Baekhyun woke up in the morning breathing hard. The ceiling swam and the world felt like it was crashing down on him. For a moment, he out. When he came back to his senses, he groaned. He really had to stop waking up so abruptly. To the side of him, he saw his cat meow and paw at his arm. He swatted it away and decided to deal with the feeding later. Instead, he stared at the ceiling, trying to replay the last moments from yesterday. They were so fuzzy, he couldn't remember if they were part of his dream or if they actually happened. He rubbed his eyes and swung his legs over the edge of his bed. Then he stood up and headed to the bathroom.

As he walked out of his room, he heard quiet humming from the kitchen. He made a detour and walked to the living room where he could peek around the corner to see who was in his house. It wasn't much of a shock when he saw the familiar flaming red hair moving about. Chanyeol seemed to be making something. Baekhyun laughed to himself and went back to the bathroom.

Once finished cleaning up and changing, Baekhyun walked back out and into the kitchen. Chanyeol, in fact, was making a lettuce, meat, and cheese sandwich. It seemed to be part of a lunch. An orange, yogurt, and sautéed vegetables in a tin sat next to each other on the counter near a bag. Upon seeing the items, Baekhyun realized Chanyeol had gone out and bought them. He certainly hadn't gotten fresh produce the last time he went to the store.

“Why are you making a lunch?” was the first thing that came out of Baekhyun’s mouth that morning.

Chanyeol didn't look up and continued his making of the sandwich. “Because you can't keep having Starbucks grilled cheese.”

“It has whole wheat bread,” Baekhyun protested, not too passionately.

Chanyeol gave him an unamused look and put the last piece of bread on the sandwich. He then put it in a ziplock bag and began to put the other lunch items in a larger bag. When he was done, he handed it to Baekhyun.

“I have to meet with Jack and a few other superiors today… but I was wondering if you'd want to eat dinner together,” Chanyeol said this all while avoiding Baekhyun’s eyes.

“It depends on how far I get,” Baekhyun said truthfully, although he would've loved to.

Chanyeol nodded. “Then you better get going. I'll clean up here.”

“But you don't have a key to lock up.”

Chanyeol face palmed. “Right. I guess I'll just…” He began to wipe crumbs off of the counter and throw them into the trash. Baekhyun laughed. Despite Chanyeol’s confident demeanor, he was pretty awkward in certain situations. Baekhyun added that to a list of things that Chanyeol seemed to do attractively -- not that he was making a list or anything…

*** The List ***

1. Wearing sweats

2. Stuffing his mouth with food

3. Having to go to the bathroom really badly (reference first encounter)

4. Height

5. Singing

6. Being good at basically everything

7. Being awkward

While Chanyeol cleaned the kitchen, Baekhyun fed his cat. When both were done with their job, Chanyeol followed Baekhyun out of the apartment. He waited while Baekhyun locked the door and they were on their way.

***

Baekhyun returned home and checked his phone. It was pretty late already. At Starbucks, he tried to really buckle down and crank out at least two chapters. It was much easier said than done, though. He was tired to continually getting a writer’s block and feeling as though everything that he put down on the page was crap. In fact, he even scrapped more than a few pages. Even though he was already on chapter thirty-four, he knew his editor would cut at least half.

He sighed and was about to go into the shower when his phone lit up. It was a text from Chanyeol. He was asking if there was still time to hang out. Apparently, Chanyeol had a plan for that night, despite it being 12:00am. Baekhyun smiled and replied with “Of course.”

Minutes later, Chanyeol appeared in Baekhyun’s doorway, breathless and holding a large backpack. He wore dark pants, a sweater, and his hair was styled up. When Baekhyun saw him, he couldn't help but gape at how handsome he looked. Then he looked down at himself. He wore sweats and a t-shirt.

“Oh, wow, are we going anywhere fancy? I can go change real fast., Baekhyun said, turning on his heel.

“Baek, you're fine. Nothing is open.”

“Then… Where are we going? The only thing open is McDonald's,” Baekhyun frowned. Chanyeol was dressed much too nice for McDonald's.

“No, no, just grab your phone and let's go,” Chanyeol looked extremely happy. He was bouncing on his toes and constantly checking his watch. Baekhyun shrugged, grabbed his phone, and slipped it in his pocket. With one last look behind him, and a quick goodbye to his cat, they headed downstairs and out the building. Outside, cars whizzed by. The sidewalk in front of the apartment building was extremely busy with everyone rushing home. A few times, Baekhyun and Chanyeol ran into other people. On the street, Baekhyun recognized Chanyeol’s car and watched Chanyeol go to the driver’s side. He opened the passenger seat and hopped in. When he shut the door, Chanyeol started the car and pulled into the traffic.

The first section of the car ride wasn't too bad. Traffic moved swiftly towards the highway. Most of the time waiting was filled with mindless chatter and the low hum of the radio. The second half, however, was almost unbearable. There wasn't anything to watch out of the window; just open fields and cars. Baekhyun’s eyelids were dropping and eventually, he fell asleep.

By the time the car stopped, it was 2:00am. Chanyeol gently shook Baekhyun awake and ushered him out of the car. They stood in front of a gigantic field. Baekhyun blinked the sleep out of his eyes and turned to Chanyeol.

“What are we doing here?” Baekhyun yawned.

“Eating.” Chanyeol shook the backpack. “Follow me.”

Baekhyun shrugged and followed Chanyeol to the middle of the field. Then, Chanyeol took out a blanket from the backpack and laid it out. He sat down and patted the spot next to him. Baekhyun obliged and sat. Around them, crickets chirped and the occasional firefly flickered its tail. Next to him, Chanyeol laid down and pointed to the sky. Baekhyun tilted his head back and gasped. The dark sky was covered with twinkling stars. The Milky Way shone bright and he picked out a few constellations. When he saw a shooting star, he closed his eyes for a moment.

“What did you wish for,” Chanyeol asked.

Baekhyun opened his eyes and looked at Chanyeol. He looked for probably longer than he should have, just taking in Chanyeol’s features. They seemed so peaceful, the way his jaw was relaxed. He looked at Chanyeol’s eyes and saw the sky reflected in them. A blush grew on his cheeks when he looked away. At least it was dark.

“Just for,” Baekhyun swallowed and drew his knees to his chest, “Just for a good year.” He laughed. “Pretty cliché.” It was a complete and utter lie, though. The actual wish consisted of Chanyeol never leaving his side, even just as friends. He could deal with that. Never once did he want that warm smile, sparkling eyes, and energetic personality to leave him. At this moment, Chanyeol was like the sun in his life, and they hadn't even known each other for that long. To Baekhyun, it felt like years.

Chanyeol hummed in reply. Then he sat up and opened the backpack. He pulled out sandwiches, a container of fruit, and a slice of cake. He set them out in front of them and handed Baekhyun one of the sandwiches. It was a toasted ciabatta roll with lettuce spilling out the sides, meat, cheese, and mayonnaise. Compared to everything Baekhyun had been eating the past few months, this was the healthiest thing he had eaten in a long time.

“Wow, did you make all of this,” Baekhyun asked, taking a bite.

“Yes and no. I bought the cake. Baking isn't a forte of mine.”

Baekhyun laughed. Chanyeol laughed, too. It wasn't very funny, Baekhyun thought, it was somehow very charming. Maybe it was because Chanyeol took the time to plan the “dinner,” of sorts, and do everything but make the cake. Perhaps it was because of the way Chanyeol sounded a little embarrassed by the fact he couldn't bake. Either way, Baekhyun found it amusing.

When the laughter died off, the two ate all of the packed food in silence. Not having anything to talk about was not the reason for the quiet. It was because neither wanted to ruin the serenity of the moment. With the stars winking down on them, the moon but a sliver of white in the sky, and the occasional shooting star, it was so beautifully tranquil. After eating, they shoved the trash into the bag and laid down on the blanket. Still, there were no words that passed between them.

Instead, Baekhyun just closed his eyes and inhaled the fresh air. He couldn't remember the last time he breathed such clean air. His family wasn't big on trips, and they had always lived in a quite populated area. After he moved to the city, he grew accustomed to the thicker air of people, car exhaust, and humidity. Even where his parents lived, in a more suburban area, had fresher air. But never before had he breathed in countryside air. The smell of grass and flowers filled his senses. It was absolutely wonderful.

“It's kind of terrifying,” Chanyeol said suddenly. “To think we’re just tiny specks of dust compared to the whole universe.”

Baekhyun shifted his head and looked at Chanyeol, who was staring at the stars with a faraway look. He couldn't help but stare.

“We go about our days and do what we do, but why,” Chanyeol continued. “What is the point of being successful, getting a job, and of falling in love?”

Baekhyun felt his heart constrict. Was Chanyeol a person who stayed away from romance and dating? Hopefully not. Even if he did, Baekhyun knew he wouldn't have a chance anyway. It was just a shame that someone so amazing, so full of life, so perfect, would go through life alone. No one would enjoy his company as his significant other, just as a close friend. Baekhyun hoped to be that close friend.

“We worry about such tiny things, but sometimes, those things can take over our lives. The media is so focused on body image, some people are obsessed with money, others strive to get their name out there. In reality, we should just let go and be carefree. We should do what we want without fear of failure. It's easier said than done, I know.” Chanyeol returned Baekhyun’s burning gaze. “Baekhyun, do you fear failure?” His voice was soft.

“Yes, everyday,” Baekhyun whispered. When Chanyeol didn't say anything, Baekhyun swallowed and continued on. “I'm terrified of failing my job. What will happen when the books with my short stories stop selling? Will I end up in my parents’ basement for an indefinite amount of time? Will I be homeless? I wish I could predict the future, to prevent my own downfall, but I take it day by day and hope that I'm still paid.” He didn't really know why he was saying this all of a sudden to someone he knew for about a week. Not even his parents know.

Suddenly, Chanyeol started laughing to himself. “Is it weird to say I'm afraid of failure, too?”

“No,” Baekhyun replied. “Well, maybe a little. I guess it is. You're an extremely successful photographer. You play every instrument known to mankind, you sing, and even were searched out by companies. You have a social life. You know everyone in this city, it seems. All I have are… failed friendships.”

“How?”

“If I knew, I would tell you.”

“You're amazing, Baekhyun. If anyone tells you otherwise, tell me and I'll set them straight.”

Baekhyun laughed and smiled at the stars. He hoped the dark hid his blush. “Oh goodness, no.”

“Baekhyun, in the week that I've known you, you're the most enjoyable person to be around out of everyone here. You're quiet, you're polite, you don't want anything from me. You… you're silent support.” Chanyeol turned his head, and it of the corner of his eye, Baekhyun could see the wide smile that stretched across his face. “I won't be a failed friendship.”

Before Baekhyun could respond, Chanyeol’s phone buzzed. It was an alarm. They had been there for an hour and a half already. It was way past the time they should be sleeping. Neither cared, though. As they walked back to the car, they bumped shoulders. Each time, they would look at each other, laugh softly, and continue walking. Occasionally their hands brushed and Baekhyun wondered if Chanyeol would ever want to hold his hand as badly as Baekhyun wanted to hold Chanyeol’s. The only time they had held hands was on the way back from the party. Baekhyun was half asleep and Chanyeol knew it had been a rough night. It was a reassuring hand. It was probably something friends did all the time, Baekhyun thought and sighed internally as he stepped into the car.

When Baekhyun returned to his apartment door, he turned around before turning the key. Chanyeol was standing there, waiting for Baekhyun to enter so he could bid him a goodnight -- good morning; it was 6:00am. Baekhyun inhaled and looked Chanyeol directly in his eyes. Oh boy what a mistake that was. The brown eyes looked at him with such care that Baekhyun felt like he could have melted right then and there. He was reminded of when Chanyeol’s eyes had reflected the stars.

“Is everything ok,” Chanyeol asked.

“Yeah -- yeah, I'm fine. I just… Thank you for… that.” Baekhyun cringed internally. He had a whole speech in his head about how grateful he was for Chanyeol. All that came out, though, was a wimpy excuse for a thank you. But Chanyeol looked satisfied.

“Anytime, Baekhyun,” Chanyeol said as Baekhyun opened the door. “Sleep well. If you need anything, just call me.”

With that, Baekhyun nodded, stepped inside, and slammed the door. His heart was beating in his throat. The more he got to know Chanyeol, the more perfect he became. Just talking to him was like talking to a god. How he ever became close with someone so radiant and flawless was a mystery to him. He smiled to himself and thought of all the things Chanyeol had said about him when they were sitting on the blanket. Chanyeol looked sincere when he said those words, and it made Baekhyun feel warm and tingly inside.

As Baekhyun observed his house, not completely focusing on anything in particular, a fuzzy, white blob appeared and made a desperate mewling sound. It was probably because he had forgotten to feed the animal before he went off with Chanyeol to have a late night picnic. Baekhyun sighed and got out the cat food. When he finished pouring it, he heard his 6:15am alarm. He groaned. Although the picnic was wonderful, he didn’t get any sleep, save for the ride back, but that was not enough to get him through a full day. He sighed. Well, here we go again.

The next few weeks, Baekhyun. Became extremely crunched for time. His editor has called and started to demand that he finish the book because the deadline for his manuscript moved to an earlier date due to some complications. Baekhyun was running on pure caffeine. He rarely saw Chanyeol, or even texted him. Most days he was in such a rush to get to Wi-Fi that he just left his phone on the charger. The only time Baekhyun texted Chanyeol was to tell him where he would hide the keys to his apartment so that Chanyeol could feed the cat. Baekhyun worked almost twenty-four hours.

When he finally finished the last word of the draft, he shut his computer at 1:00pm on a Tuesday and left the Starbucks swiftly. He almost ran home if it weren't for his lack of true energy. The minute he stepped past his door of this bedroom, he flopped on his bed and completely crashed. No shower, no changing out of clothes. Those didn't even cross his mind. All he could think about was how grateful he was for being able to sleep for more than twelve hours. It would take a few days and up to two weeks for his editor to read over the manuscript. Sometimes being a writer had its perks.

Waking up, the first thing he saw was a figure moving about the room. His vision was blurry from sleep, though, and the word “intruder” went off in his mind like an alarm. But once he saw a blob of fiery red on top of the tall person, he relaxed. It was only Chanyeol. What was he doing in Baekhyun’s room, though? Curious now, Baekhyun sat up with a groan. He suddenly felt light headed, and for a moment, he out.

“Don't wake up too fast,” Chanyeol said and stood in front of Baekhyun.

Baekhyun shook his head and leaned against the headrest. “What are you doing here, Chanyeol,” He asked.

“I was feeding your cat and noticed you were home.”

“How long was I out?”

“Not sure, but it’s 11:00pm right now.”

Ten hours. Not exactly twelve, but it was better than what he had been getting. It definitely paid off physically. He felt much more energized and ready to face whatever life threw at him. Ok, that was an overstatement, but he certainly felt that way. He swung his legs over the bed and hurried off to the bathroom. Hopefully he didn't look too horrendous. That meant Chanyeol had seem him in a completely vulnerable and ugly state. How embarrassing.

Well, all those hopes were crushed when Baekhyun looked in the mirror.  His hair stuck up in every direction, there were intense dark circles under his eyes, his clothes were wrinkled and it looked like he was aged through hell and back. That wasn't far from the truth, though. The demon of writing had smashed his face against the infamous writer’s block, and then dragged him through the mud. It couldn't get much worse than that if you were a writer. Baekhyun tore his eyes away from his atrocious reflection. He definitely had to fix it. So, he the shower, stripped, and hopped in. Showers always did the trick, at least for his hair.

When he was out of the shower, he found Chanyeol sitting on his couch with a bag of chips and a movie . It was a Harry Potter movie. It seemed Chanyeol somehow knew the third movie was his favorite. Chanyeol motioned for Baekhyun to join him -- which he did. As they sat there, movie blaring the theme song and colors flashing across the screen, Chanyeol leaned into Baekhyun’s shoulder. Now they had full arm in arm contact, and Baekhyun was trying to keep it together. His heart was beating in and out of his ribcage.

Halfway through the movie, Chanyeol’s phone rang. He groaned and pulled it from his pocket. As he stood up, the warmth left Baekhyun’s side, and he frowned. Then he picked up the remote and paused the movie. He turned his head to watch Chanyeol walk over to the window, looking out at the city below.

“Jack, this is the tenth call in the past twenty-four hours.”

There was a pause.

“Really? I mean, I can ask but -- I don't know -- I don't think… Ok, ok, if I do, will you stop bugging me?” Chanyeol laughed into the phone with sarcasm dripping from his voice. “Yeah, I'll text you.” He hung up and pocketed his cell phone again. Then he walked back over to the couch and sat down.

“What was that about,” Baekhyun asked.

“Jack… He wanted to know if -- this will sound really odd -- you wanted to model for an upcoming photo shoot.”

“What? Why?” Baekhyun motioned to himself. “This body is not model material.”

Chanyeol muttered something under his breath, then looked at Baekhyun. “Just come for a day. If you don't like the pictures, we can always find someone else, but Jack has been bugging me about it since he met you. I didn't really want to bring it up because I know you're a bit uncomfortable in social situations.” Chanyeol scratched the back of his neck. “You don't have to, though. Don't let his enthusiasm push you into doing something you're not comfortable with.”

“I…” Baekhyun fiddled with his fingers. Maybe doing a bit of modeling with a professional photographer would give him a confidence boost the mirror never did. “I'll… I'll think about it.”

Chanyeol nodded and sat back down on the couch. “You'd do great.” He smiled and Baekhyun swooned. The amount of genuine support just washed over Baekhyun and he couldn't help but smile back, but only slightly.

A/N: It's midnight, I'm up writing fan fiction. Someone help me get my life together. Secondly, super sorry for the late updates. I got caught up being productive in a) drawing b) organizing my life for the upcoming school year! If there's anything you guys would like to see from these two guys in the future, tell me! I really need some inspiration... TT^TT I will forever be in your debt.

Lastly, and probably the most important to reach my goals (please read!):

Please go support me on my Instagram page wen__jiang! There, I upload drawings that I do. I try to post as frequently as possible, and I'm also trying to get enough of a following to start commissioning. Recently, I've been working hard trying to understand digital art, drawing in general, and I'm ready to start doing some things to help prep me for my career choice (looking into animation, illustration). I feel like by the time I get enough people to follow me, I'll be ready to start commissions. My current goal is 1k followers. I would appreciate it and be forever in your debt if you could support me, spread the word, anything really. It would help me greatly. If you want, I could open requests, too, if you're looking for some fanart or have an idea in mind that you want visualized.