Chapter Fifteen: Mend

mend: to heal; to improve; to make better

~*~

That evening Baekhyun called Yonghwa and set up a date and place to meet. Fortunately Baekhyun wouldn't have to wait too long.

Baekhyun requested his father drop him off at the restaurant after his check-up at the doctor's. Baekhyun had to admit he wasn't nervous meeting Yonghwa until he stepped out the car and his dad drove off. He took the time to watch his father disappear down the street before facing the front doors.

With a sharp exhale, Baekhyun wiped his hands on his jeans before stepping inside the restaurant. Baekhyun sped to the table Yonghwa was sitting at, ignoring the waiter that greeted him. It wasn't intentional, Baekhyun was too preoccupied forming the words in his head that he only realized he left the waiter hanging after sitting down.

Yonghwa waved at the waiter to indicate that Baekhyun was the one he had been waiting for. Yonghwa tried not to stare at Baekhyun's arm, but it was inevitable. He commented, "I see that it's healed now."

Flustered, Baekhyun furrowed his brows before understanding what Yonghwa was referring to. "Oh, you probably heard about that. Yeah, I got assaulted while I was walking home."

"Walking? Don't you usually ride your bike?"

"It got stolen before that happened."

"I'm sorry to hear that." Yonghwa cleared his throat, hands folded across the table, "Now, what did you want to talk about?"

"My brother," Baekhyun answered. "You know he didn't do it. Why aren't you saying anything? He's your best friend." Baekhyun's eyes bored into Yonghwa's. It had been about four months. If it weren't for Jongdeok's story, Baekhyun would have sworn it was Yonghwa even if it the accusation hurt him. What kind of best friend was Yonghwa to remain silent for so long?

Yonghwa chewed his lower lip, remembering back to Baekbeom's words. "He said he would handle everything. I trusted him to do so. I-I didn't expect it to come like to this."

"He was betrayed by someone, Yonghwa," Baekhyun insisted. "Do you have any ideas who?"

"They're monsters," Yonghwa said quietly. He sat back in his seat, "Using you against Baekbeom. I don't know who would do that. After meeting--" Yonghwa cleared his throat, unsure if Baekhyun knew about Bohye.

"Meeting who?"

Yonghwa carefully asked, "Do you know Lee Bohye?" At Baekhyun's nod, Yonghwa continued, "Well, after meeting her, Baekbeom secluded himself. His calls and visits became less frequent. He almost stopped coming to the parties."

Yonghwa sighed disheartedly. As much as he didn't like to admit the truth, his relationship with Baekbeom seemed to deteriorate after Baekbeom met Bohye. Yonghwa didn't mind at first since he had plenty of other friends, but after awhile the absence of his best friend began to bother him. Honestly, they had a rocky relationship after Seohwa began hitting on Baekbeom. It slightly escalated when Jongdeok came into the picture and then Bohye tore him away.

"Then why did he go to the last one?"

"Bohye convinced him."

The two ceased their conversation when the waiter came over and handed them a tea kettle and two small cups for the tea. Baekhyun had to remember that Yonghwa was addicted to tea like he was to cleanliness.

Yonghwa offered the tea to Baekhyun, but the younger male shook his head. Pouring a cup for himself, Yonghwa said, "I can't think of anyone who would do it, Baekhyun. It's like searching a needle in the haystack."

Baekhyun sighed in despair, his head resting in the palm of his left hand. How was he going to trick Yonghwa? Feeling discomforted, Baekhyun shifted in his seat.

"Are you okay? You seem on edge."

Baekhyun reached for a glass of water, "I'm just really stressed and anxious by everything that has happened. Have you visited Baekbeom yet?"

Yonghwa shook his head, relieved when Baekhyun didn't ask why. The answer was complicated.

"What makes you think they're using me against my brother?" Baekhyun backtracked. "You think it was all connected?"

"Well, it had to be. It only makes sense, Baekhyun. The guys stole your bike so they could catch you alone, right? You're basically leverage."

The water went down the wrong pipe, causing Baekhyun to gag and enter a coughing fit.

 "Sorry," Baekhyun choked out between sips of water. He almost couldn't look Cho Yonghwa in the eyes. Baekhyun felt as if he were running his hardest but the ground beneath him prevented him from moving forward. After calming down, Baekhyun flashed Yonghwa a crooked grin, "Sorry. Yeah, you're probably right. I don't know why I didn't connect the dots. Must have had my head banged against the wall too hard." The younger male reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, "Ah, my mom's calling. I have to take this."

"Tell her I said hi."

Baekhyun dismissed himself from the table and stepped outside and hit speed dial, hoping his mother would pick up.

"Black coffee."

Mrs. Byun understood and replied, "Funny thing, I was actually going to call you. I bumped into your future sister-in-law at the market and invited her over for dinner. She'll be here soon and I need your help to prepare for tonight's meal."

"Is she really?" Baekhyun asked in surprise.

"Yes, that poor girl needs some love from us."

"Thanks Mom, I'll be there," Baekhyun hung up. He returned to the table and apologized to Yonghwa. Fortunately Yonghwa didn't question the reason and Baekhyun left.

---

"Hey Mom--" Baekhyun came to an awkward stop when he saw Bohye instead.

"Hello Baekhyun," Bohye smiled pleasantly at the raven-haired boy. Baekhyun flushed, swiping his bangs from his eyes. Bohye's beauty constantly flustered him.

"H-Hi."

Mr. Byun glanced over his shoulder to see his son standing in the doorway, "Your mother went upstairs. Help us out."

Baekhyun joined his parents and Bohye in the preparation for dinner. He still couldn't fully grasp the fact that Bohye was his future sister-in-law. If things didn't up then she would already be married to Baekbeom. Baekhyun would have gone to his first wedding. Yoonkyu would still be standing. That meant no transfers, no Jongdae. But Baekhyun couldn't know for certain. Perhaps somewhere along the way Kyungsoo would have introduced them. Perhaps.

"Be careful with your tears," Mrs. Byun warned her son. Baekhyun sniffed and wiped his eyes with the back of his hand. The powerful aroma stung his eyes but it was a pain he didn't mind too much. He nodded and after several seconds of recollecting himself he resumed chopping the green herbs.

Baekhyun couldn't wait to eat. His father was making fried rice and his father's fried rice was the best in the world. Bohye was helping his mother make cinnamon pancakes. Baekhyun was just there to help with the ingredients.

---

While he sat in the living room waiting for his food to digest he couldn't help but think about Jongdae. He hadn't given Jongdae the bill yet, not like Jongdae owed him anything, but he knew Jongdae would ask for it sooner or later because that's how Jongdae was. Baekhyun thought how nice it would be to go over to Jongdae's place just once more and if he did visit, would Jongdae's mother be there? He wouldn't mind if their mothers got together and became friends, at least then he would have an excuse to see Jongdae without feeling like he was intruding.

"You mind if I sit beside you?" Bohye smirked. Baekhyun wore the same facial expression as Baekbeom when lost in thought and she couldn't help but find it endearing every single time. She plopped down beside her future brother-in-law and tilted her head slightly. "What are you thinking about, if you don't mind me asking?"

Baekhyun burst into nervous laughter as he swiped his bangs from his eyes, "Just stuff."

Maybe she can help me.

Baekhyun scanned the area for any sign of his parents. "Do you know where my mom and dad are?"

"I heard your father was preparing to leave for work. As for your mother, she received a call from her office or something like that."

Chewing his bottom lip in contemplation, Baekhyun blurted out, "Can I tell you something private? Like really personal? So personal that if you revealed it to anyone I'd jump in front of a train?"

Bohye chuckled nervously at how quickly Baekhyun's questions escalated. "Of course."

"Well... I have this friend who... likes me, romantically. I don't really like that friend back but I want to continue being friends, only I feel so guilty and awkward around this friend. The thing is... I also want to give this friend a chance but will that damage our relationship further?"

"I have one question -- is it a girl or a boy?"

"Wh-What? Why-- why do you need to know that?"

Judging by your reaction it's a boy.

Bohye smiled, "What you do depends on the identity of your friend. Girls tend to be more emotional so you have to be careful about doing things like that. I can't speak for all girls of course, but if I were your friend and Baekbeom was you, I'd be hurt and upset. It's like a pity-relationship and it isn't real." After a moment's thought, she added, "It's okay to like the same gender. Your friend isn't weird, nor are you. I have a female cousin living in Canada who's happily married with her wife," Bohye continued. "How did you know you liked barbecued intestines?"

"My parents forced it down my throat when I was a kid."

"But... you liked it right?"

Baekhyun slowly nodded.

"Well, what do you think of your friend? What is your friend like?"

Baekhyun rolled his eyes and began speaking before he realized what he was saying, "He gets too emotional and he laughs too loud and he's too touchy. One time he--" Baekhyun gasped and slapped his hand over his mouth before more words began spilling.

Boyhye smiled and encouraged Baekhyun to keep speaking, "Anything positive?"

Baekhyun wanted to cry at his stupidity. He swore it must be one of Bohye's charms to get the truth out of everyone.

"He's caring,he's kind. He's a good listener and genuinely seems interested in what I have to say..." Baekhyun laughed nervously as he realized he had been caught in a trap. His cheeks flushed redder and he avoided Bohye's eyes. He already blew the identity of Jongdae's gender, so why not just continue? "I feel like us being the same gender is what's stopping me. Like... if I was a girl and Jongdae asked me out--"

I just said his name. What the Baekhyun, you're so ing stupid.

Bohye saw the distress on Baekhyun's face and she gently rubbed Baekhyun's back as she did to Baekbeom in the past. "Love has no boundaries," Bohye said. Her smile grew bigger at Baekhyun's slip up. Kim Jongdae? "But I understand how you feel, Baekhyun. The world we live in, not everyone can accept."

"This is one of the strangest things that has ever happened to me," Baekhyun groaned, ruffling his hair in frustration. "I don't want to make things worse than they already are."

"You have an open mind, Baekhyun. I can see that. By you not running away or avoiding your friend after he told you his feelings -- that's the first step."

Baekhyun cringed inside. Bohye didn't know about what happened and if he was careful she wouldn't ever have to. She was right, however. At least Baekhyun didn't look at Jongdae in disgust, not after the confessions. Since the beginning of their relationship Baekhyun had the opportunity to turn Jongdae away and avoid the awkwardness altogether.

Who was Baekhyun to judge Jongdae?

"What are you thinking?" Bohye inquired, noticing the return of the thinking face.

"Uhh... nothing really. I don't know," Baekhyun stretched his arms above his head. His ears were still burning from the many slip ups. "Well, I should get started on homework... I'm a little... behind. Sorry." Bohye nodded in understanding and Baekhyun retreated to his bedroom.

Homework? Baekhyun didn't have time for homework. He was too stressed out about stupid Kim Jongdae. What was he going to do?

Seated at his desk, Baekhyun eyed his books and writing utensils. He reached for a pen, thinking perhaps he could start out by writing some pros and cons about Jongdae.

Wow I sound like a total .

Why did Baekhyun care so much? It's not like anyone was going to see it. Wetting his lips, Baekhyun postponed his homework for a little bit longer. All he could think about was Jongdae. He would rather think about Jongdae than Yonghwa. Nevertheless, he made the list.

Pros: Jongdae

Cons:

~

"Hey are you two doing the Secret Santa thing?" Jongdae asked Baekhyun and Chanyeol. Baekhyun swiveled in his seat to look at the brunet.

"Are you referring to the family or friend version? For the family, yes. Friends, no. You're all disgusting."

"Family only. What about you Chanyeol?"

The tall brunet grinned, "Both. What about you?"

"I'm not good at gifting people," Jongdae laughed nervously, an image of Yoonmi's necklace flashing through his mind.

"Aww, that doesn't really matter. As long as you're having fun! You should totally do the friend version then, all the crazy everyone brings. The weirder, the better." Chanyeol began laughing so hard his eyes watered. Taking a deep breath, Chanyeol recollected himself, "Whatever suits you Jongdae."

Jongdae nodded wordlessly before resting his head.

As Baekhyun flipped through his virtual calendar he realized Chanyeol's birthday was that Thursday. Chanyeol's parents were probably going to host a special party like they did every year, but did Baekhyun really want to go? "Hey Chanyeol," Baekhyun tapped his best friend's desk. "Is there anything specific you want for your birthday?"

His head resting in the palm of his hand, Chanyeol shook his head. "I think I'm getting old. I don't really care as much as before."

"Well that's strange coming from you. But seriously, what do you want besides a slice of cake."

At the mention of cake, Chanyeol's stomach quenched in hunger. He had woken up late that morning and skipped breakfast so he could pick up Jaehwa for school. "Do you have food on you right now?"

Baekhyun sighed and dug into his backpack for his half eaten sandwich, "You want this?"

Chanyeol sat upright and gratefully took it, "Oh yes, please."

Baekhyun almost pulled his sandwich back but the look in Chanyeol's eyes made him think otherwise. Baekhyun furrowed his brows as he analyzed Chanyeol's body. Did Chanyeol get thinner? "Are you starving yourself?" Baekhyun demanded. "Don't start that again!"

Again?

Chanyeol hastily shook his head and opened his mouth before remembering Baekhyun's rule. He swallowed down the sandwich before replying, "I'm not starving myself, don't worry. I just had a light dinner last night and skipped breakfast this morning--"

"That's starving yourself!"

"If you had let me finish, I was saying I skipped breakfast this morning because I woke up late and rushed out the door," Chanyeol said slowly.

"Not even a fruit?" Baekhyun huffed.

"I'm not starving myself Baek, don't worry. You trust me don't you?" Baekhyun remained quiet as if he pondered over the question. Chanyeol scoffed in disbelief, "Are you actually doubting me?"

"Of course I trust you, idiot. You think our friendship could have maintained for so long had we not established a mutual trust?"

These two act like a married couple.

Jongdae sighed inwardly and lazily scribbled on his paper before erasing it and doodling something else. If his phone hadn't died already he would be on it still. Jongdae glanced at the door as if by a miracle his teacher would arrive and class would resume, but no one came through.

The student sitting beside Jongdae, Kim Minwoo, lazily asked, "What do you think happened?"

Jongdae exhaled sharply, "I don't know but I'm bored." Jongdae tidied his desk before burying his face in his arms. Jongdae closed his eyes and listened to Baekhyun's voice amidst the chatter of the other students. After the quick bickering about whether Chanyeol was starving himself or not, the two had began discussing activities to do for Chanyeol's birthday.

Jongdae cringed at Baekhyun's laughter, not because it didn't sound pleasant. It had only been a week since the two resumed their friendship. Jongdae's feelings were undeniable and it upset him. Jongdae tried focusing on Baekhyun's voice again but failed. He lifted his head up to Baekhyun's fingers brushing against his face. Jongdae flinched back in alarm as his ears turned hot in embarrassment.

Realizing he had been caught, Baekhyun hastily retracted his hand and cracked a smile, "I see you're awake."

The brunet blinked in confusion, "What were you doing?"

Baekhyun chuckled nervously, "You uhh--" Baekhyun gestured to his own head to explain but decided against it. "It's nothing, don't worry about it."

~

A couple of days later, Jongdae found Baekhyun standing around the front porch of his house. "Your friend's here," Mrs. Kim stated with a wide smile as she parked the car in the driveway. "Go say hi and see what he wants. Don't be rude now, Jongdae."

The young brunet stepped out the car and slowly approached the front door, "Hey Baekhyun. What brings you here?"

Baekhyun smiled. "I'm here about your-" Baekhyun shot a glance at Mrs. Kim emerging from the car and said to Jongdae in a hushed tone, "-payment."

"Why didn't you just call or shoot me a text?"

I needed an excuse to see you.

Baekhyun scoffed while playfully hitting Jongdae's arm, "I can't leave evidence around."

"All right, what do I owe you?"

"Absolutely nothing. Free of charge."

"No," Jongdae stated flatly. "Don't let me off the hook so easily like that Byun Baekhyun. Let me compensate for everything you did. Besides, you came all the way here just to tell me that? No way are you going to accept nothing."

Baekhyun admantly shook his head, "I don't want your money Jongdae. I don't need it either so just let the matter go, okay? Also, I've been a total to you so I'm letting everything slide. Most people would be happy to get such a service for free."

Plus, I lost track of the time a while ago.

"Well I'm not most people! I-- I..."

I want you to like me back.

Jongdae shook his head as he sucessfully unlocked the front door, "Forget it. I have to give you something no matter what it is. Come up with something, Baekhyun. A game of chess, baking cookies, anything reasonable you can think of." Jongdae swung the front door open, "You can leave now."

"Don't be ridiculous," Mrs. Kim gasped. She smoothly slipped her arm into Baekhyun's and guided him inside, "Stay for a while. You came all the way here, you might as well get something out of it." Baekhyun smirked at Jongdae as the latter rolled his eyes. Baekhyun assisted Jongdae and Mrs. Kim in carrying the bags despite Mrs. Kim's protest.

The Kims emptied the bags as Baekhyun watched from where he sat on one of the kitchen chairs. Baekhyun glimpsed at the bag nearest him and gasped excitedly. He pulled out the olive-colored jacket and held it against himself. He ran his fingers through the soft fur inside and -- stealing a glance at the other two -- slipped the jacket on. Baekhyun grinned at Jongdae, "Hey, where did you buy this?"

"Why?"

"Cause I like it."

"Oh, do you now?" Jongdae raised a brow. He used all the power within him to keep a straight face.

Baekhyun nodded enthusastically as he hugged himself, "It's so nice and warm. Tell me tell me."

"No."

Mrs. Kim smiled and walked up to Baekhyun, adjusting the jacket, "It looks nice on you Baekhyun. There's a little shop nearby here called Geurae Clothing, but unfortunately Jongdae grabbed the last one. There were others similar to this if you'd like to check out the shop."

"Mom!" Jongdae gasped incredulously. What was he going to do if Baekhyun went to buy a jacket of his own?

Mrs. Kim stepped to the side and gestured to Baekhyun, "Well just look at him, sweetie. Isn't he so cute and adorable? I think the jacket suits him more than you." With her last statement Mrs. Kim winked. "Anyway, I can give you their address if you'd like."

"Sure, if you don't mind," Baekhyun smiled.

---

I have to give you something no matter what it is. Come up with something, Baekhyun.

Those words echoed in Baekhyun's mind. Something, Jongdae had to give him something. It didn't necessarily have to be money, but what? Not knowing what he wanted from his friend, Baekhyun pursed his lips. Lips...

...and there he had it.

Baekhyun laid a piece of paper neatly in front him and uncapped a pen. He couldn't just let Jongdae free, the brunet was right about that.

But...

Baekhyun nervously wet his lips, pressing the pen against the paper. His life was going to take a sharp turn.

Ah, how much more damage could our relationship get into?

---

Baekhyun loved his new bike but at times he missed his old one. The wind blowing through his hair felt refreshing, the bugs on the other hand... not so much. Once, the Byuns went on a family trip down the Han River and Baekhyun rode into a swarm of bugs. Ever since Baekhyun kept his mouth glued shut whenever he was on his bike.

"Baekhyun! Wait up!" Chanyeol huffed as he began pedaling faster. Jaehwa matched Chanyeol's speed as her mother's salon appeared in the distance, right in front the other smaller businesses.

Baekhyun's roots began to show and it bothered him more than he'd like to admit. He figured he needed time away from the stress. His arm had healed, he had a new bike, Jongdae was talking to him again. Baekhyun was stuck on his personal investigation and he couldn't proceed any further. He would like to visit Baekbeom and speak to Jongdeok again but both of the men were far off somewhere.

Baekhyun secured his bike and strolled into the salon.

Mrs. Cho recognized the boy and smiled brightly, "Baekhyun, it's good to see you." Baekhyun smiled back until he saw Yonghwa. Mrs. Cho beckoned to her son, "Yonghwa, you'll take care of Baekhyun won't you?"

Yonghwa stood at the cash register, handing out change to a customer, "Of course. Anything for Baekhyun." After the exchange was completed, Yonghwa gestured for Baekhyun to follow him.

Of course it would be him. Of all the days I come here he happens to be working in his family salon.

Baekhyun nervously followed Yonghwa and sat in the white swiveling chair. Yonghwa smiled through the mirror, "So what will I be doing for you today?"

"I need to color my hair black."

"Would you like a trim too?"

"Uhh..." Baekhyun squinted his eyes at his reflection. His hair wasn't too long was it? "Just a little bit I guess."

---

Jongdae was out jogging with Kyungsoo and a couple of others when he ran into Baekhyun.

"Come on Jongdae, I need to talk to you," Baekhyun wobbled back and forth on his bike to keep up with Jongdae's slow pace.

"Can it wait?" Jongdae panted.

"Until when?"

Dongbin checked his watch, "We've got one more mile."

"Come on Jongdae!" Baekhyun snapped, almost tempted to run into Jongdae with his bike. "Can't you guys take a water break or something?"

The joggers ignored the bicyclist. If whatever Baekhyun wanted to tell Jongdae was important then Baekhyun would wait.

Baekhyun sighed as he followed them. It wasn't as if he had anything else important to do that day. If Jongdae was alone then Baekhyun could just hand the paper over, but there came the issue with confidentiality.

While slowly pedaling, Baekhyun's eyes traveled to Jongdae's shoulders and forearms. Perhaps if he started working out and excercising like he used to then he'd look nice and fit too.

Maybe later.

After what felt like forever to Baekhyun, the joggers finally stopped for a break. Jongdae followed Baekhyun away from the group. "What is it?"

Baekhyun held out a folded piece of paper, "This here is the fee. Payment is due by the end of this week. If you can't agree to it, then don't complain and accept the free service."

Jongdae's heart pounded harder against his chest as he accepted the paper. After the raven-haired male hopped on his bike, Jongdae unfolded the paper and what was written down made him gasp, the paper nearly flying out of his hands.

You owe me one kiss. I'll be waiting for your call.

Jongdae's head shot up, but Baekhyun was already rolling away into the distance.

That bastard's playing with me.

Jongdae hastily crumpled the paper and stuffed it into a pocket before rejoining the others. Kyungsoo inquired what Baekhyun wanted. "Just... Well stuff."

"Ahh," Kyungsoo nodded. "I see. It's been like what... almost five months? What could you have possibly asked for that would take nearly half a year?" Kyungsoo offered the brunet a water bottle.

"To be precise we finished up in the beginning of October," Jongdae took small sips from the bottle. His hands were shaking so bad it made it difficult to grip onto the item. Jongdae lowered his arm, "He just gave me the bill."

"Couldn't he have done that another time? He made it seem so urgent."

"It's a hefty price and he wants to make sure I pay it and really Kyungsoo, it's none of your business."

Kyungsoo grinned at Jongdae to let the brunet know he was done with prying. Jongdae returned the grin before the two rejoined with the others and continued their jog.

~

Jongdae needed to get Baekhyun alone but he felt too scared each time they were alone. Everytime Baekhyun looked his way, Jongdae wanted to dive off a plane.

In the days leading up to the last day that Jongdae's payment was due, both parties waited in anxiety. Baekhyun was left wondering when Jongdae was going to contact him, if the brunet planned to do so. Baekhyun held mixed feelings, not sure which he would be more disappointed at -- Jongdae calling or not. It didn't matter in the end since Baekhyun's phone buzzed in his pocket as he received a text from Jongdae. Ten minutes later the two came to a mutual agreement to head over to Jongdae's place.

Baekhyun sped downstairs with one backpack strap over his shoulder, "Hey Mom, I'm going over to Jongdae's."

Mrs. Byun set down her papers and adjusted her reading glasses on her nose, "Why?"

"Why does it matter why?"

"Can you run to the store and get a carton of milk before you come back?"

Baekhyun mentally rolled his eyes but smiled at his mother, "Full or half gallon?"

"Just half."

Baekhyun double checked for his wallet and phone before heading out to the garage. He would have to hurry before the sun set. He had at most two hours. Jongdae lived about four miles away and depending on the amount of stops Baekhyun encountered and how quickly he pedaled. Baekhyun secured his watch before closing the garage door behind him.

---

Jongdae ran back and forth in his room as he quickly tidied up whatever he could. He knew Baekhyun would compain and nitpick about everything. Jongdae shoved all his clothes into the closet before frantically analyzing his room for any boxers that might be hiding, waiting to strike when Baekhyun arrived.

He cracked open his window a tad bit to allow air circulation. Fresh air would be nice; Jongdae felt extremely tense and hot. Imagine how he would feel if Baekhyun were actually in the room with him. Standing back, Jongdae nodded in satisfaction. With a heavy sigh Jongdae threw himself on his bed, staring up at the white ceiling. He used to have a glow-in-the-dark galaxy taped up there when he was younger and afraid of the dark.

The brunet hadn't planned to pick up his phone and shoot Baekhyun a text but he did. Now Baekhyun was on his way and Jongdae had no idea what to expect. He closed his eyes and listened intently to his heartbeat until he received an arrival text from Baekhyun. As Jongdae headed downstairs he could hear his mother's and Baekhyun's loud laughter.

"There he is," Mrs. Kim beckoned to her son. "Study hard."

"We will," Baekhyun laughed again before following Jongdae away. Once Jongdae shut the door Baekhyun shrugged off his backpack, "I feel kind of bad lying to your mom." Baekhyun ped his bag and began pulling out his workbooks and folders. "Is your bed okay?"

"Yeah. But what exactly did you want that would take so long? All you asked for was... you know."

"I have a lot of things I want to talk to you about, Kim Jongdae. It may take awhile depending on how things go." Jongdae retrieved his own school supplies and scattered them accordingly.

Oh great.

Baekhyun opened two of his books to random pages and set the aside. He took out a blank piece of paper and began scribbling on it. A soft sigh escaped Baekhyun's lips, "I didn't think you'd do it. I wouldn't have."

Jongdae's lips curled into a small smile, "Well I haven't done it yet. Besides your pride would stop you but I don't have much of that." Jongdae slid his history book back inside his backpack. If his mom did walk in he wouldn't be able to explain how world history was related to math.

Baekhyun chuckled in amusement. What pride could Kim Jongdae possibly be referring to?

"I know it was you," Jongdae said.

"Huh?"

"You found out it was Yoonmi. I heard from Joonmyun. We were heading to the restrooms when he casually brought it up."

Baekhyun's lip twitched in irritation. Of course Joonmyun would open his big mouth and give everyone the credit they 'deserved.'

"He also wanted me to remind you that he's still waiting for his payment, preferably before the school year ends and he goes off to college."

Baekhyun huffed in annoyance. "Well are you going to kiss me or not? You weren't so hesitant to kiss me last time."

Jongdae laughed nervously, his heart thumping rapidly hard inside his chest. His ears were burning and he could barely hold his books without shaking. He remembered that night their lips almost met. Circumstances were different -- back then the two were hardly friends and Jongdae held no real feelings. It was fun and games. This time their friendship and Jongdae's feelings were well developed and solid. Unlike before he couldn't easily joke about such intimacy.

"Well you have my permission, what are you waiting for?" Baekhyun blinked in anticipation. Despite the cool demeanor he gave off, Baekhyun was a nervous wreck inside. He felt if Jongdae made no moves any time soon he would start sweating and shaking and all chances would be lost.

Hurry it up.

This is awkward as hell.

Out of nowehere, Jongdae cupped Baekhyun's cheeks and gave Baekhyun's lips a quick peck before pulling back. Jongdae smiled shyly at Baekhyun as he lowered his arms. Baekhyun, on the other hand, stared back in utter confusion, "What the hell was that?"

"Your kiss."

"That was pathetic."

Jongdae frowned, "Whatever. I gave you your kiss."

Baekhyun eyed Jongdae as the brunet averted his gaze. Things weren't going as Baekhyun had planned so he needed to take action and man the wheel, "Do you still feel the same?" Jongdae shrugged. "Give me a yes or no." Head hung low, Jongdae gave a weak nod. "Then let's go back to the shed, to what you said to me."

What's he trying to do?

When Jongdae remained quiet Baekhyun sighed and folded his arms across his chest, "I heard you found someone. Who's the lucky victim?"

Jongdae's heart skipped a beat. He didn't know what Baekhyun was planning but he figured he would play along,  "You."

Baekhyun moved closer to Jongdae and slipped his fingers through the other's. "Why me?"

"Umm, I don't know," Jongdae replied with a breathy chuckle. "I just feel really comfortable with you. It's... it's kind of weird." Jongdae tried freeing his hand but Baekhyun held an iron grip.

"I know I brought your life a ton of . I would rather not name them," Baekhyun said with a wince. He cleared his throat before continuing, "Well anyway, I want to... say sorry for how I reacted at the shed. The words slipped out before I realized it."

Jongdae noticed the pink tinge on Baekhyun's cheeks. A flustered Baekhyun was always cute. "Is there something on your mind?"

Baekhyun stared into space, carefully to avoid Jongdae's eyes. "I want you to give me a chance. Please?" He attempted his best smile in hopes of winning Jongdae's heart.

---

Mrs. Kim answered her phone, "Hello?"

"Hey, I was wondering if Baekhyun was still over there? I've called him many times but he hasn't answered."

"Umm, as far as I can tell he hasn't left yet. I can check," Mrs. Kim rose from the couch and hastily moved to her son's bedroom. The lights were still on inside the bedroom. Mrs. Kim knocked on the door, "Boys?" After a moment's silence, she tried the door knob. What she saw next made her smile. She brought the phone against her ear, "Baekhyun's still here. They must have fallen asleep doing their homework. Would you like me to wake him up?"

Relief washed over Mrs. Byun. Her son was okay. "No that's fine. Could you take care of him for me?"

"Of course."

The line disconnected and Mrs. Kim began relocating the books and papers onto Jongdae's desk. She shut the window before heading to the bed and lifting the blankets and covers over the two teenage boys. "You'll both catch a cold," she whispered to herself as she carefully tucked them in. She brushed her son's brown hair away from his eyes, giving him a soft kiss on the forehead before she turned off the lights and cautiously shut the door after her.

Guys I can't stop smiling at how cute it would be to find Baekchen asleep on the bed together ugh TT~TT