him. Chanyeol even wipes a smear on the side of Baekhyun's lips using his thumb. He smiles. It's like watching a married couple interact in their own little world.

Should I add some garlic on your wrap?

Nope. You know I hate it.

Okay. Hand me the lettuce.

This one?

"I could sing at your wedding," Jongdae freely says, letting it slip out of his mouth.

Chanyeol and Baekhyun both look at him before saying in sync:

"I don't have a girlfriend." / "I'm single."

"I mean your wedding!" Jongdae says with extra conviction. "Aren't you guys already engaged? I think I saw your picture before. Was it that one Junmyeon sent me a long time ago?"

"Wait, how'd you know Junmyeon?" Chanyeol and Baekhyun ask in unison.

"He's my cousin, Kim Junmyeon! Oh, shit. So it really was you guys?! I thought you just resembled them! So you two my friends are the famous gay couple, CHANBAEK!"

Baekhyun coughs out what he's chewing into his plate, immediately drinking his water. Chanyeol is stunned and speechless, blushing furiously. Kim Jongdae really needs to shut his mouth. That herpes rumor in high school probably started because of him, who knows?

"Wait, did I get it all wrong? You guys aren't engaged?" Jongdae gasps, staring at the two flustered gentlemen. "Let alone a couple???" He stares longer at the taller. "Chanyeol, until now, you still haven't confessed to your first love yet!?"

Chanyeol is quick enough (or probably not) to stuff Jongdae's mouth with a lettuce wrap.

"HERE, KIM JONGDAE, YOU FUCKING ASSHOLE--Yum. Eat that! You still look hungry!"

"Wait, tell me more!" Baekhyun exclaims, holding Jongdae's arm and shaking it, "Continue what you were about to say."

"About what?"

"About Chanyeol's first love. Who is it?"

Chanyeol flashes a panicked and frightened reaction at Jongdae. No, please, don't say anything! Seeing that, Jongdae's amused and teasing expression gradually turns into a sad and worried one.

"You-you really don't know, Baekhyun?"

Silence follows. The noise of chattering in the background, the sound of clanking utensils, and the crackle of grilling meat all become louder. Tension starts building up while no one speaks.

Baekhyun releases Jongdae.

"N-nevermind."

Chanyeol then stands up.

"I'll just go to the bathroom."

Oh, no. I just went cameo and I think I ruined something, Jongdae says in his mind. He pours a shot of soju for himself and drinks it bottoms up.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to make things uncomfortable."

Baekhyun blankly zones out at the opened door Chanyeol left behind. What's wrong with him. Why did he just leave like that?

"It's okay. Chanyeol must be a bit sensitive about that topic."

"Baekhyun. I promise I won't judge you or anything. But will you tell me the truth? Is there really nothing special going on between you and Chanyeol?"

"No. We're not like that, Jongdae. You know what we are."

"But I found out Chanyeol was bi when we were 18 so I thought you two might be a thing now. I thought you worked it out. Sorry for assuming stuff."

Baekhyun pauses.

"What? You knew? All this time?"

"You see, I asked Chanyeol about it in high school. He confirmed it. I was probably the first one to know."

"For real?"

"Yeah. So now, seeing you and Chanyeol again, I really thought you two have been seeing each other since college," Jongdae explains, "And I'm sure everyone around you also thinks that you guys are dating."

"We are not dating."

"But still. Even if you two are not, you and Chanyeol aren't just friends, man. You're definitely more than that. It's been that way for 12 years. Don't you still realize it?"

Baekhyun isn't able to respond immediately. His words are stuck in his throat and his voice won't come out. Why can't he strongly deny the accusation unlike before?

I swear to god, Chanyeol and I might be close but we're not really dating.

Nah. We're best friends since we were 18.

What're you talking about? We're not in that kind of relationship. I'm straight.

Couple? Hell, no. We're just good friends.

Why can't Baekhyun just blurt that out? Did something really change? Is there something special going on between him and Chanyeol now? This is so confusing.

Aside from that, the fact that the other three people Chanyeol was talking about in the past who knew about his secret was Jongdae, Baekeom, and Kyungsoo, and him being the last one is just saddening.

He's the closest person to Chanyeol for what?

"Hey, are you okay?" Jongdae asks, peeking at Baekhyun's glum face. "You don't have to respond if you can't."

"I don't know," Baekhyun mutters, sighing deeply. He shakes his head and massages his pulsating temples, "Man, I really don't know anymore..."

"A piece of friendly advice. I think you guys should talk."

"Yeah. Maybe we should. Again."

They waited for the Bosses to all go home before they could leave the restaurant. It's the other way around now; Baekhyun is the one driving while Chanyeol, who didn't bring his car, is sitting in the passenger's seat. While driving, Baekhyun opens the sunroof of his car so that they can bask in some fresh breeze while traveling the highway in silence.

Chanyeol's mind has been preoccupied ever since they left the restaurant so he didn't notice them finally arriving in front of his condominium several minutes later. It was only after Baekhyun took the car to the building's parking lot and stopped the engine that Chanyeol came back to reality.

"We're here," Baekhyun states. Peeking at Chanyeol's face amidst the dim lights of his car, he adjusts himself forward and leans over the steering wheel. "Chanyeol."

Chanyeol turns away to unclasp his seatbelt.

"Yeah?"

"I don't think I wanna go home tonight."

Chanyeol pauses, hearing that alarming sentence. Warily, he glances at Baekhyun who's staring at him dead serious in the eyes.

"Let me stay over at your place."

Baekhyun tilts his head and offers him a charming smile.

"Can I come up with you?"

While in hysterical mode, Chanyeol is hastily frolicking all over his messy living room, trying to put away every stuff he spots disorganized. Baekhyun is waiting outside his unit after being told to spare five minutes so that Chanyeol could "tidy up" his home in a rush. Baekhyun insists Chanyeol doesn't have to, but Chanyeol says it won't take long.

"Wait, is this shirt clean!?"

Chanyeol deems to shove all the scattered pieces of clothing he finds into the laundry basket. He picks up the trash lying around the floor and makes sure his couch and bedroom are 'innocent enough' to the eyes.

Why did even Baekhyun randomly think of sleeping over? The last time Baekhyun was here was when he had his breakup so Chanyeol doubts the man would still wanna invite himself over in this place ever again.

"Come in, make yourself at home. Apologies for the long wait."

"No worries. Sorry for the bother."

Chanyeol at last opens the door, ushering Baekhyun to the spotless couch. Baekhyun humbly steps inside the spacious abode, takes off his coat, and glances around the impossibly spick-and-span living room.

"I'll take a shower first," Baekhyun mutters, casually undoing his necktie and unbuttoning his shirt in front of Chanyeol, "Let me borrow your clothes."

"S-sure thing. I'll bring you some pajamas."

"Thanks."

Fucking hell. Is this a dream, Chanyeol mutters to himself while walking back and forth to calm himself down. Baekhyun's literally taking a shower in his bathroom and it's making his nervous system go berserk.

There's no way something's gonna happen tonight, right? This situation is pure, normal, and without malice. It has no hidden motive. As his best friend, Baekhyun's just trying to spend time with him like the old times. He's here to hang out and sleep over. They're just gonna play video games until midnight, that's all.

"Damn, he's coming after me, Baekhyun! Hurry, back me up!"

"I'm out of ammo! Shoot, he's right behind you!"

"Don't worry, I'm not gonna let that guy get near our base."

Chanyeol doesn't know if it's a relief or what. They really played games all night.

"Fuck, I'm dead...!"

"Argh! Nooo!"

Frustrated, Baekhyun throws the game controller into the other side of the couch. They've been gaming for three hours nonstop. How can time fly so fast?

"So. Should we go to bed already?" Chanyeol asks, turning off the TV. "We still have work tomorrow."

Baekhyun agrees. Thinking for a short moment, he perches his elbow on top of the sofa and rests his chin on his hand. He faces Chanyeol beside him and stares as if he was deeply scrutinizing the man.

"Hey, are you free this weekend?"

Chanyeol pauses, unable to reply fast. The way Baekhyun is looking at him in a calculating manner sends different emotions into his heart. Excitement, worry, happiness, and fear--they're lingering deep within, pushing and pulling him across this line of ambiguity he and Baekhyun have.

Where did his confident side go? Now that Baekhyun looks nowhere near fooling around, why does Chanyeol feel like being drowned by these raging feelings he can't control?

"Let's go on a trip together," Baekhyun says when Chanyeol still doesn't say anything. "Anywhere's fine."

"Are you saying it's a trip with just us two?"

"Yup. Just us two."

"Like in Copenhagen?"

"Like in Copenhagen."

Trying to calm down his racing heart, Chanyeol ends up smiling, getting reminded of that very precious short time he had with Baekhyun in Denmark.

"Then, can we go camping on a private island and swim in the sea?"

"Sure, let's do that. And then, we'll talk," Baekhyun says. There is firmness in his voice as though he is sure of what to say. "Like, for real."

"W-what kind of talk?" Chanyeol asks, his voice croaking. "Aren't we already talking?"

"Not this kind of talk. Do you know what talk I want it to be?" Baekhyun asks back.

"I don't know. Maybe about work?" Chanyeol tries. "Or maybe about our families?"

"Nope. Try again."

It costs a reasonable amount of pause before Chanyeol responds. A hint of certainty inside of him grows now that Baekhyun isn't refusing to look away. Perhaps, this is the moment Chanyeol has been hoping for. Perhaps, this is the chance he's been yearning for, while Baekhyun--Baekhyun must be just waiting for it to come out of Chanyeol's own mouth.

"Should we talk about us?" Chanyeol asks. "Should we talk about how I truly feel?"

Not speaking for another couple of seconds, Baekhyun tries to read Chanyeol's mind and absorb his thoughts, before reciprocating the honest smile Chanyeol is giving him. It's like a silent declaration between them that Baekhyun finally heard what he wants.

He hums and nods at Chanyeol. "Yeah. Let's talk about us. Let's talk about your feelings." As if he wasn't finished, he maintains his heavy stare at Chanyeol and notes the subtle twitch the man did in the corner of his lips, indicating a gentle smirk.

That flirtatious expression probably did something to Baekhyun deep-down, who knows.

"This weekend, right?" Chanyeol asks again, just to make sure.

"Yup. This Saturday and Sunday."

Gone will be the days Chanyeol will stay behind the line. For over a decade now, he's been seeing himself standing behind an imaginary line between him and Baekhyun. Whenever he tried to go past it, he'd feel afraid that he'd trip over and fall.

But tonight will be different, as he decides to lift his foot and step forward.

After all, Baekhyun has now turned around to look at him, waiting for him to cross over and walk towards his direction.

"Baekhyun. How about we play a game?"

Baekhyun laughs at how random that idea is coming from the other man.

"What kind of game?"

Chanyeol pretends to think.

"I know this is kinda childish but let's play Two Truths and One Lie."

Baekhyun simply shrugs.

"Try me."

"You go ahead first. Tell me two truths and one lie about yourself."

"Okay. Let's see... My name's Baekhyun. I hate spicy food. I love playing online games. And I'm 186 cm tall."

"Hey, isn't that me?"

"No, that's me."

"The last one's obviously a lie. You're literally 174 centimeters!"

"I gave it away. Tell yours now."

"Alright, then. Here it goes."

Chanyeol coughs. Ahem!

"I'm Chanyeol. And you, Baekhyun, are my first kiss. You're my first love. And you're my best friend."

Hearing all of those phrases combined, Baekhyun admits it made his tummy feel butterflies. There's something in how Chanyeol locks eyes with him that made his heart tremble. Must be his voice laced with sincerity as he says that. Must be his stare sprinkled with longing as he smiles. Must be both.

"Are you sure there are two truths and one lie in what you said?"

"Yes."

Definitely, it tingles and burns somewhere in his chest, the way Chanyeol is focusing his gaze at him right now. Baekhyun is about to speak a word when Chanyeol holds up a finger to his mouth, shutting him up.

"Shh! Don't say it yet. Tell me your answer this weekend. Let's see if you got it right."

Another significant pause arises. Again, they only look at each other as though their meaningful eyes are doing the talking. The silence is too loud it could make them deaf.

After a bit of contemplation, Chanyeol bravely reaches for Baekhyun's wrist and feels his pulse. It must be divine intervention when he suddenly got the courage to open Baekhyun's hand, slot his fingers within the spaces of Baekhyun's palm, and interlace their fingers together.

Now Chanyeol's third wish of holding Baekhyun's hand came true.

"Pfft. Haha," Baekhyun laughs.

The tension in the air breaks.

Baekhyun is the first one to avoid eye contact, shaking his head and bursting into a gentle chuckle he has no control over. He never does something about Chanyeol's gesture, though. As a matter of fact, he even lets Chanyeol pull their clasped hands and rest them on his lap.

"Why're you laughing now, huh?" Chanyeol asks.

"Because you're being weird, why else?" Baekhyun answers.

Seeing Baekhyun cutely laugh has Chanyeol unconsciously chuckling as well. Engrossed with the pretty details of Baekhyun's face, he only fixes his gaze at the other, giving Baekhyun a prolonged, enthralled stare that could melt icebergs. It's as if he'll miss something important if he dares to look away from Baekhyun.

"It's you who's being weird, though," Chanyeol teases. "If only you could see how your eyes are sparkling right now."

"My eyes aren't sparkling," Baekhyun says, "Your eyes are the ones sparkling right now."

"Yeah? I wonder why."

"Stop staring, Chanyeol. And don't smile for no reason."

"I'm not staring. I'm admiring. And I'm not smiling for no reason, either."

"What's the reason, then?"

"Well, this is my face whenever I'm looking at someone special to me."

"Don't joke like that."

"I'm not joking."

"Seriously, you're making me feel... strange."

"Strange, huh? I'm just telling you the truth."

"Shut up. Quit teasing me already!"

"Why? Does this make you feel awkward?"

"Nope. Not awkward at all."

"Are you sure? If you look away from me, you lose."

Are they still holding hands? Yes. Baekhyun even allows Chanyeol to play with his fingertips and compare their palm size difference. Distracted by Chanyeol's cocky smile and intense stare, Baekhyun smacks Chanyeol with a pillow which obviously doesn't hurt.

"Take that!"

"Ouch, Baekhyun... Why would you hit me?"

"Don't flirt with me."

"I'm not flirting with you, babe."

"Argh! You son of a bi-"

"Oops, cursing at me again. Words of Affirmation. Love language!"

It's 12 midnight. It's not raining anymore outside. As their hands keep connected while laughing together and having this nonsense conversation, Baekhyun stays his gaze at Chanyeol just like how Chanyeol deeply looks at him like he was speaking right through his mind and heart.

"I kinda want a new tattoo here on my arm but I'd like it bigger than the rest. What do you think?"

"A new tattoo would look better on your forehead."

"Your name BYUN BAEKHYUN in capslock on my forehead?"

"Pfft. Are you crazy?!"

It gets Baekhyun thinking. Probably something did change between them. So, from now on, he decides to face it head-on. This is Park Chanyeol after all, his 12-year-and still-counting-best-friendㅡor even more than that.

To be continued

(updates every 5th, 15th, and 25th of the month!)