27 Minutes

 

Chanyeol runs.

He moves his feet so fast not minding the stares he is receiving from the persons he’s passing by. He needs to run fast, he needs to run as fast as he could, run like he never run before.

 

So Chanyeol runs

 

 ***

 

 “Chanyeol, open the door.” Baekhyun screamed while he rummaged through his bag, searching for Chanyeol’s bedroom key. Baekhyun always keep a duplicate copy because this situation happened a little over ten times.

 

“Chanyeol, I know you’re in there. Open the damn door.”

 

Still no answer. Baekhyun sighed while he was clearly frustrated. Things inside his bag were thrown away but there’s no sign of the key. Baekhyun was getting worried, he can feel his heart tightening.

 

“Chanyeol, please, open the door.” He begged, hoping that Chanyeol could hear the desperation in his voice. Baekhyun did not stop searching, it could have been placed in between the pages of his books or notebooks and after a few tries, finally, Baekhyun found it and as if it was mocking him because it was just placed at the mini pocket of his bag.

 

Baekhyun swore he could have punched himself but that can be done later. Chanyeol was more important.

 

Scurrying, Baekhyun’s hands were trembling as he unlock the door. And as soon as the door was opened, what he saw broke his heart. Like what he felt every time this happened. Seeing a crying Chanyeol always makes Baekhyun’s heart shattered into pieces.

 

Baekhyun with slow steps made his way towards Chanyeol.

 

No words were needed as he wrapped his arms around the crying giant. Once Chanyeol felt the hands enveloping him, his cries got louder.

 

Once the sobbing subsided, Baekhyun wiped Chanyeol’s tears away.

 

“Baek” Chanyeol’s voice cracked as he continues to sob on Baekhyun’s chest. “Why do I always get hurt?”

 

Baekhyun slowly push Chanyeol to see a better view of the taller man’s face. He cupped Chanyeol’s face and smile, “These are just bumps in the road Yeol. You’ll find someone soon. Someone that will always make you smile. That someone that will heal every wound in your heart.”

 

It was always like this, every time Chanyeol cries, Baekhyun will always be there to support him, to make sure Chanyeol will be alright. Baekhyun was always there – every heart break, every tear, every loss and every pain.

 

“I hope so Baek. I hope I can find that someone soon.” Chanyeol murmured silently as Baekhyun’s heart breaks into pieces. I’m always here Chanyeol. It was not Baekhyun’s first heart break, but one of the many he already experienced.

 

Chanyeol just failed to realize that it was Baekhyun, that it is Baekhyun, that it will always be Baekhyun – that someone who made Chanyeol smile, that someone who is making Chanyeol smile and that someone that will make Chanyeol smile.

 

 

 

 

 

***

 

 

            “Baek, do you like someone?” A fifteen year old Chanyeol dropped a sudden question. Baekhyun could only look at him surprised.

 

            Before Baekhyun could ever respond, Chanyeol beat him to it, “Because Baek, I think I do like someone” Chanyeol never left Baekhyun’s eyes and Baekhyun felt like choking on his own saliva while his stomach was making those weird creeping pain.

 

            “I think I like..”Chanyeol started, “I like Su Hyun.” With his 100 watt smile, Chanyeol proudly uttered. Baekhyun should be given an award.

 

            “You look good together.” The shorter boy responded flashing a wider and more blinding smile.

 

            “We do, right?” Chanyeol was celebrating in happiness as he got his best friend’s blessing.

 

            But the other one got his first heart break - the first of many heart breaks.

 

 

 

            It was after six months when Chanyeol experienced his first heart break. Su Hyun had dumped him saying Chanyeol wasn’t good enough and she needed to focus on her studies. Chanyeol was broken but Baekhyun helped him to pick up the pieces of his broken heart.

 

            It was always Baekhyun.

 

 

 

***

 

            “Why don’t you just date Baekhyun?”

 

            They were third-year college students, Chanyeol had been searching for the perfect person countless time but he always ended up weeping from a broken heart.

 

            Chanyeol eyed Kris with a look that says seriously.

 

            “Don’t give me that look Yeol. You’ve been with him for too long and he’s perfect.” Kris commented.

 

            “That’s the problem Kris, we’ve been together for so long, and we’re best friends. Best friends aren’t supposed to be in love with each other.”

 

            Sighing, Kris felt defeated. “If that’s what you say so, but don’t come crying to me if Baekhyun leaves you for some other man.”

 

            Chanyeol laughed hysterically, “Baekhyun will never leave me.” Chanyeol with full confidence uttered, “And besides, if ever Baekhyun falls in love with another man, I’ll be the happiest. That’s the only thing I could wish for.”

 

            Kris shrugged, “Let’s just see then.”

 

 

***

 

 

 

“Do I look good?”

 

“You always look good Chanyeol.” Baekhyun commented, he always does.

 

“You’re only saying that because you’re my best friend.” Chanyeol pouted as he stripped off his shirt and tried another one.

 

“Chanyeol”, standing slowly, Baekhyun walked towards the taller male and handed him an overly ugly piece of clothing. “Here, try this.”

 

“Seriously?” It was the most horrendous shirt in the store but Baekhyun was more than serious as he handed over the shirt to Chanyeol. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

 

Still smiling, Baekhyun waited for Chanyeol to grab the shirt. Chanyeol was protesting but Baekhyun doesn’t budge.

 

“You’re serious?” It wasn’t a question. Baekhyun just smiled in victory.

 

“I swear Byun Baek.” Still, Chanyeol was muttering words but he took hold of the piece of clothing and slowly tried it on.

 

Baekhyun went beside Chanyeol and stare at the mirror in front of them. Chanyeol was still busy looking at the shirt and commenting on how unpleasant the shirt was but Baekhyun tapped his shoulder and pointed the mirror.

 

Chanyeol studied himself.

 

“You look good whatever you wear.” Baekhyun smiled, “for me you will always look good Chanyeol.” Baekhyun preceded to the cashier.

 

Chanyeol stared at his reflection. The shirt really looked ugly. It really looked ugly on him but the way Baekhyun uttered the words, a smile was forming on his lips.

 

“Chanyeol, if you don’t change quickly, I’ll leave you.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chanyeol bought the ugly shirt.

 

 

 

He wore it in the party paired with skinny pants and leather jacket.

He looked dazzling.

 

 

 

 

Chanyeol really looked good.

Baekhyun helped him a lot.

He thanked Baekhyun a couple of times while the latter just smiled and shrugged, “Anything for my best friend.”

 

 

 

On that night, Chanyeol got laid.

 

 

 

And her girlfriend was beyond pleased.

 

 

As Chanyeol unfold the story to his best friend with every detail as clear as it happened, Baekhyun could only smile and come up with a witty response. “Congratulations, you’re not a anymore.” But deep inside Baekhyun was hurting.

 

And Chanyeol never realized.

 

 

***

 

            “Baek, why aren’t you dating anybody?” In front of the mountains of books, while both guys are preparing for their exams, a question suddenly popped out in Chanyeol’s mind leaving Baekhyun caught off guard.

            It was too long before Baekhyun could respond, with tightly pressed lips and furrowing eyebrows, he muttered a simple, “No time, I need to study.” And he continued taking down notes from the books but Baekhyun’s mind was left wandering while his heart rate sped up.

            Chanyeol wasn’t satisfied. “I think you should start dating someone Baek.” Eyes focused on Baekhyun’s face, the latter wasn’t looking afraid he’ll do something he will regret.

            “You should Baek, because you see, you need someone to take care of you, not that I won’t take care of you anymore, I will, I’ll forever will but” Chanyeol held Baekhyun’s hands. That latter felt chills running down his spine from the sudden gesture. “I feel like you’re putting your attention towards me that you forgot to make yourself happy too. I want my bestfriend to be happy, you know.”

            Chanyeol wasn’t prepared for Baekhyun’s answer.

            “I’m the happiest when I’m with you Chanyeol.” It was a slip of the tongue and Baekhyun could not undo it. Baekhyun only realized when he saw Chanyeol’s face and he knew he was screwed. Baekhyun has been harbouring his feelings for his bestfriends for years already. Since the first time he saw Chanyeol when the latter moved in to the house beside Baekhyun’s. They were 13 years old back then and now, they’re in their twenties, Baekhyun’s feelings didn’t diminish, and they grew over the years.

            And Baekhyun decided, it was more than enough for him to be Chanyeol’s best friend and nothing can break it.

            “Because you’re my best friend.”

            Baekhyun continued after a long pause. Chanyeol beamed and laughed softly.

 

***

            “So, it’s really okay?” Kris asked for the fifth time.

            “Baekhyun and I are best friends. Nothing beyond that point.” It was the fifth time Chanyeol answered Kris’s queries. Chanyeol was getting tired of Kris’s constant interrogation.

            “So it’s really okay if someone wants to date Baek?” And suddenly everything changed, Kris’s voice was so serious, Chanyeol stopped from his tracks to face the taller guy behind him.

            “Why are you asking me this?”

            “Because I want to make sure you don’t have feelings for him Chanyeol.”

            And then Chanyeol felt a tug in his heart.

            “Before I make my move.”

            Chanyeol’s breathing had momentarily decreased as if every fiber of his body needed to processed what had just been thrown at him.

            “So, is it really okay?”

            Same question as the first one but with a whole lot of different meaning and needed answer. Chanyeol stared at Kris searching for a hint of sarcasm or prank or whatever because it all seemed surreal.

            “So?” Kris waited for an answer, rather, Kris waited for an approval.

           

            Kris smiled, his famous gummy smile as the words slipped of Chanyeol’s mouth.

            “Of course.”

 

***

 

 

            “Baek, which one?” Chanyeol raised two necklaces, one with a heart shape pendant, the other one is with a half moon.”

            “I think Seuhyun will like the one with the moon.” Baekhyun softly answers while his eyes wander off to some other things.

            “Well, I remember her telling me she like moons. Okay, I’ll take it.” Chanyeol quickly handed over the jewelry to the lady and had it wrapped. It was 2 weeks before Christmas and Chanyeol dragged Baekhyun to accompany him at the mall to buy presents. The older male could not refuse.

            “So, have you made any plans this Christmas?” It was casual inquiry and it wasn’t supposed to have any hidden meaning but Chanyeol just needed to know.

            “I think I’ll spend Christmas with Kyungsoo and Jongin.” Not clearly looking up Chanyeol, Baekhyun let out the words without bitterness. Chanyeol and Baekhyun had been friends for nine years and all their Christmas was celebrated together but this year will be different; Chanyeol made plans – without Baekhyun in it.

            “I’m really sorry Baek.” And Chanyeol was indeed feeling guilt. Ever since Baekhyun’s parents died when they were 16, Baekhyun would always celebrate his holidays with Chanyeol’s family but this Christmas, Chanyeol isn’t bringing Baekhyun.

            “It’s really okay Yeol. And it will be good for you and Seuhyun so they can meet Mama and Papa Park.”

            “Do you think mom and dad will like her?”

            “I think they will do.”

            “But you see whenever I introduced my girlfriends to them, I feel like they don’t approve of any of them.” Chanyeol wasn’t disappointed, he was just curious because his mom would always ignore every girl he brought home and instead his mom would talk with Baekhyun over the phone or video chat with the young mam. Chanyeol’s dad would have the decency to welcome the guest but would quickly excuse himself and afterwards will join Mama Park.

            “They just don’t want their baby boy bringing girls.” Baekhyun laughed. “But I’m sure Mama Park will be happy.”

            “But she’s happier when she’s with you. I bet she’ll be angry because you’re not coming home this year.” Chanyeol doesn’t have the courage to tell his mom Hey mom, I asked Baekhyun to not come to Christmas this year because my girlfriend wanted to meet you and she wanted only the two of us so yeah, Baekhyun’s not coming home. It was an move, Chanyeol knows but he really his girlfriend so he asked Baekhyun not to come home with them to which the latter approves.

            Sometimes Chanyeol thinks, her parents love BAekhyun more than him, not that he digresses, of course he likes it – his parents taking care of his best friend.

            Chanyeol wasn’t aware that Baekhyun already made a call telling excuses to Mama Park “She was sad but she said she understands.” Chanyeol eyes widen.

            “You already called mom?”

            “Yes, I told her Kyungsoo and Jongin invited me and promised her to visit some time soon.”

            “You’re the best Baek!” With that, Chanyeol suddenly hugged Baekhyun, happiness overpowering him.

            “Anything for you, Chanyeol.” Baekhyun softly whispered.

            Chanyeol was still at bliss, “But can you please let go now?” Baekhyun quietly murmured, “People are staring” Baekhyun continued while slowly pushing Chanyeol away.

            Chanyeol faked a tear.

            “Drama King.”

            The moment was perfect, Chanyeol felt his heart could explode because of the joy he’s experiencing, and no one can make him smile like Baekhyun does.

            But the happiness was cut short when a familiar voice greeted them.

            “Byun Baek.”

            Chanyeol noticed how Baekhyun’s face lit up a thousand fold.

            Chanyeol isn’t feigning the sharpness in his voice “What are you doing here Kris?”

            “And hello to you too, Chanyeol. I’m here to buy presents”

            “We’re buying presents, you can join us so we can help you choose.” Baekhyun genuinely offered.

            “Really? Is it okay, I might be disturbing your date.”

            Chanyeol was supposed to respond with Yes, you’re disturbing our moment but Baekhyun beat him too it.

            “Of course, it’s okay, Yifan.”

            Kris softly laughed. “I like you calling me that.”

           

There was something in Baekhyun’s laugh that Chanyeol wasn’t sure about. There’s something the way Kris smiles at Baekhyun that Chanyeol wasn’t comfortable about. There’s something about the way Kris can make Baekhyun smile that Chanyeol was so sure he hated the whole thing.

And then there’s something about how Kris said the words so casually to Baekhyun.

“I guess, we’ll be spending our Christmas together.”

Chanyeol can feel his heart tightening in pain.

And there’s something about how Baekhyun answered with a sheepishly smile that Chanyeol felt his world crashing down on him.

 

 

***

 

            It was a the 24^th of December, Chanyeol decided to ditch home and celebrate Christmas at Kyungsoo’s place together with Baekhyun and they were preparing for the party when Kyungsoo’s temper got over him.

It was another slip of the tongue, not Baekhyun’s nor Chanyeol’s but Kyungsoo’s.

            “!” Kyungsoo cursed loudly.

            “Kyungsoo” His boyfriend, Jongin, was too worried not only for Kyungsoo but for Chanyeol as well.

            “Kyungsoo, is it true?” Chanyeol asked, eyes piercing into Kyungsoo’s soul.

            Kyungsoo swore he could end his own life. It was purely a mistake on his part, he did not want to reveal Baekhyun’s secret for nine years but Chanyeol had pushed him – no Chanyeol’s idiotic brain had pushed Kyungsoo’s limit.

            “What you said about Baekhyun liking me, is it true?” There was desperation in Chanyeol’s voice.

            “You really are an idiot.” Kyungsoo can only utter.

            Chanyeol smiled, “I owe you my life Kyungsoo.” And Chanyeol quickly headed towards the door.

            Kyungsoo sighed, and hugged his boyfriend, “I just hope Chanyeol can make it.”

 

 

            “Before Baekhyun says yes to Kris.”

 

 

 

***

                       

It was the day after Baekhyun, Chanyeol and Kris had met at the mall that Chanyeol realizes that he loves Baekhyun.

            Kris made him realized that he would not want to see Baekhyun with any other man, that he would not like it if Baekhyun smiles for other man, that Chanyeol will hate it if Baekhyun cares for other man.

            He was stupid for not realizing it soon enough that it was Baekhyun all along.

           

 

***

            Chanyeol hurried to the shop they went two weeks ago. He needed to buy that piece of jewelry that Baekhyun adores.  

 

“This is the only one left sir. Only five of those are sold here in Korea. Your girlfriend will be very happy.”

 

The sales person was full of smiles as she persuades Chanyeol into buying the overly expensive white gold.

 

Chanyeol once again stared at the shining piece of jewelry. The beauty of it was screaming in his face. It was the perfect present. Chanyeol recalled his memory. The memories of certain boy back hugging him, who kisses his cheeks ever so frequently, who always wipes away his tears, who sings to him during those nights when Chanyeol’s heart was broken, and the one who means everything to Chanyeol. Chanyeol smiled to himself.

 

“Ok. I’m taking this one.” Money can’t buy happiness but I will certainly be happy to see him smile – that’s my happiness.

 

The lady smiled flashing her perfectly white teeth.

 

“Good choice sir. I’ll have it wrapped in a few minutes. What’s your girlfriend’s name, sir?”

 

Chanyeol grinned widely.

 

 

“Baekhyun.”

 

 

He has decided to confess and make Baekhyun his.

 

 

 

***

 

 

 

            Chanyeol runs back into Kyungsoo’s apartment hoping to see Baekhyun, hoping to clear things up, hoping to say what he really feels.

 

            “Baek” he said right after he opened the door.

 

            It wasn’t Chanyeol’s first heart break. It was one of the many times but this heart break seems the most painful. No tear would want to escape.

 

            Kris is kissing Baekhyun.

 

***

 

 

Chanyeol had been in the same predicament. It has been 5 years and Chanyeol wasn’t the bravest man out there. After some time he finally made up his mind. That Christmas eve, he wasn’t brave enough to snatch Baekhyun away from Kris. He didn’t have the courage to make Baekhyun his so the time when he saw the two kissing he just faked a laugh and congratulated him earning a despicable look from Kyungsoo but now, after that would not want to make the same mistake. It took him five years – he wanted Baekhyun and he wanted him to be his.

 

He is searching everywhere to find him again, to tell Baekhyun that he loves him. He loves Baekhyun more than he’ll ever know. More than Baekhyun will ever know.

 

Chanyeol wanted to say sorry for all the things he had done - for all the deceit, lies and everything else. Chanyeol regreted those wasted times along with those missed opportunities, the lost memories and the misspent times.

 

 So Chanyeol runs…

 

 

 

Chanyeol runs for his life – trying so hard, praying to all the gods that he won’t be late, that he won’t waste another time.

 

So Chanyeol runs…

 

Wishing he can still be with the one he loves.

 

 

 

 

 

Byun Baekhyun.

 

 

 

***

 

 

Panting, Chanyeol reached his destination. With his heart hammering wildly, he opened the grand door.

 

 

Chanyeol cried like he never cried before. Everything was getting cleared, flowers were being picked one by one, and chairs are being cleaned. It was over. He was late.

 

 

 

“Wedding’s over, you’re 27 minutes late. Too late.”

 

 

 

And Chanyeol felt like dying.

 

 

 

***

 

Chanyeol slowly walks, his legs are getting numb from all the running he had done but the pain coming from his legs are no match for the pain he’s feeling from his heart.

 

He is late. The last chance he had was now pulverized into pieces. He could not turn back the time. The last chance he got to confess his love, to make the one he love happy – all were put to waste.

 

The wedding is over – Baekhyun’s wedding was over.

 

Chanyeol missed the chance to tell Baekhyun how much he loves him.

 

How much he loves him too. 

 

 

 

 

Chanyeol’s cries got louder, not a single amount of care because for the second and final time, he lost Baekhyun.

 

His mind wandered off to the first time he let Baekhyun slipped away from his grab – it was five years of pure torture as Baekhyun and Kris’s relationship escalated in front of him.

 

The kisses they shared in front of Chanyeol; the nights Baekhyun and Kris spent just the room beside Chanyeol’s; the smiles they exchanged and most of all the I love you’s Baekhyun would always say to Kris – they were all big blows to Chanyeol; always the reminder that he let the perfect person because he was too stupid to realize that it was Baekhyun all along.

 

And now, the last chance that he got. He blew it.

 

He remembered how Kyungsoo was purposely let the truth slipped from his mouth the second time around.

 

Baekhyun never stopped loving you Chanyeol.

 

Chanyeol was taken aback, he was supposed to fly out of the country because Chanyeol couldn’t handle Baekhyun and Kris’ wedding but Kyungsoo had sent him to the airport a few hours before the wedding to just scream at his face.

 

“ you Chanyeol! you, you big coward! you!”

 

Security personnel almost dragged Kyungsoo out of the airport because of the scene he is causing.

 

“Baekhyun loved you for nine years and 5 years ago, you didn’t have the guts to ing tell him you love him and you let the perfect person get away. Because you’re too scared and now you’re doing it again. Stop running away, you piece of !”

 

“Kyungsoo… Baekhyun’s getting married.”

 

“ you! Baekhyun’s getting married to a person he doesn’t love because you Chanyeol, Baekhyun never stopped loving you”

 

Chanyeol was beyond shock. He could not form a coherent response.

 

“Goodbye, I’m going to attend my friend’s wedding.” With that, Kyungsoo left.

 

 

And Chanyeol knew that he can still have a chance, a chance to make Baekhyun wedding so he decided to stop the wedding. But he was late. He knew that the wedding was the last opportunity for him, Baekhyun’s last call for him – Baekhyun’s last wish that somehow Chanyeol could stop it but Chanyeol failed, Baekhyun was forever with Kris.

 

Why is fate cruel to them?

 

Chanyeol was beyond broken as he continues to sob and regret everything.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Chanyeol.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

With quivering hands and eyes as puffed as Chanyeol, a familiar figure was walking towards the stunned male.

 

Chanyeol wasted no second as he enveloped the guy into a tight embrace,

 

“Byun Baekhyun.” Chanyeol cried a lot harder, a lot louder, “I love you Byun Baekhyun”

 

I took him 9 years before Chanyeol realized he loved Baekhyun and it took him five years more before Chanyeol can finally say it to the person he loves….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Chanyeol. You’re the only person I loved.”

 

 

 

 

“It was you Chanyeol. It is you Chanyeol, and it will always be you Chanyeol. I would not want to marry anybody else. It will always be you.”

 

 

 

 

 

“I love you.”

 

 

 

 

"Only you."