pairing: BaekLay
length: 644 words

Who made these balloons so strong?

That was the thought that ran through Baekhyun’s head as he and Lay tightly clutched each other. A large red, heart-shaped balloon was in between them as they pushed with all of their might to pop it. Fans cheered loudly in the background as the two boys continued pressing their bodies against each other in futile attempts to burst the stubborn balloon.

Baekhyun’s fingers were curled into the thick material of Lay’s navy blue vest as he tried to secure a strong grip on the older male’s back since that would help steady his own thin body in this act of balloon-popping. He felt Lay’s hands on his back as well and that admittedly made it more difficult for Baekhyun to concentrate on popping the balloon. Especially since Lay’s face was just centimeters away from his, due to their bodies being in such close proximity.

The younger boy’s face was flushed bright red, partly from the excitement of the game and partly from being able to hug Lay like this in public. He praised whoever had come up with his activity in his mind, knowing that this was a rare opportunity.

“Keep pushing!” Chen shouted from behind them as he watched the two hug each other as forcefully as they could.

The two staggered around on the stage as they pushed with more force every passing second. Baekhyun was almost tempted to wrap his legs around Lay’s waist, so that there would be more traction and they could solely focus on their upper body strength. The younger male was small enough to do so, but he knew his mind would completely leave him if he did attempt such an action.

Baekhyun’s eyebrows furrowed as he tried to concentrate on the current task at hand. After all, it wouldn’t do to dwell on his crush when he was at a public event with fans. He and Lay squeezed the balloon as hard as they could, but it refused to burst. Baekhyun didn’t know if he should be frustrated because this balloon was stronger than he was or if he should be glad that the balloon material was so sturdy since it meant he was getting to experience a very long, intimate hug with Lay. He had never realized how toned and well-developed Lay’s arms were until this moment.

Before he knew it, Baekhyun was lifted into the air as Lay suddenly picked up the younger male, trying to get gravity to work on their side in destroying this obstinate balloon. Baekhyun became so flustered that he accidentally let out a quiet little scream as he tightened his grip on the older male, not wanting to fall.

And then a loud popping noise shook the atmosphere as the balloon finally exploded between the two of them. The fans in the audience went wild as they cheered again at the successful balloon pop. Baekhyun blushed as Lay carefully lifted him back down to the ground, unable to fight the wide smile that was appearing on his red face. His heart was beating like crazy against his chest. It felt like it was pumping at a hundred miles per hour, making the younger male feel like he himself was going to burst as well.

“Great job!” And then Lay leaned forward to just barely brush his lips against Baekhyun’s cheek before pulling back and grinning as he playfully skipped away to join Kai and Sehun, who were performing funny little dances for the fans on the other side of the stage.

The vocalist’s heart exploded into fireworks at that small moment of skinship. Baekhyun knew he probably looked like a tomato at that moment. His entire face felt hot as blood rushed throughout his body.

Zhang Yixing. That cheeky boy was going to be the death of him. No doubt about it.

♈♈♈