Solaris didn’t fail to boast its splendor by having almost everything decorated in gold. From the grandiose gates that welcomed its visitors to the lamp posts that lit the streets at night, everything was covered in the shining color of gold. If one was to describe the whole city, it would be just blinding. Everyone was well-dressed, as if they were to attend balls every night that’s why it didn’t came as a shock when locals turned their way to Baekhyun’s group with hands clasped over their mouths as they gasped and murmured about how ‘ghastly’ they all look. Soohyun called Baekhyun in a low voice in an attempt to catch his attention as she was becoming a lot more uncomfortable with the sudden attention they’ve been getting. 

“They’re staring,” Soohyun said. Baekhyun looked back with a small smile as he shrugged and answered. 

“Let them stare. That’s all they can do anyways,” Baekhyun said and then proceeded walking once again. 

“But aren’t they going to get suspicious of us if we stand out like this?” Soohyun worriedly asked as she glanced on her sides and still saw people looking at their way. Baekhyun stopped and this time, he turned to her direction and looked at her straight into her eyes. 

“Princess, let me tell you one thing about the people of Solaris—they don’t care about the people who aren’t on the same boat as theirs. All they’d do is stare at us and then when were out of their sight, we’re forever forgotten on their minds. They’re very self-centered,” Baekhyun had to roll his eyes to emphasize what he just said. “Us looking like this means less questions from them, meaning none of us has to talk therefore I won’t have the need to worry about messing up halfway before reaching our destination,” Baekhyun ended. He didn’t wait for a response coming from Soohyun as he walked once again.

There were many questions on Soohyun’s mind. Though she had been at Solaris for a few times, it still felt overwhelming every time she had to walk down its streets. It’s as simple as walking but the tight atmosphere Solaris gives makes it really hard to simply relax. 

Their group walked a few more streets and Soohyun couldn’t handle being silent so she took larger steps in order to match Baekhyun’s pace. Now, they’re walking side by side. Baekhyun looked back at her for a moment and then directed his attention to walking once again. 

“Are we going to stay in a house like that?” Soohyun finally managed to ask. It was one of the hundreds of questions she had in mind and she thought it might be a good to start off with that one. 

“I’m pretty sure that isn’t called a house, princess,” Baekhyun said as he looked over the house Soohyun talked about a while ago. “That’s a mansion. And to answer your question, yes, we’re staying in a place like that,” Baekhyun said. 

“Really? Aren’t they going to be more suspicious because we’re dressed like this and then all of a sudden we’re staying in a house like that?” Soohyun asked in disbelief and obvious worry. Baekhyun only gave a light chuckle as he shook his head. He then continued walking and Soohyun quickly followed behind him. 

“That’s why I had Jongin and Sehun go there first before us. There’s nothing to worry about, princess,” Baekhyun shortly answered. “Oh, we’re almost there,” he beamed as soon as his footsteps went faster than it was before. 

Soohyun couldn’t understand how Jongin and Sehun going to the house first would be of any help to them. She quickly followed Baekhyun and tried to match his pace as she looked around. She noticed that the crowd right after passing the gate were already gone and the street they were currently walking at was obviously a lot more peaceful than the one a while ago. A few more walks and they soon stopped in front of a house, as how Soohyun called it a while ago, which definitely looked more like a mansion instead of an ordinary house. 

A smile crept in Baekhyun’s face as soon as a lady who looked like on her early forties, opened the door and walked down the path towards the gate of the mansion. She was absolutely stunning. With her dress that fitted her so well, to the aura she was exuding—it was nothing but elegant and refined. 

“Baekhyun!” the lady beamed as soon as the gates opened. She opened her arms and Baekhyun gladly took it as they enveloped each other in a longing embrace. “It’s been so long. How have you been? I missed you and the boys. It’s been nothing but boring inside that mansion without all the ruckus all of you make,” she said with a teasing tone on her voice. 

Baekhyun chuckled as he pulled himself from the embrace and sheepishly placed a hand on his nape. It was the first time Soohyun saw Baekhyun acting like this—as if he was overflowing with joy. His eyes were beaming and his smiles were nothing but beautiful. 

“I’m sorry we couldn’t visit as often just like we’ve said. We’ve been really busy with stuff,” Baekhyun said. 

“Pirate stuff huh,” the lady playfully rolled her eyes and Baekhyun just placed an arm around her shoulders. “You could’ve gave me a week notice before you come. I haven’t even prepared a