“Chullie… Chullie… Where are we going? Chullie~” Leeteuk cooed out adorably as he settled into the front passenger seat of Heechul’s car, his eyes comically wide in curiosity and trained on Heechul’s face. Heechul had forgotten how much of an endearing little handful Leeteuk was whenever he got drunk, not that he minded anyway. Leeteuk rarely got the time to shove away all his inhibitions and let loose. Also, Leeteuk’s antics whenever he got drunk were just… utterly precious and Heechul loved to witness them. That one time Leeteuk burst into tears thinking he killed a tomato when he poked it with a fork and caused the juice to ooze out truly took the cake.

Usually, Leeteuk wouldn’t be the one getting drunk off his . That usually was Heechul’s job. Leeteuk didn’t even enjoy drinking, always excusing himself by saying he hated the feeling of being drunk. Still, Leeteuk would be the life of the party, whether drunk or not, suggesting games for everyone to play and rallying everyone to sing (more like scream out) songs from the top of their lungs. Going out with Leeteuk was always a blast.

However, Leeteuk could not escape getting drunk this time. Today, the members took the opportunity to gather a few days after Leeteuk’s birthday to celebrate Leeteuk’s (mainly) and Heechul’s birthday. The members made it their personal mission to ensure that Leeteuk would stumble out of the bar they visited as an intoxicated man. They touted that it was going to be one of the last times Leeteuk was socially allowed to “let loose and get hammered from partying hard” (as if Leeteuk ever did that in his daily life.) Heechul had chosen to drive to the place that night so he refrained from accepting any drinks and strictly stuck to plain water. 

Heechul witnessed the members all offering shots to Leeteuk to make a toast to Leeteuk’s second twenties (or whatever nonsensical phrase Leeteuk had come up with to make himself feel better about growing older) and was relieved that he had opted out of drinking. It seemed that he would be the one taking care of Leeteuk tonight. Not that Heechul minded, not when Leeteuk had always watched over Heechul and cleaned up after him since their trainee days. Heechul could do it just this once when Leeteuk had done so for him probably over a thousand times. 

Admittedly, Heechul could see the perks Leeteuk often boasted of reaping from staying sober. People-watching was very entertaining. He could observe how the others acted more freely and truly experience the moment rather than get lost in it. He could notice all the little quirks Leeteuk had whenever he was drunk. How he’d scrunch his nose up after throwing back a shot while furrowing his eyebrows and pouting from the harsh taste of alcohol. How he’d trail off endlessly about random memories and anecdotes he had of the other members, except he’d tell these tales even more exaggeratedly, hands flying everywhere as he explained. How he’d fall silent and just nod his head cutely if a song he liked started playing rather than party on the dance floor as he preferred to sit at the side. Standing up made Leeteuk dizzy if he was already inebriated. It was kind of cute that Leeteuk knew how to make his experience feeling drunk less miserable for himself. 

Heechul sat by Leeteuk’s side the entire time, making sure to order some water for Leeteuk to chug down as well such that Leeteuk wouldn’t be absolutely plastered by the end of the night. Sure, he wanted his friend to get drunk, not suffer from alcohol poisoning. Leeteuk obediently drank all the water that Heechul gave him, and Heechul made sure to guide Leeteuk to the toilet somewhere in the middle of the members’ intense drinking session. Heechul felt slightly proud of himself for how well he was taking care of Leeteuk. 

When it was the wee hours in the morning and the only patrons left were pretty much just the members and managers who were longtime friends, Heechul felt a gentle tug on his shirt’s sleeve. He turned away from his casual conversation with one of the managers to find Leeteuk pouting at him cutely, puppy eyes completing the whole “please accede to my demands” look. 

“Chullie?” Leeteuk hiccuped before continuing slightly petulantly, “I want to go home.” Heechul felt his lips tug into a slightly amused smirk at Leeteuk’s straightforward demand.

“You tired, Teuk-ah?” Heechul checked first to make sure Leeteuk didn’t want to stay any longer. Leeteuk firmly nodded with a serious expression on his face and it took every fibre in Heechul’s being to not burst out laughing over how the elder was acting. 

“I’m tired, Chullie. I want a shower. I want my bed. I want to sleep,” Leeteuk listed off simple sentences as though he lost the ability to join clauses together to form compound sentences and Heechul resisted the urge to giggle. 

“Okay, okay, birthday boy, let’s get you home, shall we?” Heechul rose from his seat but rested his hand on Leeteuk’s shoulder to prevent him from standing up. “I’ll go let the others know you want to leave and grab your coat, okay? Stay here,” Heechul instructed gently but firmly before heading towards the other members who were now playing billiards. 

“Yah! You little devils who got Teukie drunk off his !” Heechul barked out without any real heat behind it, getting the attention of all the other members, “Teukie wants to go home and it’s late, so you all should wrap things up and call taxis over or get our sober managers to drive you back. Don’t do anything stupid, okay idiots?” Heechul’s announcement was met with groans and disappointed sounds regarding Leeteuk taking his leave. 

“He’s already tired? It’s only 1:30 am!” Donghae whined out. 

“Aish, he just turned forty and he’s already an old man,” Kyuhyun teased gently. Heechul rolled his eyes. 

“Leeteuk would smack you if he heard that, Kyuhyun,” Heechul warned before turning, “So long, losers. Don’t miss us too much.” 

“Take care of Teukie hyung for us, hyung!” Siwon called out as Heechul headed for the cloakroom, “Thanks for being his chaperone for tonight!” Heechul turned and briefly nodded at the comment before continuing. The members had noticed how Heechul had taken responsibility over Leeteuk that night. Well, it was only right for Heechul to do so, but there were also some selfish reasons on Heechul’s part for doing so. 

Heechul sighed as he unhooked his own and Leeteuk’s coats from the hooks. How long has it been since he started feeling more than just friendship for the elder? It’s been a few months since he’s admitted to himself that he may have been enamored with Leeteuk, but honestly these feelings have been brewing inside of him for far longer. Heechul always had a soft spot for Leeteuk, how could he not? Leeteuk always quietly supported Heechul throughout anything and everything, always kept tabs on Heechul and checked in on the younger to make sure he’s okay, always provided a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on. It was a wonder that Heechul didn’t fall for the elder sooner. Leeteuk had such a charming and sweet personality that Heechul couldn’t help but adore him.

Yet, Heechul did not have any courage to share these feelings with Leeteuk. They’ve been friends for over twenty years, twenty-two to be exact, and Heechul would be a fool to throw away years of genuine friendship down a drain of eternal awkwardness if Heechul ever confessed to the other. No, unless the other made any indication that he liked Heechul romantically, Heechul would just stew away in his most likely unrequited feelings in silence. 

And it didn’t seem that Leeteuk would hint towards that anytime soon. Leeteuk had always treated Heechul genuinely, caring and protecting the younger fiercely, but that was how Leeteuk always was. It was simply because Leeteuk had such a huge heart and was always so giving towards Heechul, despite all the times where Heechul may have abused Leeteuk’s kindness during their younger days. Heechul vowed to never do so again and to reciprocate Leeteuk’s genuinity. But still, it didn’t tell Heechul whether Leeteuk liked him or if it was just Heechul getting the best friend privilege. 

Heechul trudged his way back to Leeteuk with the elder’s coat in hand, finding Leeteuk perched upon the barstool waiting patiently, his face immediately lighting up when spotting Heechul returned. Leeteuk’s eyes sparkled as though they were a pair of the finest gemstones and Heechul felt as though he could melt in Leeteuk’s left dimple as Leeteuk flashed a beautiful smile at the other. 

“Chullie! You’re back!” Leeteuk exclaimed excitedly and Heechul resisted the urge to melt into a puddle. 

“Yes, come on big boy, we’re going home now,” Heechul answered with a fond smile. 

Heechul hoisted the elder up and helped the other don his jacket. Despite Leeteuk’s lack of motor skills due to his drunken state, they managed to shuck Leeteuk’s coat onto his body and get the elder all bundled up. The weather was a bit too hot for them to put more layers on but Heechul figured it may be more chilly at night and he could just put the air-conditioner in his car on blast. He didn’t want to worry over helping to balance Leeteuk while making sure he didn’t drop their coats. 

“Come with me, Teukie.” Heechul grabbed onto Leeteuk’s arm and supported him as they navigated around the various tables and out of the bar, immediately getting blasted with a gust of blisteringly warm wind. Leeteuk’s nose scrunched up as he let out a large sneeze at the sudden temperature change and Heechul couldn’t help but shake his head. 

“Let’s go to the car, Teuk. I’ll turn the aircon on.” Heechul gently guided and tugged Leeteuk along to his car, quickly unlocking the passenger seat and helping Leeteuk get seated in the chair. Heechul efficiently buckled Leeteuk up in his seat before shutting the door and rushing over to the driver’s side and getting seated himself.

“Alright, let’s head home now, Teukie,” Heechul informed the other as he exited the parking lot and punched in Leeteuk’s address into his GPS, refusing to acknowledge that Leeteuk’s address was one of the few locations Heechul had saved on his device. 

And so they were now here, with Leeteuk observing the interior of the car curiously in his seat and Heechul carefully driving back to Leeteuk’s house. 

“We’re going to your home, Teukie,” Heechul answered patiently, “You said that you were tired and wanted me to bring you home, remember?” From the corner of his eyes, he could see Leeteuk’s face scrunch up as the elder was probably attempting to remember when he had said that, before it brightened with recognition. 

“Yes!” Leeteuk giggled out, “I remember, Chullie! I am sleepy and want to sleep! Do you want to stay over, Chullie? It can be like old times when we had sleepovers!” Heechul considered Leeteuk’s proposition thoughtfully before replying. 

“Well, if it isn’t any trouble, then I wouldn’t mind staying over. It’s pretty late right now and although we have no schedules later, I myself am a bit tired. I can also take care of you in the morning.” Heechul kept his eyes on the road as he tried to remember the recipes of hangover cures he had learnt over the years. They would most definitely come in handy tomorrow. Heechul could sense the impending headache Leeteuk was going to face six to eight hours from now when he awoke. 

“Of course, Chullie! You can stay over whenever you want! I don’t mind,” Leeteuk piped up adorably, “But… Koongie may mind…” Leeteuk trailed off in consideration before perking up once more, “But she’s with Inyoung noona today! So you can stay over today! And you should just become friends with her! It isn’t that hard!” Heechul felt himself sigh inwardly in exasperation at Leeteuk’s words. For the six years that Leeteuk had Shimkoong, Heechul’s relationship status with the mutt could be summarized in one word: complicated. The dog would tolerate Heechul’s presence but it was very obvious she only liked her dear “appa” (and perhaps Leeteuk’s family too but that was because they pretty much adopted the dog.) 

“Sure, Teukie,” Heechul answered patronisingly, not wanting to burst the elder’s bubble. “Thanks for letting me stay over.” Leeteuk smiled blissfully in response as Heechul entered a freeway. For a moment, only the soft sounds emitted from the radio’s speakers filled the car, but that moment of peace was broken by Leeteuk once more. It seemed that whether sober or drunk, Leeteuk would always fill the air with his speaking. 

“Chullie… Chullie~ I’m now 40…” Leeteuk started with his tone filled with slight horror at this sudden realization. Heechul refrained from snorting at the elder. 

“Yes, that’s why we came out to celebrate tonight, Leeteuk,” Heechul deadpanned. 

“Yes!” Leeteuk chirped out, “That’s why the kids asked us to go out! But, but now… I’m an ahjussi, Chullie! I’m old now!” Leeteuk’s sudden devastated exclamation nearly made Heechul burst out laughing. Aish, how is this old man so cute? He’s too adorable, what should I do? 

“Well, it’s part of life. We’re all growing older, Teukie,” Heechul answered earnestly, hoping this would help improve the other’s mood. Leeteuk fell silent as he appeared to consider Heechul’s words for a moment, before a mischievous smile danced on his face. 

“Wait a minute!” Leeteuk exclaimed, “I just realized! You’re going to be 40 in a few days too! Soon, we are both going to be ahjussis, together!” Heechul felt the slightest bit of annoyance flash in his mind before remembering that Leeteuk’s brain to mouth filter was practically non-existent at this point and Leeteuk was just trying to be funny. 

“Yes, Teukie,” Heechul sighed out in response, “We’re both going to be a pair of ahjussis together. Does that make you happy?” Heechul meant for the question to be sardonic, but he did not anticipate Leeteuk’s response at all. 

“Yes!” Leeteuk giggled as he punched a fist into the air, “I want to stay together with you!” Heechul felt his heart stutter at Leeteuk’s words but steeled himself. Leeteuk probably wasn’t trying to insinuate anything with those words, and just wanted Heechul as a fellow companion. Heechul decided to just answer Leeteuk neutrally. 

“Same here, Teukie-ya, I’m certain our friendship will last for a long time. It’s already been twenty-two years.” Heechul felt his heart warm at the thought. twenty-two years of friendship, through all the ups and downs and till this day they still called each other best friends. To be able to hold onto this friendship for so long, Heechul was grateful. It seemed that Leeteuk too felt awed over this fact. 

“Twenty-two years… Wow… That’s so long,” Leeteuk breathed out, sounding stunned at Heechul’s words. The mood had turned a touch too somber for Heechul’s liking so he decided to crack a joke. 

“Indeed, we’ve put up with each other for so long without killing each other. What a feat.” Heechul sniggered as Leeteuk’s eyebrows furrowed in annoyance. 

“Hey! I would never kill you!” Leeteuk cried out defensively. Heechul shook his head lightly, it was always fun to rile Leeteuk up a bit. Leeteuk was extra adorable when frustrated. 

“Well, yes,” Heechul answered thoughtfully, “But that’s because you’ll never actually kill anybody. Obviously, I’ll never kill you, but if it was someone I actually disliked…” Heechul watched as Leeteuk’s eyes widened in horror. 

“No, Chullie!” Leeteuk gasped out worriedly, “Please don’t murder anyone! It’s a crime!” Heechul couldn’t hold himself back any longer and cackled at Leeteuk’s response. Leeteuk could be so gullible sometimes when he got drunk. 

“Ah yes, Mr. Voice of reason, thank you for reminding me that it’s illegal to murder someone, I completely forget!” Heechul laid the sarcasm on thick in his tone, but it seemed that Leeteuk didn’t register it at all. 

“Anything for you, Chullie!” Leeteuk carefreely responded with a loopy grin and Heechul just prodded Leeteuk’s shoulder gently. 

“Aish, such a sweet talker,” Heechul teased as he rolled his eyes. The two fell silent once more as Leeteuk turned to gaze at the night view through the window. Heechul had long exited the freeway and was in Leeteuk’s neighborhood, but Heechul found himself driving around the same few blocks repeatedly. Perhaps he just didn’t want this night ride to end, still wanted to enjoy Leeteuk’s drunk antics where he got all sappy and sweet, he just missed talking with Leeteuk. They usually were so busy and Heechul usually only came to Leeteuk when he had problems so they rarely had time for casual conversation. Heechul wanted more of this. It was nice. It was peaceful. It was bliss. 

Suddenly, Leeteuk spoke up once more, but in a more hushed tone. 

“Ne, Heechul-ah.”  Heechul felt himself still at the sudden change in address. “About what you said earlier…” Leeteuk trailed off, not knowing how to continue. Heechul gave a quick glance at the other, noting how he had his chin perched in the palm of his hand as he rested his elbow against the window, gaze focused on the pavement outside. 

“Mm?” Heechul hummed, prompting Leeteuk to continue with his thoughts. 

“Are you certain?” Leeteuk whispered quietly, “Are you sure that we’ll be friends, even when we’re old and wrinkly in mobility chairs?” The doubt and worry in Leeteuk’s voice did nothing to detract from the hilarity in the imagery of Leeteuk’s question. “Old and wrinkly in mobility chairs”, good lord, someone help me. Heechul had to gather all of his self-control to not laugh, but instead reassured the elder. 

“Tch, that’s such a random question,” Heechul teased before continuing with a more genuine tone, “But of course. We’ve been friends for over twenty years, what more thirty, forty, fifty? You’ll always be my best friend, Leeteuk. Even if we don’t see each other as much, you’re always the first person I’ll go to when I need help, and you can always count on me if you need me too.” Heechul hoped that his words could assuage Leeteuk’s fears. Leeteuk seemed to be in disbelief at Heechul’s words, turning back to face Heechul with surprise written all over his face. 

“Wait- Really?” Leeteuk’s voice was tinged with wonder and hope as he looked touched by Heechul’s words, and Heechul promised himself to always have Leeteuk’s back. Anything for Heechul to witness that lovely expression on the elder’s face. 

“Of course,” Heechul answered naturally, “You’ve always been there for me, how could I not be there for you too?” After all that the two have been through, Heechul doubted that there was much that could drive a wedge between the two. 

“Your friendship means a lot to me, Leeteuk, and I'm thankful to have you as my best friend,” Heechul confessed softly. He didn’t expect to be this candid tonight, but Leeteuk deserved this