160612 Sunday

Kim Jongdae created a group.

Kim Jongdae added Kim Joonmyun.

Kim Jongdae changed his name to Chen.

Chen named the chat Baek 22^nd Tao 21^st.

Chen: What should we do?

Joonmyun: Maybe add the others first.

Chen added Kim Jongin.

Chen added Byun Baekhyun.

Chen: !

Chen removed Byun Baekhyun.         

Chen added Huang Zi Tao.

Chen: DOUBLE !

Chen removed Huang Zi Tao.

Joonmyun: You’re so useless.

Kim Joonmyun added Wu Kris.

Jongin: What’s this?

Chen: BaekTao’s birthday.

Kris: MY BABY JOON~~~

Kris: WHAT BRINGS ME HERE TO YOU?

Kris: IS IT FATE?

Kris: #heartemoticon1#

Kris: #heartemoticon2#

Kris: #heartemoticon3#

Kris: #heartemoticon4#

Kris: #heartemoticon1# #heartemoticon1# #heartemoticon1#

Chen removed Wu Kris.

Jongin: lol

Joonmyun: lol

Chen: Control him pls. Or else he’s gonna ruin the chat.

Chen added Zhang Yi Xing.

Chen added Lu Han.

Chen added Kim Minseok.

Chen added Do Kyungsoo.

Chen: Am I missing anyone?

Joonmyun: Wait.

Kim Joonmyun added Oh Sehun.

Joonmyun: I think that’s it.

Yi Xing: Hi guys!

Minseok: Celebrate on the hols?

Yi Xing: Good idea

Jongin: I feel like some people are missing…

Chen: Yeah, Joonmyun’s bf

Yi Xing: lol

Minseok: lol

Chen: How to celebrate?

Jongin: Like how we spent autumn last year?

Minseok: This college’s hols are so ed up

Yi Xing: Ikr

Joonmyun: Wait, I can’t celebrate over the hols

Chen: Why not?

Joonmyun: I’m going Europe with Kris

Yi Xing: ofc

Chen: ofc

Jongin: ofc

Minseok: ofc

Chen: Soo I know you’re there. We can all see your ‘Seens’, you know.

Minseok: lol he ignored you

Yi Xing: lol

Chen: #sademoticon1#

Jongin: KS, do you have any ideas?

Kyungsoo: It’s more convenient to celebrate it in school.

Chen: WOW, talk about double standards.

Chen: I mean, Jongin talks to you once and you reply? What about me? Why do you ALWAYS do this? Huh?

Yi Xing: He ignored you again…

Jongin: #happyemoticon2#

Jongin: That’s because we’re besties, right, KS?

Kyungsoo: #rollseyesemoticon#

Kyungsoo: Yeah, I guess

Kyungsoo: #happyemoticon1#

Chen: Screw all of you

Joonmyun: We’re getting out of topic here.

Lu Han has left the group.

Chen: The ?

Chen added Lu Han.

Chen: Anyway, I was thinking of maybe just a simple movie night on the 5^th.

Chen: Because it’s chill and everything.

Yi Xing: Sounds good.

Jongin: Yeah I like that.

Kyungsoo: Yeah.

Lu Han has left the group.

Chen: .

Chen added Lu Han.

Han: Stop!

Han: I’m tryinf to qatch a socxer matvh

Joonmyun: This is important.

Chen: Yeah.

Han: As if I haven’t gone thru this before. All ur previous bday planning chats are bs

Han: Tell me when u decide sth

Han: Goodbye

Lu Han has left the group.

Chen: Who does he think he is? #angryemoticon2#

Minseok: Soccer is his only love, you can’t blame him…

Yi Xing: Speaking of love, aren’t we missing someone?

Chen: Who?

Jongin: Oh yeah…

Jongin: Most important person to be here tbh

Chen: Who?

Yi Xing: Baek’s bf?

Chen: oh

Chen: OH

Chen:

Jongin: Youre the admin. You add him.

Chen: Hes gonna kill us.

Chen: I’m too scared to add him now.

Kim Joonmyun added Wu Kris.

Kim Joonmyun added Park Chanyeol.

Joonmyun: There you go.

Joonmyun: Kris, please shut up or else I’ll have no choice but to kick you out.

Kris: Okay babe #peacesignemoticon#

Chanyeol: ???

Chanyeol: Why do I have this feeling that I’m the last one to be added?

Jongin: Cuz you are

Jongin: lol

Minseok: lol

Yi Xing: lol

Kris: lol

Chanyeol: ASJDLF;JO;FJWLEJF;LAJSDLFJOP3JFOJA;LKFLJ;SDLFJ #angryemoticon1# #angryemoticon2# #angryemoticon3#

Chanyeol: #sademoticon1# #sademoticon2# #sademoticon3# #sademoticon4#

Chen: We’re thinking of a movie night. Some different kinda bonding time for a change.

Chanyeol: lol

Chen: What?

Chanyeol: lol

Chen: Hes gone crazy

Chanyeol: lol

Chanyeol: HAHAHA YOU ERS

Chanyeol: I DON’T GIVE A WHAT YOU DO

Chanyeol: BAEK’S MINE ON HIS BDAY

Chanyeol: SO Y’ALL CAN IT

Chanyeol: WOO HOO

Chanyeol: DON’T TOUCH HIM HE’S MINE I GOT IT PLANNED YOU S

Chanyeol: #peaceoutsignemoticon# #peaceoutsignemoticon# #peaceoutsignemoticon# #peaceoutsignemoticon# #peaceoutsignemoticon# #peaceoutsignemoticon#

Park Chanyeol has left the group.

Chen: Wow he really came here just to say that.

Joonmyun: I wouldn’t be surprised.

Jongin: We’re celebrating on the fifth though … Is he out of his mind?

Chanyeol wakes up early, grabbing the phone quickly from the bedside table and tiptoeing towards the bathroom, sneaking a glance backwards, sighing in relief when the smaller turns over in his bed, face buried into his pillow.

Once safely locked inside, Chanyeol calls the plushie company that also answers to special requests. He had been spending the past few weeks searching for a company that would make an enlarged Chan, or rather Chan Chan (as Baekhyun likes to call him), Baekhyun’s pink teddy bear, but almost all of them have refused except for this particular company called ‘B.A.P’. The problem is he has to spend a few hundred dollars to make it and also more money to have it sent straight to their dorm.

Still, Baekhyun is worth it.

“This is B.A.P, a plushie company situated in Seoul. How may I help you?”

“Uh, this is Park Chanyeol who personally requested a big pink teddy bear … Uh …”

“Oh, yes. You would like it to be delivered today?”

“Oh, y-yes! I’d like to have it delivered to Pop College, room 65!” He waits anxiously as the person pauses to write down the details. “Please have it delivered before evening.”

“…Yes, all right, will do.” The woman replies. “Is that all?”

“Yes! Just put it next to the beds, please. I’ll leave the door unlocked. That’s all.”

“Have a good day, sir!” Then Chanyeol hangs up, heart racing for some reason. He breathes out then opens the door slightly, peeking out. Baekhyun is shifting, as if he’s about to awaken. Without giving him a chance to wake by himself, Chanyeol bounds over and jumps on the bed, fingers running through the now black locks. Baekhyun opens his eyes and lets out a very unmanly shriek of surprise. Chanyeol laughs and showers his face with sloppy kisses, which Baekhyun tries to move away from, with muffled complaints like ‘Get off me…’, until he eventually gives up when Chanyeol doesn’t budge, but rather holds onto him even firmer.

“Happy birthday, B.” Chanyeol whispers, leaning his forehead against the birthday man’s. Baekhyun grins back and pushes his forehead forward.

“Thanks.” He smiles. Chanyeol lifts himself off quite reluctantly and pulls Baekhyun with him.

“Hurry!” He urges. “Let’s go!”

“All right …” Baekhyun, confused, lets himself be pulled into the bathroom, where they wash their faces and brush their teeth. Then they change clothes and, with only a bag and each other, set off for the day.

“Where are we going?’ Baekhyun asks, a smile splitting across his face. Chanyeol laughs even if nothing is funny, but only because the smaller looks so adorable.

“I … don’t really know.” Chanyeol admits, grinning. “Anywhere, I guess.”

“Let’s take a cab out of here first.” Baekhyun says, gripping his hand tightly. “I’m too used to this place already.”

“Why does it feel like we’re running away from our responsibilities?” Chanyeol smiles when they exit the school entrance, and luckily for them, a taxi just turns the corner towards their road. Baekhyun waves with his hand, but the taller stops him with a look, then waves his hand himself.

“What the hell?” Baekhyun glares at him once the cab pulls over. Chanyeol smirks, opening the door wide for his boyfriend.

“He might not have seen you.” Chanyeol says, emphasising his words by bringing his hand down to his chest, as if measuring. Baekhyun rolls his eyes and climbs in the car, Chanyeol following.

“Where to?” The driver asks.

“Anywhere.” Chanyeol laughs goofily. The driver glares at him, annoyed. Baekhyun hits his head softly.

“Don’t mind him, he’s an idiot.” Baekhyun grins. The driver suddenly seems to be entranced by the smaller’s charms. “Take us to Namsan, please.” The driver nods dumbly and turns back, driving.

“Who’re you to call me idiot?” Chanyeol crosses his arms. “.”

“Idiot.”

“.”

“Idiot.”

“.”

“Idiot.”

“!”

“Idiot!”

They glare at each other for a long, long time. For ten minutes, they glare at each other without blinking, for some reason it being a possible feat for the two of them. Then Chanyeol’s frown splits into a grin.

“Fine, you’re a babe.” Chanyeol whispers. Baekhyun, taken aback, blinks in surprise, all threatening stares disappearing. Chanyeol chuckles as the smaller blushes, not used to Chanyeol saying this.

“Babe?” Chanyeol calls. Baekhyun huffs, crossing his arms as he turns away. Chanyeol snickers. “Babe?” Baekhyun doesn’t say anything.

“See? It’s harder for you to take compliments than insults.” Baekhyun pushes him lightly, and he cannot help but smile.

“You’re such an idiot.” Baekhyun smiles playfully.

They arrive in Namsan not long after, and Baekhyun drags him to the top of the building.

“I always wanted to ride one of these.” Baekhyun says excitedly as they line up for the cable car. Chanyeol rolls his eyes as he follows the smaller, and they board the cable car with some other people.

“Wow, it’s so pretty!” Baekhyun presses his hands against the glass and looks out in wonder. Chanyeol chuckles.

“Your dongsaeng is cute.” A middle-aged lady comments, smiling as she looks over at Baekhyun, who’s still looking outside, unaware of his surroundings in the car.

“Yes, he is.” Chanyeol grins widely. “He’s only about four years younger than me, but he acts like a middle schooler sometimes.”

“Yeol, look!” Baekhyun pulls at his sleeve before pointing at a place without sparing a glance at him. The lady smiles. “How cool!”

“Boys these days aren’t very innocent.” She remarks. Chanyeol chokes. “But seeing someone so pure and adorable like him, makes me think that this generation maybe isn’t so bad after all.”

“I’m glad you see that.” Chanyeol grins. Finally someone understands! “Because it doesn’t matter how many people he’s slept with, right? All that matters is the heart. All that matters is the soul.”

The woman’s smile slips off her face and she gives him a disgusted look. Confused, Chanyeol blinks as she turns away from him and walks to the other end of the cable car. What’s up with her? He thinks to himself.

“Pass me your phone, Yeol.” Baekhyun says, hand reaching out. Chanyeol slaps it away, then takes it out himself. Grinning to himself, he slides the screen a few times before he snaps a picture of Baekhyun. The smaller notices and glares at him.

“Don’t take pictures of me, you idiot!” He hisses. “Take pictures of the world!”

“I am.” Chanyeol chuckles as he takes another picture of Baekhyun. “But isn’t it better if you’re in it?”

“Can you not say such weird things?” Annoyed, the smaller reaches and snatches the phone from Chanyeol’s hand, then proceeds to take pictures himself.

They arrive at the top, and Baekhyun and Chanyeol get off the cable car. Chanyeol notices the woman from earlier hurrying away from them, and inwardly he wonders to himself just what he said to make her look so awkward. Actually, inside he knows, but still, it’s something that he’d rather not get into. Especially not today.

“Potato swirls!” Chanyeol exclaims as he rushes towards the store. “Man, I’m hungry.”

“We haven’t even started yet.” Baekhyun rolls his eyes as he takes a panorama of the scenery around him as Chanyeol buys the potato swirls for the both of them. When he returns, he passes one to Baekhyun.

“This place makes me feel calm.” Baekhyun says as he breathes in the air and closes his eyes.

“This place is pretty nice, isn’t it?” Chanyeol smiles. “Hold this.” He passes his potato swirl to Baekhyun and then takes his phone from the smaller.

“Why didn’t you bring your own phone?” The taller mutters as he swipes his phone.

“Too many people call me.” Baekhyun replies simply, munching on his potato swirl.

“Block them already.” Chanyeol sighs. Baekhyun shrugs when the taller presses the play button.

“All right! This is reporter Chanyeol speaking.” Chanyeol says as he zeroes in on Baekhyun. “Interviewing Byun Baekhyun. Baekhyun, how do you feel today to be on Namsan on your birthday?” Baekhyun had taken another bite out of his potato swirl and he rolls his eyes.

“This is so stupid…” He mutters.

“Baekhyun, Baekhyun! Tell us how you feel today to be on such a beautiful place on your birthday.”

“It feels great.” Baekhyun looks a little awkward, but eventually he loosens himself up. “This place is really nice, and –”

“Give me a bite.” Chanyeol mutters. Baekhyun stops talking and blinks.

“Huh?”

Chanyeol points to his potato swirl. Baekhyun steps closer to the camera and holds out the potato swirl towards the taller. Chanyeol stretches his neck a little and takes a bite, then gestures for Baekhyun to move back.

“Keep going.” He says, mouth full.

“Uh…right. So I think this my second time being here, and it was my first time riding a cable car.” Baekhyun says, fingers fiddling with the stick of his potato swirl.

“So how was the cable car?” Chanyeol leans forward, making sure to take every inch of Baekhyun’s face. The smaller doesn’t seem to notice.

“Oh…It was interesting.” Baekhyun’s tone is emotionless.

“What, are you trying to act cool now?” Chanyeol zooms out of Baekhyun’s eyes. “You sure sounded like an excited kid back there.” Baekhyun glares at him, steps towards him, and pushes him lightly.

“You have to put more feeling into your interviews, Mr Baekhyun.” Chanyeol says, walking around the smaller. “You already invited such a talented cameraman and reporter, and you’re only going to put half the effort?”

“Idiot…” Baekhyun mutters, cheeks flushed from embarrassment.

“Come on, Baek!” Chanyeol grins. “Shout ‘I LOVE CABLE CARS’!”

“What? No way –”

“Come on, do it with me!” Chanyeol tries his best not to pace around excitedly. Baekhyun crosses his arms and starts walking away.

“Oi!” Chanyeol shouts as he leaps after Baekhyun, surprisingly keeping his hand steady. “Come back here, I’m not done yet!” Eventually, the taller sighs as he stops the video, and puts his phone back in his pocket. In a few strides, he has caught up with Baekhyun.

“You’re no fun.” He pouts. Baekhyun doesn’t try to spoil him, and instead his eyes widen when he sees a building ahead.

“C’mon!” He says, and without waiting for Chanyeol, he begins sprinting towards the building. Chanyeol sighs, takes out his phone and records himself.

“Look at him, such a child.” He says as he records Baekhyun running towards the building. “Honestly, what have I done to –”

“Yeol! Come on!” Baekhyun shouts from a distance, and Chanyeol shows the camera Baekhyun waving madly at him. “You look like an idiot as always! So stop looking at yourself and come!”

“I have to go now. This is Baek’s birthday diary no. 2. See ya later.” Chanyeol salutes and switches off the phone, then jogs after the smaller.

“Wow, locks!” Chanyeol gapes as he stares at all the displays. “This is so cool!”

“Yeah.” Baekhyun takes Chanyeol to pick a good lock and then he finds one, holding it in his palm. “You write whatever you wish to come true, or you write something you love.” After more choosing, they each pick one. Baekhyun’s is green and Chanyeol’s is blue and white.

“Let’s not write anything about each other, all right? People do it all the time it’s too cliché.” Baekhyun says. “Besides, that’d be too cheesy.”

“No way I’m writing about you.” Chanyeol grins. They find a table and they start writing on it, covering their locks with their free hands and sending mysterious grins at each other.

“So…you write your own name in the middle, right?” Chanyeol asks. Baekhyun nods. Chanyeol quickly scribbles down his name.

“Finished!” the both of them say at the same time. Baekhyun stands, holding the lock close to his chest. How adorable. Chanyeol smiles.

“Are you going to show me?” Baekhyun asks, eyes looking down at Chanyeol’s closed hands.

“If you show me yours?” Chanyeol suggests.

“On the count of three.” Baekhyun says. “One…two…”

“Three!” They display their locks. Chanyeol’s is ‘EXO, TEETH, MUSIC’ and Baekhyun’s is ‘SINGING, EXO’.

“Funny how we wrote similar things.” Chanyeol notes as he hides his lock back in his hands again. Baekhyun does the same.

“Yeah.” Baekhyun rolls his eyes. “Because you copied me.”

“I did not!” They bicker as they walk outside to the place where everyone puts their locks.

“Let’s put them here.” Baekhyun suggests, crouching down and point to a space. “Back to back?”

“Yeah.” Chanyeol grins. “You do it first.”

“No, you do it first.” Baekhyun argues.

“Fine, it’s do it together.” Chanyeol says, gripping his lock tightly and hiding it behind his back. “And no looking at each other’s.”

“Fine.” The two of them crouch down and unlock their locks, then presses them together back-to-back at the same time in such a way that a satisfying “Clang!” sounds in the air. Chanyeol’s heart is racing. Then they put the metal of their locks through the a very small, narrow, plastic coil and lock it together in place.

“Hey, look! It can’t move!” Baekhyun laughs as he shakes the locks, but they won’t budge, as if they’re stuck there. As one. “There’s no more space.”

Good. Chanyeol thinks to himself as he watches Baekhyun play with their locks that seem so inseparable. Because I don’t want you to see what’s in the back of it.

In the back of Chanyeol’s lock, the part where he knows Baekhyun will never be able to see, he had scrawled ‘Byun Baekhyun’ right in the middle.

“How was your trip so far?” Chanyeol interviews his boyfriend on their way down from Namsan Tower. Baekhyun keeps walking, trying not to smile.

“It was good.” He replies. “I went and got myself a lock.”

“That’s great! What did you write in there?”

Baekhyun narrows his eyes and sighs.

“You already know, Yeol –”

“Who’s ‘Yeol’? Is he your secret, handsome, perfect boyfriend?” Chanyeol snickers at his own joke.

“Yeol is an idiot.” Baekhyun replies curtly, making Chanyeol pout. “Anyway, I wrote EXO and Singing, two of the things I really like.”

“Did you write anything else?” Chanyeol asks. “Something you did not show a certain someone?”

“I showed you everything!” Baekhyun hisses. “What else did you expect me to write?”

“Right…” Chanyeol mumbles, sighing internally. Of course Baekhyun wouldn’t write his name in there! Baekhyun’s not as romantic as he is …

Not that he’s romantic, of course…

“I think this is the first time I’m gonna have you on my phone.” Chanyeol says. “How do you feel about that?”

“Well…” Baekhyun muses. “Why would you need me on your phone when I’m right next to you all the time?” Then he smiles.

Heart racing, Chanyeol makes sure to zoom in, taking pictures while doing so. He knows he can see it any day, but what if one day they separate? What if Baekhyun needs to go overseas and Chanyeol is left alone? He’ll definitely have to have something of Baekhyun’s to look at.

“I swear, if you do this to embarrass me…” Baekhyun mutters, eyes looking at the ground, avoiding the camera’s gaze.

“Don’t worry, I won’t. I promise.” Chanyeol replies softly. This is mine to keep. Baekhyun continues walking and Chanyeol slows down, deciding to record the smaller’s back again, watching the way he walks and how adorable he looks when he’s enjoying himself.

“You’re so slow, Yeol!” Baekhyun turns back, shouting. “Hurry up!”

“Just a moment!” Chanyeol replies, zooming in on Baekhyun’s face, the way those eyebrows knit together in confusion. He stays there and doesn’t move. Eventually, Chanyeol hastily shuts off his phone and chases after his boyfriend.

“Man, I’m so tired.” Baekhyun says as he climbs up the stairs to their dorm. “Such an intense day today.”

“You had fun, right?” Chanyeol asks worriedly. “After all, it wasn’t fun when you accidentally tripped and fell onto the mud.” The taller lets out a chuckle.

“Yeah, it was fun.” Baekhyun replies honestly. “I think this is one of the best times I’ve ever had in my life.” Chanyeol reaches out to open the door, but then he remembers – Baekhyun’s present.

“What are you doing?” Baekhyun asks curiously.

“N-nothing.” It’d be too suspicious if I lead him somewhere else. Chanyeol realises he has no other choice, because Baekhyun can read him like an open book and he’d rather Baekhyun see the present himself than Chanyeol break it to him through his obvious expression. Sighing, he opens the door and walks in. Baekhyun walks in behind him and switches on the light.

A huge Chan sits in between the beds, rising to the ceiling, its huge arms resting by its sides, big enough to hug Baekhyun. Chanyeol turns, watches Baekhyun’s eyes widen in surprise, mouth dropping open in shock as he steps slowly to the enlarged version of Chan.

“What…happened to ChanChan?” He whispers, wide eyes still staring at the huge teddy bear. Then he turns to the real Chan, who’s sitting comfortably on his bed. “That’s not right, ChanChan’s right there …”

“Happy birthday, Baek.” Chanyeol says softly, smiling. Baekhyun whips around to stare at him, pointing to the huge teddy bear.

“T-That’s … Y-You…” Baekhyun is at a loss for words. Chanyeol feels his heart swell in adoration. He feels so overwhelmed with a feeling he doesn’t think he can ever describe. It’s like warmth that fills him to his very core.

Is this…happiness?

Then Baekhyun’s face splits into a wide smile and he jumps on Chanyeol – literally jumps on Chanyeol. The taller, not expecting it, grunts as he is thrown backwards and onto the floor. Baekhyun’s grin is huge as he hugs Chanyeol’s waist tightly. Chanyeol’s heart skips – this is the first time Baekhyun’s hugged him first and so excitedly.

“Thank you thank you thank you…” He breathes, nuzzling Chanyeol’s chest. The taller, once again surprised and stunned, lies on the floor as Baekhyun squeezes him and shakes him and nuzzles him. Sure, Baekhyun’s gotten more and more hyperactive after they started dating, but this is a whole new level.

“, Baek…” Chanyeol groans. He remembers to breathe as he turns over, and unintentionally flipping their positions. “You killed me…”

“Thanks!” Baekhyun’s grin is wide even when he’s being squished by Chanyeol. Chanyeol gulps, heart going haywire when Baekhyun stretches his neck upwards to kiss Chanyeol on the chin. The taller immediately leans down and captures Baekhyun’s lips, hand reaching up to cup the smaller’s face. When he pulls away, he rolls off.

“Go shower, Baek.” He says. “You’re gonna dirty this place.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Baekhyun chuckles good-naturedly, grabbing his clothes as he glances at Huge Chan every now and then.

“He’s great.” Baekhyun says. “Literally.”

Chanyeol laughs. “Go shower.” Baekhyun hurries in, and when he closes the door. Chanyeol’s smile slips off. He waits until he hears the shower running before he rushes out. When he gets to another room, he opens the door.

He finds Joonmyun on top of Kris.

“Uh…nevermind…” Chanyeol closes the door, but before he can fully close it, a voice stops him.

“Come in.” Joonmyun says. Chanyeol peeks. Joonmyun is off Kris, and there’s a newspaper on Kris’s back. “I was only reading the newspaper.”

“On Kris’s back?” Chanyeol asks, unconvinced. Joonmyun shrugs.

“He loves reading on my back.” Kris says, and when he turns over, he’s wearing a face mask. Chanyeol rolls his eyes as he approaches Joonmyun’s fridge. They’re fully clothed so maybe they weren’t doing anything after all. “Oh, and he especially loves sitting on my .” Chanyeol coughs awkwardly as Joonmyun flushes in embarrassment.

“Uh…the cake?” Chanyeol coughs again, trying to look anywhere but at the lovers. Joonmyun, flustered, quickly takes out the cake and passes it to Chanyeol.

“Have fun.” Joonmyun says, smiling.

“Right. When are you guys leaving for Europe?”

“Tomorrow.” Joonmyun says. Kris looks excited.

“Gosh, Joonmyun, this is like our honeymoon!”

“Don’t mind him.” Joonmyun whispers, flustered. “He doesn’t know what he’s saying.”

“Maybe I can propose to you on the Eiffel Tower!” Kris sings, flipping until he’s lying on his back. His hands are outstretched, grabbing at the air. It looks kind of creepy, considering he’s still wearing a face mask.

“Don’t talk nonsense!” Joonmyun hisses, then pushes Chanyeol to the door.

“Hey! The cake will drop –”

“Nice meeting you. Goodbye.” Joonmyun closes the door, leaving Chanyeol alone in the hallway.

“I wanted to shower at your place…” Chanyeol mumbles, sighing as he walks back towards his room. Then he has an idea.

He rushes back to his room and puts the cake in their fridge, and the moment he closes the door of the fridge, Baekhyun opens the bathroom door.

“Done.” Baekhyun says, ruffling his hair with the towel as he wears his pyjamas – shorts and a tank top.

“Right.” Chanyeol flies towards the bathroom with his clothes, sneaking a glance over his shoulder. He knows Baekhyun will be too occupied with his new present, so he won’t touch the fridge. Chanyeol closes the door behind him, and proceeds to shower quickly.

When he finishes, as expected, Baekhyun is cuddling against Huge Chan, leaning against it as he plays games on his phone. Chanyeol gulps – Baekhyun looks so small against the teddy bear. So adorable.

“He’s so soft.” Baekhyun says, switching off his phone as he leans back against his present, closing his eyes. Chanyeol smiles. He’s so tempted to kiss Baekhyun right then and there.

“Let’s go to the garden.” Baekhyun suggests when he stands up. “I want to see the stars tonight.”

“Okay.” Chanyeol says, but then he looks around the room, pretending to look for something. “Wait, Baek, you go first.” He says.

“Why?”

“I think I lost something.” Chanyeol looks around his clothes, then rushes to the washing machine in the bathroom. “Go first. I’ll catch you there.”

“I’ll wait –”

“It’s okay, Baek, I’ll catch up to you soon. On my long legs.” Chanyeol grins. Baekhyun rolls his eyes.

“Fine. See you there.” Then he walks out of the room and closes the door behind him.

Chanyeol waits until he’s sure Baekhyun’s gone, then he quickly takes out the cake. Holding it in his hands, he takes a deep breath, then breathes it out slowly. Switching off the lights, he tiptoes out of his room and then down the stairs and then around a few corners before he finds the garden.

Baekhyun is sitting on a bench, his back facing him, as he stares up at the sky. Chanyeol takes another deep breath and places the cake on the ground. He takes out candles and the lighter, then arouses fire within the candles after sticking three of them on the cake. Putting the lighter and the rest of the candles into his pocket, he rubs his sweaty palms onto his jeans, then picks up the cake again. When he stands straight, he takes a deep breath and sings.

“Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you…” Baekhyun turns around, probably wondering what the hell is up with Chanyeol, and his eyes widen against the candlelight in surprise when he sees his boyfriend approaching him with a cake in his hands.

“Seriously? Is there anything you haven’t done today?” Baekhyun asks, voice broken by a chuckle and a smile splitting across his lips. Chanyeol grins back, slowly sitting down onto the bench and placing the cake in his lap.

“Happy birthday to you.” Chanyeol sings out the last phrase like a whisper. Baekhyun grins and stares at him, then blows out the candles.

“Wait!” Chanyeol is too late. Every candle has now been extinguished. Baekhyun blinks up at him, confused. “You’re supposed to make a wish!”

“…Don’t you make a wish after you blow them?” Baekhyun asks dumbly. Chanyeol shakes his head.

“No. You make them before, you dummy.” Chanyeol straightens his back, waving Baekhyun’s mistake off. “Never mind. Quick, make it now!”

“O-O-Oh…” Baekhyun quickly clasps his hands together and shuts his eyes tightly. How adorable. Chanyeol thinks to himself, smiling as Baekhyun purses his lips, as if what he’s wishing for is something he really, really wants. When he’s done, he opens his eyes, loosening his body.

“Done?” Chanyeol asks, placing the cake on his lap as he takes out a plastic knife. Baekhyun nods.

“May your wishes come true.” Chanyeol whispers softly and sincerely, balancing a piece of cake on the plastic knife as he holds it to his boyfriend’s lips. Baekhyun opens them and takes in the cake.

“What if I wished for your wishes to come true?” Baekhyun teases.

“Then may them come true.” Chanyeol replies genuinely.

“What’d you wish for on your birthday?”

“…You can’t tell people your wishes, or they won’t come true!” Actually, I don’t really remember… Chanyeol flushes in embarrassment. Baekhyun laughs as he lets Chanyeol feed him more, and when he’s full, Baekhyun leans back against the bench, staring into the sky.

“When I was younger, sometimes I would celebrate with my chefs and maids.” Baekhyun confesses, looking up into the dark sky. Chanyeol sits there, munching onto the cake thoughtfully. “Sometimes I would celebrate it by myself. But I’ve never celebrated with my family.”

It’s a statement, and there is no resentment, no anger in them. Just sadness and longing.

“And when I wished upon a cake on my birthday, every year I’d wish for my parents to be together forever.” Baekhyun says softly. Chanyeol watches the way his eyelashes flutter a bit as he talks, those eyes forever focusing on the stars, as if wanting to reach out to them – reach out to something that he’ll never have. “That was my only wish. Not something small like a toy car, because I could have that as easily on a count of one two three. Not something bold like world peace, because the me back then was too self-absorbed. Not even happiness, because I thought my parents would bring me happiness.” The smaller shifts a little, this time the side of his head leaning against the wood. He’s still staring at the sky, but now Chanyeol can see his full face instead of his side profile.

“When I was thirteen, I wished for the same thing, but this time, I said I’d give anything to see them love each other, to care for each other. Even if they always argued, I wanted to see that it’s because they cared so much.” Baekhyun’s voice is quiet. “But then the very next year, they divorced.”

Chanyeol reaches his hand out, clasping it around Baekhyun’s. The way Baekhyun’s body curls around himself on the bench makes him look so small and vulnerable.

“My mum rarely visited the house because she married another man. I think they have a family now, so she’s completely forgotten me.” Baekhyun looks downwards this time, onto the knees he’s hugging. “My dad divorced twice and never bothered again. Work was more important.”

“Now you’re most important.” Chanyeol says softly, squeezing his boyfriend’s hand.

“Maybe…maybe it’s because I didn’t know how to wish things.” Baekhyun laughs, slight humour in his tone. “Maybe it was because I wasn’t taught on how to wish for things.”

“Your wish will come true.” Chanyeol whispers as he leans in and lifts up dark bangs, placing a kiss on Baekhyun’s forehead. “You betcha it’ll come true, because the both of us want the same thing.” Baekhyun finally lifts his head to look at Chanyeol. The way he looks at Chanyeol is different to how other people look at him. Baekhyun looks at him with his eyes glittering, even in the darkness. Baekhyun looks at him like he’s smiling even though his lips aren’t moving. Baekhyun looks at him like he would trust him with his life. Baekhyun looks at him like he would trust him with his heart. Baekhyun looks at him like there is no one else in his world.

Baekhyun looks at him … exactly like the way he looks at Baekhyun.

And Baekhyun seems to be glowing when he looks at him.

Could it … be?

Chanyeol’s mouth goes dry.

“B-Baek…” He croaks, but at that moment, Baekhyun turns away and looks up at the sky.

“Look at how pretty the stars are.” He says, pointing up into the night sky. Atmosphere ruined, Chanyeol looks up, his heart racing in his chest and his body shaking.

“Y-Yeah…” He whispers, tightening his hold on Baekhyun’s hand. Maybe if it’s true, Baekhyun will tell him soon. Even if it’s true, Baekhyun might not be ready to say it.

Or maybe he’s imagining things.

Baekhyun turns back to look at him, expression gentle.

“Are you cold?” He asks. Chanyeol shakes his head stiffly. “You’re trembling.” Before Chanyeol can say anything, Baekhyun presses up against him, his warm body against Chanyeol’s side.

“Here. I’ll share my warmth with you, idiot.” Baekhyun says, squishing up against Chanyeol’s body. Chanyeol’s breath hitches when the smaller snakes his arm around his and clings onto him. Baekhyun never clings, and when he does, it’s adorable.

“Th-Thanks.” He replies breathlessly. Does Baekhyun love him? Has Baekhyun fallen in love? Is it possible?

Should he hope?

Then again, anything is possible. Chanyeol should never lose hope.

Heart swelling, Chanyeol leans against Baekhyun, his head resting on Baekhyun’s head. He can feel the warmth. He can feel the love.

Whether it’s real or whether it’s his imagination, Chanyeol doesn’t care.

Because right now he wants to feel like this for a little while longer.

When they arrive back in their room, Baekhyun plays around with Huge ChanChan again. Chanyeol grins, waiting for Baekhyun to find a surprise.

“It’s time to sleep, Baek.” He calls.

“Wait, just a little longer.” Baekhyun says, nuzzling against the bear’s fur. Chanyeol loves this scene, but right now he needs Baekhyun to see something.

“Seriously, Baek. You can play with him tomorrow and the day after and all your holiday time. But right now you need to sleep.” Chanyeol insists. Baekhyun huffs as he stands up, twisting around to glare at Chanyeol.

“Fine!” He snaps, mildly annoyed and mostly amused. “Good night, you nagger.” Then he flips open his covers, getting ready to jump on the bed.

Chanyeol chuckles.

Baekhyun stops, bending his body down as he picks up something. He twists around, eyes wider than wide for the second time that day.

“…Yeol?” He whispers. In his fingers, there are two concert tickets. “EXO…?”

“Yeah.” Chanyeol grins. “Didn’t you know? They’re coming here.”

“ YEOL!” Baekhyun roars as he runs towards Chanyeol and jumps on his bed. “!”

“I KNOW RIGHT!” Chanyeol shouts, laughing as he grabs Baekhyun’s wrists to stop him from falling. “CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?”

“NO!” Baekhyun gasps, knees bouncing on the bed. “ –”

“YOU’LL FINALLY SEE THEM!”

“WE’LL FINALLY SEE THEM!” Baekhyun corrects as he falls on Chanyeol for the second time that day. He laughs and Chanyeol laughs too.

“Both are yours.” Chanyeol gasps. “So you can choose whoever to go with. I’m expecting you to choose me though.”

“You idiot!” Baekhyun breathes into Chanyeol’s neck. “No one loves EXO as much as me! Except you! Who else?” Chanyeol chuckles, coming down from his high. He can feel Baekhyun breathing against him, chest heaving up and down.

“First Chan, now this…” Baekhyun whispers. “How much money did you spend on me?”

“It’s worth it.” Chanyeol grins. Baekhyun lifts himself a bit, then leans down and kisses Chanyeol.

“Thank you.” Baekhyun murmurs against his lips. “Really.”

“It’s nothing.” Chanyeol chuckles, a little embarrassed, even as Baekhyun hugs his waist again and doesn’t let him go. Like a little child. I just want to see you happy.

This is the first holiday that Chanyeol and Baekhyun have spent apart ever since they were roomed together. After all, they’ve spent so much time together they thought they might need some time without each other, and also some time alone with their own families. They make sure to call every night and text each other every morning, and even if they didn’t promise on that, Chanyeol would’ve done it anyway.

The holidays seem to go by slowly because they don’t see each other. Even though he has time to catch up with his family, Chanyeol feels bored and alone without Baekhyun. It’s strange, how you would feel so attached to someone you’re with 24 hours a day when you’re supposed to be sick of their presence. Chanyeol surprises himself at how much he actually misses Baekhyun, especially during the nights when he doesn’t hear Baekhyun’s sleeping noises.

Still, the holidays pass over eventually and then they’re back in school again. Even though they haven’t seen each other for weeks, it feels as if they’ve never parted, at least to Chanyeol anyway. Baekhyun tells him how his father brought him to America where his work was because he didn’t want to part with his son. Chanyeol smiles because he can see the happiness that radiates out of Baekhyun, as if he couldn’t be happier than this, than now. Chanyeol accepts change and he knows that things will always change, but as he holds Baekhyun’s hand in his and feels the way their hands fit together, he knows that even if the world changes, he doesn’t want them to change.

As they walk across the garden that they had celebrated Baekhyun’s birthday in a few weeks ago, a few guys who pass by them whistle.

“Baekhyun, you look hot today!” One shouts, winking playfully.

“Shut up, he’s mine!” Chanyeol shouts back just as playfully, watching as the others laugh and walk off.

“Do you have to be so possessive all the time?” Baekhyun asks, smile playing at his lips. Chanyeol frowns.

“I hate it when they flirt with you, even when they know you’re taken.” Chanyeol pouts. “I-I mean, you’re not mine, you belong to yourself, but I just –”

“Yeah, I understand.” Baekhyun cuts in, smiling. “You’re such an idiot.”

“Don’t you like this idiot?” Chanyeol teases as they sit down on a different bench. Rolling his eyes, Baekhyun pushes him. He pushes him too hard, because Chanyeol yelps and falls off the bench. He hears Baekhyun curse.

“Are you okay?” Chanyeol is kissing the ground when Baekhyun asks that, and he pushes himself off, feeling a burn on his cheek. Then he feels something warm trickle down.

“I’m okay.” Chanyeol gasps as he sits back down onto the bench, dishevelled as he wipes the dirt off his lips. Man, that hurt.

“You’re such a clumsy idiot.” Baekhyun mutters, and before Chanyeol knows it, his boyfriend had scooted closer to him, dabbing at his cut cheek with a tissue he got from his pocket. Chanyeol watches as the smaller concentrates on his wound.

“You’ve got dirt on your cut.” Baekhyun sighs, folds the tissue, and it.

“Baek –”

“Shut up. I’m cleaning it for you. Unless you want to go to the toilets by yourself?” Chanyeol shakes his head. After all, this is the only break they share together and Chanyeol doesn’t want to waste this moment, even though they do room together and have more time afterwards. Baekhyun presses the tissue against his face again. Everyone is leaving already for their club activities.

“Baek, it’s –”

“Shush, who cares if we’re late.” Baekhyun sounds impatient, as if Chanyeol’s interrupting for stupid reasons.  Chanyeol closes his mouth and watches with wide eyes as Baekhyun dabs at his cut, occasionally blowing at his face softly before dabbing it again.

“How can you be so clumsy…” Baekhyun mutters, sounding rather annoyed, but Chanyeol knows he’s hiding his concern. Like he always does. He feels Baekhyun’s hold on his neck, pressing against him firmly but not painfully. He feels Baekhyun’s fingers brushing across his cheek as he dabs gently, trying not to hurt him. He feels Baekhyun’s breath fan over his skin, softly, trying to blow out the infections. He feels Baekhyun’s eyes on his cut, intense and concentrated, trying to heal. Most of all, he feels all these actions so powerfully, because why?

Because these actions are full of love.

“Done.” Baekhyun says, looking into Chanyeol’s eyes. Chanyeol sees it. “Just go and rinse before you go class. By the way, tuck your necklace in, it fell out –” Baekhyun is pulling away, but Chanyeol can’t wait anymore. He grabs Baekhyun’s wrist and pulls him closer. Surprised, Baekhyun stares at him with wide eyes.

“Do you love me?” He asks quietly.

Baekhyun’s eyes widen even more if possible. Chanyeol lets go of him, but the question ties the both of them down onto the bench. He gives Baekhyun time, because he knows Baekhyun needs it. He gives Baekhyun space, because he knows Baekhyun needs it.

It feels like forever, as Baekhyun looks down at his fingers, playing with the tissue smeared with dirt and Chanyeol’s blood. He fiddles as he stares hard onto his lap, and Chanyeol knows that he knows that Chanyeol won’t stop bugging him until he gives an answer.

Chanyeol’s breath is on hold and he can hardly breathe. Could it be? He thinks. After all this time?

After … all that?

Baekhyun’s shoulders heave as he takes a deep breath. Chanyeol takes quick short breaths in retaliation, watching with sweaty palms as his lover looks into his eyes, his lips parting to answer –

“Baekkie?”

Automatically, the two of them turn towards the owner of the voice. Chanyeol, because this deep voice that sounds similar to his had called out Baekhyun’s name. Baekhyun, because this was the voice that he loved until he hurt, calling out that same nickname that gives him flutters in his stomach but also punches in the gut.

Chanyeol’s eyes widen in shock when he sees a man stand before him, a man with similar eyes to his, similar nose, similar lips, similar body, similar everything except for the ears.

He doesn’t even need to think to know who it is, even though he’s never seen him before in his life.

Joo Sung.