Knock, knock

Aerin stirred from her sleep as she heard some faint knocks on her door. She blinked her eyes, wincing while trying to adjust to the brightness. The curtain on the windows were already pulled and tied to the side, but she didn’t even hear Aunt Jung coming in. The girl stretched her limb and felt her bone softly cracking, groaning as she felt stiffness all over her body. She didn’t know going around for the whole day could make her this tired.

“Miss Kim, there’s a package for you.” Aunt Jung came inside her room and placed a big bouquet on the foot of her bed. She excused herself after the younger thanked her.

She felt her lips twitched up and formed a smile. It was a big and pretty bouquet. She had someone on her mind but instantly felt down as she remembered what happened two nights before. Yes, they haven’t talked to each other again after that. Aerin was simply disappointed at Baekhyun for raising his voice at her without even listening to her explanation first. The man didn’t call her at all, not even a single message was sent to talk about it. But she just let him because she knew it was hard for them to solve this kind of problem over a phone call. And she didn’t want to make it worse. This was just a stupid understanding actually.

Aerin scooted close to the giant bouquet and admired the pretty arrangement. There was a smile grazing her lips as soon as she realised what flowers were there. It was combination of roses, lilies, and blue hyacinths, which Aerin knew very well what it meant. She felt her heart clenched, because it was actually her fault, and she should be the first to apologize. The girl took the small envelope and opened it. She couldn’t help the warmth from spreading throughout her body.

I’m sorry. I miss you so much, my Sunshine.

—Baekhyun

“Hello,”

“Hi, Jongdae oppa. I’m sorry for calling you this early, were you still asleep.”

“Oh, Hi, Aerin. No, no. Unlike your boyfriend, I’m actually an early riser.” She heard Jongdae answered her, earning him a laugh from the girl. “What’s up?”

Jongdae asked, fully aware that it was unusual of her to call him so early in the morning.

“Um, can I ask you something about Baekhyun?”

“Yes, sure. Oh, but wait, let me ask you first. Did you two fight?”

Jongdae heard a soft chuckle from the other end of the line. “Yeah. Kinda. I was wondering if there’s something happened there. I mean, he’s been a bit emotional and kind of restless these past days, and I think I unintentionally pushed the button on Tuesday.”

“Ah, I see that’s why he’s been really grumpy these past two days. Well, yes there’s some problem here, and actually, on Tuesday it’s kind of… peaking? He was so frustrated because I think we need to prolong our stay. Baekhyun’s doing the best he can. Let’s just hope we can solve it faster, so we won’t need to stay longer.”

Aerin felt her heart clenched at the piece of information. It must have been worse on Baekhyun’s part and she didn’t even try to reach him out after the argument. After talking more about their work, Aerin said her gratitude and wishes for the both of them before cutting the call. She lied back down on her bed and stared blankly at the ceiling. The girl let out a long sigh before grabbing her phone. Her finger lingered on the screen, contemplating whether to call Baekhyun or just leave him a message. She heaved a sigh and turned to lie on her side as she finally pressed the video call button.

The call was finally picked up after some rings. The screen was still dark until she heard some rustles for some seconds. She heard a soft groan before finally seeing a sleepy face showing up on the screen. His hazel hair was dishevelled. He had an eye slightly cracked open, and she couldn’t help but holding herself from cooing at how cute and hot her boyfriend was at the same time.

“G’morning, Baby.” She heard him mumbling his greeting.

“Good morning, Baekhyun.” She greeted him back with a fond smile. “Um, should I cut the call so you could sleep some more?” She softly asked him because Baekhyun really looked like he needed some more sleep. “We, um, we can talk later.”

“No,” Baekhyun answered immediately. “No, I’m okay. I need to go to the plant early anyway.” He said, now having both his eyes opened as he stared sleepily at his favourite girl. They were both silent, only staring at each other through the screen, wishing they could touch and have each other in their arms. “I miss you so much, Baby. I really wish you were here.”

“I miss you too, so much.” Aerin smiled at him.

It had been hard for both of them. Yes, they fought from time to time over some stupid things. They often argued, but they always make sure to solve everything together. And in the end, they always knew that everything would be just fine. This distance actually felt like a test. It felt like the universe was testing how strong the love they had for each other. Because distance could simply tighten your bond, or it could just ruin everything.

“Baby, I’m sorry.”

“No, Baekhyun, I am sorry.”

“Hey, no, Sweetheart. It was my fault. I shouldn’t have snapped at you. I’m sorry.” Baekhyun quickly answered.

The man saw her shaking her head. “No, Baekhyun. I should be the one who apologise. And, I still want to tell you about that day, w—will you listen to me?”

“Yes, Baby, please.” Baekhyun smiled a little, staring at the girl as she began telling him about that day.

Baekhyun knew Jongin and Soo Jung were having a small party for their daughter’s first birthday this Saturday. Soo Jung personally asked for the younger’s help with the decoration. And since they wanted to hold a private party, they were handling everything by themselves. They already placed their order for the birthday cakes, sweets, and food. Aerin was supposed to go with Soo Jung that day, shopping for the décor; balloons, ribbons, coloured papers and every other necessities, but Iseul—the birthday girl—was unfortunately caught in fever that day, so she offered to go by herself since she was worried they wouldn’t have more time to prepare.

“But you said… um, why were you with Sehun?” Baekhyun carefully asked in a small voice. He knew he was probably being childish, but he couldn’t help but ask about it. The girl looked at him with fond eyes, and she smiled when she saw a pout forming in his lips as he let out the question.

“Ah, right. My chauffeur went with Soo Jung unnie and Iseul to the hospital. Sehun just came dropping by to leave some documents for Jongin oppa. We talked and he offered to bring me since it was actually his day off. He said he 's going out with Hyera and he simply asked me if it was okay for him to bring her with us. I—I just couldn’t refuse. You know how fond I am of Hyera. So, we ended up spending the whole day together. Hyera and Sehun both helped me with the shopping, and she looked so happy that day.”

“I’m so sorry for not giving you a chance to explain, Love.”

The girl shook her head. “No, it was my fault for not telling you. I was too occupied, and when I realised that I forgot my phone, I didn’t even try to contact you.”

“Still, I’m sorry. I really shouldn’t have snapped at you. It was horrible of me.”

“Is everything okay there now?”

Baekhyun answered her with a nod. “We’re working on it, and it’s almost finished. I just need to make sure of some things and I should be good to go.” Aerin saw him grinned from the first time since this morning. “I was really frustrated that day, and when I seek for your comfort, you weren’t there.” He said with a pout. “And I was just so annoyed when out of all people you suddenly mentioned Sehun, you know.”

The man heard a loud chuckle from the girl. “It’s been a couple years and you’re still jealous of him. How adorable.” She cooed at him.

“I’m not jealous, okay?”

“Yes, right, you’re not jealous at all, I know that very well.”

“Babe, please.”

“Oh, hi,” Aerin greeted the man who suddenly showed up in front of her room with a grin, having no idea about the surprise visit. Baekhyun didn't tell her he's coming back today. “When did you arrive?” The man didn’t answer and only engulfed her into a tight hug before burying his face on her neck. Aerin giggled as she felt his hands were sneaking around on her waist. “You miss me this much, hm?”

Baekhyun hummed, inhaling her sweet strawberry scent he loved the most. “I miss you so much, Baby. It was the worst months I’ve been through. I don’t want to go through this ever again.” He mumbled against her shoulder, earning another set of giggle from the girl. Baekhyun pulled away, slightly leaning to capture her lips into a soft kiss.

“I can’t believe Jongin oppa gave you permission to barge into my room this late.”

“What’s the different? We’re getting married anyway.”

The girl gasped. “Yah!” She tried to slap his arm, but Baekhyun was quick to dodge, laughing while running inside her room before throwing himself on her bed. Aerin only shook her head at the childish act. “You came so late, I was about to sleep already.”

“Don’t sleep yet,” He whined again, “I miss you so much I can’t even wait until tomorrow to see you.” Aerin rolled her eyes at the cheesy line as she slipped under the duvet.

“How was the project? Everything’s good?”

“Yeah, good enough for me to go home and get married to the love of my life.” Baekhyun answered with a smirk. And the sound of her melodious laugh never failed to make him feel better.

Baekhyun who was on the other side of the bed suddenly scooted closer to her as she turned to meet his eyes. Now they’re lying on their side facing each other. The man took his sweet time, looking at his pretty fiancée that he loved too much. He gently caressed the apple of her cheek with his thumb and tucked the strand of her hair be