Archive of Our Own

Baekhyun wet his lips. He’s standing nervously on the pitcher’s mound. The game is in his hands now. All of his teammates are depending on his final pitch. They already have the most scores and it was their 9th inning. If the hitter won’t be able to hit the ball, they will surely win now. One more successful pitch and they will bring home another trophy. Everyone in the stadium were focused on him and his final throw. He could hear his schoolmates cheering up for him. He looked around and saw the familiar face of the guy that he has been seeing every time they have a game. Does he like baseball that much? Because from what Baekhyun could remember, that cute guy never missed a single game. He’s always there in the stands quietly watching in his own bubble. Before he gets completely drowned in his own thoughts about that cute guy, he focuses on their game first, although at this rate, he’s quite confident that he’ll be able to give their team another win. He held his head up and looked straight at his catcher, Park Chanyeol. Chanyeol gave him the signal and he nodded. He did his starting pose and got himself ready for his pitch. He threw the ball using his favorite pitch that always brings them championships, the four-seam fastball. The hitter swung his bat but missed it and Chanyeol caught the ball. The umpire called in a 3rd strike for the offensive team, making them the winner once again.  Everyone from their university cheered for the Wolves’ another championship, won by none other than their school’s best pitcher. Baekhyun’s teammates huddled around him and celebrated their win. 

The cheering squad did their winning dance to celebrate another championship brought by their baseball team. Baekhyun’s friends approached him and started teasing him.

“Yah Byun! Look at Jonghee, isn’t she the prettiest?” Chanyeol told him, pointing at the most popular girl in their university, the cheerleader of their cheering squad.

“So what?” Baekhyun asked, even though he already knew what his friend was trying to imply.

“Well, there’s nothing better than seeing the most popular guy and the prettiest girl being together right? Kim Jonghee is a big win for you. She’s from a rich family and from what I’ve heard, she’s also very nice too.” Chanyeol said, smiling sheepishly.

“Stop it Park. I’m fine and I can get laid whenever I want with no strings attached, you know I don’t do relationships.” Baekhyun said, with confidence, looking at the cheerleader who’s still dancing with her group. They just watched them dance until they finished. After the dance, the squad scattered away one by one, some congratulated them but Kim Jonghee just sat on the bleachers and drank her water. 

“Looks like your bet for me isn’t interested, Park.” Baekhyun said, pointing at the cheerleader who just sat there and didn’t approach anyone from the baseball team, unlike her other teammates. 

“Bro, that’s why she’s popular. She’s not like those other girls who threw themselves willingly to popular athletes. She’s just her. As your best friend, I think she could be a good fit for you.” Chanyeol said, hyping up the cheerleader’s characteristics for Baekhyun to consider.

“Thanks for your concern Yeollie, I know you’re just looking out for me but I'm not interested in investing myself in a serious relationship. Not anymore.” Baekhyun said, walking his way towards the locker rooms. 

“So, it’s about her again? Baek, not everyone’s like her. Give others a chance. Not everyone’s going to hurt you and leave you behind because they’re coward enough to fight for you. You’re not the same invisible guy that you are back then. Everyone looks up to you now, wants to be with you. Stop closing yourself to other people. Give yourself a chance to love again and be loved back in a way that you deserve.” Chanyeol convinced him.

“I know Yeol, I’m just not ready to do it.” Baekhyun finished the conversation at that. He entered their locker room and showered. Later, they would be having a celebratory party for bringing home another championship trophy.

—

“Jonghee-ah, are you sure you’re not gonna come back to school with us?” her teammates asked her. They just finished showering and dressing up.

“Yes, go ahead guys, I’ll have a ride with my brother. I’ll just see you at school. Bye!” she said, waving her friends goodbye.

Jonghee scanned the place for her twin brother. She told him to wait for her because she didn’t bring her own car. She’s so exhausted but very happy that their baseball team won another trophy for their university.

She really wanted to go home now and her brother’s nowhere to be found. The game happened in the home court of their rival so she really didn’t know anyone here except for her teammates who already went back to school.

She got her phone and called her speed dial 1. It rang two times before she got an answer.

“Hello? Oppa where are you? Did you come back alone? I told you to wait for me.” she nagged her twin brother over the phone. She calls him that because he’s 3 minutes older than her.

“I’m in the car at the parking lot idiot. Stop overreacting. You know I hate the crowd and attention.” her brother said over the phone and she giggled for overreacting.

“Okay~ I’m on my way there now. Love you.” she said and heard her brother gagging on the other side of the line before she dropped the call. They just love bickering like that. She knows her brother is soft when it comes to her. He’s her number 1 supporter. Never missed a single game that she would be cheering for. He just loves living in his own bubble and being invisible. Only their close friends know about them being twins because Jongdae didn’t want to mingle with her overall popularity in school. Her brother’s got a lot of insecurities when he doesn’t really need to because they’re twins. If she was known all over the school for her beauty, of course her brother’s handsome too. They just differ in gender but they look quite identical if you would just look closely.

She saw her brother’s car and settled herself in the passenger’s seat.

“Hey~ your crush won us another trophy huh? The best baseball pitcher indeed. Did you see his killer moves? Ugh! He looks really hot while doing that final pitch.” She started a conversation with her brother who’s focused on driving the car.

“Sounds like you’re the one who has a crush on him and not me. And for your information Kim Jonghee, it’s not like I have a huge crush on him. I just find him attractive, that's all.” Jongdae defended.

“Ew. He’s not my type. I’m just hyping up your crush for you. And you know how much I like your friend Junmyeon-oppa, speaking of, when are you going to set me up with him? I’ve been waiting for a long time here.” Jonghee whined.

“I said I’m not setting you up with him. None of my friends are gonna lay a hand on you. Just like or date somebody else. You’re popular and everyone wants to be your lover. I don’t trust my friends for you, my dear sister.” Jongdae said, using his overprotective voice once again.

“Ahh! But why?! I’m going to be an old maid if you keep being overprotective like that!” Jonghee whined again.

“What? There’s nothing wrong for being overprotective. I just don’t want you to get hurt. Let’s just say I set you up with my good friend, what if he hurts you and makes you cry? I can never forgive him for hurting your feelings. I value my friendship with them as much as I value you. So my friends are off limits, you little brat.” Jongdae explained his side. 

“But I really like him bro!” Jonghee whined, trying to convince his twin brother to set her up with his friend.

“And I don’t like him for you sis.” Jongdae said with finality.

Jonghee just sulked beside him and Jongdae felt a little guilty for not indulging in his sister’s wants. But there’s a bro code existing. Don’t touch each other’s sister, that's the number one rule. He knows Junmyeon is a great person. He’s kind, handsome and intelligent, but he values his sister the most. He didn’t know if he could take it if one of his friends hurt his sister’s feelings.

He held his sister’s hand and gave her his sweetest smile. “Ice cream? My treat.” Jongdae said and he’s happy when Jonghee’s face lit up at what he just said.

“Fine. I forgive you. Buy me a burger and fries too.” Jonghee said, smirking, knowing her brother couldn’t resist her charms.

“You’re gonna get really fat and heavy, I feel bad for your lifters already.” Jongdae said, teasing his sister, earning a slap on his arm.

—

Baekhyun woke up on a different bed again. He looked at the girl he fucked last night at their victory party. He can’t remember her name, but he didn’t give a damn remembering it since it was a one time thing only. He always makes it clear to all his fuck buddies that he has no intention in getting tied up in a relationship before doing the deed. She was still asleep. He better get out of here before she wakes up. He got dressed quickly and silently walked out the door. He dialed Chanyeol’s number to fetch him from wherever this place is. He didn’t bring his car. The latter complained a lot but still got his keys and drove to fetch him.

“Thanks Yeol, you’re such a great friend.” he said before hanging up.

“Next time, make sure you bring your own car before fucking. Use your first head first okay?” Chanyeol said when he arrived at his location.

“Oh, come on Yeollie, I know you love me too much. You can’t ignore your dear best friend.”

“Whatever. Good thing we are exempted from classes today because of the championship. Baek, when are you going to grow up? Are you serious about not being interested in settling down with only one person? Aren’t you afraid of getting someone knocked up or worse getting STDs from your different fuck buddies?”

“No, I always make sure I am safe. And I don’t fuck around as often as you think. My last fuck before today was like three weeks ago?”

“I really can’t win from you eh? But Baek, can’t you just try it out? Try being in a relationship? Try pursuing Jonghee. She’s a cool girl from what I’ve heard.” 

“You really can’t stop talking about that cheerleader huh? I’m starting to think that you’re the one interested in her.”

“No. She’s pretty but I’m loyal to Kyungsoo.” Chanyeol said.

“Kyungsoo? You can’t even look him straight in the eye.” Baekhyun teased.

“At least I’m loyal.” Chanyeol defended and Baekhyun just smirked. Chanyeol dropped him off in front of his dorm building. He’s craving for a proper shower to remove last night’s sin from his body. 

The elevator’s about to close when he saw a familiar face signaling him to stop the elevator from closing. What is Kim Jonghee doing in an all boys dormitory building? Ah, maybe a boyfriend. He pushed the open button to wait for the girl to ride the elevator.

“Thanks.” Jonghee muttered and smiled prettily at him. Wow, Chanyeol’s right, this girl’s really pretty, especially up close.

“Hi, you’re Kim Jonghee the cheerleader right?” he asked to confirm.

“Uhm, yes. And you’re Byun Baekhyun, the popular baseball pitcher. Hi.” She answered.

“Uh, yes. Visiting a boyfriend?” he asked because it’s awkward not to strike up a conversation when there’s only the two of them inside.

“No. Visiting a relative.” she said shortly.

“Oh, what floor are you getting off? You didn’t press any.”

“Same as yours. 6th floor.” she said, smiling. Baekhyun just nodded. This girl’s really polite and not the flirty type. Chanyeol’s right, she’s different from those other girls. But she looks like she isn’t interested at all.

They just stood in each other’s places quietly, until they arrived at the 6th floor. Baekhyun let her get off first as a real gentleman would do. She stopped in front of the door next to Baekhyun’s. So her relative lives next to him? He’s been living in this dorm for three years but he never had the chance to officially meet his neighbor.

“Hey, this is me, it was nice meeting you Byun Baekhyun-ssi.” Jonghee said, waving at him kindly.

“Oh, okay. Nice meeting you too Kim Jonghee-ssi.” he said, nodding at her.

She pressed on the passcode and entered the dorm room of his neighbor. She seemed like a regular visitor here huh? Why didn’t he notice it until now? She’s not bad at all. Like what Chanyeol was saying, she’s a good catch, pretty, classy and kind but she seemed like looking for a serious relationship so clearly, she’s out of Baekhyun’s league. He just shrugged his shoulders and entered his own room.

—

Jonghee went straight to her brother’s room and saw him reading a book on his bed with his cute white ragdoll cat sitting over his lap. She just got out of her last class for the day and she’s bored so she thought she could crash into her brother’s dorm since he doesn’t have any classes today. She didn’t know that her brother’s crush was living right next to him. How come her brother isn’t saying anything to her? This idiot. Keeping secrets from her already.

He’s wearing his usual ratty old white shirt and over it is his very gay pink jacket with his black sweatpants and of course his harry potter specs that he loves using when reading. Her brother’s such a nerd but he looks really handsome at this angle. She wonders why all the insecurities when he’s got everything a partner could ask for. He’s actually attractive if she would look at him in a random person’s point of view and not as his sister. She only wants for her brother to be happy and get rid of all those stupid insecurities.

“Don’t stare at me like you're checking me out, you’re making me uncomfortable, Kim Jonghee.” Jongdae said, not removing his eyes from his book.

“It’s because you look really ugly, idiot.” Jonghee said, making a face, sitting at the edge of her brother’s bed. Nuna the ragdoll purred at her, asking to be petted by her and so she did.

“Hi there, cutie. You’re really pretty unlike your owner.” Jonghee cooed at her brother’s ragdoll cat.

“You’re uglier. Why are you here?” Jongdae teased but smiled at his sister.

“I’m bored and hungry. Let’s eat out?” Jonghee said, clearly trying to get her brother to treat her again.

“Nah, I don’t wanna go out. Just cook anything from the fridge or just order something online.” Jongdae said as he continued reading his book.

“You’ll pay?” Jonghee asked, eyes shining and hopeful.

“Don’t you have your own money? Mom said she just gave you your monthly allowance.” Jongdae complained.

“Yes, but can you resist me dear brother? Pretty please?” Jonghee said, doing an aegyo to convince her brother to treat her for lunch.

“Ugh! You’re so annoying! Fine, just use my card. I hate you so much!” Jongdae whined.

Jonghee clapped her hands in victory. “I love you too bro!” She said, fishing out her brother’s wallet inside his bag.

“By the way, there’s something you’re not telling me bro! You’re quite good at keeping secrets now huh?” Jonghee said, scrolling through her phone to order something online.

“What secret? I’m not keeping any secrets.”

“Apparently, I stumbled upon your hot crush Byun Baekhyun in the elevator and I just found out that he’s living right next door. You’re neighbors with your future boyfriend and you’re not telling me anything huh?”

“Byun Baekhyun? As in baseball pitcher Byun Baekhyun?” Jongdae asked, eyes widening.

“Who else?” Jonghee paused. “Oh, you didn’t know?” Jonghee asked in surprise.

“No. I didn’t. How come I didn’t know?” Jongdae asked himself.

“Maybe because you are too busy reading your books instead of trying to mingle with actual people outside your dorm room?” Jonghee said, and her brother just rolled his eyes at her.

“Oppa.” Jonghee called with a mischievous smile on her face.

“What?”

“Do you want me to get his number for you?” Jonghee looked like she’s planning something embarrassing in her head right now.

“No. I don’t want his number. He’s not into serious relationships, if there’s the littlest chance that he’ll find me interesting, he’ll just go for a quick fuck and nothing more. He’ll just break my heart. And I don’t think I should pursue him, he’s quite popular and I’m just nobody. I don’t think I’m good enough for him.” Jongdae said, bowing his head down.

“Yah, why do you keep lowering yourself?” Jonghee sighed. “This is the only time in this lifetime that I’m gonna tell you these, so listen carefully and don’t ever mention again that I told these cringey things to you okay? You’re attractive, hella handsome and a perfect boyfriend material. No one could ever resist you when you just open yourself into socializing with other people. Look at me, do I look like I’m going to lie to you?” Jonghee said, hyping her brother up.

“No. You’re just saying that because I paid for your food. You pig.” Jongdae said, but deep inside he appreciated his sister’s words.

Jonghee gasped. “Did you just call me pig? You ungrateful bitch. I just praised you and you just called me a pig? I take back everything now.” Jonghee said, putting her hands on her chest, acting hurt.

Jongdae laughed out loud at his sister’s drama. “I’m just kidding! You’re so dramatic. But thank you. For all the hyping up but Byun Baekhyun’s just out of my league. He deserves someone better than me.” Jongdae said with finality and Jonghee just sighed. Her brother’s a lost case.

—

Baekhyun stopped playing his game after getting lost 3 consecutive times. He’s bored and it’s the weekend. He went to their baseball team group chat and it was eerily silent. He threw his phone on his bed.

He went into the kitchen and decided to just cook something to eat since he’s hungry too. He’s not a really good cook but for the sake of getting rid of his boredom, he looked up on the internet for something to cook fast. He saw a recipe for Kimchi Bokkeumbap and his stomach rumbled. He thinks he can make this simple dish. He gathered his ingredients and realized that he ran out of eggs and he’s too lazy to go to the grocery store just for a couple of eggs. He’s really hungry and he’s now craving this kimchi fried rice. It’ll be bland without the eggs. Ahh, maybe he can borrow some from his next door neighbor and just pay him back when he goes grocery shopping next week. Yes, he’ll pay it back so it wouldn’t be that bad. It might also be time to get acquainted with his neighbor whom he hasn't seen in his entire stay in this dorm building. Not even once.

He went out of his dorm room and rang the bell twice on his neighbor’s door. He heard scrambling from inside and the door opened, revealing the regular guy on every baseball game. He’s his neighbor? He’s the relative of Kim Jonghee the popular cheerleader? He’s wearing a pink oversized shirt, black sweats and a pair of pink indoor slippers with furs on it. He looked like he just woke up because his hair is pointing everywhere and he’s still rubbing his eyes. A cute white ragdoll cat peeked from the inside too and she looked so adorable. He’s more of a dog person but he can’t resist cute things like this. He sat down and rubbed the cat’s head, earning a soft purr from the cute cat. He smiled and stood up again to talk to his neighbor who looked starstrucked now, realizing who just rang his doorbell. Baekhyun got a little shy, knowing he just woke his neighbor up just to ask for a couple of eggs. He rubbed his nape and greeted the cute guy in front of him.

“Uhm, hi good morning? Sorry for disturbing your sleep, I’m Byun Baekhyun, I live next door.”

“Uh, w-what do you need?” the cute guy asked slightly blushing which made him a lot cuter than he already is.

“Uhm yeah, I was cooking something but I ran out of eggs, so I was wondering maybe I could borrow a couple of eggs from you? I’ll pay it back when I do my groceries next week, I promise.” Baekhyun asked politely, still flustered about disturbing his neighbor.

“Oh, eggs? Uh, y-yeah sure. I- uhh— I think I have some left. Yeah. C-come in.” the guy invited.

“Ah, sure. Thanks.” Baekhyun said shyly. He’s not usually the shy one but this guy is too hot and handsome for him and he can’t help but cower a little.

The dorm room is more spacious and cleaner than his own. All dorm rooms in their building are of the same size but this room looks more spacious because it is neater.

“If you won’t mind, may I know your name?” Baekhyun asked.

“Oh yeah, sorry that was very rude of me. I am Jongdae. Kim Jongdae.” Jongdae said offering his hand for a handshake and Baekhyun accepted it warmly.

“Feel at home I guess? I’ll just go get something from my room. The eggs’ in the fridge.” Jongdae said and Baekhyun nodded with a smile.

Meanwhile, Jongdae went back inside his room hyperventilating.  He shook Jonghee awake on his bed. She stayed last night because it’s raining hard and she’s afraid of thunder, so she crashed into her brother’s dorm. Much to his disappointment because he needs to lie down on a futon instead of his beloved bed. 

Jonghee groaned, still sleepy. 

“Jonghee-ah please wake up!” Jongdae screamed in a very hushed tone.

“What? It's the weekend. I don’t have classes today oppa, please stop shaking me.” Jonghee whined without opening her eyes.

“No, I know. But Jonghee, I need your help! Baekhyun’s in our kitchen!” That made Jonghee open her eyes wide.

“What? Baekhyun? As in Byun Baekhyun, your crush?” Jonghee asked a little louder so Jongdae covered her mouth.

“Can you lower down your voice? He might hear you!”

“Wait, what is he doing here? Why is he here?” Jonghee asked in a hushed tone too.

“He asked for a couple of eggs because he’s cooking or something. I don’t know. What am I gonna do?” Jongdae asked in panic.

“Would you calm down? I’ll handle it.” Jonghee said, about to walk out the door but Jongdae stopped her.

“At least brush your teeth first, you’re disgusting.”

Jonghee just rolled her eyes at her brother and complied. After brushing her teeth she went out of her brother’s bedroom and saw Baekhyun sitting on one of the dining table chairs.

“Jonghee-ssi? You’re here! Hi!” Baekhyun greeted her.

“Oh just call me Jonghee please, we’re the same age.” 

“Okay. Y-you spent the night here? How are you related to Jongdae-ssi?” 

Jonghee was about to answer when Jongdae went out of his room.

“Have you gotten your eggs Baekhyun-ssi?” he asked, interrupting the conversation.

“Uh, just Baekhyun please. Yes, I got them. Sorry for disturbing you again. I’ll return them next week, I promise. It was really nice meeting you Jongdae.” Baekhyun said, bowing politely.

“Likewise, Baekhyun.” Jongdae said with a smile.

“I’m sorry again for disturbing… you two.” Baekhyun said again, rubbing his neck awkwardly.

“Oh please don’t get the wrong idea Baekhyun. We aren’t… you know? Jongdae is my twin brother.” Jonghee said, clearing up whatever’s running inside Baekhyun’s dirty mind.

“T-twin brother? Really?” Baekhyun asked in surprise. He didn’t know that Jonghee has a brother, a twin to add it up.

“Yes, but please keep it a secret, my brother here is too shy to let everyone know about us. He hates too much attention.” Jonghee said, requesting for Baekhyun’s cooperation.

“Yes, sure. Don’t worry, I can keep a secret.” Baekhyun said with a smile.

“Thanks.” Jonghee smiled.

“Yeah, no problem. Thanks again for the eggs. I’ll just pay them back.” Baekhyun said. 

“Uh, no need. We’re neighbors after all. You can take it for free.” Jongdae said shyly.

“Are you sure?”

“Actually, you need to pay them back. I guess your number is enough.” Jonghee said, much to Jongdae’s shock. This little brat is really embarrassing.

“M-my number?” Baekhyun asked in confirmation, thinking he might’ve heard it wrong.

“Yes, your number. Don’t get me wrong please. It’s not for me but for my brother here. He’s your fan.” Jonghee said again, revealing her brother’s deepest, darkest secret. Jongdae gasped at what his sister just said and he covered her big mouth, wildly blushing because his crush just found out that he has a thing for him.

“Sorry, this little brat tends to joke around sometimes. Please don’t mind her antics. Go now, you can take those eggs for free.” Jongdae managed to say even if he’s already blushing too much.

Baekhyun smirked. Oh God, did fucking Baekhyun just smirked at him?

“You look cute especially when you’re blushing.” Baekhyun flirted with him using his sexy tone right in front of his sister which made it more embarrassing than it already is.

“Give me your hand cutie.” Baekhyun said, asking for Jongdae’s hand. Jongdae’s still covering his sister’s mouth so he gave his free hand to Baekhyun. The latter got a pen from his pocket and wrote his digits on Jongdae’s hand. 

“Use it wisely and please don’t give it out to anyone.” Baekhyun said, winking before walking out of Jongdae’s dorm room.

Jongdae was left dumbfounded in the center of his kitchen. Jonghee removed his hand from her mouth and started teasing him.

“I’m gonna kill you Kim Jonghee! You annoying piece of shit!” Jongdae cursed.

“What? I got you his number, isn't that great? You don’t have to speak his name out loud in your wet dreams, you can now make them come true.” Jonghee said casually.

“I’m not having wet dreams about him!” Jongdae defended.

“Yes you are! Harder! Baekhyun please!” Jonghee said, mimicking her brother’s voice and sticking her tongue out to tease her brother some more. Jongdae felt his cheeks getting hot again.

“D-did I really say those?” Jongdae asked, really embarrassed with what his sister just said.

“Nope, gotcha!” Jonghee said before she ran inside his room, to save her life.

Jongdae really wanted to kill his twin sister right now.

Days passed but he hadn’t texted Baekhyun since the last time they saw each other. The day he gave him his number.

He went on with his life inside his own bubble. Sometimes he eats out with his friends, sometimes with Jonghee but most of the time he likes spending his time alone with his cat Nuna.

He’s currently in their classroom and working on his math assignment. He’s still too lazy to get up and go home so he decided to stay there for a while and just do some homeworks. He felt someone sat beside him, thinking it was just Junmyeon, he told him that he’s not in the mood to eat and he’ll stay inside the classroom for a while before going home.

“Why didn’t you text me?” the guy beside him said. That voice is very familiar. His heart started racing inside his chest. He looked at the intruder and yes it’s really him.

“B-Baekhyun? What are you doing here?”

“I was walking in the hallway and I saw you alone in here so I decided to go in and talk to you. Now answer my question.”

“I— I don’t really know what to text you so I just left it there in my phone.”

“Just a little hi will do.” Baekhyun said with a small smile on his handsome face.

“Uhh, sorry. I have to go.” Jongdae said, feeling uncomfortable around Baekhyun already.

“I thought you don’t want to go just yet?” Baekhyun asked, kinda insensitive that Jongdae didn’t really want to talk to him and he’s afraid that someone might see them together and create a false rumor. He spent his entire college life not talking about his relationship with the most popular girl in their university and he did it very well, he’s not ready to be the center of attention if a rumor will start about Baekhyun and him.

“I forgot I still have something to do.” Jongdae said, about to stand up but Baekhyun stopped him.

“Are you avoiding me?” Baekhyun asked curiously.

“No. Why would I?” Jongdae answered.

“You look like you are. I thought you were my fan?”

“My sister just made it up. Please don’t believe her.”

“Ouch, that hurts.”

“Sorry, that was very insensitive of me.” Jongdae apologized, but Baekhyun just chuckled.

“I’m just kidding.” 

Jongdae rolled his eyes.

“Baekhyun, why are you talking to me? Aren’t you afraid that if someone saw us together, they might start a rumor about us?” Jongdae asked.

“I don’t care.  You don’t look bad, actually you look handsome so it’s not really that bad if rumors about us started spreading.”

“To be honest, I feel uncomfortable talking to you like this. I’m really sorry, but I really have to go.” Jongdae said, standing up and leaving the classroom. And Jongdae left Baekhyun inside their classroom just like that. 

He was running through the hallways when he suddenly bumped into someone. He didn’t bother to look at the person because he’s already starting to have his panic attack.

“I—I’m sorry.” he just muttered and continued running.

“Oppa. What happened? You look scared.” He looked up at the person he bumped and thankfully it was his sister. 

“J-Jonghee-ah…I—“ he looked around them and he felt that all eyes were on them. Ah he forgot his sister is a popular person too. “S-sorry, I didn’t mean to bump into you.” he said and ran away from his sister. He’s still feeling eyes looking at him but in fact it was just his panic attack and there’s really no one looking at him.

He heard steps following him but he tried his best not to look back. He jumped in shock when the person following him held him by his arm.

“Oppa… are you okay? I’m worried, please say something.” Jonghee asked.

“I— I’m not. Please don’t talk to me. They were looking.” Jongdae muttered with his head down.

Jonghee looked around them and saw that no one’s looking at them and no one’s giving any special attention to them. Ah, her brother’s having his panic attacks again.

“Oppa, no one’s looking. Let’s go, I’ll take you home.” Jonghee offered and Jongdae just nodded. The girl held her brother’s hand and walked with him up to his dorm room. She took care of him and gave him some of his medication for his panic attacks.

“Are you okay now?” Jonghee worriedly asked and Jongdae nodded.

“Now, tell me what happened. Did someone hurt you?” 

“No, I just— Baekhyun, he talked to me and I felt uncomfortable. I feel like talking to me will harm his reputation and I panicked.” Jongdae explained. Jonghee sighed.

“Oppa, you can’t always get uncomfortable talking to people. Please at least try and learn to face your fear. You’re not ruining anyone’s reputation. Fuck! I even want to scream to other people that yes, Kim Jongdae the valedictorian candidate is my twin brother so what? Isn’t he handsome? He’s the prettiest right?Just like me.”

“Language, young lady.” Jongdae warned but chuckled a little. He really didn’t know what he would do without his sister. He should be the one protecting her and not the other way around.

“I am just saying, please accept yourself. You are a good person and you don’t have to be scared of criticisms. People judge, that’s what their nature is, but always remember that you’re the only one who could judge yourself the best. You and us who love you, are the only ones who could tell who you really are inside and out, so whatever they were saying is irrelevant unless you prove to them that what they were saying about you is true. Oppa, remember that you are the coolest and best brother I could ever ask for.” Jonghee tried to hype him up.

“It’s because I’m your only brother Kim Jonghee.” he said, sarcastically. “Thank you. Thank you for always telling me comforting things. I feel a little guilty because I should be the one protecting you and not the other way around.” he sincerely said to his sister.

“Nah, don’t worry about me, I can handle myself pretty well. Now, would you set me up with Junmyeon-oppa already?” Jonghee asked, eyes shining.

“Aish, here we go again. Do you really like him that much?” he asked and Jonghee nodded like the toy dog sitting in the compartment of his car.

“Why him? There’s so many people who give you flowers, chocolates and other things. They even ask you out on a date but you always decline them. Why Junmyeon?”

“Because I like him. Please oppa, just one date. I promise, I’ll behave and don’t worry about your friendship because I know he wouldn’t hurt me. He’s a gentleman and he’s really handsome and kind. Please oppa, please~” Jonghee pleaded.

“Fine. Just one date okay?” Jongdae said.

“Yes! Yes! Just one. Promise.” Jonghee said, excitedly.

“I’ll talk to him when I see him. Please don’t fuck on the first date, you understand?” Jongdae warned.

“No! Oh God, you’re so embarrassing!” Jonghee said, blushing wildly.

“We’re twins, so it’s quite understandable, because you’re the first one who got me embarrased in front of fucking Byun Baekhyun.” 

—

The next time they met was when Jongdae heard some cursing from the other side of the wall. It’s from Baekhyun’s dorm room. Is he fucking someone? But it doesn’t sound like that. It sounds more of a frustration than that. He really wanted to apologize to him for what happened the last time they talked inside their classroom.

He gathered all the courage he had left and walked out of his dorm and rang Baekhyun’s doorbell. He heard some faint steps from the inside before the door finally opened. 

Baekhyun was quite surprised to see Jongdae outside his dorm. “Hi?”

“Oh, hi. I hope I didn’t bother you. Are you with someone inside?” Jongdae greeted, politely.

“No, I was alone. Ah, you heard the cursing I guess? Sorry, I was just playing a computer game. I’m not… you know. I don’t bring anyone here. This is my sacred place.” Baekhyun explained.

“Oh, sorry. My mind’s really dirty.” Jongdae said, rubbing the back of his neck in embarrassment. He just thought that his crush is fucking someone inside his dorm.

“No, that’s quite understandable with the reputation I have, I know everyone’s thinking that I am sort of a fuckboy and always sleeping around, but just to make it clear I am not. I just don’t say no to anyone who’s offering if I’m in the mood, you know what I’m saying?” Baekhyun explained himself.

“Ah, yeah. There’s really no need to explain. Anyway, I came here to apologize for what happened last time.” Jongdae said his real intention of knocking on Baekhyun’s door.

“Do you want to come in? Uhm, my place isn’t as neat as yours but it’s not dirty as well.” Baekhyun said.

“Oh, no problem but do you want me to come in?” Jongdae asked.

“I invited you, didn't I?” Baekhyun said, smirking.

“Yeah, right. Sure.”

Baekhyun opened the door widely and let him enter his room. They sat on the couch inside and Baekhyun treated him like a real visitor asking what he wanted to eat or drink but he declined it, he just really wanted to apologize.

“Can you just sit down?” Jongdae said, because Baekhyun can’t stop pacing back and forth to offer something for him.

“Sorry, it’s just that, this is the first time I had someone over here at my place.” Baekhyun said, flustered.

“I’m the first one you let in here?” Jongdae asked, really surprised. Baekhyun just nodded and sat on the other side of the couch.

“Oh, okay. Thanks, I guess. Anyway, I just— I really wanted to say sorry about last time. You know, that was very rude of me to just leave you when you’re still talking to me. I just— panicked.” He apologized truthfully.

“No, it’s okay. Actually I thought I was the rude one because I felt like I harassed you there. I was going to apologize to you but I’m afraid that you wouldn’t want to see me after that.”

“Why wouldn’t I want to see you?”

“Because… I thought I got the wrong idea of you having a little crush on me?”

Jongdae laughed and Baekhyun admitted that his laugh sounds like music to his ears.

“I admire you Baekhyun. You’re a great athlete. I always watch all your games, you know? Well, frankly saying, that’s just because of my sister but watching you play in every game you’re in, I just— I really find you cool.”

“So you really do have a crush on me?” Baekhyun asked with a naughty smile on his face. Jongdae rolled his eyes and Baekhyun snickered, surrendering with his hands up. “Okay, okay, I get it. I’m sorry.”

“Okay. Apology accepted.”

Jongdae went back to his room, feeling comfortable and happy. Even if it’s just one moment, he felt really close to his well… crush.

—

Jongdae woke up one night, not feeling his pet cat on his bed. Nuna likes to sleep on his bed every night and tonight’s a bit strange because he can’t feel her furry skin against his feet.

“Nuna? Baby where are you?” he called his pet but no one responded. Nuna always responds to his calls, so it’s really strange not to hear her meows.

He started remembering if he ever saw his pet earlier that day, and yes he did. But where is she now? He remembered taking her out with him on a walk later that afternoon. She always follows him so she doesn't really need a leash and she’s a cat, not a dog. He went out of his room and called her name again, still no one responded. He turned on the lights and tried finding her everywhere, even in the toilet, still she wasn't there. He started panicking. Did he forget to check if she’s still walking with him earlier? He looked at the clock and saw that it’s almost midnight. He called her name again, but it seemed like she’s really not here. He almost wanted to cry. He can’t lose his beloved pet. He started thinking about the worst things that could happen to Nuna. What if she got run down by a car with a drunk driver? What if a dog chased after her and bit her all over her furry skin? He changed into proper clothes and went out of his dorm to look for his pet. He didn’t know exactly where to find his pet. He’s thinking about calling Jonghee but she’s probably asleep right now. He didn’t want to disturb his sister in the middle of the night.

He tried finding his cat around the 6th floor but she’s not there. He just sat in front of his door trying to call his pet’s name in a hushed tone but she’s not responding. What if she’s dead? He started sobbing with his head down like a child who just lost his candy. Nuna is like a family to him and he can’t afford to lose her just like that.

—

Baekhyun arrived at his dorm around 12 midnight. There’s an upcoming game again and they have late night practices. He’s exhausted as fuck and all he wants to do now is lie on his bed and take a rest that his body craves.

He got off the elevator and three doors away from his room, he saw a figure of a man hunching down in front of Jongdae’s door. It was dark and he couldn't figure out who it was. He walked silently nearer to the man, thinking he might be a burglar, but he heard soft sobs from the man. He stood in front of the man and he confirmed that it was Jongdae sitting in front of his own door.

“Jongdae?” he called silently, to avoid disturbing their other neighbors.

The crying man looked up to who called his name and saw Baekhyun in front of him.

“B-Baekhyun?”

“Yes, it’s me. What are you doing out here in the middle of the night?” Baekhyun asked, sitting in front of him.

“I— I was looking for my pet cat Nuna. I can’t find her anywhere. I think I lost her.” Jongdae said, still sobbing.

“Where did you last see her?”

“I don’t know. I just felt she wasn’t everywhere near me and when I tried to call her name she wasn’t responding. She always responds to my calls. I remember taking her out with me later in the afternoon but I let her walk on her own because she’s smart and she always follows me wherever I go.”

“Did you tell Jonghee about this?”

“No, I don’t want to disturb her, she’s probably asleep right now.”

“Okay. Wait for me there. I’ll just go get changed and I’ll help you find her.” Baekhyun said, standing up and walking up to his door.

Just a few minutes later, Baekhyun walked out again, wearing a fresh set of clothes and a black hoodie.

“Let’s go and find her around the area.” Baekhyun said, offering his hand on Jongdae to help him stand up.

“Are you sure you want to help me?”

“Yes. Let’s go.”

“Where are you from Baekhyun? Did you come from a party or something?”

“No, we had a late night practice. Another game is coming next month and we are preparing early.”

“You must be tired then. You should get some rest.”

“Nah, I’d rather help you out first. Don’t mind me, I’m fine.”

Even Baekhyun didn’t know why he wanted to help Jongdae and why it almost breaks his heart seeing Jongdae crying for his pet cat. He has always found Jongdae cute even before when he didn’t know his name yet. He’s a regular audience of their games, but he can’t name what kind of feelings he has for the other guy yet. He didn’t want to, because Jongdae’s so fragile and he’s afraid that he’ll end up hurting him if he acknowledges whatever this tiny little feeling he has for the other. 

They walked around the neighborhood where Jongdae said he took his pet cat for a walk. They also tried calling her name and whistling for her but there’s no cat coming out of somewhere.

“Hey, stop worrying, we’re going to find her.”

“Thank you Baekhyun, for helping me out.”

“It’s nothing. We’re friends now so you really have nothing to worry about.”

“Still, thank you. You should be taking a rest now but you’re still out here, helping me find my cat.”

“I said, it’s fine.”

Jongdae nodded.

They kept walking and called for the ragdoll’s name. Until a small furry thing, purred at Jongdae’s foot. 

“Oh my God! Baby there you are! Come here baby. Come to appa. I’m so sorry I lost you.” Jongdae cried as he hugged the small ragdoll in his arms. Baekhyun found it really adorable and sweet.

The cat kept purring and meowing as if it’s conversing to her owner.

“Okay, honey, let's go home.” Jongdae said, standing up and picking up his pet.

“You two look really cute.” Baekhyun commented.

“Thank you Baekhyun, for helping me find this little thing.”

“You’re welcome. Always.”

They walked back to their dorm building and Jongdae carefully put his cat down inside his unit.

 Baekhyun was about to get inside his own unit when Jongdae called his name.

“Hey Baekhyun.”

“What? Do you need something else?”

“I was thinking maybe we could go out for a coffee? There’s a 24-hour coffee shop near our building. My treat, to thank you for helping me find Nuna.” 

“Are you asking me out on a date?” Baekhyun said, smirking. 

Jongdae blushed. He thanked the dark hallways so Baekhyun wouldn’t see that he’s blushing.

“N-no! I just wanted to thank you for your help.”

“I’m just kidding! Okay. Let’s go. I won’t say no to a free coffee.” Baekhyun said, walking back towards the elevator. Jongdae just shook his head but still smiled.

They walked together to the 24-hour coffee shop three blocks away from their dorm building. Jongdae ordered two Iced Americano for both of them. They just sat there in silence when Baekhyun tried to strike up a conversation.

“So… are we just going to sit here in silence? Tell me something about you Jongdae.”

“What about me?”

“Anything you want to spill.”

“You already know that I have a twin sister. And that she’s the most famous girl in our university. I am 3 minutes older than her.. She’s the most important person in my life right now and we’re close but we don’t talk much around campus ‘cause I love  being alone and staying inside my own silent world. I love math, because I feel like it’s the next best thing that happened in this world and before you react— yes, I am a nerd. What else do you wanna know?”

“Your family aside from Jonghee. Why did she become a social butterfly and you’re shy and silent? Did you have an abusive past or something?”

“Uhh, no, at least not in my family. My family is the best family you could ever ask for. Both my parents are supportive even if I came out as bi. Nuna’s actually their gift for me when I graduated high school, that’s why I love my cat so much. She represents my parents now that they weren’t with us.”

“So you had an abusive past from other people?”

“Uhm, not really abusive but bullying? Jonghee, she’s the girl but she’s always the strong one. She’s the one who’s always protecting me from bad people instead of the other way around. They bully me because I'm a nerd and don't like to fight back. Anyway, they’re not in my life anymore. I don’t really care about them at all. They were just a bunch of cowards who didn’t know anything to do but gang up on the weaker people. What about you? Who are you Byun Baekhyun?”

“Well, I’m the most handsome baseball player to ever exist I guess?” Baekhyun said, chuckling and Jongdae gagged in response.

“Too full of yourself eh?” Jongdae said, softly smiling at Baekhyun.

“Just kidding, but well, everyone already knows half of my life, so I don’t know what else to share with you.”

“The other half?”

“Ah, I am not always the popular guy you used to know. I was once a hermit too. I like being alone and then let’s just say someone made me feel that I should not feel alone and learn to come out of my shell and… well the rest is history. But I am here right now because I worked a lot harder to improve myself and be a better version of me.”

“Wow, you Byun Baekhyun, the university star player, was once a hermit? I find it too hard to believe. So that person, your ex?”

Baekhyun nodded, but he had a bitter smile on his face.

“What happened?” Jongdae asked, curious.

Baekhyun shook his head gently. “Nothing. Just not meant for each other I guess..”

“Haven’t moved on yet?”

“No, I already did but, I don’t really want to talk about it.” 

Jongdae nodded in understanding. Maybe it’s still a sensitive topic.

“This feels nice, isn’t it? Getting to know each other little by little.” Baekhyun commented. A soft smile adorning his handsome face.

“Yeah, it is. Surprisingly, I had a great time talking to you.” Jongdae said, mirroring the smile on Baekhyun’s face.

“What? Do I look like I’m boring to talk to?” Baekhyun said, slightly offended.

“No! Not like that! I mean, I didn’t expect that I’d have fun talking to you because y’know, I’m really not used to talking to other people aside from my friends and sister.”

“I know. I’m just kidding!” Baekhyun said, snickering. “Well, to be fair, I had fun talking to you too.”

They walked back to their dorm like they’ve been friends for a long time already. Baekhyun waited for him to enter his unit before going on his own.

—

Jongdae looked at the clock. It was past 2am. He still has class at 8am and he’s still not sleeping. He’s just looking up at his white ceiling, thinking about their talk at the coffee shop. He’s happy to get to know a little bit more about Baekhyun. His side that isn’t known by everyone. His side that Baekhyun willingly shared with him. Even if it’s not in complete detail, it still made him happy. He turned around and petted Nuna’s soft fur. His cat is sleeping peacefully beside him.

“Nuna-yah, is this normal? I’m smiling like an idiot in the middle of the night without any reason at all.” He talked to his cat as if it would talk to him back in human language and curse him for being a sap for his crush.

As expected, his cat didn’t even bother to open her eyes to look at him.

He woke up late the next morning, he’s already 30 minutes late for his first class. He didn’t bother rushing to get ready, because it’s no use at all. He’ll just borrow notes from Kyungsoo and skip the class. Good thing, it’s not a major subject. His next class is not until 10:30am. He still has lots of time to prepare.

His phone rang and Jonghee’s calling. He forgot, he’s classmates with his sister on his first class. She must be worried about him not showing up. He answered the call quickly.

“Hello?”

“Oppa! What happened to you? Are you okay?? Why didn’t you show up in class?”  Jonghee bombarded him with questions.

“Calm down, I’m okay. I’ll tell you everything later. Where are you anyway? Shouldn’t you be in class too?”

“I excused myself because I’m worried about you idiot. Where are you?”

“In my dorm. I woke up late. Come back to class, and lend me your notes later.”

“Fine. You owe me an explanation.”

“Yes, brat. Go on now okay? Love you bye.”

“Okay, love you too bro. Bye.”

Later that day, he told everything to his sister and as expected, she teased him a lot about having a ‘late night date’ with his crush. They were in the middle of teasing each other when someone rang Jongdae’s doorbell twice. 

“Go open the door, maybe it’s your boyfriend~” Jonghee teased.

“He is not my boyfriend!”

“Not yet but soon to be~ I’ll open it!” Jonghee exclaimed.

He indulged Jonghee with whatever she wanted and just waited for whoever’s going to enter his unit.

“Hi Baekhyun! What are you doing here?” Jongdae heard his sister yell, obviously making him hear her greetings to his visitor.

“Come in, he’s here. I was actually planning to go now, since I’m going to meet my boyfriend later. I’ll just get my bag inside~” Jonghee continuously yelled, he wonders what Baekhyun’s reaction is with all the yellings his sister is doing.

A few seconds later, Jonghee appeared with Baekhyun tailing her.

“Oppa, Baekhyun’s here but I’m gonna leave you two here, I still have to meet up with my boyfriend soon.” Jonghee said and kissed Jongdae on the cheek and waved at Baekhyun before going out of her brother’s unit.

The two of them were left there in silence until Baekhyun decided to talk.

“What happened to her? Has she gone deaf? Why all the yellings?” 

“Ah, don’t mind her, she just forgot to take her meds. Anyway, what are you doing here?” Jongdae answered and asked.

“Ah, I saw a newly opened ice cream store at the end of the block while passing by later and the flavors are tempting, I wonder maybe you wanna go with me?” Baekhyun invited.

“W-what? Why? Don’t you have other friends to ask?” Jongdae answered.

“Nah, they don’t want ice cream and I’m really craving it, so please? It’s my treat.” Baekhyun said, pouting. Ah he’s so adorable. He wanted to kiss those pouty lips right there and then. Wait, what? No, Kim Jongdae, what happened to you?

Jongdae sighed, but still gave in. “Okay, can’t say no to a free ice cream, just let me go and get changed.” He said, before standing up to get a change of clothes inside his room.

Their invitations to each other to go out became more frequent and Jongdae already felt comfortable around Baekhyun. Sometimes, they hangout in each other’s units. What started out as simply getting to know a neighbor became a really close friendship between the two of them. Baekhyun let Jongdae stay inside his own bubble whenever they’re outside the comfort of their dorm building or when they were with their own set of friends but when they were alone and hanging out at the comfort of their homes they really go off playing, bantering, joking around and just laughing nonstop. They really enjoyed each other’s company. Sometimes they include Jonghee, but more often, it’s just the two of them alone. Baekhyun felt like he wanted to be closer to Jongdae than he already is right now. 

“Coach! I’ve been meaning to ask this for a few weeks already. Seems like our handsome pitcher here is happier and energetic than he usually was before. I think he’s inspired or something.” Chanyeol indirectly asked while they were on a short break from practice.

“Why are you asking me? Why don’t you ask the handsome pitcher himself? Maybe there’s someone inspiring him already?” Their coach said, riding Chanyeol’s teasing.

“So, Baek-hyung, have you finally decided to get serious with someone and make a move on Kim Jonghee the cheerleader? These past few days, I often see you hanging out with her.” Jongin asked and all his other teammates started teasing him too.

“Alright! Stop it now! I am not making a move on anyone. I am just happier because I made more friends outside this team.” Baekhyun answered their queries with a smile on his face. 

“That smile tells us otherwise. If you’re not making a move with Kim Jonghee then why do we see you with her sometimes? Not only that, you were also laughing together.” Jongin pointed out.

It’s true that he often talks to Jonghee these past few weeks but that is because they were talking about Jongdae and sometimes when he wants to say something to Jongdae personally but he can’t find the latter everywhere. He and Jonghee were just friends. Jonghee already had a boyfriend, Kim Junmyeon, one of Jongdae’s best friends.

“That’s nothing. She’s taken. We were just friends. I stumbled upon her a lot because a relative of hers lives right next to mine.”

“Kim Jonghee is already taken??” Chanyeol asked in surprise.

“Yeah.”

“Aw, that’s bad man, I really thought she’ll be a great match for you.” Chanyeol said, regretting the lost chance of his friend to be with someone better than his ex.

Baekhyun just shrugged. Jonghee’s really pretty and attractive as hell but she’s really not Baekhyun’s type and knowing that she isn’t interested in him at all is a big no for him already since the beginning, so he didn’t really see any chance between the two of them.

“Right, and I also thought that Baek-hyung’s starting to get serious in a relationship because, according to the gossip, it’s been so long since he took off from a party with someone. Apparently, he always went home directly after just a few drinks.” Jongin said, like he was sharing some important trivia to his teammates. 

That got Baekhyun thinking, it’s true. It’s been a few months since he had his last fling. He’s unaware that he’s already going through a dry spell because of how much he’s enjoying Jongdae’s company. He can’t name the feeling yet, but he knows, a part of him likes the other boy already.

—

It was a weekend night and he invited Jongdae over to watch some random movies because he’s bored and good timing because he received a text from Jongdae saying he’s bored too.

They were watching some random romance movie on Netflix and Baekhyun’s not really watching it because nah, romance, but Jongdae looks like he’s really enjoying the movie so Baekhyun just let him finish the movie and he felt content watching Jongdae’s different reactions to the movie. This is the first time that he had the chance to stare at Jongdae’s face freely, and he appreciates how handsome his features are. The high cheekbones, long lashes and cute kittenish lips that are really kissable. He wonders why this person is really shy and introverted when he looks really good, smart and kind. 

Jongdae felt Baekhyun’s stare beside him.

“Baek, eyes on the movie, not on me.” Jongdae said, because he’s starting to feel uncomfortable with Baekhyun’s stare.

“You’re really beautiful, did you know that? I can stare at your face all day and I wouldn’t mind.” Baekhyun said. Jongdae was waiting for his next words that says, ‘just kidding’ or at least a ‘gotcha’ but there’s none. He slowly looked at Baekhyun and he’s still seriously staring at him.

“Uhh…Is that a joke?” Jongdae asked awkwardly.

“What do you think?” Baekhyun asked, not removing his eyes from Jongdae.

“I— don’t know…” Jongdae said, almost whispering because Baekhyun’s face is getting nearer to his face.

“You look more beautiful, closer.” Baekhyun whispered. Their faces are too close, one wrong move and their lips will touch already. Jongdaee could feel Baekhyun’s hot and minty breath fanning his face. He should avoid this now but he seemed frozen in his place.

“I wanna kiss you.” Baekhyun said and when their lips were about to touch, Jongdae managed to push himself to move and avoid the upcoming kiss.

“I— I’m going home. Thank you for your time Baekhyun.” Jongdae said, scrambling to get up and leave Baekhyun’s unit as soon as possible.

Baekhyun was left dumbfounded. What did he just do? Fuck! He felt like he lost himself for a moment and got drowned in Jongdae’s beauty. Now he’s sure that Jongdae will never spend time with him again because he fucking screwed up. Why did he feel that way? Why did he suddenly want to kiss Jongdae and think of how his lips will feel against his own? Fuck! Now, Jongdae’s never gonna talk to him ever again.

He tried calling his phone, but Jongdae kept declining his calls until he got blocked and now he’s unable to reach Jongdae’s line. He crossed the fucking line. He got lost for a moment and crossed the fucking line and made Jongdae really uncomfortable. He cursed under his breath realizing how screwed up he is right now.

—

Jongdae felt his heart drumming so hard against his chest. He’s having a panic attack again. Why did Baekhyun say that? Why did he want to kiss him? Did he like him like that or did he just want to score with him? Just like what he wants from everyone who’s interested in him? Is Baekhyun planning to get him as his next victim? His phone is blowing up from Baekhyun’s calls but he kept declining them and decided to just block him completely. His fingers are shaking as he calls his sister. He didn’t need her to come, he just needed to hear her voice to calm him down. He already took his antidepressant pill to relax his mind. 

“Oh? Oppa, why did you call? Are you okay?”

“J-Jonghee-ah…” he called her name and then he started sobbing.

“What? Do you need me to come over?”

“N-no. I’m f-fine… I just want to hear your voice.”

“Why? Did something happen?”

“Nothing, I was just having some mild panic attacks but I already took my pills so I’m gonna be okay later.”

“Okay… I’ll just tell you about my day to ease your feelings.”

“Okay.. that would be great. Thank you.”

He’s really thankful for his sister’s existence. She has always been his number 1 supporter and 100% source of comfort. She just listened to her talk until sleep ate his system.

—

The next morning he went out for his next class and he saw that Baekhyun was on his way out of his unit too. Baekhyun tried to talk to him but he just went back inside his unit and locked his door. He can still hear him outside saying that he’s really sorry but he didn’t think he could already forgive him that fast for trying to play with his heart. Yes, it’s wrong to judge Baekhyun’s intention based on his known fuckboy personality around the campus but it is also hard to believe that Baekhyun likes him romantically because duh? Who is he anyway? He’s just the nerd twin of the popular cheerleader Kim Jonghee. In the eyes of many, he’s not existing, what more in Baekhyun’s eyes? 

He just left his unit when he made sure that Baekhyun’s already gone.

“Yah, Jongdae-ah, are you okay?” Kyungsoo nudged him while they were eating their lunch at the cafeteria.

“I’m okay. Just thinking about the upcoming thesis defense.” Jongdae lied, but he’s really thinking about Baekhyun and what happened last night.

“Oh, yeah right. I’m sure you’re gonna make it. Remember, our professor set your dissertation as the perfect example of a research paper? I’m sure you can also do very well on your defense. You really have nothing to worry about.” Kyungsoo said, finding it odd that Jongdae’s worried about his studies.

“Where’s Jonghee and Junmyeon? Aren’t they gonna eat lunch?”

“Oh, I thought Jonghee already told you. They had lunch earlier. Jonghee’s professor rescheduled their class right now and Junmyeon joined her and ate his lunch earlier.”

“Ah. Maybe she forgot. Okay.”

“Jongdae. What’s bothering you? Really?”

“Nothing. It’s really just the defense.”

“You’re such a terrible liar. Kim Jongdae.” Kyungsoo muttered but didn’t force his friend to talk about his worries.

—

Baekhyun gave him the space that he needed and didn’t talk to him. Well, he already expected that. Why would the famous Byun Baekhyun waste his time in trying to ask for his forgiveness, when everyone wants to be his bed warmer? 

He always sees him around campus. He would always look at him with that sad puppy look but he tried his best to ignore it. 

It’s been a few weeks since the incident happened and it’s also been that long since he last talked to Baekhyun. Jonghee’s already asking him questions but he’s always trying to change the topic, most of the time Jonghee would indulge his sudden change of topic but not today.

“Oppa, I know there’s something wrong between you and Baekhyun. What is it really about? You keep avoiding the topic but I am not stupid to know that something’s wrong. He’s avoiding talking to me too and I don’t even know what’s going on.”

“It’s nothing. Maybe he’s just busy because the next game is next week already. We’re okay. Just really busy with our own lives. What about you? Have you been eating well? I know your next dance is up next week too but don’t skip your meals okay?”

Jonghee just sighed in defeat. She knows that her brother’s not going to tell her anything. But she knows him. He’ll tell her when the time comes and he’s ready to spill.

“Yeah, I’m eating well. Just cutting back the carbs but I’m feeling great. I can eat all of it again soon after the game. Are you going to watch?”

“When did I ever skip?” Jongdae answered even if he’s not really sure about showing up at the game. He’s not yet ready to face his feelings for Baekhyun again. Not now.

—

Unfortunately, the Wolves lost the game. Everyone is sad for their defeat but Baekhyun felt lonelier than everyone because he felt like he’s the reason why they lost. He’s out of focus because he kept thinking about Jongdae and how he didn’t show up in the game like he used to. He wanted to ask Jonghee but he’s quite ashamed for what he did to her brother.

“Baek, are you okay?” Chanyeol asked him gently.

“I’m sorry. It’s because of me that we lost it.”

“No. It’s nobody’s fault. It’s a game. It’s either we win or we lose and we can’t always win Baek. We always did our best in every game so there’s really no need to blame yourself for what happened.”

“Park’s right Byun. It’s not your fault. We already won so many times, and we won mostly because of you and of course our teamwork, but there’s always the chance of losing, but we will try harder to make it better next time. I just hope that if you have personal problems, leave it outside the game. You seemed so out of focus today.” Their coach explained.

“I’m really sorry coach. I’ll sort it out.” Baekhyun said with his head down.

“Okay. You did well. Don’t blame yourself now. Go now and get some rest.” Their coach instructed and they were released from the huddle.

Chanyeol and Jongin walked with him, sensing his problem.

“Bro, would you tell us what’s bothering you? You really seemed out of it today. Not only today but even in our practices the past few weeks. One day you’re all energetic and happy and then another day and you’re all sad and unfocused.”

“Chanyeol-hyung’s right Baek-hyung. Your mood swings have been quite drastic the past few weeks. Do you have a problem?”

“Uhh, no I’m okay. I can sort this out myself. No need to worry about me at all but thanks for your concerns. I appreciate it a lot.”

“Ya, Byun Baekhyun, don't tell me you got someone pregnant?”

“What?! No! I didn’t! I would never, okay? Please don’t say such horrible things, oh gods you’re making me cringe!” Baekhyun defended.

“Okay! Fine we get it, you didn’t but I hope you would share it to us if you have a problem. Maybe we could help you. We’re a team Baek. You are never alone.” Chanyeol said, in hopes that Baekhyun would spill the beans about his worries.

“Thank you guys, but I think I would have to sort this one out personally. Don’t worry, I’ll tell you right away if there’s something bothering me that I couldn’t sort out by myself. For now, it’s only me who can solve it.” Baekhyun explained, appreciating his friends’ worries about him.

He went home frustrated and mad at himself. Frustrated because they lost the game and mad at himself because Jongdae’s still not talking to him when it has been three weeks since that incident happened. Losing a friend like Jongdae is driving him insane. He’s feeling all empty knowing that he’ll come back home alone and no friend to greet him and ask him about how his day went. No more late night calls just to bid each other good night. No more non stop laughters until their stomach aches. No more Jongdae to lean on and act as his comfort zone when he wants to escape the reality of being a popular guy at school. He misses him a lot.

He’s just lying down on his bed, staring at his empty ceiling when his phone started ringing and it made him jump in shock. He saw the caller ID and it’s Kim Jonghee. Why is she calling him at this time of the night? It’s almost midnight. He accepted the call to know the reason. He’s kinda worried too that something might’ve happened to Jongdae.

“H-Hello?”

“Yah! Byun Baekhyun! If I can’t make my twin brother talk then I’ll make you talk to me. He didn’t show up to the game and I knew that it was because of you. What did you do to my brother to make him act like that?”

“I— can we just meet? I’ll tell you everything.”

Luckily, Jonghee agreed to meet up in a coffee shop nearby. The same coffee shop where he and Jongdae went after searching for Nuna. He only waited for a few minutes before Jonghee showed up. He told her everything and Jonghee gasped in surprise at what she had just found out.

“Okay… wait, are you saying that you like my brother? I mean, romantically? Because you wouldn’t want to kiss someone if you don’t have any feelings for them at all.” Jonghee asked directly.

“I don’t know, to be honest.”

“You don’t know or you’re just afraid to admit it because once you do, you’re scared that you’ll end up hurting him if you push it through? Because those two are different.”

“I— do you think I like him like that?”

“Why are you asking me? It’s your feelings Baek. Not mine.”

“He knows what kind of person I am. Do you think he will trust me if I am famously known as someone who’s afraid of commitment?”

“Then make him trust you. You see, my brother, he’s just like that, he seemed so hard to please but I know him better than everyone else. He’s just full on guarding himself because he’s afraid of getting hurt. He’s been bullied all his high school life. No one wanted to befriend him because he seemed weird but he’s not. He’s lovable, gentle and the kindest person I’ve ever met. Not to mention, very handsome too. I was actually happy that at least he made friends in university instead of being a total loner like he used to. I am happy that you made him open up to you for friendship. Tell him your real intentions and make him believe it.”

“But he won’t talk to me. He even blocked my number and my accounts on social media.”

“Then find another way to corner him. Don’t harass him though or you’ll trigger his panic attacks. Find a way where you’ll be able to talk to him and he will have no choice but to listen. Tell him about your real feelings because trust me, he likes you too.”

“Really? He likes me?”

“Oops, did I say that he likes you out loud? Ohmygods he’s gonna kill me.” Jonghee’s eyes widened as she covered her own mouth for spilling his brother’s secret.

“Yeah, you did but don’t worry, I won’t tell him that you told me about it.” Baekhyun said, smirking.

“Don’t get too smug about it. Remember, even if he likes you, you still have to make him trust you.”

“Yes, I know and I’ll make him trust me in no time.”

Baekhyun felt a little relieved after his talk with Jonghee. Now he’s determined to win Jongdae back and this time, he wants to win his heart too. Good timing, tomorrow’s a weekend. They don’t have classes. He’ll grab this chance to finally talk to Jongdae and sort their conflict out.

He offered to walk Jonghee all the way to the girls’ dorm building. Good thing there’s no one around anymore to gossip about them hanging out late at night.

—

The next morning Baekhyun woke up early and decided to have his morning run. After a few rounds of running, he went by the coffee shop and bought a breakfast for two. He’s determined to do his mission today.

He immediately went home and had a decent shower and a  change of fresh clothes before ringing Jongdae’s doorbell. The door opened revealing Jongdae who looked like he just woke up, his hair all tousled and he’s still rubbing his eyes to wake himself fully. Just like the first time he met him and it brought a sweet smile to Baekhyun's face. When Jongdae saw who’s the person outside his unit, he immediately backed off and tried to close the door but Baekhyun’s quite faster to put his feet between the door and the jamb, to stop it from completely closing.

“Jongdae please, I just really want to talk. I’ve had enough of this silent treatment and it’s killing me. Please just hear me out, and after you listen to me and you still do not want to talk to me then I’ll respect it. Just please, hear me out this time.” Baekhyun pleaded and Jongdae sighed.

“Fine. Come in.” Jongdae said, accepting his defeat. He thought Baekhyun’s over with what happened three weeks ago but seems like he’s not. Not yet.

Baekhyun entered and put the breakfast he brought on the coffee table. He took a deep breath and faced Jongdae who’s standing in front of him waiting for whatever he had to say.

“I— Ohmygods I’m so nervous right now. Anyway, first of all I am really sorry. I’m sorry if what happened three weeks ago seemed like I planned to take advantage of you. At first I really didn’t know why I did that. I was so drowned with whatever thoughts I had that night that pushed me to do that to you, but I want to let you know that, that night, I really wanted to kiss you. I really wanted to feel how those cute kittenish lips felt against mine if I kissed them. I was so drowned in that thought that I fucking crossed the line. I felt really terrible for doing that to you. For acting like an asshole. I am really sorry. But then I started thinking about things after you completely pushed me out of your life, and it’s really sad. I felt really sad because I lost one friend whom I can open my real self up to. I think and think about the real reason I did that and the sadness that filled my heart answered that question in my mind. I like you Kim Jongdae. A lot. I felt really different when I’m with you versus when I’m Byun Baekhyun, the popular guy that everybody knows about. When I’m with you, I can just be myself, without having to think that you’ll judge me for what I was doing or saying. With you, I can be a better version of myself, my real self. During the first week of not talking to you, I thought about it a lot and I got scared. I got scared because for the second time around, I felt like I was falling for someone again. I got scared because what if the same thing that happened the first time happened again? So I backed off and gave you the space and didn’t bother to talk to you again, but I missed you. I terribly missed you and when I didn’t see you at the game for the first time ever, I went completely out of focus and we lost the game. And that’s it. I started accepting the fact that yes, I really do have feelings for you and that I really wanted to sort this out because I can never return my focus, if all I could think about is how I would be able to make it up to you, and how I could bring you back to talking to me again. Jongdae, I’m really sorry if I offended you for doing what I did, but I just want to let you know that I did it because I like you. And if you want something serious then I can work it out. I’ll commit myself to you if you would just let me.” Baekhyun confessed.

Jongdae was quite stunned with the long confession he just heard. He didn’t know what to react because this is Byun Baekhyun talking in front of him. Did he just say that he likes him?

“Dae, please say something.” Baekhyun asked.

“I— actually don’t know what to say. H-How? Why me?”

“I don't know either. I just like you. I want to date you Jongdae.”

“Isn't this just a bet?”

“No! God, no! I would never do such a horrible thing! I know I have a bad reputation of being unable to commit but if you would give me a chance to be a part of your life then I would gladly do so. I’ll be all yours.”

“H-how can I be sure about that?”

“I’m not the most honest person to ever exist but I was told that I was a terrible liar. Please Dae, give me a chance and I’ll prove it to you. Do you want me to court you? If you want then I will.”

“I need time to think about it, Baekhyun. I can’t give you an answer right now. I’m sorry.”

“Okay. I can take that answer. But can we at least get back to being friends again? You know, spend time in our own world? Away from all the attention?” Baekhyun asked, a soft smile starting to form on his face.

Jongdae nodded and Baekhyun was so happy that he couldn't help but embrace Jongdae in his arms.

“I’m sorry too Baekhyun. For overreacting.”

“It’s alright. I understand. So, I brought breakfast. Let’s eat together?” 

“Okay.” Jongdae said, nodding.

Baekhyun felt really happy now that he’s friends with Jongdae again. He unblocked him on social media as well as his phone number. They got back closer than they were used to. He’s glad that Jongdae’s starting to open up to him again and there were also times that Jongdae would let him sleep over and they would just watch horror movies. Okay, Baekhyun might be a really strong person outside but he’s such a screamer when it comes to a horror movie. Jongdae’s eardrums are tired of his full on screaming whenever there’s a jumpscare in the movie. Jongdae would just laugh at him because he tends to vibrate when scared. 

“Dae, can we just switch the movie? I really can’t take horror. Please?” Baekhyun begged, hands covering his eyes, because by the sound of it, another jumpscare was coming.

“Okay. Change it. I can’t believe that Byun Baekhyun is such a drama queen when it comes to horror movies.”

“I am not!”

“Yes, you are dear.”

“Did you just call me ‘dear’?” Baekhyun smirked and now it’s Jongdae’s turn to get flustered.

“S-should we talk about it now?” Jongdae asked, shyly.

“About what?”

“Do you really want to date me Baek? Or are you just playing around?”

“Yes I do, Dae. I really want to date you. If you would just let me. I like you. I already told you that so many times.”

“Okay. Please take care of me then.”

“Wait what? Did you just— ohmygods, did you just say yes? Are you my boyfriend now, Kim Jongdae?” Baekhyun asked, unbelieving but the smile on his face is telling him otherwise. 

Jongdae nodded, mirroring Baekhyun’s smile.

“Oh. You nodded. That means yes right? That’s yes!”

“Yes. Yes, Baek. I am taking a risk with you.” Jongdae clarified.

“Wait, does that mean I could kiss you now?” Baekhyun asked, still can’t believe that Jongdae’s really his boyfriend now.

Jongdae took all his courage and closed the gap between them and kissed Baekhyun. Baekhyun gasped at the feeling of Jongdae’s lips against his own and wow, his heart can’t stop fluttering inside his chest. He felt fireworks all around him. He thought it was just an overstatement in some romantic movies to put in more drama to convince the viewers but now he proved that you could really feel it when you were kissing the person you wanted to kiss for so long. Baekhyun tried to move his lips and gently bit Jongdae’s lower lip to taste him further. For someone who hasn’t been in a relationship yet, Jongdae is quite a good kisser. Baekhyun licked Jongdae’s lips to taste him better and the latter willingly opened his mouth and the simple kissing turned instantly into a hot make out session. It feels like all of the sexual tension in between them is poured out into this kiss. Before everything went deeper than it already is, Baekhyun pulled away, panting for breath.

“Wow. Is this your first time kissing?” Baekhyun can’t help but ask.

“W-why? Is it bad?” Jongdae asked, his cheeks still red from the make out session.

“No! Dear, no! You’re actually great, that's why I can’t help but ask if it’s really your first time kissing someone.”

“Well, you’re my first boyfriend so, yeah, that was my first kiss too.”

“Ah! It feels so nice to hear you calling me your boyfriend. Thank you for giving me this chance Dae.”

“Don’t you dare hurt me because I swear if you do it, you’ll never get to talk to me again.”

“Whoa, now I’m scared.” Baekhyun said, smiling and cupping Jongdae’s blushing face with his two hands.

“I still don’t know why you chose me but, I’m happy that I have a really hot and handsome guy as my first boyfriend.”

“It’s nice to know that you think of me as handsome and really hot.” Baekhyun smirked before closing the gap between them again. The movie was long forgotten as they both drowned themselves into the electrifying kiss that they were sharing. Jongdae is the first one to pull away this time. His lips formed a pretty kittenish smile and placed another peck on Baekhyun’s lips and they just started giggling.

“I chose you because you’re just you. No pretensions, you’re just being natural with who you really are.” Baekhyun said, kissing the tip of Jongdae’s nose. “Hey, you haven’t said yet that you like me too.” Baekhyun complained.

“What? Do I still have to say it? Isn’t it obvious?”

“I want to hear it.”

“I like you Byun Baekhyun, and if liking you means I have to go out of my comfort zone then yes, I’m willing to be the most popular guy’s official lover.” Jongdae said, impressing Baekhyun because knowing Jongdae, he would never go out of his comfort zone and be under those scrutinizing and judging eyes and be the center of attention.

“Really? You would do that for me?”

Jongdae nodded, holding Baekhyun’s hand tight.

“Only if you promise that you would always be with me at all times.”

“Yes, of course I promise. Thank you Dae. Thank you for doing this for me.” Baekhyun said as he held his now boyfriend’s hand.

—

The baseball team was quite surprised when they saw their famous pitcher holding hands with another guy they do not know. Some were gossiping already because Byun Baekhyun is not one for a relationship, more so a PDA.

“Hey guys! You looked like you'd just seen a ghost?” Baekhyun greeted, still not removing his hand from Jongdae.

“Wow. Byun, would you mind introducing your companion to us?” Chanyeol started.

“Ah, actually that’s the reason why I brought him here.” Baekhyun said, looking at Jongdae with a soft smile. “Are you okay dear?” he asked towards Jongdae and the latter just nodded with a small smile. 

“So, babe, these are my teammates, guys, he’s Jongdae, my boyfriend.” Baekhyun introduced. He also introduced all of them one by one after the whole team absorbed that their fuckboy pitcher decided to get serious and got himself a boyfriend now.

“Wow, Jongdae welcome to the family. Please remember that you are always welcome here and we also wanted to thank you for keeping up with Baekhyun. Always wear a helmet to avoid knocking your head somewhere and realize that you really don’t want to be Baekhyun’s boyfriend.” Chanyeol jokingly said.

“Oh come on, please don’t listen to him dear, he’s just envious that my crush is now my boyfriend while he’s still pining over Do Kyungsoo, who never even gives a simple glance at him.” Baekhyun said, and Chanyeol’s eyes widened because of the revelation of his most kept secret.

“Really? You have a crush on Kyungsoo? He’s one of my best friends, I can try and set you up for a date. He’s just like me, shy and only interacts with his close friends but he’s nice and really fun to be with if you get to know him.” Jongdae shyly offered.

“Wow, you’ll really do it?”

“I can try but I can’t promise.”

“Ohmygod, Baek, you chose the right person to date. I love him already!” Chanyeol said to Baekhyun who just rolled his eyes.

“You shouldn’t have offered that dear.” Baekhyun whispered to Jongdae which got the latter snickering.

“Wait, is it just me or do you really look a lot like Kim Jonghee, the cheerleader? You’re like a male version of her.” Jongin asked, looking at Jongdae’s face with pure curiosity.

Baekhyun looked at Jongdae, curious if Jongdae will tell Jongin his relationship with Jonghee.

“That’s natural because we’re twins.” Jongdae answered and all of Baekhyun’s teammates’ eyes widened in shock and that made them chuckle.

“What? Is it really that surprising?”

“No, we’re just surprised that Jonghee has a twin brother that’s also studying here.”

“Well, yes. She has but I would appreciate it if you just don’t tell others because being involved with two popular people will be too much for me to handle. Jonghee and I were trying to keep everything  subtle. I just don’t find it necessary to broadcast that I am twins with a very popular girl on campus. I like my personal life to be kept private.”

“Well, sure. No one here knows that you are twins with the famous cheerleader.” Chanyeol said and the other players nodded in agreement. Jongdae thanked them. Baekhyun’s happy that his boyfriend is getting along with his best pals and his brothers from another mother.

—

Jongdae checked his phone after his last class for the day and he saw 15 missed calls from his sister and other notifications from the school gossip page. He’s sure that it’s already out. He can no longer have peace in his own little bubble because he is now officially Byun Baekhyun’s boyfriend. He ignored the notifications but he called back his twin sister because yeah, he hasn’t told her about it yet.

“OPPA!” Jonghee yelled from the other line which got Jongdae removing his phone away from his ear.

“What?”

“Don’t what me! Is it true? Is it true? Ohmygod! How could you keep a secret from your dearest twin sister?? I hate you already!” Jonghee exclaimed from the other line.

“Don’t be so dramatic. We just got together last night and he introduced me to his teammates earlier.”

“Wow, I still can’t believe that I had to find out about it from the gossip page rather than from you! Anyway, I’m coming over right now, you have to tell me everything.”

“Uhh, can you just sleep over? I can’t attend to you right now. I’m going somewhere uhh… with Baek.” 

“So, I am not your priority anymore? Fine, I’m counting your shortcomings as my brother. First, you didn’t share that you’re dating the hottest guy on campus and now, I am demoted to your least priority.” Jonghee said, sulking and Jongdae can’t help but snicker at his sister’s antics.

“Fine, count it, I’ll make it up to you, promise.”

“Okay, accepted. You owe me dinner.”

“Glutton. You keep on draining my card. Anyway, speaking of my card, I just got my billing for the month and why is it full of online transactions from female clothing brands?? Kim Jonghee, you little—“

“Okay, I love you so much brotha! I’ll sleep over tonight okay? Byeee!” Jonghee interrupted before she dropped the call.

Jongdae just shook his head. This little rascal. He almost jumped when someone held his hand.

“Don’t scare me like that again Byun Baekhyun!” 

“Oh, I’m sorry. Why are you smiling? Who are you talking to?” Baekhyun asked, curiously

“Why? Jealous?” Jongdae asked with a mischievous smile on his face.

“Do I have anything to be jealous of?” Baekhyun asked, mirroring the smile on Jongdae’s face..

Jongdae started to become aware of the many eyes observing the two of them and if he’s going to be honest, he wanted to bury himself 6 feet underground just to hide from them because he knows they were already judging him from head to toe and how he’s not worthy of Byun Baekhyun.

“Hey, I was just kidding babe, are you okay?” Baekhyun asked when he noticed that Jongdae looked troubled.

“I— I’m fine, let’s just go. There’s so many eyes here. Please Baek.”

Baekhyun, getting the message of why Jongdae suddenly became anxious, held his boyfriend's hand and they started walking away from the judgmental bees who can’t do anything but buzz out nonsensical news around campus.

When they were far enough from many people Jongdae suddenly felt the need to sit down for a moment and so he did when he found a bench.

“Are you okay?” Baekhyun asked again.

“Y-yes. I’m sorry.” he muttered, apologizing for acting up like a drama queen but Baekhyun just cupped his face and kissed his nose.

“Hey, it’s okay. I understand. You’re not used to having all the attention on you. We can continue this in private if that’s what you want. I mean we don’t have to act all sweet in public. Just in our own world.” 

“Will you be okay with that?”

“Of course babe. As long as I am with you, I am okay with it. And for me, it’s more intimate doing it in private than exposing it in public.”

“But I promised you.”

“Forget it. I don’t want you getting uncomfortable just to prove something to me.”

Jongdae smiled and kissed Baekhyun to express his thanks to him. Baekhyun smiled into the kiss and tried deepening it but Jongdae pulled away before he could do so.

“Uh-uh, not here babe. Come on, let's go. I’m hungry.” Jongdae said, covering Baekhyun’s mouth to stop him from chasing after his own lips.

“I can be your dinner, y’know?” Baekhyun said, smirking which got Jongdae blushing real quick. “You look really pretty when you blush.”

Jongdae just glared at his boyfriend and Baekhyun just laughed heartily at Jongdae’s cuteness. 

—

Three months into their relationship, Baekhyun felt really happy with Jongdae. He respects Jongdae’s views and didn’t force him to do what he didn’t want to do yet. Yes, that includes sex. They’ve only gone as far as making out, but Baekhyun’s fine with that because he really wants to take care of Jongdae and make him happy the way he makes him happy too. 

Just like what they agreed, they kept it private. Yes, everybody knows that they were together, and some really throw hurtful words towards Jongdae but he’s glad that his boyfriend decided to just turn a blind eye to it but most people respected their relationship and Baekhyun’s glad that no one’s trying to hurt or bully Jongdae. He's a great person despite being shy and introverted. He hates being exposed to the public eye but he always makes Baekhyun smile and perform at his best. He got scrutinized by his twin sister but she still accepted him for her brother. ‘Just don’t hurt him and we’ll be okay.’ Those were the words that Jonghee told him when they had a chance to talk after practice. He really admires their close relationship and how they protect each other.

“Hey. What are you thinking?” Jongdae asked when he noticed that Baekhyun looked like he’s not paying attention to the movie they were watching. It was one of those date nights where they would just watch a movie and cuddle on Baekhyun’s couch. “Are you bored with the movie? We can change it if you want. Are you hungry? I can get some popcorn quickly. Wait—“ Jongdae stood up from his seat but Baekhyun pulled him by his hand making him fall straight to Baekhyun’s lap.

“No, just stay here.” Baekhyun whispered, biting Jongdae’s ear.

“Ahh! Don’t bite my ear! I hate you!” Jongdae whined.

“I love you.” Baekhyun whispered again, which made Jongdae freeze on the elder’s lap. 

“W-what? Did you just say those—“

“Those three words? Yes. I did. I said I love you.” Baekhyun said, kissing Jongdae’s cheek and smiling softly while looking at the younger’s eyes.

“But—“

“It’s okay if you can’t say it back yet. I can wait. It just felt right having to tell my real feelings to you. I’m just here. Waiting for you to be ready.” Baekhyun said, which made Jongdae tear up.

“Hey, please don’t cry. It’s okay. No need to force yourself to reciprocate my feelings. I can still be your awesome boyfriend even if you’re not yet there.” Baekhyun said, wiping away Jongdae’s tears.

“It’s just unfair. You always adjust for me and it doesn’t feel right anymore. What did I do to deserve you? Am I really worthy of you?”

“Yes dear. You deserve me more than anyone or anything else in this world. That’s why I chose you. You make me happy and inspired. And I love this. Keeping our moments to ourselves only. Just you and I. It’s intimate and not pretentious.” Baekhyun explained kissing Jongdae’s pretty lips. It was supposed to be just a simple sweet peck but Jongdae deepened the kiss and Baekhyun was quite taken aback when Jongdae suddenly bit his lower lip making him groan in pain and pleasure. It was the first time that Jongdae initiated such fervent kissing and it feels so good. It’s as if their lips were meant to kiss each other. It feels just right, perfect. Baekhyun swiped his tongue against Jongdae’s upper lip asking permission to enter his wet cavern and the latter willingly let him in. 

Baekhyun slipped his tongue and licked the insides of Jongdae’s mouth. He tasted sweet, mixed with the saltiness of the potato chips that they were sharing while watching the movie. Jongdae’s hand moved towards the back of his neck which only made the kiss more intense. It was mind-blowing. Baekhyun’s fingers seemed to have a life of their own as it tiptoed to touch the skin underneath Jongdae’s shirt. His hands could feel the warmth of his lover’s skin and it made him want to touch more but before he could ask for Jongdae’s permission, the latter pulled away from the very enticing kiss they just shared and said the magic words.

“Let’s take this to the bedroom.” Baekhyun didn't need to be told twice. They turned off the laptop and unplugged everything before heading towards Baekhyun’s bedroom.

Baekhyun pinned Jongdae against the door as soon as they got inside. The latter used his remaining strength and pushed Baekhyun towards the bed and straddled on his lap. Their make out session is getting heated and Baekhyun wanted to make sure that they were on the same page about where this is going so he pulled away which had Jongdae whining and chasing for his lips.

“Are you sure about this Dae? Because if we continue this, I don’t think I could stop myself anymore.” Baekhyun muttered while placing little kisses around Jongdae’s jaw down to his neck.

Jongdae nodded. “Just be gentle. It’s my first time.”

“Am I worth it?” Baekhyun tried asking again.

“Oh, just shut up and continue kissing me!” Jongdae whined and Baekhyun giggled at the impatience.

“Patience is a virtue honey.” he whispered before diving back into the kiss.

That night, Jongdae lost his virginity to Baekhyun.

“Thank you Dae.” Baekhyun said, sending butterfly kisses against Jongdae’s neck after he cleaned the both of them up.

“For what?”

“For giving it up to me. I promise, I will be a better person from now on. Just stay with me. Can you do that?”

“You are a good person Baek, that’s why I like you. Well, except from being a fuck boy but overall, you are likeable. A perfect boyfriend material. And really handsome. Of course, I would love to stay with you. I am not yet in love with you but I know, it won’t be long before I’ll get there. I actually don’t know what you liked about me because I am shy, I don’t like being around many people, I am not someone that you could be proud of.”

“Oh shut up. You are the truest person I’ve ever met, you are attractive and if I would have the chance I would love to show you off, so stop lowering yourself. I hate it when you do that. And for the record, I don’t like you. I love you Kim Jongdae. Remember that.” Baekhyun said, caressing Jongdae’s face.

“Thank you Baek. For always lifting up my spirits. Thank you for loving me even if I don’t know if I am worth it.”

“You are worth it.” Baekhyun smiled then kissed Jongdae on his forehead. Damn! He’s so whipped. He’s not afraid to fall further in love with this person because he knows this time, he won’t get hurt. This time, he’s sure that he loved the right person.

They just laid there silently waiting for sleep to take over them.

“Baek. Are you still awake?” Jongdae asked, trying to look at his lover’s face that was hidden in the crook of his neck.

“Yeah. Why?” Baekhyun mumbled against Jongdae’s shoulder.

“I just remembered something, you said, you never had sex in your dorm, so, does that mean I am the first one here?”

“Hm-hm. You’re different. You are my lover, they were just flings. I don’t bring flings over here. I reserved this sacred place of mine to the right one, and that’s you.”

“How are you so sure that I am the right one?”

“You wouldn’t stop, would you?” Baekhyun asked, rolling his eyes jokingly because he’s already sleepy but still indulged his boyfriend’s questions.

“It’s okay if you don’t want to answer.”

“I just knew it.”

Jongdae smiled at that, but there’s another question that he’s been wanting to be answered but seeing that Baekhyun’s already tired and sleepy, he stopped himself. He can ask that later.

“I can still hear you thinking, love. Come on, tell me what it is.” Baekhyun whispered.

“Nothing, just rest. Goodnight Baek.” Jongdae whispered, kissing Baekhyun’s nose, which made the latter smile sweetly at him.

—

The next morning Jongdae woke up to a burning scent. He immediately wore his clothes in alarm, thinking that there’s a fire starting somewhere. He flinched a little when he felt the soreness of his lower body. A result of what happened last night.

He saw Baekhyun in the kitchen trying to burn down the place.

“What are you doing? Are you planning to burn this place down?” Jongdae nagged and Baekhyun just pouted, trying his best to remove the burnt bacon from the pan.

“I was just trying to cook breakfast for you. I’m sorry. I really can’t cook but look at these pancakes, they are somehow edible.” Baekhyun said, showing the half burnt and half uncooked pancake to Jongdae.

Jongdae can’t help but coo at the pouting Baekhyun in front of him. How can he resist this face? He inched closer to him and put down the plate of pancakes and hugged Baekhyun lovingly.

“Thank you for your effort but you really don’t have to do this. We can just order take out.” Jongdae said, kissing Baekhyun’s temple, but the latter is still pouting because obviously Jongdae doesn’t want to eat even the pancakes. He just wasted time, effort, ingredients and money. Baekhyun’s pouting face makes Jongdae sigh.

“Fine, I’ll eat the pancakes. Just don’t pout like a lost puppy again, you’re making me guilty.”

“Just don’t eat them if you don’t want to, I’ll just throw them out.” Baekhyun said, about to get the plate of pancakes but Jongdae beat him to it and started eating the awful pancakes and tried his best not to gag in disgust, because Baekhyun did this for him. He might as well just appreciate everything and not hurt his boyfriend’s feelings.

Baekhyun gasped as he watched Jongdae trying his best to eat what was given to him, because he didn’t wanna hurt his feelings. Baekhyun stopped him from eating the disgusting pancakes.

“Dear, you don’t have to eat them. Let’s just throw it out.” Baekhyun said.

“No, they were actually good. Except, the burnt part and the uncooked part, but they taste good?”

“Come on, Kim. You don’t like them and it was half burnt and half uncooked so all of it is an exception, stop pretending that it’s good, it’s really fine. Stop eating now, I’ll buy you breakfast. Let’s have a breakfast date.” Baekhyun said, excitedly.

—

Their relationship keeps getting better as time passes by. Little by little Jongdae is opening himself up to the public eye. His panic attacks are getting lesser when he’s around so many people. Although there were still people who didn’t like him as Baekhyun’s boyfriend, those who called themselves ‘fans of BBH’ but he doesn’t care anymore as long as they were not trying to hurt him it’s fine. They can talk about him online, say whatever they want because Baekhyun’s always there to protect him.

“Yah, Kim Jongdae, why are you smiling like an idiot there?” Jonghee said, while munching over her food.

“Nothing, I just remembered something.”

“Did Baekhyun propose to you?”

“What? No! What the hell are you thinking we’re together for four months!”

Jonghee just rolled her eyes.

“Anyway, Valentine’s Day is coming. What are your plans?”

“Nothing. We both agreed to just stay home and watch random movies, then order take out. The usual. It’s more intimate when there’s only the two of you instead of dating outside with all other couples. We just want to be alone. We’re saving the outside date for the summer vacation. Plus they have baseball practice in the morning.” Jongdae explained.

“What a hopeless romantic, but boring. You’re a boring couple.”

“Whatever. What about you and Junmyeon?”

“He reserved dinner in a fine dining restaurant outside of the town. Then before that, we’re going to have a road trip and maybe stop by the Lotte World if we still have time.”

“Ugh, very tiring.”

“At least it’s not boring.”

“Ours isn’t boring, it's just intimate.”

“Whatever, it's still boring.” Jonghee said, sticking her tongue out to tease her brother more.

—

Valentine’s Day came, Baekhyun and Jongdae agreed to meet around 4pm because their baseball coach is a single ass and didn’t know the importance of heart’s day. Baekhyun went home just to have a quick shower. It’s 3:40 when he finished fixing himself. He’s just going next door but today’s a special day for all couples so he really made sure that he looks good. He’s just wearing comfy clothes, cream colored long sleeve tee, beige cargo pants and he partnered it with white sneakers. He also dyed his hair blonde yesterday and Jongdae doesn’t know about it yet because they didn’t see each other the day before and he purposely didn’t send him a selca last night so his new hair color will be a surprise. He looked at himself in the mirror once again and when he felt content with how he looked, he grabbed his gift and went to Jongdae’s unit next door.

He punched in the code because yes, he already knew the code, he basically lives here by spending a lot of sleepovers here because it’s more comfortable than his own dorm. It’s neater and homey. He went straight to the kitchen and found Jongdae there sitting on one of the bar stools by the mini bar counter, reading his book as usual with his back facing him. 

Jongdae’s just wearing a white long sleeves and his skin tight leather pants that really gives his round sexy ass a justice even when sitting down.

He tiptoed his way to his boyfriend who’s really focused on whatever he’s reading. What a concentration this guy has. When he’s near enough, he puts his arms around his waist and takes a peek at the book he’s reading right now. Which, of course, he didn’t waste his time asking about because ugh! bookworm stuff.

“Hey there, pretty. Happy Valentine's Day dear~” Baekhyun whispered in Jongdae’s ear, which really made the latter startled. He almost fell from the stool if not for Baekhyun’s arms around his waist.

“What the fuck, are you gonna give me a heart attack Byun?” Jongdae exclaimed, which made Baekhyun chuckle.

“Happy Valentine's Day to me too. You’re so grumpy.”

“I am not grumpy. You really just startled me. You suddenly appeared there. I didn’t even hear the door unlocked. But whatever. Happy Valentine's Day, puppy.” Jongdae whined, but still greeted Baekhyun with a kiss on his pouting lips and it immediately made Baekhyun smile like an idiot.

“So, what’s our agenda today?” Baekhyun asked.

“Should we do what we agreed upon? Or you want to go out?”

“Nah, All couples planned to go out today, it's not so private at all. Let’s proceed to our plan then.” Jongdae said, leading Baekhyun to his bedroom where he set up a projector so they could use the white wall as their big screen.

“Wow, you got this ready huh? What should we order then?”

“It’s still early for dinner but I’d like some Chinese food. I already popped some popcorn for us to share in the microwave. It should be done by now. Wait, I’ll just go and get it.” Jongdae answered and was about to go out but Baekhyun pulled him by his arm, making him fall on Baekhyun’s lap. This guy just loves doing this to him.

“Hey, calm down we’re not in a rush. Just sit down here with me first. I have something to give you.” Baekhyun whispered in Jongdae’s ear.

“Ah right I have a present for you too.”

“Oh please, I hope you didn’t buy something expensive because I totally don’t have anything that can beat your present right now.” Baekhyun said, a little whiny but still smiling.

“Why? Is there a competition here of whose gift is more expensive? You know I would appreciate anything that you would give me right? I mean, I am totally fine without a present but you made an effort to give me one and that’s what really counts. Come on, I know it would be great.” Jongdae said, kissing the tip of Baekhyun’s nose.

“Okay.”

Jongdae got his gift for Baekhyun inside his drawer. It was a long rectangular box. 

“Go on dear, open it.” Jongdae said, excitedly.

Baekhyun unwrapped the box and saw a very expensive necklace inside. It was a silver necklace with a B pendant in it. It was just a simple necklace but it’s obviously expensive just by looking at it. The pendant is made up of diamond studs and it was obviously personalized. It’s not too bright to look at but it was really beautiful.

“Wow, Dae, you really didn’t have to buy this kind of present. This looks so expensive.”

“It’s not. It’s only 30 dollars. Those studs were fake.” Jongdae lied, shrugging his shoulders.

Baekhyun looked at Jongdae, obviously not believing him. He appreciated it but it’s too expensive and he felt really bad because his own present is so lame.

“Okay fine, it’s 3,000 dollars.” Jongdae admitted and it made Baekhyun’s eyes wide.

“What?? Ohmygod! Oh God, Dae, I don’t think I can accept this. It was too expensive, dear. Hey, baby, I really appreciate this but I would feel really bad to accept this.” Baekhyun said, giving back the box and the necklace.

“Did I go overboard?” Jongdae asked.

“Well, yeah.” Baekhyun said, nodding.

“I’m sorry, it’s okay if you don’t want it.”

“Hey, what are you saying? I want it. I really do. But I don’t think I should get it.”

“Yes, you should because it’s my gift for you.”

Baekhyun sighed.

“Okay. I’ll get it and I will really take care of this. Thank you. I love you.” Baekhyun said, kissing Jongdae on his lips.

“I love you.” Jongdae said, his mouth acting faster than his mind.

“What?” Baekhyun asked in surprise.

“What?” Jongdae asked too, surprised that those words came out of his mouth as if it’s natural for him to say it.

“You said, you love me.” 

“I said, I love you?”

“Yes, you just said it again.”

“Oh maybe I do?”

“You’re not sure?”

Jongdae is unable to answer.

“Hey dear, it’s okay. You don’t have to force it out. You really don’t need to say it. I can feel it.” Baekhyun said, fully understanding his boyfriend’s feelings. “Anyway. Please don’t laugh at my gift. This is truly nothing compared to what you just gave me. Promise me you won’t throw this.”

“Why would I throw it? Are you insane?”

“I just found my gift really lame after I saw yours. This was really noth—“ Baekhyun rambled on but Jongdae snatched the small gift from his hands already and opened it.

“Is this a keychain?” Jongdae asked curiously.

“Oh God! Please, it was really embarrassing!”

“Oh, and a bracelet!” Jongdae exclaimed happily and took it out of the plastic wrapper and wore it. He saw Baekhyun’s arm wearing the same bracelet. It was a black braided rope black bracelet with a small metal dangling  at the end of it. “Wow, it's a couple bracelets!” He grabbed Baekhyun’s hand to see it together and his reaction was so cute when he found out that it was magnetic. The metals attracted each other the moment he held Baekhyun’s hand. “It was so cute, dear. I love it. Thank you. I really appreciate it. My gift was nothing compared to these romantic bracelets.”

“Hey, don’t leave out the keychain.” Baekhyun said, smiling because of the happy smile on Jongdae’s face.

“Oh, sorry. I was too engrossed about the bracelet. Wait, what is this? A cassette tape shaped keychain? Why a cassette tape?” Jongdae asked.

“Look at those barcodes at the back. Do you have a Spotify app on your phone?” Baekhyun explained, excited about Jongdae’s reaction about the little keychain.

“Yeah, I do have it, why?” Jongdae asked curiously.

“You little bookworm, you really don’t know what’s happening outside your books. Open your app then scan that little barcode.” Baekhyun instructed and Jongdae complied, curious about it. A playlist of his favorite songs appeared suddenly.

“Wow! These are my favorite songs, Baek! I love listening to these songs when I’m reviewing!”

“I know, that’s why I customized it. I also added some of my favorite songs there and some songs I especially dedicated to you.”

“I really love it Baek, your gifts, they were really great! I love all of it! Now mine only has the ‘value’ but yours have all the sentimental ones.” Jongdae expressed his gratitude for all the simple gifts but they were very memorable and romantic. “Who would have thought that the famous playboy of this university is hiding romantic bones inside?” He teased his boyfriend but Baekhyun just shrugged it off.

“Too bad, they wouldn’t be able to see that, because it was only reserved for my dear.” Baekhyun said, sneaking another kiss on Jongdae’s lips.

“But thank you. Really. I love them.”

“You’re always welcome baby.”

Jongdae closed the gap between them and gave Baekhyun a very passionate kiss, pouring out all the emotions that he’s feeling right now.

They only pull back from each other when things are getting sinful already.

“Let’s save it for later. I think I can give you another present because you deserve it.” Jongdae whispered against Baekhyun’s swollen and wet lips.

“Then I won’t say no to that present.” 

—

“Oh, fuck Baek! How are you so big? I’m really proud of myself for taking it so well. Ahh! Right there baby! Fuck!” Jongdae continued blabbering as he took Baekhyun whole in his ass.

Baekhyun grabbed the bottle of lube and poured some more on his dick when he pulled out before thrusting back in, making Jongdae moan really loud. He flipped Jongdae over without pulling out completely and now Jongdae’s taking him on all fours. He felt that spongy little thing inside Jongdae and he knew he nailed it because the latter wailed louder when he hit it.

“Ahh! Baekhyun I think I’m gonna cum! Please, harder! Ahh!!”

“Hey, you’re so loud. Aren’t you afraid that our neighbor might hear you?”

“N-no! Ah fuck! I— I had this room s-

soundproofed. Fuck, you’re so good Baek! I’m almost there!”

“M-me too baby. Fuck! Look at your tiny little hole, it expands really well when I’m pushing in.” 

Only the sounds of their moans, the creaking of the bed, their constant panting and the slapping of their skin could be heard in the room.

Jongdae couldn’t help but scream loudly when he came. Everytime they have sex, Baekhyun is giving him the best orgasm he never thought he could ever experience. It was always mind blowing.

Baekhyun continued pumping in and out of Jongdae chasing his own high. He kissed the younger man down his neck, sucking little love bites and Jongdae’s thankful that Valentine’s Day fell in February and it’s still the winter season. He could go out wearing a turtleneck without being teased by his friends and sister.

When Baekhyun finally came, he fell over Jongdae making the other groan.

“Aww! Baek, get off, you’re so heavy.” Jongdae whined but laughed heartily.

Instead of getting off of Jongdae, Baekhyun put on more of his weight on the former just to tease him.

“Yah! Stop it, you're going to crush me!”

Baekhyun snickered and got off of Jongdae anyway, after giving him another kiss on his lips. He went straight to the bathroom and threw the used condom in the trash bin then went to clean himself and a wet towel to clean up Jongdae too.

“Hey Baek.” Jongdae called when Baekhyun dove into the sheets again, after cleaning them up.

“Hm?” Baekhyun hummed with his face buried in Jongdae’s nape. He just loves being the big spoon between them.

“I think I’m already sure about it.” Jongdae said and Baekhyun was confused about what he was saying.

“Sure about what?”

“What I said earlier.” 

“You said, so many things earlier?” Baekhyun said, still unsure about what his boyfriend was talking about.

“The three words. I think it’s not just a slip of my tongue. I think I’m really in love with you already.” Jongdae confessed. He turned around in Baekhyun’s hold to see his eyes and his reaction. “I love you Baek.” He repeated.

Baekhyun softly smiled at him. If only hearts in the eyes were real, that would be the emotion in Baekhyun’s eyes right now.

“I love you too.” Baekhyun said, placing a soft kiss on his forehead.

“Do you want to meet my parents Baek?”

“I would love to. But am I worth it? Would they like me?”

“They would love you. My mom’s a softie for handsome boys.”

“And your dad?”

“Well, he punches the handsome boys.”

“Now, I’m scared.”

“I’m just kidding. Both my parents are warm and welcoming. They were the best parents that you could ever have. You have nothing to worry about.”

“Okay then. I’ll meet them.”

“In summer, Jonghee and I, we're going home. I think that’s the best time to meet my whole family. You can spend the whole summer with us if you want to.”

“That sounds good. But can we just stay there for a month? I want you to meet my family too. Let’s spend the remaining time in my childhood home.”

“Okay. I would love to meet your family too. Will they like me?”

“Like'' is an understatement. My parents are very welcoming by nature.”

“Aren’t we going too fast, Baek? We’ve only been dating for four months and now we’re arranging the meet the parents stage already.”

“I don’t think so. By the time we meet each other’s parents we’re already 8 months together, so I think it’s okay. And I don’t doubt my feelings for you anymore.”

“Okay.” Jongdae said, kissing Baekhyun again. 

It was another heated make out session and they ended up making love for another round.

—

“Ooh, someone had it good on Valentine’s Day.” Jonghee teased upon entering her brother’s unit the next day.

“What?” Jongdae asked.

“I said, someone had—“

“Yeah, I heard what you said, I mean what are you talking about?”

“Bro, you had a hickey on your jaw, you’re wearing a turtleneck but you didn’t check yourself properly. You should've at least used a concealer for that, I’m not really interested about what you and Baek have done last night. And God! Please disinfect the bed, I can’t sleep on that bed anymore.”

“Who told you to sleep here anyway?”

“Me.”

“What if I said no?”

“I’m calling Mom.”

“Brat. You haven’t even paid for the bags and dresses you purchased using my card yet. You’re draining my pockets.”

“You love me.”

“I’m starting to think twice about that right now.”

“You still love me. Anyway, tell me, what happened yesterday? Well, what happened yesterday, I mean aside from banging each other?”

“Why would I tell you?”

“Because you love me.”

“Stop making that ‘you love me’ line, it won't work anymore. If only I had a choice I would really choose not to love you.”

“Aww. You’re really hurting my feelings right now Kim Jongdae.”

“And you’re really ruining my mood right now.”

“Now, you’re being grumpy, why? Did Baek fail to give you an orgasm?”

“Oh please! Stop talking about my sex life!”

“It’s not like I wanted to talk about it too. I just thought it was something like that because you’re too grumpy.”

“I’m grumpy because you’re here again, ruining my date with my book.”

“Come on, don’t be a killjoy. Anyway, I was here because Mom called and she’s confirming if we’re going home in the summer.”

“Yeah, Baek will be joining us. I’m going to introduce him to Mom and Dad.”

“Wow, it's the parents' stage already huh? What’s next? Getting down on one knee stage?”

“What? No, I just want them to formally meet Baekhyun. I’m already talking about him to them when they’re calling. We’ll stay at our home for a month and then the next month, he’ll be bringing me to his childhood home too.”

“Wow, so you two were getting serious huh? Who would’ve thought that the famous playboy of the university is getting serious with the most introverted person to ever exist?”

“That’s what I thought too.”

Suddenly, the door opened and Baekhyun went inside unannounced. He just got out of practice.

“Oh, hi Jonghee! I didn’t know you’d come here.” Baekhyun greeted Jonghee.

“Uhh, I always come here? This is my brother’s place as far as I could remember?” Jonghee answered, confusedly.

“Right. Hi there, pretty.” Baekhyun said, giving Jongdae a sweet kiss.

“Wow, right in front of my salad.” Jonghee said, rolling her eyes at the couple.

“How’s your practice dear?” Jongdae asked.

“Uhm, good. I think we’re gonna nail it at the next game.”

“You think? You know even if you don’t win this game I would still be proud of you right?” 

“Yeah, I know. But I need to win this to retain my scholarship baby.” Baekhyun smiled, giving Jongdae another breathtaking kiss.

“Ehrm. I’m still here?” Jonghee said, feeling violated, but none of the lovers stopped kissing. “Well, if the two of you are planning to have sex in front of me, then I am sorry, I’m not really a fan of voyeurism.” She continued, dialing on her phone.

“Hi, Mom. I just want to let you know that Kim Jongdae, my beloved twin, decided to abandon me in favor of ma— aww! don’t pinch me, you moron! And now, he’s assaulting me, help Mom, I’m being abused by your own son! Let go of my arms, you idiot! Aww! Mom, he’s hurting me!” Jonghee complained to their Mom on the phone while trying to keep her phone out of Jongdae’s reach.

Baekhyun just laughed at the twins' bantering.

“Hey, Mom! Yes, we’re going there this summer. I’m bringing Baekhyun with me. Don’t mind Jonghee’s blabbering, she’s just jealous, her boyfriend’s not with her right now and Mom, please pay for her bags and dresses charged to my credit card. Okay Mom, bye. We love you.” Jongdae said, when he finally got Jonghee’s phone and ended the call.

“Kim Jongdae. I’m gonna make your life a living hell.” Jonghee said, glaring at her brother.

“Oh, you wouldn’t. Come on, let’s go. Let’s all have dinner together. It’s on me.” Jongdae said, making Jonghee’s eyes light up. “And there she goes, stars in the eyes. Let’s go dear.” Jongdae said, pulling Baekhyun up from his seat.

Oh, well, I guess I won’t mind being the third wheel if it meant free dinner.” Jonghee said, and Jongdae just rolled his eyes.

—

Baekhyun is pacing back and forth in front of  Jongdae inside his dorm room and the latter was just sitting on the couch and following him with his eyes.

“Okay, Baek, that’s it! You’re gonna stop pacing back and forth now because you’re making me dizzy!” Jongdae said, kinda irritated.

“Sorry dear. I was just so nervous. This would be our last game for this semester and it was just— I’m so— ugh! damn it! I can’t even find the right word for it! Terrified? Scared?”

Time flew so fast, it seems yesterday it was February, Valentine’s Day and now it’s already the last week of April, next week it’s already May, and their last semester as juniors will finally be over in a month.

“Would you calm down first babe?”

“Sorry. It was our first time going against this oh so great ‘unbeatable’ school and of all the times that they could be our competitor, it would be today! The last game of the school year. You know I could lose my athletic scholarship if we lost today right? This fucking expensive university doesn’t make any sense. We can lose all other games just not the last one for the school year or else we’ll lose our scholarship? What kind of fucking rule is that? I can’t afford to lose my scholarship, Dae you know that. Even if my parents can afford paying this shit, I won’t let them because this corrupt school charges too much. A quarter million dollar tuition? Where the fuck do they spend that fortune?”

“Hey, relax. You won’t lose this game okay? And don't be so overdramatic. You won’t lose the scholarship right away. You just need to get an A plus to make up for the scholarship.”

“Baby, that was an A plus. Only you can do it.”

“When did you become so pessimistic, Byun Baekhyun? Like you said, I can do it, so if ever you lose the game, I am here. I’ll help you get the A plus grade.”

“Really? You would do that for me?”

“Of course. I would do anything for you.”

“You wanna know something?”

“Yeah, what is it?”

“I love you so much.”

“Cheesy, but I love you too and I believe you can do it. You won’t have to get an A-plus because you can nail that game okay? If ever you need inspiration, just look for me. I’ll be around.

“Thank you baby.”

“You’re always welcome dear.” Jongdae said, kissing Baekhyun lovingly.

—

Baekhyun was so nervous. They were on offensive for the last inning. It was their weakest spot. Their team’s hitter got injured during the game while running for his life to reach a base before the opponent team gets the ball. Obviously, they lost that part already when Youngchul got injured in the middle of running and the substitute hitter is new and they can only rely on him now. If they were going to be honest now, they don’t trust him enough because his hands were currently shaking and he looked scared as fuck. They were internally panicking now. They can’t put him in there or they will lose. Their opponent is ahead by a few points. If they will become the offensive team now, they need a home run in order to win this game. It was a really close one. 

“I’ll do it.” Baekhyun volunteered.

Their coach looked at him and smiled. If there is one player he can put all his trust in right now. It’s Baekhyun. He knew that when Baekhyun wants it, he will do everything to make it. He’s not yet tried being the hitter ever in his three years of playing for this school (and that scared him as fuck)  but he’s a really good runner and all his teammates know that. They only have to trust him on this. All they need is a home run and they will win this.

Chanyeol looked at him with concern but Baekhyun’s scholarship is on the line. He knows Baekhyun so well and when Baekhyun wants it. Baekhyun gets it. 

Jongdae was so surprised from the audience area when he saw Baekhyun holding the bat. He will stand as the hitter. Fuck. Baekhyun looks so hot holding a bat. Oh, stop daydreaming Jongdae! You have to support your boyfriend, not ogle at him.

Baekhyun stood on his position with a game face on. He’s nervous, but he needed to do it for the sake of his teammates’ and his own scholarship. Fuck this university. He can hear all the buzzing from the audience. Everyone is quite shocked seeing him holding the bat.

He looked around the audience area and he saw his boyfriend with an encouraging smile towards him and he already knew he could do it.

He positioned and focused on the ball. He already tried hitting a ball once in practice but it’s just not his forte. He’s a pitcher, so he would know what kind of pitching his opponent will throw. All he has to do is hit the ball and run for his life towards home.

The pitcher threw the ball and he swung his bat and hit it perfectly. He threw the bat and made a run for it. The voice of the announcer is annoying him like crazy but he ran and kept running while watching the fielders trying to catch the ball he hit. He was almost there. Just a few more steps Baekhyun, you can do it. For your teammates, for yourself. For Jongdae.

It was so close. He saw one of the fielders from the opponent is going to catch his ball so he jumped with all his might just to hit homerun and he didn’t know what happened after that because all he could hear was the roaring of the audience and his loud heartbeats. Did he make it? What now? Did they win the game?

The next thing he knew his teammates were lifting him up and cheering for him. So he did make it? Jongdae suddenly appeared in front of him when his teammates put him down again. He gave him a bone crushing hug while crying.

“Are you okay? Aren’t you hurt? Yah! Answer me.”

“I— I’m fine. D-Did I make it?”

“Idiot. Yes, you just brought history to an unbeatable team.”

“Oh, God. I made it. I kept our scholarships. I can make it to senior year. Fuck! I really made it.” Baekhyun said, still trying to sink in what just happened.

“Yes dear, you made it. And I am so proud of you.” Jongdae whispered while he’s still hugging Baekhyun. He didn’t care about the eyes looking at them right now. He’s just too happy that Baekhyun is not injured anywhere.

Baekhyun pushed him away from the hug and cupped his face and closed the gap between them with a very passionate kiss. Everyone watching them screamed and Jongdae could also hear his sister’s squealing from the cheering squad. This was the first time Baekhyun kissed someone publicly after a championship game.

“I’ve always wanted to do that.” Baekhyun said, smiling at Jongdae after kissing him publicly. Jongdae just punched him on his chest playfully because he almost made out with him in public. “Thank you for believing in me dear. I love you.” Baekhyun whispered in his ear as he hugged Jongdae tight.

“You’re welcome. Always. I love you Baek.”

Jongdae wished that if this was a dream, he didn’t want to wake up at all. He just wanted to be happy like this.

“Yo, lovers, the show’s over, stop displaying your affection publicly. We already get it. You’re in love.” Chanyeol bitterly called them out.

“You’re just jealous because Kyungsoo rejected you.” Baekhyun said, sticking his tongue out playfully to his best friend and it made Jongdae, snickering. Chanyeol was about to punch Baekhyun but the latter hid himself behind Jongdae to hide. Jongdae just sighed and shook his head at the best friends.

“Hey, you guys should go ahead, I still have to wait for Jonghee.”

“Okay, I’ll pick you up later at 7pm.” Baekhyun said.

“For what?”

“Victory party. At Chanyeol’s place.”

“Uhh, I don’t know. Should I go? There’d be many people.”

“Come on, please do it for me? Please?” Baekhyun said, pouting and Jongdae’s weak for Baekhyun’s pout.

Jongdae sighed. “Fine, but we’ll go if I feel uncomfortable. Is that okay?”

“Deal. I’ll see you later?” Baekhyun agreed and Jongdae nodded. 

Baekhyun kissed him on his forehead before finally going with Chanyeol towards the locker room.

Jongdae went on his way to Jonghee who’s sitting by the bleachers waiting for him.

“Wow. That was one hell of a championship kiss from the hottest guy in the university. How lucky.” Jonghee greeted and Jongdae blushed.

“Stop it, I didn’t expect him to kiss me in public too.”

“I know. Who actually knows what Baekhyun was thinking right? But for the record, everyone was now officially jealous of you Mr. Kim. I suddenly want a kiss from my boyfriend too right now.”

“Junmyeon is graduating this year, have you talked to him about it yet?”

“No, not yet. But I’m really sad about him leaving. It would be really hard for the both of us once he graduated because we all know he’s going to manage their company in the US.”

“So, how are you feeling about that?”

“Should I break up with him, oppa?”

“Should you? Can’t you make it work?”

“I’m scared.”

“I know. Come here.” Jongde said, opening his arms for his sister. “I hope you know that whatever you decide, I’ll always be here for you. You always come first. It may not always look like that, but you’re always my number 1 priority.”

“I know. I am so lucky to have you as my twin brother slash best friend. I love you bro.” Jonghee said while hugging Jongdae.

“I love you too sis.”

—

Right on the dot, Baekhyun’s already in Jongdae’s living room waiting for his boyfriend to finish dressing up. 

Jongdae came out of his room, wearing a black baseball cap (Baekhyun’s gift for him for their six month anniversary), a dark blue bomber jacket and a plain white shirt inside and ripped black jeans that hugs his thighs and ass in the right places.

“Hey, do I look okay dear?” he asked Baekhyun, who’s just looking at him from head to toe. He’s afraid that he overdressed. He’s not a party guy, so he didn’t really know what and what not to wear in a party. Baekhyun is wearing a simple gray hoodie, a black leather pants, and his not so gold rimmed glasses. 

 looked so perfect and handsome, especially in his currently blonde hair. Jongdae thinks he could kneel down in front of him and give him the best head of his life.

Erase those dirty thoughts Kim! You’re being disgusting.

“You looked perfect dear, I almost asked for your number again.”

“You didn’t ask for my number, my sister asked for yours.”

“Then I’ll delete it and ask.”

“You’re being silly. Come on, let’s go.” Jongdae said and Baekhyun just followed him with a smile on his face.

—

Jongdae suddenly felt scared after seeing the sea of people inside Chanyeol’s house.

“Baek, do I really have to do this?” Jongdae asked, holding on to Baekhyun’s arms.

“You don’t have to if you don’t want to. Dear, we can just go home if you’re uncomfortable.”

“N-no. This is for your victory, I think I can do this.”

“You don’t have to force yourself.”

“No Baek, I am not. I want to, I’m just unsure if I can.”

“Okay, here’s the deal, we can just stay there for half an hour and we’ll go home, fair enough?”

“Deal. Hey, I’m sorry.”

“No dear, it’s okay. There’s no need to be sorry.”

“You know, I hate myself for being like this.”

“It’s okay. I understand.” Baekhyun said, smiling at him. How can he be so lucky to have Baekhyun in his life?

“Aren’t you getting tired Baek?” Jongdae asked after a few minutes of silence.

“Getting tired of what?”

“Of my attitude.”

“Never. Come on, let’s go in. I’ll never leave your side, I promise.” Baekhyun said, pulling Jongdae inside Chanyeol’s place. He’s really lucky to have someone like Baekhyun in his life right now. He’s the sunshine in all his darkness. If there is one thing that he surely did right, that would be loving Baekhyun.

The party was going great and Chanyeol’s place was great too. Apparently, this was his parents’ house. It was really huge and had so many rooms. Like promised, Baekhyun never left Jongdae’s side. Jongdae didn’t know so many people here, so he tried his best not to leave him all alone. They already played with Baekhyun’s friends but when they asked to transfer to the pool area, Baekhyun didn’t join them anymore, because there were more people in there and he’s afraid that it might trigger Jongdae’s panic attack, so they stayed in the living room.

“Hey dear. You can go and mingle with your friends. I’ll be fine here.” Jongdae said, getting his attention. Baekhyun was just looking around and chatting to some people who congratulated him for snatching another win for their school.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. Just keep your phone. I’m gonna call you if I’m getting uncomfortable. You should enjoy tonight, it’s your victory after all.”

“Okay, just call me if you want to go home already.”

“Yeah, sure.”

Baekhyun kissed Jongdae’s temple before going out towards the pool area where most of his friends were playing.

He was focused on finding his teammates when he bumped into someone and that someone spilled her drink on her dress.

“Ohmygod! I am so sorr— Seulgi?” Baekhyun said, looking at the girl in front of him. He can’t be mistaken. This is Seulgi. The infamous Kang Seulgi, his first heartbreak, the one who got his heart crushed into pieces.

“Baekhyun? W-what are you doing here?”

“This is my team’s party, I should be asking you that.”

“Your team, you mean you’re one of the b—“

“Cut to the chase Seulgi, what are you doing here?”

“Well, I was going to transfer here next school year so, my friend dragged me and invited me to go here, you know, for first hand experience at parties around here. So baseball huh?”

“We’re not friends. No need for pleasantries.”

“You’re still mad at me.”

“Who wouldn’t? You just left me hanging because your parents do not want me to be with you? You didn’t even think twice, you just left like I wasn’t an important part of your life.”

“I’m sorry. I had no choice! My parents wanted me to transfer schools if I would not break up with you. And I can’t do that. I can’t lose you completely like that. They would cut all my ties with you if I would not break up with you. I felt fine when we broke up because I am not transferred to another school. I still had the chance to see you until you graduated high school. I was young and didn't have any choice. Do you think that was easy for me? I suited myself just looking from afar, even if I am going crazy and wanted to hug and kiss you so badly. I saw how miserable you’ve been and I felt the same. I truly loved you Baek, they just left me without choice. If it was hard for you, then it was harder for me, seeing you very devastated, mad and unhappy. I hated seeing you come back to being the loner that you were because I am not there anymore to bother and talk to you. If it’s painful for you then I felt twice knowing that I was the reason for your sadness.” Seulgi explained. Baekhyun was so shocked hearing the real reason why Seulgi left him without formally breaking up with him. He always thought that she just didn’t love him enough to fight for them. 

“I am really sorry Baekhyun. If only I could turn back time, I would and I will make everything right. We were so young and unable to handle complications in life back then. I am sorry if I hurt you. I am sorry for making you cry. I’m sorry if that was the only way to keep you even from afar.” Seulgi said, and Baekhyun felt like he’s going to go crazy if he hears more of her apologies. He didn’t want any more of it because he finally found out the whole truth about their unofficial break up. He made up his own conclusion and made Seulgi the coward when all she does is fight for them from afar without having to lose her family too. 

“I— I don’t—“ Baekhyun can’t even finish a whole sentence. He just can’t find the right words to tell her. He felt a single tear escaping his eye. Why does he feel like this? He felt confused all of a sudden. He shouldn’t feel like this. He’s already moved on. He already has Jongdae and he’s in love with him. He turns his back against her and finds his way back to Jongdae. He even heard her call his name but he didn’t bother looking back. He’s afraid he might do something he will regret, not only tonight but for the rest of his life. Come running back into her arms. He can’t do that. That will crush Jongdae. He can’t hurt him. He was so mad at Seulgi for breaking his heart. He didn’t want to do the same to Jongdae.

When he’s back inside, he saw Jongdae still sitting on the couch, looking at something on his phone while sipping his beer. There’s a couple making out beside him but he didn’t give a fuck on them and just entertained himself by looking at his phone. Now that is the boy that he loves. He wiped the tears that fell from his eyes after that encounter with Seulgi and went straight towards Jongdae and gave him a breathtaking kiss. His boyfriend was obviously surprised at what he just did but kissed him back anyway.

“Hey, what was that for?” Jongdae asked, once they pulled away from the kiss.

“I missed you, that's all.” 

“You were gone for minutes, and you already missed me? You’re impossible. How could you live without me then?” Jongdae teased.

“I wouldn’t. You wouldn’t be able to escape me Kim.” Baekhyun smirked, but deep inside he felt so guilty because of the confusion he felt after talking to his ex.

“Too confident, Byun. Anyway, I thought you were finding your friends?”

“Changed my mind. Let’s just go home. I feel  suffocated with the people around here.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah, I’m sure.” Baekhyun answered, unable to look straight into Jongdae’s eyes.

“Are you okay dear?”

“Y-yes. Just the beer maybe? I’m a lightweight and I already had three bottles. Tired too.”

“Okay, let’s go home then.”

Baekhyun was quiet the whole way home. Jongdae didn’t bother him, thinking it must be the alcohol. Little did he know that Baekhyun’s not really drunk but thinking about a certain someone from his past. His first love.

“Hey, do you want to stay over for the night?” Jongdae asked as soon as they arrived right in front of Jongdae’s dorm room.

“Nah, you still have an early class tomorrow. I want to sleep as much as I want since I am already exempt for the next classes and the finals.”

“Lucky you, just going to sleep in until next week while I cram for next week’s finals.”

“You? Cramming? Impossible. I bet you already know the answers for senior year's final exam.” Baekhyun teased and he got a playful punch from his boyfriend.

“Goodnight dear. You’re gonna come over tomorrow right?”

“Of course. You want me to fetch you from your classes?”

“Nah, just come over here, or I’ll miss you.” 

“Cheesy. Goodnight then.” Baekhyun said with a smile on his face. He was about to proceed to his own unit when Jongdae called him. He was so occupied with his thoughts that he forgot to kiss Jongdae goodnight.

“Baekhyun.”

“What?”

“I love you. Good night.” Jongdae said, before finally closing his door, not waiting for Baekhyun’s response. He held his chest as soon as he closed the door. His heart is overflowing with his feelings for his boyfriend, he didn’t know that he could fall for someone like this. Like his heart wants to explode and give his boyfriend the love that he deserves. He almost squealed like a teenage girl after the first date with her crush. Ah the effect of the beer in his system. He feels like he falls for Baekhyun deeper as each day passes by.

Baekhyun on the other hand, felt more guilty about feeling confused about his own feelings between Jongdae and his ex. After seeing that happy face of Jongdae expressing his love for him. He knows he loves Jongdae but the question in his mind right now is how much? Does he love him as much as he loved Seulgi back in high school? He felt confused because it felt like all the feelings for Seulgi that he tried to get rid of during his entire college life suddenly came back. Especially now that Seulgi explained everything to him. 

She’s going to transfer to this school next year. He’ll be in his senior year and Seulgi will be in her junior year. They would probably see each other more often next school year. How will he act around her? If his feelings for Seulgi suddenly come back, how about Jongdae? He can’t just hurt him like that. Not when he knows that Jongdae is going to be crushed if he found out that in one meeting and one explanation from his ex, his feelings for her suddenly reappeared back in the scene as if he never really moved on for the past 3 years after their break up. He knows he loves Jongdae and he can’t hurt him. He didn’t deserve to get hurt like that. He promised he wouldn’t hurt him.  He can’t afford to see Jongdae coming back to his old self.

Jongdae’s still shy and unsociable but he saw improvement. Little by little he’s opening himself up to people, especially to people close to Baekhyun. He’s making all the effort to prove that he deserves to be a part of the athlete’s life, but did he deserve to be one in Jongdae’s life? He’s already screwing it up by being confused about his feelings for him. He didn’t want to think that he just made Jongdae a rebound because he’s not. He loves him but his past lover’s apology kept bugging his mind. He fell asleep from too much thinking.

He woke up feeling someone threading his fingers through his hair. He opened his eyes and saw Jongdae sitting beside him on the bed reading a book while playing with his hair.

“Hey.. don’t you have classes? You’re early.” he said in a groggy voice. Jongdae looked at him and smiled.

“Hey, my classes got canceled so I decided to just come over here. Did I wake you up? Sorry. I just really like your hair in this color.” 

“No. It actually felt good, I want to fall asleep again.”

“Then sleep some more. You deserve it.”

“Cuddle me?” Baekhyun requested.

Jongdae put his book down the bedside table, laid beside Baekhyun and cuddled him.

“Dae.”

“Hm?”

“Can you promise me something?”

“What promise?”

“Whatever happens, always remember that what I’m feeling for you is true okay?”

“Why? Are you doubting your feelings for me now?”

“No, I just… I don’t know. I had a dream just now, we broke up and you thought I never loved you but that’s not true because I do. I still do, do you believe me Dae?” Baekhyun lied about the dream but it was just him still being confused about his encounter with Seulgi.

“Of course, I believe you. It was just a dream, it's not true and we do not know what will happen in the future and if we will really end up together but okay I will promise to remember that.”

“Thank you dear.” Baekhyun said, giving Jongdae a kiss on his collarbone.

—

Summer vacation came and they were now preparing to meet Jongdae’s parents. Baekhyun is so nervous. Over the past week he tried forgetting about Seulgi and because of Jongdae, he eventually got rid of her in his thoughts. It’s like back to normal. It’s just him and Jongdae again.

Baekhyun just got out of the shower but he’s already sweating because of the nervousness. He’s at Jongdae’s unit right now because he spent the night there last night. He’s choosing what to wear for the meeting in Jongdae’s closet because most of his clothes are already in there for spending way too much time there. Jongdae’s family  were very rich so he should look rich too. Well, he’s rich but not as rich as Jongdae’s family. Should he wear something semi-formal? Casual? 

“Hey baby, what’s taking you so long there? We’ll be late.” Jongdae said, peeking inside his own room to check on Baekhyun.

“I don’t know what to wear.” Baekhyun said with a pout.

“You can wear a rag, my parents won’t mind.”

“But I really want to impress them. I want them to accept me as their future son-in-law.”

Jongdae sighed and came inside to help Baekhyun find something to wear. He pulled a white dress shirt and black slack pants and gave it to his boyfriend.

“Wear those. You look really handsome in a semi formal outfit. My mom will probably arrange a wedding date for us already if he sees you in those clothes.”

“Wow, now I am more nervous and pressured. I don’t have a ring yet. Thanks for helping babe.” Baekhyun said, sarcastically.

“I’m just kidding, don’t propose yet or I’ll strangle you right in front of them. She's just cool like that. I already told you, she’s weak for handsome boys.” Jongdae said as he helped Baekhyun wear the necklace he gave him on Valentine’s day.

“Kidding aside dear, do you want to marry me someday in the future?”

“Are you willing to commit to me if the time comes?”

“Of course dear. I love you and if the time comes I want to be the one who will get down on one knee and ask you to marry me.”

“Then yes, I would want to marry you in the future.”

“Wow. Did we just get engaged unofficially?”

“No, we just committed ourselves to each other.”

“I’m glad to commit myself to you my love. Anyway, how’s Jonghee? Did she stop crying already?” Baekhyun asked as he wore the clothes Jongdae gave him.

Jonghee chose to just break up with Junmyeon even before his graduation. She’s afraid of the long distance relationship. She didn’t want Junmyeon to think about her all the time while they were away from each other. The US and South Korea have a completely opposite time zone so she’s not sure if they were going to survive it anyway. 

“Yeah, she fell asleep on the couch. I can just carry her to the car if she won’t wake up before we go.”

“How’s Junmyeon taking it?”

“Kyungsoo said that Junmyeon was drinking last night and he silently cried himself to sleep too.” Jongdae answered.

“What about your relationship with him? He’s one of your best friends too, right?”

“Yeah, we’re fine. He texted me last night with an apology. It’s not like he really wanted to break my sister’s heart. It’s their mutual decision and I respect that. He understands that I will choose to be by her side in times like this. I told him to keep in touch at least with me.”

“Hey do I look okay?” Baekhyun changed the topic. He didn’t want to talk about break ups and exes right now. It’ll just spoil his day with Jongdae and his family.

“You look like you’re going to run for the elections. Don’t close all the buttons, open the first two buttons.” Jongdae said, opening Baekhyun’s first two buttons. He also fixed the tuck in. “You look so hot now, dear. I love it. I’m sure my parents would love you.” he praised his lover and gave him a peck on his lips.

“Yah! Aren’t you two done yet? Are you fucking? I told you guys to be sensitive now that I’m here!” They heard Jonghee yell from outside the room.

“I thought she’s sleeping?” Baekhyun asked.

“She’s sleeping when I left her on the couch. Anyway, it’s better. I don’t want to carry her all the way down. Are you ready to go now?”

“Yeah, my things were already in your car.”

“Let’s go then, before my bitter sister explodes.” Jongdae jokes and that had Baekhyun laughing. Jonghee is already a handful when she’s fine but she’s a real pain in the ass when she’s brokenhearted.

They all made sure that they haven’t left anything before finally going. Jongdae drove towards their hometown with Baekhyun in the shotgun seat. They tried so hard not to show some affection while Jonghee’s at the back because they don’t want to be labeled as insensitive to bitter people. They can’t even hold hands even if Baekhyun’s hand is already itching to hold Jongdae’s hand that was just sitting on top of his own thighs. 

“It’s okay you guys. You can hold hands. I know you’re itching to do it already. I’ll be fine here. Don’t mind me. I’ll be sleeping anyway. Just wake me up when we arrive home, okay?” Jonghee said and reclined her chair so she could lie down completely and sleep.

“I’m worried about her.” Jongdae said. He had always known his twin sister as a very cheery type of person. She’s not the type to show that she’s hurting or she’s sad. 

This is exactly the reason why he didn’t want to set her up with Junmyeon before. He knows that his friend is going to the US as soon as he graduates because he’ll be taking over their company branch in New York City. Seeing his sister like this, hurts him too, and makes him really worried about her. 

“I know. You know her, she’ll be fine soon. It’s normal after a break up. She might feel really devastated right now but she’ll move on.” Baekhyun assured his boyfriend.

“I hope so. I want my jolly twin sister back. I miss her.”

“She’ll be back soon. Stop worrying now.” Baekhyun said, kissing Jongdae’s free hand.

“Do you think I can bargain with my parents to let her continue her studies in New York?”

“I really admire you for being a great brother to Jonghee, I’m sure she really felt lucky to have you as her twin. But I think you have to talk to her about that first before going straight to your parents. Ask her about her thoughts first.”

“You think so?”

“Yeah.”

“Okay. I’ll talk to her if she’s already in the mood.”

—

They arrived at Kim's mansion after a few hours of driving. Baekhyun’s heart started racing because he's going to meet Jongdae’s parents anytime soon.

“Dae, I think I’m gonna throw up.” Baekhyun said, not wanting to remove the seat belt around him anymore.

“Relax, my parents are cool. I told you they’re gonna love you. They were already expecting to see you babe. I promise, I won’t let you down. If they won’t like then let’s just elope.” Jongdae said with a reassuring smile on his face.

“Whoa, elope? I think that was scarier. I mean, I love you and I would love you to be my end game but eloping, that was full of reponsibilit—“

“Hey calm down! I’m just kidding! I know we’re not ready for that yet, I was just saying that because I am sure that won’t happen because my parents are gonna love you.”

“Your house is so big, your family is hella rich. My family’s not poor and I can buy everything I want but not at this level. Aren’t they gonna write me a blank check as an exchange of your freedom?”

“Oh, come on Baek, we are not in a drama series okay? Come on, remove your seat belt now. I’m just gonna wake Jonghee up.”

When Jonghee was finally awake, they started getting all of their things out of the car. They weren’t even finished yet, when a beautiful woman probably in her late forties, wearing a very elegant dress came running towards them. She must be Mrs. Kim.

“Ohmy! My babies are here! Hey you guys, Mom missed you so much! Come on, I’ll just tell our helpers to do those things for you. I really miss you my babies!” The woman said, happily hugging and kissing Jongdae and Jonghee. Baekhyun was just standing there beside Jongdae as their mother greets them with lots of kisses.

“Mom, stop it, you’re embarrassing now.” Jongdae complained and Jonghee just laughed. Finally, a laugh from Jonghee. It was just a short laugh but still a laugh. She’s been frowning and crying all week. It’s a refreshing view at the very least.

“Oh, who’s this handsome boy? Mind introducing me to him honey?” Mrs. Kim said, pertaining to Baekhyun.

“Uhh, hi Ma’am. I am Byun Baekhyun. Jongdae’s boyfriend. It was very nice to finally meet you.” Baekhyun introduced himself and now he’s really nervous because Mrs. Kim is looking at him from head to toe.

“Mom, stop it! You’re scaring the hell out of him.” Jongdae said, knowing his mother very well.

“Aish! You’re ruining my moment!” Mrs. Kim playfully patted Jongdae's arm. “Well, since my little boy here already ruined my character, let me welcome you dear. Hi, I am Jongdae and Jonghee’s mom. It was so nice meeting you too Baekhyunee. Welcome to our humble abode.”

Baekhyun bowed in front of Jongdae’s mother again but she held him by his shoulders and gave him a hug and a kiss on both cheeks.

“You are really handsome dear, my son must be so in love with you. You know that he talks about you all the time? Now I know why. You’re really an eye candy my dear.” Mrs. Kim said that made Jongdae blush. Baekhyun chuckled and thanked the old lady with a grateful heart.

“Mom, please stop! You’ve embarrassed me a lot of times already.”

“Why, it’s true! You talk a lot about him. Anyway, come on in, your Dad’s already waiting for you. And by the way, Baekhyun, honey, call me Mom. You’re not welcome here if you call me Ma’am.”

Baekhyun’s eyes widened and looked at Jongdae who just rolled his eyes silently telling him to just go with his Mom’s antics.

“Are we clear here Baekhyun?” Mrs. Kim asked Baekhyun, looking intimidating.

“Y-yes, Mrs—I mean Mom.” Baekhyun said, completely spooked.

“Good, let’s go in.” Mrs. Kim said, going back to the sweetheart that she really is.

“Mom, stop roasting Baekhyun. He’s shaking.” Jonghee commented, pitying her brother’s boyfriend.

Jongdae held Baekhyun’s hand, to try and calm his boyfriend’s nerves. He’s whispering if Baekhyun wanted to back out already but Baekhyun just shook his head. 

A man in his late forties showed up in front of them too. He’s way more strict looking than Mrs. Kim and that got Baekhyun shaking even more.

“Oh there you are sweetheart, our twins just got home and they have a handsome company~” Mrs. Kim said, pulling Baekhyun with her.

Baekhyun bowed 45 degrees in front of the old man to show his respect.

“Sweetheart, this is Baekhyun our Jongdae’s boyfriend, Baekhyun honey, this is my husband, Jongdae’s dad.” She introduced the two.

“Wow, it’s nice to finally meet you Baekhyun. I heard a lot about you from our son. You’re really good looking in person. My son’s have great eyes.”

“Thank you Mr. Kim.” Baekhyun accepted the compliment gratefully.

“What? Did you just call me Mr. Kim? Then you’re not welcome here. Call me Dad.”

Oh well, they were spouses for a reason.

“O-okay. D-Dad.” Baekhyun said, feeling a little shy.

“Are you two done embarrassing the hell out of my boyfriend? Can I borrow him now?” Jongdae said, interrupting the three.

“Sure thing baby. Show him your room. I assume you’re gonna sleep together, because I didn’t have the maids clean up the guest room.” Mrs. Kim said, teasing her son.

“Mom!” Jongdae whined and it made Baekhyun chuckled.

“It’s alright babe, we’re not really gonna sleep separately right?” Baekhyun asked.

“No. It’s just so embarrassing because I definitely know what my Mom’s thinking right now.”

“What— oh.” Baekhyun said, smirking a little upon realizing what they were talking about.

In just a span of one day, Jongdae’s Mom and Dad seemed to treat Baekhyun like their own son too. Baekhyun is just too charming to resist.

They’ve already shown Baekhyun his baby pictures and all of his deepest, darkest secrets as a child. Jongdae’s Mom was busy helping the maids prepare their dinner while his Dad and Baekhyun were very engaged in talking about baseball, so Jongdae was left inside his room arranging their things and clothes. The door was left open so Jonghee managed to come in without having to knock—not that she really knocks— but yeah, she came in and just laid down on Jongdae’s bed.

“Hey, how are you feeling?” Jongdae asked, stopping whatever he’s doing to attend to his sister. He laid down beside her and she automatically wrapped her arms around her brother’s torso and buried her face on his chest.

“Not really well. But I'm trying to be well.” Jonghee answered in a sad voice.

“You really love him huh?”

“Oppa.”

“Hm?”

“The day I broke up with Junmyeon, he gave me a ring.” Jonghee confessed.

“He proposed?”

“No, it’s more of a promise ring than an engagement ring. He promised that he’ll wait for me.”

“And then?”

“I broke his heart. I said I couldn’t accept that because he didn’t need to wait for me. I don’t want him to wait for me. He should live his life and find someone else who could stay right by his side.”

“Idiot.”

“What? Why? I think I just did what’s best for him.”

“You don’t have a say of what’s best for him when he already knows that you’re the best for him. Sometimes we tend to say that it was for the best when deep inside we knew that it’s not. It will never be the best if we’re both hurting.”

“Since when did you become a love guru?”

“I’m not a love guru, I’m just stating the fact.”

“Okay. But what if it was you and Baekhyun? What would you have done?”

“I don’t really know. Baekhyun and I are different. But if I were at your place, and Baekhyun needs to go somewhere far away, maybe I’ll accept the ring and hold on to his promise. I trust him. If he promised, I would believe it. If he couldn’t wait, maybe we weren’t really meant for each other. It’s hard and painful but I think that’s way better than giving up on him even before trying it out.”

“I guess I’m really an idiot.”

“I would have to agree on that.”

Baekhyun was about to enter Jongdae’s room when he saw the twins cuddling up on the bed, so he took a few steps backwards to leave the two in their moment.

“Hey Baekhyun, what’s wrong?” Mr. Kim asked when he saw the younger man taking a few steps back when he’s supposed to enter Jongdae’s room.

“The twins are having their moment, don’t wanna ruin it.” Baekhyun answered and Mr. Kim took a peek to see his children cuddling up in bed and laughing at whatever they were talking about.

“Sorry about that, Jonghee, she’s just really clingy to her brother. They were each other’s half for a reason. I am so happy that we raised them like that, you know, close and loving.”

“Yeah, you and Mom raised them to be good people. They can buy anything they want but they aren't spoiled. I am quite jealous about their relationship. I wish I could confide in my brother easily like that.”

“So, you have a brother? Younger?”

“No, older. Way much older, that’s why he’s already too mature when I was just starting to grasp maturity. We have a  7-year gap. He was a good brother to me but you know, he’s way past my age so he kind of can’t relate to the problems of people my age. Plus he’s already married and building a family of his own, so he didn’t really have enough time for me anymore.”

“Oh, I get it, that must be really hard. Why don’t we talk some more while we’re waiting for dinner? Do you play chess? Let’s play a few rounds.” Mr. Kim said, as he pulled Baekhyun towards his office.

Meanwhile, Jongdae remembered his suggestion earlier and Baekhyun said he had to talk about it with Jonghee first.

“Hey sis, what do you say, I’ll talk to Mom and Dad and persuade them to let you go study in New York. I think Dad can pull some strings to get you into one of the good universities there even if you’re already in your senior year and way past the enrollment, I guess?That way, you won’t have to break up with Junmyeon, you can be together already.”

“I can’t.”

“Why?”

“I can’t leave you alone in that cruel school just to chase my romance. You always come first. That’s our motto in life right? We are each other’s priorities. It’s just a year. If he really loves me then he can wait for me for another year.” Jonghee said.

“Don’t worry about me. I have Baekhyun with me and I hate seeing you moping around, crying about how much you miss Junmyeon. You’re right. We are each other’s priorities, so that’s what I’m going to do. I want you to find your happiness. I want you to chase your happiness and that’s gonna be my mission. So, do you agree with me now?”

“Do you think Mom and Dad will approve of it?”

“Can they resist my whining?”

“Oh, you know I love you right?” Jonghee said in glee.

“I know and I love you too my dear sister. You’ll be in New York in no time.” Jongdae said, smiling widely at his sister.

“I’ll miss you. I won’t be able to use your card anymore.”

“Use your own card. You act like a beggar.”

“A beautiful beggar.

“Guess I can’t argue with that.”

That same day, Jongdae brought up about Jonghee’s concern and after a few whining and persuading with his parents, he finally got them to agree with him. Their Dad said he'll see if he can pull some strings in NYU but he’s pretty sure he can snag a spot for Jonghee there. But in exchange, their Mom asked her to manage their boutique there so she won’t have to go in and out of the country. They gladly accepted the deal and next school year she’ll be studying in New York.

That night when they went to bed, Baekhyun’s hugging Jongdae from behind.

“Did I do the right thing Baek?” Jongdae expressed his thoughts.

“Yes. Jonghee is really happy about it.”

“I’m gonna lose my sister.”

“No, you’re not. She’s just going far away but you’re not gonna lose her.”

“I’m just used to her being there beside me always. I just can’t resist her being all sad and gloomy. I just want her to be happy.”

“And you did the right thing babe. I am proud of you.”

“You are?”

“Yes I am.”

“Baek.”

“Hm?”

“What if something like that happened to us? Would you wait for me? Or would you break up with me?”

“I can’t answer for sure. It would always be different when it’s an actual situation but of course if you would ask what I want to choose,I would say that I would wait for you.”

“Thank you for being honest. Anyway, how’s meeting my parents?”

“It was good. They were very warm to me.”

“I’m glad that you got along with them. You’re hard to resist after all, you are quite charming.”

“I’m glad too.”

They were about to kiss when a furry thing jumped up on the bed and placed herself in between the lovers.

“Wow, Nuna sure knows how to ruin a moment eh?”

“Yeah, hey you baby, come to Appa. Hi there, when we come back to the dorm it’ll be just you and me and Baek. Jonghee won’t be with us anymore. You’ll miss her right?”

The innocent cat just meowed as if she understands what her owner’s saying. They fell asleep just like that. Baekhyun beside him and Nuna right in between them.

—

They spent that entire month doing all the things they can’t do during school days. They went to the beach and spent a week at Kim’s resthouse.

Whenever the twins are spending their time with each other Baekhyun just lets them. It was a really enjoyable month for all of them. He also grew closer to his boyfriend’s parents.

They spent the summer having so much fun that they didn’t notice that it’s been a month since summer started and they have to move to Baekhyun’s parents home already.

They were bidding their goodbyes already and his parents seemed like they’re gonna miss Baekhyun more than him.

“It was really nice to meet you Baekhyunee. Please take care of our son, okay? I hope you could visit us sometimes if you’re both not busy.”

“Sure Mom, Dad. It was really nice to meet you too. Thank you for treating me well.”

“You’re welcome honey. Take good care of my baby.”

“Of course.”

They hugged Baekhyun and Jongdae again before they finally let go of each other. Jongdae faced his twin sister and said his goodbyes to her too because it might be the last time that he’ll see her in the flesh. She’ll be flying to New York with Junmyeon in two weeks. They got back together again, after their parents approved of her studying in New York and as expected, their Dad managed to pull some strings to snag her a spot in NYU. He’s happy for her but he’s sad at the same time because even if it annoys the hell out of him when she suddenly barges into his dorm without caring if he’s naked or not, he’ll miss it. He’ll also miss the overspending that’ll reflect in his monthly credit card statement. He’ll miss every little thing that Jonghee does for him because he won’t be able to see her physically for God knows how long.

“Hey idiot, I will miss you. Call me regularly okay?” Jongdae asked his twin sister.

“Of course, I’ll still annoy the hell out of you from afar.”

“I’ll look forward to that. But seriously, take care of yourself. Call me if Junmyeon is not treating you right because I’ll fly to the US right away just to strangle him.”

“I will. Don’t worry about me. Baekhyun, take care of my brother okay? I already taught you the signs when he’s having his panic attacks. Make sure to always ch—“

“You’ve reminded him of those things for a millionth time already. I’m sure he remembers it even in his sleep right babe?”

Baekhyun just nodded with a chuckle, finding Jongdae and Jonghee’s sweet banters adorable.

“Fine. I’ll miss you both. Give me a hug.” Jonghee said, hugging the both of them. She released Baekhyun from her arms but she kept hugging her brother and started crying.

“Take care of yourself oppa, I’ll miss you a lot. I’ll video call you everyday. I love you.” 

“I know and I’ll miss you more. Take care of yourself too. I’ll expect your everyday calls. I promise even if I have to sleep later than usual, I won’t sleep until you call. I love you.” Jongdae said, wiping away his sister’s tears. He kissed her forehead before they finally got inside the car. 

Baekhyun is the designated driver and Jongdae lets his tears fall when the mansion is already out of sight. Baekhyun just held his hand with his unoccupied hand. He knows how attached to each other the twins were. They were twins for a reason.

After an hour or two, they arrived at Baekhyun’s childhood home. His parents’ treatment of Jongdae was as welcoming as his parents were to Baekhyun. His childhood home isn’t a mansion but it was inside an exclusive subdivision and it was big too. More homey, if you would ask Jongdae. 

That was the happiest summer Baekhyun has ever had. His parents were happy too because it is the first time in a few years that he introduced someone to them after her. 

He was happy because he’s got a lot of alone time with Jongdae and he feels like they grew closer, more intimate moments and lots of dates too. They argue sometimes but they always figure something out to make it up to each other

They enjoyed it so much that they were so reluctant to come back to school when summer’s up and it was approaching autumn.

“Hey, how’s Jonghee doing in New York?” Baekhyun asked while driving on their way back to their dorms.

“I think she’s okay. She’s always whining that she misses us but overall she’s enjoying life there. She said that if you could spot a lot of couples making out in a college party here, in New York, you could spot a couple humping each other in public there. That’s not a proper college party yet, it was just some kind of pre-semester party to celebrate the ending of a summer vacation.”

“With their clothes on I hope.” Baekhyun commented.

“Half naked, she said.”

“Oh, I hope she’s not traumatized.”

“Well, she’s currently having some culture shocks especially in the university culture, but she’s having fun. She also joined the cheering squad there and she said, beauty is the number one requirement if you want to join a cheering squad team there, second is talent or sometimes even if you don’t have any talent in dancing as long as you are pretty you can get in, and of course, she got in when she auditioned. They just saw her and they already said that she’s in.”

“Wow, oh wait, speaking of the cheering squad, who will be the new cheerleader in our university then? I hope she’s as pretty as Jonghee so my teammates will be energized when they play.”

“Before Jonghee flew to New York, they held an audition and she said, they already picked someone, a new student. I think her name’s something like Seulgi? Yeah, that’s it. Kang Seulgi. She said that that girl is really pretty and talented too. She’s a junior.”

That made Baekhyun freeze. His ex is going to be the next cheerleader? This would just make everything complicated. Sometimes the baseball team and the cheering squad practice at the same time. How can he avoid his ex then? He didn’t want to have anything to do with her now. He didn’t want his relationship with Jongdae to be ruined by his past love. He’s moved on, he’s okay now, and he loves Jongdae.

“Hey babe, are you okay? I kept on talking here and you’re just silent there, a simple hum will do.” Jongdae asked, pulling Baekhyun’s attention away from his train of thoughts.

“Sorry, I just remembered something.”

“What is it?”

“Your birthday’s coming up, what do you want us to do?”

“It’s a month from now Baek, you’re too early to remember that, but you know me, I just love to spend time with you that’s all. No dramas, just you and me. I’m a boring person right?”

“No you’re not. You’re just not much of an outgoing type of person, that's all. I’m having so much fun when I’m with you.” 

“You’re just being sweet.”

“No, I’m not. If I am bored with you, we wouldn't be together for 10 months.”

“Fine.”

They just talked about random things on the road. They laughed and teased each other but deep inside Baekhyun is having second thoughts if he should tell Jongdae about Seulgi being his ex or just don’t tell him anything about her. It’s irrelevant, it should not be an important matter for them anymore. He’s over her. But why does he feel guilty like he cheated on Jongdae? 

Classes for the autumn season started and Baekhyun’s schedule is full for this semester. He’s going to take all the major subjects for his chosen business course. Ah, right, this is their senior year, the year wherein they should get serious with their studies.

Baekhyun was texting Jongdae on the way to his next class when someone called his name. He looked up to that familiar voice.

“Baekhyun-oppa.” So she still calls him like that?

“Seulgi.”

“Hi. I’ve been looking around for my next class but I can’t find this particular room. Can you please help me? I know you don’t want to talk to me but I’m really desperate to find this class.” Seulgi said, showing Baekhyun her schedule.

“Ah, that’s my class too. Follow me.” Baekhyun said, coldly.

Seulgi’s face reddened because she felt humiliated with the way Baekhyun talked to her. Like he didn’t care about her at all. Guess she deserved it. She followed him silently with her head down.

They entered a classroom and Baekhyun didn’t even look back at her and just sat on one of the chairs. He smiled at those people who greeted him but he didn’t do it with her. She knows it’s her fault for being a coward and for not even trying to fight for Baekhyun against her parents.

Baekhyun is a wonderful person and he’s the first and last boyfriend she ever had. If you would ask her, she still has feelings for him. She never stopped loving him for the past three years but seeing how much he hates her right now, makes her want to finally move on. It’s actually one of the reasons why she transferred. She’s now ready to fight for him and willing to go against her parents and leave everything for him. She wants him back and she’s determined to do it.

When their class finished she looked for Baekhyun but he’s already nowhere in sight. She got out of the classroom and tried to look for him and she saw him outside the classroom, kissing another boy. He’s smiling at him like the way he smiles at her before. Baekhyun is in love with this guy. So he already moved on? But why is he still very mad at her? She felt hot tears streaming down her face and she immediately wiped them away and just went on to her next class.

—

“Hey, you kissed me in public again, I thought you don’t like PDAs?” Jongdae asked, smiling at Baekhyun. It was 4pm, Jongdae decided to drop by in front of Baekhyun’s classroom because he already missed him.

“I missed you, can’t help it. I have practice tonight so I would be late, I might not be able to drop by your room tonight.” Baekhyun said, mirroring Jongdae’s smile.

“It’s alright. Just don’t forget to rest okay?”

“Aye aye, sir!” Baekhyun saluted playfully.

“Okay, go now, your coach would get mad at you for stalling again. Bye.”

“I love you.” Baekhyun said, kissing him again and Jongdae didn’t know but he felt weirded out with how Baekhyun said those words to him these past few months. Actually it all started at the victory party last semester. It felt like Baekhyun’s saying those words because he needed to, not because he wanted to. Like he wants to convince him that he really felt that way for him. But he didn’t want to think that Baekhyun is falling out of love with him already. It’s just weird how he says those words and the way he makes love to him is becoming too aggressive. But they were satisfied and Baekhyun’s after care is the best (as if he has any comparison).

“I love you. Go now. I’ll have to head to my next class now.”

“I hate it that we do not have enough time for each other.”

“We’ll be fine, love. Just hold on.”

“I know. Okay, that’s it, I’m stalling for too long now. Bye.” Baekhyun said, kissing him on his forehead before finally going. Jongdae just watched him go with longing. He missed his Baekhyun, the Baekhyun that he fell in love with. This is not him. He knows there’s something bothering him but he didn’t want to force him to tell him about it, but he’s not feeling good about it. It felt like he’s slowly losing him and he didn’t want to interrogate Baekhyun about it, the last thing he wanted to do right now is an argument between them.

Another week passed, Seulgi walked towards her shared class with Baekhyun because she really wanted to talk to him now. She’s wasted so much time already. Their practices never met so she had a hard time finding a chance to talk to him again.

When she got in the class, there were already people inside and Baekhyun’s also there but she didn’t know how to approach him because there were many eyes watching. She just wanted to talk to him, but she didn’t want to ruin Baekhyun’s relationship with that guy he’s kissing last week. And it’s not gonna be good with people watching them, Baekhyun’s a very popular guy and everyone seems to be watching every step he makes.

She tried sending a message to the old number of Baekhyun saved in her phone and hopes that he’s still using that number.

Baekhyun felt his phone vibrate. He checked it and it was from an unknown number.

Hi, I don’t know if this is still your number, I just tried but can we please talk? I really want to talk to you ever since your victory party. Please, just one talk and I won’t bother you again. Let’s meet at the parking lot after class. I’ll wait. -Seulgi

Baekhyun looked up from his phone and saw Seulgi sitting two seats in front of him. He sighed, maybe it’s finally time to have the talk. He’s scared but he needed to do it if he wanted to move forward with Jongdae.

Right after class, he went straight to the parking lot and he saw Seulgi sitting on one of the gutters. He looked around to make sure there were no other people around them before he signaled her to follow him to his car. When they were both seated he drove his car to another place so no one would spot them.

“Talk.” Baekhyun said, when he parked the car in an alley.

“I’m sorry. For what I did. For hurting you. For being a coward.”

“Okay. What else?”

“Baek, I don’t want us to be like this. We’re going to work together in a game. I don’t want us to hate each other because it’s difficult.”

“You did this to us. Don’t talk like I wanted us to be like this.”

“I know, that’s why I am here to apologize.”

“I don’t know Seulgi, the pain you gave me is just too much.  You broke up with me in a text message! Without any reason! For fuck’s sake, that’s not how you break up with a person you really loved! I know your parents didn’t like me because they think I don’t have any future but look at me now. I am what I am now because of the humiliations I got from your parents. I have invitations left and right to join their team after I graduate. I am successful now, Seulgi. I am not the person that your parents look down to.”

“I know and I am sorry! I don’t know what else to say but sorry. I just want us to have the closure that we needed. I saw you kissing another guy last week. You look in love with him. I bet he’s a good guy. He can take care of you the way I couldn't when we’re still together.”

“If you’re saying that he’s way better than you then he is. He loves me and he appreciates me. His parents love me like their own and my parents love him  too.”

“I know and I am genuinely happy for you. At least I can finally move on now that I know you’re fine and well taken care of.”

Baekhyun looked at Seulgi’s direction with what he just heard. 

“Don’t be so surprised. It’s not only you who got hurt under the circumstances. I was devastated with the choice I made and when I transferred to your university, I was full of determination to have you back but seeing you all happy and in love with someone else, I guess I can breathe easily now. I can finally move on.” Seulgi confessed.

Baekhyun didn’t know what got into him but the next thing he knew he was already kissing Seulgi and his heart raced inside his chest. He felt the longing that he has been trying to fill for the past three years. He became like this because of her and it’s also because of that pain why he let himself fall in love with Jongdae.

Jongdae… shit! This is wrong!

He pulled away from the kiss as soon as Jongdae’s face appeared in his thoughts. His genuine smiles, the way he cares for Baekhyun and of course the way he expresses his love for him. He didn’t deserve to be cheated on like this. 

“Baekhyun-oppa…” Seulgi muttered when she saw that Baekhyun seems to be internally cursing himself for doing this. 

“Stop calling me that.”

“I’m really sorry.”

“Fuck this.” Baekhyun frustratedly cursed under his breath before kissing Seulgi once again. They made out over and over with Baekhyun trying to forget about Jongdae’s face and smile. He didn’t know why he was doing this. He should not but he still does. 

The make out session didn’t end there because they continued doing it whenever they wanted in a secluded place where no one could see them. In empty hallways, in the parking lot, wherever they feel safe that no one will be able to see them, sometimes they go out of town and have a date. Baekhyun is confused because he feels complete whenever he’s with Seulgi, so even if he knew that this is so unfair for Jongdae, he continued doing it. He didn’t want to break up with Jongdae too because he really loves him. He feels happy and complete with Seulgi but he loves Jongdae, he really does. 

Seulgi is a very adventurous girl. Something that Jongdae is not. He prefers dates at home rather than having dates outside, they never go out on a proper date because Jongdae always feels uncomfortable with many people around. Making Jongdae uncomfortable is the last thing he wanted to do, because he won’t enjoy it at all if his company is not enjoying it as well. Seulgi loves adventures and he can take her wherever without having to think if she will enjoy it or not. He could easily compare the two of them and he knows that he should not but he couldn’t help it. And that is when he started getting cold towards Jongdae. They thought no one would be able to notice his closeness with the new cheerleader as they continued their forbidden acts in hidden places but that is where they were wrong.

—

Jongdae was getting worried about Baekhyun because he doesn’t text him as often as he does before. Even if their schedule is full, they promised each other that they will keep up for the lost time through texting each other but Baekhyun seemed to forget about it already. He barely texts him now, he’s replying to his texts but it was always a simple yes, no, ok. His mind started running wild again. What if Baekhyun found someone better than him? What if his hunch about Baekhyun slowly falling out of love for him is true? One more week to go and it’s going to be his birthday. A month ago, Baekhyun pestered him about what they would do on that day but he seems to have forgotten about it already. When they were together, he never talked about it. Heck! They were barely together, especially these past few days. They were just neighbors but when he would text him if he could come over, he would reply that he needs to finish something or that he’s tired and he wants to rest. His Baekhyun was never like that towards him. The Baekhyun who confessed to him that he loves him is way different than the Baekhyun that he is with right now. The Baekhyun that he fell in love with was willing to find his beloved cat with him in the middle of the night no matter how tired he is. 

The next thing Jongdae knows is he’s clutching his chest with tears running down his face. He tried calming himself down but he’s being so paranoid right now, his anxiety seemed to be attacking him. He grabbed his pill box to take his meds and he slowly tried to calm himself down. He’s being eaten by his jealousy, because of what he’s been hearing around campus about Baekhyun and the new cheerleader getting along with each other and how close the two of them have become in a span of three weeks.

In times like this he wished Jonghee was here to hug him and to tell him that everything’s gonna be alright. He suddenly remembered a conversation between him and Baekhyun on the night of the victory party last semester. The night Baekhyun started changing.

“Dae.”

“Hm?”

“Can you promise me something?”

“What promise?”

“Whatever happens, always remember that what I’m feeling for you is true okay?”

Is this what he meant by whatever happens? He still wants to think that he’s still into him and he wants to believe that he’s just busy because being a senior sucks the life out of you if you want to graduate on time. But he can’t. Not when everyone around the campus is talking about Baekhyun getting all cozy with Kang Seulgi, the new cheerleader. It seems like he wants to come back to his old self, whenever he looks around and people seem to be judging him from head to toe and comparing him with the pretty cheerleader.

It seems like he’s not the only one noticing that Baekhyun’s getting cold towards him, because Kyungsoo started asking him about it, while they were eating in the cafeteria.

“Hey, is everything okay between you and Baekhyun? You seemed out of yourself the past few days and I can hear what everyone is talking about. Did you two break up?”

“No. I honestly don't know either. We were fine when we got back to school and then suddenly he started giving me the cold treatment, just two weeks after the start of classes. He’s not telling me if we have a problem though.”

“Is he cheating on you with that new cheerleader?”

“I don’t know and —- can we not talk about it? I’m hearing enough from the gossip around. I don’t want to think that he’s cheating on me. I still trust him. He will tell me if he doesn’t love me anymore.” Jongdae defended Baekhyun even if he himself doesn’t know where to stand on their relationship right now.

“I understand. I’m sorry for adding up to your thoughts.”

 “It’s okay. I need to go.”

“Wait, but you haven’t eaten anything yet!”

“It’s okay, I’ll just eat later. I’m going to Baekhyun.”

“But isn’t he practicing right now?”

“I’ll wait. Go on, eat Soo. Bye.” Jongdae said as he ran towards the field where Baekhyun and his teammates were practicing.

He sat on his usual seat when he’s watching the actual game. Thank goodness, the cheering squad isn’t practicing right now. He saw Baekhyun’s coach nudging him to look at the audience stands where he’s currently sitting.

The team took five and Baekhyun ran towards Jongdae.

“Hey.” Baekhyun greeted and was about to kiss him on his lips but he turned his face slightly to avoid it landing on his lips, so the kiss fell on his cheek.

“Is everything okay?” Baekhyun asked curiously. Jongdae wanted to cry right there and then but he didn’t want to look like an idiot for being so paranoid. He wanted to scream, he wanted to confront Baekhyun but he didn’t know what to say. He didn’t want to embarrass his boyfriend in front of his teammates, so he chose to be silent instead of answering Baekhyun.

“Dae, is there something wrong?” Yes. There is. What’s happening to us Baek?

“Nothing. I have to go.”

“What? But you just got here?”

“I just want to see you, that’s all. Bye.”

“Wait—“ he heard Baekhyun say, but he just continued running. It hurts the hell out of him when from afar he just saw Baekhyun shrugged his shoulders and walked back in the field. If it was Baekhyun that he fell in love with, he would’ve run and followed him and pestered him about what’s the problem. But the Baekhyun he just saw right now is very different. 

Maybe he really did fall out of love with me already.

Jongdae cried to himself as he walked towards his dorm room. He received a text from Baekhyun but he chose to ignore it like how Baekhyun chose to ignore most of his texts. He locked himself up in his bedroom with his ragdoll purring at him as if she’s trying to comfort him. He smiled at his cat and just laid down on his bed, and cried to himself until he’s running out of breath. How did they get here? How did things happen so fast? How did they fall apart like this?

This coming weekend will be his birthday and they weren’t okay. This will be the worst birthday he could ever have.

—

Baekhyun was quite shocked when he was pushed against the locker by his raging best friend Chanyeol.

“What the fuck Yeol?! What is fucking wrong with you?!”

“Yeah, same question Byun, what the fuck is wrong with you? Why are you doing this to Jongdae?”

“What? What did I do?”

“Ha! Do you think I didn’t know? As always you don’t have any idea what the fuck is happening around the campus as long as you’re enjoying what you’re doing.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“You can fool everyone but not me Byun Baekhyun. Jongdae didn’t deserve this kind of treatment. You’re hurting him. You’re hurting him by getting all cozy and making out with your ex Seulgi!”

“H-How did you—“

“I saw you. Think Byun, what if it was Jongdae who saw you making out with your fucking ex?”

“I—“

“You what? You just felt the need to be a whore again? I thought you’re getting serious with Jongdae this time. I am genuinely happy for you when you get stable with him. When finally you learned how to fall in love with someone again, and now that your fucking ex came back you just found it so easy to cheat on your current boyfriend? What did he do to deserve it?”

“I don’t know! I don't know either Yeol! Do you seriously think that I am not aware of the cheating that I am doing? I don’t want to hurt him! He didn’t deserve it! It’s true, I love him but when Seulgi came back there’s this hole in my heart again that only she could fill up. I am avoiding him as much as I can because I am afraid to see the pain in his eyes. I am his first love and I already felt how much it hurts to be left by your first love. I don’t want to do this to him and I tried. It was on our victory party last semester when I saw Seulgi again, I tried holding back myself from having feelings for her all over again because it took me too long to move on and when the classes began again, she fessed up that she’s still in love with me and I don’t know why and how but I just kissed her right there and then. That’s how it all started. I love Jongdae, I really do but I still have feelings for Seulgi too. I’m confused. I am avoiding him because I feel so guilty, I don’t want to see him cry because of me. It will break my heart.”

“Then set him free. Break up with him. You’re just being selfish with what you’re doing. You can’t have both of them. You need to let go of one. I am your best friend Baekhyun but I am telling you this, once Jongdae asked me, I won’t think twice to tell him the truth.” Chanyeol said before letting go of Baekhyun and exited the locker room.

That night, Baekhyun thought hard about his feelings. Seulgi, she’s his first love but she couldn’t fight for him when her parents are so against him. She didn’t even have the guts to defend him when they looked down on him. If he chooses her, what if the same thing would happen again? What if she’ll leave him again? He’ll just return back to step 1. And Jongdae… he’s everything that is not Seulgi. His parents treated him like their own. He is fun to be with and he’s a great lover. He’s sweet, kind, caring and his smiles, damn! He just wanted to see those smiles on his face forever. He never wanted to see him cry. He remembered how Jongdae captured his heart with his handsome face and his lovable personality. He’s always there when he needs him. He gave him his everything and the only thing he asked for is his heart.

Imagining a situation in his life without Jongdae hurts the hell out of him. He can’t leave him. He needs him and he loves him. Before he went to sleep, he made up his mind. He’s going to break up with Seulgi. Jongdae doesn’t need to know. It’s selfish, yes, but he can’t think of any other way to avoid hurting him but to keep it and make it up to him.

That weekend, Baekhyun woke up early with a goal in his mind. Today’s a weekend and it’s Jongdae’s birthday. He went out early to buy him a cake and some take out foods for them to share. He also bought a bouquet of alstroemeria surrounded by baby’s breath. He wrote a short note there.

My dear,

Hey, it’s your special day today. Let’s celebrate it together eh? Happy birthday love. I’m sorry for not having much time with you these past few days but I’ll make it up to you, promise. I love you, always remember that.

-Always yours, Baekhyun

He kissed the note and put it inside the bouquet. He drove back to the dormitories so they could start the celebration early.

He knew the code in Jongdae’s room but he decided to be traditional and rang the doorbell. After a few minutes, Jongdae finally opened the door, scratching his eyes because he just woke up. He looks so adorable like this. He wanted to kiss him senseless.

Jongdae was surprised to see Baekhyun outside his dorm room holding a bouquet, a cake and some takeout foods.

“Baek? What are you doing here at this hour? It’s 6am for God’s sake!”

“Happy birthday my love~” Baekhyun greeted Jongdae with a bouquet of flowers.

“Thank you, but I can’t appreciate them right now because I’m still sleepy. Come in.”

Baekhyun put down the box of cake and the food on the dining table and followed Jongdae to his bedroom. He laid down on the space Jongdae left for him. He hugged Jongdae and showered him with small kisses and Jongdae hugged him back, burying his face in his warm chest. Yes, this felt right. This is what he wants. Jongdae is whom he wants to be with.

“I’m sorry baby.” He whispered and felt his tears fall down towards the pillows. He cried because of guilt and he missed Jongdae terribly. Jongdae should be mad at him but here he is hugging him back making him feel he’s loved which he never felt even back when he was still with Seulgi. Eventually, Baekhyun fell asleep too. He woke up when Jongdae stirred from his embrace. He looked at the side table clock and it’s already 9am. He shook Jongdae to wake up and the other just  hummed but refused to open his eyes.

“Hey, you birthday boy, come on up, I’m hungry.”

“I’m still sleepy~” Jongdae whined.

“It’s 9am, come on, it’s your birthday today, let’s celebrate. Do you want to go somewhere? I’ll take you on a road trip if you want.”

Jongdae opened one of his eyes and looked at his boyfriend.

“It’s a date?”

“Yes, it’s a date.”

“Okay, I’m up.” Jongdae said, standing up and walking towards the bathroom. Baekhyun followed him to brush his teeth as well.

They ate the take out food Baekhyun brought earlier and Jongdae cooked some good food to bring on their trip. Jongdae never brought up about what happened between them the past two weeks. They just enjoyed each other’s company. They used Baekhyun’s car for the road trip, they threw lame jokes and teased each other like they never had a problem. Jongdae is smiling and Baekhyun is happy to see it. They stopped by a park somewhere and they decided to have a picnic there. 

Baekhyun talked a lot and Jongdae just let him. He talked a lot about how their practices went the past two weeks that they barely talked. Jongdae just listened to him, laughing and commenting at the right time.

“Oh, and you never experienced how to be a student of Professor Lee, oh God! I swear he is the worst. He teaches history, which I really don’t know why I took but anyway as I was saying, he teaches the most boring subject and  he falls asleep even before his students do. Can you imagine that?” Baekhyun vented out.

“Yeah, poor you. You have to endure him for the next three months.”

“Poor me, indeed, what about you? Don’t you have anything to share?”

“No, it’s all normal in my classes.”

“Ah, boring.”

Baekhyun ended up sharing more of his stories and Jongdae continued listening to him. Looking directly at his eyes, memorizing his features because he already made up his mind. At the end of this day, he’ll be ending things between them. He already knew that Baekhyun’s cheating on him. It hurts the hell out of him of course, but he loves Baekhyun so much.You can call him a martyr or whatever you want to call him but he genuinely loved this person. If he fell out of love it's probably not his choice. It happens. What does he have compared to her? She’s his first love. She’s pretty and she’s someone Baekhyun can brag to everyone. Yes, he also knew about Seulgi being his ex even if Baekhyun didn’t tell him anything about her. A concerned citizen told him about it the other day. At first, he didn’t want to believe it but there’s no reason for that person to lie to him. And he confirmed it with Chanyeol. He’s hesitant to tell him but he still told him everything he knows. He spent all his nights crying. Jonghee kept asking him if he’s crying and he’s just telling her that it’s just the stress of being a senior.

He thought they’ll just end up with Baekhyun completely ghosting him but he’s really surprised when he saw him outside his room today with all the flowers, cake and food. He knew that Baekhyun’s just guilty, that's why he’s doing these things. But he chose to just go with the flow and celebrate this day for the last time with him. He wants to break up with him in peace. He wants to end it on good terms. He heard the soft apology he told him earlier and he already forgave him. He just wants to set both of them free. For their own peace. For Baekhyun’s happiness. 

“Dae, why are you looking at me like that?” Baekhyun asked because Jongdae’s looking at him like he’s his world.

“Like what?”

“Like you’re memorizing my face or something.”

“Is it creepy?”

“No. Just weird.”

“Elaborate weird.”

Like it’s the last time you’ll be looking at me like that. Baekhyun thought but he’s not brave enough to say it out loud.

“Nevermind. So, you want to continue this adventure?” Baekhyun said instead.

“Okay.” 

“Where do you want to go next?”

“Anywhere the road leads us.” Jongdae answered.

Why does this feel like a goodbye? 

“Okay, let’s go to the borders of the world then. I know a place.” Baekhyun said with a smile, holding Jongdae’s hand and intertwining it with his. The magnets on their bracelets immediately stuck together.

They went back into the car and proceeded with their road trip. Baekhyun turned off the air conditioner and opened the windows of the car so they could breathe the natural air.

Jongdae just watched the stores and the buildings that they were passing by while singing along to the song in Baekhyun’s stereo. It was the playlist Baekhyun made for him last Valentine’s Day. His boyfriend is exerting too much effort to make it up to him. He almost wanted to throw away his decision of ending things between them but it’s not right. It isn’t right when the person is just choosing you because it’s the right thing to do. Or maybe they have the same thoughts and Baekhyun is just doing this so it wouldn’t hurt so much when he breaks up with him. 

But there’s no way that it wouldn’t hurt because just thinking about what will happen later is already giving him so much pain. What more if it’s already time to drop the bomb?

He looked at his wrist watch, it’s already 4pm, 8 more hours to go and this day will finally end. Baekhyun will be out of his life completely.

A single tear fell from his eye. He immediately wiped it away before Baekhyun would notice. The buildings on the side roads started to become trees only. They were out of the city. He looked at Baekhyun who’s still focused on the road.

“Hey, are you kidnapping me? This is out of the city area.”

“Relax. I know where we’re going. We can go back to the city safely.”

“Are we almost there?”

“Not quite yet. You wanna see the borders of the world right? I’m gonna take you there.”

“Okay, as long as there were no terrorists I’m fine.”

“You’re gonna love the view there, trust me.”

“Fine.” Jongdae agreed with a smile. 

It’s almost sunset when they arrived at their destination. Baekhyun parked the car and woke the already sleeping Jongdae up.

Jongdae opened his eyes and saw that the car was already parked and Baekhyun was outside in front of him waiting for him to wake up.

“Hi. Come on up. The sun will set anytime. Let’s watch it.”

“Okay.” Jongdae agreed with a smile on his face.

They climbed up a small hill and Jongdae was speechless with the beauty in front of him. The shadow of the setting sun is casting on his face.

“Wow. It’s beautiful.” Jongdae said, mesmerized at the view of the entire city below them. There were lamp posts around the area so people could still spend some time here even if it’s already dark. There is also a small table with a long bench on the side of the tree. It was a romantic place to go on a date.

“Yes, beautiful indeed.” Baekhyun said, not really looking at the view but on Jongdae’s face. He inched closer towards the birthday boy and pulled him into a hug.

“I’m glad that you liked it here.”

“Who wouldn’t? How did you know about this place anyway?”

“I own this piece of land.”

“What? Isn’t this a government owned property?”

“Yeah, it was before I bought it. I used to go here whenever I wanted to be alone and just think when I was in high school and even during early college. I always come up here and hide behind a tree to avoid the roaming guards because this used to be a restricted place for the public. My parents give me money on my birthday yearly and I saved it all up to buy a certain piece of this land.”

“If this is your sacred place then why did you bring me here?”

“I’ve always wanted to bring the most special person in my life here.” Baekhyun said, pulling away from the hug, sitting on the trimmed grass and breathing in the pollution free air. He just looked at the view around them, holding Jongdae’s hand tight. The guilt is eating him alive and he can’t do this anymore. Jongdae deserves to know everything. The dark finally took over the place and the lamp posts lit up automatically. They were both silent, both having the idea of what’s to come.

They ate the food they brought with them. Talked about random things like they used to do whenever they’re together. Laughed together, sang with the songs on their playlist. Took pictures together which all turned out surprisingly good despite only using the flash of their cameras because it's already dark and only a lamp post is keeping the place lit up. Baekhyun sang him a happy birthday. Time flies really fast because they didn’t notice that they’ve been here for three hours already. 

“Dae.”

“Hm?”

“You know when I met you, I instantly had a crush on you, when I decided to start dating you, I told myself that I wanted to take care of you for a long time, when I started telling you that I love you, I started wanting to spend the rest of my life with you. I had a vision of myself in the future kneeling down on one knee and asking you to marry me. I still wanted to do that someday, you know?” Baekhyun said, wiping the stray tear that fell from his eye.

“Glad to know that.” Jongdae said with a genuine smile on his face. 

“Will you forgive me?” Baekhyun asked, kissing Jongdae’s knuckles. A hiccup escaped his throat because this was too heartbreaking. His tears streamed down his face, not letting go of the hand that he wanted to hold for the longest time. He sobbed while Jongdae just cried silently beside him.

“I already did.” Jongdae said shortly.

“Why? I don’t deserve it.”

“Because I love you.”

“I don’t deserve you.”

“You do. You loved me genuinely for a moment and that’s more than enough.”

Silence surrounded them once more. It was a few minutes before Jongdae finally talked.

“At the end of this day, you’ll just be Baekhyun and I’ll be Jongdae. When the clock strikes 12, I’m setting you free.”

Baekhyun looked at his wrist watch, it’s only 9:30pm.

“O-Okay. F-Fair enough. I still have two and a half hours as your boyfriend, c-can I make the most out of the time remaining?” Baekhyun asked, voice cracking because of the pain in his chest. This break up is more painful than when Seulgi ghosted him. This break up is the most heartbreaking he ever had. This is Jongdae. The person that he imagined his life with in the future.

“Okay. Okay.” Jongdae answered, nodding as he cried too.

Baekhyun inched closer and kissed Jongdae for the last time. He kissed him the way he wanted to kiss him on their wedding day. The way he wanted to tell him that he will love him for the rest of his life. They could taste each other’s tears as they let themselves drown in that last kiss. They only pulled away when they were almost out of breath. They just let their foreheads touch, looking at each other’s eyes, memorizing their features, so they could bring it to their memories. 

“Please be happy Baekhyun.”

“I don’t know if I still can.”

“Yes you can. Promise me?”

“Okay. Promise. Will you leave?”

“No. That’s for the cowards. I’ll stay.”

“Can we at least be civil to each other?”

“Okay, I think I can do that. Just don’t run out of eggs again. Or I’ll fall for you again.”

Baekhyun laughed at that, because yeah, that’s when it all started. 

“Hey! That was one time!” Baekhyun whined.

“And you made my heart beat fast.”

“Did I?”

“Yes, you did.”

“I’m happy to know that. I hope you’ll be happy too, Dae. Find someone who deserves you.”

“Yes, I will.”

They were both fine with this. At least they broke up in peace. They will always remain in each other’s hearts. They talked about their silly and funny moments as a couple. They promised to remember only the good things. 

It was almost 11pm when Baekhyun finally asked him to go down and drive back home. There was no more traffic along the way, so the drive back home was faster. They reached the front of their dorm rooms before the clock struck midnight.

Both stopped opening their doors. No one wants to go in yet. 11:55pm. Baekhyun stepped towards Jongdae and pulled him into a hug.

“11:55. Happy birthday my love. Thank you for being a special part of my life. Thank you for teaching me how to love again..” Baekhyun said as he just kept hugging him even if he’s already out of words. “11:56. Can I kiss you one last time?” He asked and Jongdae nodded. Both with tears that seemed unending, they kissed again, and this time no one wanted to pull away, but Jongdae gathered all the remaining strength he had to let go of Baekhyun. “11:58. Please take good care of yourself Jongdae. Jonghee and I won’t be there beside you anymore.”

“11:59. You’re making this harder for me, Baek. Please let go of me now.” Jongdae said, finally letting out the sob that’s been trying to get out of his system ever since he told Baekhyun that he’s setting him free.

“12:00. Goodbye Jongdae.” Baekhyun said, finally letting go of Jongdae’s body.

“Goodbye Baekhyun.”Jongdae said, finally walking inside his room. He dropped down the floor and let out all the tears that he’s been holding for the last two hours.

They live next to each other but their paths never crossed again. Sometimes, one of them will see the other when the latter isn’t looking or unaware, but it never happened that they accidentally bumped into each other.

Jongdae found out that Baekhyun didn’t pursue his ex anymore. In fact, the day they broke up, Baekhyun told Seulgi that they should stop whatever it is that they were doing. The university gossip page is eerily silent because of the recent break up of the campus hotshot with his one true love. No one dared to post anything in relation to the recent chaos in Baekhyun’s love life because no one wanted to be on the bad side of the latter. 

Everyone saw how Jongdae changed Baekhyun when they got together. The campus playboy started to become loyal, he also started smiling more often and he seemed so happy and inspired. He brought three consecutive championships in their school and it’s all because of Jongdae. 

Now Baekhyun is so different. He looks like a robot who just went to classes because he needed to graduate. He goes to practice but always fails to give his best shot. His coaches just let him be as they know how painful Baekhyun is going through right now. His teammates sometimes try to have a little chat with him but he prefers to be alone most of the time. He never cried again after that night, so the pain is just there, unreleased and eating him alive. He’s trying to hold back because he didn't want their pity. He just wanted Jongdae to come back. He just wanted to kiss him senseless again after a championship game. He just wanted to see him in the stands again, watching him silently. 

The whole baseball team was stunned when their coach announced Baekhyun’s quitting from the team. Baekhyun understands if his teammates will get mad at him but he doesn't care anymore. His recent breakup made him numb. 

He left the field as soon as their coach announced his departure from the team. He expected them to throw a fit and curse him for being a coward but instead, they thanked him for being a part of their group. They also promised each other that they won’t be strangers outside the field and in return Baekhyun promised that he will continue supporting them and watch their every match. 

Seulgi unsurprisingly dropped out of their school and transferred to another university. They never talked again after Baekhyun formally ended things between them. She felt guilty of being responsible for being the cause of a very strong and loving relationship’s parting.

That night, Baekhyun went back to the field when no one’s around, trying to sink into himself that he’s no longer part of this field anymore. He just sat down on one of the benches where the players usually sit during their breaks. He just sat down there looking ahead to nothingness. It’s been a week since the breakup but he’s still unable to cry.

Chanyeol saw his best friend sitting on one of the benches in the field alone and spacing out. Two loves of his life are gone now. Baseball and Jongdae. He knows how much pain his best friend is going through but he’s not crying. He’s not letting it all out. He’s keeping it all to himself.

Chanyeol walked towards where his best friend was sitting and sat beside him.

“Hey.” He talked first.

“Hey.”

“How are you keeping up?”

“I don’t know. I feel numb.”

“You know you can borrow my shoulder and cry. Let it out Baek, no one will know. I promise.” 

“Can I?”

“You can cry like a baby for all I care. It never happened.”

And that’s it. That’s when Baekhyun finally let go of all the tears that he’s been holding back for the past week. He sobbed and cursed himself for being stupid and weak. He blamed himself for all the pain that he’s going through right now. He cursed himself for causing the tears of that one person that he didn’t want to cry. He cried and cried until there’s no more tears left to shed. Chanyeol’s shirt is all wet with a mix of Baekhyun’s tears and snot but he doesn’t care at all. He just wants his best friend to feel a little okay.

“Feeling better?”

“If what you meant by better is awful then yes, I am feeling better.”

“I know this would be a little cliche to say but everything will be fine soon.”

“I hope so. This is the second time you comforted me because of a heartbreak, I hope there would be no third time eh? My heart broke when Seulgi left me out of the blue. When she ghosted me and just sent me a break up text but this… this is the worst. I loved him so much. I imagined my life with him in the future. My relationship with Seulgi lasted for more than two years and the only effect she had on me was fear of commitment but when I met Jongdae, all those fears went to trash. I risked it again and what did I do? I took him for granted. I cheated on him, I fucked up all the good things that we’ve been through. I fucked up that dream that I have for us in the future. I really thought he was the one. I thought he was going to be the person I would spend the rest of my life with and guess what? I never even made it to our anniversary. In that short span of time I imagined my future with him, if that isn’t love then what is?”

“It’s love Baek, you’re just an asshole.”

“I know, and I don’t deserve to love and be loved by anyone anymore. I just hope that he will be okay. I can take all the pain, I just want him to be fine and well.”

“He will. I promise. I will watch him for you.”

“How?”

“I know this is not the best time for you but you’re still the first person I want to tell my good news to.”

“What is it? My personal life and my friendship with you are two different things. I can still be happy for you if it’s something that made you happy.”

“Yes, it really made me happy. I am dating Kyungsoo now. He finally accepted my invitation.”

“Really? Wow,congratulations bro! You’ve been pining for his ass for a long time and finally, you made it! I’m happy for you Yeollie.”

“Thank you Baek. I promise I will watch Jongdae for you. I will take care of him too, so don’t worry now, okay?”

“I would like to tell you that you’re the best best friend one could ever have but your ears will only get bigger so I guess I’ll just— aww! Did you just hit me?! You fucker, I am gonna kill you and your giant ears!” Baekhyun screamed as he ran to catch Chanyeol who had already started running away to avoid his revenge. 

Chanyeol is happy to finally see a smile on his best friend’s face. Jongdae is happy to finally see that smile too as he watches the best friends running around the field, trying to hurt each other while laughing.

He went back to his dorm building with relief because a smile on Baekhyun’s face was the last thing he wanted to see before he left his place. He won’t leave school but he will move out of his dorm. He will transfer to an apartment a few meters outside campus. That way, he could move on easier than having to stay neighbors with his ex.

Before dawn the next day, he moved out of the dorm where he spent most of his best times with his ex-lover. He stood in front of Baekhyun’s dorm and removed the magnetic bracelet the latter gave him on Valentine’s Day. He put it down outside Baekhyun’s unit before he finally left the building to move into his new apartment.

They never crossed paths again. Good thing that they were in different departments. Their buildings were far from each other. The next time they saw each other was on the day of graduation. Baekhyun missed Jongdae terribly so he was really happy seeing Jongdae well and healthy while he was saying his speech on stage. As expected from the smartest student in their school.

He wanted to talk to him for the last time but when he saw his parents were with him, he stepped back. He was ashamed of what he had done to their son after they treated him like their own. So he suited himself by looking at his ex from afar. After they stepped out of this university, he didn’t know if they would ever cross paths again. Maybe they really weren’t for each other. Maybe it’s time to let go.

Jongdae was happily talking to his parents when he saw in his peripheral vision that Baekhyun was looking at him from afar. He’s torn between wanting to talk to him or resist and just go without looking back. He was about to choose the latter when his Mom talked.

“Go on honey, talk to him if you want. Maybe it’s what you both need. For the last time.” 

He didn’t tell his parents about the cheating because they didn’t need to know about it, they saw Baekhyun like their own son, and he didn’t want to change that. However, Jonghee does know. She was furious to the point that she wanted to go home just to punch Baekhyun on the face but Jongdae talked her out of it. 

“We’ll wait for you in the car, son.” His dad said.

When he was alone he walked his way towards where Baekhyun was standing. As always, he looked so handsome and it made his heart beat faster. He looked so surprised to see him standing in front of him.

“Hey.” Jongdae started.

“Hey.” 

“Congratulations to us. We’ve finally finished the most stressful days of our lives.”

“Yeah, congratulations too. As expected from the smartest student on campus.”

“Thanks.” 

Silence filled them after that. They used to talk about so many things but now, it’s too awkward.

“So, do you have any plans? I mean, are you gonna work for your company or something?” Baekhyun asked to break the awkward silence.

“Actually that’s why I approached you. We’re leaving. We’re moving to the US since most of our business is there.”

“Oh. I— I see.. That’s good I guess. You can finally move on and completely forget about me.”

“Yes, but I don’t want to.”

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t want to forget about you. You’re the happiest moment of my life. Why would I forget about the person who once made me happy?”

“Please don’t say that or I might not let you go.”

“I will miss you Baekhyun. Thank you for being a part of my life. Please move on and find the person who’s meant for you.” Jongdae said with a small smile on his face but his eyes were sad.

“Okay. Okay I will. Take care of yourself always.” 

Jongdae wiped the single tear that fell from Baekhyun’s eyes. 

“You too. Don’t cry now.”

Baekhyun can’t do this anymore. 

“I love you, Jongdae. I still do, can’t we give us another chance? I promise to make it up to you, I’ll be a better version of me just please. Please don’t leave me. I can’t do this anymore. Please, I’m begging you. Please don’t go.” Baekhyun finally broke down and almost got on his knees if only not for Jongdae who held him to stop whatever he’s planning to do.

Jongdae cried too but he kept his stance even if seeing Baekhyun beg for him to stay hurts the hell out of him.

“I’m sorry Baek. I’m really sorry but I really have to go. How about this? Let’s come back here in five years. If we’re still single by then, let’s see each other and continue from where we left off. Is that a deal?”

Baekhyun closed his eyes and just let his tears fall. He sobbed and hugged Jongdae for the last time.

“Okay. Deal. But don’t blame me if I gave you a ring on that day and asked you to marry me.” Baekhyun agreed even if there’s no assurance of it really happening in the future. Five years is a long time. Many things could happen. Who knows if he’ll move on and find the person really meant for him or Jongdae does. They both weren’t sure but at least they had something to hold on to.

Jongdae nodded but he’s not sure as well, if that will ever happen in the future.

“I have to go now, Baek. Take care of yourself. Always eat on time. You know how much I hate it when you’re skipping your meals.”

Baekhyun just nodded and closed his eyes once again. He felt Jongdae’s lips on his forehead and when he opened his eyes again, Jongdae’s gone.

—

Five years later…

Jongdae was watching a baseball game on the television when Jonghee sat beside him. 

“Yah, since when did you have interest in watching baseball games?”

“Since I saw that guy. Did you know he's Korean too? Isn’t he handsome? I really want to meet him in person. I searched him up on the internet and I found out that his name is Byun Baekhyun and he’s the same age as me.”

Jonghee smiled at his brother. Funny how love works. Jongdae is crushing on Baekhyun again, without knowing that he’s his ex-boyfriend. 

“And I also found out another fun fact! He also graduated from the same university as mine! Why can’t I recall him? Maybe we didn't see each other back then. Too bad, maybe I asked him out on a date if I met him in college.” Jongdae excitedly shared his new learnings with his sister.

You did meet him. You even loved each other. Jonghee wanted to tell her brother but forcing that memory to him might be bad for his condition.

Jongdae is suffering from amnesia. The doctors said it was temporary but they weren’t sure how long before he would regain his memories. They advised not to force him to remember something because it might only trigger his panic attacks. They said that his memories would come back on their own soon.

He got amnesia when he got into a car accident two years ago and his head took the hardest blow which caused him brain damage. All of his most recent memories were erased including Baekhyun. He could only remember his name, age, his younger years from childhood to high school and his family. He forgot all his memories from college. They were still thankful that he didn’t suffer the type of amnesia where he won’t be able to form new memories.

“Yah, Kim Jonghee, are you listening to me?”

“Yes, I am. I just remembered something.”

“UNCLE JONGDAE!” a tiny loud voice called his name. He looked at the source of the voice and saw his niece running towards him.

Jonghee and Junmyeon got married three years ago and bear this cute little girl, Kim Naeun. She’s their honeymoon baby.

“Hi there my little princess~ oh Uncle Jongdae has gifts for you baby girl. Go to your room. I bought you a beautiful doll house.” Jongdae said and kissed his niece on the cheek and the young girl ran towards her room to check her Uncle’s gifts for her.

“You’re really spoiling her too much.” Junmyeon said, kissing his wife on the cheek and greeting Jongdae.

“Well, she’s my only niece and I am really fond of her. Just let me buy her toys, she deserves it.”

Junmyeon just smiled, shaking his head and bid them goodbye so he could take a rest in their room. Jongdae continued watching the game and he almost jumped in joy when Baekhyun’s team won.

“Do you really want to meet him, oppa?” Jonghee asked.

“Well, of course! I’m a big fan of his. If I can't date him, I want his signature at least. Too bad, I am too busy with work and I can’t even watch a single game live. I can only watch the recaps on television.”

Jonghee didn’t know if she would pity her brother or what because he really lost all his memories of Baekhyun, but obviously his heart can never forget about him.

She was furious when she found out that Baekhyun cheated on her brother with his ex. You can’t blame her. She entrusted her brother to him and what did he do? He just ruined her trust. Seeing Jongdae smiling happily just by looking at Baekhyun on tv makes her heart melt. She thinks that maybe it’s time to forgive Baekhyun.

“Hey, do you think he’s still single?” Jongdae asked his sister.

“Why? Would you ask him out if he is?”

“No, as if I can. He’s too good to be true. What are the chances that he would like someone like me?”

“Yeah, right. You’re ugly. How can he like you?”

“Bitch.”

—

They flew back to South Korea to spend their entire summer on a vacation at their beach house and also to accompany Jongdae on taking care of their business there. He might be staying around for some time. It was nice to be back home.

The first thing Jonghee did after resting to get rid of the jetlag was to go to the grocery and buy supplies for their entire stay. She was pushing her cart continuously without looking in front of her because she was scanning the boxes of cereals, choosing which brand to buy. 

“Aww! Watch out!” She heard someone yell, and she immediately looked in front of her when she realized she was the one who bumped that person with her cart.

“I’m sorry! Ohmygod! I wasn’t looking. I'm really sorr— Baekhyun??” She was surprised to see Baekhyun right in front of her. Apparently he’s the one that she bumped with her cart.

“J-Jonghee?”

“Yes, it’s me. Hi.”

“Hello. H-How are you? When did you get back here?”

“Ah, I’m fine. We’re just here for summer vacation.”

“Oh, so you’re not staying for good?”

“No, I already have a kid and she studies in New York so we really can’t stay. I’m married to Junmyeon now.”

“Oh. Congratulations! Wow.”

“Yeah, wow. He was just my dream guy and now I’m already married to him. Anyway, I heard you’re a pro baseball player now huh?”

“Yeah. I didn’t expect it either. I was a simple regular office worker and then I bumped with my coach in college one time and he said I should try out for the Eagles because they were recruiting new players. So I did and luckily I got in.”

“Congratulations too! So, I guess you’re being chased by more girls and guys now huh?”

Baekhyun just laughed and scratched the side of his head.

“So— is it only you, Junmyeon and your child here?”

“He’s with us. If that’s what you’re trying to ask.”

“R-really?” Baekhyun’s eyes lit up knowing that. She guessed, it’s not only Jongdae who still has feelings for the other.

“Actually I was really hoping to bump into you and maybe have a little talk? If you have free time?”

“Yeah, sure. I am free the whole day today.”

“You are, okay. Maybe we can drop by at a coffee shop nearby?”

“Sure. We can do that. A little catch up won't hurt.”

“Yes. So I’ll see you later, at 4pm?”

“Okay. See you.”

“I have to go now. It was nice to see you again Baekhyun.”

“Yes. Nice to see you too Jonghee.”

If his brother helped her to get together with her dream guy, maybe it’s time to do the same for him. 

—

Just like what they agreed on, they met in a coffee shop around 4pm. Jonghee is a little late because she took care of Naeun first. 

“Hey, I’m sorry, I am late. I can’t get Naeun to sleep.”

“It’s alright, I just got here around 5 minutes ago. So, what do you want? I’ll order for us.” Baekhyun offered.

“I’ll order whatever you’ll have. Thanks.”

“Okay then, I’ll be back.”

They got into talking as soon as Baekhyun came back.

“So… I know that you hate me for hurting your twin brother five years ago. But I’m really really sorry.”

“Who told you that? I didn’t hate you. I loathed you.”

“Oh. Guess I deserved that. At least it’s past tense.”

“Yeah. I can’t loathe you for a long time, for Jongdae. He’s the one you hurt but he can’t hate you so how can I?”

“So, how is he? He didn’t show up, you know? Is he married now too? I hope he’s happy and doing well.”

“Show up? Show up where?” Jonghee curiously asked. 

“Well. He and I made some kind of a deal, that if we’re still single, we'll meet at the university exactly five years after graduation. He didn’t show up so I guess he’s in a relationship now or is probably married.”

“So you’re still single?”

“Yeah. I know it’s been five years but I can’t forget him. I tried dating others but all I can think about is him. Too bad, he’s not available anymore. Is the guy good to him? Is he taking care of him well? I hope he deserves Jongdae’s love because I know I didn’t so I hope he’s—“

“Would you please stop blabbering nonsense? Jongdae’s not yet married, he's not even dating anyone right now. He’s a single ass and too busy with his work.”

“But— but why didn’t he show up? Did he forget about our deal? He’s the one who made that deal. How can he forget about it? I waited for him the entire day.”

“He’s forgotten about you.” Jonghee revealed and Baekhyun’s tears started falling.

“B-but— how? How can he forget about me when all I could think about is him?”

“He didn’t forget you just because he wanted to. Two years ago, he got into an accident. His head took the blow and he almost died on the spot. Good thing, he’s brought to the hospital immediately and he was revived by the doctors but he lost almost all of his most recent memories, and that includes you. The doctors advised not to push him too hard into remembering things because it might trigger his panic attacks, so we didn’t. We were all walking on eggshells around him when he woke up after the accident. We all thought that he would not recognize any of us but he did but when the doctors asked him about college he could only remember the name of the university. But you know what? I think his heart never forgot about you. That’s why I decided to do this and ask you a favor.” Jonghee explained crying remembering the accident her brother got into two years ago and tried to let out a bittersweet smile remembering how his brother instantly swooned on Baekhyun after seeing him play on TV once.

Baekhyun was also in tears hearing about what happened to his beloved. Knowing that he had forgotten everything about him and their past.

“W-what do you mean his heart never forgot about me?” Baekhyun asked as he handed Jonghee some tissues.

“He’s crushing on you again. He always watches your games on TV. He’s always talking a lot about what he had searched up about you on the internet. He also wonders if you’re still available and if you’re not, he wanted to get at least your sign. He looks like a total idiot pining over his ex on television, without knowing that you’re his ex. He actually wanted to see you play live but his schedule doesn’t permit him to do so.  Now that he’s back here I think he’s planning on watching at least one game. That’s why I really wanted to talk to you.” Jonghee said with a small smile on her face. Happy to be doing her brother a favor.

“What is the favor?”

“Can you talk to him as his crush? I mean if he sees you live, will you please act like you were never his ex? I would really appreciate it if you could act like you do not know him at all. I know it’s very insensitive on your part but can you please do it for him? I only want him to remember good memories about you. I don’t want him to remember the pain of losing you.”

“You mean going back to where it all started?”

“Yes. Just pretend that you just met him and indulge him with his fanboying.”

“So you want me to lie to him?”

“Not for long. We’ll tell him the truth eventually. I just want to fulfill his wish to meet his crush and I don’t want to force him to remember you. I just want to indulge his happiness for now.”

“Okay. I’ll do it.”

“Really?”

Baekhyun nodded. “Only because I miss him so bad.”

“He might not remember you but I know his heart misses you too. I’m giving you my blessings for the second time around  but please don’t hurt him again. Don’t make him cry again.”

“I’ll only make him cry on our wedding day.”

“Good luck then.”

“Please don’t ruin my trust again.”

“Promise.”

“Good.”

Their meeting ended up with Baekhyun giving Jonghee free tickets to their next game. Jonghee happily took it knowing how happy it would make Jongdae. She went home and saw Jongdae searching up things about Baekhyun again on the internet.

“Hey bro!” Jonghee excitedly greeted her brother.

“What?! You’re gonna give me a heart attack!

“Why? Are you watching porn?”

“Kim Jonghee! Your filthy mouth! And no, I’m not!”

“I know, I can see Baekhyun on the screen. Searching him up again?”

“Yes, I just want to know if he’s still single or not.”

“Why don’t you just ask him yourself?”

“As if I can do that. He’s too far to reach. I can only admire him on the computer screen.” 

“Here. Free up your schedule this coming Saturday.” Jonghee handed him an envelope with two tickets. Jongdae took it and opened it. 

“Ohmygosh! Kim Jonghee you didn’t! How did you have this? I checked all ticket selling platforms around the internet, I almost bribed someone just to give me a spare ticket for this game and I haven’t had any luck!”

“I have my ways. It’s a VIP ticket, with perks. You can have a player of your choice to give you a signed ball and cap.”

“Ohmy, did I already tell you how much I love you?”

“I know you do love me so much.”

“It’s two tickets, we can watch it together!”

“Sure, I’ll be there to watch how stupid you would look in front of your crush.”

“Whatever, I’m not gonna fight you right now, because you just made me so happy.”

“I’m glad I did.” Jonghee happily smiled at her twin brother.

—

Jongdae woke up really early that Saturday. The game will start at 2pm. He was so excited because finally, he will see his crush in person. Should he ask him out on a date? Oh no, he might think he’s a creep. He hopes that he will not embarrass himself in front of Baekhyun later. He also hopes that Baekhyun is as kind as what he portrayed him to be.

On the other hand, Baekhyun was so nervous because today, he will meet Jongdae again. Jonghee confirmed that they’ll be going. What should he do? He’s afraid that he might mess up their plan and come running into his arms and kiss him senseless.

Jongdae and Jonghee arrived at the open stadium around 1:00pm. They have reserved seats, so they weren't worried at all. Before entering the field, Jongdae asked his sister again if he looked okay and presentable. He's just wearing simple plain white long sleeves and paired it with black pants. He's also wearing an Eagle baseball cap which he bought outside.

"You look perfect."

“Really?”

“Okay, now you’re starting to annoy me, let’s go in now. The meet and greet with the players will start at 1:30 and you don’t want to lose that chance.”

“Fine.” Jongdae said, rolling his eyes.

“You act like a teenager. Let me remind you Kim Jongdae that you are a grown ass 27-year-old man and not some 15-year-old who’s going to meet his crush for the first time.”

“I said, fine! Stop nagging now before I remind you that I am still 3 minutes older than you.”

Jonghee just mimicked him.

They went in and Jongdae’s really nervous. He’s gonna meet his greatest crush today in this open stadium.

“Are you sure I look okay?” Jongdae asked his sister again and even before she could respond someone else responded for her.

“You look great.” someone said from behind him. Jongdae snapped his head to look at the person who just answered for his sister. And his jaw dropped seeing Baekhyun sitting beside him wearing his baseball uniform. He had light brown hair that looked really good on him but he still preferred the silver one.

“Hi.” Baekhyun said, waving a little.

Jongdae looked at his sister for help but she just shrugged her shoulders. He didn’t expect this kind of meeting.

“I’m going to kill you later, Kim Jonghee.” he whispered to his sister before looking back at Baekhyun who’s still there and smiling at him.

“H-hi.” Jongdae shyly said and he heard his sister snicker behind him, and he reminded himself to really smack the life out of her later.

“Hi.” Baekhyun said again. Even he didn't know what to say to Jongdae because all he wanted to do now was hug him tight and tell him how much he missed him.

“Are we just gonna say hi to each other until the start of your game?”

“Up to you.”

“My sister here said, there’s a meet and greet with the players later and I am your fan.”

“Meet and greet? I didn’t know about that.”

“W-what? But my sister s—”

“Gotcha!”

“Ah! I really thought you were serious!” Jongdae whined and Baekhyun just smiled at him and he realized this was his idol he was talking to and he shouldn’t whine just like that, but talking to Baekhyun feels so comfortable. It was like they’ve known each other for a long time. “Oops. Sorry, I got carried away.” Jongdae apologized.

“It’s alright. You’re fun to talk to. Anyway, here you go.” Baekhyun said, giving Jongdae a signed ball and a baseball cap.

“But— the meet and greet won’t start until—“

“You’re special, so I gave it earlier. I’ll see you later Jongdae.” Baekhyun said, smiling wide and letting out a flying kiss towards him. Jongdae’s jaw dropped at how handsome his crush is with a smile like that and the flying kiss! God, help him! 

He was still looking at the direction that Baekhyun took even if he isn’t there anymore. He just snapped out of his reverie when his sister touched his chin.

“Close your mouth, flies will go in there.” His sister teased.

“Did he just give me a flying kiss?”

“Yes, and he’s outright flirting with you.” 

“No he’s not, it’s just a mere fan service”

“Yes, he is.”

The meet and greet started and lasted for only 15 minutes. He saw the fans take a picture with their chosen players. Only then did Jongdae realize that he forgot to ask Baekhyun for a picture.

He saw Baekhyun looked at his way and gave him a wink when their eyes met but then the announcers already said the opening remarks and the players need to get ready now and he’s kinda sad that he hadn’t had the chance to have a picture with his crush.

They ate at a ramen house nearby after the game, Jonghee noticed that her brother seemed sad.

“Hey, why are you sulking? I thought you were happy because your crush noticed you?”

“I didn’t get a picture with him.”

“It’s just a picture, you talked to him, you got a ball and a cap with his sign and most importantly,  he flirted with you, you’re still not satisfied? You’re being greedy.”

“He didn’t flirt with me! He just did fan service!”

“Oh sure he did.” Jonghee said, unconvinced.

Jongdae just frowned and looked at the Eagles baseball cap with Baekhyun’s sign on it. He noticed a small white piece of paper folded and inserted in the inside flap of the cap. He pulled it out and saw a number and a short message that said “Text me, don’t give my number to anyone. -B”

“Fuck.”

“Fuck what?”

“Baekhyun.”

“Oh please I don’t want to hear any of your wild fantasies about your crush.”

“No! I mean fuck! He just gave me his number!”

“What? Really? ooohh, Kim Jongdae, I think you attracted him with your lovely ass!” Jonghee teased. 

“Fuck off.”

“So would you text him?” Jonghee asked, her brows doing an up and down motion because teasing Jongdae is the best feeling in the world.

“I don’t know. Should I?”

“You’re asking me?”

“Nevermind.”

Jonghee snickered, finding his brother’s dilemma quite amusing.

—

Jongdae just saved the number but he had no guts on texting Baekhyun because it’s Byun Baekhyun, his crush. Wouldn’t it be a bad impression if he texts him? Wouldn’t it look like he was desperate or something? But that’s the main reason why Baekhyun gave him his digits. To text him. But he is just too shy to do it so he just lets the number sit on his phone for a couple of days. He suddenly forgot about it because he got too busy with his work. Unlike any other busy night, tonight is a very idle moment for Jongdae because he just finished closing a very big deal for their company so he’s pretty free right now. He’s staring at Baekhyun’s digits again and his mind is battling whether he should text Baekhyun or not. How could he get his crush’s number that easily? He saved his number in his phone but he didn’t know what to do about it. He’s just staring at it while he’s on the bed. 

“Yah! Don’t just stare at it. Just text him.” Jonghee suddenly appeared in his room which got him really shocked and he accidentally slipped his phone out of his hands.

“What the fuck Kim Jonghee?! Don’t appear to me just like that! Are you a fucking ghost?” Jongdae yelled at his sister and Jonghee just mimicked his expression like a child. He was about to pick up his phone when he heard something from it. 

“Hello? Is this a prank call?” Hellooo~”

He fucking called Baekhyun’s number! Fuck this! Fuck his fucking sister!

“Hey, if you don’t have anything to say, I’m gonna hang up—“

“Hi.” Jongdae saved so Baekhyun won’t drop the call.

“Hi, is this who I think this is?” Baekhyun suddenly said in a flirty tone. Is this how he talks to anyone who calls him?

“Who are you expecting?”

“Jongdae, my long lost love, because I’ve been waiting for a long time already.” Baekhyun said in a tone that he couldn’t recognize if sad or just his way of flirting with the caller.

“This is Jongdae, but I am not your long lost love.”

“Maybe you are.”

“I don’t even know you.”

“Then get to know me.”

“Are you flirting with me?”

“Depends if it works or not. Does it work?”

Jongdae felt his cheeks and it’s very hot right now and he’s sure as hell that he’s red as a tomato. His sister is still looking at him in a teasing manner, he pushed her out of his room and locked it and he even heard her say, ‘go grab a boyfriend already’ from the outside.

“Hey, are you still there?” Baekhyun asked from the other line.

“Why are you flirting with me? Don’t you have a girlfriend or boyfriend?”

“I assume it’s working based on what you just asked and to answer your question, I am single and very available so I can flirt with whomever I want.”

“Why me?”

“You got my attention the moment I laid my eyes on you earlier.”

“I’m sorry but if you’re just looking for some kind of no strings attached one night stand, I don’t do those kinds of things because at my age, I am looking for something serious already.”

“Who told you that I am just looking for a no strings attached one night stand?”

“Well, I assumed that at your age and that kind of face, you should be in a stable relationship already, but you’re still not.”

“You’re talking like I am very old which by the way, I am not. I’m only 27. I think we’re the same age but you’re also single!”

“And what makes you think that I am single?”

“Well, you wouldn’t spend so much time talking to me right now and even save my number on your phone and stare at it having internal dilemmas whether to text me or not,  and end up accidentally calling it because your phone slipped, if you’re in some kind of a committed relationship.”

“Wow, now that is so creepy. Are you stalking me? Because that’s the exact thing that happened.”

“Oh, I was gonna say that that was just a wild guess but thank you for admitting that my guess was right.” 

Jongdae blushed, realizing that it’s true. He just admitted that he’s really having internal dilemmas and that he’s really staring at his digits.

They went on and on with the talking and they both realized that they’ve already been talking for hours and they were both enjoying each other’s company. It was almost 1am when Jongdae yawned loudly and it made Baekhyun giggle from the other line.

“I guess it’s now time for you to sleep huh?” Baekhyun said, obviously teasing Jongdae.

“Well, I’m an early sleeper. I usually sleep at 10pm but it’s already 1am.” 

“Then go to sleep now.”

“Okay then good night or perhaps good morning?”

Jongdae was about to hang up when he heard Baekhyun’s voice again.

“Wait up!”

“What?”

“Can I take you out for dinner some time? Or coffee, whatever you like. Up to you.”

Jongdae’s cheeks are getting hot again. He felt like a teenager being asked out on a date and this was too good to be true and he didn’t wanna wake up if this is just a dream.

“Hello? You’re still there Jongdae?”

“Huh? Ah, yes, I’m still here. I was just uhh… trying to process what I just heard from you?”

“I asked you if I can take you out for dinner or coffee some time.”

“You’re asking me out on a date?”

“Yes, I hope that’s okay with you.”

Jongdae couldn’t help himself from smiling so wide it’s almost ripping his face.

“Okay.”

“Really? Thank you! I’ll text you the details!” Baekhyun exclaimed happily and Jongdae just giggled before hanging up the phone.

—

Baekhyun is really happy because even though they were back to the introductions and first dates, it feels so refreshing. He’s going to woo the love of his life again and this time he’s gonna make this right.

He texted Jongdae the time and place and he said he’s going to pick him up if it's okay and gladly Jongdae agreed.

He slept that night (morning) with a smile on his face. He felt like a teenager feelingi flustered, and looking forward to a first date with his future husband.

—

That weekend Baekhyun was standing in front of his sleek black car just outside Kim's mansion, waiting for Jongdae to come out. 

“Baekhyun!” he heard someone called. He saw Jonghee approaching him.

“Hi. Is Jongdae ready? I hope he didn’t forget about our date tonight.”

“Yes, he’s almost done. Wow, fancy car huh? So, you really didn’t waste any time in asking my brother out again huh?”

“I miss him so much, why wait longer? If only I could ask him to marry me right now, I would, but I’m afraid I would only scare him away.”

“I’m sorry.”

“No, all of these are my fault. If I didn’t let myself get weak and didn’t cheat on him, we shouldn’t have broken up, and if we didn’t break up, he wouldn’t be moving to the US and he wouldn’t have that accident and who knows? We might be married already.”

“Well, I guess everything happens for a reason. Maybe it’s really meant for the two of you to break up then. Who knows, maybe this time it’ll work out? Just don’t hurt him again Baekhyun and I’m sure, good things will come out.”

“I know. Thank you.”

“Jonghee! Baekhyun!”

They both looked back to the person who called them and they both saw Jongdae walking towards them. He looks ethereal wearing a white button down shirt and a black pants. He had his hair down and dyed it blonde. 

“Hi oppa! You look sexy, Baekhyun here is drooling. Anyway, I’ll leave you two here, enjoy your date, boys.” Jonghee said, as she walked her way back to the mansion.

“Hi.” Baekhyun said, still sinking in the look of Jongdae in front of him.

“Hi.”

“You look perfect.”

“Do I? Did I go overboard?”

“No. Just right but perfect for my eyes.”

“Cheesy but thanks. Let’s go?”

“Let’s go.”

They went to a fancy restaurant for their date tonight. Baekhyun brought Jongdae here because he wanted to have a quiet and romantic ambiance and have a little getting to know you once again.

Baekhyun ordered a lot of food and Jongdae was quite surprised.

“Can we finish all of these? You almost ordered the whole menu. Is this how you athletes eat?”

“No, I ordered it to make you eat a lot because you’re too skinny.”

“But I can’t eat all of that.”

“Sure you can.” Baekhyun knows Jongdae’s eating habits so he’s confident that they can finish all of it.

They were both silent as they took their first bites. Baekhyun’s the one to cut the silence first.

“So, what do you do for a living?”

“Well, I took over my father’s businesses. He retired early saying he wanted to spend more time with my Mom. They frequently go on vacations around the world. So there, I was left to take care of my dad’s and my sister Jonghee took over my mom’s.”

“So, a family of business tycoons huh?”

“Yeah, I guess. By the way, I saw you comfortably talking with my sister earlier. Do you know each other?”

“Well, she’s quite friendly and she greeted me as soon as she saw me so I got to talk to her. She’s comfortable to talk to.”

“I see, but she’s really annoying.”

“You two seemed close.”

“Yes, we really are. She’s my guardian angel but sometimes acts like a devil. She is my twin. Literally my other half. I don’t know what I’ll do without her. What about you? Do you have a sister or a brother?”

“A brother, but he’s way older than me, he’s a family man now, so we only get to hangout on holidays.”

“What about your parents?”

“Well, just like yours they were just out there somewhere, having a good time for themselves.”

“So, why did you ask me out on a date? We only met once. I could be a murderer.”

“I could be a murderer too but why did you go out with me?”

“Ah, answering a question with a question too.”

“I want to get to know you because I like you.” I love you and I want to get you back. Baekhyun wanted to say.

“You liked me that instant? You don’t even know me.”

I know you, I know all about you. You’re the one who forgot about me.

“You can’t dictate the heart if someone caught it’s attention.”

“Is that how you get someone to your bed?”

“No, only to special ones.”

“So, should I assume that I am a special one? How many are we?”

“Only you.”

“You almost got me there. Anyway, you already know that I have a crush on you, so there’s really no need to deny it anymore. When I was searching you up on the internet, I found out that we finished in the same university and in the same batch. Did we ever cross paths?”

We even dated and almost lived together.

“You didn’t remember?”

“No. I can’t remember a single thing about college. I got into an accident 2 years ago. I had amnesia, I don’t know when my memories will come back. They only filled me in with the important ones like when I graduated, what did I study for, you know, the basics.”

“So you didn’t know if you had dated someone before?”

“They said I did, but I can’t remember him. They only told me that we already broke up when I got into the accident. I just followed my doctor's advice not to push too hard. Sad, because somehow, I wanted to remember that part of my life because my sister told me that that person made my college the happiest. I only have this mini mixtape. Jonghee said that he gave this to me when we were still dating. I still listen to these songs in hopes of remembering at least a tiny memory of him. She said that this playlist is a mix of our favorite songs.” Jongdae showed Baekhyun his keychain mixtape. The mixtape he gave him on Valentine’s Day.

Baekhyun froze on his seat after seeing the mixtape. Jongdae still kept it! When Jongdae moved out of his dorm after they broke up, he only left the magnetic bracelet but not the mixtape.

“Hey, is my story very dramatic? Why are you crying?” Jongdae suddenly asked. Baekhyun touched his cheek and indeed, he is crying. His emotions played him when he saw the mixtape he gave the love of his life. It was a very cheap gift but it meant the world to him.

“Sorry, I just got too emotional. Your story is very touching. I guess. I remembered something.” Baekhyun said, wiping his traitor tears away.

When Baekhyun moved, Jongdae saw a necklace around his date’s neck. Why does it look familiar?

“Is something wrong Jongdae?”

“Uhh, no. I just… I saw your necklace and I don’t know. I thought I had seen it before. It’s kinda familiar. Ah, nevermind, maybe I just saw it from a store or somewhere I’ve been to. Anyway, is that something, a certain someone? Come on, tell me about your story.”

“Well, you could say that he’s my one true love. We met back in college. He’s a beautiful person inside and outside. I had a crush on him ever since I laid my eyes on him. He’s just always there watching our games and it turned out that he was my neighbor. I fell in love with him and he did too. We were happy. He made me the happiest but I only gave him sadness. I took him for granted. My ex-girlfriend from high school returned to my life and I got confused, I found myself cheating on him with her. But you know what? He chose to still love me even if I cheated on him. I realized right there and then that I really love him and I never wanted to lose him but that same day, he broke up with me because he thought I would be happier with her. He’s still unselfish at the very last minute of our relationship. Taking him for granted was the thing that I regret the most. It took me a long time before I finally forgave myself. If only I could turn back time, I would want to repeat it all over again, and I wouldn’t hurt him again. I will treat him better, the way he deserves. You know, he gave me another chance. We agreed to meet after five years if we’re still both single, we’ll meet at our university campus and we’ll continue where we left off. Guess what? He didn’t show up. Looks like he already forgot about me.” Baekhyun said with a bittersweet smile on his face.

Jongdae couldn’t react, because as Baekhyun was talking, he was having some flashes. There were pictures appearing in his mind. There were flashes of people cheering in a field, then suddenly there was a faceless man talking to him while they were walking. Then suddenly they were in some kind of open space and he was kissing him. They were kissing but he couldn’t see his face. He held his head because it’s starting to hurt.

Baekhyun got alarmed when Jongdae suddenly held his head as if it was in pain. Did he push the memories too hard? If something happens to Jongdae right now, he wouldn’t forgive himself anymore.

“Hey, are you alright?”

“My head… It hurts.”

“Should I bring you to the hospital? Come on, let's go!”

“No… I just — I think I need to go home.”

“Okay. Okay, I‘ll send you home.”

 Jongdae couldn’t figure out what just happened. Are those flashes of his memories? Why did it trigger when Baekhyun is telling his story? Why did he suddenly feel a connection with what Baekhyun just told him? And that faceless person that flashed through his mind, is it his ex-boyfriend? He shouldn’t force himself to remember these things but he can’t help it. He was interrupted in his trance when Baekhyun talked.

“Hey, are you okay?”

“I’m fine. Baekhyun— I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

“I’m sure this isn’t the first date that you expected.”

“It’s okay. I understand. We can always have another one right?”

“You’re asking for a second date already?”

“Maybe.”

“But obviously, you’re still not over your ex. How are you going to pursue me if you’re still crying over him?”

Because you are him…

“Is that a rejection already?”

“No, just curious.”

“We haven’t seen each other for five years. I guess it was already time to move on.”

“What if I’ll just become one of those that you tried dating but never worked out because you can’t get over him?”

“We never know, but are you willing to take the risk?”

Jongdae didn’t answer and Baekhyun was nervous as fuck. What if this won’t work? What if he’ll lose him again?

They arrived in front of Kim's mansion without Baekhyun hearing the answer from Jongdae. They said their goodbyes but before Jongdae could exit Baekhyun’s car, he was pulled by the latter and kissed him.

The kiss was perfect. He couldn’t remember how it feels to be kissed but Baekhyun’s lips fit his own just perfectly. He closed his eyes and let himself drown in that kiss. Why does he kiss like this? It’s as if he’s in love with him.

Their lips parted and silence stretched between them.

“Should I apologize?” Baekhyun asked shyly. It’s too late before he realized what he had just done.”

“Are you sorry?” Jongdae asked.

“No. Not at all.”

“Then don’t.”

“Okay. So, can I invite you for a second date?”

“Okay. I’d like that. So I could make up for tonight.”

“No, you don’t have to make up for it. I want you to go on a second date with me because you wanted to and not just because you felt bad for tonight.”

“Fine. I wanted to go on a second date with you.”

“Better.” Baekhyun smiled. “I’ll see you Friday next week?”

“Okay, see you. Goodnight Baekhyun.”

“Goodnight Jongdae.”

They bid their goodnights but Jongdae still didn’t make an effort to leave Baekhyun’s car. He was just sitting there and fighting himself not to kiss Baekhyun again because damn! He’s a great kisser.

“I do not know what’s happening to me but I really want to do this.” Jongdae said before kissing Baekhyun again. The latter smiled and indulged Jongdae’s aggressiveness. They were totally making out inside the car when flashes of blurry memories hit him. There was the man with unclear face again and they were kissing. It is in an open field. He could hear loud cheering but he didn’t know why. And then the scenes changed, it is now a scene where someone with a blurry face is giving him the mixtape keychain and wearing him a magnetic bracelet. He was happy but he couldn’t see the face of the man. Why is it triggering when he’s with Baekhyun? Why not all these years when he’s been trying to remember his college days all by himself? He forcibly pulled away from Baekhyun when his head started to hurt again. This time it’s unbearable and he couldn’t help but scream in pain. Baekhyun panicked and he didn’t know what to do.

“Ohmygod, what’s happening? I’m taking you to the hospital.” he said in total panic when Jongdae started knocking his own head on the compartment of the car. “Please calm down, we’re going to the hospital. Please stop doing that.”

Baekhyun started driving again, to bring Jongdae immediately to the hospital. He also started crying when Jongdae lost his consciousness. He’s blaming himself for telling him things that might force his memories to come back. He didn’t know how many traffic rules he violated, he didn’t even know if he turned on his hazard as he sped his way towards the nearest hospital.

The nurses assisted them with a stretcher as soon as they arrived. They helped him pull Jongdae out of the car and asked him what happened. The doctor running with them is taking notes of everything that he’s saying. Telling him to calm down.

“Are you family?”

Is he?

“N-No.”

“What is your relation to the patient?”

“I— I’m his friend.”

“Does he have any immediate family here?”

“Yes, I’m gonna call his twin sister. His parents are out of the country.”

“Okay, please call his sister.”

“Am I not allowed inside?”

“I’m sorry sir, but we need to talk to an immediate family member for now. Please call his sister so we could talk to her. Don’t worry, he’s not going into an operation so all we have to do is examine his condition and check on his other medical history.”

Baekhyun frustratingly sighed but still complied with the doctor’s request. He excused himself and called Jonghee and told her the news. In 15 minutes, Jonghee arrived with Junmyeon in tow.

“Baekhyun! What happened to him?”

He told everything to Jonghee expecting for her to get mad at him and of course she really did.

“The only thing I asked you is not to force his memories to come back but you still did. I gave you a second chance to my brother because you’re giving him the smile that he lost ever since you two broke up before the accident. If something happens to him again, I swear to God! You’re not gonna see him again in this lifetime.” Jonghee warned and Baekhyun couldn’t talk back because he never saw Jonghee mad like this. 

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to—“

“Like how you didn’t mean to cheat on him? Of course, you never meant to do things that will bring him in danger or pain. Like always.”

“Jonghee please stop it now, the doctor might be waiting for you. Go inside now, I’ll take care of Baekhyun here.” Junmyeon said, interrupting Jonghee’s rage towards Baekhyun.

“I’m sorry…I— I never wanted for these things to happen.” Baekhyun said, crying as he sat down on one of the steps of the stairs outside the hospital.

“I know. I’m sorry about her behavior. You know how much Jongdae meant to her. It’s natural for her to act like that when her only brother’s in danger. Just let her for now. She’ll calm down soon.” Junmyeon said, convincing Baekhyun that this will be temporary.

“C-can I stay? I just want to stay until he’s okay.”

“I’ll just text you about his condition. You can’t stay if she is that mad. She’s gonna ban you in the hospital if you stay.”

Baekhyun nodded in understanding. It’s really his fault. If he didn’t tell him their story, if he didn’t kiss him, he wouldn’t trigger the memories to come back. They wouldn’t be here right now. It’s all his fault.

He drove away feeling frustrated. Silently praying that Jongdae would be okay soon.

—

Jongdae found himself running towards someone in the middle of the field and then there’s the man again that he’s been seeing when he’s having flashes of brief memories. He was asking the man if he was okay. He looks like he just came from a long run. He’s wearing a baseball cap and wearing a baseball uniform. Who is this man? Why can’t he see his face? The man was about to look at him when suddenly he woke up to his reality. He could see white walls and white ceilings. He saw Jonghee standing up before him with a worried face.

“Oppa, how are you feeling? Are you okay?”

“I almost saw him. Why can’t I see him?” Jongdae frustratingly said, not really answering Jonghee’s question. 

“Who? Who did you see?”

“The man in my memories. He gave me my mixtape keychain, he kissed me in the middle of an open field and now I dreamt of him again and he was about to look at me when I suddenly woke up. I want to know him. I think he’s the only thing missing in my life right now. Please Jonghee, please I want to know him. Do you know about him? I know you do, I can handle it now, please.” Jongdae begged and Jonghee’s heart was breaking seeing Jongdae’s frustration to remember his past.

“I know it’s hard but it’s better for you not to know about it for now. You will remember it eventually, it’s for your own good.”

“How? How is it for my own good? I just want to remember what I lost. I just want to live normally again.”

“But the brain injury you had is too bad. If we force it all on you, it might be dangerous for your life. I could lose you. Too much information will put your life at risk. I can’t risk that. We almost lost you when you had that accident, I can’t risk it again.”

Jongdae’s head injury when he had the accident is so bad that they almost lost him. Good thing that the doctors in the US are really good and they manage to make the operation successful. The injury leads to a temporary loss of his most recent memories but forcing him to remember all of it might lead to a more complicated situation and it might cause him to lose every memory he has yet to make.

Jongdae understood his sister’s fear and he’s mad at himself for being so weak, for causing this major problem to his family.

He stayed at the hospital for three more days before he was finally released. Baekhyun didn’t visit him at all and never even heard anything from him. Not even a text or a call and he wondered why. Did he scare him away after that night? Well, he’s a weakling, who would want to be with him anyway? Many people would love to be with Baekhyun and they were fully capable of making him happy. Unlike him. He could only bring him stress and problems.

But remembering the kiss they shared that night before he got into the hospital, it wasn’t just a normal kiss that you would give to someone you are just getting to know. It was something full of attraction and some kind of feelings that you only feel for someone you love. Passion. That’s the feeling. It was so passionate that he almost believed that Baekhyun might be in love with him. But how could it be possible if they only met a week ago? Ah! His head is starting to hurt again, so he calmed himself down and tried not to think too much.

He fell asleep eventually and when he woke up it’s only 3pm. Jonghee went to a meeting and she brought Naeun with her because her nanny’s on leave. She’s covering up for him for the meantime while he’s recovering from the recent incident. He’s tired of lying down so he decided to just clean up his things inside his room to pass the time.

He started cleaning up his old cabinet. He hadn’t had the chance to take a peek at it ever since they got back from the US. They were out for five years and God knows what this cabinet might look like after not being used for five years.

He opened the cabinet and thank goodness that it has no spider webs yet. Seems like it’s being cleaned regularly while they aren't here. Mostly, it was just a bunch of his old clothes and some old stuff. 

He started arranging those stuff on the top shelf. He reached out for his things there and damn him for being short and damn his parents for buying a cabinet that’s taller than him.

He’s putting down all of his things from the top shelf of his cabinet when a box fell and its contents scattered all over the floor. He looked at one of the pictures that came from the box and he saw a picture of him and Baekhyun together but their background is quite dark. He couldn’t remember that he took a photo with Baekhyun before. They were smiling in this photo but their eyes were both sad? Their smiles looked bittersweet and their pose was kinda intimate? Like they were very close. How did this happen? Were they close back in college? Why didn’t he tell him anything?

He had so many questions running in his mind, when he saw a picture, it’s back facing him, with a messy handwriting.

Hey lovers,

Coach wanted me to give this picture to you. It was from the university paper headlines. I paste it on a folder to preserve it. Damn! This championship kiss was great. I’m so envious of you. I wish I could kiss someone like that too.

-Yeollie

Yeollie? As in Chanyeol? His best friend Kyungsoo’s husband? Championship kiss? He turned the picture over and then he’s quite taken aback with what he saw.

It was him and Baekhyun kissing in the middle of the field. Baekhyun’s wearing the Wolves’ baseball uniform and he’s kissing him. He dropped the picture when his head suddenly ached. It was so painful and he couldn’t help but scream. His memories came crashing back one by one, picture by picture. The face of the mysterious man suddenly became clear. It was Baekhyun. All of it was Baekhyun. The man who’s walking with him in the middle of the night was Baekhyun. It was also him who gave him the mixtape and the magnetic bracelet. It was him who kissed him in the middle of the field, it was also him who made him smile, cry, mad and every emotion he felt during college. It was all Baekhyun. He was his ex-boyfriend. He was also the person who cheated on him but he had forgiven on the day of their graduation. He was the person he gave all his firsts to. He was his first love. He was the love of his life. He was the only person he had ever loved despite the pain that he gave him when they broke up. He was the most important person in his life that his mind chose to forget because he was also the most painful part of his life. Is that why he felt like they have that connection? Is he the person that Baekhyun was talking about? Is he the ‘one true love’ that Baekhyun was crying about? That is why the necklace that Baekhyun's wearing is very familiar to him, because it is from him! He gave Baekhyun that necklace on their first Valentine’s day together as a couple!

The promise! They made a promise! The agreement that Baekhyun was talking about! It was him. It was him who didn’t show up. It was him who forgot about Baekhyun. His tears streamed down his face as all of his memories of Baekhyun came back and how awful he felt for not knowing. He could just imagine how painful it was for Baekhyun when he didn’t show up. When he found out that the person he had ever loved couldn’t remember him. 

That must be why the kiss they shared was so passionate and it feels like Baekhyun was in love with him because he really is. Why? Why is he knowing all about this now? Now that it looks like Baekhyun has given up on him. Baekhyun never contacted him ever since that night he was brought to the hospital. Thinking about it, maybe Baekhyun is finally trying to move on from him.  Maybe he thought that it’s time to give up.

“Oppa! What happened? What are you doing?” Jonghee ran towards her brother when she saw Jongdae was sitting on the floor, crying and holding a picture in his hand.

“Where is he? I need to see him. I am an awful person. I need to see him before he finally gives up on me. I can’t let him go again. No, not this time. I want to be happy. I want to end the pain that he has been feeling for the past five years. Can he forgive me? Can he still forgive me for forgetting about him? Jonghee please… please I need to see him. Please let me be happy.”

Jonghee cried as she finally pieced together what her brother was talking about. She saw the picture that Jongdae was holding. It was Baekhyun and him kissing in the middle of the baseball field after beating the unbeatable team from their rival school.

“Y-you remember everything now? You remember Baekhyun now?”

“Yes, so please tell me where he is. Please Jonghee, I am begging you.”

“He’s in the middle of a live game right now. I saw him on TV earlier. I think they were in Jamsil Sports Stad—“

Jongdae didn’t waste any time and got up to go get his love back.

“Uh— wait up! I am driving you there!” Jonghee yelled and ran towards Jongdae.

“What’s happening?” Junmyeon asked carrying the sleeping Naeun in his arms.

“I’ll explain to you later. Take care of Naeunie, we’ll be back. Love you.” Jonghee said, kissing her husband goodbye before rinning after Jongdae again.

Jonghee drove him towards the stadium and when they got there, it was already in the middle of the game. They saw Baekhyun on the pitcher’s mound and was about to throw the pitch.

“Oppa, please calm down, they were in the middle of the game. Let’s just wait here.”

“There’s no way I’m gonna wait here. He already waited five years for me and I hope he’s still waiting.”

“Okay, now you’re not gonna make a scene here.”

“I don’t care about their opinions. I only want to go to Baekhyun.”

“But he’s in the middle of the game!”

“Haven’t you heard me? I said, I don’t care.”

Jongdae walked straight towards the field and the guards did their best to prevent Jongdae from doing something silly in the middle of a live telecast but seems like Jongdae grew stronger and he managed to get past the guards and walked straight in the middle of the field right in front of Baekhyun. As a matter of fact Baekhyun almost hit him with a ball but he’s lucky that Baekhyun have good reflexes and managed to stop himself from throwing that pitch.

“J-Jongdae…” Baekhyun muttered under his breath. How did he get in here? And why is he crying?

People thought Jongdae was just a crazy fan interrupting a live game. Jonghee could hear people whispering their different opinions but mostly they were just talking about how crazy Jongdae is for walking in the middle of the foeld while the game is on.

Jongdae walked slowly towards the love of his life right there standing in the middle of the field.

When the two of them face to face already Jongdae held Baekhyun’s face lovingly, really sorry for forgetting about this face that he memorized every single day of his junior college life. Baekhyun’s tears started falling too as he finally figured out what was happening. By the looks that Jongdae’s giving him and for taking all these lengths just to see him, he already knows. Jongdae could remember him already. 

“Hi.” Jongdae said, smiling and crying at the same time.

“H-Hi.” Baekhyun stuttered.

The guards were about to get Jongdae but one of the coaches stopped them. He also happened to be Baekhyun’s college coach who witnessed the two’s love story.

Silence filled the two in the middle. Everyone’s eyes are watching them, even those who are watching in their homes were looking forward to what was going to happen with the sudden interruption. Jonghee was just there on the side, sobbing too as she witness right in front of her the love story that was about to finally continue from where it left off. All the pain and emptiness  that her brother felt for the past five years is finally going to an end.

“C-can you remember me now?” Baekhyun asked.

“You’re an asshole for cheating on me but let’s face it. We just couldn’t live without each other. I had an accident I forgot about you but all those years that I couldn’t remember you, there is an empty feeling here.” Jongdae said, pointing on his chest. “I couldn’t unlove you to the point that even if my mind erased all your memories, my heart still fell for you even if it’s only on TV. I’m sorry for making you wait. I’m sorry if I didn’t show up on our agreed date. I’m sorry for forgetting you. Can you still forgive me, my love?” Jongdae asked, continuously wiping Baekhyun’s tears away.

“I couldn’t not forgive you, I am always weak when it comes to you.”

“I love you.” Jongdae said, encircling his arms around Baekhyun. 

“Damn! I love you even more stupid.”

“Isn’t this the part where you would kiss me?”

“We’re on live telecast, are you sure you wanted me to kiss you? The entire South Korean nation watching this game will be able to watch us.”

“They’ve already watched me make a scene just to get to you, at this point, I don’t care anymore.”

“But—“

“Fuck, you blabber so much nonsense.” Jongdae said and pulled Baekhyun’s face and kissed him passionately. They could hear people cheering in the background. Baekhyun kissed him back with equal passion, making up for the five years that they’ve lost.

“Wow, that was great. We’re not yet champions but I already had my championship kiss.”

“You better win this game so you’ll get more later.”

“More? As in more than a kiss?”

“Pervert, but I’ll think about it.”

Jongdae turned around and was about to leave the field and settle in the audience area but Baekhyun stopped him from walking away.

The people from the stands cheered on and those watching on TV got excited when they saw what the hottest not-so bachelor anymore  athlete just did. Jonghee covered her mouth with her hands as her tears of joy streamed down her face. She was genuinely happy for her brother. She suddenly missed her husband. 

Jongdae turned around to face Baekhyun again and he was astounded when he saw his lover down on one knee and holding up a ring.

“Kim Jongdae, I hope this was included in the memories that you regained. I told you not to blame me if I got down on one knee when we meet again. After our graduation, I passed by a jewelry store and I saw this ring. I remembered you, I told myself, I’ll patiently wait and give this to you. I thought I’ll always be that playboy who doesn’t know how to love but taught me how to do it. So right now, in front of these audiences and viewers, I wanted to ask you, will you marry me? It’s fine if you’re not ready yet, I’ll—“

“Yes.”

“What?”

“I said yes, stupid.”

“You said yes?”

“If you don’t put that ring on my finger in ten seconds, I am gonna change my mind.”

Baekhyun instantly put the ring on Jongdae’s finger and they kissed again. Everyone in the crowd cheered for them. The public proposal became a trend and Baekhyun’s brand reputation went up. Well, he’s just getting married to an heir of one of the biggest business tycoon in their country.

—

One year later…

“Hi.” Baekhyun said, smiling at the man in front of him. He could say that he’s already the luckiest man to ever exist because here, right in front of him, is the man that he would love to spend the rest of his life with.

“Hi.” the man said, smiling back at him while caressing his cheek. He would also love to spend every waking moments with him for as long as it would take. 

“Thank you for accepting me again in your life, my love.” 

“Thank you for patiently waiting for me.”

“I’ll always wait for you even if it takes me a lifetime. I love you.”

“I lo—“

“UNCLE JONGDAE! UNCLE BAEKHYUN!” Naeun yelled as she jumped on the couple’s bed.

“Hi, Naeuniee. Why are you up so early? And you seemed so excited?” Jongdae asked his niece.

“Because, I heard Mom and Dad talking, they said, I am going to have a sibling!” Naeun announced excitedly.

“Kim Naeun, how many times do I have to tell you, not to disturb your uncles. They just got married, give them their privacy.” Jonghee said, as she pulled her daughter out of the couple’s bed.

“Yeah, we just got married, but you’re already stealing our limelight. Are you pregnant Kim Jonghee?” Jongdae asked his twin sister.

“Who told you?”

“So, you really are?”

“I just found out too!”

“Congrats, sister-in-law.” Baekhyun said, winking at Jongdae’s twin sister. They cleared their mess after the public proposal. Jonghee made it very clear to Baekhyun that if he’s gonna hurt her brother again, he will never get to see the next sunlight again.

“Thanks, brother-in-law. Now if you’ll excuse us, I’m just gonna take this kid away, so you can have this room to yourselves again.” Jonghee said, winking back at Baekhyun.

When they were left alone in the room, Jongdae put his arms around Baekhyun’s body and he put his chin on his husband’s chest.

“Hey. Do you want to have a kid someday?”

“Who’s getting pregnant? Me or you?” Baekhyun said, chuckling.

“Haha, funny.” Jongdae said, rolling his eyes. “Seriously, love. Do you? Because we can start searching for a surrogate mother if you want.

“Yes, but not now. Not yet. I just want to spend some more time with you only for the meantime. I want to make up for the five years that we lost first before making our own family.”

“Okay, duly noted.” Jongdae said before claiming his husband’s lips, kissing him fervently.

“I hope Jonghee locked our door. I don’t want to traumatize your niece.” Baekhyun said, kissing him back with equal passion.

Jongdae chuckled. This was nice. This is what he has always dreamed of. The man of his dreams, right in front of him, giving him the love that he deserves. Fucking finally.

-end-