The tissue box on the table is almost empty and Liu Amber looks at the used ones with disgust. She reluctantly took her coffee from the table, as if Choi Sulli's snot and tears could contaminate her beloved drink like some airborne virus; Not that she's totally wrong about it. However, after I sip from my mug, I held it in one hand and settled back on my seat as I let out a breath. I never thought this kind of drama among girls is this stressful. 

"He's so fcked!" Sulli grumbled, tissue crumpling in her tight grip. "He's so fcked up and being with him fcked everything up even more!" The glare she gave the floor would have been enough to cause an earthquake but nothing happened and the cafe remained peaceful and the night lovely. It was another tiring day at the art school and as soon as I dropped by C&B, two of my friends came coming: one crying and the other quite freaked out. 

Amber nodded, lips pressed in a line. She seemed sympathetic enough though she tried to hide that she cares. "I told you he was cheating on you with that high school cheerleader," she said and when I gave her a shocked look, she breathes, "Fcking pedo." Before shrugging and leaning back against the couch. 

"Um," Manoban Lisa started beside me. "I'm sorry but how long were you two dating before he--" then she stopped when Sulli gave out another cry. Other customers paused to look but we didn't mind them. Lisa and Kim Jisoo came here for coffee just a few minutes ago but soon found themselves stuck into comforting some brokenhearted stranger. Lisa has this unsure look on her face and when Sulli looked at her, she swallowed. "I'm sorry-- I was just--"

"Who are you again?" Sulli sniffed, tissue against her nose. "I'm sorry, I wasn't able to catch your name." 

"It's Lisa." 

"Right." Sulli nodded then she paused and sighed, keeping all the tears at bay for now. "That bastard... We were dating for a few weeks before he started to shut me out. You know, when he suddenly turns cold and when he isn't returning your calls and texts anymore. Soon I found out about this fifteen year old girl he's been going out with just recently. I stayed quiet about it for a few days and when I confronted him about it, the jerk didn't even deny the sht he's been doing." And when I thought she's going to cry again, Sulli just let out a long and heavy breath, lazily tossing the crumpled tissue into the mess. Her eyes are more swollen than ever and her nose red from crying, but I think she finally had enough of the all these emo. She has to be. I don't even think this guy deserves the tears she's been spilling. 

Lisa pouts as she stared at her now empty glass of frappe. "That's messed up." she muttered. "I really hate cheaters. They're like, looking for someone who's never there and looking pass someone who all ever did was stay." Suddenly, her gaze somehow shifted into something blank so I could only guess that she's been struck by some painful memory. However, I still gave her an approving look for saying non senseless things. 

"Ugh," Sulli groaned. "Don't make me fcking cry again." 

"You shouldn't," Amber protested. "Crying over that jerk isn't even worth it. You'll get over him very soon, I know you will."

"Amber's right," Jisoo said, running a comforting hand over Sulli's back. She's always the sweet one so no one's surprised she's the one giving more effort into soothing Sulli's aches though they don't really know each other. "That guy doesn't deserve you or your tears, Sulli dear. Come on! You deserve better than this. And I'm sure you are better than this." 

But instead of lifting her own spirit up, Sulli just looked more depressed as she buries her face in her hands, ruining her makeup. "Damn those heartbreaks. Damn those nine guys who broke my heart. Damn those fcking nine heartbreaks for me!" Sulli hissed as she shook her head. With her hands, she gestured to the place and to no one in particular. "The hell with those bastards! The hell with all the penis people! They can all just die--!" 

"Ya, Choi Sulli," I stopped her, my lips against my cup and a finger pointing to my face. "This guy right here has a fcking penis and you're insulting it. And why the fck are you speaking like some drunk btch?" With my other hand, I pushed the cup of tea to her direction but she just glared at it and me. I know she's hurt and all that but she's turning into some whining baby and that doesn't make this situation any better. After staring daggers for a few seconds, I just shrugged at her and gestured again to the tea. "Drink," I ordered. 

Sulli bit her lip, forcing herself to look angry but then she murmured, "Fine." before taking the cup into her hands. Slowly, she sipped from it as she looks at me in question and I just nodded in approval. "Mm. Tastes good," Sulli breathes as she placed the cup back on the table and give out another sigh. We all just looked at her, studying her facial expression which slowly turned from grim to quite relaxed. It was quite satisfying on my part, actually. 

But just as I'm about to stand up and refill my cup, one hand grabbed my arm to stop me. "Byun Baekhyun," Jisoo looks at me with disappointment. "You were being mean." 

"Being mean?" I asked, surprised. "Mean about what?" 

"Sulli is suffering from a breakup. Her heart's broken." she explained, even gesturing at Sulli with random hand gestures to specify her point. "You can't say those words to her. They were harsh and mean." 

Now, confusion is really starting to cloud my mind. With my eyes wide and questioning, I looked at Lisa, Amber, and pouting Sulli for help but they just returned my gaze, obviously agreeing to what Jisoo is saying. But what the hell did I do wrong? 

"W-What? Why?" I can't help but ask. "What did you expect me to say?" 

Jisoo's eyes almost dug into my soul. "Nice things," she said between gritted teeth. "Tell her she's worth more than this. Tell her everything will be okay. Tell her she's going to find a way better man than her ex. It's how you comfort some brokenhearted person. You don't go frank. Not yet. You become the nicest person out there, okay? Don't you even know heartbreak?"

With that, I have to blink. "I don't." I answered truthfully and flatly. "I can't relate." 

"Fcking--"

"What the fck?" 

"Damn you, Byun Baekhyun." 

"Okay. Leave." 

Why they're throwing hate glances at me, I don't know. But as I walked towards the counter, I could still feel their stares boring into my body. What the actual fck made them pissed? Well, I'm sorry if my fiance didn't give me such heartache, okay? I'm sorry if he's some perfect creature who fell head over heels in love with me. And I'm fcking sorry if they couldn't find someone like my Park Chanyeol.

"Fcking envious btches." I murmured as I placed my mug on the counter and let Kyungsoo take it. Sighing, I folded my arms on the counter and let my cheek rest on them. It has been a tiring day and listening to Sulli's depressing story didn't even help a bit. She's deeply hurt, I suppose. Maybe she really did love that guy even when he didn't deserve it. Maybe life really is unfair and sometimes we're accepting the kind of love that isn't really meant for us. But that 'maybe' is kind of sad and I don't feel like burdening my friend with the thought.

As Kyungsoo placed my refilled coffee on the counter, I asked for another cup of tea. "For your friend, sir?" he asked as he wipes his hands on his apron. 

I nodded, looking kind of grim and confused at the same time. 

"Should I serve it eventually?" 

I nodded again, my chin propped on a palm. "You know what, giving her free tea is the least I could do," I murmured. "She's depressed and my words didn't seem to help. I'm kind of... weak on that part." And with that, Kyungsoo grinned and nodded before looking over my shoulder, a respectful and professional smile on his face. 

"How about you, sir?" he asked and curious, I turned to look at the person the barista is suddenly addressing. 

One of Park Chanyeol's hands immediately rested on my waist as he stepped to stand beside me. "Black coffee for me, please." he said calmly. "Thank you, Kyungsoo." 

Tonight, my fiance is wearing a simple navy blue shirt and black pants over a pair of Nike rubber shoes and he looks even more casual wearing a black baseball cap backwards which he does only to hide his disheveled hair. His eyes are kind of puffy and his face glowing so I guess he's been sleeping before going here. When Park Chanyeol turned to look down at me, his lips very slowly curved to a smile. 

"No work?" I asked, my cheek resting on a hand. "Lucky you, Mr. Park." 

"Not really. But it was an easy day at work," Chanyeol grinned as he leaned down to kiss me on the forehead. "How have you been, baby?" He touched my hair and brushed some loose strands back to my head before withdrawing to just stand and look at me. 

"Tired." I answered truthfully. "You?" 

Chanyeol chuckled. "You know I always feel great whenever you're right in front of me, Byun Baekhyun," he answered like what I asked is some given question already. "Plus! I got home early from work so I had some plenty of sleep." Then he paused and touched his chin thoughtfully. "But I'm wondering why your friends are throwing us angry glances."  

Sighing, I tipped my head to the girls sitting by the corner of the cafe. "Sulli's been crying her heart out," I muttered. "Her ex has been cheating on her with some high school cheerleader." 

"Oh," Chanyeol breathes as he shook his head. "That's sad. But what's with the look?" 

Nodding, I pursed my lips and looked down. "I can't help her so I asked Kyungsoo to get her another cup of tea," I said. "It's the only way I know I could help. I think I said something they didn't like." 

Chanyeol's brows suddenly furrowed in pure concern, the amusement immediately leaving his face. "Like what?" 

I met his eyes and shrugged. "Like the fact that I can't relate to their heartbreak stories," I said. "Because it-- It never happened to me before." 

The light aura returned to Chanyeol's face as fast as it left. "Oh that," he chuckled as he suddenly but carefully took my hand so he could hook his fingers with mine. He pulled me to him, closing a few more inches between us. "Baby, that's really not something you tell girls. Of course you'll piss them off," he added even sheepishly, a light blush creeping up his cheeks. A blushing Park Chanyeol is a rare specie so I took my time running my gaze over his handsome face. 

"Hm-hm," I nodded, absentmindedly staring at him. "Right... Okay, fine." 

Chanyeol laughed as he gently nudged my cheek with our intertwined hands. "Hey, quit the staring," he complained between laughs. "I'm serious."

I met his eyes and I have to purse my lips to keep myself from grinning. "Sure," I breathed. "You're serious." 

"No, baby, seriously." Chanyeol whispered as he leaned closer so he could kiss the tip of my nose, getting my complete attention. "You know girls could be really emotional sometimes and when they're in a heartbreak, the least they want to hear is that your love life is way happier than theirs."  

"But it is!" I protested, tugging at his hand. "You're perfect and I love you." 

Chanyeol's eyes widened a bit and his cheeks burned red. "And they don't want to hear that," he said, trying hard not to chuckle as he pursed his lips. He puffed air from his cheeks cutely as he released his hold around my hand so he could take his coffee from the counter as soon as Kyungsoo placed it beside us. 

"You know a lot about girls," I pouted. "And heartbreaks." 

My fiance looks at me like I grew some tentacles. "Baby, I have a sister," he said. "And she obsess over random guys and freakin' boy groups." 

"But still..." I mumbled, still pouting and slowly looking down.

"Okay, don't try to be cute now, Byun Baekhyun," Chanyeol sighed as he pats my hair with his free hand while sipping from his coffee.

"You know I don't try to be cute, Park Chanyeol," I said, raising a brow. "I'm cute. It's inherent. Live with it." 

"Hm. Ironic." Chanyeol said. "It kind of kills me every time." 

I giggled. "Yeah. And your cheesiness is strangling me." 

Park Chanyeol tried to glare but failed. "Okay," he started, shaking his head. "Back to the topic." 

"The topic of me being a useless friend?" I groaned, exasperated. 

"Well, you could just hug her or something," Chanyeol suggested with a shrug. "Or shower her with soothing words. Things like that." He even gave me an encouraging smile like he's perfectly sure and confident about what he's saying. Chanyeol took my mug from the counter before ushering me to the opposite corner of the cafe.

"I did that," I murmured. "And failed." Before Park Chanyeol could take another step away, I grabbed the hem of his shirt and tugged, pulling him back to our booth. In a split second, his face looks incredulous but I just offered him a wide smile. I know he's not really close to my peers but those girls are my friends now and he could do nothing about me getting him to know them and vice versa. 

Chanyeol tried to step back. "Baek, I don't think they'll like me hearing about--"

"That's not the point. Look, Park. I got a plan," I breathed, my voice low, as we neared them. "You know what I think will help Sulli?" 

"What?" my fiance asked hesitantly. 

I gave him a proud grin and a wink. "Meeting someone close to the perfect type of guy," I said. "Who knows? Maybe next time, she'll already know what to really look for in a penis person." To be perfectly honest, I don't really know what I'm doing but instead of preaching my friend about relationship and stuff, why not show her a living specimen of what a 'right guy' looks like? As they say, there's nothing better than the real thing. 

But, whatever. If this plan's fcked, then I'll just fck off.

"What the--" Chanyeol groaned just as we reached the table. And then he stooped low so he could whisper to my ear, "It feels like the success of this plan is based solely on me not messing up. Byun Baekhyun, I told you I'm not per--" 

To cut him off, I planted a palm over his lips before looking at my friends. "Hello girls, I'm back with a vengeance," I said seriously, gesturing at the man beside me. "Mind if Chanyeol joins us?" 

"The fck are you saying?" Amber raised a brow. "And sure. Here." She said before making room for us on the couch. Nodding in appreciation, I moved to sit beside Amber and watched as Chanyeol reluctantly put our mugs of coffee on the table. He then moved to settle beside me and almost instinctively wraps an arm around my waist. 

I felt Chanyeol's chin rest on my shoulder. "You friend looks messed up," he murmured. "Look what heartbreaks do." 

"Hm-hm," I nodded, tilting my head so I could look at him. "It kind of looks painful." 

Chanyeol chuckled, lips brushing against my cheek. "'Course it's painful." 

"You know a lot," I murmured. "And I don't like it." 

"I just think about heartaches a lot. Especially when I think about you." Chanyeol explained with a smile on his face but his eyes are dead serious. "I don't want you experiencing that so I always think of ways on how we could avoid it." 

I pursed my lips and tried not to kiss him. "That's sweet, Park Chanyeol." 

"I know," he smirked playfully, making me chuckle. "Maybe I just love you a lot." 

"What's that? 'Maybe?'" I challenged. "Do you want to fcking die, Park Chanyeol?" 

With that, Chanyeol laughed a wholehearted one. "No, my love. I don't." he answered, laughing low in his throat. I don't know how many times I mentioned this already but Park Chanyeol's voice alone could make my knees tremble with want. Everything about this man is just sexy I don't even know how to contain that sometimes. 

To distract myself, I just rolled my eyes and returned my attention to my friends who surprisingly didn't nag me about flirting with my fiance in front of them. And sure enough, the main reason is that while Sulli is staring blankly at the tea Kyungsoo just served, the other three are busy scrolling on their phones, all with deep frowns on their faces and eyes filled with rage. The scene confused me so I immediately scooted closer to Amber and looked at her phone. She's on Instagram, stalking some girl with quite an artsy feed. 

"Kim Hae Ra?" I read, brows furrowed together. Just as I'm about to ask who she is, an image of her in a cheerleader outfit slapped me with the fact. "OH! Is that the high school kid you guys were talking about? To be fair, she's quite attractive." The girl looks pretty with her wide eyes, cute button nose and pink lips. She's slim but not too skinny and she even looks tall. 

"She doesn't look like a fcking fifteen year old," Amber pointed out. "What did puberty do to me? This is unfair!" 

Lisa suddenly gasped as she pointed at her phone. "She also got some nice boobs!" she breathes, showing us a picture of Hae Ra in a two piece. "Look at that cleavage!" 

"Is that fcking telophase?" Amber gasped. 

With a sigh, Jisoo dropped her phone back on the table. "I quit." she sighed. "She's pretty and she seems nice. I can't seem to find anything scandalous about her. So maybe she's just some gullible little kid who got swooned by the lies of a wise old man." 

I shrugged at her, settling back beside Chanyeol who seems to be enjoying his coffee. "Don't trust a man who can't even court you," I said. "That's all I got to say. And seriously, I know I'm fcking right." And to emphasize my point, I stared right at Sulli who pouts and at me with her puppy and swollen eyes. I bet everything she and her ex only dated for a few days before they started calling themselves boyfriend and girlfriend. 

"Fine," Sulli grumbled. "I admit I'm gullible, too." 

"Fcking right," I nodded. "And fcking learn, Sulli." 

"Baekhyun!" Jisoo called out, frustrated. "You're doing it again!" 

"No. He's right," Sulli suddenly said, a small smile finally appearing on her face. "We shouldn't settle for someone who won't even exert an effort to save the relationship as much as we do. That sht's not worth it." It might have been hard for her to admit and say everything but I know she needs to. She needs to know one's worth, though she's learning it the hard way. 

Sighing, Jisoo settled back on her seat as her gaze traveled between me and Park Chanyeol who still has a tight hug around my waist as he browse his phone in his other hand. "Byun Baekhyun's lucky," she breathes. "I bet anything Chanyeol had a hard time courting you. Did he exert much effort into gaining your 'Yes'?" 

"I don't know. He seemed okay," I lied as I looked at Chanyeol just in time to see him look at me, too. "Right? You weren't much of a suitor, were you?" I added, teasing. 

Park Chanyeol chuckled. "I got you so I'm guessing I'm quite good at it," he said with a wink. Then he looked at Jisoo to answer her question. "Courting Byun Baekhyun was actually the first time I ever wanted someone so bad, I know my world's going to crumble if I didn't make him mine. So yes, I guess I really did exert much effort into getting him." 

Jisoo smiles warmly at us. "I'm glad you guys found each other," she said. "Just imagine what you two are doing now when you didn't have the chance to meet."

"Hm-hm," Chanyeol nods before sipping from his coffee. "I guess when you find the one at the right place and time, there's no reason left for you to hold back." 

And even if Park Chanyeol asks me again and again if I could be his, I know I won't even get tired of saying 'Yes'. 

"This is just so old school," my brother mumbled as he sipped from his coffee. "Where are you guys? In some romance movie?" Baek-beom grabbed another slice of toast from the table before heading out with me towards the door. He prefer acting like he doesn't care but my brother has always been like some bodyguard around me as if I'm some fcking girl. 

I looked at him as I slung my bag over my shoulder. "Then stop sending me to the gates every time," I mumbled. My brother could really be a pain in the ass sometimes. Together, we walked towards the door and just like every other day since the auditions, some tall and handsome man waits for and walks with me every time as I go to school. Today, he's wearing a knitted sweater over a pair of black pants and sneakers. 

"Stop drooling," Baek-beom murmured as he stopped by the door to sip from his cup. "He's not even that good looking." 

I gave him an incredulous look. "Are you fcking blind?" I hissed as I walked towards the gates alone, my palms starting to sweat and my knees somewhat trembling. Park Chanyeol looks like someone scooped straight up from a fashion magazine and he doesn't even need to try. All he has to do is be himself and everything else pales against him. He's fcking glowing.

"Good morning, Byun Baekhyun," Park Chanyeol beamed when I stepped out of the gates. He's holding two styrofoam cups of Starbucks coffee and he handed one to me. Just like every freakin' day since the auditions, the cafe mocha would always warm my insides, lessening the cold that has been chilling me since I woke up. Also, Chanyeol moved to gently take my bag from me and carry it on his shoulder even if the thing isn't even that heavy. How the fck did I end up having this kind of suitor? Did the universe finally took pity on me?

I looked at him as we headed down the pavement. "Good morning," I said, grinning. "And thank you for the coffee." I gripped the cup between my hands and let the warmth comfort me and my abnormally beating heart. 

"You're welcome," he said. "I'm glad you notified me when your schedule suddenly changed. May I ask what happened?" 

I pursed my lips and blushed, embarrassed. "It's um," I paused, looking away. "It's detention."

"Really?" Chanyeol raised his brows, a smile pinching the side of his lips. "Why? What did you do?" We reached the main road in a few walks and Chanyeol gently rested his palm against the small of my back to usher me to the inner side of the walkway. I really have to press my lips together to keep myself from giggling. This is fcking insane. 

Suddenly feeling self-conscious, I started brushing the tips of my hair against the back of my neck. "I guess professors don't appreciate students fighting inside the class," I said softly. "Especially when you're not really that good with the subject." 

"You got into a fight?" he can't help but ask. 

I sighed, looking straight down the path. "Some of my classmates hate me," I said. "Particularly the girls. I'm guessing they're just jealous." I took one long swig of the coffee, the hot liquid slightly burning my tongue and making me wince. However, even as I avert my gaze, I could still feel Park Chanyeol's eyes on my face. 

"Why?" Chanyeol asked, his voice filled with concern. "Because you're pretty?"

With that, I have to really laugh out loud. "You're fcking making me gag, Park Chanyeol." I said, shaking my head and catching a glimpse of my faint reflection on a boutique glass wall. Even after all the weeks I spent with him, I still look plain in my white printed shirt, long sleeves, and faded pants. Even my my pair of Sperry doesn't look fashionable beside Park Chanyeol. 

How could he even say I'm pretty?  

"Oh, okay." he mused. "Then why?" 

"It's because--" I started, biting my lower lip and measuring the pros and cons of telling this to him. "It's simply because they don't like my guts. Maybe I'm not approachable or I just send off that kind of vibe some people hate." Pouting, I kicked an invisible trash and just let my anger subside for a bit. I just really hate it when people judge you just because you're not with the norm. 

Chanyeol shrugged. "You think so lowly of yourself, Baekhyun," he said, his pace slowing as he thinks carefully as to what to say next. "Here. I'll tell you something."

I stopped walking and turned to face him. "Tell me what?" I asked. 

Park Chanyeol's hand tightened around the strap of my bag still slung over his shoulder as he looks down at me. "Byun Baekhyun, when I saw you during that audition, you're all I could ever think about since then." he said seriously, eyes boring to mine. "We both know there's still a whole lot to know about each other but I know you're a good person. Maybe you're misunderstood. Maybe people just likes the feeling of hating others. But you're kind and you're sweet and you're gorgeous. And that's all I know. That's all I want to know." 

Kind words aren't really the type of things thrown at me. I'm a btch and a sass most of the times and a lot of people settle on believing that's all I've got. But right now, a guy who has everything good in this world is willing leave his driver and expensive car to walk with me everyday to school. He's willing to wait outside my house even in the midst of the cold or the rain or the angry sun's rays. He's willing to listen to my everyday rants and every minute curses. He's willing to eat with me in the cafeteria because I'm always afraid of making friends. And he's willing to see all the right things about me even if I try to cover them up. 

Even if I try to put up walls, he seems always ready to bring them down.

I opened my mouth to speak but no words came out. All I did was hold the coffee between my palms until I feel like it's getting hotter because of all the blood traveling to the tips of hands and face.  But suddenly and still with a small smile on his face, Park Chanyeol sighed and opened his bag to retrieve something. 

"Before I could forget," he started, pulling out a long stem blue rose which surprisingly didn't get damaged inside his backpack. "I promised I'm going to give you one everyday right? Here." 

"What--?" I breathed, absentmindedly looking at the rose. "You-- You're the one sending those bouquets every weekend?" 

Chanyeol chuckled. "I hope you don't mind," he said. "I'm going to stop sending them if you wish, of course." 

Taking the rose, I looked up to glare at him. "Send me food instead," I mumbled as I brushed the rose's petals with my fingers. "You're treating me like some girl, Park Chanyeol. Better feed me, alright?" I rolled my eyes though I know my face is already blushing like crazy. When I started to walk faster, Chanyeol followed suit in a few strides whilst chuckling. 

"Will do, Byun Baekhyun," he said, nodding once. 

"And by the way," I said, pursing my lips and looking away.

Chanyeol glanced at me. "What is it?" 

"Um," I started before lowering my voice to more than just a whisper. "Ipackedsomemeal."

"What?" Chanyeol asked, chuckling. "What did you say, Baekhyun?" 

"I packed some meal," I said, instinctively playing with the hem of my shirt. "If-- If you want to eat with me--" But my voice caught in my throat when I suddenly felt Chanyeol's hand wrapping around mine, pulling my grip off my shirt. It was slow, hooking my little finger around his and carefully doing the same with the others, gauging my reaction and giving me the opportunity to pull back.  But when I slowly relaxed and loosened my fingers, he gently slipped his hand to mine, lacing them in a firm hold. This is the first time I am holding his hand and although it felt rough and calloused, I suddenly can't seem to find my wits and senses. 

Chanyeol smiled and it's always warm and sincere. "Of course I'll eat with you," he whispered. "And will you let me do this, Byun Baekhyun? Even if only for today?" He asked as he gestured to our hands between us. 

I followed his gaze and watched his hand tighten around mine. "Why?" 

"Because I still can't believe I met you and you're here," Chanyeol breathes as he stared into my eyes, gaze boring deep to my soul. "Sometimes, I need to assure myself you're not a dream, that you're not going anywhere. And Byun Baekhyun..." 

"Hm?" I hummed in question. "What is it?" 

"I just want you to know that everyday means more reason for me to like you," he whispered, his free hand slowly reaching up to give my cheek a gentle brush. "And that you're beautiful inside out, Byun Baekhyun. And even when we didn't know each other, I know this heart's been searching for you."

With my heart pounding and my face flushed, I looked down for a second before once again meeting Chanyeol's eyes. "Pretend this didn't happen," I whispered before standing on my tippy toes to press my lips on his. 

And up until now, I have no regrets. 

x x x

a/n: Hope this update didn't disappoint :'(

Have a good week, fellas!