*

"Sunbae!"

Sehun turns his head around and spots a guy and a girl approaching him. They bow altogether and smiles at the President as they give him a bouquet of flowers.

"We're done arranging the chairs at the hall," the girl says before handing Sehun the bouquet. "Congratulations, Sehun-sunbae! We will miss you a lot!"

"Oh. Thank you. You shouldn't have bothered."

"No, we should be the one thanking you. Thank you for everything, sunbae. Thank you for being a good President to us," the boy says as he grins ear-to-ear, "We hope all the best for you."

Hearing such compliments makes Sehun smile.

"The student council has already left. You two can go home," he says as he looks around the school's empty campus ground, "I'm still waiting for my friends."

He sits on a bench and waits.

Finally, it's all done.

It seems just like yesterday when he was still a weak and thin freshman who was clueless in everything about high school. It feels just like yesterday when Baekhyun transferred to this school to have him company. It feels just like yesterday when he became the student council's President.

Time is too short in high school. He should have done everything to the fullest within the four years he has stayed in this school.

His head suddenly throbs. He should get more sleep and rest.

Recalling last night's incident, he doesn't exactly remember what happened, how the hell he got drunk, and why he ended up passed out on the couch and woke up with a throbbing headache. All he knows is that, when he got up early this morning at Chanyeol's messy living room, he just saw everybody sleeping on the floor, completely knocked out.

"Hey, you're still here!"

Sehun sees a smiling Baekhyun walking with Kyungsoo and Jongin. Jongin looks like a sleepless zombie as he leans his head on Kyungsoo's shoulder, while Kyungsoo struggles because of their height difference. He pushes Jongin away but Jongin sticks to him closer.

Sehun waves at them.

"I thought you already went home," Baekhyun says, trying his best to embrace all the different bouquets he is holding. He gives up and drops them on the ground so Sehun picks them up for him.

"I was waiting for you," Sehun answers. He puts the flowers on the bench while Kyungsoo and Jongin sit beside him. "Why do you have so many of these anyway?"

"The girls gave them to me!" Baekhyun says happily. "I don't know some of them but they are so thoughtful and sweet."

"You're really popular among girls, aren't you?" Jongin says as he laughs sarcastically, "Too bad they don't know you swing the other way."

"But it's a shame Chanyeol didn't attend our graduation," Kyungsoo says, and the smile on Baekhyun's lips falls off,  "Remember last year? You didn't also come to see him. It's just a payback."

"Hey. Baekhyun was sick that time," Jongin defends. "And Chanyeol-sunbae might just be busy in school."

"I doubt it. You see, he's just a total asshole," Sehun blurts out, "How could he forget Baekhyun's graduation?"

Baekhyun had waited for Chanyeol throughout the entire ceremony until it was finished, but Chanyeol didn't even show up. Parents and guardians of his classmates started to come inside the classroom, but Baekhyun saw no one to approach him except for Jongin and Kyungsoo.

So he was kind of sad right now---

No, he is very lonely rather.

He expects that Chanyeol is the first person to greet him on his graduation and tell him congratulations because he did his best, but all of it didn't happen.

He must be very busy, Baekhyun tells himself. Chanyeol might've forgotten it when he said it was his graduation today.

He just shakes his head and brushes unwanted thoughts off.

"Are you going home after this?" Baekhyun asks Sehun. "The ceremony is already finished anyway. You should take some rest."

"Yeah, but I think it's kind of lonely to go home alone since you're not living with me anymore," Sehun answers as he looks at the ground.

Baekhyun feels gloomier when he hears that. It's like his heart is being squeezed a little.

"I'm sorry, Sehun..."

Jongin clears his throat when he realizes the atmosphere is getting downcast.

"You guys, cheer up! Don't be like this, all right? We must celebrate! Wooh hooh!"

"The fuck, you are too loud," Kyungsoo mumbles, covering his ears.

"Why don't you just come with us?" Jongin says as he slings an arm on Kyungsoo's shoulder, "Let's have dinner at our place to celebrate. What do you think?"

Baekhyun looks at Sehun who only raises an eyebrow.

"What?"

"Oh right! We're having beef, pork, and chicken for lunch," Kyungsoo says, "Since we already graduated, we should eat a lot. I'll tell Luhan to buy soju."

"That's a good idea. I'll text him now," Jongin adds.

"No!" Sehun yells, and the other three males are taken by surprise by his sudden reaction.

Sehun clears his throat.

"I won't have any alcohol anymore."

"But we're gonna eat chicken!"

"I don't care," Sehun lies, "I hate chicken."

Jongin glares at him.

"How dare you, Oh Sehun."

"Uhm, I," Baekhyun mumbles, "I'm sorry but I can't come with you..."

"And why not?" Kyungsoo asks. "Don't tell me you're gonna wait for Chanyeol here?"

Baekhyun doesn't answer.

"Fine then, enjoy the rest of your day with him," Kyungsoo says as he waves a flippant hand, "So it's just me and Jongin again. Goodbye."

"Wait!"

Sehun pulls Kyungsoo's uniform, making the smaller turn at him.

"I'll just come with you," Sehun says. "Just don't leave me here."

"How about you, Baekhyun?" Jongin asks.

Baekhyun checks his phone, seeing his messages to Chanyeol still left unread. He sighs, putting it inside his pockets while looking around the school for the last time.

Maybe Chanyeol won't really come to see him.

"So, are you coming with us or not?"

Baekhyun smiles a little and nods.

*

With the use of his chopsticks, Sehun hesitantly picks a slice of half-grilled pork, rolling it to the other side. He can hear Jongin's loud whining when Kyungsoo stuffs his mouth with a lettuce to shut him up.

Sehun sighs.

He slowly licks his lips as he waits for another minute, not bothering to look up from his food.

He feels so stuffy.

"Here," Baekhyun says beside him, giving him a well-cooked beef. He smiles at him sweetly. "Eat this, Sehun."

"Thank you," Sehun mumbles awkwardly as he picks the small beef and puts it inside his mouth.

Fuck. Stop staring.

"Chew slowly. Yes, there you go."

Sehun doesn't know if that remark is supposed to be sarcastic or honest, especially coming from a person who made him drink a whole bottle of gin without him noticing. Maybe that is also why he has trust issues.

"Was it good?" Luhan asks and Sehun just rolls his eyes. "It's good right? Eat a lot. Don't be shy."

Baekhyun chuckles and puts another piece of grilled meat on Sehun's bowl of rice. Good thing Baekhyun is here to have him feel a sense of comfort.

"How can he eat properly when you're like, staring at him the whole time?" Kyungsoo blurts out, while some rice stick out of his mouth.

"But I'm just watching him eat."

"Can't you see how uncomfortable he is right now?" Jongin says. He pulls Luhan away and knocks on the table using a spoon. "Just mind your own food!"

"Fine, why do you need to shout?"

Sehun shoves a spoonful of rice and puts it in his mouth.

"Maybe Luhan has a crush on him or something," Kyungsoo says all of a sudden.

Silence.

Both Jongin and Sehun choke on their food, Jongin spitting out a large chicken thigh on his plate and Sehun coughing on the grains of his rice. Kyungsoo hands Jongin a glass of water so the latter immediately drinks it as he soothes his throat.

Baekhyun gently pats Sehun's back, asking him if he's okay.

"W-water," Sehun mumbles, and he quickly sees two glasses of water before him.

Looking up, he sees Luhan and Baekhyun's anticipating stares while they hand him the water.

He coughs for the last time and gets the water Baekhyun is offering him instead. He hastily drinks it until he feels the food slowly going down his esophagus.

Kyungsoo clears his throat.

"Anyway, are you still feeling dizzy though?" he asks Sehun. "You got really drunk last night. How's your head?"

"I'm fine now. Thanks," Sehun answers. "My head feels lighter now that I'm eating."

"How about the other head?" Luhan out of the blue butts in.

Another silence.

Hearing that, Jongin blurts out into a fit of crazy laughter. Luhan follows suit and laughs at his own joke with his boyfriend. Jongin vigorously shakes Kyungsoo beside him who is just grinning awkwardly at Sehun, while Sehun just stares blankly.

"HAHAHA! Oh god! That's so funny!" Jongin says as he laughs. Kyungsoo chuckles dryly while Luhan giggles not-so-innocently.

Baekhyun gets a glass of water and drinks silently.

"W-what happened to the head?" Sehun asks everyone.

Kyungsoo slaps his forehead when Jongin and Luhan laugh louder.

Sehun turns to Baekhyun beside him. "I don't get it."

"Me too," Baekhyun just mumbles.

"Hey, would you please stop making dick jokes around them," Kyungsoo nags like an old lady. "Especially you, Luhan."

Luhan raises his hands, as if he were gesturing he's surrendering.

Ring Ring. Ring Ring.

Baekhyun's phone on top of the table suddenly rings.

Calling.... Chanyeol-sunbae

Baekhyun, like a flash of lightning, picks it up and presses it against his ear while smiling as bright as the sun.

"Hello? Chanyeol-sunbae?"

Everybody looks at Baekhyun curiously.

[Come out. I'm here outside.]

"Right now?"

[No. Tomorrow.]

Chanyeol hangs up.

"He said he's outside," Baekhyun mutters, and he can't help but show his wide smile because of happiness. He thought Chanyeol has already forgotten him today but he was wrong.

"Thanks for the food. It was really delicious! But I have to go now. Chanyeol-sunbae is waiting for me."

"Okay, you should go then," Jongin says and Sehun's eyes widen in horror. "We'll take care of Sehun for you."

"B-baekhyun! Don't tell me you're gonna leave me here!?" Sehun says.

"Don't worry. You're in good hands," Luhan says as he laughs teasingly.

"I'm sorry! I'll call you later, Sehun. Bye!"

Baekhyun rushes out of Jongin's house rapidly that he almost trips to his feet, until he sees a tall figure, its back facing him. Clad in a light brown coat, Chanyeol is still wearing a backpack, proving he just came out from the university after his last class.

A really really big smile spreads across Baekhyun's face.

He runs towards Chanyeol and suddenly hugs him tight, like a loyal puppy who missed his owner he hasn't seen for years.

Chanyeol is taken by surprise at the sudden attack.

"You're here," Baekhyun mumbles, "I thought you already forgot about me. Were you busy, Chanyeol-sunbae?"

Chanyeol does nothing though, he just allows himself to be hugged.

"I had a major test so I couldn't ditch class," Chanyeol explains, "That's why I couldn't come to see you."

"It's okay, I understand," Baekhyun giggles before he looks up to see Chanyeol's face, "I'm already a graduate now. I finished high school!"

"Congratulations, Baekhyun. You did a good job."

That simple compliment already makes Baekhyun fly in so much joy. That is all he wanted to hear, that is what all he needs. Chanyeol patting his head and smiling genuinely at him, is what he only wished for from the very first start.

He now feels complete.

Before heading out home, Chanyeol says they should visit this new cafe that has just opened a week ago. Both of them aren't hungry anyway so Baekhyun opts for it because this set-up looks like a date.

They don't usually go out on dates because Chanyeol prefers dating indoors, which basically means a lot of fucking and extra cuddles afterwards. Baekhyun loves sex with Chanyeol, but also, having some quality time with your lover in public is really what he secretly wishes sometimes.

"Why are you smiling like that?" Chanyeol asks while driving in the midst of silence.

"Nothing. I'm just happy."

"Why?"

"Because I am with you right now," Baekhyun replies as he looks down at his hands on his lap. "I'll go to the same university as you in college and that only means I'll be with you more often."

"If you pass the college entrance exam, that is."

Baekhyun suddenly frowns hearing that. Right. He forgot about that. Now he suddenly lost his confidence. Chanyeol's university isn't just an average school for average people like him.

"You used to be so smart when you were in junior high. What the fuck just happened to you now? You can't even solve simple trigo," Chanyeol says.

"I don't know. All I know is that, when I'm with you, I turn into a fool," Baekhyun honestly says, "Maybe that is because I love you so much, Chanyeol-sunbae."

Chanyeol throws him a short glance. Baekhyun meets his eyes.

"Love alone won't bring you to anywhere. You should study hard because going to college is really different," Chanyeol says in a serious tone and Baekhyun feels like sinking into his seat. "This is just the start. You still have a long way to go."

Baekhyun nods. "I know."

"If you want to go to the same university as me, then you must work hard for it."

"I understand," Baekhyun mutters, "I will always do my best for you."

They reach the cozy place after a few minutes of driving and walking. The sweet and bitter aroma of fresh coffee welcomes Baekhyun as he chooses a table right at the back of the cafe. Chanyeol orders for the two of them, and once done, he sits in front of Baekhyun whose eyes are wandering around like a child.

"Chanyeol-sunbae," Baekhyun says, "Do you still have the graduation gift that I gave you?"

"Was it the card?" Baekhyun nods. "Yeah. I still keep it with me."

"That's really thoughtful," Baekhyun muses. "So, did you get me any?"

"For what?"

"For my graduation gift, of course."

"Aren't you contented with your new phone? Why are you still asking for something?"

"Oh, right my new phone! I'm sorry, I wont ask anything from you, ever again!" Baekhyun says. "I'm very happy with my new phone!

Their drinks arrive. A glass of milk shake for Baekhyun and a cup of espresso for Chanyeol.

Chanyeol takes a sip of his coffee while Baekhyun sucks on the straw.

"Did you pay for this, Chanyeol-sunbae?" Baekhyun asks. "It's really delicious."

"Of course. I have money unlike you."

"You're so cool and rich," Baekhyun whispers, "I like it so much."

"The way you act right now seems like you're just using me as your sugar daddy."

"Take out the sugar, I like you as my daddy better."

A short silence falls over them.

"What the fuck... did you just say?"

"I-I'm just kidding!" Baekhyun pouts. "I didn't mean to say that!"

"You better stop hanging out with Luhan! He corrupts your mind, seriously."

"But I learn so much from him! Luhan-hyung told me to watch some educational video called porn and I learned that Daddy from porn."

Chanyeol almost spits his coffee into Baekhyun's face.

"Y-you? Fucking what!?"

"Y-you were not home yet! So I thought I could maybe use the Internet..."

Chanyeol takes a deep breath.

"Byun Baekhyun."

"Y-yes?"

"Come closer."

Baekhyun comes closer to the table. Without another thought, Chanyeol knocks the shorter's head really hard, making Baekhyun wince in pain. He makes a crying sound as he holds his injured head.

"O-ouch, that hurt!"

"Do not watch that bullshit anymore, understand? I don't want you seeing naked bodies of other people aside from me."

"But your body is still the most perfect for me---"

"Do you even understand what I've just said?

"But you said I could play and fuck myself," Baekhyun reasons out, "You told me to do anything I want!"

"I'm taking it back."

"What?" Baekhyun asks, his eyebrows furrowed.

"No, you can't do that anymore," Chanyeol states before opening out his palm. "Give me your phone."

Baekhyun obediently hands in his phone.

"H-here."

Opening browser, scrolling it, and inspecting it, Chanyeol's face turns incredibly sour, and it is utterly terrifying Baekhyun can't even take a look.

"You, are a fucking needy hoe, Byun Baekhyun," Chanyeol mutters, "Look at your web history. Is this appropriate? Don't you have any shame on you?"

Baekhyun's cheeks flush red, as if all the blood rises into his head. He should have studied how to use incognito tab!

"I-I'm sorry..."

Chanyeol is just intently looking through his phone. Baekhyun didn't put any password in it as Chanyeol has told him.

"What the fuck is this? Asian boy sucking a huge cock Full HD? Seriously Baekhyun?"

Now Baekhyun wants to just disappear into a bubble because of embarrassment.

"B-but I'm just learning... how to do a proper deepthroat..."

"Stop making excuses. You're making my head hurt."

"Which head, the upper one or the lower one?"

Fuck.

Chanyeol can't believe he is hearing this right.

"What did you say again?"

"The upper one or the lower---"

"You think that's funny?"

Baekhyun nervously swallows as he keeps his mouth shut.

"Speak."

"I-I thought it was funny because Jongin and the guys laughed at it," Baekhyun explains, "I-I just want to make you smile, I'm sorry!"

"Don't dare talk back to me and don't make dick jokes around me."

Baekhyun lowers his head as he sips his milkshake.

"Understand?"

"I understand, I'm sorry, Chanyeol-sunbae."

Chanyeol massages his throbbing temples. How could those bastards do this to Baekhyun? He's gonna murder them for real. How dare them.

"A-are you mad, Chanyeol-sunbae?"

Chanyeol just sighs helplessly, and shakes his head silently.

"No. Let's just. Finish this so we can go home."

Baekhyun nods, smiling as if nothing happened. He puts both arms on the table, leaning his chin on top of his hands like a kid. He tilts his head cutely, pouting his lips to emphasize his mochi cheeks.

Chanyeol just stares while Baekhyun looks up to him.

"Hey, Chanyeol."

Baekhyun drops the honorifics so Chanyeol is suddenly taken aback.

"What?"

Baekhyun chuckles.

"I love you."

Chanyeol falls silent.

Baekhyun lets out a loud laughter after he said those words, as his honey voice blends in with the noise of the people inside the cafe. He instantly goes back to speaking formally to Chanyeol and apologizes for his sudden rude behavior.

"Chanyeol-sunbae, look! They also have free marshmallows here!"

Chanyeol stays quiet on his seat as he drinks his coffee, but Baekhyun completely knows that by the way Chanyeol is smiling down at his espresso, means he feels the same way too.

Like how he used to. Ever since.

*

To be continued.