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170402 Sunday

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Walking back, they trudge through the snow. Chanyeol holds onto Baekhyun, linking his arm through the smaller’s elbow.

“I’m trying to hold you upright, okay?” Chanyeol hisses in excuse, and tightens his grip as he pushes himself closer to Baekhyun.

“If you fall, we’re all gonna fall.” Baekhyun whispers, shivering.

“Hey – Hey! Don’t walk so fast!” Chanyeol exclaims, and his long awkward leg nearly gives out to the snow beneath him. “Hey … Hey!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The next day, they wake up later than usual, feeling tired from yesterday’s skiing. Baekhyun wakes up first, being the earlier-than-Chanyeol waker that he is, and moves into the kitchen to make hot chocolate for the both of them. After all, it’s freezing cold and hot chocolate can’t hurt anyone.

Holding the two mugs in two of his hands, Baekhyun slips into Chanyeol’s bedroom and sets down the hot chocolate, then reaches over and pats his boyfriend’s cheek.

Chanyeol groans, turning over for a while before turning back. His eyes slowly open, those beautiful sleepy orbs looking down at Baekhyun. Then he sits up. Baekhyun points to the hot chocolate on the bedside table, lips parting to tell Chanyeol that it’s for him, but then he’s suddenly pulled to one side until his face hits a soft yet firm wall – Chanyeol’s body.

“Mmrghhh …” Chanyeol grunts, squeezing tighter until Baekhyun starts yelping. The taller loosens his grip, and Baekhyun is just about to slip out of it, but then Chanyeol squeezes again, tight and tighter.

When Baekhyun is nearly out of breath, Chanyeol lets go permanently, then takes the hot chocolate into his hands.

“Thanks, Baek.” He mumbles in his sleepy voice, then drinks it. Baekhyun pants, half watching and half glaring at the taller who looks quite happily innocent drinking his drink. “Aren’t you drinking yours?”

“… Aren’t you drinking yours? Baek?” Baekhyun blinks, snapping out of it.

“Right.” Baekhyun takes his own and sips it, feeling a little dazed.

“Was I too handsome?” Chanyeol teases, grinning widely as he sets down his empty mug, a thin hot chocolate moustache adorning his upper lip.

“Oh god.” Baekhyun mutters as he continues to drink his hot chocolate. Chanyeol chuckles, then climbs out of bed to change.

“Aw, no breakfast?” Chanyeol pouts once they enter the cold, empty kitchen. Baekhyun shrugs, shoving his hands in his pockets as he quickly sits down on the chair, not wanting to feel the icy cold floor any longer.

“Don’t be greedy.” Baekhyun says.

“Tch.” Chanyeol frowns as he takes out two eggs from the fridge and cracks it on the pan.

“Mm, thanks.” Baekhyun grins, watching as his boyfriend starts working around the kitchen. It’s not like he knows how to cook anyway, he’s sure it’s not worth a try.

“Done.” Chanyeol passes over the pan and drops baked beans over the eggs and bread on the two places. Baekhyun can feel his stomach growling. Chanyeol sets down the pan then brings over the two plates. Baekhyun reaches his hands out, waiting to grab his well-deserved meal, but Chanyeol moves it away suddenly and leans down until his face is level with Baekhyun.

“Reward, please.” Chanyeol says, cheek facing Baekhyun as he sets down those plates, away from Baekhyun. Scoffing, Baekhyun grabs the plate quickly before Chanyeol can react. Then he starts eating.

“Well, you too.” Chanyeol sighs, sitting down next to the smaller.

“Thanks, I appreciate it.” Baekhyun’s voice is muffled because his mouth is full. “I’m just ing hungry.”

Chanyeol doesn’t reply, and wolfs down his own food. Eventually, Baekhyun finishes, then grabs Chanyeol’s empty plate and walks over to the sink.

“Hey, I’ll wash.” Chanyeol calls.

“You washed our mugs.” Baekhyun replies back smoothly.

“Tch.” Chanyeol chuckles. “So what’re we doing today?”

“Whatever you want.”

“Tired from yesterday?”

“Yeah.”

“Let’s just walk around for a bit before we start snowboarding.”

“How is that resting, Yeol?”

“Let’s just go, Baek.”

“Fine.” Chanyeol bounces up from his chair and runs off somewhere, and when he returns, he holds two of their large coats in his arms.

“In our PJs?” The smaller asks, eyebrow raised. But he takes his coat anyway.

“Short walk.” Chanyeol chirps, quickly wearing his own as he holds his boyfriend by the shoulders and pushes him out the door.

Their small cottage-like cabin is warm and always heated, so when they step out the door the cold hits them like a slap to the face. Baekhyun retreats immediately, whereas Chanyeol blinks. By now, the sun is above them, since it’s nearly noon.

“Wanna hold hands?” Chanyeol whispers, grinning madly as he sticks his hand out. Baekhyun rolls his eyes and pushes Chanyeol’s hand back inside his pocket.

“Cold.” Baekhyun responds. “Don’t expose your hand like that again.”

“Aren’t you doing it …” Chanyeol mumbles, but the smaller ignores him, stuffing his hand back into his pocket.

“Look at all those trees!” Chanyeol exclaims, gesturing his head. Baekhyun nods stiffly, breathing in and out through his mouth because it’s just that damn cold. And his pyjama pants are thin. Chanyeol is handling his cold in a different way, by jittering on the spot. “Snow trees!”

“The houses are beautiful, Baek, look!” Chanyeol shouts as he runs over to the other side then comes back. Baekhyun nods and hisses to himself because it’s just so cold. His hands are stuffed deeply in his coat pockets, shoulders hunched as he takes little steps towards Chanyeol who seems to be getting further and further away.

“Chanyeol, come back!” Baekhyun shouts at the taller’s running figure. It takes a few seconds, but then Chanyeol is looking back. “Come back!”

Once again, it takes a while, but his boyfriend seems to get the message, and he bounds back.

“What’s wrong?” Chanyeol asks worriedly. “Are you hurt?”

“No.” Baekhyun hisses. “Don’t get lost.” Baekhyun hurriedly reaches out and grabs his lover’s hand, then pulls it back into his pocket.

“Oh, okay.” Chanyeol replies, a little stunned as he stares at his hand that’s hidden inside Baekhyun’s coat pocket. Baekhyun is still shivering as he sidles up to Chanyeol a little, his cheek resting against Chanyeol’s arm.

“Your nose is red.” Chanyeol says, once he’s recovered. “You must be really cold, huh.”

“Keep walking.” Baekhyun hisses, and Chanyeol can feel the small body shivering against his, even though the hand clasping his is warm.

“I wish I can take a picture of this. Didn’t bring my phone though.” Chanyeol sighs.

“I guess … that means we just have to enjoy the present more.” Baekhyun’s voice is soft. Chanyeol has to wholeheartedly agree with that. Especially because photos can’t capture the freezing cold, something that Chanyeol will never remember the feeling of years into the future. It can’t capture the peaceful sound of their surroundings, nor the taste of the icy air on their tongues, nor the smell of … well, the smell of nothing, really, because he’s sure their noses have probably fallen off. And it definitely cannot capture the warm feeling that Baekhyun’s hand is giving to him, both his skin and his heart. That’s something that can never be taken back, once it’s gone.

So Chanyeol closes his eyes and savours the way Baekhyun’s body is pressed up against his for warmth as he shivers, savours the way that even though the freezing cold is ing freezing their ing butts off, it’s bringing them closer together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After a very late lunch, they finally set out for snowboarding. Surprisingly, Jungsoo calls, wanting to meet up with them, and Baekhyun realises that John has accepted his offer to go with them.

Arriving back at the skiing and snowboarding centre, Jungsoo and John walk up to them, all ready and prepared. Jungsoo leads the way, and when John paces with Baekhyun, rather than with Jungsoo, Baekhyun blinks in surprise.

“Hey.” John says, whereas Baekhyun watches absentmindedly as Chanyeol catches up with Jungsoo, probably wanting to know how things work. “Want me to carry that for you?”

“It’s okay.” Baekhyun replies, still confused. “I’ll do it myself.” They approach the ski lifts, and Baekhyun wonders what he’s supposed to do.

“Want to take the ride with me?” John asks, sending him a smile. Surprised, Baekhyun parts his lips, feeling a little uncomfortable.

“Uh …”

“Byun Baek!” Chanyeol shouts. “B, come ride with me!”

“Uh … yeah …” Baekhyun smiles a little awkwardly, gesturing to Chanyeol with his chin.

“Oh … never mind, then.” Without waiting for a reply, John bounds off after Jungsoo. Carrying the snowboard in his arms, Baekhyun finally catches up to Chanyeol, who immediately teaches him how to wear the snowboard before boarding the ski lift.

“Good thing there’re not many people here, otherwise I don’t think you’d be able to slide off the ski lift fast enough.” Chanyeol grins as they sit down comfortably on the ski lift, swinging their free leg. “What took you so long though?“

“Oh, John was talking to me about something.” Baekhyun says, staring at his gloved hand that’s pressing against Chanyeol’s gloved one.

“Hey, look there!” Chanyeol shouts, pointing downwards. “Is that a deer?”

“As if.” Baekhyun responds, squinting, watching as something fast and long bounds down the slope.

“Right. Forgot you need glasses.” Chanyeol chuckles, and Baekhyun scowls.

“I didn’t know you look so young wearing a beanie though.” Chanyeol swipes at Baekhyun’s beanie playfully. Sighing, the smaller decides to ignore his boyfriend’s childishness. “But what was that about John? What were you guys talking about?”

“Oh. Nothing, really.” He readjusts his beanie, and notices Chanyeol grinning at him widely, as if he’s tempted to poke Baekhyun’s cheek or something. “I just think he’s a really weird one.”

“Everyone is, around their crush.” Chanyeol shrugs, smile disappearing as he looks around again. Once again confused, Baekhyun frowns.

“Chanyeol, that’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard you say. And you’ve said many.”

“Takes one to see one.” Chanyeol responds, and Baekhyun is about to strangle him with his gloved hands playfully, but before he can do that, the taller continues. “If I have a crush on you, I’d be able to see other people having a crush on you too.”

“You have a crush on me?” Baekhyun raises his eyebrow. “Our relationship is going backwards now?”

“Whatever! You know what I mean.” Huffing, the taller looks around again.

“That’s strange.” Baekhyun whispers. “No one’s really had a crush on me before … Except you.” He adds upon feeling Chanyeol glare at him.

“Uh, Byun Baekhyun, I’m sure at least half the school had a crush on you.”

“But they never … talked to me like that. Asking me to ride with them on the ski lift?”

“What? He did?” Chanyeol’s eyes widen. “He’s got guts … lemme have a go at him ………… Anyway, maybe it’s because of the way you present yourself that made the others think it was okay to talk to you like you’re just a toy … Those bastards … B-But I’m sure they had a crush on you!” The everchanging moods of Chanyeol from shady to innocent is too fast that it confuses Baekhyun.

“Um, okay.” Baekhyun blinks. “But I don’t know, maybe we’ve misunderstood him.”

“Oh, let me tell you, he’s gonna talk to you again … When I’m not there … that sneaky little …”

“If what you’re saying is true, you sure seemed like you didn’t care, walking away from me like that.” Baekhyun mutters.

“I trust you know the rules!” Chanyeol exclaims defensively. “Rule One: Let everyone know that you’re taken, so they know they have no chance.”

“Oh god.” Baekhyun covers his face with his gloved hand. Then someone grabs him so suddenly he jerks in surprise, his heart almost leaping out of his throat.

“We’re touching ground, Baek!” Chanyeol hisses, his free leg swinging fast. “Prepare yourself!”

“Can you get any more immature …” Baekhyun mutters, taking time to soothe his heart … Wait. They’re nearing the ground?

“Holy . . Spongebob.” Baekhyun curses. “What the hell am I supposed to do now?”

“Remember, your snowboard foot first, then your other foot naturally sliding behind in its place.” Chanyeol reminds him patiently. “It’ll be fine, just watch me.”

“Idon’twanttowatchyouIwantyoutohelpholdmedown – ” Baekhyun yells when Chanyeol slides off the ski lift with a loud “NOW!”. Totally unprepared Baekhyun quickly slides off too. He’s not sure how it happened, but the next thing he knows is his face is kissing the snow.

A chuckle sounds above him and then someone touches his arm. Annoyed, Baekhyun slaps it off then pushes his face off the snow. Chanyeol is laughing harder now, looking as if he’s totally enjoying this. Scowling, Baekhyun carefully pushes himself off the snow to stand up. Yet, forgetting that one of his foot is connected with the snowboard, he loses balance and falls again.

The laugh is turning even worse and more intense, as if Chanyeol had turned into Santa Claus. Baekhyun can even hear the muffled sound of clapping that Chanyeol always does when he’s amused. Flushing, Baekhyun gets up again, this time not trying to slap off the hand that’s holding his elbow and keeping him steady.

“ you.” Baekhyun hisses, swiping the snow off his face hastily, embarrassed to the maximum. But his boyfriend only grins handsomely and replies “Love you too”.

They finally arrive at the smooth and not very steep area of the slope, where beginners can practise. Like yesterday, Chanyeol is very patient with him, in such a way that he had forgotten Jungsoo and John’s presence. Strangely, Jungsoo and John stay there even though they’re experts, and Baekhyun feels guilty for dragging them down.

“Go snowboard then.” He pants, trying to loosen his hold on Chanyeol’s arm. “I’ll be fine. Bye bye.”

“Tch, okay.” Chanyeol says as he plucks off Baekhyun’s fingers one by one, then completely lets go.

! Baekhyun thinks to himself, but he grits his teeth and tells himself to be independent so Chanyeol can piss off. It doesn’t work, though, because he’s already losing balance and he’s going to fall and –

– He falls into someone’s arms.

“So … Chanyeol, you ready?” Jungsoo asks, helping Baekhyun steady himself.

“Thanks.” Baekhyun mutters, flushing again.

“No, just a little longer.” Chanyeol replies, sliding smoothly next to them on his board. Like it’s nothing. “Baekhyun still hasn’t gotten the hang of it.”

“ off, Yeol!” Baekhyun hisses. “Just go. I’m not a baby. There are so many people around, if I get hurt I’ll scream for them to help me.”

“Tsundere much.” Chanyeol mutters. “Fine. I’ll be back ASAP.”

“Bye.” I’ll ace this before he comes back.

“Where’s John?” Chanyeol asks as he takes off his snowboard and walks with Jungsoo to another area.

“Toilet. He’ll catch up to us.” Their voices fade away with the wind. Baekhyun takes off his snowboard and stomps up the hill, determined to be amazing at this.

After the third time of falling off the board, Baekhyun is already tired, stepping up slowly with effort. , who knew climbing upwards is the thing that’s taking up most of his energy?

But then someone is taking the heavy thing off him and he breathes out, almost dropping to the floor to catch his breath. Instead, he looks up and blinks in surprise upon finding John holding his snowboard.

“Uh, it’s fine.” Baekhyun says, reaching out to snatch it back, but John has already moved out of the way. Usually, Baekhyun would just snatch it the back, but he doesn’t want to be impolite to someone he doesn’t know well, so in the end he watches John carry his snowboard all the way up.

“Thanks.” He mumbles, feeling a little guilty as he takes back his snowboard. He thinks John will accept his thanks and then leave, so he prepares his next failure of a journey downhill while totally ignoring the taller.

“Uh …” John is about to speak, but off Baekhyun goes downhill. He doesn’t go very far this time, and falls down once again on the floor.

Baekhyun pushes himself off, thoughts filling with how to better balance himself the next time. He prepares to pull the snowboard off the snow, but upon watching another pair of hands help him, he jerks in surprise, lifting his head to find John standing there.

“Aren’t you supposed to snowboard with the others?” He asks, surprised. This time, he keeps firm on the snowboard so the taller can’t take it from him.

“I’m sick.” John responds casually. Confused, Baekhyun decides to ignore it as he carries his snowboard up the hill, John following him. “How … about I teach you how to snowboard?”

“It’s okay.” Baekhyun pants, feeling the heat that his clothes trap inside his body mix with the freezing cold and finding the feeling very annoying and uncomfortable. “I know how to snowboard, I just need my body to know. You can just go back and rest, or something. Bye.”

By the time he reaches the top, John is gone. His mind is filled with competitiveness, on how to get this right before Chanyeol comes back. He slides down again, concentrating on how to balance, and thankfully this time he slides further than he had done before. Still though, just as he’s starting to feel confident, he loses balance and falls. And this time, someone catches him.

The body feels wrong. Baekhyun quickly straightens himself, pushing himself away from John, who had popped out of nowhere. He loses balance and falls backwards this time, landing on his , but he quickly sits up anyway, pretending he’s fine as he takes his feet out of the snowboard.

“Don’t worry, Baekhyun, I’ll catch you if you fall again.” John says as he helps Baekhyun up. Feeling very uncomfortable with that idea, Baekhyun picks up his snowboard.

“I’m tired.” He says. “I’m not practising anymore.” Because yes, even though he wants to show Chanyeol that he can be cool even when snowboarding, he’d rather be lame if it meant he didn’t have to touch John unnecessarily. The both of them sit down on one of the benches at the top of the slope. Baekhyun sighs as he sits there, taking off his goggles.

“Ah, it’s cold.” He mutters, curling into himself.

“I’ll be back.” John says, and Baekhyun nods stiffly, trying to give himself warmth. Part of him wonders if he should call or text Chanyeol, but he doesn’t want to disturb the other, in case he’s still snowboarding. He takes out his phone anyway, ripping his glove off his hand to scroll and tap. Hissing at how cold his hand feels, Baekhyun quickly finds Chanyeol on his contacts, but just as his hand is about to press ‘Call’, he stops. In the end, he sighs and retreats his hand, stuffing it back inside his glove. , his fingers are going to fall off!

“Here.” John passes him a cup of coffee. Baekhyun can even smell it from here, and see the steam rise out of it. He wants to say he doesn’t drink coffee, but since John had taken such an effort, he doesn’t want to be rude. In the end, he takes it anyway, thanking John as he holds it close to his face, blowing against the hole of the cap so that the heat can rise to his face.

It helps warm him up a lot,  and eventually he stops shivering.

“Why aren’t you drinking?” John asks, and Baekhyun his lips.

“I don’t drink coffee.” He replies honestly and awkwardly, once again feeling as if he’s put the both of them in a bad spot.

“Oh.” John stands. “I’ll get you something else then.”

“It’s okay.” Baekhyun says quickly. “I’m not thirsty anyway. It helps a lot, keeping me warm.” Then an awkward silence ensues.

Chanyeol, where the are you? Baekhyun thinks to himself, swinging his legs to seem more nonchalant about this silence.

“What’s your favourite food?” John speaks up eventually.

“… Huh?” Baekhyun blinks stupidly.

“You know? What do you like to eat the most?”

“Uh.” His heart races and his cheeks go hot. Why the hell is John asking him such a personal question, putting him up on the spot like this? He feels as if he’s on stage, standing in front of thousands of people – stage fright.

“Or what do you prefer? Cats or dogs?”

“…” Once again, Baekhyun feels violated.

“What about the happiest memory you’ve had?”

“…”

“Or your least favourite celebrity?”

“…”

“No?”

“…”

“Am I being a little fast?”

“…” Baekhyun coughs this time.

“BAEKHYUN!” Someone shouts from a distance, and Baekhyun whips his head, finding Chanyeol climbing up the snow with Jungsoo, holding a snowboard in each of their arms.

“Chanyeol.” Baekhyun stands up immediately, relieved as he sets down his coffee on the bench. Chanyeol trots quickly towards his boyfriend, and when he’s close, he spreads his arm and pulls Baekhyun into a hug.

“I know this sounds stupid, but it felt a little lonely without you.” Chanyeol says.

“Thanks.” Jungsoo pipes up from the back sarcastically.

“Besides!” Chanyeol pulls away, once again playing with Baekhyun’s beanie. “You look so small by yourself, how cruel was I to just leave you like that?”

“You came at the right time.” Baekhyun mutters, squeezing his hold on Chanyeol for two seconds before letting go completely.

“So.” Jungsoo arrives next to them. “Dinner?”

“I’m famished!” Chanyeol says loudly as he grabs his snowboard, his other hand on Baekhyun’s back as the both of them start walking towards the ski resort on top of the hill. When it’s just the two of them, Chanyeol asks Baekhyun “So what do you mean, I came at the right time?”

“John was asking me really personal questions.” Baekhyun mutters , readjusting the snowboard in his arms.

“Really?” The taller chuckles. “Like what, whether you prefer cats or dogs?”

“Exactly!”

“All right, then, Baek.” Baekhyun watches as the taller sets down his snowboard, then picks it up again in another position. “But anyway, that John sure is sneaky. Using my time away from you to get to you.”

“Look, Yeol, I know you’ve been saying it’s a crush and all, but he was sick.”

“…”

“He was sick so he didn’t ride with you. Got it?”

“… Fine!” Chanyeol responds hotly. “Suit your stubborn self.”

Rolling his eyes, Baekhyun makes an effort to carry the snowboard with one hand, snaking his other hand around Chanyeol’s waist.

Chanyeol is obviously surprised, because his annoyed expression melts into shock.

“All right, don’t get angry at me?” Baekhyun asks lightly, a little aegyo in his voice. Chanyeol sighs.

“How am I going to refuse when you ask me like that …” Chanyeol mutters as they arrive at the centre. Walking in, the warmth hits them like heaven, and Baekhyun shivers in appreciation. They leave their snowboards at the side and wait for the others.

During dinner, Chanyeol sits next to Baekhyun whereas Jungsoo sits opposite Baekhyun. Chanyeol is in an especially good mood now, after a good fun snowboarding and Baekhyun acting all cute towards him. First, he pours drinks for Baekhyun, then he grabs food from every dish and places it in Baekhyun’s bowl, encouraging him to eat more, even going to the point to ask if he wanted to be fed.

“Hey Baek, I think this tastes nice.” Chanyeol says as he places a chopsticks-full of vegetables on Baekhyun’s bowl. Before Baekhyun can pick it up, meat is placed on top of that. Then some more meat.

“This tastes great!” Chanyeol exclaims. “Baek, you have to -”

“Mm … There’sh no more sphaish …” Baekhyun mutters, trying to finish chewing, and then it’s all so fast because Chanyeol had pressed something against his lips, something that smells delicious. Because of the rushed way Chanyeol is expressing his excitement, Baekhyun can’t keep up so he absentmindedly opens his mouth and takes it in.

“Good?” The smaller nods, still chewing. Feeling satisfied, Chanyeol finally takes some of his own food, and he stuffs himself.

“Hey John.” Jungsoo finally speaks up, as if he wasn’t there to watch Chanyeol’s interaction with Baekhyun. “Where were you man?”

“I was sick.” John replies casually, taking another spoonful of soup.

“Yeah sure, the last time I saw you sick was seven years ago.” Silence. John looks really awkward and embarrassed and he holds the bowl towards his face as he gobbles down the food. Jungsoo turns to Chanyeol and Baekhyun, pointing his thumb at his friend sneakily with a ‘I-don’t-know-what’s-wrong-with-him’ expression. Then Chanyeol catches Baekhyun’s eyes.

Well. His eyes say.

Doesn’t mean anything. Baekhyun replies, but he’s not so sure now.

Chanyeol breaks eye contact with him.

“You know our Baekhyunnie here?” Chanyeol pipes up, staring at John squarely. “Our Baekhyun doesn’t know whether he likes cats or dogs.”

Yeol! Baekhyun thinks, at a loss on what to do.

“Oh.” John sets down his bowl, looking very interested. “What about … how he treats elderly people on the street that need help?”

“Our Baekhyun might seem a little awkward and nonchalant doing this, but he will definitely do everything in his power to help those in need, whether it be elderly people, children, or even women!”

“That’s … great.” John looks satisfied. “What about -”

“You seem very interested, don’t you?” This time he interrupts, a large grin still on his face. Baekhyun covers his face in his hand, trying to block Chanyeol from himself. “Very interested in our Baekhyunnie? You have a crush on our Baekhyunnie?”

“Uh …” John looks very awkward now.

“I mean, that’s totally fine, if you had a crush on our Baekhyunnie.” Chanyeol adds quickly, eyes wide and looking genuinely eager not to offend the other. “But you know, he’s not our Baekhyunnie, he’s mine.”

Silence.

“Uh, guys …” Jungsoo starts, but John cuts in.

“Okay fine. You’re right. I do like Baekhyun.” John declares, turning and for the first time meeting his gaze with Baekhyun’s. “But I won’t get in between the two of you. I was just interested to find out more about him.”

“See, Baek? Now do you believe me?” Chanyeol’s façade completely breaks and he turns to Baekhyun. You did all that just to prove a point? Baekhyun wants to say, but in the end he shuts his mouth, nodding ever so slightly. After all, he’s a little flustered, surprised that someone can like him and be interested to learn more about his personality, rather than focusing on just his looks, or his reputation.

“So you’re not even jealous, you’re just …” Jungsoo sighs. “Whatever.”

“You’re not going to … punch me or anything?” John asks dumbly.

“Uh, why would I?” Chanyeol blinks innocently, taking another bite out of his chicken.

“B-Because I’m interested in y-your boyfriend.”

“Many people are. I can’t help it that he’s hot, can I?”

“Yeol.” Baekhyun hisses, flushing red. “Stop.”

“No. I guess not.” John mutters.

“You can ask me anything about Baekhyun.” Chanyeol continues, mouth full. “I know everything about him.”

Baekhyun clutches his head, wanting to groan. Chanyeol’s possessiveness is showing already.

“All right.” John agrees. Can this get any worse?

Chanyeol finishes his bowl, then stands. “M’gonna get more rice. Bye.” He walks off. Baekhyun immediately gathers his bowl and follows after him. Baekhyun hurries towards Chanyeol and then links his arm through Chanyeol’s elbow, dragging him away from the refill of rice.

“What’re you doing?” Chanyeol asks through filled cheeks, eyes looking large and confused.

“We’re full, let’s go and snowboard some more.” Baekhyun whispers hastily. “Just the two of us.”

“Just the two of us?” Chanyeol looks pleasantly satisfied, until he even reaches out and snatches Baekhyun’s bowl off him. “Okay, be right back.” Then he rushes off.

Sighing, Baekhyun takes out his phone and calls Jungsoo, telling him that it’s better that they go their separate ways for the rest of the night. Jungsoo agrees immediately, telling him that he had wanted to do the same.

With that, Baekhyun waits for his lover to come back, while looking around to find their snowboards. Baekhyun finds it by the time Chanyeol returns, and they set off.

“Right!” Baekhyun hears Chanyeol call out encouragingly. “Right!” And somehow it helps, Chanyeol calling out.

Except it’s not, because then he falls down. Not only does he fall, but he does another small side flip, and a last flip. Chanyeol chuckles from a distance.

Baekhyun finally pulls himself up, taking the snowboard off his feet. Chanyeol finally appears by his side, asking him a question, but he’s too tired to answer and his body is too sore. As he stands up, he falls again. His thighs a little unstable. Chanyeol catches his elbow.

“Tired?” He asks, arm snaking around Baekhyun’s waist and becoming his strength. Baekhyun nods, pulling up his snowboard. “Let’s go back then.”

“Mm.” Baekhyun mumbles as he gathers up his strength and walks on his own. “Slide down on more time, Yeol. I’ll film you.”

“Hm?” His boyfriend turns to smile at him softly and patiently. Baekhyun drops his snowboard, gloved hand patting his pockets to look for his phone. When he finds it, he takes it out and waves it slightly at the taller. “What? Why?”

“Don’t pretend you didn’t film my failure.” After checking that there is no resentment in his tone, Chanyeol nods as he pulls down his goggles and pulls up his mask, gathering up his snowboard. After walking upwards a few steps, he turns back and gives Baekhyun a thumbs up, then continues climbing up.

Baekhyun can only film a part of Chanyeol’s entire snowboarding journey. After all, he’s sure Chanyeol can go on forever, gliding so smoothly and elegantly like that. Baekhyun swears, this is one of the few times that he’s able to see such a cool side of Chanyeol. It’s quite … worthy of making his knees go weak, actually. Chanyeol doesn’t go down the whole way though, probably considering Baekhyun’s state and not wanting to waste too much time letting the smaller stand outside in the cold. He stops a few metres down from where Baekhyun is, grabs his snowboard, and quickly runs up to meet Baekhyun, and the two of them walk upwards together.

Baekhyun puts on his mask too, because it’s cold. On the ski lifts back down, they watch at the glittering lights of the ski resort at the bottom, and even all the little cabins surrounding the ski resort is also alight. It’s a beautiful sight, really, in such a way that he’s sure even his phone can’t capture it.

Before they take off their gear at the resort, Chanyeol extends his arm outwards, phone on his hand, and immediately Baekhyun understands, so he scoots closer until Chanyeol had taken the picture. After that, they enter the resort and take off their gear.

Back at their cabin, the heat lures them in. Chanyeol throws himself on the couch whereas Baekhyun pulls himself towards the kitchen.

“Hot chocolate?” He calls. Upon hearing a muffled grunt as a reply, he starts making it. Maybe Chanyeol had always been a clean freak, because a few seconds later he shouts “I’M GOING TO SHOWER!” and disappears down the hallway.

As he waits for the water to boil, Baekhyun enters his room and prepares his clothes, taking off his coat and throwing it on the floor somewhere. Chanyeol bounces out of the shower later, hair wet and grinning and smelling freshly of apples and vanilla, as if delighted to feel clean. Baekhyun wants to feel like that too, but as he tries to enter the bathroom, Chanyeol blocks his way, grinning madly. Rolling his eyes, the smaller spreads his arms and attempts to hug Chanyeol.

“STOP YOUR CLOTHES ARE DIRTY!” Chanyeol exclaims and immediately jumps out of the way. Chuckling, Baekhyun enters the bathroom and locks the door.

“Use the bathtub, by the way!” Chanyeol shouts. “I prepared that for you!” Confused, Baekhyun turns around and finds that the bathtub is filled with hot water. Sighing, Baekhyun not for the first time wonders why his boyfriend must always be so considerate towards him such that he forgets himself.

“Thanks.” Baekhyun calls. “Hot water is probably ready, you want me to -”

“I’ll do it myself!” Chanyeol calls back.

After his very comforting “shower”, Baekhyun enters the living room to find Chanyeol, who’s busy trying to pile blankets on top of the couch nicely.

“Yeol?” Baekhyun questions, feet freezing from the ice-cold tiles.

“Did you know that these couches can extend?” The taller looks excited as he reaches over to the side and presses something, then that side of the couch extends. “And I was thinking we could watch a movie and sleep here. Or something.”

“It’s not too cold for you, right?” Chanyeol asks worriedly. Baekhyun shakes his head, and he would smile but it’s too damn cold so instead he’s hissing and hopping around and in the end he disappears inside his room to get socks and his coat.

By the time he returns, Chanyeol is already sitting there, blankets over him as he grabs a handful of popcorn. Baekhyun slips next to him, automatically inching closer to his boyfriend.

“Your hot chocolate is on the table there.” Chanyeol says with his mouth full, his free hand holding the remote. “Movie, start!”

This time, the movie is a comedy, and for the most part Baekhyun can only hear Chanyeol laughing and clapping. Most of the time he’s smiling is because of that, really. And then, halfway through their second movie, Chanyeol falls asleep, his couch extending like a bed. Immediately, Baekhyun tucks him in, piling the blankets over the taller’s shoulders.

“He’s going to regret not brushing his teeth …” Baekhyun chuckles as he repositions himself and lowers the TV volume. And soon after, he, too, falls asleep.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The next day, they pack up and leave the mountain with Jungsoo and John, bidding the ski resort and their cabins goodbye. Baekhyun sleeps on Chanyeol’s shoulder, like he usually does on vehicles.

“Hey, hyung.” Jungsoo calls, popping up from behind Chanyeol. “You posted Baekhyun snowboarding?”

“Yeah. Why?”

“He’ll kill you.” Turning back, Chanyeol sees Jungsoo leaning backwards. “I’m tagging him.”

“Don’t you – ” Chanyeol starts, then relaxes and breathes out. The next time he speaks, it’s much softer. “Don’t you dare.”

“What? He’s your only follower anyway, he’ll see it eventually.”

“He won’t, he’ll think I’m posting a vid of myself.” Chanyeol whispers fiercely. “Besides, why don’t you follow me?”

“I cannot say.” A cheeky grin lights up Jungsoo’s lips. John is sitting there looking a little curious, but not wanting to barge in. So Chanyeol takes out his phone and clicks onto his profile on Instagram, then passes it to John. “The second video. Yep, that one.”

Wordlessly, John plays it and Chanyeol watches the video move from his angle. “Isn’t he cute?”

Baekhyun shifts beside him. “You keep moving …” He mutters softly, then moves and lies against the window instead. Chanyeol freezes in his seat, hands reaching out to brush against Baekhyun’s arm.

“Baek, I’m sorry, I won’t do it anymore.” He whispers. “You can lean on me now.” His fingers reach out to touch Baekhyun’s hair, but the smaller slaps him away, eyebrows scrunched and lips turned down into a frown.

“Fine.” The taller mumbles, then crosses his arms. Eventually, he takes back his phone and checks his feed. Baekhyun updated a few days ago, a day before he uploaded, but he hadn’t time to see it because he had been busy using his phone ASAP before his fingers froze. Seeing it now, it’s the selfie that he took with Baekhyun, Jungsoo and John on their first day skiing, and Baekhyun had captured it “Handsome people”.

Flushing, Chanyeol scrolls past it, pleased.

“Hyung.” Jungsoo calls softly, and Chanyeol turns around.

“Hm?”

“I’ve only literally seen you around three times. First, at Baekhyun’s house. Second, at college. Third, now.” Jungsoo says. “And I have to say, this is the happiest I’ve seen him. Ever. In all my life.”

“Yay.” Chanyeol responds, grinning widely. “Don’t you think he’s much cuter now? … What, so you don’t have a crush anymore? Are you sure?”

“Sure. I figured from the moment he ditched me to go on a date with you, I had no chance.” Jungsoo mutters. “But yeah, he’s gotten cuter.”

“Why is Baekhyun such a slayer …” Chanyeol mutters. “Slaying everyone he meets. I have to hide my jealousy every time …”

“So you do get jealous.” Chuckling, Jungsoo disappears back behind him.

“So how’s life?” Chanyeol asks, looking backwards. His neck hurts and he’s feeling dizzy from looking back so often. He could potentially ask John to sit with Baekhyun so that he can actually talk to Jungsoo, but in the end he decides against it. Who knows what thoughts will go through John’s mind?

“Good. Been on an actual holiday with my fam overseas.” Jungsoo points to John. “He tagged along too. Man, I’ve been stuck with him ever since I left you guys.”

“You should feel blessed.” John grins.

“Anyway, Baekhyun wants to fire me.”

“What?!” Chanyeol is almost out of his seat now. “Why?!” Jungsoo shrugs.

“Says I’ve been wasting too much time guarding people. I should go to school.” The younger sticks out his tongue in disgust.

“Well … you should.” Chanyeol points out.

“I’m good at what I’m doing. Besides, I get paid a lot.” The younger leans back against his seat. “You only go to school to get a job to get paid anyway.”

“He means well.”

“I know.”

“You never know, you might get some surprises.” Chanyeol is officially positioned in a way such that he can completely face Jungsoo – but that means his knees need to be on the seat and his hands need to be on the headrest. “Like, for example, meeting the hate and love of your life.”

Jungsoo stares at him.

But then his face melts. “Aw, hyung, you’re so cheesy.”

“Shut up.” Embarrassed, Chanyeol slides back down.

“Fine, I’ll go to school and see how it’s like.” Jungsoo declares, smiling softly. “Touched by your love story, of course~”

“Oh … w-whatever.”

“Mm …” Baekhyun shifts a little, then lifts his head from the window, eyes opening slowly. His hand reaches up to rub his eye.

“Are we there?” He asks, tone laced with sleepiness.

“Not yet.” Jungsoo replies. “Hey Baekhyun, do you think sleeping so much is actually good for you?”

“Probably not.” Chanyeol watches his boyfriend lift his arms up, stretching. “But I can’t help myself.”

“Only babies sleep that much.” Chanyeol mumbles, teasing.

“Jungsoo, please swap seats with me.” Baekhyun deadpans. “I don’t want to sit with someone who thinks he’s funny.”

“Hey!” Chanyeol pouts. “That’s not very nice.” Baekhyun sends him a pointed look.

“I’m not very nice.”

“…” Chanyeol immediately turns around to glare at Jungsoo in a “Don’t-you-dare” way.

“…” Jungsoo turns to John, who has his earphones in and looking half asleep as he stares out the window. Chanyeol watches Jungsoo nudge John. “Hey John, swap with Baekhyun.”

John looks nonchalant as he nods absentmindedly, then moves out of his window seat, standing by Chanyeol and waiting for Baekhyun to move. Baekhyun immediately shifts, but Chanyeol attempts to stop him, legs stretched out, scowl pulled out. Baekhyun pushes against his legs anyway, until the taller breaks and Baekhyun breaks out of his “grasp”. Chanyeol, defeated, watches as his lover thank John happily with that sweet smile on his face as he moves to sit next to Jungsoo. John is shruggling as he, also, pushes past Chanyeol’s legs to take Baekhyun’s old seat.

“… All because of a joke, Baek, is it worth?” Chanyeol complains.

“I don’t have a grudge or anything, Yeol. I just thought Jungsoo and I needed some catching up.”

“…” Chanyeol sighs, giving up. It’s so Baekhyun to do something like this. “Always making excuses …”

He prepares to talk to John, but John had closed his eyes and fallen asleep against the window, just like Baekhyun had moments before. Sighing, Chanyeol decides to just sit back and listen to Baekhyun’s conversation with his bodyguard, only joining in their conversation when he has something to say.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They bid each other goodbye when they get off the bus at the bottom of the mountain, to board different buses and go to different places. Baekhyun and Chanyeol board the bus back to their college. Chanyeol half expects Baekhyun to sleep again, but this time the smaller doesn’t.

“Ah, my body is so sore.” The smaller complains softly, cracking his neck.

“… Want a massage?” ! You’re supposed to play hard to get, Park Chanyeol … Why do I always do this … He abandoned you, you loser, why are you …

“No.” Baekhyun smiles. “Are you sore?”

“No.” Chanyeol lies, but that’s because he wants to look cool in front of his boyfriend – tch, how can a little “exercising” up in the mountains make him sore? Pfft, as if! But then his boyfriend, from start to end, is still the one who understands him most, because a hand grabs his arm and starts massaging it, right where it’s sorest.

“Argh … you don’t have to, Baek …” Chanyeol softens anyway, like a cat relaxing around its owner. Baekhyun’s other hand snakes around to his shoulder. “That feels good …”

“Mm, I bet it does, doesn’t it?” Baekhyun’s voice is low and suggestive, and Chanyeol opens his eyes, turning around to stare at his boyfriend. Baekhyun chuckles. “What? Got the idea from the way you make those sounds …”

“… Baek …” Chanyeol groans, then closes his eyes and mutters to himself. “If anyone asks, I don’t know him …”

“ please, you love me and you know it.”

“… Um … okay …” Chanyeol completely moves out of Baekhyun’s hands, turning to stare at him as if he’s changed into a completely different person.

“I’m joking!” Baekhyun splutters, making grabby hand motions at Chanyeol. “Come back.”

“… You joke? Since when?” Chanyeol jokes, returning to his spot in Baekhyun’s hands. “Jokes, Baek. You love me too.” The taller chuckles when Baekhyun rolls his eyes and continues massaging him.

“So what do you want to do when we get back?” Baekhyun asks casually, hands moving to Chanyeol’s neck now.

“Hm …” Chanyeol wants his revenge. “Do you.”

“.” Baekhyun stops. “… Huh?”

“You’re beautiful, Baek, did I ever tell you that?”

Revenge is served when Baekhyun’s cheeks turn pink and his hands completely leave Chanyeol’s skin out of embarrassment. Yes, because Chanyeol loves getting Baekhyun flustered.

“I appreciate you, for always putting me before yourself.” Chanyeol continues, heart smiling when Baekhyun retreats, looking completely uncomfortable when confronted with compliments. “For massaging me even though you’re more sore than I am.”

“But t-that’s because – ” Baekhyun’s sentence is cut off when Chanyeol’s serious face breaks into a grin.

“Embarrassed yet?” The smug smirk destroys the mood, and Baekhyun’s lips turn down into a scowl. Chanyeol regrets his revenge the moment Baekhyun splays his hands all over Chanyeol’s face, nearly stabbing his eyes and squishing his nose.

“ you, Yeol!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

---

ask.fm

Silly me put it on draft for a day~