You felt a gentle upwards push on your chin. You looked at Baekhyun with a puzzled expression as he dropped his hand to his side.

“Your mouth was open,” he informed you with amusement.

Baekhyun had led you to the largest shopping centre in Seoul. It was packed full of people heading in every which way. Cars beeped on the busy road behind you, and high pitched laughter of teens startled your ears.

You were completely rooted to the ground, unable to stop being stunned by the scene all around you. You had opened and shut your eyes several times to ensure yourself that everything was real. This place was simply astounding. Your head turned in all directions to capture the life around you and store it in your memory.

Baekhyun waited patiently for you. He had taken notice of how wide your eyes became since the moment he had opened the car door in the parking centre. On the way here, you two had walked through a park, and he had to practically drag you away when you discovered a water sprinkler. When he led you to the shopping centre, your feet had simply refused to take another step, so he decided to pause and let you absorb everything at your own pace rather than rushing. Time was not an issue.

Baekhyun couldn’t help but smile at your innocent expression. You reminded him of a kitten that was about to take its first few steps into the world outside, full of curiosity and wonder.

After a few minutes, Baekhyun could feel the stares and inaudible whispers around him. He didn’t want any unnecessary notice right now, not when it was your first time outside- it should be a precious moment. So he tugged gently on your hand that was in his to bring your attention to him.

“_______?” His voice pulled you out from your trance.

“Yes?”

“Shall we go inside? There are more amazing places inside as well.”

Your lips formed into a small pout. You wanted to stay. There was so much to see! So much to be stored in your memory!

Baekhyun couldn’t help but notice the disappointment that was written all over your face.

“We can come back another day. It’s not going to disappear _______.”

“Really?”

“Of course,” he assured you. “It’s been here for a while now, and it’s not going to move any time soon. Come on, let’s go inside.”

~~~

“Ah~~~” the sound escaped your lips as you stepped inside the gigantic hall.

So many people! You felt so small and insignificant as you gazed at the sea of people before you. You tensed up and your hand wound itself tighter around Baekhyun’s hand, afraid that you might get separated from him. Baekhyun registered your nervousness and squeezed your hand back.

“Don’t worry, I won’t lose you,” he told you firmly. “Let’s go and get you some more clothes.”

He walked in front of you, half leading you and half guarding you against the bodies that were walking the opposite direction. You followed him closely behind, like a child.

“Baekhyun...”

“Hmmm?”

“Unnie,” you referred to ChanRi. “Why did she keep wrapping her arms around me before?” You recalled that before Chanyeol and ChanRi’s departure, ChanRi had, once again, flung her arms around your neck.

Baekhyun whisked you into one of the shops, and the people reduced. His hand was still firmly attached to yours.

“It’s called hugging. People do it when they like the other person,” he explained simply as he took you to the nearest row of clothes.

“Do you like me?” The sentence flowed out of your mouth bluntly.

Baekhyun turned to you with wide open eyes, a little taken back by the directness of your question.

“I, er...” he stuttered, unsure of how to respond. “O-of course I like you~”

“Can I hug you?” You requested, completely oblivious as to how straight forward you were being with your questions. You wanted to feel the warmth of another person’s body again. When ChanRi embraced you, you felt safe and comfortable.

“...I-if you want to...?” Baekhyun’s voice quivered a little.

You stepped forward and enveloped your arms around Baekhyun’s neck, your chin rested on his shoulder. You felt the heat that was radiating from his body and it made you feel secure and protected. You took a deep breath, and his mild scent relaxed your tensed body. A tiny smile formed on your face without you knowing.

Baekhyun’s mind was numb. It took him several moments to respond to your touch. He wasn't expecting you to be this warm. Upon feeling your tense body relax, his arms curled themselves around your waist and held you closer to assure you that you were safe with him. He had forgotten what it felt like to be embraced by another person. Baekhyun, himself, felt as if he was safe too. Safe and complete.

“Omo~! Look at those two! So cute~!”

“Shh!! Let them enjoy their moment!”

“I wish I had someone who I can cuddle up with too...”

“Hey! I’m your best friend, cuddle up to me~”

“It’s not the same though!”

Neither you nor Baekhyun took notice of the murmurs. What mattered at that moment, was that you had each other.

“Thank you for liking me,” you said softly.

Baekhyun closed his eyes and whispered into your ears.

“No. Thank you for being here with me.”

----------

Sorry...Would it be wrong for the author to spazz over her own fic?

Oh man...I love hugs so much >~< Imagine a hug from one of the EXO boys O.o *explodes*

Thank you so so much for all the lovely comments!! I'm surprised at how well this story's going :3 So thank you thank you!!

Keep the comments going!! I love reading them so much ^^