Valentine Dinner

 

 

OT9 / OT12

 

 

 

“I can’t believe you came earlier than I did.”

 

Jongin snorts at Chanyeol who has just walked through the front door of Minseok’s apartment. “What I can’t believe is that Kyungsoo is not here yet. That punctual man. Where’s Baekhyun?”

 

Chanyeol beams at the mention of his husband’s name. “He’s on his way from the studio. With Kyungsoo.”

 

Jongin nods as he glances around to find the owner of the apartment unit. “Seok, are we really set?”

 

Minseok peeks from the kitchen bar, both of his hands occupied with cookies. “Just one more dessert plate and we’re done.”

 

“So this is it. I’m going to spend my valentine here, at my friend’s place, being sad and pitiful.” Jongin sulks on the couch.

 

Chanyeol frowns. “What do you mean?” he asks, about to ask where his boyfriend is when Minseok appears from the kitchen, doing the ‘cut’ sign over his neck. Chanyeol presses his lips from asking too much.

 

“My life . That’s what I mean.” Jongin grunts.

 

“O...kay, dude. Don’t be sad!”

 

“Who’s sad?” Jongdae comes from the front door, paper bags in his hands. “No one should be sad on Valentine!”

 

Minseok grins, rushing to help his boyfriend. “Not to mention we’re about to have a group Valentine dinner!”

 

“You do realize you just ruined everyone’s date plans, right?” Chanyeol hisses.

 

“And we can’t even play strip poker because Joonmyun is going to bring Cheonsa.” Jongin sighs.

 

Minseok laughs before he stops for a while and blinks at Chanyeol and Jongin, who reply him with knowing smirks.

 

The supposedly group Valentine dinner will be more than just a dinner. Minseok is going to propose to Jongdae, and everyone would be the direct witnesses. Baekhyun and Kyungsoo are on their way from picking up the custom-made ring.

 

Speaking of the duo, they come in with more paper bags. “Whoa, Jongin?? You’re already here??” is the first thing Kyungsoo comments about. Chanyeol laughs.

 

“I can’t believe Sehun agreed to come early. Where is that brat?” Baekhyun asks as he puts the paper bags on the kitchen bar.

 

Chanyeol winces, signaling his husband to ‘cut it out!!!’.

 

Baekhyun frowns because his husband has just gestured him to slice his throat.

 

Hopefully the night goes well.

 

=

 

“Can I… can I try one?” Jongdae asks wishfully.

 

Kyungsoo raises an eyebrow. “No one touches this until everybody is here.”

 

“But there are so many! No one will notice one piece is missing!”

 

Chuckling, Kyungsoo leaves Jongdae and Chanyeol who are still looking at his homemade kimbap set on the dining table in awe. He notices Jongin at the couch alone. He strides across the room and takes a seat next to him. “You okay?”

 

Jongin blinks at Kyungsoo. “Honestly? No.” he says casually. “It’s Valentine’s Day and I’m boyfriend-less.”

 

“... oh. I didn’t expect it to be this bad.”

 

“In contrary, I kind of had expected us to end like this.” Jongin chuckles bitterly. “That jerk is a ing broken glass. I cut myself while trying to fix him. He pitied me and poured bottles of alcohol to sanitize my wounds and asked me ‘nicely’ to leave him be.”

 

Kyungsoo smiles softly. Jongin is always so poetic when he describes some things he has a hard time telling about. “You still worry about him.” he points out.

 

“Tch. Of course.” Jongin sighs. “We were best friends before lovers. I’ll always genuinely worry for him.”

 

Nodding in agreement, Kyungsoo lifts a hand to ruffle Jongin’s hair. “I’ll be your puking bowl tonight. Feel free to gag.”

 

Jongin pouts at Kyungsoo. “You’re so, so nice.”

 

At the other side of the room, Chanyeol is grinning widely at the confused Jongdae.

 

“Uh, repeat, please.”

 

Chanyeol sighs but grins again. “I’m going to have a child!!”

 

“No, before that.”

 

“Baek is pregnant!!”

 

Jongdae shakes his head in hope to clear his mind. “Dude, like, how did you know?”

 

Chanyeol leans in for a better whispering. “I overheard Baekhyun talking to Kyungsoo this morning in the toilet!”

 

“They were in the toilet? Together?”

 

“I know right?? They thought I didn’t notice. They obviously were hiding something from me. And when I eavesdropped, Baek told Kyungsoo that he was pregnant!”

 

Jongdae frowns more. “How did he say it?”

 

“‘I’m freaking pregnant, Soo.’”

 

“Oh wow, that sounds like him.” Jongdae blinks. “And, uh, how… how are you holding up about it?”

 

Chanyeol giggles giddily.

 

“I’m super duper happy!!”

 

=

 

Joonmyun comes in with his four years old son in his arms.

 

“CHEONSA!” Chanyeol screams as he rushes to snatch the toddler from his father. Joonmyun lets the giant takes his son away, trusting him while worrying that he would drop the child.

 

“I know he’s very fond of my son but what is he so happy for?” Joonmyun whispers at Jongdae.

 

Jongdae sighs. “You wouldn’t believe even if I tell you.” he pats Joonmyun’s shoulder. “Don’t worry about it. So how are you? Still sad?”

 

“Hm? Not really.” Joonmyun smiles, walking with Jongdae towards the kitchen bar. “I video called Yixing on my way here. He was inside a taxi, probably going to Kris and Tao.”

 

Jongdae laughs. “Our Beijing dudes.”

 

“I’m worried about Cheonsa, though.” he notes, stopping at the dining table. “He misses his baba so much.”

 

“Aw.” Jongdae shares the sadness too. “It because Seoul and Beijing are only an hour away but he can’t make it.”

 

“Xing has been working hard there.” Joonmyun smiles softly, melancholically. “I shouldn’t worry him.”

 

While Jongdae consoles Joonmyun, Baekhyun is calming down the nervous Minseok in the kitchen.

 

“What if he says no later?” Minseok whispers in horror. “If he does say no later then I’ll sign up for enlistment the first thing tomorrow.”

 

“Sheesh! What a coward!” Baekhyun slaps Minseok’s shoulder. “Focus, old man! You’re not going to ruin tonight. I’ve sacrificed my universe-blowing plan with Chanyeol to support you here, you better do good!”

 

It’s more of threatening than calming, but it eases the tense in Minseok. “I just really want this to work out.”

 

“It will!” Baekhyun lifts up a fist. “There is no reason I can think of for Jongdae to say no. You guys have been in love for, like, seven years. It’s only a matter of time for you to propose, and the time is tonight!”

 

“The time for what?”

 

Baekhyun almost shrieks while Minseok turns around to meet his boyfriend’s gaze. “Nothing, Dae.”

 

“It sounded like you guys were planning on doing something tonight.” Jongdae narrows his eyes.

 

Joonmyun bites his lower lip nervously.

 

Baekhyun coughs. “It’s me. I-I’m going to do something tonight.”

 

“What is it?”

 

“An announcement.”

 

Jongdae gapes.

 

=

 

After ending his conversation in the kitchen with an awkward ‘oh, okay, great’, Jongdae runs to Kyungsoo who is glued next to Jongin.

 

“Baekhyun told me he’s going to make an announcement tonight.”

 

Kyungsoo blinks, confused. “Uh-huh?”

 

“I believe you know about it already.”

 

“I… think so?” Kyungsoo has no idea at all.

 

Jongdae inhales shakily. “Oh God,” he says quietly, “so it’s true??”

 

“I…” Kyungsoo glances at Jongin who shrugs at him, “guess?”

 

“.” Jongdae wipes his face, suddenly distressed. “I- how- wow- I can’t believe I’m going to witness it with my own eyes- my own friend!” he mumbles as he walks away.

 

“What… was that about?” Jongin finally speaks.

 

Kyungsoo shakes his head slowly. “No idea.”

 

The front door opens, revealing another guest they’re expecting. Jongin groans quietly, making Kyungsoo chuckle.

 

“Of course you’re the last one to show up.” Chanyeol snorts, rocking Cheonsa in his arms.

 

Sehun narrows his eyes at him. “It suits you. The ugly shirt and the kid.”

 

Chanyeol lights up like a Christmas tree. “Really??”

 

“Hi, Cheon.” Sehun taps the tip of the toddler’s nose, making the little joy giggle. Sehun smiles too, only to have it dissipate the moment he spots Jongin on the couch, next to awkwardly waving Kyungsoo. “Hi to you too.” he says calmly.

 

Jongin stares at him for a while, before his plump lips offer a soft smile. “Told you you should’ve let me pick you up.”

 

“Nah. I don’t like being early.” Sehun waves his hand nonchalantly as he walks away.

 

“Yeah,” Jongin mumbles, “not that I don’t know of.”

 

Kyungsoo sighs at the heavy atmosphere before he stands up and claps his hand thrice. “Dinner time!”

 

They all get on their seats, circling the dining table. Minseok and Jongdae serve plates and foods while Kyungsoo helps with drinks. Jongin and Sehun are busy eyeing which dish they can steal tiny bits from. Baekhyun laughs as Chanyeol keeps Cheonsa entertained while Joonmyun notices the empty chair next to him.

 

“Should I move this one? It’ll make more room for everybody.” Joonmyun points out.

 

Jongdae glances. “Nah, it’s alright. Leave it there.”

 

Joonmyun stares at the chair. “Okay.”

 

And so, the dinner goes on.

 

=

 

To their favor, the dinner goes beyond well.

 

Everyone catches up with little details of their daily lives and even recall some stories from their high school days. They touch the subject of Minseok going for military enlistment in two years after he gets his PhD title and Jongdae yells that he doesn’t want to be sad tonight. They try to make Jongin and Sehun explain their situation, but seeing Jongin laughing at how nervous Sehun becomes, they think that both of them would be alright after their break up.

 

In the end, they all gather to make each other comfortable.

 

“We can’t play strip poker because of you.” Jongin says at clueless Cheonsa after dinner.

 

“I’m glad it only takes one child to turn all of you responsible.” Joonmyun comments proudly.

 

Chanyeol leans down to whisper to the toddler. “Don’t worry, kiddo, soon you’ll have a friend to play with!!”

 

Minseok blinks at the statement while Jongdae sighs in distress.

 

Then finally they’re cozying on the long couch, and a few minutes later Baekhyun finally stands up.

 

“I want all of you to pay attention to what I’ve got to say.” Baekhyun says.

 

“Oh God.” Jongdae panics.

 

“We all have been friends for so many years, and some of us are already married. I and Chanyeol are on our second year, while Joonmyun and Yixing even has a child.”

 

Cheonsa burps faintly, making all of them go ‘aaaw!’.

 

“So it shouldn’t be a surprise,” Baekhyun points his can of coke at Minseok, “that another one from the team follows.”

 

“... huh?” Jongdae blinks.

 

They all cheer for Minseok, who reaches out a hand for Kyungsoo. A small box is placed on his hand, then he walks towards the shocked Jongdae at the end of the couch.

 

“Dae, we’ve been together for seven years.” Minseok starts gently. “And in those years, through our ups and downs, never have my love for you ever lessen. It only grows more day by day as every little part of you become a part of me. And it’s only natural for me to see you in every version of my imagination about my future. You and me, we are the constant thing I see in every possibility in my life. And I would be the happiest man in the whole world tonight,

 

if you give me your hand for marriage.”

 

=

 

The atmosphere is silent as Minseok kneels on one knee, on the carpeted floor, and opens the tiny box, revealing a ring inside. Jongdae stays still.

 

“So, Kim Jongdae,” Minseok looks up, “will you marry me?”

 

Jongdae stares at the ring, and then at Minseok, then at the ring again, then at Minseok again.

 

He inhales.

 

“No.” he says.

 

Everyone gulps. Minseok’s face goes pale.

 

“... no?” Minseok echoes the answer.

 

“No.” Jongdae nods. “No.”

 

“No.” Minseok repeats, trying to understand.

 

“Yep, no.” Jongdae says again before he eventually smirks. “No, no need to ing ask me, Kim Minseok, you could’ve told me ‘hey let’s get married tomorrow’ and I would’ve immediately started looking for caterers!”

 

All of them start to chuckle in amusement while Minseok stays at lost. “I-is that a yes?”

 

“Yes, Seok, I will marry you!!”

 

Minseok laughs wholeheartedly as he picks the ring and holds Jongdae’s hand to put it on. “Please have a pity with my heart.”

 

“I thought you’re already used to it?” Jongdae grins, immediately pulling Minseok into a tight hug once his fiance is standing again.

 

“Yeah.” Minseok nods onto Jongdae’s shoulder. “I’m used to everything of you.”

 

They all cheer once more, clapping their hands as Minseok and Jongdae share an innocent yet passionate kiss. At some point Jongin and Sehun boo at them until Kyungsoo knocks their heads.

 

But then Jongdae detaches himself from Minseok. “Wait,” he glances left and right until he finds his friend, “don’t you have something to say?”

 

Baekhyun blinks, confused. “Me?”

 

“Yes, you. Don’t you have something to tell us?” Jongdae says.

 

“Uhm… I don’t?”

 

“Baek,” Chanyeol finally stands up, “I already know.”

 

“About what??”

 

Chanyeol inhales sharply. “That you are pregnant!”

 

The entire room is silent once more. Awkwardly.

 

Jongdae waits nervously.

 

Kyungsoo frowns, before his eyes widen, finally realizing the reason behind his weird encounter with Jongdae earlier.

 

And Baekhyun stands on his spot agape.

 

“I am WHAT???”

 

=

 

“Uh, I’m sorry but Baekhyun is what??”

 

“Are my ears okay-”

 

“I- you- I’m p-p-pregnant??” Baekhyun stares at his husband in disbelief. “Where did you get an idea of that??”

 

“The question is how is it possible for you to be pregnant?” Sehun joins in flatly.

 

“Exactly!” Baekhyun points at Sehun. “I’m a frickin male, sweetheart, I have no womb! I’m sorry but your little champs never reached anything inside me.”

 

“But you told Kyungsoo you were pregnant!!”

 

“He told me???” Kyungsoo points at himself.

 

“This morning!! In the toilet!!”

 

Kyungsoo and Baekhyun look at each other for a while before finally go; “aah, that!”

 

“That??”

 

“I was looking in the mirror and noticed that I’ve gained weight, and my tummy looks a little bit chubby,” Baekhyun taps his abdomen, “so I joked with Kyungsoo, saying that I’m pregnant. It was a joke!”

 

There’s a pause before everyone starts to laugh at how ridiculous the situation is. Everyone except Chanyeol, who looks beaten up.

 

“Yeol,” Baekhyun approaches, “what the hell were you thinking?? Do you really want a child that bad that you forgot human’s anatomy??”

 

Chanyeol looks up at his husband. “I do really want a child.”

 

Baekhyun winces. “But you know I can’t bear a child, right?”

 

“... I was… out of my mind, apparently.” he says dejectedly.

 

Sighing heavily, Baekhyun sits next to his spouse and hugs him from the side. “How about adoption?”

 

Chanyeol looks back at him.

 

“As long as it’s a child and as long as we can be the fathers it deserve, right?” Baekhyun smiles warmly.

 

“Are you… ready to have a child?” Chanyeol asks softly.

 

“I am. I have been.” Baekhyun nods. “I just thought you were not.”

 

“That’s because I didn’t think I am until this morning when I got the idea of having a child.” Chanyeol smiles sheepishly. “We are ready, I guess?”

 

Baekhyun grins. “We are, Yeol.”

 

Jongin leans in between them. “Adopt me, daddies.”

 

“You’re a disgrace.” Chanyeol deadpans.

 

“Go to Kyungsoo and ask him to adopt you.” Baekhyun spits.

 

Jongin pouts. “Only Kyungsoo loves me.” he says as he walks away.

 

=

 

Sehun chuckles at Jongin’s antics as he makes his way out of the room, to the balcony of the apartment unit. He looks up at the night sky. There are not much of stars seen from Seoul. He wishes summer could come faster so he can see lots of stars.

 

He stares at the inky black sky.

 

“Wherever you are,” he whispers, “I hope you’re happy.”

 

He hopes that the person is still looking out for him from far away.

 

His first love, whom he met ten years ago.

 

His first heartbreak, who left him six years after.

 

His star, who can’t even be seen.

 

His phone rings.

 

He fishes out the device and glances at the caller’s ID. He waits for a while before he picks up the call. “Hi.” he says.

 

“I got a feeling that you were pretending that I’m dead.” the caller says. “Again.”

 

Sehun chuckles. “You scare me with your sixth sense, Luhan.”

 

“I know you too much.” Luhan giggles from the other side of the line. “How are you?”

 

“Fine.”

 

“Do better.”

 

“I’m fine and healthy. How about you?”

 

“I’m fine and healthy too. Thanks.”

 

“Okay. Bye.”

 

“Don’t you dare!” Luhan nags, making Sehun laugh.

 

“Why did you call?” Sehun asks the real question.

 

Luhan doesn’t answer immediately. “Would it sound corny if I say I was suddenly reminded of you?”

 

No. It sounds wishful. But Sehun shrugs the bitterness away. “Yeah. Corny.”

 

“Thought so.”

 

Sehun gulps, feeling suffocated because he doesn’t know what to say to the man whom he has so much to say to. “I… gotta go back to the crowd.” Sehun finally says.

 

“... oh.” Luhan replies. “Tell the kids I said hi.”

 

“Hm? How do you know it’s them?”

 

“You guys are having a Valentine dinner, right?”

 

“Were. How did you know?”

 

“Sixth sense.” Luhan whispered mischievously. “Bye for now, Sehun.”

 

They’re finally brave at saying goodbyes.

 

“Bye for now, Luhan.” Sehun says back.

 

The call ends.

 

He stares at his phone even after the screen dies.

 

His problem is that he is beyond fixing. His shattered pieces would always wound people who try to help him. Even the one who broke him won’t be able to.

 

Maybe one day, someone will come and swipe away all his broken pieces and build him anew.

 

Or maybe, one day, he will do it all by himself.

 

But not now. Not today.

 

=

 

“So, instead of being my puking bowl, how about being my date for tomorrow instead?”

 

Kyungsoo raises an eyebrow. “Tomorrow?”

 

“I have two tickets for Black Panther.” Jongin grins. “Since Sehun decided to be a jerk, I don’t want to see the movie with him anymore.”

 

“Oh. So I’m a replacement.”

 

“No. You’re a jackpot!” Jongin winks. “So what do you say?”

 

Kyungsoo looks into Jongin’s eyes. The boy is always positive, even when his heart has just been broken. He somehow feels the urge to protect that positivity and youthful smile on Jongin.

 

“Okay then.” Kyungsoo smirks.

 

“Please pay for my popcorn and soda.”

 

“Thought so.”

 

“There he is!!” someone yells and everyone turns to look at the front door. “Super late!!”

 

“I’m so sorry.” Yixing runs to the living room. “The traffic was no joke! The roads were slippery so everyone drove very slowly. Where’s my angel?”

 

“Here!” Baekhyun raises his hand.

 

“Be quiet or I’ll grab your bum.” Yixing smirks before he spots his son. “Tianshi!!”

 

The toddler looks up and yells; “baba!!” before chubby legs start to walk towards him wobbly.

 

Yixing’s eyes widen. “He can walk??”

 

“Since last week.” Joonmyun appears with a wide smile. “So, is it a surprise?”

 

Yixing picks his son up, showers the toddler with kisses, then turns at his spouse. “Yeah… a failed one.” he grins sheepishly.

 

Joonmyun chuckles, wiping away a tear that suddenly escapes his eye. “I’m so happy you’re here.” he sincerely says as he gathers his husband and child into his arms.

 

Yixing rests his head on Joonmyun’s shoulder. “I love you.”

 

Seeing Yixing and Joonmyun, Baekhyun smiles and takes a hold of Chanyeol’s hand. They look at each other and say through their gazes; ‘soon’. Minseok hugs Jongdae from behind, earning a cheery laugh from his groom-to-be. Jongin stares in distaste while Kyungsoo laughs at his face. Sehun was about to show them a picture Kris and Tao sent, but he waits for a while to let everyone have their moments.

 

Safely to say, this year’s Valentine’s Day has been the best one they ever had.