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“Do Kyungsoo, my sweet, dearest friend, you are denser than a pound cake.” Chanyeol slung an arm around the other man and pulled him closer. Kyungsoo tensed, bracing for the impact to his side.
Baekhyun cackled ahead of them, turning to face them while he walked backwards towards their car. He unsubtly gave Kyungsoo a long up and down appraisal. “He’s as thick as one too.”
Expression instantly that of exasperation, Kyungsoo sighed as he looked from one friend to the next. “What did I do this time?”
“My dude, she did everything save for jump the counter naked to catch your attention. The giggling, the letting her hair down and shaking it out-”
Kyungsoo interjected, “It's usually policy that long hair remains tied back in most restaurants and cafés. It’s practiced in mine, at least. I noticed that much.”
“Brilliant deduction, Watson,” Baekhyun chuckled and continued. “Not the point, actually. It’s the fact that she was hoping you’d be like “hot damn look at the mane on that lioness” and ask her out.”
While Kyungsoo blinked, absorbing that information, Chanyeol tilted his head and verbalized his own thoughts. “I don’t think lionesses have manes.”
Kyungsoo would jump in and defend himself, bring up all the times he caught on to people flirting with him, but the fact there wasn’t an example to be had left him empty handed.
From the common childhood “she’s teasing you because she likes you” moments all the way to their current circumstances, Kyungsoo just couldn’t tell when someone held an interest in him.
He was, despite the evidence otherwise, a very detail oriented and observant person. At gatherings with his friends, Kyungsoo was the one to straighten a friend’s askew tie or smooth back a stray hair. In public he’d make sure to acknowledge the unappreciated janitor or compliment the lonely auntie who needed a pick-me-up. His plating at work left no room for imperfections.
Romantic intentions (especially involving himself) were his blind spots. This wouldn’t be the first time Chanyeol and Baekhyun had fuel for the mockery fires, and Kyungsoo had a feeling it wouldn’t be the last.
“Did she look too upset?” Kyungsoo’s brows met in concern; that was always his first priority when these situations occurred.
Baekhyun softened in response and he shook his head. “Nah, just a little bummed. It’s not like she’d been pining over you for years or something. Just a little flit of attraction.”
Kyungsoo almost interrupted with a thought, a flicker that sparked to life at Baekhyun’s comment, but Chanyeol gave him a little squeeze and silenced it. “You’re cool. Just cracks me up. You’d never have an empty bed if you wanted company, just saying.”
“Why would I need that when I have you two to warm it? Or the pups?” Kyungsoo could always count on his humor to help the conversation back onto the rails.
That elicited the laughter he’d hoped for as they made it to the car. Kyungsoo saw Baekhyun watching him from the rear view mirror, but didn’t get a chance before Chanyeol turned up the music, peeling out of the parking lot.
-
You know what your plus one’s gonna eat? Asking for Minah, lol.
Kyungsoo wasn’t surprised his brother was texting him at such a late hour; his fiancé was always tittering with new ideas or thoughts on the wedding at all hours of the day.
Fond as he was of her, his brother indulged her by chasing whatever white rabbit had her scurrying about. This meant texting Kyungsoo about his plus one and their preference on chicken or fish.
Work had been a little hectic; a lot of catering orders always came his way around graduation, so he’d unfortunately forgotten to invite either of his friends yet. As usual, he’d choose based on availability, and failing that, a rousing game of rock, paper, scissors.
Whatever you’re serving them, hyung. You’re the one making the menu. Kyungsoo couldn’t help but tease a little; his friends were a bad influence.
His brother tried going for unamused in his retort, but Kyungsoo could almost see his smile as he typed. Wow, how original. I can hear Chanyeol’s laughter from here.
Knowing both of them were likely still up, he moved to the group chat on his phone.
Either one of you free the 29th?
Chanyeol was typing first, but Baekhyun finished his reply quickly enough that they both bubbled into their chat at nearly the same time.
I’m out of town that whole weekend. Nephew’s dol and all. So Chanyeol was out.
I’m always free for you, Soo. Baekhyun couldn’t just say yes like a normal person.
Kyungsoo smiled fondly at his phone as he responded. Care to be my plus one at my hyung’s wedding? I’m not cooking but I did recommend the chef they went with.
Food? You in a suit? The possibility of peer pressure and your mom getting you onto the dance floor? Sign me up.
Chanyeol was almost more excited, Kyungsoo could tell by how quickly he responded in kind. I demand pictures!!! Nevermind, I’ll ask your mom for them later, I’m her favorite after all.
Kyungsoo scratched Ink behind her ears and felt the fondness bloom in his chest. It was exhausting, sometimes, but he adored them both the same.
He returned to his brother’s message window. Baekhyunie prefers chicken.
-
It wasn’t a surprise that Baekhyun wormed his way into assisting with more wedding activities, seeing as Seungsoo had known both of his best friends since they were all kids.
Kyungsoo had fond memories of the three of them playing Smash Brothers in the living room before bribing his brother to join them with promises of the good controller and first dibs on the snacks.
The suit fitting required less washing of sticky fingers, but had just as much bickering.
“I’m just saying I agree with him. I think the cooler gray looks better.” Seungsoo looked from the mirror towards Kyungsoo approvingly.
Baekhyun tossed imaginary long hair over his shoulder. “Thank you.”
“I’m your kin, your blood, hyung.” Kyungsoo turned again in the mirror, not willing to admit the color was growing on him.
Seungsoo laughed. “I never figured you’d get so fussy over a suit.”
Before he could reply, Baekhyun perked up and stood from his chair. “I know how to win this. Hang on.”
Scurrying out of the small fitting room, he poked his head back in briefly. “One of the wedding colors is light blue right?
Seungsoo confirmed and Baekhyun returned with a tie in the aforementioned shade. “You just need to see the big picture is all.”
Without being asked, Kyungsoo ducked his head so Baekhyun could loop the fabric around his neck, patiently standing still as the other man tied it.
Baekhyun’s skin was so clear, brows furrowed in concentration. The smallest bit of tongue peeked out from the corner of his mouth. Kyungsoo resisted the urge to poke it. He could smell the man’s aftershave, his shampoo. It was oddly comforting.
Seungoo gave him a look and shook his head. Kyungsoo almost asked him what he was thinking.
In a moment, Baekhyun was gone and Kyungsoo looked to the mirror again. The colors complimented each other well. Another, logical part of him thought about how he was setting the precedent for the other groomsmen with his choice. In that regard, it was cheaper and flattered more skin tones.
But he’d be admitting Baekhyun was right. Life was full of tough choices.
Sighing, he turned to Seungsoo. “Is there any way to choose this suit now without Baekhyun being smug over lunch?”
Baekhyun was vibrating with delight and Kyungsoo could only fight back his smile for so long.
“Nope! Okay, Best Man, it’s time for you to complain about my suit choices right back.” Baekhyun pushed him gently towards the changing area and obnoxiously pretended to preen in front of the mirror.
Kyungsoo laughed and followed his urging. “I’m going to be brutal.”
“I’d expect nothing less.” Baekhyun beamed as he caught his gaze in the mirror.
-
Kyungsoo was sure he looked like the picture of abject misery as he stared at the blank paper in front of him. He’d already been at the table for twenty minutes and had no ideas for his speech. He’d even resorted to google, but it hadn’t really helped spark his muse. (Although he did see quite a few that taught him what not to do. Ball and chain jokes were gross and unfunny.)
Seungsoo slid into the chair beside him and ruffled his hair. “Struggling?”
“I’ll get it eventually. I don’t know how long that eventually is, but hopefully before the reception.” Kyungsoo looked up, keeping his expression neutral, despite fighting a smile.
His brother chuckled. “I’m not worried. You’re not a word guy, but you’re sentimental enough. Just tap into that. Have you thought of asking Baek?”
“I was hoping to have a little more than a blank paper and a list of don’ts before I called him, but that might be what he gets.” Kyungsoo sat the pencil down and ran his hands through his hair.
“I’m sure he’ll be glad to help.” Seungsoo nursed at his coffee and watched him for a moment, his eyes heavy on his figure and Kyungsoo felt this odd tension growing in the space. “Hey Soo?”
“Yeah, hyung?” He took his pencil in hand and spun it for something to do with the energy.
After a moment of further hesitation, Seungsoo spoke, “You ever think Baekhyun likes you?”
Kyungsoo felt the confusion grow for a only a moment, before the bubble popped. “I was going to joke that I hope so, seeing as we’ve been friends for so long…but you mean…”
“Romantically, yeah.” Seungsoo sat his mug down, hand resting over his own. “Before you start swimming in guilt and all that, just know I didn’t really pick up on it until the other day…something in the fitting felt more real than his usual pestering.”
Kyungsoo surprised himself in his response. “I…I had a strange feeling a while back. He’d said something about pining and for some reason it stuck with me”
“Maybe he was a little too real in the moment and it bled through.” Seungsoo nodded as he listened. “How do you feel about all of this?”
At that, he chuckled. “Out of my league. In all the ways, really. I’ve barely dated and Baekhyun is…socially adept and charismatic. I’m not saying I’m a bad catch, but I worry even with your reassurances that I’m wrong about this and that I’ll really set us both back.”
Seungoo sat back in his chair, crossing his arms in thought. They both had similar concentration faces; brows kissing and lips tight. “Well, there’s more than one way to find out.”
-
Chanyeol, the fool, suspected nothing of his invitation for a taco night. He was stuffing his face full of guac and trying not to laugh at Kyungsoo’s story about the woman who was furious her baked potato was hot.
“The word is in the title, my dude.” Chanyeol brayed with laughter before chomping down on another chip.
Kyungsoo finished off his second taco and sighed. “I hope she never comes back. She didn’t tip, what a surprise.”
As the conversation lulled, Kyungsoo took the opportunity to finally address his friend on what had been eating him up for days. “Chanyeol, is Baekhyun attracted to me?”
To his credit, Chanyeol did attempt to hide his surprise well, shoving more chips into his mouth between laughs as he tried to blow off the question. “Baekhyun flirts with old ladies at the park.”
“And bored movie theater ticket employees, baristas, but you know what I mean. Would he want a relationship with me?” Kyungsoo directly asked again.
Chanyeol wilted, fiddling with his napkin. “Shouldn’t you be asking him?”
Softening a little, Kyungsoo touched his friend’s arm; Chanyeol always responded well to touch. “I want to, but you know my track record with seeing people interested in me. I…I don’t want to hurt anyone.”
This admission relaxed Chanyeol further and he sighed in what seemed like true relief. “Do you know how hard it has been holding all this knowing for like…a billion years?!”
“We’ve only been friends since we were six, so no,” Kyungsoo teased, but Chanyeol spieled forward.
“Baekhyun’s going on about your smile and your voice at karaoke nights and meanwhile you’re asking for dog groomer recommendations without a clue and I, Park Chanyeol, the most obvious liar in the world, have to remain silent?!” He leaned his head back and groaned. “I barely survived.”
Kyungsoo continued to pat his arm. “A valiant effort. And you succeeded. I had no clue and you helped in that.”
“So wait, hold up, how do you feel about all this?” Chanyeol paused his meal, engrossed in the discussion.
He hated how his cheeks felt hot and the tips of his ears went red. “I think my face is talking for me.”
Chanyeol slapped his back, brightening. “It’s mutual? For how long? And how did I not notice?!”
“Because I flirt as well as I notice people flirting with me?” Kyungsoo chuckled, reeling from Chanyeol’s amusement manhandling as he always did. “And I…I didn’t want to ruin our friendship, make things awkward. I mean, technically I didn’t even figure this all out, Seungsoo did.”
Chanyeol nodded in understanding. “Ah, Baekhyun was whining about you in a suit for so many days after the fitting.”
“The tension that day was…obvious enough I suspected something.” Kyungsoo admitted, thinking back to Baekhyun’s fingers deftly looping the fabric of his tie.
“Hang on, before you get all soft on me…so you’re going to confess right? Tell him?” Chanyeol perked again, bright and eager like Kyungsoo’s pups before a walk.
Kyungsoo wouldn’t let him down. “I’m going to, even if I’m nervous. It has to live up to a lot; Baekhyun’s patience, the potential for this to be serious with our history…”
“Well don’t work yourself up too much, yeah? This is Baekhyun, the same Baekhyun who snorted milk out his nose when you told that knock knock joke in the second grade and cried with us at The Fox and the Hound.” Chanyeol seemed confident enough for all three of them.
Kyungsoo gave him a look. “We promised never to discuss that movie or the childhood trauma it gave us again.”
“I just referenced it, no discussing involved. Although I did want to get your thoughts on the new Mario movie.” Chanyeol gratefully walked them towards safer topics.
Kyungsoo was able to shut off his worries on Baekhyun for the moment and lose himself in the discussion.
-
“I told you they’d both cry,” Kyungsoo was matter of fact in his admission, loosening his tie as they stepped further away from the ballroom and into the gardens proper.
Baekhyun whined, his own tie long since forgotten somewhere back inside. “The odds were stacked against me. He’s your brother after all.”
“Tonight was everything they wanted, that’s more important than me being right.” Kyungsoo finally removed the accessory and rolled it carefully before tucking it into his pocket. “I owe quite a bit of that to you. Thanks for helping with my speech.”
The way Baekhyun glowed under praise always made Kyungsoo feel warm, eager to throw more his way just to catch that boxy smile. “I was honored to help. Seungsoo’s another hyung I admire. I spent almost as much time with him growing up as with my own.”
Kyungsoo automatically offered a hand to help steady him as Baekhyun jumped onto a set of stone benches and began to walk along the edge of them like a tightrope walker. The other man took it and grinned. “Afraid I’ll fall?”
“Maybe I was just looking for an excuse to hold your hand.” Kyungsoo hadn’t really played around with flirting much, especially not with Baekhyun, but the urge struck him. Maybe it was all the romance surrounding the wedding that had him so wisftul.
Baekhyun was clearly surprised by his answer, stuttering in his movements for a brief moment before gripping Kyungsoo’s hand tighter and recovering. “Never took you for a tease, Soo.”
“Am I teasing?” He countered, thumb briefly brushing Baekhyun’s wrist. “You know me, someone could smack me on the back of the head and I’d have no idea they were into me.”
At this, Baekhyun reached the end of the benches and jumped back down, looking at Kyungsoo with inscrutable seriousness. “Hold on. This might sting a little.”
With that, he smacked Kyungsoo right on the back of his head. The gesture didn’t hurt, and he’d expected the blow, so all he could do was laugh. “What was that for?”
Exasperation was not a strong enough word for Baekhyun’s expression. “Wh-what was that for? What was that for?! Do Kyungsoo, you cannot be that-”
Kyungsoo cupped his cheek and smiled. “Baekhyunie, maybe I am teasing you. I thought you liked that?”
“I…” Trailing off, Baekhyun leaned into the touch, eyes closing as his face bloomed into such a gentle smile. “I do. Like the teasing, that is. And you.”
Kyungsoo’s own cheeks felt warm as he stroked his cheek and jaw. “I was coming out here with all the string lights and stars to try and come up with a pretty confession. We’re in suits and it’s romantic…but I guess it took me a little too long.”
“If you don’t think this is romantic, you’re not seeing what I am.” Baekhyun looked at him and all Kyungsoo could do was hold his breath; the man was always gorgeous, but seeing all the affection his gaze directed towards him was potent.
Kyungsoo still had to, needed to apologize. “I’m sorry. For being afraid, for not seeing how either of us felt for so long…I never wanted to hurt us.”
Baekhyun patiently let him say his piece. “You wouldn’t be you otherwise. My dumb ass knew if I let myself fall that there were going to be a lot of moments that went right over your head.”
“There still will be,” Kyungsoo added, chuckling.
Conceding, Baekhyun sighed. “True, but sadly I’m into it and therefore only going to love you even more.”
Kyungsoo stepped closer, hand falling to Baekhyun’s chest. “I don’t know if I have room to love you more, but I’m more than willing to test that out.”
It wasn’t a surprise that Baekhyun leaned forward to kiss him, that it was eager and over-enthusiastic and altogether exactly all he’d hoped for.
When they finally pulled back, Baekhyun’s lips kiss-swollen and his eyes a little wet, Kyungsoo leaned in for one more quick kiss for good measure.
“So when we get married,” Baekhyun flashed a cheeky grin. “Who claims Chanyeol as the best man?”
Kyungsoo started laughing, shoving him lightly. “That was our first kiss and we’re already planning the wedding?”
“If you think I’m letting you go after waiting this long? After a kiss like that? Come on, Soo, you know me better than that.” Baekhyun took his hand, leading him back towards the ballroom. “Let’s go tell your mom so she can start planning everything. She’s gonna be thrilled.”
Kyungsoo shook his head, but let himself be dragged off, smiling.
-
Chanyeol had just finished brushing his teeth when he got a notification in the group chat, then another. Both were from Kyungsoo. Looking at his phone, the first was a photo of Kyungsoo and Baekhyun dancing together. The second was of them sharing a quick kiss, Seungsoo photobombing them with thumb’s up in the background.