“ Just A Moment” A voice sounded from the crowd loud enough for halting every movement in the room for just a moment before sound of various shutter clicks and Flashes of the cameras filled the room as the person came in sight.

He made his way through the swarm of reporters and began walking towards the stage. Dressed in a black dress shirt, a black suit that looked crisply ironed, shoes polished to perfection and the neatly styled black hair gave off a belongingness vibe to the young man as he stood on the high raised platform right beside the CFO of Toben Inc., Kim Jongin.

Taking a deep breath he let it out slowly before speaking into the microphone.

“ Good evening, everyone. I'm sure most of you, ani all of you would be wondering who I am. Let me introduce myself. I am Park Baekhyun. The CEO, Park Chanyeol’s Husband.” Murmurs filled the whole and Baekhyun waited for everyone to digest the news and also grabbed the opportunity to calm himself down. He was crazy to agree to something like this. He looked around the room. They were all waiting for him to elaborate. Amongst the reporters Baekhyun noticed a tall elf eared guy who was looking intently at him. Willing him to continue. Park Chanyeol was there. Baekhyun felt a bit at ease. He gave a small smile before continuing.

“ I am sure most of you are shocked right now. If you have ever met Chanyeol would know how secretive he  a is with his life. We weren't going to announce the wedding yet but there was no other choice.” No one expected such an announcement to be made in such a situation.

“ But that isn't what I am here for.” Everyone waited with bated breath as to what Baekhyun was about to say next. “ There were articles all around SNS trying to frame my husband under false pretences. As has Mr. Kim already presented the evidence I wouldn't speak anymore on the matter. But there is this one small thing. A cup of tea, if you may call it, something that would definitely grab your attention.”

“The accident wasn't just to frame Chanyeol. It was orchestrated well enough to kill him.” A collective gasp resonated through the room. “ You heard that right. Someone out there was trying to kill my husband. And I am going to find out soon.”  Baekhyun's eyes met Chanyeol's again. And he held the gaze.

“ We've already sent the reports of how the car brakes were broken beyond repair to the police. They are now investigating.  I will definitely find the people behind this and would appreciate if you co-operated. Thank you.”

He bowed down to the reports before turning around and following Jongin into the office building. The press conference was just outside the office and the security was well maintained so that no one could approach Baekhyun.

Once inside, Jongin and Baekhyun hurried towards Chanyeol and Jongin’s office.

Baekhyun could feel rather than see Chanyeol following them. He still couldn't wrap his head around how exciting and stupid it was, all at the same time. The last twelve hours were utter chaotic. The plan however absurd it sounded had worked till now. The only thing left to do for today was attend the meeting with the board members which wasn't until the next 3 hours. He could use this time to rest a bit.

14 hours ago …in the hospital lobby.

“ You need to gate crash a press conference”  Chanyeol announced.

“ Have you lost your mind?” Was the only thing Baekhyun could reply with after that stupid announcement.

“ Not actually gate crash. But you make a announcement that would be headline worthy and also tell them about how the brakes were nicked.”

“ I am not a part of this. Do you even know how absurd it sounds? Can't we just tell this all to Mr. Jongin and let him handle it?” the human of the two rationalised. “Won't his statement hold more value than of someone unknown? Why would they even believe me in the first place.? (If I agree to help) I am not someone of high importance nor am I related to you I any way. How is this supposed to work?” He finished.

“ Mr. Baekhyun…”

“ No Mr. Park please explain why can't Mr. Jongin handle all this on his own? He is your best friend, you obviously trust him enough to let him handle this all on his own.”

“ It's not that I don't trust him. I just don't want him to face all the Nonsense of the media. If you know my story you might know that Jongin is 4 years younger to me. Just because he was too smart of a kid he skipped classes when he was young and eventually graduated with me. That piece of had always followed me around in the university when he entered my grade.” Chanyeol's face held a nostalgic smile. He then turned to look at Baekhyun right in the eye “But the fact still remains that he is still a kid. If need be he would give his all for the company and me. He is innocent enough not to understand the wickedness of the world yet. I always handled the media front of the business while he handled the production front. That is how we always made it work. We had a pact when we first decided to start the company. Once the company completed five years we would reverse roles. Jongin agreed he would be matured enough to understand business. Till then he would keep learning all there was to learn.”

Baekhyun stayed silent. Chanyeol continued.

“ Till now it was a smooth sailing boat but after my accident all the responsibilities have directly fallen down on him. He would be too confused and scared about everything. Though he doesn't show it and is handling things well, there are times he would need his hyung. I can't be there right now. But you can. You can convey my messages to him. No one else can do it. Do you now understand the situation Mr. Baekhyun.? Will you help me?” Chanyeol looked at him once again.

Baekhyun took a deep breath. He made up his mind. If his interference could help both Best friends he was ready to do it. He had seen Jongin at the hospital last night. He was a mess. Though he didn't show it to others Baekhyun had heard the ghosts whispering about it.

“Fine! I'll do it Mr. Park” Baekhyun smiled and offered his hand to shake it but he was scared. Why was he so easy convince?

“ Call me Chanyeol, Mr. Baekhyun.” Chanyeol said as he shook the other’s hand.

“ It's Baekhyun for you too, Chanyeol” Baekhyun corrected and laughed letting his eyes turn into crescents and  flaunting his rectangular smile.

“ Sorry to interrupt your sweet conversation but the giant here needs recharging.” Chen who hadn't spoken a word till now suddenly spoke up. Baekhyun was used to it but Chanyeol wasn't. He gave out the most unmanly shriek at Chen’s voice making Baekhyun smile and Chen snicker.

“ Take him with you Chen. I'll be home we can talk about the rest of the things then.” Baekhyun said.

Chen disappeared with Chanyeol in tow, while Baekhyun was left all alone in true sense at the lobby. Slowly making his way to the parking he decided to go to his cafe and help Xiumin out. The poor guy had been handling all the things on his own for the past two days. He also owed his partner an explanation and a hint of what was going to happen tomorrow. Which meant he would have to tell him everything. And that scared him. Baekhyun was not ready to lose another friend just because of how weird he was.

The café is buzzing with all the people that are present inside. It's their peak hour and Baekhyun can see Xiumin, running about the whole place trying to get everything done. He felt bad for him. They were short staffed. Even only one other person apart from him and Xiumin. It's on times like this they plan on hiring more people but in the end push the plan for some other day.

Without wasting any time, Baekhyun joined Xiumin and began Manning the counter while his friend gave him a sting eye for being late. He just bowed sheepishly and with a smile plastered on his face turned to the customers waiting.

“ Good morning Ma’am. How may I help you this fine evening..”

They all worked in perfect harmony. Frappé, latte, mochas, cheesecakes, pastries, espressos were promptly served one after the other while the customers sat by the ceiling to floor windows enjoying the free time from their stressful lives. By the time most of the crowd dissipated, it was already eight o clock.

Baekhyun threw the rug in the washer once the last table was done cleaning and sighed loudly. To say he was tried was an understatement. His muscles were all sore and all he could think was of a hot bath. He shut his eyes for a few moments before he heard minseok settling on the chair beside him equally tired. The silence in the café was peaceful. Enough for Baekhyun to let go of all the worries and rest a while. Minseok did the same.

Once Baekhyun was a bit calm, his mind wandered to the start of the day and all the things that happened. He remembered he had to come clean to Minseok.

“Hyung..”

“Hmmm..”

With a deep breath Baekhyun began speaking. “ I need to tell you something. Before that you must promise me that you won't freak out.”

“ Okay.”

Baekhyun sat up straight. Minseok still had his eyes closed. He could feel the younger fidgeting in his seat but decided to stay just the way he was.

“ You see. The thing is.. umm.. you know what souls are right?.”  Baekhyun physically facepalmed himself for saying that. Of course he would know. Who in the world doesn't know what a soul is.

The older of the two rolled his eyes and finally opened them, sitting up straight. He looked right back at person in front of him who was currently muttering to himself and had his eyes closed shut.

“ Yes Baekhyun. I know what souls are.”  

Baekhyun looked up. “ Of course. That was a stupid thing to say. Well you see… the thing is … the thing is that.. i.. the…”

“ You can see them.” it was more of a speculation on Minseok’s side but looking at Baekhyun's reaction, the way he looked up so fast and was that fright in his eyes? Minseok was sure he was right.  

“ How did you.. what… when.. how..” the younger couldn't form a  sentence.

“ Well I wasn't sure until this very moment to be honest. Your reaction just confirmed it for me.” He admitted.

“ but.. how..” Baekhyun stammered. Minseok wasn't running away. He wasn't scared? He didn't find Baekhyun weird?.

“ You remember the time when we went to celebrate 2 year anniversary of EXO?” Minseok asked. The other just nodded.  

“ Well you had one too many drinks that night which is shocking considering you don't ever drink. At all.” It was true. Baekhyun didn't drink. All of this because of his special talents. He became the target of many ghosts who greedily searched for hosts to capture them.

Wait does that mean? No way..

“ Well at first you were normal drunk.Talking about something  only you would understand. Then you kind of looked at me and began sobbing uncontrollably. I tried to make you stop crying but you wouldn't budge. You kept crying and said you were sorry. Sorry that you weren't honest with me. That you didn't want to lose me too. Just like.. Kyun sung or something.” Minseok said and Baekhyun couldn't look at him. It was true. These thoughts have always been at the back of his mind. He didn't want to be dishonest to his hyung but he was scared.

“ You then began talking to thin air. Shouting at the top of your voice. And I really thought you had gone crazy and maybe this was why you didn't drink at all. You're a really sad drunk.”

“ That isn't all. After that I have actually seen you having one sided conversations. In the coffee shop or while you left work it felt like you kept talking to somebody. You would even go to the ice cream shop to get that gross bubblegum flavored ice cream that you hate so much. You always had your earphones on but like the idiot you are there have never been plugged to your mobile phone. That was weird.”

“ I began googling your behavior. Some  said it was a psychological disorder while some said you were probably someone with unique and out of the world characteristics. I even researched on the behavioural patterns of both the cases and in your case the tip of the needle pointed more towards the out of the world characteristics and less towards the other.” Minseok looked at Baekhyun.

“ Weren't you scared at all hyung? Don't you find me weird? Don't you feel like you should have nothing to do with someone like me? Someone who can see things that are not meant to be seen?” Baekhyun asked. These were the exact same things his ex-best friend had told him the day he shared his deepest secret with him.

.

.

.

“ I am scared Baekhyun, I can't accept your weirdness.” Kyungsoo had said “ I just want to be a normal human being and have nothing to do with someone like you.” He realized what had slipped as Baekhyun’s eyes began to water. “ Don't take me wrong. You are my best friend and I love you. You have always been there for me and I appreciate it. But I can't accept it. It's not that it's your fault. It's just me. I hope you understand” and that was that. He had left the room. And never looked back at him or tried to contact him.

.

.

.

Minseok looked at his business partner. He had tears in his eyes. And a fear. But also a small amount of resolve that said he was strong enough to hear anything. That even if Minseok left him behind he would get back up again. Minseok smiled. He went up to him and looked at him right in the eyes.

“ I was at first, scares that is. But I never thought you were weird. You are just different and it's completely alright to be different.” He saw the younger eyes go from sad to surprised as he spoke.  He ruffles his hair a bit.

“ Really?” His voice was small but hopeful.

“ Really.” The hyung confirmed.

“ You aren't going to run away?” He asked again.

“ Even if you ask me to, I won't. Because what would you do without your hyung’s help right?” Minseok would have laughed out loud at the crying mess that Baekhyun was right now but before he could, the younger jumped into his arms and hugged him as tightly as possible. Repeating apologies and thank yous. He let him cry for a while. He could feel his uniform getting all wet. But he let him be. Once he was sure the younger wasn't crying hysterically anymore he spoke.

“ Yah Byun Baekhyun stop crying you are ruining my favorite uniform.”  

Baekhyun sniffled but let go.

“ Sorry.” He repeated. “ And thank you for not finding me weird.”

“ You aren't weird Baekhyun. You are unique.” said man looked at him. That was one of the most beautiful things that someone had ever said to him. Before minseok it was his father that had told him he was unique and special and not weird.  Baekhyun smiled.

“ Ahaaa.. all I had to do was compliment you to make smile.”

“ Hyyyyuuuunnngggg.” And minseok laughed out loud.

“ Say Baekhyun, how can you see ghosts?”

“ With my eyes? How else?” Baekhyun snickered at Minseok's 'what the hell’ face.

“ Let's get some dinner while we talk. It's going to be a lonnnnnggg night.” Baekhyun said as he got up. Wiping his eyes with the tissues on the table, he kept his apron in the cupboard and then they were ready to go. Minseok turned the sign to closed as the left while Baekhyun recounted his life.

.

.

.

.

“ So you're going to act like a totally crazy person tomorrow?” Minseok deadpanned when Baekhyun told him all about the plan.

“That is another way to put it.” He confessed. “ I don't even know why I agreed to do it”

“ You are just stupid. And maybe a little too good for yourself.”

Baekhyun had nothing to say about it. But there was something he still couldn't understand.

“ Hyung..”  Minseok hummed in response as he ate his last bite of pizza and proceeded to clean his mouth with a tissue.

“ If you had so many doubts about my behavior why didn't you ask me directly? Why did you go Google it? I mean I would have answered your questions.” He voiced his worries.

“ Well I did think about it. But looking at how guilty you felt about it. I thought it would be better if you told all of this to me yourself. Also as I said. I wasn't really sure what it was exactly and I didn't want to upset you if I was wrong.”  Minseok answered truthfully. “ And knowing you, you would have fled as soon as you thought I was judging you.”

Baekhyun laughed. “Well that is kind of true. But I feel so good now that I've told you everything. You are the best minseok Hyung!”  

They paid the bill and left for home. On their way they reached the intersection where their paths separated. Minseok would go left and Baekhyun to the right.

“ I didn't say anything for sometime now. But can you stop calling me Minseok? It's been almost 2 years that I've changed my name to Xiumin. Why do you still insist on calling me that?”  

“ If you say so Min Seok Hyung!”

“Xiumin”

“ Bye bye Minseok Hyung!”

“It's Xiumin you !!”

“ Have a good night Kim Minseok-ssi” Baekhyun waved and laughed at  Xiumin's expression. He waved one last time before he reached the café and took his car that was left there home. Xiumin and he had walked down the road to where the pizza place was. So his car was left at the café itself.

Once home he saw Chen and Chanyeol lost in a staring contest. 'what were they up to?’ he thought.  Chen sensed that he was back but didn't back away from the challenge. They were sitting by the sofa with Chanyeol’s back at him and Chen facing him which is why Chen was able to see him through his peripheral vision.

A smile crept up on Chen’s face as he looked a little to intently at Chanyeol.  The other found it rather surprising.

“ What's with the smile?” He asked.  

“ You are so going to lose.” Chen deadpanned.

“ Not a chance.”

Baekhyun knew what was going through his ghost best friend's mind already and decided to play along. He did feel bad for Chanyeol already as he slowly crept up behind him while the other was lost trying to prove it to Chen that he would never lose. Baekhyun raised his hand in the air in a swift motion and soundlessly placed it on Chanyeol’s shoulder.  Chanyeol stiffened. Not just stopping there he crawled his fingers down his back at a painstakingly slow speed and in 3. 2. 1.

“ Holy Mother of the Bahamas.!!  What the was that??” Chanyeol shouted as he looked behind him only to find both Chen and Baekhyun laughing at his expense.  

“ What the hell!  Baekhyun I thought you were better than this.” He said. Completely taken aback.  Never had he expected Baekhyun to pull such a prank on him.

“ I'.m haha-aaha..Your face. Yah! Chen did you see it?” He tried to say. His stomach hurt too much and his eyes watered as he laughed.  

“ Stop it.!!”  The victim of the three shouted clearly frustrated.

Both of them sobered up.  

“ I'm sorry Chanyeol.” Baekhyun said. “ I couldn't help but do it.  Your face was really funny you should have seen it. Haha”

“ Let's film it the next time Baekhyun ah” Chen suggested but looking at Chanyeol decided to shut up.  

“ Okay.  I'm sorry I shouldn't have done that.  Right Chenny Chen?” Baekhyun nudged the said person.  

“ Definitely should not have.  I agree. Hyunnie Baek.” Chen replied.  

“ Wow you guys even have nicknames?  Next thing I find out will be that you guys are actually dating.” Chanyeol said.  

PIN DROP SILENCE.  

“What?” He looked at both of them. “ Wait.  No way. Is it really true??”

The couple in question  could not hold it in any longer. And burst out laughing yet again.  

Chanyeol shook his head as if saying ‘You guys’.

Baekhyun sobered up first. “ No we are not but you make such adorable expressions that I couldn't help but make fun of you.”

Baekhyun put his bag away and all of them settled down on the sofa.

“ I told Xiumin everything.” He spoke up first. “ More like he found out and I just confirmed it for him.  But yeah he knows.”

“ What did he say?  Did he look at you weird?  Do I need to knock some sense into that guy?” That was Chen.

“ I'm not a mess, am I?” He shook his head in a no. “ That means everything went well.  So no need to worry about it. He knows and he still wants to be seen in public with me so I guess it's fine.”

“ Still wants to be seen public with me?   Sorry I don't get it. What does that mean?” This was Chanyeol.

“ What would you do if you found out your best friend can see ghosts? Would you even believe it? Would you want to be seen in public with him?  While people keep gossiping about it? No. That's what has always been the case with me. So it's a miracle that Xiumin wasn't weirded out.” Baekhyun said.  

“ Firstly,  I would not be weirded out.  Maybe at first yes. But at the end of the day that person is still my best friend so I'll eventually come to accept it.  Besides having someone talk to the unknown is so cool. I'd never leave my best friend alone for this stupid reason.” Chanyeol said.

His words did something to Baekhyun.  Maybe it was because he had been dying to hear these words. First Xiumin and now Chanyeol.  Both of them understood him and weren't grossed out made him feel good.

“ Maybe that's because you are a ghost right now.  Maybe that is why you believe me.” Baekhyun said giving his thoughts a benefit of doubt yet hopeful for that not being the case.

“Maybe. But I wouldn't have left my best friend alone just because I think he spoke nonsense.” Chanyeol commented.  

They were silent.

“ So about tomorrow what is it that needs to be done?” Baekhyun turned to Chanyeol,  changing the subject completely.

“Right. We have to go to my office the first thing in the morning.  There are papers that you need to sign in order to make people believe that you are actually the presiding CEO in my absence.”

“ Documents?  That's it? Don't you need an approval from the board of directors or something before you rep ommlace yourself?” Baekhyun questioned.  

“ And how the hell are you going to explain why you have Baekhyun as the CEO and not Jongin.  Why is someone unrelated to you a CEO and not your best friend?” Chen questioned.

“ Call it foresight or whatever but Jongin and I had really thought things through. Like if there was a situation where either him or me weren't able to fulfill our roles in the company due to health issues or something the other one could appoint a person in place of the unavailable one.  We had created a document that just needed a name to be added to it before finalizing things. The tenure of the temporary position was as long as the actual person was healthy enough to carry on his duties again. The board already has signed the document. You just have to go through the initial investigation process before they finalize it.” Chanyeol explained. “ And as for the relation,  it would be better if you went up there as my husband in order to avoid the media’s stupidity.”

At that both of their mouths dropped open.

“ What the hell!  How did this escalate so quickly?  Being the CEO to being your husband?  How did that happen? And I thought I was just going to help you. This is indeed too much.  I am already having second thoughts.” Baekhyun exclaimed as he got up and started pacing the room.  “ Woahh! This is too much. Maybe I shouldn't do it. You make it sound so simple.”

“ You are a businessman yourself.  Don't worry you'll be fine.” Chanyeol said.

“ But running a single cafe at the outskirts of the main city is far too different than managing the business of a multinational company that has been getting best company of the year awards for  four years in a row. It isn't as simple as that. And over all that I have to play a part of your husband. Why.? Can't I just be someone like I don't know maybe a half brother?”

“ Baekhyun. I won't let the media turn my family's life up and down just because you think it's a good idea to introduce you as my half brother.” Chanyeol sounded angry.  Well baekhyun hadn't been thinking when he said that obviously that statement would have a negative effect on the family. He hadn't thought about it when he said it.

“ Okay.  Sorry. I wasn't thinking.  But you get what I mean right it doesn't have to be a husband. Also my cafe is quite popular in the area.  So almost everyone knows me.” Baekhyun said.

“ Baekhyun you don't have to be my real husband. Just play the part.  My lawyer will help us. You don't need to worry about it. Which is why I am certain this will be possible.” The ghost countered.

“Wait what if they think I'm doing all this just for publicity? I am planning to open a new outlet soon.  This must not hinder my plans. Is that understood.” Baekhyun warns.

“ Yes sir,  all will be taken care of.” Chanyeol says.

They are silent for a while.  

“How are you going to convince your lawyer exactly?  You won't be able to talk to him and we are not telling Jongin anything. Why will your lawyer trust baekhyun?” Chen questioned.  

At that Baekhyun’s face paled again. “ Why is everything so complicated? Let's just give up okay?” He said with finality.

Ignoring Baekhyun,  Chanyeol turned to Chen.  “Just trust me on this okay? I know what I am doing. And Baekhyun you need to stop panicking. Let's get this done with all you have to do is write a mail to Jong In the way I tell you to and it will all be fine. “

Chanyeol did have a plan in mind. Apparently both these best friends had a secret code language only they could understand so once Baekhyun sent the mail,  Jong In was there at Baekhyun's apartment with all the documents and by 4 am they were all done and ready to attend the press conference along with the board meeting.   

So now Jong In kind of believed that Baekhyun wasn't lying.  To be honest he still wasn't sure but the guy didn't look like a threat yet so he was okay with it.  Also if the mail had any truth to it Chanyeol was here. Which meant Jong In didn't have to be scared.  He would take care of everything.

___________

I'm so sorry 😔 I really thought I wouldn't be able to continue with all the exams, and work stuff I had going.  

I promise to be better at the updating and I won't stop until I complete this baby.  

Do give your feedback!  And await the next part.  It's gonna be here soon.