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Baekhyun sipped on his iced coffee, eyes fluttering closed for a blissful second as the cold sweetness hit the back of his throat. 

Four straight hours of trauma calls, vomiting toddlers, and one very dramatic elderly patient who insisted her cat caused her chest pain had left him completely drained, and it was only the first quarter of his shift. 

But right now, all he cared about was getting a caffeine fix in the hospital cafe, away from the emergency department’s hustle and bustle and the promise of ten uninterrupted minutes with his favourite person to complain to.

Baekhyun kept an eye out for a familiar pair of large brown eyes. 

A familiar deep voice cut through the cafe’s white noise.

“Byun!”, the familiar deep voice called out, making Baekhyun turn just in time to see Kyungsoo weaving through the crowd, white coat slung over one arm, stethoscope dangling around his neck. 

Despite the bruised shadows under his eyes, his smile was wide and heart-shaped, the kind that made exhausted parents in the paediatric ward instantly trust him.

“Still recovering from nights?” Baekhyun asked, already sliding the tall iced mocha across the tiny table.

Kyungsoo dropped into the chair opposite him with a groan that belonged to a man twice his age, grabbed the cup like it was a lifeline, and took three long gulps before answering.

“Do I look it?” he deadpanned, voice flat.

Baekhyun tilted his head, pretending to appraise him seriously. “Sorry, but even your flawless skin can’t survive nights. You’ve got the complexion of a Victorian ghost who’s been awake for seventy-two hours.”

Kyungsoo narrowed his eyes. “You should hear what my intern says.” He leaned forward, lowering his voice to a dramatic whisper. “ I had to deal with screaming, crying babies the entire night shift, and Nini dared to say I looked ‘fresh’ during the next morning’s handover.”

Baekhyun nearly snorted coffee up his nose and immediately regretted it. “Nini? Are you calling Jongin ‘Nini’ now? That’s new.”

Kyungsoo waved a dismissive hand. “He started it. Keeps calling me ‘Soo hyung’ like we’re in some kind of friendly medic drama. But I am trying to establish dominance.”

“By giving him a cute nickname?”

“Shut up.” Kyungsoo whacked him lightly on the arm. Baekhyun fake-yelped, clutching the spot like he’d been shot, which earned them a few curious glances from nearby tables. 

He dropped the act immediately, sheepish grin spreading.

“Come on,” Baekhyun said, leaning back in his chair, “At least you don’t have Oh Sehun as your intern. Who decided fourth-year residents had to babysit toddlers fresh out of med school on top of gruelling shifts?”

Kyungsoo actually shuddered at the mention of Baekhyun’s intern. “Jongin and Sehun are two peas in a pod, but if I had to choose between them, I’d pick Jongin every single time.”

Baekhyun’s grin turned wicked. “He’s more of your type, is that why?”

The teasing glint in his eyes was impossible to miss.

Kyungsoo’s expression flattened into pure murderous glare. He leaned forward slowly, pointing one accusatory finger. “You better not utter that combination of words again if you love your life, Byun Baekhyun.”

Baekhyun held both hands up in mock surrender, laughing. “Okay, fine! No more matchmaking. I just think it’s cute how you get all soft when he brings you coffee. So much for being a very ‘strict sunbae’ when you have such a secret soft spot, huh?”

“I will end you,” Kyungsoo hissed, but the corner of his mouth twitched. “And for the record, he brings everyone coffee. He’s just… annoyingly competent. And enthusiastic. And—Stop looking at me like that!”

Baekhyun was openly grinning now, chin propped on his hand. “You’re blushing.”

“I am not.”

“Your ears are pink. Kim Jongin has ruined the unflappable Do Kyungsoo.”

Kyungsoo opened his mouth to curse at him, Baekhyun’s bleep shrieked, making both of them jump.

Both of them then groaned in unison as their precious chit-chat was cut short yet again.

Baekhyun glanced at the screen of his bleep and sighed. “ED. Bay four. Probably another idiot who shoved something up their arse that doesn’t belong there.”

Kyungsoo leaned back, giving him an encouraging smile, “Go be a hero.”

Baekhyun stood, slinging his stethoscope around his neck. “If Sehun shows up looking for me, tell him I died.”

“Will do.”

Baekhyun paused at the edge of the table, suddenly serious for half a second. “Thanks for the break, Soo. I really needed it.”

Kyungsoo’s expression softened, just a little. “Anytime, Baek. Now go save lives before someone sues us for slagging on our shifts.”

Baekhyun flashed him one last grin, then jogged toward the exit, white coat flapping behind him like a cape.

Kyungsoo watched him go, took another long sip of his mocha, and muttered with a soft smile under his breath, “Idiot.”

Kyungsoo really hoped the residency gods would go easy on them this year; it was their last one, and he just wanted it all to be over. 

***

The ED trauma bay was thrumming with chaos when Baekhyun burst through the double doors. 

The overhead bright lights were harsh for his exhausted eyes to adjust to, while the beeping monitors screamed in his ears.

“Bay 4, male, mid-50s, high-speed motor vehicle accident,” the trauma nurse told him as Baekhyun approached. “Found unresponsive at scene, now GCS 13, Blood pressure 82 over 48, heart rate 128, sats 92% on full oxygen.”

Baekhyun nodded as he quickly donned gloves before addressing the second-year intern who had been covering him on his break, “How’s the examination?”

“Abdomen is rigid to touch, distended, seatbelt sign positive,” Seulgi, second-year emergency medicine resident, responded swiftly, her damp bangs stuck to her forehead after what seemed like a difficult cannulation procedure. 

Baekhyun’s eyes flicked over the patient in one practised sweep, who had pale, clammy skin, taking shallow, rapid breaths with obvious bruising across the lower chest and abdomen. 

“He’s showing classic signs of intra-abdominal injury,” Baekhyun said loudly to the trauma call team. 

“Seulgi, call the surgical team, tell them we may likely have a bleeding spleen or a liver laceration. He needs theatres ASAP.”

“On it!” Seulgi nodded before she scurried off, leaving Baekhyun with the trauma nurse and the first-year intern who looked like a deer in headlights. 

“Alright, let’s move, Sehun-ah,” he said, voice calm but carrying. “Carry on with the primary assessment. Nurse Ji-eun, please have O-negative blood ready if we need to transfuse.”

Sehun spoke after a minute, his voice steady, but Baekhyun noticed the slight tremor in his hands from the adrenaline, “Dr Byun, the patient’s airway is patent, breathing shallow but equal bilaterally, no obvious chest trauma.”

Baekhyun leant forward to listen with his stethoscope to confirm Sehun’s findings as Sehun carried on with his assessment. 

“As for his circulation…he’s got weak radial pulses, cap refill four seconds.”

Baekhyun nodded in approval, “Good. Let’s do a FAST scan now. Nurse Ji-eun, could you please get the ultrasound?”

The portable ultrasound machine was wheeled in; Baekhyun took the probe, sweeping quickly over the bruised abdomen. Baekhyun frowned, his eyebrows furrowed as he noticed extensive fluid that could only be due to extensive bleeding. 

“He’s got a positive FAST,” he announced. “He’s got a significant internal bleed, but no pericardial effusion. Sehun, keep pressure on that IV site, the fluids aren’t staying up. Nurse Ji-eun, activate massive transfusion protocol. Group and save was already sent?”

“Sent seven minutes ago thanks to Seulgi,” Ji-eun confirmed, hanging the second bag of IV fluid. “Blood bank are aware.”

The man groaned weakly, eyelids fluttering, when Baekhyun pressed firmly on the patient’s abdomen. “Sir, can you hear me? You’ve been in a car accident. You’re at Yonsei University Hospital. We’re taking care of you.”

There was no coherent response, just a pained grunt.

“BP’s dropping, it’s now 78/42,” Sehun spoke with urgency, eyes watching the monitor like a hawk. 

Baekhyun’s jaw tightened. “Nurse Jieun, please contact the blood bank. We need to push one unit of blood now. Sehun, could you get in touch with Seulgi to tell the Surgical team this is category one? This patient needs to be in theatre in the next fifteen minutes, or we will lose him.”

Nurse Jieun came back with the blood bags, just as Baekhyun secured another IV line on the other arm swiftly. 

The trauma surgical resident arrived a few minutes later, “Dr Kim is already scrubbed and gowned after I told him about the case. Any updates while we take him up?”

Baekhyun nodded, “FAST positive with free fluid in the entirety of his abdomen, he’s got a major internal bleed, likely coming from the spleen or the liver. He’s got a blood transfusion running. I would class him as peri-arrest, so you will need to be quick.” 

The trauma surgical resident nodded sharply, “We will take over from here. Good catch on the FAST, Dr Byun.”

“No problem,” Baekhyun stepped back as the surgical team swarmed in, porters wheeling the bed toward the doors.

“Sehun,” Baekhyun spoke quietly, once the team had left and he found the younger watching the team speed off, “Well done, you did well. These cases aren’t always easy as an intern.”

Sehun swallowed, still pale but nodding. “He will survive, right?”

Baekhyun sighed as he ripped off the dirty gloves, before washing his hands in the nearby basin, “Too soon to say, but we need to get on cracking. I will let you know if I hear any updates.”

Sehun trailed half a step behind Baekhyun as they moved through the emergency department, tablet tucked under his arm, eyes alert and bright despite the length of the shift.

“I already checked the blood for bed twelve while you were on break earlier,” Sehun explained. “Nothing alarming yet, but Jongin told me that the paediatric team had a similar case last week that turned septic overnight. I figured it wouldn’t hurt to keep a closer eye.”

Baekhyun glanced at him, surprised. “You talked to Jongin?”

Sehun shrugged nonchalantly, “We went to med school together, we frequently catch up.”

“That makes so much sense,” Baekhyun murmured, before guiding him further. “Repeating the lactate later is reasonable, but only if the patient’s clinical picture changes. Do not order tests just to prove you are being thorough.”

“Yes, sir,” Sehun said solemnly, then cracked a grin. “But for the record, Jongin said you’re terrifying when you’re annoyed.”

Baekhyun snorted. “That is an exaggeration. I am only terrified when people are careless.”

“So, basically always?” Sehun said with a cheeky grin. “But I have yet to experience this, so that means I am not careless?

Baekhyun rolled his eyes, though the corner of his mouth twitched. “You are very confident for someone who still writes progress notes like they are essays.”

Sehun clutched his chest. “I am pouring my soul into those notes!”

“And it shows,” Baekhyun replied dryly. “Try pouring more structure and fewer words into them next time.”

Once they had reached the doctor’s working station, Sehun leaned against the wall, arms folded, still riding the high from the trauma earlier.

“You were really calm back there,” Sehun said, unable to keep the admiration out of his voice. “When the blood pressure dropped, I thought you were going to start shouting.”

Baekhyun shook his head. “If I start shouting, it means I have lost control of the situation. When things go bad, the team needs clarity. Someone has to have a steady mind to lead the team.”

Sehun nodded seriously for half a second, then his lips twitched. “So, if you ever start yelling, I should assume we’re all about to die?”

Baekhyun rolled his eyes fondly. “If I start yelling, you should assume you are about to be assigned the discharge paperwork for the rest of the shift.”

Sehun laughed. “That’s a very cruel punishment, sunbae.”

Baekhyun adjusted Sehun’s slipping ID badge, his tone gentler. “You did well today, Sehun. You anticipated the deterioration, and you spoke up without panicking. That is not something everyone manages in their first year of internship.”

Sehun straightened slightly, accepting the praise. “I want to be as excellent as you, Sunbae.”

“That is a good goal to have,” Baekhyun said with a cocky smirk before patting Sehun’s shoulder. “Just remember that excellence is built over time, not in one shift. You do not need to burn yourself out trying to prove your worth.”

Sehun met his gaze and grinned. “You say that like you haven’t already burned yourself out at least twice this week.”

Baekhyun sighed, rubbing his forehead. “I am begging you to learn from my mistakes then.”

“So,” Sehun said lightly, “if Jongin ever defects from paeds, can I steal him for ED?”

Baekhyun huffed, grateful for the lull after that intense case from before, but he knew there would be a nurse coming for him very soon, “Yeah, right. Kyungsoo would hunt you down.”

Sehun’s eyes lit up. “Oh, I’ve seen Dr Do with kids. He’s a completely different person. Jongin says he’s basically a Disney prince in a white coat.”

Baekhyun couldn’t help but smile, “He called him a Disney prince?” 

Sehun nodded with a teasing glint in his eyes; it went unsaid how obvious Jongin’s crush on Kyungsoo was. 

Just then, an emergency bell rang out, sharp and insistent. Baekhyun spotted Seulgi already sprinting toward the waiting room, where a young woman had apparently collapsed, according to the frantic waiting room receptionist. 

He clasped Sehun’s shoulder. “Do you want to tag along with Seulgi for the rest of your shift? I’ll be handling the more acute cases, so if you need a breather, you can stay with Dr Kang.”

“I should be sticking with you, Sunbae,” Sehun said, pouting slightly, the strain was clear in his eyes. “But is it all right if I come back to you after a bit?”

Baekhyun remembered being exactly like that as an intern himself and smiled fondly. “Sure. Just don’t bother Dr Kang too much, or she’ll dump you back to me even sooner.”

Sehun winked and snapped a salute. “You’ll hear no complaints, Dr Byun!”

“Alright, off you go,” Baekhyun said, nudging him toward the bustling waiting room before turning to the ED head nurse, Sangmi, who was already holding out her clipboard.

“Alright,” he said. “Who’s next?”

“You okay, Baekhyun-ssi?” Sangmi asked lightly. “You look like you need another coffee.”

He gave her a tired half-smile. “I probably look like I need a vacation. But I’ll settle for the next patient not trying to die on me in the next ten minutes.”

She snorted softly. “Keep dreaming. Thankfully, the next one’s just an old lady who refuses to go home because she’s lonely and doesn’t feel safe.”

“Sounds like a social admission. Why do you need me?”

“She’s got some bruising on her head, so we’re not sure whether she’s had a head injury or a possible brain bleed.”

Baekhyun sighed. “Fantastic. And here I was enjoying the idea of ‘just an old lady.’”

Sangmi smirked, “Nothing is ever that simple in the land of the ED.”

“Tell me about it.” 

***

Kyungsoo crouched down to the same eye level as the little boy sitting on the hospital bed, his expression soft and gentle. The child’s mother watched on the sidelines. 

“Mister Dinosaur,” Kyungsoo said solemnly, addressing the green plush toy tucked under the child’s arm, “I am going to listen to your heart first. Has he been causing you any trouble?”

The boy giggled. “He snores.”

“That is a very serious problem,” Kyungsoo replied gravely. “We may need to prescribe him a nap, so he will stop bothering you, hmm?”

Jongin stood a few steps back, pretending to check the vitals chart, which he had already noted while watching Kyungsoo like he was witnessing a miracle.

Kyungsoo turned the stethoscope toward the boy. “Can you take a big breath for me? Like you are blowing out birthday candles.”

The boy complied enthusiastically. “Like this?”

“Perfect,” Kyungsoo said, smiling. “You did much better than most adults.”

The boy beamed back with a toothy grin.

Once the physical exam was done, Kyungsoo peeled a sticker from his pocket and handed it over. “Here you go! For being a brave boy.”

“Thank you, doctor!” the boy chirped.

Kyungsoo stood, his expression shifting almost immediately back into something more reserved. 

“He is fit for discharge,” Kyungsoo addressed the mother, who bowed at him in gratitude. He shook his hands to stop her and bowed back, “Oh, no need for that, he just needs to finish his medication course, the nurse will bring the medication bag soon.” 

Once they had left the room, Kyungsoo looked at the patient list on his tablet, checking on who to see next. 

Jongin cleared his throat. “Hyung, that was pretty impressive. That kid was kicking up a fuss with everyone the last few days, not letting anyone auscultate him without screaming the ceiling down.”

Kyungsoo slipped his stethoscope back around his neck. “Come on now, it was just a routine examination.”

Jongin grinned teasingly, “You used the dinosaur voice.”

Kyungsoo shot him a look, remaining unbothered. “That is a recognised paediatric technique.”

“Of course it is,” Jongin said earnestly. “You’re really good with kids. They trust you instantly.”

Kyungsoo busied himself updating the chart. “They are honest. If you listen to them properly, they tell you everything you need to know.”

Jongin nodded, eyes soft. “I hope I can be like that someday.”

Kyungsoo glanced at him briefly. “Focus on being competent first.”

“Yes, Soo Hyung,” Jongin said, entirely unfazed, smile still warm.

As they stepped into the corridor, a nurse waved Kyungsoo down to ask a question. He answered calmly, suddenly composed and professional once more.

Jongin followed a step behind, heart thudding a little too loudly.

Kyungsoo walked on, pretending to be unaware, while Jongin trailed after him like an overly devoted puppy, already ready to fetch coffee after the ward round if it meant earning another quiet nod of approval.

***

The gruelling shift finally ended at 6:43 pm with the familiar sound of Baekhyun’s locker door slamming shut. 

He stood there for a moment with his forehead pressed to the cool metal, breathing in the stale scent of disinfectant and old sweat that clung stubbornly to the residents’ changing room. 

Thirty-six hours of codes, frantic relatives, and one unforgettable toddler who had swallowed a battery had completely drained him out. 

His hands still trembled faintly from the adrenaline rush, and his back ached as if someone had driven nails straight into it. 

So much for being a twenty-eight-year-old in his ‘prime’. 

Slowly, he peeled off his blood-speckled scrubs, folding them carelessly before shoving them into the laundry bin. He pulled on his old university hoodie next, which was two sizes too big, sleeves permanently stretched from years of nervous tugging. 

It still smelled faintly of lavender and clean cotton, the ghost of his favourite fabric softener, clinging to it, providing nostalgic comfort. 

He tugged on worn black sweatpants, shoved his feet into battered sneakers, and slung his backpack over one shoulder.

As he zipped the bag, his thoughts drifted to the shift and how much Sehun had improved over the past three months.

The kid had started as a walking liability like all intern doctors: fumbling with common procedures, eyes wide like a deer caught in headlights every time a monitor alarmed. 

Baekhyun remembered how in the second week, Sehun had grabbed the wrong chart and walked into bay seven with overflowing confidence.

“Hi, Mrs Kim, I’m Dr Oh,” Sehun had said brightly. “We’re going to take you to the procedure room to drain your abscess. Quick local procedure, low risk of complications. You’ll feel pressure but not pain—”

Mrs. Kim, mid-sixties and admitted for chest pain with a possible heart attack, had blinked slowly at him. “Abscess?” she asked. “Dear, I’m here for my heart.”

Sehun froze. He checked the wristband, then looked back at the chart. His confident smile had dropped as he eventually looked back at her. 

Bowing in apology, he backed out of the curtain like he was retreating from an active shooter, face burning red, muttering apologies under his breath.

Baekhyun had been in the adjacent bay and had overheard the exchange, trying not to chuckle as he sutured a wound on a college student. 

Baekhyun then found him moments later in the hallway with his forehead pressed to the wall, breathing as if he had just run a marathon.

“You just consented a possible heart attack patient for an abscess draining procedure,” Baekhyun had said dryly.

“I’m going to quit medicine,” Sehun had replied, voice muffled against the plaster. “I’ll become a barista. At least baristas don’t accidentally try to drain people’s nonexistent abscesses.”

Baekhyun had sighed, patted his back and handed him a fresh coffee from the machine. “You’ll survive. Just double-check names next time.”

Sehun lifted his head, eyes suspiciously shiny. “Hyung. She asked if I was new.”

“Well, you technically are new, Sehun.”

“But I have studied for six years, I shouldn’t be fumbling like an idiot.”

Baekhyun had snorted despite himself. “You’ll be fine, Sehun-ah. We have all experienced this.”

Then there was the eighth week. They had both been rotaed in for a night shift that had been brutal from the start. It had been just over 4 am, Baekhyun had been passing by on his way to a consult, when he suddenly heard colourful swear words echoing down the hallway. 

He smiled, hearing the creative mix of Korean and English, and could clearly hear the despair in the familiar deep voice. 

He rounded the corner to find Sehun crouched in front of the vending machine, forehead pressed to the glass, muttering to himself, “I just wanted banana milk… I saved a guy’s life tonight… I deserve banana milk…”

Baekhyun sighed, long and long-suffering, fished out his own coins, and bought two banana milks without a word. He handed one over to him.

Sehun looked up, eyes glassy.

“Don’t cry over vending machines,” Baekhyun said flatly. “That won’t help your image.”

“H-how?” Sehun stared at him in pure awe, eyes wide and glassy as he clutched the carton. “The machine ate my 2,000 won. Even kicking it twice didn’t help!”

“I have the magic touch,” Baekhyun said lightly, winking at him. The joke barely masked his concern; Sehun looked utterly wrecked, shoulders slumped, his complexion pale. Looking like he was one minor inconvenience away from completely falling apart.

And Baekhyun turned out to be right.

The moment Sehun took his first sip of banana milk, his face crumpled. His shoulders shook, and then, without any warning, he burst into tears.

“Sehun,” Baekhyun said his name softly, hands reaching out to hold his shaking shoulder, staring at him in disbelief. “Are you… actually crying?”

“It’s just—” Sehun choked, sobbing around the straw, fingers tightening around the carton. “It tastes so good, and I’m so tired, Hyung…”

Baekhyun sighed softly and stepped closer, rubbing Sehun’s back in slow, steady circles. 

“You’re fine,” he murmured. “Just drink your milk. Then go nap in the on-call room for twenty minutes. I’ll cover for you.”

Sehun sniffled loudly and looked up at him, eyes red and shining, lashes clumped together. “You’re the best sunbae ever.”

Baekhyun rolled his eyes, though the corner of his mouth twitched despite himself. “Don’t tell anyone I comforted you. I have a reputation to maintain.”

“Too late,” Sehun said, scrubbing his sleeve across his face. “I’m telling the group chat you’re soft and ridiculously kind.”

“Brat,” Baekhyun muttered, flicking him lightly on the head. Sehun let out a watery laugh, eyes crinkling into crescents as he grinned.

“Love you too, hyung.”

And somewhere along the way, Sehun grew more confident and eventually began handling most ED walk-ins on his own.

Baekhyun found that he kind of loved having Sehun around. He was a breath of fresh air in a department that thrived on chaos, and Baekhyun was quietly grateful that their shifts so often overlapped.

His phone buzzed sharply against the metal bench, snapping him out of his thoughts.

Kyungsoo:
Still up for pizza night at 7?

Baekhyun:
Yeah, I just finished now. Want me to grab anything else on the way?

Kyungsoo:
You can grab that disgusting Dr Pepper of yours. I didn’t order that horrendous drink with the pizza.

Baekhyun:
Fuck you

Baekhyun smiled to himself as he pocketed his phone and headed out of the changing room.

Outside, the breeze was cool and slightly damp, the kind of summer night that felt like a breeze with the promise of autumn coming soon. 

He was grateful winter hadn’t fully hit. With shifts like these, he didn’t trust himself behind the wheel anyway, regardless of whether there was snow or not, he always felt too exhausted and wired. 

Baekhyun would normally just take the bus to get to Kyungsoo’s, who lived close to the hospital, which happened to be only ten minutes walk from his own place.  

Kyungsoo’s place smelled like baked dough, melted cheese, and the faint, spicy tang of gochujang from the dipping sauce when he arrived. 

In less than thirty minutes, two large pizza boxes sat open on the coffee table, already half demolished, flanked by a six-pack of beer that had been reduced to three cans.

Baekhyun flopped onto the couch and promptly threw his legs over the armrest, socked feet dangling. Kyungsoo sat on the floor with his back against the couch, cross-legged and eating his third slice with the same focus he brought to suturing.

They’d been like this since their intern year. Doing long shifts, they shared their exhaustion and food eaten in companionable silence, sometimes debriefing over the cases they had to deal with. 

The rain tapped steadily against the windows, the TV murmured through a drama neither of them was really watching.

Baekhyun broke the quiet first, voice casual, almost lazy.

“Heard the board finally made Minhyuk’s suspension official. Word is that they pulled his OR privileges indefinitely.”

Kyungsoo turned, eyes widening slightly. “Already? Have they completed the investigation?”

Baekhyun shook his head, picking at the crust of his slice. “Nope. The full investigation is still pending. They’re auditing every surgical case he’s been involved in since his first year.”

Kyungsoo let out a low whistle. “That’s insane. Imagine being in your final year of fellowship and suddenly having six years of your career dissected.”

Baekhyun shrugged. “He could’ve easily avoided that by not screwing up and then throwing his hoobaes under the bus.”

Kyungsoo froze mid-bite, a strand of cheese stretching awkwardly before he chewed and swallowed. He wiped his hands on a napkin and looked up at Baekhyun.

“He definitely wasn’t a shining example of a decent human being. But you were the one who reported it first, right?”

Baekhyun nodded. “Unfortunately, yes. I walked into that operation to quickly pull a first-year who had been observing him. We had an odd case in ED, and I needed some surgical team input. Before I could enter, Minhyuk had clipped the artery accidentally. The patient nearly bled out at the operating table before us. He then tried to pin it on the innocent junior who had been assisting him. I just couldn’t unsee that, Soo.”

Kyungsoo set his pizza slice down carefully. “I know, and I’m not saying you were wrong. You weren’t.” He paused, then added more quietly, “But you know how this place works. Minhyuk’s been at this hospital for a lot longer than we have. He’s got friends on the board. I am sure many owe him favours. But now you’ve just put your name on something that could end his career.”

Baekhyun scoffed, but tension was evident in his shoulders as he furrowed his eyebrows. “If his career ends, it’s because he nearly ended someone’s life. That’s not on me, Soo.”

Kyungsoo studied him in the soft lamplight, the concern in his eyes unmistakable.

“I don’t give a fuck about Minhyuk,” he said finally. “I’m worried about you, Baek. You’re a fourth-year resident. This is when you’re supposed to be building alliances, not making enemies. This kind of thing follows people in fellowships and evaluations. People like him don’t forget something like this, ever.”

Baekhyun laughed quietly and reached for another slice. “So what? I should’ve kept my mouth shut and waited for the next patient to die?” He shook his head. “Besides, it wasn’t just me. Once I spoke up, others did too. Including old colleagues and even nurses. There’s a clear pattern of negligence, Soo.”

“There’s no doubt about that,” Kyungsoo said quickly. “I’m not saying what you did was wrong. I’m saying just to be careful and maybe keep your head down for a bit?. Whistleblowers don’t get medals at this hospital or any hospital for that matter.”

Baekhyun nodded absently, then sighed. “This hospital is going to become the bane of my existence. Doesn’t help that Dongwook’s being introduced to the board now that his dad’s retiring.”

Kyungsoo groaned immediately. “Don’t talk about that fucker and ruin my night.”

Baekhyun laughed. “I swear, if I could go back in time, I would physically drag my freshly graduated, overconfident self out of that club.”

“The one night you decided free drinks were free of side effects, too?”

“Unfortunately, that night,” Baekhyun confirmed. “I was so drunk, riding the high of finally surviving med school, and fully convinced the world owed me happiness. One bad decision turned into three years of hell.”

“And three cheating incidents,” Kyungsoo added helpfully.

“Not once but three times,” Baekhyun said, holding up fingers. “Dongwook had truly impressive commitment to being a terrible boyfriend.”

Kyungsoo snorted. “An overachiever, if nothing else.”

“And just when I thought it couldn’t get worse,” Baekhyun continued, “I find out in our second year together that his dad’s on the hospital’s board. I didn’t even know of it when we started dating, or I would have called it off much earlier.”

Kyungsoo shook his head in disbelief. “I still don’t know how you didn’t end up on the evening news when he treated you like that.”

“I thought about it,” Baekhyun said calmly. “But jail time felt like a poor career move for a doctor, right?”

Kyungsoo flicked his knee. “You’re too good for your own good, you know that?”

Baekhyun smirked and nudged Kyungsoo’s shoulder with his foot. “Says the guy who once stayed four hours past his shift to hand-sew a kid’s laceration because plastics was ‘too busy.’”

“That was different.”

“Sure it was.”

They fell quiet again, rain filling the space. Kyungsoo picked up his slice but didn’t eat, staring at the TV without really seeing it.

“If anyone gives you shit about this,” he said eventually, still not looking at Baekhyun, “you tell me. I’ll back you up. Even if I have to drag Minhyuk’s ego through the entire hospital.”

Baekhyun gave a tired smile, “Thanks, Soo. What would I do without a best friend like you?”

Kyungsoo finally took a bite of a cheese ball. “Don’t thank me yet. If this blows back on you, I’m saying ‘I told you so’ for the rest of our lives.”

Baekhyun laughed and tossed a crust at his head. “Deal.”

Outside, the rain kept falling, steady and relentless. 

Inside the little apartment, surrounded by half-eaten pizza and the quiet comfort of someone who had known him at his worst and stayed anyway, Baekhyun felt like he could finally breathe.

***

The emergency department was like a warzone that night. 

Complex cases came in back-to-back, the previous team clocking out nearly four hours late. 

Baekhyun was lucky to be on shift with an exceptionally hands-on ED attending, Dr Kim Minseok, who didn’t hesitate to step in and take pressure off his juniors whenever he could.

Baekhyun had just informed the head ED nurse that his patient could be transferred to the minor bay when Minseok called out to him.

“Baekhyun!”

Minseok’s bright voice cut through the noise. It was always a little jarring; Baekhyun had never once seen the man look exhausted.

“You’ve been working nonstop for four hours. You need to take a break—”

“But there’s still a three-hour delay—”

“It could be six hours, and you’d still deserve a break,” Minseok interrupted firmly. “You need coffee and rest, and I don’t want to see you back on the floor for at least thirty minutes. Understood?”

“Yes, Sunbae,” Baekhyun replied, shoulders drooping in defeat.

Minseok patted his shoulder fondly before turning back to work.

Just as Baekhyun headed toward the ED staff room for his long-overdue coffee, one of the nurses intercepted him.

“Dr Byun, have you heard about the new attending?”

Baekhyun stiffened slightly. This nurse loved gossip, and he’d been the unfortunate endpoint of enough rumours to know better than to linger—but curiosity won out.

“Who?” he asked.

“He’s one of the top cardiothoracic surgeons in the country. A total hotshot. The hospital hired him as part of the PR cleanup.”

“Right,” Baekhyun said. He interacted with cardiothoracics often enough, especially with severe chest trauma cases.

“Come with me,” the nurse suddenly grabbed his arm, startling him. “He’s about to introduce himself to the ED team.”

“But what about coffee—”

“There’ll be plenty of coffee there, Dr Byun. Come on!”

Baekhyun sighed and resigned himself to his fate.

***

When Baekhyun entered the seminar room, he was still being gently tugged along by the enthusiastic nurse before he was finally released from her clutches as she rushed off to join her colleagues. 

They were all clustered together in the corner, fawning and whispering excitedly while pointing toward the opposite end of the long conference table.

Baekhyun followed the line of their gazes.

And his breath caught.

His eyes widened as they landed on a painfully familiar face at the other end of the room. 

A face he had known since he was barely thirteen years old, etched into memory with such clarity that it made his chest tighten.

For a split second, Baekhyun wondered if exhaustion was finally getting to him. He almost rubbed his eyes, half-expecting the image to blur and disappear.

Then he heard the nurses.

“Dr Park Chanyeol, alumnus of Yonsei University!” one of them whispered loudly when a colleague asked.

The name hit him like a physical blow.

Baekhyun swallowed hard, his throat suddenly dry, as his gaze locked with the man who had effortlessly captured every ounce of attention in the room.

Despite being flanked by professors and senior attendings, Chanyeol’s expression shifted the moment their eyes met. 

His posture stilled, before his eyes lit up with unmistakable recognition. 

He offered a polite bow to those around him, murmured a quick excuse, and then, without any hesitation, began walking straight toward Baekhyun.

The low hum of whispers swelled around them, but Baekhyun barely registered it. 

He stood frozen, feet rooted to the floor, heart hammering violently against his ribs as his mind scrambled to catch up with reality.

Chanyeol was taller than Baekhyun remembered. Broad-shouldered, with his white coat stretched easily across his frame, crisp navy scrubs underneath. 

There was a confidence to the way he moved, an ease that came with years of command, as if he belonged exactly where he stood. 

He looked like he had stepped straight out of a hospital brochure.

That familiar half-smile curved his lips as he came closer, his ears twitching slightly as his grin widened.

Baekhyun hated how boyish he still looked when he smiled like that.

“Hello, Baekhyun.”

Chanyeol’s deep voice washed over him, warm and resonant, making Baekhyun’s mouth go dry instantly. He had to tilt his head back just a little to meet Chanyeol’s gaze, the height difference pressing into his awareness.

Baekhyun was pulled out of his stunned position as he clocked that everybody was watching their interaction. Including the seniors. 

He straightened instinctively, schooling his expression as best he could. 

He couldn’t afford to look rude, or worse, overly familiar, with the new cardiothoracic hotshot.

“Dr Park,” Baekhyun said, bowing properly as he crossed his arms in front of himself. “It’s a pleasure to have you working at our hospital.”

Chanyeol let out a soft chuckle, amusement flickering across his face. “Oh, why so professional?” he said lightly, “Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten me?”

Heat rushed up Baekhyun’s neck and into his cheeks. “No—hyung—I mean, Dr Park.”

The word hyung slipped out before he could stop it. It had been an automatic response to the familiar teasing, like an ingrained muscle memory, in the same way it had fallen from his lips at sixteen whenever Chanyeol ruffled his hair and called him kid, while Baekhyun’s older brother, Junmyeon, laughed from the sidelines.

“Just Chanyeol-hyung is fine, Baekhyun,” Chanyeol said gently, his tone softening into something undeniably fond.

Before Baekhyun could react, Chanyeol reached out and ruffled his hair.

One of the nurses squealed, making Baekhyun want to melt into the floor and disappear.

Mortified, Baekhyun took a quick step back, hands flying up to fix his hair as discreetly as possible. He hadn’t even looked in a mirror since his shift began, and had spent four brutal hours on the ED floor. Now, suddenly aware of how rumpled and exhausted he must look.

Talk about a great first impression after nearly eight years.

“You haven’t changed a bit,” Chanyeol remarked, eyes scanning Baekhyun with an openness that made his pulse spike. 

Before Baekhyun could think of a response, Chanyeol’s gaze dropped briefly, catching on the ID card hanging from Baekhyun’s lanyard. “Fourth-year emergency resident?”

Baekhyun nodded, hating how devastatingly handsome Chanyeol looked up close. 

The years had sharpened his jawline, hair pushed back carelessly, showcasing his forehead and accentuating his eyebrows and gorgeous, deep brown eyes that seemed to stare into his soul. 

“How have you been? How’s your Junmyeon Hyung?” Chanyeol asked, realising that Baekhyun wasn’t as talkative as he remembered, or maybe it was perhaps the way everyone was watching their interaction. 

Chanyeol met the gaze of one of the nurses, who smiled brightly and bowed. He returned the gesture politely before turning back to Baekhyun. 

“I’ve been good and so is Junmyeon Hyung,” Baekhyun replied swiftly, his eyes drifting toward the nursing team as he noticed Chanyeol greeting them in turn. 

Upon being at the receiving end of a teasing look from the very nurse who dragged him in, Baekhyun wanted to sink to the ground. 

“Baek.”

Chanyeol’s voice cut through the noise effortlessly, and Baekhyun’s attention snapped back to him, only to find himself drowning in those big, familiar eyes again.

“How about a cup of coffee?” Chanyeol asked casually. “Are you on your break?”

Baekhyun nodded before he could stop himself, then quickly checked the time on his phone. “Yes—uh—I’ve about twenty minutes left.”

“Perfect,” Chanyeol smiled before slipping an arm around Baekhyun’s shoulders, warm and steady, guiding him toward the exit of the seminar room as the whispers followed in their wake.

***

They settled into one of the vacant picnic benches tucked away in the hospital’s garden, half-hidden beneath trees. 

The late afternoon air was cool, and Baekhyun welcomed the warmth radiating from his coffee cup as they walked toward the bench, fingers curling tightly around it as if to steady himself.

He hadn’t wanted to sit in the café that had far too many eyes, not to mention, bustling at this time of the day. Judging by the way Chanyeol had quietly asked if there was somewhere more private, it seemed the feeling was mutual. 

The garden offered a rare pocket of calm, distant from the constant sirens and overhead announcements.

Baekhyun took a cautious sip of his coffee, then glanced shyly toward Chanyeol and nearly choked.

Chanyeol was already looking at him.

“So how’s my old best friend’s baby brother been faring in this hospital?” Chanyeol asked with a playful grin, as they settled on one of the picnic benches in the hospital’s serene garden. 

Baekhyun sputtered, quickly covering his mouth with his hand as his heart jumped into his throat. 

Chanyeol smirked at his flustered reaction, eyes crinkling with amusement, before finally lifting his own cup for a slow, unbothered sip.

Baekhyun quickly looked away, cheeks warm, before unconsciously pouting at him, “I am no baby. I’m only four years younger than you guys!”

Chanyeol shrugged, “You can’t blame me, as I remember seeing you for the first time before you had your growth spurt. Not that you’ve grown much since I last saw you”

Baekhyun fought the urge to smack Chanyeol’s arm and instead rolled his eyes, “I actually outgrew Junmyeon hyung by three centimetres, I must have you know”

Chanyeol gaped at him in fake awe, “Wow, I bet those three cm weigh very heavy on Junmyeon, knowing him.”

“That’s what he got for teasing me so much growing up!” Baekhyun unconsciously pouted before shooting him a fake glare, “Unfortunately, you’ve grown even taller since I last saw you. How is that possible?”

“A healthy obsession with milk?” Chanyeol joked, and this time baekhyun did lightly smack him on the arm.

“Liar, I would’ve outgrown you if that had been the case, you’re just blessed with ridiculously good genes.”

“Likewise, the BYUN family is known for its looks, you know,” Chanyeol stated with a serious expression, which fell off once he saw Baekhyun laughing out loud.

“Please! In front of you and your sister, who were the talk of the town”

“Come on now baek. Did you know how Junmyeon's fan club in high school was bigger than my own?’

Baekhyun looked at him in shock, “No way.”

“Indeed, and I’m sure during your senior high school year, you were just as popular or even more with no competition.” 

Baekhyun fought the urge to blush and shook his head, “Stop flattering me, Hyung.”

He still couldn’t quite believe that Chanyeol was here.

Chanyeol wasn’t just any hyung to Baekhyun. 

From the moment his older brother, Junmyeon, had brought him home all those years ago, Baekhyun had developed a stupid, hopeless puppy crush on him. 

Four years' difference might as well have been a lifetime back then. 

All Baekhyun could do was linger on the sidelines whenever Junmyeon’s best friend came over, watching as Chanyeol laughed too loudly, sprawled comfortably across their couch, and ruffled his hair like it was nothing.

Chanyeol stopped coming around as often after they graduated high school. Junmyeon went to the States to study medicine, while Chanyeol headed to Yonsei. 

Life moved forward.

When Baekhyun applied to Yonsei and got in, he’d been over the moon. Junmyeon had been even prouder, squeezing him tight and telling him, half-jokingly, that he could rely on Chanyeol, at least during his first year.

But the timing never worked.

The last time Baekhyun saw Chanyeol was on his graduation day; Baekhyun was still a second-year medical student then. He’d brought flowers and a card on behalf of Junmyeon and their family, lingering awkwardly at the edge of the crowd while Chanyeol was swarmed by his cohort and friends. The interaction had been brief and polite.

Baekhyun had walked away that day convinced Chanyeol would always see him as nothing more than Junmyeon’s baby brother.

And yet, here they were.

He’d always known Chanyeol was handsome. 

Junmyeon’s best friend had been stupidly attractive even back then. 

But this? This was unfair. The man had aged like expensive whiskey, his voice deeper, with confidence etched into every line of his posture. The kind of effortless sex appeal that made Baekhyun’s stomach flip and his palms sweat at the same time.

“Please,” Baekhyun pouted unconsciously, shoulders hunching in mild protest. “This is my first break since my shift started, and I was dragged in to see you. I highly doubt I look good by any definition.”

Chanyeol shook his head, a soft half-smile tugging at his lips. “Junmyeon wouldn’t be happy hearing his beautiful baby brother talk like that.”

“Shut—” Baekhyun started, then gasped as he caught himself, stopping short and making Chanyeol laugh.

The sound was deep and familiar, filled with nostalgia. It pulled Baekhyun straight back to memories of being thirteen and watching Chanyeol come over to play games with Junmyeon, the house filled with laughter and playful shoving, the two of them roughhousing like overgrown kids, with Baekhyun itching to join in.

Needing to save what little dignity he had left, Baekhyun focused on Chanyeol’s hands instead; they looked so large, veins prominent, holding the coffee cup. Making the cup look a lot smaller than it was.

A cool breeze swept through the garden, rustling the leaves overhead.

Baekhyun shivered before he could stop himself, shoulders drawing in slightly, fingers tightening around the warm paper cup as if that might be enough.

Chanyeol noticed immediately.

“You’re still bad with the cold,” he said softly, more observation than question.

Before Baekhyun could refute him, suddenly, his phone beeped.

“Break’s over,” Baekhyun groaned as he quickly stood up, Chanyeol following him. 

“I will see you around then?” Chanyeol waved with a hand as Baekhyun readjusted the stethoscope around his neck. 

Baekhyun nodded and waved back with a smile.

He watched him go, then exhaled shakily. 

It had been seven years.

And somehow, Chanyeol had only gotten more attractive. Baekhyun had hoped that his puppy crush had died a miserable death, but clearly, his heart, pumping away, thought differently. 

***

The eighth-floor conference room, usually reserved for tense budget meetings, had been transformed into a modest reception. 

A long table was lined with fruit platters, pastries, and bottles of champagne.

Chanyeol stood near the head of the table in navy scrubs beneath an open white coat, sleeves rolled to his elbows, looking composed despite the attention.

Director Kang raised his glass first, his voice carrying the measured warmth of a seasoned leader.

“To Dr Park Chanyeol,” he began, “we are profoundly honoured that you chose Yonsei University Hospital. At a time when many of our brightest talents are drawn abroad or toward private institutions, your decision is more than a professional milestone, it is a vote of confidence in our future.”

Murmurs of agreement rippled through the room. 

Professor Yoon, Chanyeol’s direct senior in cardiothoracic surgery, stepped forward and clapped a firm hand on his shoulder.

“When the board told me we’d secured you, I thought they were joking,” Yoon admitted, emotion thick in his voice. “I’ve followed your work for years. And now you’re here in our ORs, training our residents. With you leading the way, we can finally rebuild our cardiothoracic residency program.”

A quiet round of applause followed.

Chanyeol rubbed the back of his neck, offering a modest smile.

“I’m the one who’s honoured,” he said. “I read about the challenges this hospital has faced, the scandals and the setbacks. But I also read about the people who stayed and kept fighting for their patients. That’s why I came. I wanted to work with doctors who still believe in the mission, not just the metrics.”

The room fell into a brief, respectful silence.

Director Kang raised his glass again. “Then welcome home, Dr Park. Yonsei University Hospital is better because you’re here.”

As the formalities wound down and people drifted toward the refreshments, Director Kang quietly pulled Chanyeol aside near the window.

“One more thing,” he said in a lower voice. “We’re announcing the new residency training pathway next month. Your name will be front and centre. The Ministry of Health is watching us closely.”

Chanyeol looked out at the city skyline, exhaling slowly, “I’ll do my best, sir.”

Kang clapped him on the shoulder. “I know you will. If you have any concerns, come tell me personally, and I will handle it.”

Chanyeol nodded and bowed at him in gratitude for the warm reception. 

As the room gradually emptied, Chanyeol lingered by the window, a champagne flute still loose in his hand as he watched the last few professors file out.

He could already feel the weight of expectation settling across his shoulders.

But he had always been able to handle pressure. 

That was part of why he had left his previous position. The work had become predictable, the challenges too easily solved. After a while, it no longer felt like he was growing.

***

The ED trauma bay was in full motion, with alarms shrieking nonstop, monitors flashing warnings about abnormal vitals. Baekhyun stood at the head of the bed, gloved hands slick with blood, voice hoarse from shouting orders to keep up with the chaos.

“Male, 38, penetrating chest trauma, knife wound to left upper chest, exit wound noted posteriorly. Blood pressure is 78/42, heart rate is 138 sinus tachy, sats 88% on 15 Litres of oxygen. Baekhyun read out aloud the notes given by the triaging paramedic.

“Sehun,” his sharp voice caught the attention of the intern who was preparing to intubate. “Have you pushed two units of O-negative blood?”

Sehun nodded, “Yes, Sunbae.”

“Have you page cardiothoracic?” Baekhyun asked as he grabbed the chest tube drain handed by the ED head nurse, Sangmi. 

“They are on their way,” Sehun responded before helping Seulgi, the second-year emergency medicine resident, with the airway intubation. 

“They are taking their sweet fucking time,” Baekhyun muttered beneath his breath as he could feel sweat rolling down his back. They would be very lucky to save this young man, given how unwell he looked right now. 

Seulgi fumbled the laryngoscope but recovered under Baekhyun’s sharp eye contact, ready to take over at any sign of hesitation. 

Baekhyun’s eyes never left the patient, who looked paler with every second, gasping shallowly, blood bubbling at the corner of his mouth with every laboured breath. 

The knife had gone in too deep. Cardiac tamponade was imminent, and the chest tube alone wasn’t going to fix it.

“Pericardial window,” Baekhyun said before frustration bled through, “We need cardiothoracic in here five minutes ago. Page Dr Park himself if his resident can’t come. Tell him it’s category one: penetrating cardiac injury, tamponade physiology, the patient is about to crash any second.”

The ED head nurse, Sangmi, was already on the phone. Baekhyun grabbed the ultrasound probe himself, sweeping it over the patient’s chest. The right lower chamber of the heart was collapsing with every beat, pericardial effusion was thick and dark on the display screen.

“Confirmed tamponade,” he announced. “We’re cracking the chest if he codes before cardiothoracic gets here.”

The doors burst open just as he gave out that order.

Chanyeol strode in confidently, white coat open over navy scrubs, sleeves already rolled. He took one look at the monitors, at the patient, then at Baekhyun’s blood-streaked gloves, before moving straight to the bedside without preamble.

“Talk to me,” he said, voice calm and low, cutting through the noise like he’d been born in a trauma bay.

Baekhyun didn’t look up from the ultrasound. “Penetrating knife wound to the left side of the chest. Tamponade on FAST, as you can see,” his slim, gloved fingers pointed to the ultrasound display. Chanyeol leaned closer to him, his large gloved hands holding Baekhyun’s hand holding the probe and adjusted the angle for a better view. “Patient is hypotensive despite two units of blood and adrenaline. He’s peri-arrest. I need you to open the pericardium and repair whatever’s bleeding before he codes.”

Chanyeol leaned over the bed, eyes flicking across the field, the vitals, the patient’s laboured breathing. “Pericardial window straight to the OR then.”

“At this rate, he will probably code his way to the OR, given how long we have had to wait,” Baekhyun snapped, sharper than he intended. “He won’t make it to the OR. Blood pressure is 72 over 40. We have a sterile room that can be used as a make-shift OR, if you’re comfortable with that, or we lose him.”

Chanyeol didn’t flinch at the tone. He just nodded once, already reaching for a sterile gown the scrub tech was holding out.

“Fine with me, I have done emergency surgeries in worse places. Are you happy to assist me?” Chanyeol asked, making Baekhyun pause in his movements. Suddenly realising that he had snapped at the new attending, whom everyone was still tiptoeing around. and was now aware of Seulgi and Sehun staring at them with their mouths gaping. 

Baekhyun felt heat crawl up his neck.

Sangmi cleared her throat, “Dr Byun, I have prepared the sterile kit for you to assist Dr Park until the surgical residents can come to help.” 

Baekhyun nodded as he swiftly scrubbed up, “Nurse Sangmi, please prepare more units from the blood bank, we’re going to need a massive transfusion if this goes south.” 

Chanyeol caught the flicker of embarrassment on Baekhyun’s face, just as they entered the sterile environment, all scrubbed up and without missing a beat, leaned in just close enough that only Baekhyun could hear.

“Relax, Baek,” he said quietly, voice steady and warm despite the emergency, the OR nurse preparing the tools so that Chanyeol. “You’re running point on this. I trust your call. Snap at me all you want. I can handle it. We are saving this patient, you can rely on me.”

Baekhyun’s throat bobbed. The words landed hard, cutting through the adrenaline haze. 

He met Chanyeol’s eyes for a split second, the familiar brown eyes, completely unbothered by the outburst, the surgical mask covering the rest of his face and Baekhyun felt something tight in his chest loosen.

He nodded once and started the surgery. 

Chanyeol took the scalpel and made the incision with clean, confident strokes. Baekhyun helped with retracting and suctioned whenever needed, ensuring that he held the field steady while Chanyeol opened the chest. 

Blood gushed, dark and thick, but Chanyeol’s hands remained steady as he was doing a simple surgical procedure and didn’t have a patient bleeding out on the OR table. 

He quickly and precisely repaired the laceration in the right chamber of the heart with swift sutures. 

Baekhyun watched with complete awe as he saw Chanyeol’s hands move expertly. 

“Bleeding is controlled,” Chanyeol announced after the last knot. “Blood pressure is climbing, 98 over 62. Good work, team.”

The room exhaled collectively, the anaesthetist giving them a thumbs up. 

Baekhyun stepped back, bowing at Chanyeol with his head before heading out, quickly peeling off bloodied gloves, chest heaving as the adrenaline finally left his body. 

He looked at Chanyeol, who followed behind him. 

Once Chanyeol had removed his mask and finished stripping off his gown, Baekhyun felt the earlier embarrassment creep back in. He’d snapped at him in front of the entire trauma team, like Chanyeol was some other resident and not the head of a department.

And Chanyeol had taken it all with a grin.

Sehun, who had been lurking near the doorway with the crash cart in case the patient crashed during the surgery, caught Baekhyun’s mortified expression and let out a barely stifled giggle.

“Oh my god,” Sehun whispered, loud enough for only Baekhyun to hear. “You just yelled at the hot new attending. You’re so screwed, hyung.”

Baekhyun shot him a death glare. “Shut up.”

Sehun just winked at him before walking away with the crash trolley. 

Baekhyun turned away, face burning, pretending to focus on calming his breathing while his heart hammered against his ribs.

Chanyeol stepped closer and bumped Baekhyun’s shoulder lightly.

“Hey,” he said, voice low, teasing but gentle. “You good?”

Baekhyun didn’t look up. "I am fine, thanks. Sorry for snapping at you earlier.”

“You were saving a life. I’d be disappointed if you didn’t.”

Baekhyun finally glanced at him. Chanyeol’s soft grin was still there, his big eyes warm.

“Still,” Baekhyun muttered. “Sorry to have done it in front of everyone.”

Chanyeol’s hand landed on Baekhyun’s shoulder to give a reassuring squeeze. “Don’t be. I like it when you’re bossy.”

Baekhyun gaped at Chanyeol after such a bold statement. 

Sehun, who had returned to tease Baekhyun some more, choked on his own spit in the background.

Baekhyun glared at Sehun. “Get going on the next case, Sehun.”

Sehun fled before he let out another snort.

Chanyeol just smiled wider, gave Baekhyun’s shoulder one last pat, and headed for the door.

“Coffee later?” he called over his shoulder.

Baekhyun exhaled shakily. “Yeah. Later.”

As the doors swung shut behind Chanyeol, Baekhyun dropped his head into his hands.

Sehun’s voice echoed faintly from the hallway: “Hyung, you’re blushing so hard right now!”

Baekhyun groaned.

He was never going to live this down.

But the warmth in his chest, the quiet certainty that Chanyeol had his back, made it almost worth the embarrassment.

***

Baekhyun looked around anxiously, hoping no one would find it gossip-worthy that he was hanging out with the new cardiothoracic attending, as he stood in line for a quick caffeine fix while Chanyeol rambled on about some embarrassing moment.

“Remember, when you got jealous of me always spending time with Junmyeon over the weekends?”

Baekhyun couldn’t help but send him a fake glare, momentarily forgetting about being in the public eye, “Erm, excuse me? You were almost camping at our house under the guise of ‘studying’, when all you would do was go to game arcades and cool cafes for study dates!

“Yeah, sure, if that’s how you choose to remember it.” Chanyeol rolled his eyes, enjoying how Baekhyun unconsciously pouted as he defended himself.

The queue still had a couple of people ahead of them, so Chanyeol changed the topic. “So, the last time I saw you, it must have been on my graduation day, right?”

Baekhyun nodded, “Yeah, from what I remember.”

“I told Junmyeon I’d look out for you, but clinical placements during my final years were absolutely kicking my ass, and the finals never seemed to end. I never got to be there for you the way I wanted to.”

Baekhyun shrugged. “Nothing to feel bad about. I managed, like everyone eventually does.”

Chanyeol observed him and nodded, “You always seemed like the type who’d figure things out.”

***

Chanyeol had only been at this hospital for nine days now, already familiar with the rhythm of the place and had been attuned to most of the department staff thanks to the thorough orientation. 

He was in the hallway outside the surgical lounge, heading toward the stairwell with a half-finished chart tucked under his arm, when he heard low voices drift out of the room. He was fixated on moving along, but when he heard one of them say “Baekhyun” in a conspiratorial tone, Chanyeol couldn’t help but stop in his tracks and put his head closer to the slightly ajar door.

“…Minhyuk was saying it at the mixer last week,” one of the surgical residents muttered, leaning lazily against the wall, just as Chanyeol peeped through. “How Byun’s already latched onto someone new.”

Another resident snorted before asking, “Really? Who?”

“You wouldn’t believe it,” the first continued, lips curling. “Apparently, he’s got his sights set on Park Chanyeol. Having a big-name cardiothoracic as your close buddy sounds super convenient, right?”

Chanyeol’s eyebrows furrowed in anger, but he suppressed the urge to walk in just yet. 

His fingers tightened around the chart in his hand, knuckles whitening as he stayed perfectly still.

“He’s clearly got a type,” someone else chimed in, amused. “Always looking for someone in a position of power and connections. Minhyuk said Byun’s just doing what he always does, using people to climb.”

A low chuckle followed. “Wouldn’t be the first time. Remember Dongwook? Director Hong’s precious only son?”

“That was messy,” another voice said. “But let’s not pretend it didn’t work. Baekhyun landed at this prestigious hospital soon after dating him, and then had Minhyuk reported, with him supposedly blowing the whistle. Now, suddenly, he’s all cosy with Park Chanyeol? You don’t think that’s calculated?”

Chanyeol’s jaw tightened at the slander, unconsciously stepped even closer, trying to recognise who was speaking, but continued to remain out of their sight. 

“You’ve got to give it to him, the kid’s ambitious,” someone said with a shrug. “Can’t fault him for using the opportunity to his advantage. It’s just funny how he keeps ending up attached to the right men at the right time.”

The surgical resident who had been leaning against the wall walkied out of Chanyeol’s sight as he settled down on the chair. Lowering his voice before saying, “Exactly. Haven’t you heard that Dongwook is now working closely with the hospital board of directors, now that his father is soon to retire? I am sure he must have pulled strings back then and helped secure a spot for Baekhyun’s residency here. Sure, they had an ugly break-up, but favours last.”

There was a pause, then soft laughter, before the residents switched to another topic.

Chanyeol exhaled slowly through his nose. 

So this was the latest hospital gossip making its rounds. Baekhyun is being slandered as a social climber. As someone who used people.

As someone who was supposedly using him now.

The chart paper in Chanyeol’s hand crinkled slightly as his grip tightened. 

Chanyeol turned away before they noticed him, stomach tight with something between confusion and suppressed frustration. He didn’t know the full story, but he knew Baekhyun well enough to know that none of this was right.

***

A week later, Chanyeol was in the middle of his on-call shift and decided to grab a coffee from the machine on the third floor, as it was the closest one. 

Still unfamiliar with the corridors, he took the wrong turn, too busy overthinking his last case to notice where he was going, and ended up in the quieter corridor near the on-call rooms. 

He whistled under his breath as he walked, hoping at least one of the rooms had a coffee machine and maybe some sweet snacks to give him a boost.

That was when he spotted someone leaning against the wall.

The oversized white doctor’s coat nearly swallowed the familiar figure as Chanyeol drew closer.

Baekhyun stood alone outside one of the on-call rooms, his back pressed against the wall as though it were the only thing keeping him upright. His arms were wrapped tightly around himself, white coat unbuttoned and slipping off one shoulder, posture folded inward.

His head was bowed, dark hair falling into his eyes, so he hadn’t noticed Chanyeol’s presence yet. 

He looked smaller than Chanyeol remembered.

Baekhyun stared blankly at the floor, lashes wet and clumped together, his chest hitching slightly like he was struggling to regain control.

Chanyeol’s chest tightened painfully at the sight, and he didn’t stop to think. He crossed the distance in quick strides and gently grabbed Baekhyun by the elbow, making the shorter doctor yelp softly in surprise as he looked up.

Before Baekhyun could say anything, Chanyeol had already guided him toward the nearest open door, which happened to be an empty, dimly lit on-call room.

The door softly clicked shut behind them.

Baekhyun remained startled, shoulders tensing before his red-rimmed, glassy eyes met Chanyeol’s concerned gaze. 

“Hyung—”

“What’s wrong, Baek?” Chanyeol asked softly. “You can tell me.”

Baekhyun’s mouth opened, then closed again. His jaw started to tremble as one tear slipped free, tracing down his soft cheek before he angrily wiped it away with his hand. 

Chanyeol stood observing him patiently, waiting for any sign from the smaller male. 

Without realising, Chanyeol had stepped closer, arms reaching to pull Baekhyun to face him properly. Baekhyun didn’t pull away from Chanyeol’s warm, gentle hold. 

Baekhyun could see how the taller was being so careful with his movements, as if he might shatter if handled even slightly wrong. 

Baekhyun let out an exhausted sigh before dropping his forehead against Chanyeol’s chest, breath hitching hard as his body finally gave in to the suppressed emotions bubbling up inside of him. 

“Hey,” Chanyeol murmured, voice soft against his hair. “Breathe, Baek. Just breathe. Whatever it is, it’s not worth worrying over.” His hand came up instinctively, warm and steady at the back of Baekhyun’s head. “You’re one of the best I’ve ever seen. Back then and even now.”

Baekhyun’s hands fisted in the front of Chanyeol’s coat, knuckles white. 

Eventually, a muffled sob broke free.

Chanyeol held him tighter, one arm solid around his back, the other rubbing slow, grounding circles on his back. He hazarded a guess that Baekhyun had found out about the gossip going around. “They don’t know you,” he said quietly. “They never did.”

After a long moment, Baekhyun pulled back just enough to make eye contact with him. Tears clung to his lashes, his cheeks were blotchy, his skin flushed from crying, but his gaze was steady. 

Chanyeol couldn’t help but find the sight beautiful despite it being apparent how exhausted Baekhyun was. 

Before he knew it, Chanyeol lifted both his hands, thumbs brushing away the damp tracks on Baekhyun’s cheeks with careful strokes. 

Baekhyun’s breath stuttered at the touch. 

It didn’t stop Chanyeol from fully cupping his face, and Baekhyun briefly closed his eyes, soaking in the warmth. Chanyeol’s palms felt warm against his cold skin as he gently tilted his face upward.

Their foreheads hovered close.

“You don’t have to tell me anything,” Chanyeol said softly in almost a whisper, as if they could be overheard. “Not about your circumstances. Not about what happened back then. Not about why bullshit they’re saying now.” His gaze never wavered. “I know you, Baek. I know you too well to believe something like this should break you.”

Baekhyun’s lips parted. For a second, nothing came out, just a shaky exhale.

Then, barely above a whisper, “Thank you, Chanyeol Hyung.”

Chanyeol’s thumbs stilled, resting lightly against Baekhyun’s cheekbones.

The room somehow felt smaller, warmer, the air thick with everything left unsaid through the years of distance between them. Something fragile had quietly taken shape, but neither of them tried to name it.

For a heartbeat, it was just them. Two people who once had childhood memories and bad jokes, now standing in a dim hospital room in the middle of a long on-call shift.

“We’ll figure this out,” Chanyeol said quietly. “Okay?”

Baekhyun nodded, eyes slipping shut from exhaustion as Chanyeol pulled him into a warm, comforting embrace.

***

The on-call room door flew open with the careless force of people who assumed the space was empty.

Four residents spilt inside, laughing and bumping shoulders, one already reaching for the snack drawer before they registered what they had walked into and froze mid-step, like someone had hit pause.

Leading the pack was Lee Jihoon, a third-year paediatric surgical resident and one of Minhyuk’s loudest remaining defenders. Earlier that week, he had been holding a gossip session in the OR lounge, loudly insisting Baekhyun had “ruined a good surgeon’s career over one bad day.”

Behind him trailed two other juniors and a paediatrics intern, Kim Jongin, who had clearly tagged along for the free chips.

All four sets of eyes locked onto the scene before them.

Park Chanyeol, the new cardiothoracic star everyone was still whispering about, stood in the centre of the tiny room with his arms wrapped around Byun Baekhyun.

Baekhyun’s face was half-hidden against Chanyeol’s white coat, both of them still entwined in an embrace. Chanyeol’s head rested lightly atop Baekhyun’s, his eyes also closed as he swayed Baekhyun gently, and patting his back with his hand as if he were lulling him to sleep.

The room fell deathly silent, broken only by the low hum of the mini-fridge.

Jihoon’s mouth opened, closed, then opened again.

“Oh shit,” he breathed. “Am I hallucinating, or is Dr Park comforting Baekhyun?”

Jongin stood frozen mid-step, clutching a bag of shrimp crackers with wide eyes.

“Yep,” he said without thinking. “I see it too. They must be really good friends.”

The words landed as stones dropped into water.

Ripples of murmured whispers followed immediately, low enough to be subtle but loud enough for both Baekhyun and Chanyeol to hear.

“Minhyuk did say Baekhyun’s good at playing the victim…”

“That’s a long hug for just colleagues”

Baekhyun stiffened in Chanyeol’s arms, mortification flooding hot and fast up his neck.

He tried to pull back, instinct screaming at him to put space between them, but Chanyeol didn’t let go. His hold remained gentle but firm, one arm still securely looped around Baekhyun’s back as though shielding him from the newcomers.

Then Chanyeol slowly turned his head toward the doorway.

The residents flinched as if they’d been caught stealing.

He didn’t need to raise his voice. His gaze alone was intimidating enough, though he still offered them a polite smile.

The same quiet authority that had already made half the surgical department sit up straighter whenever he entered a room was unmistakably present now. One by one, the residents straightened immediately before bowing awkwardly and rushing to explain themselves.

“We usually come here during our breaks.”

“This room’s normally empty.”

Jongin, being the youngest among them, just muttered shyly while rubbing the back of his neck, “Sorry… I only came for the free snacks.”

Baekhyun briefly fought the urge to ask whether Kyungsoo hadn’t already been spoiling the younger man enough with homemade food.

Lee JJihoon cleared his throat and stood a little straighter, “I didn’t know you guys knew each other that well.”

Baekhyun immediately pulled away from Chanyeol’s loosening embrace and glared at Jihoon, ready to tell him to mind his own business, when he noticed Chanyeol subtly raise a hand to stop him from snapping.

“Actually,” Chanyeol said evenly, completely unruffled by the situation, “Baekhyun and I are together. Officially.”

Dead silence followed.

He let the words settle for a beat before adding in the same composed tone, “We’ve been seeing each other quietly for a while, so yes, of course I’d comfort my boyfriend.”

The residents’ jaws dropped in perfect synchrony.

Jihoon made a strangled sound that might have been an apology. Jongin’s shrimp crackers slipped from his hands and hit the floor with a soft crinkle.

“Uh—we—we didn’t—” one of the juniors stammered.

Chanyeol’s smile didn’t waver. “The door’s still open, guys.”

They scrambled backwards like they’d been scalded, apologies overlapping as they nearly tripped over themselves.

“Sorry, Dr Park! We didn’t mean to intrude!”

Then they disappeared down the hallway, the door slamming shut behind them with a loud bang.

Silence settled over the room once more.

Baekhyun stared up at Chanyeol, eyes still glassy, lips parted in stunned disbelief.

“What just happened?” he asked faintly, his brain still struggling to process the words that had just come out of Chanyeol’s mouth.

Chanyeol still hadn’t stepped away. Instead, he exhaled softly through his nose, a sheepish grin tugging at one corner of his mouth.

“Sorry… but not really sorry,” he admitted quietly, eyes earnest as he watched Baekhyun carefully. “That was about to turn into something much uglier if they walked out thinking it was a pity hug, or that you were trying to seduce me, or whatever nonsense they’ve been spreading. This shuts them up a lot faster than any denial would.”

Baekhyun blinked once. Then twice.

“You just…” His voice cracked slightly. “You just told them we’re dating.”

“Yeah.”

“Like… we’re boyfriends? Who are dating?”

“Yep.”

Baekhyun’s brain seemed to reboot in slow motion.

“You didn’t even hesitate.”

Chanyeol shrugged, the movement small and almost boyish. “Didn’t see the point. They were already halfway to posting theories in the group chat. Might as well give them something definitive to talk about.”

Baekhyun swallowed hard, his throat clicking audibly. “And now the whole hospital’s going to think—”

“That you’re with me,” Chanyeol finished gently. “The new attending, everyone’s trying to impress. The one whose presence alone makes people think twice before running their mouths.”

He paused, eyes searching Baekhyun’s face.

“Want to roll with it?” Chanyeol asked quietly. “In an ideal setting, I would have asked your permission, but as I said, the situation wasn’t in our hands. We can just fake it until the rumour dies. Let them see you’re untouchable. Let Minhyuk choke on his own bullshit.”

Baekhyun stared at him with a startled expression, “How much do you know already?”

Chanyeol’s lips thinned in frustration, “More than I should, but I swear I overheard it, I haven’t tried to find out anything more. I would rather hear it from you, if you ever want to share, that is.”

“Oh my God,” Baekhyun palmed his face with his hand as everything caught up. He rubbed his swollen eyes and palmed his forehead while the other hand rested on his waist, contemplating how he got into such a mess when he just wanted to have a little cry. 

Chanyeol’s hand reached out to place his hand over Baekhyun’s head, making him drop the hand that had been on his face.

“Everything will be alright, Baekhyunnie,” Chanyeol said soothingly, “Don’t worry your pretty head over it.”  

Their bodies were close enough that Baekhyun could feel the heat radiating off him, smell the faint trace of surgical soap layered with cedar cologne.

Something hot and unsteady curled low in Baekhyun’s stomach.

He should say no. Laugh it off and just walk out and handle the fallout like he always had, alone. 

But he was so fucking tired of this, and he knew it wasn’t going to get any easier. 

And here, Chanyeol was looking at him like he’d take on the entire hospital if that’s what it took.

Baekhyun exhaled shakily.

“Okay,” he whispered. “Let’s… let’s do it.”

Chanyeol’s shoulders dropped a fraction, relief visible on his face.

“Great.”

He lifted his other hand slowly, carefully, brushing the last faint tear track from Baekhyun’s cheek with the pad of his thumb. The touch lingered before Chanyeol withdrew his hand completely.

“So fake dating it is,” Chanyeol said, with a grin. “We’ll make it look real. Coffee and canteen runs. Maybe some rooftop lunches, too. Oh! And we can’t forget getting caught holding hands.”

Baekhyun’s breath hitched as he started to imagine what this ‘fake dating’ plan would actually entail, and he started to feel sick from the anxiety. 

“D-do we have to do all that?” Baekhyun implored with wide eyes, hoping that Chanyeol would say that he was just messing with him and that they didn’t need to be that obvious. 

“Baek, we need to do it properly, or this entire plan will fall through. We need to do whatever it takes to show you’re with the top surgeon in the building. You’re not someone people can mess with.”

Baekhyun exhaled deeply and nodded, “Fine, I get that, but can we like not go too overboard because I don’t want us to be known as the ‘cringey couple’.”

Chanyeol chuckled, “We will plan, but I am a spontaneous person, just so you know.”

Baekhyun arched one of his eyebrows, “You seem to be really enjoying this, Hyung? Done this before?”

“Dating? Multiple times, but fake dating is a first, hence the excitement.” Chanyeol rubbed the back of his neck at being caught. 

Baekhyun rolled his eyes in jest, but then caught Chanyeol’s expression hardening into a serious one. 

“Also, about Dongwook,” Chanyeol muttered in his deep voice, “If he tries to pull anything by trying to twist this situation, he will just look like a jealous ex-boyfriend. I will make sure of that.” 

Baekhyun nodded again, feeling more certain about the plan. 

He just hoped it wouldn’t backfire in the future and cause a bigger mess for both of them. 

***

The rumour didn’t spread so much as it detonated within the next few hours.

Little did Chanyeol and Baekhyun know that the moment the on-call room door clicked shut behind the fleeing residents, messages were already circulating through the group chats.

Descriptions of their intimate hug spread in such vivid detail that they left little room for doubt, especially once Chanyeol’s bold statement about them dating entered the conversation.

Surgical Residents Group Chat

jihoon_r3: I just walked in on PARK CHANYEOL hugging Byun Baekhyun. Like, full-on boyfriend hug. He literally said, “My boyfriend.”

taehyun_intern: wait WHAT

jihoon_r3: He said they’ve been together for some time. Then stared us down until we left.

nurse_jiyeon: omg I just read the same thing in the nurses’ chat too. They always seemed so close since Dr Park’s first day?

sehun_int: this can’t be real…I need to speak to my therapist

jihoon_r3: Sehun, why are you still in this group chat? You already moved to ED for your next placement.

minji_nurse: wait so the rumour about Baekhyun sleeping his way up was fake?? And he’s actually been dating Park Chanyeol all this time??

jihoon_r3: Apparently so. Minhyuk’s gonna lose it.

sehun_int: I’m here for the gossip…

***

And boy, did Minhyuk lose it.

He was at home, phone clenched tightly in his hand as he scrolled furiously through the chats.

The first message came through from a former resident, someone still loyal enough to forward screenshots of the chats to him.

Grumbling curses under his breath, he furiously typed back:

This is fucking ridiculous. Is Chanyeol covering for him now? That little shit ratted me out, and now he’s playing house with the new golden boy? Tell everyone it’s fake. He’s using him, just like he used everyone else.

Messages followed in rapid succession, growing angrier by the minute, though most of the frustration was directed at Minhyuk for putting several residents in an “uncomfortable position” now that a much bigger personality had become involved.

He was close to throwing his phone across the room when he received a new notification from a former colleague.

He has an ex, Hong Dongwook, Director Hong’s son. Maybe he could help you? 

Minhyuk quickly sent a text thanking him, a slow smirk spreading across his face.

He wasn’t going to let Baekhyun get away with ruining his career so easily.

***

On the hospital's executive floor, Dongwook stood in his glass-walled office and read the same forwarded text in silence. 

His thumb hovered over the screen, jaw tightening as he noted that somebody had also sent a photo of them together on a recent “coffee date” earlier that week.

Baekhyun looked small in the photo. Exhausted, but still ever so radiant with his signature eye smile as he looked up at the one man in the building whose reputation could genuinely threaten Dongwook’s own if crossed.

Jealousy flared first before irritation settled in. Dongwook knew there wasn’t much he could do, not with the board watching him closely while he was still new to his position.

Dongwook set the phone face down on his desk without replying to his subordinate.

Touching Baekhyun now meant touching Park Chanyeol’s partner.

And Park Chanyeol was currently untouchable.

He would rather sit and wait for the right moment than act rashly.

***

By morning rounds the next day, most of the hospital was aware.

Nurses whispered behind charts in the surgical ward lounge, eyes bright.

“Did you hear how gently Dr Park held him? I’d cry on command if that’s the reward.”

Residents muttered in nearby lounges, voices sharp with envy. “Byun Baekhyun bagged the nation’s top surgeon? How? When?”

Baekhyun moved along the line in the canteen, ignoring the looks from fellow residents and nurses as he focused on what was on the menu for the day.

He had felt the shift like whiplash.

Baekhyun was used to people glancing at him, some greeting him, and others simply observing. He knew he had gained quite a reputation after whistleblowing on Minhyuk’s botched surgery.

But this… this was on an entirely different level.

Now, he was getting more awkward smiles than he had received in the past year combined, with some people even going out of their way to introduce themselves by name and department as if trying to get into his good books.

Little did they know he failed to remember a single name.

He greeted his favourite canteen staff member with a friendly grin, already knowing his charming smile would earn him an extra serving of his favourite side dishes.

The cafeteria auntie slipped an extra egg roll onto Baekhyun’s tray and winked knowingly.

“For more strength, handsome. You’ll definitely need it with that man.”

Baekhyun’s face immediately turned red as he realised what she was implying.

Before he could choke on his own saliva and embarrass himself in front of the entire cafeteria, he quickly made his way toward a nearly empty table recently abandoned by rowdy medical students who hadn’t bothered cleaning up their trash.

Pushing aside the half-eaten trays, he dug into his food while taking out his phone with his other hand to check for new messages.

A throat cleared from directly across the circular table, and Baekhyun looked up to meet Sehun’s disgustingly smug face.

“Fucking great,” Baekhyun muttered under his breath.

Before he could even break eye contact, Sehun had already abandoned his original seat and deposited himself beside him with a carton of banana milk.

“So…” Sehun drawled, crossing his legs and draping one arm over the back of his chair as he scrutinised Baekhyun’s increasingly pink face.

“I thought you weren’t working today,” Baekhyun mumbled before stuffing some egg roll into his mouth, refusing to remember what the cafeteria auntie had said earlier.

“I had self-development hours to use up, so I was revising for my exam. You know how it is,” Sehun explained quickly before resting both elbows on the table and leaning closer. “But enough about me. There are more important things to discuss.”

Baekhyun tried to act oblivious and merely arched an eyebrow while chewing.

“Really?”

“Yep.” Sehun sounded far too delighted, making Baekhyun fight the urge to smack him. His day wasn’t even halfway over yet, for fuck’s sake.

Realising Baekhyun wasn’t going to volunteer information willingly, Sehun sighed dramatically, widening his puppy eyes and pouting.

“Hyung,” Sehun said in mock solemnity, “when exactly were you planning to tell your favourite intern that you’ve been secretly dating the nation’s hottest cardiothoracic surgeon?”

Baekhyun nearly choked on his orange juice.

“Sehun. Not now. I haven’t slept for two days, and I’m in the middle of my shift, unlike your free ass.”

Sehun ignored him completely and instead, whipped out his phone, exaggeratedly scrolling before clearing his throat and reading aloud loudly enough for nearby tables to hear, making Baekhyun frantically gesture for him to quiet down.

“Jihoon_r3: I can confirm that Dr Park called Baekhyun “my boyfriend” in the on-call room. Baekhyun had been crying, and Dr Park wiped his tears away…with his thumbs.’

He paused dramatically, eyes glittering.

“It genuinely cannot get more romantic than that. Talk about hard-launching, hyung.”

Baekhyun lifted his head just enough to glare at him.

“You’re enjoying this way too much, Sehun.”

Sehun’s grin was entirely unrepentant, “Oh, I’m thriving.”

He flicked to another message. “Look at this one. nurse_jiyeon: ‘I need to know how Baekhyun pulled that. Teach me your ways, sunbae-nim. I also want a six-foot-two surgeon to bring me coffee and call me baby.’”

Baekhyun shoved his tray away, appetite completely gone, before burying his face in his folded arms.

“Just fucking kill me.”

Sehun continued scrolling.

“And this gem from the surgical residents’ chat: ‘Sehun_int: I need details. Was it Baekhyun’s puppy eyes that caught Dr Park’s attention? We need answers.’”

Baekhyun peeked up in horror.

“Wait. You posted that?”

Sehun shrugged shamelessly.

“I’m conducting a scientific inquiry. Besides, I still happen to be in my previous placement’s group chat. Might as well make use of it. Could become blackmail material later.”

Baekhyun reached for the nearest empty water bottle like he was genuinely considering throwing it.

“I hate you.”

“You love me,” Sehun corrected, chin propped in his hands and eyes sparkling with feral curiosity. “Seriously, though. How? Like…how did you bag Park Chanyeol?”

Baekhyun stared at him blankly.

“Wow. Thanks.”

“No, hear me out,” Sehun continued, gesturing wildly. “You’re cute, sure. Honestly, gorgeous. But he’s… You know…Tall, dark, and handsome. Has hands that could probably bench-press a patient's bed. But he’s out here wiping your tears in on-call rooms and feeding you kimbap on rooftops like some romance drama lead!”

“Kimbap on rooftops?!” Baekhyun interrupted. “Where the hell did that come from?”

“People are getting ahead of themselves,” Sehun admitted with a shrug. “But honestly, rooftop lunch dates are inevitable. Every hospital couple ends up there eventually.”

Baekhyun sent him a murderous glare.

Sehun remained entirely unfazed and leaned even closer.

“Spill, hyung. What’s the secret? What hidden talents do you have? Do you whisper medical mnemonics into his ear at night? Do you cry on command?”

Baekhyun rubbed his temples slowly.

“It’s not like that, Sehun. It just… happened, okay?”

Sehun raised an eyebrow.

“The group chat says otherwise. Multiple witnesses saw you two sharing intense eye contact. Not to mention Chanyeol letting you boss him around, which apparently nobody else gets to do.”

“But—” Baekhyun tried to interrupt, but Sehun bulldozed ahead.

“It’s not giving casual dating energy.”

Baekhyun choked on air, wishing he could simply melt into the floor and disappear from this never-ending interrogation.

At least, it was Sehun and not some senior, he consoled himself.

“Look, Sehun-ah. We’re not…it’s complicated.”

“Complicated,” Sehun echoed, grin widening. “That’s code for ‘I’m already in love but terrified.’”

Baekhyun glared at him.

“You’re twenty-four. You don’t get to psychoanalyse me.”

“I may be twenty-four, but I’ve seen you cry because a vending machine ran out of snickers. I absolutely have seniority in emotional matters.”

“You’ve cried over banana milk!”

“So you’re admitting we’re on the same emotional maturity level, then?”

Baekhyun dropped his head back onto his folded arms again.

“I’m too tired for this.”

Sehun leaned closer anyway, lowering his voice into a conspiratorial whisper.

“Just one detail. Does he do that thing where he tucks your hair behind your ear?”

Baekhyun’s ears turned scarlet, and he hissed out, “Shut up, Sehun. People can hear you.”

Sehun gasped theatrically, “He does! Oh my god. Does he call you baby? Because the group chat thinks he does. There’s literally a poll on it.”

Baekhyun’s head snapped up. “There’s a poll?”

Sehun triumphantly turned his phone around.

Does Dr Park call Baekhyun ‘baby’?

• Yes (73 votes)
• No, but he should (12 votes)
• I’m begging for audio evidence (45 votes)

Baekhyun stared at the screen in complete horror.

“This hospital is a complete circus.”

Sehun patted his shoulder sympathetically.

“Welcome to couple life, sunbae. The people just want answers, you can’t blame them–”

Baekhyun grabbed a doughnut from his tray and shoved it straight into Sehun’s mouth mid-sentence.

“Eat this and shut up.”

Sehun obediently chewed, eyes still sparkling mischievously.

“You still didn’t deny the baby thing.”

Baekhyun stood abruptly, his chair scraping loudly against the floor, “I’m going to find a supply closet and live there until everyone forgets I exist.”

Sehun called after him through the doughnut still stuffed in his mouth.

“Oh, I see how it is.” He wiggled his eyebrows exaggeratedly. “Supply closet, huh? Should I expect another hospital-wide announcement in ten minutes? ‘Dr. Park and his boyfriend caught aggressively making out between the gauze boxes.”

Baekhyun nearly stumbled mid-step.

“Sehun!”

Sehun only grinned wider, completely unrepentant.

“What? I’m just saying, this is how medical drama relationships escalate. First emotional support hugs, then secret supply closet kissing.”

Baekhyun flipped him off over his shoulder without turning around.

God, what had he signed up for?

If things were this bad for him, he couldn’t even imagine what Chanyeol was dealing with.

Just imagining Chanyeol being asked the same embarrassing questions made Baekhyun want to disappear on the spot.

***

Luckily, it took a few days before Baekhyun and Chanyeol ran into each other again.

Baekhyun had secretly hoped for more time. He wasn’t quite ready to face the taller doctor in front of the entire hospital.

They had exchanged numbers the night they agreed to the fake relationship, but their messages had been sparse.

Baekhyun had at least hoped for some kind of strategy. Some sort of ‘plan of action’ rather than blindly entering this fake-dating arrangement. 

But it seemed that Chanyeol had a flair for spontaneity, and as much as Baekhyun’s career demanded quick decisions, this was entirely different. 

This wasn’t a trauma call or a crashing patient.

This was them pretending to be a couple.

And Baekhyun was painfully aware that he had no script.

He definitely hadn’t expected that, after the morning handover, while the night team was clocking out and the day shift was just settling in, he would look up and see Park Chanyeol leaning casually against the ED nurses’ station.

The cardiothoracic surgeon looked completely at ease.

He stood with one shoulder against the counter, long legs crossed at the ankles, dressed in dark navy scrubs beneath a white coat. His hair was still slightly damp, as though he had rushed through a quick shower before rounds. And that bright, disarming smile of his was directed squarely at the cluster of nurses surrounding him.

Several of them were covering their mouths to hide their laughter.

Baekhyun froze mid-step.

Oh no.

He tried, very subtly, to change direction. But the ED head nurse spotted him immediately.

“Good morning, Doc Byun!” Sangmi called brightly, waving him over. Her eyes sparkled with unmistakable mischief as she glanced at Chanyeol and then back at Baekhyun.

Baekhyun could practically feel everyone register the situation unfolding before them.

Baekhyun could feel the shift instantly.

Conversations slowed down. A few residents stopped typing at their computers. Even one of the interns hovering near the medication cart went suspiciously still.

This was their first public interaction since news of their relationship had spread through the hospital like wildfire.

Baekhyun forced his usual soft, professional smile into place as he approached.

“Morning, everyone,” he greeted politely, bowing his head slightly before turning toward Chanyeol.

That was when he noticed the cardboard drink carrier balanced easily in Chanyeol’s large hand.

Baekhyun glanced at the two iced Americanos and then back up at Chanyeol, who was already watching him with a knowing, playful grin.

Baekhyun bowed his head again, slightly more awkward this time.

“Good morning, Dr Park.”

“Morning, Baekhyun,” Chanyeol replied, his deep voice smooth and unhurried.

Without making a show of it, he lifted one of the cups and set it down directly in front of Baekhyun on the counter. The motion was effortless and casual, like something he did every day.

Baekhyun could practically feel the entire department’s eyes on them now.

His cheeks warmed instantly, and he grabbed the drink quickly, wrapping his fingers around the cold plastic cup in a desperate attempt to cool his burning face.

“You didn’t have to,” he mumbled under his breath, avoiding eye contact.

But Chanyeol had been close enough to hear him. He leaned slightly closer, close enough for Baekhyun to catch the faint scent of his cologne.

“Anything for my favourite resident,” Chanyeol said lightly, punctuating the words with a quick wink.

Baekhyun stared at him, mouth slightly open.

Behind them, someone audibly gasped. A few nurses dissolved into barely suppressed giggles.

“Y-you—” Baekhyun started.

“Dr Park,” Sangmi cut in smoothly, folding her arms with amusement. “I’m sure your new cardiothoracic resident would be very upset to hear that.”

Chanyeol laughed easily and shrugged.

“Tough luck,” he responded smoothly. “It’s a competitive position.”

“Nobody else can take that spot, right?” one of the younger nurses teased before immediately shrinking beneath Baekhyun’s startled look.

“Everyone,” Baekhyun interrupted quickly, clearing his throat as he straightened his posture, “I’ve just received the handover from the night team. Can we make sure everyone’s on the same page?”

He lifted the tablet in his hand like a shield.

“Anything from the night nursing team that needs to be flagged before we start rounds?”

Sangmi rolled her eyes affectionately as she grabbed her tablet, knowing that Baekhyun was a tough nut to crack, especially this early in his shift. Once he switched into work mode, he was famously impossible to tease.

“I’ll get going,” Chanyeol said lightly, smiling at everyone before pushing himself off the counter.

As he walked past Baekhyun, he casually reached out and squeezed his forearm.

The contact was brief, but long enough for Baekhyun to feel the warmth radiating from him.

Then Chanyeol leaned down, lowering his voice so only Baekhyun could hear.

“Catch you later.”

Baekhyun barely managed a stunned, “B-bye”, before the surgeon disappeared down the corridor.

For a moment, Baekhyun stood completely still. 

Sangmi cleared her throat loudly, making him realise he had zoned out entirely. The entire nursing team was staring at him with poorly concealed grins.

“Right,” Baekhyun said quickly, glancing down at the handover list. “Let’s start with the majors first…”

***

A few hours later, during his break, Baekhyun finally pulled out his phone.

His fingers moved with such urgency that his nails tapped sharply against the screen.

Baekhyun:
What the hell was that?

He expected the message to sit unread for hours.

Instead, a reply came almost immediately. Baekhyun hadn’t even been sure whether Chanyeol was in surgery, considering how quickly he responded.

Chanyeol:
What? Was the coffee not to your liking?
I remember you ordered an extra shot with no sugar.

Baekhyun blinked at the screen.

They had grabbed coffee together exactly twice.

How did he remember that?

He forced himself to stay focused.

Baekhyun:
The coffee was more than fine. Thank you for that.
But I would’ve appreciated a heads-up.
Also, that “favourite resident” line was so fucking cheesy.

A second later, a pouting emoji appeared.

Baekhyun couldn’t stop the grin tugging at the corner of his mouth.

Chanyeol:
Do I need to improve my flirting game?
Was I not convincing enough?

Baekhyun:
I think we need a rough idea of what we’re doing instead of improvising everything.

Chanyeol:
Fine. I’ll behave. Anything else, genius Dr Byun?

Baekhyun chuckled to himself.

Sometimes he genuinely forgot Chanyeol was four years older than him. The fact that he was the same age as Junmyeon-hyung still felt unbelievable.

Junmyeon carried himself like a dignified professor most days.

Chanyeol, on the other hand, had the chaotic energy of someone Sehun’s age.

And yet somehow, Junmyeon and Chanyeol had remained best friends for years.

Baekhyun had never fully understood it.

Junmyeon would probably have an aneurysm if he ever found out what kind of predicament Baekhyun had gotten himself into with his oldest friend. 

***

A few days later, Baekhyun had just finished discussing a patient’s discharge with one of the nurses when someone suddenly grabbed his arm and pulled him aside in the middle of the bustling ED corridor.

He nearly collided with a tall, solid body.

“Hey—!”

Baekhyun spun around, ready to scold Sehun. Except Sehun would never be stupid enough to manhandle him like this in the middle of the department.

And Sehun definitely didn’t have a grip that firm.

Baekhyun’s jaw dropped when he found Chanyeol standing in front of him, still dressed in surgical scrubs with a blue surgical cap tied loosely over his hair.

Wearing that annoyingly smug grin.

“What are you doing here?” Baekhyun demanded, glancing around quickly to see whether anyone had noticed Chanyeol dragging him away like that.

“No ‘hi, love’ for your boyfriend?” Chanyeol teased.

Baekhyun rolled his eyes before quickly shoving him into the nearest empty treatment room.

Luckily, nobody was using it, so Baekhyun slipped inside after him and swiftly locked the door behind them.

“Talk,” he ordered, planting his hands on his hips.

“Baekhyun, if you react like this every time we interact, we’re not going to fool anyone except ourselves,” Chanyeol pointed out with a low chuckle. “No need to get all huffy–”

“What do you expect me to do when you’re manhandling me in public, Chanyeol?” Baekhyun shot back in exasperation. “What happened to giving me a heads-up? Surely the idea of planning things didn’t completely fly over your head?”

“Well, that’s exactly why I’m here,” Chanyeol replied with a shrug. “So we can plan something.”

“A text wouldn’t have been enough? Do you actually want to make the scandal worse?”

“How is this making it worse?” Chanyeol tilted his head before his eyes gleamed mischievously. “I’m sorry, Baek, but you locking us in here is significantly more scandalous. They probably think we’re doing something inappropriate.”

Baekhyun paled as reality dawned on him, “Oh my god…”

He spun toward the door to unlock it, but before he could reach it, Chanyeol grabbed his shoulders and gently steered him back around.

“Relax, Byun,” Chanyeol chuckled, his deep voice sending an embarrassingly noticeable shiver down Baekhyun’s spine. “We might as well talk now that we’re here.”

“God, they probably think we’re— we’re—”, Baekhyun couldn’t even finish the sentence.

“Baekhyun,” Chanyeol said patiently, turning him fully to face him. “Don’t you want them to think we’re together?”

Baekhyun groaned, avoiding eye contact as Chanyeol looked at him with far too much sincerity.

“I just… this isn’t something I’m used to!”

“What?” Chanyeol grinned again, clearly back in teasing mode. “Not used to pretending to make out with the hot attending in a locked treatment room? I would certainly hope not, Baek.”

Baekhyun smacked him squarely in the chest.

“You are insufferable.”

Chanyeol burst into laughter, clearly delighted by how easy it was to rile him up.

Baekhyun crossed his arms tightly across his chest, still grumbling.

“I genuinely cannot believe you’re the same age as Junmyeon-hyung. If it weren’t for your seniority in the medical field, I’d assume you were Sehun’s age with the way you behave.”

“Fine, fine,” Chanyeol said, raising his hands in surrender. “I actually came to talk about our first public outing as a couple.”

Baekhyun raised an eyebrow.

“Let me guess. A cheesy hospital rooftop date?”

Chanyeol’s eyes immediately lit up.

“That’s actually not a bad idea,” he admitted. “But I was thinking something bigger.”

Leaning casually against the counter, he continued, “There’s a hospital charity gala coming up. The director invited me. Said I had to bring a plus-one.”

Baekhyun stared at him, slowly processing the information.

“And who better than my smart, pretty boyfriend?” Chanyeol added casually as he reached out to ruffle Baekhyun’s hair.

Baekhyun gaped at him.

“You want our first public appearance to be the hospital’s charity gala?!”

“You know what they say,” Chanyeol replied with a thoroughly pleased expression. “Go big or go home.”

“Chanyeol,” Baekhyun whined, dragging a hand down his face. “We can barely hold hands without acting weird. How am I supposed to attend a formal event with you as our first fake date? Shouldn’t we ease into this first?”

Chanyeol stepped closer.

“We can start now. Let’s practice.”

He reached forward and took both of Baekhyun’s hands into his own.

His palms were warm and firm, completely dwarfing Baekhyun’s smaller hands. His fingers wrapped around them naturally, like this was something he had done countless times before.

Baekhyun’s heart jumped embarrassingly at the warm, comforting touch.

“T-this is fine,” Baekhyun muttered. “I just get nervous when we do things in front of people. And honestly, holding hands won’t be enough.”

Chanyeol raised an eyebrow.

“Oh? Not enough?”

Baekhyun sighed.

“I used to attend a lot of events with my ex. And… we were pretty affectionate.”

Chanyeol watched him quietly, waiting for him to continue.

“So…” Baekhyun said awkwardly, “he’ll definitely notice if we act too stiff.”

“So hugging?” Chanyeol prompted.

When Baekhyun continued staring determinedly at the examination table instead of him, Chanyeol added lightly:

“Kissing?”

Baekhyun rubbed his forehead.

A particularly humiliating memory surfaced immediately about a particular event where Minhyuk had drunk far too much champagne, and they had ended up making out like reckless teenagers in a hallway.

Baekhyun fully intended to take that memory to his grave.

“Yeah,” he admitted quickly. “Hugging and maybe… some pecks on the cheek and stuff.”

Chanyeol chuckled softly before ruffling his hair once again.

“Oh, Baekhyun,” he said fondly. “You worry way too much.”

***

Near the nurses’ station, two nurses leaned close over the computer monitor, voices lowered, but eyes fixed very deliberately on the closed treatment room door at the end of the corridor.

“Did you see that?” one whispered.

“See it?” the other scoffed softly. “He practically dragged Dr Park in there.”

“Literally by the arm.”

They both glanced toward the door again, which was still closed. 

“And then he locked it,” the first nurse added dramatically.

“I heard the click.”

“God, they didn’t even try to be subtle.”

Across the station, another nurse quietly scooted her chair closer.

“How long has it been?”

“Seven minutes.”

“That’s it?” she frowned. “That’s barely enough time for a proper argument.”

“Who said they’re arguing?”

The three of them exchanged identical looks.

“Oh.”

“Oh, my god.”

“DrPark really came down from surgery just to—”

“Shhh!”

Someone walked by, and all three immediately pretended to stare very intently at the computer screen.

A moment later, a tall figure paused beside the desk.

“Good afternoon,” one nurse greeted brightly. “Dr Oh.”

Oh Sehun leaned casually against the counter, sipping his iced coffee like he had all the time in the world.

But his gaze had already flicked toward the treatment room door.

“What’s going on?” he asked lazily.

The nurses exchanged conspiratorial looks.

“You didn’t see?” one asked.

“See what?”

“Dr Byun dragged Dr Park into Treatment Room 6.”

Sehun raised an eyebrow.

“Locked the door,” another nurse added helpfully.

“Seven minutes ago,” the third supplied.

Sehun slowly took another sip of his drink.

“I see....”

“And they still haven’t come out yet,” the first nurse whispered.

“What do you think they’re doing?” the second asked eagerly.

Sehun’s lips twitched.

“Well,” he said mildly, “if two grown men lock themselves in a room together…”

He shrugged, allowing the nurses to finish the sentence themselves.

The nurses gasped softly.

“Right?!”

“Exactly, what I said!”

“Honestly, good for them.”

Sehun didn’t reply. He simply leaned there, looking thoroughly entertained by the scene unfolding before him.

Who knew Baekhyun would end up acting like this? Apparently, all he needed was a boyfriend to finally get the stick out of his arse.

Right on cue, the treatment room door opened.

All three nurses instantly snapped their heads toward it.

Byun Baekhyun stepped out first.

His face was flushed bright pink.

His hair, normally neat and perfectly styled, looked suspiciously dishevelled, like someone had repeatedly run their fingers through it.

Baekhyun paused the moment he noticed the entire nurses’ station staring at him.

“What?” he demanded defensively.

But nobody answered.

They just continued staring.

Baekhyun’s blush deepened immediately.

“I-I have patients to see,” he muttered quickly, refusing to make eye contact as he hurried down the corridor.

Park Chanyeol stepped out a few moments later, looking completely composed with his surgical cap still neatly in place.

If anything, he looked extremely pleased with himself.

He spotted Sehun immediately, who was already smirking over the rim of his iced coffee.

Chanyeol merely grinned back and lifted a hand in an easy wave.

“Afternoon.”

Then he turned and strolled out of the department like a man with absolutely nothing to hide.

The nurses watched him leave in stunned silence.

“Oh my god,” one finally whispered. “We were right.”

Sehun took another slow sip of his coffee. The smirk never left his face.

“Yep,” Sehun said casually. “They’re definitely dating.”

***

Kyungsoo was the type of friend who would never knock.

He knew Baekhyun’s passcode, just like Baekhyun knew his. Their friendship had long since crossed the boundary of personal space, and neither of them minded.

Baekhyun had just stepped out of the shower, in his sleepwear, towel still draped over his head, when his front door swung open, and Kyungsoo walked in like he owned the place.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

Baekhyun blinked back at him, “…Hello to you too?”

Kyungsoo stood in the middle of the living room, arms crossed, eyes narrowed in that deeply unimpressed way that meant Baekhyun was about to get verbally dismantled.

“You,” Kyungsoo said slowly, “are you dating Park Chanyeol?”

Baekhyun winced, knowing that this was coming, but he had ideally hoped for some warning, “Okay, first of all—”

“We are talking about Park Chanyeol here, Baekhyun,” Kyungsoo reiterated, cutting him off. “The new hospital heartthrob!”

Baekhyun threw his towel into the laundry basket before grabbing a hoodie and pulling it over his head, buying himself a few seconds. “It’s not what you think.”

Kyungsoo stared at him, arching his eyebrow, “Then tell me what I should think, because the whole hospital is going on about you two banging each other.”

Baekhyun sighed, “It’s fake.”

There was a long pause, Baekhyun letting Kyungsoo soak in the revelation.

Kyungsoo blinked once, then twice, before he dragged a hand down his face in a slow, exhausted facepalm, “I can’t believe my best friend is a fucking idiot.”

“Hey!” Baekhyun couldn’t help but get offended. 

“That is quite possibly the worst decision you have ever made,” Kyungsoo continued flatly, already pacing in his living room, with Baekhyun only able to watch him helplessly. “Fake dating? With the new hot attending everyone is thirsting over? In a hospital, where gossip spreads faster than airborne pathogens?”

“It was necessary!” Baekhyun shot back. “Minhyuk and Dongwook—”

“I don’t care about those slimy bastards, Baekhyun”, Kyungsoo cut in, facing Baekhyun with the most earnest of expressions, hoping to convey his emotions clearly. “I care about you willingly throwing yourself into a bigger mess.”

Baekhyun opened his mouth to argue, but hesitated. He knew that Kyungsoo was coming from a good place, and the news of his dating had come as a shock. Baekhyun dropped the news of calling it ‘fake’. 

Kyungsoo had been left completely in the dark. He had every right to be frustrated with his spontaneous decision. 

But Baekhyun couldn’t help but mutter beneath his breath, “It’s not like I didn’t know him from before.”

Kyungsoo, who had started pacing again as he palmed his forehead, attempting to soothe an upcoming headache, suddenly stopped before turning to face him slowly, “What did you say?” 

Baekhyun immediately regretted speaking, knowing that he had opened another can of worms. With how mad Kyungsoo was right now, it was better for Baekhyun to just let everything out in the open. 

“We’ve met before,” he said quickly. “A long time ago. He used to be… around when I was younger.”

Kyungsoo’s eyes sharpened before widening in realisation.

Baekhyun looked away, unconsciously a blush settling on his face.

“Oh,” Kyungsoo put his hands on his hips, slower this time. “Oh.”

“No, it’s not what you think,” Baekhyun realised that Kyungsoo had understood the situation immediately, and he wanted to defend his crumbling ego, whatever was left of it.

“So you had a crush on him growing up.”

“I did not—”

“Of course, you had a crush on him,” Kyungsoo said again, this time with absolute certainty.

Baekhyun groaned, dragging his hands down his face, “I was young!” 

Kyungsoo’s lips twitched, trying to hide his teasing smirk. “How young?”

“That’s not the point!”

Kyungsoo let out a quiet, disbelieving laugh, “So let me get this straight,” he stood close enough to Baekhyun for him to read his expression. “You had a crush on him, lost contact, and now, years later, you’re fake dating him?”

“It’s not like that,” Baekhyun insisted. “I’m over that stupid crush I had as a teenager.”

Kyungsoo raised an eyebrow.

“Completely over it,” Baekhyun added firmly. “He never saw me that way anyway. He was my brother’s best friend. And this…this is just us helping each other out.”

Kyungsoo stared at him for a long moment before he nodded slowly, “Okay, if you say so.”

Baekhyun narrowed his eyes, knowing that Kyungsoo didn’t believe a word he said. “Don’t, Kyungsoo.”

“No, I get it,” Kyungsoo continued, completely ignoring him. “Sure, you’re totally over him.”

“I am.”

“Mhm, playing boyfriends in front of the whole hospital definitely confirms that.”

“Kyungsoo.”

Kyungsoo checked his watch, “I have a night shift to go to,” he said, already making his way towards the door. “Try not to ruin your life before I am done with this set of night shifts.”

“I’m not ruining my life!”

Kyungsoo paused at the doorway, glancing back, “If what you said is true, don’t fall for him again. It won’t end well.”

Baekhyun couldn’t help but freeze at Kyungsoo voicing out his worst fear. Thankfully, Kyungsoo didn’t wait for a response.

The door clicked shut behind him.

Baekhyun stood there for a moment, heart doing something uncomfortable in his chest.

“I won’t,” he muttered to himself.

***

That night, Baekhyun was back in bed, Netflix murmuring in the background, when his phone buzzed on the mattress beside him.

Chanyeol:
Ready for the charity event tomorrow night?
Still game?

Baekhyun stared at the message.

His chest tightened, not exactly from fear, but from the reality that this fake relationship was about to become very public.

He typed quickly.

Baekhyun:
Yeah, I’m in.
Will you be picking me up?

A few seconds later, his phone rang.

Chanyeol was requesting a video call.

Baekhyun quickly sat up and adjusted his hair and the large t-shirt he would usually wear to bed with nothing but boxers underneath, but Chanyeol shouldn’t be able to see. 

He accepted the call after a couple of seconds of fumbling.

Chanyeol’s face appeared on the screen, hair damp from a shower, glasses slipping down his nose, one arm stretched lazily behind his head.

Baekhyun tried not to fawn at how effortlessly handsome Chanyeol looked, no matter what time of the day it was. 

“Our first official appearance as a couple tomorrow,” Chanyeol said lightly. “How are you feeling?”

Baekhyun sighed.

“Nervous. But it’s not like anyone there doesn’t already know.”

Chanyeol smiled slowly.

“True,” he said. “I am sure even the hospital cleaners know the tea now.”

Baekhyun laughed quietly.

“So, it’s a date then, Baek,” Chanyeol said softly. “I’ll pick you up at six. Send me your address.”

Baekhyun nodded.

“Thanks, Chanyeol.”

“Anything for my favourite hoobae,” Chanyeol replied with a wink, the call ending with goodnight wishes.

And for the first time in days, the pressure on Baekhyun’s chest eased just a little.

Even if the reason for it was a beautiful, reckless lie.

***

Chanyeol texted when he was five minutes away.

Baekhyun was still pacing his apartment when the message came through.

Chanyeol:
I am outside.

Baekhyun stopped mid-step and slowly exhaled before turning toward the floor-length mirror by his door.

The man staring back at him didn’t look like someone who had spent the last week getting dragged through hospital gossip and emotional whiplash.

He was oozing confidence.

The black silk suit fit like it had been made for him, the jacket cinched perfectly at the waist, exaggerating his curvy hips, and the trousers fell clean along his legs. 

The fabric caught the light every time he shifted subtly. 

His collar was open just enough to reveal the delicate line of his collarbone, the thin golden chain resting there.

His hair, now jet black, framed his face in soft, airy layers, styled just enough to hold shape, moving slightly when he tilted his head. 

His features looked sharper, more defined, with the makeup he had gone for tonight.

His eyes carried that same intensity, smoked out in a diffused blend of warm reddish-brown and muted plum, the colour melting softly across his lids and just beneath his lower lash line. 

The eyeliner was precise, while his lashes were lengthened.

His skin was smooth and radiant, a dewy finish catching the light along his cheekbones and forehead. His lips were tinted a soft rosy pink, blurred at the edges and slightly glossy, as he’d just run his tongue over them.

Baekhyun tilted his head slightly. “Okay, Baekhyun,” he murmured to himself. “You can do this.”

By the time he opened the door, the initial nerves had settled into something much more composed.

***

The first thing Baekhyun saw when he stepped into the underground car park was a matte black G-Wagon, engine just cutting off, taking up space like it had every right to.

Baekhyun huffed a quiet laugh under his breath.

“Of course,” he muttered. “He would have such a big car.”

The driver’s door opened just as Baekhyun came within a few meters.

Chanyeol stepped out, and Baekhyun’s breath caught at the sight.

Chanyeol was dressed to match the night: a silk blazer, smooth and fitted across his broad shoulders, tapering cleanly down his frame. His dress pants made his already long legs look unfairly longer. His hair was styled in a sleek comma part, dark strands falling just slightly over his forehead.

And his eyebrows—God. Dark, defined, framing eyes that were already locked onto Baekhyun, who had momentarily forgotten how to blink.

For a moment, neither of them spoke, simply taking each other in.

Chanyeol’s gaze dropped first, slow and unhurried, tracing over every detail. Baekhyun’s cinched waist. The way the black silk clung and caught the dim garage lighting. The soft fall of his jet-black hair framed his face just enough to sharpen his features.

Then his eyes lingered on the makeup.

The smoky blend of warm browns and muted plum around Baekhyun’s eyes deepened his gaze, making it heavier. Baekhyun’s skin glowed, smooth and dewy, and his glossy, rosy lips looked almost distracting.

“Wow,” Chanyeol said quietly.

Baekhyun didn’t miss a beat. Confidence rolled off him effortlessly now.

He stepped closer, tilting his head just slightly.

“You clean up pretty well, hyung,” he said smoothly, his gaze deliberately raking over Chanyeol once more, a smirk tugging at his lips.

Chanyeol blinked, visibly thrown off by the shift. “I could say the same for you,” he replied, his voice dipping lower.

Baekhyun’s lips curved. “Really?”

Chanyeol let out a short breath, almost a laugh, dragging a hand through his hair.

“You look—” He stopped, recalibrating, his eyes flicking over Baekhyun again, slower this time, taking in every detail. “Amazing.”

Baekhyun didn’t miss the way his gaze lingered, but he only smirked, stepping past him toward the car.

“Good,” he said lightly. “I had to look my part as the new hot attending’s plus one.”

He shot Chanyeol a quick wink, and it pulled a soft chuckle from him before he could stop it. There was something different tonight. Maybe it was the makeup, the way Baekhyun’s smoky eyes caught the light, or the confidence in the way he carried himself. Or maybe Baekhyun had finally warmed up to the idea of them fake-dating.

“What’s gotten into you tonight, huh?” Chanyeol asked, an endearing grin tugging at his lips.

Baekhyun rolled his eyes, but there was no real bite to it. Instead, he reached back and grabbed Chanyeol by the wrist, tugging him away from the car.

“Hey—”

Chanyeol blinked, puzzled, but let himself be led anyway, his gaze instinctively dropping to Baekhyun’s figure from behind.

“Did you forget something?” he asked as they stepped back into the apartment lobby.

Baekhyun pressed the elevator button. Under the bright overhead lights, the shimmer on his eyelids caught again, subtle but mesmerising, and for a second, Chanyeol just stared, momentarily distracted.

“Well,” Baekhyun said, his melodic voice pulling him back, “I was thinking… if we’re going to sell this properly, we should practice first.”

He tilted his head up to meet Chanyeol’s eyes.

Just as Chanyeol’s eyebrows lifted in surprise, the elevator doors slid open. “Practice?”

Baekhyun’s soft chuckle echoed as he stepped inside, and Chanyeol followed without thinking, a smile creeping onto his face.

“Yep. You know how I am with preparation,” Baekhyun said, leaning casually against the wall. “We’ve got time, so why not go over it at my place?”

Chanyeol’s eyebrows shot up again. “I do know how obsessed you are with planning,” he said, stepping in beside him, “but why does it feel like you just want an excuse to show me your place?”

Baekhyun didn’t even hesitate.

“Shut up.”

***

Five minutes later, they were back in Baekhyun’s apartment.

The air felt different now as Chanyeol took in the space, Baekhyun’s home, smaller and more personal than anything he’d imagined.

But his attention didn’t stay there for long; he was quickly distracted by Baekhyun’s alluring appearance again as the smaller male stood in the middle of the living room. 

Baekhyun, meanwhile, was suddenly very aware of how much space Chanyeol took up. He had never imagined in the past few years, not even once, that Chanyeol would be standing in his living room like this.

“Okay,” Baekhyun said, clapping his hands once, as if resetting the atmosphere. “Let’s make this believable.”

Chanyeol crossed his arms loosely, clearly amused, “I thought we already were.”

“We are,” Baekhyun replied. “But tonight’s a different crowd. People are going to be watching more closely, not to mention all the cameras that’ll be on us every second.”

Baekhyun then stepped closer to Chanyeol with zero hesitation.

That alone made something in Chanyeol’s expression shift. The faint scent of Baekhyun’s perfume reached him, internally enjoying the bold side of Baekhyun tonight.

“Let’s start with hand-holding,” Baekhyun said, holding out his hand, slender fingers adorned with delicate rings.

Chanyeol took it immediately into his much larger hands, almost engulfing the smaller hand. 

There was no awkwardness as Chanyeol’s larger hand almost enclosed Baekhyun’s, their fingers sliding together naturally this time, his thumb resting lightly along the side of Baekhyun’s hand.

Baekhyun glanced down at their joined hands, then backed up.

“Something is missing,” he murmured. “It’s still stiff.”

Chanyeol frowned slightly, “I’m not—”

Baekhyun stepped closer, closing the gap between them.

“Relax,” he said softly.

Then, gently, he adjusted their hands, loosening his grip, letting his fingers curl more naturally. His thumb brushed once against Chanyeol’s, and at the same time, he stepped in close enough that Chanyeol could feel the heat of him and could breathe him in.

Chanyeol went still for a few seconds before relaxing, instinctively leaning into him.

“Like that,” Baekhyun said, as their eyes met and before Chanyeol could drown in their steady eye contact, Before Chanyeol could get lost in it, Baekhyun pulled his hand away.

Chanyeol resisted the immediate urge to reach for it again.

“Next,” Baekhyun said, a soft grin forming, “how are you going to hold me?”

“Hold you?” Chanyeol repeated, brows furrowing as he awkwardly lifted his arms, unsure where to place them.

Baekhyun rolled his eyes, laughing. “Gosh, Hyung, why are you acting as if you’ve never been on a date before?”

Chanyeol huffed at the remark. “Hey, I’m a natural. You’re the one obsessed with practising. Just tell me what you want me to do.”

Still giggling, Baekhyun reached for his arms and guided them slowly around his waist. He pressed Chanyeol’s hands into place, right where they should rest.

“How’s this?” Baekhyun asked, looking up at him.

His own hands had come to rest lightly against Chanyeol’s chest, fingers brushing over firm muscle beneath the blazer.

Chanyeol could only nod in response, grip tightening slightly around Baekhyun’s curvy waist, instinct taking over.

Though his thoughts had already wandered to their height difference, to how close they were, to how easily the space between them could disappear if either of them leaned in just a little more. If they were to kiss, Baekhyun would have to lean up on his tiptoes, or Chanyeol would have to bend down. 

“And when we’re standing together,” Baekhyun continued, repositioning them side by side now, one of Chanyeol’s arms still wrapped around him, “Feel free to just grab my waist. It’ll look natural that way.”

Chanyeol tightened his hold, pulling Baekhyun flush against him.

Baekhyun’s breath caught.

“Good?” Chanyeol asked, watching him closely.

Baekhyun nodded, inhaling slowly to steady himself. “Yeah, that works.”

Chanyeol’s grip loosened slightly, but his hand stayed where it was, firm against Baekhyun’s waist. The warmth between them lingered.

“And what about… kissing?” Chanyeol asked casually.

Baekhyun turned just enough to face him again. There was a flicker in his eyes—something unreadable.

“As a couple, we’re bound to kiss,” he said with a small shrug. “Cheek, temple… anywhere. I’m fine with whatever makes it believable.”

Chanyeol studied him closely, turning to face him properly, “You sure about anywhere?” he asked, quieter, his gaze dropping to Baekhyun’s rosy lips. 

Baekhyun held his gaze before he too dropped the gaze to Chanyeol’s plump lips, not backing down from what Chanyeol insinuated. 

Chanyeol tilted his head slightly, a slow smirk forming, “Want to practice that too?”

Baekhyun blinked at him a few times before smacking his arm, “Oh, hush! You’re so annoying.”

Chanyeol burst into laughter, the tension snapping instantly.

“Worth a try,” he said, still grinning. “With how serious you are about preparation, I thought I might be getting kissing lessons tonight.”

Baekhyun rolled his eyes, already pushing him toward the door, “You’re going to make us late.”

***

Back outside, the night air felt cooler, a sharp contrast to the warmth they had just left behind.

This time, Baekhyun slid into the G-Wagon without hesitation.

The sleek black leather interior, soft ambient lighting lining the edges, and enough space that he could stretch his legs without accidentally brushing against anything. I

He leaned back into the seat, glancing around before letting his gaze drift toward Chanyeol.

“It suits you,” he muttered.

Chanyeol glanced over briefly as he started the engine, the low hum filling the quiet. “What suits me?”

Baekhyun’s lips curved slightly, his eyes flicking toward him with quiet amusement. “The car,” he said. “It suits you.”

Chanyeol raised a brow, easing the car out of the car park smoothly. “Yeah?”

Baekhyun shifted, resting his elbow against the window, his tone deliberately casual.

“It’s big, like you,” he added. “A little intimidating. Takes up too much space.”

Chanyeol let out a quiet huff. “Why does that feel less like a compliment–”

“But,” Baekhyun cut in, turning his head just enough to glance at him again, his voice softening, “it’s also… kind of attractive.”

For a moment, Chanyeol didn’t respond.

Then he shook his head slightly, though the faint smile tugging at his lips gave him away.

 “You’re being pretty bold tonight, Baek,” he said, eyes returning to the road.

Baekhyun turned to look out the window, watching the city lights blur past, the hint of a smile still lingering.

“You’d better get used to it,” he replied, a quiet smirk in his voice. “I’m not letting all our hard work go to waste. There’s too much on the line for us to mess this up.”

And that was the truth of it.

If they were going to make this convincing, Baekhyun had no intention of being the only one getting flustered anymore.

The car slowed to a stop at a red light, the glow casting faint reflections across the dashboard.

“Nicknames!” Chanyeol spoke up suddenly.

Baekhyun turned his head, giving him a questioning look.

“You can’t keep calling me hyung,” Chanyeol continued, tapping lightly against the steering wheel as he thought out loud. “I mean, I don’t mind, but it doesn’t exactly sound… romantic.”

Baekhyun hummed, nodding slowly as he considered it.  “So what do you suggest?”

Chanyeol glanced at him, something playful creeping into his expression. “I could call you baby.”

Baekhyun tried to keep a straight face, but failed immediately, a snort slipping out. “Sehun would love that.”

At the mention of the younger intern, Chanyeol smiled. “Has he been bothering you about us?”

Baekhyun groaned, rolling his eyes, “Don’t even get me started. Apparently, there’s a whole poll going around in one of the hospital group chats about what kind of endearments we use for each other.”

Chanyeol blinked, clearly caught off guard,  “Wow.”

Then, slowly, a cheeky grin spread across Chanyeol's face. “So… what do you want to call me?”

Baekhyun hesitated for just a second, then shrugged, grateful when the light turned green, and Chanyeol’s attention shifted back to driving. “I don’t know,” he said lightly. “Sweetheart? Darling? Baby?”

Chanyeol chuckled under his breath. “It’s a little weird for you to call me baby when I’m four years older than you and your senior,” he pointed out before humming thoughtfully. “Just go with whatever you’re comfortable with, Baek.”

There was a brief pause.

Then Baekhyun spoke again, quieter this time, almost testing it. “…What about love?”

Chanyeol froze for half a second.

Then he laughed unrestrained, the sound filling the car in a way that made Baekhyun’s chest feel unexpectedly light.

“Yeah,” he said, still smiling as he glanced at him, “Let’s go with love, then.”

Baekhyun nodded before turning back to glance out the passenger window, watching the city pass by, the faint smile on his lips stayed. 

***

The gala was already in full swing when they arrived.

The Grand Hyatt ballroom unfolded before them in a wash of gold and glass, chandeliers suspended overhead, their light spilling across polished marble floors and catching in the delicate stems of champagne flutes. 

Conversations overlapped in low tones; donors discussing endowments, doctors trading interesting cases. 

Somewhere to the left, a string quartet played softly, the melody elegant enough to blend into the background.

Baekhyun took a few seconds to take it all in, but was brought out of his observation when Chanyeol’s hand settled around his waist. 

The warmth of his fingers splayed just enough to anchor him, thumb resting in a way that felt natural. 

Baekhyun stilled for half a second, the warm touch cutting cleanly through the noise in his head.

He let out a quiet breath and leaned into it just enough that the line of his body aligned with Chanyeol’s, their sides brushing almost instinctually. 

They watched some heads turn to watch their entrance, recognition spreading in ripples around them. 

“Showtime,” Baekhyun murmured, his voice barely more than a breath, lips curving just slightly as if he were amused by it all.

Chanyeol’s thumb pressed once against his side in silent acknowledgement, his voice dipping low enough that it stayed between them.

“Ready to sell this?” Chanyeol’s soft grin turned boyish when Baekhyun made eye contact with him.

Baekhyun exhaled, squared his shoulders, and slipped his hand into the crook of Chanyeol’s elbow. “Let’s overact the hell out of it.”

Chanyeol chuckled under his breath, nodded in greeting at someone he recognised in the crowd, before glancing at Baekhyun again.

Baekhyun tilted his head, just enough to glance up at Chanyeol from under his lashes.

“Try not to fall behind, love.”

For a fraction of a second, Chanyeol faltered at being the receiving end of Baekhyun’s flirtatious acting.

A low breath of amusement slipped out of Chanyeol.

“Careful,” Chanyeol murmured. “You’re getting a little too good at this.”

Baekhyun’s smile deepened, just a fraction.

“Er…isn’t that kind of the point?”

“Touche.”

***

They didn’t make it far.

Within moments, they were intercepted. First by a senior cardiologist, then by one of the senior board members, then by a cluster of department heads who seemed to materialise out of nowhere, each greeting Chanyeol with easy familiarity before their attention inevitably shifted to Baekhyun.

Some were confused to find him at Chanyeol’s side, subtly eyeing the way Chanyeol had his arm wrapped around Baekhyun’s waist. Others were less surprised, but Baekhyun could hear the cogs in their brain working to make sense of their dating rumour. 

Baekhyun didn’t let this bother him, as he slipped into the rhythm of socialising quickly; with small polite nods whenever he made eye contact and measured responses, his voice carrying enough confidence to hold his own amongst the seniors in the medicine field.

He responded when prompted, letting the conversations flow around him as they were all gravitating towards Chanyeol, given his great achievements. 

But every time the focus would drift towards solely Chanyeol’s career, Chanyeol would redirect it effortlessly. 

Which hadn’t been part of the plan.

“Baekhyun actually handled a trauma case last week that should’ve gone sideways in minutes,” Chanyeol said at one point, his tone conversational, almost offhand, as if he weren’t deliberately steering the conversation. “Picked up on an internal bleed before imaging even came back.”

Baekhyun blinked, caught off guard at Chanyeol just mentioning him when the senior board member had asked him about a case he had published when he had been in the States. 

Another board member’s voice chimed in, curious. “Really? He did it all by himself?”

Chanyeol nodded once, glancing down at Baekhyun briefly, something unreadable flickering in his expression.

“His instincts are ridiculous,” he continued. “I’ve seen attendings miss things he catches in seconds.”

Baekhyun let out a small, awkward laugh before whispering into his ear. “That’s– you’re exaggerating.”

“Am I?” Chanyeol countered lightly, his gaze lingering on him just long enough to make Baekhyun’s pulse stutter. “Or are you just bad at taking credit?”

The group chuckled softly, the attention settling more firmly on Baekhyun now, but this time it felt different.

This time, the seniors weren't scrutinising him, but he was being talked about in a way that was garnering interest from top seniors in the medical field. 

These experienced seniors were actually interested in what he had to offer and were impressed by his talents. 

And every time Baekhyun tried to deflect, to downplay it, Chanyeol would casually counter him again.

“During night shifts, he’s basically running the ED,” Chanyeol added later, as if it were an afterthought. “Half the time, people don’t even realise he’s the one making the calls, while the on-call attending can have an undisturbed sleep. He’s Dr Kim Minseok’s favourite for a reason.”

Baekhyun turned his head slightly at that, his expression shifting unconsciously.

“Why are you saying it like that, love?” he muttered, low but loud enough for their peers to hear. “You’re making it sound like I’m doing everyone’s job at this point.”

Chanyeol didn’t miss a beat.

“Maybe you are,” he murmured back, just as quietly, his lips curving faintly. “Deserves even more of a compliment, don’t you think?”

Baekhyun scoffed softly, but there was heat rising under his skin now.

He glanced up at Chanyeol again, this time more deliberately, searching his face for some sign of teasing, of exaggeration, of performance.

But Chanyeol wasn’t looking at him.

He was still engaged in the conversation, posture relaxed, expression composed, as if everything he’d just said had been the most natural thing in the world.

Like it hadn’t been said for effect or as a roleplay of a devoted partner. 

But instead, Chanyeol had spoken about him as if it were just simple facts. 

And that was what unsettled Baekhyun.

Because there was no need for Chanyeol to do that.

If anything, it would’ve been easier to let Baekhyun blend into the background, to let the attention stay on Chanyeol.

But Chanyeol didn’t let that happen at any point in the evening.

He kept pulling Baekhyun forward, again and again, like he was making sure no one in the room could overlook him.

Like he refused to let him be anything less than seen.

The realisation settled slowly, feeling warmth in Baekhyun’s chest, grounding him in a way he hadn’t expected.

For the first time since they’d walked in, Baekhyun realised he didn’t need to act as he belonged here. He was almost starting to believe that he deserved to be here amongst the most accomplished doctors. 

***

Later, they drifted toward the tables where there were some desserts.

It was much quieter there with fewer people hovering too close to them, allowing Baekhyun to relax as he exhaled slowly. 

Before he could relax and stuff his face with a delicious dessert, Chanyeol suddenly leaned in, close enough that his voice brushed against Baekhyun’s ear.

“Remember when you caught Junmyeon and me sneaking beer into his bedroom?”

Baekhyun snorted softly. “My parents grounded him, and you weren’t allowed to come over. You guys had just turned eighteen.”

“My parents grounded me, too, but they weren’t as strict as yours.”

“I remember you guys sulking for a week.”

“Junmyeon always has a flair for drama. Is he still like that?”

Baekhyun smacked him on the arm before nibbling on a profiterole, “You’re the one to talk, you are still so dramatic.”

Chanyeol’s hand tightened at his waist just a fraction, making Baekhyun nearly choke on the dessert, but he quickly recovered.

“I remember how you used to find excuses to come and join us, but you weren’t allowed to because your parents knew the shit Junmyeon and I got up to at the time won’t be a good influence for Baekhyunnie.” 

“Oh, for fuck’s sake,” Baekhyun rolled his eyes in jest, blushing at Chanyeol using the nickname that his family used. “You make me sound like I was a baby, I was fifteen!” 

“I remember you would nap in the living room while we would be playing games, and you drooled on one of my books.” Chanyeol continued, his smile softer now.

“I did not drool.”

“You drooled adorably.”

Baekhyun turned his face into Chanyeol’s shoulder, hiding his smile. “Hush, you.”

Chanyeol’s thumb moved again, rubbing Baekhyun’s waist absentmindedly. 

“You were quite determined,” he said quietly. “Even back then. I remember thinking… You were going to do well.”

Baekhyun swallowed, reaching for another drink as a waiter walked past with flutes of champagne. 

“Still waiting on that part,” he murmured before taking a sip. 

Chanyeol pulled back just enough to look at him properly.

“Come on, you’re already there, Baek,” Chanyeol said with another squeeze on his waist. 

Baekhyun didn’t know how much of this was just for show and how much it was Chanyeol just reliving his nostalgia. 

***

At one point, an older professor’s wife stopped in front of them, her expression softening immediately.

“Oh my,” she said warmly, clasping her hands together. “You two look so beautiful together.”

Baekhyun’s entire face flushed.

Before he could even recover, Chanyeol leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to the side of his head.

“Thank you,” he said smoothly. “I am lucky that I ran into him on my first day at the hospital.” 

Baekhyun’s brain short-circuited for half a second.

“…Hyung,” he couldn’t help but mutter under his breath once she walked away.

Chanyeol only grinned in response before pulling him to meet another acquaintance in his field.

***

Baekhyun noticed him long before Chanyeol did.

Baekhyun had been listening to a conversation about robotic surgery and how it was being implemented more and more at their hospital when he felt a prickle at the edge of his awareness. 

He could feel someone staring at him from his periphery, and while Chanyeol was mid-conversation with one of the surgical professors, Baekhyun continued to nod along politely when his gaze drifted past the surgical professor’s shoulder and landed on Dongwook. 

He stood across the room, watching him like he owned every right to. 

There was no shame in his hard stare, and he instead raised an eyebrow as their eyes met. 

Baekhyun’s stomach turned as he watched his narcissistic ex-boyfriend acting like an immaculately dressed gentleman, fooling everyone like he had fooled Baekhyun into thinking he was gentle and trustworthy when they had first met. 

Now, all Baekhyun could see was the calculation behind his gaze, the quiet arrogance of someone who expected everything to work in his favour, like the spoiled brat he was.

Baekhyun’s posture had unconsciously stiffened, having stopped nodding along to the conversation as Dongwook’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly, his grip around his champagne flute firming just slightly as he shamelessly checked Baekhyun’s body out head to toe. 

Chanyeol had clearly noticed, offering silent comfort by brushing his thumb against Baekhyun’s waist.

Baekhyun was thankful for the small, grounding touch as old demons threatened to resurface.

Once the professor bid them goodbye, Chanyeol turned to face Baekhyun directly, finally breaking the intense eye contact Baekhyun had been holding with Dongwook.

“Is that your ex?” Chanyeol murmured, voice low enough that it didn’t carry beyond them.

Baekhyun glanced back at Dongwook, making it obvious to the latter that they were talking about him. Baekhyun didn’t care at this point. 

“Unfortunately,” he said under his breath.

Chanyeol followed his line of sight properly this time, his gaze settling on Dongwook, assessing and taking him in without a hint of tension.

Then, just as calmly, he stated, “He is so out of your league, Baek.”

Baekhyun blinked at him in surprise.

The tension cracked just enough for a short, incredulous breath to escape him.

“Tell me about it,” he muttered, dragging his gaze away at last, shaking his head faintly. “My drunk younger self didn’t know any better. By the time I did, I’d already dug myself into a hole.”

There was no self-pity in his voice when he spoke about his ex. Chanyeol would inevitably have to deal with Dongwook at some point, so Baekhyun figured he might as well make it clear what kind of person he was.

Honestly, it was a miracle that Dongwook hadn’t approached them already. 

Chanyeol hummed beneath his breath as he nodded deep in thought. 

Baekhyun was thankful for Chanyeol not probing too much, not that he would mind answering any questions the older male had.

Baekhyun trusted Chanyeol more than anyone else in this venue tonight. 

Baekhyun was pulled out of his thoughts as Chanyeol’s large, warm hand shifted slightly at Baekhyun’s waist, grip firming just enough to be felt through the layers of fabric, his tone dropping even lower. 

“With me by your side,” he said with a gaze so fierce directed at Dongwook, that it had even tingles running down Baekhyun’s spine, “he can only dream of messing with you, Baek.”

Baekhyun felt the unexpected warmth blooming in his chest, something that made his throat tighten just slightly.

He turned his head, looking up at Chanyeol properly this time.

And for a second, the noise of the room faded again.

“Thank you, Chanyeol,” Baekhyun said softly.

Then, almost unconsciously, his hand lifted, fingers curling around Chanyeol’s bicep, squeezing lightly as he linked their arms a little tighter.

“It means a lot.”

Chanyeol didn’t say anything after that on the topic, giving a final intense glare at Dongwook before helping himself to a drink, asking Baekhyun if he wanted anything. 

Baekhyun shook his head and slowly lifted his hand to cover his mouth and leaned back until his shoulder brushed Chanyeol’s chest.

“He keeps looking at us,” Baekhyun murmured. “Do you think maybe we should do something?”

Chanyeol didn’t need to ask what Baekhyun meant by doing something. 

He already knew what the smaller male was insinuating.

“Sure,” he said calmly, face hardening as he gave a final glare at Baekhyun’s ex before turning to look at Baekhyun. “I’m cool with anything. You take the lead.”

What Chanyeol didn’t expect was for Baekhyun to giggle suddenly.

It was exaggerated but bright. Baekhyun started to act like a delightful boyfriend, and Chanyeol couldn’t help but smile unconsciously. 

Baekhyun leaned further back against him, nose brushing playfully along Chanyeol’s neck.

The contact sent a jolt down Chanyeol’s spine. Without thinking, he wrapped an arm around Baekhyun’s waist and pulled him closer.

“You sure?” he murmured, pressing a light kiss to Baekhyun’s forehead.

“More than sure,” Baekhyun whispered, before lifting his head, allowing their eyes to meet.

Then Baekhyun glanced down at Chanyeol’s lips.

Chanyeol instinctively ran his tongue across his own. Baekhyun couldn’t help but mirror the movement unconsciously.

Anyone watching would have thought the same thing: that they were clearly holding back from kissing.

Chanyeol leaned forward slightly, brushing his nose against Baekhyun’s.

“I said you can take the lead, Baek,” he murmured.

Baekhyun studied him for a second before his lashes fluttered shut as he leaned in.

The first kiss was soft and gentle.

Baekhyun’s lips were warm, delicate and impossibly soft against Chanyeol’s fuller ones. The kiss was brief, but it lingered long enough for both of their breaths to mingle. 

The soft, chaste kiss had been enough to catch Chanyeol's breath when Baekhyun finally pulled away slowly.

Just for a second, Chanyeol had forgotten where they were. 

***

Thirty minutes later, Baekhyun needed some air.

Or at least some space where he wouldn’t be crowded by Chanyeol’s delicious cologne and his warm hand wrapped around his waist, his warm, muscled body pressed against his side to the point he felt like they were almost conjoined at the hips.

“I’m going to the restroom,” he said, setting his empty glass down, already stepping back slightly.

Chanyeol glanced at him immediately. “Want me to come with you?”

Baekhyun snorted. “What, are you planning to stand guard outside the cubicle?”

“I could,” Chanyeol said with a shrug of his shoulders.

Baekhyun rolled his eyes, though there was a flicker of something fond there now.

“Don’t be ridiculous. I can handle a five-minute loo trip.”

Chanyeol studied him for a second longer before nodding, “Text me if anything—”

“I’ll be back before you know it,” Baekhyun cut in, already turning away.

***

The hallway outside the ballroom was quieter than the main event space, but not empty. 

A few guests lingered near the windows, chatting in low voices, while waitstaff moved efficiently with trays of empty glasses. 

Baekhyun checked his hair in the reflection on the large windows, which he had fixed earlier in the toilets, that had started to become slightly dishevelled after the long night. 

He was adjusting the cuff of his tux jacket when Dongwook appeared, stepping smoothly into his path like he’d been waiting for the perfect moment.

“So,” Dongwook drawled, hands tucked casually into his pockets, a smug tilt to his lips. “Dating Park Chanyeol, huh?”

Baekhyun stopped short, his shoulders tensing. He tried to sidestep without causing a scene, but Dongwook shifted with him, cutting him off in the narrow space between two large potted plants. There was no easy way around without drawing attention from the nearby guests.

“You move on fast,” Dongwook added, voice laced with mock admiration.

Baekhyun’s jaw clenched. He slowly turned to face his ex fully, taking in the overly polished hair, the sharp suit that somehow still looked greasy on him and the arrogant tilt of his chin. 

How had he ever thought this man was worth his time? The memory of it now felt like a fever dream.

“It’s been two fucking years,” Baekhyun said flatly, keeping his voice low. “Get over it, Dongwook.”

Dongwook’s lips curved into something that might have passed for a smile if it didn’t feel so hollow and cruel.

“Should’ve known you’d try climbing the ladder again,” he said lightly, almost conversationally. “Especially after that stunt you pulled with Minhyuk.”

Baekhyun’s eyes sharpened instantly at the mention of his old colleague. The anger that had been simmering beneath the surface flared hot in his chest.

“Shut the hell up before I—”

“Before you what?” Dongwook stepped closer, voice dropping into that mocking tone he used to wield like a weapon. “Shout and have your shining knight come running?”

Baekhyun’s hands clenched into fists at his sides. “Just leave before you make me regret not reporting you too.”

Dongwook only tilted his head, studying him with that familiar, condescending gaze; the one that always made Baekhyun feel small and inadequate.

“I have to say,” he continued, almost conversationally, “I’m curious. How exactly did you manage to entice Park Chanyeol?”

Baekhyun’s glare could have cut glass. “What do you mean?”

“I mean,” Dongwook said, eyes dragging over him in a way that made Baekhyun’s skin crawl, “you being… well. You.”

Baekhyun froze.

The words hit like a slap, dragging up old memories he’d tried hard to bury. 

Late-night arguments where Dongwook would pick at his insecurities, telling him he wasn’t attractive enough to keep someone like him interested, that he’d never excel in his career without “help,” that he was lucky Dongwook had even looked twice at someone so ordinary. 

The way those comments had chipped away at his confidence, making him question every achievement, every compliment, every time he looked at himself in the mirror.

“For you to bag the hospital’s new golden boy within a month is a little suspicious, don’t you think?” Dongwook continued, eyes dragging slowly over Baekhyun’s frame in a way that made his skin crawl.

Baekhyun’s stomach twisted. For a split second, the old doubt crept in. The voice in his head that sounded too much like Dongwook’s, whispering that he wasn’t enough, that Chanyeol must have an ulterior motive, that this whole fake dating set-up for the sake of helping Baekhyun’s reputation was too good to be real.

But then the anger surged back, hotter than before.

He stepped forward, closing the distance until they were nearly chest to chest, voice low and venomous.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?” Baekhyun hissed. “You think you can still talk to me like that? Like I’m still the same person who let you make me feel small?”

Dongwook’s smirk faltered for half a second, but he recovered quickly, lifting his chin. “I’m just being honest. You’ve always been good at playing the victim, Baekhyun. First with me, then with Minhyuk, now with this fake little romance. It’s almost impressive how fast you move on to the next powerful man.”

Baekhyun’s hands trembled with the effort of not shoving him. “You cheated on me for months and then tried to ruin my career when I left. You don’t get to talk about honesty. And you sure as hell don’t get to talk about Chanyeol.”

“Did you sleep with him on the first date?” Dongwook continued, voice dropping further, deliberately cruel now. “Wouldn’t be the first time, right? I mean–”

“That’s enough.”

Those words didn’t come from Baekhyun, but Chanyeol. 

Baekhyun hadn’t even noticed him approach them. One moment, he was alone with Dongwook; the next, Chanyeol was there, looking all tall and composed, his presence filling the narrow space like a shield. 

Before Baekhyun could react, Chanyeol’s arm slid smoothly around his waist, pulling him back just slightly, positioning himself between Baekhyun and Dongwook without making it obvious.

“Anyone bothering you, baby?” Chanyeol asked, his voice smooth and almost gentle, but his gaze, when it flicked briefly toward Dongwook, was anything but.

Baekhyun leaned back slightly into the steady warmth at his waist, drawing strength from it. 

“I’m fine, love,” he said sweetly, the words slipping out with surprising ease. “I was just coming back to you.”

Dongwook’s expression tightened, but he forced a polite smile. “No problem at all, Dr Park. Just catching up with an old friend.”

Chanyeol didn’t smile back. “Doesn’t look like a friendly conversation.”

Baekhyun leaned back slightly into Chanyeol’s touch, drawing strength from the steady warmth at his waist.

Baekhyun could feel the tension radiating off Dongwook, but Chanyeol’s arm around him made it easier to breathe. Still, the anger wouldn’t quite die down.

“I am going to fucking kill him,” Baekhyun hissed under his breath, too low for Dongwook to hear, but Chanyeol’s sharp ears caught the words thanks to the proximity.

Chanyeol’s eyes lingered on Baekhyun for a few seconds, assessing his expression carefully. 

Baekhyun let out a long exhale and said out loud, “It’s fine. Dongwook was just leaving.”

But Dongwook refused to take the hint and instead turned his attention to Chanyeol.

“So I’ve heard Baekhyun has settled for the next big thing?” he said, voice dripping with false politeness. “Not surprised in the slightest, as he does move fast. How many months has it been since you’ve worked for us, Dr Park?”

Before Chanyeol could open his mouth, Baekhyun beat him to it.

“Leave him out of this, Dongwook. He doesn’t need to know about your petty opinions.”

Dongwook looked at him in shock, “Excuse me?” 

“You heard right,” Baekhyun shot back, voice steady despite the anger burning in his chest. 

“Unlike yourself, Dr Park doesn’t need to have his ego inflated at every opportunity.”

“How fucking dare–” Dongwook seethed, stepping forward.

“I would stop right there if I were you,” Chanyeol cut in smoothly, his deep voice carrying a quiet promise of consequences.

“But how dare he talk to me like–” Dongwook couldn’t believe Baekhyun was speaking to him like this, especially with his status as the hospital director’s son.

“If you’ll excuse us,” Chanyeol said, voice calm but final, “we have many eager patrons to socialise with. Goodbye.”

Before Dongwook could respond, Chanyeol whisked Baekhyun away, his arm still firmly around his waist, guiding him back towards the main event hall with effortless control.

“Why did you pull us away?” Baekhyun muttered as soon as they were out of earshot, trying to stop but unable to fight against Chanyeol’s firm hold. “He deserved a punch to his face for all the shit he said.”

Chanyeol smirked, still walking. “How about we give him something worse than a punch?”

Baekhyun’s curiosity piqued, stopping them in their tracks, still a few metres away from the main event hall. “How?”

Chanyeol leaned down and pressed a soft peck to Baekhyun’s forehead, right in the middle of the hallway where anyone could see. “He’s seething to see us together. Might as well make use of it, don’t you think?”

Baekhyun’s lips curved into a slow, dangerous smirk. “Oh, that’s an excellent idea.”

Without another word, he grabbed the lapel of Chanyeol’s suit jacket and pulled the surprised man down into a kiss.

Baekhyun kissed him with raw, heated intent, their lips crashing together as his slender fingers twisted tightly into the fabric of Chanyeol’s jacket as if he needed to anchor himself, while the other slid up to cup the back of his neck.

Chanyeol responded instantly, a low groan rumbling in his chest as he met Baekhyun with equal heat. One large hand slid to the small of Baekhyun’s back, pulling him flush against his body, while the other cupped the back of his neck, tilting his head for a better angle. 

This time, the kiss was far more intense, filled with passion that Baekhyun put down to frustration.

There was no restraint, no careful performance for the crowd like before. Just pure, frustrated passion pouring out of him, all the anger and humiliation Dongwook had stirred up channelling into the press of his mouth.

But Chanyeol showed no hesitation, as he matched him eagerly, tilting his head to deepen the kiss further, his thumb stroking slow circles against Baekhyun’s side as if to say I’ve got you.

The kiss deepened fast, their tongues sliding together, breaths hot and ragged between them. 

Baekhyun was struggling to hold back a loud moan as Chanyeol sucked on his tongue with too much fervour, as he fought back by biting on Chanyeol’s lower lip, pulling a low groan from Chanyeol that was quickly swallowed by another urgent kiss. 

Baekhyun made a soft, desperate sound against Chanyeol’s mouth as Chanyeol’s tongue swept in, claiming, tasting, dominating in the most intoxicating way. 

Chanyeol kissed like he was starving for this for years. His kisses were so deeply thorough, as if he were pouring weeks of restrained want into every stroke and nip. 

His hand at Baekhyun’s back pressed harder, fingers digging in just enough to make Baekhyun arch into him, their bodies fitting together like they were made for this.

They were both breathing hard when they finally broke apart, foreheads pressed together, lips swollen and slick.

Chanyeol’s voice was rough, barely above a whisper. “Fuck, Baek…”

Baekhyun’s eyes were dark, pupils blown as his brain caught up with where they were. His chest heaved against Chanyeol’s hard, muscled chest. 

“He’s still watching, isn’t he?” Baekhyun whispered, eyeing Chanyeol’s plump bottom lip that was glossy with his saliva and felt the butterflies in his stomach go off.

Chanyeol’s grip on him tightened, thumb stroking possessively over Baekhyun’s hip.

“He’s definitely watching, alright,” Chanyeol murmured, as his lips brushed against Baekhyun’s temple, trying to regulate his heart rate after such an intense kiss.

“Good,” he breathed, a wicked little smile tugging at his kiss-reddened lips. “Let him see.”

Chanyeol gave him an intense look that had Baekhyun catching his breath, his voice low and heated. “If you kiss me like that again, Baek…I’m not going to be responsible for what happens next.”

Baekhyun’s smirk widened, eyes sparkling with a mix of defiance and desire, and he just wiggled his eyebrows, “Why? Was it too intense for you?”

Chanyeol heard the challenge in his voice and hated how Baekhyun made him feel like a puppet, despite him being the more experienced out of the two, at least that’s what he had thought. 

After this kiss, Chanyeol realised that he didn’t know much about Baekhyun at all. 

“As if,” Chanyeol rolled his eyes, giving him a toothy grin that had Baekhyun giggling. 

They stayed like that for another minute, helping each other look presentable again after the heated makeout session; the line between fake and real blurring dangerously once again, before Chanyeol gently guided him back toward the main hall, arm still wrapped securely around his waist.

As they walked back toward the main event hall, Chanyeol’s arm stayed wrapped securely around him, and Baekhyun leaned into the touch without hesitation.

Dongwook could seethe all he wanted, he was done letting him win.

***

The next day, Baekhyun had barely stepped into his office when he knew he was doomed.

He shrugged off his white coat with a tired sigh and draped it over the back of his chair. 

The moment he looked up, he spotted Sehun already lounging far too comfortably on the small couch in the corner, his long legs stretched out, one arm dangling off the side, scrolling through his phone like he paid rent for the space he was taking up.

“Please tell me you didn’t finish my supply of banana milk,” Baekhyun said tiredly, loosening his tie as he collapsed onto his desk chair.

“In my defence,” Sehun replied without looking up, “you looked like you were getting fed enough last night.”

Baekhyun, who had started to lean back to stretch his back, suddenly froze mid-motion. “Say that again?”

Sehun finally glanced up, a slow, wicked grin spreading across his face as his eyes dragged over Baekhyun before looking at his phone screen. 

“Wow,” he said, whistling low. “You looked like that at a charity event? You really clean up nice, hyung.”

Baekhyun rolled his eyes and dropped heavily into his chair behind the desk. “Don’t you start now.”

“Oh, I’ve already started,” Sehun said cheerfully, sitting up straighter. “The group chats are thriving. Do you have any idea what you two have done? Nobody is shutting up about how good you guys looked together last night.”

Before Baekhyun could even formulate a reply, the office door opened again.

Kyungsoo stepped in, still in his scrubs, hair messy from running his hand through it one too many times during his shift.

“Tough ward round?” Baekhyun asked.

Kyungsoo rolled his eyes and shoved Sehun’s legs aside so he could flop onto the couch with a long groan. “It’s finally fucking over. Nini has thankfully started on the jobs.”

Sehun immediately passed his phone to Kyungsoo. The older man’s half-shut eyes widened as he took in the screen, glanced at Baekhyun, then back at the phone.

“Wow, Baekhyun…” Kyungsoo couldn’t help but say as he pulled the phone closer and started scrolling. Baekhyun had a sinking feeling it was that forsaken group chat again.

Baekhyun groaned immediately, pressing his fingers to his temples. “Why are both of you here? There’s a canteen and a café you can go to for your break!”

Sehun grinned, unrepentant. “I like to spend time with my favourite sunbae.”

Kyungsoo suddenly appeared energised and stood up to shut Baekhyun’s office door with a soft click before turning back with a teasing glint in his eyes. “I say it’s a perfect time for a post-event evaluation.”

Sehun sat up straight and yelled in unsuppressed joy, “Oh, hell yes!”

Baekhyun leaned back in his chair, dragging a hand down his face. “I hate both of you.”

Sehun pushed himself up from the couch and leaned against the edge of Baekhyun’s desk, way too close for comfort.

“Come on,” Sehun said eagerly, eyes sparkling. “We need details. How about we start from the beginning? Did he pick you up in his car? Did he open the door for you? Did you hold hands? Did he hold your waist? I need a full breakdown.”

Baekhyun paused, frowning. “Wait, how do you know about the waist thing?”

Sehun’s grin widened before saying cryptically,  “I have sources.”

Kyungsoo just rolled his eyes. “Chanyeol had his arm wrapped around your waist in nearly every photo, Baek. You’re acting as if you got stalked.”

Baekhyun groaned louder, dragging both hands down his face this time. “It was just a normal event date, guys. Nothing like you’re making it out to be.”

Sehun recoiled like he’d been personally attacked. “Normal?” he repeated, scandalised. “Normal? Byun Baekhyun, you were practically trending in three separate hospital group chats. Someone zoomed in on a photo of his hand on your waist like it was a forensic investigation.”

Baekhyun slumped further into his chair. “I’m quitting medicine.”

“You were all pressed up against him like he would disappear if you put even a small gap between you,” Sehun continued, counting on his fingers. “You looked at him like you were about to–”

Kyungsoo tilted his head slightly, cutting through Sehun’s rambling with his usual calm deadpan. “Most importantly, did you guys kiss?”

Silence fell in the office. 

Baekhyun stilled in his chair, trying to avoid eye contact with his best friend of seven years, but failed.

Kyungsoo could read him too well and let out a quiet sigh. “Of course, you did.”

Sehun’s head whipped between Kyungsoo and Baekhyun. “Oh, you did!”

Baekhyun looked between them, then away, trying to find words that would make Kyungsoo understand this was still part of the fake dating plan without letting Sehun catch on.

“It was…” he hesitated, choosing his words carefully, “…just in the heat of the moment.”

Sehun made a strangled noise. “You kissed Park Chanyeol at an event with all the city’s hospital directors and professors?!” he demanded.

“It was a peck,” Baekhyun shot back quickly. “And people weren’t watching us!”

Kyungsoo’s gaze didn’t waver, almost having an entirely different conversation with Baekhyun while Sehun fanboyed beside him. “Define what you mean by ‘peck.’”

Baekhyun hesitated. “Just… a caress?”

Sehun let out an actual scream, immediately clapping a hand over his own mouth when Baekhyun shot him an annoyed look.

“This is a fucking hospital, Sehun,” Baekhyun hissed. “Behave yourself!”

“I don’t care,” Sehun whispered loudly. “This is more important.”

Kyungsoo closed his eyes briefly, like he was recalibrating his entire existence.

“And how did you feel?” Kyungsoo asked, voice deceptively calm.

Baekhyun blinked at him. “What?”

“The kiss,” Kyungsoo said simply. “How did you feel about it?”

Baekhyun opened his mouth, then closed it. He tried to communicate with his eyes — please drop it, Soo — but Kyungsoo just quirked one eyebrow, unimpressed.

Sehun leaned forward immediately. “Oh, my god. He’s buffering.”

“I am not buffering!”

“You’re too!”

“I’m thinking!”

Kyungsoo didn’t let him escape. “Well, Baek?”

Baekhyun looked down at his desk, fingers fidgeting with a pen.

“It was… nice,” he admitted quietly.

Sehun smacked his forehead against the desk with a dull thunk.

Kyungsoo just sighed. “Of course it was.”

Baekhyun groaned, dropping his head back against his chair. “It doesn’t mean anything.”

Sehun sat up again, eyes gleaming with chaotic delight. “Yeah. Totally. That’s why he’s looking at you like you hung the moon in every single photo.”

Before Baekhyun could respond, Sehun’s phone buzzed loudly on the desk. He snatched it up, eyes widening as he opened the new messages in the group chat.

“Oh my god,” Sehun whispered, voice filled with pure glee. “Hyung, you are so screwed.”

He turned the screen toward Baekhyun and Kyungsoo.

There, in crystal clear resolution, were several photos from the gala. Clearly taken by someone with a good zoom lens. One even showed a close-up of Chanyeol’s hand firmly on Baekhyun’s waist. 

Another captured the moment Baekhyun had grabbed Chanyeol by the lapel and pulled him into that heated kiss. The angle was perfect: lips pressed together, Chanyeol’s hand at the back of Baekhyun’s neck, Baekhyun’s body arched into him with unmistakable passion.

The caption in the group chat read:

“That’s a full-on makeout session in the hallway. Dr Park and Dr Byun are ENDGAME.”

Sehun was practically vibrating with joy. “Hyung. You look like you’re one second away from wanting to climb him like a tree with the way you’re clinging onto him.”

Baekhyun’s face burned crimson. He tried to snatch the phone, but Sehun held it high above his head.

“Give me that!”

“No way,” Sehun laughed. “This is going down in hospital history. The passionate hallway makeout session. I’m framing this.”

Kyungsoo, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke, his tone dry but knowing. “You two really committed to the bit, huh?”

Baekhyun shot him a desperate look, silently begging him not to push further in front of Sehun.

Sehun, oblivious, continued scrolling. “There’s even a slow-motion gif someone made. Look at the way you tilted your head….damn, you were gone.”

Baekhyun buried his face in his hands. “I’m quitting. I’m actually quitting medicine and moving to a remote island.”

Sehun leaned across the desk, grinning like a menace. “You can’t quit. Who else is going to give us this level of entertainment? Also, Chanyeol-hyung looked like he was two seconds away from pinning you against the wall. Be honest, did he do that afterwards?”

Baekhyun made a strangled noise and threw a pen at him. “Get out of my office!”

Neither Sehun nor Kyungsoo moved. Sehun was still giggling, shoulders shaking with unrestrained glee, while Kyungsoo leaned back against the wall, watching Baekhyun with that knowing, slightly concerned look only a best friend could give.

Sehun spun idly in the visitor chair. “Sorry, can’t do. I need more updates. What’s next? More spontaneous displays of affection? Are we getting a wedding announcement soon?”

Baekhyun buried his face deeper into his hands, “I’m actually going to lose my mind.”

Sehun cackled. “Welcome to couple life, hyung. The group chat is never letting you live this down.”

Kyungsoo sighed softly, but his eyes were warm with quiet understanding as he looked at Baekhyun.

“You’re in trouble,” he said again, this time only loud enough for Baekhyun to hear.

Baekhyun didn’t argue.

He already knew.

***

The ED team dinner was loud as Baekhyun walked in. Sangmi, the ED head nurse, had made him promise to attend, or she would make sure his next shift would be from hell. 

Baekhyun knew better than to be on her bad side and made sure to head over despite him being a homebody and preferring to stay at his place after work. 

The soju place was already packed by the time he arrived. He saw familiar faces from his department sitting on the wooden tables, metal grills hissing, and the air thick with smoke. The place was filled with laughter and the familiar smell of alcohol. 

The party had clearly already started. 

Baekhyun slipped off his coat, handing it to the staff member to hang before he stepped inside, immediately greeted by a chorus of voices.

“Dr. Byun!”

“You’re late!”

“Penalty shot!”

He sighed, already smiling despite himself.

“I was finishing up with documenting,” he defended weakly, sliding into the empty spot at the table.

Sehun was already flushed, one arm slung over the back of his chair, a half-empty bottle of soju in front of him.

“Excuses,” Sehun scoffed. “Pour him a drink.”

Baekhyun barely had time to sit before a shot glass was shoved into his hand.

The night settled into its usual rhythm quickly, food passed around, stories shared louder with each drink. For a little while, Baekhyun forgot about everything else. 

Forgot about his pretend relationship with Chanyeol. Their recent publicity stunt at the charity gala. 

Until the door slid open again.

And the volume at the table dipped slightly enough for Baekhyun to notice.

Baekhyun didn’t need to look to know who it was.

But he couldn’t help but do it anyway. 

Chanyeol stood near the entrance, taller than almost everyone in the room, dressed casually in a black sweater and dark jeans, hair soft and slightly tousled tonight. He scanned the room briefly before his gaze landed on their table.

Then, finally, on Baekhyun.

There was a flicker of recognition in those large eyes before he gave his usual lopsided grin, which had Baekhyun’s stomach flipping.

“Oh,” someone muttered under their breath. “Speak of the devil.”

“Is that—”

“It is—”

Baekhyun forced himself to stay seated, relaxing his posture even more as he felt half the table subtly glance at him and then back at Chanyeol.

Baekhyun wasn’t entirely surprised that the taller surgeon had come. 

Chanyeol had approached him earlier in the day when they had run into each other in the ED. 

“I got invited too. Perks of practically living in the ED thanks to all the traumatic chest injuries that come through,” Chanyeol casually informed Baekhyun after he had finished with his consult and had walked over to Baekhyun, who was sitting at one of the computers. 

“Will you go?” Baekhyun had tried to be nonchalant as he checked over the obs chart before typing quickly.

Chanyeol tried not to get distracted by how quickly the slender fingers moved along the keyboard, “Do you want me to come? It could be useful…for us.”

Baekhyun had shrugged, not making eye contact with Chanyeol despite feeling his heavy stare on him. He could already see two giggling nurses pointing at them, he didn’t want to cause another scene. 

“Feel free to come if you want, I don’t mind.”

But after that hell of a long shift, Baekhyun had no energy left to deal with his drunk, over-friendly colleagues, he definitely minded now.

Chanyeol approached the table easily, greeting a few of the senior staff with polite nods.

“Dr Park!” one of the attendings, Kim Minseok, called out in joy. “Didn’t think you’d actually show up.”

“Free food is hard to refuse,” Chanyeol replied lightly, eyeing the small space next to Baekhyun.

This action didn’t go unnoticed by the eagle-eyed hospital staff, much to Baekhyun’s surprise. 

There was a shuffle as a few people made space, suddenly leaving a big enough space on the wooden bench for Chanyeol to sit beside Baekhyun.

Baekhyun faught the urge to roll his eyes at his over-efficient colleagues when minutes before they had been too drunk to behave properly. 

It felt like Chanyeol’s presence had sobered everyone up.

Baekhyun was dreading what was about to come. 

Chanyeol slid into the seat beside him like it was the most natural thing in the world.

“Hey,” he said quietly under his breath.

“Hi,” Baekhyun replied, equally soft, but his eyes fixed very firmly on the table, hoping that the chatter would start again and people would forget his existence.

But it was too good to be true. 

Suddenly, Sehun leaned forward, grinning like a menace at both of them. “Well, well, well,” he drawled. “Look who decided to join us.”

Baekhyun closed his eyes briefly. Here we go.

Chanyeol chuckled, unfazed. “Good evening, Dr Oh. Nice to see you outside the hectic emergency department.”

“Don’t, Dr Oh’ me,” Sehun said, already reaching for the soju bottle. “Call me Sehun. And you’re late. Penalty shot.”

Chanyeol raised an eyebrow but held out his glass anyway. “Alright, Sehun. Fair, load it up!”

Sehun poured generously, far too generously.

Baekhyun instinctively reached out. “That’s enough, Sehun-ah—”

Chanyeol’s hand brushed his lightly as he took the glass.

“I’ve got it,” Chanyeol murmured.

Baekhyun pulled back quickly, ears warming.

Chanyeol downed the shot smoothly, setting the glass down with a soft clink.

A few people cheered around them, enjoying seeing the cardiothoracic surgeon loosen up.

“Alright,” Sehun said, eyes gleaming. “Now that everyone’s here—”

“Eat first, with all the alcohol you’re drinking, you’re going to get super drunk,” Baekhyun cut in quickly, grabbing a piece of grilled meat and dropping it onto Sehun’s plate.

Sehun narrowed his eyes, “But I’m not done with you.”

“Oh, I bet,” Baekhyun muttered under his breath.

Beside him, Chanyeol reached for the soju bottle again with a smirk, having heard Baekhyun.

Then, without a word, he turned slightly and poured into Baekhyun’s empty glass.

Baekhyun blinked at him, “You didn’t have to—”

Chanyeol brushed his complaint aside, finishing the pour before setting the bottle down.

Then, just as casually, he picked up a piece of freshly grilled meat, wrapped it neatly in lettuce with sauce and garlic, and placed it onto Baekhyun’s plate.

“Try it,” he said when all Baekhyun did was just stare at it.

“Hyu-Chanyeol…You’re the senior,” he whispered aggressively, eyeing everyone on the table, hoping nobody had seen what Chanyeol had done.

Unfortunately, he met Sehun’s sharp observing gaze on them, fuck. 

“And? You haven’t eaten since I stepped in,” Chanyeol replied simply. “We are here to relax, and knowing you, you probably came here straight from your shift on an empty stomach.”

Baekhyun’s face heated at how effortlessly smooth Chanyeol was.

Across the table, Baekhyun heard someone making a suppressed, strangled noise. He looked just in time to see Sehun slap the table.

“OH MY GOD,” he said, far too loudly, catching some of the nearby colleagues’ attention.

“Sehun, shut up,” Baekhyun hissed.

“No,” Sehun leaned forward, pointing between them. “How serious are you guys?”

“It’s just food,” Baekhyun snapped back.

“It’s not just food,” Sehun shot back. “He wrapped it for you. Do you know how intimate that is for us Koreans? That’s basically a marriage proposal.”

Chanyeol laughed under his breath, enjoying Sehun excitedly narrating his thoughts, while Baekhyun looked like he wanted to disappear.

“Just eat your own food,” he muttered, shoving the wrap into his mouth just to end the conversation.

Chanyeol’s lips twitched, finding the sight of Baekhyun eating with his puffed-up cheeks adorable.

He fought the urge to poke his cheeks, knowing that Baekhyun would probably choke on that wrap if he teased him any more. 

Sehun was clearly stressing him out enough as it was. 

As the drinks kept flowing, the noise level started to climb again.

Sehun, unfortunately, got louder.

“So,” he said, leaning across the table again, eyes slightly unfocused but dangerously sharp. “Dr Park.”

Chanyeol glanced up, “Yes, Sehun?”

“How long have you been into our Baekhyun?”

Baekhyun choked on his drink, “Sehun!”

“What?” Sehun shrugged. “It’s a valid question.”

Chanyeol didn’t answer immediately and instead glanced sideways at Baekhyun.

Baekhyun refused to look back at him despite feeling his stare on him.

“It’s been long enough,” Chanyeol said finally.

The table erupted into cheers. 

Sehun slammed his hand down again. “I KNEW THAT IT WASN’T A RECENT FLING.”

Baekhyun covered his face, “This is a nightmare.”

“You’re blushing,” Sehun pointed out, making Minseok and Sangmi, who were sitting on either side of the couple, laugh.

“I’m not blushing.”

“You’re blushing hard.”

“I’m leaving,” Baekhyun said with a deadpan expression.

“No, you can’t leave!” Sehun said, standing up to grab Baekhyun’s sleeve, despite Baekhyun having made no move to leave.

Chanyeol reached over then and gently pried Sehun’s hand off Baekhyun’s arm.

Knowing that the younger clearly had too much to drink, Chanyeol decided to intervene.

“Don’t worry, Sehun. I will make sure he’s not going anywhere,” Chanyeol said easily.

Baekhyun merely nodded as he felt the warmth from Chanyeol’s large hand seep into his arm. The touch had barely lingered for seconds longer than it should have, but it had been enough to have Baekhyun’s thoughts spiralling. 

Baekhyun fought the blush on his cheeks by drinking more of his soju, which had been refilled thanks to Chanyeo.l

Sehun stared at them both, eyes narrowing with drunken suspicion.

“You guys are disgustingly in love,” he declared.

“Then stop looking,” Baekhyun shot back.

Baekhyun didn’t miss the way Chanyeol’s hand briefly brushed the small of his back under the table. 

“I can’t,” Sehun said dramatically. “It’s fun to watch you guys fumble around each other trying not to be so obvious”

Chanyeol laughed softly beside him.

And despite everything, the noisy atmosphere, Sehun’s constant teasing, Baekhyun felt himself relax. 

Perhaps it was the soju finally starting to work. 

Which, frankly, was the most dangerous part of all.

But Baekhyun kept sipping the soju as conversation flowed. Minseok and Chanyeol had gotten into an interesting conversation that had given Baekhyun some time to mull over his thoughts as he listened in, not registering how many glasses he had drunk.

That had been his first mistake.

The second was letting Sehun suggest games.

“Truth or dare,” Sehun declared, already halfway to slurring, eyes bright with chaotic intent as he leaned across the table. “Let’s do it!”

“No,” Baekhyun said immediately, but was drowned out by more than half the table chorusing “YES!”

Chanyeol, beside him, chuckled softly. “This feels like a bad idea.”

“It is a bad idea,” Baekhyun responded with a shake of his head as he chuckled too at Sehun getting overexcited. 

“This is going to be so much fun. Let me do the honours,” Sehun shouted, already grabbing an empty bottle and spinning it in the middle of the table.

The glass scraped against wood, wobbling before slowly coming to a stop.

Pointing directly at Chanyeol.

A chorus of oohs broke out on the table. 

Sehun leaned forward, grinning. “Dr Park. Truth or dare?”

Chanyeol didn’t even hesitate. “Truth.”

“That’s not very brave of you,” Sehun said fondly, then leaned his chin into his hand. “Okay. Let’s start with an easy one.”

He glanced at Baekhyun before his grin widened. 

“When did you start liking Baekhyun?”

The table went quiet.

Baekhyun choked on absolutely nothing before he spouted, “Sehun—”

“You said truth, come on, spill!” Sehun reminded sweetly.

Chanyeol didn’t look away, refusing to back away from the challenge, but he couldn’t help but glance at Baekhyun. 

“From the moment I met him,” he said simply, Baekhyun’s eyes locking into his as he registered the smooth answer.

There were a few seconds of silence as everyone’s drunk minds registered what Chanyeol had said. 

Before all hell broke loose. 

“WHAT?”

“NO WAY—”

“ARE YOU SERIOUS?”

Baekhyun’s brain short-circuited, trying to understand how Chanyeol could lie so smoothly as if he were telling the truth. 

Chanyeol just shrugged slightly, like he hadn’t just dropped a bomb into the middle of the table.

“He was…” Chanyeol paused, as if considering his words. “…cute.”

Baekhyun’s face went hot. What was Chanyeol refraining from? Their first meeting at the hospital was a few months ago, when Junmyeon had brought him over, and Baekhyun had been in his Hello Kitty pyjamas watching TV. 

“And pretty,” Chanyeol added, far too casually, which sent the entire table into more chaos. 

Someone actually smacked the table, causing so much ruckus that the people on other tables looked over to see what was going on. 

Baekhyun wanted to disappear but kept his eyes on Chanyeol, who seemed to have lost control of his mouth as he kept on talking. 

“And the fact that he’s ridiculously hands-on all the time and somehow still a genius?” Chanyeol continued, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “It was no wonder I was bound to fall.”

Baekhyun stared at him.

What is he doing?

Sehun looked like he had ascended.

“LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT, I FUCKING KNEW IT!!,” he yelled.

Minseok tried to calm down the young intern, but Sehun was too busy hollering with the nurses who had stood up to jump and squeal. 

Baekhyun immediately grabbed his glass and downed it.

“Okay,” he said quickly, hoping that they would move on from this before Sehun said something else.  “Next. Next round.”

The bottle spun again.

And, of course, it landed on Baekhyun. next.

The table erupted instantly.

Sehun leaned forward like a predator. “God, it really is my night tonight. Truth or dare?”

Baekhyun didn’t even think about it. “Truth.”

“Of course,” Sehun muttered. “Boring as usual, Hyung.”

But then, his eyes lit up. Baekhyun wanted to run. 

“Tell us how he asked you out.”

Baekhyun froze.

Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me.

He could feel Chanyeol’s gaze on him now, curious to see how he would get out of this one.

Baekhyun laughed weakly.

“It wasn’t—there’s nothing dramatic about it—”

“Liar,” Sehun said immediately. “Look at his face. That’s the face of a man about to make something up.”

Baekhyun shot him a glare, “Shut up.”

“Go on,” Sangmi encouraged with a sweet smile. “We won’t judge. Our lips are sealed.”

Baekhyun swallowed.

Think, Baekhyun, Think.

“He…” Baekhyun started, buying himself time. “He didn’t make a big deal out of it.”

Chanyeol’s eyebrow lifted slightly, as if it were something he could never imagine doing. 

Baekhyun knew what he was saying was probably unlike Chanyeol’s character, but his drunk mind wasn’t in its best form to be making up complex lies. 

So, Baekhyun avoided his eyes and carried on with confidence. 

“It was late,” he continued, settling into the lie. “We were both still at the hospital. I was in ED, he came down after surgery…”

Chanyeol stayed quiet beside him, letting him explain as he swirled the alcohol in his glass, eyes on him.

“He brought me coffee,” Baekhyun added, gesturing vaguely. “And then he just straight up asked me out..

“That’s it?” Sehun looked offended, having expected a much grander gesture.

Baekhyun shrugged. “That’s it.”

Sehun turned to Chanyeol immediately. “That’s it? Is this how you ask somebody out you found cute and pretty at first sight?!”

Chanyeol hummed thoughtfully.

“Yep,” Chanyeol confirmed confidently while shrugging his shoulders.

Chanyeol glanced at him briefly, lips curving just enough to make Baekhyun’s stomach flip.

“What can I say, I’m a simple guy,” Chanyeol added.

The table groaned in jest. 

“That’s so boring,” Sehun complained. “Where’s the romance? The tension?”

“Not everything needs theatrics,” Chanyeol said lightly.

Baekhyun let out a breath he didn’t realise he’d been holding.

Under the table, Chanyeol’s hand brushed lightly against his knee subtly.

Baekhyun stiffened for half a second before forcing himself to relax.

“Next round,” he said quickly.

Sehun narrowed his eyes at him, “…You two are acting suspicious.”

“Drink,” Baekhyun said, shoving a glass toward him.

Sehun took it, still watching them both.

“Very suspicious,” he repeated.

But the game moved on, the table dissolving back into laughter and chaos.

And Baekhyun, despite himself, could still feel the ghost of Chanyeol’s touch lingering where his hand had been.

***

The night air was cool as they spilt out of the restaurant, the soju still buzzing warmly in their veins. The group had slowly scattered, some spontaneously deciding to head to noraebang, others calling for taxis back home. 

Baekhyun’s colleagues kept shooting knowing glances their way, clearly expecting Chanyeol to go home with him.

Minseok had taken charge of a very drunk Sehun, who was currently draped over his shoulder like an oversized scarf. As they passed Baekhyun, Sehun suddenly perked up, eyes glassy but mischievous.

“Baekhyun-hyung,” he whisper-shouted, loud enough for half the street to hear, “don’t stay up too late~!”

The implication was crystal clear. Sehun wiggled his eyebrows dramatically before Minseok yanked him away with an exasperated sigh.

Baekhyun turned bright red, stumbling over his own feet in embarrassment. Before he could fall, a large, steady hand caught him around the waist, Chanyeol’s palm warm and firm against the curve of his hip.

“Easy,” Chanyeol murmured, voice low and amused as he held Baekhyun steady. His fingers splayed wide, thumb brushing lightly over the dip of Baekhyun’s waist. The touch lingered just a second too long.

Baekhyun’s breath hitched. “Thanks,” he mumbled, face still burning.

Chanyeol guided him toward the waiting taxi, hand never leaving his waist until Baekhyun was safely inside. He slid in after him, the door clicking shut behind them.

The ride was quiet at first, the city lights blurring past the window in streaks of neon and gold. 

Baekhyun stared out at the passing scenery, occasionally letting out a small, involuntary hiccup. 

Every time he did, Chanyeol’s shoulders shook with silent laughter as he observed him.

Baekhyun turned to glare at him, cheeks puffed out. “Stop laughing at me.”

Chanyeol’s grin only widened, eyes soft in the dim light of the taxi. “I can’t help it, you’re so cute when you’re drunk, Baek.”

Before Baekhyun could protest, Chanyeol reached over and gently ruffled his hair. Baekhyun squawked, batting at his hand.

“Yah! I’m not a puppy!”

“You kind of are right now,” Chanyeol teased, voice warm and fond. “All flushed and hiccuping. Very adorable.”

Baekhyun grumbled, but he didn’t pull away when Chanyeol’s fingers lingered, brushing a stray strand behind his ear.

As they neared Baekhyun’s apartment building, he noticed Chanyeol’s head starting to nod forward. The taller man kept jolting himself awake by discreetly pinching his own leg.

“You can head on,” Baekhyun said softly, “I can go up myself.”

Chanyeol shook his head, sleep clearing from his eyes instantly. “No. Let me walk you to your door. You were unsteady on your feet earlier.”

“But the taxi—”

“The taxi can wait.”

The taxi driver shrugged in the rearview mirror, clearly unbothered. “You guys can take your time.”

Baekhyun sighed, feeling too tired and tipsy to argue properly. “Just… stay over at mine, Chanyeol.”

Chanyeol’s eyebrows shot up. “Baek, I didn’t mean—”

“I know what you mean,” Baekhyun cut in, voice soft but stubborn. “But it’s late. If you’re coming up to my door anyway, you might as well sleep over. The couch pulls out.”

Before Chanyeol could protest further, Baekhyun turned to the driver. “Thank you for the ride, ahjusshi.”

Chanyeol beat him to paying, sliding his card over smoothly while Baekhyun fumbled with his wallet, fingers clumsy from the soju.

Baekhyun pouted at him, “I was going to pay.”

Chanyeol chuckled, pocketing his card. “Come on, you silly puppy.”

They stumbled out of the taxi together, Baekhyun leaning slightly into Chanyeol’s side for balance as they made their way up to his apartment on the fourth floor. The hallway lights felt too bright, the elevator ride lasting almost forever as Baekhyun watched the floor numbers go up, ignoring how effortlessly handsome Chanyeol looked despite his hand-swept hair all over the place.

By the time they reached his door, Baekhyun was giggling at nothing in particular, and Chanyeol was smiling down at him with that soft, fond look that made Baekhyun’s chest feel too tight.

Once inside his apartment, Baekhyun kicked off his shoes messily while Chanyeol helped him out of his coat, large hands careful and steady.

“You take the bed,” Chanyeol said, already heading toward the couch. “I’ll be fine here.”

Baekhyun watched him for a moment, then shook his head. “No, the couch is too small for you. You’ll wake up with a crick in your neck.”

Chanyeol opened his mouth to argue, but Baekhyun was already grabbing his wrist and tugging him toward the bedroom with surprising determination for someone so drunk.

“Come on,” Baekhyun mumbled, cheeks warm. “Just sleep in my bed. It’s big enough for both of us.”

Chanyeol let himself be pulled, a soft laugh escaping him. “You sure, Baek?”

“Mm. Don’t be weird about it.”

They both collapsed onto the bed still half-dressed, the room spinning gently around them. Baekhyun curled up on his side, facing away from Chanyeol at first. But after a few minutes of silence, he shifted closer, unconsciously seeking warmth.

Chanyeol didn’t hesitate to respond. He draped an arm over Baekhyun’s waist, pulling him back against his chest.

“Night, Baek,” he whispered, breath warm against the back of Baekhyun’s neck.

Baekhyun hummed, already drifting. “Night, hyung.”

The last thing he registered before sleep took him was the steady beat of Chanyeol’s heart against his back and the gentle way Chanyeol’s fingers traced slow circles on his back.

***

A few hours later, Baekhyun woke up with a full bladder and a dry mouth.

His bedroom was dark, with only the faint glow of the city lights filtering through the curtains. He blinked groggily, realising he was pressed flush against a very warm and solid body.

Chanyeol was fast asleep behind him, arm still slung heavily over Baekhyun’s waist, legs tangled together. He looked peaceful, mouth slightly parted, hair messy, one leg hanging off the edge of the bed because even Baekhyun’s queen-sized mattress hadn’t been big enough for both of them to sleep without getting entangled with each other. 

Baekhyun tried to slip out quietly, but the moment he moved, Chanyeol stirred with a low grumble, instinctively tightening his hold.

“Baek…you okay?” he mumbled, voice sleep-rough and ridiculously attractive.

“Need to go to the bathroom,” Baekhyun whispered. “Go back to sleep.”

He managed to extract himself and padded to the bathroom. When he returned a few minutes later, he stopped at the edge of the bed.

Chanyeol had shifted in his absence, now closer to the edge of the bed, one leg still hanging awkwardly off the bed, trying to make enough space for Baekhyun to sleep without touching him.

Baekhyun sighed, trusting Chanyeol to look ridiculously uncomfortable even in sleep in his queen-size bed. 

He climbed back onto the bed, grabbed Chanyeol’s arm, and tugged gently.

“Hyung… move over properly.”

Chanyeol made a confused noise but obeyed sleepily, scooting toward the centre. Baekhyun crawled in after him, rearranging them until Chanyeol was no longer hanging off the edge.

“Better?” Baekhyun whispered, curling up against his side again.

Chanyeol hummed, arm automatically wrapping around him once more. “Mm. You good?”

Baekhyun smiled into the dark, pressing his face against Chanyeol’s chest.

“Yeah,” he murmured. 

He fell back asleep to the steady rhythm of Chanyeol’s heartbeat, the lines between fake and real blurring even further in the quiet hours of the night.

***

The morning light was soft and hazy when Baekhyun woke up.

He blinked slowly, head heavy with the remnants of last night’s soju, and became gradually aware of two things:

One, he was unusually warm.

Two, he was not alone.

Chanyeol was still fast asleep beside him, lying on his back with one arm curled loosely around Baekhyun’s waist. Their legs were tangled together under the blanket, Baekhyun’s cheek pressed against Chanyeol’s chest, and one of Chanyeol’s large hands rested comfortably on the small of his back.

They had fallen asleep hugging each other.

Baekhyun’s face burned instantly. He stayed very still, heart hammering away as memories of the night before trickled in: the taxi ride, the stumbling walk up the stairs, the mumbled invitation for Chanyeol to stay over.

How he had shamelessly dragged Chanyeol into his bed.

And now they were cuddling like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Chanyeol stirred with a low, sleepy hum. His arm tightened slightly around Baekhyun before his eyes fluttered open. For a second, he looked adorably confused. Then realisation dawned, and his cheeks flushed a soft pink.

“Morning,” Chanyeol rasped, voice deliciously deep and rough from sleep.

Baekhyun swallowed hard. “Morning.”

They stared at each other for a long, awkward moment before both suddenly became very aware of how closely they were pressed together; how Chanyeol’s hand was still resting on Baekhyun’s back, how Baekhyun’s leg was draped over Chanyeol’s thigh.

Chanyeol cleared his throat. “I… didn’t mean to take up so much of the bed.”

“You’re too fucking tall,” Baekhyun mumbled, cheeks still hot. “But it’s fine.”

Eventually, Chanyeol gently pulled his arm back, and Baekhyun rolled away, both of them sitting up with matching shy expressions. 

The silence was thick but not uncomfortable. Baekhyun stretched his arms while Chanyeol rubbed the back of his neck. 

“Coffee?” Chanyeol offered, voice still husky.

“Please,” Baekhyun said, grateful for the subject change.

They moved around the apartment carefully, still a little shy with each other. Chanyeol borrowed a spare toothbrush and one of Baekhyun’s oversized hoodies (which looked comically tight on his broader frame). 

Baekhyun kept stealing glances at him; how the hoodie stretched across Chanyeol’s shoulders and made him look years younger, at his messy bed hair and at the faint stubble on his jaw that made him feel things he shouldn’t be feeling at 8 am. 

Breakfast was a lost cause. After staring blankly at the empty fridge for thirty seconds, they both agreed ordering in was the only viable option.

Twenty minutes later, they were back on the couch with hot soup, rice, and banchan spread across the coffee table. The food helped clear the fog in their heads, and slowly the awkwardness began to melt away.

Chanyeol took a sip of his soup and leaned back, watching Baekhyun with a small, fond smile.

“You know,” he said casually, “you’re really cute when you’re drunk.”

Baekhyun paused mid-bite, chopsticks hovering. “Shut up.”

“It’s true,” Chanyeol continued, eyes sparkling with mischief. “Hiccuping like a puppy, with flushed cheeks and can’t forget the pouting. Very dangerous.”

Then Baekhyun broke it with a soft laugh, nudging Chanyeol’s knee with his own.

“Eat your soup before it gets cold, hyung.”

Chanyeol chuckled, but he didn’t pull away. Instead, he reached over and gently tucked a strand of hair behind Baekhyun’s ear, letting his fingers linger just a second longer than necessary.

“Yes, baby,” he murmured, voice teasing but fond.

Baekhyun’s chopsticks paused mid-air.

He was definitely in trouble.

But as Chanyeol went back to eating with that soft, knowing smile on his face, Baekhyun found he didn’t mind one bit.

***

They were sitting at the small dining table, nursing second cups of coffee and picking at the remnants of breakfast delivery, when the reality of their situation started to sink in.

Baekhyun stared into his mug, cheeks still faintly warm from his flirty conversation with Chanyeol earlier. He is blaming the after-effects of alcohol. He is never going to drink this much ever again. 

“So…” he started, voice hesitant. “How are we going to handle Sehun?”

Chanyeol leaned back in his chair, one long leg stretched out under the table so his ankle brushed Baekhyun’s. “What about him ?”

Baekhyun groaned, rubbing his temple. “He’s going to lose his mind when he finds out you slept over. And he’ll tell everyone–”

Chanyeol chuckled at Baekhyun’s rambling and shook his head, “And, how exactly will he find out that I slept over?”

Before Baekhyun could open his mouth, the sound of the front door lock clicking open cut him off.

Both of them froze.

A second later, Kyungsoo walked in, still wearing his scrubs from the night shift, dark circles under his eyes and a plastic bag of convenience store snacks dangling from his fingers.

“I brought hangover soup as I am sure your stupid ass didn’t stop drinking last night—” Kyungsoo stopped dead in the doorway, eyes widening as he took in the scene.

Chanyeol, with messy bed-hair, wearing Baekhyun’s faded university hoodie that was clearly too small for him, sitting at Baekhyun’s dining table, as he belonged there.

Baekhyun sat right opposite him, looking thoroughly rumpled and guilty, frozen with his coffee halfway to his mouth.

The silence was deafening.

Kyungsoo’s gaze flicked between them slowly.

“I came to check on you after my night shift,” he said flatly, voice dangerously calm. “But it looks like you’re already being taken care of.”

Baekhyun winced. “Soo—”

Kyungsoo held up a hand. “Don’t. I don’t want to know the details.” His eyes narrowed at Chanyeol. “Though I can guess why you’re wearing Baekhyun’s hoodie.”

Chanyeol, to his credit, didn’t flinch. He offered a small, sheepish smile and raised his coffee cup in greeting. “Morning, Kyungsoo.”

Kyungsoo stared at him for another long second, then sighed deeply, the sound of a man who had seen too much.

“I’m not even surprised anymore,” he muttered, kicking his shoes off before he dropped the bag of snacks on the kitchen counter and crossed his arms, staring at Baekhyun. “Does Sehun know he’s here?”

Baekhyun’s eyes widened in panic. “You can’t tell Sehun!”

Kyungsoo raised an eyebrow. “Why not? He’s been harassing me for weeks about you two. He deserves to know his gossip is finally accurate.”

“Because he’ll never let me live it down,” Baekhyun groaned, slumping forward until his forehead hit the table. “That brat already calls me ‘Chanyeol’s baby’ whenever he’s texting me. If he finds out Chanyeol slept over, he won’t shut up about it.”

“Isn’t that what you want?” Kyungsoo arched his eyebrow, knowing about their fake dating stint, he didn’t understand why Baekhyun was so scared of this leaking. 

Chanyeol chuckled softly, reaching over to rub gentle circles between Baekhyun’s shoulder blades, who looked a few minutes away from panicking. “Right, Sehun did look a bit suspicious when we spontaneously came up with how I asked you out. So, this will work in our favour.”

Baekhyun lifted his head just enough to glare at him. “Not helping.”

Kyungsoo watched the casual intimacy with a mix of exasperation and fondness.

He can’t believe he’s best friends with an idiot. 

“You two are disgustingly domestic already,” he said instead, shaking his head. “Fine. I won’t tell Sehun… today. But you know, he will eventually end up digging it out of us. That boy doesn’t stop eating your ears off.”

Baekhyun sat up straighter, relieved. At least, he had a day to prepare himself for what was about to come. “Thanks, Soo.”

Kyungsoo pointed a finger at Chanyeol. “And you. If you hurt him, I will personally make sure every paediatric resident knows exactly how to make your life hell during consults.”

Chanyeol raised both hands in surrender, though his smile stayed warm. “Understood. I have no plans to hurt him.”

Kyungsoo studied him for a moment longer, then nodded once, satisfied.

“Good.” He grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and headed toward the door. “I’m going home to sleep. Try not to do anything else scandalous before I wake up.”

“Soo,” Baekhyun whined. 

“Please don’t blow up my phone unless you’re dying, although I am sure Chanyeol is here to save you,” Kyungsoo said as he put on his shoes. 

Then he left, closing the door gently behind him.

The apartment fell quiet again.

Baekhyun let out a long breath and turned to Chanyeol. “He’s going to tell Sehun by tonight. I just know it.”

Chanyeol hummed, his foot rubbing against Baekhyun’s in reassurance, “Probably. But we survived that charity gala. We can survive an overzealous Sehun.”

Baekhyun leaned into the touch despite himself. “You’re too optimistic.”

Chanyeol smiled, slow and fond. “Maybe. But what matters is that we have got each other's backs.”

Baekhyun’s heart did a stupid little flip.

He was definitely in trouble.

***

The next week, they finally managed to steal a proper lunch together on the hospital rooftop.

It was Baekhyun’s self-development day, so he wasn’t scheduled on the ED floor. 

Chanyeol had rescheduled a surgery a week in advance just so he could make it. Baekhyun tried not to read too much into that, as it would set off the butterflies in his stomach, but it was getting harder every time Chanyeol treated their fake relationship with such serious care.

They settled on the usual picnic bench overlooking the small sky garden. The sun was gentle, the breeze light, and for a few minutes, it almost felt peaceful.

“So,” Chanyeol said conversationally as he unpacked the lunch he’d brought, “Sehun found out?”

Baekhyun rolled his eyes, taking a sip of his coffee. “What do you think?”

Chanyeol chuckled, opening a clear box of fresh strawberries. Baekhyun’s eyes widened with obvious delight at the sight.

“I hope his reaction wasn’t too fanatical,” Chanyeol said, amusement threading through his voice.

Baekhyun had already shoved a strawberry into his mouth. He chewed for a few seconds before answering, “He screamed like a hooligan, then demanded every single detail like it was national intelligence.”

“Of course he did,” Chanyeol laughed softly.

Then his gaze shifted, flicking over Baekhyun’s shoulder. His expression changed, still relaxed, but more alert.

Baekhyun’s back straightened immediately. 

“Who is it?”

“Sehun and his friend,” Chanyeol replied in a lower volume, voice dropping into that deep register that always made Baekhyun’s pulse stutter. “What was his name again?”

“Kim Jongin, paediatric intern, works under Kyungsoo,” Baekhyun supplied, fighting the urge to glance behind him. Hoping the two interns wouldn’t approach, he hunched forward slightly over the table. 

Chanyeol mirrored the movement with a small smirk, leaning in as well.

“Why are you acting so terrified?” Chanyeol teased gently. “You didn’t look this frazzled when we ran into your ex at the gala.”

“You don’t know what they’re capable of,” Baekhyun whined quietly. “They’re in more group chats than both of ours combined. If they see us like this, it’ll be all over the hospital by dinner.”

Chanyeol couldn’t stop the soft look of adoration that crossed his face. He reached out and ruffled Baekhyun’s hair lightly.

“It’s fine, Baek,” he said, voice warm. “That’s the whole point of why we’re here, right?”

Baekhyun stared at him for a few seconds. 

Right, they were fake-dating and not having a friendly lunch. They weren’t on a real date.

The reminder sent an ugly little twist through Baekhyun’s chest, which he quickly swallowed down.

“Right,” he said, forcing a casual tone. “So… what do we do now?”

“Act natural,” Chanyeol shrugged nonchalantly. “Like you would with your boyfriend on a lunch date.”

“I didn’t want it to be them,” Baekhyun mumbled, a small pout unconsciously forming on his lips.

Chanyeol’s eyes dropped to that pout; to the glossy pink of Baekhyun’s lips, still slightly stained from the strawberries. 

Baekhyun caught the look and, without thinking, let his own gaze fall to Chanyeol’s mouth. The older man’s lips looked extra red and inviting after the fruit, and Baekhyun was suddenly sure his own looked the same.

He quickly grabbed a tissue and started dabbing at his lips. “Do I have something on my mouth?”

Chanyeol shook his head, but the dazed look in his eyes remained.

“Baek,” Chanyeol spoke softly, reaching out to stop Baekhyun’s frantic dabbing. His fingers gently caught Baekhyun’s wrist.

“Yes?”

Chanyeol’s voice was quiet, almost hesitant. “Do you think we should kiss?”

Baekhyun raised an eyebrow, trying to play it cool even as his heart skipped. “Yeah… we could. If the situation calls for it. I don’t mind.”

“Great,” Chanyeol said, flashing him a wide grin.

Then, as if to ease the sudden tension, he launched into a funny story about a conversation he’d had with one of the older professors earlier that morning. Baekhyun couldn’t help but get pulled in. Chanyeol had a way of telling stories; it was so animated, full of little details that made minutes feel like seconds. 

Soon, Baekhyun was laughing softly, completely forgetting about Sehun and Jongin’s nearby presence.

One second, he was mid-sentence, recounting the time he and Junmyeon got into trouble with their parents as kids.

Next, Chanyeol’s hand reached forward, cupping the side of his face, and slowly pulled him in.

The movement was so smooth that Baekhyun gravitated toward him with no resistance at all.

He barely registered the shift before Chanyeol leaned down and kissed him. It wasn’t rushed or performative like some of their public kisses had been. Chanyeol took his time, tilting his head just slightly, closing the distance with a quiet certainty that made Baekhyun’s breath hitch before their lips even met.

Chanyeol’s lips were fuller than Baekhyun remembered, felt so plush and warm as they pressed against his with gentle insistence. There was a faint trace of strawberry on them, sweet and intoxicating, mixed with the natural warmth of his breath. 

His closeness to him was overwhelming in the best, most disorienting way.

Baekhyun froze for half a second before he fully surrendered to the kiss.

His fingers curled instinctively into the front of Chanyeol’s scrub top, gripping the fabric tightly as if to steady himself. The sounds of the rooftop faded away until all he could focus on was the press of Chanyeol’s mouth, the steady hand cupping his jaw, the way Chanyeol held him there like he had no intention of letting go.

Chanyeol shifted slightly, deepening the kiss. His tongue brushed lightly against Baekhyun’s lower lip, asking, and Baekhyun opened for him without hesitation. The kiss quickly turned heated, slow and intense. 

Chanyeol kissed like he was savouring every second, every small sound Baekhyun made, every subtle lean forward.

His thumb stroked slowly along Baekhyun’s cheekbone in a grounding motion while his lips moved with purpose, drawing out soft, involuntary noises from deep in Baekhyun’s throat.

It didn’t feel like they were performing. It felt too fucking real.

Like Chanyeol was aware of every tiny reaction; every hitch of breath, every subtle press of finger,s and was matching it perfectly, meeting him there instead of overwhelming him.

Baekhyun’s eyes fluttered shut.

He leaned in just a fraction more, closing whatever little distance remained between them.

For a moment, he forgot.

He forgot they were on the hospital rooftop. He forgot the rumours Minhyuk and Dongwook had spread. He forgot that this had all started as something fake. Because right now, with Chanyeol’s mouth moving so tenderly against his, it felt so achingly real. 

Chanyeol pulled back slowly, like he didn’t want to break the moment too abruptly. 

Their lips parted with the faintest hesitation, breaths still mingling warmly between them.

Baekhyun stayed there, eyes half-lidded, heart racing far too fast for his own liking, but didn’t move away.

Chanyeol’s hand remained cupping his jaw, the touch so warm and soft that Baekhyun wanted to close his eyes and lean completely into it.

Baekhyun swallowed, his voice coming out softer than he intended. “What was that…?”

For a few seconds, Chanyeol didn’t answer. His gaze stayed fixed on Baekhyun’s lips, now slightly swollen and slick from the kiss.

Then he slowly withdrew his hand, making Baekhyun unconsciously pout at the loss.

“Jongin and Sehun were watching,” Chanyeol said, almost casually.

The words didn’t land at first.

Baekhyun blinked, expression blank. “What?”

Chanyeol nodded subtly over his shoulder. “They’re at the table behind you. They’ve been staring at us intently for the past five minutes. I thought we should give them what they’re so desperate to catch.”

Baekhyun’s stomach dropped as the post-kiss haze shattered.

He leaned back before he could stop himself, the sudden distance feeling colder than it should have.

“Oh,” he said blandly, not quite understanding why disappointment curled so sharply in his chest.

The warmth that had just been building inside him collapsed in on itself.

Of course. The kiss had been for show, just like all the others. Chanyeol had even asked for his permission earlier. But why did this one feel different? Why did it feel like Chanyeol had been aching to taste every inch of him out of pure want, not performance?

How good of an actor was Chanyeol, really?

Baekhyun let out a quiet breath, forcing a small laugh that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Right. Yeah. That makes sense.”

Chanyeol’s gaze lingered on him for a moment, something unreadable flickering across his face, but Baekhyun didn’t look long enough to figure it out.

Instead, he smoothed down the front of his shirt, a nervous habit, grounding himself.“Good thinking,” he added lightly. “Very… convincing.”

Chanyeol didn’t respond immediately. He simply watched Baekhyun’s reaction with careful eyes.

Baekhyun finally glanced up, offering a practised smile, the same polite, professional one he wore at work when he needed to hide how he really felt.

“Should we head back?” he asked. “Before they start expecting an encore.”

Chanyeol studied him for a second longer before nodding. 

“Yeah,” he said quietly. “Let’s head back.”

And just like that, they slipped back into the act.

But this time, Baekhyun couldn’t quite shake the feeling of Chanyeol’s lips still lingering on his and the uncomfortable realisation that, for a moment there, he had almost wished it wasn’t just for show.

***

Baekhyun ended up falling sick just two days after their rooftop lunch.

He tried to blame it on the back-to-back on-call shifts, the endless exposure to germs in the ED, and the fact that he’d been running on caffeine and sheer stubbornness for weeks, despite being told to take some leave. 

But deep down, he knew the truth: he was exhausted, run-down, and his body had finally decided enough was enough.

The flu hit him hard with a high fever and body aches. He called in sick, crawled into bed, and told himself he’d sleep it off in a day or two. 

But he was wrong. 

By the third day, the fever dreams had blurred into one another, and he’d barely eaten anything except a few spoonfuls of plain rice. 

His apartment felt too quiet and too cold.

It was past midnight when Baekhyun finally dragged himself out of his bedroom, craving a change of scenery. 

He shuffled into the living room in an oversized hoodie and sweatpants, hair sticking up in every direction, nose red and eyes glassy.

He had just collapsed onto the couch with a miserable groan when he heard the soft click of his front door opening.

The hallway light flicked on. Baekhyun’s head snapped up.

Chanyeol stood in the doorway, already slipping off his shoes. He was still in his scrubs under a dark coat, looking like he’d come straight from the hospital. In one hand, he carried a plastic takeaway bag, in the other, his phone.

Their eyes met. Chanyeol’s expression softened instantly, a warm smile tugging at his lips as he stepped inside, as he belonged there.

“What are you doing here?” Baekhyun croaked, voice hoarse from disuse. Chanyeol held up the takeaway bag as he shrugged off his coat. 

“You weren’t answering your phone. Kyungsoo got worried, so he gave me your passcode. Hope you don’t mind.”

“Kyungsoo told you?” Baekhyun muttered, rubbing his eyes.

“He’s stuck doing overtime. I offered to check on you.” Chanyeol walked over and set the bag on the coffee table. “I brought soup,  Kyungsoo’s orders,  and tteokbokki from that place you like.”

Baekhyun’s stomach gave a loud, traitorous growl at the mention of food. He hadn’t realised how hungry he was until the smell of warm, spicy tteokbokki hit him. 

“You remembered?” he asked quietly.

Chanyeol shrugged like it was nothing, though his eyes were soft. “You mentioned it once. Figured it might help.”

Baekhyun didn’t know what to say. He simply nodded, too tired and too touched to argue.

They ate on the couch, side by side, the quiet stretching comfortably between them. Chanyeol had brought spoons and chopsticks, and he made sure Baekhyun actually ate more than a few bites, gently nudging the soup closer whenever he noticed him slowing down.

At some point, Chanyeol turned on a random movie, but neither of them paid much attention to it. Baekhyun’s eyelids grew heavier with every passing minute; the combination of warm food, medicine, and Chanyeol’s steady presence finally pulled the exhaustion over him like a blanket.

Without thinking, he shifted closer until his shoulder brushed against Chanyeol’s. Chanyeol didn’t move away.

After a moment, his arm lifted hesitantly before settling around Baekhyun’s shoulders, pulling him in gently.

“For practice,” Chanyeol murmured, voice low and warm. 

Baekhyun huffed a tired laugh, but didn’t pull away. “Obviously.”

Minutes passed in the comfortable position.

Eventually, Baekhyun’s head tipped sideways, resting against Chanyeol’s shoulder. 

Chanyeol went still for a second, then relaxed, his arm tightening just slightly around him.

Neither of them moved for the rest of the movie.

Baekhyun fell asleep like that, tucked against Chanyeol’s side, breathing steady and deep for the first time in days.

And Chanyeol stayed right there, quietly watching over him long after the credits rolled.

***

Baekhyun woke up slowly, cocooned in warmth.

The first thing he registered was the solid weight of an arm wrapped around his waist. 

The second was the steady rise and fall of a broad chest beneath his cheek. He blinked against the soft morning light filtering through the curtains, slowly piecing together the night before.

Chanyeol had come over to check up on him.

They had fallen asleep on the couch together. And at some point during the night, they had migrated to his bed until Baekhyun was practically draped over him, his head on Chanyeol’s chest, leg thrown over one of his, fingers loosely curled into the front of his borrowed hoodie.

Baekhyun’s face heated instantly.

He tried to shift away without waking the other man, but Chanyeol stirred at the movement. 

A low, sleepy rumble vibrated through his chest, his voice deep and rough from sleep.

“Baek…you okay?” Chanyeol’s voice was gravelly, impossibly attractive in the quiet morning. 

Chanyeol’s arm tightened for a second before loosening, like he didn’t want to let go but was trying to be respectful.

Baekhyun froze, heart hammering. 

He lifted his head just enough to meet Chanyeol’s half-lidded eyes. 

The older man looked unfairly gorgeous even with his messy bed hair, jaw shadowed with stubble, and lips slightly parted.

“Morning,” Baekhyun mumbled, voice hoarse. He was suddenly hyper-aware of every point of contact between them.

Chanyeol’s gaze softened as it roamed over Baekhyun’s face, taking in the flushed cheeks, the sleepy eyes, the way his hair stuck up in every direction. A small, fond smile tugged at his lips.

“Morning,” he replied, that deep morning voice sending another shiver down Baekhyun’s spine. “You look better now.”

Baekhyun’s ears burned. “I look like a disaster.”

“You look soft,” Chanyeol corrected quietly, thumb brushing lightly over Baekhyun’s hip where his hand still rested. “And gorgeous, you always do.”

Baekhyun had to look away, suddenly shy. He carefully untangled himself and sat up, rubbing the back of his neck.

Chanyeol followed, stretching his long limbs with a groan. The borrowed hoodie rode up slightly, revealing a strip of toned skin. Baekhyun quickly averted his eyes.

They moved around the small apartment in a slightly awkward dance, both hyper-aware of each other after waking up tangled together. 

Chanyeol folded the blanket while Baekhyun went to the bathroom to splash water on his face. 

When he came back, Chanyeol was in the kitchen, staring into the fridge with a contemplative frown. “Breakfast?” Chanyeol asked.

Baekhyun joined him, peering inside. 

The contents were pathetic: half a carton of expired milk, a lonely egg, and some wilted vegetables.

“We should probably order in,” Baekhyun admitted.

Chanyeol chuckled. “Good call. I don’t think either of us has the energy to grocery shop right now.”

They ended up back on the couch with delivery on the way, warm congee, side dishes, and iced Americanos. The initial shyness gradually melted as they ate, replaced by easy conversation and light teasing.

Chanyeol took a sip of his coffee, watching Baekhyun over the rim. “You know, you talk in your sleep.”

Baekhyun nearly choked. “I do not.”

“You do,” Chanyeol said, grinning. “You called me ‘hyung’ at least three times. Sounded very sweet.”

Baekhyun’s face heated. He narrowed his eyes, refusing to be outdone. “Well, you hog the blanket, and you snore like a freight train.”

Chanyeol let out a deep, warm laugh. “A freight train? That’s a new one.”

Baekhyun shrugged, a playful spark lighting up his eyes. “Haven’t your previous girlfriends ever mentioned it?”

He knew he was treading into dangerous territory the moment the words left his mouth, but he couldn’t help it. He’d wondered about Chanyeol’s dating history far too many nights already.

Chanyeol’s grin didn’t falter. “No, none of my girlfriends or boyfriends ever complained about it.”

Baekhyun fought the urge to raise an eyebrow and simply nodded, suddenly very focused on stirring his iced coffee with the straw.

“And you?” Chanyeol asked, turning the question back on him.

Baekhyun startled. “What about me?”

Chanyeol’s grin returned, softer this time. “Have your exes ever complained about your sleep talking?”

Baekhyun shook his head quickly. “Nope. You’re actually the first. Junmyeon-hyung used to say I did it when I was younger, but I thought I’d grown out of it.”

Chanyeol nodded thoughtfully, but Baekhyun was already eager to change the subject.

“When does your shift start?” he asked. “I don’t want to keep you any longer.”

Chanyeol’s expression faltered for a split second before he offered a soft smile. “What? Sick of me already, love?”

Baekhyun rolled his eyes, though there was no real bite to it. “You’ve already played nurse for me all night. Kyungsoo won’t kill you. You don’t have to babysit me for the entire day.”

“What if I want to?” Chanyeol gave him an intense look that made Baekhyun’s smile freeze.

“What—”

“Just kidding,” Chanyeol chuckled, reaching over to ruffle Baekhyun’s hair affectionately. He stood up and started gathering the takeaway boxes. “Let me help you clean up, then I’ll head out. Text me if you need anything, okay?”

Baekhyun watched as Chanyeol moved around the kitchen with those stupidly big, capable hands, cleaning up with efficiency.

“Fine,” he muttered beneath his breath. Why does he have to be so good at everything?

***

The hospital had never felt this suffocating.

Baekhyun had barely made it through half his shift when the page came, a summons to Dongwook’s office on the administrative floor. He already knew it wasn’t going to be good.

When he stepped inside, the room was empty except for Dongwook, who stood behind his desk flipping through a file Baekhyun immediately recognised as his own performance record. 

The door clicked shut behind him as he stood waiting for Dongwook to address him. Dongwook didn’t offer him a seat, not that Baekhyun was planning to sit in the first place. 

“You’ve been distracted,” he said flatly, eyes scanning the pages. “There are concerns that your performance has slipped, and now there are… those rumours going around.”

Baekhyun’s jaw tightened, knowing that Dongwook was just trying to threaten him with false claims. He knew his performance record was impeccable.

He stayed standing, shoulders squared and stated with a firm voice,  “With all due respect, my personal life has nothing to do with my work.”

Dongwook finally looked up, his expression unimpressed and cold. “It has everything to do with your work when it starts affecting your judgment.” He closed the file with a snap. “You’re on thin ice, Baekhyun. I can’t justify keeping a resident who’s more focused on playing house with the new star surgeon than on his patients.”

The words landed like a slap. Baekhyun’s hands curled into fists at his sides. “Are you threatening to pull my residency?”

“I’m saying I’m considering it,” Dongwook replied coolly, leaning back in his chair. “Minhyuk may be gone, but his concerns about your conduct are still on record. And quite frankly, your recent behaviour hasn’t helped your case.”

Baekhyun’s stomach twisted. Of course, Minhyuk was still pulling strings through Dongwook. 

He knew that the extra on-call shifts and the sudden schedule changes had all been coordinated for a reason.

“You’re doing this because I won’t let you control me anymore,” Baekhyun said, voice low but steady. “Because I left you. Because I reported Minhyuk when no one else would.”

Dongwook’s smile was thin and ugly. “Careful, Baekhyun. Just because you’re warming Park Chanyeol’s bed doesn’t mean you’re untouchable. One more mistake, one more complaint, and I’ll make sure your residency ends here. No one will bat an eye, not when they hear how distracted you’ve been lately.”

Baekhyun stared at him, chest tight with anger and exhaustion. For a moment, the old insecurity Dongwook had planted years ago tried to rear its head; the voice that whispered he wasn’t good enough, but he quickly shoved it down. 

“I’m not the one abusing my position to settle personal scores,” Baekhyun said coldly. “If you want to come after me, do it properly. Don’t hide behind fabricated performance issues.”

Dongwook’s eyes narrowed. “Watch your tone, resident.”

Baekhyun held his gaze for a long second with defiance before turning on his heel.

As he reached the door, Dongwook’s voice followed him, low and venomous.

“Enjoy your little romance while it lasts, Baekhyun. We both know how these things end.”

Baekhyun didn’t dignify him with a response. He stepped out and closed the door firmly behind him, heart pounding with a mix of rage and dread.

He leaned against the wall for a moment, breathing through the anger.

He knew very well that if Dongwook really wanted to destroy him, he had the power to do it.

And Baekhyun wasn’t sure how long their fake dating shield would hold.

***

Baekhyun’s personal office was supposed to be his one small sanctuary in the hospital.

Minseok was the ED attending on-call and had made sure Baekhyun had sufficient rest, so he was resting on his sofa, scrolling through his emails on his phone. 

Suddenly, the door opened without a knock, revealing Dongwook.

Baekhyun faught the urge to roll his eyes at how conveniently Dongwook was able to find him on his break. 

“Have you thought about what I said last week?” He asked, before Baekhyun could open his mouth to ask him why he was in his office. 

“I thought I said quite clearly that I am not interested in playing these stupid games with you, Dongwook.” Baekhyun stood up from the couch, standing and crossing his arms to look at him head-on. 

He will refuse to bend under pressure or any sign of weakness, and he knows that Dongwook would take advantage. 

Dongwook said, leaning against the edge of Baekhyun’s desk as he owned it. “With all these rumours about you and Dr Park, it doesn’t look good for the hospital.”

Baekhyun stood rigid, “My work hasn’t slipped, nor has Chanyeol’s. You’re manufacturing reasons because you can’t stand that I’m not under your thumb anymore.”

Dongwook’s smile was thin and ugly. “You think being Chanyeol’s lover, it makes you untouchable? Don’t forget that I am on the board now. One word from me and you can say goodbye to your residency.”

The door to the office swung open without a knock.

Chanyeol stepped inside, his soft smile dropping as his eyes immediately locked onto Dongwook with cold precision.

“Am I interrupting something?” he asked, voice low. 

Dongwook straightened, irritation flashing across his face. “This is a private conversation, Dr Park.”

Chanyeol didn’t stop walking until he was standing beside Baekhyun, close enough that their arms brushed. “It concerns my boyfriend. So it concerns me.”

Baekhyun’s breath caught at the casual use of the word, even though they both knew it was part of the act.

“With all due respect,” Chanyeol continued, tone measured but carrying an unmistakable edge, “Baekhyun is one of the most competent residents in this hospital. If there’s been any distraction, it’s because of unnecessary pressure, not the lack of ability.”

Dongwook’s expression hardened, “I said, that this doesn’t concern you, Dr Park.”

“It does, if you’re using our relationship to threaten him,” Chanyeol said simply, stepping slightly in front of Baekhyun. There was something undeniably possessive in the way he positioned himself, like a protective shield.

Dongwook stared at them for a long moment, jaw tight. Finally, he pushed off the desk.

“This conversation is over,” he said coldly. “I’ll make my decision.”

He left without another word, the door clicking shut behind him with quiet menace.

The silence that followed was heavy.

Baekhyun exhaled shakily, “What the hell was that, Chanyeol?”

“What it needed to be,” Chanyeol replied, voice still tight with restrained anger. He turned abruptly, running a hand through his own hair in frustration.

“I was dealing with him fine,” Baekhyun said, though his voice wavered. “Now, he’s even more ticked off. You coming in here to protect me only makes him want to come after me harder.”

Chanyeol turned back to him, eyes intense. “He’s threatening to pull your residency, Baek. I’m not going to stand by and let him do that.”

“Chanyeol, this isn’t your fight,” Baekhyun pleaded quietly. “I don’t want you getting dragged into this mess. I can handle it. He’s just making empty threats.”

Chanyeol stepped closer, his gaze softening but no less determined. “Baekhyun, I want you to know that no matter what sly move he tries to pull, I’ve got you covered.”

The intensity in Chanyeol’s eyes made Baekhyun gulp nervously. He looked away, heart racing for reasons he didn’t want to examine too closely.

“I know,” he murmured, believing every word. “Why are you here, anyway?”

“I heard from Sehun in the cafeteria that you’d been sent to rest up here,” Chanyeol said. “I was going to ask if you wanted to grab a quick coffee together.” 

His expression darkened again, “But now I’m more in the mood to punch that dickhead in the face.”

Baekhyun couldn’t help the small, tired laugh that escaped him. He found the frustrated, protective look on Chanyeol’s face annoyingly attractive, and he scolded his brain for even noticing it right now.

“You can’t punch the director’s son,” he said, shaking his head. “Even if he deserves it.”

Chanyeol’s lips twitched. “Doesn’t mean I don’t want to.”

***

The hospital rooftop was quiet at dusk, the city lights beginning to flicker on below them like scattered stars. 

The cool wind tugged at Baekhyun’s white coat and loose strands of hair as he stood near the concrete ledge, arms crossed tightly over his chest.

Chanyeol stood a few feet away, shoulders tense, one hand tucked into his pocket while the other flexed restlessly at his side. 

Baekhyun had texted him to come to the rooftop. They were both on night shifts this week and had managed to have a break synchronised for the first time this week. 

They hadn’t spoken properly since the confrontation in Baekhyun’s office. 

Baekhyun had hated how Chanyeol had to see how Dongwook spoke to him, and especially, the fact that he had to speak up on his behalf. It made him feel like a pitiful case. 

He wasn’t some baby that needed to be coddled. He hated how Chanyeol would always see him as Junmyeon’s younger brother. 

Baekhyun exhaled sharply and turned to face him first. “You shouldn’t have done that.”

Chanyeol’s head lifted to meet his gaze with his big eyes, which Baekhyun hated, as they gleamed under the moonlight. “Done what?”

“You know what.” Baekhyun crossed his arms, jaw tight. “Stepping in like that and making a scene.”

Chanyeol stared at him for a moment, then gave a short, disbelieving laugh.

“Making a scene?” Chanyeol repeated, his expression dumbfounded. “Baekhyun, he was talking to you like you were something he still owned.”

“I could have handled it myself.”

“I know you could have,” Chanyeol said, voice low. 

“Then why didn’t you let me?”

The wind moved between them, carrying the distant sounds of traffic far below.

Chanyeol stepped forward once, frustration flickering across his face, “Because I couldn’t stand there and watch him disrespect you like that!”

Baekhyun’s eyes narrowed, frustration and something deeper burning in his chest. “That’s not your responsibility, Chanyeol.”

Chanyeol stepped forward, frustration flickering across his face. “It is when it’s you.”

The words hit Baekhyun harder than he expected. He swallowed hard, suddenly aware of how small the distance between them had become.

“Chanyeol…”

“I’m serious, Baek.” Chanyeol ran a hand through his hair, the carefully styled strands falling loose. “I know we kept saying this is some arrangement, some temporary fix. But I have to admit… it stopped being fake for me a long time ago.”

The city noise below seemed to disappear entirely.

Baekhyun froze, heart slamming against his ribs. “What?”

Chanyeol gave a humourless smile. “This whole fake dating thing? It stopped being fake for me weeks ago.”

Baekhyun’s pulse kicked hard. “You can’t just say that!”

“Why not?”

“Because if it’s not fake anymore,” Baekhyun said, voice thinner now than he wanted it to be, “then what is it?”

Chanyeol didn’t answer immediately. 

He crossed the remaining distance slowly, giving Baekhyun every chance to step back. When he didn’t, Chanyeol stopped close enough that Baekhyun could feel the warmth radiating from him, could smell the faint trace of his cologne beneath the night air.

Chanyeol lifted his hand, slowly. 

His fingers settled at Baekhyun’s waist, the same familiar place he had touched whenever they were acting out as a couple, but it was much gentler now, thumb brushing once over the fabric of his scrub top.

“This,” Chanyeol said quietly.

Baekhyun’s breath caught.

“Every time my hand was on your waist,” Chanyeol continued, eyes fixed on his, “it was real.”

His fingers tightened slightly.

“The way I always looked for you in every room I entered,”

Another step closer.

“Real.”

Baekhyun’s hands curled against his own arms.

“Wanting to tear Dongwook apart for speaking to you like that? Very real.”

Baekhyun let out an unsteady breath and looked away, overwhelmed.

“I thought you were just really good at pretending,” Baekhyun murmured, still not believing what Chanyeol was saying. 

Chanyeol’s other hand came up, cupping Baekhyun’s face fully now. His thumb stroked slowly over his cheekbone.

“Maybe I wasn’t pretending as much as you thought,” he murmured, gaze dropping to Baekhyun’s lips. “And I don’t think you were either.”

Baekhyun’s throat tightened. “Don’t say things like that.”

“Why?” Chanyeol asked softly, thumb still softly brushing his cheek.

“Because this just makes things more complicated,” Baekhyun choked out, not shying away from Chanyeol’s touch as it still provided him comfort despite the words that were coming out of his mouth. “This was supposed to be simple! A way to shut Minhyuk up and keep Dongwook away…” He swallowed. “And…I know that you always saw me as Junmyeon’s younger brother and that you only agreed to this whole thing because you felt bad–”

Chanyeol’s eyes darkened. “Stop right there.”

He leaned in closer, voice low and rough. “Yes, I saw you as Junmyeon’s brother growing up. But when I saw you again after all these years, you’d grown into someone incredible. I admit, at first, it was platonic affection. But I couldn’t hide how attracted I was to you, Baekhyun. When the chance to help you came up, I didn’t think twice. In no way did I ever pity you. I would’ve done far more if I could, regardless of whether you’re Junmyeon’s brother or not.”

Baekhyun took a shaky breath, absorbing the words. When he opened his eyes again, Chanyeol was staring at him like he’d hung the stars.

“So all those kisses…?” Baekhyun whispered.

“They didn’t feel fake to me either.”

The confession hung between them like a spark on dry tinder.

“It was never fake when I touched you,” Chanyeol said, voice dropping lower. “Not when you kissed me back like you really meant it.”

Baekhyun’s heart hammered so hard he thought it might burst. 

“I had just thought that we were getting too good at this,” he whispered. “And that’s why I was forgetting the lines between pretend and real.”

Chanyeol’s thumb stroked slowly over his cheekbone.

“What if you stopped trying to think about those lines, Baek?”

Baekhyun blinked back at him. 

“What if we stopped calling it pretend because that’s safer?” Chanyeol asked, voice low and rough now. “What if we just let it be what it already is?”

Baekhyun couldn’t help but feel every defence he’d carefully built over the last months beginning to splinter.

“I’m scared,” he admitted at last, barely audible. “What if we ruin everything? What if pretending was easier?”

Chanyeol’s gaze never wavered, “Then at least we will be in it together, Baek.”

The answer was so immediate, so certain, that Baekhyun almost laughed.

Instead, his eyes burned with tears. 

“I’m tired too,” Chanyeol said, softer now. “Tired of pretending I don’t want this. Tired of pretending I don’t want you.”

The rooftop seemed suddenly too small for the feeling swelling inside Baekhyun’s chest.

Chanyeol leaned closer, their noses nearly brushing.

“Tell me to stop,” he murmured. “And I will.”

Baekhyun should have.

He should have stepped back, laughed it off, and reminded them both of the risk of catching feelings when Baekhyun had real enemies wanting to end his career at any moment.

Instead, he rose onto his toes and kissed him.

There was no audience this time. No cameras. No ex watching from across the room.

Just the quiet city below and the sharp inhale Chanyeol gave against his mouth before he kissed him back.

Baekhyun felt the difference immediately. It wasn’t as careful as their staged kisses before. Every press of their lips was filled with undoubted devotion. 

Chanyeol’s hand slid to the nape of Baekhyun’s neck, fingers threading into the hair there as the arm around his waist tightened, pulling him flush against a broad chest that felt just as unsteady as his own.

Baekhyun gripped the lapels of Chanyeol’s blazer, mouth parting on a breath as Chanyeol deepened the kiss slowly, like he’d wanted to for far too long and was still trying to be gentle about it.

Warmth rushed through Baekhyun so quickly that it made his knees weak.

He made a soft, involuntary sound into the kiss and felt Chanyeol shudder in response.

When they finally broke apart, it was only enough to breathe.

Eventually, their foreheads rested together, hands holding onto each other in a tight embrace. 

Baekhyun let out a shaky laugh, “I guess we were really bad at faking it.”

Chanyeol smiled against his mouth, breath warm over Baekhyun’s lips.

“Good,” he said softly. “Because I don’t want to fake anything with you anymore.”

Baekhyun answered by kissing him again.

He kissed him with months of pent-up frustration and want, their lips crashed together, as Baekhyun’s slender fingers twisted tightly into the front of Chanyeol’s scrub top as he pulled him closer. 

Chanyeol responded instantly with a low growl, one hand sliding to the nape of Baekhyun’s neck while the other gripped his waist, yanking him flush against his body.

The kiss became more heated and filled with urgency. 

Chanyeol tilted his head, deepening it with a hunger that made Baekhyun’s knees weak. 

Their tongues met, sliding hot and desperately together, their breaths mingling in sharp, ragged gasps between them. 

Chanyeol kissed like he was starving, his teeth grazing Baekhyun’s lower lip, sucking it gently before diving back in, tongue stroking deep and possessively.

Baekhyun moaned softly into his mouth, the sound swallowed by Chanyeol as he pressed forward, backing Baekhyun against the concrete ledge. 

One of Chanyeol’s hands slid down to grip his hip, fingers digging in just enough to bruise as he rocked their bodies together.

When they finally broke apart, both were breathing hard, lips swollen and slick. Chanyeol’s forehead rested against Baekhyun’s, eyes dark and intense.

When they finally broke apart on the rooftop, both were breathing hard, lips swollen and slick. Chanyeol’s forehead rested against Baekhyun’s, eyes dark and intense.

“How many minutes of your break are left, Dr Byun?” Chanyeol murmured, voice low and rough.

Baekhyun let out a breathless laugh, eyes crinkling. Before he could answer, Chanyeol leaned down again, stealing another soft peck, then another, like he couldn’t bear to stop.

Somehow, they ended up in Chanyeol’s personal office.

The door clicked shut behind them. Chanyeol twisted the lock without breaking eye contact. 

The lights were dimmed low, casting long shadows across the room. Their pagers sat on the desk, close enough to hear if they went off, but for now, the outside world felt very far away.

Chanyeol’s hand found Baekhyun’s waist again, firmer this time, pulling him in until there was no space left between them. Baekhyun inhaled sharply as their bodies pressed flush together, heat instantly flaring between them.

Their mouths met again, less hesitant now.

“Still think this is fake?” Chanyeol whispered against his lips, voice husky.

Baekhyun shook his head, breath uneven. “No…”

The answer slipped out before he could stop it.

The kiss deepened instantly. Chanyeol tilted his head, tongue sliding against Baekhyun’s with slow, deliberate strokes that made Baekhyun’s knees weaken. Baekhyun moaned softly into his mouth, fingers curling tightly into the front of Chanyeol’s shirt as he kissed him back just as fiercely. Their tongues tangled, hot and wet, breaths mingling in desperate gasps between kisses.

Chanyeol’s hand slipped beneath the hem of Baekhyun’s scrub top, palm sliding up the warm skin of his back. The touch was possessive, fingertips pressing into muscle as he pulled Baekhyun even closer, grinding their hips together in a slow, deliberate roll.

“Fuck, Baek…” Chanyeol groaned against his mouth, the sound deep and wrecked. “You have no idea what you do to me.”

Baekhyun shivered at the words, nipping at Chanyeol’s bottom lip before soothing it with his tongue. “Then show me,” he breathed, voice trembling with want.

Chanyeol made a low, approving sound and walked Baekhyun backwards until his hips hit the edge of the desk. He lifted him effortlessly onto it, stepping between his spread thighs. Their kisses turned messier, tongues stroking deeper, hands roaming with increasing urgency. 

Chanyeol’s mouth moved to Baekhyun’s jaw, then down to his neck, sucking lightly at the sensitive skin just below his ear.

Baekhyun’s head fell back with a soft moan, fingers threading into Chanyeol’s hair. “Hyung…”

Chanyeol shuddered at hearing Baekhyun moan like that, sucking harder, leaving a faint mark that would be easy to hide under a collar. His hand continued its exploration under Baekhyun’s shirt, thumb brushing over a nipple, drawing another broken sound from him.

They were both breathing hard, bodies pressed tight, hips rocking together in a slow, heated rhythm. The line they had been so carefully maintaining had completely vanished.

For the first time since this all began, neither of them tried to hide their desire for each other anymore.

***

The door to Chanyeol’s apartment had barely clicked shut before the tension that had been building since their heated makeout session finally snapped.

They were both exhausted from their night shifts, but it didn’t stop the craving to feel each other close. 

Baekhyun turned toward him, breath catching slightly, his pupils dilated, before Chanyeol was already on him, his large hands cupping his face as he walked Baekhyun backwards until his back hit the wall. 

Their mouths crashed together in a kiss enough to make Baekhyun’s knees weak.

“Let’s shower first,” Chanyeol rasped hotly against his lips, barely pulling back. “I’ve been waiting to ruin you all night.”

Baekhyun shivered at the promise in his voice and let himself be led.

The shower was hot, steam filling the glass enclosure as they stripped each other between kisses. 

Chanyeol carefully pushed damp hair back from Baekhyun’s forehead, thumbs brushing over flushed cheeks while the water ran over both of them.

Baekhyun looked up at him through wet lashes, heart squeezing painfully at the tenderness hidden beneath all of Chanyeol’s touches.

“What?” Chanyeol asked quietly, a small smile tugging at his lips when he noticed Baekhyun still staring at him.

Baekhyun shook his head faintly, stepping closer until their foreheads touched beneath the spray.

“Nothing,” he murmured. “I just… really like you.”

The confession slipped out so naturally that both of them went still for a second.

Chanyeol’s expression softened in a way Baekhyun had never quite seen before. He leaned down and pressed a slow, lingering kiss to Baekhyun’s forehead, then wrapped his strong arms around him, pulling him close under the steady stream of water.

“Good,” Chanyeol whispered. “Because I’m pretty sure I’m gone for you, too.”

Baekhyun’s heart stuttered. The quiet confession made something warm bloom in his chest. When he tilted his head up, the look in his eyes was full of quiet want, and Chanyeol saw it immediately.

Within seconds, their mouths met again in a deep, unhurried kiss.

Before Baekhyun knew it, Chanyeol had pressed Baekhyun against the tiles, mouth claiming his again, deeper this time, tongue sliding against Baekhyun’s with filthy intent. 

Water cascaded over them as Chanyeol’s hands started to roam, worshipping every inch of skin like he had been dying to do this for months.

“Look at you,” Chanyeol murmured, lips brushing Baekhyun’s ear as he soaped his chest, thumbs circling sensitive nipples. “So fucking pretty when you’re like this, all mine.”

Baekhyun’s breath hitched, but he still managed a breathless, sassy reply. “Prove you’re just as good as the rumours in high school then, Hyung.”

Chanyeol paused, pulling back just enough to meet his eyes, a dark, amused spark lighting up in them.

“You heard about that?” he asked, voice low and rough, a smirk tugging at his lips.

Baekhyun flushed, water running down his face. “Hard not to. Junmyeon-hyung was your best friend. I was four years behind you, but I still overheard enough conversations about your…conquests. The girls would talk in the hallways about how you apparently knew exactly what you were doing.” He bit his lip, eyes challenging. “So…prove the rumours right.”

Chanyeol’s eyes flashed with heat. A low, dangerous chuckle rumbled in his chest.

“Oh, baby,” he said, voice dropping even deeper, eyes flashing with hunger. “You have no idea how much I’m going to enjoy this.”

He dropped to his knees without hesitation, water streaming down his broad shoulders as he took Baekhyun into his mouth in one smooth motion. 

Baekhyun’s head fell back against the wall with a broken moan, fingers threading tightly into Chanyeol’s wet hair as that skilled tongue worked him, slow and teasing, before taking him deeper. 

“Hyung—fuck—” Chanyeol pulled off just long enough to look up, water dripping from his lashes. “Let me take care of you, baby. You’ve been so good. Let me make you feel good.”

He sucked Baekhyun down again, hollowing his cheeks, one hand stroking at the base while the other gripped Baekhyun’s thigh, holding him steady as Baekhyun’s legs shook from the pleasure.

But Chanyeol wasn’t done.

After bringing Baekhyun right to the edge, he pulled off with a wet pop, ignoring the desperate whine that escaped Baekhyun’s throat. He stood, spinning Baekhyun around and pressing him chest-first against the cool tiles.

“Stay just like this,” Chanyeol ordered, voice low and rough. He dropped to his knees again, hands spreading Baekhyun’s cheeks as he leaned in.

The first swipe of his tongue against Baekhyun’s entrance drew a sharp, shocked moan from him. Chanyeol didn’t hold back; he licked broad and slow at first, then more focused, tongue circling and pressing inside. 

Baekhyun’s forehead pressed against the tile, mouth open, and let out broken gasps as Chanyeol ate him out like he was starving for years.

“Hyung—oh god—” 

Chanyeol groaned against him, the vibration sending sparks up Baekhyun’s spine. He worked him open with his tongue, one hand reaching around to stroke Baekhyun’s cock in time with every thrust of his tongue.

“You taste so good,” Chanyeol murmured, voice muffled and wrecked. “So fucking tight and sweet for me. Come on, baby. Let me see you fall apart just on my tongue.”

Baekhyun came hard with a choked cry, hips jerking as pleasure crashed over him. 

Chanyeol didn’t stop. He kept licking him through it, his strokes getting more gentle until Baekhyun was trembling and oversensitive, whimpering softly against the tile.

Only then did Chanyeol stand, turning Baekhyun around and kissing him deeply, letting him taste himself on Chanyeol’s tongue.

“Still think the rumours were exaggerated?” he asked, voice husky, against his swollen lips, a smug but fond smile curving his mouth.

Baekhyun could barely speak, legs shaky and chest heaving. He leaned heavily against Chanyeol, pressing his face into his wet shoulder.

“You’re going to kill me,” he gasped against Chanyeol’s mouth.

Chanyeol chuckled darkly, kissing him back just as hungrily, before wrapping his muscled arms around him and holding him close under the warm spray. “Let’s get you cleaned up and into bed. I’m nowhere near done taking care of you.”

***

After the shower, they barely dried off before he was dropped unceremoniously on Chanyeol’s large bed. 

Chanyeol pulled Baekhyun closer immediately, wrapping strong arms around him and pressing soft kisses to his damp hair, his temple, the curve of his shoulder.

“You okay?” he whispered, voice tender now. “It wasn’t too much?”

Baekhyun hummed softly, curling deeper into Chanyeol’s chest as if he belonged there. “No… I had an extra shot of coffee right before the morning handover,” he admitted, a lazy smile tugging at his lips. “I knew we wouldn’t be just ‘sleeping’ afterwards.”

Chanyeol let out a low chuckle, the sound vibrating warmly against Baekhyun’s cheek. “Oh, I see. So you came prepared.” He tilted his head, grinning down at him. “I hope you didn’t make your dirty little thoughts too obvious during handover. You were awfully flushed when we walked in.”

Baekhyun groaned, hiding his face in Chanyeol’s neck. “Shut up. I blamed you entirely for what you did to me in your office during our break.”

They lay together like that for a while, trading lazy kisses and gentle touches, until the heat between them began to build again. 

Chanyeol rolled them so Baekhyun was on his back, hovering over him with dark, hungry eyes.

“Still with me?” Chanyeol asked, voice low.

Baekhyun nodded, biting his lip. “Don’t stop.”

Chanyeol kissed him deeply, then moved lower, slowly placing open-mouthed kisses down his sensitive neck, chest, and soft stomach. 

He eventually settled between Baekhyun’s spread thighs, hands gently pushing them wider apart.

“I am going to take care of you properly now,” he murmured, reaching for the lube on the nightstand. He warmed it between his fingers before pressing one slick digit against Baekhyun’s entrance, circling teasingly. “Relax for me, baby.”

Baekhyun exhaled shakily as Chanyeol pushed the first finger in slowly and carefully. He was still a little loose from earlier from Chanyeol’s tongue, but Chanyeol took his time anyway, pumping gently, curling his finger just right until Baekhyun’s hips twitched and a soft moan escaped him.

“That’s it,” Chanyeol praised, voice husky. “So good for your hyung. Look at you taking my finger so easily.”

Baekhyun’s slender fingers clutched onto Chanyeol’s bicep, the one driving his fingers inside of him, while his other hand fisted the bedsheet tightly. His body quivered with pleasure, thighs trembling as he tried to keep them spread wide for Chanyeol.

He added a second finger, scissoring them carefully, stretching Baekhyun open with patient, deliberate movements. Baekhyun’s head fell back against the pillow, breath coming in short gasps as Chanyeol crooked his fingers and brushed that sensitive spot inside him.

“Chanyeol—fuck—right there!”

“Feel good?” Chanyeol asked, leaning down to kiss the inside of Baekhyun’s thigh. He added a third finger, stretching him wider, thrusting slowly while watching every reaction on Baekhyun’s face. “You’re so tight and sensitive here, baby. So perfect. It’s going to feel even better when I’m inside you.”

Baekhyun’s back arched off the bed, a broken whimper spilling from his lips. His cock lay heavy and leaking against his stomach, twitching with every stroke of Chanyeol’s fingers.

“God–,” Baekhyun gasped, voice wrecked. “Fuck—”

Baekhyun was trembling now, hips rolling down to meet every thrust of Chanyeol’s fingers, soft whimpers spilling from his lips. 

Chanyeol kept the pace steady and deep, curling his fingers with expert precision until Baekhyun was panting, tears of overwhelming pleasure gathering at the corners of his eyes.

“Please,” Baekhyun gasped, voice wrecked. “Chanyeol—I need you.”

Chanyeol groaned at the plea, pulling his fingers out carefully. He rolled on a condom, slicked himself generously, and lined up, pressing the head of his well-endowed cock against Baekhyun’s twitching entrance.

“Tell me if it’s too much for you,” he said, voice strained with restraint.

Baekhyun nodded, eyes locked on his. “Just fuck me already.”

Chanyeol pushed in slowly at first, inch by thick inch, watching Baekhyun’s face the entire time. When he bottomed out, they both stilled, breathing hard, foreheads pressed together.

After Baekhyun started to relax around him, Chanyeol began to move.

He started with long, deep thrusts, letting Baekhyun feel every inch. Chanyeol groaned, fighting the urge to roll back his eyes from the pleasure, before switching to a harder and faster pace. 

The bed frame knocked against the wall in a steady rhythm as Chanyeol fucked him with intense, powerful strokes; his hips snapping forward, driving deep with every thrust. 

He then hooked Baekhyun’s legs over his shoulders, folding him nearly in half, hitting that spot relentlessly until Baekhyun was babbling nonsense: “hyung” and “please” and broken variations of Chanyeol’s name.

“Fuck—Chanyeol—too much—don’t stop—”

Chanyeol’s pace was relentless, almost punishing in its intensity. Every thrust was deep and precise, slamming into that sensitive spot inside Baekhyun over and over until his vision whited out. 

Baekhyun’s hands scrabbled at the sheets, mouth open on silent screams as pleasure bordered on overwhelming.

“Fuck, Baek… you’re taking me so well,” Chanyeol growled, voice strained, sweat dripping down his chest.  “Look at you falling apart on my cock. Come for me, baby.”

Baekhyun came hard with a broken cry, back arching off the bed, clenching tight around Chanyeol as waves of pleasure crashed through him. He came untouched, cock pulsing between them, painting his own stomach.

Chanyeol groaned at the feeling, the pace stuttering, before he followed him over the edge. 

Chanyeol’s hips snapped forward once, twice, before being buried deep as he came with a low, guttural moan.

They stayed like that for a long moment, chests heaving, breaths mingling in the quiet room. Chanyeol pressed one last lingering kiss to Baekhyun’s temple before slowly pulling out, careful not to hurt him. 

He tied off the condom and tossed it aside, then collapsed beside Baekhyun, immediately pulling him into his arms.

Baekhyun went willingly, curling into Chanyeol’s chest as he belonged there, face tucked against the warm skin of his neck.

After a few minutes of quiet breathing and gentle touches, Chanyeol shifted. “Let me clean you up, baby.”

He disappeared for a moment and returned with a warm, damp towel. With patient, tender hands, he wiped Baekhyun down with gentle strokes over his stomach, thighs, and between his legs. 

Baekhyun shivered at the care, eyes half-lidded and heavy with exhaustion and contentment.

Chanyeol helped him into a fresh bathrobe, then carried him to the armchair while he quickly changed the sheets. 

Once the bed was clean and inviting again, Chanyeol pulled the blackout curtains shut, blocking out the morning light, and carried Baekhyun back to bed.

He tucked them both under the covers and drew Baekhyun close once more, arms wrapped securely around him. Soft kisses were pressed to his damp hair, his temple, the curve of his shoulder.

“You okay?” Chanyeol whispered, fingers tracing soothing patterns along Baekhyun’s spine. “It wasn’t too much?”

Baekhyun hummed, pressing closer, legs tangling with Chanyeol’s. “If that was ‘too much,’ I’m signing up for overtime like this every day.”

Chanyeol let out a soft, warm chuckle, holding him a little tighter. “You’ve been carrying so much for so long, Baek. You don’t have to do it alone anymore. Let me take some of the weight.”

Baekhyun’s eyes fluttered shut, the last of the tension draining from his body as he nestled deeper into Chanyeol’s embrace.

“I know,” he whispered, voice barely audible. “I trust you.”

***

The honeymoon phase didn’t last long for the new couple. 

After a few precious days off spent mostly in Chanyeol’s bed, spending lazy mornings together, getting acquainted in tangled sheets, reality eventually returned for the couple. 

Both of them were back on the roster the following week, and the hospital’s familiar chaos swallowed them once again.

Baekhyun had tried to ignore Kyungsoo’s increasingly insistent texts for a full day. He knew what was coming. But guilt eventually won out, and during a quiet moment in an on-call room, he finally called his best friend.

The “I told you so” was immediate and merciless.

“I knew it,” Kyungsoo said, voice smug even through the phone. “From the moment you told me about this ridiculous fake dating plan, I knew you’d fall for him. You’re so predictable, Baek.”

Baekhyun groaned, rubbing his face. “Can you at least pretend to be surprised?”

“No. I’ve been waiting for this for months. You had heart eyes every time Chanyeol walked into the room, even when you were pretending not to.”

Baekhyun didn’t argue as Kyungsoo had been right; his crush for Chanyeol had truly never gone and had come back even more at full force than when he had it when he was a teenager. 

Baekhyun, however, did make one request: “You can tell Jongin if you want, but please let me deal with Sehun myself. I need to prepare myself mentally and break it to him slowly, you know how he is.”

Kyungsoo had agreed, emphasising. 

Unfortunately, little did Baekhyun know, Jongin would have other plans.

***

Later that afternoon, during their overlapping break, Baekhyun stepped into Kyungsoo’s office in the paediatric ward, expecting a quiet moment to vent.

Instead, he walked into an ambush.

Sehun was already there, lounging on the small couch surrounded by colourful plushies, a stark contrast to the sterile hospital environment. Jongin sat beside him, looking both guilty and excited.

Baekhyun froze in the doorway. “Why do I feel like I’m about to be cornered?”

Kyungsoo, leaning against his desk with his arms crossed, gave him a small, knowing smirk. “Because you are.”

Before Baekhyun could escape, Jongin, who had clearly been bursting to tell someone, leaned forward and whispered dramatically to Sehun, “Baekhyun and Chanyeol sunbae were fake dating the whole time.”

Sehun froze.

The silence lasted three full seconds.

And then, he exploded.

“YOU WERE FAKE DATING?!” Sehun shot up from the couch, nearly knocking over some stuffed animals. 

“Sehun-ah…”, Baekhyun started to say, but the tall intern carried on rambling. 

“You’re telling me all those heart eyes, all those ‘kisses’, Chanyeol’s ‘my boyfriend’ speech, it was ALL FAKE?!”

Jongin winced at Sehun’s loud volume and tried to calm him down after receiving a glare from Baekhyun and Kyungsoo for messing up, “Well…I don’t know if it helps…but despite it starting fake, it’s now real.”

Sehun clutched his chest like he was having a medical emergency. “I have been emotionally invested in this relationship for weeks! I even made a PowerPoint on it! And you’re telling me it was all scripted?!”

Baekhyun couldn’t help but burst out laughing at seeing the comical reaction, tears pricking at the corners of his eyes as he watched Sehun spiral spectacularly. He leaned against the doorframe, shoulders shaking with unrestrained amusement.

“You absolute traitors!” Sehun pointed an accusatory finger at Baekhyun, then swung it toward Kyungsoo. 

“You knew?! You all knew, and you let me believe it was real? I defended your honour in the surgical group chat! I argued with people who said it was fake! I was out here fighting for love!”

Kyungsoo, ever the calm one, simply shrugged. “I told Baekhyun it was an awful plan. He didn’t listen.”

Sehun whirled back to Baekhyun, eyes wide with betrayal. “Hyung! You let me suffer! I cried during the gala photos! Actual tears! I thought you two were endgame!”

Baekhyun was laughing so hard now that he had to wipe tears from his eyes. “I’m sorry, Sehun-ah, I couldn’t tell you. It started as a way to shut down the rumours. I didn’t expect…”

He trailed off, cheeks warming as he remembered just how quickly the lines had blurred.

Sehun collapsed back onto the couch, surrounded by plushies, looking personally wounded. 

“I feel betrayed on a spiritual level. My favourite sunbae and the nation’s hottest surgeon fake-dating the whole time? My heart can’t take this.”

Jongin patted his friend’s shoulder sympathetically, though he was clearly trying not to laugh. “At least it’s real now.”

Sehun eyed Baekhyun with suspicion. “How real is it? Have you guys slept together? Is that it? Because what else was left, given what you guys did in the name of pretending.”

Baekhyun’s face burned brighter as he realised where the conversation was going. “SEHUN—”

“No, no, I need to process this,” Sehun said, holding up a hand. “I’m going to need therapy. And compensation. And a formal apology from both you and Chanyeol. You guys must have been laughing at me, taking me for a fool.”

“No,” Baekhyun ruffled his hair. “As annoying as you were, we never considered you a fool, you actually helped us a lot inadvertently." 

Kyungsoo smirked, clearly enjoying the chaos. “Told you you’d fall for him, Baek.”

Baekhyun groaned, burying his face in his hands, but he was still smiling.

“You guys are never letting this go, are you?”

“Never,” Sehun declared. “This is the greatest plot twist in hospital history. I’m telling everyone.”

“Don’t you dare,” Baekhyun warned, but there was no real heat behind it.

Despite the relentless teasing, despite Sehun’s dramatic wailing and Jongin’s amused sympathy, 

Baekhyun felt strangely light and happy.

Watching Sehun dramatically mourn his “lost” ship while surrounded by plushies was, admittedly, one of the funniest things he’d seen in weeks.

And judging by the way his phone buzzed with a new message from Chanyeol: 

Missing you so much already, and I just finished with my rounds. Up for dinner tonight at my place?

He wasn’t the only one feeling like this.

***

Barely two weeks after their rooftop confession, Baekhyun was summoned to a disciplinary meeting the following week. 

The email was short and vague. 

When Baekyun read it in the ED break room, his stomach dropped.

Chanyeol had noticed the change in his mood immediately when he came to pick him up at the end of his shift.

That evening, while Baekhyun paced the living room of Chanyeol’s apartment with tense shoulders and furrowed eyebrows, Chanyeol knew that he had to do something, but didn’t want to overwhelm Baekhyun any more than he already was. 

Once Baekhyun had gone to the kitchen to prepare a quick snack, Chanyeol took the opportunity to quietly step out onto the balcony with his phone.

“Director-nim,” he said calmly when the call connected to Director Kang. “I would like to have a chat. Are you free for lunch tomorrow?”

***

The following week, Baekhyun was sitting in the quiet boardroom, his posture straight with his hands folded tightly in his lap. 

The air felt heavier than any operating room he had ever stepped into.

Across from him, Minhyuk appeared far too confident. 

Dongwook stood near the head of the table, already mid-speech, outlining “concerns” and “performance issues”, carefully worded, but unmistakably pointed at Baekhyun.

“…and given the ongoing concerns,” Dongwook concluded, “it may be necessary to reconsider Dr Byun’s position in the residency program.”

Baekhyun’s jaw tightened, but he stayed silent. He knew better than to interrupt until it was his time to speak. 

The door opened without a knock.

It revealed Chanyeol, tall and composed in his white coat, with a thick folder in his hand. 

Every head in the room turned, including Baekhyun, who was just as surprised at his entrance. 

“Before you make any decision,” Chanyeol said, voice calm but carrying undeniable authority, “I think the board deserves to see the full picture.”

“I am sorry, but you weren't invited-” Dongwook started to say, but was quickly interrupted by Dr Kang, who was sitting at the head of the table. 

“He has my permission to speak and present evidence, Dongwook,” Dr Kang said sternly, before glancing warmly at Chanyeol, “Please, Dr Park, go ahead.” 

Chanyeol nodded at him in gratitude and walked forward, placing the folder on the table with deliberate precision.

Minhyuk’s expression faltered, just for a second, which didn’t go unnoticed by the board of directors. 

“What is this?” Dongwook asked, tone sharpening.

“Evidence,” Chanyeol replied simply. “Of falsified surgical reports, manipulated case data, and anonymous false complaints against Baekhyun that weren’t so anonymous after all.”

The room’s atmosphere shifted as the directors started mumbling to each other.

Chanyeol opened the folder and slid copies toward the board members.

“Everything is timestamped. Access logs, edited patient records. All pointing back to Dr Kim Minhyuk  and, unfortunately, several instances where board influence was used to suppress earlier complaints.”

Minhyuk straightened. “This is a serious accusation, Dr Park.”

“It is,” Chanyeol agreed, his gaze steady and cold. “Which is why I made sure it was thoroughly backed up.”

One by one, the board members began flipping through the documents. Brows furrowed on almost every director's face, their expressions tightened the more they read.

Silence stretched, almost suffocating.

Baekhyun couldn’t believe that Chanyeol had done all of this without letting him know. He had no idea of the amount of effort and time he had invested to fight on his behalf. 

Chanyeol gave him a quick wink with a small grin, trying to provide comfort in this tense situation. Baekhyun felt his heart rate settle and watched the directors take in all of the evidence. 

Dr Kang appeared as if he had already been aware of this all, his copy of the evidence remaining untouched. Baekhyun knew that Chanyeol had something to do with this. 

“This… is extensive,” one senior director murmured.

Another voice followed. “And all of this traces back to you, Dr Kim?”

Minhyuk didn’t answer immediately, the hesitation in his behaviour said everything.

Dongwook’s composure cracked, “You’re suggesting that I’ve been making decisions based on fabricated information?”

Chanyeol responded with a stern tone, “I’m saying you didn’t question it enough.”

Minhyuk finally spoke, but his earlier confidence was gone, “This is ridiculous. You’re trying to deflect blame—”

“Then explain the timestamps,” Baekhyun said suddenly, voice clear and steady. “Why did you go back and edit the notes, Minhyuk?”

All eyes turned to him, but Baekhyun remained confident. 

He then met Dongwook’s gaze without flinching. “And Dongwook, all the reports and complaints align with your access logs. You shouldn’t have been involved in the inquiry, as it was before you were appointed to the board.”

Minhyuk’s silence this time was louder than any denial.

The room shifted decisively.

Dongwook exhaled slowly, looking smaller than he had in years. 

“This… will be handled accordingly,” he said, though the authority in his voice had dulled significantly.

It was a quiet kind of humiliation. 

When the meeting finally ended, with Dr Kang saying that the directors will have another meeting to discuss this matter in detail and apologising for involving Baekhyun when he was not at fault. 

Baekhyun remained seated for a moment, staring at the table. The weight that had been pressing on his chest for months felt lighter.

Chanyeol waited by the door, watching him with soft, protective eyes.

As they walked out together, Chanyeol’s hand brushed lightly against Baekhyun’s lower back.

Baekhyun gave him a soft smile, still absorbing what had just transpired. 

***

The moment Baekhyun and Chanyeol stepped out of the boardroom, Chanyeol wrapped an arm around Baekhyun’s shoulder to give a hug.

Before Baekhyun could say something to Chanyeol, Sehun appeared out of nowhere, grinning like he had been waiting for this exact moment his entire life.

“Oh my God, my favourite Hyung is finally free!”

“Thanks to Chanyeol,” Baekhyun said, sharing a fond look with the taller surgeon who leaned down to peck his forehead. 

“You two are exhausting,” Sehun continued, shaking his head dramatically. “The hospital’s worst-kept secret, honestly.”

Baekhyun scoffed. “We were not—”

“Hyung,” Sehun cut in, deadpan. “There were bets.”

“There were bets? On what?”

“On whether your relationship would survive whatever Minhyuk and Dongwook had in store for you.”

Chanyeol couldn’t help but snort.

Baekhyun turned to him. “You knew about this?”

“I had a feeling,” Chanyeol admitted, clearly amused.

Baekhyun groaned, dragging a hand down his face.

But he couldn’t help but smile as Sehun carried on telling him about all the recent gossip. 

***

They stayed tangled together in bed, limbs loosely entwined, the room still warm from their earlier exertions. 

Baekhyun’s head rested on Chanyeol’s bare chest, listening to the steady thump of his heartbeat as their breathing slowly evened out.

“So, Baek,” Chanyeol said quietly, fingers tracing lazy patterns along his spine. “You know how I messaged Junmyeon a while back? I had told him I was working at your hospital and that I’d run into you.”

Baekhyun hummed, too relaxed to lift his head. “Yeah…what about it?”

“Well, you mentioned how he always comes home for Christmas from the States. That’s less than a month away now.” Chanyeol paused, a hint of hesitation in his voice. “He’s going to be surprised to find out we’re dating. Actually… ‘surprised’ is probably an understatement. He might want to kill me for defiling his baby brother—Ow!”

Baekhyun smacked Chanyeol’s bare pec, glaring up at him. “I’m only four years younger than you, and I lost my virginity years ago. I doubt Junmyeon-hyung is still grieving about that. Not that he ever should’ve.”

Chanyeol rubbed the sore spot with a dramatic wince, but his eyes sparkled with amusement. “Still, he’s awfully protective of you, from what I remember at least.”

Baekhyun shifted slightly, propping his chin on Chanyeol’s chest. “But…you said we are dating? Are we actually dating?”

Chanyeol’s back straightened, surprise flickering across his face. “What do you mean? What have we been doing all this time, Baekhyun?”

Baekhyun shrugged, suddenly shy. “I don’t know, Chanyeol. We never really put a label on it. I thought we were just… enjoying whatever this is. No pressure.”

Chanyeol was quiet for a second before gently cupping Baekhyun’s face, tilting it up so their eyes met.

“No,” he said softly. “I mean…yes, I’m enjoying this. More than I can say.” 

He leaned in and pressed a tender kiss to the furrow between Baekhyun’s brows. “But I’ve you’re my boyfriend, my love.”

Baekhyun blinked, a surprised laugh bubbling out of him. “Wow. Asking me out and confessing your love in one go? You move fast, Park.”

Chanyeol rolled his eyes fondly, but his expression was warm. “You know I fucking adore the hell out of you. And yes… I love you too.”

Baekhyun’s smile softened, cheeks flushing. “I think I love you, too,” he admitted shyly.

Chanyeol’s eyes lit up before he glanced down at Baekhyun’s mouth. 

Before Baekhyun could say anything more, he pulled Baekhyun into a deep kiss, full of unsuppressed emotions. Baekhyun melted into it for a moment before gently pushing at his chest.

“Easy there, tiger,” he murmured against Chanyeol’s lips. “You promised that was the last round.”

Chanyeol pouted, looking ridiculously endearing. “But we just made it official and confessed our undying love. We have to commemorate it properly.”

“We can commemorate it after I’ve had a nap,” Baekhyun said, already curling back into his chest.

“But Baek—”

“Or else I’ll tell Junmyeon-hyung how you’ve been defiling his baby brother.”

Chanyeol immediately stopped his whining. “Fine. Your wish is my command, love.”

He pressed one last soft kiss to Baekhyun’s forehead and pulled the blanket higher around them.

***

The Paediatrics team dinner had been nothing short of chaotic. By the time they spilt out of the restaurant, most of the exhausted, drunk residents and interns had already scattered into the night, calling taxis. 

Cold air curled through the street, carrying the distant sounds of traffic and laughter as people were out enjoying the festive atmosphere.

Kyungsoo lingered near the entrance, adjusting the collar of his coat. A few steps away, Jongin hovered awkwardly with his hands shoved into his pockets, clearly trying to gather the courage to say something.

From the bench just outside the restaurant’s entrance, Baekhyun watched the whole thing unfold with poorly concealed delight.

Beside him, Chanyeol stood with two takeaway hot chocolates in hand, before he held one cup out to Baekhyun.

“You’re being too obvious, BAek,” Chanyeol murmured, amused. “They’re going to notice.”

Baekhyun accepted the drink without looking away from the pair. “Please. Kyungsoo-hyung noticed me the second we walked out here.”

“Yet you’re still spying on them.”

“I've been emotionally invested in this for months, Chanyeol.”

Chanyeol laughed softly under his breath and shifted closer until their shoulders brushed. The warmth of him seeped through Baekhyun’s coat almost instantly.

A few feet away, Jongin finally stepped forward.

“Kyungsoo-hyung,” he started, voice slightly shaky. “Can I… talk to you for a second?”

Kyungsoo raised an eyebrow. “We’ve been talking for the last three hours, Jongin.”

“Yeah, but…not like this.”

He rubbed the back of his neck nervously before taking a breath.

“I’ve been wanting to ask you this for a while now.” His ears turned pink. “Would you maybe… go on a date with me? Just us. No team dinner, no other colleagues and definitely no Baekhyun-hyung hiding behind plants and eavesdropping on us.”

From the bench, Baekhyun gasped loudly. “I am not hiding behind a plant!”

Kyungsoo sighed deeply, eyes closing for a brief second. “You are literally sitting beside a giant potted tree.”

Chanyeol nearly choked on his drink, trying not to laugh.

Jongin smiled despite himself before turning back to Kyungsoo, suddenly serious again.

“I really like you, hyung,” he admitted quietly. “Not just as my senior. I like how kind you are with the kids. How you pretend to hate it when I follow you around, but you still wait for me after shifts anyway.”

Kyungsoo’s expression softened the more Jongin rambled.

“And most importantly,” Jongin added shyly, “I like that you made the hospital feel less exhausting for me.”

The street seemed quieter for a moment after that.

Then Kyungsoo let out the smallest sigh, the corners of his mouth lifting into a rare, genuine smile.

“Took you long enough,” he muttered.

Jongin blinked rapidly. “Wait, really?”

Kyungsoo stepped closer and fixed Jongin’s crooked scarf with careful fingers.

“Yes, Jongin,” he said softly. “I’ll go on a date with you.”

Jongin looked so overwhelmingly happy that Baekhyun physically clutched Chanyeol’s sleeve.

“Oh my god,” he whispered emotionally, nearly choking on the emotions bubbling up. Chanyeol could tell Baekhyun had too much alcohol tonight. “They’re so sickeningly cute.”

“You’re the one to talk,” Chanyeol murmured fondly.

Jongin lit up completely. “Really? You aren’t joking with me, right?”

“I don’t joke about things like this, Nini.”

“Then, can I please hug you, Soo Hyung?”

Kyungsoo rolled his eyes, though the fondness in them gave him away immediately.

“Come here, you idiot.”

Jongin wrapped his arms around him without hesitation, hugging him tightly but carefully. After a brief pause, Kyungsoo hugged him back, one hand rubbing slowly across his back.

Baekhyun sniffed dramatically. “Young love.”

Chanyeol smiled helplessly and slipped an arm around Baekhyun’s shoulders, pulling him into his side.

Baekhyun naturally leaned against him now, something that would have made him short-circuit months ago.

Eventually, Jongin pulled back, still smiling so hard his cheeks hurt.

“I’ll text you when I get home?”

“You better,” Kyungsoo replied.

As Jongin walked away toward his taxi, practically bouncing with happiness, Kyungsoo turned around only to find Baekhyun and Chanyeol staring at him with identical smug expressions.

“Don’t start,” Kyungsoo warned immediately.

Baekhyun grinned wickedly. “Our Kyungsoo is dating his intern.”

“I will personally assign you every screaming child in paediatrics ED for the next month.”

Baekhyun’s grin vanished. “Soo, let’s not be irrational.”

Chanyeol laughed warmly at their banter, resting a hand against Baekhyun’s back as he slowly guided the still-pouting doctor toward the car.

His car was parked nearby, headlights glowing softly against the curb beneath the amber streetlights.

Halfway there, Baekhyun suddenly turned around.

“Do you want a ride home, Soo?” he offered. “It’s late.”

Kyungsoo looked between the two of them flatly.

“I would genuinely rather take a taxi than sit in a car watching you two eat each other’s faces off.”

Baekhyun nearly choked. “Yah!”

Chanyeol burst into laughter beside him while Kyungsoo remained completely expressionless.

“I’m serious,” Kyungsoo continued calmly. “You’re both unbearable.”

“We are not that bad,” Baekhyun argued weakly.

Kyungsoo simply stared at him.

“Okay, maybe a little,” Baekhyun admitted under his breath.

Chanyeol squeezed the back of his neck affectionately. “We’ll wait until your taxi comes.”

Kyungsoo blinked once, clearly not expecting that answer.

For a brief second, his expression softened almost imperceptibly.

“Fine...”

The three of them stood together quietly by the curb while the cold night air curled around them.

Baekhyun leaned absentmindedly against Chanyeol’s side, warm from the lingering heat of the restaurant. Chanyeol naturally slipped an arm around his shoulders, rubbing gently up and down against the cold.

A few minutes later, a taxi finally pulled up.

Kyungsoo opened the door before pausing.

“Goodnight, guys, drive safely back home,” he bade them goodbye with a soft smile.

“Text me when you get home,” Baekhyun replied automatically.

Kyungsoo gave him a look. “You sound like my mother.”

“And yet you’ll still text me.”

“I have no choice.”

Chanyeol smiled faintly. “Goodnight, Kyungsoo.”

Kyungsoo nodded once before sliding into the backseat.

As the taxi pulled away from the curb, Baekhyun watched it disappear down the street before finally turning back toward Chanyeol.

The taller man was already looking at him with that soft, impossibly fond expression Baekhyun still hadn’t gotten used to.

“What?” Baekhyun asked suspiciously.

“Nothing,” Chanyeol murmured.

He reached over and tucked Baekhyun’s scarf properly beneath his coat collar before opening the passenger door for him with exaggerated politeness.

“After you, baby.”

Baekhyun rolled his eyes automatically, though the smile tugging at his mouth ruined the effect entirely.

“You’re still so cheesy.”

“And yet you keep smiling.”

Baekhyun clicked his tongue and climbed into the passenger seat anyway.

Before closing the door, Chanyeol leaned down slightly and pressed a gentle kiss against Baekhyun’s forehead.

Soft enough to make Baekhyun’s chest ache.

Baekhyun looked up at him, “What was that for?” he asked softly.

Chanyeol merely carried on grinning, “Because I wanted to.”

The answer made warmth bloom across Baekhyun’s face despite the cold.

This time, instead of hiding it, he reached up and caught Chanyeol briefly by the sleeve before he could pull away.

“Stop being such a charmer, and drive safely,” he mumbled, fond and shy all at once.

Chanyeol’s expression softened even further.

“Yes, sir.”

Laughing quietly to himself, Chanyeol finally closed the passenger door and rounded the car before slipping into the driver’s seat.

A moment later, their hands found each other naturally across the centre console.

Chanyeol glanced sideways at him, amused. “Now isn’t this a little too cheesy for you?”

Baekhyun squeezed his hand once, gaze drifting toward the city lights passing beyond the window, unable to hide the faint blush dusting his cheeks over something as simple as holding hands.

“Just drive, Chanyeol.”

Chanyeol smiled and intertwined their fingers properly this time, before he brought their joined hands to his lips, pressing a kiss to the back of Baekhyun’s.

And in that moment, Baekhyun finally understood that the best things in life were never planned.

***

THE END