Originally posted in April 14, 2016 under the "My EXO One Shot Collection"

*****

Every tattoo has its own meaning. It distinguishes an individual's social status within their community, like how the chieftain gains a special tattoo that signifies his leadership. Warriors get their tattoos as a reward for their bravery and hunters for their fruitful hunt. They also believed that the spiritual powers of their tattoos gave them strength and protection. Women also have their tattoos to enhance their beauty and fertility. Tribe's priest or priestess, or the babaylans also have their own tattoo.

In the mountains of the extreme northern part of the archipelago, there is a tribe that peacefully lives on the peaks of the mountain. Men are trained to hunt and to defend their tribe, women plant rice, and various root crops, and children learn from the elder's teachings.

Every tribe members partake in the growth of their tribe.

Chanyeol, the son of the current chieftain, is one of the greatest hunter and warrior of their tribe. His father takes pride in his only son's achievement.

But unknown to the knowledge of the tribespeople, the person who is next in line to inherit his father's leadership is in an unconventional and queer relationship.

***

Chanyeol has known Baekhyun since their early childhood. They do almost everything together; listen to the elder's teachings, harvesting crops, play, sing, and dance together.

Baekhyun is the son of a babaylan, whose also a mambatek of the tribe, so at the age of 9, he was introduced and trained to perform the art of batek.

With the use a thorn that is attached by wrapping around with a piece of thin cloth to one end of a stick, that is repeatedly tapped on to the skin, before the black ink from tree resin and soot is rubbed into the wound.

Not everyone is allowed to perform painting a tribesman's body. Only a trained individual - a priest or a priestess could only perform the painting.

For Baekhyun, it is a privilege to be trained by his mother. So when he reached the age of 15, Baekhyun, alongside his mother, paints the tribespeople with a tattoo they deserve.

They were 16 when they discovered that they have this funny feeling towards each other. It is thrilling yet scary at the same time. They are both unaware of what could possible affect them, to make their stomach churns whenever their hands brushed together, or when their eyes meet even from the distance. They first thought that maybe they both caught a bug and they'll eventually get through it. Unfortunately, the bug only grew intense as days pass by.

It is one night when the tribe celebrates a wedding ceremony of one of the tribesmen to his spouse when Baekhyun and Chanyeol realized that what they feel is far from the bug that they thought at first.

Sitting a few meters away from the festivity, Baekhyun and Chanyeol shared their thoughts about marriage while watching the full moon.

"Sooner or later, we will also set to marry a girl that is arranged by our parents." Chanyeol said to Baekhyun

"Indeed. But aren't you curious? I wonder how does it feel to be married?" Baekhyun asks.

"Yes, I am as well. But have you also ever thought who are you going to marry someday?"

"No, it never cross my mind. What about you, Chanyeol?"

"Is it alright to be honest with you?" Chanyeol takes a deep breath when Baekhyun nods yes. "I honestly did not want to marry anyone else."

"But you are your father's successor."

"Yes, but I have never thought of leaving your side even until my life has perished."

Baekhyun'se yes get widen. He has never thought that his friend would also feel the same.

"What are you trying to say?" Baekhyun asks with wide eyes.

"I do understand if you starts avoiding me, but Baekhyun, I think I don't just see you as a friend any longer. I think these strange feelings that I have felt ever since, is something akin to what the elders feel for their spouses, being familiar to your presence even from afar, something like... love."

Baekhyun's mouth gapes because of Chanyeol's confession. He wanted to jump over the moon because it feels strangely good and satisfying to hear those words coming from Chanyeol.

"But Chanyeol..."

"Baekhyun... will you allow me to hold your hand?"

Chanyeol didn't wait for Baekhyun's approval and hold his hand on his lap.

"If I were to ask you what do you feel right now, will you answer me truthfully?"

"Of-of course."

"o what do you feel right now? Now that I have told you my feelings and thoughts?"

"I... I feel... different... in a good way. I felt satisfied and... relieved.... because to be truthful, I also feel the same." Baekhyun said as he looks straight into Chanyeol's eyes.

Chanyeol smiles ever so wide as he squeezes Baekhyun's hand firmer, feeling contented as he hears those words coming from Baekhyun.

"But..." Baekhyun started, "we are not allowed to feel this way to each other." Baekhyun's eyes is full of concern. "Your father will be furious if he learns about this... us..."

"Then we are not letting anyone know everything that is between us. We will keep this to everyone's knowledge; my father, your mother, anyone. We will remain friends in the eyes of everyone. Do you understand?" Baekhyun gnaws his lower lip, but still nods otherwise.

After they agreed to keep their clandestine relationship, the two of them continue their routine; hunting and winning battles for Chanyeol, and painting for Baekhyun. They sometimes leave their tribe's premises to go to the stream which is near the border to the other tribe's territory. Quite foolish and dangerous to be honest, but if it only means that they can spend time together and to hold each other's hand freely, then it is all worth it. Plus, Baekhyun knows that Chanyeol will keep him away from harm, no matter what.

***

It was a day of yet another victorious headhunting, and warriors areabout to receive another tattoo for their reward. Chanyeol will bereceiving a tattoo on his chest. Although he had received numerous tattoos on his body yet he still feels the pain, unlike the elders who become numb over the years.

But today is different. It is different especially when it is Baekhyun who would do his tattoo for him.

"Are you sure you want me to paint you your reward?"

"Yes, and I am more happy if starting from now until my whole body is fully covered with batek, it is you who will paint my body." Chanyeol grins at him, which made Baekhyun flustered.

"You're hands are shaking. Relax, my love." Chanyeol whispers the last part. Baekhyun tries to hit Chanyeol with the stick that he uses for tapping the thorn but immediately stops himself before the chieftain reprimands him for hitting the hero - his son.

When the pattern was already stenciled on Chanyeol's chest, Baekhyun starts tapping the stick to paint. It was a little late when he realized that he has to rub the black ink over Chanyeol's wounds, that he halted his motion, hands suspended in the air.

Chanyeol looks at Baekhyun confusingly, then smiled when it dawned on him about why Baekhyun becomes reluctant.

"Are you not going to finish your task?" Chanyeol play ignorance.

"Wha-what?"

"You should be smudging the ink over my chest, right?"

"Huh? Uh... y-yeah..." Baekhyun avoids Chanyeol's eyes.

"What are you waiting for?" Chanyeol smiled teasingly. He tries not tolaugh boisterously when he took notice of Baekhyun's flushed cheeks.

Chanyeol took Baekhyun's right hand and place it over his chest and gently smudge the ink from the latter's fingers.

Baekhyun's mouth gapes as he watches his fingertips gracing over Chanyeol's chest, as he guides his hand. He finally has the courage to look at the warrior's face. His breath hitched then gulps when he saw that Chanyeol was looking at him all throughout, eyes full of adoration, never leaving his face.

Baekhyun felt relieved when Chanyeol takes his leave to meet his father after getting painted. He had never felt so nervous in front of anyone, not even to the elders, but only to Chanyeol. He sometimes wished that his heart won't beat too fast and too loud for Chanyeol or for the whole tribe to hear, but what else can he do when Chanyeol stares at him so-

"You're so lucky to be close to the chieftain's son." A girl's voice suddenly pulls him out of his reverie.

"Nari."

Nari is one of the warrior's daughters, one of the prettiest maiden, and also his mother's apprentice.

"You know what, I really envy you."

"What? Why?"

"Because you can talk to Chanyeol freely. I always wanted to talk to him and be his friends, that is why you are so lucky to be close to him."

"You don't have to envy me, Nari. Chanyeol is a good person and he would definitely be glad to be your friend. He may not look like approachable in the beginning, maybe because he is one the warrior-hunter, but he is actually playful and loves to laugh." Baekhyun said with a fondest smile as he watch Chanyeol talks with his father.

"You really know him well, Baekhyun." Nari smiles at him. "I only wonder, maybe if you were born as a woman, I am certain that you two will be married off to each other and will lead this tribe together."

Baekhyun, although feels flattered to hear Nari's opinion, smiles faltering as he silently wishes if only I am a girl, and if only I am-

"Baekhyun?"

"Huh?"

"Is there something bothering you?"

"Nothing..." Baekhyun looks at Nari apprehensively before he drags the girl from the other's earshot. "Nari, will you vow to keep my secret?"

"W-What is it?"

"Vow before our ancestors first."

"I vow to all of our ancestors that I will keep your secret to my grave." Nari clasps her hands together.

Baekhyun takes a deep breath and looks at their surroundings before he opens his mouth, "Truthfully, Chanyeol... Chanyeol and I... we are more than friends..."

"I know. You two see each other as real brothers, am I right?"

"No... no that's not it."

"What do you mean?"

"Chanyeol and I... are in a secret relationship..."

"W-What...? You-you mean.. you two are... but it is not possible-"

"Please Nari, I am begging you!" Baekhyun pleaded as he grabs the girl's shoulders, "I trust you since you are my friend. I wantedto be free from my burden that is why I tell you my secret. So please, Nari..."

"Al-alright. I will keep your secret, Baekhyun. Trust me."

Baekhyun releases a deep sigh, feeling a little lighter. Contented that his burden is somehow lessened.

Or maybe Baekhyun speaks too early.

***

The tribe performed their ritual, thanking the gods for a bountiful harvest.

Baekhyun was busy assisting his mother to perform prayers and rituals, that he didn't get a chance to meet and talk Chanyeol the entire day.

The chieftain suddenly speaks before the tribespeople to deliver his good news.

"We gather here tonight, not just because we are celebrating the bountiful harvest but also, for a very special and important event."

Confused, the tribespeople whispers to each other for what could be the chieftain is referring.

"You all know that it is in our tradition to continue our bloodline and let our offsprings to pass on our culture and heritage until a new generation is born. And for that, I am honored to announce to everyone, that my son, Chanyeol, is set to marry Minsang's daughter, Nari, on the tenth day after tomorrow!"

The tribespeople rejoices for the two new couple that is set to bemarried.

Baekhyun keeps his silence. He did not cry nor yell at Chanyeol or to Nari. He knows he is not in the position to be mad since he already knows that being with Chanyeol is not possible nor accepted by their tradition.

Baekhyun excuses himself and opted to retreat to their house.

As soon as he climbs their house, Baekhyun sobs silently. His heart is aching, tears flowing endlessly. He wanted to talk to Chanyeol but what should he tell him?

Baekhyun cries himself to sleep, not knowing that his mother saw the whole thing.

The following day, Baekhyun never left their house. His mother told him that Chanyeol, as well as Nari, ask for him but she told them that he left to fetch some medicinal plants for her. So when they left, Yoonmi decided to talk to her son.

"You still not touching your food. What is bothering you, son? And I do not wish to hear you telling me that you are fine, you perfectly know that I am not going to believe that claim." Yoonmi gently caresses her son's hair and smiles fondly at him. When Baekhyun didn't say anything, she takes it as a sign that she'll just ask him a yes-no question.

"Is it about Chanyeol?" Baekhyun did not answer. "Is it about Chanyeol marrying Nari?" He slowly nods.

"Perhaps, do you feel something different towards Chanyeol? Am I right?" Baekhyun's eyes widen, lips parted slightly.

"Do you like Chanyeol? More than you should?" Unable to answer his mother truthfully, Baekhyun gnaws his lips and looks everywhere but his mother.

"You know, you have never changed ever since you were young. I still know when you are bothered or not." Yoonmi chuckles.

"Mother, have you ever felt wanting to be with someone special, aside from your family?"

"Of course I have. I know exactly how you feel. But you do know that a priestess is not allowed to wed, that is why I chose to have you in my life instead." Baekhyun gives his mother a small smile.

"But for me and Chanyeol... we... we are different. What we have is not according to our tradition. Even if I was born as a woman, Chanyeol and I are still not destined for each other."

"Son, I take pride in you! You grew up so well, abiding by our customs and traditions - our tribe's law. If only I can do anything to make you happy. Your happiness is also my happiness." Yoonmi's eyes become watery.

"Mother, loving me is more than enough for me-"

"But not as when you can spend your lifetime with Chanyeol..."Baekhyun could not help but cry.

***

Chanyeol would always wait for Baekhyun to step out of their household but to no avail. He knows Baekhyun was avoiding him, so he asks the priestess Yoonmi to tell Baekhyun that he will wait for him at the stream that they are frequent.

Baekhyun knows that it was dangerous to travel down the stream alone, especially when it was nightfall. Although he is no warrior and is very much vulnerable if other tribesmen caught him, Baekhyun is more worried about Chanyeol's safety if he were to get caught, since the latter is a known warrior of their tribe.

Baekhyun feels at ease as soon as he saw a familiar figure sitting beside thestream. Chanyeol cranes his neck when he felt Baekhyun's presence.

"You came." Chanyeol smiles.

"Yes, I came. But this would be the last time we will cross our paths."

"Baekhyun, I do know that you are angry at me. But you must know that I do not wish to be married to Nari or anyone... I only wish to be with you."

"Do you not understand, Chanyeol?! We are not supposed to be together! We are not destined to be together!"

"Baekhyun-"

"And even if I was born to be a woman, we are still not destined for each other! Not when I was not born as a pure-blooded of the tribe that adopted me!" Baekhyun screamed.

Yes, Baekhyun was only adopted.

Yoonmi once found a male infant while gathering some herbal leaves on the mountain steep. She did not find it in her heart to abandon the infant and instead, she takes him with her and treats him as her own child since a priestess is not allowed to wed.

And in their tribe's tradition, the chieftain's male offspring is only tobe married to a woman, who was born inside the tribe and was acknowledge by their gods, as well as the chieftain.

Baekhyun was only acknowledged by the chieftain, and of course by the gods since Yoonmi is the tribe's priestess. But Baekhyun was not born inside their tribe.

"I will never be angry with you, Chanyeol. The gods know I never speak wrong, and you also know that. But what else can we do? This is something that is against our tribe's law - our tradition. You must marry Nari, Chanyeol. She would be a good spouse for you, and I mus tknow since she is my friend. She would love and cherish you-"

"But not as much as you do!" Chanyeol exclaimed, his brows furrowed." Baekhyun, I am more than willing to be punished or to be disowned by my father. I am not after the leadership in the first place. I would never think twice to disobey my father or the tradition if it only means that I can be with you, my love."

"Chanyeol, you do not understand!"

"I do! I do understand, Baekhyun! But it is you that I ever wanted, no one else. Should we have a word with my father and ask him to let us leave the tribe and live peacefully together?" Chanyeol grabs Baekhyun by the shoulders.

"No, Chanyeol. I do not want for you to be on your father's bad side, you know the consequences. And I will never ask for you to leave the roots where you came from."

"But how about you? What about me? Us?" Chanyeol asks as he held Baekhyun's face.

"I... I will wish for your successful leadership in the future. I will pray to the gods to continue to protect you from your hunting and battles." Baekhyun's tears suddenly falls, unable to look Chanyeol in his eyes. "I pray for you and your bride to be gifted with healthy and beautiful offsprings. And I will always, always ask the gods to shower you with His grace, for your ever beautiful heart." Baekhyun finally sobs.

Chanyeol could only purse his lips into thin line, trying to hide his tears.

"Baekhyun, will you allow me to do something to you?" Chanyeol asks, still holding Baekhyun's face. "I have been wanting to do this for the longest time. Think of it as our parting ritual, will you?" Baekhyun meets his eyes before he nods.

Chanyeol looks at his face, memorizing every inch of his lover's face. He slowly leans down his head towards Baekhyun, as he presses his lips against Baekhyun's forehead, then to both of his eyes, his button-like nose, then to his cheeks, before he tilts his head and captures his lover's lips.

Baekhyun feels his stomach churns as he feels Chanyeol's lips over his. It's his first time to be treated like this by Chanyeol. He wanted the feeling of being close to him, but he also knows that this would be the last time he could be this close to his lover, for tomorrow, Chanyeol will be Nari's spouse.

And tonight, Baekhyun forgets everything about the tradition. He just wanted to savor the moment of being with the person his heart's desire. Tonight, it's just him and Chanyeol - his first and last kiss. His last love.

***

Chanyeol and Nari are now married and their parents were expecting them to announce having an offspring to be delivered in due time.

They could only give them small smile, especially Nari, to the tribespeople whenever they were asked if they were expecting already.

Nari won't be expecting, especially when Chanyeol always deny to copulate with her.

After the wedding rituals, Chanyeol did not even look at her. He would have small talk with her, but it is not even a friendly talk that Baekhyun mentioned to her before.

She thought that she could have a chance to be close to her spouse, but no, Nari was wrong.

Chanyeol would rather sleep in a make shift hammock outside their house than sleep beside her. He would often eat with the other hunters rather than share a meal with his spouse.

Nari would never deny that she gets hurt by Chanyeol's aversion, because truthfully, Nari have feelings for Chanyeol. She was exhilarated when the chieftain talked to her father to marry her off to his son. She had always wanted to get close with Chanyeol, but she has never had a chance to talk to him alone or befriend him. She did get close to Chanyeol's good friend, Baekhyun, but not to her husband.

Nari tried to talk to Baekhyun, but to no avail. She wanted to ask for his forgiveness because despite knowing Baekhyun and Chanyeol's hidden relationship, she did not oppose the wedding. Maybe she was blinded by her desire of being with Chanyeol that she disregard other's feelings, especially Baekhyun.

There are many times that she would catch Chanyeol watching Baekhyun, as the latter do his tasks dutifully, with longing stares. There are even times that Chanyeol would make a drastic move; he would sometimes corner Baekhyun to talk to him, but the latter would just push him and persistently bypass the former.

Then one day, she overheard Chanyeol asking Baekhyun to paint his name to his arm.

"No! I cannot paint my name in any part of your body! Not when the name you wished to be painted was not even your spouse's name, moreover, a man's name who do not belong to your kin!" She heard Baekhyun said vehemently.

"I only wanted to have a piece of you in me! I know that we cannot reverse what is already done, but this is my only means to be with you... the only means for us to be together, Baekhyun..." Baekhyun had almost touched his face when a single tear drops to hisface

"You are foolish, Chanyeol!" Baekhyun turns his heels and walks away.

Nari saw everything.

She ran to their house even before any of them saw her watching them. She cried to her heart's content because her spouse wanted Baekhyun's name to be painted on his body, and not hers.

She knows how deep is Chanyeol's feelings towards Baekhyun, and the same goes for Baekhyun. She knows that Baekhyun's reluctance was because he does not wish for the tribespeople to be mad at Chanyeol for engaging himself in unlawful doings.

Nari would never deny that Chanyeol is the cause of her heartbreak, but at the same time, she also knew that she's one of the causes of her friend Baekhyun and her spouse's heartbreak.

So when nightfall comes, Nari asked Chanyeol to share a meal with her. Chanyeol was hesitant at first, but Nari pleaded him.

They were currently sitting, facing each other, at the table. They were so quiet that only crickets could be heard. Nari reach for her drinking cup before she tries to open a conversation with him.

"I know where you went this afternoon. You went to see Baekhyun, right?"

Chanyeol stops pushing the rice to his mouth with his hand, casting a wary glance at her.

"I just want you to know that I accepted your family's dowry not becauseI have an interest in those. I accepted it because, truthfully, I have feelings for you. I love you, Chanyeol." Nari sniffs, making Chanyeol look at her, mouth gaping.

"I am willing to sacrifice anything for you because I love you. I even lower down my pride and even overlook everything because that is how I love you, Chanyeol. It's not just Baekhyun who can love you so pure, but you never look at me. And I know you will never return my love for you, so I will let you be with your love - to be with the person who truly owns your heart."

Chanyeol looks at her apologetically. He knows he also at fault for he has never given Nari a chance to be close to him, or even be a friend. He decided to shut his heart to everyone when he knew that he will not be given a chance to be with Baekhyun, so he will also not going to give anyone, not even his spouse a chance to penetrate his heart.

"Go now, Chanyeol. I am setting you free." Nari wipes her tears. "You are no longer my spouse, because I know I was never and will never get a hold to your heart. You have long enough for him... for Baekhyun. And we both know how much pain our marriage has caused Baekhyun."

"How did you know?" Chanyeol's eyes widen.

"How did I know does not matter. I have seen both of you... both longing for each other. And how foolish of me to think that accepting the marriage will change your heart. So go now. You must go now, Chanyeol, even before I take back my words."

Chanyeol did not bother to rinse his hands as he runs outside the house, leaving Nari alone.

Baekhyun was outside their house when Chanyeol grabs him by his elbow, dragging him outside the tribe's premises, running towards the stream. They were both catching their breaths when they reach the stream they frequently visit.

"What is wrong with you? How many times do I have to tell you-"

"I love you Baekhyun! I truly love you and I will never refuse to tell anyone that my heart only belongs to you!" Chanyeol smiles then jumps up and down.

"Be silent before anyone catches us! And what are you saying, Chanyeol?! You are already a spouse to someone-"

"Not anymore."

"What do you mean not anymore?"

"I am nobody's spouse. Not when it was not you, Baekhyun." Chanyeol pulls Baekhyun towards him and embraces him.

"I want to spend the rest of my life with you, and only with you, my love."

"But-"

"Do you also feel the same for me? I hope you still feel the same feelings you have for me before." Chanyeol asks, eyes ever so determined to hear a positive answer coming from Baekhyun.

"Yes. I still feel the same for you. And yes, I also want to spend the rest of my life with you, and only with you, Chanyeol." Baekhyun returns his embrace.

Chanyeol holds Baekhyun's face, as he leans down and captures his lovers lips, kissing him ever so gently, ever so dearly.

***

The following day, Chanyeol was nowhere to be found.

After they return to the tribe, and Chanyeol has sent him home, Baekhyun did not see him again. Chanyeol told him that he will be back by the dawn for he has something to give him.

It was late afternoon when the tribespeople was in havoc and many of them are weeping.

Baekhyun feels like his innards are turning upside-down.

Nari came running towards him with a tearstained face.

"Baek- Baekhyun..."

"What is going on there?"

"Baekhyun... Chanyeol-" Baekhyun starts running when Nari mentions Chanyeol's name.

His knees gave out as soon as he came near the crowd. He could not believe what he is seeing at the very moment.

There is blood. Too much blood.

There are 4 tribesmen that were beheaded. And one of them is -

"CHANYEOL!!!"Baekhyun screamed his lover's name.

He wanted to run near the lifeless body of his lover but he was not allowed to do what his instincts told him, for he is not bloodrelated to the deceased. Baekhyun could only weep, as he tries to remember Chanyeol's smile and his kisses.

Too bad Chanyeol was easily identified as a warrior-hunter for his tattoos, that he was became the other tribe's target. Although his head was missing, Baekhyun could still identify his lover's remains through his tattoos.

"We fought so hard but we were outnumbered. We are about to return back after hunting but we were attacked. J-Junmyeon and Jongdae... then Minseok... and- and Chanyeol... they... they took C-Chanyeol's head when they recognized him..." the youngest hunter, Jongin, weep sas he retells to the whole tribe about the fateful event in the forest.

Yoonmi held her son's weakened body. She knows how painful it is to see his beloved perished his life. She wanted to comfort him but she knows it was not enough.

"He told me he wanted to spend his lifetime with me, mother... He told me himself those words last night... just last night..." Baekhyun softly whispered as he sobs. "If I only knew this will happen to them - to him, I would not allow him to leave the mountains..."

"It was not your fault, son. The gods had decided for his life even before his birth, so it was never your fault, Baekhyun. It was never your fault."

Yoonmi performed the burial ritual on the same day, and even if he did not want to attend the burial rites, he forced himself for it was the last time he will send his farewell to his beloved warrior, his friend, and lover... his Chanyeol.

***

Baekhyun was sitting in front of Chanyeol's grave while humming a song his mother used to hum to him when she puts him to sleep.

"What happened to our lifetime, Chanyeol? You said you wanted to spend your lifetime with me, but instead, you left me hear all alone. You took pride of your batek, yet were also the means you perished your life to keep the youngling from harm. Indeed, you are noble." Baekhyun whispers.

A soft wind blows his hair and touches his face. Baekhyun smiles sadly as he thinks that maybe it was Chanyeol's way of saying sorry to him.

"Maybethis is our fate, our destiny. But I am still thankful for the littletime that we had, for letting me feel how it is to love and beloved." Baekhyun side glances at Chanyeol's grave. "I also received your gift from Jongin..."

Baekhyun looks at the present that Chanyeol got for him. It is a new set of batek apparatus that is made out of the boar's tusk, that is attached to the handle where Chanyeol carved what he always wanted to call him;

"Jongin said that you were the one who sharpened the tusk and carved irog. Thank you, it's beautiful." Baekhyun smiles fondly at the apparatus. "He also ask me if I could be the one to do the gulot on his hands when he becomes a maigor, that child." Baekhyun laugh at thought of Jongin protruding his lips.

"Nari and I are friends again, but truthfully I was never mad at her." Baekhyun becomes silent as he takes in the view of the surroundings.

Chanyeol's remains were buried not too far from the tribe's premises, but alittle far from the other's grave.

"If I were to ask you to wait for me, until my life has perished, will you do it? Maybe after I left this land, we can continue our vow of spending our lifetime together. Will you wait for me?" Baekhyun's tears drop as a soft breeze graces his cheeks.

***

Years have passed and new generation was born and old traditions are barely practiced by the younger generation.

Technology has already introduced to the people that the younger ones adapt easily to modern life.

"Apo, is it true that despite the tattoos you've gained throughout the years, there's one spot that you haven't placed a tattoo on?" His great-grandson asks.

'Why did you ask?"

"Just curious. Is it special why you leave it blank?"

"I was never got a chance to put his name on it, that is why." A hundred-plus old Baekhyun said as he caresses his left forearm.

Baekhyun now has retired from doing batek to the tribespeople. He cannot blame the younger generations since traditions are slowly fading.

He passed on his knowledge in tattooing to his great-grandson who takes interest in historical research.

"His?"

"You know, many years have passed and a lot of things happened. Old traditions have changed, barely remembered, and practiced by the younger generation. But despite of everything, it'll still be him that I loved and will forever owns my heart, whether it's in the past or during the sunset of my life. And even in my next lifetime, it is still him who my heart longs for." Baekhyun smiled as he looks from afar. "I just hope that he still wants to spend his lifetime with me even though I am now wrinkly." He laughs at the newly acquired word he often hears from the kids.

His great-grandson only shrugs off. Sometimes he didn't know if the elder was just confused of using modern language that he jumbled his words.

A few days after, Baekhyun, the eldest of the tribe passed away and due to his old age and lung complication.

Burial ritual was performed in honor of their grandfather, as his grandsons and granddaughters buried his remains not too far from the stream he used to visit when he was younger and even up until he gets old.

"I have waited long enough to fulfill my vow to you, my love."

"Thank you, Chanyeol."

The End

*****

a/n:   the first (top) picture means Mahal kita or I love you, while the second picture means Irog or my love/beloved.