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Loud applause and cheers echoed throughout the wedding hall after Chanyeol finishes the last note of the song.
He slowly opens his eyes.
He bows twice. First, in front of the newly-married couple. Then, his parents.
He has spent the last few days in his studio practicing Everglow for this special day.
He tried his best in perfecting his pronunciation, repeating the English lyrics which are foreign in his tongue over and over again until they feel natural. He sings and sings until he's satisfied with his own rendition.
Finally, it’s done. He feels proud.
In front of him, Park Yoora shares the same emotion. She carefully dabs her now-husband’s handkerchief on the side of her eyes, stopping her tears from cascading down her cheeks. She feels proud of her brother, thankful that he didn't think twice after she asked him to sing in her wedding. She didn't lie when she told him that she loves her voice so much.
It was perfect.
She glances at Chanyeol with a fond look in her eyes, mouthing her thanks to her little brother for singing.
Chanyeol returns the gesture by giving his sister a tight-lipped smile. His left dimple peeks through his cheek.
Today marks Yoora’s wedding with her long-time boyfriend of six years–a colleague–a media practitioner like herself. With the good looks she has, people would assume that Yoora would have a long list of suitors wooing her and that she would date around. But his brother-in-law was actually her first relationship. Eventually, her last.
She marries him at 27.
They decided to hold the wedding in one of the most lavish hotels in Seoul, upon Chanyeol's suggestion. He offers to pay for it himself, a wedding gift, he insists. Yoora knew better than arguing with him. Chanyeol’s persistent nature will tire her out. She agrees.
Looking at the hall now, this wedding is exactly what Yoora deserves. He’s thankful that his brother-in-law was able to make it a reality.
It’s a simple yet elegant ceremony. Exquisite, even. White flowers adorned the hall. Bright lights are strewn all over the ceiling. There’s also a string ensemble who is playing Pachelbel’s Canon in the background.
He goes back to the table that he and his friends occupy. He’ll have to congratulate her in person later.
Chanyeol slinks down on his seat and faces his friends.
The wedding ceremony continues.
“Oppa!” A little girl comes running excitedly towards him, lithe fingers holding her long dress.
“Hey, slow down, princess!” Chanyeol chuckles, face lighting up.
He spreads his arms, inviting his little cousin, Yeji, for a hug. “Did you like oppa’s song?”
She nods eagerly. Chanyeol lifts and takes her into his arms. Her short arms found its way on his neck for support.
“Doesn’t oppa deserve a reward for doing a good job? How ‘bout a kiss from the princess?”
This earned Chanyeol a giggle, then, a soft pair of lips on his cheek.
Chanyeol coos. He pats her head. “Such a cutie.”
Yeji cranes her neck, looking sideways, as if there’s something—or rather, someone—whom she’s looking for. “What is it?” He voices out.
She looks at Chanyeol, lips pouting. “Where’s Soo oppa?”
Chanyeol’s eyes widen.
About that, well, the thought entered his mind on his way to the venue—all sorts of excuses that he can tell them. At one point, Chanyeol thought of telling them the truth, in case someone asks, that he and Kyungsoo had already broken up.
Chanyeol recovers from the initial shock and feigns nonchalance. “Yeji,” A forced smile. He tucks the loose strands of hair in her ears. “Kyungsoo oppa is busy with work so he cannot come today.”
Kyungsoo is the closest to Yeji so it’s really no surprise that she’ll look for him. Kyungsoo always plays with her when he brings Kyungsoo to their family reunions and the younger has taken a huge liking to him. Telling her about the break up would definitely upset her. He couldn’t possibly tell that to a five-year-old.
“But I wanna see oppa,” She whines, lips puckered. ”I dressed up nicely today, I want to show her my dress.”
“I’m sure there’ll be another chance, princess.”
“Okay. Would you play with me, oppa?”
His feet ache, he has been standing way too long and walking here and there, heeding to whomever calls his name.
The rest of the day was spent tirelessly bowing and greeting the guests with his parents. In the middle of that, a couple of girls have made their way, asking for a photo with him. They’re his fans, they claim.
He cannot refuse—even if he’s tempted to—as the brother of the bride.
Well, it doesn’t even help that he’s been looking after his friends as well, who are popular in their own rights. Baekhyun and Jongin being solo artists, Sehun, a model, Jongdae, a vocal trainer also in SM and Junmyeon, a son of a chaebol.
Needless to say, his group of friends have attracted attention the moment they entered the hall, and he became wary. They might get mobbed and bombarded with attention. He told his friends about this worry, but they assured him that it is fine.
“Chanyeol-ah,” His grandmother greets. “I’m so proud of you, my grandson.”
She motions for Chanyeol to lean over, pecks his cheek and she caresses his cheeks after, cooing at Chanyeol like he’s still a child. An overgrown child.
“Halmeoni,” He grunts. “People are looking.” His cheeks are starting to turn pink at the attention they’re somewhat getting.
Halmeoni chuckles. “Oooh, is my Chanyeollie being shy?”
“Halmeoni, I’m over 6 feet tall, and in my mid 20s. What are they gonna think?”
“I don’t care, you’re still my precious Chanyeollie,” He sighs in defeat.
“Chanyeollie, why isn’t Kyungsoo here yet?” She looks confused. “I bragged about him to my friends, saying I know Wondeuk personally but they won’t believe me! So I promised them I would get them his sign—“
“Halmeoni,” He chuckles nervously. “I’m sorry he couldn’t be here today. He is busy filming.”
”He is? Has he been well? You should remind him to eat properly. Poor Kyungsoo, should I cook for him? You should bring him his favorite stir-fried octopus, I’ll make it for him.”
“Are you forgetting that I’m your one and only grandson? You seem to love him more than me,” He pouts.
He’s not really jealous, and he understands. Kyungsoo is loved by everyone.
“Is my grandson jealous?” She laughs. “You don’t have to worry. It’s just a pity that I wasn’t able to see him, I wanted to tell him I liked his new drama!”
“Okay,” He answers. “I’ll make sure to tell him, Halmeoni.”
“You better bring him on my birthday, Chanyeol. Or else—“
“Okay, okay! I’ll try my best.”
“Chanyeol-ah,” she starts, “Kyungsoo is such a good kid. I like him a lot. If you’re thinking of marriage, I fully support you.”
Chanyeol sighs, “Halmeoni, it’s too early to talk about this..”
“You’re almost 30. It’s not weird to think about settling down. You’re not getting any younger.”
“Halmeoni…” he warns.
“Okay, okay, I’ll stop now. Keep your promise, okay?”
“Yeah, I’ll try.”
He felt guilty. How was he supposed to tell them that they’re over? That he could no longer take care of him?
“Why didn’t you just tell them the truth?” Sehun retorts.
By this time, the guests have thinned out, and his other friends have said their farewells, citing work and rest. It’s only Sehun, his best friend, who is left.
“I can’t,” He reasons out. “Has it ever occurred to you that I couldn’t just tell my family—hey everyone, me and Kyungsoo broke up. you wouldn’t see him anymore—that would hurt them. He never missed our reunions. They expect to see him every time.” He sighs, arms slumped.
“Wouldn’t that be the right thing to do? After all, it’s been a year.” Sehun tells him. “Just tell them it didn’t work out. That isn’t very hard to do.”
“They love him too much, especially grandma,” Chanyeol is really conflicted. “Apparently, even her friends.”
Sehun guffaws. “Priceless.” He laughs even more in that high-pitched annoying laugh Chanyeol hates. “Can’t blame them for being huge fans of 100 Days Husband, Kyungsoo hyung did a terrific job. Even my grandmother liked it.”
He remembers joins in the laughter. “You should’ve heard halmeoni call him Wondeuk. It was funny.”
“Everyone in your family is whipped for Kyungsoo hyung.”
“I know right, when I talked to noona, she told me: Why didn’t Kyungsoo sing today?”
A hand slides on Sehun’s waist, a petite male gracing them his presence.
“Sehun, you idiot. Even Chanyeol is still whipped for my Kyungja.” Baekhyun butts in.
Chanyeol comments. “I thought you left already.”
“Sehunnie is my ride home.” A smirk finds it way on Baekhyun’s lips. “And I’m gonna ride him when we get home.”
Sehun, beside him, blushes.
Chanyeol rolls his eyes, “Baekhyun, shut your mouth, my relatives are just over there.”
He has the audacity to laugh. “Seriously, Chanyeol, I know you still love him.”
Silence engulfed the place.
“Wow, hyung. You aren’t even denying it.”
Chanyeol doesn’t answer, instead, he diverts his attention on the dance floor. The music has now been switched to a slower and sentimental song he’s heard before. Couples have now swarmed the dance floor, eyes eager, bodies swaying.
His chest hurts.
The last time Chanyeol found himself on the steps of this building was over a year ago. It was also the last time he set foot on this place. Sometime after the wedding and him walking Baekhyun and Sehun to Sehun’s car, he has decided to hail a cab and drag his feet to this apartment.
It was not wise to ring the doorbell at two am. However, when no one still answered, he knocked. He’s nervous beyond imagination.
Should he just leave? This must really be a bad idea. Blame Chanyeol and his bad choices. He must really stay away from alcohol.
His thoughts were cut short when the door finally opens, revealing the person who’s on his mind all night.
Thick eyebrows furrowed in annoyance, eyes squinting. His face looked puffy and like he was woken up from a fitful sleep. He wasn’t wearing his eyeglasses and he was ready to lash out on the idiot who was knocking in the wee hours of the morning.
Upon further inspection, the other person finally identifies who he is. His eyes widens.
A loud thud rang in Chanyeol’s ears, startled at the sound of the door closing. Before he can even register what happened, the door opens in a bit.
Kyungsoo appears again, wearing his black rimmed eyeglasses now, looking fully awake. “Chanyeol?”
Chanyeol can’t believe he’s seeing Kyungsoo again after a year. His face feels hot. He doesn’t register how long it has been, before he notices the creases on Kyungsoo’s eyebrows going further.
“H-hi,” He stammers. He wanted for the ground to swallow him whole. He goes here unannounced and uninvited only to make a fool out of himself.
“What do you need?” There’s no anger in his voice. It was rather calm, but a questioning lilt in his tone.
He clears his throat. It’s dry and hoarse.
“Kyungsoo, my sister got married today,” Chanyeol pushes back his hair, only to have his bangs fall right into his forehead. Kyungsoo follows the movement of his hand.
He’s starting to feel small in Kyungsoo’s intense stare. He continues, “Everyone was looking for you… Yeji, even Halmeoni. I.. They didn’t know we broke up.”
“You still haven’t told them?” He cannot identify that look on Kyungsoo’s face. Kyungsoo sighs. He runs his hands on his face, frustration. “Chanyeol, it’s been more than a year.”
“Halmeoni.. she— also Yeji, Yeji was expecting to see you and i didn’t—I couldn’t.. tell her she wouldn’t see you anymore. It’ll break her heart.”
It’s also breaking my heart. I wanted you there. I imagined you there, with me.
Kyungsoo was silent. He has an unreadable expression on his face.
“Chanyeol, look, it’s two in the morning. Why are you really here?” He knows that look on Kyungsoo’s face. It’s that look when he wanted to stop beating around the bush.
After a long pause, he decides to tell him what’s going on his mind.
“You were on my mind all night. I couldn’t let this night pass without seeing you.”
He heaves a sigh. Hesitation. He did it anyway. Kyungsoo’s eyes widen.
Tears are starting to form on Chanyeol’s eyes. “I know we’ve broken up but... I miss you, Soo.”
Kyungsoo froze. He looks conflicted.
“Chanyeol, you can’t just come here and tell me you miss me when..” His then steady voice wavers. Fragile, vulnerable. He breathes deeply. “...you’re the one who broke up with me.”
“I know.” I regret it the most. He whispers. Wind passes through his body and he shivers.
There’s a lump in his throat. A wrong idea. When he sees that Kyungsoo’s eyes are devoid of any emotion, he says.. “I-.. I’m sorry. I’ll just go.”
His knees feel weak. It’s suddenly cold. This was clearly a mistake. He’s so stupid to think that something will change by going to Kyungsoo’s place. Kyungsoo’s right. He’s the one who ended their relationship. He has no right to come barging at his door and say this. He’s selfish. He’ll hurt the both of them by doing this.
Kyungsoo tugs his wrist. The warmth of his hand burning Chanyeol’s skin.
“You’re shaking. Get inside.”
The last thing he imagines how this night ends is him in his ex’s apartment, bundled up in Kyungsoo’s blanket on his sofa.
“Here, drink this.” He hands him a cup of hot chamomile tea, which warms up his hands.
“Careful, it’s hot.”
He mutters, “Thanks.”
He lets his eyes roam around the place. His apartment looks the same, except that there’s no picture of the two of them stuck on the refrigerator door.
Kyungsoo is described as a neat and organized person, even when they were together. The apartment appears deserted, but it’s neat like always. There are a bunch of cooking utensils on the table, as well as other condiments which Kyungsoo really likes.
“Thank you, Soo.” Kyungsoo flinches at the sound of his name in Chanyeol’s tongue.
“I’m sorry for disrupting your sleep.” Chanyeol means it.
He thought Kyungsoo would go back to his room and sleep, but he went back to the counter and poured himself tea.
“How was the wedding?” Kyungsoo answers, instead, initiating the conversation.
“Grand,” He takes a sip from the cup. “Tiring. I thought my knees were going to give out.”
Kyungsoo laughs, “How’s noona?”
In no time, they got friendly again and just comfortable. Like the old times. Besides, things have always been comfortable and easy with Kyungsoo... prior to their breakup.
“Wait, let me just show you,” Chanyeol flashes his phone to Kyungsoo, a picture of him, Yoora and his brother-in-law. He and Yoora are holding hands.
“Noona looks gorgeous,” His lips tugged in a fond smile.
Kyungsoo teases. “You cried, didn’t you?”
“Wha–I didn’t!” He answers defensively. “How can you say that?”
“You’re a natural crybaby, that’s why. You’re easily touched.”
“I didn’t cry, I swear.” He blushes, “But I did get sad? It’s nothing.”
“Sad? About?”
“It’s just that... I kept on thinking about the happy couples dancing earlier.”
He continues. His heart is beating so hard. “I thought, that could’ve been us. But… I’ve been an idiot who broke up with the love of his life.”
“Chanyeol…”
“I know, I’m sorry. I’m going overboard.”
“I-I guess, it’s time to sleep. I’m going back to sleep.”
“Oh, right.”
“Good night, Chanyeol.”
Kyungsoo went back to his bedroom, but sleep eluded him. He couldn’t believe what he heard from Chanyeol.
Chanyeol remains awake.