Baekhyun had a weird prejudice about dates.

 

Seriously, in all 28 years of his life, he never had a remotely decent date. Not even with Kyungsoo back then, and he liked the boy.

 

Somehow, his dates were either so boring, awkward, or disastrous. So, Baekhyun shouldn’t have put his expectation too high on this one. He knew he shouldn’t. But still. This was Chanyeol. The guy he used to have a tiny bit of crush--and hated--in high school. Also, he was his fiance. So maybe, just maybe, this could go… well?

 

In all honesty, Baekhyun was excited. Looking forward to it, even. And none of this was Baekhyun’s fault, since Chanyeol was the one who got his hope up. The man kept saying that he had prepared the whole date for him and promised that it would be the best. Did Baekhyun believe him? Maybe he did. Too much, in fact.

 

It wasn't that this was the first date they had. After all, they had lunch almost every day, and sometimes dinner too. It was just that this was the first proper one, where Chanyeol actually said let's go on a date, let's go somewhere to him. So Baekhyun would like to believe that this counted as their first date.

 

Me [12.03]

What kind of clothes should I wear for today?

 

Park Chanyeol [12.03]

Oho? You excited shortie?

 

Me [12.05]

roll eyes

just dont want to be underdressed or overdressed

 

Park Chanyeol [12.05]

wear something hot

 

Me [12.06]

chanyeol

seriously

 

Park Chanyeol [12.06]

lmao okay

just wear something right in the middle?

not so casual

not so formal

we’re not going outbound

or fine dining

so

just casual date

but not so casual

 

Me [12.08]

alright alright jeez

 

Park Chanyeol [12.08]

im looking forward to it babe

 

Me [12.10]

stop calling me that

 

Park Chanyeol [12.10]

see u in an hour shortie :*

 

They had been so busy after their last encounter, the night when Chanyeol told him almost everything about his past. So this would be the first time they see each other after that whole ordeal, and honestly, Baekhyun longed and dreaded it at the same time. Because somehow, he missed hanging out with the guy, yet he didn't know how to act around him anymore since now they had gotten much more personal with each other.

 

This was supposed to be a marriage based on contract only but right now there was some personal feelings involved, and Baekhyun didn't know what to make from that.

 

Shaking his head, Baekhyun decided to not think too much about the matter for now. The future him would deal with that problem, and the him now would only deal with what kind of outfit he needed to wear on their first date.

 

He sighed as he looked into his closet. Okay, not that Baekhyun really cared about Chanyeol's opinion about his outfit, but right now he couldn’t help but cursed his disinterest to buy decent clothes. All he had in his closet was button-up shirt for work. Blame his workaholic self.

 

Looking inside his closet, he realized that he never went out to enjoy himself. All he did was work, work, and work, all of it so he could prove to everyone that he could stand on his own. Sure, he had gone out once in a while with Kyungsoo, Junmyeon, or some dates, but it was either for occasional midnight drink or quick lunch meet-up. None of those occasion was something planned in the weekend like this.

 

And to think that his high school enemy turned out to be the one who pulled him out of his shell was pretty staggering. If the him one month ago was told about this, there was no way he would believe it.

 

Baekhyun opted out to wear a simple ivory sweater. He pondered to wear a coat over his sweater but the weather had became warmer recently. He hoped that the temperature wouldn't drop all of a sudden later.

 

He refused to look at himself on the mirror for more than five seconds. He didn't want to act like he really cared about his appearance at all. But he couldn't help but wondered if he had wore the right clothes for the date. After all, he never went out on a real one before.

 

Baekhyun wasn't nervous, no. Strangely, he felt... light, and he didn't know if it was a good sign or not.

 

By the time his doorbell rang, Baekhyun was as ready as ever. He almost ran toward the door but forced himself to walk slowly just so Chanyeol wouldn't know how excited he was to finally do something other than working in the weekend.

 

No matter how excited--or in a hurry--he was, Baekhyun never forget to check his peephole, making sure that the person outside of his apartment was really someone he actually waited. Better be careful than sorry. He peeked into his peephole and his breath caught.

 

Even from the peephole, which supposedly made him wider and weirder, Chanyeol still looked breathtakingly handsome. He froze for a few seconds and only broke out of his trance when the second ring of the doorbell registered in his ears. Baekhyun felt his cheeks flush as he scrambled to open his door. Did he just get entranced by Chanyeol’s attractiveness? If the tall guy knew, he wouldn’t let this slide.

 

But he was thankful that he got the upperhand, because now he could give out neutral expression as he looked at Chanyeol properly, meanwhile Chanyeol… The way he looked at Baekhyun might as well described as someone who was smitten. God, Baekhyun didn’t want to get his hope up but Chanyeol looked very much attracted to him.

 

Now, Baekhyun would be lying if he said that he didn’t notice how Chanyeol’s lingering gaze at him here and there. But he knew better. The gaze could mean anything and he didn’t want to get deep into it. All he knew was that he didn’t hate it. In fact, he wanted Chanyeol to look at him more.

 

If Baekhyun let this went on, he would absolutely done for and he would only repeat history.

 

“I haven’t seen you with your hair down for so long,” Chanyeol said with a blatant fondness in his eyes that it made Baekhyun’s stomach fluttered. “It’s nice to see you in casual clothes once in a while.”

 

Well, Baekhyun could say the same thing. Because since they met again recently, he only saw Chanyeol in formal attires and slick pushed back hair. His casual boyish look he pulled off today--a denim jacket on top of navy sweatshirt--took Baekhyun back to their high school day. Chanyeol was so handsome. Stupidly handsome. And Baekhyun was devastated .

 

“I don’t have to bring anything, right?” Baekhyun asked as soon as he got a grip of himself.

 

Chanyeol grinned. “Nope, just bring your pretty self and we’re good to go.”

 

Baekhyun might or might not blush at that statement. He was well aware that he had failed his glare when Chanyeol’s grin turned even wider. The jerk knew that his attempt at flirting had worked. “You’re so shameless.” Baekhyun rolled his eyes. “Let’s go, then. I’m ready.”

 

There was no one in Baekhyun’s apartment corridor, so he knew for a fact that when Chanyeol slipped his hand into Baekhyun’s to link their fingers together that the act wasn’t for a show. Chanyeol’s wicked grin had wiped off his face, replaced by a fond smile that the taller guy often directed at him recently. “Yeah,” Chanyeol said, squeezing his hand. “Let’s go.”

 

“So this is your idea of not so casual yet not so formal date.”

 

Baekhyun’s tone wasn’t teasing or confused. It sounded like a normal statement with no underlying meaning behind it, but Chanyeol would like to pretend that he was an expert of Baekhyun and based on that simple sentence, it seemed like he had succeeded on surprising his fiance. In short, Baekhyun hadn’t expected it at all.

 

“You bring me to American football match,” Baekhyun deadpanned. With his unruly hair plus thick sweater, his cuteness multiplied into an inhumanly level.

 

Chanyeol was dying to kiss him. But he had to be content with holding hand for now. “My favorite team is playing. Of course I need to watch the match.”

 

Baekhyun scrunched his face as strong winds blew across the stadium parking lot. “Damn, I should’ve wear my coat if I knew we’re gonna stay outdoor.”

 

Chanyeol stopped dead on his track. He took a brief look at his fiance’s clothes before he closed his eyes. “I’m a ing idiot,” he hissed, as he began to shed his own denim jacket. “I’m sorry I should’ve told you.”

 

“Please don’t say you’re going to give me your jacket.”

 

“Yes, I’m going to.”

 

“I don’t want it. I’m not a girl, I don’t need you to lend me your jacket.”

 

“Huh?” Chanyeol stopped mid-movement. “Why would it have anything to do with being a girl? If you’re cold, then you’re cold. I’m the one at fault here. Stop being stubborn, Baekhyun.”

 

“But you--”

 

“I’m always warm, anyway.” He slung his jacket over Baekhyun’s back. His fingers brushed Baekhyun’s red cheeks, and yup, there was no way his fiance would be able to bear the cold throughout the game if his cheeks already this cold fifteen meters away from the car. He was already freezing. “Are you always weak to cold?”

 

“I’m not.” His flushed cheeks turned even redder. “It’s just… I thought it would be a little warmer today.”

 

Chanyeol moved his hand to play with a curl of Baekhyun’s hair, messy by the wind. “No need to get so defensive. Come on, let’s get some food and warm drink.”

 

His fiance was a stubborn man, but he wasn’t going to risk dying because of cold just for his stupid pride. “Fine,” he finally said, still pouting but putting on Chanyeol’s jacket nonetheless.

 

Chanyeol thought it was impossible, but Baekhyun became even cuter. “Is it okay?” He laced their fingers again. “Do we have to buy a scarf, too?”

 

“I’m not that weak,” Baekhyun jabbed, but more because he was embarrassed.

 

Chanyeol couldn’t help but laugh. “Alright, alright. Let’s go.”

 

Despite being cold, it was obvious that Baekhyun was excited. He was trying to hide it, but his eyes gave him away. Not that Chanyeol was complaining, because if anything, he was over the moon. The idea of Baekhyun would hate the date had crossed his mind a thousand times, but thank God, his fiance seemed to be jumping on his feet.

 

“What do you want?” Chanyeol asked as they arrived at one of the food trucks. He let go of his linking hand with Baekhyun and put them around the shorter guy’s waist. “I often buy snacks in this stall. He’s exceptionally good, not like the others.”

 

“You know the owner?”

 

“I’m a regular.”

 

Baekhyun hummed. He looked up at the menu for a few moments before he decided. “I’ll get corn dog and hot chocolate, I guess. Are they good?”

 

The sight of Baekhyun in his arm, wearing his jacket, pouting as he concentrated on deciding the menu, weirdly making his chest warm. Man, Chanyeol was a complete goner for this man right here.

 

He couldn’t resist anymore, so he leaned down to kiss the side of Baekhyun’s head. Baekhyun visibly tensed, but he didn’t push Chanyeol away. He leaned into him instead. And didn’t that just make Chanyeol felt like he was on top of the world. He was holding his entire life, his whole heart.

 

“Chanyeol?” Baekhyun looked up to him.

 

“Yeah, they’re good. But their burger is the best though.”

 

Baekhyun scrunched his nose. “You know I don’t like burgers.”

 

“But this one is really good.”

 

“Nope. Corn dog.”

 

Chanyeol chuckled and shook his head. “Alright, shortie.”

 

Chanyeol brought them forward when the queue moved. The man who tended the stall, Kim Jisung, was grinning at both of them.

 

“Well, well, if it isn’t Park Chanyeol,” Jisung teased. His eyes were curious yet gleaming, like he was happy but couldn’t wait to go around the bush about what the hell happened here. After all, Chanyeol never ever brought someone to watch the game with him. Jisung knew well that Chanyeol was some lonesoul bastard.

 

Still his arm around Baekhyun, Chanyeol tightened his hold as he gave him a smile so wide it almost hurt his jaws. “Hey, Jisung. The usual for me, and one corn dog and one hot chocolate for him.”

 

“Coming right up.” Jisung changed into work mode, going to the back of his truck to prepare their meal. It only took a few minutes before he popped back out and handed out their order. “Here you go. Burger, corn dog, hot chocolate, and Americano.”

 

“Thank you,” Baekhyun said, in a surprisingly shy and timid voice. Chanyeol couldn’t blame him since Jisung was looking at both of them with such obvious curious eyes.

 

Even without him voicing out the question, Chanyeol knew that he needed--no, wanted-- to introduce Baekhyun to him. Chanyeol didn’t have many friends and acquaintances, so he couldn’t show his fiance around as much as he wanted to. But now the opportunity had arrived.

 

“So…” Jisung trailed off. “Who do we have here? Don’t think I didn’t see you getting all mushy in the queue, Chanyeol.”

 

Chanyeol was unable to stop his smile. This would be the first time he introduced Baekhyun to someone related to him. He felt incredibly giddy and smug as . Sue him. He didn’t care. “He’s my fiance.”

 

Seeing Jisung’s change of expression was such an exhilarating experience. “He’s what?” Jisung’s gaped. It was clear that he didn’t expect the word ‘fiance’. Maybe ‘date’ or ‘boyfriend’, but ‘fiance’? “Dude, you caught a cutie.”

 

Baekhyun snickered despite the rosy blush on his cheeks. “Yeah, and I got the idiot.”

 

The booming laugh of Jisung made people turned their heads toward them. “Damn, he’s a well fit for you, I see.”

 

I know right , Chanyeol thought to himself. That was what he had thought recently too, that maybe the reason why Chanyeol always wanted to be with him so much was because they were just… he didn’t want to sound cheesy, but they were like a complete puzzle when they were together. It was so terrifying yet made sense in the same time. Baekhyun understood him like no one else, and the fact that Baekhyun accepted him after Chanyeol had told him the secret of his family only made Chanyeol fall for him even more.

 

Chanyeol wanted to kiss Baekhyun so badly .

 

“I’m Baekhyun, by the way. Pleasure.” Baekhyun extended his hand, and Jisung reached out to meet him.

 

“Jisung, and really, the pleasure is mine.” For a few seconds, his face was blank, like he was having a difficult processing this. “Wow, so I guess I’ll see you more often from now on, huh?”

 

Baekhyun smiled. “You sure will.”

 

“Alright.” Chanyeol steered him away from the food trucks. They had held the line long enough and the game would start any minutes now. “Thanks, Jisung.”

 

“I’m waiting for the wedding invitation, okay?”

 

Chanyeol couldn’t hold his laugh any longer as he clung to his fiance.

 

They were late to the game. By the time they entered the stadium and looking for their seat, the game already started for a good three minutes, and Chanyeol cursed himself. He quickly pulled Baekhyun down the stairs, rushing a lil bit so they could sit down fast, then Chanyeol could scream for his favorite team freely.

 

“Excuse me, excuse me.” Chanyeol bowed and smiled while they waddled through the full seats, his hands were both busy carrying their foods and holding Baekhyun’s hand. When they finally reached their seats, Chanyeol was practically panting. “,” he huffed out.

 

Baekhyun was equally breathless. “What the hell, why is the stadium so full?” he asked, then proceed to take off Chanyeol’s denim jacket. “Is this like a final match or something?”

 

“Quarter final. Aren’t you gonna get cold?”

 

“Nah, I’m fine. Here’s your Americano.” Baekhyun handed Chanyeol’s drink, and Chanyeol gave him his corn dog.

 

“You sure corn dog would be enough?”

 

“I thought we’re gonna have dinner after this?”

 

Chanyeol blinked. “Yeah, of course.” What the hell was wrong with him? He kept on sprawling out of control the whole date. Did he really thattense? He really needed to wind down from all the excitement. “Ugh, we missed the opening kickoff.”

 

“Seriously, I really forgot how this match really works.” Baekhyun’s eyes went left and right nonstop. “It’s been ten years.”

 

“You never watch the game again since you were in high school?”

 

Baekhyun bit his lip and abruptly took his cup of hot chocolate, his fingers fiddled with the paper cup. “Well,” he cleared his throat. “Back then I only watched American football because of you.”

 

Chanyeol had absolutely nothing to say back. “What?”

 

“I only cared about American football back then because you played in it, so…”

 

So as soon as Baekhyun moved away and couldn’t watch Chanyeol anymore, he stopped… he didn’t feel the need to care about it anymore.

 

Chanyeol gulped, and his brain short-circuited, his mind was all over the place, and none of them were on the game. Did Baekhyun really just confess that he only care about it just because it was related to Chanyeol? Now how the hell did Chanyeol suppose to concentrate on the game again?

 

Chanyeol found himself just staring emptily at the field. His heart was pounding while the burger and Americano in his hands are forgotten. So did Baekhyun cared about him even back then? So it wasn’t one-sided, right? This wasn’t just Chanyeol being ridiculously hopeful, no?

 

Baekhyun was out here killing him in the public, and he had the audacity to enjoy the game while Chanyeol was dying. Whose idea was it to have the first date out again? Why didn’t they just have a nice date in the house, having lunch and watching movies? So then Chanyeol could just kiss him anytime.

 

“Why are you being quiet all of a sudden?” Baekhyun side eyed him, but a hint of amusement was definitely there.

 

Chanyeol shook his head. “You’re gonna be the death of me.”

 

It was apparent that Baekhyun was aware that he had just broke something in Chanyeol, and he was so smug about it. “So what’s your favorite team again?” Baekhyun asked with his mouth full of corn dog. His eyes were still trained on the field, but Chanyeol could tell that his head wasn’t on the game either. They were too busy in their own world to care.

 

“Golden Eagles, obviously.” Chanyeol took the first bite on his burger. He frowned at it, his burger had turned cold because he was too busy flirting with his fiance.

 

“Is that always your favorite?” Now Baekhyun had turned to face him, completely ignoring the game.

 

“I mean, they’re the best.” Chanyeol shrugged.

 

Baekhyun didn’t comment on that, since he probably didn’t have any opinion to back him up. Chanyeol’s eyes landed on the field once again. The Golden Eagles was the defense this time, while Vikings was the offense. That made Chanyeol completely lose his interest on the game.

 

“You know,” Baekhyun started, his eyes trained on Chanyeol. “Back then, I was sure that you would take over your family company, but there was a sliver thought that maybe--just maybe, you’re going to be an athlete, since you were amazing in it.”

 

Chanyeol found himself dumbfounded by this revelation. Really, how many times Baekhyun plan to surprise him with random revelation today? Because if this honest talk kept going he needed to prepare his heart. “Well, I always knew that I’ll take care of my family business,” Chanyeol answered until a long silence. “Since there’s no way I’m going to let the old man has the full claim on it. But it doesn’t mean that I never thought to just say  it and go after what I really enjoy.”

 

There was a flash of sadness in Baekhyun’s face, just like the other night when Chanyeol told him about his past. Not that Chanyeol hated that look, but he prefered to not have it directed at him.

 

Determined to stop the pity party, Chanyeol tried to change the subject of their talk. “You never told me about how you have your own company, you know.”

 

Baekhyun hummed, his eyes avoiding him, looking toward the game where the player holding the ball was just tackled to the ground. “Some other time,” he said.

 

“Hey, I just realized this.” Baekhyun let Chanyeol open the door into the pub. Immediately his sensory was filled with bright colorful lights and loud sound of EDM music. He winced at the loudness but the heavy bass. It had been years since the last time he visited a pub. “I’ve been tagging along with you recently. When will I get the chance to decide what we gonna do?”

 

“Oh? Does this mean I’m getting a second date?” Chanyeol’s smug face was lit by the colorful lights, as he tugged Baekhyun’s arm to follow him to the bar.

 

Rolling his eyes, Baekhyun let himself being dragged again, for the umpteenth times today. First the game, then the late lunch, and now the pub. Not that he was complaining, because he needed this. But it just sort of… weird, he guessed, to have someone completely taken over what he was gonna do next.

 

As soon as they took a seat side by side on the bar, Chanyeol immediately leaned into him. The man hadn't even had a single drop of drink but he already acted like he was drunk. “So, second date?”

 

“Chanyeol, we're gonna get married. Of course we're gonna have second, third, and so-on dates.”

 

“Right, if you put it like that…”

 

Baekhyun somehow understood that Chanyeol's version of date was different. He meant it was an obligatory dates. Dates that Baekhyun truly wanted, longed for, waited for, looking forward to. Just like dates between actual lovers.

 

Baekhyun failed to mention that it was also the kind of dates that he wanted.

 

After spending the whole day with Chanyeol, he came to realize that he enjoyed this. He no longer hated dates, and he knew, by the end of this day, he would be looking forward to another, and another.

 

“Order whatever you like. I'll pay,” Chanyeol said, then turned toward the bartender, ready to order his poison.

 

“Coke for me,” Baekhyun replied shortly as he lowered his head and folded his arms, preparing for the train of questions to come.

 

“Huh?” Even from his voice, Baekhyun knew the man was scrunching his brows. “Only coke? Why, you don't drink?”

 

Sighing, Baekhyun raised his head, knowing that he wouldn't get away with this. Not with Chanyeol. “No, I drink. But never outside the confinement of my apartment.”

 

Baekhyun looked into Chanyeol's eyes, willing him to just drop it. He still didn't want to show the weak side of him although Chanyeol had let himself bare in front of him a few nights ago. Baekhyun knew he should've refused going to the pub, after all. But he really didn't want the night to end so early.

 

“You could drink, I'll be your DD for the night.”

 

“Is this…” Chanyeol bit his lip. “Is this because of your…”

 

Your trauma . Chanyeol didn't say it, but it was there. “Yeah, well,” Baekhyun forced a smile. “I can't get drunk when I arrived home since I need to--”

 

“I'll do it for you.” Chanyeol grabbed his hand. Then he looked into Baekhyun's eyes with the exact soft yet intense gaze that had been directed to him the whole course of their date today. “You can drink, you can get drunk. I'll do your routine for you. I'll make sure it's safe. I'll make sure you'resafe.”

 

There Chanyeol went again and Baekhyun weirdly had a jolt of punch in his chest, his eyes stung. “You don't have to do it.” His voice was weak.

 

With the corner of his mouth lifted, Chanyeol placed his palm on the side of Baekhyun's head and brought him closer. His lips were ghosting over Baekhyun's other side of the head when he said, “I don't have to, but I want to. You can drink and have fun. I'll make sure you will get to your room safely.”

 

When Chanyeol released his hold on him, Baekhyun was sure that the soft gaze would still be plastered on Chanyeol's eyes, and he wasn't wrong. It only made Baekhyun flushed even more. “Are you sure?”

 

“Seems like I'll be your DD tonight.” Chanyeol grinned.

 

“,” Chanyeol wheezed out a curse when Baekhyun almost slipped from his hold as he tried to enter the passcode of the drunk man’s apartment door.

 

The sound of passcode button told that Baekhyun didn’t give him the wrong numbers earlier when they got out of his car, although the smaller guy was completely wasted. Chanyeol quickly tightened his hand back around his fiance’s waist as he opened the door and dragged him the both of them.

 

Baekhyun was unconscious in his hold, and Chanyeol had promised to do his routine for him. So he laid Baekhyun slowly on his couch that was nearest to the door.

 

Baekhyun squeezed his eyes before he blinked his eyes half-open. “Chanyeol…”

 

“Ssh… Just sleep, I’m going to check your house now, okay?” he said as he kept on Baekhyun’s head, willing him to close his eyes again.

 

“Hmm… Be careful,” he voiced out slurly, then closed his eyes.

 

So cute . Chanyeol couldn’t help but smile at the sleeping figure. He was glad that Baekhyun could have fun today. And to think that he could do it because he put his trust on Chanyeol just made his chest warm. Slowly… slowly… He would make Baekhyun trust him completely. “I will. I’ll be back.”

 

With that Chanyeol went to every room. Baekhyun’s room, living room, kitchen, bathroom, guest room, porch, no crook and nook left untouched by him. Just like Baekhyun, it took him almost five minutes to check all the rooms. When he finished and got back to where Baekhyun was asleep, there was a cold lump Chanyeol’s stomach.

 

Did Baekhyun really have to do that everyday, feeling unbelievably terrified that at some point someone would jump on him and attack him?

 

Wherever that culprit that hurt Baekhyun back then now, he hoped he would never met them, or else Chanyeol would kill them.

 

Chanyeol willed the dread in him to go away as he leaned them to kiss Baekhyun’s temple in attempt to wake him up. “Babe, let’s go to your room, alright?”

 

With only one of his eyes open, Baekhyun tried to find Chanyeol. “Mmnh… everything alright?” he slurred.

 

“It’s clear. You’re safe.” Chanyeol circled his arm around his waist once again. “Come on, let’s go.”

 

Chanyeol didn’t know how he did it, since never once in his life did he took care of a drunk person. He figured he probably do it solely based on instinct, whatever that could make Baekhyun comfortable. He let Baekhyun sleep still in his jeans, but he took off his sweater and made him sleep only in his tees. He forced him to drink water to make him feel better. And he ended up his hair constantly, hoping the gentle touch could soothe him and help him relax.

 

Chanyeol watched Baekhyun’s heavy breath become soft by minutes, and the crease in his forehead was gone. What seemed like a simple offer to let him have fun turn into something more. He could see Baekhyun’s hidden side and this simply became one of the most intimate moment between them although one of them was unconscious.

 

Baekhyun stirred in his sleep, burying his face for a few moments in his pillow before he emerged once again and his clouded gaze landed on his eyes.

 

“Hey,” Chanyeol said quietly.

 

Baekhyun blinked. “Are you going to stay?”

 

“I want to. I could sleep on your couch.”

 

Nodding, Baekhyun leaned more into Chanyeol’s touch. “Thank you for today, Chanyeol.”

 

“You deserve it,” he said, as his chest warmed. “I hope you have fun, sweetheart.” Chanyeol would take the chance to throw around the terms of endearment all he wanted tonight while Baekhyun was too wasted to protest.

 

“I did have fun.” Baekhyun was quiet for a moment before he continued. “About the second date you mentioned earlier… Will you come with me?”

 

Well, that surely caught him off guard, but it didn’t mean that he would refuse. “Of course, where would you like to go?”

 

“My hometown. My mother’s birthday is next week.”

 

Chanyeol froze, blinking once, twice. Did he hear his fiance right? He was confused as to where this was going. “You want me to come with you to meet your family?”

 

“Yes.”

 

Baekhyun’s gaze was unwavering, and it staggered Chanyeol. Somehow, he needed something to hold onto, so he held Baekhyun’s hand and squeezed it tight. He was silent for so long until he realized his drunk fiance was waiting for his response. “Alright, I think it’s best to talk about it later when you’re sober and not out of your head, babe.”

 

There was a hint of smile in Baekhyun’s face, like he was genuinely amused. “I want you to meet my family. And when I am sober later, I’ll still want you to meet my family.”

 

Baekhyun probably didn’t mean anything. This was nothing but an invitation to visit his parents’ house. Not for the reasons Chanyeol was thinking of. After all, they weren’t real couple, they weren’t real fiances. But for a moment, yes, Chanyeol would pretend that this was Baekhyun wanting him to meet his family, to introduce himself, since he himself would soon become a part of his family. So Chanyeol just smiled, caressing Baekhyun’s hand. “My pleasure, Baekhyun.”