“How much is it worth?”

“Hmm…” The lady adjusts her glasses, carefully studying the material.

“… around 30,000 won.”

“Take it.”

The transaction ended with a ding from the cash register, followed by the exchange of books and bills. Kyungsoo’s eyes followed the cashier’s hands as she deposited his pastry cookbook to the side, tucking it safely together with his slightly shattered hopes on fate. He took one last look at the icing cake on the cover, hoping it would reach Chanyeol’s eyes for the second time again, and neatly shoved the green bills into his wallet before finally walking out of the door.

Winter air greets him as soon as he steps out of D&O bookstore, the coldness kissing his pale cheeks while he sauntered across the busy streets of Korea. He sighs, a huge puff of white fog escaping his mouth, and enters into reminiscence of last night’s events.

He couldn’t help but smile and look like a retarded idiot from the short-lived memories that happened not only twenty four hours ago. He couldn’t exactly describe how or why, but there seems to be an unexplainable force that causes him to smile every time he thinks about it. He was still looking for the right word that would accurately explain the warm fuzzy feeling he got.

Magical. Yes, the word seems justifiable enough.

How they clicked the instant random nonsense spouted out of each other’s mouths when they conversed… How comfortable he felt with him like they’ve known each other for a very long time… How there’s a jolt of electricity whenever their skin accidentally makes contact. Magical was just the right word to describe it all.

Kyungsoo’s stream of thoughts gets cut off when he felt his phone buzz in his jacket pocket. His smile slowly fades away, his happiness morphing into guilt the moment he reads the message.

How timing was tragic and laughable at the same time.

Why? Oh, only because the message was from Jongin, his current boyfriend.

To: Do Kyungsoo

From: Jongjong

Message: Kyungie, where are you? I miss you already. Anyway, I’m going to your place tonight. Hot pot for dinner please? Saranghae.<3

He stares at the words, his mind blank for a moment. He usually doesn’t think twice to reply him with a message of the same cheesiness level. He loved this rare cheesy side of Jongin, the only side he dares to show to him. As a matter of fact, his heart always fluttered whenever he receives texts of these kinds.

But maybe facts could possibly turn into façades. Because this was the first time his heart failed to do so.

Not even a tiny twitch. Just an empty feeling.

Don’t get Kyungsoo wrong, he really REALLY likes – to the point that he thought he loved – Jongin. The man was unmistakably gorgeous and y. Any human –male or female – would die to have someone as fine-looking as him. Heck, he was instantly drawn towards the dark charm that Jongin casted upon him the first time Luhan introduced them to each other. They became really good friends for about a year and half, until Jongin finally confessed to the older. It was one of those rare times that he found Jongin cute, blushing shyly and all, smiling genuinely for him for the first time. Of course, he wouldn’t be stupid enough to refuse him.

Kyungsoo felt lucky enough to be liked back by someone beguilingly mysterious. He was fascinated by this particular enigmatic aspect of him, intrigued on what runs through the younger’s mind. But sometimes it was tiring for him to decipher each veiled meaning.

And this is where Chanyeol goes in. He was entirely different compared to Jongin. He didn’t need the constant decoding, for he speaks whatever he has in mind at the moment. One could say he is an open book, specifically a children’s story book. He emanates that pleasantly warm feeling to Kyungsoo – or maybe even everyone who had met him – same as to that of how a child’s eyes light up in delight whenever he is being read a bedtime story. And the taller always had that toothy smile plastered on his face all the time.

That was the difference. He didn’t need to be guarded and intrigued at all times with Chanyeol. He felt free – not that he wasn’t free with Jongin’s company, but you know, maybe just free-er. And he knew so much about the guy already in just a couple hours compared to how much he knew about Jongin for these past almost-two years. Plus, his inner maternal instincts kick off stronger when he’s with that giant grinning machine. He’s like a cute child that you can’t resist to take care of.

Kyungsoo catches himself unconsciously smiling at the thought of him. He sighs,disappointed, his head hurting with his confused heart. Literally jumping, his thoughts get cleared for a while, when his phone buzzes violently in his hands. Oh heck, it’s Jongin calling. It must be because he hasn’t replied for the past five minutes. He takes a deep breath, and answers the phone hesitantly.

“Hello Jongin?” Kyungsoo tries hard to sound endearing. He lets out a nervous laugh.

“Hey Kyungie.” Jongin greets cooly, his tone unreadable. “By the way, did you receive my text from a while ago?”

“Uhh, text…? I think… but I haven’t read it yet.” He replies with a murmur.

“Why? Are you busy right now?”

Yeah, busy being guilty. “Kinda, I had to…” Quick find an excuse! “ Ermm, run an errand for Suho, so I haven’t really checked my cell phone yet.”

“Oh…” Jongin pauses.”… I see. Anyway, can I come over tonight? I haven’t seen you for just a day and I already missed you.”

Dammit Jongin, can’t you make me feel a little less guilty? “i… uhm, but we’re going to have a potluck today, to celebrate our last day of work before Christmas vacation starts…so… I think I won’t be home early…”

“It’s okay, I can wait for you. Besides, I have the keys to your apartment.” He suggests.

“No! I mean, no, you should rest, I know you’re exhausted from the travel, and I’m going to be upset if you don’t get enough rest.”

“Ah… Is that so? Okay then…”Oh no, he sounds disappointed. Eottokhae, eottokhae…

“But tomorrow! Yes, tomorrow, I’m free all day. Can you come over?” Kyungsoo bites his lip.

“Yeah sure.” He replies almost instantly. “Can’t wait for tomorrow. ”  Jongin’s smile couldn’t be hidden from his tone.

“Nice. So, I have to go, gramps Suho might get angry…”

“Okay okay… Bye Kyungie. Saranghae!”

“Yeah, bye… “ Kyungsoo flinches, pausing. “…Sa-saranghae. “

Hanging up, he slowly removes the phone from his ear, his head swimming with unknown disturbing thoughts. It wasn’t hard before, you know, saying back the words. But now…

Damn you , fate. He curses at the fluffy white sky. He took a long look at his phone.

I’m sorry, Jongin. But I really need time to sort this screwed up heart of mine.

(4 months later…)

“Hey, where are we heading? YA, Kim Jongin! Why are we driving around the freaking park?!” Kyungsoo exclaims, his milky face now fuming red with irritation.

“Jeez, Do Kyungsoo, just chill, alright? The parking lot is full because of the concert tonight. You know fans, they’d do anything to see their lovely idols. Besides, the mall is just a short walk from here. We could use a little exercise.”

“But we won’t get there on time if we’d do a little bit of exercise.” He says sardonically. “You know how much I hate being late. And you tell me to chill? Ahh, shinja.” He runs his fingers through his hair anxiously. “You better find a parking spot fast, or I won’t make dinner tonight, you hear me?”

“Nee, umma.” Jongin snorts, tapping the steering wheel enthusiastically while he smirked. He loves pissing Kyungsoo off, how he pouts and how cute his face gets red when he gets angry.

Kyungsoo slumps off the passenger seat, his face still burning scarlet although he now has a smile on his face. Jongin’s comeback was always effective on making him shut up.

He looks out the window as they passed by a donut store and a dock, admiring the view somehow. Oh, I haven’t noticed that it’s spring already. He silently thought as he watched flowers proudly flaunt of their bright eclectic colors.

“We’re here now. The closest location I could get.” Jongin stops the car and pulls it up along a vacant side, turning off the engine after checking everything. They both step out of the car and stride away for a walk.

The park looked lively to Kyungsoo’s large eyes as they took in all the vibrant colors that surround everywhere. The scenery was lively as well, complemented with children running around and playing dodge ball. A lady jogging with her golden retriever passed by, her eyes never peeling off at clueless Jongin. Kyungsoo rolls his eyes, fully aware that his boyfriend’s pheromones are sometimes a bit annoying. He resumes to observing.

Kyungsoo’s eyes momentarily fall upon a gray-hoodied man sitting on a bench by himself, his face glued really close to his cellphone’s screen. His golden-brown bangs were covering his eyes, so Kyungsoo can’t see his face clearly. He looked familiar.

“OMO! Look Kyungie! A man walking a donkey! Is that even legally allowed?” Jongin interrupts him before he could get a closer look at the man, his curiosity now diverted onto, indeed, a man walking a donkey. He swats Jongin, realizing the younger’s voice was too loud. He quickly drags the amused boy away, his face flushing again but with embarrassment this time.

“Chanyeol- ah! Come back here! Aish, this boy really…”

Kyungsoo freezes, the name causing him to jump together with his heart. He darts his big eyes towards the voice, the familiar thumping in his chest once more awakened from a deep slumber.

It belonged to a middle-aged woman running after a very hyper kid. The mischievous boy ran and ran in circles, giggling until he gets caught by her mother and drags him back to the bench, wiping off the sweat from her son while he continues sniggering from ear to ear.

“Kyungsoo. Kyungsoo?”  Jongin taps him, then shakes him after failing to bring him back with the first method.

“Wha- Yeah?” He blinks at Jongin, who now had a concerned face.

“What’s wrong?”

“N-nothing. “ He clears his throat. “I was just worried… “

“Worried? About what?”

“Worried that …. You might not get taste Kyungsoo-cooked dinner tonight.” He teases with a smile and sprints away towards the mall’s entrance.

“What? But I thought that was only for the parking...Hey… YAH! Wait for me!” Jongin tries to catch up with him.

Such great timing, fate. Very great.

Are you sure about this, Do Kyungsoo? You can still turn back now. It’s not yet too late. You might get hurt. Someone might get hurt because of this. Kyungsoo thinks, trying hard to convince himself, but continues walking. He has doubts, but he needed reassurance. These past few days had been like hell, everything he sees, everywhere he goes, he can’t help but relate everything with Chanyeol. Like how Chanyeol’s favorite color, yellow, is a little highlighted than usual every time he encounters it… Oh heavens, see?  He ruffles his hair in frustration after a yellow car zooms by. It seems that this whole paranoia is slowly eating off his sanity, that’s why he needs to do this.

He finally arrives in front of the small “D&O Bookstore” sign plastered above the small wind-chimed door. He takes a deep breath, and then enters.

The place didn’t change much. Just the addition of some new books and the number of customers. Last time he went here, there were only two of them inside. Now, there were a few people lining up to buy or maybe sell some couple of their old coffee companions.

He looked at the counter. The cashier lady was still the same person. That’s a relief, it would be much easier for him to inquire about the book. He strolls down the Cooking-pastry section, patiently scanning every spine he sees to see if his book was left unsold. His hands traced the series until he reaches the last one. His book wasn’t there.

A leap of faith stirs in him. It got sold?  He couldn’t help but smile. No, Kyungsoo, you must not expect too much. You might end up getting more hurt than you’ve planned. He takes out the last book he touched – a cupcake book, deciding that he could use some new knowledge about baking, and walks –almost hopping – towards the not-so long queue of customers.

In front of him was a cute puffy-cheeked man of the same height as him, wearing a scarf and hugging a thin book in his arms. The man turned his head around and met his gaze, and then quickly smiled at him. Kyungsoo smiled back and the man returned facing the line again after.

Not more than five minutes after, the man with the scarf turned around again, and glanced at the book Kyungsoo was holding. Kyungsoo could tell he was bored.

“Hello.” The man greets. “So, what book are you buying?” He strikes a conversation.

He is bored. Kyungsoo smiles. “Oh, this? It’s a cupcake book.” He replies. “Yours?”

“Oh, uhm, a pastry cookbook.”

“Ah, for your girlfriend?” Kyungsoo asks. The man blushes.

“Boyfriend, actually.” He shyly replies. “I had to surprise him with this book. His friends said that he’s been searching madly for this.”

“Oh… me too.” Kyungsoo answers. The man his head to the side in confusion. “I mean, the boyfriend thing. I have one, too…” This time it was Kyungsoo’s turn to blush.

“Really? That’s great, then. Oh, it’s my turn now.” The man points to the counter and then hands the book to the waiting cashier lady, who swiftly charges him the bill and packs it inside the paper bag. She handed the bag to him and the man daintily accepts it with a thanks.

“I guess I have to run now. It was nice to have a short chat with you. I’m Byun Baekhyun, by the way.” He holds out a hand.

“Same here. Do Kyungsoo.” He shakes his hand firmly, and then watches his new friend walk out of the door.

Kyungsoo hands the lady the cupcake book, and watches her do her job. Should I ask now? Yes, I probably should.

 “Uhh, excuse me. May I ask something? If you don’t mind.”

“Sure, what is it sir?”

“Uhm, you see,there was a book I sold here around… four months ago? Yeah, around… December? I was just wondering if it’s still available or if someone already bought it? It’s a pastry cookbook with a white icing cake cover.”

The cashier lady furrowed her brows as Kyungsoo explained, trying hard to take in the information. Her face lit up after he said the last sentence.

“Ah! The book with the fluffy white cake? Funny, it just got recently bought by that guy who just went out. I think you even talked with him? The cute guy with the scarf?” She said enthusiastically. Oh she has no idea. “Why do you ask sir?”

“Oh.” Kyungsoo gasps. ”I see… Uh, nothing, I was just checking if it would fall into good hands...” He murmurs, his voice trailing off. “Thanks, anyway.” He takes the paper bag and hastily walks out of the door.

See? Told you it would hurt. Maybe fate has better plans for you. Kyungsoo’s subconscious strikes again. Well, it’s right, maybe he was just focusing too much on this. But he couldn’t help it, he just wanted to… Ugh.

He arrives in front of his door and latches the doorknob, sensing that Jongin was home. He opens the door and indeed, the gorgeous man was there, lounging in his couch, watching their favorite show, Pororo. Jongin stands up the moment he senses Kyungsoo arrived.

“Kyungie!” He runs towards him and greets him with a bear hug.

“I… can’t… breathe…”

“Oh, sorry.” Jongin grins, releasing him. “Come, I have something for you.”

Kyungsoo gets dragged by him, having no choice but to follow and sit beside Jongin on the couch. Jongin takes out a poorly wrapped present and gives it to Kyungsoo.

“Happy 200 days.” Jongin grins widely.

Oh crap. I totally forgot about this. Kyungsoo sat there, stunned, surprised and devastated at the same time. “W-wha… What’s this?” He takes the gift slowly, eyeing it.

“Open it.”

Kyungsoo, being the ever clean freak he is, neatly finds all the scotch tapes and removes it all one by one, careful not to rip off the wrapping. Jongin rolls his eyes at him. Kyungsoo ignores his sarcastic gesture and slowly unveils the contents of the gift. It was a shirt. A white v-neck shirt with a cute Krong print in front.

“I know you like white… And Krong, because of me.” Kyungsoo laughs momentarily, and then frowns.

“Why, what’s wrong? You don’t like it?” Jongin looked at him, pouting.

“No no… It’s just that… I’m disappointed at myself. I can’t believe I forgot to buy you a gift.”

“Nah, that’s okay, at least I still have you.” Jongin, kisses him and gives him a smile after.

He looked at this handsome man before him. He may be beguilingly mysterious and moody at times, but he’s a dorky child inside.

“Oh yeah, sit here and relax. I’m going to be the one to make lunch today.”

“Are you sure?” Kyungsoo eyes him suspiciously. “You might burn the house down.”

“Oh, don’t underestimate me, Mr. Masterchef. I am extremely sure you’re going to be so shocked. My dishes are going to be really delicious you’re going to forget your name.” Jongin jokes and walks off.

Maybe I should try focusing on my present rather than my past. Maybe I should just forget about Chanyeol. Kyungsoo thinks as he watched Jongin’s back disappear into the kitchen. Yes, maybe Jongin’s the one destined for me. He sighs and inspects the t-shirt again. He notices some black patches inside the hem of it. Oh great, Jongin really didn’t think twice about buying the shirt.

Rolling his eyes, he folded it inside out and checked the black marks if they were washable.

He inhales sharply, his eyes grew wider than ever –if that was possible- the moment he discovers the marks weren’t just mere stains.

It was a phone number. And under it, the name written was…

Park Chanyeol.

A/N: OMG YES THE NEXT CHAPTER DONE. FINALLY. *THROWS CONFETTI* I’m sorry I’m such a lazy at updating, was really busy. > ^ < Someone guessed the movie title right really fast O___O So yeah, little contest over. She had given a nice plot so far, and we like it. Ohohoho. Anyway, please look forward to our last chapter. (Yes, I know, only five chaps) Don’t forget to comment and subscribe! We love you all!~