"I love you."

The words that Junmyeon heard so often from the other rang a new tune in his ear. He had been so used to hearing Baekhyun say this to him, and he had been used to casually saying it back like it was nothing. Why, why all of a sudden did it feel so different? Why was his stomach churning with nervousness and anxiety? What was happening? He could barely think straight or breathe for that matter, he couldn't make sense of anything.

"You don't love me."

Before he could even think he had uttered the unthinkable. He knew, in the back of his head where his brain was still functioning and not on a constant buffer loop, that those words would pierce Baekhyun's heart if this was true. If this was true. Could it be? Baekhyun said those words all the time to him, but this time he could tell that it wasn't just a friendship love that was being expressed, there was something more to it. 

Standing there in the practice room, his hand planted firmly on the sky wallpaper to keep himself upright, exhausted from the practice, having stayed behind with Baekhyun - who had become incredibly skilled in his dancing - to go over the Monster choreography together before the filming of the practice the next day, Junmyeon stared at the smaller man in front of him, bewildered but also apologetic. Baekhyun wasn't as small anymore, his shoulders had clearly broadened from his efforts to develope some muscular definition for the fans, the same way Junmyeon himself had beefed up when he had started working hard on his body months before. He hadn't truly taken note of the change in body composition of the other, but this confession was forcing him to see Baekhyun in a different light, and he wasn't sure at all how he should feel about it.

Baekhyun on the other hand, had always taken note of the subtle changes in Junmyeon week by week. Having secretly identified as biual all this time, Junmyeon at first hadn't appealed much to Baekhyun, though he had considered the elder quite handsome. His physicality, once it had grown more muscular, had alerted him to Junmyeon in the light of attraction, of ual desire. Once Baekhyun had noticed him that way, he started paying more attention, having loved Junmyeon previously as his hyung. The lines between hyung and romance blurred and soon enough, by the time Exolution had wrapped up, Baekhyun was completely and utterly enamored on him. Sometimes he couldn't even breathe properly around him.

When his hyung had asked him to stay back to practice just the two of them, and had gone further to compliment Baekhyun's dancing and how he's improved so much he couldn't help but feel vulnerable. His hyung was looking at him, at the way his body moved, how his movements had become more fluid... Could there be a chance Junmyeon was feeling what Baekhyun was? The hope that had sparked in him had drawn the confession out of him like a crazy monkey rattling it's cage, screaming to be let out. Baekhyun let the monkey out, and boy did it sting.

"I do... I do love you. I love you more than I can say, hyung--" He bit his lip, choking back a whimper. He wanted to cry, to run away and hide, to smack himself for being so stupid and giving himself false hope. Now things would be awkward within the group and it was all his fault.

"But.. You can't. You.. You like girls, you were with Taeyeon. This doesn't make any sense." Junmyeon's confusion was only deepening, the ability to hold his tongue paralyzed for the time being.

"I like both.. I'm bi hyung. Please believe me." If only he could stop himself. If he didn't he'd be sick with anxiety. 

Junmyeon took a moment to try and process the new information. Baekhyun was biual. He supposed that wasn't all too surprising. This was the entertainment industry. Heck look at Kibum from Shinee, he was flamingly homoual. That wasn't totally out of the ordinary, it was the loving of him that was throwing him off.

"... Since when? Has it been all this time?" Asking questions couldn't be making things any better but it was better than not saying anything. Anything was better than silence.

Baekhyun was on the brink of tears, he could feel it, swallowing hard to make sure nothing spilled out but he was sure the elder could tell he was getting emotional. His eyes fluttered some as he shook his head, "no, no it's only been a while now. A few months? Yeah..."

"Then it's not... You don't love me Baekhyun, you can't." It had to be impossible, it just had to be.

Rather than keel over with tears, Baekhyun tapped into his defiant side and found a much stronger voice. Hearing those words come from his hyung's mouth again made him angry more than anything. "Yes I do. I'll prove it to you too. You might not feel the same but you will believe me, because it's the truth. So shut up." With the heated anger flooding through his veins he grabbed his bag, stuffing his waterbottle and hoodie in it and charging out the door, leaving a very guilty Junmyeon in his wake. He was determined to prove it to his love that his feelings were true. The next few weeks would be interesting. 

---

A couple days since the confession had passed but Junmyeon wasn't feeling any better about the new information. He was still having trouble wrapping his head around the idea that Baekhyun was in love with him, and he hadn't even thought about how to handle it once he could bring himself to believe such a thing. He had been sitting in the stylist's chair getting his hair and make-up for the Monster MV done for a couple hours now and had spent the entire time in silence, despite his noona's attempts at getting him to talk. He was too lost in thought over the situation that didn't seem to want to leave his head alone.

The finishing touches on his make-up wounds were being made when none other than Baekhyun walked in to the room, fully dressed and made-up, with the false piercings that, admittedly, made him look unbelievably y. The fans would be dying over this concept, that was for sure. The stylist moved away from his chair, giving Baekhyun the perfect chance to slide in and take her spot, which he did almost immediately. His hands came to rest on Junmyeon's shoulders, his eyes meeting the elder's through the mirror. They hadn't really spoken much since the confession, right now Jumyeon didn't know what to think.

"Hey.." It was slightly awkward but Baekhyun had to say something. His fingers pressed into Junmyeon's shoulders, kneading away the tension he could feel in them. Undoubtedly that tension was caused by him, it was only fair Baekhyun tried to rid him of it too, right?

Junmyeon's eyes wavered under the gaze through the reflective sheet before him, his shoulders melting under Baekhyun's firm touch. He had always been pretty good at massages, it was just what Junmyeon needed... Despite everything he missed Baekhyun. "Hey."

A small smile formed on Baekhyun's lips when he got a response, it was a step forward. Not talking to Junmyeon was way worse than being awkward with him. "You ready for the filming? You look... really good."

"So do you." Oh God, should he not have said that? Did it give some kind of false hope? He wanted to talk to Baekhyun but he didn't know how to go about it now. 

It was clear that Baekhyun was flattered, and somewhat flustered as well, blushing under the layers of make-up on his skin. He cleared his throat, eyes flickering away from his hyung's gaze momentarily. "Ah, thank you... They put eyeliner on me, it always makes me look good."

"You look good without it too." Junmyeon had said this before, on camera. He firmly believed Baekhyun was a lot more attractive than what people gave him credit for. Was that misleading as well? Perhaps Junmyeon was starting to see why Baekhyun had fallen for him... if he had.

"Yah, why are you flattering me so much? Trying to flirt?" A soft chuckle escaped him, but it left a bitter taste in his mouth as the air fell awkward between them. His hands stopped and pulled away from Junmyeon's shoulders, the younger putting some space between them. "You should watch what you say, it gives the wrong impression. Unless you mean it that way. It's cruel to taunt someone in love with you."

Junmyeon was left somewhat speechless as he watchd Baekhyun back off and turn to leave the room. His words echoed in his head, his disbelief over Baekhyun's feelings shrinking some. Only some though, he still wasn't a believer yet.

---

The comeback was turning out to be a bigger success than the boys imagined. Some expected to fall off the charts with NCT debuting but it seemed that EXO was still on top, leaving the boys and especially Junmyeon extremely prideful over it. Now all standing in line for a mini interview on Music Bank, Junmyeon was lined up right behind Baekhyun, the younger man noticeably tense despite the relaxed impression he gave off on camera. Junmyeon could tell he was tense, he knew him way too well not to notice. 

Once Irene asked him a question, Junmyeon put a hand on his shoulder, mimicking the massage he had earlier received from him, trying to relax him. Being a pro, Baekhyun managed to carry on with his answer without a hiccup but he knew whose hand was rubbing out his shoulder and it sent a shiver down his spine. Junmyeon should know better than to tease the poor lovesick puppy like that.

Once the interview was over EXO was brought back to their dressing room, but Baekhyun held Junmyeon out in hall for a moment.

"Why did you do that?" Baekhyun's voice was interrogative, but also weak at the same time, his arms crossing over his chest in an insecure fashion.

"Do what?" Junmyeon was genuinely confused, not knowing what he had done wrong.

"Rub my shoulder!" Baekhyun spat the words out as if they were blatantly obvious. "I almost messed up! You're driving me nuts!"

Baekhyun stormed off to the dressing room after his outburst, feeling the need to cry out his frustration but he held it in for his own sake, not wanting the other members to find out about his feelings for their leader. Junmyeon on the other hand was left staring. Usually him doing a small gesture like that was no problem. Now even the smallest things seemed to set Baekhyun off. It couldn't be... No, it still couldn't be true.

---

After one of their first wins, EXO was given their encore stage to celebrate as always. The group was humbly pleasant about their win, not surprised by it but still grateful for the support from the fans. Junmyeon was always excited to celebrate a win with the fans, but today he found himself completely distracted during the encore performance.

Baekhyun was hovering around him.

Junmyeon had been tossing the younger's words around in his head every day and every night, trying to make sense of them along with his reactions to different situations they were finding themselves in. It was all pointing to the inevitable explanation he had been given but didn't want to believe, and now this scenario was confirming it further, something he didn't want to happen.

As Suho's part in the song came up, he felt Baekhyun's hand slide across his chest, his arms circling around him from behind. The skinship tore him from his thoughts, his voice caught in his throat with the action. It was usually normal for them to show affection, but since he knew of Baekhyun's proclaimed feelings this held new meaning. Someone who loved him was embracing him. If that wasn't overwhelming he didn't know what was.

But Baekhyun wasn't in love with him, no, that couldn't be it. Junmyeon tried to play it off as something normal, not out of the ordinary at all. He forced himself to find his voice in time to sing his part, but it was almost in vain with Baekhyun playfully flapping his suit jackect, and out of the corner of Junmyeon's eye he noticed a possessive and smug look of ownership cross the younger's face. He swallowed hard, feeling his heart rate pick up from how nervous he felt, the beat thudding in his ear.

Maybe he was starting to believe it was true.

---

Junmyeon was really starting to freak out now. His thoughts would not leave him alone, always possessing Baekhyun within them. He was losing sleep over the other, tossing and turning, earning scoldings from Sehun to 'quit it and ing sleep for chrissake'. How could he though? Baekhyun clearly had feelings for him, he couldn't deny that any longer. Whether it was love or not was debatable still, but Baekhyun most certainly had an attraction to Junmyeon that went beyond friendship.

Being guest MCs together again was both a blessing and a curse. It was a blessing because Junmyeon could cling to some normality of them teasing each other and having fun in the way that he's used to. It was a curse, however, because he would be stuck with Baekhyun for a bunch of filming, opening up opportunities for Baekhyun to express his feelings in the subtle way he had been this entire time.

Calm and collected, however, Junmyeon went in to the filmings without a word to Baekhyun, only speaking to him once the camera was rolling. Between takes he could tell Baekhyun wanted to say something, but Junmyeon's demeanor was clear cut, keeping the other shut up and at a distance. He just wanted to let himself enjoy the small nostalgia of before he knew anything about Baekhyun's feelings. It was so much simpler for him then. He missed it.

Baekhyun on the other hand was feeling completely cursed in this arrangement, and the clear cold shoulder Junmyeon was giving him wasn't helping. It hurt to be brushed aside by his hyung. Friendly or romanticly, he was desperate for his hyung's attention, he wasn't getting it though, not easily anyway.

The final recording with all the members was finally up, and Baekhyun decided he would seize this opportunity. As Junmyeon spoke, Baekhyun wrapped himself around Junmyeon, leaning against him, slipping a finger into his belt loop on his pants. He wanted to be close to him, to receive some affection, something! All he received was a very clearly forced smile from the elder. That was it.

Junmyeon was internally screaming at the contact however. It was so intimate, he didn't know what to do with himself. He was hyper-aware of the hand on his hip, that forced smile the only thing keeping him from hyperventilating over the sensual touch. His fingers caused a tickle on his hip, making him squirm once the cameras were finally off. He pulled away immediately, a shiver running down his spine. He was turning into a complete mess over this.

"Would you stop it!?" The outburst came before he could stop himself, the others around them simply staring, Baekhyun simply staring at Junmyeon. The leader covered his mouth with his hand before brushing past him, heading to the dressing rooms to retreat and hide. What else could he do?

Baekhyun was in love with him, and he could no longer deny it.

---

Back at the dorm, Junmyeon headed straight for his bedroom, stripping out of his clothing, jumping into the comfiest clothing he had out, then diving under the covers to just hide. Sehun was out of the room eating or something, said something about going out with Jongin but Junmyeon had barely paid attention, he was too wrapped up in his own thoughts and drama which was very uncharacteristic of him.

He had hoped for solitude and quiet, but it seemed Junmyeon wouldn't be receiving that, hearing the door to his bedroom open and close. There was a presence and he was sure it was Baekhyun standing by the door.

"Hyung.. About today--"

"You love me." 

It was muffled under his blankets but he had finally admitted it out loud. He finally believed it. He was finally seeing it. Junmyeon sat up, coming out from under his blankets, turning stressed, scared eyes on the other. "You love me. I see it now."

Baekhyun grew scared himself, forgetting to breathe for a moment as he processed the words he had just heard. Junmyeon finally believed him, Baekhyun had proven true to his word and had made Junmyeon believe him.

Now what?

Baekhyun didn't know what to say, since he didn't know how Junmyeon felt about him. He had been so set on getting Junmyeon to believe him that he hadn't even thought about how Junmyeon was feeling towards him. All he could do was nod to the other. 

Junmyeon was distraught, completely so. He had his clarity but with it came a whole new world of confusion. What was he supposed to do now? How did he feel about Baekhyun? He had been scared, yes, but he had never reacted in such a way to Baekhyun's affection before. He had lost his breath when Baekhyun had hugged him from behind, he felt a rush when Baekhyun curled up on him earlier that day. Baekhyun's touch was driving him mad. 

Junmyeon reached an arm out, beckoning Baekhyun over to his bed. "Come sleep. We both need rest."

Baekhyun was confused, not knowing what to say or how to take this invitation to sleep together, but he followed the order and went over to his bed, slidding in cautiously under the covers. "What do we--"

Junmyeon pressed his index finger to Baekhyun's lips, quieting him. He slid down, laying next to Baekhyun, wrapping an arm around him, his hand sliding under his shirt to feel his developing abs greedily. Junmyeon had become a fan of Baekhyun's body recently. 

"I love you too."

It came effortlessly from his lips, he hadn't even given the feeling much thought. It just popped out of his mouth, sliding past Junmyeon's self control and exploiting itself. Baekhyun was frozen upon hearing those four little words, his whole world stopping. 

"Y-You.. You love me?"

Junmyeon hesitated, trying to take comfort in the warmth coming from Baekhyun's chest as he made himself so uncomfortably vulnerable. "Yeah.. Yeah I do. You've been driving me nuts."

Junmyeon looked up to Baekhyun, catching his gaze briefly before bringing a hand up to cup his cheek, bringing him in to a small, light little kiss. It was enough to have both their hearts stop, it was enough to change both their worlds completely. Who knew if this would work out, if it would become a long lasting thing. The only thing Junmyeon was certain of was that Baekhyun loved him, he loved Baekhyun, and he finally had some piece of mind.

---

A fluffy oneshot for an EXO ship I've been loving a lot lately. Please upvote, comment and subscribe for more oneshots! Let me know if there are any other EXO ships you'd like to see written for!