Dedicated to @ElyenXiOHtor :)) Thank you for all the support! Godbless and stay sweet. I love you! Fighting!!! ^___^ 

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Byun Baekhyun can't talk. 

It is not a disability brought by birth. In fact, Baekhyun was once the noisiest and the happiest student in their school. People loves to be with him because he's funny, sweet and he knows how to keep people near. Everybody loves him. Everybody wants to be his friend. 

It was the accident that made everything around him came crashing. 

It was a cold night when Baekhyun, his brother and their parents went to attend a party at their school. A party made for families. You can call it a family night. It was noisy and loud and very much fun. Full of games and stuffs.

The weather was cold. The air dense and thick. 

The road was slippery. 

And one wrong move sent the black car crashing to the wide and big tree by the highway. A loud crash, an agonizing scream through the night. Doors flew open, people were screaming for help. The ambulance. The noise of everyone pushing to get a better look. Everyone was frantic. Everyone was afraid to go nearer.

The noise filled Baekhyun's ears. 

He was the only survivor. 

"We're here." two words that made Baekhyun smile after spending two months in the hospital. His grandparents decided on adopting him, taking him into their warm and cozy home in the mountains. Baekhyun's grandparents lived away from other people. They have a farm, a greenhouse and an environment unimaginable for people living in the cities. 

Everything is beautiful. 

Baekhyun walked around the place everyday, taking in the fresh air and grasping on the memories they held. His brother... his parents... they are all gone. And the trees reminded him of the fearful night he had. He shivered and hugged himself. He sits on a bench just beside the path that leads to his new home. It's a place where he thinks, where he just stares into nothingness... until the tears bring him back to reality.

He was lonely. Very much lonely. 

"You're playing again?" his grandfather happily said one morning. 

One year. One year since the accident. 

And Baekhyun can't even let a single word out of his mouth.

Baekhyun now sat in front of an old piano. Black and dirty. Some keys were off but for Baekhyun, it was all beautiful. He ran his fingers over the dusty keys and sighed in contentment. Baekhyun loves this. He loves music as much as he loves breathing. 

He looked at his grandfather and nodded, smiling from ear to ear. He looked back at the piano and he started playing, gently pressing on the keys with passion. The music he made mimics his heart, his emotions and everything that is going inside him. 

The music he made. They are sad. 

All sad and hopeless. 

But beautiful. Beautiful indeed. 

His grandfather placed his hand over Baekhyun's shoulder and squeezed. "I will fix the piano for you." he whispered as he saw tears run down the young man's face. "If it will make you feel better, i will help you, Baekhyun." 

Baek looked up at his grandfather and nodded, eyes glistening with tears. 

He wants to say how thankful he is. 

But he can't. It was all hard. He can't speak. 

The trauma consumed him. 

He'll never be the same again. 

Once again, he found himself walking down the narrow path from their home. He do this often, especially when the weather is fine. The trees around the forest send wind that brushed against his face, his short hair sways through the gentle breeze and Baekhyun pulled his jacket tighter around him. It was cold. Yet pleasant. 

He found his usual bench. An old worn out bench just beside the path. 

But today, it is occupied. 

A young man, just about his age looked back at him. His brown eyes are wide with surprise but he doesn't look afraid. His large ears, perking up under his cap, is red with cold. He is wearing a large sweater and tight pants. His shoes looks expensive and he looks rich, too. A guitar case is lying beside him. Baekhyun stopped on his tracks and stared back at the guy. 

Who is he? 

Park Chanyeol stood up and he looked at the stranger with wonder. The small guy is wearing slippers, an overly large t-shirt under a huge jacket. His hair is brown and soft as the wind messed with it. His eyes, wide with surprise. His mouth, slightly open and his lips a perfect shade of pink. And his cheeks... they are almost red because of the cold. Chanyeol thought, he's wonderful. 

Who is he? 

Chanyeol cleared his throat. "I am... i am looking for a cottage. A small cottage with a large front yard and green house." he said, his voice a little bit shaky from the cold. "Are you from here? Do you know the place?" 

Baekhyun just stared at him. He's a stranger. He could even be a killer for Pete's sake! But of course, he knows what house the guy is talking about. He knows the place. It's where he lives. 

"Uhmm... hello?" Chanyeol breathed. He's starting to think that Baekhyun is a ghost. Or a figment of his imagination. He took a step closer and Baekhyun stepped back, startled. 

"Hey, i won't hurt you." Chanyeol said and raised his hand in surrender. "I am here for a job. I was called to fix a piano in that cottage i am talking about. My uncle owns an instrument shop at the market place and he sent me instead. We're short of staffs." 

Baekhyun's eyes went wide, finally realizing what the tall guy is saying. His grandpa might have called him. He cocked his head to one side and slowly smiled. And somehow, that small smile made Chanyeol's heart flutter. 

"Y-you know the place?" Chanyeol asked, his voice hopeful and giddy. 

Baekhyun nodded. He turned on his heel and gestured for Chanyeol to follow him. Although the taller feels confused about the stranger's silence, he grabbed his guitar and walked to follow the small stranger. He walked closer, almost reaching. 

He's so short. Chanyeol thought and smiled to himself. He's so cute. 

Baekhyun turned to look at him and was shocked to see him walking too close. Blood rushed to his face and he turned away immediately. This is the first time he has seen someone his own age since the accident. It feels foreign now. The prickling feeling on his skin. It feels foreign. And different. And dangerous. 

"Is it far?" Chanyeol asked. He craned his neck to one side and scratched. The forest seemed full of itchy plants. He groaned and scratched again, making the side of his white neck a shade of pink. 

Baekhyun looked back at him. The tall man is handsome and it didn't miss Baekhyun's notice. He looked at his nose. It's pretty. Even his ears are beautiful. Baekhyun nodded, answering the stranger's question. 

"Uhm, hey--- What's your name?" Chanyeol asked. He wiped his hand over his pants as he looked at Baekhyun with wonder. He wants to know what he should call him. Something in him says that he must have a beautiful name. Cause well, he's really gorgeous and all that. 

Baekhyun looked back at him and smiled tightly. He suddenly stopped, Chanyeol almost bumping into him. The smaller looked around, and when he spotted a twig, he picked it up and wrote on the dirt. 

Byun Baekhyun

Chanyeol gaped. "You... you can't talk, can you?" he whispered, almost unbelieving. 

Baekhyun grinned. It is the only sound he can make. Then he nodded and looked at Chanyeol as he threw the twig back on the ground. The smaller continued walking and Chanyeol immediately followed. 

"I am Park Chanyeol." he introduced himself. "It's nice meeting you, Byun Baekhyun." 

Baekhyun glanced at him and smiled. It is the smile that reaches his eyes. It made Chanyeol take a sharp breath. 

He's wonderful. 

If not for the ordinary clothes and slippers, he would have thought that Baekhyun is a fairy. Or an angel. 

He's too beautiful to be true. 

He had never seen this kind of beauty. 

Simple. But wonderful all along. 

The rest of the walk to the cottage is mostly quiet, with Chanyeol constantly whistling a song he just wrote. As a musician, it came unconsciously, the sudden urge to hear or create music. Baekhyun listens to him. All the while waving his finger inside the pocket of his jacket. Moving his fingers in sync with Chanyeol's music. He nods through the beat and Chanyeol grins as he watched him so. 

And when they finally reached the place, Chanyeol went to stop, admiring the view. 

"Wow." he breathed. 

Flowers are everywhere, decorating the front yard. The cottage is small but it looks like a place he would trade the world for. Even the birds, chirping in the distance seemed to compliment the beauty of the place. The tall trees and the green surroundings completed the breathtaking view. From where he is standing, he can see the top of a very large greenhouse from the back of the house. 

Baekhyun shook his head in amusement. He's so cute. 

He pulled the sleeve of Chanyeol's sweater and the taller looked down at him with a large smile. Baekhyun gestured for him to come in, which made Chanyeol frown. Why is he inviting him inside? Does he know the people living in the cottage?

Baekhyun pushed the wooden gate and went inside. The bark of a dog made Chanyeol yelp and he stepped back, just to be welcomed by a large black Labrador running from the front porch. It ran straight to Baekhyun, licking his hand in excitement. It's so tall and it's head reached Baekhyun's stomach.

Baekhyun laughed and it's a beautiful sound. 

"Wait." Chanyeol gasped. "You... You live here?" 

Baekhyun looked back at him. He reached down to scratched the dog's neck. He nodded and smiled wide. The dog looked at Chanyeol and for a second, he thought it will attack him. But after licking Baekhyun's hand one more time, it ran back to the house. 

Baekhyun wiped his hand on his shirt and continued to walk towards the house. Chanyeol followed, his steps small and cautious. When they reached the front porch, the smell of cinnamon filled Chanyeol's nostrils and his stomach started to grumble. When was the last time he smelled something so delicious? 

"Baekhyun?" an old but cheerful voice came from the house. "Are you already home, my dear?" 

Baekhyun knocked on the wooden wall twice. Yes. 

A small figure came walking out of a door, maybe from the kitchen. The old woman is wearing an apron over her pink dress. She looked really kind, with a smile so big and true. Wrinkles are present on her face but it didn't deny the beauty she has. Even her sagging skin and gray hair pronounced beauty and kindness. 

"Ah! Baekhyun! You found the guy from the market?" the old woman smiled at Chanyeol. She gestured for him to sit down. "I thought you lost your way. The grass might have hidden the path somehow." 

"I almost lost my way, Ma'am." Chanyeol said. "Glad Baekhyun found me." 

The old woman grinned. "Call me Grandma." she said cheerfully. "I love having lots and lots of grandchildren." then she laughed and Baekhyun joined in. 

Chanyeol looked around and noticed the old piano by the wall. "Is that the piano i'll be fixing?" he asked and gestured to the instrument. Baekhyun answered him with a nod. 

The old woman looked at Baekhyun. "You take care of him, Baek." she said and pointed a finger at the kitchen. "I'm baking." and without another word, she walked back to where she came from. 

Chanyeol stood up and walked over to the piano. Baekhyun stood beside him, his hands inside his jacket's pockets. The taller pressed a key and winced. They are really off. 

"This won't be hard." he grinned and looked at Baekhyun. The smaller looked up at him and flashed an even wider smile. Chanyeol gaped. It's just hard staring into a beauty that close. Baekhyun's lips are near his shoulder and he looks really adorable Chanyeol found it hard to remember why he's there and what he's supposed to do. He immediately looked away and started his work. 

Baekhyun sat a few feet away and watched Chanyeol fix his piano. 

He felt himself smile. He's so handsome. 

After a few minutes, Chanyeol's work is finished. He sat on a chair and pressed each key, checking if he had done right. Baekhyun walked over to him and he sat beside him on the piano chair, their arms touching. 

Baekhyun felt that prickling feeling once again and he tried to ignore it. 

"Good as new." Chanyeol grinned beside him. "Do you want to try it?" he asked and glanced at the smaller. He raised an eyebrow and Baekhyun nodded immediately. 

Chanyeol was about to stand from his seat when Baekhyun grabbed his hand, stopping him from moving any further. Chanyeol slowly looked back at him, surprise on his face. Baekhyun doesn't want him away. He wants him as near as possible... and he doesn't know why.

Stay. 

He wants to say. 

Chanyeol scooted closer then, his arm pressing against Baekhyun's. "Alright then." he said and gave a nervous laugh. His face is starting to turn red and he tried to contain himself. "You play. I listen." 

With that, Baekhyun beamed and he let go of Chanyeol's hand. 

Then he started to play. 

That sad song. The one that breaks his heart over and over again. 

Chanyeol stared at Baekhyun's fingers, gliding through the keys. He is really good, like a serious professional pianist. But the melody is too sad, Chanyeol feels like it came from inside Baekhyun's heart. Somewhere deep and dark. Somewhere where are all the sadness had been contained. 

"Stop." the taller whispered, grabbing Baekhyun's hand and stopping him. 

Baekhyun closed his eyes, then tears run down his face. 

It was never easy. It would never be easy. 

Everything. Everything is chasing him. In his dreams, in his everyday life. The accident, the screams of the people, the loud crashing sound. They send shivers down his spine. It was fear. Then sadness all along. 

The sadness in his soul.

It is painful. 

"It's... it's too sad." Chanyeol choked. He looked at Baekhyun and was surprised to see him crying. And without saying anything, he reached up and wiped his tears away. 

He doesn't like seeing Baekhyun cry. It breaks his heart. 

It's a wonder. 

Baekhyun bit his lip. Sorry. 

Chanyeol smiled and continued to dry the smaller's face. "You shouldn't play something that makes you sad." he said gently. "Look. You're crying." then he shook his head, which made Baekhyun smile through his tears. 

"You must really have a sad story." Chanyeol whispered as he withdrew his hand. He looked at Baekhyun, into his eyes, and he can see how sad they are. His eyes are dark and deep. They scream a ton of emotions. Some unreadable. Some would stay in his mind forever. 

You have no idea. 

Baekhyun wants to say. 

"Now, i play. You listen." Chanyeol said and smirked. "Good that?" 

Baekhyun grinned, a lovely sound, then he nodded. 

Chanyeol's music is the total opposite of Baekhyun's. They are love songs, all happy and fast. Chanyeol smiled through his music and he starts humming with it. Baekhyun giggled once and he nods his head, following the rhythm. He watched the taller's fingers and he smiled even wider. 

Chanyeol makes him smile this big. 

"Pretty right?" Chanyeol said when he finished the song. "You should try doing songs like that. It would lift your mood." 

Baekhyun giggled. Oh really? 

After a while, Baekhyun's grandmother brought them snacks. They talked while eating, she and Chanyeol. Baekhyun listens beside them, occasionally joining in their laughs. Baekhyun's grandpa came walking from the backdoor and Chanyeol greeted him happily. He was a nice old man. Very hard working and kind to everyone. He joined the small feast.

When it's time to go, Baekhyun walked Chanyeol to the gate. 

"Your grandparents are really nice." Chanyeol said as they stopped just outside the fences. Baekhyun nodded in response. He grinned and looked at Chanyeol, his eyes sparkling through the afternoon sky. 

Chanyeol glanced behind him. "So... i should go now." he said. But then, he feels like staying. Staying for a little while longer. 

Don't go yet. 

Baekhyun wants to say. But he bit his lip and nodded slowly. 

"It'll get dark soon." Chanyeol said as he fixed the strap of his guitar case over his shoulder. He looked down at Baekhyun and smiled. He really doesn't want to go yet. 

Thank you, Chanyeol. 

Baekhyun wants to say. 

But he can't. So he stepped forward, stood on the tip of his toes and pecked Chanyeol on the lips. He then pulled back, shy and blushing. He looked down then peered at Chanyeol under his lashes. He looks beautiful.

Chanyeol was taken aback by the sudden gesture. But he pursed his lips and tried to hang to the memory of Baekhyun's lips against him. He doesn't want the feeling to go away. Baekhyun's lips were too soft to forget. 

"Y-you're welcome." he breathed. 

Baekhyun giggled and nodded at Chanyeol. 

The taller waved goodbye and turned on his heels. Baekhyun watched his back as he walked away. But then, Chanyeol turned and smiled even wider. 

"I will come back!" he shouted. 

Baekhyun's eyes went wide for a sec. But he nodded. 

I'll be waiting. 

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