A/N: hi threre!! Im finally here with a new chapter and i hope u like it and i hope it was worth the wait. Also, there is like 4-5 chapter til the end, i tried counting it and i just wanted to let u know.

THANK U for all your kind wishes, i love u all so much my dudes <3

I wanted to update this chapter sooner but im in Hungary because of a volleyball tournament and for a while i didnt bave wifi, so sorry for updating late :)

Thank u for your support, i'm really happy to have readers like u. I will keep on trying to write chapters u will enjoy do i can pay u back for all your nice comments!!

 

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Baekhyun feels like puking. The atmosphere is so tense that it's making it hard to breathe, and he is as nervous as before his first day of college - which is extremely nervous. He is also feeling quite scared because, well, it's Chanyeol's father sitting right in front of him, his piercing gaze aimed at Baekhyun, and the brunet could never feel comfortable with someone looking at him as if they wanted to kill him on the spot, which is exactly what Mr. Park is doing.

And not only that. Baekhyun is feeling completely out of place with his ripped skinny jeans, basic shoes and a long plain sweater, while other people are wearing pretty casual but clearly expensive dresses and nice suits. People aside, the restaurant is really beautiful, but definitely not for someone from Baekhyun's social class. Even the waiters have shot him somewhat confused and dirty looks as they saw him fidgeting in his seat. And it's more than embarrassing to be sitting here, afraid to look in the menu in front of him because he knows that he won't be able to afford even a stupid bottle of soda. 

However, if he doesn't look into the menu, the waiters might think that he already knows what he wants to order, and Baekhyun is most definitely not ready to embarrass himself with saying I don't want anything, as if his whole appearance already isn't screaming In reality, I can't afford a single thing. And so, he reaches for the menu in order to pretend that he is choosing something, but before his fingers can touch the leather menu, Chanyeol's father's voice stops him, "I've already told the our waiter that you won't have anything, you don't need to pretend that you are looking through it."

Baekhyun gulps and retracts his hand right away, his eyes slightly widening when he realizes that he might have been too obvious and Junhoo knows perfectly what was going on in his head. The humiliation he just went through makes him feel even more on the edge, as if it was possible, and the brunet looks down in embarrassment, thinking of how great it would be if he could just disappear from this place. 

"I see that you are not comfortable here, so let's make it quick," Junhoo says, and Baekhyun wonders if Chanyeol inherited how perceptive he is from his father, or if his mother has the same ability. With Chanyeol, Baekhyun finds the perceptiveness rather attractive, but with Chanyeol's father, Baekhyun finds is scary. It feels as if he was not only being watched, but as if his every move was being analyzed to depth, and Baekhyun truly hates it. 

Taking his lover lip between his teeth and biting into it rather strongly, Baekhyun dares up to glance at the man in front of him, but the moment their eyes lock, Baekhyun has to cast his eyes down again. Chanyeol's father is staring at him so intensely that even while the weather is warm, Baekhyun feels shivers running down his spine as if he was cold. He agrees with Junhoo's suggestion to make this, whatever it is, quick but he doesn't say anything, only nodding his head slightly because the words are stuck in his throat.

It seems to be enough for Chanyeol's father, and the man speaks up again. However, what comes shocks Baekhyun too much, the brunet not expecting this at all. 

"I can see why my son would pick you," he starts, and Baekhyun frowns in confusion at the wording. Pick me? What does it mean? Baekhyun questions in his mind. After all, Chanyeol said that you can never help who you fall in love with, so it's not like neither of them picked the other. "You are indeed rather attractive, and from what I've heard your personality is... interesting too. Chanyeol has always liked a challenge and people who would not be too submissive. You must be very entertaining if he kept you around for so long."

"Excu-" before Baekhyun can finish his sentence, he stops himself, knowing very well that it's not appropriate to speak to Chanyeol's father like that. From the looks of it, and from what Chanyeol has said, Junhoo has a very low opinion on Baekhyun, and Baekhyun yelping out excuse me with such voice would only make it worse. But who would just sit quietly without any reaction while being talked about as if he was some toy? Entertaining, Chanyeol's father says? Really?

Baekhyun would like to tell this man just how much he means to Chanyeol, at least according to what Chanyeol says, but then he remembers that he can't. Not because he doesn't want to or because he isn't sure, but because Chanyeol's parents aren't supposed to know about this fairly new relationship. It would be problematic if they knew, Chanyeol had once said.  

Shooting Baekhyun an unimpressed look, the man continues, "But no matter how entertaining you are," again with the word, "I've head enough of my son's playing around. He's supposed to be looking for a wife, not for a plaything," hearing that, Baekhyun suddenly loses all of his previous nervousness and looks up, glaring at Chanyeol's father in anger. Was he really just called a plaything? He is sure that he is more than that for Chanyeol, he is very sure of it. Chanyeol wouldn't say I love you to just somebody. Baekhyun knows him. 

"He is young and wants to have fun, understandable, but this is going too far," Junhoo goes on, completely unaffected by Baekhyun's glare. As if Baekhyun was someone who isn't important at all. Which, sadly, Baekhyun knows is true in Chanyeol's father eyes. For Chanyeol's father, Baekhyun is nothing, just a little obstacle. "I would like you to break up with Chanyeol."

Baekhyun's heart skips a beat when his mind fully processes the sentence and his body freezes, his fingers that were nervously moving just a second ago completely still. He blinks a few times, surprise and partly confusion too written all over his face as he holds eye-contact with Junhoo. Did Baekhyun hear right just now? 

"W-What?" he doesn't know if he should be more shocked about Chanyeol's father asking him to break up with Chanyeol, or about the fact that Junhoo knows about their relationship. How does he know? Chanyeol told Baekhyun that his parents surely don't know, can't know, so what is this? Is Junhoo bluffing to find out if his son is really together with him? No, Baekhyun thinks. He wouldn't be bluffing. Especially not after practically kidnapping me and bringing me here.

Baekhyun wants to play the I don't know what you're talking about card, but before he can even try, Junhoo speaks up.  

"I don't like repeating myself, and I'm sure you've heard me perfectly," Chanyeol's father just rolls his eyes, downing the last bits of his wine before putting the glass down and straightening his back. He's looking at Baekhyun with hatred and distaste, like he's looking at a piece of trash, but his features are calm and collected. He looks relaxed, his whole posture letting Baekhyun know that he doesn't think much of this conversation. 

"How-"

"If you want to know how I know, it doesn't matter. The important thing here is that I do, and I'm not accepting this-... this fling," Junhoo cuts Baekhyun off, but his voice isn't harsh. It's nonchalant, as if he was talking about weather and didn't just tell Baekhyun to break up with Chanyeol just like that. Does Chanyeol's father think that this is not a big deal? What does he think, really? 

While Baekhyun didn't really believe that anyone could love him up until a  few days earlier, he certainly does not appreciate being called a fling. And maybe Baekhyun is scared of this man, but he still finds some courage to defend himself, not liking to be degraded. "I'm not a fling," he says, trying to keep his tone steady even though there are thoughts ricing in his head and his heart is beating too fast for its own good.

Being scared has never stopped Baekhyun from speaking his mind, and him standing up like this sure surprises Junhoo, judging by how his eyes slightly widen. Baekhyun is quite proud of speaking up, but Chanyeol's father doesn't share the enthusiasm. Instead, he looks like this one short sentence was enough to get him fired up, if the deep frown that replaces the momentarily surprised expression is anything to go by. However, Mr. Park most likely doesn't like to express his emotions because his face is back to neutral one very soon. 

"Don't think too much of yourself, Byun Baekhyun," Junhoo leans back into his chair, looking Baekhyun over one more time. As if on clue, Baekhyun shivers from the look that is given him, hating himself for giving Chanyeol's father the satisfaction that comes with seeing Baekhyun squirm slightly in his seat. "Chanyeol is always quick to jump into trouble, this time it's not different," Baekhyun is confused if he's more hurt by being considered a trouble or be angry because of how he's being spoken to. "But he also doesn't like being tied down, or settle for one person for that matter. Don't think that you're special enough to change him."

Baekhyun wants to say a lot of things, ninety percent of them being something along the lines of he wouldn't leave me and he loves me, but he doesn't voice his thoughts. Chanyeol's father thinks that Chanyeol doesn't want to settle for one person, and it was maybe true in the past, but Chanyeol assured him so many times that he wouldn't leave Baekhyun for someone else, or leave him at all, for that matter. It took him a few months to prove that to Baekhyun, thanks to Baekhyun's amazing mindset, but Chanyeol's reassuring words are drilled into his mind, and even though there are still small voices in his head telling him that he's not worth Chanyeol's attention, he ignores them successfully and instead focuses only on what Chanyeol says to him.

"With that said, I want you to be the smarter one in this conflict, the more mature one, and break off whatever is going on between you two. You are older too, you should be wiser," the slight raise of the man's eyebrows is rather mocking, along with the bitter half-smile the man is gifting him with, and if Chanyeol's father did this to rile Baekhyun up, it sure is working very good. Baekhyun is beyond furious. 

"With all due respect, you can't tell me what to do," Baekhyun starts, gritting his teeth, his voice steady but dripping with poisonous venom. No matter how angry he is, Baekhyun still wants to sound as polite as he can while talking to Chanyeol's father. "And Chanyeol is an adult too, he knows what he's doing," this maybe sounds rude, but Baekhyun realizes it quite late. His temper got better of him like so many times before, but Baekhyun can't seem to regret his choice of words when he sees the mix of yet another wave of shock and frustration on Junhoo's face. 

When Chanyeol is angry, the man either starts screaming or starts sulking extremely as if he was a small child, and maybe that's why Baekhyun expects to be yelled at in the near future, or at least have some nasty words thrown at him since screaming in such a restaurant would not be appropriate. However, Baekhyun is left completely surprised when instead of the possibilities he had in mind Junhoo's frown deepens, expression darkening dangerously. Baekhyun, all of sudden, feels every bit of his courage slipping away slowly while being on the receiving end of Chanyeol's father glare.

"Chanyeol might be an adult, but he doesn't act like one. You're just one of the examples," Junhoo's voice comes out low, and Baekhyun gulps. He knows, thanks to Chanyeol too, that if the man in front of him uses this kind of tone, Baekhyun should be afraid for his life. In Chanyeol's case, first comes screaming, and then this. Seeing that his father jumped over the first step, Baekhyun knows that his words had angered Chanyeol's father to the extreme. "Up until now, Chanyeol had been ruining the family name with sleeping around, but seeing you, I don't know what's worse - him sleeping around, or him actually thinking of dating someone like you," he tells Baekhyun, spitting out the someone like you part as if he is dirtying his mouth simply by talking about Baekhyun. 

While Baekhyun tries to look like what Chanyeol's father said isn't affecting him, the words hit a little too close to home, and Baekhyun feels a painful pang in his chest after hearing it because there is still a part of him - that keeps growing thorough this conversation - that is agreeing with Chanyeol's father. 

"If you're after money, I can pay you to break up with my son, it's not a problem."

"I don't want money," Baekhyun is quick to decline. Even once during the time Baekhyun has known Chanyeol, the brunet didn't think about how much money he can get out of being with the CEO. Never has he thought about using Chanyeol's money for his own expense. If anything, Baekhyun hates Chanyeol spending money on him, even if it's just on little things.

"Oh, really?" Junhoo lets out a sarcastic laugh and there is a spark in his eyes that confuses Baekhyun. The brunet stays silent, waiting for Chanyeol's father to say something more. He doesn't wait for long. "I know all about your debts, Byun Baekhyun. Your father was a rather mature man, committing suicide with his wife and leaving all of his debts to their little son. Such good parents."

At the mention of his family situation, Baekhyun forgets for a second where he is because of the sudden wave of anger hitting him. "Don't talk like that about my parents," he isn't screaming, but his voice is loud enough to get the attention of a few people in the restaurant. When Baekhyun realizes that people are looking at him, he looks down into his lap in embarrassment. He didn't mean to be so loud.

However, this is exactly what Chanyeol's father been waiting for. "Now you can see for yourself. You are an embarrassment. Do you really want Chanyeol to be seen with someone like you, who has no manners whatsoever? It will ruin his image, even more as it is now. It's not only about me disliking you, it's more about social class. Do you think Chanyeol will be proud to attend social events with you by his side while every other man will have a beautiful woman by their side? Don't fool yourself."

Baekhyun clenches his fists and bites his lower lip again, wanting to stop it from trembling. No matter how he looks at it, Chanyeol's father is right. Chanyeol might love Baekhyun and cherish him, but it's been always in private. Chanyeol has never wanted to hold Baekhyun's hand in public, and aside for not wanting his parents to know, it could also be because he is ashamed to be seen with Baekhyun in that way. And Baekhyun gets it. After all, Chanyeol is the CEO of one of the biggest advertising company, and Baekhyun is... a waiter in a middle-class restaurant. 

"I can see that you're finally thinking about what I'm saying, I'm glad," Junhoo smirks and calls over the waiter, demanding more wine. When the waiter asks if Baekhyun would like a glass too and Baekhyun shakes his head no, the truthfulness of Junhoo's words only hits him harder because this is what it will be like if Chanyeol will ask him to accompany him as a date on a dinner with some sponsor or something. Baekhyun will be unable to afford anything, and Chanyeol will pay for everything. 

"I'm not breaking up with him," Baekhyun says even when his thoughts are already killing him, screaming at him that Junhoo is right about him being not suitable for Chanyeol. "He's free to break up with me, but I'm not doing it." 

For a few long seconds there is a tense silence where Chanyeol's father just keeps staring at Baekhyun, and Baekhyun is trying to fight of the voices in his head. It took Chanyeol and Baekhyun so long to get together, and just as Baekhyun's thinking that maybe this could be a start of something amazing, Chanyeol's father comes barging into his perfect fantasy, successfully ruining everything. 

"I've had enough of this game," a rough voice pierces the silence, and Baekhyun slowly looks up to make eye-contact with the man sitting in front of him. "Chanyeol's caught up in whatever he thinks he's feeling toward you, so him breaking this off is improbable. That's why you're here today, it has to be you who ends this ridiculous relationship."

"I'm not-"

"Think about it properly," Junhoo interrupts him again, clearly having enough of talking to Baekhyun. His voice sounds definite, and Baekhyun feels like there is no room for him to talk anymore. "Think about your job, your friends' jobs, that pretty house you're grandmother is living in. It would be a shame if everything was gone just because of your wrong decision."

What is this? "Are you... threatening me?" Baekhyun questions with wide eyes, his voice shaking. He was threatened before, a few years back when the gangsters his father borrowed money from cornered him on his way home, so Baekhyun knows what threatening sounds like, but he can't believe that Chanyeol's father would go so far. Does he really want to break them off so badly that he will involve Baekhyun's friends future along with Baekhyun's grandmother? 

"Of course I'm not, that's illegal, right? I'm just saying that I know a lot of people that could... do things. The decision to do as I say is completely up to you, of course, don't feel pressured," just as Chanyeol's father is done, the waiter comes with more wine for the old man, giving Baekhyun space to slowly start freaking out because no matter how Chanyeol's father is trying to play it off now, both of them know that this is threatening. 

When the waiter is gone again, Baekhyun expects Junhoo to drop the fake-nice act, but the unpleasant smile is still not disappearing when they are left alone again, and it somehow makes Baekhyun feel even wore because it's like the man knows that he's already won, even though Baekhyun is still silent, not agreeing or declining what Chanyeol's father wants him to do. 

"By the way, you can go already. We're done talking anyway," hearing that, Baekhyun shakily stands up from his seat, his palms sweating and his heart beating fast again. While he wants to stay and say that there is no way he's going to break up with Chanyeol, the words just aren't coming out of his mouth, stuck somewhere in his throat, and leaving is the next best thing in Baekhyun's opinion. He doesn't want to stay here any longer than needed, and if Junhoo says that he is free to go, he will gladly go. 

As Baekhyun steps further away from the table, Chanyeol's father adds one more thing before Baekhyun can flee. "You have one day. I'm not going to wait any longer," with that said, Baekhyun turns around and bows politely, even though his legs are shaking slightly. Until now, he felt at least a little brave and proud of himself as he stood up for his and Chanyeol's relationship, but after hearing that even his friends are in danger because of him, all of his courage left him. 

Walking out of the restaurant while feeling Junhoo's eyes boring into him is rather uncomfortable, and that's why Baekhyun speeds up, wanting to be out of here as soon as possible. The staff bids him goodbye because no matter how out of place he looks, he is still considered a customer, but their voices are just a blur as he strides out of the restaurant, only stopping when he's standing in front of the front doors, breathing in air that might not be exactly fresh, but is still enough for him to finally inhale without feeling strangled. 

Baekhyun just stands there for some time, trying to even his breathing that has somehow gotten ragged. He closes his eyes in order to calm himself down, but his calming session is interrupted by a deep voice, their owner standing right in front of Baekhyun. How come Baekhyun hasn't noticed him coming before? Was he really that deep in his thoughts?

"I'll drive you home, let's go," Kris says, gesturing to the car that is parked on the exact same place as a few minutes ago.

But Baekhyun doesn't move toward the car, instead he tries to walk past Kris to the opposite direction. "I can get home alone," he says, no venom in his voice. He is just... he doesn't even know how he's feeling. 

"Come on, your flat is pretty far away."

"Doesn't matter."

"You're going into the wrong direction even now. You're going to get lost," Kris stops as he moves his body right in front of Baekhyun. "Chanyeol will kill me if something happens to you while going home, so... just get in, and you'll be home in fifteen minutes."

At the mention of Chanyeol's name Baekhyun stops and looks up at the tall man again, frowning slightly. He wants to be angry at Kris because he dragged him here in the first place, but as Kris mentioned, this is a part of his job. He probably had his orders, and being angry at him would be stupid of Baekhyun. After all, Kris doesn't look like a bad person, even if his appearance might look intimidating and even if he actually hurt Baekhyun's wrist before. 

"Okay," Baekhyun whispers and he can tell that Kris is relieved by not having to argue with him further, judging by the sigh he lets out before he leads Baekhyun to the car, his palm gentle on Baekhyun's back, so much different than the iron grip on his wrist from earlier. 

This time, Baekhyun gets to sit on the passenger's seat, but he would rather sit in the back because while Kris doesn't look like he's going to hurt him, Baekhyun still doesn't feel comfortable being so close to the other male. Ignoring his uneasy feeling, Baekhyun fastens his seatbelt and continues sitting on his seat motionlessly as Kris walks around the car and flops down to the driver's seat, plucking the keys in. There is a slight wave of fear as Kris starts pulling something out of his pocket instead of starting the car, and Baekhyun dares to glance to his left look at the man.

"While you were talking with Mr. Park, I had some time so I went to look for something for your hand," Kris starts, and Baekhyun blinks in confusion when Kris pulls out a small tube of what looks like a gel of some sort. "The woman in the shop said that it makes bruising heal faster."

Reaching out and taking the gel from Kris' hand after he gets an explanation about it, Baekhyun mumbles a quiet thank you, looking over the tube and reading what's written on it. He used a a gel that heals bruising faster before, so maybe it's a brand he knows. 

"Put it on during the ride, so I know you actually didn't forget about it," with that said, Kris finally starts the car, and Baekhyun just nods without saying any more as he rolls up one of his sleeves and opens the tube, applying some of the gel on his already bruised wrist gently. His quiet hiss of pain must have caught Kris' attention because the man glances at Baekhyun with worry in his eyes. "I'm sorry," he apologizes again.

"It's okay," Baekhyun tries smiling at Kris slightly, but his smile is strained because he wants to cry right now, and not smile. However, after years of practising his facial expressions in order to feed people with fake happiness, his smile must look completely sincere to Kris. 

The rest of the ride is spent in silence, since Baekhyun zones out after applying the gel on his wrist, just staring out of the window with blank expression as the negative thoughts start hunting him. Chanyeol's father was scary, and there is no doubting that he was threatening Baekhyun before. Getting together with Chanyeol, Baekhyun expected some sort of problems awaiting them, but this is too much. He had never expected to be threatened, and not only him, but his friends and family also. 

Was Chanyeol's father only bluffing? Or would he really go as far as ruining lives of people that are close to Baekhyun just because he is dating Chanyeol? Baekhyun doesn't doubt that the man has power to do that, but is he really that bad of a person? Would he ruin someone's life without thinking twice about it, or being even a little bit guilty afterwards? It's just... unbelievable that someone like that is Chanyeol's father. Chanyeol, who is so nice and caring, so loving and simply amazing. 

Baekhyun doesn't want to break up with Chanyeol. He really doesn't want to lose him, but there are so many things at stake. Chanyeol is his first love and Baekhyun thought that maybe, just maybe, this relationship could work out, but why are things so complicated? He wants to be selfish and just keep on dating Chanyeol because he is so happy with him, and it's for the first time in his life that he feels appreciated and loved so much. How come that fate just keeps on making him miserable? 

However, he can't be selfish. He can't risk his friends' jobs, or his grandmother's house. His life was practically because of how much he worked to keep that house in family, he even dropped out of college because of it, and Baekhyun can't let all of his hard work go to waste after all this time. He loves Chanyeol really much, but... it's not only about him. It'd be simply bad of him to think only about himself in this situation.

On the top of that, Chanyeol's father is right about Baekhyun being an embarrassment for Chanyeol. Chanyeol might not see it now, but he will come to see it in the future, when people will keep looking at them because they are just... not suitable. Baekhyun can easily imagine some pretty and wealthy woman with nice manners standing beside Chanyeol and charming the out of everybody and sadly, Baekhyun isn't female or wealthy. He would just be a shame for Chanyeol. 

Maybe sometimes love is not enough. 

"-hey, are listening?" Kris' voice finally reaches his ears and Baekhyun blinks away his thoughts, and just then he notices that the car has stopped moving and that they are in fact already in front of Baekhyun's apartment complex. Did he really zone out for so long? 

"I-I'm sorry," Baekhyun apologizes quickly, already gripping the car handle in order to get out of the car and finally get to his flat. "Uhm, so... Bye, I guess."

"Wait," Kris stops him from opening the door, reaching out to grab Baekhyun by elbow, his touch light, as if he is being way too careful not to hurt Baekhyun again. Baekhyun stops, turning back to him with question in his eyes. "Should I call Chanyeol? You don't look like you're doing well-"

"Don't call him," Baekhyun shakes his head quickly, but seeing Kris' surprised expression, he clears his throat and explains, now more calmly. "I... need to think about some things before talking to him, so please, don't do that."

Kris studies his face for a while and Baekhyun hates the worry and even pity that he can see in Kris' eyes. He looks like he wants to protest, but in the end he sighs, releasing his hold on Baekhyun's elbow. "I understand. Take care... and I'm really sorry about your hand."

Hearing the sincere concern, Baekhyun gives Kris another smile as he steps out of the car, repeating once again that his hand is going to be okay soon and that he shouldn't worry about it. Baekhyun imagines that working under the devil himself must be rather stressful, so he doesn't blame Kris for manhandling him so harshly at that time. Baekhyun can only imagine what kind of problems would be awaiting Kris if Baekhyun ran away or something.

Kris bids him his final goodbye before he is gone, and just then when Baekhyun is left alone, he starts realizing how ed he truly is. Baekhyun chuckles humorlessly at his misfortune, running a hand through his hair, already feeling his eyes burning with hot tears. Just when he thought that he found his happiness, it's being forcefully taken away from him and he even has to be the one who will break things off. How can he do that, though? 

One day, Baekhyun reminds himself. I have only one day. 

 

--

 

Honestly, Chanyeol has had enough. He hates April 1st because contrary to what people might think, he is extremely bad in pranking people - he is way too obvious for it, always blowing his own cover at some point. However, people around him are very capable of pranking, and Chanyeol is able to find out for himself the moment he steps into the company building. It starts with his secretary making him think that he is late for a meeting with a sponsor, being so convincing that even though Chanyeol constantly reminds himself of what day is today and that he can't be fooled by anything and anyone, in the end he hurries to the meeting room as fast as possible, just to find a A4 format paper lying on the table in the meeting room, a big happy 1st April boss written on it.

Then Jongdae comes, and since Chanyeol has expected Jongdae to be the last prank of the day, he didn't get ready for being pranked only ten minutes after he shows up at work. And since even Minseok works with Jongdae, which Chanyeol later finds out, he really thinks of it as a betrayal from the receptionist who even after seeing Chanyeol's face scrunched up in misery doesn't feel guilty about being a part of Jongdae's evil plan. 

Honestly, when Minseok tells Chanyeol that Jongdae took a job in the rival company and even adds a - fake - video to prove his point Chanyeol is scared for a few seconds before he walks into his office and sees Jongdae sitting in his armchair with a huge grin on his face, saying "You stupid, you believe me every year," with a laugh before Chanyeol launches at him, attempting to kill the male. 

But on the other side, the pranking that continues thorough the day makes Chanyeol momentarily forget about his problems, makes him forget about the conversation he had with his father two days ago. He is quite surprised that his father didn't bring up the subject the second time until now, but he isn't unhappy about that. It only gives him more time to be with Baekhyun, his excuse being that they haven't really talked about it with his father, it was only the old man yelling at him without hearing what Chanyeol has to say. So Chanyeol considers it invalid, for now. 

He wants to tell Jongdae about his parents knowing that there is something going on between him and Baekhyun, but in the end decides against it because Jongdae looks too happy today, entertained by how everyone falls for his tricks somehow. Seeing how good Jongdae's mood is, Chanyeol decides to tell him later, not wanting to ruin that joyful mood Jongdae is in. And to top it off, Chanyeol still hasn't talked to Baekhyun about his parents knowing about their relationship, it wouldn't be fair to Baekhyun if Chanyeol said something about it to Jongdae before he discusses the subject with his boyfriend, right? 

Chanyeol has always been good at making excuses so he can avoid the problem, and now isn't different. However, in the past, he had been doing it because he didn't want to deal with the problems, and currently he's doing it because he is too afraid of what could possibly happen to the relationship he has built with Baekhyun. Ignoring the problem is bad, Chanyeol knows, but he wants to let it go for now, mainly for Baekhyun's sake. Really, what would his boyfriend think after Chanyeol tells him about the argument with his father? He will feel like he's not good enough again, and Chanyeol doesn't want that. 

And so, he chooses to ignore it for a while. Because he wants Baekhyun to be happy a little longer.

 

It's during lunch with Jongdae that his phone starts ringing with the ringtone he set for Baekhyun, making Chanyeol abandon his food immediately as he reaches for his phone and quickly picks up, answering it with a sweet, "Hi, how are you?" he is slightly curious about Baekhyun's well being since yesterday Baekhyun didn't answer his goodnight text, and while it might not be a big deal in people's eyes, it is for Chanyeol because Baekhyun always answers to his texts, even if it's just with a stupid emoji. 

"Hey," Baekhyun greets him, and Chanyeol frowns slightly right away, thinking that Baekhyun's voice sounds a little off. "I'm good, you? How are you dealing with 1st April?" 

"Horrible, honestly. Everyone's being an today, but mostly Jongdae. He even got Minseok to help him-"

"It was his idea, you know!" Jongdae can't help but defend himself with his mouth full of food. 

"Anyway, how is today treating you? How many times have you been pranked already?" Chanyeol asks lightly, playing with his food while talking to Baekhyun. His mood is better the moment the brunet's laughter gets to his ears, and while Chanyeol is not usually happy about being laughed at, he couldn't care less because this is Baekhyun, and Baekhyun's laugh is a blessing.  

"It's actually good," Baekhyun answers Chanyeol's question, and while Chanyeol still is a little paranoid and thinks that there is something off about the way Baekhyun talks, he lets it slide this time. He can always ask about it when they meet face to face. And as if Baekhyun was reading his thoughts, the brunet offers, "Can we meet today?"

"Of course, but I'm getting off of work around five today, is it okay? I can be at your place maybe at five-thirty," Chanyeol would really like to meet with Baekhyun as soon as possible - even now if he could - but there is work to do and he can't turn a blind eye to it. He has to have it done before he leaves work today.

"Uhm, I was thinking if... if we could go out today?" Baekhyun asks, and this time Chanyeol is more than sure that he isn't being paranoid but there is something going on with Baekhyun.

Wanting to be positive, Chanyeol questions playfully, "Are you trying to prank me too, Baekhyun? If yes, I'm not going to forgive you." He really wishes that Baekhyun sounds so troubled just because he is planning a prank and not because something happened. 

"No, it's not like that," Baekhyun laughs a little again, and while his voice sounded strained just a second ago, his laughter sounds rather sincere, amused. "I just wanna eat some street food tonight and walk around a bit. So... are you up for it?"

Without much thinking, Chanyeol nods, but then realizes that Baekhyun can't actually see him and he answers verbally too, "If it makes you happy. Just think about what you want, last time was horrible," Chanyeol adds a laughs of his own at the memory of them circling the streets because Baekhyun couldn't choose what he wants to eat even if his life depended on it. And so, they walked around the same small street shops until Baekhyun actually decided to eat pizza of all things. However, Chanyeol didn't mind that much even though he might sound like he did because after all, it's time spent with Baekhyun, and Chanyeol honestly doesn't care how they spend the time as long as he's with the brunet. 

"Of course, whatever you say. So, let's meet in front of the flower shop, you know which one, at five-thirty," of course he does know, Baekhyun always stops there to admire the flowers... while Chanyeol admires Baekhyun. Because that's what Chanyeol mostly does, not being able to tear his eyes away from the brunet that easily. 

"Okay, see you there."

"Bye, Chanyeol," no matter how many times Baekhyun says his name, Chanyeol still feels somewhat giddy as if it was the first time his boyfriend says it. There is just something about the way Baekhyun pronounces it. Or maybe Chanyeol is too in love and everything Baekhyun says or does is simply magical.

"Love you," Chanyeol can't help but say, and he can literally hear Baekhyun chuckling on the other side of the line. He didn't mean to be cheesy or anything, he just felt the need to end the call with letting Baekhyun know.

Then, a second later comes his reply before Baekhyun hangs up. "Love you, too."

Chanyeol grins at his phone as he puts it on the table, continuing to eat his food with a much better mood. However, Jongdae doesn't seem to share his sudden happiness, mumbling something under his breath with a bitter expression. Chanyeol doesn't care though, only saying, "Jealous much?" before putting another piece of his lunch into his mouth. 

"...Maybe." 

 

--

 

Baekhyun waits for Chanyeol in front of the flower shop, looking at the flowers that are put on display when someone taps his shoulder, making Baekhyun avert his gaze and look at the stranger. The only thing is, the person that touched him before isn't a stranger, but Chanyeol. He is standing in front of Baekhyun in a dark button up shirt with rolled sleeves with a rolex watch around his wrist, nice shoes and pants going along with the button up. As always, his outfit is on point, and as always, Baekhyun forgets how to breathe for a moment while looking into the CEO's big eyes that are staring at him fondly. 

"Hi, you're early," is what Chanyeol says, giving Baekhyun a small smile.

At that moment, Baekhyun wants to kiss Chanyeol, but he knows that he can't. And so, he returns the smile because that's the next best thing he can do, and greets him back. "Hey," then, Baekhyun focuses on time on Chanyeol's watch. "But you're early too. It's only five-fifteen."

"Well, I wanted to wait for you, but you messed up my plans," Chanyeol explains jokingly, but the fact that Chanyeol actually got off work sooner just to be the one waiting for Baekhyun is truly warming the brunet's heart. "Anyway, where do you want to go? Do you have a place in mind?"

"Not really," Baekhyun shakes his head, but before Chanyeol can protest and remind him of how they were circling the streets because Baekhyun couldn't decide what to eat, Baekhyun continues. "But it's because I want to just walk around today," seeing Chanyeol narrow his eyes at Baekhyun and frown a little, the brunet quickly adds, "Is it okay?" 

His worried voice must have done something to Chanyeol because the man's face clears after his boyfriend's question, and he smiles brightly at Baekhyun before nodding. "Of course Lead the way," he says, and Baekhyun sees how Chanyeol's hand moves to grab Baekhyun's instinctively as they take the first step, but then the taller retracts it after realizing that they are in public. Baekhyun keeps a smile on his face as if to assure the CEO that it's alright, but he can't help feeling a painful pang in his chest as they walk. 

This is just another sign that breaking up with Chanyeol will only do good. Chanyeol might not agree with it now, since he will feel betrayed and heartbroken, but after some time he will be surely grateful to Baekhyun for letting him go. Maybe in the future, Chanyeol will find someone better than Baekhyun, from same social class preferably, and then he won't have to hide the relationship. Because while Baekhyun feels kind of bad for being a secret, Chanyeol surely feels even worse, guilty that he can't show Baekhyun to the world, knowing that it's hurting Baekhyun in a way. And Baekhyun really doesn't want to make Chanyel suffer like this. 

Baekhyun deep down knows that his thinking is kind of twisted right now, sounding exactly like the negative Baekhyun from months ago, but for breaking up with Chanyeol he needs to repeat those reasons of why it's a good idea in his mind because otherwise he won't be able to do it. 

After almost a sleepless night and a stressful day at work, Baekhyun has come to the conclusion that breaking up with Chanyeol is a thing he has to do. He can't be selfish and cause problems to the people who are closest to him just because he fell in love with someone who was off limits. He can't risk future of his dearest friends and his only family because he is too stubborn to let go of Chanyeol. He needs to be selfless and protect the people he cares about, including Chanyeol. And if that means breaking up with his first love, he has to do it. 

And so, Baekhyun decided that if today is the day he lets go of Chanyeol, he wants to enjoy the time before their ways part. Before, he was torn between wanting to spend time with Chanyeol in his apartment, just cuddling and kissing because it will be the last time they can do that, but his second option to go out won in the end. They can't touch in public, but that's the point. If he throws himself on Chanyeol in his apartment, the break up will be much more painful, but like this? It will be a little bit better. For one, Chanyeol can't cause a scene in public, and secondly, the fact that they can't touch will only prepare Baekhyun for the future without Chanyeol's loving hands caressing his skin or holding his hands.

It's better like this. It truly is. Baekhyun repeats it until he agrees with it too. 

 

As Baekhyun wished, they just walk around, close to each other and while their hands occasionally make contact during their walk, this is the most contact they have. Chanyeol senses that something is off even though Baekhyun acts normal, and Baekhyun knows but lets it go, telling Chanyeol that he just had a stressful day at work - which is not a lie, really. To prove his point, Baekhyun tells Chanyeol about his day, getting rather enthusiastic about it because this way he can forget that this is their last they together. Like this, he can ignore the cruel reality for a few more minutes, enjoying their time together to the fullest rather than crying about it. 

After some time, Chanyeol lets go off the topic there is something wrong with you today and starts talking about his day too, saying how many times he had gotten pranked and whining about where is the respect toward their boss? Baekhyun just laughs as he listens to everything that was done to Chanyeol today and wonders if this is really 1st April and not just some National Prank Chanyeol Day. It's fun listening to Chanyeol being a child and literally believing even in the smallest joke, realizing it was a prank only when it's too late. The CEO tries to defend himself that his employees are somehow really good at this, but while Baekhyun gives some credit to them, he still thinks that Chanyeol is just too easy to prank. 

They buy ice-cream in one of the small shops in the corner of the street, Chanyeol having a large chocolate one in cornet while Baekhyun takes a small strawberry one, paying for both of them because this time it's Baekhyun who will treat the other. It was always Chanyeol who insisted to pay, but since this is most likely their last meal they have together, Baekhyun really wants to treat his soon to be ex-boyfriend. It even hurts to think these things, but Baekhyun has to get used to this. 

"Hey, is something wrong?" Chanyeol asks when Baekhyun just stares at his ice-cream instead of eating it, too lost in his thoughts.  After hearing Chanyeol's concerned voice though, Baekhyun snaps out of it and gives Chanyeol a grin, trying to make it as real as possible while trying to get rid of the negative thoughts. Just a few more minutes, Baekhyun tells himself. The weather is really nice today too, so maybe it's a sign that they should just stay out longer, just enjoying it all. 

"I know a really nice place here, come," Baekhyun says as he sees Chanyeol opening his mouth, probably to ask what's on Baekhyun's mind, but the brunet doesn't let him. He tugs at Chanyeol's button-up, smiling slightly at the taller as he turns corner and starts working toward a park. 

Of course, Chanyeol doesn't let him be, clearly seeing that something's going on. "Do you want to sit on the bench because you're tired?" he asks, and Baekhyun really appreciates how caring Chanyeol is, but on the other hand it hurts so much to know that Chanyeol cares about him so much. It would be much easier if Chanyeol didn't care to this extent, noticing even the smallest changes in Baekhyun's behavior.

"No," Baekhyun answers, rather truthfully. Even though he didn't sleep during the night that much and was working a lot today because on of the waiters had to go home because of a cold, Baekhyun doesn't really feel tired. "But the sun is setting and I just want to look at the sky. You'll love it, too, I'm sure," saying that, Baekhyun leads Chanyeol to a smaller park, eating his ice-cream in the process. "Almost nobody knows this place because it's hidden in the bushes."

"How did you find it?" Chanyeol questions, following Baekhyun obediently.

"Sehun took me there a long time ago."

"Oh... really," hearing Chanyeol's tone, Baekhyun can't help but laugh. It's clear that Chanyeol is jealous, and Baekhyun truly doesn't understand why, since the CEO knows that Baekhyun has never liked Sehun in that way. However, if he was in Chanyeol's shoes, he would be unreasonably jealous too, he is sure of it.

"Anyway, you're the first person that I'm taking there, so be grateful," Baekhyun playfully hits Chanyeol's shoulder, and while his fingers tingle at the contact, there is still a big amount of sadness that comes with it. He wants to touch Chanyeol so much. He even had a fleeting thought of taking Chanyeol home and make love with him, but it wouldn't be fair to the taller. When he thinks about it, this isn't fair either, but Baekhyun excuses his selfishness with it's the last time anyway. 

Chanyeol is silent as they walk for a while, but as Baekhyun is ready to make his way through the bushes, Chanyeol gently grabs Baekhyun's hand for just a short while, successfully getting Baekhyun's attention. "I am glad," is all Chanyeol says, but it's still enough to make Baekhyun blush furiously.

Without saying anything, Baekhyun gestures toward the bushes, letting Chanyeol know that his more or less secret place is here on the other side. It's really nothing special, just an old bench standing in the middle of a small clearing that is hidden between trees. However, the tall trees block out the most of the city lights - as much as possible, that is - and the view of the sky is really nice. Baekhyun used to go there in the past when he was missing home, but later with all his jobs, he lost the time to go there. This is actually the first time in a while that he's here.  

"It's really nice," Chanyeol comments as he follows Baekhyun to the bench and flops down on it next to the brunet, turning his head up as he eats his ice-cream. Chanyeol had bigger one and Baekhyun the smaller, and Baekhyun is surprised to find out that unlike himself, Chanyeol is already almost done with his ice-cream while Baekhyun still has plenty. Is Chanyeol eating that fast or is Baekhyun just slow?

"I know, right," agreeing, Baekhyun looks up to the sky too, admiring how beautiful it is when even the clouds are colored with multiple colors. He feels comfortable as they just sit next to each other in silence because Chanyeol's mere presence is making Baekhyun happy and comfortable. They talked a lot today, laughing even more, so this silence is more than welcomed. However, the hand that covers his smaller one is making this moment even more pleasurable, and Baekhyun momentarily averts his eyes from the sky in order to look at the CEO. 

When their eyes meet, Baekhyun gets that feeling like always again. And by that feeling, Baekhyun means that while looking into the pretty shaped eyes that belong to the person he loves so much, Baekhyun feels as if he was home. It doesn't matter where they are, but the moment Chanyeol makes eye-contact with Baekhyun, the brunet feels like home. And for a moment, Baekhyun lets himself think that maybe home isn't a place, but a person. And his home is Chanyeol. 

Chanyeol smiles at him softly, eating the last bits of his ice-cream as he looks back up in the sky, relaxing on the bench while still holding Baekhyun's hand in his. However, Baekhyun doesn't follow his suit, instead sitting in the same position as before as he watches the CEO instead of the very beautiful sky above him. Chanyeol probably knows that Baekhyun is staring at him, but he doesn't do or say anything, letting Baekhyun have his way, for which the brunet is very grateful for. 

Looking at Chanyeol's happy face, Baekhyun feels guilty about having to take the taller's happiness away from him in a few minutes. Chanyeol looks really content here, holding Baekhyun's hand lovingly while rubbing circles in it with his thumb, and Baekhyun can't help but feel an incredible amount of love in his heart upon this sight. The sky might be beautiful, but Park Chanyeol is surely even more than that. 

There are tears prickling in Baekhyun's eyes after some seconds of staring, and this is his cue to turn away. He can't cry. This is his choice. He has already made up his mind. Nothing's gonna change it. This is the right choice, Baekhyun keeps repeating in his head as he busies himself with his ice-cream, searching for comfort in the sweet treat. 

Taking a deep breath to calm himself down, he waits until the tears are gone before he turns to Chanyeol again, a smile appearing on his face immediately. He wants to keep looking at Chanyeol for a while more because he wants to remember the man's face like that, knowing very well that soon the negative emotions will replace those content ones. Chanyeol will be most likely really angry at Baekhyun too, but maybe that's good. If Chanyeol hates Baekhyun, he will surely move on faster. It's good. Really.

After he's done with his ice-cream too, Baekhyun finally looks up at the sky, seeing that it turned darker but it's still not close to a night-sky with moon and stars shining that Baekhyun longs to see. However, it's still really nice to look at the mix of colors. It's rather calming. 

And that's why, slipping his hand from under Chanyeol's, Baekhyun takes a deep breath and grabs to every bit of courage in him before quietly whispering into the silence between them. "Hey, Chanyeol," Baekhyun starts, his voice sounding calm, collected. There is a painful smile on his face, as if Baekhyun is laughing at himself and at how fate just can't stop playing these cruel games with him. It's for the better. 

"Hm?"

"Let's break up."

If this was a movie, there would be a cold breeze washing over them after Baekhyun's words, rustling the leaves of trees and making the whole scene more dramatic. However, this is real life, and what caresses Baekhyun's skin isn't a breeze, but the silence that comes. 

Baekhyun expects Chanyeol to start laughing at first until realizing that Baekhyun isn't joking, but there is no laughter to pierce the tense atmosphere that replaced the comfortable one from before so quickly. Not liking it one bit, Baekhyun wants to look at Chanyeol to see his expression, but he decides against it. It's a bad idea, he thinks. And it indeed is, because looking at Chanyeol now would break him, and Baekhyun needs to be strong. He needs to at least seem strong.

Waiting for Chanyeol's reaction is a hell, and Baekhyun doesn't even have the strength to play with his fingers from nervousness like he usually does, his whole body too tense to move, so he simply keeps on gripping the wooden bench they are sitting on, his knuckles turning white. His jaw is clenches, and his teeth are starting to hurt because of it, but Baekhyun doesn't care. The only thing he cares about is Chanyeol's reaction that just isn't coming-

"I've had enough pranks for today, Baekhyun," Chanyeol's voice comes out low, without any hint of amusement. "And besides, this is truly stupid."

"It's not a prank... I mean it," it's really hard to create sentences, Baekhyun decides. And not only that. Keeping his voice steady is even harder because the urge to cry is extremely strong, and Baekhyun has to keep his sadness out of this. If Chanyeol saw him fighting too much with his own feelings, he would not think of this situation seriously. Baekhyun needs to sound definite, as if he really doesn't want to date Chanyeol. 

"Baekhyun," his name rolls off Chanyeol's tongue with a clear threat to stop joking, and Baekhyun really, really wants to start laughing and say that this is a joke. However, he can't. No matter how much he wants to be joking right now, this is reality. And really? Why is fate so bad to him? Making him break up with Chanyeol on April 1st... how cruel. 

"It's not a joke, Chanyeol," swallowing the slowly creating lump in his throat, gripping the bench even tighter, his eyes glued to the sky as he seeks some kind of comfort he so desperately needs right now. Breathing in and out, Baekhyun makes himself continue. "I've been thinking about it, and this is for the best," Baekhyun pauses a little, wanting to play it off as if he just wanted to take another breath. As if his voice wasn't ready to break just now. "Being with you is fun and all, but I guess I'm just not the type for relationships."

It doesn't matter that he's lying. It doesn't matter that he's having a time of his life with Chanyeol and wouldn't mind staying with him for the rest of his life. It doesn't matter that Baekhyun can hardly imagine his days without Chanyeol by his side, smiling at him, touching him, kissing him. It doesn't matter. 

"Stop playing games. This joke is going too far," Baekhyun might not be as perceptive as Chanyeol, but even he can tell that Chanyeol is getting angry. Maybe the taller is trying to sound collected, but he is failing miserably, the frustrated undertone clear to Baekhyun's ears. And it really is painful, knowing that he's hurting Chanyeol already, but Baekhyun guesses that this is what he gets for thinking that even though his life is , he could find love and be happy. This is fate getting back at him for thinking that maybe he deserves to be loved. 

"I'm telling you, this is not a joke-"

"Then what the are you saying then?!" Chanyeol raises his voice and Baekhyun flinches, but still doesn't look at Chanyeol. He can't. There are tears in his eyes again and Chanyeol can't see him like that. All of this pretense would be useless if Chanyeol saw him crying. 

"I'm sorry," is all Baekhyun says, hoping that Chanyeol would just scream at him and leave. Baekhyun can take it, really. It's what he deserves for hurting Chanyeol anyway. 

He can feel movement next to him and suddenly, Baekhyun is turned to Chanyeol forcefully, a strong grip on the shorter's shoulder. "Tell me that you're joking, ing say it!" Chanyeol yells into his face, and Baekhyun's lip starts trembling dangerously as he catches a glimpse of Chanyeol's hurt and frustrated expression. 

Gulping, the brunet stands up from the bench, turning his back to Chanyeol as he says, "I can't help how I feel," , calm down! he reprimands himself when the tears just keep coming. His voice already sounds shaky, meaning that if this isn't finished in a few seconds, he's going to cry, not being able to hold his emotions back. "I'm just not cut out to be in a relationship. So, yeah... I'm breaking up with you."

"You're what?!" Chanyeol exclaims, and Baekhyun is sure that this time someone must have heard them. This may be a secret place, but there are still people walking around in this park, and if Chanyeol doesn't keep his voice down, someone will find them. "After all this time, you have the nerv to say this to me?! You bring me here, spend time with me as if everything was alright and then you drop this bomb, the ?!"

"Well, this is my way of saying sorry, giving you a nice break up! So can you just go?!" Baekhyun finally screams too, his emotions getting the better of him. He really needs Chanyeol to go. He will not be able to keep himself collected for much longer, his legs already close to giving out and his whole body trembling. Maybe to Chanyeol, it looks like he is trembling form frustration rather then with heartbreak. 

"Baekhyun, you can't do this-" there is a hand on his elbow, Chanyeol trying to turn Baekhyun around. 

However, Baekhyun can't have that, and he breaks out of Chanyeol's hold with every little bit of power he has left, taking a shaky breath before saying his final words, "I can. I don't love you, I was lying. So just... go."

And maybe that's what Baekhyun should have said in the beginning, since after that another silence follows. Chanyeol isn't attempting to touch him again, and the only thing Baekhyun can hear is Chanyeol's breathing - the CEO always breathes really loudly when he's angry, Baekhyun had the time to find out. Not like that this information will be valuable in the future. Along with everything he has learned about Chanyeol. 

" you," Chanyeol spits out after a moment, and hearing the clear betrayal, hurt, anger and maybe even hatred in the taller's voice is just what was needed to make the tears in Baekhyun's eyes fall out of his eyes and wet his cheeks before they fall on the green grass under them. "Are you really doing this?"

"Yes," Baekhyun nods, wiping away his tears and playing it off as if he just wanted to run a hand through his hair. He hopes he is as good of an actor as he thinks he is.

"Do you not care about what we have at all?"

I do. "I don't."

However, after that, he can only hear fine  along with the steps that are getting quieter and quieter as Chanyeol walks away, followed by the rusting of the bushes as Chanyeol leaves Baekhyun standing in the middle of the clearing alone. The moment that everything goes silent again, Baekhyun goes back to the bench and sits down shakily, breathing uneven and heart beating fast.

"It's done," the brunet whispers to himself, and he should probably feel some kind of relief that his friends and family are not in danger anymore, but he doesn't. Instead, he feels like a hand is gripping his heart tightly, crushing it slowly but painfully as seconds pass. Chanyeol is gone. Baekhyun did what he had to do, and now Chanyeol is gone. He has lost him.

Closing his eyes firmly, Baekhyun lets out the air he didn't realize he was holding and presses his lips tightly together. There is no going back now, he can't turn back the time or take back the words that were said.

This was his choice.

Maybe this is really how it's supposed to be. 

It was the right choice. 

Saying these things to himself isn't working anymore as he's being crushed under the heavy realization that Chanyeol is truly gone. Baekhyun has hurt him so much, and now the CEO probably hates him to an incredible extent. Thinking about how much Chanyeol must hate him now pains Baekhyun too much, and a first sob escapes his mouth when he remembers the lies he told Chanyeol. I don't love you, what a lie. 

Another sob breaks free and Baekhyun quickly covers his mouth with his hand, needing to be quiet because people that are going through the park might hear him, and he truly doesn't want that. The tears that were until now under control are now falling out of Baekhyun's eyes freely, getting lost in the grass under him, making his vision so blurry that instead of the grass he just sees a smudge of green under him. 

It feels so definite now, mostly because it is. Baekhyun tortures himself with remembering how Chanyeol held his held his hand, kissed him, touched him, cuddled him... all of the things that won't be happening anymore. All of the things that are lost, that Baekhyun himself threw away. After all Chanyeol has done for him, after Chanyeol loved him and made him feel so appreciated for the first time in his life, Baekhyun destroyed it all. Telling himself that it was the right choice is not making it any less painful. 

Why does it have to be like this? Why can't they just be happy together? Why is the world so ed up like that? Is it really better to break off a relationship of two people that love each other unconditionally because of things like social class instead of letting them be happy? 

Slowly, his sadness turns into anger and desperation to understand this world, and his cries becomes more hysteric, sobs wrecking his whole body and tears continuing to fall like waterfalls while Baekhyun doesn't even try to stop them. What's the point, anyway? Nobody can see him there. 

"," Baekhyun curses angrily, bending over until his forehead touches his knees and wiping away the tears that are starting to annoy him. Why is he crying? He has no right. He hurt Chanyeol, not the other way around. Baekhyun doesn't have any right to cry. ", , -"

"For someone who doesn't care, you sure cry a lot," a deep voice cuts off his string of curses, and Baekhyun stops crying immediately, his eyes widening. No, no, no. Chanyeol was supposed to be gone, so what is he doing here? Why is he back? "You know," he starts, and Baekhyun feels panic creeping inside his heart. "I almost believed you, almost."

"I wasn't joking," Baekhyun tries, but he knows that his words have no weight now after Chanyeol has seen him breaking down a second ago. Was all of this just a waste? Wasn't it enough? Should he pushed Chanyeol's buttons more, making it more believable? 

Baekhyun doesn't move one inch, his head still resting on his knees. The position is starting to hurt his back, but Baekhyun is too afraid to look up. He truly is a coward, and a failure on top of that. He had to do one thing, and he screwed up.

"I know... I know you weren't," Chanyeol says, voice laced with hurt but it's still so gentle, as if Baekhyun didn't cause him pain with his words earlier. Why does his voice sound gentle? Baekhyun doesn't deserve this treatment. "But you're not getting rid of me that easily, Baekhyun."

"I broke up with you! I-"

Baekhyun doesn't get to finish his sentence though because Chanyeol interrupts him, but there is no harshness in his tone. "And I know why you did it, so you can drop the act."

What is he supposed to think about this statement? There is no way Chanyeol would know, Baekhyun didn't tell about the meeting with Chanyeol's father to anyone, not even his grandmother that would have no way of contacting Chanyeol. It's just impossible for him to know. "I don't know what you're talking about," it's really stupid to play this card when Chanyeol's voice sounds so sure, but it's the first thing that comes to his mind, and Baekhyun is truly not in the state to think properly or clearly.

"I'm not stupid," the CEO deadpans, and Baekhyun starts internally freaking out when he feels Chanyeol's hands on both sides of his arms. "At first, I was angry and for a second it clouded my thoughts...  But," Chanyeol pushes on Baekhyun's shoulder, making the brunet look up. Baekhyun tries to put on a fight, but he feels incredibly weak, the emotional rollercoaser he's going through making him lose his strength. "Then I realized that you didn't really give me any good arguments - and that's something you always do while arguing," as a chuckle finds its way to Chanyeol's lips, Baekhyun heart skips a beat. His eyes are stuck on Chanyeol's lips suddenly but he can't look further up, too afraid to meet Chanyeol's gaze. "Plus, I've noticed the bruise on your wrist and it made me think."

How the could Chanyeol notice the bruise? Baekhyun's wearing a sweater, there is no way. But again, Baekhyun thought that there is no way Chanyeol would find out that this is just a pretense, an act. Still, how can Chanyeol be so perceptive? This is way too much. 

But still, "It doesn't matter what you think, I'm still breaking up with you." Does it really matter if Chanyeol knows about the reason behind all this? If he truly knows, he must also realize that this is the right choice, this is what has to be done. If Chanyeol knows that this is his father's work, he simply can't overlook the fact they can't do it differently, the only choice being breaking up. 

"You're not," protests Chanyeol, bringing his hands up and putting his palm on both sides of Baekhyun's face. The brunet tries to pull away, but unsuccessfully. "Because I'm not letting you."

"You don't understand!" Baekhyun finally looks up, new tears stinging in his eyes as his eyes meet Chanyeol's. The taller's eyes are glistening with unshed tears, but Baekhyun must ignore it. He can't let himself be swayed. It took him so much courage to act through this and Chanyeol coming back is not the outcome that he expected. "You say you do, but you don't-"

"What did he say?" Baekhyun is cut off again, Chanyeol looking at him with seriousness in his expressive eyes. There are so many emotions in those brown orbs, and Baekhyun fails to name every one of them, but the one that stands out the most now is concern. "Did he say you're not good for me or like that?"

"Chanyeol-"

"Did he threaten you?" Chanyeol asks instead of letting the brunet speak, and Baekhyun turns his head away. He knows that this most likely answered Chanyeol's question, but this still doesn't mean anything. So now Chanyeol knows about him being threatened, so what? It doesn't change the fact that they simply can't be together. Why is Chanyeol making it so much harder than it was supposed to be? 

"It doesn't matter."

"Well, it does to me," Chanyeol's voice hardens. "If he did, he went too far."

"Does that change anything, though?" Baekhyun smiles bitterly, one of the tears cages in his eyes breaking free and falling down Baekhyun's smooth cheek before reaching Chanyeol's hands that are still cupping his face. Baekhyun should simply push Chanyeol away, or at least swat his hands away, but the warmness radiating from those palms is just too much, and the brunet is unable to let go. 

"No," comes the answer, and Baekhyun's heart sinks upon hearing. However, he should be happy that Chanyeol understands. Then, Baekhyun doesn't have to break his heart with telling lies because Chanyeol finally realizes that there is no other choice than to break things off. This is what Baekhyun wanted, so why isn't he happy? Why is he feeling so crushed? "It really doesn't change anything," the CEO continues, and Baekhyun wonders if this is a payback for the lies he told Chanyeol before, about not loving him and not caring. It hurts, but Baekhyun deserves it, and that's why he makes himself listen, looking straight into Chanyeol's eyes thorough it all. "It doesn't change anything because it doesn't matter what he says or does, I'm not letting you go."

What? "What?" accidentally, the single word doesn't stay in his mind, Baekhyun's mouth working faster that they should be. 

"I'm not letting you go," Chanyeol repeats, rubbing Baekhyun's soft cheeks with his thumbs. Slowly, the typical derpy smile appears on Chanyeol's face, and Baekhyun is too shocked to say anything. What is Chanyeol saying? "I'm sorry that you got hurt because of him, and I-"

"No, no," Baekhyun interrupts him, panic clear in his voice, eyes wide. "We can't-... he-... Chanyeol don't do this, don't make it harder than it has to be."

"I'm not making it harder, Baekhyun. When I say that you aren't getting rid of me, then I mean it. I don't know what he told you, but none of that is going to happen. I'll protect you, okay?" 

"It's not about me," Baekhyun shakes his head, fighting a sob that is threatening to come out of his throat. I don't really care about me, is left unsaid as Baekhyun continues, knowing very well that Chanyeol would have not appreciate Baekhyun saying it. "You can't protect everyone, so just let me go."

"Not happening."

"Chanyeol..."

"Baekhyun," upon hearing this tone, Baekhyun shuts up immediately. Chanyeol used this tone on him maybe once, and it worked as perfectly as now, succeeding in closing Baekhyun's mouth. "Trust me, okay? He's not going to do anything, I'll take care of it, just-... don't leave me," the desperation in Chanyeol's voice is too much for Baekhyun to handle, and the brunet casts his eyes down, unable to keep looking into Chanyeol's pained eyes, only being reminded that he is the reason why Chanyeol is sad. 

"How can you take it so lightly?" Baekhyun asks. "This is a big deal, Chanyeol."

It really is. How can Chanyeol be so sure that he can protect everyone? How can he be so sure that his father will not fulfill his threats after he finds out that Baekhyun screwed up? Chanyeol has told Baekhyun that he never stood up to his father because he was afraid, so how come Chanyeol sounds so calm talking about it, as if he only cared about Baekhyun promising to stay with him instead of worrying about his father's wrath?

So many bad things can happen, and Chanyeol knows it. He's far from stupid, and he must realize that he might not be in problem, but their friends are, Baekhyun's grandmother is. These past years, he worked his of to pay the debts his father left on this world, and the house can be easily taken away from him if Mr. Park wishes so. Is Chanyeol forgetting about it completely?

"I know it's a big deal, but Baekhyun," he pauses, tilting Baekhyun's head up gently. "Can you trust me this once? Please believe me that I'll make it right."

Sighing, Baekhyun closes his eyes as he tries to even his breath. His heart is still pounding fiercely and his head hurts too, but he ignores everything as he tries to sort out his thoughts. 

Chanyeol came back and he says that he can make it right, but how? How can he stand up against his father, with what arguments? From the brief meeting with Junhoo, Baekhyun is hundred percent sure that the old man won't be swayed easily. How can Chanyeol sound so sure that he can do something about this situation. How-

"Baekhyun, just trust me."

Opening his eyes, Baekhyun stares into Chanyeol's brown orbs, looking for just a hint of insecurity that would say that Chanyeol isn't as sure as presents. However, there is nothing that would make Baekhyun doubt Chanyeol's seriousness and determination. The CEO's eyes are only full of love, pleading Baekhyun to trust him because he will truly make this right. Until now, every one of Chanyeol's promises were fulfilled, not giving Baekhyun a reason to not trust him. But still... 

"Baekhyun..."

 

 

"Okay."