Time to switch things up.

...

Dear Baekhyun,

I know it's only been a couple weeks, but I'm worried. You usually give me something by now. Maybe you've been busy. Maybe you aren't feeling well again. I just want you to know I'm thinking of you. I always am.

Merry Christmas by the way (a little early since it's next week). I really hope your parents do something for you during the holidays. Mine are taking me to our little beach house that we always rent over winter break. It's always bitter cold and the sea is too gross to swim in, but I love it. It allows me time to spend with them without any distractions. We've gone every year since I was... I think seven is the earliest I remember.

Jongin and Jennie broke up. Not that you know who either of them are. It came as quite a shock actually. All of us kind of thought they'd last for awhile. But Jennie said she wants to focus on her studies. Jongin acts nonplussed about the whole thing, but I can tell he's upset about it. Just a little. He seems distracted lately. Staring off into the distance. Can't concentrate as much.

Oh hey Jisoo and I have been out on several dates now. She's great. We actually have a lot in common, which I wasn't sure about. She loves to sing. I... I played my guitar for her. I hope you aren't mad since that was supposed to be your thing. I couldn't resist. I played and she sang and it was one of the sweetest sounds I've ever heard. We quite literally made beautiful music together.

It's been getting too cold to sit outside again, but Minseok invited us all over again. Me and Kyungsoo and Sehun and even Jongdae (I think he's got a crush on the guy). We brought hot packs and stuffed them in our coats and talked in the barn until the first rays of light began to peek above the horizon. Then we went inside and had hot chocolate. Most of them talk about university and having wives and kids. I don't really know what my dream is right now. I just want to make music and be happy.

What about you? It's a dumb question, I know, but I'm still curious. I bet I could answer my own question but I want to hear it right from you. What do you hope and dream about?

Sincerely, Chanyeol.

...

"How's Jisoo, huh?" Minseok asked, lobbing the question at Chanyeol. The giant grinned. Once again, they were forgoing sleep in order to hang out. This time, however, it was five in the morning before school. It had become kind of a ritual to meet in the barn. Jongdae would grab Chanyeol, Kyungsoo, and Sehun on his way there, since he was the only other one in their little group that had a license. Hot packs and hot chocolates in hand, they sat around a small space heater and caught up on life.

"She's great," the giant replied. "We have another date after the game on Friday. We're going out to eat. Then I'm going to take her out to look at the stars. It's going to be wonderful." Chanyeol sighed happily, thinking of all the things he'd planned do with here.

"How's Baekhyun?" Kyungsoo piped up, taking a sip from his cup. Chanyeol's smile faltered for a second as he remembered that it had been nearly three weeks since his last letter from the boy. But he quickly shook the feeling off. No sense in worrying about it right now.

"He's, uh, good," Chanyeol responded at last. "He was getting better last time I heard." I just hope that's still the case.

"That's good," Kyungsoo said. "You'll have to let us know when you get the next letter." Chanyeol nodded, though in his mind he already knew that he wouldn't. While they knew of Baekhyun's existence, what was said between the two pen pals was Chanyeol's closely guarded secret. He told Baekhyun things he didn't tell anyone else. Not even Kyungsoo. Baekhyun kind of got the best and worst of him all at once.

Chanyeol listened to his friends talk, little clouds forming in front of them every time they opened their mouths. His mug of hot chocolate sat next to his leg, half drank and abandoned already. He let his mind wander again. To Baekhyun this time. To his parents fighting. To what he wanted to do after he graduated. To any dream he'd ever had up to this point.

What did Baekhyun dream about before his only goal was survive just one more day? What did he want to be growing up? Who was his best friend before he didn't allow himself that comfort? Chanyeol wanted nothing more than to hold onto the boy and never let him go.

"Come on guys," Minseok said, rising and turning off the heater. "It's time to get ready for school." Lots of groans and grumbles followed that statement, but everyone eventually heaved themselves to their feet. Chanyeol and Kyungsoo fell in step beside each other and the giant took the time to study them. Honestly he wasn't sure anymore when Kyungsoo and him became friends. He just was sort of always there.

Sitting in Jongdae's car, Kyungsoo squished between him and Sehun, Chanyeol reflected on how lucky he was in his life. Good enough grades, hobbies and passions that his parents supported, a group of close knit friends that he loved dearly, and a girlfriend out of his league that still found him charming. His phone dinging, however, pulled him from his thoughts.

You're Chanyeol, right? Park Chanyeol? Chanyeol frowned at the message. He didn't recognize the number.

Yes, that's me. Who's this?

Byun Baekhyun.

For a second Chanyeol forgot how to breathe. Baekhyun. Baekhyun texted him.

Hey. How have you been?

Great. As great as I can be. Baekyeom still won't talk to me and I haven't seen dad since that day, but whatever.

I'm sorry about that.

It's not your fault. Besides, good news. Mom convinced them to let me come home for Christmas. I get three weeks.

That's wonderful Baek! I'm so happy for you.

And I want to meet you.

For a second time that day, Chanyeol's breath lodged in his throat. Baekhyun wanted to meet him. Baekhyun wanted to meet him! Oh god was he ready? Whether he was or not, this was happening. First things first though, he wanted to get Baekhyun something for Christmas. He deserved something special after all.

...

A big moment coming up. And now nap time.