To everyone asking for my FB acct, I can't really give it. But I posted my Twitter and Instagram acct on my profile. :) Those you could check out. :)

Dedicated to yoolxiyoon ! Thank you so very much! I love you and Godbless! xoxo~

* * * * *

B Y U N   B A E K H Y U N

My face is still as messed up and as flushed as this morning when I went to second period which is Oral Communication. I gave the slip to the professor who's still fixing his things on his table. He gave me a short glance before scribbling.

"Byun Baekhyun." he read my name and I nodded. "Third row, left table, left seat."

When I recovered my slip, I walked over to my spot and found that the seat beside me is still vacant. I fixed my things and even when the class started, my seatmate didn't show up.

I took out my notes and pen, occasionally writing down reminders mentioned by our professor. It's ironic, though, that he didn't let me introduce myself considering the course he's teaching. Not that I like introducing myself.

"New guy?" I heard a whisper and I turned to glance at the guy behind me. He's wearing a black polo shirt and he's looking at me with a big smile on his lips. I tried to smile back and nodded slowly.

He held out a hand. "Kim Jongdae." he introduced himself. "And you are..?"

"Byun Baekhyun." I said as I took his hand and shake it. I wondered why the professor is not calling our attention. When I glanced at him, he doesn't seem to mind anything but his words.

"Nice to meet you Byun Baekhyun." Kim Jongdae grinned when he pulled his hand back. "I hope we could be friends."

I felt myself smile. "Sure." I said with a nod.

"And call me Chen." he said. "I prefer that."

Looking at him, I guess he's the friendly-type of guy you read in books. He has a very kind smile and eyes and he looks like someone you can trust. Well, sometimes, personality shows in the face. Weird but true.

"Okay, Chen." I smiled.

He beamed and then he gestured to the seat beside me. "Well, weird that Park's not showing up at the first day of classes." he said matter-of-factly. 

Just by that name, I felt myself flinch.

"P-park?" I muttered, my throat suddenly feels dry.

Chen nodded. "Yes." he agreed. "Park Chanyeol. He's supposed to be seated beside you now. He's been my classmate since high school and this is the first time he skipped class."

I swallowed nervously and I suddenly want our professor to call our attention. Or maybe, if we keep talking, he'll get mad and transfer me to another seat? Somewhere far. Far from Chanyeol.

"Really." I breathed and tried to smile.

"Yeah." Chen said, grinning. "Want me to introduce you to him?" he raised an eyebrow and he's still smiling.

I shrugged and looked away. "Maybe not." I muttered. "I'm an introvert. I think."

That made Chen laugh and finally, professor noticed us and he gave my newly found friend an annoyed look. But then, he continued talking.

Chen leaned into his desk. "I'll introduce him when he's finally here." he whispered behind me.

I pretended not to hear.

P A R K   C H A N Y E O L

I didn't even notice stepmother the moment I opened the doors of our home. I feel worse than before and thoughts about Byun Baekhyun keeps hunting me and it sends a certain kind of pain straight to my chest. I'm useless and totally hopeless right now.

How could they fcking to that to Baek? He's innocent.

All he ever wanted is to live a life where he's not controlled by anyone but his own thoughts, own feelings, own dreams in life. All he ever wanted was a peaceful life.

And all I ever wanted was to spend that whole life with him.

And now...

"Chanyeol, you're home early." Stepmother is looking up from the magazine she's reading. "Did something happen?" She's wearing a long flowing white dress like she just went to the beach.

I tried to smile but it came out awkward. "Mom. Hey," I muttered, slowly making my way towards her. "Yes. Something happened but... I'm fine now." When I reached her, I leaned down and gave her a peck on the forehead.

"Do you want to talk about it?" she asked when I pulled back. She has that Bristish accent that I sometimes find hard to understand.

I hesitated, looking away. "I-it's nothing serious." But of course I'm lying. Everything about Baekhyun is a serious matter. Dead serious to be exact.

Stepmother frowned, finally closing the magazine over her lap. "If it's not serious," she cocked her head to one side. "What's with the puffy eyes, Chanyeol? And why did you skip the first day of classes?"

I looked back at her in shock. "Woah there, Mom." I muttered, eyeing her. "Where did you hear that?"

"Well, I'm not supposed to tell you this but," she grinned. "Your sister texted me that she saw you driving out of the school grounds. So..." then she shrugged, still with that small smile on her face.

I slowly nodded. I'm too upset right now to be irritated with my sister being too nosy. That's her normal attitude and I won't mind it for now. I walked over to the chair next to her. Stepmother tilted her body so she could look at me.

She slowly reached for my hand. "What happened, Chanyeol?" she asked. "You know you could always tell me."

I looked down at her and noticed the wrinkles that are slowly appearing at the sides of her eyes. Her skin is starting to turn old but she's still beautiful. And I admire the fact that she doesn't go on surgeries just to stay gorgeous. She likes being her. That's why me and my sister loves her.

"Promise you won't tell Dad." I said with a sigh.

Stepmother laughed, shaking her head. "Tell me when did I start spilling out the beans." she challenged and then she squeezed my hand, her eyes softened. "So... what's making my stepson this upset?"

"Baekhyun." I blurted out, finally looking away. "Byun Baekhyun."

Stepmother paused and I felt her hand tighten around mine. She didn't say anything for a while, as if she's waiting for me to continue. I glanced at her and she's just watching me. I expected something more, though. Maybe a sign of disapproval, anger. But none. She's calm. Really calm.

"I love him, Mom." I whispered. "I know we're not supposed to be together, right? I know we're supposed to hate each other. But... I can't." I let out a frustrated sigh as I stared down at her. "I love him from the very moment I saw him and I know he felt the same way, too. And then I did something..." I shook my head.

"Go ahead." Stepmother urged. "I'm listening."

I looked at her straight in the eyes. "I asked him to marry me." I admitted in a low voice. "We're engaged."

Stepmother's eyes widened but only for a second. "Chanyeol," she started in a whisper. "If you're already engaged, why do you feel bad right now? Do you regret the idea?"

"No." I said, shaking my head. "Baekhyun is perfect, Mom. He is everything I wanted in my life. But..." I suddenly feel a wave of hate washed through me. They destroyed everything. They destroyed us. And now, I don't know how I could ever bring him back to me.

"But what?"

"They did something to Baek." I muttered with a frown. "And now he doesn't know me anymore. I'm already a stranger to him. He forgot everything about us."

For the first time, stepmother gasped, covering her lips with her hand. "I-i don't think that's legal, Chanyeol." she muttered. "Are you sure his family intentionally altered Baekhyun's memory?"

I nodded. "I had an encounter with Kris this morning." I hissed. "And he said something about me being gone from Baekhyun. I know they did something. His words imply it."

Stepmother didn't say anything for a while. She's still holding my hand and I am holding on to her. Somehow, her motherly presence is giving me a sense of comfort. Maybe because I grew up with her around, not my real mother. And she's one of the nicest person I know.

"I really don't know what to say, Chanyeol." Stepmother muttered and I have to agree. "But I trust you and your heart." She reached up and patted my face gently. "You've grown into a fine young man and I am very proud of you, remember that. And we both know right now that you're doing something against your Father's rules."

I looked down, nodding. "I'm sorry, Mom." I whispered. 

"Don't be." she whispered, caressing my face. "Sometimes, only your heart knows what is right. So you have to trust it."

I was surprised to hear that from her, so when I looked at her again, I know I'm as shocked as I feel. "Are you saying you're helping me with Baek?" I asked, my voice a little louder than usual.

Stepmother smiled, pulling away. "Maybe." she said with a grin. "Are you giving up on him just because he doesn't remember you anymore?"

I immediately shook my head. I know Baekhyun might not be able to remember me again. I know my efforts could all go to waste. I know he might find it hard to love me again. But I know what I want. I know who I want. And I will never let go of him, no matter how hard he'll push me away.

"No." I said, determined. "I love Baekhyun. And I will court him until he loves me back. Again."

* * * * *

Good day everyone! MUA!