andante again (3/3)
When he returned to the school the next day, he hadn’t even made one step inside the teachers’ lounge when the Dean called for him. Not only that, students were whispering around him as he walked. They obviously weren’t subtle enough.
In the end, he was suspended from work for five days, which worked out well for him since he had planned to apply for leave anyway. This wasn’t something he could just brush off anymore. He went straight to the hospital afterwards.
“Still, what kind of teacher goes out on a date with a student?” Sehun argued and Jongin light kicked his knee.
“Sehun!” Baekhyun warned from his bed.
Somehow, they all wounded up talking about the most trivial matter in the room, with all of them present.
“I was just asking.”
This had been Chanyeol’s everyday life for the past three days. Baekhyun wouldn’t point it out but he had unnecessarily spent a lot of time in his room, catering to his every need. Baekhyun did once snap though, when Chanyeol offered to help him take a dump. He was very angry and made it perfectly clear that he had two arms and legs that worked properly.
Sehun leaned closer to Jongin and made a gesture towards Chanyeol. “Professor Romeo is at it again.”
Chanyeol crooked his eyebrows, wondering how long it has really been.
“You think that’s what happens to people who stay unnecessarily long inside the hospital?”
Baekhyun sighed and turned to Chanyeol. “Chanyeol. Chanyeol!” Chanyeol finally reacted at the second call. “Are you tired? You can go home if you want.”
“No, I’m fine.”
“Go home.” Baekhyun said monotonously.
“Yeah, hyung, why do you have to spend all day here anyway? It’s not like Baekhyun’s dying.” Jongin said out of the blue, with obvious ignorance. The atmosphere suddenly changed and Jongin carefully placed the apple he was going to eat back on the plate. “So, I’m gonna go first and reflect on my actions.”
Sehun glared at him and Jongin immediately whispered a sorry at him with his hands clapped together.
Chanyeol sighed from across the room. “I’m coming with.” He said to Jongin. “Just because you forced me to.” He added, looking at Baekhyun.
“Okay, I’m at fault. But I shouldn’t be the only one relaxing and lying on a bed.”
“But I only got suspended for 5 days.”
“With three days you spent in this room.”
“You probably haven’t reflected a bit, have you?” Sehun interceded, receiving a glare from Baekhyun, which forced him to remain quiet for the rest of the conversation.
Baekhyun turned back to Chanyeol. “Say, why don’t you go and have fun tomorrow?”
“That sounds nice!” Jongin chirped excitedly near the door.
“Not you. You have school.” Chanyeol said sternly and Jongin pouted angrily at him. Baekhyun couldn’t help but laugh. Chanyeol grabbed his things then, leaning to give Baekhyun a kiss (wherein Sehun openly showed his disgust), before walking towards the door. “Alright, Baekhyun, it’s not my fault if you miss me tomorrow.”
“I’ll always miss you.” Baekhyun said, smiling as he watched the two slowly disappear behind the door. Of course, Chanyeol had to give him one last smile.
“Tomorrow, huh.” Sehun said, walking over to Baekhyun’s bed. Baekhyun just forced a smile at him.
--
“Hey, I have a question.” Jongin said out of the blue when they finally arrived home. Chanyeol passed it out as a normal conversation and instead headed straight to the kitchen to grab some water, almost ignoring Jongin. Jongin followed.
“Yeah?”
“You chose Baekhyun because the outcome is good, right?”
Chanyeol paused. “Why do you ask?”
“I mean, you chose him because you have a happy ending with him, didn’t you?”
Chanyeol closed the fridge behind him. “Where is this coming from?”
It was obvious that Jongin was hesitating but the two of them didn’t really keep trivial things from each other. “Well, you see, since Baekhyun is admitted in the hospital, Sehun he said he might not participate in the tournament.”
“Why?”
“Because he’d rather stay with Baekhyun at the hospital.” Jongin sounded like he was sulking. After all, it’s obvious how Sehun tended to put Baekhyun first over everything in his life. “And coach and the whole team are worried since he’s one of our best players.”
“I see.”
“So?” Jongin asked, staring straight at him.
Chanyeol stared back at him and then carefully put down his cup. “Yes. Baekhyun has a happy ending.”
Jongin’s sigh of relief almost burst through their roof. “That has got to be the only spoiler people will be happy with.”
“And what are you going to do with this information?”
“Well now I can be as desperate as I can in convincing Sehun to play.”
Chanyeol replied with a soft chuckle.
“I have never been so thankful of that freaky ability of yours.” Jongin added.
“I’m flattered.”
Jongin jumped out of his seat, probably getting into the bath now that he has secured his relief, but he stopped by the doorway, looking back at Chanyeol. “No, but seriously...”
“I know.” Chanyeol reassured. Jongin gave him a rare smile before leaving and missed Chanyeol’s frown.
--
Chanyeol tried to do something fun--he went to the library, to the musicals showing in town, he even tried baking--but he just got distracted with thoughts of Baekhyun that it swallowed his energy. In the end, he found himself walking in the hallways of the hospital, the same hallway he saw for the past three days.
When he arrived by the door, he noticed some voices and took a peek at the small window. Baekhyun was talking to someone. When he recognized who the person was, he immediately walked in. That blond hair is hard to miss to be honest.
Baekhyun and Luhan turned to him, surprised.
“What are you doing?” He immediately asked Luhan.
“I wanted to see the golden boy so I came to visit.” Luhan replied, giving him a look. “He doesn’t look bad. I thought the worse has happened since you left in the middle of class.”
“You left in the middle of your class?!”
“Oops. I better go.” Luhan said while walking to the door with a grin on his face. “Bye Baekhyun. I’ll see you at school.”
“Thank you for coming.” Baekhyun responded politely. Chanyeol waited before Luhan was completely out of sight before walking towards Baekhyun and taking a seat beside the bed. He leaned on top of Baekhyun’s thighs, almost hugging them. “What’s wrong?” Baekhyun asked, brushing Chanyeol’s hair between his fingers.
“I’m replenishing my energy.”
Baekhyun chuckled at his juvenile response. “So why are you here?”
“Because you missed me.”
Baekhyun sighed. “I was going to give this to you tomorrow but,” Chanyeol perked up in curiosity and Baekhyun fished out a box hiding under the pillow. “Here. For you. It’s your birthday, right?” Chanyeol’s eyes widen, overwhelmed, as he took the box from Baekhyun. His birthday. He didn’t even realize today was his birthday. “Happy birthday, Chanyeol.” Baekhyun greeted, smiling at him gently.
This was why Baekhyun wanted him to take the day-off. It’s not like nobody had given him gifts before, or surprised him, but why was he crying? He could feel his tears falling but he couldn’t make it stop.
“Chanyeol?” Baekhyun called his name in worry, bending down so he could see his face more clearly. “You’re crying!”
“I’m not crying.” Chanyeol argued. He really should stop crying. Being so vulnerable in front of Baekhyun was just embarrassing.
“Really, Chanyeol?” Baekhyun teased. “Come on, don’t cry.” He cooed while softly brushing Chanyeol’s hair.
Baekhyun was kind, forgiving and bright. Chanyeol thought he didn’t deserve it, but he’d rather it be him than someone else. Baekhyun was beauty itself and Chanyeol was blinded by it.
--
The university was rather busy these days. Chanyeol felt tired even when he’s only looking at them, and he’s only been back for two days since his suspension. The students really do take school festivals very seriously. The teachers, of course, were no exceptions since they had clubs and committees to monitor and advise to. Only Chanyeol was exempted, after all, the Dean already hated him (probably). Chanyeol grabbed his bag, ready to take his leave, when the door suddenly slammed open, giving him a slight startle. What startled him more though was the sight of Baekhyun’s brother, Sehun, panting and almost sweating.
“Is it true?” He said, confusing Chanyeol.
“What--”
“What Jongin said,” Sehun said sternly. Chanyeol was taken aback. “Is it?
Chanyeol sighed when he finally understood what Sehun meant. “That brat.”
Sehun walked inside in an aggressive manner. “So? What’s this about?”
“Listen, I need you to calm down first. I can’t tell you everything unless you clear your head, Sehun.”
It didn’t take a long time for Sehun to gather his thoughts and finally sit down on the couch opposite to Chanyeol. He still, of course, had that snarling expression like he knew he was going to hear some bullshit conspiracy any minute now and Chanyeol can’t say he wasn’t offended entirely but you don’t really argue with brats to that extent.
Chanyeol finally started explaining about his still unexplainable ability, slowly and carefully though, just in case Sehun would suddenly throw profanities at him.
“You’re telling me...that if you look at a person’s eyes you can see your future with that person?”
“Yeah. Well, they’re more like previews actually.”
“And you expect me to believe all of this?”
Chanyeol sighed. “Look, I’m just telling you what it is and what it is not. You came here on your own so it doesn’t really matter to me if you believe me or not.”
“Would it be really weird if I believed you?”
“Well, everyone has a reason why they believe in something. It’s human nature.” Chanyeol didn’t have a normal teenage life so he couldn’t relate to what Sehun was going through now to much extent, but he understood him enough in a way that they shared the same kind of sentiment towards Baekhyun’s condition. “It’s okay to cling onto that little bit of hope.”
Sehun sighed. “Well, I suppose you’re not really the type to make up crap.”
Chanyeol shrugs his shoulders. “Well...”
Sehun chuckled, the kind that sounded like he’s humiliating himself. “Oh, god, this is ridiculous.”
Chanyeol smiled before he finally laughing with him, realizing now how much of a freak the two of them must be in their situation now. But none of it even mattered.
“You’re a good person,” Sehun gave him a look and Chanyeol chuckled before continuing. “You knew where we lived and you didn’t say anything.”
“It was none of my business.”
“That’s why. You always put your brother’s interests first--”
“I meant,” Sehun interrupted. “Your libido. It’s none of my business.”
“...Oh.” Chanyeol tried not to sound awkward but there was no way to get out of that. “How...considerate...of you.” Really no way.
Sehun sighed. “Well, this is just ridiculous.”
“Yeah.” Chanyeol says. “So you’re gonna play this weekend?”
“I feel like someone just pulled out a knife from my chest.” Sehun was convinced he’d never felt relief like this before. “Of course, I’ll play.”
“That’s good. Baekhyun will be happy.”
“Yeah. And Jongin will finally stop whining.”
Chanyeol laughed in response. “Well, I guess he still got what he wanted.”
“That somehow makes me angry.” Sehun said before his mind wandered somewhere else, covering the room with silence. And then it all finally sunk in. “You’ll take care of him, right?”
Chanyeol turned to him. “Hm?”
“There will come a time when he won’t need me anymore, when he’d have to let go of his younger brother, at least I have to know that someone will take care of him in my place, then I’d be able to let go too.” Their brotherhood is a beautiful thing. It almost made him feel guilty but this wasn’t the first he’s heard of it. Still, the feeling doesn’t change.
“Yeah. Don’t worry. I will.” Chanyeol replied.
--
Chanyeol blinked his eyes open and looked around aimlessly. He must’ve have fallen asleep. It had been long since the last time he’d fallen asleep somewhere out of his comfort zone. Maybe it’s because the room was quiet. Or because of the calm weather. Or because of Baekhyun beside him, leaning against his torso, casually flipping through the pages of a book he’d been reading since Chanyeol arrived earlier. That’s right. He was tired when he came in earlier so he shamelessly squeezed in the hospital bed (or rather, Baekhyun let him shamelessly squeeze in the bed) and fell asleep in the middle of recharging his energy.
Baekhyun was still focused on his book. Chanyeol felt like his arm was about to fall off but he doesn’t want to disturb Baekhyun, especially when he looked so candidly beautiful like this. It’s times like this when Chanyeol thought that his ability was completely and utterly useless, and that he’d rather have something that’d allow him to capture beautiful moments like this with his eyes. So he’s forced to do so in manual by staring at Baekhyun as long as he wanted.
“I know what the real Baekhyun is like.”
“Okay, what brought this on?” Baekhyun asked, but his eyes were still on his book.
“Remember that time when we walked to the gym together?” Baekhyun remembered. He didn’t forget even the smallest moments. “I think I know what the real Baekhyun is like now.”
“Alright, if you’re so confident.”
“The real Baekhyun is very clumsy, and mischievous. He hates depressing classics, particularly everything by Shakespeare. He gets embarrassed when the person he likes hears him sing.” Baekhyun giggled, remembering the incident at the music room. Surprisingly, he wasn’t aware of that little fact either. “He falls in love with anything, because he only sees the beautiful side of everything. He’s...in love with love.”
“And you.” Baekhyun said while looking at him, closing the book on his lap.
Chanyeol gave him a look. “That’s unfair.”
“I’m in love with how much I love you.” Baekhyun said softly. It was, love was, such a pretty thing.
“I fell in love with you first.”
“It’s not a contest, Chanyeol.” Baekhyun said while chuckling.
“Maybe. But I still win.” Chanyeol declared, kissing Baekhyun’s forehead. “What?” He asked when he noticed the smaller staring at him.
“Remember when we first met?” Chanyeol nodded. “You were following me and then Jongin accidentally tripped and the cake landed on me.”
“Too bad, Baekhyun, it seems my memory is better than yours. That’s not the first time we met.” Baekhyun raised his eyebrows, curious. “We met inside Clockworks. We were at the counter together.”
“We were?”
“You probably didn’t notice me, but I noticed you then. And then, the hourglass figure fell and we both tried to catch it.”
Baekhyun perked up, finally remembering that little moment. “Ah! That was you?!” Chanyeol nodded. “Wow, you can even remember little details like those?”
There was no way he could forget that time. That time he saw everything.
“Sounds like fate.”
Chanyeol’s attention was back at Baekhyun, who was now playing with his hands. His hands looked so small and fragile against his. “Fate?”
“Yeah. It’s like some cliche romance setting.” Baekhyun continued. “And we’re the main characters.”
“We must be a hit.”
“Oh, please.” Baekhyun said, breaking into fits of laughter. “I wonder when it’ll end though. I hope it’s a good ending.”
“Why are you talking about the ending already?” Chanyeol said, pulling Baekhyun closer. “We’re still here.”
“Sorry.”
“We’ll always be here.”
Baekhyun smiles. “I know.”
--
The day of Sehun and Jongin’s game, the weather was rather gloomy. Chanyeol had to run to the station so he could arrive at the hospital before the rain droped. He cursed when he almost missed the bus as he was not used to the concept. He had to leave his car at the school for Jongin and Sehun to use later after the game, which was a good decision despite his mental protests, seeing as how the weather would turn bad later. He opted to watch the game but Sehun and Jongin scolded him, forcing him to stay with Baekhyun so the smaller wouldn’t feel so lonely and regretful on having to miss out on an important event.
Fortunately, he arrived in one piece, although his clothes were quite wet from the sudden rain when he got off the bus. “I bought macaroons for you.” He announced as soon as he walked inside Baekhyun’s room. He remembered Baekhyun talking about the nurses who’d give him macaroons from time to time when he accidentally passed by the shop on the way to the hospital. “I don’t know what flavor you exactly liked so I bought a whole pack.” He added while taking off his coat and placing them on the chair to dry.
“Baekhyun? What’s wrong?”
“Huh? Oh, nothing. Ah you bought macaroons!”
Chanyeol pulled the box back. “What’s wrong?” He reiterated and Baekhyun had no choice this time.
“The patient...across the hall. She died this morning.”
“Oh no.”
“Her family wouldn’t stop crying, especially her daughters.”
“I’m sorry, Baekhyun, that must’ve been really awful.” Chanyeol cooed while gently rubbing his back.
Baekhyun then suddenly grabbed his arm, giving him a slight startle. “Hey, I’ll be fine, won’t I?” Chanyeol’s hand stopped. “I mean, I don’t feel any pain. And my heart hasn’t been hurting for the past weeks. I don’t know why they’re still keeping me here.” Baekhyun was shaking.
Chanyeol immediately embraced the smaller. “Yes, you’ll be fine, don’t worry.”
“But you don’t know that.”
“I know.” Chanyeol said. “I know you’ll be fine.”
“I don’t want to die, Chanyeol.” Baekhyun murmured against his chest, nearly sobbing.
“You won’t.”
They stayed like that for a while until Baekhyun finally calmed down. It was normal, to suddenly freak out and be frightened, for all your courage to be broken down in pieces in just one second of doubt.
Fortunately, Baekhyun’s parents arrived, lightening up the atmosphere again.
“Chanyeol, you’re here again!” Baekhyun’s mother said while walking inside carrying a few boxes. Chanyeol immediately went to help carry them. Baekhyun honestly didn’t know why his mother kept on acting surprised when she always saw Chanyeol here anyway. “Honey, the professor’s here!”
“Again?” Baekhyun’s dad yelled from behind the door. “Help me with these, will you, young man?”
“Hi, B, how are you?”
“I’m fine, Mom. What are those?”
“Oh, we passed by this newly-opened restaurant on the way here. We were just gonna order a few to help but since Sehun has an important game today, we thought we could have a small celebration.”
“We don’t even know if they’re gonna win.”
His mother clicked her tongue. “What did we say about that again?”
“Win or lose, it’s worth celebrating.”
“That’s right.” His mom nodded, throwing up a peace sign.
Baekhyun passed a look at Chanyeol who only subtly laughed at him. Afterwards, Baekhyun’s father forced Chanyeol to help out in taking out the packed dinners from the boxes. They were at least five boxes. Honestly, what was small about this? But his parents had always been generous and they’re the happiest in the act of giving. Baekhyun just watched them, smiling.
He looked outside. Rain was pouring out. The world seemed to be in blur. He clutched his chest as he felt his heart throb. Painfully. No, not now. He doesn’t want to ruin everyone’s mood.
His mother noticed it first. “What’s wrong? Does your chest hurt?”
“A bit.”
“Maybe you should lie down--”
“Ah!” Baekhyun cried out. That was one very painful stab. His father and Chanyeol turned to him then.
“How bad is it?” His mother asked but he could only cry out in pain. He was leaning forward and he felt like stabbing his chest. It was too much pain. His father told Chanyeol to call the doctor and Chanyeol immediately ran outside in panic. When he came back, Baekhyun was still crying. The nurses were surrounding him. He could see the blood on the sheets, and from his mouth. Chanyeol felt his heart sink.
“Doc, what’s happening?!” Baekhyun’s mother asked in a panicked voice as soon as the doctor came in. A few more doctors followed, rummaging around the room.
Chanyeol ran out then, terrified. And he kept reminding himself that he knew Baekhyun would be fine. He would be. This was just false pretense. He knew what would happen.
--
Sehun groaned by the bench, canceling out the noise of the stadium. The coach was giving final instructions. There’s a 10-point difference between the two team, with theirs being the lesser. He felt frustrated. Maybe he wasn’t giving it his all? He had a clear goal for deciding to join the regular line-up, and that was to brag to Baekhyun the trophy he didn’t get to see last time. That would really make him smile.
“You alright?” Jongin asked with a light tap on the shoulder. Sehun merely nodded. “Don’t worry, we still have one minute.”
That’s right.
--
The final minute.
Chanyeol’s eyes remain fixed on the second hand of the clock as it started moving, slowly taking away the moments in every second. This was, by far, the most painful sixty seconds he had the misfortune of witnessing--those previews he had with strangers were nothing compared to this.
And then, when the last stroke and the last tick came, he closed his eyes.
He could feel time moving around him. Time was dancing in lento, its chords and strings extending slowly into the surface, matching everything into its own beat. The Timekeeper was rather elegant, nothing less he expected.
Chanyeol remembered so well how he carried himself. He carried himself with the highest regard.
“Ah, the broken cassette tape is here again.” He said, yawning. “Benvenuto!” His name was Zitao.
“Every element in the world is personified in some way. I’m the clock itself, and you’re just a part of it.” Chanyeol remembered him saying the first time they met. It was valuable information but for some reason, it didn’t impose any difference to him.
“I didn’t come here to hear your insults.”
“Probably not. I just thought you should now that you have less time than I do. Fate is exhausted, after all.”
“I came here for that....that bargain.” Chanyeol murmured, his head laid low.
“Again? Why are you still asking me this? Let the story end, Chanyeol. You don’t have any more time left.”
That’s right. This isn’t the first time he’s heard this tempo. It might have already been a hundred times. He lost count along the way.
“I can’t let it end.”
“You’re pathetic.” Tao said in mockery. “But I can’t blame you. Falling in love is scary after all. It’s why I prefer hiding from everyone else. You don’t know when it’ll come.” He continued, sighing.
“So you’ll do it?”
“Again, you mean. But Chanyeol, you do know that even if I do turn back time and he lives, if you end up exhausting your time, there will come a day when you won’t be a part of that replay anymore.”
Chanyeol froze on the spot. “I know. I know that.” He didn’t need to be reminded of it.
Tao gave him a confused look. “Then what’s the point?”
“I just want him to live.”
He’d made this bargain countless times that it doesn’t feel odd anymore. What was the point? His time was not important. Someone else’s was.
“That’s it? Turning back time just before he dies so he can live in a replay of borrowed times?” Chanyeol didn’t say anything. Tao was right anyway. And it’s something he’d never understand. “Then I’ll offer you a different deal this time.”
Chanyeol looked up at him. “What?”
“I’ll turn back time after he dies. That way I can modify everything so it doesn’t end the same away again.” Chanyeol could feel his adrenaline rushing. “It’ll be too much to ask Fate to fix everything afterwards though but if it means having to do this favor for you one last time then I think he won’t complain.” Tao continued but Chanyeol was still fixating about the fact that there’s a possibility that death will be out of the picture.
“Then time--”
“I won’t ask you for your time for this one.” Tao says. “I’ll take the memories you have with him.”
Chanyeol can feel the tempo breaking into a vivace. “W-why?”
“Why? As long as you have a connection with him, if your strings aren’t cut off, then the both of you will end up in the same path no matter what. That kind of connection will never be broken. If you cut those strings, then even if you see each other again, nothing else will happen after that that will lead to this, to the ad finem.”
And then allegro.
Forgetting Baekhyun? That’s absurd. That’s unthinkable.
“I’m sorry, Chanyeol. That is the only way. Isn’t that your main objective? So that he could live? What happens when you finally use up all of the time you have for that bargain? There’s no way I’ll be able to turn back time then. And even if I did, with that last glissando you have to offer, what kind of replay will he have living with a ghost note?”
That’s right. It’s because he desperately wanted to make that person happy, that’s why he’d been bargaining all of his time for him to borrow--so he could keep smiling like that. So he could live while smiling like that.
“What’s your answer?”
“I get it.” Chanyeol said, glancing up at Tao, looking at him with bold, gallant eyes. “I’ll take it.”
Then suddenly..
Adagio.
--
Chanyeol opened his eyes and saw nothing but darkness. His body was floating in mid-air. He was in the abyss, the place where Zitao dumped his memories. Around him where clips of some of the events he knew so well, playing inside a four-cornered square, circling him. He couldn’t see the bottom and the top, they were just moving around him. And then, the section where the film is broken. The part after Baekhyun’s death. Sehun was perplexed and appalled hearing the news from his mother and immediately stormed out. Jongin followed behind him. Through sheer luck, Sehun managed to see him coming out of the restroom. And that’s when Sehun charged towards him, angry and in despair, while Jonging was helplessly keeping him at bay.
“You said he was gonna live!”
Chanyeol has seen this scene countless times, and every time, his heart strings break, until the only tune it could play was dolente. He tried so hard to explain to Sehun everything but even he himself couldn’t believe every little thing that came out of his mouth--that’s how much he hated it.
“You did it out of pity?”
“No, no, god, no,” Chanyeol breathed out. “I loved him, Sehun. I loved him. I really did. And I still do. I still love him. God, I love him so much. I love him so so much, Sehun, I don’t know what to do.”
Chanyeol could still feel the grief in his chest.
The wake afterwards was the conclusion, the final tune, the final stroke. The wake was when he finally knew that the story has ended. He didn’t cry. He couldn’t. He knew he could just restart everything, until the very last drop of his remaining time. But seeing the person you love the most disappear in front of you countless times doesn’t make the pain any less bearable. Chanyeol had thought of giving up, of ending everything once and for all, but Baekhyun’s smile was all he wanted to see.
There was no way he can give that up.
“Professor!”
“Are you gonna punish me, professor?”
“Why so serious, professor?”
“Shall we wait for them together, Chanyeol?”
Even though not everything that glitters is gold, Baekhyun was beautiful in the most painful way possible. He was grazioso in everything that is inquieto.
Chanyeol closed his eyes, tired. And then he could see his own version of the story, straight from his perspective. Everything that Baekhyun was, was utterly beautiful. Until he was left with his last and final memory-- a memory of Baekhyun running away from him. It seemed fitting. But Baekhyun stopped halfway to look back and to flash that bright and beautiful smile at him while waving his hand.
To this moment, Chanyeol could still feel his breath being taken away. And then the feeling of despair knowing all these will be gone.
And then it came.
Finally, de novo.
--
The buzzer went off and the whole stadium was immediately filled with celebratory cheers. Sehun was on the floor, staring at the scoreboard in disbelief. That’s it, he thought, they won.
--
Sehun was practically skipping through the hallways, the trophy on his hand, with a big smile on his face. He kicked the door open and displayed the biggest grin the room. “We won!!!”
“What, you’re already here?” His dad said monotonously.
Sehun pouted. “What’s with that reaction?” He was then distracted by his mother cleaning up the clothes left on the hospital bed. “What’s going on?”
“Your brother was discharged today.” His mother told him with a smile. “We were going to surprise you but you got here even before we could leave.”
“Where is he?” The comfort room opened then, and Sehun was immediately greeted by a familiar smile. “Hyung!”
“So, it was you!” Baekhyun screamed in delight. “I thought I heard someone loud. And you won!!”
“Of course. This is the MVP we’re talking about!”
“Ah, look at that boastful face.” Their dad said beside them and Sehun responded with a boastful grin. “Alright, we’re gonna have a double celebration today! Come on now. Sehun, help me bring these bags to the car.”
“Aye, sir!”
“We’ll catch up after we settle the bills!” Their mom yelled before the two disappear behind the door. “Baekhyun, check the drawers if we left something, will you?”
Baekhyun nodded. Somehow, this day seemed really emotional. The doctor told him this was the last time he’s going to have to be admitted in the hospital. The medications and regular diet helped him with his speedy recovery, and he didn’t have to fret over his heart anymore. He could finally go back to school, to that life he missed.
He opened the drawer and paused. “Are these ours?” He inquiresd while holding them up.
“What are those? Postcards?”
Baekhyun studied the hard paper. There were three of them, each with a different picture. He flipped each one over, surprised to see words encrypted. The first was a picture of an hourglass figure.
Remember, the first time we met?
The second one was a picture of a sunset.
Remember, the first time we said our ‘I like you’s?
And the last one was a picture of a hospital bed. Baekhyun glanced at the bed beside him and then back to the picture, noticing the similarity.
Remember, the last time we said our ‘I love you’s?
Baekhyun paused.
“Are those yours?” Baekhyun yelped in surprise and turned beside him.
“Mom! You scared me!”
“What are you concentrating on so much about?”
Baekhyun sighed. “These aren’t mine. I think someone left this here. I’ll put them back.”
“Oh? Won’t the hospital staff throw them away? That will be such a shame if the owner comes back looking for it.”
Baekhyun was hesitating now. “T-then I’ll keep it. For the mean time.”
“Come on.” His mom called, walking towards the door. Baekhyun grabbed his backpack and immediately followed her out. “I’ll inform the nurse about those.”
“Alright.” Baekhyun replied while putting the papers inside his bag.
--
The shop’s bell rang. “Baekhyun, hi, good morning,”
Baekhyun smiled at the counter lady. “Seems like everybody knows me now.”
“Of course. You’re a regular here. Do you want the usual?” Baekhyun nodded. “Alright, in a moment.”
Baekhyun stood there to wait until he noticed another man, a customer, loitering at the counter. He ought to move but thankfully the other counter opened, with the counter lady hurrying.
The counter lady came back after a few minutes with his take out. “Here you go!”
He fished through his pocket for the payment but was distracted with the counter lady gasping just in time for him to see the hourglass figure by the counter falling and immediately held out his hand to catch it. He wasn’t the only one with quick reflexes, though, as the man beside him also did the same, and so the hourglass figure was spared. Baekhyun saw his eyes for a second before the man looked away nonchalantly, leaving the figure on his hands.
“Sorry! I accidentally hit it with my hand when I was going to collect your payment.”
“It’s okay.” Baekhyun replied while placing the hourglass figure back on the counter. “Here.” And the payment afterwards.
When he walked towards the station, the take out on his hand, he saw that man again walking in a distance in front of him. He’s walking with another guy, whose voice so loud even he could hear it from this distance. The other guy suddenly yelled and then cursed at his cake falling into the ground. The distance was getting shorter.
In the end, Baekhyun decided to overtake them, and swiftly passed by the side.
Suddenly, the air felt lighter, and time danced in adagio.
He glanced beside him, finally getting a glimpse of the man’s face, before speeding up his pace.
He smiled.
And then andante, again.
End.
--
Epilogue
Zitao sat up, ears fuming in exasperation as Fate’s sniffs echoed through the walls. “Damn it! Keep quiet!” He yelled while marching towards the sobbing mess. “What are you crying for?! Luhan!”
Luhan glared at him. “Shut up! This is all your fault!”
“I had no choice!”
“If you knew that then you should’ve offered him that deal from the start!”
Tao looked away. “I was bored.”
“You really are a scum.”
“Plus, when he first came he offered his own time in exchange, so that he could live another loop with that Baekhyun. You think one loop would be enough for him? I was doing him a favor! I didn’t think he’d do it a hundred times more though.” Tao suddenly felt cold. “That was a mistake.” Luhan glared. “Fine, I’m at fault!” Tao declared, throwing his hands above him in defeat. “But show some gratitude, will you? Now you don’t have to clean up his mess and put everything back in order every time it happens.”
Luhan sighed deeply. “I’ll let you get away because of that fact.”
“It’s gonna be boring again.” Tao said while yawning.
“Then, should we play with this version of them?” Luhan offered, pointing at the TV at the side playing the sixty-second story they both knew so well. He grinned, to which Tao respectfully responded in the same manner.
“Bellissimo!”
Notes:
*Excerpt from Marcel Proust’s In Search of Lost Time
** Quote from Ernest Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises
*** Translation: “Well, you are pretty. I don’t lie.”
Songs responsible for this shit: (Please do listen to them if you haven't!)
Gone Away - Safetysuit
60 Seconds - Kim Sunggyu
1 Minute, 1 Second - Epik High ft. Taru
Story - KARA
Nostalgia - Yozoh, Eric, Brown Classics
Please - Taru
Sad Melody - Taru
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME! I’m 21 today :D
Also, thank you to my fic buddy, Steph, for always listening to my rants about this story. (It’s her birthday too!)
To Roxanne for proof-reading even though she’s busy with job-hunting and vacation. *insert baekhyun’s finger hearts*
And to Lynn for making the poster! Even though she said it’s been a long time but it still turned out really beautiful ;__;
Thank you for reading! I hope you liked this story!