a/n: This chap's quite long but can you look at that?! IT'S JUST ANOTHER TEASER! 

x x x

The credits rolled on screen and Baek-beom gave me a dirty look as he tossed his PS4 controller back on the carpeted floor of his room. "Okay. Tell me something you're not good at," he whines, taking a swig from his soju. "I mean, man! Why do you always win in this NBA game?"

I gave him a shrug and a boring look. "Dunno." I said before slipping my phone out of my pocket. It's almost midnight and since it's a weekend, I'm staying here at the Byun's residence as a response to my fiancé's request. I'm supposed to be spending the night with him, though, but I kind of ended up playing video games with his brother six hours straight.

Byun Baekhyun basically begged me to come here tonight. But he won't open his studio doors for me when I tried knocking a few hours back. And that only means he practically doesn't exist in this world now (that's how I describe him spacing out and all he could ever think about is his job). He's out there, in another dimension, about to finish his piece.

Suddenly, there was a loud noise— like everything crashing to the floor— and Baek-beom and I shared knowing looks.

"Have you seen him today?" he asked as he crawled to a drawer, rummaging through his piles of Marvel DVDs we could watch. "He skipped lunch and wouldn't touch the pasta Mom made."

"Yeah. I tried checking in on him but it seems like I don't even exist," I chuckled. "I bet he's almost finished so everyone must get out of his way."

Baek-beom sighed. "Artists are kinda weird."

I took a bottle of soju and twisted the cap open. "Baekhyun has his ways," I said with a grin. "Besides, he's cute so I don't mind." I moved to sit on the carpet beside Baek-beom, crossing my legs under me and grabbing a throw pillow. There's only a few days left before Baekhyun has to go to Jeju for some art exhibit and he's been receiving numerous 'good luck' and congratulatory flower bouquets and food for these past weeks he's been working. They're flattering. But they make me uncomfortable in a way... Which I wouldn't tell him. Ever.

"Well, that reminds me..." Baek-beom started as he slipped a disk into the player. "I've been wanting to talk to you about the way you treat my brother."

With that, I basically froze.

There isn't just a tinge of seriousness in Baek-beom's voice when he said those words. He was absolutely and dead serious. He doesn't talk like this. We don't do this kind of conversations. And as the movie introductions started, I slowly turned to look at Baek-beom and noticed how his expression slowly turned to something more solemn but firm. He's not looking at me and he continued taking sips from his bottle, but as he swallowed and tense his jaw, I know that what he's thinking really requires a little bit more than just my attention.

I cleared my throat. "What about it?"

Baek-beom pursed his lips before throwing me a quick glance. "We fight a lot, you know— Baekhyun and I, I mean. We're different in so many ways and there are some unreconcilable differences that we must endure," Baek-beom looked down, as if saying these make him feel a little bit embarrassed. "But that kid is still my younger sib... He's still my baby brother and I treasure him more than I treasure anyone else. I know you love him so much, Chanyeol. But I could bet everything on the fact that I love him more than you do."

I nodded, giving a small smile. "I understand."

"I am really glad he's going to marry someone like you." Baek-beom continued. "You could put up with just about everything he throws at you— whether he means it or not. You let him whine, nag, and sulk. Baekhyun isn't someone who is very easy to handle and you take care of him like it's nothing. You love him like your life depends on it. And you know what? You somehow turned him into a person more capable of understanding and doing things on his own."

"I don't..." I swallowed nervously. "I don't know what to say."

Suddenly, Baek-beom looked at me. "It's just that," he cocked his head to one side, studying my face. "I noticed how you don't want that change. At all."

I gripped the soju bottle between my palms as I looked away, unable to meet Baek-beom's gaze. "What made you think that?" I asked although I already know how guilty I look right now. Me not wanting Baekhyun 'growing up' has been one of the few worries I've been shoving back to my subconscious. It's something I don't want to think about. I don't even want to imagine strong, independent Byun Baekhyun. It kind of... scares me.

"A brother always knows," he answered with a sigh. "I see the way you look at him— like you're afraid he's going to break any second before your eyes. I honestly don't know if it's a bad thing or a good thing. But if you're afraid of the way you inevitably develop my brother's character, I'm not certain as to how your relationship would turn out in the future. As his Hyung, you could say that I'm just... utterly worried."

Slowly, Baek-beom turned to watch the movie I suddenly forgot even existed. I continued staring at the floor, letting his words sink into my brain. I didn't even notice him noticing anything until now. Baekhyun's brother is a total boy-next-door who drowns into his own video games and stuff. You won't even think he's watching you if you don't turn around and look. And right now, he's seeing the things I tried really hard hiding.

Damn. He must really, really care for Baek.

I stared at the movie blankly and sighed. "Um," I cleared my throat. "I-I'm sorry, I guess? It's... It's something I find really hard to think about."

"It's fine," Baek-beom scoffed, making me give out a silent sigh of relief. "But better figure things out before you guys marry. Think of this as a condition for my blessing." Then he gave me a friendly pat on the shoulder before concentrating on the movie.

So, the thing is when I first met Byun Baekhyun's family, his parents were over-the-top welcoming and his brother indifferent. But now as things started to become more serious and stable for the both of us (remember, we're getting married), I suddenly find myself being confronted in the ways I expected to be confronted before. These types of conversations didn't come soon. They should have come soon.

God. Is this what it feels like to be given instructions and silent threats by his family?

It kind of scares me. Honestly.

When the door of Baek-beom's room suddenly opened, I immediately know who it is. I mean, no one opens doors in this house without even knocking except for Byun Baekhyun.

"Hey!" he grinned widely, a towel swung around his shoulders. "Chanyeol! Heyyy!" He waves a hand, looking straight from a bath with his face glowing. The beautiful kind of glowing. The sight made me grin despite the situation. I'm finally having him to myself. Finally, finally.

"Baek, hey." I mumbled, almost breathless, relieved but still kind of shivering in the inside as I stood up.

"Hyung, I'm collecting my man," Baekhyun called to his brother. "And go buy drinks! I'm finished with my pieces!"

I gave Baek-beom a pat on the shoulder and he just turned his head to Baek, nodding once as an acknowledgement. I left the half-full soju bottle on the floor and walked straight to him, opening the doors and wrapping an arm around his shoulders as we stepped outside. He even smells divine.

Baekhyun's palm went to rest on my chest as we walked along the hallway towards his studio. His other hand encircled my torso, his body leaning unto me. "Hey, are you okay?" he asked. "You're red." He touched my face then, before tiptoeing to give my cheek a peck. "Did my brother tell you anything shitty?"

"No, love, no," I grinned, looking down at him and kissing his forehead. "I'm fine. It was just a little hot in there."

"Yeah," Baekhyun pouts. "He doesn't turn on the AC even when the weather's boiling. He's weird."

I chuckled. "Funny. He used that same adjective to describe you."

"What?" my fiancé exclaimed. "I'm not weird! I'm just cute!"

"Oh, here we go again," I sighed dramatically and Baekhyun giggled. He has this certain way of laughing that I very rarely hear. My fiancé doesn't laugh or grin a lot (because he's afraid of being too happy sometimes) and it makes me incredibly glad whenever he does. My heart just skips a beat. Every time. Reaching out fix his damp hair, I asked, "So, how are your exhibits?"

Baekhyun bit his lip and looked up at me, suddenly shy. "I actually need your help," he murmured as he traced his chin. "Can you help me apply varnish on them? My arms are killing me," Baek pouts and I know I could never say 'no' to that face. Or to basically anything Byun Baekhyun asks.

"Yeah, sure." I grinned, ruffling his hair gently. "Why are you even embarrassed asking that?"

He beamed, pinching my cheek. "I don't know," he chuckled. "Maybe because you're an almost-CEO now. You can't go applying varnish on some stupid pieces of art anymore." And it's a joke but it still made me blush in embarrassment. Why, oh, why is blushing too easy for me when I'm around Byun Baek?

"Oh, please don't say that." I groaned.

Baekhyun laughed. "Oh, I've missed you," he whispered, suddenly hugging me tight. He buried his head against my chest and sighed. "Sorry for not being able to see you for a few days. But know that I've missed you, Park Chanyeol."

"Baby, it's fine," I murmured. "Here. Since you're tired..." I stopped walking, unwrapped my arm around him, and stooped forward, my hands on my knees. I turned to Baek, waiting for him to do something but after giving me a long, surprised stare, he suddenly burst out laughing. What the— Byun Baekhyun stepped back as he laughs out loud, covering his lips with both hands as he gave me a look.

"The fck?" he chuckled, slapping my back weakly because of laughter. "What the hell are you doing, Park Chanyeol?"

I shrugged, still waiting. "I want to give you a piggy back ride," I said. "Come on. Hop on my back. I'll carry you to your studio."

Baekhyun pushed me playfully, breathing gasps of air between giggles. "The studio's right there," he said. "You're being ridiculous. Stop it!"

"Why? Is this still too tall for you?" I teased before sitting low on the carpeted hall. "Here. Bet you could definitely climb on my back now."

With that, Baekhyun crossed his arms over his chest, his laughter dying out. "So you're saying I'm short?" he narrowed his eyes. "Huh, Park Chanyeol? Am I too short for you?"

I gave him a quick body scan. Well, yeah.

"No if you let me carry you," I bargain. "Come on. My joints are killing me already from sitting this low." I tugged unto the pink sweatshirt he's wearing, trying to ignore the glowing milky white skin exposed under his pair of black skimpy shorts. But I barely managed that and Baekhyun has to kick my leg for staring too long.

Chuckling, I reached for his wrist and guided them around my neck. Baek is still throwing me suspicious glances but he followed, wrapping his arms and resting his head on my shoulder. We've been together for years but having him this close still warms my heart in a way no one else can. After hooking my arms under his legs, I stood up and carried him like a small bag of feather.

"Hey, you're so light. What the hell are you eating?"

Baekhyun pouts. "Not much, really," he admitted, his breath against my neck. "Sometimes, I can't really feel my hunger because I'm too engrossed with the sculptures."

I sighed, tilting my head to one side so I could brush my lips against his cheek. "Baby, I understand, really," I whispered. "But I also worry about you. I worry about you a lot and please don't hate me for doing so. Just... Take care of yourself, okay? I'm serious."

"I'm sorry for making you worry, Chan," Baekhyun murmured. "Maybe it's really how I work."

"Yeah," I whispered back. "Maybe."

We arrived at Byun Baekhyun's studio in a matter of steps and what welcomed me is the smell of paint and clay combined. It's not really an unpleasant smell but it's kind of overpowering. However, what definitely caught the entirety of my attention are my fiancé's sculptures there at the middle of his studio floor, looking breathtakingly beautiful. Every single one of them.

"Wow," I breathed as Baek climbed down my back. He jogged to the center of the room, resting one hand on top of a giant face of a man or woman with its eyes wide and lips gapped as if drowning. The bottom of the human head seems to be melting into puddle under it, supporting the entire weight of the sculpture. It's over a meter high with its width complementing the all other measurements.

"I call this one The Climax," Baekhyun said with a giggle as he caressed the top of the artwork. "Sounds sensual, huh? But the title actually pertains to all the other types of climax like in the movies or a book. That's why I carved the eyes open."

I nodded because I don't really have the right words enough to describe how good Baekhyun is as an artist. When he walked to the next sculpture, Baek pushed away a small stair that leads to the top of the artwork. It's painted in pitch black, like the first piece, but this one is more distorted. It looks like a body, twisted in a spiral with its arms reaching upward, almost touching the ceiling. The details are very delicate and lovely, like it's almost liquid.

"Dances and Butterflies," my fiancé explained, pertaining to the art. "I tried turning into something tangible the feelings I had that one day in the dance studio— I don't know if you still remember it though." He blushed and of course I remember what happened. I can still remember every second of it. The song, the way we swayed to the music, the kisses, and the steamy love making that came after. But what carved into my brain the most is Byun Baekhyun's face looking so happy and contented the very moment I held his waist and pulled him close to me.

I smiled at him. "It's wonderful," I said. "You were breathtakingly wonderful that very day."

"Well," Baekhyun breathes, embarrassed. "Thank you, baby," His cheeks went crimson red as he met my eyes, his lips twisting to a small, innocent smile and it took all my remaining will power to say there, standing and listening to him.

Instead of doing anything crazy, I contented myself by watching him walk slowly towards the last piece, that one smaller but more colorful. It's encased in glass and there are small spotlights inside, illuminating the small piece of what appears to be—

"Is that rose quartz?"

Baekhyun laughs and nods. "Wow, you're good," he complemented. "But you know what I call this piece? Its name's PCY #61 because it's already the sixty-first artwork I made about you." My fiancé looks at me proudly, like he's waiting for a burst of joy or tears or something.

All the blood might have rushed to my face at this very moment because I certainly feel my face heat up. I walked closer towards the case with Baek watching my every move with a small, sincere smile on his pretty face. "It's..." I muttered, clearing my throat. "It looks like a flame." I touched the glass and stared in awe at the very detailed carvings on the quartz. It shines against the light and everything— every little thing— about it is really beautiful.

"It is," Baekhyun giggled. "You're like my little, pretty flame."

I let out a small laugh, shaking my head in amusement. "It's—"

"Is it beautiful?"

"Yeah," I nodded. "It really is."

Before Baekhyun could say anything else, I turned to him, grabbed his waist and pulled him close to me. My lips met his in a heartbeat, kissing him gently and slowly, letting his body relax under my hold. I might have taken him off guard because he obviously tensed.

It definitely is not the first time Baekhyun made a piece of art relating to me. In every project or job given to him, he always tried to incorporate my existence or the feelings we have for each other into anything. I don't really tell him this, but every time he does that, I just feel my heart melt and twist and swell with more love for him. I could never stop falling in love with Byun Baekhyun. And maybe even if I tried, it would take me more than this lifetime and the next few ones to do so. Because every day comes with more reasons for me to treasure and love and take care of him. Every day with him is something worth looking forward to. As we drowned into the kiss, I felt Baekhyun's lips twist to a small smile.

"You must have really liked it," he whispered between kisses.

"I did," I kissed the side of his lips. Gently, I took his face in my palms before pulling back a little just so I could plant my lips on his forehead. "Thank you, baby. You don't know how much this means to me right now."

Baekhyun giggled as he wrapped his arms around my neck, hugging me. "Don't sweat it," he whispered. "I love you... And you'll always play a huge part in everything that I do. You made me do these. You helped me create wonderful things. So, thank you, okay?"

I grinned, pulling his waist closer. "You're being too humble."

"I'm not," Baekhyun kissed my neck.

Then almost too soon, he pulled back.

"Okay!" he announced, reaching up to wipe my lips. "Let's start!"

It took me seconds to remember what we're supposed to do. "Oh yes," I nodded, grabbing a huge brush from a table. "Let's start!"