As they eat their meals, conversations flew from one to another with stories on how the others met each other. Chanyeol explained how he got to know the two, he told them that he was striving for a place to practice his guitar and Suho had happened to drop by to the empty class he took refuge on then offered him to play in his studio in which he accepted without question.

He met Lay when they got to the studio he was referring too. It turns out that the two were well with their financial needs and shared the funds to turn an old run down house into a mini studio/household.

They knew each other for 1 year and he had been having lots of improvement with his use for other instruments, deriving his passion into full gear.

Kyungsoo was the one who told them of how they met Baekhyun. It wasn’t one of the best way to meet someone but it was something that made their heart feel bad about what Baekhyun had gone through.

He told them that in middle school, a few bullies picking on him because he never fights back or even fend them off. He just stood there being oppressed by them and that’s when Kai took a step forward and apprehended them to leave the guy alone. Kyungsoo on the other hand aided him and told him not to fear them. He only received a sad look on him back then.

After that he didn’t had the heart to leave Baekhyun roaming around knowing that he doesn’t know how to socialize and protect himself from others. He requested Jong In’s opinion in which the younger quickly agreed to. In a way, he acted like a second mom that’s afraid of his son being picked on by some low life and everyone laughed, even a small chuckle from Baekhyun himself.

Chanyeol told them about how he accidentally met Baekhyun yesterday. He explained how awkward he was when no verbal compliance came out of the elder and no expression were even seen, well lively expressions that is. Only when he heard him play the piano that time; he saw the emotions that was dying to get out of his heart.

He explained them in detail how much he was drawn in to his passionate performance even though no one was witnessing such an inviting performer. The four of them watched with great interest at his way of words towards Baekhyun and frankly, Baekhyun himself was blushing.

Laughing down on Chanyeol when he realized that he had unconsciously told a whole list of compliments towards Baekhyun; he stuffed himself down on his meal and neglected the laughter as well as his flushed red face.

“Wait… you were running from the gym teacher? That means~” Kai took in the scenario, earning the attention of the rest of them while Chanyeol just peered through his Styrofoam plate. “YA!” Kai yelled at the tall guy and hit him continuously with the metal spoon that Yixin brought.

Not knowing what happened both Suho and Lay asked what was going on and tried to calm the furious young man. “He’s the one who knocked Baekhyun yesterday so that’s why he’s hurt so badly the whole 3 period!” he explained while he continued to chase after the now cowering giant.

“I knew you were trouble!” Kyungsoo piped but unexpectedly, Baekhyun calmed him down and patting on his arm jesting him to leave it be. “K-Kai…” he called out in a low tone but failed to catch the raging younger’s attention. “KIM JONG IN!” Kyungsoo yelled and in an instant all actions stopped.

Kai turned to his lover and being an opportunity to flee, the beaten giant ran towards the back of Suho and Yixin. Batting his eye out for any signs of assault.

Baekhyun stood up from his place “I-It’s fine Kai… I wasn’t hurt that bad… to such extent” he informed him calming a bit of his rage. “But you suffered a lot yesterday and~” Baekhyun gave him a pleading look that he knows all too well would extinguish his anger in an instant.

He sighed in defeat but snapped his spoon to Chanyeol’s direction with a post rage look. “You apologize for what you did or else I won’t stop chasing after you!” he threatened, making the taller nod quickly as an answer. He brought himself out of hiding and composed himself then bowing sincerely at Baekhyun. “I’m gratefully sorry for what I’ve done yesterday. I really didn’t mean it to happen and also, I’d like to let you know that I feel awfully bad just knowing about it… so I hope for your forgiveness” he clearly stated for all of them to hear as well.

Baekhyun motioned towards him and pulled him up to stand tall once more. He gave that lovingly warm smile of his telling him all was already forgiven. “Y-Your… apology is more than enough” he simply told and Chanyeol felt his heart beat wildly. “Thanks…” he replied.

“Alright… now that the drama has been cleared can we continue to have a wonderful lunch again?” Yixin proclaimed and all of them went back to their places. As if nothing had happened, all of them started to laugh and tell more stories about them. With all the harmony in their conversation, they lack to notice the certain glances that Baekhyun and Chanyeol had spared.

Whenever Baekhyun stole a glance over Chanyeol, he often made sure he wasn’t caught and same goes with the other. It made Baekhyun blush bright red the moment he was caught though; Chanyeol’s eyes meeting his sent him flustered all around.

Chanyeol found it too much and felt the same, so he rummaged on the food that was left to drown his own embarrassment but still peeked a few glances over the smaller guy. Coincidentally Suho happened to bear witness at the cuteness of the two. He smiled seeing his friend be in such shambles, he tried all his might to push a hard laugh to prevent further embarrassment for him.

When it was pass 3 in the afternoon, Baekhyun informed them that he has to practice with his instructor before the strike of 4. Kyungsoo and Kai presented that they’ll accompany him to his house to make sure he comes home safe after hearing Chanyeol shyly offering Baekhyun a walk home.

Although the matter was resolved between what had happened yesterday, Kai still had repressed anger over what happened and decided to let it cool off a bit so he wouldn’t end up chasing after him once more. After a well time spent with one another, they bid themselves goodbye.

None of them noticed a reluctant farewell escaping both Baekhyun and Chanyeol. Their eyes were glued to one another before they turned to leave.

“Ya, Chanyeol… can I ask you something? And please answer truthfully so things won’t go around. I don’t like beating around the bush” Suho asked out a half dazed giant while they carried their equipment to the parked SUV. Snapping at his own train of thoughts, he looked at his hyung with a questioning stare. “What? I didn’t quite got that”

Suho sighed and Yixin laughed at how silly Chanyeol looked and match along with his drifting thoughts. 

Shrugging the stupid reply from the lanky giant, he repeated question in a simpler form “I’ll ask you about something and don’t lie” Chanyeol nodded “Do have a crush on Baekhyun?” he bluntly asked shocking the tall guy into his place. The two stopped walking as well and stared at the blank expression on Chanyeol’s face.

“W-What gave you that idea?” he asked back after a minute of being stiff. “Well there’s tons of reasons but lemme just point out what are the obvious…” he placed the things he was carrying down before continuing. “First, you look at him like he’s an angel fallen from the sky to look after you with such quiet epitome of love towards you” Lay chuckled at Suho’s way of words.

“Second, you told us thoroughly the description of how wonderful and “sickeningly”, don’t mind that word admirable Baekhyun was while he played a lovely piece unintentionally for you to hear…” Chanyeol gulped at the facts being laid before him. “Third and most practical thing I’ve noticed is… you act like a love sick school girl while we were eating and practically wanted to hide for seeing him blush when you caught him staring at you”

The words shot him all too well, rendering him speechless and unable to retaliate at the accusations “I think you stated out too much for him to handle dear” Lay suppressed all the laughter that he wanted to blurt out at the very beginning of Suho’s reality check for Chanyeol.

“Well… still haven’t seen it through?” he tapped his feet for an answer. Chanyeol swiveled his tongue to wet his lips before answering; feeling a bit composed he took in a deep breath “Perhaps… I mean, he is… attractive and all… he has tantalizing eyes and his soft voice… don’t tell me you haven’t noticed how endearing it sounds” he kept talking, not minding about his red cheeks as he explained himself to the elder.

“He’s talented… passionate and above all… extraordinary to not notice. He’s wonderful” he spoke in a soft tone although it didn’t change the fact that he has baritone voice. “Aw… Chanyeol is starting to have a crush and not just any crush, he’s starting to already fall for that quiet angel” Suho raised a brow on his partner’s envied look.

“Really? You feel like that?” he flatly said and Yixing shot him a look “Don’t ruin the moment sweetie. I’m trying to fuel his mood to make him more engrossed with his feelings here. Back off and tag along with it” smiling sweetly at him before turning back to Chanyeol.

“I-I am not! Yeah… it’s a crush but… I don’t think he’d like someone like me… I mean, he’s nice and doesn’t get into trouble like I do all the time. It wouldn’t just fit into place if I think of me and him being in such relationship” he concluded with an obvious dismay.

Suho sighed “Don’t cut yourself short even though you have so much height on you. Just try and pursue him, you’ll never know, with the way he looks at you too, I’d say he’s whipped” Lay chuckled “Hey, you were funny on purpose, that was splendid” he complimented.

“Don’t be mean to me honey… especially with that melting smile of yours” he cooed. “Well, let’s get going. I want to start doing the song you’re working on. Its half way through and the lyrics would be the only issue so let’s go” he hoisted the items and started to walk towards the vehicle once more.

As Chanyeol trailed the two in silence, he looked back on the moment that he watched Baekhyun’s captivating moments while his mind replayed the gentle tone of voice that would escape from those well sealed lips. He gulped heavily at the thought of Baekhyun’s flushed red cheeks and those undeniable cuteness he was showing.

“God… please tell me that I’m not going crazy over someone I’ve just met for 1 day” he spoke internally. For once, he had to sort out what was going on inside of him but a side of him was reluctant to do so.

That better half of him is stating that, he should let Baekhyun pull his strings without compromising to any unwanted actions.

At the meantime, Kai and Kyungsoo were happy/bewildered at the semi-liveliness Baekhyun has been showing. A smile never left his face and he was swaying his arms merrily from time to time. He acted all cute and fluffy like a little puppy playing around.

“I think your son’s having a love bug with a certain tall guy that I still want to beat up” he whispered at Kyungsoo that was still looking at Baekhyun’s joy. “If he’s being cured from his problem to interact with other people then by all means. I know his real parents will be more proud of the progress… mind you, mister. If I’m the mom then you’re equivalent to a furious dad that doesn’t want any boy hovering around his precious offspring!” he hit Kai’s head earning a groan.

“Hey, I want our Baekhyun here to have a perfect encounter with his future boyfriend and not a disastrous type of guy. He is tall and all but that doesn’t cut the fact that he’s caused trouble for our kid” he was immensely caught by the moment and Kyungsoo giggled at his boyfriend’s protective nature towards Baekhyun.

 “You make a fine dad Mr. Kim… I would certainly feel at ease to know my partner has such high expectations for his kid. Although he is older than you” Kai rolled his eyes playfully “Well, a guy like you acting all motherly at him to begin with made me feel like I should take responsibility for your adopted child 2 years ago” they chuckled.

They turned back looking at how joyous Baekhyun was feeling. It was rare and it was certainly the best thing they’ve seen so far.

All the while, Baekhyun’s mind crossed at the possibility of seeing Chanyeol more often when they’re at school. It was enticing for him to think that he’ll be seeing those beaming smile, those dark goofy eyes and that unwavering talent he has for music. He was drawn to conclude that, his life is starting to brighten up at the sight of the tall man.

He felt his heart race and his pulse rising exponentially.

After being dropped by his place Baekhyun went straight inside the house and saw his instructor. He smiled faintly at the old Chinese man and bowed his respects. “You seem more lively today Baekhyun, I’m glad to find my talented student like this” he beamed and laughed a bit.

“Good… afternoon Mr. Wu…” he formally greeted. “You know, if you continued being like this, it would bring out a great leap in your hidden talent. Playing classical music isn’t all smarts you know. It requires the taste of life and the experience gained through life.” he wisely told.

Baekhyun agreed at the words and made their way towards the small music room that his parents had for him. When they got inside Baekhyun walked straight towards his spinet piano that he cherished for a very long time.

His took out his music sheet from the small table beside the piano and placed it neatly. “I hope to see more of this wonderful change in your mood Baekhyun. You’re showing good progress and I assure you that composition that you’re making will be terrific” younger smiled at the kind compliment.

As he played his piece for the upcoming piano recital for his music class, Baekhyun couldn’t help but to drift into the earlier happenings with Chanyeol and the rest. For the first time in his life he had felt such wondrous bliss fueling his heartbeat. 

It was fun to be around people who appreciates music with real feelings conveying at every moment they played. It was one of the things that sheds light in his dark path in life but in a certain way, he couldn’t help but to thing of the tall, elf-eared guy as someone that illuminates more than the rest of the people he’d been around with.

At the meantime, Chanyeol had stayed with Suho and Yixin’s studio/house. The two were casually talking about the shows in the television while Chanyeol sat at the chair in the studio room with his pencil’s eraser stuck on his teeth. He was stuck at the lyrics and namely some part of the notes to finish up the song he’s been working on for quite some time now.

He sighed when nothing came inside his head to help and scoffing at the words Suho said before they got back from the park. “He said he’s going to start helping with me… what a talk …” he cussed under his breath.

He looked at the time in his phone and saw it was 4:23.

He shut his eyes and leaned back at the chair, stretching his long appendages then hearing a crackle or two. “I need something to inspire me…” he spoke in a dead tone. He hardly had anything stirring for a while now and it was affecting his compositions.

All he was focused on lately was work, school and practice for the upcoming winter music festival being held in school. He wanted to win with his new composition and he wanted to have that cash prize to help with his college funds.

He scratched his head for the lack of ideas running around his head. He slumps himself down on the desk, tired of forcing himself to think of something that would woo people. 

He subconsciously pulled back his phone to his hand and looked at the contacts saved inside. He nonchalantly hovered over the name Baekhyun up and down, maintaining the name in the middle of the screen.

He doesn’t know why but just looking at that 8 lettered name made him feel less frustrated and pressured. It calmed his nerves down to the point that it even dissipated in an instance. “Byun Baekhyun… Byun Baekhyun…” he chanted without even thinking. It was like his lips enjoyed the pronunciation of his name and that his ears adore the sound he heard, specifically Baekhyun.

“Hey Romeo, still not done thinking on calling Baekhyun? If you lack of inspiration why not use your crush as one” Suho exclaimed as he peeked at the distracted giant; it startled Chanyeol from his sudden words and quickly took away his phone from the elder’s sight.

“What… no… I wasn’t thinking of that hyung… ugh… what gave you that idea?” he was overly frantic at the sight of his hyung eying him with his actions. “Listen… if you’re affected with what I said earlier, just don’t let it get to you. I was just teasing since your eyes were all glimmering over the boy”

Chanyeol just gave out a nervous laugh and scratched his nape. “Anyways…” he shrugged off the goofy actions his friend is showing. “How’s the composition? Have you made progress yet?” he made his way towards the music sheets and found it less than he remembered.

“I guess you need more motivation… by the way why entitled it as peter pan if you don’t have any tinker bell to call for” Chanyeol’s eyes widened. “HYUNG!” he muttered and grabbed away the said piece. “T-That’s not for the competition…” he said with a shaky voice. “Really… I swore it’s~” he was interjected by a furious shake of Chanyeol’s head. “No… no no… it’s not for that… it’s for someone… special that’ll come one day”

Suho couldn’t suppress the smile creeping out of his face; he found the younger one being so drawn into a destined fate that he even prepared a song for someone to call his tinker bell. Well he does fit as peter pan, he’s tall, lanky and thinks like a child at most.

“Well is that tinker bell of your life shown itself?” he asked with a deeper meaning. Chanyeol looked at him, dazed at what the question really meant “Chanyeol… yoohoo!?” he snapped his fingers on the stretched out thoughts of the younger.

He came back to reality and watched his hyung looked at him with concern “I… I’m good… I’ll finish the piece and show it as soon as possible” he took the rest of the sheets on the desk and went of the sound proof studio, leaving a questioning Joon Myun at awe. “Did I miss my own question there?”

As he walked out, he placed the sheets carefully in his bag and sat at the bar stool failing to notice Yixin fixing up something at the stove. “Why the long face? You were all giddy a while ago” Lay softly spoke as he continued his cooking. Chanyeol looked at him and meekly smiled. “I’m screwed with the composition… I don’t have anything in mind to add up to the song. The winter music festival is only 1 month ahead!” 

Lay sighed and placed his finished stir fried noodles on a large plate when took some for Chanyeol to eat. “Listen, in a month there’s lots of possibilities… in week there’s tons of chances… in a day there’s endless inspiration all around you, waiting for you to recognize them. If you frustrate yourself with being pressured, nothing will be clear to you” he wisely pointed. 

He sat and leaned forward, seriously implying his words for the pressured guy. “You know that we trust you and your compositions. You wouldn’t be here right now and being babied by Suho if he didn’t see you’re gifted with talent. Even if we set aside that compliment, after knowing you and practically being with you for the past year made my eyes open up to see someone who’s diligent in his dream to become a musician/composer/rapper” was rather a mouthful of dream he had there.

Chanyeol sighed in contentment, he was right. He didn’t need to pressure himself to find the words and melody he needed right away. The best compositions are done when it comes on its own and not on needing circumstances. “Thanks for that… I really needed those words” he smiled at the adorable Chinese man.

“Eat up, Suho and I are going to watch a movie. We’ll be back late so if you want to stay for the night lock the door and sleep peacefully. You know you don’t function well without a goodnight sleep” he patted. “Thanks…” he graciously told as he eat up his meal. “By the way, do you have enough allowance? I know you sent a lot to your mom and dad on your pay this month” he asked out and Chanyeol shook his head.

“Alright, if you have problems with your budget don’t hesitate in asking” he walked towards their bedroom and left Chanyeol for a while to eat his meal.

He was grateful to have been found by Suho who didn’t think twice on helping him out with his financial issues. He needed a place to practice, he was given one. He needed a job, he was introduced to a job near the school with his preferred type of work plus good payment. He needed someone to cling on whenever he needs comforting, he was given with both Suho and Lay’s care.

He felt protected and well guided by the two lovers. He feels lucky to be surrounded by caring people, especially in his dire need.

After a few minutes of looking back at the things that can initiate the inspiration, although the Peter Pan song needed a different one. He felt melody stirring inside, his passion being pushed by the thoughts of those that made him be able to walk in a straight path despite the hardships of the life had thrown at him.

He took out his music sheet and grabbed his meal as well as a small bottle of water from the counter; then went straight to the table at the studio, writing down the notes with a smile spread across his face. He found his deriving force into completing the inspirational song he was frustrated a moment ago. “Why didn’t I thought of this sooner?” he asked himself as he continued to write.

He gathered the love that he saw with both Suho and Lay; the need and the romance. He cringed a bit at the thoughts playing at the back of his mind, the lovely kisses Suho gave and the warm comforting hug Lay returned. It was specially made for them to solemnly bask in each other’s love.

He had bear witnessed that love for a whole year and never has that flame weakened. It was there presented as an example of how wondrous their feelings for each other was. Feeling a smile creeping up his face, he read his work and adored the story Suho and Lay had inspired him.

“Chanyeol-ah, we’ll be going now” Suho noted as he stuck his head inside the studio. “Hyung, I’m finished with it” he happily informed. Suho’s eyes perched up and walked inside to check; the younger gave his work and the older read the whole thing. He smiled at the giant with an approving look written on his face. “You are one rad out composer” he gave a light hug and patted his back.

“Suho… aren’t we going?” Lay peered at the two with a smile plastered on both faces. “Yixin!!! Chanyeol finished his song!” the guy practically expressed more joy than the actual composer. “No kidding?” a beaming grin shot out in a instant and made his way towards the two to take a gander of the product of his talent.

Yixin scanned it thoroughly, checking every note and playing it inside his head and imagining the songs being sang by Kyungsoo, rapped by both Kai and Chanyeol but a certain voice felt like missing. Although he knows Kyungsoo’s voice fits well with the whole velvety voice, it still missed a certain mix so it felt complete.

He looked at Chanyeol with an approving look but he bluntly speaks out his mind “It’s perfect to be precise… you and Kai can be a great tandem while Kyungsoo & Suho can sing the other lines but it’s still lacking of another singer” he tapped his finger on his chin and continued to dwell deeper in his head to find the missing voice.

“How ‘bout you or either of the other two fill up the missing voice?” Yixin looked at his boyfriend and a willing smile cracked up, he shrugged his shoulder then shook his head of disapproval. “It doesn’t suit him… his voice would be fine with other parts of the songs and such but with this song, it still lacks of a third singer. As for me… my voice would hyphened and disarray the whole blend it’ll produce. So I’m also a no-no” Chanyeol sighed.

“I finish the song but I need to find another singer to create the song… wow… such luck” he gloomed at the thought “Listen, we can ask Kyungsoo to find someone that’ll be willing to join in singing this one. Don’t get your heads in a jiff again alright? I’ll know the right singer once I hear one” he gave the music sheet and patted him assumingly “It’ll come and no worries should be taken into account” 

Taking in those words again, he took a deep breath then showed a portion of his pearly whites before tucking it back in. “There’s still a month to go so there’s lots of possibilities. Well I guess I can think better now that all I need now is a singer to fit along with the song” Yixin nodded at his friend’s acceptance towards the situation.

“Now that that’s settled, lemme just grab my boyfriend and we’ll be off our merry way. I’ll see you in the morning if you decide to stay” he waved and grabbed his man; Suho looked at him in a proud expression before he was taken all the way out by his partner.

“Okay… some rest is most certainly needed here…” he peered at his phone and saw it was still 5:27 pm. He thought of taking a stroll around before having dinner and hitting the sack. He grabbed his coat and beanie then diving in his bag’s pockets for his wallet. When he got out he shut the door, sounding the lock system.

As walked at the cold streets, he wondered how they’ll find the right missing voice for the song. It was terrific that it came out great that both Suho and Lay approved but, hearing Lay directly inform him of a missing blend was rather a real challenge.

He had known Lay’s decisions to be precise since he refines the compositions and thinks of voices required plus the melody that would be played. It was his gift as a singer, composer and guitarist. He was an icon in Chanyeol’s eyes.

He sighed having no one coming up in his head to add up to the list. He ceased his wandering when he stumbled upon a white gift shop filled with numerous items. He took a look at the displayed stuff and couldn’t help but to stare at the eye catching miniature grand piano.

A smile perched up his face as it was white as the one he was using at the music café. He thought of how fascinating it was to find a smaller version of it.

His thoughts then pondered to someone in similarity that reminds him of pianos. Baekhyun popped out with a repressed form but cute smile plastered in his quiet figure. His smile widened as he watched the boy grin back at him in his head; he felt blissful and his heart raced much like earlier.

“I got to give this to Baekhyun…” he spoke to himself and went inside the shop.

He walked towards the counter and asked the shop keeper, “Excuse me… how much is that small grand piano?” he pointed out at the display. “That’s a limited edition figurine. It has a small recorder for those who wants to have a greeting or a song they want to present. It’ll be $2,000” his eyes nearly popped out of its sockets.

“W-What? 2 grand for a small piano?” he couldn’t believe the cost and the shop keeper gave him skeptical look “It is a limited edition and it’s being eyed by a guy already if you don’t hurry. He always comes by here to check on it if it’s still there, he said he’ll buy it once he has enough money” Chanyeol sighed heavily, “Is there any discount or something? Maybe keep it in storage, I’ll really make up for the money to buy it” he pleaded.

“I’m sorry, I wanna be fair for those who likes to collect those and if I were to resolve into saving it up for someone, I would consider saving it up for that guy that surely wants it more than you do” Chanyeol shut his eyes, “I-If it gets bought or something, can you please tell me who that person is? Or at least a description on who it is? I really want to buy it for someone and maybe he’d give me a chance to buy it if he hears me out”

He looked pathetic but the shopkeeper saw thoughtful heart in him, “Fine… I’ll ask for a phone number just in case but if he doesn’t provide one I’ll just tell you how he looks alright?” a smile finally shot up his face. “Thank you so much… I’ll saving up for it, just you wait” he promised and got out of the shop.

He stopped his tracks yet again and looked at the item “It would be perfect for someone like Baekhyun… it would surely, fit him”

He felt his heart anticipate for the day he’d be able to buy it and provide it as a gift to a smaller yet greatly passionate pianist. Although the price was beyond his imagination, his desire to give something as perfect like that to Baekhyun was more than enough to firmly decide that he would want to give it to him.

 

 

~~~~~~~~~~

Author's note: 

Sorry if I haven't updated quickly and more likely I'll be updating late the upcoming days to come so I hope you'd be patient with the next chapters. Merry Christmas to all :3

P.S. Sorry if there's any mis-spelled stuff or wrong words there :D