Big City Dreams (1/2)
Title: Big City Dreams (1/2)
Pairing: Chanyeol/Baekhyun, Kai/Baekhyun, Lu Han/Kai
Rating: G
Summary: Baekhyun loves books, Lu Han has a brother-complex, Chanyeol is an asshole and Jongin is in love. Can they find the place their heart truly belongs to?
Big City Dreams
† † †
Somewhere in the middle of Jongin’s live performance for himself -or the mirror, while dancing to the beat of the music and swaying to the sound, the music suddenly disappeared and he found himself unable to continue. He turned to the speakers and sighed. “Well, that was rude.” He told his gigantic friend who dropped his bag on the floor after successfully entering unnoticed and turned the speakers off.
“As if you ain’t used to it,” Park Chanyeol said while settling down on the floor and leaned on the wall.
Jongin rolled his eyes and grabbed a towel to wipe his sweat off. “Speak,” He said while grabbing a bottle of water from his bag. He knew Chanyeol since middle school and Chanyeol hates dancing. Wait…dislike. That’s a friendlier way to put it. And to see him in the dance studio means something’s up or something’s going to be up.
“Girl was a bitch,” Chanyeol said. “Fucking two guys and shit.”
Jongin gaped. “That’s horrible. Wait, excluding you?”
“Of course excluding me.”
“So…what did you do?”
“Slapped her.”
“That’s gay.”
“And displayed her underwear in the flagpole.”
After hearing the last sentence, Jongin ran to the window to take a look at the flagpole and guess what, bitch was climbing up to get her panties. It wasn’t long until Jongin broke down into laughter. “That’s priceless, man! What else?”
“Guess you could say, made a little scene in the cyber world.” Chanyeol said with a grin. Jongin didn’t seem to get it so he wanted to ask but the announcement chime decided to butt in right at that fucking time.
“Lee Ji Ae from 3-C, come to the Principal’s office. I repeat, Lee Ji Ae…”
Jongin blinked, finally beginning to get a little hint of what Chanyeol actually did and then he looked back outside the window and found the bitch, or Ji Ae, running back to the building with a few students laughing at her. “Chanyeol,”
“Hm?”
“You spread some nude pictures, didn’t you?”
“Spot on, man!”
Jongin shook his head while laughing. Well, poor girl, she shouldn’t have messed with Park Chanyeol in the first place. It was a good thing Jongin decided to stay out of it this time or else going to be even worse.
Later that day, they decided to have a little celebration after Chanyeol’s break up and ridiculous revenge to a three-timer bitch. So, with a few beers and McDonald burgers, they decided to settle in Jongin’s apartment since it’s nearer to the bus station.
“We should’ve bought ice cubes,” Chanyeol said while trying to feel the canned beers. “It’s getting warmer.”
“Ugh. We forgot.” Jongin replied with a groan. They continued walking anyway.
After a few minutes, while the both of them were trying to think of something to talk about - well, they’ve known each other since middle school and they pretty much know everything about each other already - something caught their eye. Something peculiar.
They stopped walking when they saw a butt on top of a dumpster. They looked at each other then decided to approach the butt. You don’t see a butt hanging on the dumpster everyday anyway.
“King,” They heard a voice from the dumpster. “King, come here!”
Their eye brows met in confusion as they get closer to the butt. It wasn’t long until they realized it’s actually a human bending down to the large dumpster. Chanyeol, always being the first one who gets curious, tapped the butt as he clears his throat. “Um-“
“WHA!”
Okay, maybe the tap was a bit hard. Chanyeol and Jongin watched as the person falls down inside the dumpster. They both snarled realizing that the human fell down inside the dumpster. The fucking dumpster. The dumpster full of garbage, maggots and whatnot.
“Oh my God!” They heard the person yell while standing up. “What the fuck was that for?!”
“A guy,” Chanyeol and Jongin said in unison. Well, for the record, the butt and the yell didn’t look and sound like it belonged to a guy.
“Yes I’m a fucking guy! Are you guys crazy or something?! Who the hell randomly pushes a stranger into the dumpster?!” The guy complained as he struggled to get out of the dumpster. “Ugh! Is this a gum?!” He yelled again while trying hard to lift his foot but unfortunately, it seemed to have stuck with a gum.
Snapping, Chanyeol and Jongin immediately helped the guy to get out of the dumpster, which took a lot of courage by the way because it fucking smells. After they have successfully taken the guy out of the dumpster, they immediately created a space in between them.
“Can’t you be ruder than this? In case you fail to realize, you pushed me into the dumpster!” The guy yelled in exasperation, scrunching his nose after smelling his own body that ricks of alcohol, urine and whatnot.
“Uh…we’re sorry. My friend didn’t mean to push you. It was an accident.” Jongin stepped up and apologized properly.
“You guys fucking owe me,”
Chanyeol gaped at the language. Well, the face contrasts the personality so much.
Afterwards, they decided to follow Lu Han - the name they learnt after a series of deductive reasoning because hell the fucking guy won’t give his fucking name - into his house because of some payback or something.
When they entered the house, they found it was in a complete mess. Well, not entirely. Just that, boxes were scattered everywhere and dusts were all over the place.
“Did you just move here?” Jongin asks.
“Can’t you tell?” Lu Han replied sternly. “Baekhyun?” He called out and Jongin and Chanyeol exchanged glances in confusion. “Baekhyun?”
“Ne!” They heard a soft reply from somewhere in the house followed by footsteps that seemed to be coming from the kitchen. “Hyung!” The three turned in unison to the kitchen.
Chanyeol and Jongin stared at the guy. He was shorter than Lu Han and his hair was darker but he’s definitely cuter. He was wearing an oversized sweater with an apron on top while holding a knife.
“Hyung, what happened to you?” He, or Baekhyun, asked worriedly. He approached Lu Han but immediately backed away once he smelled him. “Hyung, you smell!”
“I know that, thank you very much,” Lu Han replied with a glare. “Jerks pushed me into the dumpster.”
“They did?!”
“Yeah, I’m going to take a bath. Teach these assholes some lessons,” Lu Han said while pointing at them with his thumb before disappearing upstairs.
Chanyeol and Jongin gulped after hearing the words ‘teach these assholes some lessons' from Lu Han. When they say don’t judge a book by its cover, they’re not lying, starting from Lu Han who displays an angelic face but actually has a bad mouth. What more can this Baekhyun be? They were sure Baekhyun would be like a martial artist and they’d be dead with just a single touch. Or maybe an assassin. Or maybe a witch, witchcraft can kill people too. There were a lot of possibilities running through their minds as their sweat drip from their faces.
And Baekhyun just tilted his head and smiled. “Are you guys hungry?”
Chanyeol and Jongin raised an eyebrow. “I just finished cooking!” Baekhyun said enthusiastically, smiling brightly and all. They were caught off guard when Baekhyun held their hands and pulled them inside the kitchen with him.
Well, what a surprise, the kitchen was clean. Like, it’s brand new. Unlike the living room that looks more like a garage than a living room. The two were speechless and were forced to sit down and uh, surprisingly, behaved.
Well, being in an unfamiliar house with unfamiliar people sure does take away your confidence for once. Apparently, everything is so awkward for them. But Baekhyun is really lively so maybe they could get pass the awkwardness sooner or later. It’s better now than later though.
“Um, Baekhyun-shii, you don’t really have to do this. We’re actually on our way to my apartment to-“ Jongin said but was cut off when Baekhyun turned to him, smiling while biting his lip. That must’ve been the cutest thing Jongin has ever seen in his 18 years of existence. “-to…um…”
“Sorry, it’s just that we haven’t met anyone in the neighborhood yet.” Baekhyun said honestly.
“Ah…that’s okay,” Jongin replied. Chanyeol eyed his friend suspiciously and he’s sure he knows something by now. Something is up with his friend. There has to be something going on.
“Too bad you boys ain’t gonna leave until you do what I tell you do,” The three turned to the kitchen door and saw a fresh from bath Lu han, with a towel still on his head. “Payback, boys,” He smirked then walked away.
“You want us to what?” Chanyeol and Jongin questioned in unison after Lu Han gave them instructions. “TO WHAT?” They repeated.
Lu Han rolled his eyes as he was forced to repeat. “Move the boxes, move the couch, fix the TV, fix whatever is needed to be fixed, yadda yadda yadda.”
“Are you fucking serious?!” Chanyeol asked in disbelief.
Jongin sighed. “Look, princess, just because my friend accidentally pushed you into the dumpster doesn’t mean we have to get ordered by you,”
“Exactly!”
“Princess?! And anyway, accidentally or not you still have to pay for what you did!” Lu Han shot back at the two boys. Meanwhile, Baekhyun stands somewhere near and watches. He doesn’t really question Lu Han’s decisions, so he lets his hyung do what he wants.
“Pay my ass,” Jongin said and pulled Chanyeol with him. “See you next time, princess,”
“What the-HEY!”
“Um,” Baekhyun called. The two boys stopped by the door and turned to Baekhyun. “Can you at least tell us your names?” He asks innocently.
“Jongin,”
“Chanyeol,”
Without a final word to Lu Han, they both ran outside while yelling random things that for sure were for Lu Han. Lu Han clenched his fist, irritated.
“Hyung, calm down,” Baekhyun said.
“Ugh, Baek, why do you have to be so nice?” Lu Han told him rhetorically.
Baekhyun just laughed at his hyung’s misery.
† † †
It was a week after that when they found out they go to the same school and miraculously, being transferees, Baekhyun was put into the same class as Jongin and Chanyeol. There was endless bickering between Jongin, Chanyeol and Lu Han since then. Well, fair enough, they don’t seem to mind keeping each other company though.
It was another week after that when exams came, and Chanyeol doesn’t study, Jongin only cared about music, Lu Han nags and Baekhyun gets the highest score. That was the biggest facepalm of the two because in all of their night outs, Baekhyun was present and they never saw him study but he still got the highest scores. They thought they could fail the tests together but somehow, Baekhyun realized that the it wasn't a good idea.
Another week after that when Chanyeol found another girlfriend and Jongin still doesn’t care. “Jongin,” He called out to a dancing Jongin at the dance studio, lowering the volume of the speaker this time.
Jongin stopped and then turned to acknowledge Chanyeol’s presence. “What?”
“When did you last have a relationship?”
“Three months ago.” Jongin answered directly.
Chanyeol blinked. “So…when did you found out you were gay?”
Jongin gaped, surprised. “That…” He was going to deny but figured that there was nothing to deny. So he sat down beside Chanyeol and sighed heavily. “I really can’t hide anything from you, can I?”
“Should’ve figured that out already. Do I have something to do with it?”
Jongn snarled in disgust. “What? Of course not! That’s disgusting!”
“Ouch. Well, okay, I was just checking. So when did you found out?”
Jongin looked down and played his fingers. “Baekhyun.” He said while smiling shyly. Chanyeol gaped seeing his friend blush. Well, that’s a first. You don’t see a blushing Jongin every day.
“No way…” Chanyeol said. Well, he knows that Baekhyun is cute, smart, pure, innocent and fun but…okay. I guess that makes sense. He just labeled the qualities of Jongin’s ideal type.
“You don’t really have to say anything about it.”
“Do I even have the right to?” Chanyeol replied with a chuckle. “You have my support though,”
“Thanks dude,” Jongin said as they make a bro fist.
† † †
It was another boring day when Chanyeol’s teacher decided to be an ass and order him to return some books in the library with the reason ‘because you’re tall’. Sure, his height is one of his strong points but to be ordered to return books because of it, just no. What else can he do anyway? So, he just did what his teacher told him to do since it was boring anyway.
“I came to return some books,” Chanyeol told the receptionist.
“Oh, this belongs to the archive,” The receptionist said and Chanyeol raised an eyebrow. “Upstairs, you know where that is,”
“Yes, I do and that’s 200 stair steps away. No one goes there anyway, why do I have to go there?”
The receptionist glared at him. “Because your teacher asked you to. Are you gonna return those books or do I have to report you first?”
Chanyeol groaned in exasperation. “Fine, bitch.” He said then walked away, carrying 7 books in his arms. He sighed when he finally reached the staircase and looked up to see a long, a very very long staircase waiting for him. “This is going to be exhausting.” He whispered to himself then started walking upstairs.
The second floor was pretty much the unused place. There a lot of books stored there that are like really old. Some of the books there even came from the 15th century. There were rumors about ghosts lingering there so no one dared to go upstairs but Chanyeol still hasn’t proven if it was true or not. Well, for the record, he hasn’t been to the library once, except for today.
After a really long walk, he finally arrived at the second floor. He was surprised that the second floor looked really…old. It’s like a giant greenhouse, except it’s surrounded by books and not plants. It was really dark too so he had troubles finding the right shelves where each book belonged. He just walked and walked and walked until he was near to the last shelf and he still hasn’t returned any book.
He stopped midway when he noticed something near the last shelf. “Is that a…foot?” He whispered and his heart skipped in fear. Why would there be a foot in here in the first place? Maybe the ghosts were true? He gulped and looked around but he can’t see anything properly since it’s dark, although there’s a light coming from the place behind the last shelf.
Well, Chanyeol was always up for some thrills so instead of running away, he decided to approach the foot to see what it was. He slowly walked to the foot and when he finally reached the last shelf, he peaked and felt relieved when he saw a person lying on the ground. “So it’s just a student…” He said while sighing heavily.
He dropped the books on the floor and knelt down beside the student who looked like he was sleeping and tried to wake him up. “Hey, hey you,” He said while shaking the student. The student slowly woke up and brushed his hair from his face. “Baekhyun?!” Chanyeol exclaimed.
“Huh? Oh, Chanyeol-shii.”
“Drop the shii.”
“Chanyeol! What are you doing here?”
“I should be asking you that. What are you doing here?”
“Ah…I was reading some books. I think I fell asleep.” Baekhyun replied with a hoarse voice while rubbing his eyes. Chanyeol smiled at Baekhyun’s cuteness. He glanced beside Baekhyun and saw tons of books piled together.
“Some books, huh. Some.” Chanyeol said in sarcasm while nodding. Then he looked around more and found that they’re in some huge space and there were books scattered everywhere. “Do you always come here?”
“Yeah, I like reading books here.”
“How did you find this place?” Chanyeol asked while walking around and examining the area. There were graffitis on the wall and other drawn images. There was a large window glass too. He can clearly see everything outside.
“I was looking for a nice place to read and I ended up here.” Baekhyun replied while watching Chanyeol looking out the window glass. “There’s an elevator there too but it seems like it’s no longer used,” He added while pointing at the elevator.
“This place is amazing,”
Baekhyun smiled. “It is, right?”
“Whoa, you read this much books already?” Chanyeol asked while checking the books that were piled at one side of the place. “You must really love books,”
“I do love books. I have a lot of books in my hometown but I couldn’t bring it here in the city. So, I just went here to find some other books to read,”
“But these are all old,”
“It’s more interesting when it’s old,” Baekhyun said while slowly standing up, carrying a book with him. “Like this one,” He approached Chanyeol and showed him the book he was holding. “It’s a book that tells the story about a twin’s love story,”
As if on cue, Chanyeol’s phone rang right at that time he took the book. He immediately answered his phone after seeing it was Jongin calling. “Ya?” Baekhyun just blinked at Chanyeol. “Alright, I’m coming down.”
“Are you going now?”
“Yeah,” Chanyeol said while grabbing his bag. “Is this book interesting?” He asked Baekhyun and Baekhyun nodded. “Then I’ll read it,”
“But you can’t borrow it,”
“I can if I want to,” Chanyeol replied with an evil grin as he inserts the book inside his bag. “See you tomorrow!” He yelled while running to the stairs.
Baekhyun ran to the railings to see Chanyeol go. “Take care!” He yelled back and they waved at each other. He smiled to himself as Chanyeol slowly disappeared. He never expected that Chanyeol would find him in this place since he wasn’t the type that would read books so it made his heart flutter.
He noticed unfamiliar books piled near the last chef so he went to scan them. In the end, he didn’t notice he read each one of them.
“What took you so long?” Jongin asked, obviously irritated that Chanyeol took like 15 minutes to arrive by the gate.
“I don’t see the need to answer,” Chanyeol replied. “Is it your treat today?” He asks as they walk.
“Is it?”
“It is! I keep track, you know.”
“Damn,” Jongin groaned after failing to skip today. Well, they had a little deal since middle school. Since they both love ice cream, they had a deal that they would go get ice cream every day and they would take turns in paying for both of them. And today is Jongin’s turn to pay.
They arrived at the ice cream parlor, well, their favorite ice cream parlor before the rain poured, fortunately. Lu Han, who works at the place, immediately greeted the familiar faces. “Welcome, boys,” He said with a playful grin.
“Why do you always have that scary grin on?” Chanyeol asked as they settle on a table.
“It’s not scary, it’s cute!” Lu Han exclaimed just in time the thunder stroke. Chanyeol and Jongin immediately broke down into laughter while slamming the table.
“See? Even heaven does not approve!” Jongin said while laughing out loud and did a high five with Chanyeol.
“Oh shut the fuck up! Are you gonna order or what?!” Lu Han yelled in exasperation with his hands on his hips.
“Right,” The two guys said while trying to stop laughing. “The usual, princess,” Jongin replied then bowed his head while laughing.
Lu Han rolled his eyes and then walked away.
While waiting for their order, Chanyeol decided to play a game in his phone. Realizing the sudden silence, he glanced to Jongin and saw him looking out the window and admiring the rain. He stopped playing and leaned closer to the table. “Are you day dreaming about Baekhyun? Because if you are, I’m gonna have to slap you the next time you do that,”
“What do you care anyway?” Jongin shot back.
Chanyeol only shrugged. “But anyway, you do have a great taste.”
“What?”
“Well, Baekhyun is…like a perfect lover?” Chanyeol replied awkwardly. “I mean…I think anyone would fall for him.”
“You actually think that?”
“Yeah, he’s smart and you’re not, you two would totally complement each other.”
“I don’t know if that was supposed to be an insult but thanks anyway.”
“I’m serious, you know. I think he’s the one you really need. Like, someone who will take care of you. He looks like he’s capable of that. Besides, you also know how to take care of a relationship, which is why your past exes still can’t get over you.”
“You are actually making sense.” Jongin said while nodding because for the first time in the history of his friendship with Park Chanyeol did his friend made actual sense.
“That’s because I’m stuck with you since middle school.” Chanyeol replied and they both laughed it out.
Lu Han arrived after a few minutes and slammed their ice creams on the table really loud that they were both startled. Fortunately, the glass container was strong enough that it didn’t break. “Enjoy your ice creams,” Lu Han said with his usual scary grin.
Chanyeol and Jongin looked at each other and shrugged before digging in. Lu Han, after over hearing their conversation, frowned as he made his way back to the counter. Looks like everything’s gonna get complicated from here on.
† † †
It was a sunny afternoon when Baekhyun was left in the house since Lu Han had to go to work. Sometimes Baekhyun feels like he’s being a burden because Lu Han is the only one working for their financial needs. But his brother wouldn't let him work. He told him to focus in his studies so he had no choice but to comply with his hyung’s wish.
After studying and cleaning the house, Baekhyun decided to bathe their pet dog, King, the dog Lu Han was trying to retrieve when he was accidentally pushed into the dumpster by Chanyeol and Jongin. Remembering the incident made Baekhyun chuckle.
Chanyeol, on the other hand, who has told Baekhyun that he would read the book actually read the book and found it interesting. So he decided to visit Baekhyun and give him the book since Baekhyun always goes to the library’s second floor and he was too lazy to bring it back himself.
He was at the gate when he saw Baekhyun washing his dog with a host. “Baekhyun!” He called out and Baekhyun turned to him immediately.
“Ah, Chanyeol!” Baekhyun replied with a smile and Chanyeol took it as a sign to go in.
The moment he stepped on their mini garden where Baekhyun was washing his dog, the dog immediately ran to him. “King!” Baekhyun yelled.
Chanyeol stopped when King suddenly started scratching his legs, as if asking him to carry him. “You want me to carry you? But you’re wet!” He told the dog.
The dog sat down and whimpered. “Ah, King, you’re not done yet.” Baekhyun said while walking to them, his clothes partially wet and his face covered with sweat. “He really likes you,” He added while bending down to carry King.
“I wonder why though,”
“Must be your voice,” Baekhyun replied while walking back and put King back to the tub.
“My voice?” Chanyeol questioned while following them.
“Yeah, I think dogs have those…preferences or something, I really don’t know,” Baekhyun said while washing King.
“Want some help?” Chanyeol asked while bending down beside Baekhyun.
Baekhyun chuckled at his offer. “You’re gonna get wet.” He said and as if on cue, King just had to go wild and decided to shake his body as if trying to get the water out from his fur. “AH! KING!” Baekhyun exclaimed as he turned away to avoid the water splash.
Chanyeol, who was caught up, just laughed and was caught off guard when King suddenly jumped into him and licked his face. He just kept laughing. He really didn’t mind, he liked dogs.
“King!” Baekhyun groaned while trying to pull King away from Chanyeol. “You got him wet! Why are you so stubborn? And you were almost done too…Aish,” He then grabbed a towel and wiped King dry. “Sorry about that, Chanyeol,” He apologized while frowning.
“It’s nothing.” Chanyeol replied while wiping his face.
“Let’s go get you cleaned,” Baekhyun said with a smile while standing up. He then walked to the house while carrying King and Chanyeol followed behind him.
Later that day, since nothing really fits Chanyeol’s size, given that Baekhyun and Lu Han has small frames, Chanyeol decided to just take his shirt off and let it dry outside. Baekhyun decided to take a bath and went out after a few minutes to prepare drinks for Chanyeol.
“What do you want?” Baekhyun asked while wiping his wet hair with a towel. Chanyeol looked at him and engrossed at the sight of Baekhyun wiping his nape since Baekhyun has his back turned to him. Like, everything went in slow motion. Chanyeol can’t deny how sexy it looked. He unconsciously bit his lip while staring down at Baekhyun’s nape. He didn’t mean to look at it like that but…it just looked so sensual.
“Chanyeol?”
Chanyeol snapped out after that second call. “Uh…coffee, yeah, coffee would be fine,” He said while looking away.
“Okay,” Baekhyun replied and started making coffee.
Just then the door slammed open followed by a familiar voice. “Baek, why is the garden in a mess-oh,” Lu Han stopped by the door of the kitchen the moment he saw Chanyeol. Chanyeol smiled at him awkwardly.
“Welcome back, hyung!” Baekhyn greeted then went back to making coffee.
“Hey Chanyeol,” Lu Han greets half-heartedly as he walks in carrying a few bags of food.
“Chanyeol?!” Another familiar voice was hear again and appeared to be Jongin who was helping Lu Han carry some of the bags. “What are you doing here?”Jongin asks the moment he saw Chanyeol sitting comfortable in the kitchen.
“Exactly what I want to know…and he’s naked,” Lu Han said, enunciating the italics. “Did you just take a bath Baek?” He asks Baekhyun while trying to connect things together but nothing came out in the end.
“Chanyeol got wet when I was washing King. King jumped to him,” Baekhyun explained, still focused on the making the coffee.
Lu Han then eyed their dog, King, who was quietly lying down under the table. “This dog is so stubborn,”
“Maybe he misses our hometown?”
“If that’s the case then we should just send him back,”
“Hyung!”
“I’m kidding,” Lu Han replied with a chuckle.
“So…why are you here in the first place?” Jongin asked while taking a seat near Chanyeol.
“I was going to return a book to Baekhyun,” Chanyeol replied. “Got caught up with King’s bathing session,”
“Wait…you were going to return a book? A BOOK?”
“Stop, do not question any further.” Chanyeol said, trying to imitate the old English grammar structure. “How about you then?”
“Oh, I met Lu Han on the way back home. Apparently, he was carrying bags that were heavier than his own weight,”
“Fuck you, Jongin,” Lu Han said after hearing his name being mentioned.
“You’re welcome princess,” Jongin replied while rolling his eyes.
Chanyeol snickered. He has always been amused at Jongin and Lu Han’s endless bickering and it made him wonder if the two will ever develop special feelings for each other. But after Jongin’s confession about him liking Baekhyun, it looks like that won’t happen. They do look good together though. Ah, but still.
“Here you go,” Baekhyun suddenly appeared beside Chanyeol, startling the latter.
Chanyeol smiled and took the coffee. “Thanks,”
“Can I have some too?” Jongin requested.
“No, you can’t,” Lu Han said as he approached them. “Are you two staying for dinner? I’m starting to lose my appetite,”
“Oh, I’m not. My house is pretty far so I can’t stay late,” Chanyeol said then took a sip from the coffee.
“Is it good?” Baekhyun asked and Chanyeol nodded in response. Baekhyun couldn’t help but giggle.
“Well, too bad princess, I’m staying since my house is only a few walks away from here,” Jongin said, teasing the hell out of Lu Han. He just loves the way Lu Han reacts to his bickers.
Lu Han groaned and walked to the living room, turned the television on and put it on a very high volume. “Please excuse my brother. He’s really hot tempered,” Baekhyun told Jongin while chuckling.
“It’s okay. It’s kinda amusing,” Jongin said honestly while watching the dog come out from under table, stretched and then walked to the living room and lied beside Lu Han on the couch.
Chanyeol took a last sip from the coffee before standing up and grabbing his bag. “So, I have to go,” He told the two while pulling the book out from his bag. “Here Baekhyun,” He gave the book the Baekhyun then walked outside the kitchen, with Baekhyun following behind him.
“You going?” Lu Han asked, eyes still fixed on the TV while eating some chips.
“Yeah,” Chanyeol replied on the door. “Thanks for the coffee Baek. See you guys tomorrow. Bye King!” He yelled before walking to the gate.
Baekhyun waved at him by the door. “Take care!” He yelled and Chanyeol waved back at him qhile grabbing his shirt that was hung somewhere in the garden. When Chanyeol was already nowhere in sight, Baekhyun closed the door and smiled really wide.
Lu Han, who was watching him, took notice of Baekhyun’s weird gestures. “Baek,”
“Hm?”
“Why are you so giggly?”
“What? I’m not giggly!”
“Tch. If you say so,” Lu Han then turned his attention back to the TV.
Jongin who was also watching him agreed that Baekhyun wasn’t giggly but he was sure his eyes sparkled just now. And he’s got a bad feeling about this. A really bad feeling.
† † †
Jongin may not be smart but he wasn’t dense to anyone’s feelings. He knows how to read the atmosphere and he knows when something is up. And something is up at the way Baekhyun looks at Chanyeol. He recognized it as the same way he himself looks at Baekhyun. And he wished he was wrong this time.
That day when he decided to skip dance practice, he ended up at the library after his teacher asked him to return some books since he was the 2nd tallest in the class after Chanyeol and Chanyeol ran away, apparently.
He didn’t expect to meet Baekhyun in the archives though.
“Are you always here?” Jongin asked while examining the place.
“Yeah, you’re the second one who found me here,”
“Who’s the first one?”
“Chanyeol,” Baekhyun replied happily. Jongin felt his heart sinking a little. Either it was because Chanyeol was the first one or because Chanyeol didn’t say anything to him.
“You seem to be getting along well with Chanyeol,” Jongin said after settling down beside Baekhyun.
“Not really,”
And then the chance came. “Do you like him?” He asks. Although the sparkly eyes and soft giggles stated the obvious, he still needed to confirm.
Baekhyun looked down at his book and blinked unstably while biting his lip. “If…if I have to be honest…y-yeah, I do like him,”
“Oh,” Jongin’s heart completely broke with that simple and honest reply. He wished he hadn’t asked but there it is. Baekhyun even looked so sincere and shy.
“Please don’t tell him!” Baekhyun yelled while covering his face with his hands in embarrassment. Jongin found it really cute and he wished he was the reason for his actions.
“Don’t worry, I won’t,” Jongin replied, forcing a smile. God knows what would happen after this but he decided to just go with the flow. Besides, almost everything is messed up now.
Jongin sighed heavily with his head lying on the counter of the ice cream parlor. His sigh was so loud that Lu Han can’t even concentrate on his work. “If you’re not going to order, can you please just get out?” Lu Han told him.
“Alright then, give me everything you have, I will drown myself in misery,”
Lu Han raised an eyebrow. “What happened to you?”
“Is it a normal for beautiful guys to break their admirer’s heart?”
“Something Baekhyun said?”
“How did you know?”
“Please, your voices can be heard up to here,”
Jongin sighed heavily, yet again, just in time Chanyeol arrived with, uh, his girlfriend. “What nice timing,” Jongin heard Lu Han murmur, obviously not so amused.
“Got some problem with him?”
“Not him, his girlfriend,” Lu Han replied with a disgusted look. “She should just undergo surgery instead of putting so much make up on. She looks like a clown. Unfortunately, some guys find that attractive,”
“We share the same feelings,”
“Jongin!” Chanyeol called out to him.
“I’m just gonna stay hereeee!” Jongin replied, not even turning to look at Chanyeol.
“Okay then,”
As if on cue, the subject of Jongin’s misery appeared right on at that time. “What another nice timing,” Lu Han murmured and Jongin turned around to see. He immediately sat up straight when he saw Baekhyun approaching.
“Hey Baek,” Lu Han greeted his brother happily. “How’s school?”
“Fine,” Baekhyun replied while sitting down beside Jongin at the counter. “I think I’m gonna go crazy with exams coming up,”
“Exams coming up?!” Jongin exclaimed, completely clueless about the exams.
Baekhyun chuckled. “Yes, next week, you don’t know or you forgot?”
“Oh shit,”
Lu Han shook his head. “Jongin being Jongin,” He murmured while getting something from the kitchen. “Here you go Baek,” He then served Baekhyun’s favorite ice cream sundae.
“Thanks hyung!” Baekhyun immediately lightened up at the presence of his favorite dessert.
“How about mine?” Jongin interrupted with a pout.
“You didn’t order anything, idiot,”
“Fine, just get me the usual,”
After Baekhyun was done with his ice cream sundae, Lu Han couldn’t help but be bothered by something he keeps on noticing from one table. “Baek, go home,” He told Baekhyun out of the blue.
“What? I can stay longer,”
Lu han sighed as he was left with no choice. “4 o’clock,”
Baekhyun took some time before he realized. He turned around to the 4 o’clock direction and bam, found the bomb. Alert. Chanyeol and girlfriend doing PDAs. Baekhyun bit his lip as he turned back to Lu Han. “Go home,” Lu Han repeated with a smile.
“Mmkay,” Baekhyun obediently grabbed his bag and books. Jongin only watched him as he ventures out of the shop.
When Baekhyun left, Jongin and Lu Han sighed in unison.
“You know Jongin, you could’ve just picked someone other than Baekhyun to fall in love with, and there are other people around you…” Lu Han murmured.
Confused, Jongin turned to Lu Han and saw how serious his face was. “What?”
Lu Han turned to him then. “What?”
“You said something just now,”
“I didn’t say anything, idiot. You’re imagining things,” Lu Han replied with a laugh as he walks back to the kitchen.
Was Jongin imagining things or not? Either way, the statement does make sense. Maybe if it wasn’t Baekhyun that he chose to fall in love with, things wouldn’t get this complicated. But you don’t choose the person you fall in love with, you just fall. And when you fall…you fall hard.
† † †
It was the day before the exams when Baekhyun decided to go to the archives earlier than usual. He had nothing else to do anyway since the teachers dismissed them earlier this time because of the exams tomorrow.
When he got there, he witnessed a rather shocking scene. He saw a familiar figure of a woman being kissed by an unfamiliar guy. He dropped his books in shock and accidentally caught their attention. After seeing Baekhyun standing by the book shelf, they immediately parted.
“You,” The girl called after recognizing him.
“Aren’t you…Chanyeol’s girlfriend?” Baekhyun asked.
The girl bit his lip and looked uneasy. “Y-you’re mistaking,”
Baekhyun shook his head. “No, I’m sure you’re Chanyeol’s girlfriend.”
“What are you going to do about it then?” The guy asked in a threatening manner.
After realizing what happened and what Chanyeol’s girlfriend was doing, Baekhyun turned around to run and maybe try to tell Chanyeol. Unfortunately, the girl caught up to him and pulled his bag.
“Where do you think you’re going?!” The girl asked while covering Baekhyun’s mouth and Baekhyun struggled. “If you say anything to Chanyeol, I’m going to burn all these books, you hear me? You love them don’t you? This place is really old so no one would care whether this place will burn, you know?”
Baekhyun stopped struggling at the mention of the books. He loves books. It made him calm. It made him forget about his tragic past and he doesn’t want anything to happen to them. It’s complicated, but it’s the truth.
The girl let go of him and smirked. “What a loser,” She said then pulled the guy. “Let’s go babe,” Then they both left the archives, leaving a confused Baekhyun. Baekhyun was left thinking what would be the right thing to do at the moment. He should just tell Chanyeol, right? But his beloved books…Baekhyun shook his head. Sooner or later Chanyeol will have to know. And he can’t just watch while the person he treasures the most is being cheated on like this.
Meanwhile, Jongin was on his way to the library when a girl bumped to him. He turned to see who it was as the girl didn’t even bother apologizing and was surprised to see it was Chanyeol’s girlfriend…with another guy. Jongin shook his head. “Why does he always get the bitches,” He murmured then decided not to enter the library but instead he’s going to tell Chanyeol right in front of his face that he’s being cheated on…again. The moment he walked away, Baekhyun came running out from the library, in which Jongin, unfortunately, missed.
Lu Han wondered since when the ice cream parlor he’s working at became a consultation place and since when he became a consultant. But if it concerns his brother, he’s more than happy to help. He sat down quietly at the chair in front of Baekhyun and served his favorite ice cream sundae. Baekhyun went in frowning and gloomy and he hoped his favorite dessert would cheer him up but it looks like it’s no use.
“Baekhyun-“
“She was cheating on him,” Baekhyun cut off. “I saw Chanyeol’s girlfriend,”
Lu Han sighed. “Why am I not surprised…”
“I want to tell Chanyeol but his girlfriend said that if I did, she’ll burn all the books in the archives,” Baekhyun said sadly.
“Ugh, the nerves!” Lu Han exclaimed just in time Jongin arrived at the ice cream parlor.
After seeing Baekhyun and Lu Han at a table near the window, he immediately approached them. “Hey, guess what I found,” He told them.
“Chanyeol’s girlfriend cheating on him,” Baekhyun and Lu Han said in unison.
Jongin blinked in surprise. “How did you know?!”
“Baekhyun saw her earlier,” Lu Han said, pointing at a gloomy Baekhyun.
Jongin sighed. Of all the people who could see, it had to be Baekhyun. But, doesn’t that mean Chanyeol would have to break up with his girlfriend? Then that means Baekhyun can have his chance.
“Don’t worry, we’ll tell Chanyeol,” Lu Han said.
As if on cue, Chanyeol suddenly came running inside the ice cream parlor. “BAEKHYUN!” He yelled rather aggressively that it scared Baekhyun.
He approached Baekhyun and suddenly grabbed his collar, earning a gasp from Lu Han and Jongin. Lu Han immediately tried to protect Baekhyun by getting in between him and Chanyeol. “WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!” Lu Han yelled, trying hard to push Chanyeol away.
Jongin on the other hand was pulling Chanyeol away. “Chanyeol what the fuck is wrong with you?!”
“YOU’RE ASKING ME THAT WHEN THIS GUY PUNCHED MY GIRLFRIEND?!” Chanyeol yelled while pointing at Baekhyun.
“WHAT?!” Jongin, Lu Han and Baekhyun all questioned in unison.
“I didn’t punch your girlfriend! I didn’t punch anyone!” Baekhyun yelled in his defense while hiding behind Lu Han.
“WHAT DO YOU CALL THAT THEN?!” Chanyeol yelled back while pointing at his girlfriend who is standing by the door and covering that obvious bruise on her cheek.
“I didn’t do that!” Baekhyun yelled, his voice trembling in fear and tears starting to swell in the corner of his eyes. He never punched anyone and he never will, it was something he can never do no matter how angry he can get. Everybody knew that he’s not the one who will raise his fist against a girl. Chanyeol wasn’t making any sense at all.
“OH PLEASE BAEKHYUN! DO YOU THINK YOU CAN FOOL ME WITH THAT INNOCENT IMAGE YOU’RE PLAYING AT?! YOU DISGUST ME! HOW CAN YOU PUNCH A GIRL AND MORE IMPORTANTLY MY GIRLFRIEND?!” Chanyeol yelled even louder while gripping Baekhyun’s arm violently.
“STOP IT CHANYEOL! SERIOUSLY WHAT THE FUCK!” Jongin yelled as he pushed Chanyeol away as hard as he can.
“Oh you’re taking his side?! Then fine Jongin! I’M NOT THE ONE WHO PUNCHED HIS FRIEND’S GIRLFRIEND! I won’t be surprised if behind that pure and innocent image he’s playing at is A WHORE AND AN ASSHOLE!”
One sentence was what it took for Lu Han to lose his patience and slap Chanyeol hard. So hard that Chanyeol was forced into silence. “He’s a whore? An asshole? YOU DISGUST HIM? HAVE YOU LOOKED AT YOURSELF IN THE MIRROR PARK CHANYEOL? YOU’RE EVEN MORE DISGUSTING TO DATE SOMEONE WHO DOESN’T EVEN LOVE YOU BACK. OH DID SHE SAY SHE LOVES YOU? I’M PRETTY SURE THOSE HICKEYS ON HER NECK AREN’T FROM YOU.”
Chanyeol turned to his girlfriend in reflex and the girl immediately covered her neck. “Well what do you know?! What if they were from me then?! It doesn’t change the fact they she’s my girlfriend and that asshole punched her!”
“SHUT THE FUCK UP CHANYEOL! WHAT IN THE FUCKING HELL DUDE! STOP CALLING HIM AN ASSHOLE! HE’S NOT LIKE YOU!” Jongin yelled again, standing in front of Lu Han to protect the latter.
Chanyeol stared at them and his gaze fell on the subject of his anger. Baekhyun was standing behind Lu Han, his head bowed down and his body obviously trembling. Chanyeol kicked the table and walked out of the shop, ignoring his girlfriend on the way. Jongin immediately followed him. Lu Han turned to a scared Baekhyun and hugged him to calm him down.
“Chanyeol!” Jongin yelled loudly while trying to catch up to Chanyeol.
Chanyeol surprisingly stopped near a dumpster and kicked it aggressively. “Fuck all of this. Fuck everything!” He yelled as he sits down on the ground while clenching his hair. “Fuck…”
Jongin just stared at him. “Dude-“
“Why…why do I feel so guilty? Why can’t I stay mad at him? Why do I have the urge to hug him…” Chanyeol murmured. “Fuck this…”
“Dude, get a grip of yourself. Do you think Baekhyun is the type of person who would punch a girl?” Jongin questioned and made Chanyeol more confused than ever.
“Yes..No…YES, WHAT IF HE REALLY IS?” Chanyeol said looking up at Jongin. Jongin was shocked for a moment there when he saw Chanyeo’s eyes red from…crying. Was he crying in front of him? He has never seen Chanyeol cry. Not even once. Chanyeol stood up and walked around near the wall. “What if he really did punch her? For once Jongin can’t you be on my side?! I know you love him but can’t you be just on my side on this?!” He yelled aggressively as he turned to Jongin just in time Jongin came up to him angrily and clenched his collar while pushing him to the wall with a loud thud.
“You wanna know why?! This isn’t just because of me loving Baekhyun! IT’S BECAUSE HE LIKES YOU!” Jongin yelled as he tried hard not to weaken on his own statement. Chanyeol just stared at him, confused and shocked at the same time. It’s like nothing is making sense. “DO YOU UNDERSTAND?! HE LIKES YOU! AND YOU KNOW HOW MUCH I LOVE HIM! DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH IT HURTS KNOWING THAT THE PERSON YOU LOVE IS FALLING IN LOVE WITH SOMEONE ELSE?! AND THAT ASSHOLE HAPPENED TO BE YOUR FRIEND?!” He added as he panted heavily and slowly letting go of Chanyeol.
“You’re kidding…”
“Do I look like I’m kidding to you?! FUCK YOU CHANYEOL! DO YOU KNOW HOW LUCKY YOU ARE?! DOYOU KNOW HOW MUCH I WANT BE IN YOUR PLACE RIGHT NOW?!” Jongin yelled again, this time getting emotional as he looks up hoping to stop his tears from flowing. Everything was getting out of hand. No, everything was already out of hand. Everything is so fucked up right now. Their emotions are fucked up. Their feelings are fucked up. Everything is fucked up.
Chanyeol panted heavily, looking for coherent words to say but nothing seems to come out. “I hope you’re happy…” Jongin said sarcastically as he walks away, leaving a confused Chanyeol alone by himself, trying hard to understand everything so it can make sense. But nothing is making any sense to him.
† † †
Big City Dreams (2/2)
Pairing: Chanyeol/Baekhyun, Kai/Baekhyun, Lu Han/Kai
Rating: G
Summary: Baekhyun loves books, Lu Han has a brother-complex, Chanyeol is an asshole and Jongin is in love. Can they find the place their heart truly belongs to?
Big City Dreams
† † †
Somewhere in the middle of Jongin’s live performance for himself -or the mirror, while dancing to the beat of the music and swaying to the sound, the music suddenly disappeared and he found himself unable to continue. He turned to the speakers and sighed. “Well, that was rude.” He told his gigantic friend who dropped his bag on the floor after successfully entering unnoticed and turned the speakers off.
“As if you ain’t used to it,” Park Chanyeol said while settling down on the floor and leaned on the wall.
Jongin rolled his eyes and grabbed a towel to wipe his sweat off. “Speak,” He said while grabbing a bottle of water from his bag. He knew Chanyeol since middle school and Chanyeol hates dancing. Wait…dislike. That’s a friendlier way to put it. And to see him in the dance studio means something’s up or something’s going to be up.
“Girl was a bitch,” Chanyeol said. “Fucking two guys and shit.”
Jongin gaped. “That’s horrible. Wait, excluding you?”
“Of course excluding me.”
“So…what did you do?”
“Slapped her.”
“That’s gay.”
“And displayed her underwear in the flagpole.”
After hearing the last sentence, Jongin ran to the window to take a look at the flagpole and guess what, bitch was climbing up to get her panties. It wasn’t long until Jongin broke down into laughter. “That’s priceless, man! What else?”
“Guess you could say, made a little scene in the cyber world.” Chanyeol said with a grin. Jongin didn’t seem to get it so he wanted to ask but the announcement chime decided to butt in right at that fucking time.
“Lee Ji Ae from 3-C, come to the Principal’s office. I repeat, Lee Ji Ae…”
Jongin blinked, finally beginning to get a little hint of what Chanyeol actually did and then he looked back outside the window and found the bitch, or Ji Ae, running back to the building with a few students laughing at her. “Chanyeol,”
“Hm?”
“You spread some nude pictures, didn’t you?”
“Spot on, man!”
Jongin shook his head while laughing. Well, poor girl, she shouldn’t have messed with Park Chanyeol in the first place. It was a good thing Jongin decided to stay out of it this time or else going to be even worse.
Later that day, they decided to have a little celebration after Chanyeol’s break up and ridiculous revenge to a three-timer bitch. So, with a few beers and McDonald burgers, they decided to settle in Jongin’s apartment since it’s nearer to the bus station.
“We should’ve bought ice cubes,” Chanyeol said while trying to feel the canned beers. “It’s getting warmer.”
“Ugh. We forgot.” Jongin replied with a groan. They continued walking anyway.
After a few minutes, while the both of them were trying to think of something to talk about - well, they’ve known each other since middle school and they pretty much know everything about each other already - something caught their eye. Something peculiar.
They stopped walking when they saw a butt on top of a dumpster. They looked at each other then decided to approach the butt. You don’t see a butt hanging on the dumpster everyday anyway.
“King,” They heard a voice from the dumpster. “King, come here!”
Their eye brows met in confusion as they get closer to the butt. It wasn’t long until they realized it’s actually a human bending down to the large dumpster. Chanyeol, always being the first one who gets curious, tapped the butt as he clears his throat. “Um-“
“WHA!”
Okay, maybe the tap was a bit hard. Chanyeol and Jongin watched as the person falls down inside the dumpster. They both snarled realizing that the human fell down inside the dumpster. The fucking dumpster. The dumpster full of garbage, maggots and whatnot.
“Oh my God!” They heard the person yell while standing up. “What the fuck was that for?!”
“A guy,” Chanyeol and Jongin said in unison. Well, for the record, the butt and the yell didn’t look and sound like it belonged to a guy.
“Yes I’m a fucking guy! Are you guys crazy or something?! Who the hell randomly pushes a stranger into the dumpster?!” The guy complained as he struggled to get out of the dumpster. “Ugh! Is this a gum?!” He yelled again while trying hard to lift his foot but unfortunately, it seemed to have stuck with a gum.
Snapping, Chanyeol and Jongin immediately helped the guy to get out of the dumpster, which took a lot of courage by the way because it fucking smells. After they have successfully taken the guy out of the dumpster, they immediately created a space in between them.
“Can’t you be ruder than this? In case you fail to realize, you pushed me into the dumpster!” The guy yelled in exasperation, scrunching his nose after smelling his own body that ricks of alcohol, urine and whatnot.
“Uh…we’re sorry. My friend didn’t mean to push you. It was an accident.” Jongin stepped up and apologized properly.
“You guys fucking owe me,”
Chanyeol gaped at the language. Well, the face contrasts the personality so much.
Afterwards, they decided to follow Lu Han - the name they learnt after a series of deductive reasoning because hell the fucking guy won’t give his fucking name - into his house because of some payback or something.
When they entered the house, they found it was in a complete mess. Well, not entirely. Just that, boxes were scattered everywhere and dusts were all over the place.
“Did you just move here?” Jongin asks.
“Can’t you tell?” Lu Han replied sternly. “Baekhyun?” He called out and Jongin and Chanyeol exchanged glances in confusion. “Baekhyun?”
“Ne!” They heard a soft reply from somewhere in the house followed by footsteps that seemed to be coming from the kitchen. “Hyung!” The three turned in unison to the kitchen.
Chanyeol and Jongin stared at the guy. He was shorter than Lu Han and his hair was darker but he’s definitely cuter. He was wearing an oversized sweater with an apron on top while holding a knife.
“Hyung, what happened to you?” He, or Baekhyun, asked worriedly. He approached Lu Han but immediately backed away once he smelled him. “Hyung, you smell!”
“I know that, thank you very much,” Lu Han replied with a glare. “Jerks pushed me into the dumpster.”
“They did?!”
“Yeah, I’m going to take a bath. Teach these assholes some lessons,” Lu Han said while pointing at them with his thumb before disappearing upstairs.
Chanyeol and Jongin gulped after hearing the words ‘teach these assholes some lessons' from Lu Han. When they say don’t judge a book by its cover, they’re not lying, starting from Lu Han who displays an angelic face but actually has a bad mouth. What more can this Baekhyun be? They were sure Baekhyun would be like a martial artist and they’d be dead with just a single touch. Or maybe an assassin. Or maybe a witch, witchcraft can kill people too. There were a lot of possibilities running through their minds as their sweat drip from their faces.
And Baekhyun just tilted his head and smiled. “Are you guys hungry?”
Chanyeol and Jongin raised an eyebrow. “I just finished cooking!” Baekhyun said enthusiastically, smiling brightly and all. They were caught off guard when Baekhyun held their hands and pulled them inside the kitchen with him.
Well, what a surprise, the kitchen was clean. Like, it’s brand new. Unlike the living room that looks more like a garage than a living room. The two were speechless and were forced to sit down and uh, surprisingly, behaved.
Well, being in an unfamiliar house with unfamiliar people sure does take away your confidence for once. Apparently, everything is so awkward for them. But Baekhyun is really lively so maybe they could get pass the awkwardness sooner or later. It’s better now than later though.
“Um, Baekhyun-shii, you don’t really have to do this. We’re actually on our way to my apartment to-“ Jongin said but was cut off when Baekhyun turned to him, smiling while biting his lip. That must’ve been the cutest thing Jongin has ever seen in his 18 years of existence. “-to…um…”
“Sorry, it’s just that we haven’t met anyone in the neighborhood yet.” Baekhyun said honestly.
“Ah…that’s okay,” Jongin replied. Chanyeol eyed his friend suspiciously and he’s sure he knows something by now. Something is up with his friend. There has to be something going on.
“Too bad you boys ain’t gonna leave until you do what I tell you do,” The three turned to the kitchen door and saw a fresh from bath Lu han, with a towel still on his head. “Payback, boys,” He smirked then walked away.
“You want us to what?” Chanyeol and Jongin questioned in unison after Lu Han gave them instructions. “TO WHAT?” They repeated.
Lu Han rolled his eyes as he was forced to repeat. “Move the boxes, move the couch, fix the TV, fix whatever is needed to be fixed, yadda yadda yadda.”
“Are you fucking serious?!” Chanyeol asked in disbelief.
Jongin sighed. “Look, princess, just because my friend accidentally pushed you into the dumpster doesn’t mean we have to get ordered by you,”
“Exactly!”
“Princess?! And anyway, accidentally or not you still have to pay for what you did!” Lu Han shot back at the two boys. Meanwhile, Baekhyun stands somewhere near and watches. He doesn’t really question Lu Han’s decisions, so he lets his hyung do what he wants.
“Pay my ass,” Jongin said and pulled Chanyeol with him. “See you next time, princess,”
“What the-HEY!”
“Um,” Baekhyun called. The two boys stopped by the door and turned to Baekhyun. “Can you at least tell us your names?” He asks innocently.
“Jongin,”
“Chanyeol,”
Without a final word to Lu Han, they both ran outside while yelling random things that for sure were for Lu Han. Lu Han clenched his fist, irritated.
“Hyung, calm down,” Baekhyun said.
“Ugh, Baek, why do you have to be so nice?” Lu Han told him rhetorically.
Baekhyun just laughed at his hyung’s misery.
† † †
It was a week after that when they found out they go to the same school and miraculously, being transferees, Baekhyun was put into the same class as Jongin and Chanyeol. There was endless bickering between Jongin, Chanyeol and Lu Han since then. Well, fair enough, they don’t seem to mind keeping each other company though.
It was another week after that when exams came, and Chanyeol doesn’t study, Jongin only cared about music, Lu Han nags and Baekhyun gets the highest score. That was the biggest facepalm of the two because in all of their night outs, Baekhyun was present and they never saw him study but he still got the highest scores. They thought they could fail the tests together but somehow, Baekhyun realized that the it wasn't a good idea.
Another week after that when Chanyeol found another girlfriend and Jongin still doesn’t care. “Jongin,” He called out to a dancing Jongin at the dance studio, lowering the volume of the speaker this time.
Jongin stopped and then turned to acknowledge Chanyeol’s presence. “What?”
“When did you last have a relationship?”
“Three months ago.” Jongin answered directly.
Chanyeol blinked. “So…when did you found out you were gay?”
Jongin gaped, surprised. “That…” He was going to deny but figured that there was nothing to deny. So he sat down beside Chanyeol and sighed heavily. “I really can’t hide anything from you, can I?”
“Should’ve figured that out already. Do I have something to do with it?”
Jongn snarled in disgust. “What? Of course not! That’s disgusting!”
“Ouch. Well, okay, I was just checking. So when did you found out?”
Jongin looked down and played his fingers. “Baekhyun.” He said while smiling shyly. Chanyeol gaped seeing his friend blush. Well, that’s a first. You don’t see a blushing Jongin every day.
“No way…” Chanyeol said. Well, he knows that Baekhyun is cute, smart, pure, innocent and fun but…okay. I guess that makes sense. He just labeled the qualities of Jongin’s ideal type.
“You don’t really have to say anything about it.”
“Do I even have the right to?” Chanyeol replied with a chuckle. “You have my support though,”
“Thanks dude,” Jongin said as they make a bro fist.
† † †
It was another boring day when Chanyeol’s teacher decided to be an ass and order him to return some books in the library with the reason ‘because you’re tall’. Sure, his height is one of his strong points but to be ordered to return books because of it, just no. What else can he do anyway? So, he just did what his teacher told him to do since it was boring anyway.
“I came to return some books,” Chanyeol told the receptionist.
“Oh, this belongs to the archive,” The receptionist said and Chanyeol raised an eyebrow. “Upstairs, you know where that is,”
“Yes, I do and that’s 200 stair steps away. No one goes there anyway, why do I have to go there?”
The receptionist glared at him. “Because your teacher asked you to. Are you gonna return those books or do I have to report you first?”
Chanyeol groaned in exasperation. “Fine, bitch.” He said then walked away, carrying 7 books in his arms. He sighed when he finally reached the staircase and looked up to see a long, a very very long staircase waiting for him. “This is going to be exhausting.” He whispered to himself then started walking upstairs.
The second floor was pretty much the unused place. There a lot of books stored there that are like really old. Some of the books there even came from the 15th century. There were rumors about ghosts lingering there so no one dared to go upstairs but Chanyeol still hasn’t proven if it was true or not. Well, for the record, he hasn’t been to the library once, except for today.
After a really long walk, he finally arrived at the second floor. He was surprised that the second floor looked really…old. It’s like a giant greenhouse, except it’s surrounded by books and not plants. It was really dark too so he had troubles finding the right shelves where each book belonged. He just walked and walked and walked until he was near to the last shelf and he still hasn’t returned any book.
He stopped midway when he noticed something near the last shelf. “Is that a…foot?” He whispered and his heart skipped in fear. Why would there be a foot in here in the first place? Maybe the ghosts were true? He gulped and looked around but he can’t see anything properly since it’s dark, although there’s a light coming from the place behind the last shelf.
Well, Chanyeol was always up for some thrills so instead of running away, he decided to approach the foot to see what it was. He slowly walked to the foot and when he finally reached the last shelf, he peaked and felt relieved when he saw a person lying on the ground. “So it’s just a student…” He said while sighing heavily.
He dropped the books on the floor and knelt down beside the student who looked like he was sleeping and tried to wake him up. “Hey, hey you,” He said while shaking the student. The student slowly woke up and brushed his hair from his face. “Baekhyun?!” Chanyeol exclaimed.
“Huh? Oh, Chanyeol-shii.”
“Drop the shii.”
“Chanyeol! What are you doing here?”
“I should be asking you that. What are you doing here?”
“Ah…I was reading some books. I think I fell asleep.” Baekhyun replied with a hoarse voice while rubbing his eyes. Chanyeol smiled at Baekhyun’s cuteness. He glanced beside Baekhyun and saw tons of books piled together.
“Some books, huh. Some.” Chanyeol said in sarcasm while nodding. Then he looked around more and found that they’re in some huge space and there were books scattered everywhere. “Do you always come here?”
“Yeah, I like reading books here.”
“How did you find this place?” Chanyeol asked while walking around and examining the area. There were graffitis on the wall and other drawn images. There was a large window glass too. He can clearly see everything outside.
“I was looking for a nice place to read and I ended up here.” Baekhyun replied while watching Chanyeol looking out the window glass. “There’s an elevator there too but it seems like it’s no longer used,” He added while pointing at the elevator.
“This place is amazing,”
Baekhyun smiled. “It is, right?”
“Whoa, you read this much books already?” Chanyeol asked while checking the books that were piled at one side of the place. “You must really love books,”
“I do love books. I have a lot of books in my hometown but I couldn’t bring it here in the city. So, I just went here to find some other books to read,”
“But these are all old,”
“It’s more interesting when it’s old,” Baekhyun said while slowly standing up, carrying a book with him. “Like this one,” He approached Chanyeol and showed him the book he was holding. “It’s a book that tells the story about a twin’s love story,”
As if on cue, Chanyeol’s phone rang right at that time he took the book. He immediately answered his phone after seeing it was Jongin calling. “Ya?” Baekhyun just blinked at Chanyeol. “Alright, I’m coming down.”
“Are you going now?”
“Yeah,” Chanyeol said while grabbing his bag. “Is this book interesting?” He asked Baekhyun and Baekhyun nodded. “Then I’ll read it,”
“But you can’t borrow it,”
“I can if I want to,” Chanyeol replied with an evil grin as he inserts the book inside his bag. “See you tomorrow!” He yelled while running to the stairs.
Baekhyun ran to the railings to see Chanyeol go. “Take care!” He yelled back and they waved at each other. He smiled to himself as Chanyeol slowly disappeared. He never expected that Chanyeol would find him in this place since he wasn’t the type that would read books so it made his heart flutter.
He noticed unfamiliar books piled near the last chef so he went to scan them. In the end, he didn’t notice he read each one of them.
“What took you so long?” Jongin asked, obviously irritated that Chanyeol took like 15 minutes to arrive by the gate.
“I don’t see the need to answer,” Chanyeol replied. “Is it your treat today?” He asks as they walk.
“Is it?”
“It is! I keep track, you know.”
“Damn,” Jongin groaned after failing to skip today. Well, they had a little deal since middle school. Since they both love ice cream, they had a deal that they would go get ice cream every day and they would take turns in paying for both of them. And today is Jongin’s turn to pay.
They arrived at the ice cream parlor, well, their favorite ice cream parlor before the rain poured, fortunately. Lu Han, who works at the place, immediately greeted the familiar faces. “Welcome, boys,” He said with a playful grin.
“Why do you always have that scary grin on?” Chanyeol asked as they settle on a table.
“It’s not scary, it’s cute!” Lu Han exclaimed just in time the thunder stroke. Chanyeol and Jongin immediately broke down into laughter while slamming the table.
“See? Even heaven does not approve!” Jongin said while laughing out loud and did a high five with Chanyeol.
“Oh shut the fuck up! Are you gonna order or what?!” Lu Han yelled in exasperation with his hands on his hips.
“Right,” The two guys said while trying to stop laughing. “The usual, princess,” Jongin replied then bowed his head while laughing.
Lu Han rolled his eyes and then walked away.
While waiting for their order, Chanyeol decided to play a game in his phone. Realizing the sudden silence, he glanced to Jongin and saw him looking out the window and admiring the rain. He stopped playing and leaned closer to the table. “Are you day dreaming about Baekhyun? Because if you are, I’m gonna have to slap you the next time you do that,”
“What do you care anyway?” Jongin shot back.
Chanyeol only shrugged. “But anyway, you do have a great taste.”
“What?”
“Well, Baekhyun is…like a perfect lover?” Chanyeol replied awkwardly. “I mean…I think anyone would fall for him.”
“You actually think that?”
“Yeah, he’s smart and you’re not, you two would totally complement each other.”
“I don’t know if that was supposed to be an insult but thanks anyway.”
“I’m serious, you know. I think he’s the one you really need. Like, someone who will take care of you. He looks like he’s capable of that. Besides, you also know how to take care of a relationship, which is why your past exes still can’t get over you.”
“You are actually making sense.” Jongin said while nodding because for the first time in the history of his friendship with Park Chanyeol did his friend made actual sense.
“That’s because I’m stuck with you since middle school.” Chanyeol replied and they both laughed it out.
Lu Han arrived after a few minutes and slammed their ice creams on the table really loud that they were both startled. Fortunately, the glass container was strong enough that it didn’t break. “Enjoy your ice creams,” Lu Han said with his usual scary grin.
Chanyeol and Jongin looked at each other and shrugged before digging in. Lu Han, after over hearing their conversation, frowned as he made his way back to the counter. Looks like everything’s gonna get complicated from here on.
† † †
It was a sunny afternoon when Baekhyun was left in the house since Lu Han had to go to work. Sometimes Baekhyun feels like he’s being a burden because Lu Han is the only one working for their financial needs. But his brother wouldn't let him work. He told him to focus in his studies so he had no choice but to comply with his hyung’s wish.
After studying and cleaning the house, Baekhyun decided to bathe their pet dog, King, the dog Lu Han was trying to retrieve when he was accidentally pushed into the dumpster by Chanyeol and Jongin. Remembering the incident made Baekhyun chuckle.
Chanyeol, on the other hand, who has told Baekhyun that he would read the book actually read the book and found it interesting. So he decided to visit Baekhyun and give him the book since Baekhyun always goes to the library’s second floor and he was too lazy to bring it back himself.
He was at the gate when he saw Baekhyun washing his dog with a host. “Baekhyun!” He called out and Baekhyun turned to him immediately.
“Ah, Chanyeol!” Baekhyun replied with a smile and Chanyeol took it as a sign to go in.
The moment he stepped on their mini garden where Baekhyun was washing his dog, the dog immediately ran to him. “King!” Baekhyun yelled.
Chanyeol stopped when King suddenly started scratching his legs, as if asking him to carry him. “You want me to carry you? But you’re wet!” He told the dog.
The dog sat down and whimpered. “Ah, King, you’re not done yet.” Baekhyun said while walking to them, his clothes partially wet and his face covered with sweat. “He really likes you,” He added while bending down to carry King.
“I wonder why though,”
“Must be your voice,” Baekhyun replied while walking back and put King back to the tub.
“My voice?” Chanyeol questioned while following them.
“Yeah, I think dogs have those…preferences or something, I really don’t know,” Baekhyun said while washing King.
“Want some help?” Chanyeol asked while bending down beside Baekhyun.
Baekhyun chuckled at his offer. “You’re gonna get wet.” He said and as if on cue, King just had to go wild and decided to shake his body as if trying to get the water out from his fur. “AH! KING!” Baekhyun exclaimed as he turned away to avoid the water splash.
Chanyeol, who was caught up, just laughed and was caught off guard when King suddenly jumped into him and licked his face. He just kept laughing. He really didn’t mind, he liked dogs.
“King!” Baekhyun groaned while trying to pull King away from Chanyeol. “You got him wet! Why are you so stubborn? And you were almost done too…Aish,” He then grabbed a towel and wiped King dry. “Sorry about that, Chanyeol,” He apologized while frowning.
“It’s nothing.” Chanyeol replied while wiping his face.
“Let’s go get you cleaned,” Baekhyun said with a smile while standing up. He then walked to the house while carrying King and Chanyeol followed behind him.
Later that day, since nothing really fits Chanyeol’s size, given that Baekhyun and Lu Han has small frames, Chanyeol decided to just take his shirt off and let it dry outside. Baekhyun decided to take a bath and went out after a few minutes to prepare drinks for Chanyeol.
“What do you want?” Baekhyun asked while wiping his wet hair with a towel. Chanyeol looked at him and engrossed at the sight of Baekhyun wiping his nape since Baekhyun has his back turned to him. Like, everything went in slow motion. Chanyeol can’t deny how sexy it looked. He unconsciously bit his lip while staring down at Baekhyun’s nape. He didn’t mean to look at it like that but…it just looked so sensual.
“Chanyeol?”
Chanyeol snapped out after that second call. “Uh…coffee, yeah, coffee would be fine,” He said while looking away.
“Okay,” Baekhyun replied and started making coffee.
Just then the door slammed open followed by a familiar voice. “Baek, why is the garden in a mess-oh,” Lu Han stopped by the door of the kitchen the moment he saw Chanyeol. Chanyeol smiled at him awkwardly.
“Welcome back, hyung!” Baekhyn greeted then went back to making coffee.
“Hey Chanyeol,” Lu Han greets half-heartedly as he walks in carrying a few bags of food.
“Chanyeol?!” Another familiar voice was hear again and appeared to be Jongin who was helping Lu Han carry some of the bags. “What are you doing here?”Jongin asks the moment he saw Chanyeol sitting comfortable in the kitchen.
“Exactly what I want to know…and he’s naked,” Lu Han said, enunciating the italics. “Did you just take a bath Baek?” He asks Baekhyun while trying to connect things together but nothing came out in the end.
“Chanyeol got wet when I was washing King. King jumped to him,” Baekhyun explained, still focused on the making the coffee.
Lu Han then eyed their dog, King, who was quietly lying down under the table. “This dog is so stubborn,”
“Maybe he misses our hometown?”
“If that’s the case then we should just send him back,”
“Hyung!”
“I’m kidding,” Lu Han replied with a chuckle.
“So…why are you here in the first place?” Jongin asked while taking a seat near Chanyeol.
“I was going to return a book to Baekhyun,” Chanyeol replied. “Got caught up with King’s bathing session,”
“Wait…you were going to return a book? A BOOK?”
“Stop, do not question any further.” Chanyeol said, trying to imitate the old English grammar structure. “How about you then?”
“Oh, I met Lu Han on the way back home. Apparently, he was carrying bags that were heavier than his own weight,”
“Fuck you, Jongin,” Lu Han said after hearing his name being mentioned.
“You’re welcome princess,” Jongin replied while rolling his eyes.
Chanyeol snickered. He has always been amused at Jongin and Lu Han’s endless bickering and it made him wonder if the two will ever develop special feelings for each other. But after Jongin’s confession about him liking Baekhyun, it looks like that won’t happen. They do look good together though. Ah, but still.
“Here you go,” Baekhyun suddenly appeared beside Chanyeol, startling the latter.
Chanyeol smiled and took the coffee. “Thanks,”
“Can I have some too?” Jongin requested.
“No, you can’t,” Lu Han said as he approached them. “Are you two staying for dinner? I’m starting to lose my appetite,”
“Oh, I’m not. My house is pretty far so I can’t stay late,” Chanyeol said then took a sip from the coffee.
“Is it good?” Baekhyun asked and Chanyeol nodded in response. Baekhyun couldn’t help but giggle.
“Well, too bad princess, I’m staying since my house is only a few walks away from here,” Jongin said, teasing the hell out of Lu Han. He just loves the way Lu Han reacts to his bickers.
Lu Han groaned and walked to the living room, turned the television on and put it on a very high volume. “Please excuse my brother. He’s really hot tempered,” Baekhyun told Jongin while chuckling.
“It’s okay. It’s kinda amusing,” Jongin said honestly while watching the dog come out from under table, stretched and then walked to the living room and lied beside Lu Han on the couch.
Chanyeol took a last sip from the coffee before standing up and grabbing his bag. “So, I have to go,” He told the two while pulling the book out from his bag. “Here Baekhyun,” He gave the book the Baekhyun then walked outside the kitchen, with Baekhyun following behind him.
“You going?” Lu Han asked, eyes still fixed on the TV while eating some chips.
“Yeah,” Chanyeol replied on the door. “Thanks for the coffee Baek. See you guys tomorrow. Bye King!” He yelled before walking to the gate.
Baekhyun waved at him by the door. “Take care!” He yelled and Chanyeol waved back at him qhile grabbing his shirt that was hung somewhere in the garden. When Chanyeol was already nowhere in sight, Baekhyun closed the door and smiled really wide.
Lu Han, who was watching him, took notice of Baekhyun’s weird gestures. “Baek,”
“Hm?”
“Why are you so giggly?”
“What? I’m not giggly!”
“Tch. If you say so,” Lu Han then turned his attention back to the TV.
Jongin who was also watching him agreed that Baekhyun wasn’t giggly but he was sure his eyes sparkled just now. And he’s got a bad feeling about this. A really bad feeling.
† † †
Jongin may not be smart but he wasn’t dense to anyone’s feelings. He knows how to read the atmosphere and he knows when something is up. And something is up at the way Baekhyun looks at Chanyeol. He recognized it as the same way he himself looks at Baekhyun. And he wished he was wrong this time.
That day when he decided to skip dance practice, he ended up at the library after his teacher asked him to return some books since he was the 2nd tallest in the class after Chanyeol and Chanyeol ran away, apparently.
He didn’t expect to meet Baekhyun in the archives though.
“Are you always here?” Jongin asked while examining the place.
“Yeah, you’re the second one who found me here,”
“Who’s the first one?”
“Chanyeol,” Baekhyun replied happily. Jongin felt his heart sinking a little. Either it was because Chanyeol was the first one or because Chanyeol didn’t say anything to him.
“You seem to be getting along well with Chanyeol,” Jongin said after settling down beside Baekhyun.
“Not really,”
And then the chance came. “Do you like him?” He asks. Although the sparkly eyes and soft giggles stated the obvious, he still needed to confirm.
Baekhyun looked down at his book and blinked unstably while biting his lip. “If…if I have to be honest…y-yeah, I do like him,”
“Oh,” Jongin’s heart completely broke with that simple and honest reply. He wished he hadn’t asked but there it is. Baekhyun even looked so sincere and shy.
“Please don’t tell him!” Baekhyun yelled while covering his face with his hands in embarrassment. Jongin found it really cute and he wished he was the reason for his actions.
“Don’t worry, I won’t,” Jongin replied, forcing a smile. God knows what would happen after this but he decided to just go with the flow. Besides, almost everything is messed up now.
Jongin sighed heavily with his head lying on the counter of the ice cream parlor. His sigh was so loud that Lu Han can’t even concentrate on his work. “If you’re not going to order, can you please just get out?” Lu Han told him.
“Alright then, give me everything you have, I will drown myself in misery,”
Lu Han raised an eyebrow. “What happened to you?”
“Is it a normal for beautiful guys to break their admirer’s heart?”
“Something Baekhyun said?”
“How did you know?”
“Please, your voices can be heard up to here,”
Jongin sighed heavily, yet again, just in time Chanyeol arrived with, uh, his girlfriend. “What nice timing,” Jongin heard Lu Han murmur, obviously not so amused.
“Got some problem with him?”
“Not him, his girlfriend,” Lu Han replied with a disgusted look. “She should just undergo surgery instead of putting so much make up on. She looks like a clown. Unfortunately, some guys find that attractive,”
“We share the same feelings,”
“Jongin!” Chanyeol called out to him.
“I’m just gonna stay hereeee!” Jongin replied, not even turning to look at Chanyeol.
“Okay then,”
As if on cue, the subject of Jongin’s misery appeared right on at that time. “What another nice timing,” Lu Han murmured and Jongin turned around to see. He immediately sat up straight when he saw Baekhyun approaching.
“Hey Baek,” Lu Han greeted his brother happily. “How’s school?”
“Fine,” Baekhyun replied while sitting down beside Jongin at the counter. “I think I’m gonna go crazy with exams coming up,”
“Exams coming up?!” Jongin exclaimed, completely clueless about the exams.
Baekhyun chuckled. “Yes, next week, you don’t know or you forgot?”
“Oh shit,”
Lu Han shook his head. “Jongin being Jongin,” He murmured while getting something from the kitchen. “Here you go Baek,” He then served Baekhyun’s favorite ice cream sundae.
“Thanks hyung!” Baekhyun immediately lightened up at the presence of his favorite dessert.
“How about mine?” Jongin interrupted with a pout.
“You didn’t order anything, idiot,”
“Fine, just get me the usual,”
After Baekhyun was done with his ice cream sundae, Lu Han couldn’t help but be bothered by something he keeps on noticing from one table. “Baek, go home,” He told Baekhyun out of the blue.
“What? I can stay longer,”
Lu han sighed as he was left with no choice. “4 o’clock,”
Baekhyun took some time before he realized. He turned around to the 4 o’clock direction and bam, found the bomb. Alert. Chanyeol and girlfriend doing PDAs. Baekhyun bit his lip as he turned back to Lu Han. “Go home,” Lu Han repeated with a smile.
“Mmkay,” Baekhyun obediently grabbed his bag and books. Jongin only watched him as he ventures out of the shop.
When Baekhyun left, Jongin and Lu Han sighed in unison.
“You know Jongin, you could’ve just picked someone other than Baekhyun to fall in love with, and there are other people around you…” Lu Han murmured.
Confused, Jongin turned to Lu Han and saw how serious his face was. “What?”
Lu Han turned to him then. “What?”
“You said something just now,”
“I didn’t say anything, idiot. You’re imagining things,” Lu Han replied with a laugh as he walks back to the kitchen.
Was Jongin imagining things or not? Either way, the statement does make sense. Maybe if it wasn’t Baekhyun that he chose to fall in love with, things wouldn’t get this complicated. But you don’t choose the person you fall in love with, you just fall. And when you fall…you fall hard.
† † †
It was the day before the exams when Baekhyun decided to go to the archives earlier than usual. He had nothing else to do anyway since the teachers dismissed them earlier this time because of the exams tomorrow.
When he got there, he witnessed a rather shocking scene. He saw a familiar figure of a woman being kissed by an unfamiliar guy. He dropped his books in shock and accidentally caught their attention. After seeing Baekhyun standing by the book shelf, they immediately parted.
“You,” The girl called after recognizing him.
“Aren’t you…Chanyeol’s girlfriend?” Baekhyun asked.
The girl bit his lip and looked uneasy. “Y-you’re mistaking,”
Baekhyun shook his head. “No, I’m sure you’re Chanyeol’s girlfriend.”
“What are you going to do about it then?” The guy asked in a threatening manner.
After realizing what happened and what Chanyeol’s girlfriend was doing, Baekhyun turned around to run and maybe try to tell Chanyeol. Unfortunately, the girl caught up to him and pulled his bag.
“Where do you think you’re going?!” The girl asked while covering Baekhyun’s mouth and Baekhyun struggled. “If you say anything to Chanyeol, I’m going to burn all these books, you hear me? You love them don’t you? This place is really old so no one would care whether this place will burn, you know?”
Baekhyun stopped struggling at the mention of the books. He loves books. It made him calm. It made him forget about his tragic past and he doesn’t want anything to happen to them. It’s complicated, but it’s the truth.
The girl let go of him and smirked. “What a loser,” She said then pulled the guy. “Let’s go babe,” Then they both left the archives, leaving a confused Baekhyun. Baekhyun was left thinking what would be the right thing to do at the moment. He should just tell Chanyeol, right? But his beloved books…Baekhyun shook his head. Sooner or later Chanyeol will have to know. And he can’t just watch while the person he treasures the most is being cheated on like this.
Meanwhile, Jongin was on his way to the library when a girl bumped to him. He turned to see who it was as the girl didn’t even bother apologizing and was surprised to see it was Chanyeol’s girlfriend…with another guy. Jongin shook his head. “Why does he always get the bitches,” He murmured then decided not to enter the library but instead he’s going to tell Chanyeol right in front of his face that he’s being cheated on…again. The moment he walked away, Baekhyun came running out from the library, in which Jongin, unfortunately, missed.
Lu Han wondered since when the ice cream parlor he’s working at became a consultation place and since when he became a consultant. But if it concerns his brother, he’s more than happy to help. He sat down quietly at the chair in front of Baekhyun and served his favorite ice cream sundae. Baekhyun went in frowning and gloomy and he hoped his favorite dessert would cheer him up but it looks like it’s no use.
“Baekhyun-“
“She was cheating on him,” Baekhyun cut off. “I saw Chanyeol’s girlfriend,”
Lu Han sighed. “Why am I not surprised…”
“I want to tell Chanyeol but his girlfriend said that if I did, she’ll burn all the books in the archives,” Baekhyun said sadly.
“Ugh, the nerves!” Lu Han exclaimed just in time Jongin arrived at the ice cream parlor.
After seeing Baekhyun and Lu Han at a table near the window, he immediately approached them. “Hey, guess what I found,” He told them.
“Chanyeol’s girlfriend cheating on him,” Baekhyun and Lu Han said in unison.
Jongin blinked in surprise. “How did you know?!”
“Baekhyun saw her earlier,” Lu Han said, pointing at a gloomy Baekhyun.
Jongin sighed. Of all the people who could see, it had to be Baekhyun. But, doesn’t that mean Chanyeol would have to break up with his girlfriend? Then that means Baekhyun can have his chance.
“Don’t worry, we’ll tell Chanyeol,” Lu Han said.
As if on cue, Chanyeol suddenly came running inside the ice cream parlor. “BAEKHYUN!” He yelled rather aggressively that it scared Baekhyun.
He approached Baekhyun and suddenly grabbed his collar, earning a gasp from Lu Han and Jongin. Lu Han immediately tried to protect Baekhyun by getting in between him and Chanyeol. “WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!” Lu Han yelled, trying hard to push Chanyeol away.
Jongin on the other hand was pulling Chanyeol away. “Chanyeol what the fuck is wrong with you?!”
“YOU’RE ASKING ME THAT WHEN THIS GUY PUNCHED MY GIRLFRIEND?!” Chanyeol yelled while pointing at Baekhyun.
“WHAT?!” Jongin, Lu Han and Baekhyun all questioned in unison.
“I didn’t punch your girlfriend! I didn’t punch anyone!” Baekhyun yelled in his defense while hiding behind Lu Han.
“WHAT DO YOU CALL THAT THEN?!” Chanyeol yelled back while pointing at his girlfriend who is standing by the door and covering that obvious bruise on her cheek.
“I didn’t do that!” Baekhyun yelled, his voice trembling in fear and tears starting to swell in the corner of his eyes. He never punched anyone and he never will, it was something he can never do no matter how angry he can get. Everybody knew that he’s not the one who will raise his fist against a girl. Chanyeol wasn’t making any sense at all.
“OH PLEASE BAEKHYUN! DO YOU THINK YOU CAN FOOL ME WITH THAT INNOCENT IMAGE YOU’RE PLAYING AT?! YOU DISGUST ME! HOW CAN YOU PUNCH A GIRL AND MORE IMPORTANTLY MY GIRLFRIEND?!” Chanyeol yelled even louder while gripping Baekhyun’s arm violently.
“STOP IT CHANYEOL! SERIOUSLY WHAT THE FUCK!” Jongin yelled as he pushed Chanyeol away as hard as he can.
“Oh you’re taking his side?! Then fine Jongin! I’M NOT THE ONE WHO PUNCHED HIS FRIEND’S GIRLFRIEND! I won’t be surprised if behind that pure and innocent image he’s playing at is A WHORE AND AN ASSHOLE!”
One sentence was what it took for Lu Han to lose his patience and slap Chanyeol hard. So hard that Chanyeol was forced into silence. “He’s a whore? An asshole? YOU DISGUST HIM? HAVE YOU LOOKED AT YOURSELF IN THE MIRROR PARK CHANYEOL? YOU’RE EVEN MORE DISGUSTING TO DATE SOMEONE WHO DOESN’T EVEN LOVE YOU BACK. OH DID SHE SAY SHE LOVES YOU? I’M PRETTY SURE THOSE HICKEYS ON HER NECK AREN’T FROM YOU.”
Chanyeol turned to his girlfriend in reflex and the girl immediately covered her neck. “Well what do you know?! What if they were from me then?! It doesn’t change the fact they she’s my girlfriend and that asshole punched her!”
“SHUT THE FUCK UP CHANYEOL! WHAT IN THE FUCKING HELL DUDE! STOP CALLING HIM AN ASSHOLE! HE’S NOT LIKE YOU!” Jongin yelled again, standing in front of Lu Han to protect the latter.
Chanyeol stared at them and his gaze fell on the subject of his anger. Baekhyun was standing behind Lu Han, his head bowed down and his body obviously trembling. Chanyeol kicked the table and walked out of the shop, ignoring his girlfriend on the way. Jongin immediately followed him. Lu Han turned to a scared Baekhyun and hugged him to calm him down.
“Chanyeol!” Jongin yelled loudly while trying to catch up to Chanyeol.
Chanyeol surprisingly stopped near a dumpster and kicked it aggressively. “Fuck all of this. Fuck everything!” He yelled as he sits down on the ground while clenching his hair. “Fuck…”
Jongin just stared at him. “Dude-“
“Why…why do I feel so guilty? Why can’t I stay mad at him? Why do I have the urge to hug him…” Chanyeol murmured. “Fuck this…”
“Dude, get a grip of yourself. Do you think Baekhyun is the type of person who would punch a girl?” Jongin questioned and made Chanyeol more confused than ever.
“Yes..No…YES, WHAT IF HE REALLY IS?” Chanyeol said looking up at Jongin. Jongin was shocked for a moment there when he saw Chanyeo’s eyes red from…crying. Was he crying in front of him? He has never seen Chanyeol cry. Not even once. Chanyeol stood up and walked around near the wall. “What if he really did punch her? For once Jongin can’t you be on my side?! I know you love him but can’t you be just on my side on this?!” He yelled aggressively as he turned to Jongin just in time Jongin came up to him angrily and clenched his collar while pushing him to the wall with a loud thud.
“You wanna know why?! This isn’t just because of me loving Baekhyun! IT’S BECAUSE HE LIKES YOU!” Jongin yelled as he tried hard not to weaken on his own statement. Chanyeol just stared at him, confused and shocked at the same time. It’s like nothing is making sense. “DO YOU UNDERSTAND?! HE LIKES YOU! AND YOU KNOW HOW MUCH I LOVE HIM! DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH IT HURTS KNOWING THAT THE PERSON YOU LOVE IS FALLING IN LOVE WITH SOMEONE ELSE?! AND THAT ASSHOLE HAPPENED TO BE YOUR FRIEND?!” He added as he panted heavily and slowly letting go of Chanyeol.
“You’re kidding…”
“Do I look like I’m kidding to you?! FUCK YOU CHANYEOL! DO YOU KNOW HOW LUCKY YOU ARE?! DOYOU KNOW HOW MUCH I WANT BE IN YOUR PLACE RIGHT NOW?!” Jongin yelled again, this time getting emotional as he looks up hoping to stop his tears from flowing. Everything was getting out of hand. No, everything was already out of hand. Everything is so fucked up right now. Their emotions are fucked up. Their feelings are fucked up. Everything is fucked up.
Chanyeol panted heavily, looking for coherent words to say but nothing seems to come out. “I hope you’re happy…” Jongin said sarcastically as he walks away, leaving a confused Chanyeol alone by himself, trying hard to understand everything so it can make sense. But nothing is making any sense to him.
† † †
Big City Dreams (2/2)