Chapter Text
Debonair: courteous, gracious, and having a sophisticated charm
Baekhyun read the meaning of Debonair, which was the tuxedo shop's name, with a heavy sigh. He looked at the customers over his shoulder, shaking his head in disapproval. No one came close to that idealistic definition. Minseok, his coworker and dear friend with piercing cat-like eyes that seemed like his brother, chuckled lightly as he bundled clothing tags from behind the counter. He was dressed in black button-down tucked in his dress pants. This was the staple uniform for their job, black from head to toe. Sometimes, they wore vests or suit jackets, but only sometimes.
Minseok was as tall as the pretty and adorable Baekhyun, but he had very distinct facial features. To cut the description short, he was one handsome guy that always had his hair styled with a comma on his forehead. Surprisingly, Minseok was an alpha chaebol, a son of a rich businessman. He chose to live simply for his boyfriend. Although he was permitted by his family to live differently, he still had obligations to fulfill for his family. No one could truly run away from who they are, they said.
“What’s up with you?” The elder asked.
“That’s a lie.” Baekhyun pointed at the meaning then looked at the group of clients present again. Oh pretty omega Baekhyun, bored to death without attention. “Jieun isn’t helping the groom’s physique at all.” He sighed in disapproval, knowing he could do better. Jieun was a Junior Consultant with a petite frame and a gorgeous face. She was nice, but her sass and sarcasm was on par with Baekhyun's. Still, she was not as great as him. Baekhyun knew suits like the back of his hand. He’s not a Senior Consultant in this high-end tuxedo shop for nothing.
“You’re just irritated because all of them are straight.” Minseok guessed, knowing his best friend was hot on the eyes for non-straight customers. Baekhyun was as cute as a button with a very good body wrapped in tailored dress pants and a slim fit black button-down with his sleeves rolled up to his elbows. His dark brown hair was usually styled down to highlight the fact that he’s cute and he knew it.
Baekhyun melted dramatically on the counter and pouted at his Senior (both at work and back in high school). “Can you just marry me instead, Minseok? You know me so well. We have known each other since we were kids. We get along. We like the same things. It's a perfect match." He made puppy eyes to plead. Minseok rolled his eyes with an attractive smile.
“Sorry, but I love Jongdae too much to choose you over him.” Minseok ran his engaged hand through his black hair to prove a point. His engagement ring winked at Baekhyun. Baekhyun sulked even more, but he was very happy for his dear childhood brother. He knew the entire story of their relationship. Because if it wasn’t for Baekhyun, Minseok would have never gathered the guts to go after Jongdae back in high school.
Baekhyun and Jongdae were classmates, best of friends in fact. Minseok’s Baekhyun’s neighbor, who was a year older than them. They usually travelled to campus together too, but Jongdae walked home with Baekhyun often because Minseok had Basketball training. Their houses were in the same direction too. When Minseok visited Baekhyun's classroom to return something he borrowed, he fell in love at first sight with Jongdae. Jongdae felt the same too. Maybe they had been crushing on each other silently, but were too shy to tell Baekhyun they needed help.
Still, Baekhyun witnessed the whole thing like he was watching a romcom movie. He had to snap his fingers in front of their eyes to bring them back to earth. He played cupid for them, bridging them until they were official. Jongdae and Baekhyun were juniors at that time. Minseok was a graduating student. The love story continued as they went to the same college together. And in a few weeks, they were getting married after eight years of dating. And Baekhyun’s still single. Congratulations to the happy couple!
“You’ll find the one, Baek. Remember, we are all here in the world for someone.” Minseok shared wisely. “Just don’t work too hard.”
“I am not!” Baekhyun gasped at the accusation that he’s a workaholic. He only opened and then closed Debonair from Mondays to Saturdays after working from 9AM to 7PM, because Sundays were his days off to lock himself in his apartment to binge watch Say Yes to the Dress or whatever funny movie was on. So no, he’s not a workaholic...according to his standards. He just loved his job and the place.
Debonair has been running for 73 years. It became a prime destination for dapper men in the early 60s. It was situated just outside of the business district to have a proper space for clients' cars. It was actually in a suburban shopping area, so the place was not too hectic. Since then, it became a pioneer for tailored and designer suits in the city. They never changed their location either. It's a small business of a French family that moved to the country, and was still headed by a member of that family. Monsieur Jacques Clementine was the 4th generation Head Tailor of Debonair. He could pass this business to his children but sadly, he was still single. His nephews and nieces were going to continue the legacy. But to Monsieur Jacques, he found his long lost son. It was Baekhyun.
“You already made a fortune stroking mens’ egos here for three years. You can have a pup and raise it well on your own with that money. Monsieur Jacques has been forcing you to take a leave already. Did you even use your Christmas party prize yet? It’s an all-expenses paid trip to Japan. Maybe your soulmate’s in Japan for all we know.” Minseok shrugged.
“I have to have a plus one. It’s two tickets. Monsieur said I can’t go alone.” Baekhyun rested his chin on his palm, sulking again. “You and Dae can have it. Take it as a gift from me.”
“More like a gift from Monsieur Jacques,” Minseok quipped. “Ah! God, why are you so violent today? I pity the alpha who will take care of you already.” He held his arm when Baekhyun slapped it hard. The sliding door of the shop opened. Minseok and Baekhyun turned to the group of four men, all alphas, and greeted them formally out of habit. When Baekhyun registered their faces, he blushed deeply and looked away. He knew those faces, all of them, especially the tallest one with the shining round eyes. Minseok knew them too, quite personally actually.
“Yo! What’s going on here? Is it time?” Minseok greeted more casually, hugging two of the four men. Baekhyun focused on fixing the tags Minseok left to distract himself. The tallest alpha was looking at him. The four men were their former schoolmates in fact, members of the Basketball team, Minseok's former teammates to be exact. Baekhyun cursed the meaning of Debonair again for giving him his karma right away. The tallest one was a very apt walking definition of Debonair. He was working his suit jacket so well, it irritated Baekhyun.
“Guess who’s getting married here...and your 3PM appointment.” The tallest one among them spoke, slinging his arms around two of his friends. Baekhyun tried to peek at them, especially the tallest one with a very sexy deep voice, round eyes, and a princely face. He hated how he still stayed attractive all these years.
“Obviously not you, Park. Sehunnie?” Minseok looked at the second tallest guy wearing a button-down and track pants, the youngest in the bunch in fact. Sehun with a damn modelesque visual held his hands up to say not him. Not yet. The shortest one in the group who rocked a simple shirt and jeans, Yixing, pointed to the one with the beanie and a chiseled jawline, who was already skimming tuxedos on the racks. "Jongin? Whoa, when's the wedding?" Minseok didn't expect the shyest one to go first.
"In three months. I proposed two weeks ago." Jongin supplied, focused on choosing a good suit. The shy guy was a Hospital Director now, working for parents who owned said hospital. Yes, he's also a chaebol...like the three men with him.
"Did he...knock her up?" Minseok asked the three quietly.
"I can hear you, hyung." Jongin got a nice Gucci suit jacket to look at it better. "No one's pregnant yet. It's quite hard to try when she's a beta."
"That's a relief. I pray for her health already. Well, you guys can look around. Jongin, do you need help?" Minseok asked, providing quality client care expected from Debonair. The groom nodded with a kind smile. The tremendous amount of suits were overwhelming him already. "Hey Baek," Minseok looked over his shoulder. Baekhyun closed his eyes like it was a recitation he wasn't prepared for. "Can you give them a hand?"
"Of course. No one could help us better than Baekhyunnie." The tallest one in the suit jacket smirked. He knew the Senior Consultant very well, a little too well...like, had a relationship back in high school well. The other guys were stunned. They thought they would never see him again. "Stunning glow up, right? No more big bug glasses and braces." The tallest one beamed, loving the annoyance around the familiar and adorable face. He had to bring up Baekhyun's ugly duckling phase, as expected. That was better than bringing up the...anyway, Baekhyun wrapped a strip of paper around the tags he bundled and looked at the group. No, he was glaring at the tallest one.
"Wow, you look...you look well now, Baekhyun." Yixing said kindly. He wanted to say pretty, but it could be offensive. To whom, he had a few names in mind. "How long have you worked here with Minseok?"
"Three years," Baekhyun neared the intimidating group slowly, making sure his back was straight. They're just clients. They're just clients, really hot and handsome alpha clients that know you more than they should. Get a grip!
"He's one of the best Consultants here, better than me actually." Minseok bragged. "Maybe that's why Chanyeol keeps coming back?" The three alphas looked at Chanyeol with teasing smiles.
"It's a good tuxedo place. My family has been a regular since my grandfather's time. We know the owner." Chanyeol shrugged, dismissing the impending round of teasing. He's the only single one in the group after all. "Just so happens there are familiar faces,"
"Guys, which one?" Jongin held up two good tuxedo jackets, obviously confused. He saved them from the awkwardness. It was also his time to shine, not them.
"Right one," Baekhyun answered quickly, by impulse. "Wait, for you or for one of them?" He got to work right away, dodging a teasing bullet too. It always happened when Park Chanyeol came to Debonair.
Baekhyun came out of the dressing rooms with hangers of tuxedos and pants over his arm. Jongin, Sehun, and Yixing were fitting their chosen tuxedos. He passed by one of the sofas, seeing Chanyeol on his phone with his long legs crossed and his long arm with the golden Rolex draped over the rest. Baekhyun walked across to hang the rejected choices on the rack for ironing, ignoring him. But he could hear the alpha talking about schedules and materials. It's his Interior Designing work. Chanyeol followed him with his eyes then finished the call in a hurry. When Baekhyun turned around, he bumped into Chanyeol.
"Missed me?" The handsome client smirked.
"Hardly," Baekhyun stepped aside but Chanyeol did too to block his path. It made the Consultant sigh. "Can you please move, sir? Let me do my job." He tried his best to maintain his decorum, but Chanyeol really got on his nerves.
"Come on, I just want to talk. Can't we? I brought new clients. I should get a VIP treatment here somehow. I keep putting a good word for Debonair to all my friends." Chanyeol truly had a way with words like people should owe him for his kindness. Baekhyun really hated that about him, even in high school.
"Thanks, but we do not owe you anything, especially from me." Baekhyun sassed then stepped away. Chanyeol held his arm to make him face him again.
"Why are you still so mad at me, Baek? I thought we settled this. But every single time I come here, you're so defensive." Chanyeol truly wanted to know why the Consultant was so cold towards him. Usually, he let it slide, but three years of this act pushed Chanyeol to the breaking point. He has eyes. He could see the difference in the way Baekhyun treated others from the way Baekhyun tried him. Chanyeol was no stranger to Debonair. He and his family have been loyal customers to this place since the 60s. Chanyeol always got his suits here since he was young, so seeing Minseok and Baekhyun working there for the past few years was a good bonus. The place didn't feel so old for him. "I can report you for your behavior." Chanyeol threatened.
"Go ahead. You're only good when your money's involved anyway. We settled nothing. And what gives you the right to demand my attention now? I thought you didn't know me." Baekhyun got his arm back aggressively and walked away in a hurry. Sehun finished trying on his suit when he saw Baekhyun hurrying to one of the rooms with his cheeks wet, and a troubled Chanyeol hurrying after him. Sehun went back to his dressing room and messaged Yixing and Jongin to stay inside. Chanyeol was dealing with the Consultant, with his past.
"Baekhyun, Baekhyun, wait. Is this still about high school?" Chanyeol blocked his path and held his arms, taking a very wild guess. "I said I was sorry. I've been trying to make it up to you even then. Why are you crying?" Chanyeol held his face, brushing the tears away with his thumbs. "I will not report you. You're bloody good at your job. I was just joking. I'm sorry, okay? What's wrong?"
Baekhyun pushed him back. "Yes, it's still about high school! I will never forget it. I couldn't. Seeing you here too many times just makes me hate working here, but I need this job. I love this job. So please stop ruining this for me too." Chanyeol didn't know what to say. He was guilty, but he didn't know where to begin in making things right. He has been trying, but Baekhyun has been closed all along. "I thought I ran away from you already. Of all places, why do you have to recommend us? Why do you keep coming back? Of all suit shops in the city, why does your family have to love this one? I just want to work. It's so hard for me to work and have your damn face remind me of how broken you made me feel."
Sehun, Jongin, and Yixing made a group chat without Chanyeol to react to what they heard. Apparently, there were wounds from the past that remained unhealed and open. Hearing Baekhyun voice his feelings made all of them remember. Chanyeol left Baekhyun back in high school. He played a very lengthy and cruel prank that broke Baekhyun's heart and confidence. It was a hot topic back then. It even reached other schools in the city.
Chanyeol flirted with a very naive Baekhyun and went on dates with him for a month and a half for a bet. The alpha took his time with this prank. He had to be convincing with his courting intentions. Baekhyun wasn't popular or handsome at that time. He was stuck in an ugly duckling phase while everyone blossomed around him. He had a hunch that Chanyeol was only messing with him, but changed his mind when they did things only they knew about. They were an odd and unexpected couple many laughed at.
Chanyeol was a popular guy because he came from a rich and influential family, and he played Basketball. That Basketball team was actually a club for rich chaebols in the city only. Add that he was ridiculously handsome, and he’s a walking piece of trouble. Knowing he went after a mediocre nobody gave him his own set of bullies and haters too. The peer pressure was intense at that time. He made many believe he only dated Baekhyun for a bet. Little did anyone know, he may have taken the joke seriously at some point. But he was reminded of his agenda constantly.
Their fallout started when the omega went to Chanyeol to ask him for lunch, like he always did. Chanyeol humiliated him in front of many by pretending he didn't know him. Baekhyun laughed along at first, thinking it was a joke.
“Who do you think you are to ask me to lunch?” Chanyeol narrowed his eyes at the omega that was supposed to be his boyfriend. Baekhyun switched his footing, anxious about Chanyeol’s tone. He fixed his glasses on his face to not seem awkward.
“Chanyeol, d-did I do something wrong?” Baekhyun wondered.
“What’s wrong is you deluding yourself that we’re something. I don’t know you.” Chanyeol scoffed. To add to the pain, Chanyeol had to bring up that Baekhyun didn’t deserve to be in this school because he wasn’t paying tuition by himself. Being a scholar was degrading apparently. Baekhyun didn't cry when he heard all that. In a way, he expected it. It’s already funny that Park Chanyeol asked him to be his boyfriend. He thought the alpha hit his head or something, but he just went with it. He was happy with Chanyeol somehow. And then, Baekhyun saw a $100 bill slapped into Chanyeol's palm by his friend Sehun. He got the idea from there. He knew it was a game, some dumb bet, yet he still ended up being played.
Sophomore Baekhyun just nodded, accepting his foolishness. In front of many, Baekhyun gripped his bag strap and apologized softly. He hurriedly got out of Chanyeol’s sight, feeling his glasses fogging up. Chanyeol saw the omega get bumped as he left, feeling like he lost even if he won $100. He enjoyed the praises for a few seconds, until he realized the omega was hurt. Baekhyun’s hurried steps became a run as he tried to mask his humiliation and heartbreak. When he held the banister to leave the building, he tripped and fell down the stairs horribly.
Chanyeol never knew what happened right after he broke the omega’s heart. He only heard Baekhyun's accidental fall as a rumor of him trying to end his life in school. He was tagged as a suicidal freak, which Chanyeol laughed at for a few seconds. He thought the omega wouldn't do that. Baekhyun was anything but that; that’s his defense to anyone that came up to him carrying that rumor. It's not like the smiley and sweet Baekhyun he knew at all.
Until he saw Baekhyun exiting the Guidance Office a few days later, wearing an arm sling and a neck brace, and sporting bruises on his cute face and a bandage around his head. Chanyeol, out of habit, took a step towards him. Baekhyun took a step back, eyes filled with fear and sadness. Chanyeol felt the guilt flood his mind and body. Once again, Baekhyun ran away, limping to show Chanyeol what he had done. That’s all Baekhyun did in junior and senior year, run when the other got too close. He didn’t want to be around Chanyeol or even see him. It was hard not to when his face was plastered all over campus for his academic and extracurricular achievements. Baekhyun was a member of the school paper too, covering sports. He also had to watch the Basketball championship games in support of Minseok too. Seeing Chanyeol was inevitable.
During these games, Chanyeol was having the time of his life on the court while Baekhyun kept his anxiety at bay. He did his best to take a photo of all the players, but Chanyeol always, always, always, looked at him when he ran to the side where Baekhyun stood. It was so hard to write about him and his team. It was so hard to choose a photo that came along with it, because he had to see Chanyeol's damn face.
Baekhyun tried his best to enjoy it somehow. He clapped when the courtside reporters said Minseok’s name, but other than that, it was suffocating. Chanyeol would stare at him on the bleachers every timeout like he was asking if he was doing alright. At times, Minseok would run up to Baekhyun during halftime or when he was taking a rest to check on him. That's when Chanyeol could see the omega smile again. Baekhyun sometimes left mid-game because it was all too much. If only he knew Chanyeol only played so well because he was there. The alpha was scoring for him. One time, Chanyeol made an impeccable 3-point shot and looked at the bleachers immediately. Sadly, Baekhyun was gone.
They won each game, but Chanyeol didn’t seem too happy. He would smile and laugh with the team, but he would go home right away. They thought it was because his parents were strict. Chanyeol's mother was a politician after all, one who was a candidate to be the next President of the country. Minseok knew better. Chanyeol confided in him through phone calls and texts. The alpha was just as heartbroken as Baekhyun, guilty beyond belief. But he could never tell that to the omega. He didn’t have the courage to do so after how he acted. He ruined Baekhyun's confidence and reputation for $100. It was too cruel to be forgiven, he thought.
Baekhyun thought he was done with Park Chanyeol after high school graduation. He had a blast in college, starting anew with his post-ugly duckling confidence shining, studying Communications and then got into a fashion scholarship overseas. He landed a job in the Debonair head office (not some measly branch position), one of the most sought-after tuxedo havens in the country. He rubbed elbows with chaebols, politicians, the elite, and celebrities. Gone was the ugly and pathetic Baekhyun. He was one of the most valued Consultants of the current team. His clients also gifted him generously because of his adorable looks, charming personality and witty brain.
Everything went so well until Park Chanyeol entered the shop three years ago, at the height of Baekhyun’s blossoming career with Debonair. Minseok greeted him casually, obviously showing Chanyeol was not a stranger to the shop. The other senior staff greeted him too. The owner, Monsieur Jacques, even came out to meet him personally. Park Chanyeol was a VIP client.
Baekhyun kept his head down, trying to hide from the guy that gave him the worst years of his life. That’s all he ever did with Chanyeol after their fallout anyway, run. Chanyeol’s voice, his smile, his eyes, that stupid nose mole Baekhyun loved, and his scent suffocated Baekhyun all at once. It’s been a decade and Baekhyun’s heart still clenched at the sight of the alpha that fooled him. Chanyeol looked at the counter, jaw dropping as he recognized who was there before him. He couldn't be wrong. He knew those puppy-like eyes too well even without the glasses. It still haunted him at night, when he was alone, when he was drunk, and when he was with his friends. Minseok being too close to him was a dead give away at this point, hiding would be a stupid move. This was Byun Baekhyun, his first love, the One that got away.
All of the awful memories came flooding back for him as well as a new season of their suffocation started.
Baekhyun handled things well for the past three years, pushing the painful memories in the back of his mind when Chanyeol was around. This guy was still a client anyway. Chanyeol tried to be friendly with him, but Baekhyun couldn't keep his guards down. This is a business after all. Personal matters could be tended to outside of the shop. That’s why Baekhyun was usually working overtime, to avoid bumping into Chanyeol outside of the shop’s walls. Some humor slipped through the cracks sometimes, but Baekhyun still didn't see him as a friend. No, they never were, especially today when Baekhyun was busy and tired. Today was just not a good day for Baekhyun in general. Chanyeol's teasing made him snap after being composed all these years.
"Stop crying. Please, stop crying." Chanyeol whispered as he bent his knees slightly to look at Baekhyun eye to eye. He brushed the tears off of Baekhyun's cheeks, truly sorry for everything. "Oh god, you're still so sensitive." Chanyeol smiled softly, amused how Baekhyun still managed to be cute while he cried. He pulled him into his arms, hugging him through his outburst. Baekhyun had no strength to fight against it. He was just so tired from working and feeling at the same time. Chanyeol’s scent comforted him like always, but he hated himself for succumbing to his arms when the going got tough. "I'm sorry. I really, really, really am, Baek. I've been meaning to tell you this since I saw you again, but I-I hoped you forgot about it. I was a dick. You didn't deserve that from me or from anyone. You don't know how much I wanted to make things right with you back then."
What Baekhyun wanted to hear all these years finally came! It was a little too late, but better late than never. Baekhyun looked up to him, seeing if he meant it. Chanyeol's eyes oozed his guilt, taking Baekhyun aback. Everything he wanted from Chanyeol was handed to him on a silver platter. The remorse, the guilt, and the shame were all present in his beautiful round eyes. Baekhyun couldn’t be mad anymore. He was tired of putting up this act too. 10 years was long enough to carry his heavy heart, so he had to let it go. They were no longer kids anyway.
Chanyeol couldn’t deny that Baekhyun was a great guy to be with. He acknowledged that even after their short relationship. He even defended Baekhyun after knowing the rumors were false, but Baekhyun didn't have to know that. Chanyeol knew he caused enough damage already. It was best to stay away in respect to the omega’s mental health, even if he wanted to check on Baekhyun almost daily. "Is your neck better?" He touched Baekhyun's nape gently, knowing his concern was 10 years too late.
Baekhyun detached himself from Chanyeol slowly as he composed himself. Those fingertips on dangerous territory might make Baekhyun hate himself even more if he acted recklessly. Being in Chanyeol's arms was the last thing he wanted in this world too. He wasn't going to make the same mistake again. Even if Chanyeol apologized with their closure, Baekhyun didn’t want any part of Chanyeol back in his life. "Y-Yes. Yes, it's better. Thank you. And...and I'm sorry too. I was unprofessional." Baekhyun wiped his cheeks and fixed his clothes to keep the rest of his dignity.
"You don't have to be formal around me. Everyone here stopped being formal with me after a week. It’s okay, you're really doing a great job here, B." Chanyeol complimented. "I-I'm glad to know you...you rose again from...from yeah," Baekhyun kept his eyes down, embarrassed to have crumbled in front of Chanyeol out of the blue. It was so embarrassing and so against his strong and empowered omega persona that he developed without the alpha. "So uh, friends?" Chanyeol offered his hand awkwardly, unsure of what to do now.
"Pardon?" Baekhyun couldn't hide his shock. Park Chanyeol was offering his hand and his friendship? Baekhyun held his hand, nodding to his offer. Abort! Abort! Byun Baekhyun, take your hand back! Oprah will strangle you for caving in! You’re a strong and empowered omega. Take your hand back! Oh, his hands are still warm and soft. Byun, focus! This was a stupid move, but he was...still stupid around Park Chanyeol apparently. "Ah yes, f-friends." Dig your own grave, buddy. Logic and Oprah just left the building.
"Don't cry again, okay? You're stronger than you think you are." Chanyeol petted Baekhyun's hair gently. Baekhyun nodded, avoiding Chanyeol’s gaze. Does he watch Oprah’s Empowered Omega series too? He was mentally scolding himself for being so damn weak around the alpha. Of all the scenarios that played in his mind all these years on how this day would go, this was the worst scenario that came true. Baekhyun excused himself to tend to his clients before things got more awkward than it already was.
Sehun, Jongin, and Yixing were on the sofa when Baekhyun came out with Chanyeol. They managed to tiptoe out of the dressing rooms quietly while the two reconciled. Minseok tended to their suits, returning to see Chanyeol still hasn't chosen anything. He thought Baekhyun went in to help him or something. Judging by Baekhyun’s red-rimmed eyes and puffy cheeks, they dealt with something more than just suits.
Sehun wondered where they had been. Chanyeol shielded Baekhyun, saying the Consultant showed him a really good suit from the vault. Jongin would look great in it, he convinced them. Everyone tilted their heads, questioning Chanyeol, even Baekhyun. They obviously did not do such a thing. Baekhyun looked so upset. Suits never made him upset, because nothing beats Chanyeol as Baekhyun’s greatest upset in life. "Why would you say that? It's out of Jongin's budget." Baekhyun whispered behind Chanyeol out of panic.
"Nini, it's quite over your budget though." Chanyeol continued to hard sell a nonexistent suit to his friend. "It's Gucci, right?" He asked Baekhyun, who had no choice but to say yes. Minseok looked like he was yelling at Baekhyun to stop. The vault's tuxedos were for VIPs only. Chanyeol noticed he just put Baekhyun in trouble. "I-I can vouch for him for the pass. I can do that, right Minseok?"
"Y-You will?" Minseok and Baekhyun said simultaneously. Chanyeol pulled out his card case and handed his VIP card to Baekhyun. Sehun whistled at the power of Park Chanyeol as Jongin felt unworthy and embarrassed. The suit he chose was fine already, good enough for a one time event.
"Get the tux, dear." Chanyeol, being a VIP customer, knew Baekhyun had no choice but to do as told. Baekhyun hurried to the back of the dressing rooms to get a vintage Gucci tuxedo that would be perfect for Jongin. Jongin felt a tad nervous about the price, but Chanyeol clapped his shoulders saying he could pay for half of it as a gift to his close friend. He'd really do that. He came from an insanely rich family anyway.
Baekhyun returned with two options and showed it to the group. Minseok's jaw dropped. Baekhyun picked amazing ones, stunning ones from the very limited Gucci line they had. Minseok forgot those two were in the vault. There were so many to choose from, some were aging on the racks. Jongin stood up immediately and went straight to the left one. It was a vintage Gucci pinstripe suit with matching pants. Baekhyun hurried to the tie selection and got four of the latest Gucci drops to let Jongin match to his liking. "How much is everything?" Jongin looked at Baekhyun with the most handsome smile he could possibly give. That was the face of a man ready to walk down the aisle. Baekhyun whispered the price to him confidentially. Miraculously, it was just slightly over Jongin’s budget for himself. "I'll take it. No need to split the bill for the other suits. It's all on me. We'll schedule second fittings after you swipe this. Thanks, Baek." Jongin was a big spender when he got what he wanted. Baekhyun got his debit card (yes, paid straight from Jongin’s account) gratefully and hurried to the counter to swipe it before Jongin changed his mind.
Minseok felt the rush of a huge sale. It was making his fingers tingle with excitement. Baekhyun waited for the receipt to print, quite dumbfounded he just sold an item from the vault. It was a rare situation. Usually, his seniors had that privilege. Minseok hugged him, ecstatic for his first vault sale. Jieun managed to charm her clients as well, but the total was far from what Baekhyun scored in a few minutes. This was all thanks to Chanyeol.
Baekhyun stood by the side as the assistant tailor stepped in to adjust the measurements on the suits purchased. Since they were VIP client's guests, they were serviced immediately. Chanyeol rounded the room to get to Baekhyun's side subtly. Yixing and Sehun’s eyes followed their dear friend. The vault thing was a lie and they knew it. They heard everything earlier. Chanyeol was back to playing with fire, they thought. "Thanks," Baekhyun mumbled as he watched Jongin get measured.
"It's nothing. It's what a Best Man should be to the Groom. I have to make him look good." Chanyeol crossed his arms over his chest.
"I just realized, you have been the Best Man for so many weddings since I started working here at Debonair." Baekhyun found it funny. Chanyeol rolled his eyes, getting that comment a lot. "Always the Best Man, never the Groom?"
"Precisely." Chanyeol gave a tight-lipped smile. "I haven't met anyone who made me want to wait for them at the altar, I guess." He turned his head to look at Baekhyun. "Do you want to apply?" Baekhyun snorted at his attempt to flirt. They haven't been friends for an hour yet Chanyeol has already tested his luck. Guards up, Byun. Guards all the way up.
"I love my job here, so I’m not interested." Baekhyun glared at him to behave. It made Chanyeol smile his best. He really moved fast, Baekhyun thought. Nothing changed. He’s still rushing into things. The friend-ship sailed immediately. "Seriously though, how many weddings have you attended as a Best Man?"
"Ever or since you started working here?" Chanyeol thought hard, letting his brows furrow. "If ever since, I lost count. But for the past three years, 36? 37 for Jongin,"
"You're joking." Baekhyun's face has fallen. That must be cruel to stand with 36 grooms in three years. On average, that was one groom per month for three years. "You have that many friends? Is that your part time job or something, Best Man for hire?"
"Oh yeah, definitely. I have many male cousins, you know that. Plus, I'm friendly and I look really great in photos as an extra in the back. Just call me, I will be your Best Man. To book, you can call 812," Chanyeol rode along, making Baekhyun laugh loudly and cover his mouth with his hand. This was the kind of humor that slipped through the cracks. It got some attention so he turned around to compose himself. Chanyeol still knew how to tickle Baekhyun’s funny bone. He told them to carry on with their lives. They were just talking but Sehun and Yixing knew better. Park Chanyeol was flirting with the Consultant, rekindling an old flame he never wanted to die out.
"You are so pitiful. 36 weddings in three years? Ah, you must be the officiant." Baekhyun quipped back. Chanyeol rolled his eyes with a pout. That joke was not new to him either. He was mistaken as a Pastor several times. While that was nice, he wasn't exactly religious to act as one.
"To book, you can call," Chanyeol started again, making Baekhyun turn around again to laugh on his own. If only the omega understood that this was Chanyeol’s way to give him his current phone number. "God, your sense of humor never changed." Chanyeol noticed, chuckling lightly. Baekhyun hit his arm lightly as he kept laughing quietly in his hand.
"Yeol, you're really not picking a suit?" Jongin changed back to his clothes as Yixing got measured this time.
"No, I'm good. I'll just pick one from my closet. You have to shine, brother!" Chanyeol clapped for the groom he had to hype up. Jongin smiled gratefully, hugging Chanyeol suddenly. He was so overwhelmed at this point. He was getting married, finally, to his girlfriend he met at work. Actually, she was interviewing Jongin for a feature, and they took the interviews to dinner. Chanyeol held him back, knowing what he felt. He heard 36 grooms express this before, but it was different from what it truly felt like.
Baekhyun realized this visit was different from the rest. Chanyeol was sending off his teammate to get married. Jongin was the first to get hitched from the team Baekhyun knew. This was a big step for all of them. In a way, he was pleased to be of help to Jongin even in the tiniest form. Jongin hugged Baekhyun too, thanking him for using his magic to make him look good. "You already look good, sir. This Gucci was just waiting for you to wear it." Baekhyun giggled. There, they knew why Baekhyun was fantastic at his job (and why Chanyeol beat himself up for losing him). The omega was a total charmer. Any alpha would love a partner that made them feel good about themselves.
Baekhyun went home that day feeling relieved. He remembered how his day went as he walked home, smiling to himself. Chanyeol finally apologized to him. He helped Baekhyun make a huge sale. But above all that, he made a client excited to get married. That was the best feeling that came with his job.
Chanyeol got home after drinking with Sehun, Jongin, and Yixing. He stumbled into his massive apartment, where his maids tried to keep him on his feet. They screamed when he almost fell and worried for their boss. He came home drunk again.
They managed to get him in bed. His shoes and socks were removed. They tried to cover his body with a blanket, but Chanyeol kicked it off aggressively. He felt around the bed for something, getting frustrated as he rolled on his stomach. He whimpered and slurred his words then fell asleep. The maids went out and closed the door, gutted for their boss. “He’s saying that name again, Madam. What do we do?” The younger help looked to the elder help for a solution.
“He will not remember this in the morning. Ready his hangover soup early later. I’m sure he’ll leave before we can take care of him.” The elder help sighed. It's been a year and a half since he restarted his drinking problem. He used this to blanket over the other problems in his life. Chanyeol wasn't the type to share his problems with the staff anyway. He diverted the negative energy to having fun outside or drinking. They wished he'd just smile again, like he used to.
Chanyeol, too, wished time turned back to the better days he was used to, to when happiness was genuine, and freedom was granted. Where he was free to date whoever he wanted, when he could still hold Baekhyun's hand until the sunrise.
True to the elder help’s prediction, Chanyeol left his apartment before they could ask him what happened. He finished the soup and drank the pill ready, but it was like he was a ghost. It was like he was never there. Chanyeol basically paid his staff generously to live in his apartment and use the amenities. It was not for him at all. He just used this place to hide from his family. It was enough that he saw them in the office on weekdays.
Chanyeol drove to Sehun’s place to have breakfast. The young Marketing Executive left the door unlocked, knowing Chanyeol barged in in the mornings. He technically lived there with Sehun, but slowly moved out because Sehunnie was getting married too. Chanyeol sat on the huge sofa and closed his eyes to get some sleep. Sehun just watched him while he sipped his morning coffee. “I should stop drinking.” Chanyeol mumbled.
“Yeah, you say that everyday but drink yourself to sleep every night.” Sehun scoffed. “Why are you drinking yourself to death again?” He forgot Chanyeol’s magical reason for slowly killing his liver.
“It might make me brave.” Chanyeol tilted his head to look at his best friend. “Drunk dial Baek and tell him I still love him.”
“You don’t even know his number.” Sehun teased, stepping on Chanyeol’s wound happily. “Minseok-hyung won’t give it?” Chanyeol shook his head. “Well, just so we’re not going to punch each other later on, I’ll come clean. We heard everything yesterday.”
“That saves me the effort of telling you the story.” Chanyeol sighed as he tried to sleep.
“Do you really want to go back there again, Yeol? Baekhyun doesn’t seem like he’s ready to take you back, or have the mind to do so.” Sehun slapped the cold hard truth on his face.
“I’m not asking for another chance, Sehun.” Chanyeol sighed heavily. “Even if we stay as friends, I’d be happy. Ah, why am I so scared of him?” He groaned and hugged a pillow, pouting deeply.
“Because you love him, duh. Taking care of one relationship is harder than maintaining many friendships.” Sehun shared wisely. “What are you scared of exactly? Maybe we can help you.”
Chanyeol thought of the exact reason, but there was none. He was just scared in general. The many unknown reasons could be summed up to Chanyeol being fearful of hurting Baekhyun again. Chanyeol wasn’t trying to ask for the omega’s hand again. He made that clear with himself. “It’s hard to explain.” Chanyeol bit his tongue as the truth hung on the tip.
“What’s so hard to explain? Chanyeol, you’ve been frustrating to deal with back in high school because of Baekhyun. Now that you two met again, it feels like deja vu for all of us. Just worse now because you’re legal and you can drink. You really need to fix that, man. And if Baekhyun’s your reason for all this, then stay away from him.” Sehun was genuinely worried for him. Chanyeol was ruining his life the more he avoided his problems. He knew that too. He was aware of his pathetic methods. Maybe speaking would at least provide some solutions from different views.
Chanyeol sat properly and ran his hands over his face. “I can’t. I tried, and I can’t.” Sehun was about to yell at his stubbornness when Chanyeol’s next sentence made him freeze. Chanyeol’s lonely eyes pierced Sehun’s. He looked older than his age as he expressed the truth he carried alone all these years. He was scared to admit it, to express it after what he did to Baekhyun. He felt so unworthy to be even called as such.
“I knew it.” Sehun whispered, slowly melting back to reality as the sentence and the tone rang in his ears. “I knew it! Does he know?” Chanyeol shrugged. “You have to tell him. You have to go there now and tell him, Park Chanyeol! Stop living like this, the both of you. How...how did you...how can you endure that?” Sehun covered his face with his hands, so heartbroken for his best friend. Chanyeol smiled slightly at his best friend’s reaction. Telling someone felt good.
In truth, Chanyeol felt like dying everyday since high school. His wolf had to be chained to avoid commotions. He physically punished himself by working out too hard as he and his wolf fought for 10 years. It has been mind versus heart, but both screamed one omega only. How did Chanyeol endure being so close to his mate when his mate hated him to the bone? How did Chanyeol endure the years they were apart? His mind turned against him too, thinking of scenarios of Baekhyun being in another’s arms. It has been torture to live, even breathe without Baekhyun in his sight.
Sehun hugged Chanyeol, comforting him with his apologies. He never knew Chanyeol carried this in his heart. His drinking problem had a very valid reason, but he still needed to stop. “How do I tell him? How do I explain the reason why I keep going to Debonair almost weekly? I could stay there and work as long as I get to see him. Sehun, he still hates me. He hasn’t forgotten and I haven’t either. What should I do? Can anyone tell me?” Chanyeol laughed incredulously. No one could help him but himself. “That’s the truth, Sehun. Baekhyun’s my mate. I have known since we were 14 years old, since we first kissed, shared a bed, and yeah.”
“Shared a...wait, you...14? 2nd year, when you were together?” Sehun looked horrified. “It wasn’t…” Chanyeol shook his head. He had to protect Baekhyun too. If the student body knew he took Baekhyun’s virginity, they were going to label them as sluts, especially Baekhyun who was an omega. They were too young to have done that, they knew it, but their wolves took over them. They knew each other instantly.
“Don’t tell anyone. I’m sure Baekhyun never told anyone too. Minseok still looks at me like he adores me. Imagine if Baekhyun told him. He’ll glare at me for sure. Baekhyun’s like his little brother.” Chanyeol sighed for the nth time. Sehun offered his hand for their personal handshake, sworn to secrecy about all this. “It’s pathetic, and maybe a waste of time, but I’ll keep spending and wasting time just to see him from afar. Even if he glares at me or insults me, I’ll take it.”
Sehun leaned on Chanyeol, hugging his bicep. “Hyung, you’ve been in love with your first love. That’s really special.” He smiled at the cute thought. If their relationship wasn’t damaged before, he was sure Chanyeol would have started a family with Baekhyun already. Sehun saw and knew how Chanyeol looked at Baekhyun even after their relationship. He learned what love looked like because of him. That’s what he looked for when he went looking for his mate too. Luckily, the pointers worked. He was getting married to his coworker Luhan. Yeah, he’s quite young to get married, but he didn’t want to wait anymore. He couldn't. Sehun looked at Chanyeol, promising him things will get better for him and Baekhyun. Chanyeol could only nod, hoping the same.
“Hey, at least being friends is a good start, right? Just go with the flow. Since you two are mates, the moon will guide you back to each other.” Sehun comforted him before getting up to get ready for work. Chanyeol laid on the sofa with his arm over his eyes. It felt like a storm had passed. His chest and mind was as empty as a dessert. Chanyeol blinked and blinked as he stared at Sehun’s MVP trophy from high school.
This season’s MVP...Park Chanyeol!
The crowd cheered as they handed him the Championship MVP trophy. Chanyeol bowed in all directions, smiling beautifully. It was his last game in high school. This was the Captain’s last game with the team too. Chanyeol hugged the sophomores Sehun and Jongin, congratulating them for playing well with him for a few years. He scanned the crowd until his smile fell. Baekhyun was there in the student broadcasters’ section. The omega had a soft smile on his lips as he mouthed his congratulations to Chanyeol. His eyes welled with proud tears.
Chanyeol’s feet moved before he realized. His teammates and coaches wondered where he was going. Baekhyun hurried away from the court, knowing his presence would just ruin Chanyeol’s celebratory mood. He said what he needed to say and saw Chanyeol reach his dream. That was enough.
Heavy steps came closer to him as a hand held his elbow. Park Chanyeol stood in front of him, unsure of what to say and had no proper reason for stopping him. He just stuttered and tried to find the right words. By this time, ugly duckling Baekhyun was gone. His braces were off and he learned how to use contacts. Chanyeol almost got on his knees and begged to be forgiven there and then. Baekhyun was stunning to his eyes.
“Congratulations, Chanyeolie.” Baekhyun spoke first, smiling bashfully as he avoided the athlete’s eyes. He fumbled with his camera around his neck to keep him busy.
“Thanks.” Chanyeol’s confidence disappeared. He kept switching his footing as he still tried to form a sentence to say. “You look really pretty, B.” Fuck, it slipped. Baekhyun looked up to the alpha, blushing wildly. “I-I mean...I...you...wow.” Chanyeol’s geeky shuddering sigh escaped his lips.
“Uh, t-thanks.” Baekhyun suddenly noticed the Basketball shoes Chanyeol wore. It’s his favorite pair, the one with Baekhyun’s smiley face drawing on the quarter, the part where Chanyeol tapped with his shoot hand before he made free throws. Chanyeol looked at his sneakers as he rubbed his nape, caught red handed that he never erased Baekhyun’s drawing. He still cared about Baekhyun. “I should get going. I-I still have to write this article for the school paper.” Baekhyun saved them from more awkward encounters.
“Yeah, yeah of course. Um, thanks for watching. I thought you’d skip this one out too.” Chanyeol stepped aside to let him pass.
“I don’t think I can miss Park Chanyeol’s last championship game even if I wanted to.” Baekhyun mumbled as he walked, smiling softly at his camera. The tips of Chanyeol’s pointy ears turned red this time. Baekhyun still cared about him too.
“Baekhyun, wait,” Chanyeol uttered before he could think of what to say afterwards. Baekhyun turned around at the sound of the alpha’s voice. “A-Are you attending the graduation?” Someone tape Chanyeol’s mouth already. He wasn’t making sense anymore. Baekhyun gave a slow nod. Of course he had to be there. Duh, Chanyeol, duh! “S-So I’ll see you there?”
“Sure.” Baekhyun blinked twice, confused. This was the longest conversation they had since they broke up.
“Sign my yearbook?” Chanyeol milked this moment. He saved the last page for Baekhyun specifically. Baekhyun just nodded, unsure of what to respond. It was an odd request, asking your ex to sign your yearbook with expectations that the message would be good.
“Just leave it on top of my locker? I’ll put it there when I’m done. Um, I’ll leave mine there too.” Baekhyun suggested. Chanyeol smiled beautifully. Baekhyun’s heart skipped a beat. This was their way of giving gifts when they were dating. Just so no one ruined their gifts, they left it on top of Baekhyun’s locker. Chanyeol reached it well because of his height. Baekhyun had to jump to get whatever was there. Chanyeol remembered watching from the end of the hallway to see Baekhyun’s reaction when he left gifts. Even if their relationship started as a bet, Chanyeol was serious about Baekhyun along the way. Maybe even before the bet.
When graduation day came, Chanyeol unsuspiciously passed by Baekhyun’s locker and switched their yearbooks. Baekhyun got the yearbook on top of his locker minutes later and wrote his message for Chanyeol. Before the ceremony started, both of them returned the yearbooks there. After the ceremony, Chanyeol hoped to meet Baekhyun one last time. They were attending different universities soon, so this was kind of a goodbye. Much to his disappointment, one yearbook stayed on top of the locker. Baekhyun left already. Chanyeol opened his yearbook and slid down the locker to sit on the floor. He read Baekhyun’s long message of admiration and pride for the alpha as happy students and parents passed by.
For the first time since they broke up, Chanyeol cried. He hugged his knees and cried silently. His chest felt so hollow. Baekhyun was leaving the city. He was moving on from all the circus high school gave him. He was moving on from Chanyeol. Wedged in a random page was the article Baekhyun wrote about the championship game. He heard Chanyeol didn’t get a copy of the newspaper because many of his fans hoarded the prints. The photo Baekhyun took was worth keeping apparently. So Baekhyun gave him the clipping of his article. It was a four-panel section of Chanyeol looking like he was having the time of his life. One was Chanyeol on the free throw line with his tongue poking out of his lips in concentration. Next was Chanyeol’s celebratory reaction after he scored a wonderful rainbow 3-point shot. Next was Chanyeol’s stern expression with his brows furrowed, looking straight to Baekhyun’s camera. He must have been disappointed with a call or something. The last one was the best one indeed. It was Chanyeol smiling to Baekhyun’s camera with his hand showing the number one.
He remembered that moment. He was so happy to get the score and the foul that he had to share it with Baekhyun. He was bragging to Baekhyun that he was number one for a reason. Baekhyun may have had to lower his camera to chuckle to himself. That was cute, he thought. He checked the shots, seeing he caught it. It was meant for Baekhyun only, but he released it for everyone to see. He shared it with everyone to send a strong message: this is the happiness you all took from me, so you can have it...I don’t want it anymore, I’m leaving it behind. Number One, it was their thing. Chanyeol saw Baekhyun’s handwriting beside that photo. You’ll always be number one to me, Park Chanyeol, it wrote. This crushed him completely.
Chanyeol turned away from Sehun's trophy and curled. He shut his eyes tight and hoped to fall asleep. He wanted to sleep, not remember why his heart was aching. Chanyeol gave up and opened his eyes. He let himself fall into a daze again.
Am I still number one for you, B? You’ve always been for me.