Kyungsoo was up early as usual to prepare breakfast but he was a little shocked to see that there are already four persons who are awake. He rubbed his eyes softly as he tried to recognize the people who seemed a little livelier than they should this early. There are two people who are standing and one of them he recognized as Jongin’s cousin so the other person who is standing beside him must be his boyfriend who looks amused over something. Kyungsoo followed the gaze of the chubby cheeked guy and he almost rolled over the floor, laughing his off.

          There on the couch sat a dumbfounded Baekhyun with a giant panda slung all over him.

          He did laugh out loud though.

          “DO KYUNGSOO!” his bestfriend whined-slash-protested to him as he tried to squirm out of the panda kid’s embrace but it looked like he has no chance of winning. Now, Kyungsoo had to hold at the beam by his bedroom door to support himself.

          “Hey, what’s gotten you so happy, beautiful?” Jongin was awakened by the sweet sound of Kyungsoo’s laughter so he trudged towards the latter and gave him a back hug as he leaned down to whisper on the elder’s ear. He was still shaking with laughter as he turned a little to peck Jongin on the lips before he pulled him towards the kitchen as he remembered that he should be making breakfast.

          “WHAT KIND OF A BESTFRIEND ARE YOU, DO KYUNGSOO? CAN’T YOU TELL THAT I’M IN DISTRESS?” Baekhyun continued his complaining and Jongin is more than confused.

          “What the heck is going on anyway?” the youngest voiced out and there was silence in the room sans Kyungsoo’s giggling. He’s also wiping his tears away from too much laughing.

          “My dear cousin, these two…” Jongdae pointed out to Tao and Baekhyun, “… have just made everything official. They are dating!”

          “Uhh, so congratulations then?” Jongin was still confused as to why his boyfriend couldn’t stop laughing. “What’s the joke, Kyungie?”

          “I… hahaha! Baekhyun looked like he got himself into trouble when all he was fuzzing about was about that kid. It was just ironic!” Kyungsoo lost himself again in a fit of giggles.

          “Yah! You just get a kick out of my misery, Do Kyungsoo!” Baekhyun pouted and Tao was just gazing at him like he has brought the Lotte World to him.

          “Maybe but you were just in denial last night, what made you change your mind?” Kyungsoo was already in the kitchen rummaging through the fridge for ingredients for omelets and fried rice. He also took out a loaf of bread and the tray of their available spreads that he motioned for Jongin to bring on the table. He also took the pack of hotdogs and put them in the sink to thaw for a bit. Minseok excused himself and proceeded to the coffee maker to prepare coffee for everyone.

          Baekhyun sighed as he looked at Tao who was starting to look upset. “I’m sorry,” his head hung low as he scooted away from Baekhyun. Oh, crap. Tao was looking a very heartbreaking expression and Baekhyun’s heartstrings were pulled taut. He was very taken aback by the sudden personality change of Tao but it’s not like he hated it. In fact, those stupidly cute expressions has already made their way into Baekhyun’s heart that he knew that he was done for.

          Tao felt his heart clenched. Maybe he has read the signs wrong. Maybe Baekhyun didn’t really like him. Or maybe, it was his cold version that the elder likes and not his true self. He may be too annoying for the other’s taste. He quietly made his move away from the couch and wallow alone when a small hand gripped his wrist and pull him back gently.

          “Tao-yah,” Baekhyun called as he tugged on the younger’s wrist once more.

          “It’s okay, hyung. I understand,” Tao tried to pull away and his heart cracked a little when he met no resistance at all. His arm dropped to his side limply. He chuckled bitterly to himself and was about to take his leave and go back to his dorm to prepare for school there when he felt arms circling around his waist and somebody’s cheek pressed against his back.

          “Why are you so tall?” Baekhyun grumbled but he tightened his arms around Tao, in case that the kid will continue walking. When the latter made no move after a few moments, Baekhyun took a deep breath and pulled away to capture one of Tao’s hand in his. “I’m sorry. That was just unexpected.”

          The younger just stayed quiet and he sighed. “I’m not taking back what I said, Tao. I don’t know how it happened but I came to like you already. Are you giving up just like that?”

          “But I don’t want to force myself to you. I know I’m not that easy to be with; I need a lot of taking care of and I don’t want to impose,” Tao remained at his spot because Baekhyun’s pretty hand feels good against his.

          “I… I don’t mind that part, really. Let’s give it a try first, okay? I want to do this with you.”

          “Are you sure, Baekkie?” the younger now faced Baekhyun with uncertain eyes.

          “Yep. So let’s go join them in the dining to get some breakfast. You have classes right?”

          “Yeah.”

          “Then I’m bringing you to school,” Baekhyun said as he led Tao towards the kitchen where aside from their previous companions, Junmyeon, Yixing and their bosses were already there. They took their places on the table and Donghae cleared his throat.

          “So now that we are all complete, I will tell you the message from the guys in China,” he put his cup of coffee down and he looked to each of the youngers’ faces while Hyukjae patted his shoulder to tell him that he was there. The awkward silence made Tao press nearer Baekhyun, Yixing and Junmyeon to exchange worried glances, Jongdae held Minseok’s hand and Jongin put an arm around Kyungsoo’s shoulder who tensed up.

          “Kris called a few minutes ago to tell that Sehun and Chanyeol will be taking a flight this late afternoon so they asked as to pick them up.”

          “What about the marriage rumor?” Junmyeon dared ask and the tension was palpable.