Before Baekhyun knew it, it was Tuesday! where his last week went he didn't know. He just knew he was proud, proud of his small close knit team at the gallery, prouder still at all the work they have been doing to secure exhibits from around the world. He drew his phone out, adding a memo about booking  a table at a fancy downtown restaurant. Smiling as he imagines Jongdae's face, at the disgustingly high bill that Baekhyun will personally expense through the gallery.  Professionally his life is top of the game, his personal life, not so much. It had been a mess these last 6 months, he sighs and mutters "More like last 5 years" if he was being honest, it was the radio silence that had eaten him alive. The not knowing if it  truly was himself and his legendary temper, that had driven Chanyeol away. He itched to get out the clipping in his drawer, he wasn't sure if it was to stare at Chanyeol, or to angrily tear it apart. Again his thoughts went into overdrive! He didn't want to accept that perhaps all he ever was, was a dirty little secret! Realistically it was the only conclusion that made any sense to him, and the more he remembered the truer it felt. Like how there were only dates in places like bowling alleys, no romantic dinners. How Chanyeol never stayed the night, the list was endless.

Baekhyun wiped at the tears, he didn't realise had slowly been falling down his cheeks. He was sick of this, the soul destroying silence, and loneliness that had been left in the quake of being practically abandoned! He wanted to feel loved and cherished,  and be able to freely love in return. Now that his gallery was gaining recognition, perhaps it was time to put what ever he had with Park Chanyeol to rest, it wasn't like he would get any other closure. Perhaps now he can find someone who wouldn't want to hide him away, someone who would be proud to be with him! As Baekhyun knows he has so much love  and passion to give. With this mindset he notices the time almost 7.45pm,  he picks up the bottles of champagne he bought at the wine store earlier, and heads off to his best friends apartment.

Chanyeol  knew his brother was up to something, that inclination only proved right when he arrived at Sehun's apartment just 15 minutes ago. God help anyone brave enough to face a pissed Kim Jongdae! His cheek was still stinging! The ear splitting screams said man emitted, whist he shouted profanity at Chanyeol was something else. He had never heard anything like it. Shaking his head,  he  reckons that the black haired troll, would make bank as a Ballard singer. Noticing that his brother is standing with his arms around his partner whilst they laughed at him was too much. "Sehun, Luhan i thought I was coming for dinner. "You are, not everyone is here yet" advises Luhan. Chanyeol had no idea his brother was in a committed relationship, until his return to Korea. He was happy for his baby brother. Luhan was a perfect partner for him. However being in the presence of their love, was agony. It saddened him that  he had no idea about it, or much else that had been happening. Highlighting jus how far they had drifted, whilst Maria waged war, a war she raised toward his whole family,Watching how his brother dotes on Luhan, was enlightening. The more Chanyeol watched them together, the more he realised how much of an asshole he was. He hated that it took this long for him to realise, that the free love and acceptance his brother and partner had, was what he should of given Baekhyun from the very start. He couldn't believe he had long denied  Baekhyun what was the only thing he so desperately wanted. He was stupid! All he got for trying to be protective of himself, was getting thrust in too something,  no one should have to go through! Not to mention, his stubbornness  about being openly together  with Baekhyun caused just as much suffering. He vividly remembers the last time he saw Baek, his always beautiful  smile was nowhere in sight, just a look of shock and disbelief. His face white as a sheet, tears streaming down his cheeks at what he chanyeol, his supposedly loving partner had said in the heat of the moment. He remembered beak screaming about feeling like an escort, only there to service his needs. He couldn't believe at the time, he had stood so stoically and said that an escort wouldn't give him half as much grief, and would actually take charge and be sexy. Chanyeol sighed he truly was an ass, he knew full well what he was doing when he said that, his behaviour deplorable, worse still that fight was the last conversation they had.

It was then that Luhan's statement penetrated through the fog " more people I thought I was third wheeling." Noticing that Sehun was looking any where but at him, confirmed his suspicions. "Sehunnie, what's going on" Jongdae cuts in "there are 5 of us for dinner, your brother had the brilliant idea to arrange a surprise. Now I don't really like you, but for the sake of my friend, who has been through enough. I am willing to let you have one more chance."   Chanyeol watched as Jongdae headed to the sideboard to pour what he thinks is whiskey,

Chanyeol then stood up, he had enough of side glances everyone had."What is going on! What are you up to, I know you Sehun" Chanyeol would not back down, and knew how to get whatever his brother was up to out of him. He turned and headed for the hallway. "Baekhyun is coming" those 3 words stopping him dead in his tracks, as he whipped around to face his now standing alone brother. Luhan and Jongdae scampering away, which he thinks is a very wise choice.

Chanyeol's heart started racing, in either fear and anger, or desperation and hope. He clutched at the pain it was causing in his heart and  his head, as he tried desperately not to hyperventilate. "Shit hyung, please calm down" begged his brother. Chanyeol noticing his brother races toward him, took a step back. "I love you Sehun, I do but I don't think this is wise." Realising that Sehun was now standing right in front of him, he grabs out to him. Clutching Sehun's, black silk shirt, in effort to centre himself, and not fall down "Sehun the last time Baek and I saw each other was a disaster." Noticing the confusion on his baby brothers face Chanyeol sighed, he internally promised he would explain, but for now he couldn't "I was an ass, Sehyunnie, I broke his heart, I know you don't understand, I promise I will explain all, but not tonight, I last saw Baek 3 days before the announcement of my marriage," Chanyeol  explained watching as his brother's face further  morphed in concentration, and then watched the expression as the pieces of the puzzle started to fit in place. He was in big trouble!

"Baekhyun has no idea about Maria's blackmail, or scheming does he, I thought he knew and that you got to say goodbye" Chanyeol lowered his head and whispers "we had a fight, he begged me to leave so I did, then the  engagement news broke out! He had no idea! I didn't even get chance to explain." "You mean you haven't had any  communication since" Ashamed of his self, Chanyeol shakes his head. "Everything makes so much more sense, it never added up, why he was so broken at the funeral but now it does. Oh poor Baek he must of felt abandoned, by everyone. No wonder he was distraught." 

"Hyunnie what do you mean" asked Chanyeol. "Chan, I think it's best I don't say anymore, your my brother, but Baekhyun is also my best friend. My advice if you are truly serious about this and want to have Baek back in your life, you have to step up. You have to be honest and explain everything" realising that for once his brothers is right, chanyeol nods. Noticing that Jongdae and Luhan have joined them again. He tries to deflect the somber atmosphere, "I hope your not trying to cook Sehun, you remember the noodle accident don't you." It was fun watching the pout return to Sehun's face, "that was some time ago hyung, besides I'm not really cooking tonight, we all are." Chanyeol smiled, a proper hotpot, he had them in New York, but nothing beats one from home.  His mouth was watering at the thought, as he headed for a drink to calm his nerves. Chanyeol was about to pour his own drink, when he heard the front door slam. He turned with his drink in his hand, confused as to why his brother moved like his ass was on fire. His heart stopped beating, as along with Sehun's voice, a second voice responded! A soft melodic voice he would recognise after years apart. Baekhyun was here. Chanyeol turned to the hallway his hand holding his drink in a vice like grip so as not to spill it.

Chanyeol remained rooted to the spot, as it was obvious Baekhyun hadn't noticed him, he finally got a good look at Baekhyun. His hair was still that dazzling platinum shade from the photo, his legs looked sinful, in those leather look trousers. The red Shirt loosely tucked in at the front was a good look, and added height to the pocket sized man. He knew the skin underneath the shirt, would be pale and luminous like the moon. Chanyeol itched to grab hold, and reacquaint himself with all of Baekhyun's attributes. Aware that he was being turned on, and staring like a perverted old man, closed his eyes willing himself not to get hard. First he had to prove himself, and gain back Baekhyun's trust. It would be hard but this time he was all in.

A sudden gasp, and bottle smashing against the hardwood floor, snaps him out of his reverie. He goes to rush forward, but stops when Sehun shakes his head. Instead he is forced to watch as Jongdae rushes forward to aid the petite shaking man. He finally is able to see Baekhyun's face, still as beautiful, as he was the last time he saw him. It's almost as if "eyes are the window to the soul" was penned for Baekhyun, as his eyes are always so expressive. He watches as the love of his life clings to Jongdae, his small delicate fingers clutching Jongdae's blue shirt. Chanyeol can see now just what he has inflicted. He can't describe what baekhyun's eyes say, as Baekhyun stares at him without expression. Beakhyun's face doesn't portray any emotion, not even anger or shock. Those beautiful eyes normally full of expression, that used to light up when Chanyeol kissed him, are staring back at him void of any emotion! Fuck!