The restaurant was almost full like every other evening. Kyungsoo looked around the busy tables. A group of women in thirties giggling over something, earning stares from the business men in grey suits from the corner table who were having a discussion in low voice. A couple eating side by side with wine glasses in their hands.

He watched Jongin walk in, his platinum blonde hair glowing in the otherwise dimly lit restaurant. Kyungsoo was standing near the cash register as it gave him a better view of the room in case any guest needed him.

Eyeing him Jongin’s face broke into a smile. He waved a little and continued walking towards him obviously gaining a lot of stares from the guests. But Jongin has always been oblivious to the attention. Maybe he was used to it, something Kyungsoo himself couldn’t really relate.

Jongin stood beside him making way for the waiters to pass.
The smell of his expensive cologne lingered in the air, still looking at the guests Kyungsoo spoke in his usual customer service like voice, “Mr. Kim isn’t here today, he had some business in Busan so he left early.”

Jongin’s body swaying slightly with the music, which came naturally to him as a dancer.

“I know Hyung, dad called me up before leaving; I came here to see you”

Finally Kyungsoo turned towards him, his big eyes on Jongin as if he trying to read the younger.

Jongin chuckled and shoved his shoulder playfully “what I can’t come to see you?”

“Of course you can come, this is your restaurant after all” saying he busied himself plucking imaginary fluff from his neat uniform.
Jongin let out a laugh, which he always thought was childlike and pure.

“I don’t see you for few weeks and you act all formal with me”

“Well so to speak you are my boss’s son” but the seriousness of Kyungsoo’s voice was gone replaced with a smile which made his lips form a heart shape.

“Anyway go sit in the office, those guests are done I need to check with their billing.”

To which Jongin protested with a pout.

“We can have dinner together latter now go, I am busy” and he left with a mechanical smile painted on his lips.

Jongin stared at the maître d' who busied himself tending the guest. Even though he was fresh out of College with little work experience his dad had hired him. Kyungsoo was extremely professional and took his job seriously, a little too seriously at times at least that’s what Jongin would say.

He sat comfortably on the plush office chair waiting for Kyungsoo to come, Jongin took out a notebook from his bag taking screenshots of today's notes. His best friend isn't very expressive but Jongin can tell he is not okay, and lately Sehun has been zoning out more than usual.

 

 

          ─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

 

 

Chanyeol and Jongdae reached the club around 8pm. They entered SKY after getting the stamps on their wrists. A disco ball light that twirled above launching every shade of the rainbow into the darkness. The club felt electric. No wonder it was popular. Being a Saturday night the place was packed with mostly a young crowd.

Choosing a place at the bar they both ordered for two beers .Jongdae was the kinda person with who one didn’t need to search for topics to talk about rather conversation came naturally. Maybe because of his easy going attitude he had been friends with Chanyeol since the first day of college.

Even going along with their usual banter Chanyeol couldn’t help but wonder what work Baekhyun had?

The fact that he couldn’t help but think that he had someone to meet.

Not that it should concern Chanyeol in anyway.

Shaking his thoughts away he went back to focusing on the story of Jongdae who with his animated hand gestures was busy explaining.

When Jongdae was about to call order for another glass of beer a familiar figure leaning on the bar counter beside Chanyeol called the bartender instead.

“Hey can we have three of shots of tequila please” his voice dropped to an octave low sounding husky his lips curled into a slight smile....this was just Baekhyun being playful.

The bartender an obvious victim to his charm bobbed his head like a toy and went back to bring the drinks.

Baekhyun dressed in a low neck black tshirt which showed off his collar bones, paired with skinny ripped jeans accentuating his thighs and hips which by the way Baekhyun himself was very proud off. And a leather jacket draped over his shoulder. His red hair styled in a carefully messy way. Somehow he always managed to look like someone who had just walked out of a fashion magazine.

Compared to him Chanyeol in a simple white tshirt jeans and converse looked really underdressed. Fashion was never his cup of tea.

Baekhyun took the empty seat beside Chanyeol.

Jongdae chimed in “you are late Baekhyunah so you gotta pay for the drinks”

 

“As if you ever pay for anything” Chanyeol retorted earning a laugh from Baekhyun and a smack on his shoulder from Jongdae.

 

The waiter was back in a flash with their order. His eyes on Baekhyun who was now sitting even closer his shoulder almost touching Chanyeol’s. He could almost breathe in his musky cologne and a hint of alcohol. Baekhyun must have drank even before coming to the club.

 

Jongdae picked up his salt rimmed shot glass raising it he said dramatically “Cheers to me for not dozing off even once in the theory class all week”

Chanyeol followed by saying “well cheers to our friendship” clinking his glass to Jongdae’s. 

Lastly Baekhyun raised his own, letting out a chuckle he said “ Cheers to this moment, this particular moment”

 

After shooting the Tequila they quickly on the lemon wedge to lessen the bitterness.

 

Even with the salt and the lemon the liquid burned the back of Chanyeol’s throat. Definitely not his favourite drink.

 

Baekhyun already called the waiter handing his card he asked to keep the tequila coming for more rounds. 

 

Finally after 3 more rounds Jongdae waved his hand in the air gesturing that he was done. “That’s enough for me, I need to drive back to my house”

 

Baekhyun as usual complained how his friends were always a spoiled sport.

 

“ Guys don’t just look yet but this girl in the red dress has been giving me obvious looks for quite sometime I guess it’s time to make my move” Jongdae said in a low voice as if the girl would actually hear him.

 

Chanyeol and Baekhyun immediately turned around to see the person.

“s a little bit of subtlety please” their friend hissed.

“Oooh she is hot all the more reasons you need another drink to be confident and up your game’ saying Baekhyun pushed the glass towards Jongdae.

 

“No no we don’t want him to end up throwing in her dress” Chanyeol shook his head.

 

“Shut up it’s time I make a move see you guys latter” as Jongdae stood up smoothening his shirt he walked towards the girl.

Baekhyun still eyeing his friend wondering how his awkward self gained this sudden dose of confidence in flirting.

 

“ Where were you today? I mean you said you had work” Chanyeol finally let out since it was bothering him the whole evening.

Baekhyun turned towards him, picking a few salted nuts of the bowl placed on the bar counter, he replied flatly, “ Had to meet someone” and popped the nuts in his mouth.

 

Right. Of course.

 

Since Baekhyun didn’t say anything further Chanyeol chose to stay quiet.

 

Finishing his own glass and gulping down Jongdae’s untouched drink in a go Baekhyun was ready to move with the music. He got up from his bar stool stumbling a little his head was already buzzing.

He tugged at Chanyeol’s tshirt “let’s go dance”

Somehow Chanyeol had lost his energy or mood to be precise, “Go on Baek I don’t feel like it”

“Suit yourself” pouting the redhead putting his jacket on walked off towards the dance floor.

 

Even in the insufficient light of the club all Chanyeol can seen was Baekhyun’s high cheekbones and mischievous eyes. He danced like no one was watching, but of course they all were. He just didn’t care.

In no time Baekhyun had someone to dance along with. His body grinding on a stranger.

Chanyeol automatically tore his gaze away from the dance floor and focused on the bartenders working in front of him. Feeling out of place at the moment.

As he watched one of the bartender scrubbing the chiller cabinet a suddenly voice started him a little, “You look like you need some company”

Turning his head to the side he noticed it was a girl with long black hair falling on her shoulders elegantly, her sequinned dress catching the rainbow light of the disco ball.

A coral lips curved into a slight playful smirk as she leaned on the bar counter.

Chanyeol never understood the art of flirting inspite of Baekhyun flirting with everyone. But he didn’t want to come of rude so he tried playing along.

“Well my friends deserted me so here I am” Chanyeol shrugged.

Taking a sip from her colourful cocktail the girl took the seat beside him which was previously owned by Baekhyun.

“ Yah I saw your friends hitting the dance floor and realised maybe I could strike a conversation with you. Just so you know I don’t do this with everyone”

Letting a small laugh the male replied

“ well that definitely makes me feel special”

She was pretty maybe in another time Chanyeol would have find her attractive but not tonight. His mind was already occupied.

He turned towards the dance floor hoping to see someone having the time of their life but to his surprise he couldn’t catch a glimpse of the redhead.

Mumbling a quick apology Chanyeol stood up without sparing another glance at the girl he went to find Baekhyun.

Skimming through the crowd of bodies moving along with some electronic tune, there was no Baekhyun to be found.

Jongdae was probably somewhere face with the girl he didn’t bother looking for him instead he fished his mobile from his pocket to call Baekhyun but he had zero network inside the club.

Chanyeol finally made his way to the entrance. Exiting from the club the chilled air outside hit his face. Dialling Baekhyun’s number he waited for him to pick up.

To his surprise he eyed a familiar figure standing near the gate blowing wisps of smoke from a cigarette.

Sighing he walked towards him, “I didn’t know you smoked” Chanyeol said rubbing the palm of his hands together to feel some warmth. He cursed himself for not bringing a jacket.

“I don’t” removing the stick from his pink lips he blew the smoke in the air carefully.

“What are you doing out here, thought you wanted dance ? Chanyeol stared at Baekhyun whose eyes were droopy.

“I just needed some air...you know” his voice slurred, inhaling what was left he threw the burned out cigarette on the floor and crushed it with his boot.

“You are drunk you didn’t seem so drunk in the club what happened” Chanyeol leaned closer to Baekhyun who reeked of alcohol.

In response Baekhyun took out a small flask from his pocket and giggled. He opened the cap of the flask to take another sip when Chanyeol snatched it from his hand and shoved it inside his own back pocket.

“You are already wasted Baek, let’s get you home”

Draping an arm over Baekhyun’s shoulder to keep him steady, Chanyeol called up Jongdae.

After a few rings Jongdae picked up, “hey where are you guys? Thought you left me” his voice drowned out by the loud music of the club.

“No no I was looking for Baek, I have to get him home,he is too drunk too function right now” to which Baekhyun let out a chuckle hitting Chanyeol weakly in his chest.

“Ohhh alright see you at college tomorrow oh no tomorrow is Saturday or is it Sunday?” Before Jongdae could ramble anymore Chanyeol quickly said “Gotta go Dae, Baek might drift off any minute”

But Jongdae cut him off saying “No wait, there was this girl asking for you, she said she spoke to you in the club...do you know her?”

Remembering the much awkward and half hearted interaction Chanyeol stated “ Nah man guess she must have mistaken me for someone else I didn’t talk to any girl” to avoid any more questions he bid a quick goodbye and disconnected the call.

Baekhyun fumbling through his jeans pocket produced his car keys and handed them to Chanyeol. His head now nuzzled into his shoulder he mumbled about having a of a hangover next morning.

Finally when Chanyeol reached Baekhyun’s apartment with much effort dragging the smaller male whose body was slumped on him and barely awake. Thankfully he knew the passcode to his apartment so getting inside wasn’t an issue.

But taking Baekhyun’s extremely tight pants off was definitely an issue. Chanyeol wondered how he was even able to put them on.

After getting the red head into something comfortable he laid him on his bed covering him with a blanket. Chanyeol put the car keys on the bedside table along with an aspirin and a bottle of water knowing that Baekhyun will need it in the morning.

As he was about to leave the bedroom he felt a tug on his tshirt, “Stay” was all Baekhyun could muster in his drowsy voice and befuddled mind.

Hesitating for a second Chanyeol got on the bed beside the other and slipped inside the blanket. He had previously planned on using on the those reliable taxi service to go back to his dorm.

Baekhyun rolled towards him and his voice barely audible,” the..girl..pretty girl I saw...you were talking...you should talk to her Yeol”

“Go to sleep it’s late” Chanyeol murmured, the digital clock on the bedside table flashed 12:45 am.

“Ummm...don’t...don’t go” and he lowered his head now touching the taller’s chest before drifting off.

This was the first time he was spending a night at Baekhyun’s place without them doing anything but just sleeping together. The fact that Baekhyun had just asked him to stay made him feel happy. The chances of the other not remembering this the next morning was pretty high but still this...he thought cheers to this moment indeed.

 

        ─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

 

 

Next morning when Chanyeol woke up Baekhyun was still fast asleep. Chanyeol could feel the stale taste of the alcohol in his mouth and his stomach rumbling in hunger.

Sliding of the blanket he got up, the abrupt movement almost making his head dizzy. Even though he didn’t drink much still the after effects of alcohol was never fun.

He had slept in his jeans which was pretty uncomfortable. Rubbing the sleep off his eyes he went to washroom to freshen up.

Chanyeol splashed his face with water repeatedly to get off any trace of the hangover. Feeling a little better he entered the kitchen without even wiping his face the water dripping on his shirt.

Baekhyun had the ability to even burn water so he always relied on take outs. Hence Chanyeol didn’t have much idea if Baekhyun even kept any left over food in the fridge. Opening the door all he could see was stacks of soda and beer bottles and a few strawberry milkshakes of course he had nothing edible.

He probably never even did grocery shopping.

After scanning the whole fridge he finally found a chocolate bar and decided to settle for that. Well beggars can’t be choosers so Chocolate for breakfast it is.

Finishing the extremely sweet candy in two bites he balled the wrapper and threw it aiming the trash bin, instead going in it hit something and fell on the floor.

Dissatisfied at his poor basket skills Chanyeol picked up the wrapper to throw it back when he noticed stems of roses pointing out of the bin. The flowers wasn’t fresh but weren’t exactly rotten either. He pulled out the bouquet which had a crumpled note attached to it. Now he wasn’t one to invade someone’s privacy but since the thing was discarded he opened the card which read.

Happy Birthday Baekhyun.

From

Dad.