Chapter Text
Baekhyun adapted well on the protocols and procedures in the west. He was feeling excited for this big leap of his career. However, there is still a pinch of sadness buried deep inside his core. He wants to forget it to the very least, by focusing on his music.
@StardailyNewsline:
The Byun Baekhyun is about to drop his 1st solo album!!! Are you ready Bobohus?
@Bobohus04:
Yas!!! King coming through!!
@Jongjongyeol:
Eehh? He’s already an artist in the west, stop reporting about him because we don’t care.
@saatinline:
I wonder how his boyfriend Minseok feels? I am sure that Taeyeon relationship was just a cover up. You just can’t escape truth
@Minseokist9926:
@saatinline: stFu and stop dragging Minseok into Baekhyun related articles
“Do you still wonder sometimes why Baekhyun left us so suddenly? His departure was just so weird”. Jongdae opened up one day while eating their dinner.
Minseok almost choked on his chicken.
“Min are you okay?” Kyungsoo handed him a glass of water.
“Yeah, thanks Soo.”
“Hmm. Dae I think he really is just tired of being in a group. He was offered the contract and that’s his dream. So I guess he chose that over us”. Luhan explained why gnawing.
Minseok remained silent.
———————
After two, three years of Baekhyun’s departure, he was able to establish a name of his own. His success is remarkable.
MLJK also redeemed their spot. They have become more popular as ever not just in Korea but internationally. Their albums hit daebak, concerts sold out in 0.2 seconds, and all else you can imagine from a legendary group. Despite numerous offers to work abroad, the four men decided that they will stay promoting in Korea—as a group.
Despite their busy schedules, Minseok decided to enroll for a phd program. His mind still boggles on Baekhyun’s thoughts, though he can shrug it off. Being busy with his schedule sure helped, however, he needs a full distraction and a long term career he can pursue.
He was able to juggle his studies and work at the same time but the members still worry about him a lot.
Their contract was also altered a bit, in which they are no longer allowed to go out without any security personnel with them. At least to avoid what happened the last time. However, the members feel too choked up at times.
Meanwhile, Minseok’s individual popularity grew immensely. Though he doesn’t always attend to variety or tv shows, his unique charm really caught the world’s attention.
__________________
*PRESENT TIME*
@starbuzzdaily:
Breaking: Byun Baekhyun shall appear in a variety show with Kim Minseok? Will past relationships trigger?
@Jongdaelovingg:
@starbuzzdaily STFU there was no relationship in the first place
@Minniesbyub:
OMG?? My dead ship is alive!!!
@hunsloeyy:
So will they make out again on the show?
@MLJKings:
@hunsloeyy focus on ur faves wtf
@SeoksLuhans:
Oh. Hope they’re still friends after everything that’s happened
“Min? Today you’ll shoot for your variety show, are you gonna be okay?”Luhan asked.
“Yes Lu, thank you.” He smiled.
Hmm. Well, LIES.
Minseok was quite nervous. Albeit he felt that way, a glimpse of happiness still enveloped his heart. He didn’t notice his lips have formed a smile.
“Eh? You happy?” Junmyeon brought him back to reality.
“Huh? No.” He played it cool.
The rest of the day went by so fast. After all his busy schedule for the day, Minseok finally went to the location of his variety show. He’ll only need to shoot for one day. The plot of the show is to stay in a place with other celebrities who don’t usually go outside of the house.
It was already 3am when he arrived.
He walked stealthily so he won’t wake up anyone.
Finally, when he reached his assigned room, he gently opened the door. He almost dropped the luggage he brought when he saw his roommate.
It was Baekhyun.
He’s screwed.
Baekhyun was peacefully sleeping. He examined the man’s features from afar and damn the man looked gorgeous than ever.
Minseok decided to silently place his things and went to sleep.
Minseok wanted to act like nothing happened and that he’s already moved on while the cameras roll. He doesn’t want his emotions to show off.
Baekhyun almost choked when he woke up seeing Minseok on the other side of the bed. He didn’t think Minseok shall say yes to this show knowing he’s in it.
He slowly got out of bed and decided to stay in the living room.
Minseok got the courage and decided to follow the plot the writers handed them. They’ll have a pool volleyball with the other guests and play jenga afterwards. Luckily, they were not on the same team as Baek.
Everything went by fast and on the evening, Minseok finally could leave the location.
He didn’t interact with Baekhyun but he made sure it won’t be too obvious he’s avoiding him.
Minseok returned to their dorm that night and he was bombarded with questions.
“Min, how was it? You seemed so calm. If that was me I would have yelled on his face” Jongdae scowled.
“Same like I think I would confront him off cam” Kyungsoo added.
“Guys, i’m tired, I’ll head to my room to rest” Minseok just scowled and headed to his room.
“Well he seem does look tired. Imagine the pressure. Poor Minnie” Luhan’s concerned eyes followed Minseok’s figure.
@dailystarsnet:
Minseok and Baekhyun were roommates in the show but did they talk?
@Miniseokss:
Minseok looks soooo good sleeping and waking up like that! He is so beautiful
@Baekhubists:
Baekhyun is too cute. Oh my i love him
@sehunxings09:
Well... They didnt talk. It was boring. They were just used for views..
@yeolkaii:
I was waiting for their kissing scene but i was disappointed
@MLJKings:
@sehunxings09 @yeolkaii focus on ur faves
The promotions of the group’s album is almost over while Minseok’s name being linked to Baekhyun’s activities seem to rise up. Luhan being a guest to one variety show tried to shut down all rumours but it didn’t help at all.
The individual activities of the members are also starting so it has been quite busy for everyone. With Kyungsoo filming his drama, Jongdae preparing for his musical guesting and Luhan being a dance judge to one competition, this left Minseok which rarely accepts any offer due to his studies. The boys are very exhausted and strained especially with security personnel 24/7 wherever they go.
While on his way home from school, Minseok received a message from an unknown number.
Hey. How are you?
Who is this?
Baekhyun. Can we talk?
Well this isn’t new. This happened twice in between the three years Baekhyun was away. He secretly visited Korea and sneaked to meet Minseok, which the latter agreed—without the members knowing. However, they always end up arguing as Baekhyun wouldn’t admit why he actually left. Junmyeon knew the 2nd time, and had to do something to shield Minseok from the media. The news spreaded quickly to the bosses of Star Ent, so the boys’ contract was altered after that.
Minseok lets out a deep sigh before he replied.
We can’t. We don’t have anything to talk about anyway. Besides, the media seems to love linking me to all your shenanigans and meeting you would just worsen it.
I didn’t renew my contract with LA Records. Mentor Lee is bombarding me with texts and I also need to tell you something.
I’m sorry but I can’t.
Baekhyun lets out a sign of defeat. Now that he is a freelance artist, he can do whatever he wants. He decided not to renew his contract and returned to Korea to clarify things. He doesn’t want to hide in the shadows anymore. He wasn’t truly happy despite the success he has achieved. He was only bearing all the loneliness as he needed to finish his 3-year contract cleanly. Now, he just wants to explain everything. He just can’t back off.