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Baekhyun took a deep breath and opened the door to their small and humble abode. It’s been an exhausting day at work but even more, emotionally, after hearing those constant hurtful words thrown to his husband from his so called friends and family.
Baekhyun married a guy named Park Chanyeol, someone bearing such a handsome face and kind heart, living just a simple life as a construction worker. His husband was everything sweet, his warm solace.
Falling in love was inevitable. Baekhyun saw all of Chanyeol, his joys and his sorrows, and he just knew and felt like he was home.
However, living the day-to-day life was a struggle. Both were working hard just to make ends meet. Especially Chanyeol's wage. The taller husband was just earning a little, working in construction wasn’t really stable and smooth sailing.
Going back again, Baekhyun had to swallow down the tears as he fought hard not to break down in front of his husband. As soon as the door opened, he was welcomed right away with a good meal already served on the table, invited to a nice and warm home, and was greeted by his husband’s gentle and loving smile that always touched his heart.
Baekhyun was enveloped into the soothing arms of his beloved. A kiss on his head, a sweet “welcome home love,” whispered to his ears.
“You’re a nurse Baekhyun, why him?”
“Baekhyun, I paid so much for your education! And this? You’re marrying a mere construction worker?!”
“If I were you, I’d leave him alone.”
“Maybe you’re under his spell. Poor you.”
“Baekhyun, you’re smart. Don’t settle for less.”
“What’s the matter?” the gentle voice of his husband yanked him back to his sanity and it’s only then that he realized he was already crying.
Baekhyun looked at his husband and his thoughts ran a mile again.
It’s not Chanyeol’s fault that he was born in a poor family. Chanyeol tried his best to finish even just highschool, even if he had to do part time jobs and had to suffer scarcity of sleep. It’s not his fault if the standards of the society were high and Chanyeol’s education could only reach this kind of job; the job was dignified and honest, but people were acting blind over it.
It was not Chanyeol’s fault… Baekhyun was one of the witnesses of how hardworking he was.
But despite the struggles thrown to him, Chanyeol didn't fail to provide Baekhyun his love, a comforting home, always ensuring he was eating three times a day, running his bath warm, ironing his scrubs neat and tidy. Baekhyun knew Chanyeol was washing his uniform with his bare hands, and polishing his shoes clean. The taller husband even opened a bank account and had been diligently saving for their future, and it was earning well. Chanyeol was doing everything that he could, just for Baekhyun’s sake.
And that hurts. Because Baekhyun was the only one who knew. Baekhyun saw Chanyeol’s value that everyone failed to see. Chanyeol was everything that Baekhyun wouldn't trade with anyone else.
For Baekhyun, Chanyeol was the best thing he had ever had.
Albeit the tears falling down from his eyes, Baekhyun managed to smile, reaching to touch the side of his husband’s handsome face that’s now marred with worry.
“I love you, love. I love you so much, hmm?”
Chanyeol returned it back, though eyes concerned, smile dimpled and adoring. He held Baekhyun’s face with his large gentle hands. “And I love you too, even more, everyday, hmm?”
“I know.” Baekhyun swallowed and then hugged the taller husband close and tight, nuzzling his tear-stained face into his comforting scent. “You mean everything to me too and I am sorry for not returning the same amount of love that you always give to me.”
Chanyeol hushed him down, voice cooing, swaying him gently from side to side. “Don’t be sorry. If anything, I should be the one thanking you, for not giving up on me.”
Comforting silence.
“I know Baekhyun. I saw…”
“I love him. He’s the best husband in the world and you people wouldn't understand that.”
“Park Chanyeol is my home. I will always return to him, I choose him.”
“I am smart, of course! And always right for choosing Chanyeol. He’s more than what you see him. He’s my everything.”
“I saw how you always defend me and I’d do anything for you Baekhyun. I am grateful.”
“B-But aren't you tired as well my love?” Baekhyun choked a sob. “My work is exhausting most of the time, but yours as well. Your job is even more exhausting but you never complain and you are always giving what’s best for me.”
He heard Chanyeol chuckle a little. “You’re my strength Baekhyun. When I see you, and you hug me like this, I become energized. You’re my rest in this tiring world.”
Ah… Baekhyun couldn’t ask for more.
Baekhyun extricated himself slightly away from the hug just to face the taller husband, staring at him affectionately. “I feel the same way too.” he muttered above whisper. He moved his other hand up to brush some bangs of hair away from Chanyeol’s handsome face, a reason to touch him more. “I admire you for always doing your best. You’re my strength as well. I will only believe in what I see and feel, and I don’t care what they say.”
Chanyeol sighed in love, “Thank you, my Baekhyun.”
Baekhyun hummed with a smile. “Thank you too, my Chanyeol.”
Some years later, Chanyeol pursued some short training courses and was able to attain a slot in a government office. The job was far way better than his previous job, and the wage was promising too.
Soon, Baekhyun never heard much from people about his husband. That’s the way it is. Chanyeol was finally having a good rest and life… with him.
They believed in love, and that’s all that matters.