I'm really hoping everyone is staying home and having a good time.

I'm here if anyone needs to talk ~

Enjoy this chapter and tell me what you think :3

- K.

Next week's update will be a double update, watch out for that ! :3

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Minseok picked up Jongdae in the late evening. The fashion student quickly finished his light peach make-up and took his nicely wrapped gift from the kitchen table, quickly going to hug Baekhyun goodbye. The boy seemed to be a bit down for the whole day but wouldn’t really talk to Jongdae who decided to give him some space and simply made him some tea and put a movie on the TV so Baekhyun could focus on something else than his thoughts. It was strange to leave him in this unusual state, so Jongdae took his time, embracing his friend in a tight hug,

 

“Have fun and don’t do anything stupid,” he smiled to him, ruffling his hair lightly. “I’m gonna be back after midnight but I have my keys, so don’t worry about me. Okay?”

 

“We're adults, Jongdae, it's alright. Go and have fun with your boyfriend, you deserve it.” he smiled softly, slightly pushing him towards the door. The blonde smiled at him and nodded, walking up to Minseok, who was patiently waiting for him at the door.

 

"Ready?"

 

"Yes. Off we go, take care of yourself, Baekhyun!" Both boys waved to him and went out, running down the stairs, leaving Baekhyun alone in the flat.

 

Baekhyun looked around him, the flat silent except for the TV still playing in the background. It felt weird being here alone, even weirder feeling so bad for something he couldn’t understand. Baekhyun hated himself for feeling so down because of someone like Chanyeol. It didn’t make sense and if at first it pissed him off, now he was just trying to understand why his actions impacted him so much. He sighed, turning off the TV and going back in his bedroom. He put on some music, loud enough so he wouldn’t be able to hear his thoughts — being alone with them was too much already. He picked up a palette knife, a brush that he put behind his ear, his palette and he started painting, pouring his feelings onto the canvas, pushing his frustration away with the of the brush in his hand.

 

He painted for about two hours. The same playlist was playing over and over again in the background, and his phone chiming from time to time with a new text message coming from Jongdae. His best friend was having the time of his life at Park Chanyeol’s birthday party and Baekhyun wondered a few times if he should actually say something to him. He was about to pick a new color when his phone chimed again and he picked up a cloth to wipe his hands before grabbing the device. He sighed, sitting back against his stool and after writing and erasing the same text over and over again, he just went for it.

 

From Baekhyun: happy birthday. one more step closer to the nursing home. enjoy your life while you still can, someday you won’t even be able to use those hands of yours anymore.

 

From PCYuck: thank you!!

 

 

Baekhyun wouldn’t say he was disappointed, but the answer felt so basic and impersonal that he felt his heart drop one more time. He wouldn’t admit this to anyone, not even to himself, but Park Chanyeol was making him feel things, and if hate was the best word he could find, the student wasn’t sure it was actually appropriate. He put his phone down and went back to his painting, not answering the man.

 

Another reply came about an hour later, pulling Baekhyun out of deep thought.

 

 

From PCYuck: waht about my hnads you lil hateful bivch

 

He looked at the text for a minute, biting down his lip.

 

 

From Baekhyun: i was talking about your designing work, obviously. where did your mind wander?

 

From Baekhyun: btw, shouldn’t be drinking if you can’t handle it.

 

 

Wasn’t that funny, when two months ago Park Chanyeol had been the one calling Baekhyun and Jongdae a taxi to get home safely.

 

 

From PCYuck: I CAN HANDLE IT I'M JUST HABING FUN DOES THAT RIUN YOU LIEF TOO

 

 

He raised an eyebrow. He had never really seen Park Chanyeol lose his composure, this was gold.

 

 

From PCYuck: obviously

 

From PCYuck: you're awful, don't bull me with the wrok thing

 

From Baekhyun: everything you’re a part of ruins my life

 

From Baekhyun: what are you gonna do if i keep bullting you? punish me?

 

 

He was probably going too far, but he needed it.

 

 

From PCYuck: WHY would you even say that

 

From PCYuck: yeah, starting from the gag to keep your hoe mouth quiet

 

From Baekhyun: why wouldn’t i?

 

From Baekhyun: oh so now i’m a hoe?

 

From Baekhyun: you can’t even handle me in your everyday life and you think you could do that in bed

 

From Baekhyun: that’s funny

 

From PCYuck: baby

 

From PCYuck: i really doubt you'd be as hard to handle as you claim to be

 

From PCYuck: right now you're mostly annoying because talking to you is my work and you're making it difficult

 

From Baekhyun: if it’s that bad why are you texting me?

 

From PCYuck: i could literally ask you the same question

 

From Baekhyun: you’re the one who texted me for no reason

 

From PCYuck: you wrote the thing about my hands

 

From PCYuck: btw you tried so hard yesterday it was cute

 

 

Baekhyun’s heart missed a beat.

 

 

From Baekhyun: i was wishing you a happy birthday

 

From Baekhyun: it was funny how you had no idea what to say.

 

From PCYuck: if you were just wishing me a happy birthday you wouldn't say the hands stuff

 

From PCYuck: i chose not to say what i had in mind and that's a different story

 

From Baekhyun: oh sorry old man, would have preferred for me to be cold and impersonal? here you go; happy birthday.

 

From Baekhyun: really? why is that? and what did you have in mind then?

 

From PCYuck: i would have preferred you to not be a provocative little and let me live in peace

 

From PCYuck: these are very good questions that i'm choosing not to answer

 

From Baekhyun: sorry for being well educated and wishing you a happy birthday, next time i’ll just keep my mouth shut.

 

From Baekhyun: or are you gonna find something to say about this too?

 

From Baekhyun: too embarrassed to answer them?

 

From PCYuck: you know exactly what i mean, kid

 

From Baekhyun: im not a kid old man

 

From PCYuck: you're 20 and you're acting like one

 

From PCYuck: no, i just don't feel like i should explain myself to you of all people

 

From Baekhyun: just getting on your level

 

From Baekhyun: right, it's not because you don’t know what to say at all, of course

 

From PCYuck: stop trying to use weird psychology on me, it's not gonna work

 

From PCYuck: do you want to come here and have a drink or something and stop being awful to nice people on their birthday

 

From Baekhyun: i’m not using on you

 

From Baekhyun: do i want to come to your birthday party and have a drink with you?

 

From Baekhyun: let me think about this pickle

 

 

Yes, he thought, and he stopped writing for a few seconds, the ‘no’ still waiting to be sent.

 

 

From PCYuck: idk the bar is open and if it makes you stop writing to me then whatever, really

 

From PCYuck: just don't give me too much death glares so my friends don't get weird ideas again

 

From Baekhyun: if the idea is that i wish you were dead then they’re right

 

 

Baekhyun sighed. The man was inviting him to make him keep his mouth shut, how great was that.

 

 

 From PCYuck: they ask me an entirely different question, i'm afraid

 

From Baekhyun: what question then?

 

From PCYuck: it's not for kids, darling

 

From Baekhyun: still don’t like pet names

 

 

Baekhyun was already looking through his wardrobe for something to wear. He couldn’t take an hour to get ready, but he definitely had to take a shower, his face and hands were still covered with dried paint. Chanyeol texted him the address of the club in the meantime, adding a whatever at the end.

 

 

From PCYuck: what a shame

 

From Baekhyun: is it?

 

From PCYuck: do you ever shut up

 

From Baekhyun: only when someone makes me

 

From PCYuck: then come here

 

From Baekhyun: confident that you could do that?

 

 

He hopped in the shower quickly, cleaning himself from paint and getting out barely ten minutes later. He had to do something quick with his hair, so he just let it dry on its own while he put on a pair of skinny jeans and a white shirt and quickly brushed it after. Simple but classy was his go-to look when he didn’t know how to dress. Putting on his shoes, he realized what he was doing and he stopped to think about it for a minute. He couldn’t stop himself from leaving though, not when he had been feeling so bad because of Park Chanyeol. He hopped in a cab — that he would probably regret the next day because it was way too expensive, but he couldn’t get himself to care right now — and gave them the address of the club, fidgeting in his seat.

 

He arrived in front of a small club at 11 PM. It was late and most of the people he saw smoking outside were already quite drunk. Loud music filled his ears when he stepped inside the cozy club. The walls inside were covered in seemingly random pictures from top to bottom, covered only partly by simple tables and comfortable chairs around. There was an improvised dance floor on one side and Baekhyun was sure he saw Jongdae there, dancing with Minseok, Yongsun and Wheein. There were a lot of people inside and he couldn’t recognize many faces apart from the office team and his very own best friend.

 

He wasn’t sure where he should go, wasn’t even sure if this was a good idea, but he walked through the crowd until he was at the bar, ordering himself a drink to get some more courage. Having drunk half of it, he finally caught a glimpse of the tall man, his head sticking above the crowd. Chanyeol looked happy and relaxed, talking to a group of people, all of them laughing at someone’s joke. The composed and calm Chanyeol he knew looked in his element with a drink in his hand, talking, laughing and maneuvering through the crowd, greeting everyone. He wondered if he should go there, and how he should start the conversation. There were so many people and he was supposed to hate the guy. Why was he even there?

 

 

From Baekhyun: that’s a lot of friends you have here

 

From Baekhyun: how come they don’t see how awful you are?

 

 

He saw the man check his phone and smirking at the message. He blinked then, his eyes widening slightly.

 

 

From PCYuck: they have some taste unlike a certain brat that i know

 

From PCYuck: wait you're actually here

 

From Baekhyun: keep telling that to yourself, Mr Park.

 

From Baekhyun: the bar is open, and i wanted to have a drink.

 

From PCYuck: just admit that you wanted to see me

 

From Baekhyun: it’s beautiful how you still have hope at your age

 

 

Chanyeol stood up on his toes looking around the club and he smiled when he noticed Baekhyun. He excused himself and came up to the boy. He was looking a bit different than usual, a perfectly fitted black shirt buttoned up and decorated with a small chain connecting the tips of the pressed collar.

 

 

"Hello, Mr. Byun," he raised an eyebrow, sitting on the bar stool next to the boy. His cheeks were pink and his words a little bit slurred. "I was 95 percent sure you wouldn't come, what happened?"

 

“It just shows how little you know me, sir.” Baekhyun took a sip, looking up at him. “Just wanted to have a drink.” he showed him the glass in his hand.

 

"So, a promise of a free drink is enough to follow my instructions?" Chanyeol asked, smiling playfully. He was tipsy and far from the one Baekhyun saw yesterday.

 

“Who said I wanted a free drink from you? Those are the wonders of being an adult, I can buy myself all the drinks I want.”

 

"I'm the one who paid for this one, darling," the man tilted his head, his eyes on Baekhyun. "So I kinda think you wanted that from me."

 

“Oh, Mr. Park, I don’t want anything from you.”

 

"Then why are you here?"

 

“You know, just checking the bar, making sure Jongdae’s okay,” he looked at Chanyeol, “wishing you a happy birthday.”

 

"Oh, are you?" Chanyeol smiled wickedly, his fingers lightly brushing Baekhyun's knee. "So where is my birthday present?"

 

“I am,” he finished his drink, put the glass down and glanced at his fingers for a second before looking up at the man’s face. “You know I’m not a good kid, I didn’t bring you any.”

 

"I'm disappointed. You're a kid but a clever one at that, so…"

 

“Well, my mere presence is a gift, don’t you know that by now, Mr. Park?” he asked for another drink, breathing slowly with every brush of his fingers against his knee.

 

"Make it be a gift, darling," Chanyeol looked him in the eye, a smirk on his lips. Baekhyun wished he could say it was the alcohol’s fault, but everything he was doing, he did on purpose.

 

“And how do you suggest I do that, sir?” he slid his tongue between his lips, his eyes never leaving Chanyeol’s.

 

"I'm sure you're creative enough to come up with something yourself." he drank a bit more and turned to him.

 

“Maybe you just don’t deserve any gift,” he smirked a little.

 

"That's plain rude, it's my birthday." The man pouted, the tips of his fingers still touching the boy’s knee. Baekhyun’s eyes fell on the man’s lips and he suddenly felt his body moving towards Chanyeol as he stood up.

 

“Yeah, true… What could I possibly give to an old man for his birthday…?” he looked into his eyes, taking a step closer.

 

"What can an old man like me possibly wish for?" Chanyeol asked in a whisper, slightly leaning towards him. There wasn't any good end to this conversation and they both realized that.

 

“I really wonder…” They were looking into each other's eyes and Baekhyun was about to give up and just go for it, but he took a deep breath, straightened up and gave him one last look. “Just come with me, sir.” he drank the last of his third drink and left for the bathroom without one last glance behind. The man left his empty glass on the counter and followed the boy, holding back a smile when he realized where they were going. He entered the bathroom. It was quiet and there was no one there besides Baekhyun, who stood there leaning back on the wall covered in white tiles.

 

"I'm interested," Chanyeol purred, standing next to the boy and leaning back as well, his shoulder on the cool wall. "What is it, darling?" Baekhyun looked at him, his eyes dark and his heart beating fast. This was a huge mistake, he knew it. It didn’t stop him.

 

“Happy birthday,” he said, his hand finding its way on Chanyeol’s nape and pulling him down so their lips would meet in a passionate kiss. He felt the man smiling into it and immediately kissing him back as he wrapped an arm around his waist, pulling him closer. His lips were soft and they tasted of fruit, alcohol and something that to Baekhyun felt so very him. He instinctively deepened the kiss. Baekhyun barely had time to catch a breath before Chanyeol kissed him again with his arm still around his waist, the free hand loosely tangled in his soft hair. It all happened so quickly none of them realized how little time it took Baekhyun to lose his self-control. His fingers were already running through Chanyeol’s hair and he let the man claim his lips, in his mouth and pulling him closer and closer. At this very moment, he pushed his hard feelings for Chanyeol at the back of his mind and all he could think about was how good this felt. How normal. How natural. And most of all, how incredible it was to finally kiss him. His body reacted as if it was awaiting this, welcoming the kiss happily and reacting to every move of Chanyeol’s tongue, exploring his mouth. After a few minutes or so, Baekhyun was pushed against the wall and all his senses went into overdrive. All he could hear, taste, feel was Chanyeol. Chanyeol. Nothing else but Chanyeol.

 

When the man finally broke the kiss and Baekhyun felt his warm lips on his neck, his own lips were already reddened and cheeks flushed. The sensations were so intense that it was hard for him to focus and he felt a wave of heat going through his body when he noticed that Chanyeol was equally flustered and immersed into the kisses and touches, his hand slowly sliding down on his and squeezing it lightly.

 

"Damn," he murmured between Baekhyun's lips, kissing him hungrily again. Baekhyun looked like a mess, his hands gripping at Chanyeol in every way possible. He moaned again, shamelessly, his lips glistening and his eyes needy.

 

Moonbyul was looking for Chanyeol for about 10 minutes already when she decided to check the bathroom. The man had disappeared from their group of friends and none of them was able to tell her where he was, and if she trusted the guy enough to know he wouldn’t do anything stupid, she still was worried, wondering where he possibly could be. She ran through the bar, looking for the tall guy everywhere, and when she did not find him through the crowd, she walked towards the bathroom. It seemed like there was no one at first, until she made her way in. Baekhyun and Chanyeol were making out without a care in the world, Chanyeol’s hands all over the student's body, and Baekhyun whimpering softly and asking for more.

 

Baekhyun heard the small creaking sound and the music getting louder and opened his eyes just in time to see the surprised look on her face. The girl blinked, quietly closing the door and Chanyeol lazily lifted his head. His eyes widened when he saw the door closing.

 

"Oh, ."

 

“Moonbyul,” Baekhyun said, his eyes dark. It was difficult to take him seriously when he looked like such a sin. Chanyeol sighed, placing his hands on Baekhyun’s shoulders.

 

“She’s not gonna let me live for the rest of my life,” he murmured, glancing at Baekhyun, uncertain.

 

Baekhyun was lost. He had no idea how he was supposed to carry on with his life after this. This was Chanyeol, and after claiming that he hated the guy so much, there was no good explanation for what just happened. He wanted to get out of here. Run away and never see him again. He also wanted Chanyeol to kiss him again.

 

“You probably deserve it.” he answered, his voice the same as usual, bratty, sassy, annoying.

 

“So even that’s not enough to shut that dirty mouth of yours?” the man asked. He seemed uncertain, not really sure what to do now, when the heat of the moment was gone, leaving their hair disheveled, lips reddened, eyes glimmering with excitement.

 

“You should know by now that you will never be able to shut me up, Mr. Park.” Yeah, Baekhyun thought, acting as if nothing had changed was the best option. Because nothing had changed, right? He was still bratty student Byun Baekhyun, and this was still condescending old jerk Park Chanyeol. He still hated his guts, and Chanyeol still did not care about him.

 

Chanyeol smiled weakly, shaking his head.

 

“My bad, Mr. Byun,” he said quietly. They looked into each other’s eyes for a moment before the man leaned down to kiss Baekhyun again one more time. He left, before the boy could even react properly, leaving him with his back on the cold tiled wall and his cheeks almost burning. The student stayed there for a few minutes, trying to put his thoughts in order and to look decent. He took a deep breath before leaving the bathroom, and after watching Park Chanyeol from afar for a few seconds, he decided it was probably best to leave. What good would there be if he stayed?

 

“Baekhyun!” he suddenly felt a hand dropping on his shoulder and turned around to see his happy and tipsy best friend. “What the hell are you doing here?” Baekhyun had no time to think of any proper excuse, his eyes were already looking straight into Jongdae’s, and behind him he could see Moonbyul, a smirk on her lips, winking at him.

 

“I just… wanted a drink. And I figured I’d just come by and see if everything was okay with you,” he said quickly, avoiding the girl’s eyes. ”Is everything okay?”

 

“Of course it is.” Jongdae suddenly furrowed his eyebrows, when he connected the dots. “How did you even know where to go?”

 

“I heard them talk about it at the office,” he blinked, and looked at Jongdae again, “are you getting along with Minseok’s friends?”

 

“And you came for free drinks? You’re awful,” his friend shook his head. “Yeah, I do! They’re really cool and I think I’m gonna be dying tomorrow, we’ve been dancing for three hours now…” he whined and Baekhyun caught sight of Chanyeol standing next to Moonbyul. He looked quite normal again, just a little disoriented. He whispered something to his friend, a surprised expression on his face when the girl pointed to Baekhyun and their eyes met. Baekhyun looked away, trying to ignore him and pull his attention back to his friend.

 

“Maybe you should take a seat for a few minutes then, I’m sure you’ll find something else to do with Minseok while sitting.”

 

“Helpful as always,” Jongdae eyed Baekhyun with a worried expression. “We’ll talk in the morning, okay? You’re weird lately.”

 

“I’m just tired, don’t worry about me,” he gave him a small smile, “I’ll leave you now, see you tomorrow?”

 

“Yeah… see you,” the blonde look unconvinced but hugged him goodbye, watching him going out of the club and went back to look for Minseok.

 

-*:.-*-.:*-

 

It was around 11 AM when Baekhyun’s phone chimed and he looked up from his computer to look at the other device.

 

From PCYuck: hi! thank you for the birthday gift. it was amazing. and thanks for coming??

 

He wondered if he should even answer, but he had decided that he should be the same. Nothing had changed and there was no reason to make the man think otherwise.

 

From Baekhyun: i’ve always been good at giving gifts.

 

From Baekhyun: thanks for the free drinks.

 

He still regretted it as soon as he hit send but there was nothing more he could do. Baekhyun wanted to forget everything. Forget how stupid he had been and how good it felt to be that dumb. He wanted to forget the lips on his neck, the hands on his body. He drowned himself in his work, looking for inspiration on the Internet and ignoring every single voice in his head reminding him about Chanyeol. He tried to forget how this project was about him too, as he painted the skin, as he painted the ropes. Baekhyun muted his thoughts with loud music, focusing on the canvas, and finally thinking that not seeing Chanyeol for about three weeks was a good thing — how was he even supposed to look him in the eye?

 

He worked, a lot. Enough for Jongdae to be even more worried and he was, trying his best to take care of his friend, even if he wouldn’t tell him what was going on. But Baekhyun was proud of himself when he finally submitted his piece on December 10, Chanyeol was — almost completely — out of his mind.

 

Despite that, they were still working together, and three days later, just two days before the set deadline, Chanyeol called him to ask about the progress, just as he promised. There wasn’t as much confidence in his voice as there usually was, but he tried his best to make it sound neutral. The conversation went well with no inappropriate comments from either party.

 

“Okay. I think this might be all. I expect to get the finished pieces on Tuesday, then,” Chanyeol cleared his throat. “And, uh… The girls from the office say hi. They miss you.”

 

“I’ll come by on Tuesday, I… miss them too.” he ran his fingers through his hair.

 

“Oh. Okay, of course,” the man seemed a bit perplexed. “They are… They’re gonna be happy to hear that.”

 

“Well…” he cleared his throat, “goodbye then?”

 

“Um, yeah. See you around, I guess,” the boy heard Chanyeol take a breath. “Bye, Baekhyun.”

 

Baekhyun felt his heart miss a beat as he heard Chanyeol calling him by his name. It was the first time and for some reason he could feel it in his entire body. He heard the sound of an ended call right after, leaving him perplexed, with his phone still by his ear.

 

-*:.-*-.:*-

 

Baekhyun was not sure how to act properly once he entered the office. Sure, they had been talking on the phone, but it was different from seeing him. He took a deep breath as he walked in, and he greeted the girls.

 

“Baekhyunnie!” Yongsunnie exclaimed, standing up and quickly walking up to him.

 

Wheein came out of her booth when she heard them and joined her friend by his side.

 

“Hi, baby! How are you? We haven’t seen you for so long here!”

 

“Yeah, I got busy with school and the exhibit you know…”

 

“How is it going, the exhibit?” Moonbyul asked, standing in front of Chanyeol’s door.

 

“I submitted it, I can only wait now,” he smiled, his heart still beating too fast knowing Chanyeol was here.

 

∆Office∆

 

yeollie: can you talk to him without me

 

byulie: he’s your boyfriend though

 

yeollie: stop it he's not

 

byullie: seemed like it with your tongue down his throat

 

yeollie: oh you

 

"Fingers crossed! But Yeol told us you were recommended so I think they can't really say no to you?" Wheein smiled at him, turning the coffee machine on. "Sit with us, I'll make you a coffee."

 

“I probably shouldn’t, I have work to do you know, for school…”

 

“Right,” Moonbyul smiled to him, “Work.”

 

 

byullie: your hubby is definitely avoiding you too

 

yeollie: maybe because he hates me and the feeling is mutual

 

byullie: hate

 

byullie: lmfao

 

byullie: not denying he’s your husband i see

 

yeollie: i'm working you

 

byullie: working or touching yourself?

 

yeollie: working, i'm not you

 

hyejinnie: what

 

"Oh, it's just a coffee!" Wheein pouted. "And we missed you!"

 

“Don’t go just now, please?” Yongsun asked, pouting as well. “We haven’t hung out in so long.”

 

“Yeah, stay, Baekhyun, I’m sure Chanyeol really wants to see you,” Moonbyul added with a smirk, happily watching Baekhyun’s face fall. Wheein gave her a look and smiled to Baekhyun, placing his mug by an empty chair and taking another one to Chanyeol's booth. Baekhyun watched her go, now knowing for sure that he was behind the door.

 

"I made you some coffee. Will you join us?" Moonbyul scoffed and Chanyeol grumbled something in response. "You can't just sit here forever, you know?"

 

"Yeah, I'll come in a minute," Baekhyun heard Chanyeol sigh.

 

" for coffee," Wheein explained, shrugging and sitting on her usual place by the table. Moonbyul sat down as well, Yongsun by her side and eyed Chanyeol’s door, waiting for him to come out. Baekhyun took a sip, wanting to disappear.

 

“I really shouldn’t be here… I kept working on the Seoul Gallery project and this one, so I have a lot to do for my classes…” it wasn’t a lie per se, it just wasn’t the reason he wanted to leave.

 

“Will we be able to see your project for the exhibit?” Yongsun asked, smiling brightly, “I definitely wanna come to the exhibit if you’re accepted!” Moonbyul nodded, smiling sincerely.

 

"Yeah, we're all gonna go!"

 

“Ha, thank you,” he answered, smiling sheepishly. He definitely had the best team someone could dream of. Well, except for Park Chanyeol.

 

byullie: you dead or what?

 

byullie: need the kid to come and kiss you back to life?

 

byullie: wait i’ll ask him

 

yeollie: i hate you don't say anything to him please

 

byullie: then move your and come here

 

"Is it the first time your work is gonna be displayed? This is seriously so cool!" Wheein said excitedly, organizing her papers in a large pile.

 

“Yeah, it really is a big deal… I wish I can get in… it was really nice of Professor Do to give them my name…”

 

"It really was! You're really talented judging from what we've seen, I'm sure they'll take your work."

 

“Yeah, you really have a gift,” Yongsun added, and Baekhyun smiled, taking a sip of his coffee.

 

yeollie: what for

 

yeollie: you're doing great

 

byullie: i will ask him to come your in your booth if you don’t move your

 

yeollie: this is funny i actually want to hear you say that with the girls here

 

byullie: watch me.

 

yeollie: you wouldn't dare

 

byullie: try me

 

“Baekhyun, is this the work you’re supposed to give Yeol?” Moonbyul asked, pointing at the binder on the table.

 

“Oh, yeah… He’s not here though…” he glanced at the man’s door.

 

“He’s in his office, waiting for you to go and, what, probably his .” Baekhyun coughed, his coffee going through the wrong pipe. His cheeks were red, his eyes panicked, and Moonbyul smirked. “You know, since you left before doing it on his birthday party.” she raised an eyebrow.

 

“M-Moonbyul!” Yongsun stuttered, her cheeks a pretty shade of pink and they all heard Chanyeol's maniacal laugh from his booth.

 

“I-I’m just…” Baekhyun stood up, pushing the binder towards Wheein. “I’m gonna go, can you give this to him?” he asked, grabbing his backpack.

 

"I'm sorry for her," Chanyeol emerged from his pictures littered booth and lightly touched Baekhyun's shoulder. "Stay. And don't listen to Byul." He gave the boy an apologetic look with a sheepish smile. "Show me your works…?" Baekhyun almost shivered when the man touched his shoulder, he looked up at him, wondering if he should stay. Moonbyul was laughing from her seat. After a few seconds he grabbed the binder and gave it to Chanyeol without saying anything. The man gave him a small smile.

 

"Do you want to talk here or…? I can check it at my desk and come back to you, how about that?" Chanyeol asked, holding the binder tightly. Wheein was trying her best to keep a straight face, glancing at Moonbyul who was smirking, looking at them.

 

“It is painfully awkward,” she whispered to Wheein.

 

“Whose fault?” Yongsun asked.

 

“Whatever suits you best,” Baekhyun answered, looking at the man.

 

"Oh, just come here, I can't stand Moonbyul smiling stupidly like this. Let's get this over with quickly, hm?" Chanyeol opened the booth door and motioned for Baekhyun to come in. He closed it carefully, when the boy stepped inside. "I don't know if that's better, but we need to do it anyway and they're gonna give me the looks and smiles," he rolled his eyes, exasperated. "Of course, everyone knows already. So, anyway…" he murmured, opening the binder and looking at the first design.

 

Baekhyun tried to act as he would usually do, ignoring his heart beating fast and his eyes falling on Chanyeol’s lips more than once. He breathed deeply, watching the man going through his works. Chanyeol was silent and ignored the laughs he heard from the main room, trying to focus on his work in the awkward silence between them.

 

"So, uh… How are you?" he asked, his gaze fixed on the binder.

 

“Since when do you care?” Baekhyun answered, pushing his fringe away from his eyes.

 

"I'm trying to say something because the silence is killing me," Chanyeol groaned and rubbed his face with his free hand. "Never mind."

 

“What do you think?” Baekhyun pointed at the binder, trying to find anything to say that wouldn’t be too personal. It was killing him, not to be able to touch him.

 

"They're cool," the man let out a sigh. "I don't like the third one, though," he showed Baekhyun the relevant page in the binder. "It doesn't suit the rest, the colors are off and it's seems sketchy compared to the others. Same with this one, you went too far off from the pastel scheme we set. What happened?" Chanyeol lifted his gaze and looked into Baekhyun's eyes, one hand lightly touching his leg with the tips of his fingers. It seemed like an accident but Baekhyun felt hot nevertheless. The student took a deeper breath, taking a step back slowly. He slid his hand in his hair, and he looked down.

 

“I-I’m sorry… I’ll just do them again…”

 

"It's okay, Mr. Byun. If you could just redo these two… this one Yongsun is going to correct digitally, is that okay with you?" Chanyeol pushed his hands into the pockets of his bomber jacket, pressing his lips in a tight line.

 

“I mean… I’m sorry for messing it up… I should have done better…” Baekhyun was still looking down, frowning. “I should have been more careful…”

 

"It's okay, sir. I know you've had lots of work regarding the gallery piece so don't worry about that. It's normal that you don't always do well, you know? We're not going to tell you off or anything. I spent hours correcting my designs for this collection," the man made a move as if he wanted to touch his hand but laced his fingers on his lap instead. "And, uh… it doesn't have anything to do with the personal… issues, either. I mean, I'm…"

 

“I just… I’m really happy about the opportunities I got this year… It’s just… a lot… Maybe I should have said no… to some of them…” he explained, not really knowing why he was talking about this to that man.

 

"Yeah, I understand. It's great that you had them and it's okay that you have just two things to correct anyway. You did a lot, you worked hard and you made only two mistakes," Chanyeol shrugged, smiling reassuringly. "Don't panic, okay? It could be worse, but you did really well with all of that."

 

“I suppose…” he looked up, his eyes meeting Chanyeol’s. “I’ll do my best.”

 

"I'm sure you will. I'm not a master of pep talks but you know, you're really doing good. Wish I was that dedicated when I was your age," he smiled sarcastically.

 

“You can’t be as good as I am, I was born better than you.” Baekhyun answered, his old demeanor coming back real quick as he looked Chanyeol straight in the eye.

 

"You wish you were as good as you think," the man held his gaze, raising a brow. "Is that your defense mechanism?"

 

“Why would I need one?” he tilted his head a little, “You’re not that impressive, Mr. Park.”

 

"I didn't mean myself, Mr. Byun, but are you trying to suggest that you need one for me?" Chanyeol mimicked his gesture.

 

“You’d be the last person I’d need one for, sir.” Baekhyun answered, unconvinced by his own words. Still, being able to talk like this felt good.

 

"Is that why you're avoiding me since the party, darling?"

 

“I’m not avoiding you.”

 

"Yeah, sure. You almost ran away from the office when you saw me, though," Chanyeol noticed, their eyes still locked on each other. It felt awfully similar to their last talk in the booth, the air around them getting thicker and somehow hotter.

 

“I wasn’t running away from you.” he rolled his eyes. “You, on the other hand, wouldn’t even leave your booth when I arrived.”

 

"I have an awful lot of stuff to finish here and the girls would have taken care of you just fine. Why, missed me?" Chanyeol asked with a smirk, his leg brushing Baekhyun's, when he straightened in his seat. The student glanced at their legs.

 

“More like I enjoyed your absence.” he did not. “But it’s okay sir, you can tell me you missed me, I’d understand.”

 

"Why would I miss a kid whose only aim in life seems to be pissing me off?" Chanyeol chuckled, narrowing his eyes. "I'd rather ask you if that painting of me is still hanging in your kitchen, darling." Baekhyun’s face fell, a frown between his eyebrows and an incredible desire to kill Kim Minseok.

 

“I usually paint things I like, why would I paint you?”

 

"You tell me, sweetie. I saw the thing and I have to say that I'm really curious."

 

“What do you mean you saw the thing?” He was frowning deeply now. It didn’t make sense.

 

"Seen a pic. That was enough, you know." He was definitely going to kill Minseok. And Jongdae, for good measure. Chanyeol smiled brightly, observing the changing expressions on the boy's face.

 

“It’s not you.” he looked at him, “I have no reason to paint you. You’re not inspiring.”

 

"Okay, then. How many people with a knife scar on their chest do you know exactly and why is it the same shape as mine?" the man mused, looking at the ceiling.

 

“K-Knife?” Baekhyun asked, frowning. He then shook his head slightly, it wasn’t the time. “It’s just a coincidence. How would I be able to paint you without a model? I’m good but not that good.”

 

"I remember modelling for you on your anatomy class quite clearly, though."

 

“So what? I would have memorized how it looks like in just two hours?”

 

"I don't know, what if you did?" Chanyeol shrugged. "We can do this all day, you know."

 

“Point is, it’s not you.” He scratched his cheeks nervously.

 

"Sure, babe. So… If not that, maybe we can talk about you my name in your sleep?" the man smirked again, looking into Baekhyun's eyes. He knew exactly what he was doing, Baekhyun was sure of this.

 

“I think you’re confusing your dreams with reality, sir.”

 

"I don't know, do I? I kinda trust your drunk roommate and one of my best friends. I overheard them talking about this when you left," he explained, seemingly deciding not to torture the student too much.

 

“I think you should sharpen your skills, sir, I’m pretty sure they couldn’t have talked about this since it never happened.”

 

"They were quite convincing, you know," Chanyeol looked at him for a minute and made an inviting motion with his hand. "You can just admit it, darling. Will your pride suffer that much?"

 

“Oh, I would admit it, sir, but it definitely isn’t true.” he smiled politely, “But it’s good to know that you wish it was.”

 

"I really enjoyed my birthday gift, to be honest," the man shrugged, looking at him. "Even if it was from you."

 

“I am really talented in the matter.” Baekhyun answered, a faint blush on his cheeks. He wished they wouldn’t talk about this, but if Chanyeol was going to, then he’d play it cool. He could do that, right?

 

"You sure are. Didn't seem like you were forcing yourself to touch an old rotting grandpa like me, though."

 

“Didn’t seem like you were forcing yourself to kiss a bratty kid.”

 

"I wasn't. Kissing you was far more enjoyable than talking to you and having to listen to all the you say about me," the man gave him a grin. "I think I prefer you over talking, sir."

 

“And I think I’d prefer you stay silent than provoke me, Mr. Park.”

 

"Make me." Baekhyun shivered, looking at him, his eyes dark and his cheeks still a bit flushed.

 

“I thought this was my line?” he didn’t know when it happened, but he was now leaning towards the man, his eyes never leaving Chanyeol’s and his heart beating faster.

 

"Oh, just shut up already," whispered Chanyeol lowly, pulling him closer by his shirt and kissed him on the lips, his hand immediately finding its place on the boy's nape. Although Baekhyun’s first instinct was to push him away, his hand finally made its way to the man’s thigh, his lips welcoming Chanyeol’s instantly. His heart was beating faster, and the blush on his cheeks spread to his ears. He couldn’t care less about it though and Baekhyun just kissed the man back, finally feeling okay. Finally feeling complete. That was confusing. Baekhyun decided not to pay attention to that.

 

Chanyeol smiled into the kiss, pulling Baekhyun to sit on his lap comfortably and gently his back. The kiss was slower, a bit less rushed than their first one and they both eased into it.

 

Baekhyun shouldn’t do that. He shouldn’t be on Park Chanyeol’s lap, and he definitely shouldn’t kiss him back. Yet his fingers found Chanyeol’s cheek, his lips parting to make way for Chanyeol to do whatever he wanted. Baekhyun needed this. Wanted it for three entire weeks. He sighed into the kiss, contented. He slowly felt his tensed muscles relax under Chanyeol's slender fingers caressing his back and his pacing thoughts gradually calming down with each slow, passionate kiss. He felt the warm tongue on his lower lip and sliding between his parted lips.

 

 

∆Office∆

 

wheeinnie: byul

 

wheeinnie: come back the copy machine will wait

 

wheeinnie: they're making out

 

hyejinnie: who

 

wheeinnie: yeollie and the artist kid

 

hyejinnie: WHAT THE IS HAPPENING

 

byullie: THEYRE WHAT NOW

 

hyejinnie: CAN I LEAVE YOU ALONE FOR ONE ING DAY

 

wheeinnie: we can't see it properly because of the posters but the kid sits in yeol's lap and they're legit ing kissing

 

wheeinnie: hope he doesn't blow him here though, i'm not ready

 

hyejinnie: THEY WHAT NOW

 

byullie: oh damn please god, let him blow him, i need that

 

yongsunnie: stop watching them wheein

 

wheeinnie: you do? THEY do

 

wheeinnie: i'm trying, you stop

 

wheeinnie: we're just sitting here and literally not saying a word not to scare them

 

wheeinnie: if you're gonna come in be quiet pls

 

yongsunnie: how am i supposed to not watch them

 

yongsunnie: they look so good together too, wth?

 

byullie: i’m on my way es

 

wheeinnie: be quiet i'll kill you if you ruin this

 

byullie: how the did that even happen?

 

wheeinnie: idk girl we were working, i just looked at the door because it got quiet after their sight-ing convo and suddenly they're going at it

 

hyejinnie: i'm so done

 

byullie: they’ve got 0 boundaries

 

byullie: i need to walk in on them again.

 

byullie: the look on their faces was priceless

 

yongsunnie: no you won’t!

 

wheeinnie: NO

 

byullie: come on

 

byullie: it’s super fun

 

wheeinnie: i'm locking the door if you don't promise not to disturb

 

byullie: i can still call him ~

 

yongsunnie: leave them alone omg

 

 

 

Chanyeol furrowed his brows slightly when his phone started chiming but deliberately ignored it, kissing Baekhyun with a newfound passion. He cupped his cheek with his warm hand and purred into the kiss when Baekhyun fisted his hair. The student moved suddenly, straddling the designer and deepening the kiss, his fingers still holding onto Chanyeol’s hair. He could feel the man’s phone vibrating against his thigh, decided to ignore it as well and let him devour his lips.

 

They kissed until they were finally out of breath and Chanyeol started placing lazy kisses on the sensitive skin behind Baekhyun's ear, both his hands cupping his now. It was suddenly hot in the booth and Baekhyun felt the hardness in his pants brush against Chanyeol's. The man let out a low at the sudden contact. Baekhyun moaned against his lips, his hands tightening on the man’s shoulders, and he finally opened his eyes, meeting Chanyeol’s, his breath fanning over the man’s skin. He was screwed, that he knew for sure.

 

"Just… don't move, okay?" Chanyeol let out a chuckle, gripping his hips lightly and kissing him again after a moment of hesitation. Baekhyun seemed to hesitate as well, but he dived into the kiss, trying not to move, Chanyeol’s hands keeping him in place felt good, hot, and strong. He had an excuse at the man’s birthday party. He could say he was drunk. Could say they both were out of their minds. He could pretend he wasn’t in control of what he was doing. What was happening right now was a completely different story. He had no idea how he would be able to face the man after that. How was he supposed to just stop kissing him and live his life? Baekhyun was lost, confused, and the only thing keeping him here, in the moment, was Chanyeol, kissing him, tasting him. Chanyeol, and his lips who seemed to never want to stop.

 

"Baekhyun?" the man looked into his eyes, examining his face carefully and placing a hand on his nape to make him rest his forehead on his shoulder when he saw his expression. "It's okay," he whispered hesitantly, apparently as lost as Baekhyun was. He caressed his hair soothingly, placing a few small kisses on his exposed neck.

 

But was it? Baekhyun asked himself. He closed his eyes, letting Chanyeol kiss his skin, his lips on his neck calming him down yet pushing him on the edge. This wasn’t a good thing. This wasn’t something he should be doing. Yet it felt so good, and he found himself incapable of pushing him away. The man let out a sigh, muffled by Baekhyun's dark brown hair, when their breaths evened.

 

"So…" he started, his fingers still grazing the soft skin. Baekhyun shivered, not moving an inch from where he was. It was easier not to see him. It was easier to pretend it wasn’t Park Chanyeol when he couldn’t see his face.

 

“So…” he said after him. Chanyeol let out a breathy chuckle.

 

"It's great not hearing you talk for a second," he whispered against his ear. Baekhyun rolled his eyes. He liked this. This he knew. This, he was comfortable with.

 

"It’s great not to see your dumb face for a minute.” he said almost instantly.

 

"You do realize you couldn't see it only because you closed your eyes to kiss me senseless?"

 

“No offense, Mr. Park, but you were the one who kissed me.“ Baekhyun finally looked at him, their faces still so close he could almost count Chanyeol’s eyelashes.

 

"You didn't protest," Chanyeol noticed, his fingers still caressing the back of his head. "And you went with it, so…" Baekhyun smiled, almost a smirk, amused, happy.

 

“You have no proof of that, sir.”

 

"You have no proof to deny it either, darling." They fell back into their usual pattern. Baekhyun being a bratty boy and Chanyeol being a condescending jerk — was he really though?

 

“My words against yours, but I’m pretty sure there’s a saying about how kids always tell the truth so…”

 

"You should definitely mention your moans then too," Chanyeol smiled back at him, pecking his lips. "Are you going to run away now?" Yes, Baekhyun thought.

 

“We shall see,” he answered slowly, “What else do you have to offer?” he was almost whispering now.

 

"Well, I wasn't prepared, to be honest," Chanyeol murmured. "You can leave peacefully instead of running. You can stay here for a coffee and do whatever you want, fluttering your eyelashes at me while I work or we can just go somewhere else," he shrugged. "What do you even want?" Baekhyun wished he knew. What did he want from Chanyeol? What was he doing here and where was that leading him? He sighed, looking down.

 

“Nothing,” he finally answered, “I don’t want anything.” It was the truth, in some way. Baekhyun was lost, and the only thing he was sure about was that he shouldn’t be there. Not when he hated the man — but did he, really?

 

"Okay," Chanyeol wondered for a minute, biting his lower lip. "Why do I feel like you need aftercare? Here's what we're going to do. You're going to give me a minute so I can pack my stuff and I'll drive you home, so you don't have to stay there or go alone, okay?" the man said slowly. "Will you be a good boy, get up and wait for me?" he asked, his expression changing to something that Baekhyun didn't expect to see. Chanyeol looked almost worried and weirdly focused on his face, scanning it carefully.

 

Baekhyun took a slow but deep breath. He had no idea what to think of Chanyeol and it was scary in a sense. He just nodded slowly, his hands pushing on Chanyeol’s shoulders to help him stand up.

 

"Good boy," the man muttered, standing up and quickly gathering the most important things, packing them into his black backpack. "Tell me how you're feeling." Baekhyun looked at the man, blinking once, twice. He frowned a little and looked down.

 

“I’m fine,” he murmured. He wasn’t. Not that he was not okay, he was just too lost to know what he was actually feeling.

 

"Doesn't sound like it, darling." The man passed him a bottle of water and a black hoodie. "You can wear this if you want, it's gonna be more comfortable and the heavi… Oh, never mind. You just can."

 

“Why don’t you finish your sentences?” Baekhyun asked, looking at the hoodie, perplexed. He grabbed it nonetheless, his fingers caressing the fabric.

 

"I just… thought it's unnecessary. I don't know how you feel so I don't know what to do. I just wanted to say that it's heavy and that may help you anchor a bit if you need it?" he explained, uncertain. Baekhyun hummed, his eyes on the hoodie.

 

“It’s also really cold outside, so I’ll accept it.”

 

"You don't have to explain yourself or act like you're doing me a favor. Just trust me a bit here, okay?" Chanyeol finally smiled and looked at Baekhyun putting the sweatshirt on. It was a bit oversized for him, so on Baekhyun it was so big that the hem almost brushed his knees.

 

It was weird, the way Chanyeol was now acting towards him. It was weird, but it felt good. Despite wondering why he was caring about him so much, Baekhyun did not comment on it, just looking down at himself before looking back up.

 

“Aren’t you gonna be cold, old man?” he asked, trying to act normal.

 

"I have my coat here, kid," the man smirked, putting the said simple coat on and taking his backpack. All in black with the combat shoes on, he ironically looked very out of place in his own booth.

 

“My bad,” the student said before looking around them. He wondered for a second if he should grab the binder or just leave it there. His thoughts were cut short by Chanyeol who walked up to him, ready to go. The man smiled and nodded.

 

"Just follow me and don't say anything, okay? So you won't make it worse than it already is," he said, opening the door and facing his friends, who were sitting by the table and almost simultaneously lifted their heads. "I'm driving the kid home. I probably won't come back today but I'll do all the stuff from home," he said, back to his professional self, and went out of the office with Baekhyun in tow. Wheein blinked, surprised and followed them with her eyes, curious. Yongsun glanced at her friends, and Moonbyul smirked, grabbing her phone.

 

"What… happened?"

 

“I have no idea…” Yongsun answered, her brows a bit furrowed. There was no answer from Moonbyul, the girl too busy typing on her phone.

 

 

byullie: don’t do anything i wouldn’t do

 

byullie: so basically don’t do byun baekhyun

 

yeollie: i won't

 

yeollie: he seems kinda shaken so i want to drive him home, no funny stuff

 

byullie: so you broke the kid

 

yeollie: I DIDN'T

 

byullie: well it most certainly was not me now, was it

 

 

Chanyeol pursed his lips, sliding his phone into his back pocket and eyeing Baekhyun. He looked cute in his jacket and Chanyeol's hoodie, so big on him he almost drowned in it. He looked even younger now, his fingers barely going past the sleeves. Baekhyun was silent, lost in his thoughts, and that alone was enough to show that something had happened.

 

"You don't have to talk to me but I'd appreciate if you did," Chanyeol said after a while, when they fastened their seatbelts and he started the car, maneuvering it out of his parking spot. Baekhyun blinked a few times, finally looking at the man, and he opened his mouth after a few seconds.

 

“Thank you for the hoodie…?”

 

"You're welcome. I meant… your feelings? Is it gonna be okay if I leave you with Jongdae?" It was sweet, the way Chanyeol seemed to care. Baekhyun had never seen that side of him and maybe now he understood why the man had so many friends.

 

“Yes,” he answered, his fingers playing with the sleeves. “You’re not the first boy I kiss, Mr. Park.” he knew it wasn’t what he meant, but he himself wasn't sure how he felt.

 

"I know. It's just that you’re always so confident and cheeky I kind of didn't expect you to get so down like… after," Chanyeol glanced at him, curious. "So honestly, I got kinda worried because I don't like you and I usually can't ing stand you, but I don't want you to have a mental breakdown or something just because of some stupid kiss that was one thing too much right now. And I just feel like I… Hm." Baekhyun turned his head towards the window, his heart sinking for whatever reason. He swallowed down the lump in his throat and closed his eyes for a few seconds.

 

“Believe me, Mr. Park, you’d never be the reason for one of my mental breakdowns. You’re not worth it," he answered cheekily, as he always did. It didn’t sit well with him, but it was the right thing to do.

 

"So this is your bad defense mechanism," Chanyeol let out a small sigh. "I kinda want to slap some sense into you and cuddle you at the same time," he said, so quietly that Baekhyun almost didn't hear him. "Do you want me to…"

 

“To what…?” he asked under his breath, turning his head towards him.

 

"To go with you?" he asked, sheepish. "Like, go home? So you have company?"

 

“I wouldn’t want to bother you more than that, Mr. Park.” He looked at his hands again.

 

"So you do?" Yes, he did. But he did not either. This was too complicated and he had no idea how to deal with all of this.

 

“I think you’re so old you’re hearing things.”

 

"I'll take it as a yes," the man murmured, falling silent for the rest of the drive.

 

Baekhyun didn't say a word either, looking outside the window, his chin resting on his hand. The entire situation was confusing, unbelievable, and Baekhyun felt like he couldn’t think properly. He had no idea how all of this happened, and if someone had told him he’d be wearing Park Chanyeol’s hoodie after kissing him senseless, Baekhyun would have told them they were crazy. Yet here he was, confused, frowning, and definitely feeling down for no apparent reason.

 

"We're here," the man said, when the car stopped, and he fished out his phone to type a quick message. He seemed equally confused and at the same time worried about Baekhyun. He clung to the feeling of responsibility and the schemes he knew to somehow find a way out of this situation. Chanyeol took his backpack from the backseat and motioned for Baekhyun to lead the way. The boy looked even more down now than he was not in the office and Chanyeol felt himself getting more nervous with each of Baekhyun's furtive glances and tugs on the sleeve of the large hoodie.

 

Chanyeol let out a surprised sound, when Baekhyun opened the door of his and Jongdae's flat and smiled to himself.

 

"You can smell the oil paint from the previous floor but here it's…" he took a deep breath. "Oh, wow," he chuckled, looking around at the walls covered in paintings and pictures. The two rooms were on the right side of the corridor which led to the kitchen adjacent to the small bathroom. The living room, on the left side, was open on the corridor. "Nice flat," Chanyeol murmured, smiling at the mess in the living room and the table covered in cookie packaging and crumbs, their mugs from the past three days still on the table.

 

It was a nice flat. Baekhyun loved it here. More than just a place to live, the flat was his safe place. When something was wrong or when he was feeling down or nervous, he would come here, Jongdae by his side, and they’d watch some dumb movie on the TV. He had fell in love with the place as soon as Jongdae moved in, even before he was a part of the picture. They were lucky in a sense, it would have been impossible to afford such a place, but Jongdae’s grandparents wanted their grandson to live properly, to have a real place, and to be safe. It was huge when they gave him the keys. Baekhyun remembered the tears from both parties — Jongdae’s grandparents were really emotional people. Jongdae had been living alone for about two years already when he asked Baekhyun to move in with him. His best friend was there all the time anyway, and it was the perfect situation. Close to the school and closer to his best friend. They both won when Baekhyun moved in, his painting supplies invading the place and the flat suddenly looking even more alive.

 

“Thank you,” Baekhyun hummed as he took off jacket, his shoes. “It’s Jongdae’s.”

 

"You're the one louder here, though," Chanyeol smiled, looking around. He followed Baekhyun and stood before him in his black jeans and very colorful socks, his combat boots neatly standing aside. Baekhyun could see the print on the socks and the puppies playing with red, purple and blue balls. The man looked at him with his best professional smile, pretending that he couldn't see where Baekhyun was looking. "Which one's yours?"

 

“Let’s say it’s difficult to hang clothes on the wall,” he murmured, still looking at the socks, “Second door on the right,” he said, finally looking up.

 

"Yeah, but sketches?" Chanyeol chuckled, tilting his head. "Do I come in or do you have something to hide first?"

 

“Jongdae’s not a big fan of hanging his work in the flat, except for his bedroom. He keeps telling me I have to when I paint something new though.” Baekhyun walked up to the door, thinking quickly, this was not the kitchen. “It’s fine, you can come in,” he opened the door and walked in. He still wondered why he let Chanyeol come up with him. Nothing made sense and Park Chanyeol standing in his flat was confusing. So were the hate and the kisses. Baekhyun had no idea what was happening to him. And the man probably didn't either.

 

"Oh, ," he sighed, when he entered Baekhyun's room. The student put his stuff on the desk, looking up at him. "Damn, I ing love painters."

 

“Do you now?” he raised an eyebrow.

 

"I love the aesthetic, don't flatter yourself," Chanyeol mimicked the gesture, taking in Baekhyun's room.

 

“I’ll still take it as a compliment.” Baekhyun couldn’t actually believe Park Chanyeol was there, standing in his room with cute puppy socks on his feet. “You want something to drink?”

 

"A… coffee?" Baekhyun nodded, whispering a be right back and leaving for the kitchen.

 

“Actually, you might be used to this, you’re friends with Professor Do,” the student commented as he entered the room again, two mugs in his hands. Chanyeol coffee was exactly like he loved it, strong and black, Baekhyun didn’t need to ask to know that. The man smiled, thanking him with a nod. He sat cross-legged on the floor, his back on the clean part of the wall.

 

"Yeah, but every room is different. Soo is way more disorganized than you, can you imagine?" Baekhyun frowned.

 

“What? I don’t believe you. Professor Do's definitely got his together, his classrooms are always perfectly in order.” He couldn’t actually remember how many times he had told him to clean his mess.

 

"You wish. His house is straight from a catalogue but the painting room…" Chanyeol smiled to himself, getting comfortable.

 

“What a hypocrite…” The student narrowed his eyes, wondering if he should sit on the floor too.

 

"Oh, don't be salty. He's stern but he likes you."

 

“No, he doesn’t,” Baekhyun took a sip of his coffee and decided to sit in front of the man, “it’s fine, he doesn’t have to, he’s my professor, not my friend. As long as he’s not judging my art too harshly just because he doesn’t like me, then it’s okay.” he shrugged. “At least he’s good at his job.”

 

"He is. And no, he wouldn't do that, he's very fair as it comes to grading and assessments, you know," Chanyeol tilted his head. "So… which ones are your favorite?" he pointed to the paintings hanging on the walls.

 

“I do, I know. He’s always been fair to me and everyone else.” Baekhyun turned his head to look at the walls. He liked them all. He remembered pouring his entire self into each of them. “I suppose… this one?” he pointed to the painting on the far left, a small woman with her eyes closed painted in dark colors. He remembered how it felt putting her down on the canvas, playing with the shadows and textures. Doubt and self-consciousness. Everything about her was Baekhyun, two years ago, wondering if he should start an art school, or just follow the path his dad wanted him to take. “I made this one two years ago but sometimes it’s still relevant.”

 

"Looks dark," Chanyeol observed his face, sipping his coffee. "Is it relevant now, with all the work you have to do and all the weird things happening?"

 

“No. Right now, it just reminds me that I made the right choice.” Baekhyun said, his eyes still on the painting.

 

"And what was it?"

 

“Choosing my art,” he looked down at Chanyeol.

 

"Choosing art over what?" The man gave him a small smile, turning the mug in his hands. He seemed very collected again and his presence and low voice was soothing, even if Baekhyun could never imagine them sitting together in his room and talking about his paintings. He heard Jongdae's steps in the kitchen and the boy opening the cabinets. He wished he wouldn’t come here. Maybe because he didn’t want to deal with his remarks and comments. Maybe because it felt surprisingly comfortable, being alone with Park Chanyeol.

 

“My dad wanted me to follow a more traditional path.” he sipped, carefully listening to Jongdae, “he never forced me, he just made sure I knew how he was feeling about this. He was scared that I’d never be able to make a living out of my art, so he wanted me to go to uni, study whatever, and keep my art as a hobby.” he shrugged, “I had a hard time choosing what to do, but in the end, he’s still supportive of me.”

 

"I'm glad to hear that. My dad still can't get over the fact that his gay son draws clothes for a living," Chanyeol grinned and glanced at the door. "Don't worry, he knows I'm here."

 

“What? How?” Baekhyun frowned, putting his mug on the floor next to him.

 

"I texted him before we came in," the man handed him his phone with the conversation opened and shrugged. "You were so nervous I didn't want to stumble upon him?"

 

From Chanyeol: gonna come into your house don't ask questions bye

 

From Kim Jongdae: wth man

 

Baekhyun frowned. He sure would never hear the end of this. If Chanyeol had Moonbyul, Baekhyun had his very own Kim Jongdae to turn his life into a living hell.

 

“I hope you’re ready to hear about this for the rest of your life, because he will literally never stop.”

 

"I already have Moonbyul asking if I your 24/7," he shrugged. "Is he gonna beat that?"

 

“Believe me, he could.” he looked up at the man. “You can tell her I’d never let you anywhere near my .”

 

Chanyeol looked up at him, his lips slowly stretching a wicked smile.

 

"Today was pretty near," he noticed, reminding Baekhyun of one of their text conversations from earlier.

 

“Honest mistake. I was tired, my judgment was clouded.” he narrowed his eyes, glancing at Chanyeol’s lips for a second.

 

"The judgement regarding the kiss or your ?" the man asked, raising a brow, when he caught Baekhyun looking.

 

“Regarding both of them, Mr. Park.” Baekhyun grabbed his mug again, swallowing the sweet and warm coffee.

 

"Well, that lasted quite some time. I wonder what would happen if you had more of it and the door weren't almost transparent," Chanyeol smiled innocently. He looked like he was having the time of his life but Baekhyun could still see him pay attention to his expression and his hands.

 

“I guess you’ll never know, sir.” he answered slowly, trying not to betray his own feelings. What was he feeling anyway?

 

"That's a bummer. I almost thought you were gonna make me show you the ropes for real," he smirked. "How are you? Better?" Not really. Or maybe? Baekhyun still had no idea.

 

“I’m fine,” he answered, sipping on the last of his coffee, “Why do you care?” he was genuinely curious.

 

"I told you, I didn't want to risk you having any breakdown because of me. You looked so down in the office. Let's say I have some experience with people feeling down after strong emotions and it would be against my moral code to just let you go in such state," he said carefully, swirling his mug.

 

There came another painful pull on his heart. Baekhyun almost frowned, wondering why Chanyeol’s words were making him feel like this. Why would he even react to him telling him he wasn’t so different, just one of them. His fingers clenched around his mug. He pushed the pain away, and he wondered if he should ask him what he meant by having some experience in the matter. It felt like it wasn’t his place to though, and he kept mum for a second.

 

“Well, thank you,” he ended up saying, looking down at his mug. He still was far from okay, for some reason.

 

"You do realize I can see your knuckles going white over there and that's why I keep asking you whether you're okay, right?" Chanyeol sighed. "Talk to me. Unless you wanna cuddle, then we can cuddle."

 

“I did not realize we were so close, Mr. Park. Since when are we even on cuddles term?” he put the mug down again, so the man wouldn’t be able to see his fingers clenching around it.

 

"Since you're acting like you're really distressed. Cuddles help people calm down and think, and I'm the person available and offering because I understand that it's difficult to deal with. Also, that's a once in a lifetime opportunity," Chanyeol pointed out, stretching out his hands. "The contract terminates in January. Just a month and we won't even have to see each other, so there are little to no consequences," he added, matter-of-factly. Baekhyun suddenly wanted to take the hands, feel the chest against his and bury his face in his neck. He couldn’t do that. He shouldn’t do that. This was not part of the plan, — but again, what was the plan? Hating on Park Chanyeol didn’t seem to work, and his heart was falling deeper and deeper for some reason.

 

“You seem to know an awful lot about those feelings,” he murmured, his eyes on the hands, the voice in his head pleading for him to take them.

 

"Years of practice, Mr. Byun."

 

“Makes me wanna ask questions,” he whispered, closed his eyes for a second, and after taking a deep breath, his hand found Chanyeol’s. The man gave him a lopsided smile and pulled him closer, so Baekhyun would sit next to him, his legs on Chanyeol's lap. He wrapped an arm around him, placing one warm hand on his nape.

 

"Ask away. Comfortable?" he nodded, his head resting against the man’s chest.

 

“How come you have years of practice?” he whispered softly, his hand playing with the hem of his shirt.

 

"I got into some time ago. People experience all kinds of feelings coming down from the high and you need to deal with that if you tie them up," Chanyeol chuckled in his hair. "Is that what you wanted to hear?" Who knew really? Baekhyun felt like all he wanted was to hear his voice. Just keep talking, he thought.

 

“Like what, you just woke up one day and realized you needed to tie people up to get off?” the words seemed a bit judgmental, but Baekhyun’s tone was calm, curious.

 

"No, of course not. I realized it after my boyfriend at the time pointed out to me that I… do certain things. I started reading about it and exploring it and well… Eventually it turned out that tying people up is apparently my thing," he smiled. "Hence the ropes. Sorry you had to see that, I forgot I left one in the trunk."

 

“It’s fine, I’ll survive,” Baekhyun whispered, pondering over the man's words. Certain things. Like what? He lifted his head a little, his face now buried in the crook of his neck and his nose taking in the man’s scent. Chanyeol was a man. Not an old man, and oh, so different from the guys Baekhyun was used to. Only a few years gap and yet it seemed like they were living in two totally different worlds. He put his hand on the designer’s chest, his fingers seeking his warmth through the fabric. He imagined feeling the scar under it. Baekhyun had so many questions.

 

Chanyeol hummed, tensing a little when the boy's fingers brushed the left side of his chest. Baekhyun felt it and moved his fingers away.

 

"I'm glad it didn't scare you that much, then."

 

“You’re old, not scary,” he murmured.

 

"Well, and you're a kid, sir."

 

“Seems like it,” Baekhyun answered, looking at this position. Nothing made sense. Baekhyun did not understand. His fingers slightly clenched around Chanyeol’s shirt. The man pulled him closer and started to trace patterns on his back.

 

"Is that what bothers you so much?"

 

“What? The ?” He couldn’t care less about it. Chanyeol’s was nothing to him anyway.

 

"Being a kid? You name it, I'm not that good reading minds."

 

“I’m not a kid,” he wanted to kiss the man’s neck, to feel his pulse against his lips. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “Nothing’s bothering me, sir. “

 

"Oh, just tell me you don't wanna talk." How could he even say anything when he was such a mess?

 

“Don’t get all bossy with me, Mr. Park.” Baekhyun wasn’t sure he’d be able to stop himself one more time. He heard Chanyeol snort.

 

"I wouldn't dare, Mr. Byun. Unless you want to play the good boy again for me."

 

“Again, you say?” he brushed the tip of his nose against his neck.

 

"Such short memory you have," Chanyeol purred. Baekhyun could feel his voice vibrating in his chest and throat when he spoke.

 

“How about you refresh my memory, Mr. Park?” His lips were so close and Baekhyun could feel the warm skin against them if he was to just lean in a little bit.

 

"Would you like me to remind you of how pliant you were and how nicely you followed my orders?" Chanyeol asked and then chuckled softly, his nose buried in Baekhyun's soft hair.

 

“Better be following your orders if I don’t want to get fired,” Baekhyun said, incapable of stopping the shiver running down his spine. His nose brushed against Chanyeol’s strong jaw and he breathed in his scent again.

 

“I doubt anyone would breach your contract after disobeying me after we kissed and you called me names in front of our boss. Remember the party when you told me that I’m ruining your life and I’m a loser? If that hasn’t got you fired, I don’t know what will.” Baekhyun chuckled. It felt like years ago.

 

“Aren’t you a loser?” he asked cheekily.

 

“Am I?” the man shrugged, tangling his fingers into Baekhyun’s hair.

 

“That’s a question I have yet to answer,” his arm snuck around the man’s waist.

 

“I don’t know, darling. I have a steady job, lots of friends, good life and I’m cuddling a renowned young painter who supposedly hates me. Not bad for a loser, honestly,” Chanyeol said jokingly. “So maybe there’s your answer?” Baekhyun chuckled.

 

“I do hate you, we both hate each other, remember?” he said in a whisper.

 

“I don’t know. You’re awful, mean and I feel like you have it in for me. But at the same time, you’re actually quite fun, you’re talented and your is great. So I’m kinda torn, really.” Chanyeol pretended to think hard, humming exaggeratedly. “The thing has me hesitating.”

 

“Yeah, that makes people fall for me all over the place,” Baekhyun smiled cheekily, choosing not to comment over the fact that maybe, maybe Park Chanyeol does not hate him. The man snorted again, shaking his head.

 

“You’re such a brat.”

 

“It’s called being sassy, people like it,” he shifted a little, his hand now on the man’s shoulder.

 

“No, I meant… No, wait, that’s not for kids. Are you gonna fall asleep on me, darling?” Baekhyun nodded slowly.

 

“I most definitely will, Mr. Park.” He breathed in slowly, “What did you mean? I’m not a kid, you can tell me.”

 

“Then bed, maybe? Don’t get me wrong, I won’t touch you. It’s just a bit uncomfortable.” Baekhyun stayed silent for a few seconds, pondering over it, not sure if he should say yes or no. This had gone too far already. He was screwed anyway. He hummed, lifting his head from the man’s neck.

 

“I suppose you’re right.” Chanyeol nodded and helped him stand up, lying down on the bed and letting Baekhyun lie down next to him. Baekhyun didn’t care anymore, he rested his head on the man’s chest as soon as they were lying down, his arm around his waist and his heart beating slowly. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply.

 

“What the ,” the man chuckled softly, his hands finding their place on Baekhyun’s back.

 

“You said cuddles,” Baekhyun explained. He was blushing a little bit but Chanyeol could surely not see him.

 

“I meant it. I just… You know, didn’t exactly expect to spend my afternoon cuddling Byun Baekhyun. I woke up and was sure that I’d need to spend another day at the office, write another hundreds of emails, make the 18 phone calls I had planned and… Nothing even remotely close to… this,” he motioned his hand around. “But okay. It’s a fun experience.”

 

“A once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Baekhyun whispered.

 

“Hope so. I’m not sure I can process the amount of mixed signals this is giving me,” he huffed out a laugh, his chest shaking with it. “You’d make such a fun brat,” he added in a whisper. Baekhyun frowned a little.

 

“I thought I was already a brat?”

 

“I… You know what, I feel like I’ve done a lot of stuff out of my comfort zone already. Check it out yourself later?” he suggested, patting his head lightly.

 

“See? That’s why people think you’re a condescending jerk.” People, or just him, whatever. He rolled his eyes, tightening his hold around his waist. Chanyeol just hummed in response.

 

-*:.-*-.:*-

 

The next day, Baekhyun woke up in his bed fully clothed. He fell asleep in the afternoon, so he woke up at the ungodly hour of 3 AM, feeling way too warm in the oversized hoodie tucked under his duvet. He was alone and the side of his bed was cold, and after taking off the hoodie, falling asleep again had been really hard. His mind was wandering, wondering, pondering. He didn’t know what to feel, and he clearly had no idea how to act when he’d see Chanyeol again. Their relationship had changed too much, going from an easy hatred towards each other, to this, cuddling and having a calm and peaceful conversation. Baekhyun was lost and confused. He sighed deeply, when after an hour he still was not capable of falling asleep. He grabbed his phone from his pocket, lucky enough that it still had some battery left. Not much but Baekhyun could use it for about 40 minutes. It was late and he didn’t know what to do with himself, so he went from really simple things like checking his Instagram feed, to the darkest side of the Internet where he watched videos, which he had no idea what were about. After some time, a moment of hesitation, and the realization that he was alone in his bed anyway and nobody would check on his Internet history, Baekhyun typed down “brat” in his browser. He rolled his eyes at himself when he stumbled upon the basic definition of the word — definitely matched him, not like he’d admit it — and he put some words next to the four letters to find something else. It took him a few minutes to figure it out, thinking it couldn’t possibly be that, but he still tried, typing down “brat ”, like a twelve-year-looking up for the first time. He found it though, the meaning written on his screen fitting perfectly with Park Chanyeol’s tastes. He was a bit taken aback though, when he read the word next to brat, and he scrunched up his nose at the thought of Chanyeol in an entire leather attire. He shook his head, focusing on his screen again. Bratty submissive, he read. Dominants enjoy the challenge of getting a brat under control. A shiver went down his spine and he couldn’t help but wonder if Chanyeol was anytime Baekhyun would talk back to him. His voice was still right there, playing in his head, messing with his thoughts. You’d make such a fun brat, Chanyeol said. Baekhyun went back to sleep, his phone battery dead and his mind a real mess. It was difficult to fall asleep but eventually he managed to calm his thoughts down, drifting away into a string of strange dreams.

 

 

 

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Next week's update will be a double update, watch out for that ! :3

 

whaaaaaaaat

I was so ing impatient for you to read thiiiiis !!!!

I'm so in love with them :3

 

- K.