Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Chanyeol was happily sipping on a cup of hot chocolate when a commotion came from outside.

“Park Chanyeol!” a voice shouted angrily, making Chanyeol almost choke on his drink.

Chanyeol looked up from the notes Junmyeon gave him earlier, unconsciously tightening his grip on them. He recognized the voice and the tone made him put on his most innocent smile, praying for his safety.

Turning to the source of the voice, he was received with a death glare coming from a very angry Do Kyungsoo.

He carefully put the chocolate down, making sure to leave some space between the drink and himself, in case he had to do a hasty escape.

“Yes?” he asked in the sweeties’ voice he could master. But the death glare didn’t waiver in the slightest and his instinct to run only intensified.

“Can you explain to me what this is?” the other showed him a tablet, it had a video of a gang fight that happened the night before.

“Ummmm… it’s a video of a gang fight??” he tentatively asked eying the open door, if he was fast enough, he could surely make it.

Unfortunately, Kyungsoo appeared to sense his thoughts and moved in front of the door effectively blocking his exit. His smile wavering, he once again directed his gaze to the furious look of the other.

“A gang fight?! Can you tell me what the heck where you doing in that place??” his voice somehow grew colder with each word and Chanyeol could feel a shiver run through him with each one.

“Baekhyun called me and told me about it, Soo!!! I couldn’t let this opportunity pass!!! They told me they would use it on the program today!! And if I do a good job maybe I can finally get that segment I have been begging for!!” by this point he couldn’t hold his gaze up and was looking at his shoes, squeezing, really destroying the papers in his hands, he would have to ask for another copy from Junmyeon.

After a moment he heard a clearly frustrated sigh from the man in front of him and felt a hand go under his chin gently lifting his face up.

“I know you really want to probe yourself Chanyeol, but you can’t just go and place yourself in danger. I really hope this is the last time you do something like this. We have rules for a reason, if something especially dangerous is happening you are supposed to follow protocol, call the station, take the necessary precautions and DO NOT get yourself to close to it without thinking about what you’re doing and how it can affect you and others.” By this point the anger in his eyes was somewhat gone, it was replaced with some kind of worry.

He could feel a blush take over his face with every word, and he REALLY hopped the other wouldn’t be able to notice. If he did maybe he could blame it on the guilt of doing something he wasn’t supposed to do.

Why did his body have to betray him like this every time?

It really was a miracle Kyungsoo hadn’t notice that he…

“So promise me you won’t do something so careless ever again.” the kind words were followed with a firm tug to his ear that made Chanyeol wince and tilt his head trying to at least reduce the pressure, knowing from past experiences that it would be worse if he tried to tug himself free.

At least now he had an alibi for his blush.

“Promise me...”

“I promise, I promise!!” he cried feeling his ear finally get released with a final tug.

“Good, now you better get yourself into makeup and change, we are starting in 15 minutes.” with a little smile he headed to the door and turned around to give him a final warning look. “And tell Baekhyun to don’t even try to hide or it will be 10 times worse.”

His body finally relaxed when he felt the dark aura leave the room, maybe he should go and tell Baekhyun of the danger….

But Kyungsoo said to get himself in makeup. Sending a quick pray for Baekhyun’s safety he hastily got up and rushed out to get to the makeup department before it was too late. He would have to send him a text when he was finished.

“Hahahaha, I can’t believe you got scolded again!” laughed Jongdae a few hours later in the break room, where they were having some snacks waiting for the next work rush.

“It’s not funny Jongdae!!!” Chanyeol put his head on the table giving the other a pitiful look, hoping to get some pampering instead of laughs.

“It kind of is.” smiled Sehun on the other side of Jongdae giving a long sip of his drink.

“You both suck,” he mumbled turning his face against the flat surface of the table. Maybe he should make this table his only friend now, at least it would give him comfort.

The other two just continued to laugh for a while not showing any mercy, and he sulked waiting for it to finally end. He usually came to them for comfort and he usually received it, but the others couldn’t help but make fun of him when things like this happened.

By his past experiences he knew he should wait for the laughter to die down.

“It’s not so bad Yeol, at least this time you didn’t get punished with a “time out”.”

He raised his face to see a still smiling Jongdae, but at least now it was more in a comforting way than hurtful.

Jongdae was right, at least Kyungsoo didn’t give him a “time out”. That’s what they called not being able to participate in the show for some time, it could last days or weeks depending on the seriousness of the infraction. He could still remember his last “time out”, and it was no walk in the park, he was sure he would go crazy watching everyone work, while he just stood in the sidelines, begging for someone to ask for his help.

“Yeah…” he mumbled still pouting.

“So… did Soo notice your blush this time?” asked a smirking Jongdae.

“Sssssh!!” he put a hand in front of him, hazily turning around to make sure they were effectively alone.

“What? Everybody but Soo knows you have a huuuuuuge cr…” he moved his hand rapidly putting it in front of Jongdae’s mouth effectively cutting his next word.

“A huge crush.” smirked Sehun on the other side. Dammit he forgot to silence the other one.

“I DO NOT.” Chanyeol’s voice surely was heard in all the station this time. “And I did not blush!”

A smirking Jongdae took the hand blocking his mouth and reached out to pat his head in a soothing way.

“Sure you don’t. And Xiumin loveeeees disasters.”

“You both suck.” He had the biggest pouting face while he said this.

“And you love us.”

Well, he couldn’t deny that, but he could still pout.

“You were lucky this time.” Sehun pushed a third drink towards him, and he noted happily that it was a milkshake with a lot sprinkles. A peace offering, at least they were considered enough to get him his favorite. Maybe he should reconsider the table friendship thing.

Extending his arm, he took the offered drink and using the straw took a big gulp, giving a little satisfactory hum when he felt the sweetness of the drink fill his mouth.

They stayed in silence for a couple of minutes, enjoying their drinks, Sehun checking his phone, surely making sure no new job had pop up while they were there. Maybe they could stay like this until it was time to get back to work, at least Chanyeol could rest from the teasing.

“So…” Sehun said breaking the silence.

Chanyeol raised his eyes from the drink he had on his hand and noted with a sinking feeling that both of them had smiles on their faces, Jongdae’s was even devilish, this could not be good.

“Did you tell Baekhyun??” asked an amused Sehun putting his phone down with a resonating tunk.

Oh… no…
He…
No…
No…
No….

“PARK CHANYEOL!!!!!” shouted an angry voice behind him.

Hazily putting his drink down and spilling it, at least he didn’t have any important papers with him this time, he got up and took his laptop bag eyeing the door on the opposite side of the room. He had long legs, if he just walked rapidly, he could make it.

“DO NOT TRY TO RUN AWAY YOU COWARD.”

Okay, screw walking, it was time to run.

Making his escape he noted how Jongdae was leaning on Sehun with unstoppable laughter while the taller couldn’t contain a small chuckle. Traitors, both of them were traitors.

Giving them the best death glare, he could master while running, he quickly made his escape feeling the murderous presence behind him.

“COME BACK HERE!!!”

Nope, nope, nope.

Opening the door, he made his escape leaving a shouting Baekhyun and a laughing Jongdae and Sehun behind.

TBC

Chapter Text

A place to hide, he needed a place to hide. For the moment he was safe. Baekhyun was a persistent person, if he didn’t find a safe place, he would surely catch him. Racking his brain, he tried to think of where could he safely hide. Maybe Kyungsoo would let him hide in the room he used for preparing the food for the programs?

No… Kyungsoo was going to make a new dish today, if Chanyeol distracted him from the preparation process he would probably get angry with him.

Where else could he go?

“Everything alright Chanyeol?” A familiar voice asked as he passed a door.

Turning around, he saw Jongin leaning against the door with a couple of papers in his hands, probably information for his segment. Yes! A savior!

“Jongin!!! Hide me!!” He cried surrounding his left arm, with a firm grip.

“Ah, I’m guessing from Baekhyun?” The other smiled patting his head.

Relived Chanyeol nodded, giving his best kicked puppy look. Maybe Jongin could take him on location to do his report if it was out of the station?

He couldn’t leave on his own in case he was needed, but if he went with Jongin with the purpose of helping, then they couldn’t stop him.

“Aaaah…” Jongin was giving him an apologetic look now. That could not be good. “Sorry Chanyeol, Baekhyun made me promise that I wouldn’t help you.”

And there it was. Baekhyun had anticipated his movements, he made sure others wouldn’t try to help him, he even made Jongin promise. In his search for him, he surely ran into a lot of people, making sure everyone one made the same promise; all of his options weren’t safe anymore, he was doomed.

How many people had he gotten to? Could he find a safe place before it was too late? Was there someone out there who wouldn’t mind helping him even if they promised Baekhyun?

“Jongiiiiiin!” Cried Chanyeol in despair.

He was in trouble, surely the other wouldn’t leave him to his fate in his hour of need? But to his ultimate despair, he only received that same apologetic smile that made him panic even more.

“Sorry, Chanyeol, but I promised. And I don’t want to anger Baekhyun, who knows what he would do if I even thought of helping you.”

Definitely the other had decided already, he knew that he wouldn’t be able to change his mind even if he promised to do his work for a week or something. The fear for Baekhyun’s revenge was stronger, and he could understand, at the moment he was trying to avoid it as long as he could.

“If it helps, I heard Kris and Luhan are in right now, I don’t think they would refuse to help you out.”

Yes!

Just what he needed, Policeman!

They surely wouldn’t be able to deny protecting him. Giving a quick bow to the other in thanks, he again took off running in the direction of the main recording room. Surely if they came to give further information for the late-night news, they had to be in the showroom, where the reporters handed in their work for the day, to have it revised before it went on the show. With quick and careful steps, always making sure to look around the corner before he turned, just in case, he made his way to his destination.

Chanyeol released a sigh of relief when he entered the room and saw Kris and Luhan on the other side of the room discussing something with Jummyeon, which was even better, Baekhyun wouldn’t dare to do anything in the presence of their main producer, and even if he tried Jummyeon would be able to stop him.

Already more appeased he took a couple of steps in the direction of the trio who were talking between them not being aware of his presence in the room.

“Everything alright Chanyeol?” Asked a voice on his way.

A voice that made him almost jump when he heard it. Was he really so focused in the others that he failed to notice the other person in the room?

“Xiumin!” He exclaimed putting a hand over his heart. This was the fourth person to surprise him in that day. Was he really that absentminded?

“Did I scare you?” Asked Xiumin with a smile.

“No… I mean yes…. I mean… I was just distracted. Sorry for ignoring you Xiumin, hello.”

Xiumin waved his hand in a gesture that told him not to worry about it.

“It’s okay, don’t worry. I was just preparing for today’s segment and I just saw you. Is everything okay?”

Had he heard that Baekhyun was in search of him? Would he give him up?

Surely he couldn’t be that cruel…

“Ah, yes. I just need to talk to Jummyeon.” An excuse, he really needed to talk to Kris and Luhan.

“Ah, is this about the video you brought? It was really good.”

“It was?”

“Yes. You did a really good job. Although a dangerous one. I heard Kyungsoo was angry about it.”

“Ah, yes, he was. I was lucky that he didn’t give me a punishment this time.”

“You were.”

“Ah, I’m sorry Xiumin. I really need to talk to Jummyeon right now.” He really wanted to ask the other an opinion of the video he took, maybe a few pointers for next time, but he would have to save it for latter, when he wasn’t in danger.

Turning around Chanyeol again took the path that would take him to his salvation, but stopped in his tracks when he came face to face with a smirking Byun Baekhyun.

“Going somewhere Park?” Asked the other with a smug grin.

“Ah… no…” Chanyeol was speechless. The route for his salvation was foiled by the very person he was trying to escape from. Maybe he could scream to draw attention to himself. He tried let out the biggest sound possible for him, but the fear had apparently taken his voice.

“Hello Baekhyun. Ready for today?” asked Xiumin behind him.

Yes! He was with Xiumin! He would save him!

“Everything is ready for today Xiumin. I just need to talk with Chanyeol about something before we start.”

Giving a sweet smile to Xiumin, Baekhyun took Chanyeol’s arm and dragged him to the other side of the room, through the door he used to come in. Chanyeol unable to resist the strong grip Baekhyun had on him, he followed, silently begging for Xiumin to save him, who in turn was waving them both away. He looked at the others, hopping for Kris, Luhan or Jummyeon to turn around before it was too late. No one turned to look.

With watery eyes Chanyeol watched the door close, his possibilities to escape get extinguished with it. Feeling the grip on his arm and knowing now his escape was impossible, he turned around giving his best pleading eyes to the other, hopping for some forgiveness.

“I’m so…”

“Don’t you even dare, Park Chanyeol. How dare you tell Kyungsoo it was my fault after I was kind enough to tip you on the fight?!!”

“But you were the one that told meee!!!” He whined, a pout on his lips.

“I didn’t tell you to go nor to go alone!! I almost got a time out because of you.” And he was grabbing his ear now. Why did everyone go for the ears?

“But you told me to take the chance!!”

“No I didn’t!”

“Yes you did!!”

More pulling followed his words, and he could feel tears in his eyes with every pull.

“Everything alright in here?” A voice asked interrupting the moment.

Turning in the direction of the voice, they saw Tao and Lay watching them with confused looks, he immediately sent pleading eyes in their direction, asking without words for them to save him.

“Of course.” Answered Baekhyun in his most charming voice. “Just talking about something with Chanye~”

“N-n…” A quick tug made Chanyeol stop his words knowing it would be worst.

“If you keep pulling his ear like that it could get damaged.” Spoke Lay in a gentle tone pointing to the ear and the hand holding it.

“Baekhyun, let Chanyeol go.” Spoke Tao next gently taking Baekhyun’s arm.

“Tch, fine.” Chanyeol thought Baekhyun would let him go in that moment, but instead he used the grip on his ear to bring him down so he could whisper directly into his ear. “But this isn’t over, Park Chanyeol, after work we are going drinking and you’re paying. Do not try to escape.”

Finally, Chanyeol was free, not wasting time he quickly ran to take cover behind Tao and Lay, watching the other disappear behind the doors that took him to the showroom giving Chanyeol a final smirk.

“T-thank you.” He whispered feeling his shoulders relax as the door closed.

“No problem Chanyeol. Everything alright??’ Asked Lay gently examining his ear.

“Yes.” He sighed.

Hopefully tonight with the social outlet, Baekhyun wouldn’t do anything else; hopefully he wouldn’t end up broke when all was over.

------------------------------

“Chanyeol!” Shouted Jongdae a couple of hours later with a big grin.

“Jongdae?” Asked Chanyeol with a surprised look, he though Jongdae had gone home hours ago; since he was just waiting for Baekhyun to come out.

“Baekhyun told us you’re going drinking and that you’re paying, so he invited us.”

Now he could see a grinning Sehun behind Jongdae, he feared the worst, Chanyeol swears he heard his wallet cry; he couldn’t live on a diet of instant soups for the rest of his life.

“Ah, isn’t Baekhyun with you guys?” Asked Chanyeol looking behind Sehun.

“No, he said he still had to get someone.” Sehun mentioned.

He nodded, deciding to wait a little more, not that he had any other choice; when he heard the sound of the elevator arriving to the lobby, he instantly directed his gaze to the opening doors. He really hopped it was Baekhyun, even if he was being obligated to take the other out, it was still a working day tomorrow and he didn’t wish to work without a good night sleep or a with a huge hangover.

The doors finally opened with a bell. He could feel his face drop when Baekhyun stepped out of the elevator with one Do Kyungsoo. Maybe they just rode down together?

“Ah, Chanyeol, good. You’re already here!” Smiled Baekhyun taking Kyungsoo’s arm to drag him with the awaiting group.

“I can walk by myself.” Said Kyungsoo with and annoyed gaze.

“Yes, but you could still get away if I let you go.” Said Baekhyun, receiving nods from the others who knew he would.

“Ah, Soo, are you coming to?” Asked Chanyeol with a nervous smile.

“Not by choice.”

“Ah, lighten up Kyungsoo! It will be fun! A crazy night drinking and partying with friends!”

Kyungsoo’s only response was to direct his annoying gaze to a grinning Baekhyun.

“So are we ready to go?” Asked Baekhyun with the same grin in Chanyeol direction.

“Ah, yes.” Answered Chanyeol quickly. “The place is close so we can just walk there.”

“Perfect! Let’s go!” Grinned Jongdae taking Sehun’s and Baekhyun’s arms to drag them away.

“You don’t have to come if you don’t want to, I’m sure that Baekhyun will have already forgotten when we get there.” Said Chanyeol giving Kyungsoo a side look.

“Somebody has to make sure all of you don’t get yourselves killed.” The other said sending him a little smile.

God, he loved those smiles, the little heart shape just killed him every time.

“Does Jongdae know the place where we’re going?” Asked Kyungsoo returning his gaze to the retreating trio.

“Wha… aaaaaaaaaaaah!!! Wait you guys! You’re going the wrong way.” Quickly Chanyeol took off making his best to catch the trio before they got themselves lost.

Giving another smile Kyungsoo calmly started walking behind Chanyeol.

-------------------------------

“There’s not a lot of people.” Smiled Jongdae walking to an empty both in the corner of the room.

“Of course not, it’s a work night.” Grumbled Kyungsoo taking a seat next to Chanyeol.

“You’re here too Kyungsoo.” Said Jongdae taking a seat in the middle to leave space for Baekhyun and Sehun when they got back.

“Not by choice.”

“Ah, you can still go Soo, Baekhyun won’t even notice.” Said Chanyeol pointing to the other two, who were at the bar making their order.

When they got to the bar, Baekhyun had immediately taken Chanyeol’s card to pay. Kyungsoo had given him a look but the other just smiled and told them to get a seat while he and Sehun got the beverages.

“I’ll stay.” Said a serious Kyungsoo giving Chanyeol a side gaze.

“Okay.”

“Aaaaaaa, that’s a lot of drinks!!” Said Jongdae when Baekhyun and Sehun arrived with two trays full of different looking drinks.

“Yep! We are getting wasted!” Smiled Baekhyun putting his tray down and getting a seat, Sehun followed him. “Now let’s drink!!” he took the first glass and happily downed its content in one gulp.

“Aaaaah!!! This is so yummy!!” Jongdae takes another drink happily giving little sips.

Sehun took what was his third drink and took a few sips with a smile. Chanyeol and Kyungsoo watched the trio drown their drinks with smiles on their faces, and get louder with every sip.

“Chanyeol! Kyungsoo! You have to drink too!” Said Sehun pushing a couple of drinks in their direction.

“Ah…. But…”

“We aren’t drinking.” Grumbled Kyungsoo, interrupting Chanyeol and pushing the drinks back, receiving a relieved gaze from Chanyeol.

“Buuuuuu! You have to drink! We’re at a bar Kyungsoo!!” Baekhyun once again pushed the tray in their direction.

“No.”

“An you Chanyeol??” Smirked Sehun pushing the tray further, if they weren’t careful those drinks would end up in the floor.

“Ah… no…”

“Drink, Chanyeol!! These are sweet!” Jongdae pointed to a couple of glasses with a strawberry and other fruits in a toothpick.

“Aaaaah…” With everyone’s gazes on him and feeling the pressure, Chanyeol took one of the pointed drinks and took a small sip.

“Chanyeol…” Kyungsoo tried to stop the other from taking another sip of the drink in his hands.

“It’s okay, Soo. I’ll just drink this one.” Smiled Chanyeol taking the toothpick to eat the fruits.

“Tch, just one.”

Chanyeol gave a happy hum and sent a smile taking a long sip.

“It’s good.”

Jongdae, Baekhyun and Sehun gave a happy shout and continued with their own drinks, occasionally pushing another one in Chanyeol direction. Kyungsoo was able to stop some of the drinks but he was fighting a losing battle against the other three. From every drink he stopped two more would end up in Chanyeol’s hands.

--------------

“Telephoneeee!!!!” Singed, really shouted, Chanyeol sometime later with a lot of alcohol in his system.

“Chaneyol! Get down from there!” Shouted a sober Kyungsoo trying to get Chanyeol down from the table, where he was signing at the top of his lungs.

Kyungsoo had already texted Jummyeon and Xiumin to get there so they could get everyone home, in the meantime he had to deal with them.

“Now do Love shot!” shouted Jongdae as Baekhyun and Sehun giggled.

“No!”

“Yes!” shouted Baekhyun and Sehun at the same time.

“Chagapdorok… seorol…”

Chanyeol started to sing but Kyungsoo was able to get him down from the table and into his seat.

“Buuuuu.” The others were quick to voice their discontent.

“No more signing. Stay there and drink your water.”

“B-but…”

“And you three! Stop giving him drinks!”

“Aw, I thought you liked Chanyeol’s signing Kyungsoo.” Giggled Jongdae.

“Shut up.”

“Kyungsooooooo…. I found the cutest dog the other day.” Suddenly Chanyeol’s head was in his lap making excited gestures with his hands.

“Yes, Chanyeol it was very pretty.” He calmly patted the others head praying for the cavalry to arrive soon.

“I said cute!! Aaaaaaaaah, you’re not listening.” Cried Chanyeol.

“Hahaha, he’s totally wasted!” Laughed an equally wasted Baekhyun with a giggling Jongdae on his side.

“Yes Chanyeol, he was cute, I’m sorry.”

Kyungsoo calmly continued to pat the giants head trying to not make him upset, if he didn’t the other would run crying, and that would be a big problem. He could still remember the time they had a party at the station and a drunk Chanyeol had gotten upset because somebody called him Yoda. He was found a couple of hours later, hours that Kyungsoo spent searching like crazy, crying inside his locker, nobody knew how he was able to get inside the tiny thing.

On his other side Sehun was sleeping, he was so wasted that the noise around him didn’t seem to bother his sleep. Which was fine with Kyungsoo, he had one less troublemaker to deal with.

“Ne, ne, Chanyeol! I dare you to do a strip tease for everybody here!!” Laughed Baekhyun pointing to the little stage on the other side of the bar.

“Baekhyun, no!” Kyungsoo shouted quickly taking Chanyeol’s arm, who was frantically trying to get out of the booth and up to the stage, already taking his shirt off.

“Soo!! Let me go!! I have to do a dareeee!!” Wined Chanyeol, desperately trying to get out of the iron grip, maybe if he wasn’t so drunk, he would be able to.

“No you don’t.”

Kyungsoo had to calm himself so he didn’t try to kill the giggling idiots in front of him, right now his focus should be on stopping the drunk giant from running away or taking his shirt off.

“Having fun Kyungsoo??” Grinned Jummyeon appearing from the mass of people besides their booth.

“It sure looks like it.” Grinned Xiumin on his side.

“I’m fucking not! Now take your idiots home before I kill them!!” Grumbled Kyungsoo pointing behind him with his free hand. “Chanyeol you don’t have to do something just because Baekhyun told you so!”

“But he dared me!”

“Dare, dare, dare!”

A laughing Jummyeon calmly went behind the fighting duo and gently woke up the sleeping Sehun.

“Sehun, baby, it’s time to go home.” Whispered Jummyeon.

“Mmm, Jummyeon?” Mumbled Sehun barely opening his eyes.

“Yes, come one, you can sleep comfortably at home” A smiling Jummyeon took Sehun’s hand and guided him out of the booth.

“Jongdae, we have to get home too. We can leave Baekhyun home on the way.” Smiled Xiumin also taking Jongdae’s hand to guide him out of the booth, after he was out, he made sure to also help Baekhyun out.

“But Chanyeol hasn’t done the daree!!” Whined Baekhyun watching the struggling pair.

“And he won’t fucking do it!! Now get out of here!”

Jummyeon laughed taking the lead of the small group, walking to the main exit of the now fuller bar.

“Good night Kyungsoo!!” He shouted disappearing through the door.

“They are gone Chanyeol, you don’t have to do the dare.”

“Aaaah but I wanted to do it.” Whined Chanyeol finally stopping his escape attempts.

“No, you didn’t.”

“Aww, then I dare you to finish another drink with me!” Exclaimed Chanyeol looking around for a waiter to ask for said drink.

“I’m not drinking and you are done. Come on I’ll take you home.”

“But I dared you!”

“And I refused, now we need to get you home.”

A pouting Chanyeol silently followed Kyungsoo out of the bar and waited for the other to get them a ride home. When Kyungsoo took his hand and helped him to the awaiting ride, he could not keep the smile away from his face.

On their way to his apartment Chanyeol could feel drowsiness slowly take hold of him, making him put his head down on the others shoulder.

After some time the ride stopped and Kyungsoo gently shock Chanyeol, guiding him out of the car.

“We have to pay…” Mumbled Chanyeol watching the other close the door.

“I already did, now come on you need to get to bed and rest.”

When Kyungsoo watched the other shiver he quickly took his coat off to put it on the taller one’s shoulders.

“You’ll get cold Soo.”

“Just wear it until we get to your apartment, then you can give it back.”

Kyungsoo smiled taking the others hand to guide him into the apartment complex, Chanyeol lived in the last floor, thankfully there was an elevator.

When they stood in front of the door to Chanyeol’s apartment, Kyungsoo asked for the keys knowing Chanyeol wouldn’t be able to use them even if he tried, he then opened the door guiding the other inside before closing it again.

“Let’s get you to bed.”

“I can…” A yawn. “I can do it myself.”

“I’m sure you can but let me help you, just in case.”

Kyungsoo gently guided Chanyeol to his room. He looked around the room for pajamas and found some ready to be used in a chair near the door, Chanyeol was always ready; he had to help Chanyeol put them on pleading for the other to let go of his hand to put the sleeves through his arms. With a bemused smile Kyungsoo took Chanyeol to the bed and helped him get in it, took the covers on the bed and covered him so the other wouldn’t get cold while he slept.

“Now go to sleep, and no getting up or trying to drink anything else. I already put a glass of water on your nightstand if you get thirsty.” Said Kyungsoo pointing to the table besides the bed.

“I want to sleep with Kyungsoo…” Mumbled Chanyeol taking hold of his arm.

“Chanyeol, I have to go home.” Kyungsoo struggled to take his arm back, Chanyeol had a firm grip on it.

“Noooooo.”

“Chanyeol, I can’t sleep here.”

“Yes you can.” Whined Chanyeol eying the empty space beside him.

Kyungsoo sighed. He could see Chanyeol’s eyes slowly fall closed but the other wouldn’t let go of his arm even in his drowsy state. Kyungsoo let out a little sigh gently combing the other’s hair with his free arm.

“Okay okay.” He whispered getting in the bed besides Chanyeol. “Now, can you sleep?” he asked the other gently petting his hair.

“Yes… thank you… Kyungsoo…” Whispered Chanyeol with a yawn, closing his eyes and nuzzling his arm like a teddy bear.

“Good night Chanyeol.”

“Kyungsoo is the best.” Mumbled Chanyeol in a quiet voice, almost completely gone into the land of dreams. “That’s why I love Kyungsoo so much.” Came a final whisper as he finally feel sleep.

---------------------------

Chanyeol woke up with a headache and with a big noise coming from his phone. He couldn’t believe it was already time to go to work. He really wanted to stay home and sleep. Maybe he could call in sick?

The ringing of his phone changed from alarm to ringtone, indicating he now had an incoming call. Whining into his pillow he stretched his arm to take his phone from the bedside table without getting out of the warmth of his covers.

“Hello?”

“Chanyeol! Good morning!!!” The happy voice of Jongdae answered on the other side of the call. “Sleep well??”

“I want to sleep more.”

“Hahaha, sorry Chanyeol but you really have to get to work!” How could somebody that drank even more than him yesterday be so chipper and awake? “I want to show you some pictures I took!”

“Pictures??”

“Yes!! Kyungsoo’s lap must be very comfortable~~”

Lap?

With a choke Chanyeol got out of the bed and fanatically started to look for clean clothes so he could take a shower.

“How would I know that?” His head was killing him, but he needed to know what the hell he did the night before.

“Well, your head seems to be very comfortable on it. Oh, Xiumin says it’s time to go, see you at the station Chanyeol~~”

“Wait! Jongdae! Jongdae!” No use, his line was dead.

-----------------------------------------------

Chanyeol arrived at the station with a big headache and fear creeping up his spine. He tried to remember what had happened the night before but his mind came up blank, his last memory was of sitting in a booth with a lot of drinks in front of him, a grinning Jongdae and Baekhyun telling him to drink them all.

Ah, how did he get home then? What did he do when they were there? Did he really put his head on Kyungsoo’s lap?

Chanyeol quickly made his way to Kyungsoo’s work room, taking the fastest route he knew and hiding from his friends, if those photos really existed, Sehun and Baekhyun would have seen them by now and would not let him live them down.

A relieved sigh escaped Chanyeol’s mouth when he finally stood in front of Kyungsoo’s working room, he was safe for the moment. A trembling hand made its way to the door giving it a soft knock, not wanting to disturb the other if he was really concentrated preparing something. Chanyeol was getting ready to make another knock when the door was opened by Kyungsoo.

“Ah… good morning.” Mumbled Chanyeol.

“Good morning.” Answered Kyungsoo opening the door and indicating him to get in. “How did you sleep?”

“Fine… I have a little hangover though….”

“Figures, you idiots drank too much, I’m surprised you even came in.”

“Ah yes, I didn’t want to but Jongdae called me, and I wanted to ask if… if… ifIputmyheadonyourlaphenIwasdrunkI’msorryIdidntknowwhatIwasdoing!”

“Can you repeat that? Slowly.”

“Did I put my head on your lap?”

“Tch, where you really that drunk?” An unimpressed look. “Yes you really put your head in my lap and would cry every time I tried to get you to move you off me.”

“Ah…”

They stood in silence for a while and he could feel Kyungsoo’s gaze on him. Did he do another thing that Jongdae didn’t tell him?

Chanyeol racked his head trying to recall the night before, but he drew a blank and his headache got worse making him wince. With a sigh Kyungsoo turned around and took a glass he had on the table behind him.

“Drink this.”

“Did Baekhyun convinced you to poison me for telling on him?”

“No, you idiot! It’s a cure for your hangover. You’re drinking it and sleeping on that couch.” Kyungsoo pointed to a comfy couch he had on the room. “Until it’s time to start the show, then you’re helping as my assistant on my segment today as punishment for what you did.”

“Ah… thank you…?”

Chanyeol took the offered drink, feeling a blush appear when their fingers brushed. Kyungsoo watched him drink it, at least it tasted good like everything Kyungsoo made, then he guided him to the sofa where a blanket was already waiting for him.

“Rest, I’ll wake you up when it’s time to work.”

“Thank you Soo.”

Chanyeol could feel more than see the fingers gently running through his hair, with a content smile he let his eyes fall close in a dreamless sleep.

“You’re welcome Yeol.” Whispered Kyungsoo giving a quick kiss to his temple before returning to finish preparing for the day.

TBC..

Chapter Text

The day had passed fast and slowly for Chanyeol, fast because he had a couple more hours of sleep thanks to Kyungsoo, slow because he had to get up and help with the cooking segment, and then endure the endless teasing from Baekhyun, Sehun and Jongdae with pictures included. Thanks to Kyungsoo he knew what he did the night before, but it was a million times worse to see himself hug and cuddle Kyungsoo like a big baby in the pictures Jongdae took. Even now, away from the teasing and pictures, he could feel a blush creep up his face. At least now he was alone.

After work he decided to go to the market and buy some things he had run out of, and some food for Toben to whom he gave the last of the bag that morning before work. Browsing the aisles he picked out some snacks that caught his eyes along with the necessities and made his way to the cheek out. When he was close to check out, a big red and pink ensemble caught his eyes making him stop on his tracks hypnotized.

Oh yeah, Valentine’s day was just a few days away, so there were a couple of colorful displays with candies and other sweets, all over the front of the store. How didn't he notice them when he went inside? Curious he picked up a white box with chocolates inside, maybe he should…

Shaking his head he quickly left the box in its place and made his way to the register, it was a horrible idea.

------------------------

Chanyeol got home and was received by a happy Toben that ran around him with excited yelps. He smiled and tried to give him some pets, but the little dog ran to the kitchen where he followed to put the groceries away.

As he was rummaging through the few bags in his counter, his hand found a little bag he had received on the way home from a confectionery that was on the way. Chanyeol usually loved the candies from that place, but right now the little chocolate in his hand felt more like a piece of poison, so menacing in his eyes.

A yelp from Toben got his attention again, making him drop the candy on the counter and abandon his toughs, it was a dumb idea anyway.
---------------------------------

The next day Chanyeol accompanied Jongdae on a live report and got entranced with every Valentine's display or announcement that got in their way.

When Jongdae finished his report he thanked the entire crew and made his way to Chanyeol who once again had his gaze fixed on a chocolate display that a store had at the end of the street.

“Looking for something sweet?”

Chanyeol abruptly turned away from the display, looking instead at a smiling Jongdae beside him.

“Ah… no... I was just…”

“Perhaps looking for something to give to Kyungsoo for Valentine?”

In response Chanyeol quickly shook his head, gave a quick bow and got away before any more could be said.

“If you need help you know I will love to do it!” shouted Jongdae at his retreating back.

------------

“Ah, that's a lot of chocolate…” commented Chanyeol entering Kyungsoo’s preparation room.

Kyungsoo had an assortment of every kind of chocolates and a variety of sweets on his preparing table, items that Kyungsoo was in the process of organizing for future use.

“Valentine’s day is in a few days, so Jummyeon tough it was a good idea to focus the cooking segment on candy making for that purpose.”

“I bet it’s going to be tasty.”

“I hope…”

“So, anyone in mind who could receive such wonderful candy?” Chanyeol asked, praying in his head that such a person didn’t exist.

“Mmmm… I guess it would be a nice gesture…” Kyungsoo answered, giving him a side look. “But I don’t think I will… so you will get yours…”

Kyungsoo gave him a heart shaped smile and Chanyeol couldn’t repress the smile on his own face watching it.

“Aaaaaah, you will give me Valentine’s day candy~~” said an excited Chanyeol, already picturing the delicious treat.

“I mean yeah, everybody will get some as usual.”

That made Chanyeol pout, he thought only him would get the candy, but just as usual everybody would get some of the things he made for the show.

“Don’t pout, I will give you the best ones.” Kyungsoo smiled and turned around to put some of the ingredients in a cabinet. “Besides, it's just candy for the program… what you give to someone you like should be something special… something that shows your affections…” he said with another side look.

“Ah…”
----------------
Chanyeol looked at the phone that had been taunting him while he sat in his darkened living room.

His thumb hovered over Jongdae’s number, where it had been for a couple of minutes now, but every time he went to press the call symbol his hand moved away doubting his decision once more. Was it a good idea?

Kyungsoo did say it was an occasion to give something special to the one you liked….

But would he like chocolate coming from him?

Chanyeol once again turned to his phone and finally pressed the call symbol…

Wait… no…. it was a bad idea… he had to hang up…

“Chanyeol?” said Jongdae’s voice on the other side before he could press the end symbol.

“Hey… Jongdae… how are you??” finally answered Chanyeol, surrendering to his fate.

“I’m pretty good, just hanging with Xiumin~~ say hi babe!”

“Hello, Chanyeol.” said Xiumin's distant voice.

“Hello Xiumin.”

“So, what’s up?” questioned Jongdae’s voice on the other side again.

“Well… ammmm….”

Was this really a good idea?

“Tell me, Chanyeol~~”

“WouldyoucomeandhelpmemakecandyesforKyungsoo?” let out Chanyeol in a rush.

“AAAAH!!! FINALLY!!! WAIT THERE!! I'LL GET THE NECESSARY THINGS TO MAKE YOUR DECLARATION OF LOVE!!!! XIUMIN I NEED A RIDE!!” said Jongdae excitedly, making a lot of noise on the other side of the line. How he was able to understand his mumbled mess, Chanyeol had no idea.

“Wait... Jongdae…”

The line went dead.

--------------------------------------------------

“Chanyeol!! I’m here!!” shouted Jongdae, opening the door with a copy of his key that Chanyeol had given him in case of emergencies. Chanyeol was not sure this counted as an emergency, but at least he didn't have to get up from his comfy couch.

“In here Jongdae!” shouted Chanyeol from the living room.

“Ah, there you are.” Said Jongdae entering the living room with a lot of bags in his hand. “Ready to make some candies?”

“Well…”

“Of course you are!! Kyungsoo will love them!”

Jongdae dragged Chanyeol to his kitchen and put aprons on both of them, a big smile on his face the entire time.

“I brought chocolates and flour, what would you like to do? We can make heart shaped chocolates~”

“Penguins.” Said Chanyeol without missing a beat.

“Eh?”

“Can we make penguins?”

“Of course!! Let’s make penguin shaped cookies and we’ll mix some chocolate. It will be so cute!”

Filled with excited energy, Jongdae started to take everything out with a nervous Chanyeol by his side.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“What happened to you?” asked Kyungsoo the next day, watching Chanyeol’s bandaged hands.

“Ah…. I had a little accident.” Answered Chanyeol nervously, hiding his hands from view.

Kyungsoo, not satisfied with his answer, took one of Chanyeol’s hands to inspect it more closely.

“I-Its r-really n-nothing…”

“This is not nothing… It looks like you burned your hand or something like that. What were you doing?”

Chanyeol could feel a blush take over his cheeks thinking of his and Jongdae’s failed attempts to make cookies, including his frenetic attempt to save a burning batch from the oven that ended with his burned hands from the tray, the tray and cookies on the floor along with a crying Chanyeol and a frenetic Jongdae trying to check his hands.

“I… was making dinner and touched the pan by accident, I’m really fine you don’t have to worry.”

“Be more careful…” sighed Kyungsoo, letting go of his hand.

“Ah.. ah.. yes… thank you!” shouted Chanyeol quickly getting out of the room.

----------------------------------

“Why do you have more bandages and band aids?!” exclaimed Kyungsoo the next day when Chanyeol entered his preparing room with even more of those things.

“Ah, had another accident don’t worry.” smiled Chanyeol trying to act like it didn’t matter.

The night before he had tried to make the desired cookies as Jongdae watched. Chanyeol had insisted that it was a gift for the person he liked, so they had to be made only by him, but in the process he couldn’t avoid some new burns and cuts.

“Another one? How could you burn yourself again?” asked Kyungsoo, taking his hands in his to once again inspect them closely.

“Ah, I’m really okay, don’t worry Soo.”

“Tch, you need to be more careful. Come here when the show is over, I’ll give you some food to take home so you won’t have to use the kitchen.”

“Ah, I’m rea…”

Chanyeol's next word got stuck in his throat when he felt Kyungsoo’s lips on his hands, one delicate kiss in the right one and then another in the left one.

“If you say you are okay again, I will hit you.” said Kyungsoo, letting one of his hands go carefully. “Come here when everything is over and I will give you the food.”

“O-Okay…”

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Ah, they look so cute!!” exclaimed Jongdae a couple of hours later, standing in Chanyeol’s kitchen.

“Do they really??” asked Chanyeol excitedly, taking one of the little penguins in his hand.

“Yes! Kyungsoo will love them!!”

“I hope so…” whispered Chanyeol, watching the cookie with a soft smile.

Tbc.
----------------------------

Chapter Text

Chapter 4.

Chanyeol looked around before turning the corner to head to his cubicle, located at the end of the corridor. He had to get to his office so he could hide the little box he had in his messenger bag. Chanyeol didn’t want to get caught with it, Jongdae had promised to keep his secret, but if Baekhyun or Sehun caught him with said item, there would be a fuss around it without a doubt.

Seeing an empty space he quickly headed to the door with his messenger bag secured in a tight grip. He let out a relieved breath when he got to the door, thanking the gods for the safe journey, only to let out a scream when he opened the door and was met by a grinning Baekhyun.

“Hey Yeol~~.” Grinned the smaller man.

“H-hey B-Baekhyun.” Strutted the taller tightening the grip on his bag.

“Ready for Valentine's day?” Baekhyun grinned even brighter.

“A-ah…. It’s Valentine's day today??” asked Chanyeol faking confusion as he took some shaky steeps towards his desk.

“You know it is. What did you make?” Baekhyun quickly followed him trying to snatch the messenger bag from his hands.

“I didn’t make anything!” Chanyeol just as quickly put his bag in his desk standing in front of it to prevent Baekhyun from getting it.

“Tch, tch. Don’t be a naughty boy Chanyeol. I saw your burns, I know Jongdae went to your house every night for the last week, so I know he helped you make something. Now let me see!” with those words Baekhyun quickly launched himself at Chanyeol.

Chanyeol quickly put himself in the way and ended up with a struggling Baekhyun on top of him.

“Let me see!” Baekhyun exclaimed taking hold of Chanyeol’s hands; when he got a grip on them in his left hand, he started reaching for Chanyeol’s messenger bag with the other one.

“NO!” struggled Chanyeol trying to get out of the hold from the man on top of him, specially to get his attention away from the bag.

“Come on Yeol~ I’m sure they are cuteeee!” Baekhyun’s hand was getting closer to the bag with every second.

“You two, the office is not a place to do this… whatever this is.” Said a dead pant voice behind them.

“Awwww, but I don’t mind doing it here Kyungsoo~~.” smirked Baekhyun at the glaring man.

“SOO!! NO!... W-WE… WE WEREN'T…” exclaimed Chanyeol pleading with his eyes for the man on top of him to let him go.

“Baekhyun.” Warned Kyungsoo seeing the hand that was previously reaching for the bag behind Chanyeol, go lower and lower.

"We're just having fun.”

“B-BAEKHYUN!!!!” cried Chanyeol panicking at the feeling of the wandering hand.

“I said stop it.” Glared Kyungsoo suddenly appearing besides them and taking hold of Baekhyun’s hand.

“Aw, you're no fun Kyungsoo, we were just talking~~” Baekhyun didn’t lose his smirk while finally letting go of the taller man and backing away with Kyungsoo glaring the entire time. “We’ll continue this later… puppy...” He finally smirked giving a wave before getting out of the room.

“Tch, that pest. Are you all right Chanyeol?” asked Kyungsoo losing his scold and offering the taller one a helping hand to get up.

“Y-yes…”

“Good.” Kyungsoo checked one more time, his eyes lingering on Chanyeol’s hands. “You know, if you want to do that kind of… activities, I really must insist not to do it in the office space.”

“W-WHAT?!!! NO! SOO T-THAT…! WE WEREN'T…”

“It’s okay, just be more careful next time…” Kyungsoo cut him turning around and exiting the room leaving a bewildering Chanyeol behind.

---------------------------------------------

“AND THEN HE LEFT!!!! WHAT AM I GOING TO DO DAE?!!! I CANT POSSIBLY GIVE HIM THE COOKIES NOW!!” cried Chanyeol a couple of hours later in the break room with Jongdae and Sehun.

“Just give him the cookies you dope.” Answered Sehun, with a bored look on his face.

“I CAN’T!” whined Chanyeol softly smashing his face against the table.

“It was just a misunderstanding Chanyeol, I’m sure Kyungsoo doesn’t think you were doing that with Baekhyun, he knows just as much as anyone how that knucklehead is.”

Chanyeol only whined more loudly thinking of Kyungsoo’s look before he left.

“Ah! That’s not a good thing to say Jongdae!! I’m only helping the two lovebirds!!” shouted Baekhyun suddenly appearing and dropping himself on top of Jongdae.

“Get off me Baek, I’m not a chair.” Said Jongdae quickly pushing the other off his lap.

“Awww, but you are so comfy Daeee!!”

“Thsvtrveivheyvwdcsvksdgvakcycvyd.” Mumbled Chanyeol against the table.

“What did he say?” asked Sehun to the other two, receiving identical looks of pure confusion from the others.

“Chanyeol we can’t understand you with your face against the table like that.” Said Jongdae gently reaching to lift Chanyeol’s head, making him lay on his chin.

“I said that wasn’t helping!! Kyungsoo really believe we were doing things!!”

“Ah, but he was there to rescue his princess.”

“He just looked mad!! And I’m not a princess!”

“But he was mad because I was touching you. If he didn’t like you, why would he get mad about that?” Baekhyun’s smile only got wider with every retort.

“Because according to him we were doing inappropriate things in the workplace!”

Jongdae and Sehun watched the exchange like it was a tennis match with their eyes going from one side of the table to the other.

“Ah, so he was jealous! That’s even better! It means he wants to do those things with you.”

“No he wasn’t! He just thinks I’m a freak that does inappropriate things at work! With you!” cried Chanyeol once again putting his face against the table.

Sehun, Jongdae and Baekhyun sighed watching their inconsolable friend sob.

“Chanyeol, look at me please.” Whispered Jongdae, gently lifting Chanyeol’s head again and whipping the small tears that managed to escape his eyes. “You worked very hard on those cookies; I’m sure Kyungsoo will love them, so just give them to him, okay?”

“Yeah! He knows Baekhyun is a weirdo! So I’m sure he just thought he was drunk or something. I mean look at him, nobody would go out with him.”

“Oi! I’m not a weirdo Sehun! A-and lots of people would love to go out with me!”

“Says who?.”

“You brat!” Baekhyun throws himself at Sehun, quickly putting his arms around him trying to choke him while Sehun easily keeps him back with one hand, a wide smirk on his face.

“Just try it, okay?”

Chanyeol quickly nodded watching Baekhyun and Sehun mock fight.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chanyeol stood outside Kyungsoo’s preparing room clutching the small box in his hands, gathering the courage to go inside the room.

“Just go in, just go in and... give him the cookies Chanyeol…” mumbled Chanyeol to himself lifting his hand to knock on the door. “But what if he doesn’t like it? If he doesn’t like y-you? What if he laughs at you??”

Chanyeol quickly turned around taking a few steps away from the door.

“But you promised Jongdae that you would try to give them to him. And Sehun and Baekhyun will laugh if you don’t… but... but…”

“Everything all right Chanyeol?” said Junmyeon’s voice suddenly behind him.

“Junmyeon!” exclaimed Chanyeol quickly turning around and hiding the small box behind him.

“Are you okay??”

“Ah, yes! I was just… going to… see if Kyungsoo needed help…?” the last part came out more like a question that a statement.

“Ah, yes, we were just talking, and he was just telling me he needed help to get some things to the studio, I was coming to do that but you're better for this, so go right in.”

“Ah! Yes! I will do that!” Chanyeol quickly put the little box in his messenger bag and headed to the open door passing a smiling Junmyeon.

“Kyungsoo! Here is Chanyeol! Good luck!” waved Junmyeon at Kyungsoo from the door with a big grin on his face.

“What? Junmyeon, no! I need your help!”

But Junmyeon had already disappeared around the corner with Chanyeol heading inside to the sight of a panicked Kyungsoo.

“Junmyeon said you needed my help.” Whispered Chanyeol his eyes fixed on the floor.

“Ah, yes. Come closer please, and close the door.” Sighed Kyungsoo a few steps away.

Chanyeol quickly followed the instructions and walked inside the room until he was standing in front of the other.

“What can I help you with?”

“Look at me please.” Whispered Kyungsoo extending his arm to gently lift his face. “Have you been crying?”

“Ah.. n-no… I just…”

“Did Baekhyun hurt you?” Kyungsoo’s eyes took a dangerous glint.

“N-NO! I JUST GOT SOME WATER IN MY FACE!”

“If you say so.”

“Junmyeon said you needed help.”

“Yes, I guess I do.” Sighed Kyungsoo. “Chanyeol… this morning when I went to the desk spaces… I wasn’t there by mistake… I was… searching for you…”

“For me? Did you need something?”

“You could say that. I was there because I needed…”

“KYUNGSOO!!” Xiumin opened the door with a bang, breathing heavily. “THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT IN THE STUDIO!”

“What happened?” asked Kyungsoo taking a step back and letting go of Chanyeol's face in a rush.

“An intern was helping set up the studio for today’s show and a piece of equipment fell on him, Lay is already looking him over but we need you to take a look at him in case he needs to go to the hospital.”

“Thank you Xiumin, I’ll be right there.”

Kyungsoo quickly took some papers from a drawer in his desk and headed to the door where Xiumin was waiting for him, trying to catch his breath.

“Kyungsoo, I could help...” Interjected Chanyeol taking a step towards the door.

“I’ll just give Lay the papers and be right back, so just wait for me, okay?”

“… okay.”

Kyungsoo took Chanyeol’s hand to give a little squeeze and a small smile.

“I’ll be right back, don’t go anywhere please.” Chanyeol nodded squeezing the others hand back. “You promise?”

“Yes.”

Chanyeol watched Kyungsoo follow Xiumin outside the room and gently leaned against the wall intending to wait for the other.

Looking around the room Chanyeol’s eyes landed on the drawer where Kyungsoo had gotten the papers he took. Should he close it?

Chanyeol felt a smile break out of his lips. He SHOULD close it, but he would put the box of cookies in first, so when Kyungsoo went to archive the papers he took he would find them and Chanyeol wouldn’t have to face rejection.

Quickly watching the door to make sure the other wasn’t getting back yet, he quickly made his way to the desk and took the small box out. Putting a quick kiss on the box for good luck, he put it in the drawer and closed it, being careful not get it trapped or damaged.

“There you are Chanyeol!” said another voice behind him making Chanyeol jump and turn around to a panting Jongin. “There’s a new altercation, and we are covering it live! Come one we need your help!”

“Ah… but I promised Kyungsoo…”

“Chanyeol come on! I’m sure Kyungsoo will understand! We need you! We’ll be right back.” Jongin took a couple of steps and took Chanyeol’s arm guiding him to the door.

“Okay, okay, I guess I can see him when we get back.” Chanyeol followed the other out of the room giving the open drawer, where he left the cookies, a last look.

TBC

Chapter Text

Chapter 5.

“Thanks for the help Kyungsoo, he'll be fine, just needs a couple of days of rest.” Lay smiled while handing Kyungsoo some papers.

“No problem, thank you for your hard work, just tell him to notify me if something else comes up, please.” Kyungsoo smiled back, taking the papers and giving them a quick check to make sure everything was in order.

“Ah, you're already here Kyungsoo, I heard there was an accident, but didn’t know you were already taking care of it.” An out of breath Junmyeon was suddenly beside Kyungsoo.

“Xiumin got me when the accident happened, Lay already checked him over and its nothing serious, the intern already went home and just needs a couple of days to rest.” Kyungsoo handed Junmyeon the papers in his hand and made a move to exit the room. “Now if you’ll excuse me…”

“WAIT!!!!!” Xiumin was quick to grab Kyungsoo’s arm, stopping him.

“What?” asked an annoyed Kyungsoo when he saw Xiumin’s and Junmyeon’s matching grins.

“You know very well what Kyungsoo. Did you do it?” asked Junmyeon, taking hold of his other arm.

“Did I do what?”

“Don’t play dumb Kyungsoo, did you tell Chanyeolie? You were holding his face when I got there, it looked like you were going to kiss.” Answered Xiumin, giving him a wink.

“He was holding him??”

“No…”

“YES!”

“Awww, that’s so cute.”

“It totally was!! You should have seen Chanyeolies face! He looked like a red apple.”

“Awww, a cute and tasty red apple I hope.”

“The tastiest.”

Kyungsoo took a deep breath in a clear attempt to keep a calm composure and stop himself from trying to kill the two gossiping idiots beside him.

“He is not a goddamn apple.” Even if he did look like one and Kyungsoo just wanted to reach up and kiss those red cheeks and those pink lips; still it was his apple to kiss dammit. “Now if you’ll excuse me I have to get back to my preparing room.”

“Uuuuh, are you going to kiss Chanyeolie?” asked a grinning Xiumin.

“Not of your business.”

“But Kyungsoo, you have to tell us what he said to your confession!” Once more, Junmyeon stopped Kyungsoo’s exit.

“I don’t know….”

“EH?!” twin gasps fell from the two persons holding him back.

“What do you mean you don’t know?? Chanyeolie didn’t give you an answer?” asked a surprised Xiumin.

“I didn’t get the chance to tell him… I…. I was trying to when you got there…” a gloomy aura took over Kyungsoo’s face.

“AH! I didn’t know! I’m so sorry Kyungsoo! I came at a very bad moment! I should've searched for Junmyeon instead!” Xiumin was quick to let go of his arm to give Kyungsoo a hug instead.

“I’m sorry Kyungsoo! If I knew you had to get back, I wouldn’t have kept you here.” Junmyeon gave him another quick hug before gently pushing him to the direction of the door. “Go. I’m sure he’s waiting for you.”

Kyungsoo took quick strides towards the door and only turned back to give them a quick smile.

“Kyungsoo! FIGHTING!”

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Okay, so we have received information that the situation is active right now, so we're not allowed to get too close, we have to respect the perimeter set by the police, we want to have at least two cameras rolling so we can get everything we can, Chanyeol you will be on the other side of the perimeter, do you think you can do it?” asked Jongin handing Chanyeol a microphone.

“Ah… yes!! I will do my best!” smiled a nervous Chanyeol quickly taking the object offered to him.

“I know you will, just be careful okay? Remember Kyungsoo Is waiting for you.” Smiled Jongin giving Chanyeol a quick pat on the shoulder as the van slowed down until it came to a complete stop.

Chanyeol, with a little blush, squeezed the microphone in his hand and gave a quick nod before following everybody outside.

Jongin took one of the cameramen and headed in the direction closest to the police, so with a slightly trembling hand Chanyeol directed the other one to follow him in the opposite direction.

“Chanyeol! Over here!” shouted Luhan from a distance. “Are you here to film the situation?” he asked as soon as Chanyeol was beside him.

Chanyeol could only nod fearing nothing would come out if he tried to talk.

“Don’t worry, I’m sure you'll do just fine.” Luhan gave a reassuring pat on Chanyeol's shoulder. “Just repeat the instructions you got, please?”

“Don’t get too close, be alert and go get you if anything happens.” Quickly answered Chanyeol, gaining a smile and another pat from Luhan.

“That’s right! You can set up camp by that place, you should be able to get good shots and stay out of danger.”

“Thank you, Luhan.”

-------------------------------------------------

“Sorry for the delay, Chanyeol.” Apologizing, Kyungsoo opened his door only to find an empty room. “Chanyeol?”

Kyungsoo looked around the room, searching for the other when he got no reply.

“Chanyeol? Where are you?”

Kyungsoo quickly searched behind the door and beneath the tables, thinking maybe the taller one was playing with him.

“Are you searching for Chanyeol?” asked suddenly a voice.

Kyungsoo got startled and bumped his head against the table he was beneath, searching for Chanyeol.

“Yes, have you seen him?” asked Kyungsoo, getting out and lightly rubbing the little bump he could already feel forming.

“You okay there, Kyungsoo?” asked Sehun from the door with a little smirk.

“I’m just fine. Now have you seen him?”

“I saw him with Jongin a little while ago. They were going in that direction.”

Sehun indicated down the hall.

“Thank you.” Kyungsoo sighed, taking quick strides out of the room and in the direction indicated by Sehun.

---------------------------------------------

“According to police one of the suspects has escaped capture until now, sources say they are sure he won't be able to leave the perimeter, they are sure his capture will be imminent.” Smiled Chanyeol to the camera.

It had been a quick adjustment from Chanyeol to go from backup for the on-site team, to the front of the camera, giving a full report. At the beginning he had stuttered a little and could feel his lips tremble with every word. But with a little reassurance from the cameraman and Luhan behind him telling him he was doing a good job, Chanyeol had little by little gotten calmer and was able to give a good report.

“Very good Chanyeol!” smiled Luhan giving him a quick hug when the camera stopped filming for a moment.

“Thank you Luhan, do you really think I did well?”

“Of course! You looked very cute and smart.”

Chanyeol blushed with a small smile.

“Eh?” Luhan checked the radio on his shoulder giving a quick nod. “I’ll be there in a minute. Sorry Chanyeol, we have information that the suspect has been sighted around here, will you be okay on your own?”

“Yes.”

“Okay, be careful, I’ll be back as soon as I can!” promised Luhan jogging away.

“You too be careful!” shouted Chanyeol to his retreating back.

Chanyeol watched the camera man take a few steps away to film the scene behind him, maybe Chanyeol should go with him and give some quick comments. As he was about to take a step in that direction, when he heard a small gasp and some noise coming from an alley behind him.

Turning around, Chanyeol took small steps in that direction.

“Hello?? Is anybody here?” he called, looking around.

He didn’t receive any response, but heard more rustling sounds the more inside the ally he went.

“Hello?” he called again, adjusting to the light just as he was getting at the end of the ally.

“HELP!!” shouted a woman that had the arm of a man around her neck and a gun against her head.

------------------------------

“Eh? You're searching for Chanyeol? Any special reason Kyungsoo?” grinned Baekhyun.

“None of your business. I left him in my work room and when I got back he wasn’t there. Sehun said he saw him leave with Jongin.”

“Ah, really? No, I haven’t seen him since you interrupted us.”

“I didn’t interrupt anything.”

“Are you sure? I think you did, I’m sure Chanyeol was having fun.”

“No he wasn’t, and if you ever touch him again…”

“Kyungsoo!!” shouted Jongdae interrupting Kyungsoo before he could threaten Baekhyun. “I heard you're searching for Chanyeol?”

“Yes. Have you seen him?” asked Kyungsoo, turning his back and ignoring a grinning Baekhyun.

“He left with Jongin a little while ago. They say the situation is almost over so they should be back soon.”

“Okay, thank you. When he comes back can you send him to my work room, please?”

“I’ll do that.”

Kyungsoo smiled and said his thanks, left for his work room to continue to prepare not just for the show, but for what he would say to Chanyeol once he got back.

Arriving at the room he looked around still wishing Chanyeol was there, his eyes landed on the papers he got for the intern that had to leave that day, Junmyeon must have left them there knowing they needed to be archived by Kyungsoo.

Taking the papers in his hand, he opened the drawer and froze when his eyes landed in a small box with his name in Chanyeol’s messy handwriting.

-------------------------------------------

“Help…” cried the woman again, looking at Chanyeol with a desperate look.

“Shut up!” shouted the man holding her hostage pressing the gun deeper and earning a pained gasp from the woman.

“H-hey…. b-be careful… you're hurting her.” Mumbled Chanyeol raising his hand in an appeased manner, as he took some careful steps closer.

“I said shut up!” shouted the man pointing the gun at Chanyeol instead.

“You should let her go. If you injure her or me, your sentence will be worse.”

“SHUT UP!” the man shouted once more, pointing the gun up into the air, while being distracted by Chanyeol.

Chanyeol took the chance and charged at the man, while the guy pointed the gun back at Chanyeol, who quickly took the arm with the gun and twisted it up, squeezing and pulling the other one until he let go of the woman.

“RUN!” shouted Chanyeol to the stunned woman that looked at the scene, then snapped out of her shock and took his advice, running to the exit of the alley.

“HELP!”

“YOU BASTARD!!! SHE WAS MY ONLY ESCAPE!” shouted the man struggling with Chanyeol's grip.

“You were hurting her!”

“Why do you care?!”

“CHANYEOL!” shouted suddenly Luhan’s voice.

“LUHAN! HERE!!” shouted Chanyeol looking back towards the entrance.

“BASTARD!” shouted again the man, taking advantage the second Chanyeol turned to scream at Luhan, releasing his armed arm with a yank and pointing the weapon in Chanyeol’s direction again.

“N-n…” mumbled Chanyeol, suddenly frozen in place.

“CHANYEOL!”

A defying explosion could be heard all over the alley as Chanyeol stood for a second, stunned, then dropped down to his knees with a hand over his rapidly bleeding abdomen and soon fell over on his back, hitting Luhan's arms, who ran after the police had gotten in the alley. He was aware of another shout from a voice that sounded just like Kris, the criminal being tackled to the ground and he could feel a frenetic Luhan gently touch his face.

“Chanyeol, don’t close your eyes! The paramedics will get here in a minute! Don’t close your eyes!”

Chanyeol felt the hands on his face and tried to listen and keep his eyes open, but it was difficult for him to do so. He felt hands gripping him, loading him to a stretcher and putting a mask over his mouth. The last thought that invaded his mind before everything went black was of Kyungsoo. He really hoped he got those cookies.

-----------------------------------

Kyungsoo gently took the box from the inside of the drawer and inspected the wrapping. It looked a little clumsy, and Kyungsoo couldn’t hide his smile as he thought of Chanyeol wrapping the box.

Careful not to disturb the contents too much, he removed the wrapping paper and opened the box to find little penguins with dark spots from the chocolate.

“You dummy…” smiled Kyungsoo, taking one of the penguins out.

“KYUNGSOO!” shouted suddenly a panting Junmyeon at his door.

“Ah? Is Chanyeol back?” asked Kyungsoo, lifting his gaze from the box.

“CHANYEOL GOT SHOT!”

Kyungsoo felt his hand go slack, letting go of the box that ended up with a crash on the floor. All the cookies spilled on the floor, broken from the impact.

TBC.

Chapter Text

Jongins crying face was the thing that greeted Kyungsoo as he practically ran on the hospital corridor, despite the angry looks from doctors and nurses alike.

“JONGIN!” he called the shaking man as he stopped in front of him.

“Kyungsoo!!” cried Jongin quickly standing up and tackling him with a hug.

“Where is Chanyeol?? How is he?? Is he…?” Kyungsoo couldn’t find it in himself to finish the last sentence, couldn’t even think of the possibility, so he just hugged Jongin back and waited anxiously for an answer.

Jongin couldn’t answer for a few minutes, moment that felt like eternity for Kyungsoo, but he knew he couldn’t get frustrated or angry with Jongin, he was just scared and needed the comfort at the moment.

After a couple of antagonizing minutes, Jongin slowly detached himself and looked at Kyungsoo with sad eyes.

“H-he’s in surgery… Kyungsoo…. He lost s-so much blood, they said the bullet…. It probably hit something i-important….. h-he w-was rushed to the o-operating room when… w-we arrived” Jongin finally explained only to start crying again. “T-they told me to wait here…. a-and they would inform me of anything… but it has been so much time… and they haven’t told me anything.”
Kyungsoo once again hugged Jongin and watched the doors at the end of the corridor anxiously.

How much time had to been since they arrived?

Shouldn’t they have some news by now?

Or was it better that they didn’t have any news?

Kyungsoo sighed helping Jongin sit in the previously occupied chair and sat on the one besides him, lightly squeezed his hand and did the best to calm himself and just wait.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It had been some time since Kyungsoo arrival at the hospital, little by little the others had arrived and sat beside him and Jongin.

First a crying Jongdae arrived with a calming Xiumin besides him, then a frantic Baekhyun that received a few judging stares from nurses and doctors alike for his shouts, and lastly a crying Sehun and nervous looking Junmyeon.

There was a moment when a clearly worried nurse had come out of the doors, she was almost running. Kyungsoo got up as if he was pushed with a spring and hurriedly got in front of her trying to stop her and ask about Chanyeol, with the others quickly getting close, but she just told them that they needed urgent blood and sprinted past them.

When the nurse came back with some bags of blood and hurriedly pushed past the door, everyone’s attention focused, and Kyungsoo tried to see past her, he could only see nurses and doctors inclined around a surgical table, and blood, so much blood.

Then….

A doctor moved to take the blood from the hands of the nurse, and Kyungsoo could see Chanyeol’s face, he had a respirator covering most of his face, a surgical cap over his head, and the only thing he could see clearly was his eyes…

Eyes that were closed hiding those beautiful hopeful eyes, eyes that Kyungsoo wished with all his might would open up.

The door closed and Kyungsoo was left standing there with despair and the quiet whispers of the other ones in the aisle accompanying him.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kyungsoo had lost track of time when the operating light finally turned off and an exhausted looking doctor came out of the room, he focused his eyes past him, waiting for the door to open again and for Chanyeol to come out.

“Family of Park Chanyeol?” the doctor called making Kyungsoo avert his gaze.

“They are on his way. We are his coworkers, I’m his boss Kim Junmyeon, and I have authorization to know about his condition in this cases.” quickly explained Junmyeon showing his credentials to the doctor.

The doctor took a quick look at the credential in Junmyeon hand, and with a breath started his explication.

“There was more bleeding than we expected, so it took us longer to get it under control. The problem was the bullet hit an organ, and he had a major blood loss, he had to get an emergency blood transfusion. But it was too much for his body to take, he went into a coma.” The doctor paused watching their reaction and taking another breath. “We have done everything we can, now we just wait. We are moving him to the ICU on the sixth floor, you can go there and ask the nurses to tell you his room, but only two persons can go inside at the time please.”

“Thank you doctor.” Junmyeon told the doctor quickly shaking his hand and taking Sehun’s to guide him to the elevator.

Kyungsoo could feel a hand taking his and guiding him gently trough the corridor to the elevator where everyone quietly stood as Junmyeon touched the number for the sixth floor.

The soothing music of the elevator was the only sound that filled it, apart form a few whimpers, he wasn’t sure from who… maybe all of them.

When the elevators doors opened, the same hand guided him out the door and made him follow the quiet group, he could hear quiet voices talking but he couldn’t distinguish who they belonged to, he could fell himself moving being guided through a corridor.

“Kyungsoo.” Jongdae appeared in from of him gently waving his hand in front of his face to get his attention.

He could feel the hand in his hand gently squeezing before letting go, and see a sad Jongin taking a step back to let Jongdae talk.

“They told us Chanyeol is on room 61.” Jongdae explained pointing to a door behind him. “You can go first, we’ll wait here.” he pointed to some chairs in the aisle.

Kyungsoo wanted to protest, tell them they could go first, that he would go last, and that he could wait. But in reality he was scared, scared of what he would find when he opened the door.

“Just go, before I take your turn.” Baekhyun pushed him to the door, guiding the other men to the chairs.

Kyungsoo took a deep breath and took the door handle, with one last look at them he gently pushed open the door and went inside. He walked towards the bed and watched Chanyeol on the bed.

Chanyeol lay still, covered in tubes, IV lines, and wires, with a blanket barely covering him. A face mask still covered most of his face, and Kyungsoo tried to ignore the noise of the ventilator that was breathing for him. He slowly walked to a chair besides the bed and sat down. He watched his motionless hand and after a minute took it gently in his own, lips quivering with a sob that he didn’t want to let out.

“Chanyeol, they told me you saved someone, you would be happy to know she’s okay.” He whispered lightly squeezing his hand looking at the pale face. “I’m so proud of you…” he paused feeling some tears star to fall out. “But I’m also so mad… why did you have to do that? Why didn’t you stay safe? You promised me you wouldn’t do something like this. I told you to wait… I had to tell you that…” he couldn’t finish the sentence, just laid his head down near were their hands lay joined. “Please be okay, please.” He cried squeezing the hand in his.

Kyungsoo once again lost the passage of time, listening to the beeping of the machines and the soft inhales and exhales of Chanyeol, just sitting in the chair, with Chanyeol’s hand in his and tears in his eyes, when the soft knocking of the door made him sit up and look behind him.

“Kyungsoo…” Junmyeon called him gently opening the door. “I’m so sorry for interrupting, but Yoora is here, can she come in?” he asked.

“Ah, yes, sorry that I took so much time, I’ll got out now.” he apologized letting go of Chanyeol’s hand and quickly drying his tears.

“It’s okay, you can stay if you want,” whispered Yoora entering the room.

“No, I know they want to enter too.” he whispered back, quickly standing up and leaving the room. “I’ll be outside. I need some air.” he informed Junmyeon giving a quick nod to the other outside the room.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kyungsoo ended on the roof, he didn’t know how he ended up there, he just walked looking for a quiet placer, saw some stairs and went up until he ended up in the roof where a small garden and some benches were.

He sat down and put his head between his hands just trying to breathe and calm his nerves.

“Kyungsoo…” a soft voice called causing him to look up.

“Xiumin.” He breathed leaning on the bench.

“Can I sit?” asked the other pointing to the space beside him.

Kyungsoo softly nodded and made some space watching the other sit and look at the horizon.

Their gazes looked at the slowly lowering sun, with watering eyes and deep breaths until Xiumin broke the silence.

“I saw Chanyeol.”

“Ah.”

“Everyone cried, he just looked so small on that bed surrounded by all those machines. Can you believe it? Small.” Xiumin let out a watering smile trying to clean up a few tears.

Kyungsoo looked away returning his gaze on the horizon not knowing what to say.

The silence enveloped once more until Xiumin once again broke it.

“Kyungsoo… he’s going to…”

“Don’t you dare.” Glared Kyungsoo stopping him. “Don’t you dare tell me he’s going to be okay, you saw him, he… he lost so much blood, it hit an organ… h-he’s in a fucking coma!” He exclaimed feeling Xiumin gently take his tense shoulders and hug him.

“You have to believe in him Kyungsoo, Chanyeol is strong, he will wake up and give us one of his beautiful big smiles. And then…” Xiumin gently smiled through his tears. “And then you’ll tell him how much you love him, will give him a big kiss and all this will be just a bad nightmare.”

Kyungsoo wailed finally falling completely apart in the arms of Xiumin with the day quickly turning into night and Kyungsoo fearing his light would go out permanently.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Do you need a ride home Kyungsoo?” asked Junmyeon poking his head in his preparing room.

“No, thank you Junmyeon.” gently smiled Kyungsoo putting some containers in his bag. “I’ll go to the hospital before going home. I’m sure Yoora will appreciated some food.”

“You going to the hospital again? I hope you aren’t planning of staying too, you need rest.”

“I’m okay.”

Junmyeon sighed running his hand through his hair and watching as the other took the bag with the food and made to leave, but Junmyeon got in the frame stopping his exit.

“Kyungsoo… you are exhausted, you don’t sleep.” he pointed to the dark circles under his eyes. “You burned yourself today.” he whispered pointing to the bandaged hand. “You go and stay at the hospital every night, I know you want to take care of Chanyeol, but you need to rest to, if you keep going like this we will have two persons in the hospital.”

“I’m okay Junmyeon.” Kyungsoo gritted his teeth. “It was just a small mistake, I’ll be more careful. Can you please step aside? I need to get there before they close visiting hours.”

“Kyungsoo…”

“Junmyeon please step aside, I’m fine, don’t make me move you.”

Junmyeon let out a breath and with a last worried look got out of the way.

“Thank you.” whispered Kyungsoo quickly getting out of the room and walking down the corridor.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kyungsoo arrived at the hospital just before the time for visits was over, he waved at the nurse on the entry desk and got on the elevator were he pushed the number six, once on the correct floor he got out and gently smiled and greeted the familiar nurses on his way until he stopped in front of the room 61. He gently knocked and opened the door to see Yoora sitting with a book on her lap.

“Kyungsoo, welcome back.” she smiled leaving the book on the bedside table.

“Hello Yoora, everything okay?”

“Hmm.” she nodded gently arranging the blanket over Chanyeol.

“Did the doctor come?”

“Yes.”

“Did he say anything?”

Yoora sighed caressing Chanyeol hair.

“Just the same, his condition is the same, and they don’t know if or when he will wake up.”

Kyungsoo pursued his lips, getting closer and taking Chanyeol’s hand in his. It had been a few weeks since the shooting, and Chanyeol hadn’t shown any improvement. He just lay there with all those machines keeping him alive.

Usually Yoora, Chanyeol’s mother or someone from the station would be there during the day, but Kyungsoo was there every day without fail, sometimes during the night and sometimes day and night, but every day.

“You should eat something. I brought food from the station.” He whispered pointing at his backpack.

“Thank you.” Yoora smiled gently, getting up and going to another chair were a table was, with Kyungsoo quickly occupying the chair beside the bed.

The silence stretched only with the sound of the opening containers and the gentle clicking of the utensils.

Kyungsoo didn’t take his hand away or looked away from the gentle rising and falling of Chanyeol’s chest, he just moved to occasionally arrange his blanket or fix an unruly hair.

“You don’t have to be here every night you know.” Said Yoora’s voice behind him.

“I want to be.”

“Chanyeol would be worried if he saw your condition.”

Kyungsoo sighed.

“Did Junmyeon talk with you?”

“He’s just worried, everyone is.”

“I’m fine.” He repeated like a mantra, that was what he told everyone, was what he tried to convince himself to be, even if with every passing day that Chanyeol lay in that bed he felt himself break a little more.

“Just think about it please, Chanyeol would want you to rest.” She whispered getting close to the bed to give a kiss on Chanyeol’s forehead and pat on Kyungsoo shoulder. “I have to go, please try to rest.”
Kyungsoo nodded watching her go and close the door. He gently caressed Chanyeol’s hand and he mentally prepared himself to wait one more time.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Kyungsoo I got you a coffee.” Whispered Xiumin putting the cup in front of him.

“Thank you.” Kyungsoo whispered back accepting the cup.

“Do you want to go to the roof, it’s a very nice day.”

“I’m fine, you can go if you want.” Kyungsoo answered taking a sip.

“They said it’s going to rain soon, we should take advantage of the sun, get some fresh air.”

As an answer Kyungsoo got up and opened the window in the room to get some fresh air inside and sat down again.

Xiumin sighed watching his stoic posture, as he took Chanyeol’s hand in his again.

“I’ll go get us some food, I’ll be right back.” He said leaving the room with one last look at the two men.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Kyungsooo!!” shouted Baekhyun hugging his arm just before he got out of the building. “Do you want to go eat dinner?”

“We could go for some chicken or mandu.” gently smiled Jongdae on the other side.

“No, thank you.”

“Maybe just a coffee or some corndogs?” asked Sehun besides Jongdae.

“Maybe another day, I have to go now, but thank you.” smiled Kyungsoo getting his arm free before going out the door and leaving three worried looking men behind.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was late, by now the sounds of the city had gone quiet, and the lights of the moon and a few buildings was the only light outside.

Kyungsoo sat in the same chair he always sat, a book in one hand, periodically taking it down to look down at Chanyeol. For some minutes there was only silence, only the sound of the machines filling the room. And then…

“I got your cookies you know, had just opened the box when Junmyeon came in and told me what had happened to you. They ended up on the floor, I’m sorry, I’m sure they were delicious.” Kyungsoo talked putting down the book. “Jongdae told me how he went to your house every night to help you make them. I tried to hit him when he told me how many times he let you get injured… don’t worry Xiumin stopped me.” He smiled sadly taking his hand like he always did.

This was not the first time he talked to Chanyeol when they were alone, sometimes he just sat in silence reading a book or looking at his phone, but sometimes the silence was just too much and he had to talk with him, sometimes he would narrate about things that happened at the station, or random things he saw on the street, but something he couldn’t help himself and he would just talk about all the things he had on his mind.

“I loved them, I just wish you had been there so I could have thanked you properly.”

A sigh.

“You know I was going to give you a box to, Xiumin and Junmyeon had to harass me for weeks to make it. I made some chocolates with cherries, I know you love cherries. I almost told you when you got so excited when I mentioned I was giving you chocolate like every year, I wanted to tell you that you would be getting something special, not the same, but I wanted to watch your surprised face when I did it so I held my tongue.”

He caressed the cold hand in his watching the sleeping face intensely.

“I almost didn’t make it, thinking I was just a fool for thinking you could even like me… but then Baekhyun made me go with you, and you got so drunk, I was so worried, and when I got you home and you wouldn’t let me go you said it….”

He paused thinking of the soft whisper that left those lips that now only breathed with a tube down his throat.

“I was so confused, and like the coward I am I just ran as soon as I could and acted like nothing happened, even if that whisper sounded in my ears every time I saw you. I wanted to kill Baekhyun when I saw him above you, and for a second I thought that I had imagined everything, that the whisper had been just my imagination playing tricks on me, that maybe I had missed my chance for being a coward, I had to get out of there.” Another sigh. “Luckily I found Jongdae that explained everything and encouraged me to talk with you… Xiumin could never keep a secret.”

The beeping of the machines filled the space for a couple of minutes as Kyungsoo felt his eyes fill with tears that slowly feel down his face, he rested his head on the bed squeezing Chanyeol hand looking at him through the tears.

“I shouldn’t have waited, I should have just told you. Chanyeol please forgive me, please wake up, you have to wake up so I can tell you I love you too. I love you so much it hurts.” He whispered sobs wrecking his frame.

And then he felt it…

A hand was lightly squeezing back.