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SIMULA

Multiple rings from his phone woke Chanyeol up from his precious sleep. Sa pagkakaalam niya sabado naman ngayon, kaya pwede niyang i-extend ang tulog kahit maghapon pa. He grunts when he sees Secretary Do 's name in the notification with almost five missed calls. Napa-igting ang panga siyang bumangon, kinusut-kusot ang mata, trying to push his sleepiness away. Being a CEO of a huge company like the Park Corp., caused a lot of sleepless nights. Hindi naman sa nagrereklamo si Chanyeol, dahil ginusto naman niya ang posisyon niya, ngunit sana hindi siya alisan ng karapatan sa pagtulog lalo na't Sabado naman. At sana alam ni Secretary Do 'yon.

"What is it? That you need to bother me with my precious sleep?"

"Oh well, hello to you too, sir."

"Cut the bull, Kyung."

"Well, you need to open your email."

"It's a freakin' weekend! If you're too workaholic to spend your weekend with work, please, wag kang mandamay?"

He heard Kyungsoo snort, Chanyeol looked around, too annoyed, pulling his tank top that was under the sheet. He clicked the loudspeaker button so that maririnig niya pa rin si Kyungsoo bago isuot ang damit. Naglakad siya palabas ng bedroom, at pumunta sa kusina. He grunts when he sees it is still nine in the morning, which it's unusual for him to get up, dahil minsan hapon na siya nagigising sa weekend. Kinuha niya ang cereal box at isang karton ng half open almond milk sa fridge at umupo sa isa sa mga stool ng kitchen island. Still, Kyungsoo is silent on the other end. Parang hinold pa ata siya, di ba ang bastos lang?

"If it's not that important, can we talk about it sa Monday?" He said halfheartedly, munching the spoonful of cereal. The taste was bad, iniisip niya baka dahil hindi lang siya nag mumog pero ewan, there was a distinct taste that stopped him from eating, pushing the bowl away.

"Go to your email, Mr. Parkㅡ."

"Kyungsoo, I swear to God! Wala ka bang date with Jonginㅡ"

"You're engaged."

"Of course!" Singhal ni Chanyeol bago siya napatigil. Doon lang nag process sa kanya ang sinabi ni Kyungsoo Do.

"With Baekhyun Byun." Dugtong pa nito na lalong nagpahilo sa umaga ni Chanyeol Park.

He might or might not want to go castrate his secretary because he thought Kyungsoo is just pranking him, pambawi sa lahat ng utos na pinagawa niya noong nagdaang linggo. But when he went to his email, refreshing the page. He saw an important email from Baekhyun's ( his bestfriend ) mom, congratulating the two of them for their engagement. 

And Chanyeol, well maybe he's still asleep and all of this is just a dream. Dahil, never in his reality, hindi niya lubos akalain na pwedeng mangyari ito. He disconnected himself from the call and typed a quick message to his bestfriend, telling the latter about the sudden engagement. Medyo na-offend pa siya sa sagot ni Baekhyun, but he masked it with the same silly banter. Asking the latter kung nasaan ito para mapag-usapan nila yung about sa engagement.

It is, for sure, a crazy Saturday morning, he lost some sleep, ate an expired cereal , don't judge him, inaantok pa siya, and now, he's engaged to his bestfriend aka the love of his life, pero torpe siya kaya hanggang bestfriend lang, named Baekhyun Byun.

Yeah, it is indeed a crazy Saturday morning.

The Best One.

When the sound of his keypad unlocking, Baekhyun found himself sprinting towards the door, para siyang tuta na naghihintay sa amo niya. Pero excited talaga siyang makita si Chanyeol, dahil bukod sa dala nitong pizza, gustong-gusto na niyang asarin ang bestfriend niya. Which he always did, nakakatuwa kasing asarin si Chanyeol lalo na't sobrang pikon nito. Isama mo pa na sobrang magugulatin ito.

Baekhyun grins at himself and thinks of an idea na gulatin si Chanyeol kaya dali-dali siyang nagtago sa built-in cabinet malapit sa pintuan. Ilang minuto pa ang hinintay niya bago isang malakas na kalabog at pagtawa ang umalingawngaw sa buong floor ng unit ni Baekhyun. At ayon si Chanyeol, yung pwet niyang flat mas lalo pa atang nawala sa pagkakaupo niya dala ng gulat. Si Baekhyun naman halos mamatay na kakatawa sa nangyari.

"Alam mo minsan, tangina mo," Chanyeol said, glaring at his bestfriend .

"Aww," Baekhyun pulls Chanyeol, patting his flat ass. "Sorry, mukhang di ka naman nasaktan e." Pang-aasar niya pa rito bago tulungan si Chanyeol atsaka kunin ang pizza box na hawak nito at dumiretso sa sala. Ni-ready na niya kasi ang ilang bote ng favorite beer nilang dalawa kanina nung sinabi ni Chanyeol na papunta na ito.

Napailing na lang si Chanyeol bago sundan ang kaibigan. He sighed, sitting on the carpet, si Baekhyun naman sa sofa. Tumapat siya kay Chanyeol bago pinatong ang mga hita sa magkabilang balikat ng matangkad na binata. Napa- aray ulit si Chanyeol nung hineadlock siya ni Baekhyun gamit ang mga binti niya. Nung naka recover, ginantihan niya ito at saka kiniliti ang talampakan. Para silang mga bata na nag kukulitin, at malamang kung nandito ang mga parents nila pareho na silang pinandilatan ng mata, conveying the word behave.

"Awat na!" Baekhyun said, pulling his feet off Chanyeol's shoulders. Nakinig naman ang huli dahil bukod sa hiningal siya sa kulitan nila, gutom na rin siya. 

Pagkatapos kasi niyang matanggap nang email ng mama ni Baekhyun kaninang umaga, halos nakatulala na lang si Chanyeol. Iniisip kung nananaginip pa ba siya? Pero, given the circumstances, napansin niya rin 'to na any moment soon maaring mangyari ang arranged marriage na yan. Hindi niya lang ma-open ang topic kay Baekhyun dahil natatakot siya sa maririnig na sagot mula sa binata.

These past few months, napansin kasi ni Chanyeol na panay ang family gathering ng pamilya niya at pamilya ni Baekhyun. At first, normal lang sa kanya since matalik naman talaga na magkaibigan ang mga parents nila pero the last few meetings, napapansin niya yung kakaibang panunukso ng mga magulang nila sa kanilang dalawa. Akala nga ni Chanyeol masyado ng halata na may gusto siya kay Baekhyun, dahil iniisip niya baka tinutulungan siya ng mga ito para umamin. But he's Chanyeol Park, the person na magaling magtago ng feelings. He didn't let them affect him. Normal pa rin siyang umaakto kahit sa kaloob-looban niya, parang gusto na niyang magpakain sa lupa.

Dahil oo na, torpe siya.

Naramdaman niyang may tumutusok sa pisngi niya kaya napalingon siya rito. Hindi na niya namalayan na kanina pa pala nakapatong ang mukha ni Baekhyun sa balikat niya. Sa sobrang lapit nila, maling galaw lang ni Chanyeol ay mahahalikan na niya ang kaibigan. Ngunit ang mga ganung bagay, normal na lang sa kanilang dalawa. They hug, hold hands, and kiss each other, except for lips, that's a no no for people na mag bestfriend lang. Just like what every couple does, but the thing is, they're not . 

Baekhyun is a clingy one. He don't know the thing called space when it comes to Chanyeol. Tinanong siya dati ng mga kaibigan nila kung bakit ganun ang pakikitungo niya sa huli, pero ang tanging nasagot lang ni Baekhyun ay pagkibit balikat. He didn't know how to explain it, not that he needed to . Ang alam niya lang Chanyeol is his Chanyeol. The kid he defended from the bullies in preschool, and the person who grew up with, sharing his ups and downs in life. 

or in other words, Chanyeol Park is his comfort person slash platonic soulmate.

"Payag ka talagang magpakasal sakin?"

Baekhyun looked at him, hindi na siya nakaiwas kaya tumingin siya pabalik. Still wearing a facade that he had mastered all these years of loving the man in front of him.

"Why not?"

"Anong why not? Baliw ka ba?"

Hindi sumagot si Chanyeol, binaling na lang niya ang tingin sa movie na kanina pa nagpe-play sa harap nila. Thinking, maybe he's really crazy . 

Pumayag siya kasi yun na lang naman ang tanging paraan para mapasakanya ang isang Baekhyun Byun. Hindi pa sinasabi sa kanya ng magulang niya yung about sa arranged marriage, there was already a suggestion in his mind about this thing. Like what the oldies said, kung di madaan sa santong dasalan, daanin na lang sa santong paspasan. He knows, he sounds so selfish pero hindi ba pwedeng kahit ito na lang ibigay na sa kanya? Na sana sooner or later in their marriage mapansin din ni Baekhyun yung pagtingin niya. Lord, anak niyo rin naman siya, ibigay niyo na, kasi kung hindi baka umiyak na lang siya habang buhay.

"Sakin, thinking about it. Okay na rin naman kung ikawㅡ"

"Wow, parang lugi ka pa talaga ha!"

Baekhyun laughs, "hindi kasi yon, I mean, at least kilala kita. I know we can make this marriage work because we always work things out, right? We've known each other since we're four, and that was like, for twenty seven years!"

Napatungo na lang si Chanyeol, at tinignan ulit si Baekhyun, na ngayon naman nakatingin sa movie. Nakasubsob ang baba niya sa balikat ni Chanyeol, yung kamay niyang libre hawak-hawak ang isang slice ng pizza, tapos yung kabila nakapulupot sa leeg ni Chanyeol. Hindi niya talaga alam ang salitang space, noh?

"I just didn't expect na it will be youㅡagain walang masama ha! sinasabi ko lang, na maybe we're really stuck with each other for a long time. Just like what we promised twenty seven years ago, kung natatandaan mo pa."

Of course, Chanyeol knew it all too well.

Everything that involves Baekhyun Byun, siguradong special for Chanyeol Park.

"I know, and…" Madali siyang umiwas ng tingin bago magpatuloy, "how about you? are you okay with it? I mean, let's just say you do have a choice, will you still say yes?" Parang hangin na lang yung huling linya dahil natatakot si Chanyeol sa pwedeng isagot ng kaibigan. Mabuti na lang matalas ang pandinig ni Baekhyun kaya narinig niya pa rin 'yon.

"If Song Kang is in the choices, malamang siya ang pipiliin ko." Natatawang sagot ni Baekhyun. "Pero, if I have a choice, maybe ikaw pa rin? Alam ko namang alam mo, I'm single since birth. And I don't see myself entering a relationship. Though, I think what we have is already a relationship. Mind you, a stable one. So yeah, you're still the best option for me." Nakangiting sagot nito bago nguyain ang last piece ng pizza niya.

Chanyeol grunts when he noticed Baekhyun's greasy fingers went to his white Vetements shirt, kahit kinikilig siya sa mga sinabi ni Baekhyun, umakto na lang siyang naiinis at saka tinulak palayo ang mukha ni Baekhyun. Ramdam niya rin kasi ang pag-init ng mukha niya kaya dali-dali niyang nilagok ang beer para may madahilan siya kung tanungin man siya nito kung bakit namumula siya. It's funny how those simple words make him fall for his bestfriend, deeper than the Pacific Ocean. Para bang binaon sa lupa si Chanyeol at di na nakaahon pa. He was the one who asked Baekhyun pero nag backfire, kinikilig tuloy siya. A smile appeared on his lips, letting himself na kiligin sa ngayon and thinking he'll deal with the aftermath later. 

He'll just enjoy their new status as an engaged couple ( not a couple really but yeah, whatever, let him sleep tonight with a smile on his face.)

The Engagement Party.

Kinabukasan.

Gaya nga ng sabi, utos rather dahil nakareceive siya ng message sa mama niya, susunduin niya si Baekhyun. He sent a message to B, na nandito na siya sa basement. Ayaw naman niya kasing mag-agaw eksena sa lobby, lalo na't alam na halos ng karamihan yung about sa engagement nila. Na-published kasi sa isang article na rumored engaged na nga raw ang dalawa, syempre with a nosy society around them, maraming gustong makakita if totoo ba.

Hindi naman kasi maiiwasan yung ganung mga bagay, considering they're part of the society na nakakaangat talaga at parang isang reality show ang buhay. Elementary pa lang na-process na ni Chanyeol na hindi lang sila basta-basta.

When he's five, akala niya, his dad was just a normal employee of a company. And his mama, well part din ng company pero mostly in the kitchen since she was wearing a chef's hat all the time. Little Chanyeol would always brag about it to his schoolmates. And of course, mag fa-fight back ang mga kids, saying mas maganda ang work ng parents nila. That was where little Baekhyun found him, crying because those school bullies made fun of little Chanyeol's parents. 

He consoled Chanyeol, pats his back habang sinasabi pareho ng work ang mga parents nila. Baekhyun's dad is a company worker ( again, just like Chanyeol thought, a normal one,) and his mom is a pastry chef. Hindi nila alam that time na magkakilala ang parents nila, nalaman na lang nila later that afternoon when both of their moms, came and picked them up. 

Starting from that point, madalas na nilang nakikita ang bawat isa. Little Chanyeol enjoyed little Baekhyun's company while his parents were busy. Minsan nga, when weekends came, lagi siyang nagpapahatid sa bahay nila Baekhyun to spent the whole day playing, and looking at Baekhyun's mom while she's working in the kitchen. Nakaupo lang sila sa stall, feet swinging as they talked, eyeing the freshly baked goodies to be out of the oven.

That, most probably, was his childhood. Spent it over the Byun's all the time because his parents were too busy to go home. Though, naiintindihan naman ni Chanyeol at saka hindi naman naging issue lalo na nung nalaman niya na hindi lang simpleng company employee at chef ang mga magulang niya. He never questioned them. Hence, Chanyeol was and is grateful for his parents because they can provide for his needs and wants in life.

Though, the only exception was when they were too controlling over his life. Para bang naplano na nila ang buhay ni Chanyeol, kahit hindi pa siya naiire ng nanay niya. When he asked them why, sabi lang nila they wanted what was best for him. And again, naiintindihan naman ni Chanyeol 'yon. Pero he made a deal na kapag may napatunayan na siya sa mga magulang niya, they would stop this controlling thingy. 

Which they did to be honest.

When he got his master's degree at the age of 25, hindi na niya hinintay na offeran siya ng dad niya mag-manage ng company nila. He insisted to be part of the Park's legacy, built by his great grandfather that was passed to his dad, generation wealth ika nga nila. At the age of 27, he had already closed lots of big projects for their company. Naging matunog ang pangalan niya sa buong mundo because of this. Chanyeol was eager to make the Park Corp. the best of the best. Hindi naman nakakapagtaka 'yon dahil only months after him being introduced as the new CEO, napatunayan niya agad na kaya niyang gawin. His dad was so proud of him as well as his mom and even his grandfather, they bragged about him everywhere.

Thanks to Baekhyun and his shoulder for those times that he needed it. Si Baekhyun lang kasi ang nakakita ng pag b-breakdown niya whenever he lost trust with himself. Halos gabi-gabi siyang sinusundo noon ni Baekhyun nung may isang project na nascam under his name. Magulo, maraming nawalan ng tiwala sa kanya, pero Baekhyun was there. He was the best support system, encouraging him that he can do it. That he's Chanyeol Park, the competitive flat ass man. Baekhyun said he can defend himself, and made them believe in him again. 

And of course, si Baekhyun yon. Makikinig siya sa huli. Chanyeol did everything. He led the investigation, silently collecting proofs, and then bam, personally made his way to the court to file a lawsuit against that certain company and media outlets na nanira ng pangalan niya.The only reward he got from all of those was a hug from Baekhyun. The legit reward na masasabi niyang worth it. The endless gratitude he whispered to Baek before he collapsed in his arms due to stress and exhaustion. Pagkagising niya, nandun pa rin si Baekhyun sa tabi niya, hawak hawak lang siya habang mahimbing din na natutulog. 

"Kanina pa kita tinawagan, akala ko nakalimutan mo na ko," Chanyeol said as soon as Baekhyun entered his car. Inabot naman niya ang isang water bottle at saka binigay kay Baekhyun. Normal yon dahil matakaw talaga sa tubig ang huli.

"Sorry, my phone was off kasi alam mo naman si mama, the messages she sent to me last night parang siya ata ang e-engaged sayo! Mas kabado pa sya kesa sakin." Natatawang sabi ni Baekhyun bago isuot at seatbelt. Natawa na lang din si Chanyeol, dahil kilala naman niya ang mama ni Baekhyun na ganun pagdating sa anak. "Akala niya siguro hindi ako sisipot," dugtong pa nito bago i-connect ang phone niya sa speaker ng kotse ni Chanyeol at nagpatugtog.

Kung si Chanyeol controlled ng mga magulang niya, si Baekhyun naman, being the bunso of the Byun family , sobrang spoiled. He's the mischievous type but still prim and proper when it comes to his studies. Chanyeol was the living evidence of that. Baekhyun Byun is the walking encyclopedia, literally and figuratively. He's too genius na minsan hindi na lang gugustuhing makipagtalo ni Chanyeol sa kanya dahil idadaanan siya nito sa parang case study na diskusyon. Wala talaga siyang laban kahit anong pagpapaliwanag niya. Kaya rin siguro walang nagbabalak manligaw dito nung college sila dahil nakaka intimidate talaga ang isang Baekhyun Byun. He's the standard . Mahihiya ang magiging partner niya dahil sa achievements ng binata.

It was like hitting the jackpot kung makaka date mo ang isang Baekhyun Byun. Which in this case, wala pang nakaka-hit ng jackpot kasi wala namang nagtangka.

Kahit nga si Chanyeol, nahihiya.  

He's too good for him, kaya rin siguro di niya magawang magconfess? Para bang kahit anong dami ng napatunayan niya, wala pa rin, di pa rin siya karapat-dapat. Pero except right now, at the age of 31, Chanyeol Park needs to do some actions. Simple lang naman, sabi niya nga paspasan na.  That's why when his parents open the topic about it, agad na sumagot si Chanyeol na siya ang pipili ng mapapangasawa niya. Wala namang nagawa ang parents niya at um-oo na lang.

That leads him to Baekhyun's mom asking him that one fateful night.

At first akala niya, prank lang. Knowing Mama Byun, para siyang si Baekhyun. She's impulsive sometimes kaya minsan hindi na nagtataka si Chanyeol kung saan nagmana ng pagka-impulsive ang kaibigan. The first time she dropped the question, parang nahulog din ang puso ni Chanyeol sa paanan niya. His mind flashing red warnings na, he has been caught. Alam na ng mga magulang ni Baekhyun ang feelings niya para sa anak nila. But when his tita said that he's the best candidate for Baekhyun, syempre gusto niyang um-oo, still, he told her, desisyon pa rin ni Baekhyun ang masusunod.

And maybe he would cry, if ever tumanggi ang bestfriend niya. But fortunately enough for him, hindi naman, causing them to be in this car on their way to the venue of their engagement party.

Few moments after, with their endless bickering sa kotse , nakarating naman sila sa venue na walang sugat o pasa sa mga katawan nila. Baekhyun didn't wait for Chanyeol to open his door, as usual, but he waited for the taller bago pumasok. And just like what he always does, he reached for the taller's hand and laced their fingers together. It is always like that, again, normal lang 'yon. Walang malisya.

"Kabado?" malumanay na tanong ni Chanyeol sa kanya.

"Sakto lang, I mean, I think everyone knows naman na somehow we will end up with each other. For formalities na lang 'tong party."

That caught Chanyeol's attention.

"Huh? What do you mean?"

Baekhyun looked at him and shrugged, leaving a confused Chanyeol behind as he walked a  bit ahead of him. Still, magkahawak kamay pa rin pero mas nauuna lang si Baekhyun. Hindi na lang din pinansin ni Chanyeol 'yon at nagpatuloy sa paglalakad. Una nilang nakita sa venue ang mama ni Baekhyun. Humiwalay sa kanya ang binata para tumakbo sa mama nito, as usual pugpog ng halik si bunso along with the line, "ang baby ko ikakasal na."

Chanyeol also made his presence noticeable by greeting the lady, kissing her cheek. Baekhyun's mom squeezed his hand, prolly saying she's grateful to him. Baekhyun came back to his side, locking Chanyeol's left arm in his hold. They entered the party hall with lots of people smiling at them. Syempre ngumiti na lang sila, dahil bukod sa hindi naman nila ganun kakilala ang iba, ay gusto na nilang matapos 'to at umuwi, either his or Baekhyun's pad, together. When they reached the end, kung saan naghihintay ang pamilya ni Chanyeol at ang dad and kuya ni Baekhyun, they exchanged hugs before the emcee started talking, welcoming the newly engaged couple.

Baekhyun stuck to his side, unconsciously squeezing his arm. A hobby that Chanyeol knows he's kinda anxious with what is going on around them. Pulling his arm away from Baekhyun's hold, napatingin ang huli sa kanya, medyo nakafrown pa na parang bata na inagawan ng candy. Chanyeol smiled and curled his arm around Baekhyun's waist. A small smile immediately blooms on the latter's face. 

"I won't leave you," Chanyeol said in a hush, na sure siyang si Baekhyun lang ang nakakarinig , assuring the latter.

"Promise?"

"Promise."

There are few more tables , bulong ni Chanyeol sa isipan. Tumingin siya may Baekhyun na halata mo rin naman na pagod na. Kanina pa kasi sila umiikot sa bawat lamesa na mayroon sa venue. Every table they went, kailangan batiin and then may pa-picture pa. Nakakapagod ngumiti at makipag socialize, knowing wala naman sila nun. 

"Kuha mo ko ng beef broccoli later ha," Baekhyun whispered to him, noong nadaanan nila yung buffet section na nakahain.

"Sige, two more tables na lang then. I guess, we can eat?" Chanyeol said, caressing Baekhyun's knuckles.

Tumungo na lang ito at hinayaan na hilahin siya ni Chanyeol. Few more moments pareho na silang naupo, the latter told his parents na kakain lang sila at uuwi na dahil maaga pa ang pasok ni Chanyeol sa opisina bukas. Hindi naman na ito kinukwestyon pa at hinayaan silang kumain with much deserve silence.

"This is good," sabi ni Baekhyun, turo yung plato ng beef broccoli na kinuha ni Chanyeol. He gets a spoonful of that and turns to the taller male. Automatik naman na bumuka ang bibig ng nakatatangkad na binata para tanggapin ito. Chanyeol hums, dahil pwede na, hindi naman sa pagiging pihikan pero may taste naman siya. He knows when the food is a 10/10 and best for recommendation. Hindi katulad ng mga vlogger sa tiktok, joke.

"Kuha pa ko?"

"No na, gusto ko lang tikman. The dish is good pero hindi siya yung tipong se-second plate ka."

"Grabe, nang lait pa."

Baekhyun could only gave him a light chuckles bago ito sumandal sa braso niya.

"Pagod?"

"Hmm. Wala na kong social batt."

"Gusto mo na bang umuwi? Nagpaalam naman na ko kina dad, they've said naman na they can wrap the night for us."

Baekhyun buried his face in his arms as he nodded. Naririnig niya pa ang mahihinang reklamo like, bakit kasi kailangan pa ng party? Alam naman na ata ng buong Pilipinas na ikakasal tayo, at iba pang hindi na maintindihan ni Chanyeol. Pagod na ito, halata naman sa tamlay niya. Chanyeol could only squeeze the former's thigh bago siya dahan-dahang tumayo. He met Baekhyun's dad's eyes and mouthed na pagod na si Baekhyun, tumungo na lang ang papa ng binata, bago sabihan si Chanyeol na mag-ingat sa pagmamaneho. Lumapit din sa kanila ang mga mama nila, giving them kisses on their cheeks bago sila pinayagan lumabas ng event hall. 

Pagpasok pa lang ng kotse, Baekhyun finds his comfort scarf, na bitbit niya kahit saan siya magpunta. Bigay ito ni Chanyeol sa kanya, eleven years ago. Chanyeol went away and stayed in the US for two weeks na para yon sa isang convention sa school niya. Initially, it was Chanyeol's, but Baekhyun finds the scarf comforting him in all aspect. Leaving the taller male with no choice but to give it to his bestfriend, kahit favorite niya ring gamitin 'yon, and told the latter na kapag namimiss niya si Chanyeol, isuot niya lang 'yon. Hindi naman nawawala ang amoy ni Chanyeol dahil everytime na magrereklamo si Baekhyun na hindi na ito amoy Chanyeol, pupunta siya sa huli at manghihingi ng pabangong gamit at iispray sa scarf. It was always like that for eleven years now. Na kahit mainit sa Pilipinas, wala lang kay Baekhyun 'yon, susuotin niya pa rin ang scarf, fashion can be damned for hell he cares.

Baekhyun put down his phone and waited, not so patiently, for Chanyeol to open the door of his bedroom. Minuto lang ata ang hinintay niya bago pumasok ang matangkad na binata, dala ang favorite scarf ni Baekhyun. Napangiti siya rito bago i-extend ang kamay para kunin yung scarf, Chanyeol gently passed it to him bago umupo sa kama niya. 

"Tulog na," sabi ni Chanyeol habang haplos ang buhok ng kaibigan.

Halata naman kasing inaantok na ito pero pinipilit pang ibukas ang mata. Wala namang ginawang pagtanggi si Baekhyun pero patuloy pa rin ang pagtitig niya sa kaibigan. Medyo na conscious tuloy si Chanyeol though hindi siya umiwas at saka tinignan din ang binata.

"Dito ka na lang matulog," Baekhyun said.

"Kung pwede lang, kaso maaga pa ko sa opisina bukas."

"Gigisingin na lang kita ng maaga."

"Oks lang, may alis ka bukas diba?"

"Hmm. Kasama si kuya Min tsaka si Dae."

"Sleep ka na," Chanyeol said, touching Baekhyun's cheek, "para may energy ka bukas."

"Yakap?"

Chanyeol could only sigh before removing his jacket suit. Luckily, natanggal na niya ang sapatos pagkaenter ng pad ni Baekhyun kanina kaya hindi na siya mahihirapan pang mag tanggal ng sintas. Napansin niya yung lawak ng ngiti ni Baekhyun, smiling to his smooth victory dahil alam niyang hindi na uuwi si Chanyeol at doon na matutulog. Ewan pero gusto niya lang makasama si Chanyeol. Lagi naman silang magkasama, or magkatext kapag busy sila masyado para magkita physically. Somehow, when people wanted to see any of the two, kailangan mo lang tawagan ang isa dahil matik alam nun kung nasaan ang hinahanap mo.

They were attached at the hip. Ganun sila.

Chanyeol positioned himself beside Baekhyun. The latter was the one who spread his arm para gawing unan at sumiksik kay Chanyeol. Baekhyun sneaked an arm around his waist bago niya iparada ang mukha sa leeg ng kaibigan. Too much skin contact for people na mag bestfriend lang. But, then again, they don't mind. Lalo na ngayon, they're engaged. Siguro naman wala nang magtatanong sa kanilang dalawa kung bakit ganun na lang sila umakto sa isa't-isa.

"Thank you for today," Baekhyun whispered. "I don't think I could survive the event kung wala ka roon."

"Welcome, and thank you as well." Chanyeol replied, fingers carding Baekhyun's locks. "For accepting the marriage without thinking twice. I know hindi madali para sayoㅡ"

"I will marry you in a heartbeat, Chanyeol. You know that."

"Hmm, I don't, okay? I know you had plans. You didn't see this coming. You always told me, you'll marry someone when you feel that they're the one who you want to spend your life time withㅡ"

"And it's you. You're the one. "

Natahimik na lang si Chanyeol at hindi na sumagot pa. Maya-maya naramdaman niya ang pagdagdag ng bigat sa beywang niya, at malalim na paghinga ni Baekhyun. Marahan siyang napangiti bago bigyan ng halik sa noo ang kaibigan. Thinking, how unpredictable Baekhyun can be. And sooner or later, events like this one , there are more to come. 

Hindi niya lang alam kung kakayanin ba ng puso niya.

The Clingy One.

Chanyeol chuckles as he puts down his phone. Naiimagine ni Chanyeol ang pamumula ng mukha ni Baekhyun. Nabalik siya sa pagtipa sa keyboard, natatawa sa sarili habang iniisip niya yung namumulang mukha ni Baekhyun. Hindi tuloy siya makapag concentrate. Maya-maya pa, biglang bumukas ang pinto, leaving a shock Chanyeol staring at the fuming Baekhyun, teka lang, hindi siya prepared,

"Anong sabi mo!?"  

Gulat na tinignan ni Chanyeol si Baekhyun bago agarang tumayo. May bitbit itong pouch na ready na niyang ibato sa kaibigan. 

"Joke lang! kapag ako nagbibiro, brutalㅡ"

A flying chapstick came across him buti na lang mabilis na tumalikod si Chanyeol para hindi siya matamaan. Natawa na lang siya bago humarap ulit sa namumulang si Baekhyun at saka lumapit. Nakanguso pa ito na parang bata, isama mo pa ang panlilisik ng mata niya kay Chanyeol. The latter thinks of an idea to distract Baekhyun by leaning down and kisses his round cheek.

"Wag ka na magalit, biro lang 'yon. Pikon naman masyado."

"Parang sinabi mo na rin na hindi mo gusto ang ayos ng office mo! Remember, it was me who designed this."

Chanyeol looked around the place and nods, not agreeing to the first sentence ha. He nods, because yes, tama naman si Baekhyun. He lets the latter designed it, turning out na it's a comfortable place for him ever since. Kapag kasi nasa office siya, iniisip niya everything around the place was touched by Baekhyun and somehow, it made him calm kahit sa loob ng apat na sulok na yon, stress lang ang nakukuha niya.

"Kaya nga joke lang, may binago ba ko rito? Wala naman diba? I love this place because you designed it. Pwede ka nang interior designer, to be honest."

"Sus, hindi ganyan ang sinabi mo kanina!"

"Biro nga lang, ano ba."

He settled back in his office chair, pushing back his specs, letting Baekhyun to roam around his place. But when he noticed na sumunod lang din ito sa kanya, Chanyeol could only show off a smile.

"Wala ka bang trabaho, Byun?"

"Hmm? Wala. Guguluhin ba kita kung meron?"

"Well, kahit meron. Yes, nanggugulo ka pa rin."

"Di mo naman ako tinataboy." 

Baekhyun pushed him a little bit bago umupo sa kandungan niya, napairap pa si Chanyeol kahit sa loob-loob niya kinikilig siya. Sobrang domestic nila tignan, hindi pa nga sila kasal, what if kung kasal na di ba? He held Baekhyun's waist para hindi ito mahulog, sumandal naman ang huli bago tumingin sa computer screen.

"What are you working on? Is it the one na pina-proofread mo?"

"Hindi, iba na. New joint venture, though reviewing lang ng proposal, sabi ni dad ayaw niya raw because my history ng graft and corruption yung company but the deal is great naman kaya I'm still reviewing it, finding something para tanggihan. You know, trust the elderly."

"Business." Baekhyun sighs, "too complicated."

Natawa na lang si Chanyeol bago bumalik ulit sa pagbabasa. He's comfortable naman kahit medyo awkward yung position nila ni Baekhyun. Sanay naman siya sa ganun, since madalas kapag bored na sa bahay si Baek, pinupuntahan talaga niya si Chanyeol at mang gugulo.

Hindi naman siya tambay, naasa sa magulang type of kid. In reality, Baekhyun is like his mom. A pastry chef na nakabased sa France. He would visit the place once a month to give the new recipe he invented sa mga apprentice niya. He didn't need to be there sa France since kahit pumikit si Baekhyun, kumikita siya. Kaya nga he's not the sole ownership of the pastry shop in France kasi ayaw niya humawak ng business. Trusted naman niya ang mga partners niya sa business since he knew them from college pa. Sa zoom na lang sila pag may kailangan na attendan si Baekhyun na business meeting.

"Nag lunch ka na ba?" Baekhyun asked, tilting his head towards Chanyeol.

"Di pa, pero I ate brunch kanina bago ako mag simula mag work. How about you?"

"I did, with Dae bago kami maghiwalay. Susunduin niya pa kasi si Frea sa school. Di na ko sumama, tamad me magdrive ng malayo."

"Then what do you want to do? Wala akong free time kaya di kita masasamahan pero I can ask naman Manong Richie to drive you around."

"Nah," Baekhyun twisted his body para nakaharap na siya kay Chanyeol. Hindi naman nagulat si Yeol, dahil , again normal lang yon sa kanilang dalawa.

"Can I stay here? I won't make kulit, inaantok din ako, so yeah."

"Of course, paayos ko yung bedroom?"

Baekhyun immediately shakes his head and hides his face sa balikat ni Chanyeol.

"Can I sleep here?" Though muffled, naintindihan naman ni Yeol 'yon.

"Mukha ba kong kama?"

"Yups," bago sinundot sundot ang tagiliran ni Chanyeol. "Ang fluffy o," natatawang sambit ng binata bago kurutin ng bahagya yung sobrang balat ni Chanyeol.

Napa-ismid naman si Chanyeol, pinagsisisihan na niya kung bakit ang dami niyang kinain kanina. Making a mental note as well to hit the gym later kahit saglit lang.

"Matulog ka na bago pa magbago isip ko at ihagis kita."

Natawa si Baekhyun bago ipulupot ang braso sa leeg ni Chanyeol. It's not the ideal position to sleep, but again, he's comfortable. Tumungo na lang siya at humikab. Chanyeol unconsciously caressed his back, as he thoroughly read the article he was reading. Hinigpitan niya lang ang hawak kay Baekhyun when he noticed na nakatulog na ito.

His secretary, also one of his friends, Kyungsoo, was about to speak when he motioned him to keep quiet and pointed at Baek with his lips, kissing the latter's temple in the process. Napa-ngisi na lang si Kyungsoo, mouthing the word enjoy , before walking back to his post.

Chanyeol could only do that for years, enjoying the times he could be this close to the love of his life .

Moments lang this, malayang hinahayaan lang ni Chanyeol ang sarili niyang mahalin si Baekhyun. When everyone in his world becomes silent, all of a sudden, the loudness of his feelings for his bestfriend blooms. Walang ibang magawa si Chanyeol kung hindi ang tumitig, pagmasdan ang natutulog na binata at ibulong sa hangin kung gaano niya ito kamahal.

The Meet-Up.

They've settled somewhere in BGC. Nauna na si Baekhyun bumaba dahil kanina pa sila hinihintay nila Minseok and Jongdae habang naiwan si Chanyeol at naghanap ng paparking-an. 

Sabado naman kaya naaya ni Baekhyun na lumabas si Chanyeol ng bahay. Though the initial plan ay sunduin na lang si Baekhyun later pagkatapos ng lakad nito at mag dinner together but the smaller male insisted na sumama na lang siya dahil gusto rin siyang makita nila Minseok at Jongdae. The last time kasi sabi ng mga kaibigan isama naman daw niya minsan si Chanyeol. Wala namang problema ang kaso nga lang, busy si Chanyeol, kailangan ng appointment ng kung sino man ang gustong kitain siya, well, except kay Baekhyun.  

Pumasok na rin agad siya sa restau at hinanap ang upuan nila Baekhyun. Of course, as expected, halos lahat ng ng nasa loob napalingon kay Chanyeol. Malakas kasi talaga ang dating niya. Mapapansin at mapapansin pa rin siya kahit simpleng t-shirt na white at maong pants lang ang suot niya. Sama mo pa yung slippers niyang Supreme. Sobrang simple lang talaga niya kapag weekends gala katulad nito.

"Grabe, kapogi." Minseok said, tumayo para batiin siya with their usual bro hug. While his fist met Jongdae's and do a short bump. Tumabi na siya kay Baekhyun na busy sa pagtingin sa menu. Hindi na siya nag-abala na makisilip dahil alam naman niyang o-order-an na siya ng kaibigan.

"Congrats again sa engagement." Panunukso ni Jongdae sa kanya, "never thought kayo pala talaga ang magkakatuluyan."

Minseok chuckled, "gags, nakatala na sa prediction book ni Nostradamus na sila ang endgame! Wag ka na magulat."

Nakitawa na lang si Chanyeol at pasimpleng uminom ng tubig, kinakabahan. He knew that Baekhyun's friends know what he feels towards the latter. Hindi lang nila ma open ang topic because, somehow, ayaw nilang pangunahan si Chanyeol. It's funny to think that everyone around them could see how much he loves Baekhyun more than a friend should, except Baekhyun himself.  

Ganun ka manhid ang bestfriend niya.

Though, Chanyeol is a very patient man, dahil partly, kasalanan naman niya kung bakit hindi alam ni Baekhyun 'yong bagay na 'yon. 

Nauwi sa kamustahan ng mga buhay-buhay ang naging usapan bago nila mapagpasyahang umuwi na. Si Kuya Min kasi may appointment sa vet clinic para sa mga alaga niyang pusa. Si Jongdae naman, susunduin niya ang mag-ina sa bahay ng in-laws niya. Leaving Baekhyun and Chanyeol alone. 

"Saan tayo?" Baekhyun said as his eyes were glued to his phone screen. Kanina pa ito parang busy sa phone na halos hindi na nila makausap. Iniisip ni Chanyeol baka about sa business pero when he caught the latter smiled a few times, medyo nagtataka na siya.

Though, even he's curious as hell, hindi niya pa rin naman magawa ang sumilip sa cellphone ng kaibigan. That's beyond the line. Yes, he's jealous because someone is making his Baekhyun smile like that, pero hindi naman siya gagawa ng ikakainis nga binata. Chanyeol still knew where to stand.

"I don't know, ikaw bahala," sagot niya rito. Baekhyun was walking ahead of him, a safe distance pero hindi naman naiiwan si Yeol. Pansin niya rin naman na tumitingin tingin si Baekhyun para masigurado na nasunod pa rin siya sa huli.

Baekhyun halted, buti na lang nakatingin sa kanya si Chanyeol kaya naiwasan siya ng matangkad na binata.

"Live a little, minsan ka na nga lang lumabas at magka-time, ganyan ka pa!" sabi nito sabay turo sa kanya.

"Excuse me, I am. Hindi naman porket di ako lumalabas madalas ng bahay, ibig sabihin hindi na ko nag-eenjoy."

"Seryoso ganyan ba talaga lahat ng CEO? para kang si kuya Beom, naging CEO lang parang allergic na sa labas."

"And? Nagreklamo ba siya kung lagi lang siyang nasa loob ng bahay? Hindi naman, we had different ways on how to enjoy our free time, kung sayo it means by going out, well samin it means staying at home and doing indoor activities."

"Gah! such a boomer!" sabi ni bago maglakad na ulit palayo, "dapat talaga si Yixing na lang inaya ko." Dugtong pa ni Baekhyun.

Kahit mahina lang, narinig naman ni Chanyeol ang mga salitang 'yon. Napatigil tuloy siya at saka napatitig na lang sa papalayong si Baekhyun. 

Somehow, the name brought memories to Chanyeol.

Because that name caused Chanyeol's first heartbreak of loving Baekhyun Byun silently.

The Cake Tasting

"In the kitchen!"

Chanyeol heard Baekhyun hollered, kahit pagod sa trabaho dahil sa never ending niyang meetings, dumiretso kaagad siya kay Baekhyun. He never let the man down kahit ano pang ginagawa niya, he is willing to drop it for Baekhyun Byun dahil tama naman ang huli, he is Chanyeol's priority.

When he entered the kitchen pansin niya agad yung iba't-ibang cakes na nakalagay sa iba't-ibang saucers. Sa pagkakatanda niya, apat lang ang sample cakes pero sa nakikita niya mukhang more than ten ito.

Baekhyun greeted him with a kiss on his cheek bago siya hilain nito pauntahang kitchen island kung saan prenteng naka display ang mga cakes. Para tuloy siyang nasa cake shop sa dami ng mga ito. Though, he can't resist na maglaway because they all look so ravishingly good.

"How's work?" Baekhyun said, affectionately squeezing his left thigh.

"Still the same, loaded," answered Chanyeol as he loosen his tie. Baekhyun helped him naman at siya na ang nagtanggal nito. He also opened the first button of his polo bago ito ngumiti sa kanya at hinaplos ang pisngi niya.

"You did well, tenga."

"Thanks," Chanyeol said, kissing Baekhyun's thumb in the process before he looked at the delights in front of him. Baekhyun patiently discussed to him the type of cakes and fillings that there are. Sinubuan na rin siya ni Baekhyun, one by one, and prepared his water on the side.

"Tell me which one you like by the two, level by level since medyo marami 'to." Natatawang sabi ni Baekhyun, dahil alam niya sa sarili niyang medyo naging OA siya sa paggawa ng cakes para sa cake tasting nila.

"I like this one, is this strawberry cream?" Chanyeol said, pointing at the cake with the fork.

"Yups! That's a Kirsch sponge cake with strawberry and raspberry cream. Is it not that sweet, noh? medyo maasim kasi yung fruits."

"Nah, balanced lang since mas maganda pa rin may kaunting acidity to balance the flavor."

They continued to exchange opinions until they were on the last piece, which was a marbled sponge cake soaked in red wine, filled with milk chocolate mousse.

Chanyeol was never fond of sweets, napapakain lang talaga siya because of Baekhyun and the latter's passion for this. Pero, even though like that, alam niya pa rin naman kung paano umappreciate ng pagkain. May taste naman siya noh.

"So we're down with the lemon sponge cake, almond cake, tiramisu, and the red velvet one."

Napatingin si Chanyeol, actually busog na siya, di na niya kaya pang tikman isa-isa yon dahil nagawa na niya kanina. Pero his mouth wanted to taste more. 

"What do you think?" Baekhyun looked at him, "I can't decide, because obviously the pastry chef can't make a decision, si client pa rin syempre."

Chanyeol grunts, "client ka rin naman, you're the one I'm marrying!"

"I know," Baekhyun laughs, "but you should, for this one."

Napatingin na lang si Chanyeol sa cake, and then kay Baekhyun. The latter has his elbow planted in the island and his palm supporting his face while he stares at Chanyeol, waiting for the taller to decide.

"What if these four flavors are in one cake? I love all of them, can't choose," sabi niya sabay subo ulit ng piece nung red velvet cake. He didn't know, maybe dala na rin ng pagiging head over heels niya kay Baekhyun, pero nakakaadik talaga yung mga cakes, parang kahit walang sweet tooth si Chanyeol, he can eat those in one sitting.

"You're too greedy, mister," Baekhyun said before leaning on his bestfriend's shoulder, "lucky you, it's my wedding as well. As much as I want to just make one, pagbibigyan kita."

He smiled when Chanyeol kissed his crown, "I know, you're the kindest." Pambobola nito bago bigyan siya ulit i-kiss, this time sa temple naman.

Baekhyun smiled, lacing their fingers together. It was still unbelievable, in a good way, that he'll be Mr. Chanyeol Park in a few more weeks. 

At kung magiging vocally honest si Baekhyun, he would admit, it's pleasing to his ears.

The Suit Fitting.

"So? How do I look?"  

Napa-angat ang tingin ni Chanyeol sa lalaking kaharap. His mind concludes that he's the most ethereal person Chanyeol met in this lifetime. Sa harap niya nakatayo ang matalik na kaibigan suot ang isang white velvet na suit. Bagay na bagay kay Baekhyun ang napili niyang suot, para siyang anghel sa totoo lang.

"You," Chanyeol said, before smiling, dimples flashing as he continued, "look so beautiful, Baek."

Dali-daling tumalikod si Baekhyun at humarap sa salamin, to see himself as well. Si Chanyeol naman hindi maalis ang tingin sa una. Legit na para siyang napako ng tingin dahil kahit pagkurap ay hindi na niya magawa.

"This look, I like it." Baekhyun said, meeting his eyes in the mirror. "Kaunting adjustment lang siguro since maluwag pa siya sa bandang waist ko, right?"

Wala sa sarili na tumungo na lang si Chanyeol at saka napalunok. Hindi niya lubos akalain na in two weeks tops, may bahay na niya ang magandang binata sa harap niya.

"How about you? nakapili ka na?" 

"I think I'll go with the black Armani suit na lang na nakita natin."

"But the Prada one looks better. Why don't you try them both? Then we'll see? Mmmkay?"

And just like that, Chanyeol was already guided to one of the rooms para makapag palit siya. Si Baekhyun naman ang naupo sa couch, scrolling through his phone while waiting for Chanyeol.

Moments later, lumabas na rin si Yeol, suot ang Prada suit na sinasabi ni Baekhyun. 

"So?"

Pinagmasdan niya lang na umangat at tingin ni Baekhyun, at nung nagkatitigan sila, lumawak ang ngiti nito.

"You're made for this piece," sabi ng huli at saka lumapit kay Chanyeol. Umikot siya to see the fit and fortunately, sobra siyang natutuwa. Yung mga nag-assist sa kanila, nakangiti na rin because the couple looks so loving.

"I think so? It fits naman, wag lang luluwag I think papangit sa akin."

Baekhyun snorts, "what are you saying? I told you, it is made for you," he gently held Chanyeol's waist and turned him around to face the mirror, "see, you're so handsome with this suit. And it suits you."

Pareho silang natawa sa kakornihan ng joke ni Baekhyun. They stayed in front of the mirror, looking at each other. Parehong may malawak na ngiti sa mga labi. Chanyeol thinks this is it, a new chapter with Baekhyun. Hindi man ngayon ang kasal, ngunit grabe ang kabog ng dibdib niya. 

He's in love with Baekhyun, and the last thing he wants to do is marry him. Hindi sa ayaw ni Chanyeol or nagbago na ang isip niya. Gusto niya lang muna mag confess, and maybe manligaw kung sumang-ayon sa kanya ang pagkakataon. Kahit naman siguro, tanggapin ni Baekhyun ang nararamdaman niya, deserve pa rin nito maligawan. His bestfriend has been single for a long time, no dating record, mas malinis pa sa Manila Bay ang dating history ni Baekhyun. And syempre, if ever na papalarin gusto ni Chanyeol iparanas kay Baekhyun kung paano maligawan.

Cliché man pakinggan but that's Chanyeol Park.  

Handang gawin ang lahat para kay Baekhyun Byun.

"We're bagay," Baekhyun said. Doon lang napansin ni Chanyeol na nakapulupot na ang kamay ni Baekhyun sa waist niya, side hugging kumbaga.

"Tao tayo," Chanyeol said, laughing. His hands touched Baekhyun's, caressing the smooth skin.

"Right, tao nga," may nakakalokong ngiti sa mukha ni Baekhyun kaya napa-irap na lang ng mata si Chanyeol dahil alam niya, hindi na namang magandang sasabihin si Baekhyun.

"Huwag mo na ituloy kung panlalait yan," Chanyeol said, pinching Baekhyun's nose.

"Grabe ang judgemental," Baekhyun said with a frown. "I was about to say tao tayo, yes, but technically speaking, we're made for each other, just like our suits for us."

"You think so?"

"I know so, tenga." Baekhyun said, looking at him with so much intention. " Because you're my soulmate."

Chanyeol nods, pulling his body away from the embrace and wraps his arms around Baekhyun. They fit so perfectly na kahit yung mga tao sa paligid nila, hindi maikakaila 'yon. Chanyeol was made for Baekhyun and vice versa, sigurado sila ron. Para silang kape't tinapay, champorado at tuyo, mangga at suman, puto dinuguan. Ganun sila ka-perfect combination. 

For Chanyeol, Baekhyun is the missing puzzle piece in his life. And in the next two weeks, kahit hindi pa man siya nag tatapat, alam niyang buo na siya.

Baekhyun is officially his.

The Assurance.

Chanyeol was in the edge of leaving his office dahil sa dami ng files na kailangan niyang reviewhin. Isama pa na magkasama ngayon si Baekhyun at yung dati nitong crush na si Yixing.

Kampante naman si Chanyeol na walang agawan na mangyayari dahil Yixing has a special someone back in his country, China. Paranoid lang si Chanyeol because what if, in the span of two weeks, mag back out si Baekhyun? And the reason? Maybe marealize niya na pwede pa siyang magkagusto sa ibang tao at pumili ng papakasalan hindi lang dahil sinabi ng magulang niya.

Just like what he felt for Yixing way back in college.

*

"Yeol?"

Tahimik lang si Chanyeol na nagbabasa ng BLaw niyang libro ng lumapit sa tabi niya si Baekhyun. As expected, kahit na nakatingin siya sa pahina ng aklat, ang buong atensyon niya naman ay nasa kaibigan.

"Hmm?"

"Can I ask you something?"

That was the point where Chanyeol closed his book and turned his full body to Baekhyun. He noticed the way the latter fidgets in his seat. Kaya alam ni Chanyeol, seryoso ang pag-uusapan nila.

"Sure, ano yon?"

Baekhyun was biting his lips, kuhang-kuha ang atensyon ni Chanyeol kaya hindi niya narinig ang tanong ni Baekhyun. Tanging pagtitig lang sa mapupulang labi ng kaibigan ang nagawa ni Chanyeol.

"Yeol, are you listening?" iritableng tanong nito.

Chanyeol bobbed his head at saka tumingin sa mga mata ni Baekhyun.

"Can't hear the previous one. Can you repeat that?

"Sabi ko," Baekhyun leaned forward, may safe distance pa rin pero pansin niya ang lapit nilang dalawa. Napalunok tuloy siya dahil alam niyang masama para sa puso niya ang nangyayari.

"Hmm?"

"How… how do you know when you like someone?"

Chanyeol stared at his bestfriend, waiting for him to pull a "joke lang, seryoso mo naman," phrase pero naghintay siya sa wala. Clearing his throat, umayos ng upo si Chanyeol bago diretsong tumingin sa unahan niya. Buti na lang medyo madilim na sa bahaging 'yon ng campus kaya hindi mapapansin ni Baekhyun ang pamumula ng pisngi niya.

"Well," panimula niya, "you like someone when you're attracted to them. Not only physical attraction. The passionate urge to know them better and to be known by them. Also, if you like someone, there's a never ending list of qualities you admire towards that person , the never ending answer to that question kumbaga. And lastly, if you feel happiness just by standing so close to them without even saying something.

Chanyeol looked at Baekhyun, hoping that his stares would somewhat poke his bestfriend to wake up and see what he truly felt for him.

"I guess that's how you like someone."

Tahimik si Baekhyun, pero halata naman na nag-iisip ito dahil sa gusot sa pagitan ng mga kilay niya.

"I…" Baekhyun said, staring at Chanyeol.

Ramdam ng huli ang bilis ng tibok ng puso niya, thinking , ito na ba? Is this the time na mag s-slow motion ang buong paligid kasabay ng pag-amin ni Baekhyun na gusto niya rin si Chanyeol?

Pero maybe, assuming talaga si Chanyeol, kasi nag expect siya na 'yon ang sasabihin ni Baekhyun. Kaso nga lang, hindi niya inexpect ang mga susunod nitong sinabi.

"I think I like…y…yixing."

*

Napapikit na lang si Chanyeol when that certain memory flashes across his mind. It was his first biggest heartbreak. Kung anu-anong pag-alo sa sarili ang ginawa niya para lang masabi na ok lang yon, makikita rin ni Baekhyun si Chanyeol . Pero gaya nga ng sabi ng mga kaibigan niya, walang mangyayari kung hahayaan niya lang parati.

Narinig niya yung pagbukas ng pintuan ng office niya, marahil si Kyungsoo. Pinakuha niya kasi ng kape sa pantry ang secretary niya dahil mukhang he needs his fourth cup of coffee for that day so sobrang daming nangyayari sa isip niya. Nakalimutan na niya mag function mag-isa kaya ayan, dumedepende na naman siya sa kape.

"Baba mo na lang sa table, then you can leave. Tatapusin ko lang 'to, promise uuwi na ko."

Chanyeol said, still with his eyes closed dahil kanina pa pumipintig ang sentido niya. Nagsisimula na rin umatake ang migraine niya kaya mas lalo niyang kailangan ipikit sandali ang mga mata.

"Sabi naman kasi sayo, umuwi ka na."

Baekhyun was there, holding a glass of water, meeting his eyes as soon as he opened it. Halatang worried ang kaibigan dahil sa nadatnan niyang estado ni Chanyeol. Baekhyun gave him the glass of water, forcing him to drink it. Bago niya kinuha ang mouse ng computer ni Chanyeol at nilagay sa sleep mode ang device.

"Kita mo, computer nga natutulog, ikaw pa." Nakapamewang na sabi ni Baekhyun bago niya hilain si Chanyeol patayo. Napatingin na lang sa orasan ang huli bago tumingin kay Baekhyun na hawak pa rin ang kamay niya.

"Asan si Kyungsoo?"

"It's already 8 PM, kaya hindi maligaw-ligawan ni Jongin yan si Kyungsoo dahil sayo. Lagi mo na lang late pinapauwi." Maktol ni Baekhyun bago niya buksan ang pintuan doon sa extended room ng opisina ni Chanyeol. It was like a bedroom para kung sakaling hindi na siya makauwi dahil sa pagod, pwede na siyang magpahinga rito.

"Take off your jacket suit, and go to bed. Will just check the door if nakalock, kapag balik ko dapat nakahiga ka na kung hindi susuntukin talaga kita para makatulog ka," pagbabanta pa ni Baekhyun bago ito tumakbo palabas.

Nakangiting sumunod naman si Chanyeol, pinatong niya ang jacket suit sa armrest ng couch, lying down his body. Ramdam niya kaagad yung pagod sa buong katawan niya kaya agad siyang pumikit. Minutes later, Baekhyun also went to the bed, pulling Chanyeol to his side. 

"Please take a rest in between, kung di pa ko tatawagan ni Kyungsoo, malamang kaharap mo pa rin yung computer mo."

"Sorry, hmm?" Chanyeol gave his jaw a kiss, "ayoko lang kasi na kapag nag bakasyon tayo after the wedding, guguluhin nila ako kung saan man tayo pupunta."

"And I will assure you, wala silang makukuhang sagot sayo dahil sakin na muna yang phone mo para naman makapag relax ka."

Chanyeol laughed at it, "how's your night out with Ishing pala?"

"Aysus, ayan na nga ba, ako ba talaga ang tinatanong mo o kalagayan ni Yixing ang gusto mong malaman?"

"Baekhyun."

Natawa na lang ang huli, "joke lang. Ayon, nagbakasyon siya dito pero babalik din sa China in three days. Gusto ka nga niya makita pero sabi niya baka nga busy ka raw. Inexplain ko rin naman sa kanya at naiintindihan naman ni kuya. By the way, kapag daw libre tayo, invited tayo sa launching ng sarili niyang entertainment sa China."

Chanyeol hummed, "tignan natin, kung pwede naman, why not? pero if hindi ako pwede, you can go naman, alam ko namang namiss mo na dati mong crush." Panunukso niya kay Baekhyun bago tumawa.

Isang malakas na pitik sa noo ang nakuha niya, "napakatagal na noon, Chanyeol. Masyado mo namang sineryoso. Parang three days ko nga lang naging crush si kuya tapos wala na."

"Kinabag ka lang noh?"

"Oo, kaya nga sabi ko I think I like Yixing kasi hindi ako sure kung totoo ba 'yon."

"How about right now?"

"Anong right now?"

Chanyeol looked at him, propping up using his elbow.

"May… nagugustuhan ka ba?"

"Si Song Kang?"

"Psh. Not that, hindi mapapasayo 'yon. I mean, normal peopleㅡ"

"Normal si Song Kang!"

"Yeah, normal people around you, Baekhyun."

Kahit kinakabahan, Chanyeol is still waiting patiently for Baekhyun to answer. Kanina niya pa pinag-iisipan kung paano niya maitatanong kay Baekhyun ang bagay na 'yon, that's why when he saw an opportunity, he grabbed it.

"Well, tao lang naman ako, nagkakagusto. Kaya oo, may nagugustuhan ako."

Chanyeol heard his heart shattered in pieces again. Pero he turned deaf at it, bago nagpatuloy.

"Kung ganun…bakit ka pumayag magpakasal sakin?"

Baekhyun was quiet for some time bago siya ngumiti, pulling Chanyeol back to his old position and cradles him closer to his chest before he said:

"Because that's the only way."

The Vow.

Another day na nahatak na naman siya ni Baekhyun.

"You're too impulsive sometimes!" Chanyeol said, eyeing the man in the driver seat. A laugh from Baekhyun reverberates inside the car. Hindi pa rin alam ng una kung saan sila pupunta, it's a Sunday night, wala naman siyang pasok bukas, thankfully, kaya okay lang na sumama siya. His mom insisted kasi na mag-leave na si Chanyeol a week before the wedding para naman hindi siya mukhang stress while walking in the aisle di ba?

"Maybe, it's the wedding blues?"

"I thought it would happen after the wedding, not before?"

"Well, I'm unique in my own way, Yeol."

Chanyeol looked at Baekhyun, unconsciously biting his lips. Hindi niya alam kung matutuwa ba siya sa information na 'yon or what. Having wedding blues before the wedding only means having doubts about it. Normal naman yon, pero masakit para kay Chanyeol dahil para na ring sinabi ni Baekhyun na hindi siya sigurado sa kasal.

Natahimik na lang siya at bumaling ng tingin sa may bintana. Iniisip niya kung tama pa ba na ituloy ang kasal kasi kahit naman gustong-gusto niyang pakasalan si Baekhyun, kung ang huli naman ay hindi magiging masaya, parang hindi naman tama na ituloy pa.

"I can hear thoughts," Baekhyun said, reaching for his hand. Napatingin siya sa sa binata bago ngumiti.

"Nah, I'm just wondering saan tayo pupunta. It's almost midnight."

"Well, di ba hindi mo pa nakikita yung wedding place? Doon kita dadalhin and we'll practice our wedding!"

"Bukas pa ba 'yon? Baka mamaya makasuhan pa tayo ng trespassing."

Baekhyun could only shrug, and started driving when the green light flashes. Napatingin na lang si Chanyeol sa kamay nilang dalawa.

Silently hoping to give him a sign, kung itutuloy pa ba niya kasal.

The cold breeze hits Chanyeol's face. Wala sila sa Tagaytay pero yung lamig maikukumpara niya roon. He knows their garden wedding will take place somewhere in Antipolo. Si Baekhyun ang pumili, noong una gusto pa nito beach wedding pero he was too annoyed at the strong wind. Sabi ni Baekhyun baka hindi ma-design-an yung place because of it kaya he decided why not a garden wedding?

They are both fond of nature naman, and nothing could go wrong in a garden wedding. Somehow, for Chanyeol, it was quite his dream wedding, hindi niya lang masabi kay Baekhyun. The thought of getting married in a simple garden makes the celebration more intimate. Well, for him.

"Madilim na, sigurado ka bang papasukin pa tayo? Mukhang tulog na rin ang mga caretaker dito."

"Nah, nabigyan ko na sila ng head ups na pupunta tayo, so don't worry."

"Grabe, you really planned it?"

Nagkibit balikat lang si Baekhyun bago hilain si Chanyeol papasok ng venue. Guard ang sumalubong sa kanila, na agad naman nakilala si Baekhyun bago siya may parang inoperate sa gilid. They were both astounded when the fairy lights, hanging in the trees, suddenly light up. Madilim pa rin but it was enough para mabigyan sila ng liwanag. Luckily, sabi nung guard, kakatapos lang daw may ikasal kanina kaya yung ayos pang wedding pa rin. Natuwa naman si Baekhyun at dali-daling hinatak si Chanyeol papasok ng mismong venue.

Tama nga si kuya Guard dahil ang ayos ng lugar, medyo tabingi lang yung ibang upuan pero all in all pang wedding talaga ang ayos. May pa red carpet sa aisle and flowers on the side, petals of white roses ata yon, and there was an arc as well na napapalibutan ng hanging flowers. They both concluded na simple lang ang kasal kanina because there were no exaggerating details around the place.

"It won't be like this sa kasal natin pero what matter the most ay ang maikasal, right?"

Chanyeol nods, "well, the simpler, the better."

"But once in a lifetime ka lang ikakasal. You should do it the way you want."

"Bakit? How do you imagine your wedding ba, Baek?"

Baekhyun unknowingly smiled at him, "Well, it's the one that will happen next week." 

Chanyeol looked at the man, ramdam niya ang mahina ngunit mabilis na kalabog sa dibdib niya. He didn't know but there's something with how Baekhyun answered him these past few days. Y ung sagot na parang may pag-asa si Chanyeol sa kanya. Ayaw naman niya mag-assume pero in the end, hindi niya mapigilan.

"So let's start? You'll walk first, then, I'll follow, just like how it is in the program." Baekhyun said, caressing his back. "I'll meet you in the end, okay?"

Tumungo lang si Chanyeol bago maglakad. He could feel his hands sweating in an unusual way. At this point, para talagang ikakasal na siya dahil sa tripleng kaba na nararamdaman niya. There are no people around pero feeling niya jina-judge siya ng mga decors and chairs. He continued walking until he reached the end, humarap siya just to see Baekhyun waving at him on the other end and smiling so wide. He can't help but simper at the sight, and mouthed your turn to his bestfriend.

At that point, ramdam niya ang pagtigil ng paligid. Ang buong atensyon niya ay nasa lalaking kaharap na unti-unting naglalakad papalapit sa kanya. 

His mind flashes scenes, from the first time he saw Baekhyun twenty seven years ago to the time he realized he was in love with his bestfriend at the age of fifteen. Akala ni Chanyeol nung una, simpleng puppy love lang kaya hinayaan niya lang. He thought, mawawala rin dahil Baekhyun is his bestfriend . Platonic lang. Pero when he reached eighteen, it was something na alam ni Chanyeol hindi na niya kayang itanggi.

Kaya tinago na lang niya.

Natakot kasi si Chanyeol, hindi niya alam paano ang gagawin. It was the first time he saw Baekhyun the other way. Not just a friend, but more than that. Ten years after and sure siya, his eighteen years old self would only give him a sympathetic stare. But they were very much alike, mas lalo nga lang in love si Chanyeol ngayon.

"Masyado pa lang mahaba," Baekhyun said, giggling as he looked at the aisle. He, then stares at Chanyeol na nakatitig lang sa kanya, parang malalim ang iniisip.

"Huy, okay ka lang?"

"Can we say our vows?" parang wala sa sariling tanong ni Chanyeol sa kanya.

"Hindi ko pa nagagawa yung vows ko!"

"Say whatever comes to your mind. I won't judge you, Baek." Hinawakan niya ang kamay ni Baekhyun, "go on, I'm listening."

Baekhyun stares at their hands, he opened his mouth, "ang hirap naman ng on the spot." Natatawang sabi nito. "Well, we've come a long way. I met you since we were kids, at first sabi ko bakit parang hindi normal ang tenga mo?" Baekhyun chuckles, caressing Chanyeol's knuckles with his thumb, "akala ko may sakit ka because of it, pero nung nakita kitang umiiyak kasi inaaway ka, I was so mad. I know it was just a childish act but I told you, I'll stick to your side until you feel fine, di ba?" 

"Then from that moment, I promised to myself I'll defend you to anyone who will make you cry, and you promised naman na you'll stay by my side until the end. It might be embarrassing, but I always hope na sana hindi mo makalimutan 'yon. We were kids, may mga part tayong hindi na maalala pero sa akin, parang kahapon lang 'yon. I remembered everything about it, and I hope that you stay true to your words."

"Then in a blink of an eye, who would have thought we would survive high school in different schools? Natatakot talaga ako baka mamaya kalimutan mo na ko, and makahanap ka ng bagong bestfriend, pero hindi, because you always made time for me. Kahit busy ka sa school activities isang tawag ko lang sayo, tumatakbo ka agad kung nasaan ako."

"I felt so happy. Iniisip ko, I don't need anyone. Because you're enough."

Chanyeol looked at Baekhyun. Ramdam niya ang pag-init sa gilid ng mga mata niya. Hindi niya tuloy alam kung tama ba na pinauna niya si Baekhyun dahil mukhang ang ending ay iiyak siya at hindi na makakapag salita pa.

"Then college came, Benilde lang yung choice ko since sila lang ang may program para sa course na gusto ko. Then you told me sa La Salle ka na lang para magkatapat tayo and pwedeng magkita any time. Sobrang tuwa ko kasi, ako na naman, priniority mo na naman ako . Kasi kahit dream school mo ang Ateneo, you told me okay lang basta kasama mo ko."

Chanyeol knows it, marami siyang sinakprisyo para kay Baekhyun. Kasi nga mahal niya . Ayaw niyang malayo sa binata kasi natatakot siya. Natatakot din siya na baka may mag-iba kapag nagkalayo sila.

"And look, ako na naman. You wanted to marry the love of your life sabi mo dati pero tignan mo, sa akin pa rin ang bagsak mo." Natatawang sabi ni Baekhyun, bago punasan ang sariling luha na hindi namalayan ni Chanyeol. Kanina pa pala naiyak ang binatang kaharap.

"I was always your prio, kaya minsan naiinis ako sa sarili ko kasi feeling ko ang selfish ko na. Yes, maybe I did some things for you, pero wala yon sa mga nagawa mo para sa akin. You were always there, Chanyeol. You never give me a reason to feel alone. You cared for me like what my family does. You stayed through my tough times kahit na minsan pinapalayas kita kasi gusto kong mapag-isa. Pero makulit ka rin talaga kasi the next day, you're still waiting for me outside my door. Halos wala pang tulog kakahintay na maging okay ako."

Ramdam na rin niya ang pagtulo ng sariling luha, kaya agad niyang pinunasan 'yon. Baekhyun reached for his cheeks with his free hand, and caressed it gently. Thumbing away his tears kahit tuloy pa rin sa pagtulo ang sarili niyang mga luha.

"And lastly, you loved, love me like a lover. I don't know what it feels like pero alam ko sa sarili ko. I don't need someone to make me feel those jittery feelings. Kasi, ikaw, like what I've said, you're enough to make me feel love." 

Baekhyun leaned a little closer, pulling Chanyeol enough for his forehead to touch the latter's.

"I'm not afraid of what tomorrow can bring to us, because I know you're always there, staying beside me. And our love is enough for us to build a future together. You and I. Always."

Baekhyun kisses the tip of Chanyeol's s nose, medyo namumula na dahil sa pag-iyak niya.

"So thank you, I will always be, and forever, grateful to you, Chanyeol. I hope you give me a chance to prove myself to be worthy of you and your love."

Baekhyun, before he finished his sentence, fished out something in his back pocket. Chanyeol peeked in, just to see a velvet box in Baekhyun's grip.

"I was finding a perfect time to give this to you, and I think this is the time?" Baekhyun giggles, opening the box and presenting it to Chanyeol. 

Of course it's a ring, not just one but two with different sizes. Napatingin sa kanya si Chanyeol, waiting for something pero nagkibit-balikat lang si Baekhyun bago kunin yung isa sa mga singsing. 

"I only imagined you to receive this ring. And fun fact, I bought this in France with you in mind. Dapat sa birthday mo talaga 'to, but then I don't have any reason to give you a ring. Ayaw ko rin magulat ka." He smiled when it was perfectly fit to Chanyeol's finger. Simple lang yung design pero bagay na bagay sa huli. "Now, with few more days till our wedding, hindi naman na siguro kokontrahin ng universe kung bakit kita binigyan ng singsing, hindi ba?" 

Chanyeol looked at it, and his mind started to chant , 'it is the sign.' The one that he was asking earlier, ito na binigay na agad sa kanya. He's now confident enough to think whatever happens after the wedding and it will for sure bloom into something na hinding-hindi niya pagsisisihan. 

And he feels like the universe gives him a second chance to make Baekhyun, not only in the paper, be his, officially.

Bumalik sila ng Manila na hindi man lang nakapag sabi si Chanyeol ng wedding vows niya. Though, it was fine, wala na siyang energy to say some things na ang ending ay magpapaiyak sa kanila.

He thinks there's a suitable time for his sentiments and confession for Baekhyun, wag lang muna ngayon.

He's currently driving them back sa apartment niya. Mas malapit kasi ito kaysa sa condo ni Baekhyun. The latter agreed in a heartbeat when Chanyeol suggested na sa apartment na siya ng huli matulog. Hindi naman na umangal si Baekhyun.

Pagkatapos ng iyakan session nila, pareho na lang silang natawa, sitting on the chair as they looked up, watching the night sky. Walang nagsasalita, pero hawak nila ang kamay ng isa't-isa. Panatag ang puso ni Chanyeol, hindi niya alam, pero sapat na ang mga narinig niya kanina para maging matapang at sumubok.  

He turned to Baekhyun when they arrived in front of his apartment. Mahimbing pa rin na natutulog sa shotgun seat ang huli, habang hawak ang kamay ni Chanyeol. He doesn't have a heart to wake the smaller male pero ayaw naman niyang maghintay na gumising ito. Hindi rin naman siya makakilos para buhatin dahil nga hawak pa rin nito ang kamay niya. He gently taps Baekhyun's nose, isa sa mga effective ways kung paano ito gisingin. And syempre, matik na nagbukas ang mata nito pero mukhang bad mood dahil sa kunot sa noo niya.

"We're here." Chanyeol said, pushing back some fringes out of Baekhyun's sight. "Let's go na, so you can sleep comfortably."

Naunang bumaba si Chanyeol, he smiled when he caught a glimpse of his ring, shining under the moonlight. Maliit na bagay, pero yung dalang saya kay Chanyeol, iba rin. He opened the door for Baekhyun and guided him papasok sa bahay. Kapag kasi talaga inaantok si Baekhyun, wala na siyang pake sa paligid niya. Either you drag, push, or kahit nga batukan mo, okay lang sa kanya. All that matters to him is a comfy bed and sleep.

Agad na dumiretso si Baekhyun sa kwarto ni Chanyeol na alam na alam niya kung saan. Habang ang isa naman, nakasunod lang sa kanya, umaalalay dahil may tendency na mabangga si Baekhyun dahil sa sobrang antok. When the latter hits the bed, agad siyang pumuwesto sa side niya, which is the right side of the bed. Pinatay naman ni Chanyeol ang ilaw bago babaan ang room temp, ayaw kasi ng bestfriend niya na masyadong malamig. Si Chanyeol naman kasi hindi ginawin kaya todo ang aircon niya, pero dahil nandito si Baekhyun, siya ang mag aadjust.

Pinagmasdan niya lang ang paghinga nito bago siya tumabi at dahan-dahang kinabig si Baekhyun para mayakap. Gumalaw ng bahagya ang binata, but when he felt Chanyeol's arms around him, bumalik na ulit sa tulog si Baekhyun. He kisses the latter's forehead, "you'll be the cause of death," bulong niya. "I love you so much, Baek."

He didn't notice the smile blooming in Baekhyun's face as he whispered the exact words silently, pulling Chanyeol closer as he couldn't wait for the man to be his husband.

The Stag.

He was welcomed in a private hotel room somewhere in Makati. Sinundo siya nila Jongin kaya wala na talaga siyang nagawa kung hindi ang sumama. When they entered the room, may mga tao na rito. Familiar faces are what he can see, binati niya pabalik ang mga bumati sa kanya out of respect na rin. Jongin gave him a bottle of beer habang si Sehun naman nasa booth ng DJ. He's amazed kung paano naplano agad ng dalawa yung party, na parang kaninang hapon lang siya sinabihan.

Hindi na rin masama, because the wedding made him anxious as hell. A little distraction, (alcohol, obviously,) to calm his nerves. Alam naman niya ang bottle limit niya kaya kampante naman si Chanyeol na makakauwi ng ligtas.

"Just enjoy, we prepared a show for you." Bulong ni Sehun nung makalapit siya sa likuran ng upuan ni Chanyeol, squeezing his shoulder as he points in front. He rolled his eyes at the remarks. 

"But before that, suot mo muna to, sayang effort namin kung di mo susuotin," Jongin said, forcing him to wear the sash with the glittery words of 'the last bachelor.' 

"Can we just start and get this done?"

Everyone laughed. That was when he noticed the familiar faces, like his Kuya Junmyeon na ka-orgmate niya sa college and also his friend Sehun's special someone, he doesn't know the label of him and his friend, pero sure naman siyang may nangyayari sa kanila behind close doors. Also, his secretary, Kyungsoo Do, na nakangiti sa kanya habang may hawak na red cup. There were more few na kilala niya personally, mga high school batch mates nila since originally, sa high school naman niya nakilala sila Sehun.

The room gets dark, and all of a sudden the spotlight is on his face, napamura ng mahina si Chanyeol. Then a, slow seductive music played by the DJ. A couple of almost naked girls and boys entered the room. Napa-ismid na lang si Chanyeol bago yumuko, regretting his decisions already. He appreciates naman the effort of his friends to give him a stag pero kung si Baekhyun na lang ang ininvite nila to dance in front, edi natuwa pa si Chanyeol.

Nabaling ang tingin niya sa singsing na binigay ni Baekhyun, silently praying na sana tawagan na siya ng huli at sunduin. But he knows naman nasa sariling bachelor's party din ito kaya malabong mangyari yung ninanais niya.

The dancers' hands were all over him, scrunching his nose, Chanyeol looked at Sehun na sobrang tuwang-tuwa habang fini-film niya ang kalagayan ng kawawang kaibigan. He rolled his eyes and looked over Jongin, nanghihingi ng tulong because somehow masyado na siyang inaabuso.

His friend gave him a breather naman. The dancers were now off him and finding their respective person to dance. 

"Tangina mo naman, parang diring-dire!" Sehun said nung nakalapit siya kay Chanyeol at umupo sa tabi nito. 

"Tangina mo rin, bakit may pa ganun!?"

"Chanyeol, calm your tits, it's a stag party, malamang!" Si Jongin na ang sumagot.

"Well, we can do a stag party without those."

Sehun snorts, "kung si Baekhyun 'yon, siguro hindi mo pagsisisihan."

"Naku, baka mamaya nga nag-eenjoy na rin si Baek. I saw Kuya Min's post sa IG and may pa bachelor party din pala sila kay Baek."

Chanyeol quickly fished out his phone at pumunta sa IG. He's not always fond of using his socials kasi wala naman na siyang time to do that. Mas madalas pa ngang gamitin ni Baekhyun ang socials niya kesa sa kanya. He clicked Minseok's profile and refreshed the page para mag-load yung recent post. Nung wala siyang nakita, he clicked the stories.

There he saw Baekhyun with his friends, more or less nasa twenty yung bilang, sa isang bar sa BGC. Mukhang nasa VIP section sila since they were leaning sa railings. The second story was a zooming video of Baekhyun's face and there were GIF stickers of ' a groom to be,' 'the bachelor's night,' and 'party started.' Dun niya lang napansin ang suot na damit ni Baekhyun. It was a satin top with a plunging neckline and a tight leather pants. Kita na halos yung dibdib kaya medyo napakunot ang noo ni Chanyeol. Well, malamang bar 'yon alangan naman magsuot si Baekhyun ng sleepwear. A pout forms in his lips, thinking, bakit kailangan ni Baekhyun maging ganun ka ganda kung wala naman siya sa tabi nito, di ba?  

"Hays, in love na in love," Sehun said, peeking at the phone screen.

"Ano naman?" Chanyeol snickered.

"Wala naman." Tumingin siya kay Chanyeol, "gusto mo sundan?"

Napabuntong hininga na lang si Chanyeol, shaking his head, "nah, deserve naman niya yan. And it's only for the night."

"Yeah, pero katext ko si kuya Min, sabi niya hindi naman daw nag-eenjoy si Baek, nakaupo lang tapos nakatingin sa phone niya, mukhang hinihintay ka mag message, naknam. Ano ba naman kayong dalawa!" Jongin exclaimed bago siya natawa.

That's where he find himself standing in front of the said bar, binigyan naman sila ng go signal ni Minseok bago sila pumunta. Silang lima lang ang umalis dun sa party, telling the others to enjoy the night. Pagkapasok nila, syempre usok at masakit sa tenga na musika ang sumalubong sa kanila. Chanyeol leads them sa second floor, di na niya tinignan kung sumusunod pa ba yung mga kaibigan niya dahil he knows naman busy na sa kani-kanilang mga bebe. Una niyang nakita si Minseok, may kausap na hindi niya kilala kung sino. He just tapped his shoulders at agad namang tumingin sa kanya.

"At last! Puntahan mo na, party niya to pero mukhang hindi siya masaya." 

Chanyeol could only nod and went towards Baekhyun, kung ano ang nakita niyang posisyon ni Baekhyun sa story ni Minseok ay ganun pa rin ang nadatnan niya. Baekhyun is holding a wine glass as he stares at the crowd. Hindi siya nito napansin, kaya dahan-dahan siyang tumabi. Natawa si Chanyeol nung agad itong lumayo mg kaunti without even looking kung sino ang umupo sa tabi niya.

"Sungit mo naman," Chanyeol said.

Baekhyun's face lights up when he sees Chanyeol.

"Oh my god! Why are you…" hindi na natapos ni Baekhyun ang sasabihin dahil he quickly gathered the taller for a hug na akala mo naman isang taon silang hind nagkita. Chanyeol hugged him back, scooping the former's body to his lap.

"Well, I'm rescuing a certain someone na hindi nag-eenjoy sa party niya."  

Isang kurot sa tagiliran lang ang nakuha niyang sagot, ngunit hindi pa rin siya nito binibitawan. Moments later, umalis na rin sa pagkakayakap niya si Baek but he scooped Chanyeol's face with his hands.

"Thank you, I was dying to go home. But I was contemplating kasi kuya Min, and the others planned this. I'm trying to enjoy naman kaso ewan. I don't feel like it."

Chanyeol smiled, "it's alright, they appreciated naman when you came to the party. And to be honest, same, kaya nga inaya ko na lang dito sila Se kasi di ko naman maenjoy yung don." Natawa sila pareho, because of their almost same situation.

"Alis na tayo?"

"Okay, san mo gusto?"

"Ice cream?"

That's how they ended up sa katapat na 7/11. Baekhyun sits silently, waiting for Chanyeol to come back. Nakapila na kasi ang huli para bayaran yung tub ng oreo ice cream and couple of spoons and bottled water for them.

"Here, you go," Chanyeol said. Placing the tub in front of Baekhyun. Prinepare niya rin yung roll ng tissue sa gilid dahil alam niyang madungis kumain si Baek.

"Thanks," Baekhyun kissed his cheek before starting to dig a spoonful of the ice cream. Natawa si Chanyeol dahil alam niya, sooner or later, the former would regret.

"I saw your stag sa story ni Sehun. You looked like someone who needed a rescue," Baekhyun said, poking his cheeks. "Ang funny ng face mo, parang gusto mong suntukin si ate girl na humawak ng dibdib mo."

"It was annoying kaya! Kaya ayoko kapag yung dalawa nagplano e, pagsisisihan ko talaga."

Baekhyun leaned in, nose bumping his shoulder. "Sana pala hindi na tayo pumunta, or we spend it over a movie marathon sa bahay mo."

Chanyeol nods, "sabi ko sayo, wag na."

"I just don't want to reject their efforts to plan a party for us." Baekhyun smiled at him, "okay na yon, at least we still ended this night together with a tub of ice cream."

Chanyeol could only agree, pecking Baekhyun's forehead, "yeah, ice cream with you. What I love the most. "

The In-laws.

Two days before the wedding, Chanyeol sits with his parents in front of him. They were both sporting the look of proud parents with their usual broad smiles and wrinkly eye curves.  Magkakasama sila ngayon dahil ininsist ng mom niya to spend some time with them bago siya ikasal. Of course, being their only child, medyo emotional si Mama Park. Halos hindi niya bitawan si Chanyeol kagabi nung umuwi ito sa bahay nila. He noticed a few droplets of tears in his mother's eyes. To make up for that, Chanyeol spent the night sleeping between his parents like the old times. 

He has a loving and closed family, tatlo lang sila kaya hindi mahirap 'yon. Though, growing up, most of the time his parents were missing, hindi naman yon naging dahilan para lumayo ang loob ni Chanyeol sa mga ito. He knew naman na ginagawa nila 'yon para sa kanya. Naiintindihan naman niya lahat ng sinakripisyong oras ng mga magulang niya para sa ikabubuti ni Chanyeol. 

"How are you feeling?" Mama Park asked him, reaching for his hand.

"Nervous, pero normal lang po naman 'yon."

"It will be more nerve-wracking after the wedding, the married life." His father said. Hindi nananakot ang tono, more like he's stating a fact.

"I guess, I mean, it doesn't matter naman. I'm with Baekhyun, so yeah, I will be fine."

His answered brought a wider smile to his parents' lips. Aware naman si Chanyeol na alam nila ang nararamdaman niya para sa kaibigan but just like everybody around them, hindi siya pinapangunahan ng mga ito. Hinahayaan lang siya ng mga magulang niya. Though, he knows na kapag lumapit naman siya para manghingi ng advice ay maasahan niya ang mga magulang niya.

"Just some pieces of advice, trust your spouse, anak." His dad said, "kapag may argument listen with your ears and heart, not with your head lalo na kung heated one. And always communicate with Baekhyun."

Chanyeol nods and says his gratitudes, "thank you, I'll keep that in mind."

The sound of their kitchen door caught their attention at lahat sila napangiti. Baekhyun's head peeked in between, probably checking if may tao. His face has his usual bright smile as he walked towards them. Binati niya muna ang parents ni Chanyeol, giving them the egg tart na hinanda niya. Favorite kasi 'yon ng mga magulang ni Chanyeol, lagi nilang nire-request kapag bibisita si Baekhyun sa bahay nila. He pulled a chair beside him for Baekhyun, nakatingin lang siya rito habang ang huli ay masayang kinakamusta ang parents niya. 

"You look blooming," kantyaw ng mama niya sa kaibigan.

"It's because of Chan, tita. Hindi siya masyadong sakit sa ulo, nowadays." Baekhyun responded with a light chuckle. 

Playfully, he rolled his eyes at the latter. Starting serving Baekhyun some pancakes and bacon in the plate. Nahuli niyang nakatingin ang tatay niya sa kanya, dahilan ng pagtaas ng kilay ni Chanyeol, mouthing the word what . His dad smirked at him and shrugged, pointing at Baekhyun, mouthing he's glowing. Napatitig naman si Chanyeol sa katabi, at tanging pag sang-ayon lang ang nagawa niya.

Tama ang parents niya dahil Baekhyun Byun is glowing . Maybe because of the wedding prep? Lagi naman silang magkasamang dalawa, at minu-minuto namang maganda para sa kanya si Baekhyun. The night after the stag party, after nilang kumain ng ice cream dumiretso sila sa condo ni Baek. As usual, hindi na naman siya pinauwi ng huli. He kept Chanyeol by his side the whole night. They talked about what would happen after the wedding.

Sabi ni Baekhyun, their parents' gift is a house and lot in Makati. It's not yet done dahil gusto nila sila Chanyeol and Baekhyun ang tumapos. The interior design na lang naman ang kulang nun, all in all pwede naman na lipatan. Kaya ngayon, they both decided to use their free time finding the perfect pieces of furnitures for their home. Bukas kasi kailangan na nilang pumunta sa Antipolo for the wedding the next day.

"Kikitain niyo ba nak si Chae?" tanong ni Mama Park. "Yung designer na friend namin ng mom mo."

"Yes, tita. Binook kami ng schedule ni mama kahapon. Sabi ko nga wag na, but she said mas ok pa rin daw kung may professional na tutulong para mas mapabilis."

"That's right naman, lalo na't busy kayo then next week wala naman kayo sa Pilipinas."

Both of them nods at the lady, they're both grateful na inaalalayan pa rin sila ng mga magulang nila kahit malapit na silang ikasal. Still, they need to learn a lot for their upcoming marriage life, but Chanyeol and Baekhyun know naman na whatever happens will bring happiness to them.

"I'm glad to meet you."

Chaeyoung Park is a sophisticated woman in her twenties. She's tall and pretty, just like what every article on the internet said about her. Na-meet na rin siya ni Chanyeol a few times, dahil minsan may tied up projects ang company nila. Pero in Baekhyun's case, ngayon pa lang ito makikilala at makikita ng huli.

"I'm pleased to meet you as well. I have heard a lot about you."

"Si Chanyeol ba ang nagkwento? Naku, don't believe him."

Napa-irap na lang si Yeol bago umupo sa tabi ni Baekhyun, "kahit naman ikwento ko sa kanya lahat ng baho sa katawan mo, wala pa rin naman kaming choice. Si tita nag recommend sayo.

"Chanyeol."

Natawa lang si Chae bago ito tumingin kay Baekhyun, "so, you are the Baekhyun Byun ?"

"Yes, it's nice to meet you again. Sorry we have to squeeze in to your schedule. I know how busy you are."

"That's alright, I'm glad to see you, buti kasama ka kasi nakakasawa na ang mukha ni Chanyeol, to be honest."

Baekhyun noticed the playful banter between the two, hindi naman niya na tanong kung kilala ba ni Chanyeol si Chaeyoung. Hindi naman siya madaling mairita, pero ngayon ramdam niya. Kaya parang gusto na lang niyang hatakin palabas si Chanyeol ng office ni Chaeyoung.

"We shall start, alam ko namang mahal ang oras mo," Chanyeol said bago ibigay kay Chae ang copy ng 3D plan ng bahay nila na gawa mismo ni Chanyeol. The latter has a degree in interior design kaya marunong siya to make 3D/4D design by using CAD for the drafting.

When the actual meeting starts, lahat naman sila on professional modes na. Hinayaan niya mag-usap si Baekhyun at Chaeyoung tutal he already talked to Baekhyun about the things he wanted sa bahay nila. Left with no choice, Chanyeol reached for Baekhyun's left hand and played with the latter's fingers. Napatingin naman sa kanya ang huli ngunit binigyan niya lang ito ng ngiti, para bang sinasabi na huwag siya nitong intindihin at magpatuloy lang sa ginagawa. 

Chanyeol smiled when Baekhyun's fingers played with his as well. Yung matching ring nila ni Chanyeol ay suot din ni Baekhyun kaya mas lalo siyang napangiti. Hindi naman ito yung first time na may matching things sila. They had a matching necklace, bracelets, shirts, shoes, and other things na pwedeng bilhin in pair. But, somehow, for Chanyeol, their rings it is notable for him. Bukod sa unang singsing nila 'tong dalawa, the latter took this a sign not to give up on his feelings for Baekhyun.

"Chanyeol, alam kong gandang-ganda ka sa fiancé mo," Chae said, snapping her fingers in front of Yeol. Doon niya lang napansin na kanina pa pala siya tinatawag ng dalawa. He looked at Baek, nakangiti lang sa kanya ang huli, with their fingers now entwined.

"What?"

"Anong what? I'm asking if wala ka na bang input or suggestions sa designs?"

"Wala na, Baekhyun told you what he wanted, di ba?"

"Yeah, but hindi naman si Baekhyun lang ang titira dun."

Chanyeol shrugged and said, Baekhyun's the boss. Napairap na lang si Chae but there's a soft smile on her lips. She knew Chanyeol's feelings for Baekhyun, and seeing them act before her, she assumed nagkaaminan na.

"Okay, whatever, lover boy."

After their meeting with Chaeyoung, dumiretso na sila sa bahay ng parents ni Baekhyun. They were invited to have dinner sa casa ng mga Byun. And since maaga pa, they spent the afternoon sa kwarto ni Baek. Just like the old times wherein Chanyeol would visit the former and brought his new found hobbies. Homebody kasi talaga si Baekhyun, it's either you find him in front of his gaming pc or in his study table. Doon lang ata umikot ang mundo ng teenager na si Baekhyun. Kaya nga ngayon, mas nagtataka si Chanyeol parang nabaliktad na ang sitwasyon. He's now the homebody one and si Baekhyun naman ang laging nag-aaya sa kanya.

"You remember this?" Baekhyun said, waving a tube in front of him.

"That's the Naruto movie poster I gave to you when I went out to watch it. You can't come because of your exams kaya binigyan ko na lang sayo."

"Right, how about this?" Baekhyun asked, pointing at the baseball cap lying on his study table. Chanyeol peeked at the thing and smiled.

"That's my basketball championship cap back in high school. It was my third championship and the only time you made it to the game. I was happy when I saw you in the crowd."

"Kaya mo ata napanalo yun kasi andun ako," sabi ni Baek with a teasing grin in his face.

Well, hindi naman siya nagkakamali dahil sabi nga nila Sehun, sobra ang pakitang gilas ni Chanyeol noong araw na 'yon. Parang kahit mag-isa siya mapapanalo niya yung game. Inspired kumbaga.

"This?" Baekhyun said, pointing at a polaroid picture of a sunflower. Automatik naman na nakangiti si Chanyeol.

"That was on your nineteenth birthday, pinaalam kita kina tita para mag Baguio. We went to strawberry and sunflower farm. Kakakuha ko lang ng licensed ko, mind you hindi na student licensed. Then, tinest drive natin yung bagong bigay na sasakyan sa akin. Ang ending, we called Manong Richie nasa NLEX na tayo, tumirik ang kotse. Hindi pala pang malayuan."

"Yes, tapos ang ending pagbalik sa Manila, grounded ka kasi oo nga, pinaalam mo ko kina mama, pero ikaw pala hindi nagpaalam kung hindi pa sinabi ng mama ko, hindi malalaman nila tita na nasa Baguio tayo."

"Well, we became the teenager rebels at some point in our lives, three days lang naman akong nagrounded ni dad, so?"

"How about this one?"

"Well that," napatigil siya sandali bago tignan ulit yung envelope na nasa pagitan ng daliri ni Baekhyun, "it was my Valentine's gift for you in college. First time rin na binigyan kita ng letter."

"Nakakatawa nga yung reason, kasi sabi mo baka wala akong matanggap pero mind you, I received a lot when I opened my locker. Di ba nga, tinawagan pa kita to help me para iuwi yon lahat."

"Kaya nga, but out of those, yung sa akin lang ang binasa mo. " Chanyeol said, with a proud smile.

"You are never fond of writing kaya nga nagulat ako when you write me a letter. Sabi ko pa noon baka pinasulat mo 'yon, but seeing your Crowley's handwriting made me smile because, A plus for effort!"

"I did not worked overnight para lang laitin mo ang handwriting ko ha, " Chanyeol rolled his eyes, "naenjoy mo naman because as we walked, you were reading my letter."

"Because it was the first you gave me a letter. Kaya to be very honest, nakalimutan ko na yung iba, then you took me in an arcade date, di ba? Pero dahil maraming tao, hindi natin na enjoy, ang ending natin sa swing ng subdivision namin with the tub of our favorite oreo ice cream!"

Nakangiting tumungo lang si Chanyeol, time flies so fast, ika nga nila. That was the day na dapat mag ko-confess siya kay Baekhyun. But on their way to the said date, Chanyeol concluded na okay na siya sa kung anong meron sila. They were still young that time, walang kasiguraduhan na magtatagal if ever man na same sila ng nararamdaman. Sabi pa nga niya sa sarili, at least kapag mag bestfriend sila, walang hiwalayan.  

Baekhyun stood up and lay down beside him. Maliit ang kama ng huli, since it was his old bed since college. He hovered a hand over Baekhyun's waist, pulling him closer. Walang nagsasalita sa kanila, but it's okay, they're comfortable that way. When Chanyeol looked around the place, doon niya lang napansin na, everything in the room had their story. Pwedeng maging museum of Chanyeol and Baekhyun ang kwarto na 'yon. That four corner room witnessed a lotㅡ their first hug, first crying session that lasted for hours because the ferret pet of Chanyeol died, first holding hands, and their first friendly kiss sa cheekㅡ and many more firsts. Baekhyun's room was like their comfort zone. They can freely do whatever they want, talk about every single thing, laugh like there's no tomorrow, and for Chanyeol, love Baekhyun in a way where no one else can judge him. It was also where he admitted that he's in love with the owner. At kung sa iba, it was only a room, but for Chanyeol, it held a part of him that he could never let go.

The dinner was simple, Baekhyun's parents are always so welcoming. He figured it out, a long time ago, na kaya siguro sobrang lovable ni Baekhyun dahil lumaki siya sa ganung environment. The latter's mother, he loves his own mom no doubt about it, Mama Byun is the warmest person Chanyeol met. The lady brings comfort, not only to Chanyeol but also to his stomach dahil na rin siguro sa masasarap na pastries na laging hinahanda nito. While Baekhyun's dad naman, he looks stern, pero just like his wife, he's the kindest. He never once heard the man questioned Baekhyun's choices in life. Lagi lang itong nakasuporta sa anak. At super baby na baby niya ang bunso ng pamilya. His delicate look towards Baekhyun says a lot. 

The evening ended up with Baekhyun's father and him, drinking sa veranda ng bahay. Busy pa ang huli kasama ang mama nito dahil nagbi-bake sila ng mga pang giveaway bukas sa bisita. Pupunta na kasi sila ng Antipolo kaya dito na rin matutulog si Chanyeol dahil mag ko-convoy na lang sila ng parents ni Baekhyun bukas.

"Time flies so fast, " Chanyeol smiled at the remarks, "ikakasal na kayo the day after tomorrow. It feels surreal for me."

"I know, tito."

"You know when Baekhyun first met you, he never stopped talking about you. I asked his mom, kung sinong Yeowwie ang sinasabi niya," natatawang sabi ni Papa Byun, "turned out anak pala ni Youngmi at Sungjin sabi ng mom niya. I have known your dad since we were teenagers from few business occasions that we attended kaya lagi ko siyang nakikita, while my wife and your mom had a few collaborations for some restaurants all over Asia."

"When you always came to our house, alam ko na, you were a Park. The height and face features, kamukhang-kamukha mo ang dad mo." Papa Byun smirked at him, "but to be honest, I was so cautious of you."

Chanyeol stared at the man, blinking. Ngayon niya lang narinig yon with all the time he spent sa mga Byuns.

"Can I ask why, tito?"

"Like what I've said, I have known your dad. That man was a walking heartbreak!" Papa Byun and him laughed, "Not until he met your mom. Anyway, back to it, I was afraid that you might break Baekhyun's heart. My son never shut his mouth about you, Chanyeol this, Chanyeol that. All the time. Kaya I kept an eye on you. I don't want my bunso to have his heartbreak at such a young age."

"Though, you proved me wrong. I can see how you care and love my son. I'm contented knowing he has you in his life. Para bang you're the knight in shining armor of his, mas maalalahanin ka pa ata kesa samin ng mama niya. Natatandaan ko pa nun, when you told us, ikaw na bahala kay Baekhyun nung pinayagan namin siya mag dorm nung college. And I swear, from that point doon ko lang napansin kung gaano ka grabe yung tiwala namin sayo ng mama niya."

"Thank you for the trust, tito."

"No, thank you. I was so afraid for Baekhyun's future before. Alam mo naman yon, school at bahay lang talaga. He never introduce someone to us, kaya minsan kahit gusto na namin siya i-setup sa mga anak ng kaibigan namin, hindi pa rin namin magawa. You know, why?"

Chanyeol shook his head.

"Because he only has his eyes on you."

The First Kiss.

"Open wide, tutulo."

Chanyeol rolled his eyes, his face facing towards Baekhyun pero his eyes were still on the road. Sinusubuan kasi siya ng ice cream ni Baekhyun dahil hindi naman makakain ang huli, busy kasi ito sa manibela. Papunta na silang Antipolo for the wedding tomorrow, doon sila tutuloy sa rest house nila Baekhyun malapit sa venue. Kung noong mga nakaraang araw, kinakabahan si Chanyeol, ngayon naman wala nang kaba, mas more on excited siya to tie a knot with Baekhyun. While on the other side, ramdam niya ang pagiging anxious ni Baekhyun. 

He was distracting the latter na nga para hindi ito mag-isip ng kung anu-ano pero no luck, he's mind is still wondering everywhere. Ayan tuloy, stress eating silang dalawa, oo dalawa, kasi damay siya sa pag stress eat ni Baekhyun.

"I'll be baking our cake later kaya you can go and sleep sa kwarto ko, kung may kailangan ka puntahan mo lang ako sa kusina, okay?"

"Can I helpㅡ"

"Nah, not in my kitchen, Yeol." Baekhyun said, strictly shaking his head.

"Grabe naman, I'm not that disastrous noh!" Chanyeol frowned at him, but then again, mapilit talaga siya kaya he said another suggestion, "then can I watch?"

Baekhyun, munching his nuggets, glaring at him, finding any suspicious act sa suggestions ni Chanyeol. When he observed enough, tumungo na lang siya. Finding no choice but to say yes.

"Is that the sketch?"

"Yup, a four tiered wedding cake because a certain someone suggested having four flavors in his cake."

Chanyeol laughs, "what? I'm the client!"

"Unfortunately." Baekhyun turned to their kasama sa bahay to ask for their help to find the things he needed. Apat naman silang naghanap kaya minutes lang, Baekhyun is all set to bake the cake. Chanyeol took the seat naman in front of the kitchen island where Baekhyun was doing his magic.

"Sabi mo, you like the red velvet the most, right?"

"Hmm. Will it get the bigger portion?"

"Yes, so bottom to top, red velvet, almond cake, lemon sponge, and then the tiramisu."

Chanyeol pouts, mukhang marami-raming gagawin si Baekhyun. "Hey, if it cost you a lot, let's go with the red velvet na lang."

"No, I planned it all, kaya it's okay. Also, it's too boring if one lang." Baekhyun smiled at him as he got an apron. "Basta ba uubusin mo to lahat, then I won't mind."

Natawa na lang si Chanyeol, propping his elbow in the surface as he watch Baekhyun to start preparing the ingredients. His bestfriend is the most meticulous person in the kitchen, all the measurements, kailangan sakto. If kulang ang ingredients niya for his recipe, asahan mo na badtrip at mainit ang ulo nito kapag lumapit ka. Buti na lang talaga, his in-laws to be, prepared it dahil sinabi na rin naman sa kanila ito ni Baekhyun last night when they stayed there for the dinner with his bestfriend's parents.

"Talk to me, I don't like someone staring at me when I do my work," Baekhyun said, throwing him a glance before eyeing back his work.

"I'm not someone, excuse me," Chanyeol said. 

"Yeah, sure, soon-to-be." Baekhyun said, "ask me anything."  

"Will you marry me?"

"Psh. I am marrying you tomorrow."

"I know. I mean, I am genuinely asking, sure ka na ba?"

Baekhyun looked at him, stopping what he was doing, "Chanyeol Park, are you having doubts?"

"No, hindi ah!"

"Then, why are you asking me?"

"You told me to ask you anything," Chanyeol answered with a pout. Baekhyun walked towards him. He squeezed Chanyeol's face nung nakalapit siya sa binata. Kissing both of his cheeks. Ramdam naman ni Chanyeol ang pag-init ng tenga niya dahil don. 

"I will marry you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you," Baekhyun looked at him, "and I… I waited for this, Yeol. "

"I'm done, I'll start decorating na lang later." Chanyeol nods, reaching for Baekhyun's hand. Tahimik ang buong rest house dahil ang parents ni Baekhyun, kinita ang mga magulang ni Chanyeol. For sure, they'll have dinner outside dahil yon ang bilin sa kanila, but he knows naman they've made that up so Baekhyun and Chanyeol can spend more time together . 

Mag-aalos dos pa lang naman ng hapon, they can catch a quick nap before Baekhyun could start preparing the cakes ulit. Naka rest naman na sa fridge at na-crumb coat na rin niya so later, decorating na lang talaga. Chanyeol never left him naman, and he was talking to Baekhyun about everything para lang hindi siya mapalayas sa kitchen. It was funny kasi halata naman kay Chanyeol na he was trying so hard.

"Do you want to take a nap or shower first?"

"Shower, I'll be quick!"  

He kept an eye on Baekhyun bago ito mawala sa paningin niya, at humiga na siya sa kama. Antok na rin naman si Chanyeol, feeling niya siya ang nagbake dahil kahit nanunuod lang, siya ang napapagod sa ginagawa ni Baekhyun. Though, he's happily watching the latter when he's working in the kitchen. Forté niya kasi yon, para siyang fairy godmother ni Cinderella kapag nasa kusina na, baking treats na to die for.

"Oofㅡ" Chanyeol grunts, hindi niya kasi nakitang papalapit na si Baekhyun, ang ending ayan, the latter jumped on him, hitting Chanyeol's jaw with his head. Hindi naman masakit, kumirot pero he thinks it will be fine.

"Ang lalim naman ng iniisip."

Chanyeol reached for the towel on Baekhyun's neck, pinunasan ang tumutulong buhok ni Baekhyun. 

"You'll get sick, may blower ka ba?"

"Vanity cabinet, first drawer."

Agad naman tumayo si Chanyeol at kinuha yung blower, he doesn't want a sick Baekhyun for tomorrow because he knows how irritated the man can be when he's sick.

"Up, let's dry your hair," Chanyeol said, tapping Baekhyun's shoulder. The man sat on the edge of the bed as Chanyeol stood before him, the blower and a hair comb in his hands. Tahimik lang si Baek, his arms wrapped around Chanyeol's waist, drawing invisible shapes and numbers.

"I have a question."

"I might have an answer," answered Chanyeol. Medyo maingay yung blower kaya nilagay na lang niya sa first speed para mabawasan ang sound kahit papaano.

"Silly, but I think you have an answer for this."

"What is it?"

"Hahalikan mo ba ko sa lips bukas?"

The question made him speechless. He looked down at Baekhyun na nakatingin na rin sa kanya. He wanted to make a remark about how pink the cheeks of the latter pero parang nawalan siya ng vocabulary because of the question. 

Kissing is a normal thing for them. They greet each other with a kiss not a hug, kapag may na-achieve ang isa, they'll kiss for the other's reward. During celebrations like birthdays, Christmas, New Year, they'll kiss. Kaso, the thing is, it is never in the lips. Yes, they kissed each other but never on the lips.

Chanyeol thinks he'll cross the borderline of friendship na pag ganun. Okay na siya sa kiss sa cheeks, forehead, temples, nose, and jaw. But he never, as in ever, thought to kiss Baekhyun on his lips. Hindi sa ayaw niya, heck gustong-gusto niya , but ayun nga, the borderline of the friendship. Natatakot siyang tumawid .

"Well…"

"I'm just wondering, will you?" Baekhyun looked at him with hooded eyes, na para bang inaakit, and it's working to be honest , siya.

The blower is now long forgotten as Baekhyun pulled him by his shirt, closing the gap between them. It was a light peck, no one's moving. Chanyeol felt Baekhyun's hot breath and the latter's long lashes that tickled his cheek. Of course, nakapikit dapat kapag kumi-kiss pero Chanyeol has his eyes wide open . Hindi halos makakilos dahil hindi niya maprocess ang nangyayari. 

Moments later, when Baekhyun was about to lean away, Chanyeol scooped his nape, moving his lips against Baekhyun. 

It was still a light one, not hurried like those hormonal teenagers. Mabagal pero alam naman nilang dalawa it's the way they wanted. He smiled before he pulled away, staring back at Baekhyun. Nakapikit pa rin ang huli, habang naghahabol ng hininga. He felt his heart beating so fast. Pero, that didn't stop him from leaning again, pecking Baekhyun's swollen lips.

"I swear, you'll, for sure, kill me one day with your impulsiveness, Baekhyun Byun."

Tanging pagtawa lang ang nasagot ni Baekhyun before he hugged Chanyeol, hiding his blushing face. Unconsciously, the taller male touches his lips, shaking his head as he smiles. Tumungo siya para halikan ang bumbunan ni Baekhyun, carding the locks between his fingers after.

"I hope you got your answer ," Chanyeol said in a hush.

"I… yeah, my answer. " Baekhyun said, fingers touching his lips.

"Don't eat to much, mamaya hindi na kasya sayo yung suit mo." Baekhyun wept the cream filling off his lips. After their afternoon nap, kumain lang sila ng meryenda slash dinner ay nagsimula na ulit si Baekhyun dun sa cake. Chanyeol gets his laptop and scrolls through his emails as he waits for Baekhyun. Minsan, kapag hindi nakatingin ang huli, he would dipped his fingers sa buttercream filling and then parang bata na titikman gamit ang daliri. Natigil lang siya nung nahuli siya ni Baekhyun, inirapan lang siya nito bago bigyan si Chanyeol nung excess part ng cake bread, putting some filling para sa matangkad na binata. Chanyeol happily munched, coaxing Baekhyun to give him more when his plate ran out. Pero syempre gabi na kaya after the third time, pinagbawalan na siya ni Baek.

"It's so good, want more," he said, showing off his puppy eyes and pout, but tough luck, hindi bumigay si Baekhyun. Nilayo niya pa kay Chanyeol yung pwede nitong dutdutan ng daliri.

"It's almost eight, why don't you take a shower, freshen up, para makatulog na tayo. We will have a long day tomorrow."

"I'll do that later, mabilis naman ako maligo."

"Yeah, dugyot." Baekhyun took the seat beside him, nakatanggal na ang apron nito. "What are you doing?"

Chanyeol smiled at him, "just checking some emails. Hindi nga work emails. Puro sila congratulatory emails for our wedding."

"Hmm." Baekhyun leaned a bit, fingertips hovering the touchpad. One email caught his attention. "Chae, emailed you?"

"Us, actually. Update para dun sa furniture set na napili natin para sa bahay. Naka-cc ka jan," Chanyeol clicked it and points na tama siya, "you never check your emails kasi, siguro kung hindi pa kita sinabihan about your mom's email, hanggang ngayon hindi mo alam na sa akin ka ikakasal."

Baekhyun chuckles, "Well, you always say things naman, so I don't think I need to?"

"Ass." Chanyeol closed his laptop, and stood up. Inabot naman ni Baekhyun ang kamay niya bago ipulupot sa sarili nitong beywang. It looks like he's back hugging Baekhyun, making it a comfortable position, pinatong niya na lang ang baba niya sa balikat ng huli. 

"Tomorrow, can you do me a favor?" Baekhyun whispered. Napatingin siya rito, humming as a confirmation to continue. "Can you say your vows first?"

"Why?"

"Utang mo, narinig mo na yung akin e."

Natawa si Chanyeol, "okay, yun lang?"

"And," Baekhyun faced him, his eyes roaming around Chanyeol's face, "give me an answer after my vows, tenga."

The One.

"You're so handsome, my baby."

Chanyeol sports a wide grin, scooping his mom in a tight hug. He complimented the lady as well, saying her gown looks beautiful. Nakurot pa siya sa tagiliran, saying nambola pa siya para hindi umiyak ang mama niya. Partly, it was real. Ayaw niyang makitang umiiyak ang mama niya kahit pa it's a tears of joy, still, Chanyeol never likes it. His father give him a side hug, hindi makahirit ng full dahil sa asawa niyang nakakapit na parang tuko sa anak. They both thought, na parang kailan lang nung baby si Chanyeol tanging pag-iyak at pag-inom ng gatas lang ang alam nito, ngayon, he's starting to build his own family after this day. Nakaka-proud lang.

"Are you nervous?"

"Not really," Chanyeol said, "mas mukha pa kayong kinakabahan kesa sa akin." Kantyaw niya sa dalawang nakatatanda. Totoo naman ito dahil kanina pa silang umaga na mukhang hindi mapirme.

Sinundo kasi nila si Chanyeol kanina sa rest house ng mga Byun, eight hours before the wedding. Medyo wala pa nga silang tulog ni Baekhyun nung kumatok ang mama ng huli, telling them to wake up because of what's going to happen for today. Hindi rin nila alam kung kailan sila dinapuan ng antok, basta enjoy lang sila na nag-usap kagabi about the things they'd achieved, and still thriving to have. They also shared some future plans to each other, and promised to fully support one another.

Now, thinking about Baekhyun, hindi alam ni Chanyeol kung nasaan na ba ito. Hindi rin naman siya minemessage, though alam niyang busy ito dahil kailangan niya pa i-assemble yung wedding cake nila. Hindi niya rin naman tinanong ang parents niya kung kamusta na ang binata dahil sure naman siya tutuksuhin lang siya ng mga ito.

The door opened, revealing his friends, Sehun and Jongin. His parents went to side para naman mayakap siya nung dalawa. Unfortunately for the two, hindi sila ang best man ni Chanyeol. Napagdesisyonan kasi ng huli na para walang away, wala na lang siyang kukuning best man. Si Baekhyun din naman kasi walang mapili kina kuya Minseok at Jongdae. Kaya, they both decided na wag na lang maglagay ng best man. Okay lang din naman sa mga kaibigan nila, it's their wedding, after all .

"Wow, poging pogi," Sehun, on his left side, said, wrapping an arm around his shoulder. Si Jongin naman sa kabila, naka-pout as he whispered, ikakasal na talaga ang kuya. Minsan lang siya tawaging kuya nito kaya natawa si Chanyeol.

"Mas mukhang si tita ang ikakasal sa sobrang kaba niya kanina sa lobby," Jongin said as he looked at Chanyeol's mom. Tumawa lang ito bago sinabing siya ang kinakabahan para kay Chanyeol dahil mukhang wala itong kahit anong kaba na nararamdaman.

Kaunting kulitin pa ang nangyari sa loob bago kumatok ang coordinator nila na si Seulgi, telling Chanyeol, it's time. Binigyan pa siya ng tig-isang mahigpit na yakap ng mga magulang at kaibigan bago sila lumabas ng kwarto at iniwan muna siya. Kailangan mauna ng mga ito kay Chanyeol kaya naghintay pa siya ng ilang minuto bago ulit sumilip si Seulgi at pinapababa na siya. Sa ganap na alas kwatro kasi gaganapin ang kasal nila. Saktong oras lang para sa sunset view na gusto ni Baekhyun.

He rode a white vintage Rolls Royce that his dad gave him as a wedding gift. Sabi nito bigay daw ito sa kanya ng lolo ni Chanyeol, and now that it is his son's wedding, the latter will be the new owner of the car. Siya ang nag drive dahil malapit naman yung venue, katapat lang ng hotel na inistay-an nila. Ngayon, nararamdaman na ni Chanyeol yung kaba, though half of it excitement talaga. He never thought that in a span of two months, prior to their engagement, he'll have Baekhyun Byun, very soon to be Park, to be his husband.

Naka-fast lane na ata talaga si Chanyeol, hindi man lang sila dumaan sa aminan stage, or kahit sa ligawan level, diretso I Do kaagad. Though, iniisip niya siguro reward na rin 'to ni universe sa kanya. He loves Baekhyun in the shadows for thirteen long years. Never once thought na sa kasal din pala ang tungo nilang dalawa.

When he reached the venue. He gave his key sa isa sa mga valets na naghihintay sa pagbaba niya. He saw a couple of familiar faces na binati siya for his wedding, tumungo lang si Chanyeol sa kanila at ngumiti. Nakita niya sumulpot si Seulgi sa tabi niya at saka siya pinapwesto sa dulo ng line.

Then came a soft piano music, For Life, one of their many favorite songs ni Baekhyun. He watched as their entourage started to walk slowly, leaving him. When it was his turn, he heard from Seulgi's team that Baekhyun had just arrived, causing him to feel at ease and smile. He walked on the beige carpet leading him towards the end where two metallic golden chairs are facing the officiate. The venue is just like his spouse to be, elegant and dreamy. Tama nga si Baek, dahil malayong-malayo ito doon sa nakita nila last time they visited the venue. 

Napansin niya yung mga details na sinabi niya kay Baekhyun katulad na lang ng mga flowers na calla lily at peonies. He's the one suggestion about the pastel boho colors which is the theme for their wedding. Now, remembering that this is Baekhyun's dream wedding, walang mapaglagyan ang kasiyahan niya.

Every night and every day

No matter what may come our way

We're in this thing together

Chanyeol, reaching the end, releasing a sigh. His mother came to his side, haplos ang likod niya, while his father looked at him with pride. Napabulong na lang siya ng salamat sa mga magulang bago tumingin sa dulo ng aisle kung saan siya nanggaling. The flower girls are now walking, throwing rose petals with different pastel colors. Then came the ring bearer, he chuckles when he noticed na hindi ito batang babae or lalaki. It was Mongryong, the Welsh corgi given by Chanyeol to Baekhyun for his 23rd birthday. When Mongryong saw Chanyeol, mabilis ang naging kilos nito. Bumaba naman si Chanyeol para salubungin ang alaga ng mapapangasawa . Telling him good boy before getting some treats sa basket na dala ni Mongryong. He saw their elegant wedding bands as well kaya mas lalong lumawak ang ngiti niya.

The storms may come

And winds may blow

I'll be your shelter for life

This love, this love

I mean it 'til the day I die 

The guests stood up when they all heard the door open. Napatigil sa paghinga si Chanyeol, when his eyes landed on the most ethereal person he saw in that place. Kung noong unang beses, nagflashback sa kanya lahat ng scenes about Baekhyun Byun, ngayon it is still like that, but those are the scenes he imagined in a future with Baekhyun Byun. Alam ni Chanyeol sa puntong 'yon, iisang tao lang ang gusto niyang makasama hanggang sa huling hininga niya, at ito ang binatang nakangiti sa kanya, at unti-unting papalapit para samahan siya sa pangakong habang buhay. 

His almost TOTGA. 

His platonic soulmate.

His answered prayer.

And the love of his life. 

It is always Baekhyun Byun.

"Before we get started, take a minute to look at the person sitting next to you. Whether you’ve known Chanyeol and Baekhyun briefly or years, each of you brings irreplaceable joy to their lives. Each of you shares a special place in their story, and are part of a community they’re incredibly grateful for. You all are their family, the people who make them feel accepted, appreciated, and loved, just like they are. 

This afternoon we are here to celebrate love. We come to witness and proclaim the joining together of these two people in marriage.

This is the union of two individuals in heart, body, mind, and spirit. Therefore, marriage should not be entered into lightly but reverently, honestly, and deliberately. And it is into this union that Chanyeol and Baekhyun come now to be joined."

Napatingin si Chanyeol sa lalaking katabi, hawak niya ang kamay nito, halatang namamawis. Natawa siya ng kaunti dahil halata namang kinakabahan si Baekhyun.

"Love is perhaps the greatest gift of all. What is love? Is it a friendship? Is it family? Is it the thing created at the depths of the great abyss of passion and romance?  It’s when your roots have so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. "Love is not breathlessness, and it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of promises of eternal passion. Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident.” This fortunate accident is nothing less than the beauty of fate that brought Chanyeol and Baekhyun together."

When Baekhyun found his eyes, napangiti ito. The officiate continues his intro, maya-maya pa naramdaman niyang nag lean forward si Baekhyun.

"Can I just say you're extra handsome right now?" bulong nito.

"Will say the same to you. You're beautifuller."

That made Baekhyun giggles, "there's no word like that, Yeol."

"Exactly my point," he looked at Baekhyun and said, "no words can describe you right now. I am one lucky guy to spend the rest of my life with you ."

The ceremony continued with the exchanges of vows. Chanyeol held Baekhyun's hand gently as the mic passed him. At syempre, because of Baekhyun's favor, Chanyeol is the first to say his vows. His nails taps against the handle of the mic in a ansty way. The other guest thought na maglalabas si Chanyeol ng kodigo for his vows pero hindi, much to their disappointment because they thought this marriage was only for the sake of business, which Chanyeol knows it. Still, he's not here today para makipagtalo sa kanila. He's here today, standing before them to profess his love to Baekhyun. 

"This might gonna be long," panimula niya. Narinig niya pa si Sehun sumigaw ng 'you do you,' na kinatawa ng lahat. "Thank you for that Se," he said before staring back at Baekhyun. "I know, everyone around here knows that you are my bestfriend. My platonic soulmate. The one who always kept me busy, dahil opo, lagi niyang ginugulo ang buhay ko." He heard another batch of laughter, then came a pout from Baekhyun. "But don't worry, it is in a good way." The sun is already setting, giving Baekhyun's face an extra glow that makes his beauty stand out even more. Seryoso siyang tumingin kay Baekhyun na parang silang dalawa lang ang taong nandoon. Though, to be honest, he forgot the people around them as soon as Baekhyun walked down the aisle. Ganun siya hulog na hulog para sa kaibigan.

"A week ago, we were standing in this same spot habang sinasabi mo sa akin yung vows mo, alam ko, from that moment of my life, sigurado na ko. Ikaw yung taong gugustuhin kong makasama hanggang sa pagtanda ko. Yung taong makakasama kong gumising sa umaga, at uuwian sa gabi after a long tiring day at work. The only person I want to share my achievements with and confess my shortcomings as a person. Kasi alam kong kahit anong mangyari, tanggap mo ko."

Chanyeol quickly wipe Baekhyun's tears before couraging him not to cry with a smile kahit ang totoo, naiiyak na rin siya.

"I'm not perfect, far from what every person thought of me. Yes, I might have won many battles in front of many, but I've also lost a lot of it in silence. And that," he looked at Baekhyun's eyes, " is where you've come and pick me, saying the words that I can continue, that I can try again, and you'll always cheer for me. Na ikaw ang greatest cheerleader ng buhay ko. At sa totoo lang, hindi ka nagkakamali ron."

"Because you, Baekhyun Byun, kept me grounded. You are the anchor of my ship. I was never lost because you always gave me directions. The direction that always leads to us. I know that whatever comes on that way, at the end of the very long road, you are waiting for me. The sweetest prize of life that can offer for me."

Chanyeol is now crying, pero wala na siyang pakialam don. His love for his bestfriend is such a beautiful thing and doesn't deserve to be hidden. Kaya ngayon, hindi na niya kayang itago dahil andito naman na sila. Sabi nga ni Baekhyun , they've come a long way, at hindi na niya sasayangin pa ang pagkakataon na 'yon.

"Can I tell you a secret?" Chanyeol nervously swallowed the lump on his throat, "obviously, hindi naman siya secret because everyone knows about it." Natatawang sabi niya bago punasan ang luha. Ilang segundo siyang natahimik habang nakatitig lamang kay Baekhyun.

"I met you when I was four. And I knew I found my greatest half." He caressed Baekhyun's knuckles, seeking comfort to it, bago nagpatuloy. "I was fifteen when I first saw you in a different way where the line of being friends and lovers met. I was in between. I thought at first, sabi ko sa sarili ko baka puppy love lang, baka mawawala rin since those where the times na hindi tayo gaanong magkasama. Sabi ko, baka namimiss lang kita."

"Pero hindi, imposible naman na three years kitang namimiss lang. Because at the age of eighteen, I surrendered lying to myself." Chanyeol looked up for a bit, trying his best na pabalikin lahat ng luha niya, also para umiwas ng tingin kay Baekhyun , but no luck, patuloy parin 'yon sa pagtulo. Leaving no choice, he continued. 

"I love you, not in a way a friend does. But, yeah, I love you ." Chanyeol met Baekhyun's eyes, fixing his stares at the latter. "I'm sorry for lying, not having enough courage to tell you. Takot akong tumawid sa linya kasi ayoko mawala ka. Ayokong iwan mo ko dahil sa nararamdaman ko para sayo. Okay na ko maging kaibigan, si tenga mo , basta ba hindi ka lang mawala sa tabi ko."

Everyone was crying with them, witnessing a beautiful love right before their eyes as the sun slowly set. It was a painful confession, knowing the taller male's side. Halos lahat nagpupunas ng luha nila, nakatitig lang kina Chanyeol at Baekhyun.

"I'm confessing right now, because I don't want to start a new chapter of my life with you with lies on my tail. And last week, when you said you're not afraid of what tomorrow can bring to us because you've known I'll stay with you, and that our love is enough." Chanyeol smiled at Baekhyun, marahang pinupunasan ang luha ng huli. "That, my love , gave me courage to confess. I was so scared of my feelings that I didn't see how much you loved me. How much you reciprocate what I felt for you already."

Pagkagulat ang rumehistro sa mukha ni Baekhyun pero nabawi rin ito ng isang ngiti bago siya tumungo, "I was so naive, kung hindi ako naging manhid baka noon pa nangyari ang kasal na 'to. But I never regret anything because it's always the best ride of my life whenever I am with you. You are still my platonic soulmate, but with the additional title of the love of my life." He held Baekhyun's hand, lacing their fingers together, "And in the presence of  our family and friends, and everyone else in this place, I, Chanyeol Park, choose you, Baekhyun Byun to be my partner in life, my spouse, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, to love and to cherish, and to be faithful to you alone. This is my solemn vow."

"I came prepared," Baekhyun said, his voice cracking in the middle of his speech. causing Chanyeol to laugh. "But now, I can't even say those things I wanted to say to you. Remember when I said na, I want you to give me an answer after my vows?"

Chanyeol then nodded, still wiping the few tears in his eyes.

"Well, what can I say? I love a very competitive man." Natatawang sabi ni Baekhyun, pati mga bisita natawa na lang din sa kanya. "But, honestly, I don't need your answers anymore. Because you, Chanyeol Park, literally is the walking answer to my questions in life. And I just wanted to say thank you. For loving me in silence all these years. For not giving up on me, for still staying true to your words of not leaving. I might not say much for today because, obviously, I'm still processing what happened. But I promise you. We have a lifetime ahead of us where we can say our vows to each other. Not just today. I love you the best, Chanyeol. And I swear to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, to love and to cherish, and to be faithful to you alone. I always choose you, Chanyeol Park, to be my partner in life, my spouse. This is my solemn vow ."

"Chanyeol and Baekhyun, we have heard your promise to share your lives in marriage. We recognize and respect the covenant you have made today before each of us as witnesses. Therefore in the honesty and sincerity of what you have said and done here today and by the power vested in me, it is my honor and delight to declare you married and partners in life, for life.

You may seal your vows with a kiss."

As the officiate said the last part, Chanyeol held Baekhyun's waist, pulling him closer. Parehong may ngiti sa mga labi nila bago ito naglapat. Like what the officiate said seal their vows, but for Chanyeol, the kiss sealed the promise of new beginnings for them.

And it's only getting started. Marami pa silang pagdadaanan pero hindi na takot si Chanyeol. Dahil, alam niya, there will be a Baekhyun Byun-Park that will always walk with him.

"Maraming salamat, mahal na mahal kita," Chanyeol whispered.

"Mahal din kita. Sobra." Baekhyun answered his husband with a light heart.

– Wakas –