It's barely time for dinner when my mother and I arrived home. Carrying the grocery bags in both hands, I headed straight to the kitchen with Mom in tow, a single paper bag containing vegetables she's hugging against her chest.

"I'll make dinner since you were so nice accompanying me to the mart today," she grinned as two maids went to help store the groceries. "What would you want, Chanyeol?"

I just shrugged as I took two of the grocery bags from the counter. "Anything," I muttered. "Do you want me to think of something?"

"Okay. But I'll definitely go Singaporean if you're too slow." Mother said, raising a brow but still with her warm smile. "You may now go and change into some clean clothes. Thanks again, son."

"No problem, Mom." I smiled, turning on my heel and walking towards the stairs. I ascended the flight two at a time, gripping the two heavy reusable bags in one hand. It has been a long Friday, with all the lessons and reports I have to read and understand. I never even had enough time to browse the internet for pleasure or call my fiance or exchange text messages. I miss Byun Baekhyun. I just miss him everyday.

Peanut is scratching the carpet when I entered my room. His bright blue eyes swept up to meet mine and he immediately went to greet me, brushing his coat against my legs in slow, delicate motions as I placed the grocery bags on the floor. The thing is that, Baekhyun's mother doesn't like keeping pets in their home because of all the mess and ruckus. And being the good fiance that I should be, I offered to take care of him for Baekhyun.

I could still remember his face when I said that. He was beyond happy and relieved. And he looked beautiful.

Although I don't particularly like Peanut, I don't really hate him. He could be cute and sweet sometimes when he's not picking up a fight and being stubborn. Besides, he's been staying with me for three weeks now and I guess we're building up friendship.

"Hey, Peanut." I murmured as I walked towards my closet, removing my business clothes in exhange of a black t-shirt and khaki shorts. When I went to check the sand toilet I placed in the balcony, I noticed it didn't need any cleaning so I proceeded unpacking all the cat stuff I bought in the mart today. I playfully tossed Peanut a yarn ball and he started to play with it wildly, making me grin.

After refilling his bowl with weird cat food, I lied on the bed and started to read a book I never thought I'll read. "Geez, Park Chanyeol," I muttered to myself as I shook my head, turning on the first page of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. "You must really, really be crazy head-over-heels in love with that guy for you to be doing this."

Honestly speaking, I am not into fiction. I don't really appreciate magic and fantasy and all those stuffs. I don't even like romance; that's why I was genuinely surprised when Baekhyun called me a 'romantic' because I don't really see myself as one.

But tonight, here I am lying in bed with this book full of wizardry and witchcraft and I don't really feel burdened or bored or obligated. I like to know what Baek saw in this creation and everything that concerns him never feel like burden at all. Every passing day, I find myself wanting to know him more no matter how much of him I know by heart already.

It's ridiculous. I can't even begin to explain my feelings for him at this point. It's like my existence started to make sense when he came, and losing him would bring me nowhere. Literally and figuratively.

Peanut suddenly leaped up the bed and to my chest, cutting off my reading. Cats aren't really dependent creatures but I guess this Ragdoll cat is an exception, always likes to cuddle and snuggle on my chest and neck when I'm lying on bed. As Peanut grew older each passing week, streaks of gray already appear on his ears, around his eyes, and tail, further confirming his breed.

"What is it?" I asked gently as I rubbed my fingers under his jaw, making him flutter his eyes close. "What is it, buddy?" But as an answer, he just dropped his head on my chest and slept. Yeah. So basically, his 'room' is on my chest. He's been sleeping like this since who-knows-when and I wonder why it isn't making me angry.

Sighing, I opened the book again and that's when a text came. I grabbed my phone from the bedside table, smiling like crazy at the screen.

'From: pbh

hello to the man i want to kiss so badly rn.

let's go out with bro and jongin! i'll pick you up!!! 3:)'

I sent a quick reply.

'hello gorgeous.

but... pick me up?'

'well yeah. you can't take your car to this place.'

'you're getting me curious.'

'i know. ;) i like it when you're curious.'

'seriously, baby.'

'i'm otw. be there in 30. wear something casual. but don't look too handsome or i'll slaughter you (: '

The smiley made me chuckle and Peanut stirred from his sleep, jumping off my chest to land on the spot beside me to continue his nap. 'fine. but don't look too beautiful yourself.'

'too late for that ;)'

I just rolled my eyes, amused. 'take care, baby.'

'i miss you.'

Hell. I'm grinning like crazy. "I miss you, too." I murmured but didn't reply to the text. Instead, I placed the HP book under my pillow and decided for a quick shower before choosing a faded ripped jeans and a simple black sweater. I put on some combat boots to complete my look and when I threw myself a glance on the mirror, I'm guessing I'm simple enough.

When Byun Baekhyun arrived in his black hoodie and ripped pants, we both grinned at each other. "We match!" he laughed, throwing his arms around my neck to give me a hug and a gentle peck on the lips. He looks so cute and hot at the same time I don't know why or how.

"You seriously look gorgeous." I murmured, running my hand along his back. "And I've missed you, too. If that's what you want to know."

"Thanks." he giggled. "I really need that." Then he pulled back to check on Peanut, murmuring sweet nothings to the cat as he brushes a hand along its sleeping figure. I let him spend a few minutes with the pet he obviously misses and I just busied myself with fixing my hair, making it look casual and away from that neat, slicked style I use at the office.

Lately, the jealousy I've been feeling towards Baekhyun's attachment to the cat is diminishing considering the fact that Peanut is already staying with me instead of him. So when I looked back at my fiance and see him kissing Peanut everywhere his lips could reach, I can't help but give out a small smile. Getting jealous over Peanut the Ragdoll Cat is just... ridiculously childish. I effin know that now. 

"Baby?" 

Baekhyun turned to look at me, brows shooting up. "Yes?"

"Just let me know if you're ready to go." I said as I started to walk over a couch, prepared to wait for him whenever. But Baekhyun just shook his head and gave Peanut one final kiss on the forehead before standing up, one black bag slung around his body. Somehow, he still looks every inch of the school boy I first saw stumbling to that auditorium stage with his fearful eyes and pink lips and I want to ignore the fact that he has grown to be breathtakingly beautiful through the years. I don't really fancy the idea of other people seeing Byun Baekhyun the way I do. It irritates me.  

"We have a dinner to catch so, let's go." Baekhyun said, grabbing my hand in his. He intertwined our fingers as we bid Peanut goodbye and he let me get my wallet and house keys from my bedside table. As we left the room, the cat even gave out a soft purr, probably acknowledging our departure. 

I took Baekhyun's bag from him and stuffed my things inside. Then I swung it over my own shoulder as we descended the stairs. From the windows, I could see the skies darkening into another vast blanket of stars. "Did you see Mom?" I asked.

"She's making dinner." Baek answered. "Your Dad arrived few minutes before I did, I guess."

"Told them we're eating out?" 

"Told them I'm kidnapping you." he giggled, eyes folding into crescent. I almost kissed him then. 

I scoffed. "Very funny." 

When we reached the first floor of the house, we shouted our goodbyes towards the kitchen to be followed by my Mom waving at us from the dining room. We have no choice but to walk the remaining meters from our house to the bus stop located just outside our village and we're undoubtedly lucky that our house isn't that far from the village gates. The air wasn't quiet as we strolled through the night, stories of the past week flowing from our mouths like a string of words begging to be heard. Telling stories isn't really my thing, but this is Byun Baekhyun and I can't help myself. 

"And that wasn't the first time she mistook the salt to be sugar." I groaned, continuing my story as we neared the bus stop. "Monday, I almost spurted that 'salted coffee' of hers all over the reports I was reading. God. It was so annoying. Sometimes, she's like... in a trance or something. Just staring at me blankly." 

"Maybe she likes you," Baekhyun murmured, eyes darting up to meet mine. "You know, maybe she's distracted by you that's why she can't do her job right. Or maybe---"

"Baekhyun," I looked at him dead in the eyes, feeling his jealousy creeping up. "She's my secretary and I hate her coffee." 

He bit his lip, looking down. "I make good coffee." he mumbled. "I can be your secretary..."

"Oh, baby," I sighed, releasing my fingers from his hand so I could pull him into an embrace. Few of the other people waiting at the bus stop turned to throw us boring glances but I don't care. "I know you want to but you can't and I won't let you." I kissed the top of his head, brushing hair away from his face as I gave him another kiss on the cheek. 

Baekhyun buried his face against my chest as he gripped my sweater. "I know." 

And suddenly, this huge vehicle with a Goblin poster of Gong Yoo and Kim Go-eun stopped right in front of us, making me tense and forget for a moment the man I am holding around my arms. My fiance might have noticed it because he pulled back abruptly and stared at my face. He looked at the bus and my face again, obviously trying to put sense into what he's seeing right now. Soon enough, his brows slowly furrowed in pure curiosity. 

"Is Ji Eun-tak your crush or something?" he asked. "Because that's okay with me. She's really cute." 

"I-It's not that---" then I let out a troubled breath when he pulled me towards the bus' doors. My legs suddenly feel unsure and unsteady and I want to kick myself for feeling this way. This is absolutely insane and very much... sissy. I can't even. 

The bus is seriously packed with people and I don't know how they managed to get through this everyday. Baek pulled out this card from his pocket before fumbling and tapping twice on a machine beside the driver. I don't know what that was but maybe it has something to do with paying the fare. I glanced around frantically, swallowing hard as we squeezed our way towards individuals with headphones on. Miraculously, we kind of ended up in the middle and since all the seats are already taken, we just stood up facing each other so closely Baek's chest is almost pressed against mine. 

"Hey, you okay?" Baekhyun murmured as he bumped unto me when the bus slowly left the stop. "You look uncomfy." 

I looked up and awkwardly grabbed one high handle. "I'm fine." I muttered. "Just not used to this..." 

"Typical." Baek smirked as he tried to grab a handle to steady himself but the available ones are too high for him. So he just sighed and grabbed unto me instead, taking advantage of my steadier state. He took hold of one of my hands and held my sweater in the other. 

"What's so typical?" 

"You." he giggled, tipping his head back. "Typical rich boy." 

I rolled my eyes at him, letting my other hand rest on his waist. "We're not rich. We're just... comfortable." 

"Oh yeah?" he challenged. "Then why do I have the feeling that you haven't ridden a public transport before?"

"I ride trains." 

"Yeah, sure. Trains. And you're in the first class with the champagne and stuff."  

I narrowed my eyes at him. "Don't make it sound so bad." 

"How about buses like this?" Baekhyun asked, cocking his head to one side. One guy squeezed his way behind Baek and I pulled my fiance closer to me by the waist before turning around so I could pin him between a metal red pole and myself. I peered down at him and for some reason, he blushed a beautiful scarlet red. 

I unconsciously traced his cheek with my thumb before returning my hold just at the bottom of his spine. "This is my second time, maybe?" 

Baekhyun giggled, pulling me closer by my sweater. "So typical." he repeated. "Hey, want to go on a date without your car one time? Let's explore places and ride buses and trains to wherever."

"That sounds promising." I grinned. "And scary."

"If you're afraid, I'll take care of you." he promised, giving me a look between teasing and sincerity. "It's not right that you're the only one taking care of me all the time, right?" 

"I don't mind." I murmured before leaning down to kiss his forehead. "But sure. Please do take care of me." 

We hopped down the bus into another stop and walked our way towards a bar just a few blocks away. Baekhyun reluctantly slipped both of his hands into the pocket of his hoodie and something tells me he has to do that so I couldn't hold hands with him. When he threw me a glance, I raised one brow. 

"Now you're the one looking uncomfy." I pointed out, walking closer to him. "Is there a problem?" 

"Not really." he breathed as he stared ahead. "But... Park Chanyeol?" 

"Yes, Byun Baekhyun?" I held unto his bag still slung over my shoulder.

He gave out a sigh before looking at me again. "Tonight, we're actually going on a group date." he admitted, watching my reaction. "It's the one Hyung was talking about before."

"Group date?" I muttered dumbly. "But you hated the idea." 

"Yeah," he pouts. "Honestly, at first I thought he was just fooling around about that chick he likes but as the weeks flew, I think this is the first time I ever saw him pursue a girl that much. He's buying gifts now and sulks when something not good happens between them.  And I know I hate him sometimes because he's a complete jerk. But he's still my brother, you know?"

I gently put my arm around Baekhyun, pulling him for a quick hug. "I'm so proud of you, love." 

Baekhyun beamed at me just as the figures of Byun Baek-beom and Kim Jongin came into view. They're both standing in front of this Namchul Bar & Restaurant, both obviously waiting for us in their own pair of casual clothes. Baekhyun's brother obviously styled up for this night and Jongin is a total contrast beside him, just a pullover, jeans, and black boots.

"Hey!" Jongin grinned when we reached them. "What took you guys so long?"

"And what's with the clothes?" Baek-beom complained. "You two look like you're on a date."

I shrugged. "We didn't plan this, okay? Just... chill, will you?"

"Chanyeol's right." Baekhyun grumbled, glaring at his brother. "Quit your bitching. Remember, we're doing you a fcking favor so shut your hole."

Baek-beom just glared back before rolling his eyes and looking at the opposite direction as if he's waiting for someone. The girl he likes together with her friends would probably arrive soon. Breath escaped my parted lips as I cast my glance at the bar beside us, noting the nightlife ambiance of the place. Three customers walked out of the place to smoke outside and when they opened the glass doors, I could hear a band playing in the background. The lights outside are dim and kind of neon.

"Ignore him," Jongin muttered as he moved to Baekhyun's side. "He's just nervous."

Baek just shrugged. "Nervous my ass."

The night is getting chillier and we know we need to head inside soon if we don't want to catch a cold. Civilians continue to walk in and out of the Namchul Bar & Restaurant and Baek-beom still seems to be on edge while the three of us talk and laugh about stuffs.

"So you guys pretend you're single?" Kim Jongin asked.

Baekhyun moved to lean against the wall of the bar. "No can do. I have my rings." then he lifted a hand to show Jongin the rings I gave him, the diamond winking at me against the night lights. "But I can pretend if they won't notice I'm freaking gay and engaged." Smirking, Baekhyun slipped his hand inside the pocket of his hoodie again and I unconsciously ran my thumb against the rings I am wearing, too. 

"How about you, Yeol?"

"Whatever Baekhyun says." I answered just as I turned my head to Baek-beom's direction. Suddenly, a pretty brunette who appears to be around our age walked over to Baekhyun's brother, grinning from ear to ear. She's wearing a short flowery dress and leather jacket and her hair is tied up in a messy bun. She doesn't wear much make up and her cheeks are bare but blushing. To be fair, she looks really pretty.

Baekhyun stood straight, leaving the wall. "Oh. Here they come."

"We're so sorry," the girl apologized to us, bowing from her waist. "We kind of missed the bus so we waited for the next one to arrive."

Three more good-looking girls are behind her and they all gave us apologetic smiles. One of them is a redhead with bangs, the other black-haired, and the last seems to have her hair highlighted in red. All of them are wearing dresses in different cuts and styles with matching high heels or boots. But I focused my attention more on the girl Baek-beom likes.

"No worries." Baek-beom grinned. "We didn't wait long."

The brunette shook her head. "Still. We're sorry." then she gestured to herself, bowing again. "By the way, I am Jennie Kim, Baek-beom's friend. And these are Lisa, Chae Young, and Jisoo."

We gave our greetings to each other, bowing as Baek-beom introduced the three of us one by one. Baekhyun seems to be in a good mood, grinning at the girls instead of glaring at them like he used to do with other unknown women. Seems like the fact that Baek-beom likes Jennie made him more comfortable.

The eight of us settled on a circular booth inside Namchul and ensured that Baek-beom and Jennie could sit side-by-side so they could engage into their own private conversation if needed. I sat between Baekhyun and the narrow entrance to the booth. The red head, Lisa, settled beside Baekhyun with Jisoo, the girl with highlights, between her and Jennie. Across from Lisa and Jisoo, Jongin squeezed between black-haired Rosé and Baek-beom.

Fortunately, the conversations aren't awkward as the minutes went by. The girls are easy to talk to and they're all nice and formal, no flirting behind their words or actions. Soon enough, Baek-beom and Jennie became engrossed into their own little world and the six of us dove into our own small talks.

"I don't really want to pry," Lisa smirked as she raised one eyebrow at Baek. "But your ring is blinding me for some time now."

"Yeah! Me, too!" Jisoo giggled just as the food was served. The inside of the bar is kind of club-like but somehow, the band singing acoustic songs is calming. A bartender throws bottles and mixers in the air and I watched him as I subtly wait for Baekhyun's answer. From my peripheral view, I notice him slip his ringed hand inside his hoodie's pocket.

Rosé laughed, too. "Look. He's blushing!"

"Come on, girls. Don't pick on Baekhyun." Jongin said absentmindedly as he concentrated on making a wrap for himself. The girls ignored him, though, and he doesn't seem to mind because food is there and it's all he cares about now.

Baekhyun smiled shyly. "No. It's fine." he said. "It's an engagement ring."

"Two engagement rings?" Lisa's brows shoot up. "Wow."

"No. The black one is kind of like a gift." Baek muttered. "My fiance gave it to me when we went to Hawaii for a trip."

Rosé's eyes seem to turn dreamy as she rests her chin on both palms. "Two rings from the same person?" she breathed. "I bet he's possessive. And really romantic." She gave out a sigh and Baekhyun's blush deepened in color.

The pronoun she used didn't escape Baekhyun's notice, though. "Wait-- You knew that I'm--"

"Hush, darling. It's kind of obvious." Lisa grinned, winking at Baek. "So, what's he like?"

With that, I turned my head to Baekhyun's direction and surprisingly, he's looking at me. His eyes are wide and his cheeks are bursting with color and even in the dim light of the bar, he looks wonderful. Lips gaped to speak but no words came out and he's just staring at my face and I keep holding his gaze. For a split second, fear and uncertainty flashed across his face and I instantly know what to do or say next.

I grabbed his hand in mine, grinning as I looked at the three pretty girls watching us right now. "I'm his fiance." I admitted. "We're engaged for more than a year now."

"Holy---" Lisa gasped, stopping herself before she could curse. "I wasn't expecting that!"

Jisoo shook her head in amusement, pointing a finger at me. "I knew you were wearing the same pair of rings!" she exclaimed. "I knew it! I knew it!"

"But seriously, Park Chanyeol," Rosé started as she gave me a look. "Two rings? Seriously?"

I just shrugged. "Maybe I am that possessive."

"So tell me your love story!" Lisa urged, grabbing Baekhyun's arm. "Come on! We have the whole night to kill."

"No!" Baekhyun groaned, making us laugh. "It's so long and it's boring. You wouldn't want to hear it."

"We have the whole night to kill!" Lisa repeated and Baekhyun can't help but close his eyes in despair. It took the girls a few more minutes to get Baekhyun into telling the story of us and I am left listening and filling out details whenever Baek needs me to. Even Jongin sat close to listen, occasionally throwing me teasing looks.

When Jongin stood up to go to the comfort room, he nudged my shoulder before leaning down to whisper something in my ear. "I don't know but those dudes seem to be throwing glares." He gestured to somewhere behind him and I looked just to see a bunch of tattooed guys in leather jackets and black combat boots. However, Jongin isn't wrong about the fact that they're throwing glares and smirks in our direction. When I looked back at our table, Baek and the girls are still sharing stories.

"Um, excuse me." I muttered, leaning against the table. "You rode a bus to here, right?"

Jisoo nodded. "Yes. Why?"

"I guess it'll be better if we leave early tonight." I said. "Those guys seem to be watching you. And I don't think it'll be safe if you guys go home late."

"Guys watching us? Where?" Rosé sounds panicked.

"Never mind them." I said calmly for their benefit. "We would walk you to the bus stop or send you straight home if needed. Right, Baek?"

My fiance looked at me, eyes somehow laced with worry. "Yes. Sure."

As Jisoo relayed the message to Jennie and Baek-beom, Baekhyun tapped my leg, urging me to move. "I'll just go to the restroom then we'll leave." he said and I moved to let him out of the booth. Nodding, I watched him walk towards the comfort room before turning to grab my drink. My eyes darted back towards the bartender who is continuously making drinks for the patrons waiting around the wide counter.

When I turned to watch the men throwing us glares, they're suddenly gone.

"What---" I breathed, my eyes narrowing. Then suddenly, out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of one of them heading towards the comfort rooms. I glanced at the empty space beside me.

Fcking sht. They weren't watching the girls.

I stood up fast and sharp, even knocking some drinks off the table. "Hey---" Lisa started to protest but I ignored her and ran my way towards the comfort room. To my great annoyance, all four of the tattooed men are already standing just outside the restrooms, obviously waiting for someone. When one of them caught my presence, he gritted his teeth together. I glared back and proceeded to walk towards the restroom, noticing they're all smaller than me but they're muscled and older. 

Just as I'm entering the CR, Jongin came out. "Hey." he said, almost bumping into me. "I saw Baek inside. He's coming out soon."

"Yeah." I pushed past him, opening the door to see Byun Baekhyun washing his hands at the sink. When he's finished, I grabbed his wrist and led him out with confusion and surprise all over his pretty face. Kim Jongin is still standing outside, his jaw tensed and firm as he cast glances at the waiting men outside. For some reason, the air around us seem to become heavier and less tolerable.

When one of them tried to grab Baekhyun by his ass, that's when I lose my sht. I turned, pulling Baek behind me before throwing a punch directly to the man's jaw. A bone cracking sound filled the air and he immediately fell to the ground with a loud groan, grabbing his dislocated mandible. "Fck!" he gasped, pointing a finger at me. "How dare---"

"Don't touch him." I said in a calm voice, looking at them directly in the eyes. "Just fcking don't."

"You bastard!" The nearest one took another step towards me and I pushed Baekhyun to Jongin before easily dodging the punch thrown at me. I heard the man growl low in his throat before he tried to hit me again but this time, my ready fist met his nose and he whimpered in pain, blood gushing out of his nostrils immediately. I took a step back, palms open on either side of my body.

"No one treats or touches my fiance like that." I muttered, my expression blank. "Leave him alone."

My words just drove the men angrier and the other two started to advance towards me. I dodge their punches at first but when I grew tired, I grabbed one of them by the arm and threw him to the floor. The effort suddenly put me off balance and before I knew it, one hard fist landed on my cheek and I stumbled backward.

"Fck." I groaned as I stepped back, clasping my face.

Suddenly, someone pushed past me and screamed, "HOW DARE YOU! YOU'RE FCKING DEAD!"

"Baekhyun, no!"

But Byun Baekhyun already threw himself to the surprised man, sending both of them to the floor in a wrestle. Baek pinned him using his legs and started showering his face with heavy punches. The tattooed guy tried to fight back but Baekhyun seems to be wildly angry, screaming as he punched and punched. "HOW DARE YOU HURT HIM! I'M GOING TO KILL YOU, YOU FCKING BASTARD!"

"Baek!" I called as I rushed to his side, pulling him off the man who's already out cold. "Baek, you're killing him!"

Two bouncers arrived and immediately checked what's going on. They helped me pull Baekhyun away though he's still screaming and throwing punches in the air. Kim Jongin rushed to tell one bouncer what happened and when Baekhyun suddenly realized I'm already holding him, he turned to face me, eyes wide.

"Chanyeol!" he gasped. "Are you okay? Tell me where it hurts! Tell me!"

"I'm fine," I chuckled when he touched my face. "I'm fine, Byun Baekhyun."

"Are you fcking kidding me? I saw that idiot punch you on the face---"

"Guys?!" Baek-beom rushed to us from the hallways and his eyes traveled around the scene and the unconscious or whimpering bodies of the men we kind of had a fight with. "What the hell happened here?"

Jongin let out a breath, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Let's just get out of here." he muttered. "The fight was nauseating."

"Fight?!" Baek-beom gasped. "What fight?!"

But we all ignored him and just walked out of the hallways, leaving the bouncers to deal with the situation. Jongin said that according to the bouncer he talked to, this isn't the first time those guys caused a fight and from now on, they'll be keeping them out of the restaurant already. This was the final straw and there's no more chances.

The rest of the night was spent walking the girls to the nearest bus stop and taking another bus home. Baek-beom and Jongin headed to the train station but Byun Baekhyun and I went to the nearest 7/11 store to buy some band aids and ointment. As we sat under the roof of a lone bus stop, Baekhyun took my hand in his and inspected the bruises.

"You didn't have to do that." he murmured, looking at me with concern. "I can take care of myself."

"And you didn't have to do that either." I said, raising my brows at him. "You almost gave me a heart attack, Byun Baekhyun."

"I said I'll take care of you, too, remember?" Baekhyun said in a low voice. "Let's take care of each other, won't we, Park Chanyeol? Let's guard each others' backs and never leave. Because I see the way you treasure me and I want to be the same to you."

Slowly, I put my arm around his shoulder, pulling him so he could rest his head on me. "God, Byun Baekhyun. Why do you always have to exceed my expectations?"

Baekhyun nuzzled my neck. "I'm sorry if I worried you."

"Yeah." I breathed. "I never thought this group date would be this tiring."

"You know, I was thinking of us when I agreed to attend this group date." Baekhyun said quietly, one hand playing with the hem of my sweater. "I don't really like my brother's guts and we both know that. But... We're happy, aren't we, Chanyeol?"

"We are." I whispered, kissing his hair.

"They said that before going into a relationship, you must find who you are first. Complete yourself before you try on completing other people's lives. Know yourself before learning about another person's heart. Love yourself before filling your heart with affection for somebody else." Baekhyun's voice turned softer as he loosely wrapped his arms around my waist. "Those were right, of course. Because how could you mend someone's broken pieces when you're shattered yourself?"

I nodded, pulling him closer and protecting him from the cold.

"I was lucky, though, because I didn't have to do that first." Baekhyun whispered. "I was finding myself back then, knowing what I really am, realizing what I really want. Maybe you could call me lost. Maybe you could call me broken, too. But then you found me and put together the pieces of me in a way that made sense.

"Maybe sometimes, we can't heal ourselves alone. Maybe sometimes, other people are meant to complete us in one way or another. And I'm more than thankful that you were that someone to me, Park Chanyeol. And my brother... Part of me wants to see him this happy, too, you know. Maybe that girl is the answer. Or not. But either way, I want to give him at least a glimpse of how complete I am after meeting the right person. And that's all thanks to the man I want to kiss so badly right now."

"That's deep, Byun Baekhyun," I chuckled as I looked down at him. Light splatter of rain hit the roof of the bus stop just as Baekhyun tipped his head back to look at me. His eyes are wide and playful but aren't any less sincere.

"Thank you." he murmured, reaching up to touch my face. "And I'm glad I could finally say those things."

I touched Baekhyun's chin with my finger as I shook my head. "You weren't broken when I met you, Byun Baekhyun." I whispered as I stared into his eyes. "I believe you were perfect in your own way and I think that's the beauty of this love we have right now. We didn't know we're complete ourselves until you meet someone who would make you feel otherwise." 

The edges of Baekhyun's lips twisted to a small, pretty smile. "Still. Thanks." he breathed.

Gently, I planted my lips on his. "I know," I whispered back. "Thanks, too."