a semi, kinda, sorta fairytale [3/5]

[kei17]

He had not wanted to kiss him.

Chanyeol kicks off the covers, sits up on his large four-poster bed, and barely keeps himself from tearing his hair out. He can't stop thinking about it though, what happened earlier in the ballroom. It's nearing midnight and he's been tossing and turning for more than two hours now, analyzing to death the almost-but-wasn't-really-because-it's-not kiss with Baekhyun.

He had not wanted to kiss him, he tells himself again. Wanting is different from being curious. That's it. He was just curious. It was nothing more than a case of 'because it was there.' Baekhyun's lips aren't particularly attractive; they're actually quite ordinary. Chanyeol has seen and kissed dozens of others to know that Baekhyun's aren't anything special. Don't get him wrong, he believes they do have a nice shape. They look really soft, too, and there's that tiny, intriguing mole near the corner of his top lip that has him wondering what it would taste like-he shakes his head and nips the thought in the bud before he goes off thinking of weird things.

"Ugh, ugh, ugh!" he grunts while punching his pillow. He sounds (and acts) like a stupid caveman but he continues to pound on the poor thing, frustrated beyond belief because he's clueless as to what he's even frustrated about. "Ugh!"

Adding to his bad mood is his cousin's unbelievable timing, effectively disrupting the almost-but-wasn't-really-because-it's-not kiss. And Chanyeol's confused if he's actually relieved or irritated by the interruption-which starts a whole new bout of conflicting emotions swirling in his stomach. But wait. What's the deal with Baekhyun and Jongin anyway? Not long after his interruption, Jongin whisked his assistant away, leaving Chanyeol alone in the ballroom. What important thing did his cousin need to discuss with Baekhyun that he couldn't say in front of Chanyeol?

He squints at the clock on the bedside table. It has been quite some time. Surely, the two are finished with their meeting. Chanyeol gets up and ventures out of his room in his thin wife beater and pajama bottoms, cursing halfway through the corridor when he feels the chill of the autumn evening seep into his bones; convincing himself that he got up because he can't sleep and he simply intends to go to the kitchen to get a glass of milk.

And so what if he totally walks towards the opposite direction-to the guest bedroom three doors down which happens to be the one Baekhyun's staying at? He's just being a good friend, he reasons, just seeing to the other boy's comfort and possibly offering to get a glass of milk for him, too. He's so not checking if Baekhyun's still with Jongin. That's lame and Park Chanyeol's not lame.

But a few knocks on Baekhyun's door and a quick peek inside tells Chanyeol that his best friend isn't back yet. Irrationally annoyed, he proceeds to go down the stairs and he may or may not have checked all the rooms on the way to the kitchen to see where his friend and his cousin were.

Where in the world are they?

He can't find them and he almost throws a tantrum while he pours milk on a tall glass. He downs it in one go, fuming. Where are those two? Chanyeol gets another glass for Baekhyun, deciding to wait him out and to station himself outside his bedroom door until the shorter man returns. He trudges back the way he came from, more restless amd twitchy than before. As much as he trusts Baekhyun with his life, Chanyeol doesn't trust his cousin and what if that sleazy weasel tries something on his best friend? Baekhyun's kind of cute. What if Jongin makes his moves and-

The Park heir's ears perk up when he hears muffled footsteps right ahead. He quickens his pace only to slow down when he reaches the end of the corridor-a spot where he has a perfect view of the entrance hall while he, himself, is concealed from sight. Only a pair of antique wall lamps is on but they're enough for Chanyeol to see two figures standing by the foot of the staircase.

And he's certain that's his best friend being held closely by another guy.By Jongin. His grip tightens on the glass he's holding as he watches the taller guy reach for Baekhyun's other hand, stepping closer, making Chanyeol want to pour milk all over his cousin and snatch his best friend away. It's a testament to the fine quality of the glass when it doesn't break under the intense pressure Chanyeol's applying on it.

"Promise me you'll think about it, okay?" Jongin says softly.

No, no, no, Byun, Chanyeol mentally yells. Whatever it is just say no.

"I will."

Jongin leans down and that's when Chanyeol turns away, loathe to see what happens next, heart pounding and asking himself why he suddenly feels afraid.

Park Chanyeol hates mornings. He hates the way the sun shines so cheerfully sometimes, smirking while it's blinding rays sadistically pry your eyelids open and prick your eyeballs until you can't do anything but wake up. Although, he especially hates this morning more because, after staring at the canopy of his bed the whole night, he has finally managed to drift off only for Baekhyun to barge into his room just a few minutes later and insist he wake up so they can drive back to the city.

Now, he's sulking in the passenger seat, sullen eyes and huge eyebags hidden beneath dark tinted glasses. He deliberately ignores Baekhyun's questioning looks, choosing to stare out the window, trying (and failing) to figure out what the hell's wrong with him.

"Why do you look as if you have a hangover?" Baekhyun asks an hour into the uncomfortable silence inside the car. "Did you drink last night?"

Chanyeol huffs. Well, if consuming two tall glasses of milk was considered drinking then, "Yeah."

He can feel waves of disapproval emanating from the boy beside him. "Park, you do know we have a meeting with the second candidate later today, right?"

"I know," he mutters. Finding his soulmate is important to him. He knows the meeting this afternoon is important, too, but right now, he still can't get forget the way Baekhyun's head was tilted up while he was looking at Jongin last night and the way his cousin's arms were almost around his best friend. That and it's still morning. He really, really hates mornings.

Perhaps he'll get over this later and he'll even laugh about how silly he's being. He will get over this. Just not right now.

Baekhyun sighs. "What's wrong, Chanyeol?"

I don't know? Everything?

"Nothing, Baek." He puts his earphones on and lets Coldplay drown his troubling thoughts, soon falling into an exhausted sleep and dreaming of an almost-but-wasn't-really-because-it-is-most-definitely-not kiss.

"I'm stumped," Baekhyun says as he turns to face Chanyeol who was slumped on the chair beside him. "I can't think of any reason why you've been moping around all day."

Chanyeol drags his gaze from the two empty places across the table to his assistant but he remains close-lipped, making Baekhyun frown. The frown instantly gives way to a dazzling smile, though, when a waiter appears at their table to get their orders-the change so quick it's almost comical. Chanyeol, normally, would've laughed at his best friend except he was feeling strange since this morning and he's too spent to even smile. It has been a spectacularly harrowing day and he's about ready to throw the towel in if it wasn't for the prospect of finding his lost angel tonight.

They had to go through a gaggle of reporters on their way out of the country estate. The pair also had to endure several miles of being tailed before Baekhyun was able to lose their stalkers only to find another group waiting outside their apartment complex. Not for the first time did Chanyeol think that it was rash of him to decline his father's offer of additional bodyguards. He thought he and Baekhyun could handle everything on their own but recent events have started to convince him otherwise. Apparently, the news of Park Chanyeol's search for his 'Cinderella' has gone on to become the city's juiciest gossip and everyone wanted to be in the know.

Chanyeol's used to seeing his face in the papers and being talked about; the media has always been fascinated by the young, charismatic man-the only child and heir of CEO Park and his socialite wife-and has written articles on his newest fling or some such silly thing as that, going into detail about the places he takes his dates to and how long the relationships last. But nothing has been as bad as this. Now people are having a field day burrowing and snooping into Chanyeol's private life, digging up non-existent rumors and speculating on who the owner of the necklace was.

The tall man's right hand falls on his lap and he absently feels for the black jewelry box in his pants pocket-the winged-shape necklace that's supposed to take him one step closer to his soul mate. He admits it's mostly his fault, this chaos that's hanging over their heads. All because he didn't use his brain. That fateful night, he was too overcome with emotion to think of the consequences of his outrageous announcement. There has been more than a hundred claims made on the necklace since last Saturday yet none of them even remotely resembles the mysterious male he saw at the ball. Although, it's to be expected. Who wouldn't want their hands on the money marrying the Prince of Park Industries will bring?

"Park? You're spacing off again." Baekhyun reaches out and gently taps on Chanyeol's restless hand with a slender finger, "Talk to me."

He surprises both of them when he flinches away from the touch. Chanyeol glances up at Baekhyun's shocked features, catching the flicker of hurt in his expression before he's able to hide it. The smaller man retracts his hand and looks away.

"I'll just go to the washroom," Baekhyun says, standing up. "I'll be right back."

Chanyeol closes his eyes in agitation. Park Chanyeol, what is wrong with you? He runs his hand through his hair and pulls at it a little. It's when he's halfway towards hitting his head on the table that he hears something buzz. He sees Baekhyun's non-descript phone on the table, it's screen blinking. He leans over to see the name of the caller-Jongin.

His mood takes another dive.

Chanyeol picks up the phone and answers it without hesitation. "What do you want?"

"Chanyeol? Where's Baekhyun? I need to talk to him."

"He's busy. What do you want?" Chanyeol can't keep the hostility from his voice.

Jongin chuckles from the other line. "What is this? Have the roles been reversed? The boss is now answering phone calls for his assistant?"

"If you have nothing to say-"

"I'm taking Baekhyun," his cousin cuts in, voice suddenly serious, and Chanyeol sees red.

"You can't have him," he answers just as seriously.

"It's not your choice to make, dear cousin," Jongin replies. "If he wants to come with me then you have no option but to let him go."

"Who says he'll want to go to you?" he challenges. Baekhyun can't possibly choose Jongin over Chanyeol. They're best friends. Baekhyun won't, right?

Jongin's bark of laughter grates on his nerves. "Who says he won't? It's time for Baekhyun to work for someone better. Someone who isn't just a spoiled rich kid in a tailor-fitted suit bought by his parent's money."

Chanyeol feels the barb straight to his gut.

"Have you ever once thought of what he wants, Chanyeol? All you do is take him for granted, traipsing around while he works to keep your ass afloat. Always at your beck and call with no thought as to his welfare. Well, I'm not like that. I'll take care of Baekhyun," the other man boasts.

"Finished?" Chanyeol tries to sound nonchalant although inside he's shaken.

"No. Not until Baekhyun's on my side," Jongin promises.

"Too bad then. Because he's still working for me and right now we're busy." He doesn't wait for his cousin's response before ending the call. Chanyeol's so mad, so angry because he knows most of what Jongin said was true. He tries to trample the guilt climbing its way up his throat but it refuses to back down.

"What are you doing with my phone?"

Startled, Chanyeol drops the device on the table. Baekhyun, who just got back, picks it up and eyes the taller guy suspiciously. He returns to his seat but his brow is still raised in question.

"I was just-" Chanyeol's saved from coming up with an excuse when a small group of men approaches their table. He releases a quiet sigh of relief when Baekhyun gets distracted. Chanyeol turns his attention to the two men being ushered by the waiter into the empty seats. His assistant immediately stands up, pulling Chanyeol with him.

They both bow in greeting to the new comers, the younger man's eyes rounding when he remembers why they were in this restaurant in the first place.

"I apologize for being late," the shorter of the two says. "I'm Kim Minseok, Chen's manager."

Chanyeol's a bit surprised when he hears the name the man dropped. He looks at the other guy, taking in the hat and the designer sunglasses hiding the upper part of his face. At closer inspection, he recognizes the singer's famous cheekbones and the perfect bow shape of his upper lip.

The guy takes off the glasses and slowly extends his arm for a handshake. "My real name's Jongdae and I'm allowing you to use it," he says. "It's nice to finally meet the infamous Mr. Park."

"Same here," Chanyeol answers briefly, still quite preoccupied with his conversation with Jongin to form a proper reply. Baekhyun throws him a curious glance before turning and graciously asking the two men to take their seats. The young businessman settles into his chair, letting his assistant take over.

Kim Minseok is a serious looking man in somber attire made up mostly of dark colors; his stern features softened only by his rounded cheeks. Beside him, Chen is in a loud fire-engine red leather jacket with its wide collar turned up-not exactly something you'd wear if you don't want to be recognized.

Baekhyun signals for the menu before he starts to speak. "I'm really grateful that you were able to squeeze us into your full sched-"

The young assistant is interrupted, though, when the singer leans on the table and fixes his gaze on Chanyeol. The taller guy feels uncomfortable with the other's scrutiny.

"Let's skip that, Mr. Byun and let's get to the good part shall we?" Chen's eyes are alight with barely suppressed curiosity. "So I heard you're looking for the owner of the necklace."

Chanyeol stares at the singer in surprise and perhaps some disappointment because he knows from that sly smile alone that Chen-Jongdae-isn't the person he's looking for. He doesn't need for him to see his neck or any part of his body. As he studies the other man, all Chanyeol’s able to muster is the faintest sort of attraction to the singer's undeniable charisma. But from the short distance separating them, he can sense Jongdae's greed for attention and the fake gleam in his beautiful eyes. He doesn’t like it.

"Yes, I am," Chanyeol answers belatedly, already thinking of how to end this dinner as soon as possible so he and his best friend can go home. He peeks at Baekhyun, wanting to discreetly ask for help on how to go about it but his assistant's phone buzzes again.

Baekhyun looks at the screen and then abruptly excuses himself, leaving Chanyeol helplessly staring at his disappearing back, thoughts unwillingly returning to that scene between his cousin and Baekhyun he witnessed last night. Was it Jongin? Is it Jongin again?

"Oh my god, it's Chen!" someone squeals and the three occupants of the table all turn their heads to the sound. They are in the most secluded part of the restaurant, separated from the other tables by several large potted plants, but that didn't completely conceal them from view. A couple of nicely dressed women walk up to them, huddling together and giggling with giddiness.

One of the ladies steps forward and holds out a pen and paper, smiling expectantly at Jongdae. "Hi, I can't believe it's you! Please, can I get an autograph? I'm your biggest fan!"

The singer signs his name on the paper but Chanyeol doesn't miss the little smirk that appears on Jongdae's lips and it turns him completely off. He likes this, Chanyeol realizes, Chen revels in the attention and he craves it.

Probably alerted that there's a celebrity in the place, more people come closer, and instantly recognizing Chen, ask for the singer's autograph. Chanyeol sits there quietly, averting his gaze, not really wanting to be part of the commotion.  Unfortunately, he makes eye contact with another woman and he sees her eyes widen.

"You're Park Chanyeol of Park Industries, right?"

"Yes, he is."

Chanyeol didn't expect the answer to come from Chen and the singer appears smug being seen with the businessman. Excited murmurs erupt from the crowd around them and more phones and cameras are raised. The people move closer and closer and suddenly there are news cameras as well as reporters surrounding their table.

Kim Minseok sends him an apologetic nod while he tries to control the crowd with the help of the restaurant staff. Chanyeol hastily gets his phone and pushes on the  number 1-Baekhyun's number on speed dial-but all he gets is a set of irritating beeps. Baekhyun's too busy for him. Too busy with Jongin, he thinks bitterly.

Chanyeol gets up from his seat. "I have to go," he says, wanting to get out of there as soon as possible.

There are shouts of "Mr. Park, can we get an interview?", "Mr. Park is Chen the owner of the necklace?", "Mr. Park, When's the wedding?" but the questions barely register in Chanyeol's brain. All he's able to think of is that Baekhyun's supposed to be there with him but he's not.

Someone assists him escape towards the back of the restaurant where a cab is waiting. He enters and gives the driver the direction to his apartment. Normally, at times like this, he would've been on his way to a bar to drink all his troubles away but just thinking of doing so is already tiring. And right now, he's beyond exhausted. Chanyeol's phone vibrates and he sees Baekhyun's name flashing on the screen. His jaw tightens. For the first time ever he doesn't answer.

He leans his head back against the car seat and closes his eyes, still nowhere near figuring out what's happening to him.

There are only a few stars out tonight and Chanyeol sighs, absently counting them while he sits on the carpeted floor of his office. The full moon is clearly visible through the floor length windows, and it keeps him company as he leans against the back of a couch. A hand rests on a drawn up knee while the other runs through his hair, ruffling it beyond repair. His suit jacket has long been abandoned on his desk and the sleeves of his shirt are rolled up his forearms. He unfastens the top buttons of his shirt but it doesn't help ease the tightness in his throat.

He really should have known that the reporters won't leave him alone so easily. He saw a group of them and several vans parked outside his apartment earlier and he knew he couldn't get in unnoticed. The first place he thought to hide in was his office and sure enough, he was able to enter without a hitch. Only a few guards were roaming about the Park Industries building and Chanyeol was finally left in peace.

Or, well, as much peace he can get what with all the jumbled thoughts messing up with his head. He hasn't been able to do anything except sit there in the dark since he got there. There are atleast a dozen messages on his phone that are left unread and almost as much calls that remain unanswered.

All of them from Baekhyun.

It's ridiculous. Why doesn't he want to talk to his best friend? Why does it seem that everything will fall apart if he picks up Baekhyun's calls? Why does it feel like his chest is imploding just at the thought of Baekhyun leaving him to work for Jongin?

He hasn't even spared a thought for his lost angel at all tonight. It's kinda sad how the excitement-the drive-to find his soul mate is slowly ebbing away until it's just a faint pulse, barely audible against the loud thumping of his heart when he thinks about his best friend.

"Oh my god, you idiot!"

Chanyeol turns his head to the sound and immediately sees the man who has been taking over his thoughts the whole day. Byun Baekhyun appears angry and worried and he looks like he wants to strangle Chanyeol. But he doesn't. The smaller guy purposefully strides towards him and stops at his side. He reaches down and promptly pulls on Chanyeol's ear, drawing out a pained yelp.

"You stupid, stupid, stupid man! Do you know how worried I was? I've been looking everywhere for you! Why weren't you answering my calls? Why did you leave without me?!" Baekhyun gives another pull before letting go of the abused ear and dropping tiredly beside him. "Whatever prank that was, it wasn't funny in the least, Park. I thought I'd go crazy!"

"I'm surprised you even have the time to search for me," Chanyeol answers with his jaw clenched, not looking at his friend. "Thought you're too busy with other things to care."

Baekhyun stares incredulously at him. "What? What are you saying?"

I don't know. The truth?

"You know what, Byun? I'll just find my soul mate on my own. You don't have to bother with me anymore."

Chanyeol tries to stand but his best friend grabs onto his arm and pulls him back in place. Baekhyun doesn't let go and Chanyeol finally looks at him. The moon is casting a silvery sheen to his soft black hair and its brightness is reflected in Baekhyun's dark brown eyes until they get clouded with uncertainty. Chanyeol feels his heart ache and break into uneven beats of misery when he sees Baekhyun's soft lips curve downward.

"What is it, Chanyeol? Did I do something wrong?" Baekhyun asks, clearly upset.

Baekhyun, his mind says. Stay with me. Keep your eyes on me. Only look at me.

It's selfish, he knows. It's foolish and all sorts of impossible. He doesn't have the right to ask these of his friend. Yet he can't seem to help it himself from wishing he could.

"Byun, don't I take care of you?" he blurts out, leaning in. "Am I that awful?"

Baekhyun's mouth falls open in surprise. "Chanyeol, really, what are you talking about?"

The taller guy shakes his head and this time he's the one holding on to his assistant's arm. He wants to say, "Don't leave me," but he's a spineless idiot. He knows that Jongin will be a better boss to Baekhyun. He knows everything his cousin said was true. But even if he does he still doesn't want to give Baekhyun up. He draws back and buries his head in his hands. "I really don't like myself right now," he whispers in defeat.

Chanyeol tenses when he feels Baekhyun rest his head on his left shoulder and the guy's next words completely steal his breath.

"It's okay. I like you."

The taller man looks down at the top of Baekhyun's head and without meaning to, his hand lifts to press Baekhyun closer to his side.

"I won't go anywhere, Park. You don't get to tell me to not bother myself with you. I get to decide that, okay?"

"I'm sorry," Chanyeol answers. Baekhyun's really too dumb for his own good. Why else would he stick to a fool like Chanyeol?

His friend groans. "No, I'm the one who should be sorry. I screwed up today, didn't I? I never should have agreed to a meeting in such a public place. And when you needed me I was... I'm sorry, Chanyeol."

They stay there like that. Chanyeol loves the weight of the older guy against him. He thinks it's nice having Byun Baekhyun leaning onto him for a change. Chanyeol has always been the one depending on his best friend. He smiles because Baekhyun’s head fits perfectly on his shoulder. Although it falters soon enough for he knows he can't keep on taking advantage of the other man like this.

"Baekhyun?"

"Hmm?"

"If... If you really want to... Jongin's a good guy...  I mean," Chanyeol murmurs against Baekhyun's hair. It's difficult getting the words out but if it will make his friend happy then, "You know how much I hate my cousin but we both know how stupid that is. He's... perfect. And so... And so if you want to go to him... Baek, you can go to Jongin."

Baekhyun pulls back and looks at him in disbelief. "You want me to go to Jongin?"

No, I don't!

"Yeah," Chanyeol nods. "I know he'll be able to give you better things. He's not a spoiled brat like me. He'll not make you wake up in ungodly hours just to cater to his whims. He'll not run you ragged with work. He's not an asshole who thinks of nothing but himself-"

"He's also not my best friend," Baekhyun says, standing up. "I can't believe you. I just told you I won't go anywhere but here you are not ten minutes after, already giving me away."

Chanyeok quickly stands up, too, ready to make Baekhyun see reason. He's important to him and he wants Baekhyun to be happy. "I'm not giving you away! I'm just telling you I'll survive and so you don't have to worry. I want you to have something better and I know Jongin can give you that."

Baekhyun gives out a short, heartbreaking laugh.

"Baek-"

"Park," the older guy says, sounding resigned. "Just shut up. Not another word."

"Baekhyun, listen-"

"Park Chanyeol, please."

His assistant starts to walk away... and who was Chanyeol kidding? He can't even bear to see Baekhyun go out the door. His hand automatically reaches for the other man and he draws Baekhyun back to him.

He doesn't want him to go. What he wants is... What he wants... He wants...

What happens next is completely beyond his control.

He’s suddenly kissing Byun Baekhyun.

His best friend is kissing him back.

And it's crazy but Chanyeol doesn't ever want to stop.

i // ii // iii // iv // v