We kept on walking until we reached a place less populated, then he finally stopped. 

"Finally... We should be safe from the crowds now. I'm sure it was a surprise, but are you all right...?"

His expression was gently as he asked me, and I--

"...Thank you, Baekhyun."

When I voiced my appreciation, Baekhyun blinked in confusion. Realizing he had no idea what I meant, I blushed... I acted like nothing had happened, trying to hide that I was flustered.

"You came to my rescue just now. I was about to be trampled by everyone. So thank you."

"..."

"...Baekhyun?"

"..."

Baekhyun remained silent for a full ten seconds before he finally broke out in a smile. His expression was different from any of the other smiles he had directed at me. It was simply full of happiness.

"Thank you, too, Kyungsoo."

"Shouldn't you be saying, you're welcome?"

"No, I think thank you is appropriate."

He shook his head at my question, and his smile widened in satisfaction.

"I never imagined you would thank me."

(...It's nothing to be that happy about, is it?)

Either he thought I was the kind of person who didn't say thank you, or--

(That's how much significance 'Alice' held for him...)

"By the way, how long do you intend to keep your arm around my waist?" 

I tried bluntly pointing this out to him, but Baekhyun just smiled. He made no attempt