a/n: Here's a light read for tonight. Happy weekend!

x x x 

The art school screams liberty. From the giant steel gates twisted and crafted in varying symbols and shapes, to the crystal-beaded pavement that leads to the buildings improved aesthetically, to the walls painted in complete abstract, to the furniture I can't somehow comprehend, to the students who simply aren't typical, and to everything else. I've been attending this school for one whole week and I still can't fight the urge to just stop five steps from the entrance and just stand there, admiring the details.

Since the day I stepped foot into this paradise, I can't help but shower Park Chanyeol with gratitude in my mind, messages, and calls. He found me this art school and made me do this. For that, I am very much grateful.

Our family manages a business --- we make wares for factories--- and Father wants me to take over that business when the time comes. It isn't big but not particularly small, enough to send me and my brother to big universities and leave Mother a housewife. And so initially, I went to the university I graduated from only because Dad wanted me to. But I know it'll be sad for my part so I decided to join that Glee Club, something that would at least make me happy if needed. I also told myself I'm going to dropout if things start to drive me mad with depression.

And then I met that handsome Park Chanyeol and I finally decided I'm going to stay. For him, this time. And okay, for the business. But through the years we've been together, Chanyeol learned a whole lot from me and he knows it wasn't what I wanted from the very beginning. He insisted I leave school, but I didn't listen to him. And he let me do what I want.

Deep in my heart, I know I want to study art, literature, and music. I would forever want them. But what I wanted more is to be with him, and he let me do as I pleased. But now he's giving me this--- the thing I was meant to do--- and I ought to give him what he wants this time. I never asked for this, but still... 

He's just too generous sometimes.

I kicked a pebble as I continued down the pavement, hands in my pockets. "That big-eared giant knows me too well." I muttered. The wind feels chilly today and I looked up to notice thin grey clouds, threatening a shower. It's a relief I am wearing Chanyeol's baby blue long-sleeve over a white shirt. This always makes me feel warm. The size is a little too big but I managed to look okay with knee-length white shorts, socks, and a pair of Stan Smith's. Besides, I appreciate his scent clinging to it.

As I hurried down the path, an arm suddenly curled around mine, making me sigh. "Too early for today, aren't you?" Instantly, the perfume she's wearing substituted for turning my head to her face. "And what's with that bright look? Someone in your mind?" Choi Sulli even poked my cheek with her index finger and I gave her a glare, all happiness falling from my face. Beside her, Liu Amber grinned and winked. 

"You again?" I breathed, shaking my head. "Quit vexing me already."

Sulli gasped dramatically, one hand flying to her chest as if I stabbed her there. Her nails are of different colors today, matching her flowery overalls and stilettos. She's even wearing a hairband with roses, too. "You're getting meaner everyday." she said, brows raised in fake surprise. "Come on. Why? Do you hate me that much?"

We reached our building now, a four-story edifice with giant sculptures lining the corridors. The walls are white and clean under huge frames of 3D paintings and mosaics. Overhead, chandeliers made of glass illuminate the halls and down to the spacious classrooms.

"I don't hate you," I said, giving Sulli a look. "I just fancy peace and quiet once in a while. Your untimely questions aren't helping."

Ever since the start of classes, this girl, with outfits in varying themes everyday, has been annoying and irritating the sht out of me. Amber, on the other hand, has been more quiet, drowning herself in a book she could finish by the end of the day. She just looks at me, smiles, and talks when necessary.

"Hm?" Sulli pouts. "But I only want to be friends! You like staying with Amber more. That's hurting my feels."

I nodded gravely, trying so hard not to roll my eyes. "Yeah. You've been telling me that since last week." I said. "But you're too noisy I could barely concentrate during classes."

"I agree," Amber suddenly said, pulling a book from her bag. "You're like some battery-operated Barbie doll that just won't stop talking. You're lucky we're childhood friends. If not, I'll be like Baekhyun, trying my best to stay away from you." She's wearing a printed black shirt and white shorts today; a total contrast to Sulli's overly-alive type of clothing. 

"Oh yeah?" Sulli reached to grab Amber by the arm, too. "Nagging and interrogating you is already over a long, long time ago, Amber. It's time we know more about Baekhyun since he's our new friend! Right, Baek?" She even flashed that wide smile of hers, her lipstick striking red against her all-white teeth. 

"Ugh." I groaned. "You've been pestering me with questions since last week. What more do you want?" When we reached our room, we immediately settled on our seats. Amber chose the place behind me while Sulli's at my front, turning a hundred and eighty to face me with wide, clear eyes. 

She propped her chin over one hand. "Well, you didn't answer all my questions, did you?" Then her gaze dropped at the rings I am wearing, her grin widening. "You've been dodging the questions about your fiance. That's unfair, you know? I told you everything about my past boyfriends and all the tragic love stories that came with them." 

Letting out another sigh, I leaned back on my seat, crossing my arms over my chest and making sure the rings I am wearing are well-hidden. "I didn't ask you to tell me those, okay? And that's the main reason why I don't want to talk to you!" I groaned. "You're just... nosy!" Amber's eyes are glued on the book she's reading when I glanced back at her, hoping she could back me up like she always does. But it seems like now's a different time. 

Instead of finding insult in my words, Sulli just giggled. Of course she knows she's nosy. I bet she hears it every time. But honestly, I like these two. I like eating and hanging out with them. They make everyday more fun, considering the fact that I haven't seen Chanyeol since our own separate priorities started. He's busy with their business. I'm busy with my classes. And so we contented ourselves with long phone calls and messages. 

"Don't state a fact." Sulli said, waving me off. "But you know, I don't gossip. I just like to know more about you and your life. I find real happiness in that." 

Glaring, I just shook my head. Choi Sulli is undeniably kind, friendly, and approachable. She's even pretty. Although she's an annoying Barbie doll most of the time, she's not someone you could hate. And yes, she doesn't gossip. She is nosy but is a good secret-keeper when it comes to her friends. Those are the facts from Amber herself.

But I don't know... I just don't like them knowing anything about Park Chanyeol. For some unknown reason, it irritates me. 

"You already know everything about my life," I muttered as I turned to Amber and said, "Hey. Mind if I borrow that book you're reading? Just to get Sulli off my face." 

Amber laughed but nodded, handing me the book. I pretended to read it but Sulli just continued her vexing. "Oh, I know," Sulli suddenly said teasingly. "I know now why you won't talk about him. I know, I know!" And yes. They know I'm gay and all that. She started tapping her fingers on my table, daring me to ignore her. When I didn't say anything, she just tapped harder and louder. This girl is just so patient when it comes to annoying people. How could she do this? This is talent.

"Okay. Fine." I hissed, closing the book forcefully. She didn't flinch, though. Just beamed. "What do you know?" Behind me, Amber leaned on the table herself, arms crossed and face expectant as she raised a brow at her friend. 

Pride is all over Sulli's face when she raised a finger in the air and smirked. "He's ugly." she firmly said, wiggling her brows knowingly. "That's why you won't talk about him! Because you're embarrassed of the fact that when you're cute and all, your fiance is hideous. You're one of those couples that obviously don't belong to each other and you don't want us to know that because you think we'll laugh at you." 

Surprise washed through me. What?

What did she say?  

"It's okay." Sulli suddenly said as she reached for my hand. "We understand, Baekhyun. We do. Seriously. You don't need to hide anything from us anymore." Her face really shows pity as she squeezed my hand and after all the shock left my body, I have to bite my lip to keep myself from laughing. 

What the fcking hell? Park Chanyeol? Hideous? LMAO. 

This is insanely funny. I can't even.

Hiding a laugh with a sigh, I settled deeper on my seat as if all the worries suddenly left my body. In an instant, I turned to a helpless damsel in front of them. "Yeah..." I whispered and Sulli's hand tightened around mine. Even Amber, who's just watching us a while ago is now looking at me with nothing but regret and sadness. I let them do and feel as they please, enjoying their reactions. Maybe they would stop asking questions about my fiance after this. 

Okay. Maybe I turned out to be too possessive around Park Chanyeol that I can't even share the facts about him. But this is all his fault. Right. His fault. 

"Baekhyun, I'm so sorry." Sulli murmured and she really looks and sounds apologetic. "Do-- Do people judge you a lot? I can't even imagine. That's... That's depressing." 

"Yes." I muttered, looking away to keep my stressful facade from falling. "Sometimes, their words hurt. But I learned to ignore them through the years."

"But he must be really kind." Amber offered, eyes wide with worry. "I'm sure he's kind. If not, then you won't let yourself get married to him. Right?" 

With that, I didn't want to lie. "He is really kind, though." I said. "He spoils me and makes me feel really special. Even when he doesn't tell me, I know how much he loves me. I could feel that everyday." And I have to catch myself after that. I don't want to spill much about Chanyeol so I pursed my lips, looking this way and that. 

"Aside from that," Sulli risked another question. "What more is great about him?" 

I just shrugged. No more praises for you, Park. 

Amber's face fell. "Not even a good kisser?" 

Suddenly, goosebumps ran through my skin as I remembered every moment of making love with him. I have to reach for my neck to keep myself from shivering. His kisses. They're not even good. Good is an understatement. 

Park Chanyeol's kisses burn. And my skin burns with delight. 

I wonder when I'll be kissing him again.

"N-No." I choked. "He's not a good kisser." 

Sulli gave Amber a death glare. "Who cares about kisses, anyway?" she tried to sound uncaring for my benefit. "Maybe he's unattractive and all that. B-But I bet he has quite the body. Am I right, Byun Baekhyun? You know, like the abs and the guns?" Her voice, no matter how hopeful it sounds, didn't match her eyes that are fearful for yet another disappointment. I'm starting to believe they're going to give up all their favorites stuffs just to cheer me up. 

And then again, images of Park Chanyeol naked crashed into my brain like flash flood and I have to bury my face in my hands to hide all the blood rushing beneath my skin. What the hell is this? The more we talk about bits and pieces of him, the more I realize just how perfect he is. I've always preferred well-toned biceps over abs and he basically possesses arms that could trap me in a steel embrace whenever he wants to. They're strong and muscular and hot. The abs are even a bonus. 

Sht. Am I about to get married to a god? 

"Come on! Quit the questions." Amber suddenly said. "Look. You're killing him!" 

"Baekhyun!" Sulli gasped as she rose from her seat and went over to give me a hug. "I'm so sorry! I didn't mean--- I'm sorry." She even gave me a peck on the forehead and thankfully, her embrace slowly brought me back to the right train of thought. When she untangled her arms around my shoulders, I just smiled and dropped my head low. Amber retreated back to her seat. Sulli entirely stopped asking questions and just proceeded on making a small talk with Amber about the next theme for her clothes. 

And so, peace was attained. 

I'll just tell them the truth when I have to. 

The rain is suddenly heavy when we left our last class for the day. It started to drizzle during third period but I didn't expect much more than a rain shower. After taking my bag, I stared at my hands covered in different colors of paint as I walked towards the exit. Even my shirt is splattered with red and Chanyeol's long-sleeve didn't escape the damage. I bit my lip. I hope he won't be pissed if he sees this. 

Amber and Sulli are already waiting for me at the door. "So what did you make this time, Sulli?" Amber asked. "Another one of your naked men?" They both acknowledged me with a look before walking towards the lockers located along one of the well-lit hallways. Since we're already heading home, we didn't bother coming by the sinks to wash our acrylic-dirtied hands.

The thrown question made me laugh and I looked at Sulli who is currently removing white paint from her fingers. Ever since the start of classes, Sulli had been drawing and coloring naked men during our painting classes. They vary in looks, poses, and sizes and every single output is really good. "Of course. What do you think of me?" she smirked. "I like painting naked ladies, too. Maybe I'll do that next meeting. Or next week." 

Amber traveled her gaze to my face. "How about you, Baek? What did you paint?" The three of us had lunch together a while ago and neither of them opened the topic about my fiance anymore. I am thankful for the freedom, of course. Also, I suddenly found myself becoming more and more at ease around their presence and company. Maybe I could call them 'friends', soon. 

One problem I encountered after being with Park Chanyeol was developing a good friendship with other people. My fiance had been the best boyfriend and friend to me and I found it hard to find someone who could basically level with him. What I saw in him wasn't just the romantic love, you see. I saw friendship in our relationship; real friendship. And this made me look for nothing else since then. 

In other words, Park Chanyeol is a complete package. He never gave me less than I deserve but more of it. Until now, I still don't know how repay all that affection and kindness, so what I do is just pour out all the love I have for him. Because it's what he wants, and it's what I am more than willing to give. 

I looked at Amber and grinned. "Nothing much," I answered her query. "The usual, abstract stuff." As we reached our lockers, I pulled open the door and placed all my art materials inside. Sulli's locker is beside mine and the inside is a chaos of flowers, glitters, and fur.We're only here for a week and she already fully decorated every inch of it. She's just too girly, I can't even think of a word to describe her. 

Across from us, Amber closed her locker door with a sigh. "What a shame," she muttered. "If only I could be inspired enough. I'm sure I could do better with the paintings." I looked back and saw her cross her arms over her chest, glaring at the tiled floor. 

"You paint real good, Amber." I muttered as I started fixing my paintbrushes on a small vase I bought yesterday. "Besides, it's nothing to be sad about. Your inspiration will come around and about soon." 

"That's right." Sulli nodded as she closed her own locker and flipped one lock of black hair behind her shoulder. She turned to face the hallways, starting another dramatic monologue and twirling on her heels. "Listen, Liu Amber, to this story I am about to tell you. You see, one day, the reality about the so-called 'inspirations' hit my being--- Holy freakin' cow! How about that kind of inspiration?!" 

Startled with the sudden outburst, Amber and I both looked at Sulli in unison, noticing how her jaw dropped in pure shock and disbelief. Her cheeks are obviously flushed crimson red and her eyes are wide as she stared at the end of the corridor. We followed her gaze and my knees almost gave way in surprise. 

What the hell?! 

This is the first time I'm seeing him in such clothes and damn it because Park Chanyeol looks dazzling in all-black. The long-sleeves he's wearing perfectly fits his body, outlining the muscular biceps of his arms and his strong, broad shoulders. The black tie hangs slightly loose around the collar of his shirt and the trousers plus shiny leather shoes completed the look. Also, what's with his fully-done hair? Why does he fcking look sexy with it? Since when... Since when did he start looking this perfect?

I. AM. UTTERLY. PISSED. I suddenly had the urge to soak the long-sleeve I am wearing in a thick puddle of mud and leave it there. Forever. 

"Tell me he's a professor here." Amber mumbled as she walked over to us, gripping my arm tightly. "I don't care if he looks too young to be teaching here. Tell me he's a professor! What subject does he teach? I am definitely taking that class!" 

"What?!" Sulli gave Amber a glare. "You're not into guys! Leave him to me!"

"Nuh-uh. I'll keep him as one of my happy crushes!"

"Shut up!" I hissed, shrugging Amber's hand away and turning to continue fixing my things. What the hell is Park Chanyeol doing here looking like that? Is he picking a fight? I'm going to skin him real bad after this. Reluctantly, I made another glance over my shoulder and almost everyone in the corridor is throwing him long, sticky glances. He doesn't even look normal. He looks like a freaking Greek god. 

Sulli shrieked as she grabbed the hem of my shirt. "He's looking at me!" she breathed in pure, controlled panic. "And he's coming over! He's coming over here! And-- Oh. My. God. Did he just smirk?"

No. What is happening? How could he do this to me? What about everything I told Sulli and Amber? WHY IS KARMA COMING THIS WAY AND THIS SOON?!  

"Stop." I said through gritted teeth, removing Sulli's hand from my shirt. "I know he's coming this way." Killing time, I slowly and painfully piled my books before fixing the strap of my bag over my shoulder. I could almost feel my fiance's gaze boring to my sides, making me shiver. When gasps escaped from my two newly-found friends, I closed my locker door shut, turning to see Park Chanyeol already standing behind me. 

Him coming here completely caught me off guard. But it has been more than a week since I last saw him and although I am pissed at him real bad, I could never deny the fact that I miss him. I miss him and it's killing me. 

"Hey." Chanyeol grinned as he stared down at me. "Glad I found you. This school's quite big, huh?" 

Glancing behind him, I can see Amber and Sulli giving me a look of pure confusion. I know and I can't blame them. "W-What are you doing here?" I asked, my breath catching up in my throat. "I-I thought---"

"I came here to pick you up." Chanyeol explained. "Also, I have something to show you. Here, let me get your things first." then he reached out, getting my bag off my firm grip. I let him do so, watching him put the strap over his own shoulder. And as if sensing their presence, Chanyeol turned to look behind him and I swear Sulli's eyes almost twinkled. "Baekhyun, your friends?"

Damn. 

"O-Oh, yes. Sorry." I muttered as Chanyeol moved to my side, one hand resting on the small of my back. With trembling hands, I gestured to the three of them in awkward motions. The feeling of my fiance's hand behind me is making me weak to the toes. "Chanyeol, this is Sulli and Amber, my classmates and friends." His brows raised a bit with the word. "Sulli and Amber, this is Park Chanyeol." I stopped there, trying to smile as Chanyeol held out a hand towards them. 

Amber is the first one to take it because it is as if Sulli almost stopped breathing. "Hello," she said in a low voice. "Nice to meet you, Park Chanyeol." They shook hands and when Chanyeol turned to Sulli, the latter just stared at his hand. 

"Oh." Chanyeol frowned, slowly withdrawing. "I'm sorry---"

"No!" Sulli suddenly exclaimed, reaching for my fiance's hand and shaking it vigorously. "I-I'm sorry, I'm sorry. H-Hello-- Nice meeting you, Chanyeol." 

Chanyeol chuckled as he nodded and pulled back. When he turned to me again, his eyes are bright with glee. "Baby, you didn't tell me you already have friends in this art school." he said and I almost covered his mouth with both hands. Dammit, Park Chanyeol. 

BABY?!, Sulli and Amber mouthed at me in unison but I ignored them. 

"Y-Yes. I'm sorry." I said, touching the back of my neck. "I must have forgotten." 

Chanyeol just nodded, pursing his lips. "Well, you must---" But he was cut off by his phone suddenly ringing. With a frown, Chanyeol fished his phone from his pocket and gave the caller ID a fast glance. "Baek, sorry but I have to take this call. My car's right outside. I'll wait for you there, okay?" 

I bit my lip, nodding fast. "Sure. Okay." 

Then Chanyeol reached for my waist and pulled me in for a kiss. It was just a quick peck on the lips but I almost felt my legs turn to jelly. He gave Sulli and Amber friendly nods before swiping a finger on his phone screen and walking away. Glances followed him, and I almost did. If not for the two hands grabbing my arm, pulling me to a corner. 

"What was that?!" Sulli thundered, glaring down at me. "Don't tell me--"

"He is." I finally said, sighing. "He's my fiance. Park Chanyeol's the one we were talking about a while ago." 

"Oh. My. God." she gasped. "But you said he's ugly, you lying little btch!" 

With that, I can't help but laugh. "No. You said that." I said. But then, I knew I lied and I owe them an apology. "Look," I muttered, looking down. "I'm sorry if I lied. I just... I just don't want other people knowing anything about him. I-It... I don't like the feeling it gives me." 

There was silence and I look up to see the two girls just staring at me, absorbing what I said. Amber's face is emotionless as she chewed on the inside of her cheek, thinking. Sulli, on the other hand, still has a firm grip on my arm. What I did was wrong, that I know. And I would understand if they get mad at me. 

"That Park Chanyeol is hot." Amber suddenly commented, catching me by surprise. "I don't blame Baekhyun for keeping his fiance's real looks a secret. If I were him, I think I'll do the same." 

Suddenly, Sulli's hold loosened. "You're right." she sighed dramatically. "But I can't believe you tricked us into believing those lies! That was pure evil!" 

"I'm sorry," I repeated, pursing my lips. "I won't do it again. I swear."

Sulli poked my shoulder with a pout. "That's right! Friends don't lie to each other." Then she stopped, eyebrows knitting together in obvious worry and disbelief. "But wait, Byun Baekhyun. Is he really not a good kisser?!"

I chuckled, shaking my head in amusement. "Did I say that?" I raised a brow. "What I really mean was, he's not just a good kisser."

Sulli and Amber giggled and we laughed before they both finally sighed, looking back at the corridor where Park Chanyeol just walked in and out a while ago. "Well, isn't he dreamy?" Amber muttered, smiling despite herself. "I should have known this Byun Baekhyun won't settle for less than that."

"Hm. I wonder what surprise he was telling you about." Sulli raised a brow at me in question. "Mind telling us after you got it?" 

"You're being nosy again!" I complained. "What the hell?" 

"You owe us. Big time!"

And so I glared at her and huffed. "Fine."