Chapter 15: Retractions

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Baekhyun hated suits.

They were suffocating to wear, constantly reminding him that he was nothing more than just a prisoner of his own reality, but with his head held high, he walked into the hotel conference hall with a walk that meant business. His eyes never tore away from the man standing next to his father, laughing at something mundane and out of Baekhyun's own personal interest. Nonetheless, he smiled, greeting the both of them.

"Father," Baekhyun said, nodding to the older gentleman. The smile on his face was thin. "This is quite the venue. Couldn't have picked a more extravagant venue for a poor man's charity event."

"There's no need for you to be so critical today," his father replied, quick to shut down the evident tone of sarcasm Baekhyun made no attempt to cover. "Especially with all the press around."

"Right. How could I ever forget this is our first public appearance together." Cocking his head, he turned his smile over to Kris who was grinning back at him. His features were sharp and confident, something Baekhyun had always loved, yet it was off-putting in that moment. "I'm fine with standing on either side of you during the photo ops. I don't have any bad angles."

"No one knows that better than I do, honey." Kris laughed and s his arm around Baekhyun's waist in a smooth manner. It was surprising but Baekhyun wasn't fazed at all, and neither was his father. 

"It's good that you two still get along. It'll make for a more believable story for the press."

Baekhyun leaned against Kris' shoulder, cheek softly grazing on his arm. In turn, Kris rolled his eyes. "Everybody loves a good reunion story. Two exes getting back together? I'd buy into it."

Kris scoffed, but tightened his hold. "You're probably overselling it at this point."

"I'd be overselling it if I kissed you by the end of the night," Baekhyun retorted, smiling up at him. "But this isn't the place for that. The timing certainly wouldn't be right either."

Leaning in, Kris whispered in his ear. "You know how to play this game so well." Then, before pulling away, he smoothly placed a chaste kiss on the side of Baekhyun's cheek. "But all games aside, you've never looked better than you do tonight."

Grinning, Baekhyun raised both of his brows. "I could say the same thing about you." Lifting up a hand, he cupped the side of Kris' face. "If