Chapter 43: 

 

*.☽.*

He was extra clingy, I swear.

It was about seven o’clock in the morning. Baekhyun was leaning on the vanity table as I put on my makeup. His eyes never left me. I previously asked him to stop staring at me and leave me alone because he was making me conscious but he only laughed at me. I tried my best to ignore him and his eyes that watched my every move.

“Makeup or no makeup, you’re the most beautiful.” He said, looking fondly at me.

“You’re just in love with me, that’s all.” I reasoned out, casually shrugging his compliment by proceeding to put on my light peach shade lipstick.  

He chuckled, shaking his head sideways.

“It’s such a relief you’re mine.” He added as he straightened his posture emphasizing his broad shoulders. “Only mine.”

I detached my attention from the mirror, holding the lipstick in the air, to look and smile at him momentarily before I continued with what I was doing. Checking myself in the mirror, I think I was done. I started to clean up when he took the lipstick that I was about to put in my makeup kit. He looked at it closer, as if checking something.

“Peachy strawberry?” He read the name of the shade at the bottom before turning to me. “This is the flavor?”

I couldn’t help but be amused when he said the word flavor.

“Shade Baek, not flavor-”

He didn’t let me finish, pulling me up so I was standing next to him, pinning my body against his as he sat on the edge of the table. In a split second, I was already standing between his legs, his arms locking me in place. His eyes were boring into mine before his attention fell to my slightly parted lips. My heartbeat pounded like crazy alarmed by his sudden act.

He’s wearing that look on his face, the one that was ready to crush my lips.

“Baek don’t you dare-”

Of course, my attempt to stop him ended up in vain. His eager mouth shut me up. His teeth gave my lower lip a soft graze before tugging on it. It only took a millisecond before I dismissed every thought in my head and gave in to him. He massaged my lips with the softest pace before I felt a smile from him. He was probably feeling triumphant. Of course.

That’s the thing, when Baekhyun kisses me, my ability to rationalize stuff vanishes.

Like, right away. Like Really.

“Well, you know how I feel about strawberries.” He said in a matter-of-fact tone the very moment he let go of me.

I blinked a couple of times, my face was burning hot due to the subtle amusement on his face. I’d never gotten used to his teasing. My brain, going back to its working state, instantly thought of my non-kiss-proof lipstick. While he was still holding me, I immediately checked myself in the mirror and confirmed that I was right seeing that it was all smudged.

“You ruined my Lipstick!” I whined as I grabbed a tissue to wipe the smudge hoping it’d fix it. “This is not kissproof.” I went on.

“Yeah.” He nodded, pointing to my mouth. “That’s proof I kissed you though.” He added, sounding so proud. 

I wanted to get mad at him, but the urge to laugh was stronger since he had lipstick on his mouth as well. His eyes grew wide at my reaction. Confused, he checked himself in the mirror. He let out a chuckle, shaking his head sideways at the realization.

“Here, let me.” I offered, a huge smile on my face as I removed the smudge using a wet tissue. “This is what you get from fooling around.”

He rolled his eyes at me and it made me burst into laughter. While I was busy trying to multitask between laughing and fixing the mess he made, his hands trailed from the curve of my waist to the small of my back.

“Just so you know…” He replied with a cocky smile on his face before stepping closer. “I can ruin your outfit too if you like.” He added in a rather, low and slightly raspy voice.

This man, I swear. He just doesn’t know when to stop.

I was wearing a white gartered top with one-inch straps that were tied to my shoulders. He lifted a hand to undo the knot on my left shoulder, causing the straps to fall freely, leaving my shoulder bare before his eyes.

“Why are you extra y here in Australia by the way?” He asked as he caressed my skin with his thumb.

“Baek…” I muttered before I lost control of the situation. “May I remind you that we’re going to the beach house?”

His eyes met mine as soon as I finished talking. I thought he’d stop and change his mind but he didn’t. He took me to the bed and laid me on the bed instead. He started to give my lips light kisses that were honestly making me doubt my self-control already.

“We’re meeting my parents,” I told him when I felt his mouth on my neck right below my right ear.

He stopped. Right away. He didn’t just stop. He got off on top of me and sat, letting out a sigh. Watching him, I concluded that he was nervous about meeting them. The thought was making me nervous as well but I couldn’t help but smile at the idea of him stalling because he was scared.

I got up and stared at his a little too handsome side profile before I rested my chin on his shoulder, wounding my arms around him.

“You’re doing this because you’re nervous to meet them, right?” I asked him.

He sighed once more.

“What if they don’t like me?” He breathed. “What if your mom yells at me and your dad kicks me out?”

There was something about him being all tensed and worried like this that made my heart melt.

“What if they do?” I asked taking his attention. “Will you leave?” I added, making an effort to sound sad.

He probably sensed how I was trying to make him feel at ease. He smiled as he draped an arm around me, making me lean against his chest.

“They have to do more than yelling and kicking me out for me to leave you.” He answered, booping my nose. “Actually, they can do everything and I’ll still end up wrapping my arms around you like this.” He went on with a smile on his face. “I just hope I don’t suffer from a heart attack at the doorstep.”

I laughed at his exaggeration.

As I leaned away, he attempted to knot the strap he undid earlier. He did it a little too loose it fell as soon as he tied it.

“I guess this is something a Byun Baekhyun can’t do,” I said teasing him.

“Hey!” He whined. “That’s because I never wore something like this before.” He reasoned out defensively.

We both laughed and seeing how his face lit up somehow, I was relieved that he at least felt better.


*.☽.*

10: 21 AM

The beautiful beach house stood a few meters from us. We just arrived, taking out our stuff from the compartment of the car. He took both our luggage while I carried the paper bag that contained his present for my family. It was a huge lunch box of kimchi that his mom especially made when she heard that Baekhyun was going to meet my family.

From where we were, I could already hear the waves from the beach, the sea breeze making my hair dance, giving my skin that tingling sensation. I took a deep breath, inhaling the fresh air.

I missed this. I missed being here.

“This is gonna be so uncool but damn!” He said, taking my attention. “I feel like dying.”

What he said snapped me out of my thoughts. My eyes also caught the movement his Adam’s apple made as he swallowed.  He was tensed, his grip on the strap of his duffel bag was so tight, his eyes on the house.

“Do you wanna back out?” I asked, not giving it much thought.

Tearing his eyes away from the house, he turned to me. He looked fazed for a moment, and blinked his eyes a few times before the look on the face turned somewhat determined.

“Hell no.” He answered firmly before reaching for my hands. “Let’s go meet our parents.”

I almost choked at his remarks. Our parents.

However, before I could even react, he took a deep breath and exhaled loudly. The way he did it brought a natural smile to my face. He led the way to the house and I had the luxury to watch his back profile. By the time I detached my attention away from him, my heart began to beat wildly as we neared the house. We reached the doorstep, making my breath hitch. He must have noticed it right away. I felt him squeeze my hand slightly. Looking at him, he gave me a reassuring smile with a gentle look on his face. The one that could easily ease me up every time.

We were looking at each other when the door opened in front of us, startling the both of us. In a matter of seconds, a tall profiled man in his early fifties was looking back at us. He was wearing glasses, his hair slightly grey. He instantly looked at me before turning to Baekhyun.

“D-dad.” I stuttered.

He turned to me, no words coming out of his mouth. His eyes, however, fell on our joint hands which caused me to be more anxious. The expression on his face was unreadable, making me hesitate to approach him. Baekhyun on the other hand looked a bit stunned next to me when I paid him a glance.

“Is this how you greet your father now?” Dad asked, his deep voice sounding exactly how I remembered it.

Hearing him somewhat brought me back to my senses. I immediately put the paper bag down before approaching him for a hug. It was a bit awkward at first but later on, went heartfelt when I felt his arms tighten around me.

God, I missed my father.  

“I missed you, Dad,” I uttered, tears forming in my eyes. “I’m sorry I didn’t call you.”

“Hush.” He brushed my back gently. “I’m just glad you’re home.”

The way he sounded so calm made me realize that he wasn’t mad at me and I couldn’t feel more thankful.  

“I assume he’s the reason why you never took that plane?” He asked when he let go of me.

His eyes were on Baekhyun. The gentle look on his face wasn’t there anymore and had retrieved the unreadable expression he previously had. He looked at him from head to toe.

“Hi, sir.” Baekhyun bowed before extending his hand in front of my father. “I-I’m Baekhyun.”

My father neither moved a muscle nor said a word to him at first. Baekhyun glanced at me and I felt how awkward this was. His ears began to grow red as his extended hand was still in the same place. I heard Baekhyun let out a subtle sigh beside me but before he could even retrieve his hand, my dad took it.

“Tae Geun, Hae Won’s father.”

“Nice to meet you, sir.” Baekhyun greeted, sounding and looking relieved.

My dad responded with a civil nod.

Baekhyun and I exchanged looks at my father’s response.

“Come in.” I heard him say before he cleared the doorway so we could enter. “Hae Young and your mom are in the kitchen.”

The mention of my mom made my anxiousness peak. Nonetheless, I took Baekhyun’s hand and headed to the kitchen as my dad tailed behind us. My eyes immediately found my mom slicing ingredients on the counter, her full attention on what she was doing. My sister, however, was already beaming at the sight of us. My mom might have sensed our arrival as she slowly looked up, seeing me. There were a couple of very quiet seconds as her attention left me and darted to Baekhyun and eventually to our hands.

Checking on Baekhyun, he seemed as anxious as I was, I ended up giving his hand a slight tug. When he turned to me, he gave me a subtle smile as if encouraging me to approach my mom. He, letting go of my hand was a confirmation. Taking a deep breath, I walked towards my mother. I was scared, my heart pounded like crazy, and my head already overthinking.

What if she pushes me away? What if she yells at me in front of everyone? What if she disowns me while Baekhyun is listening?

“Hi, Mom.” I greeted them using every ounce of courage I had.

She started at me and it was the one that she gave me whenever I’d go to apologize after committing a mistake. Hesitant, I leaned in to hug her and I just had to close my eyes when she didn’t hug me back.

“I never thought you were serious about coming home.” I heard her say, indifference was evident in her tone. “The last time I checked, you despised the idea.”

I could only close my eyes at her remarks.

“I didn’t think you’d make it.” She said sternly.

I thought she was referring to me but then I heard my sister.

“Mom. Please.” She pleaded with a sigh.

Confused, I leaned away only to find my mom staring at Baekhyun. My brain lagged for a little bit. I imagined this scene in my head so many times but it turned out I was never ready for it. I stood there quietly until I sensed Baekhyun’s presence next to me.

“Mom, this is Baekhyun.” I introduced.

Baekhyun smiled at her politely, even bowed while extending his arm to her. I was silently hoping, no- praying that she’d take his hand but that never happened. Instead, my heart sank at the sight of Baekhyun awkwardly retrieving his hand as my mom started to deal with the ingredients once more, ignoring him.  

Hurt, I felt like crying on the spot.

“You guys.” Alice intercepted as she walked towards us. “Why don’t you wait for us in the living room, we’re almost done here anyway, hmm?” She added, giving me a look as she placed a hand on my shoulder.

She must have felt bad too.

I turned around to leave but I saw Baekhyun bowed to my mother again before leaving. He’s too polite, it broke my heart more.


*.☽.*

All five of us were already at the dining table. We were already eating but the atmosphere wasn’t that good. Alice and I tried to make conversations but we’d end up quiet whenever mom clears .

As for Baekhyun, he was unusually quiet. I’d sometimes glance at him and then he’d give me a reassuring smile but I just knew how he was feeling deep inside. I also caught my parents observing him, making him more conscious to eat properly.

“This kimchi is good.” My dad said, surprising everyone. “It tastes exactly as I remembered it. They have Kimchi around here too but nothing beats the one we have in Korea. Where did you buy it?” His attention was on Baekhyun.

“Actually…” He hesitated. “My mom made it.”

My dad’s eyes grew wide for a second.

“So, you’re telling me your mom’s okay with your relationship?” It was the first time my mom spoke, sounding sarcastic.

“Yes.” He nodded politely in response. “When she heard that I was going to meet Hae Won’s family for the holidays, she insisted on making this as a present for you.”

“As if feeding us will make us forget about what happened to our daughter.” She replied nonchalantly.

I saw how Baekhyun had to look down because of her statement.

“Mom,” I muttered.

“You met his mom already?” She asked, this time turning to me.  

“Yes, Mom,” I answered, suddenly feeling tired of how she had been treating Baekhyun since we arrived. “I already did, and she liked me.” I took a deep breath. “She was kind to me unlike what you’re doing to Baekhyun right now.”

Everyone else must have sensed what I was doing as I could feel everyone’s eyes on me. I saw how it caught my mom off guard.

“Park Hae Won.” My dad called, every syllable of my name firm as he looked at me.

“I see.” My mother replied, nodding. “Is this what you’ve learned from being away from us for months? To talk to your mother like this?” She asked sternly.

I was about to open my mouth to argue but I felt Baekhyun’s hand over mine on the table. I was guilty but I just couldn’t ignore the building frustration in me. She was so unfair, I thought.

“I’m sorry, can’t do this right now,” I said, excusing myself before leaving the table.

Walking out of the kitchen, I went straight to the porch. I placed my hands on the rails, closed my eyes, and inhaled as much air as I could. Everything was already bad and we had just arrived. I couldn’t imagine how it would be in the coming days. Exhaling, I watched the ocean and it calmed me down a bit. I was busy admiring it when I noticed Baekhyun joining me.

“You okay baby?” He asked gently as he stood next to me.

I watched him as he stared at the view of the beach in front of us.

“I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

“For how my mom treated you, how I acted,” I explained, frustrated. “This was a bad idea, we shouldn’t have come here for the holidays.”

His attention left the view as he faced me, putting his hand over mine on the railing. We stared at each other for a few moments before he moved his head sideways, a subtle smile on his lips.

“No, coming here isn’t a bad idea.”

“But look at what’s happening.” I reasoned out, unable to stop myself from whining.

“Baby…” He muttered as he went behind me, his hands landing on my tensed shoulders giving them a massage. “I understand your mom’s reaction, so don’t worry about me. It’s natural for them to be mad. Let’s just try our best to show them that we are good for each other, okay?”

How is this man like this? He’s such a good person, why can’t they see it?

I sighed as I closed my eyes, slowly relaxing.

“At least they didn’t kick me out.” I heard him say, letting out a small laugh.

I truly hope they won’t.


*.☽.*

Baekhyun and I were about to take the stairs to go to my room so we could settle and fix our things but my mother suddenly showed up in front of us making us stop on our feet.  

“By the way, you two aren’t going to share the same room.” She announced. “Haewon you stay with your sister and he can use your room.”

I closed my eyes at the absurdity of her instruction. I turned to my dad who was standing next to her, wanting to seek help from him but he didn’t say anything. He probably thought that this was a good idea too. Ugh

“Mom? How could you?” It was Alice who just came in and probably just finished washing the dishes.

“Why? Is there something room with it?” Mom replied.

“Mom,” I said catching her attention. “We’re not kids anymore. Baekhyun and I can just use my room together.” I told her, hoping it’d change her mind.

“You might not be kids anymore but as long as you’re under my roof, you follow what I say. Do you understand?” She stated, her eyes on Baekhyun.

Baekhyun appeared to be very confused and shocked with what she just said but nonetheless nodded at her request.

“Yes, ma'am.” He nodded.

Oh god, can this get any crazier?


*.☽.*

I was helping Baekhyun arrange his clothes in the closet. I kept talking about how absurd this was and also told him that I must go tell my mom that I would be sleeping in the same room with him but he ended up stopping me every time. He said that it was only going to provoke my mom and she’d be madder at him. I thought he had a point.

“Ugh!” I groaned hitting the remaining hangers in the closet. “I hate this.”

I heard Baekhyun laugh at my reaction before his hands landed on my waist, pulling me closer to him.

“Oh, my clingy baby.” He teased, planting a light kiss on my slightly pouted lips. “It’ll be just a few nights. Let’s just endure it, okay?”

I stared at him, remembering how he told me he was so used to having me next to him when he slept.

“Will you be okay?” I asked.

“No.” He answered quickly with a grin. “But I can try.”

I laughed at his response, my hands meeting at the back of his head, playing with his hair.

“I hope everything will be fine,” I stated wistfully while I looked at him.

His lips formed into a beautiful upward curve.

“I’m sure it will.” He replied before almost giving me a heart attack by pulling inside the closet.

Of course, I shrieked in the process, my heart almost skipping a beat due to his unexpected act. He closed the closet before us, leaving us locked inside.

“Or maybe we can just stay here until tomorrow.” He suggested.

Though I couldn’t see his face clearly, I knew he was smiling playfully. He and his antics.

“I’d like that.” I agreed nonetheless, shoving his clothes behind me so I could snuggle against him. “We can just stay here, I’m sure they won’t find us.”

His body shook as he laughed at my suggestion before his hands played with my hair. We stayed in the same position for a couple of minutes and it started to get hot inside.

“Baby?”

“Hmm?”

“I think this isn’t a good idea.” He said.

“Yeah.” I immediately agreed. “It’s really hot in here right?”

He nodded, and his low laugh sounded like music next to my ears. I sensed and heard him push the doors open, freeing us. We looked at each other and burst out laughing to see that we were both sweating. I lifted my hands to wipe the sweat on his forehead as he did the same thing for me.

“What are we thinking.” He said in between his laughs.

When he smiles like this, it just makes something so weird to my heart. It flutters out of joy.

“I love you,” I muttered out of nowhere. “And all your crazy ideas.”

He stopped what he was doing and ended up staring at me.

“Don’t do this.” He told me, a subtle smile on his handsome face. “Or else I’ll go and kneel in front of your mom just so I could share the same room with you.”

I giggled right before he grabbed me and immediately kissed me in the mouth. He kissed me slowly and fondly, it was making the butterflies in my stomach go nuts.

“Seriously, I love you for real.” He told me right after he let go of me.

Seriously, I love him for real too.


*.☽.*

I was in my sister’s room. She had just finished FaceTiming with her boyfriend while I lay on her bed staring at the ceiling the whole time. I kept thinking about mom.

“Oh my god Eonnie, mom is driving me nuts!” I whined as soon as she joined me on the bed. “I mean I know she dislikes the idea of me being with someone like Baekhyun but how could she make us sleep in two separate rooms?”

“I know.” She agreed, her shoulders slumped as she joined me on the bed.

“I can’t believe her.”

I heard my sister laugh next to me.

“Looks like...” There was an obvious teasing in her tone. “You’re more clingy than Baekhyun.”

I rolled my eyes at her and she did the same thing before we fell silent, looking at the ceiling.

“I hope Mom and Dad will like him,” I said, lost in my thoughts.

“Just give it a few more days okay? I’m sure they’ll like him eventually. Your boyfriend is overflowing with charm.” She advised, sounding so sincere. “I doubt they’ll be able to resist it.”

I smiled at her, silently praying that she was right.

“Now go get changed.” She said, getting up. “Once you’re done, go downstairs so we can help mom prepare dinner.” She added as she headed to the door and was about to go out when she stopped and turned to me once more.

“By the way, you can just sneak to your room when Mom and Dad are already sleeping, YOU KNOW?” She added in a matter-of-fact tone, a grin plastered on her face.

I smiled at how she was tolerating me. She had always been so supportive. Always. I love her.


*.☽.*

I changed into a more comfortable outfit. I wore one of the rompers I packed with me. It was a mustard yellow one with thin half-inch straps and an overlapping V-neckline. The hem of the shorts was slightly ruffled reaching three inches above mid-thigh. I also tied my hair in a loose ponytail using a beige hair scarf, leaving my shoulders exposed. I paired my romper with simple, white flat sandals.

Before heading down, I went to check on Baekhyun but he wasn’t in the room anymore.

Is he already downstairs?

The living room was empty too, so I headed to the kitchen right away. Mom was near the oven while my sister was on the counter. I walked and stood next to Alice.

“Eonnie, did you see Baekhyun? He’s not upstairs anymore.” I asked quietly, careful that Mom wouldn’t hear.

“Yeah. I think he’s helping Dad set up the table outside.” She said.

“Really?” I couldn’t believe what I heard.

“I think your boyfriend just knows what he’s doing.” She added, smiling.

“Okay, I’ll go check on them for a minute. I’ll be right back.” I replied before I headed out.

Standing on the porch, I saw Baekhyun with my dad. He was wearing a plain white button-down top, two buttons undone, sleeves were long but folded into three-fourths paired with faded blue board shorts and slippers. He looked pretty laid back, blending with the rest of us.

Indeed, they were setting the table right in front of the house. Baekhyun was on the ladder, hammering the wire of the decorative light bulbs on a wooden post attached to the house. Dad, on the other hand, was holding the hammer, instructing him.

My heart melted at the sight. I knew he was going to meet my parents but I wasn’t ready for this. The two most important men in my life were working together. My dad seemed at ease with him the way I looked at it.

With a smile on my face, I went back inside. My sister instantly noticed the happy look on my face. I told her what I saw and she was equally delighted. We were giggling when Mom noticed us.

“Haewon, help me out with these.” She said, a tray of marinated pork bellies in her hand. “Your dad will grill these later once he’s done setting up the place outside.”

“Okay, mom.” I nodded as I took the other tray and followed her outside.

Right after we got out, she saw the exact scene I witnessed a while ago. This time they were both smiling at each other. I could tell they were starting to get along. My mom stopped walking. Her attention was fixed on the guys a few meters away from us. I opened my mouth to try and talk to her but Dad called her.

She told him to prepare the Barbecue grill while Baekhyun and I exchanged looks. He was still on the ladder, a hammer in his hand this time. I watched how he looked at me from head to toe. I almost forgot that this was the first time he saw me wearing this kind of outfit. Even when I was in Korea, I never wore shorts like this in summer. I couldn’t tell what he was thinking exactly but he didn’t look displeased or something so I’d take it as an approval. I wish I could ask him what he thought.

Then he smiled at me which made me forget that my parents were with us.

It almost felt like it was just the two of us.

When my mom called me, I rattled for a bit, tearing my attention from my boyfriend. We placed the trays on the table next to the griller. We were headed back to the kitchen when my mom asked me to get the tablecloth from the storage room.

I turned the lights on when I got to the storage room but for some reason, the lights wouldn’t turn on. It was a bit dark inside and I needed light to make sure I’d grab the right tablecloth. I fished for my phone from my pocket for the torch but was surprised to find a message from Baekhyun.

Byun:
How dare you look so lovely.
3:56 PM

The corners of my lips turned upwards, spreading into a full smile after a split second. I couldn’t even type a proper reply, so I ended up looking for the white tablecloth instead.

On my way out, I was trying my best not to smile like crazy knowing that my dad would be there with Baekhyun. Taking a deep breath, I pushed the door open heading to where they were. I immediately made eye contact with Baekhyun, who was now done with the hammering. I wonder if he was thinking of the same thing. As soon as I noticed my dad acknowledging my presence, I turned to him.

“Dad, I got the tablecloth.”

“Okay, you two can set it up, I’ll go get the extension first.” He instructed naturally.

I nodded in response.

The moment my dad entered the house, I looked at Baekhyun.

“I got your message,” I told him, walking to the opposite side of the table.  

Baekhyun let out a boyish grin.

“Good. I had a hard time sending that message to you, five feet above the ground.” He responded in his usual playful voice. “I also didn’t want your dad to think that I was slacking off so I typed it so fast.”

I laughed while I spread the cover on top of the table. He walked closer to me to hold the other end of the cloth.

“If you wear something ier than this, I swear I’m going to lose .” He said with a chuckle before he went back to the opposite side of the table. “So please be a little consider