❧

Walking out of the kitchen, Jongin's gaze immediately lands on Chanyeol and Baekhyun who are sitting on opposite ends of a (long, very long) couch. Baekhyun has got Vivi in his lap and is in the midst of playing with his fur while Chanyeol is busy polishing the diamonds in his cane with what Jongin assumes is his pocket fold. Neither of them them say a word as they (purposefully, Jongin thinks) avoid each other's gazes. 

It's not until the kitchen door automatically slides closed with a loud slam that Chanyeol and Baekhyun both jump five feet in the air, Vivi scrambling to get out of Baekhyun's lap when the latter lets out a shriek. Both of them turn to look at Jongin who puts his hands up in defense. "It wasn't me, I swear."

Chanyeol only rolls his eyes in irritation before regaining his composure and proceeding to wipe (every possible corner of) his cane again. 

Baekhyun stares at Jongin with a curious look in his eyes. The glint in his eyes only brightens when the kitchen door opens and Sehun walks out, walking up behind Jongin. Baekhyun can't help the squee that escapes his lips when Jongin, unconsciously, reaches for Sehun's hand when the latter moves to stand beside him. "I knew it!"

Jongin shoots Baekhyun a pleading look and awkwardly attempts to hide behind Sehun when Chanyeol looks up and audibly scoffs when his gaze lands on Jongin and Sehun's interlocked fingers. 

Baekhyun clears his throat before pressing his lips together. Mouthing a quick 'sorry', he puts his hands in his lap before smiling up at Sehun and Jongin. "You two are so adorable, I swear to God." Both Jongin and Sehun avert their gazes in the nick of time to see Chanyeol's eyes flash. "You're like, perfect for each other."

Chuckling, Sehun shrugs before giving Jongin's hand a small squeeze, much to Baekhyun's glee. "Thank you."

Jongin nods, doing his best to avoid Chanyeol's intense stare. "Yeah, thanks."

They stand in silence for a few minutes before Sehun speaks up. "Yeol, may I speak with you for a bit?"

Chanyeol visibly tenses before continuing to wipe the head of his cane. Despite the fact that he's trying to keep his cool, both Jongin and Baekhyun can tell that he's on the verge of having a mental breakdown. At least so they think.

When Chanyeol doesn't say anything, much less refuses to even look up, Baekhyun flops onto his back on the couch and softly flicks the sole of Chanyeol's right shoe. The latter flinches and stares at Baekhyun like he's grown a second head.

"Hey," Baekhyun says, "Sehun's talking to you."

Remaining completely stiff for a full minute, Chanyeol blinks before clearing his throat and looking up at Sehun. "Sorry, what?"

"I said, can we talk?" Sehun repeats and crosses his arms over his chest. "Preferably in private."

"About what?"

Jongin fights the urge to roll his eyes. How can someone be so dense.

"Hey," Baekhyun says again, voice almost a whine, "just do as he says."

Chanyeol stares at Baekhyun with an unreadable expression on his face before huffing and proceeding to put his pocket fold away. Grabbing his cane, he stands up and wordlessly makes his way towards Sehun. Jongin does not miss the way Chanyeol brushes against Baekhyun's leg (which is hanging off the side of the couch) when he walks past the latter. 

Jongin instinctively cowers behind Sehun's broad shoulders when Chanyeol stops in front of them - he'd much rather not look the latter in the eye, or at his cane, for that matter. Chanyeol shoots Jongin an 'I-know-you're-avoiding-me' look before looking at Sehun. "So? Shall we?"

Sehun nods slowly before reaching behind him and giving Jongin a reassuring pat on the back. "Yes." Turning around, he whispers a quick 'stay here' to Jongin, who nods in response before skipping off to join Baekhyun on the couch. Shooting Chanyeol a small nod, Sehun walks back into the kitchen with Chanyeol hot on his heels.

~

When the door slides shut, Jongin plops down on the couch and heaves a gigantic sigh. "What's even going on anymore."

Baekhyun nods. "You can say that again."

Sitting up, Jongin proceeds to play with a loose thread on his shirt. "Let's hope they don't kill each other."

"Are you kidding?" Baekhyun sits up as well. "I'll be surprised if they both make it out alive and in one piece."

"On the other hand, they both seem to have their together," Jongin says, "wouldn't you agree?"

Baekhyun shrugs. "Sehun? Yes, Chanyeol?" he quietens down for a little while before speaking again. "Maybe."

"What do you mean, maybe?" Jongin asks before proceeding to remove a piece of dust from Baekhyun's hair. Jesus, he needs to comb his locks, and fast.

"It's just that I don't know him very well," Baekhyun says before shrugging a second time. "He just...seems level-headed."

Jongin snorts. "I don't know about you, but I wouldn't call a dude who spits in people's faces and literally assaults them with his belongings, level-headed."

"Okay, yeah, but." Baekhyun slaps Jongin on the shoulder. "I...don't know. I mean, I get why you don't like him and all, and I understand, definitely, but...I don't know. I really don't." He sighs before his eyes flash. "Hey, are you two a thing again?"

Blinking, Jongin furrows his eyebrows when he sees Baekhyun's ear-to-ear grin. "Uh, you mean me and Sehun?"

"No, you and Chanyeol," Baekhyun says in a sarcastic tone before rolling his eyes. "Of course I mean you and Sehun! Now tell me, are you...you know?"

Jongin stays quiet for a full minute before biting his lip. He honestly doesn't know what to say. "Er, I don't kn-"

"That's a lie and you know it damn good and well," Baekhyun says as a matter-of-factly, snapping his fingers in Jongin's face. "I saw your meek- attempt at trying to hold his hand, how're you gonna deny that?"

"No, seriously." Jongin says in a serious tone. He takes a deep breath before running a hand through his messy hair. "I don't know. He never said the words 'we're together' or asked me about it, so I. Don't. Know. He said we could take it 'nice and slow' if we needed to, which I agreed to. So, so far, so good, I guess."

Baekhyun nods in understanding. "I mean, I get it and all, considering the circumstances. However, you still tried to hold his hand and he seemed perfectly okay with it." He shrugs before lying back down. "What did you guys even talk about in there, if you don't mind me asking?"

Jongin swallows. "Nothing much, really. It was pretty awkward at first but then we kinda just...talked." He lies down next to Baekhyun. "For some reason, I asked if I could hug him and he said yes, and he seemed pretty darn happy about it."

"Obviously," Baekhyun exclaims before letting out a squeal. "He's missed you, I know it! I can and could feel it in my bones!" 

"He actually did say 'I missed you'," Jongin recalls, and suddenly feels his chest swell with happiness. "And I said the same thing."

"Lovebirds," Baekhyun tuts before his eyes flash again. "Hey, did you kiss? Be honest! I'll find out if you're lying, just letting you know!"

Jongin sighs but his lips curl upwards anyway. Same old Baek. "Yeah, we did."

"Like I said, lovebirds," Baekhyun squees. "No but seriously, I'm glad you finally pulled your head out of your , really."

"...thanks, Baek."

"Let me rephrase that," Baekhyun chuckles before sitting up. "I'm glad you got back with him," he says, poking Jongin's chest with each word.

"Stop that, it hurts like hell! And I'm glad I ran into him," Jongin says with a small chuckle. "Honestly, I still can't believe we ended up in the same café. I mean, what are the odds?"

"I know right? I almost didn't believe my eyes when I looked up and saw Sehun standing there with Chanyeol," Baekhyun sighs. "You know, after they scared away those goons. Call it a Christmas miracle, if you will."

Ignoring the fact that Christmas is eight days away, Jongin shudders. "I know. . I should've stuck to the dude in the leather jacket instead." 

"First of all, no you wouldn't," Baekhyun says before sitting up again, "'cause, well, to put it simply, he's no Sehun. And secondly, he left like, three seconds after you went to the bathroom."

"He did? Well, alright then." Jongin grabs a cushion and presses his face in it. He suddenly smacks a hand on his forehead. ", sorry, I just realized I forgot your ing comb at the café. Damn it." 

Baekhyun blinks. At first he doesn't know what Jongin's talking about, but it hits him a second later. "Oh, that. Nah, it's fine. I have plenty at home."

"Not to mention Chanyeol used it, so I'm never touching that again," Jongin snickers and yelps when Baekhyun slugs him on the arm. "Hey, the ?"

Lying on his side, Baekhyun opens his mouth to say something but quickly closes it again. Clearing his throat, he rolls over onto his back again. "Nothing."

Jongin raises an eyebrow in confusion before he suddenly lets out a knowing chuckle. "It's okay, you know."

Shoving his hands in his sweater pockets, Baekhyun hums something in reply. "Hm?"

"I said, it's okay."

Baekhyun closes his eyes. "What's okay?"

Jongin nearly facepalms. Who's the dense one now? "It's okay to admit that you fancy him, I'm not gonna judge you if that's what you're worried about."

"Fancy whom?" Baekhyun stares at Jongin.

"Prince Charming with the Yoda ears," Jongin sniggers. "No seriously, it's okay. Like I said, I won't judge you," he adds and fights the urge to cackle when Baekhyun visibly tenses before blushing. Baekhyun hardly ever blushes.

"I don't like him," Baekhyun croak-garbles before proceeding to smack the pillow that's safely placed on top of Jongin's head. When the latter only chuckles in response, Baekhyun hits him again. "I don't!"

Jongin covers his face with his hands in case Baekhyun decides to take another swing at him. "Sure, sure. Whatever you say."

Baekhyun huffs in annoyance before shoving his hands in his pockets again. A numbing sensation settles in his stomach while he looks up at the (incredibly high) ceiling. "He doesn't like people like me anyway. There's no point." Jongin winces at the sadness in his voice.

"Sehun," Jongin starts and clears his throat, "actually told me Chanyeol isn't used to dating, at all, so maybe that's why he's so...strange?"

"He specifically told the both of us that he despises middle class people," Baekhyun exclaims, "what's him not being used to dating got to do with that?"

Jongin sighs. What on Earth do I say. "Look," he says and plays with his fingers, also looking up at the ceiling. "I don't know if you've noticed, but he stares at you a lot."

Baekhyun shakes his head in disbelief. Most likely judging my clothes and whatnot. "He's probably looking for people to add to his 'middle class men to avoid'-list."

"No, you don't understand," Jongin huffs before sitting up, brown hair falling in his face. "He stares at you in a 'I-like-you' way. You know, come to think of it, his stare perfectly matches the one Sehun had while I talked to him on our first date."

Baekhyun runs a hand across his face. "I...I don't know."

"Sehun said Chanyeol not used to dating, like I said. And as for why he...despises middle class men, I don't know. There must be a reason for it, though. People don't just wake up with a seething hatred towards a certain group of people," Jongin says, playing with his collar. When Baekhyun doesn't say anything, he rolls over. "Point is, he's interested, there's no doubt about it. Hey, for all you know, he might be worried."

"Worried?" Baekhyun turns his head to look at Jongin. "About what?"

"As in, he feels bad about what he said and now he's worried whether you like him or not, considering the fact that he's interested in you. And this is gonna sound super corny, but I'm at least ninety nine percent sure he...how do we put this, fell for you, the second you entered the bathroom. Honestly."

Baekhyun blinks. "Really? You think?"

"Yeah," Jongin says as a matter-of-factly. "He kinda...softened up after that, no pun intended. No but seriously, there was this...weird- look in his eyes whenever he'd talk to you; sometimes he even snuck subtle glances at you. When me and him were alone he was a ing monster, for sure, but the moment you came in, he just...changed. I mean, he was still an arrogant asswipe, no doubt about that, but yeah, I think you understand."

"I barely even know him, though," Baekhyun groans. "This is stupid. Can we talk about you and Sehun instea-"

"Hey, I barely knew Sehun when we met up at the bubble tea shop for the first time," Jongin squawks. "And now look!"

"But that's different," Baekhyun moans, "you and Sehun had been chatting for a solid month before you actually met. I met Chanyeol what; just a few hours ago? You'd known Sehun for a month before you met face to face; you both had had time to get to know and learn a bit about each other, I met Chanyeol today. And it's not like I know him, so to say."

Jongin bites his lip. "Okay, fair enough. But still. This isn't a 'who knows best' competition, you know. Point is, Chanyeol likes you but doesn't know how to say or show it. That's just a theory though."

"Exactly, a theory," Baekhyun huffs. "He might hate my guts for all I know."

They lie on the couch in silence until Jongin opens his mouth to speak. Except he barely even gets a chance to utter a word when a loud banging noise suddenly rings through the air, nearly scaring both of them to death. The entire house falls silent and Jongin and Baekhyun look at each other before exchanging worried looks.

"," Jongin mutters under his breath. "What was that? A lightning strike?"

"Did one of them die?" Baekhyun asks half-jokingly. Placing a hand on the left side of his chest, he attempts to calm his racing heart.

"I don't wanna know, and I'd rather not go and check," Jongin breathes. "All I really want is for Sehun to knock some sense into him."

Baekhyun nods in agreement. "Like you said, Sehun seems like the type of guy who has his together. Or at least I hope so. I doubt he'd murder Chanyeol."

"As long as Chanyeol doesn't end up murdering Sehun, I'm fine with whatever goes down," Jongin mutters.

Rolling his eyes, Baekhyun lies back down. "Where were we?"

Jongin blinks. He listens but doesn't hear anything from the kitchen, and he doesn't know whether to feel relieved or worried. He settles for the former. "Uh, I'm pretty sure we were discussing your soon-to-be relationship with Chanyeol."

"For the last time, quit-"

"You know, remember this morning, when I visited your house? After I left the hospital?"

Baekhyun sighs. He hates being cut off. "Yeah, what about it?"

"Remember how I apologized?"

"To me? Yeah, I remember," Baekhyun says. "What about it?"

"Let's just say that I couldn't have apologized enough. So I'm gonna do it again. Sorry."

Baekhyun blinks in confusion. "What? Why're you saying sorry aga-"

"Because now I know exactly how you felt," Jongin chuckles before sitting up and poking Baekhyun's waist. "Seriously, just talk to him when he gets out of the kitchen, okay? You two'd look cute together, by the way."

Yelping, Baekhyun scrambles to get away from Jongin. "Don't tickle me, you bastard. And shut up, we're not a couple!"

"Yet," Jongin sniggers.

"We're not and you know it!"

"Yeah, right."

"Jongin, he's not my boyfriend!"

"Do you want him to be?"

Baekhyun stills. Rubbing the back of his neck, he avoids Jongin's gaze. "Yeah."

Jongin blinks. Wow, that was easy. "You're gonna talk to him later when they get out - no ifs, ands or buts."

"But-"

"Did you hear what I just said? Come on, what's the worst that could happen?"

"Jongin, you moron, I don't know anything about him-"

"Then ask him out!"

"It's not that simple!"

"As a matter of fact, it is," Jongin says with a roll of his eyes. "Just say, 'Chanyeol, I think I love you, be my boyfriend'. It's that simple."

"I find it incredibly hard to believe that between the two of us, you're the one who spent an entire month overthinking, crying and griping about whether Sehun loved you back," Baekhyun mumbles under his breath before climbing back onto the couch and crossing his legs. "And ing hell, I'm not saying that. No way."

"Baek-"

"We'll most likely never see each other again, anyway. We have school tomorrow and they have uni halfway across the goddamn city. There's no point, it's useless."

"Baek."

"Like I said, I barely even know him. Not to mention he most likely thinks I'm a self-centered gold digger anyway."

Jongin furrows his eyebrows before looking at Baekhyun with a stern glare. "Listen and answer honestly," he says. "Do you only like Chanyeol for his wealth and money?"

Baekhyun swallows before scratching the back of his head. "Well, no. I don't."

"What is it you like about him, then? I won't tell anyone, don't worry."

Swallowing, Baekhyun uncrosses his legs. "Well, uh, I like his...charm?"

Jongin nods. "What do you mean by that?"

"I don't mean his pushy, arrogant, conceited side, definitely not," Baekhyun rushes, flailing his hands in the air. "I meant...that I like his aura, his confidence and well...his...face."

"His face?" Jongin laughs before clearing his throat. "In other words, you think he's charming because he's handsome. Got it, got it."

"It's true, though! I mean, I know you don't think he is, but I do. Not to mention his fashion sense is remarkable," Baekhyun says, fidgeting in his lap. Jongin almost smirks. Baekhyun never fidgets.

"You mean his plain- suits and overly expensive jewelry? Not to mention his death weapon?" Jongin suddenly erupts into a loud string of unattractive guffaws and subsequently lets out a shriek when Baekhyun squawks slaps him upside the head. "I'm kidding, I'm kidding!"

"Shut it, his pants probably cost more than your entire apartment," Baekhyun says with a roll of his eyes. "Keep your voice down, moron! And 'death weapon'? You mean his-"

"-cane, I know," Jongin laughs, wiping at his eye. "Seriously, I freaked when he whacked that dude in the face with it. I mean, I knew Chanyeol had...anger issues, I guess, but I never thought he'd do that. Seriously, someone should tell him canes are used for walking and nothing more. Now that I think about it, his posture is like, A+; why does he even use a cane?"

Baekhyun nods. "I got scared as well, I'll admit. But still." He quietens down before mumbling under his breath. "And how should I know? For aesthetic reasons, perhaps?"

Jongin turns around. "Still what?"

Baekhyun sighs. "I know this sound stupid, but...you know how he practically split that guy's head open earlier?"

Shuddering, Jongin nods. "Yeah, so?"

"I know what he did was wrong and totally unacceptable, but I can't help but feel a tad bit...happy about it." Baekhyun bites his lip before fidgeting even more.

Jongin blinks, cocking his head to the right. "Okay, now I'm interested. What do you mean by happy?"

"I couldn't help but feel good about it, since...well," Baekhyun says and clears his throat, "he did it for me, y'know? Even though it was ruthless, he did it to protect me." When Jongin doesn't say anything, he shakes his head. "Sorry, I'm being stupid, I'll shut up."

Jongin is silent for a couple of seconds before he slowly nods. "No, I...no. , you're right. I didn't think about it that way." He looks at Baekhyun. "And you're still in denial about him liking you? Unbelievable."

"Or maybe he did it because he didn't want me to get hurt overall, but still-"

"Baek, listen. He could've just as easily smacked the dude who was hitting on me in the face, but he didn't - he went straight to you and instantly told the dude bothering you to back off. Doesn't that speak volumes about how much he cares about you? Even if he has," Jongin coughs into his fist, "rather...strange ways of showing it."

Baekhyun nods before shrugging. "I don't wanna delve too deep into this. This is about you and Sehun." He looks around. "Have you checked out the rest of his house yet?"

Jongin rolls his eyes. "Are you implying I prioritize his goddamn house over you and your sappy love problems? You're crazy, Byun Baek."

"I'm just saying! You seemed super interested in his house!"

"I am, but what the ? I'll sit here all night if I have to," Jongin says as a matter-of-factly. "If it means I get to see you muster the courage to ask Chanyeol out," he adds and chuckles when Baekhyun whacks him on the back.

Wiping a piece of dust off his sweater, Baekhyun looks at Jongin. "Enough about me. If you don't mind, I'm gonna ask you the same exact thing," he starts and waits until Jongin removes the cushion from his face. "Do you only like Sehun for his wealth and money?"

Jongin raises an eyebrow. "Of course not. You know that."

"I did, but I'm gonna ask anyway." Baekhyun puts his hand up in defense. "What do you like about him?"

Fighting the urge to blurt out 'everything', Jongin presses his lips together. "I like...I like the way he sounds when he talks, you know; the melodic sound of his voice. Speaking of that, I love his laugh, I love his how serious he is about taking care of his eyebrows too. Speaking of that, he really at remembering to dye his hair, which is awfully cute if you ask me, since he told me he lives only a few blocks from his favorite spa," he chuckles. "Oh, and his hugs, Baek, he gives the best hugs in the world, like, whenever he hugs me I always feel like I'm wrapped in some sort of protective coccoon - when he hugged me earlier I could practically feel my bones rattling under my skin at his touch - and he's so considerate when I talk to him - you should've seen the worried look on his face when I told him about my visit to the hospital - and he genuinely seems interested in whatever I have to say; which reminds me, he has a really adorable habit of cocking his head to the left every time he listens to me, isn't that just adorable? I think I told you this a few weeks ago, but still. He smells so incredibly good, and I'm not just talking about his amazing choice of perfume, which I do love, yes, but I'm referring to his natural scent - he smells like a mixture of manliness, milk, strawberries and cotton candy. Sound weird, I know, but I can't help but love it. Oh, and his hands! They're like, a tad bit bigger than mine, and his fingers are so nice and long, whenever he holds my hand our fingers just link together perfectly, it's so amazing. By the way, he loves dogs, if you couldn't already tell, which makes me love him that much more. I should bring Monggu over to his house so he and Vivi can meet, wouldn't that be awesome? Have I ever told you about the scar on the right side of his face? On his cheek? This sounds super weird, but I think it suits him, I wonder how he got it. And his shoulders are so nice and broad, they're perfect, Jesus. And the way he texts and how he always makes sure to include an excessive amount of emoticons whenever he texts me, isn't that just adorable? He's such a goddamn child - did I tell you all about how much he loves Doraemon? By the way, he's the most confident person I've ever met - the fact he willingly risked his honor roll - I'm more than positive he'll receive one - to protect me from some creep is just...astounding. And before you ask, I'm highly aware of the fact that I ed up, so you don't need to remind me. This sounds super weird, but I'd do anything to be as confident and amazing as him," Jongin says all in one breath and quickly stops talking before he gets a chance to die from oxygen deprivation. "And that's not all! Did I ever tell you about how he loves travelling? And how true he is to everything and everyone?" He continues but his voice quickly dies down when he sees the smug grin on Baekhyun's face. Upon closer inspection, Jongin notices that his best friend is...teary eyed? "What? What's the matter? What's with your face? Baek!"

Baekhyun shakes his head in amusement. "One, you're such a goddamn sap, it's so ing adorable. I really see why Sehun fancies you," he says with a warm smile. "And two, I don't know if you noticed or not, but not once in your sappy- ramble did you bring up or even mention his money or fortune."

Jongin blinks before he almost chokes on his own spit. "Sorry, , was that too much? Sorry, Baek,  -"

"No, it's good, Jongin, don't you see?" Baekhyun stares at Jongin. "I told you to tell me what you like about Sehun and all you talked about, off the top of your head, may I add, was what you like about him as a person. As in, what you like about him in terms of how he is, not what he has." He looks at Jongin with a smug look. "Now Sehun's bound to keep you forever."

Blinking again, Jongin nods slowly. "I told you, I don't care about his money. He could be on my level and I'd still love him the same, you know that." He rolls his eyes with a huff when he sees Baekhyun's disapproving glare. "Okay, fine, I'll admit, I think the fact that he's a billionaire is pretty ing cool, but come on, who wouldn't-"

Baekhyun puts his hands in the air. "I know what you mean," he cuts Jongin off, "I mean, I like Chanyeol for who he is as a person - don't give me that look, you dolt! - as well, but I won't deny that his wealth is...alluring, to say the least."

"You make it seem like you're dying to have with his money," Jongin sniggers. "But yeah, I feel you." He suddenly smirks. "Hey, do you want to, by the way?"

"What?"

"You heard me."

Baekhyun shakes his head and raises an eyebrow. "I did, but - oh come on, Jongin, no, I don't wanna have...you know, that, with his goddamn money, what's wrong with you!"

Chuckling, Jongin decides to take it one step further. "Okay, fine; do you want to have with Chanyeol, then?" He asks and ducks in the nick of time to avoid getting his nose smashed into his skull when Baekhyun attempts to smack him square in the face.

"Lower your voice, you goddamn idiot," Baekhyun seethes, face red. "And I won't answer that; honestly, what makes you think I'd wanna do that?"

"You asked me the same exact thing a couple of weeks ago," Jongin exclaims.

"I did, but here's the difference - Sehun wasn't standing less than ten feet away when I asked you," Baekhyun retorts, crossing his arms over his chest. 

Jongin rolls his eyes. Fair point. "Fine, but let's be real here, you do."

"What's happened to you," Baekhyun moans in agony. "Can't you go back to being your usual shy, lovestruck self instead of...this, whatever this is. It doesn't suit you."

"You do."

"I most certainly do not!"

"Right; that's why your hair's the same shade as your face and neck?" Jongin bursts into laughter again, his guffaws only growing louder when Baekhyun proceeds to cover his face with one of the many couch cushions.

Jongin and Baekhyun both stiffen when the sound of a doorknob turning suddenly fills the air, closely followed by the door to the kitchen sliding open.

❧