||~*{Chapter Forty-three: Fix & Repair (Part 1) }*~||

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Baekhyun hums softly, the tune to an old song stuck in his head as he flips through one of his magazines he’s brought with him. It’s quiet, with the exception of his soft humming, and he can feel a pair of eyes on him. He knows Chanyeol’s across the room, just silently staring, but he figures that everyone’s had a long day so he chooses to ignore it. Moments pass and it’s in the middle of the magazine when he hears something and freezes.

“Sumgyeo do twinkle eojjeona? Nune hwahk ttwi janha~” The words are barely above a whisper, but Baekhyun hears it loud and clear. He can hear the wavering in Chanyeol’s voice as if unsure whether to continue, but the taller one does. He continues because he knows Baekhyun’s listening, he can see it in the way the shorter one tenses up. He doesn’t care if it’s embarrassing as long as it gets Baekhyun’s attention. “Beire ssayeo isseodo, naneun twinkle tiga na~”

“Chanyeol, what are you…?” Baekhyun trails, eyes wide as he looks up from his magazine to meet Chanyeol’s gaze. This is Baekhyun’s favorite song. One he’s loved since forever and he sings it whenever he feels down. He used to sing it with Chanyeol on ‘game’ nights a year or so back. Sure, he got a little teasing from the other staff members for being a closet sone, but Chanyeol was always one to indulge in his fanboying. For birthdays or christmases, Chanyeol would gift him with fan merchandise and he never failed to know exactly what Baekhyun wanted.

Chanyeol ignores Baekhyun’s question as he gets up and makes his way over to where the short line cook is sitting. “nan mijiye sekye shiganeurijeobeorilkeol,” He leans down to gently take Baekhyun’s magazine away, sitting it down on the nearby table before wrapping his fingers tentatively around the shorter one’s wrist. “,Achime nuneul tteobwahdo kkumeun gyesoktwel keoya~”

Baekhyun’s a little dazed, unsure what exactly Chanyeol’s trying to do, so he allows the taller one to pull him onto his feet and pull him in close. The small smile on Chanyeol’s lips makes Baekhyun’s heart flutter slightly as the taller one continues to softly sing the lyrics and Baekhyun’s reminded of how they were before. He’s reminded of all the times they’ve sung together and he can’t help himself when the lyrics start to slip from his own lips.

“Nan neoreul wiihae kkumigo deo yeppeuge nal banchagillae~” Chanyeol can’t help the smile on his lips as he hears Baekhyun singing along because that’s just what he hoped for.

Their gazes are locked and it’s a gentle one, for the first time in a long time, as Chanyeol begins to sway them back and forth. They sway to the beat that’s in their heads, mouths still singing the lyrics softly and Chanyeol could practically burst in joy once he catches sight of the soft grin working it’s way to Baekhyun’s lips. Baekhyun can’t help himself. The feelings comes rushing back to him and the fact of the matter is, he’s missed this. He missed Chanyeol and just freely being with Chanyeol.

“Naneun twinkle tiga na…~” Chanyeol murmurs, the last line flowing gently between them and they suddenly stop. Baekhyun’s eyes are glossy as they stare up into Chanyeol’s warm ones and Chanyeol’s are just as so. It’s quiet, just the soft puffs of air being the only this audible as both search for something to say.

Baekhyun is the first to crack, a few tears slipping from the corners of his eyes. “I’m so sorry. I’ve been overreacting. Putting too much on you. I’m so sorry, Chanyeol.”

Chanyeol is stunned. He was mentally prepared to make his own apology, but Baekhyun had beaten him to it. The shorter one parts his lips, ready to go on, but Chanyeol’s quick to lean down and capture his lips in a soft kiss. Baekhyun doesn’t pull away, but rather stays frozen because he’s still at a loss at what to do. Chanyeol’s actions are confusing in every way and he’s not sure how to react at all. When Chanyeol pulls away, he gazes down softly at Baekhyun.

“I like you, Byun Baekhyun. As more than a friend. I’ve been stupid and I’ve ignored all the signs. I hurt you and you had every right to be angry with me. I’m so sorry. I know that I’m a handful, but I’m asking you; Byun Baekhyun, will you be mine? Go out with me. “ Chanyeol blurts, practically all in one go. It’s nerve wracking and he thinks he’s on the verge of throwing up because Baekhyun’s giving him a ‘deer-in-headlights’ look. “Baekhyun..?”

“A-Are you sure? Are you positive, Chanyeol? Are you sure you’re not just saying this because I- because you know how I feel? B-Because, I don’t think I’d be able to t-take it if you just take back everything you’ve just said t-to me.” Baekhyun stutters and the tears are coming rapidly, on the verge of crashing down on him and he’s looking up with the most pleading eyes Chanyeol’s ever seen before.

Chanyeol smiles, leaning down to gently kiss the corners of Baekhyun’s mouth before pulling the shorter one in for a tight embrace. He winds his hands around Baekhyun’s shoulders and tucks the shorter one’s head below his chin before planting a soft kiss on his crown. “ I’m more sure of it than I’ve been of anything else. I want to be with you, Baek. I want you by my side because when you’re not, it’s so lonely it’s unbearable. I miss your laugh and your hugs. I’ve missed the feel of your lips. I’ve missed you so much. I’ve been an idiot for wasting so much time trying to fight myself on this when it feels more than right. So, Byun Baekhyun, I’ll ask you once more. Will you forgive me and go out with me?”

And Baekhyun just breaks out into sharp sobs as he wraps his arms around Chanyeol’s waist tightly. “O-Of course, idiot! I’ve wanted to hear that for so long. I-I’ve missed you, too. I love you.”

When Chanyeol pulls back, Baekhyun’s hiccuping and there’s tears and even snot, but Chanyeol still thinks Baekhyun’s beautiful like this. So he takes the ends of his sleeves and cleans the shorter one’s face, planting soft butterfly kisses along the way until Baekhyun’s left with only small hiccups. “I’m your idiot! I’m sorry for keeping you waiting. I’ll be better from now on. You’re mine and I want to treat you how you deserve to be treated.”

The sappy lines has Baekhyun crinkling his face because another wave of tears threaten to crash over him, but he finds his face cupped by Chanyeol’s soft hands just as the soft pair of lips he’s grown to love press against his lovingly and he can’t help but to sigh contently into the kiss.

He’s been waiting for so long and finally, finally, Chanyeol is his. “W-Why’d you sing T-Twinkle?”

“Because, I wanted to get your attention and I didn’t know how else to do it. It worked, didn’t it?And now look. You’re my boyfriend.”

Baekhyun nods as he smiles up at Chanyeol. “I’m your boyfriend. Chanyeol’s my boyfriend.”

Baekhyun likes the sound of that and Chanyeol laughs his booming laugh that Baekhyun adores before he kisses the shorter one on the nose. “Baekhyun’s my boyfriend.”

Yeah, Baekhyun decides that he really like the sound of that.

~*~

The night time air is welcoming to Tao as he sits on the bench just outside the hotel. Sehun had long fallen asleep and the others hadn’t come back from the hospital yet, so he figured some fresh air would do him good. He wasn’t able to fall asleep, mind drifting and filled with worry for the others. It would be a lie to deny the fact that over the course of his stay with the team, he’s grown attached and it’s no secret that Sehun’s just the same. Today had been too eventful and his mind was drifting towards the thoughts filled with a certain Assistant General Manager as he munched quietly on a chocolate bar. It’s only when the front doors of the hotel are suddenly flung open that he’s drawn away from his wandering mind- only to be greeted with the sight of a rather dejected looking line cook.

“Chen? Are you okay?” Tao called and Chen looked up startled to have ran into the younger Pastry Chef. Chen forces a smile and it doesn’t take much for Tao to see that it’s practiced and tight.

“Yeah, I’m just a little tired.”

Tao snorted, which earned him a confused look, as he patted the spot next to him on the bench. “Has anyone ever told you that you at lying?”

“No. You’re just sharp, kid.” Chen huffed, walking over to take the empty seat next to Tao- who playful growls at the shorter one’s teasing. Tao broke off a piece of his chocolate before handing some over to the short line cook and Chen wordlessly accepted it. They aren’t as close as the other members are, but Chen would be lying if he denied that the two new members had been growing on him. Especially Tao. Tao has changed the team in a way that surprised Chen, but what surprises him most is the changed Assistant General Manager. In his eyes, Tao has been a gift from heaven, but he decides that for now he’ll play it silent. He wonders how far Tao will be able to pull Kris’ strings.

“What are you doing out so late?” Chen questioned, nibbling on the chunk of chocolate Tao gave him. Tao shrugs, eyes trained to the darkened sky light up by the stars.

“Couldn’t sleep. I’m worried about the others.”

“Aww, aren’t you the cutest little adorable thing ever~”Chen practically cooes, pinching Tao’s cheek playfully before the shorter one slapped it away.

“Shut up, shorty. What are you doing out so late?”The smile from Chen’s lips faltered as he thought about his boyfriend and Tao didn’t miss it. “Does it have something to do with the Executive Chef?”

Tao hit the nail on the head and he was positive he did so as Chen slightly grimmanced. “I guess you can say that.”

“Want to talk about it?”

“There’s nothing really to talk about. I was hurt over a small reaction and overreacted.”

“If that’s the case, then what are you doing sitting here and talking to me? You should go back and talk to him. Distance may possibly only make it worse.” Tao murmured and Chen knows he’s right. The shorter line cook sighs as he finishes off the chocolate and pats Tao on the shoulder as a small way of saying ‘thank’.

“You’re right. I should do that. Don’t wait out here too long, okay? You can catch a cold and Kris would be very upset.” Chen hums and Tao’s face flickers with a bit of confusion at the mention of the taller one’s name.

“Why? It’s not like I’ll get sick. I’m perfectly strong and healthy…” Tao trails, but it’s too late because the short line cook has already disappeared through the hotel doors.

~*~

Xiumin hasn’t moved. He’s been laying in one spot since Chen had stormed out, eyes trained to the ceiling as his thoughts flew a mile a minute. He knew his choice of words was wrong and he should’ve chased after Chen to try and explain it to him better, but the fear that Chen might actually walk from their relationship scared him to the point he was practically numb.

“Minnie?”

Xiumin jolted, startled to see Chen making his way inside the room. He hadn’t even heard the door open. He sat up, eyes watching Chen cautiously, unsure of what to even say because the look on his boyfriend’s face made his stomach twist nervously. He doesn’t recognize it and he has no clue what’s about the come from the other’s mouth, so he braces himself. He braces himself for the parting words that will end this relationship between them and Xiumin’s heart clenched painfully.

Chen made his way slowly over to where Xiumin sat, taking the empty space beside him as he kept his gaze trained on the floor. “Look,” Xiumin waited, preparing his heart and his mind. “,I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have reacted the way I did.”

What? This wasn’t what Xiumin was expecting at all and he can only wordlessly stare at his boyfriend bewildered because if anyone should apologize, it’s him.

“I guess it can be rather scary from your shoes. I should’ve maybe waited more patiently or gone about it a different way. You have every right to not want to go if it makes you uncomfortable. I don’t want to force you to do anything. I don’t want to fight with you either. So, I’m sorry.You may not think we’re together-together, but I still don’t want to lose you. Forgive me?” Chen asked, head ducked shyly as he reaches out to grab Xiumin’s hand gently.

Xiumin practically sighs in relief, tension leaving from his shoulders at the taller one’s words. Chen had apologized and Xiumin felt bad for even thinking that Chen would break up with him. With glossy eyes, the shorter executive chef launched himself at his boyfriend, smothering the taller one with affectionate kisses. “I’m sorry, too. I shouldn’t have reacted the way I did. I take this relationship seriously and I’m sorry for saying that ‘together-together’ nonsense. I just- you caught me off guard. I’m sorry, too. I’m partly to blame as well. I think of us as together and I couldn’t imagine myself with anyone but you. I’m sorry.”

Chen grins, the look on his face filled with nothing but relief as he wraps his arms around his boyfriend and kisses him hard on the lips. “I really like you, babe and I don’t want to pressure you into anything. So forget about the family party.”

“No!” Xiumin practically shrieks, startling both Chen and himself. “, no. I’ll go. Like you said, it’s just a party. I can go. I can do it. I just- you can’t leave my side, okay?”

The dazzling smile that graces Chen’s lips is bright and the taller one nods. “I wouldn’t even dream of it, but are you sure?”

Xiumin nods, leaning down to nip sensually at the taller one’s bottom lip. “I’m positive. Now, kiss me. I practically went through my own inner panic attack thinking you were going to leave me and now I need you.”

Xiumin’s voice was barely above a whisper and Chen reached up gently to brush his fingers across the shorter one’s cheek as he gazed lovingly up at his boyfriend. “If anyone walks away from this relationship, it would be you. I have no intentions of letting you go, baby.”

Xiumin wants to refute and tell Chen that he’s never going to be the one to walk away, but the taller one’s fingers curl into his locks to tug him down for a hard kiss that makes his head spins and he forgets all about it as he slides his hands under the taller one’s shirt.

He could get used to this for a lifetime.

~*~

||Author's Note|| So first, lemme say that I am surprised at the amount of Taohun shippers there are. I am with you all on Taohun because that ship will be the death of me. Anyways, I have alot planned for Taohun/Taoris in the next chapter and it's taking a little longer to write -because flashbacks-which is why I uploaded this section first. LOOK BAEKYEOL IS BACK, ya'll better be happy. Anyways, My schedule for the next month is crazy okay. Like I have a film I need to make for this scholarship thing and there are four ap classes that are requiring alot of work to be done in the next month so fml OTL. I will try to update on weekends! There's only a few chapters left for this story before I start the sequel. Obviously you all know how the sequel is going to focus on the finailization of the couples because not everyone has says the golden three words 'i love you'. Not to mention with the way the ending is (I've already written the ending for this fic ;3), we gonna need a sequel for taorishunhan. Prepare some tissues for your torn hearts. Who's ready for the return of Matoki Kitchen and BBC Kitchen? Sorry to keep you all waiting. I've had a hectic summer and school starts next week (and omg the stress already) I hope you liked this chapter and I adore you all! Authornim loves you! Thank you to everyone who takes the time to comment, upvote, and subscribe! It means the world! [Ignore any spelling mistakes or grammar.)

(Leavin this here because this had been my OTP since the very beginning OH OH AND NOW LOOK. TO ALL THOSE PEOPLE WHO SAID THEY WERE THE LEFTOVER COUPLE. LEFTOVERCOUPLEMYASSHAHAHAHA.

Oh and to those going to KCON, have fun and be safe lovelies ^^

To those who like taohun, I have a Great Gatsby inspired one.

Light 'em Up ^[M]

Here's a Hunhan one that I'm basically pouring everything into and It'll be updated shortly:

Spring Dragons ^[M]

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