Yixing drives fast through the dark trafficless night. A stark difference to the single looping thought he’s having: Junmyeon’s smile and ease throughout their dinner.

He even offered that Yixing stay the night and this makes Yixing smile even wider in the dim lights of his dashboard. Perhaps Junmyeon feels comfortable with him again but agreeing to the invitation would be too much for Yixing. He doesn’t know how much he can check himself with that proximity, or lack thereof, that they have throughout the night.

It was hard enough to contain himself during dinner. All he wanted to do was hold Junmyeon’s hand, hold him tight, and then kiss him senseless. 

He pauses by a red light with a deep sigh and rests his head for awhile. Yixing glances on his phone by the holder close to him. It’s open to Junmyeon’s last message.

Can you text me when you get home?

Yixing hasn’t replied because he knew Junmyeon hated it whenever he uses his phone during driving. He used to say,

“Even if it’s a red light and the car is in a complete stop, Xing. Call me before you go, call me when you arrive. No texts in between, okay?”

It was unreasonable for Yixing at first but it was a little sacrifice to respect his boyfriend’s wish. He was able to carry the habit even until now. His staff knew that they won’t be able to reach him if he’s driving.

Yixing enters the parking lot in a smooth turn and parks his car with ease. He exits his car and was just about to reply to Junmyeon’s message when his phone rings, showing Junmyeon’s name.

“Are you home already?”

The smile on Yixing’s face stretches out even more. It will probably hurt later on but it’s the kind of hurt he will welcome if it means he can hear Junmyeon’s voice again.

“Yes, I’ve just stepped out of my car.” Yixing then presses the lock button on his key to lock his car and let Junmyeon know he’s telling the truth.

“I thought you’ll arrive earlier.”

“Because I was driving the fast car? Someone asked me to drive safely, and I think they meant slower, so I that’s what I did.”

“You should thank them then. They probably mean well.” Junmyeon’s voice drops to a whisper.

“I was about to, but a call came in.”

“Well, I’m sorry for bothering you then. I just called to ask if you’ve arrived home safely.”

Yixing chuckles through the phone. It’s fun talking with Junmyeon like this again. He’s teasing him and Junmyeon reacts just like he always did. “I’m still outside but yes, I’ve arrived safely, Jun.”

“Okay, good night then.”

“Good night, Jun. Sweet dreams.”

“You too, Xing.”

Before he could say anything else, Junmyeon drops the call. He wanted to hold on a little longer, but at this point, the bunny might escape if he tries to hold tighter. If it’s possible, if the bunny wants it, Yixing would want for it to hop back to him on his own accord with little bits of carrots from him from time to time.

Yixing wants to spoil him, give him all the carrots in the world, but this particular bunny does not like that.

Yixing settles for a little prayer tonight, dream of happy things, love. Will you dream of me?

Junmyeon has been staring at the document papers for hours now like he wants to burn a hole in it. Baekhyun, the playful little evil that he is, takes a lighter and inches it close to the paper.

“Baekhyun, what are you doing?” Junmyeon exclaims in surprise. He’s gathered the papers before Baekhyun could light the lighter.

“I thought you wanted to burn it, boss. I was just giving you a hand.” He smiles with a twinkle in his eyes.

“No, I--”

“I know this is an advanced adult stuff, and I know you’re going to say that ‘it’s not that easy, Baekhyun’, but I think Yixing has thought a lot about this and he thought a lot about you.”

Junmyeon exhales long and hard. He rubs his palm on his closed eyes and releases a breath once again. “I know. I’ve thought a lot about it too.”

“And?”

Junmyeon sighs, “I should be preparing for the trip.”

“Say no more! Baekhyunnie is here for the store!” Baekhyun exclaims all too excitedly. 

“Just tell me how it went when you come back, hm?”

Junmyeon smiles fondly at Baekhyun.

+x+x+

Okay maybe this is not a good idea. Junmyeon paces by the streetlight across S Mall. This, Junmyeon believes is one of the reasons why he’s not eligible to inherit his father’s mall, his empire and legacy. Well, he’s about to sign it out now anyway. Junmyeon exhales loudly and braves entering the humongous mall.

Junmyeon remembers where the offices are, he just hopes that they haven't changed it with the many renovations that have happened after he left. He saw more stores but wasn’t able to linger on.

He finds that the offices are where they used to be but the woman by the front desk has changed. But of course it has, with Joohyun’s intelligence and resourcefulness, she should be a CEO herself. But Junmyeon wouldn’t have known since they too haven’t spoken since he left.

“Good morning, sir. May I know if you have an appointment?” The young lady asks.

Junmyeon scratches his head a bit, “Oh, about that, I don’t have one.”

“May I know who you are looking for so I may check if they are inside?”

“I’m here for Zhang Yixing.”

The lady by the desk kindly smiles and Junmyeon can almost predict what she’s about to say. “I’m sorry but Mr. Zhang’s schedule is packed right now. Would you like me to call his secretary instead.”

Did he think Yixing’s schedule will clear away just because he decided to show up? Junmyeon scolds himself. He shakes his head and bows in farewell. He was about to go home and snuggle with Lay when he hears someone calling him.

“Junmyeon?” 

He turns back and smiles wide upon seeing a friend.

“It is you! I thought I heard your voice.”

“It’s been a long time Joohyun.”

“What are you doing here?”

“I was gonna see Yixing but I heard his schedule was packed.”

Joohyun turns at their receptionist, hands on her waist. “Chaeyoung, did you ask for our visitor’s name?” She asks in a calm voice, which makes it scarier for the receptionist.

Chaeyoung fumbles for a bit. Junmyeon finds the scenario quite endearing and nostalgic. It’s a good thing that Joohyun has her back on him so he can silently help the receptionist.

Kim Junmyeon, he lip syncs to Chaeyoung. 

“His name is Kim Junmyeon, ma’am!”

Joohyun stares a little longer.

“Kim Jun…” it dawns on the receptionist a beat too late. “Oh my god he’s Kim Junmyeon the son of the late CEO!”

Joohyun exhaled loudly. “Everyone will make time for Kim Junmyeon.”

“That’s not true, Joohyun. I’m no one in here.” Junmyeon said in embarrassment.

“Say what you want, Jun. But we both know Yixing will make time for you. Come, I’ll you to his office.”

The nervousness settles again in Junmyeon’s stomach. He tries to quell it by making small talk. “Shouldn’t you have your own mall now, Joohyun?”

“Ha!” The beautiful lady laughed once. “You can try kicking me out of here once you agree to taking your seat, Junmyeon.”

“Joohyun, I-” But Junmyeon wasn’t able to continue.

Joohyun offered a friendly smile. “I know, I know, Junmyeon. I like it here. I have no plans of leaving… yet.” She smirked and faced another employee. “Hi, Jongin. I’m here to see Mr. Zhang. Can you tell him I’m with Junmyeon?”

The young employee bowed at them and smiled handsomely at Junmyeon. “I’m Kim Jongin, sir Junmyeon.” And then, he offered his hand which Junmyeon politely took. “He’s been waiting for you, sir.”

That took Junmyeon by surprise. When he looked at Joohyun, she was sending him an I told you so look.

The office almost did not change. It has gotten wider but almost all of the furniture stayed the same. The cabinet that once housed multitude of books, now filled with trophies, plaques and certificates. The S Mall has really come a long way.

“Well,” Joohyun clapped her hands once. “I will take my leave. I’ll see you soon, Junmyeon! Bye, boss!” She waved to the two men.

“Junmyeon, you’re here!” Yixing exclaimed. He was wearing his glasses, reading over documents when they entered. He took off the glasses and immediately stood up to greet him.

“I am.” Junmyeon stands awkwardly in the middle of the office. “I, uh, told you I’ll bring the documents over whenever I decide.”

Yixng turned somber, probably thinking the worst of Junmyeon’s decision. Junmyeon was about to share his positive response when they were disrupted.

They hear a commotion outside until four people scramble inside.

“I said Zhang Yixing will see me!” A familiar face talks down to the other three: Jongin, Chaeyoung, and a young man.

Jongin immediately speaks, “I’m sorry, Mr. Zhang. Mrs. Kang insisted that she see you.”

“I informed her that you have a meeting at the moment.” The wide eyed Chaeyoung defends herself.

“It’s my fault, Mr. Zhang. I made a mistake.” The other young man said.

“Sungjae, right? Tell me what happened.” Yixing calmly addressed the young man.

“Mrs. Kang is a good patron in our shop, sir. I think it was just a little misunderstanding on my part.” Sungjae explains, trying to completely take all the blame. 

“Yixing, my dear,” Mrs. Kang comes a little too close to Yixing and places her palm on his shoulder, “I don’t blame you, but how could you have such rude people manning your stores? It will drive good patrons such as myself away if this continues.”

Yixing smiles politely at Mrs. Kang. “I’m sure Sungjae did not mean to insult you. He’s been a model employee ever since he started. Would you like to tell me what happened?”

“Well, he told you that I’m a patron. I was looking around, trying their new pearls. You know how I love my pearls.” Mrs. Kang looks around, touching her rings, bracelets, and the variety of pearls on her podgy neck. “It’s not my fault… I would never!” She walks closer to Yixing and slides her hand down to his arm. “The audacity to accuse me! I demand that this boy be fired!”

Junmyeon already has an idea and he’s sure that Yixing knows it as well.

Yixing steps back from Mrs. Kang’s touch and nods, “I see. We can settle it after Junmyeon and I are done here.”

“It’s okay, Yixing. I can just go now.”

“Junmyeon? Kim Junmyeon?” Mrs. Kang turns to him and looks at him from feet to head, an eyebrow raised. And then she scoffed.

Junmyeon slightly bowed to their longtime customer. And then turns to Yixing. “It’s okay, Yixing. I should go now.” 

Mrs. Kang was still looking at him with calculative eyes.

“We’re not done, Jun. We need to talk.” Yixing paused for a second before walking close to him. With a sigh and almost a whisper, he said, “I’m sorry you have to see this. Don’t go, I’ll fix this.”

Junmyeon smiles and nods quietly at Yixing. “Sure, I’ll be here.”

“Thank you.” With a dimpled smile, Yixing turns and proceeds to settle the matters of Mrs. Kang. “Madam Kang, Sungae here is one of our best employees. I’m sorry if he has offended you with his actions. If you want, we can go back to the store and watch the CCTV footage. That way, we’ll be able to-”

“What!? There’s no need for CCTV footage! I already told you, he accused me! And he disgraced me! If this is how you will run this mall, Yixing, I doubt there will be any customers left!” Mrs. Kang is livid and turning red all over.

“With all due respect, madam, if I fire Sungjae without at least hearing and checking his side, I will lose my staff. Who will attend to my customers then?”

Mrs. Kang’s finger and hand quivers as she points to Yixing. She opens and closes her lips but no sound comes out.

Yixing continues, “As I suggested, we can settle this once we review the CCTV footage, or” And then he adds, “we‘ll apologize to you, give you a discount on your next purchase, and this will serve as the first warning to our staff.”

Yixing proposed with finality, respectful but authoritative at the same time. It sent shivers down Junmyeon’s arms.

Mrs. Kang blows out a harsh breath and retracts her finger. She crosses her arm and raises her chin. “Well then, start apologizing.”

Yixing beckons Sungjae to come closer to them. The young employee’s face is filled with worry but Yixing placed a hand on his shoulder.

Together, they bowed low to Mrs. Kang.

They were all taken aback by Yixing’s action, expecting only Sungjae to show a humble gesture. Sungjae stuttered at first when he realized that he had to pull himself together to save Mr. Zhang further embarrassment, he was able to say his apologies.

Mrs. Kang turned around without saying anything and left.

Sungjae immediately turned to his boss and bowed. “I deeply apologize, Mr. Zhang.”

“Stand up, Sungjae.” Yixing patted him again on the shoulder. “What you did was brave. You shouldn’t have to apologize for it. For that, I’m sorry.”

Sungjae shakes his head, “It wasn’t your fault, Mr. Yixing. Thank you for saving me.”

Yixing nods. Almost in sync, everyone left in the room let out a breath.

“You can all go back to your posts now.” Yixing said to his employees.

After Jongin bowed and closed the door to his office, Yixing sighed and his shoulders dropped. With a dejected look, he turned to Junmyeon. “Not a good day to convince you to take the job, huh?”

At that, Junmyeon laughed softly. “No one could have handled that better than you. That is the perfect example why I shouldn’t take the company, Xing.”

Yixing hung his head low and collapsed to the nearest couch. Junmyeon looks at him apologetically.

“Look, Xing.” He was so close to touching Yixing’s head and offered a pat. But Junmyeon hesitated. “I’m not declining the company to punish you. We both know the company is in better hands if you have it. Besides, I’m already agreeing to being part of the board.”

Yixing snaps his head to look at Junmyeon and immediately holds both of his hands. “You are?”

Junmyeon nods with a smile that makes his eyes disappear.

“That’s great news, Junmyeon! This calls for a celebration. Come on, I’ll tour you around the mall. A lot has been improved. Welcome to the company!”

It was a while before Junmyeon was able to reel back from the sudden burst of energy that Yixing exuded. He wasn’t able to say no to the tour.

The mall really grew and improved a lot. New stores have been established and the flow of customers has been stable according to Yixing.

“I didn’t know Mrs. Kang still shops here.” Junmyeon notes lightly.

“Every week, and she never fails to visit the office. One way or another.”

“You sound like...”

Yixing stops in his steps and waits for Junmyeon to continue. But Junmyeon just shook his head. “Nothing.”

“Are you… jealous? Of Mrs. Kang?” There’s a hint of amusement in Yixing’s question.

Junmyeon snorts. “Oh please. I know you’re type, Yixing.”

Yixing skips a step and walks closely to Junmyeon until he lightly bumps on his back. “Yeah, you do.” he whispered close to a surprised Junmyeon. “I’m not sure if you heard the news before but you will love the next wing.” He continued, as if he hadn’t caused Junmyeon’s heart to stutter just moments ago. Yixing’s dimple has been present the whole time they were going around the mall. Junmyeon couldn’t help but mirror his happiness.

They arrive at a wide lobby that opens to a variety of stores. And true to Yixing’s words, Junmyeon loves it.

“It’s an entire wing dedicated for pets. We both know how much you advocate for animals so your father decided to have an entire wing for it.” They walk through the lobby and pass by different stores. Pets are free to walk and sprawl on the hallway. “Pet supplies. We even have vet clinics that are open twenty four seven. Those two have access outside. But instead of a pet store, I was able to convince them to have a pet adoption center instead. Come, I’ll introduce you to one of our vets.”

Junmyeon was speechless to say the least. He is still looking around, heart filling with love and happiness. They enter the pet adoption center when Yixing introduces him.

“Junmyeon, this is Chanyeol. He’s one of our most dedicated vets.” Yixing introduced him to the tall doctor with curly brown hair and bright eyes. “Chanyeol, this is Kim Junmyeon.”

The tall veterinarian’s eyes grew big and then he bowed low. “It’s good to finally meet you Sir Kim Junmyeon! Park Chanyeol, in your service!”

Junmyeon giggled at Chanyeol’s energy. “You don’t have to call me sir, Chanyeol. And I’m glad to meet you too.”

“Mr. Zhang told me you are the reason we have everything in here, sir Junmyeon. Thank you so much!”

“I did nothing, really.”

“Don’t be too humble, Jun.” Yixing interects. “Your father admired you when you decided to pursue your own path. It took him some time, but he eventually did. That’s why he made this possible. He understood what you were standing up for.”

Junmyeon sighed. It was a little sad that they hadn’t had the time to reconnect. But he was also comforted by the thought that his father had not resented him.

Yixing sees the change in Junmyeon’s mood and is quick to divert it. “By the way, Chanyeol, Jun has a small animal shelter in his area.”

“That’s so cool! Tell me more, sir Junmyeon.”

Junmyeon shyly says, “It’s rather small. I can’t keep more because I have no registered vets yet. But I’m finally pursuing classes and aiming to graduate in two years.”

“I volunteer!” Chanyeol bolts a hand up. “I can go there during my days off here so you can register the shelter with me as the vet!”

“That’s really sweet of you, Chanyeol. But I can’t ask you to do that. You have to rest during your days off.”

“But you’re not asking, sir Junmyeon. I’m volunteering.” Chanyeol looks at him with convincing eyes and a cute pout. “Oh! I have an idea! Mr. Zhang, who are you taking to Jongin’s party?”

“None, why?” Yixing answers and asks confusedly.

“Why not bring sir Junmyeon. And then we can propose the idea to have the donation for sir Junmyeon’s shelter!”

Yixing silently turned to Junmyeon, smiled at him, and then raised his eyebrows in question.

“I--” Yunmyeon stutters.

This makes Yixing snicker, “It’s okay, Jun. You don’t have to say the answer right now. But just so we’re clear, Jongin always holds his birthday party to raise funds for animal shelters around the country. You’re not taking anything. It’s for the animals who need help.” Yixing calmly informs him.

Junmyeon releases a breath. It’s good to be surrounded by people full of love and compassion. He feels safe.