Word Count: 1470

“Has he always been like that?”

“Like what?”

“Like he’s been living in a shell of happiness and far from ugly reality.”

Junmyeon, Kyungsoo, Tao and Chanyeol were seated by the dining room that was now empty as Jongin’s relatives have moved to gather at their backyard. Tao has yet to finish his dinner while the rest have been done and simply stayed to chat; Chanyeol’s blank presence was nothing new.

Jongin and Jongdae were seated by the couches across in the living room playing video games in front of the TV; and Baekhyun was seated by the carpet loudly giggling while playing with Jongin’s three dogs that were let in after dinner.

Back at the table, Junmyeon was fondly watching Baekhyun when he wondered aloud; Kyungsoo understanding his sentiment.

“Yea.” He smiles a fondly smile of his own. “Ever since I met him, he’s always been so happy and smiling radiantly. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him… genuinely sad.”

“He’s a breath of fresh air to us.” Tao joins in while still eating like a mouse on diet. “Not saying we’re not happy.. but we’re all dumped with wealthy pressures it’s hard to genuinely feel happiness.”

“I understand. My father expects me to take over his line of restaurants.” Kyungsoo nods. “Although not said directly, he makes it known subtly. Baekhyun must be backed up with a happy loving surrounding.”

Junmyeon simply sighs, breathing out in defeat understanding what the two felt. Their parents expects a lot from them, society expects a lot from them; and every bit of it is pressuring. He and pretty sure along with the rest would rather lie down on bed and do nothing but read, play, sleep, or anything to escape their responsibilities and expectations.

At the side, Chanyeol stays silent while he watches Baekhyun with a hint of fond in his eyes. The smiling, hearty laughs filling the air of both rooms, was a pleasant mystery to him.

♠♠♠

“Kyungsoo, isn’t it?”

He flashes the handsome male a sweet smile.  “Yes. Jongin, if I’m not mistaken?”

“Indeed I am. Handsome elegant dancer at your service.” Jongin wiggles his eyebrows a teasing attempt to look suave and y, eliciting a snort from Jongdae behind.

“Elegant my ! You dance like an air dancing balloon!”

The short male seated at Jongin’s side giggles at the funny exchange, feeling all warm and tingly at the warm welcome earlier and fun atmosphere of the whole gathering. And just like Baekhyun, the previous beliefs that were instilled by the rumors and gossips floating around school shatters into pieces.

A new member has been added; although in secret, it was still at the delight of the group and most especially Baekhyun’s.

♠♠♠

The two dogs of Jongin’s were still playing around Baekhyun, running and barking all around the living room. The other dog was asleep at Kyungsoo’s lap by the couch while he and Jongin chatted to their hearts content, much to Jongdae’s displeasure as his partner in crime was focused on someone else. The prankster decided to join Baekhyun in playing with the pups and teasing Baekhyun at the same time making a fool of himself. Junmyeon, the mother that he is, and Tao, the sociable butterfly he is, were out of the scenario having casual talks with Jongin’s mother and sisters.