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Baku hums under his nose, washing the dishes in his dad's cafe. His mind is preoccupied with tomorrow's fight. The Union isn't the one to mess with. He knew he shouldn't underestimate their power. Especially taking into account how they significantly outnumbered Eunjang. Baku's strong, but not strong enough to fight off dozens of boys, whose blood pumps with pure adrenaline and fury.
Sieun shared his crazy plan earlier today. Told Baku to aim for Baekjin's shoulder, to turn it into minced meat. To say that Baku's taken aback is an understatement. Yeon Sieun knew how to shock people with the ideas brewing in his mind.
Just imagining the pain Baekjin will have to go through makes Baku wince. No matter how insane his friend turned out, he didn't like hurting him.
Alas, Na Baekjin won't hold back himself. Baku tasted the strength in his friend's fists, experienced how those bloody knuckles knock the air out of him.
If Baku hesitates, then he'd be done for. So he has to reciprocate.
As he puts the last plate into a cabinet, he hears a soft cough behind his back.
"We're closed. Come back tomorrow."
"I don't think I can."
Baku turns around to the familiar voice, the one that's so stubborn to leave his dreams and thoughts.
"What are you doing here?" Baku says. He tries to sound aggressive and confrontational, but it comes off as distraught. "If you're here to mess with my dad, I swear I'll kill you."
"Your dad's fine. He even let me in." Baekjin leans on a fridge and stares at Baku.
"Leave. We're closed, can't you see? We'll see each other tomorrow anyway." Baku sighs and picks up a mop.
Baekjin doesn't move. The intensity in his eyes makes Baku shiver. Sometimes, he questions if it's the same person he knew when he was little. It's unsettling.
All Baku wants is to finish his work and sleep. There is no time to entertain his ex-friend. They'll "play" tomorrow.
Baku throws the mop away and frowns.
"Are you going to stand there like a dumbass? What do you want? And quit glaring at me, I won't melt."
"I wish you did."
"What?"
Baekjin steps closer, encroaching on him. He kicks the mop lying in his way. There is only one meter between him and Baku.
He tugs at Baku's collar, pulling him close to his face. Baku should fight him off, should push him away, kick, hit, anything but not just freeze and hold his breath.
"I wish you melted, so I don't have to hurt you," whispers Baekjin.
They're too close.
The words.
Baku can almost taste them on his lips.
"But that's all you do," Baku breaks eye contact and looks away.
Baekjin caresses his chin, gently asking him to look at him again.
"I don't want to." A whisper and a soft brush of his fingers against Baku's cheek.
"Why did you come?" Baku doesn't want Baekjin to get under his skin. But what if he was there to begin with? Another heavy sigh leaves his lips. "Are you going to hurt me again?"
"Now? No."
"But tomorrow - yes?"
Baekjin nods and wraps his arms around Baku's trembling figure. Baku tries to break free. He huffs, putting his arms between them. But Baekjin's too strong.
And Baku?
He missed the touch. All this time, he craved Baekjin. And Baku's weak. He lets Baekjin embrace him. Baku rests his head on his shoulder and shuts his eyes. He tastes blood after biting the inside of his cheek way too harshly. But it keeps him from breaking down. Tears stay unshed, twinkling in his eyes. He blinks them away.
"I'm sorry," Baekjin says, before vanishing.
The hug was safe.
Baku sinks to the floor and hugs himself.
Tomorrow's touch won't be the same.