Park Chanyeol
Blue_eyed_diamond

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Chanyeol stirs awake, jolted by a sharp knock on his door. It's Sehun, his flatmate. He darts a glance at the clock—6:15 AM. Confusion washes over him. Why on earth is Sehun knocking so early? With disheveled hair and fuzzy eyes from being abruptly roused, he drags himself out of bed and shuffles to the door, only to find a sleep-deprived Sehun leaning against the frame, phone extended toward him.

"Sehun, what's—"

"Look!" Sehun interrupts, his voice tense as he reluctantly hands over his phone. Chanyeol squints at the screen, trying to make sense of the message through bleary eyes. Then, like a burst of sunlight, excitement ignites in him as he reads.

"They finally called you? Wow!" Chanyeol laughs, but the enthusiasm doesn't reach Sehun's face. Instead, the younger man looks as though he's just stepped off a roller coaster, nerves swirling beneath his surface.

Chanyeol senses the undercurrent of anxiety in Sehun, despite his acceptance of the job. It's understandable; they have a lot riding on this. For Baekhyun's sanity, they can't afford to back down. "Congrats," he mutters, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

Sehun scoffs, his brows knitting together. "Congrats? Yeol, this is like jumping into a fire, knowing you'll get burned."

"I know, Hunnie," Chanyeol sighs, running a hand through his messy hair, feeling exhausted. "But trust me, we've got this covered. Nothing will happen as long as we stick to the plan."

"What plan?" Sehun looks confused, prompting Chanyeol to furrow his brow in concern.

"We have a lot to discuss. This evening at 6:00 PM, meet me at the café. I need to fill you in. I'll talk to Yixing and Baekhyun now." Chanyeol steps back from the door, his mind clearing as he gestures for Sehun to enter. He grabs his phone from the nightstand, sends a quick text, and tosses the device aside.

Sehun plops down on Chanyeol's bed, his lips pouting like a child's. Chanyeol reaches out, clasping his hand reassuringly. He knows how anxious Sehun is about this mission and how worried his boyfriend, Junmyeon, must be. "As I said, don't panic. This is just another job offer. The only difference is that you have a mission, so go with the flow, Hunnie, please." Chanyeol gives him his best pleading puppy eyes, but Sehun only sighs, ruffling his already messy hair.

"I need a smoke before my head explodes," Sehun mutters, rising to leave the room.

"Isn't it too early to smoke?" Chanyeol asks, concern lacing his voice.

"Maybe, but I don't care right now, Yeol. I feel like I'm about to go haywire, and I need to calm down." Sehun digs through his pajama pockets, frustration evident in his posture. "Junmyeon hasn't talked to me in two days, and it's driving me crazy."

Chanyeol feels a pang of sympathy. "I assume it's because of this mission, right? Do you want me to talk to Junmyeon?" he offers, but Sehun shakes his head, mumbling, "No, it's fine," as he heads for the door.

"Wait," Chanyeol stops him. "Aren't you supposed to go to the company today?"

"No, they said Monday, since it's the start of the new week. Today's Friday, Yeol," Sehun replies, his discomfort palpable. Chanyeol lets out a soft "Oh?" and nods, realizing he can't help his friend right now. As Sehun leaves, shutting the door behind him, Chanyeol hopes he'll find his own way through this.

Chanyeol sinks back onto his bed, letting out a relieved sigh. His eyes drift aimlessly as his mind calms, grateful they've taken a step closer to unraveling the lies surrounding Baekhyun's late husband. A simmering anger stirs within him; he can't wait to discover the truth about the man who deceived them all.

About half an hour later, Chanyeol reluctantly decides it's time to get ready, even if his motivation is lacking. He showers, brushes his teeth, and rummages through his neatly arranged closet for something warm to wear. The autumn breeze nips at the air, urging him to dress appropriately. He opts for a cozy sweater and a black jacket.

As he steps out of his bedroom, Chanyeol heads for the front door. Glancing into the kitchen, he spots Sehun leaning against the railing of their balcony, a cigarette dangling from his fingers. The younger man puffs out smoke, letting it curl into the chilly air, then draws back, holding the cigarette between his lips again.

Chanyeol approaches, concern etching his features. "Leaving already? I haven't made breakfast," Sehun says, puzzled.

"Nah, it's fine. I can grab something later. Besides, I need to get things done before we meet Yixing," Chanyeol replies, ruffling his hair, warmth spreading through him at Sehun's concern.

"Oh, that's cool," Sehun nods, taking another drag of his cigarette, but he avoids Chanyeol's gaze. The unease in his tired eyes doesn't escape Chanyeol. He knows this has to do with Junmyeon, who occupies a significant part of Sehun's heart. Their silence is breaking him little by little.

"You should take care of yourself," Chanyeol advises gently, placing a reassuring hand on Sehun's shoulder before turning to leave.

"Yeah, sure I will," Sehun mutters, but Chanyeol can hear the uncertainty in his voice.
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Chanyeol makes his way to the entrance but can't help noticing how dejected the other sounds, and it makes his heart sink. Did he do something wrong by inviting him?

Leaving the building, he heads down the stairs, unlocks his car, and forces himself to think of something else as he drives toward the café. He feels unusually energetic today, eager to see Baekhyun's reaction when he comes over—which he's sure he will. Chanyeol debates whether to call him, but decides against it since Baekhyun is likely preparing for work. Instead, he imagines the relief Baekhyun must have felt reading his text, assuming he's seen it. A sigh escapes him as he settles into the comfort of his car.

The ride to the café is quicker than usual, thanks to the light traffic. Pulling into his parking spot, Chanyeol grabs his bag from the back seat and steps out. He smiles to himself when he sees Kangju waiting by the door, punctual as ever. Chanyeol takes pride in his employees—Kangju, Jongin, and Kyungsoo are all respectful, hardworking, and reliable.

As Chanyeol approaches, Kangju opens the door and bows in greeting. Chanyeol nods back, acknowledging him briefly before stepping inside. He greets a few customers who are leaving with take-out, though they don't know who he is. They just appreciate the great food and atmosphere his café offers. The aroma of freshly baked muffins, cookies, and coffee fills the air, making his stomach growl. It reminds him that he hasn't had breakfast yet, even though it's still early.

After dropping his bag in his office, Chanyeol steps out and spots Jongin bringing out a tray of muffins from the kitchen. The sight of the warm, golden treats makes Chanyeol's mouth water.

"Oh, hyung, you're here?" Jongin's soft voice pulls Chanyeol from his muffin-induced trance. "Good morning."

"Morning, Nini," Chanyeol mumbles, grabbing a mug for some coffee. He pours himself a cup, savoring the rich aroma as he blows on the hot liquid to cool it down. Jongin and Kangju exchange knowing smiles as they watch Chanyeol blissfully sip his coffee. Confused by their stares, Chanyeol raises an eyebrow. "You guys want some?"

They laugh, passing by without answering, leaving Chanyeol frowning at their strange behavior. He shrugs it off. "Coffee is life," he mutters under his breath, feeling slightly embarrassed.

A little while later, Chanyeol emerges from the kitchen with a plate of pasta, courtesy of Kyungsoo, who always prepares side dishes for the staff. He sits at the table he usually shares with Baekhyun, a quiet spot in the café that Baekhyun seems to favor. The routine of sitting there has become second nature to Chanyeol.

As he eats, his phone buzzes with a message from Baekhyun. A smile spreads across his face as he reads it. Baekhyun plans to come by around noon—earlier than usual. Chanyeol knows why. Baekhyun has been on edge ever since Sehun agreed to help with their plan, and now that Sehun's been accepted into the company, Baekhyun must be feeling relieved.

Just before 11:00 am, Jongin knocks on Chanyeol's office door. "Baekhyun's here," he announces.

Before Chanyeol can respond, Baekhyun is already standing in the doorway, looking as breathtaking as ever. For a moment, Chanyeol forgets how to breathe.

"Hi, Chanyeol," Baekhyun greets him, a soft smile lighting up his face, though something seems off. His nose is a deep pink, and he looks like he might have a cold.

"Oh, hey," Chanyeol replies, clearing his throat. "I didn't expect you this early." He watches as Baekhyun sluggishly pulls out a chair and sits.

"You okay? You look pale," Chanyeol asks, leaning over to feel Baekhyun's forehead. It's just a friendly gesture, but Baekhyun tenses for a moment before relaxing under his touch. His reaction makes Chanyeol feel uneasy.

"Yeah, I caught a cold," Baekhyun admits, sounding embarrassed. "Late-night ice cream. And I forgot to turn the air conditioner down."

Chanyeol frowns. "Did you take anything for it?"

"Yeah, I went to the doctor. Called in sick today." Baekhyun rubs his fingers together, avoiding eye contact.

Chanyeol nods, trying to imagine Baekhyun alone and sick, anxious about Sehun's job. No wonder he didn't reply to the text right away. It makes Chanyeol's chest feel heavy.

"Do you need anything?" Chanyeol asks, noticing Baekhyun's eyelids drooping, likely from the medication.

"Tea, and maybe a cupcake?" Baekhyun mumbles, resting his head on his arms.

Chanyeol quickly calls Jongin to bring some tea and a cupcake, his eyes filled with concern. Ever since they became friends, Chanyeol has found himself constantly looking out for Baekhyun, who rarely lets his guard down. It's not pity; it's just that Chanyeol genuinely cares.

Jongin soon arrives with the tea and cupcakes. Chanyeol takes the tray and sets it in front of Baekhyun, who murmurs a quiet "thanks" before Jongin leaves.

"So, Sehun got the job?" Baekhyun asks, sipping his tea and visibly relaxing as the warmth soothes him.

"Yeah, he did. Feeling more at ease now?" Chanyeol tears off a piece of muffin, smiling at Baekhyun.

"Definitely," Baekhyun says, chuckling softly. "But did Yixing say where we're meeting him?"

"He hasn't yet, but I'll hear from him soon. Sehun should be here any minute, so take your time and rest." Chanyeol pours more tea for Baekhyun, who chuckles again, causing Chanyeol to look up, confused.

"You're laughing. Did I miss something?" he asks.

"Just remembering something," Baekhyun mumbles, a dark shadow crossing his eyes for a moment.

Chanyeol doesn't push. He has an idea of what Baekhyun might be thinking, and he doesn't want to stir up any unpleasant memories.

"Here's your tea. Eat something, and I'll check on the staff." Chanyeol stands, taking a bite from his muffin as he leaves the office. As he walks away, he feels Baekhyun's eyes lingering on him, sending a tickling sensation across his skin.

Chanyeol finds Kyungsoo outside and tries to focus on their conversation, but his mind keeps drifting back to Baekhyun. There's something different about him today. He shouldn't feel this way, but... he does.

"Is everything alright?" Kyungsoo asks, snapping him out of his thoughts. Caught off guard, Chanyeol quickly nods.

"Yeah, everything's fine. Which table needs this order?" he asks, eager to shift the focus.

Kyungsoo eyes him suspiciously but answers, "Third table on the right."

Chanyeol grabs the tray and heads to the table, trying to shake off the lingering thoughts of Baekhyun.
....

Chanyeol steps back into his office about twenty minutes later and finds Baekhyun fast asleep. The tea is finished, and only crumbs remain of the cupcake. A soft warmth spreads through Chanyeol's chest as he watches Baekhyun, peacefully dozing off at the table. His small frame, curled up slightly, looks vulnerable and serene, and Chanyeol can't help but admire the way Baekhyun's soft features relax in sleep.

A few loose strands of hair fall across Baekhyun's forehead, almost covering his eyes. Without thinking, Chanyeol crouches down to his level, his gaze softening. He feels an odd, irresistible pull to reach out and brush those strands away. His hand moves of its own accord, almost making contact before he catches himself. His heart leaps, pounding so loudly that he's afraid the sound might wake Baekhyun. Chanyeol freezes, his hand hovering just above Baekhyun's face, before he quickly retracts it.

He rises to his full height, exhaling a breath he didn't know he was holding. With a quick glance around, he grabs his jacket from the back of his chair and gently drapes it over Baekhyun's shoulders, covering him from the cold. The jacket looks oversized on Baekhyun's petite frame, but it fits in a way that makes Chanyeol smile softly to himself.

For a moment, he just stands there, hands slipping into his pockets as he watches Baekhyun, his chest tightening with something he can't quite name. There's that strange feeling again, stirring deep in his stomach. He shakes his head, unsure of what it means, and quietly exits the room, leaving Baekhyun to rest.
***

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At 4 p.m., Sehun walks into the café, still radiating that uneasy tension. By the time he arrives, Yixing has already messaged Chanyeol, telling him it's better to meet at his place—safer that way. After all, who knows who might be eavesdropping if they choose a public restaurant?

By 4:30 p.m., Chanyeol, Baekhyun, and Sehun pile into Chanyeol's car and head to Yixing's apartment. Baekhyun has also invited his best friend, Jongdae, and his colleague-slash-friend Minseok, a detective with the Capital Crimes Department of the Seoul Police. Everyone gathers at Yixing's place, ready to strategize.

Yixing wastes no time. He outlines a plan for Sehun and breaks down what he should and shouldn't do once he's inside the company. The main task? Sehun has to blend in as just another employee, make some friends, and—most importantly—get close to the administrator of the target computer. His mission is to secure the password for that administrator's access to the company server. But there's one key rule: don't leave a trace that could lead back to Baekhyun or Chanyeol. He should also avoid making phone calls to them while at work, just to be safe.

"If you have to flirt to get that password and plant the keylogger, do it," Yixing says bluntly. Sehun's eyes widen like they might pop out of his head.

"What?! No way, I have a boyfr—" Sehun starts to protest, but Chanyeol quickly clamps a hand over his mouth.

"We know you have a boyfriend, Sehun. You're just supposed to act, not fall in love with the person for crying out loud," Chanyeol quips, trying to calm the situation.

But Sehun yanks Chanyeol's hand off his mouth. "What the hell do you want from me?! You seriously want me to seduce this person? My boyfriend hasn't even spoken to me since I agreed to this! Now you want me to pretend like I'm seriously interested? Yeol, what the hell?" Sehun looks livid, and Chanyeol can't help but feel guilty. He understands where Sehun is coming from.

Running his fingers through his hair, Chanyeol feels exhausted. Everything Sehun says is true, but what choice do they have?

"Look, Sehun," Minseok interjects, trying to diffuse the tension. "We get it. You're worried about the flirting part, but this has to be done. There's no other way. You can't just gain access to someone's computer without building some level of trust first."

"Exactly," Jongdae chimes in. "I wouldn't let anyone touch my computer unless I trusted them at least a little."

Everyone's eyes are now on Sehun, who's staring right at Chanyeol, probably hoping for a way out. Chanyeol feels the weight of Sehun's gaze—he brought him into this mess, after all. But there's no turning back now, and Sehun knows it too.

Chanyeol sighs deeply. "I'll talk to Junmyeon. I'm sure he'll understand. But please, Sehun, don't say no." He's desperate, his voice carrying the same weight as Baekhyun's pleading eyes beside him. The room falls silent, tension hanging in the air as everyone waits for Sehun's answer.

After a few agonizing seconds, Sehun sighs, clearly resigned. "Okay, fine, I'll do it. But on one condition." His eyes narrow, but there's no anger left—just determination. Chanyeol feels his heart lift with hope as Sehun continues, "You all need to make sure my boyfriend is safe. If anything happens to Junmyeon or me because of this, I'll hold every single one of you responsible."

Relief floods through Chanyeol. He nods eagerly, ready to agree to the condition without a second thought. "Of course, Sehun. I wouldn't let anything happen to you or Junmyeon. Thank you, Sehunnie." He flashes a bright, grateful smile, feeling like they've just overcome a massive hurdle.

The others glare at him for a moment, but the meeting eventually resumes. By 7:00 p.m., it wraps up, and everyone exchanges goodbyes. As they head to their cars, Chanyeol offers to drop Baekhyun off at his place, but Baekhyun declines, not wanting to be a burden. He opts to ride with Jongdae instead, leaving Chanyeol and Sehun to themselves.

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The next day, Saturday, Chanyeol wakes up early and decides to make breakfast for both him and Sehun before heading to work. After cooking, he checks in on Sehun, only to find him still fast asleep. Not wanting to disturb him, Chanyeol scribbles a quick note and sticks it on the fridge before heading out to his café.

Saturdays are busy but with a different vibe—more casual, with families coming in rather than people in formal attire. Chanyeol knows it's going to be one of those hectic days, but he doesn't mind. The café quickly fills with customers, orders flowing in for birthdays and small events. By 3 p.m., Chanyeol is running on autopilot, a tired but genuine smile plastered on his face. Then his phone buzzes. He quickly checks it and sees a message from Baekhyun.

Baekhyun: *Are you free tonight?*

A smile immediately tugs at Chanyeol's lips. He feels a warmth spreading through his chest just from reading Baekhyun's text. He quickly types back:

Chanyeol: *I think I can be. What's up?*

He slips his phone back into his pocket, but before long, it vibrates again. Baekhyun's quick reply catches him off guard. As he reads it, Chanyeol can't help but scoff playfully, his grin widening.

Baekhyun: *Dinner at 7?*

Chanyeol: *Are you asking me out on a date?*

He doesn't bother putting his phone away this time, eyes lingering on the screen, waiting for Baekhyun's next message. When it finally arrives, it's short, simple, and to the point:

Baekhyun: *7 p.m. at this address. Please.*

Chanyeol sighs, rubbing his temples as he feels his heart flutter—again. What's going on with him? Why does Baekhyun's invitation have such an effect on him? He tries to shake off the feeling, reminding himself he has customers to attend to. But the thought of dinner with Baekhyun lingers, distracting him for the rest of the afternoon.

As the day winds down, Chanyeol clocks out a little earlier than usual. He heads home to freshen up—there's no way he's meeting Baekhyun smelling like coffee and pastries. As he approaches their shared apartment, he hears raised voices from Sehun's room. It's Sehun and Junmyeon. Chanyeol freezes at the door, already feeling relieved that Junmyeon is finally talking to Sehun after days of silence. But the relief quickly fades when Sehun's voice grows louder.

"Jun, wait!" There's the sound of a door slamming, and Chanyeol flinches. He knows it's wrong to eavesdrop, but given the situation, he can't help himself. He needs to be ready in case things go south and Sehun needs him.

"What, Sehun? How am I supposed to feel about this? That it's okay for you to flirt with someone just to get what you need for the mission—"

"For fuck's sake, Jun! Have you forgotten I'm gay? What makes you think I'd even *want* anyone else? I have *you!*"

Sehun's voice is raw with frustration, and it startles Chanyeol. He's never heard his best friend yell at Junmyeon before, and it makes Chanyeol feel both guilty and sad. He knows this tension is because of him—or rather, because of the plan he and Baekhyun roped Sehun into.

There's a long pause, and Chanyeol holds his breath, waiting for Junmyeon's response. Finally, Junmyeon's voice cuts through the silence, softer and remorseful. "You're right... I didn't think about that. I'm sorry."

Chanyeol can feel the weight lifting off the conversation as Junmyeon's tone shifts. Sehun sighs, his voice more gentle now. "You're just... too possessive, Jun. Way too possessive."

Junmyeon lets out a small laugh, his voice light and teasing. "Well, that's why you love me."

"I love you, but it's your dick I love more," Sehun quips, his snicker immediately followed by the sound of a playful smack. There's a brief pause, and then Sehun's soft, loving chuckle fills the air. "Come here, baby."

Chanyeol smiles to himself, feeling warmth spread in his chest again. He's relieved things seem to be smoothing over for his friends. With one last glance at Sehun's door, he heads to his room, a quiet resolve settling in. Tonight, he has dinner with Baekhyun, and for some reason, that thought makes his heart race just a little bit faster.

The room falls silent, and Chanyeol realizes he can no longer hear their conversation. It's his cue to leave—he's heard more than enough. For all he knows, Sehun and Junmyeon could be kissing or getting... distracted. Not wanting to intrude any further, Chanyeol quietly slips away, heading to his own room.

Once inside, he exhales deeply, the tension in his chest easing up. He undresses and steps into the bathroom, letting the warm water from the shower relax his muscles. The steam curls around him, washing away the fatigue of the day. As he stands there, he mentally prepares himself for the evening. Dinner with Baekhyun. Just the thought of it makes his heart beat a little faster.

After his shower, he picks out a black turtleneck sweater with double layers, pairing it with sleek black pants and shoes. He finishes the look with a fitted, carton-brown long coat, perfect for keeping the cold at bay. Chanyeol glances in the mirror, adjusting the coat slightly, feeling more at ease now that Sehun and Junmyeon seem to be sorting things out.

With a final breath, he grabs his keys and heads out, feeling lighter, like everything is falling into place. Plans are set, and tonight... well, tonight feels different. As he steps into the crisp evening air, Chanyeol can't help but wonder what's in store for him and Baekhyun.

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The restaurant is nestled in the heart of Seoul, and Chanyeol has no trouble finding it. As soon as he steps inside, a waiter greets him with a knowing smile, as though he's been expected. Without a word, the waiter leads him to a VIP section, an exclusive and quiet corner of the restaurant. Chanyeol scans the room, but Baekhyun is nowhere in sight. He decides to take his time, glancing around at the elegant surroundings, the soft glow of candlelight bouncing off the polished wood and intricate décor.

Ten minutes later, he hears Baekhyun's voice, as soft as silk. "Chanyeol?"

Startled, Chanyeol turns around and nearly chokes on his breath. Baekhyun stands there, looking effortlessly stunning. His shirt clings perfectly to his slim frame, his pants tight enough to make Chanyeol swallow hard. His hair is styled in that lazy, tousled way, and his eyes, twinkling in the soft light, are locked on Chanyeol's.

"Baekhyun... hi," Chanyeol stammers, stepping toward him. He can't help but notice how the smaller man practically glows. Baekhyun's eyes meet his, and for a second, Chanyeol feels like the air has been knocked out of him.

"I wasn't sure if you'd come," Baekhyun says with a tiny, nervous smile. There's something in his gaze that tugs at Chanyeol's heart—uncertainty mixed with a warmth that makes Chanyeol feel like he's walking on air.

"Why wouldn't I?" Chanyeol responds, trying to shake off his nerves. "A friend asked me to dinner, and I never say no to food." He winks, trying to lighten the mood. It works—Baekhyun laughs, and the tension between them eases slightly.

"Shall we sit?" Baekhyun gestures toward the table set for two. Chanyeol follows him, still wondering why Baekhyun chose a VIP section when the main hall would have been just fine. Curiosity gnaws at him, but he pushes it aside as they sit.

A waiter quickly arrives to take their orders, and after making their choices, Chanyeol's eyes wander again. The restaurant is stunning, but there's something about Baekhyun's presence that's even more captivating.

"You must have spent a lot for us to eat here, huh?" Chanyeol tilts his head, studying Baekhyun with a mix of confusion and curiosity. "So, what's the occasion?"

"Nothing~" Baekhyun replies, his laughter sounding a bit too nervous. Chanyeol raises an eyebrow. He's not buying it.

"I'm serious, Baekhyun," he presses gently. "Why are you doing this?"

Baekhyun sighs, realizing he can't dodge the question anymore. "Okay, let's just say this is a gesture of gratitude. For helping me... with the investigation. It means a lot to me. Thank you." His voice softens, and when he looks at Chanyeol, those expressive eyes of his hold so much more than just gratitude. Chanyeol feels something stir within him, warmth spreading through his chest.

The moment is broken when the waiter returns with their food. They start eating, and soon enough, the conversation shifts into more casual topics. Chanyeol notices that Baekhyun's questions keep veering toward personal territory—his childhood, his relationships—and it piques his curiosity.

"How long did it take you to move on from your past relationships?" Baekhyun asks suddenly, setting his chopsticks down and glancing at Chanyeol with genuine interest.

Chanyeol pauses, taking a bite of meat before answering. "It depends on the relationship, I guess. Some take longer than others." He eyes Baekhyun suspiciously, wondering where this line of questioning is leading.

"So, if you met someone as pretty as your ex... would you date her?" Baekhyun's eyes twinkle with curiosity, and Chanyeol blinks, surprised by the question.

"Honestly, I've been avoiding relationships with women lately," Chanyeol says, sipping his wine. Then, emboldened by the alcohol, he blurts out a question that's been on his mind for a while. "If you had met me instead of him... and I wasn't wealthy, would you have dated me?"

Baekhyun doesn't hesitate. "Why not? Changnam was just a student when we met. Money was never the issue." He takes a sip of his wine, and Chanyeol's heart skips a beat. His ears burn, and he feels a sudden urge to hide his face, embarrassed by how much Baekhyun's answer affects him.

Chanyeol clears his throat, trying to act nonchalant, but the alcohol has made him bolder. "So, does that mean you like me?"

Baekhyun freezes, his cheeks turning a faint shade of pink. "We're friends, aren't we?" he replies, his voice wavering slightly as he avoids Chanyeol's intense gaze.

"Of course, but..." Chanyeol leans in, his tone teasing but with a serious undertone. "What do you like about your friend?"

Baekhyun's eyes flicker up, and he smirks. "Your ears."

Chanyeol blinks, taken aback. "Just my ears?"

Baekhyun hums, tapping his chin in thought. "Your heart, too. It's... warm. Open. I got the wrong impression of you when we first met, and I said some things I regret." He pauses, his voice softening. "I'm sorry."

The sincerity in Baekhyun's voice hits Chanyeol hard. They sit in silence for a moment, Chanyeol's heart pounding as he tries to process the overwhelming emotions swirling between them. Baekhyun's apology, his gentle words—it all feels so raw, so real. Chanyeol opens his mouth to respond, but the words stick in his throat. All he can do is smile softly, grateful for the moment, and for Baekhyun.

"You've said that a million times, Baekhyun," Chanyeol sighs, nibbling on his bottom lip, feeling a wave of shyness creep over him. That kind of heartfelt confession always makes his heart do weird things. "It's forgiven and forgotten."

They continue to eat, drink, and talk, peeling back layers of each other's lives. Chanyeol notices how keen Baekhyun is to know more about him, and it delights him to discover more about Baekhyun in return. By the time dinner is over, Chanyeol offers to drive Baekhyun home, since Baekhyun didn't bring his car. The drive is quiet but comfortable, filled with the gentle hum of the night.

When they reach Baekhyun's apartment, Baekhyun thanks him for the ride and moves to step out of the car. But something stirs in Chanyeol, a quiet urge that makes him unbuckle his seatbelt and follow Baekhyun to the door. He can't explain it, just feels that he needs to be there, walking beside him.

They stand at Baekhyun's door, both silent, the autumn night biting at their skin. But Chanyeol doesn't mind. He doesn't feel the cold when Baekhyun is standing so close. For a moment, they just look at each other, the air thick with something unspoken, something that neither of them seems willing to break.

"You should go in... it's getting cold," Chanyeol finally says, clearing his throat to dispel the growing tension, his voice soft as he watches the way Baekhyun's eyes seem to glow under the streetlamps.

Before he can react, he feels something warm wrap around him. It takes a few seconds for Chanyeol to realize that Baekhyun is hugging him—hugging him for the first time. The suddenness of it catches him off guard, but the warmth of Baekhyun's embrace pulls him in. Slowly, he wraps his arms around the smaller man, holding him close.

Chanyeol feels a rush of confusion wash over him, mixed with something much deeper. As he inhales Baekhyun's scent—soft, comforting, and homey—the fluttering in his chest becomes almost overwhelming. The feeling that's been growing in him all evening seems to swell, and he finds it harder and harder to breathe with Baekhyun so close.

But he doesn't pull away. Instead, he lets himself get lost in the moment, in the warmth of Baekhyun's hug, unsure of what this means, but knowing he doesn't want it to end.

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Author's note 📝
So...here we are after 20,000 years🤭🙈and hello to you all my lovelies, 🤗 hope you are doing well? And I hope you enjoyed this chapter.🥺❤️

Guess you've seen that the feelings between these two (chanyeol and baekhyun) is developing gradually huh?😂🤣 and I hope you love what I put out for you all. Sehun is in now, let the ball roll...

Just in case you've missed out on the plot due to a delay in updates, kindly revisit the last chapter by my co-author Nyxessa 
And trust me, you don't want to miss what she will drop in our next chapter. 😉🔥👍 so I hope that you will stay with us till the end. And hey, (don't forget to visit her page. You would love what you see😉🥵🔥)

Thanks once again for your kind support. We love you. And always stay safe, eat healthy, drink plenty of water and rest when you can. Saranghe❤️‍🔥❤️‍🩹

Your Author; blue_eyed_diamond