exobubz | Like Night and Day 34

Chapter 34
Collapsing Stars

The sun was beating against his body, burning his neck and soothing the ache that had developed from multiple falls. His lungs were on fire, knees green from grass blades cutting into his skin. Kyungsoo hunched over, hands gripping his thighs as he tried hard not to suffocate from the lack of oxygen in his system.

Jongin was watching him, beads of sweat running from the boy’s neck. His lower lip was bruised and his knees were beginning to feel the itch done onto him by several cuts. And yet, as exhausted as both of them were, neither backed down. After giving Kyungsoo, who had possession of the ball just beside his foot, another minute to recover, Jongin broke out into a run and charged.

On high alert, Kyungsoo abandoned his body’s scream for oxygen and moved, keeping the ball in distance with his feet as he swerved to the right, avoiding Jongin’s attempt to kick the ball from under his feet.

Kyungsoo ran straight for the unattended goal on Jongin’s side of the field. His legs were already numb. The president had no idea whether he’d accidentally trip on his own two feet, but he kept moving forward.

Glancing back, he saw Jongin beginning to close the distance. When the male was a mere two feet behind him, Kyungsoo stopped, changing his direction to the left before manning his position, stepping on the ball possessively as he stood, catching his breath.

Jongin let the boy have a moment, but stayed on his guard. Taking up the front of his shirt, he wiped the sweat off his forehead.

“You’re not tired yet?”

Locking his jaw, Kyungsoo refused to answer. He felt like death, tired and exhausted with a body that begged for him to quit, but for once, Kyungsoo didn’t want to sit down and let the score remain three to three. Losing wasn’t an option.

Giving the latter a neutral expression, Jongin put his hands above his waist. “Do you want to talk now?” As he expected, the silence between them was the only constant in the conversation. “Kyungsoo, tell me what’s going on with Chanyeol.”

“What’s there to say? He’s your friend,” Kyungsoo growled under his breath. He shifted and watched as Jongin matched his movement. “Why?”

“I told you to stay out of their relationship.”

Giving the captain a weary grin, Kyungsoo gave a short, dry laugh. “I amout. I’m on the sideline, maybe even in the goddamn bleachers. How far do you intend to make me ‘stay out’ of it until you’re satisfied?”

“Until you start looking after yourself instead of Baekhyun.” Jongin took a step forward. In response, Kyungsoo tensed. “When was the last time you thought about you?”

The question almost made the latter grin in bitter sarcasm. “I think about myself all the time. In case you haven’t figured it out, I’m a self-conceited fuck.”

“You’re self-conceited, but you don’t love yourself enough. That’s ironic, isn’t it?”

Enraged, Kyungsoo darted for the goal with his swift footing keeping the ball by his side, but Jongin was fast enough to keep at his exact pace. But then, it took a split second for the president to realize the captain had no intention of taking the ball into his own possession.

“Chanyeol doesn’t just start to lose his focus during practice, Kyungsoo!”

Halting the ball once again, Kyungsoo stood just a meter away, no longer on guard about the ball’s protection. Jongin’s focus wasn’t on their game anymore. It was on him.

“He’s a moron if you ask me,” the student body president flared. “When the guy loses his senses, is it automatically my fault?”

“No, but--”

“And for all you goddamn know, it could be Baekhyun who’s responsible for his lack of interest in the damn sport.” Kyungsoo tightened his jaw. “He has a practice schedule like a fucking animal, and you think you can blame me for every single one of his faults? That’s--”

“He talks to me, Kyungsoo,” Jongin responded, cutting the boy off. “He told me everything.”

“He told you everything?” There was a bubble of laughter the president couldn’t hold down. “That’s fucking rich. Did he tell you the part where he thought Baekhyun was--”

Jongin moved forward. His eyes focused on keeping contact with Kyungsoo's own. “He did. Everything you know, he already told me.”

“And I bet he spun you a pretty picture about how he’s deeply and madlyin love with my ex-boyfriend.”

“He isin love with Baek--”

“Bullshit!”Kyungsoo shouted. He spun around and kicked the soccer ball toward Jongin’s goal box. It hit the net right on center. “Even if he does love him now, he is a fucking fraud, Jongin.”

The distance between them was losing its existence. “Chanyeol wasn’t himself then.”

Kyungsoo mocked him by laughing. “Then what was he? Mentally ill in the goddamn mind?” His throat burned, but he kept his chin up high. “He thought my friend was easy… Does he even know how fragile Baekhyun is?”

Jongin didn’t respond.

“I would know how he is, Jongin. I was the one who broke him,” Kyungsoo spat, voice straining. “That introverted personality is there for a reason. He has walls and boundaries because he hasto.”

“Chanyeol won’t hurt him.”

“Oh, he already did.” Taking a step back, Kyungsoo feared being touched. “He made the decision to hurt him the moment he fucking introduced himself. It’s only a matter of time now.”

Reaching out, Jongin grabbed Kyungsoo by the arm, preventing the latter from escaping him. “Baekhyun might understand. He’s not the type to just throw someone away because of their mistakes.”

Kyungsoo made no decision to forcibly remove the hand. He allowed for the boy to touch him despite how disgusted and sick he felt deep inside. “You don’t know him like I do,” he said bitterly. “I keep telling you and I keep telling everyone. No one knows Baekhyun better than me…”

“Kyungsoo--”

“You’re right. Unfortunately, he’s not the type to leave someone for their mistakes. I know this from experience…” Kyungsoo paused. “But you don’t know that he’s also the type to suffer alone. He caves inward like a collapsing star. And you want to know what else? Over time, he’ll start thinking that everything’s his fault. If Park Chanyeol thinks that Baekhyun’s going to roll over and forgive him like it's nothing but yesterday's news, he’s dreaming.”

“Don’t you believe in chances?” Jongin asked, scowling. His hold on Kyungsoo grew stronger. “Second chances exist for a reason.”

“They don’t exist for everyone.”

“What he did was…bad,” Jongin started, pulling Kyungsoo closer to him when the latter began to struggle. “I admit that, but that doesn’t mean he’s not genuine now--”

“Are you blind? Can’t you see that it’s completely pointless at this point?” Kyungsoo asked softly, cocking his head up at the captain who towered him. “It doesn’t matter… He’ll say what he did and they’ll fight… Baekhyun will say it’s alright and Park will continue living in some fairy tale happily-ever-after fantasy, because that’s not going to be the case. He’s going to die on the inside... Baekhyun’s going to appear alive, but he’ll be wilting. Chanyeol will set his insecurities on fire until there’s nothing left of him but ashes.”

When it was nearing the end of his shift, Baekhyun stood in the back of the store with the lunch bag that he had taken from home for himself in his hand. Untrue to his words, he hadn’t consumed more of it. At most, he took a mere ten percent of the entire container’s content before offering it to a female co-worker after stating his lack of hunger. Walking to the trash bin, he threw away with the paper bag.

Chanyeol had texted whenever the boy got the chance in between practice breaks, asking the brunet if he had eaten his lunch. When Baekhyun begrudgingly kept the truth to himself, texting back that he had a wonderful break eating the food his mother had made for him.

Satisfied with the answer, Chanyeol changed the subject to dinner, making plans with where to go and talking about which restaurants would still be open and affordable. Baekhyun only listened to the latter, contributing a word every once in a while to show that he was still present in the conversation. He blatantly ignored the sick feeling in his stomach.

Just as Baekhyun was putting away his name tag in the employee drawer and taking his things from his tiny locker, the old man that he worked for knocked on the door, garnering his attention as well as the attention of the other employees who were in the same room and position as Baekhyun.

“After I close the store, I’m treating everyone to dinner. We should welcome the new employees properly.”

Baekhyun opened his mouth to politely decline his boss’ kind gesture, but he was suddenly tugged by his side by an arm wrapping around his shoulder. Freezing, it took Baekhyun a second to regain his senses and pull away from the arm that hugged him tightly to another man’s body. When he saw that it was merely Jihoon grinning down at him like a fox, the brunet pursed his lips.

Amused, Jihoon cocked his head, giving the boy a shake. Baekhyun found the playful gesture slightly discomforting for a person who rarely did skinship with anyone, even with his own boyfriend.

“Are you coming, princess? It’s not a school night. You don’t have to go to bed early--or sober. We won’t tell your parents.”

Scoffing, Baekhyun shook his head, slipping his backpack straps on. “I’m glad you were able to find work here, and I think it’s nice that the old man to host a formal gathering for everyone, but--”

“What’s keeping you, Byun Baekhyun?”

Drawing his brows together, the brunet sighed. “I have plans.”

“I’m older than you,” Jihoon reminded him, saying the words casually and smooth. “Don’t disappoint me.”

“I know you’re older. I don’t mean to disappoint, either, but I--”

“You can cancel, right?”

Baekhyun stopped. “I could.”

“It’s one dinner, Baekhyun.” Putting a hand on the boy’s shoulder, Jihoon grinned. His lips curved upwards and the brunet couldn’t help but feel a bit shaken. “Have some respect.”

In his mind, respect was earned, not given like a birthright to anyone older than their peers. Baekhyun’s philosophy, however, was wayward in Korea. In the eyes of others, Jihoon had the right of way, and it was a bitter pill to swallow. Ancient old traditions killed the individual’s freedom to choose.

“I made plans to have dinner with someone,” Baekhyun said, making it clear to the other what his intentions after work were. “I promised him.”

Jihoon looked at him with a blank expression. “Who’s this guy?”

“Chanyeol.”

“Ah… The schoolmate…”

Nodding, Baekhyun gripped the straps of his bag. They were the only things he could hold onto as he watched Jihoon contemplate, judging him. After some agonizing few seconds of being observed like an injured prey, the brunet silently released a sigh of relief when Jihoon made a concession.

“Then invite him to come with us. Easy.” Ruffling the brunet’s hair, Jihoon chuckled. “Think outside the box, princess. You can bring your little--well, giant--friend.”

Without saying another word to him, Jihoon gathered his own things and left the employee room. Baekhyun stared at the doorway for a few minutes before snapping back to reality with the vibration of his cell phone. The name on the caller identification that flashed on the screen came to no surprise for him, picking up the call just as it was about to end.

“Hi, Chanyeol.”

“Hey!”Baekhyun almost cringed at the giant’s excited tone of voice. “Are you ready? I’m outside the shop, just around the corner.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. I got you a flower, by the way. I only got one, but it’s still nice.” Chanyeol said a few quiet apologies, presumably to older citizens around him. “So, listen, what do you want to eat? I have a few ideas, but it’s completely up to you.”

“Chanyeol, I can’t… eat dinner with you.” Baekhyun said, struggling to let the words fall from his lips. “Something came up, but--”

“Oh, um… I-I guess that’s okay.”Silence ensued on the other side. “Does that mean I shouldn’t stand outside here like a weirdo or can I walk you home?”

“It’s not entirely that bad. I got invited to a--” Stopping, Baekhyun realized how pointless it was to have the conversation when he could see Chanyeol standing outside the store with his hair still damp from a shower.

Chanyeol’s dedication almost killed him. The athlete was too perfect, even for someone like him...

Ending the call, Baekhyun walked out the store, leaving behind his co-workers who were standing, waiting inside for the old man to finish with business in his office in the back. When Chanyeol leaned down to kiss him, the brunet pulled away. The fleeting look of hurt in Chanyeol’s eyes forced Baekhyun to reassure the male. Placing a kiss on his index and middle fingers put together, he pressed the indirect kiss softly against Chanyeol’s lips.

“Not today. I’m sorry…”

Understanding, Chanyeol nodded. “Am I still your schoolmate?”

Knowing what the athlete was referring to, Baekhyun gave him an apologetic gaze. “Only for a short while.”

“What do I do about the flower?”

“I can take it,” Baekhyun offered. “I’ll say you got it for my sister.”

“They’re going to think I’m dating your sister, then…” Chanyeol muttered. Nonetheless, he handed the single flower over. “Hi. I’m Park Chanyeol and Byun Baekhyun isn’t my boyfriend…”

Softly laughing, Baekhyun put a hand on the boy’s arm. “Don’t mind it so much. Anyways, about dinner, the boss invited the entire store to have dinner out.”

“Oh…” Chanyeol hung his head. “That means I can’t walk you home either, then...”

“Stop,” Baekhyun scoffed. He reached up and fixed the boy’s gray hoodie. “Jihoon said to invite you, too, so, you can come. My boss won’t mind, either.”

It was a deflating thought to spend the evening that was supposed to be theirs with a handful of other people they were--for the most part--unfamiliar with. However, when the rest of his co-workers walked out the shop, Baekhyun quickly introduced Chanyeol to his boss. After the latter was affirmed into the group, the brunet made it a point to walk behind the others, grazing the tip of his fingers gently against the giant’s hand. Despite no words being said, Baekhyun could still see his boyfriend fighting with himself. Their hands were so close, and yet, so far away. It was amusing for Baekhyun to watch the basketball giant resist the urge to hold him closer, but it was a feat that had the brunet grinning to himself in the dark.

His boss left no money spared, ordering most of the things on the menu regardless of the prices. Baekhyun had chosen to sit as far as he could from the others. Being the youngest, he felt it was appropriate for Chanyeol and him to sit and be a little detached. Aside from their age, they couldn’t drink, something Baekhyun was all too happy to relish in, disinterested in the alcohol culture around him.

When the food was served, Baekhyun’s appetite spiked, and yet, when it came to eating, it was extinguished. As much as he would’ve liked to eat, the mood wasn’t present. Chanyeol was still the social butterfly that he was. Interaction with the others came easily to him, and for that, Baekhyun was relieved to have others entertain the boy beside him.

Glancing up, Baekhyun caught Jihoon’s eyes on him, the man being completely distracted and inattentive to the conversational topics around him. Before he could escape being pulled into interacting, Jihoon said his name.

“Baekhyun over there’s been a great help, in case any of you didn’t know already,” the older gentleman claimed. Consequently, Baekhyun gave an awkward smile to the crowd, the attention reaching his cheeks in the form of a slight blush. “This shot’s for you, princess.”

No one took mind with Jihoon’s slip of the tongue. “Princess” had become such a habit for the twenty year old to say that, over the short course of his employment, the others began brushing the name off as nothing. As he drowned the shot of alcohol, a few others joined in his impromptu toast to the brunet.

Beside him, however, Baekhyun felt the basketball player shift. When he glanced over, he caught a glimpse of the latter looking down with a smile that seem tattered and softly beaten down. Before he could lean over and whisper a light comment, Jihoon stretched an arm across the table and put a shot glass in Baekhyun’s hand.

“For you.”

Looking at the glass in his possession, Baekhyun gaped. Jihoon took an opened bottle and began to pour until the glass was filled to the brim. There was pressure to take a sip out of courtesy, but Baekhyun had no interest in alcohol consumption. In the back of his mind, he was also aware of Chanyeol’s hand resting on his knee underneath the table. Though the latter regained his composure and watched with a neutral expression on his face, Baekhyun understood that the giant was even less eager for him to drink the shot.

Shaking his head, Baekhyun politely set the drink down. “I’m sorry. I don’t drink.”

Cocking his head, Jihoon gave the brunet a blank stare. “If it’s because you’re not legal yet, it’s alright. No one’s going to tell on you, Baekhyun. I told you this, didn't I?”

“I appreciate that, but I’m really not into this type of thing,” Baekhyun insisted.

“This is Korea. Everyone drinks.”

Their geographical location wasn’t new information. Looking at the full glass in front of him, Baekhyun felt contempt for stupid traditions. “I’m not--”

“Live a little, princess.”

“I said--”

From the corner of his vision, Baekhyun saw Chanyeol lean into him. The boy took the shot glass from the table and, without taking a second look at his boyfriend, took it to his lips. He cringed immediately after before letting out a low grunt as he held out the empty glass for more.

“I’ll drink for him,” Chanyeol said, looking Jihoon in the eye. “I don’t mind.”

Raising a brow, Jihoon grinned. He looked back at Baekhyun and laughed upon seeing the latter’s fixated gaze at the male beside him. “You’ve got one hell of a friend, Baekhyun,” he said and poured Chanyeol another glass. “I’ll let you go this time.”

The alcohol almost never met the giant’s mouth as he spewed out what little he had begun to sip. Baekhyun put a hand on his back, patting rhythmically as he grabbed a napkin to hand over. Chanyeol was quick to apologize to those around him who brushed the incident off quickly, joking about how the high school student was only a drinking novice.

Baekhyun frowned at Jihoon who watched Chanyeol with a genuine look of pure delight. “Okay, stop giving him that. He’s not used to this kind of thing.”

Jihoon hummed. “I don’t think so. He wasn’t choking because of the drink… You’re used to drinking like this, aren’t you, Chanyeol?”

“Yeah.” Chanyeol nodded, wiping the corner of his lips with the napkin. “I’m fine.”

“You don’t have to lie,” Baekhyun said, his lips forming a thin line. “You can tell him that you--”

Snapping his head to the brunet, Chanyeol gave him a look that was neither apologetic nor proud. “I’m not lying, Baekhyun. I’m okay.” Turning to Jihoon, Chanyeol lifted the glass again. “Pour it.”

Baekhyun sat, feeling as though he was nothing more than a third person observer. The revelation held--to the brunet’s unfortunate grace--no false truth. From the way Chanyeol talked and how he handled the casual drinking setting, it was clear as the water in his glass before him that the jock was telling the truth.

“Baekhyun, if you’re not going to drink, you might as well eat more,” Jihoon said, pulling the boy from his shock. “You didn’t eat your lunch today. I thought you were just saving space for dinner.”

“I’m already feeling full,” Baekhyun said, dismissing the male’s subtle hinting. His appetite was long gone.

“Three bites and you’re full already?” Jihoon clicked his tongue. “Princess, you’re thin enough as it is.”

Baekhyun could sense Chanyeol’s eyes in stern focus on him. Contradictory to what he wanted, his eyes looked up and met with the player’s displeased expression.

“You told me you ate.”

Pursing his lips, Baekhyun stood his ground, ready to defend his decision that afternoon. “I did, but--”

“You gave me your word,” Chanyeol said bitterly under his breath. “I asked you and you said--”

“I know what I said,” the brunet brashly interrupted. “And I’m sorry, but I didn’t feel hungry.”

“You didn’t have to lie to me.” Drinking down the shot in his hand, Chanyeol ran a hand through his messy hair. “What kind of boy… What kind of friendam I if I make you feel like you have to lie?”

Baekhyun looked ahead of him, grateful to see Jihoon’s attention temporarily pulled by another co-worker. “Chanyeol, let’s discuss this later. I have a headache.”

“Probably because you haven’t been eating right these past few days…”

Surprised by the bitterness of the giant's tone, Baekhyun pulled back. “What?”

“You heard me.” Taking a nearby bottle, Chanyeol poured himself a new glass. “Princess.”

Floored, Baekhyun stared at the boy beside him. He could sense the seething jealousy and anger. The feeling was in the air, and Baekhyun was too afraid to touch on the matter anymore.

As if sent by the gods, an opportunity rang, giving Baekhyun a reason to excuse himself from the table. His cellphone sang with Kyungsoo’s name decorating the front screen of the device. It was something Chanyeol didn’t miss.

He left the table and stepped outside, grateful for the breeze that welcomed him the second he left the terribly uncomfortable room. Putting the phone to his ear, Baekhyun answered the call as he leaned against the restaurant's front wall.

“Hey, Kyungsoo.”

“Hi…”

There was a short silence before Baekhyun ignited a question. Kyungsoo was far too proud to instigate a conversation. “Is something wrong? What’re you doing calling me?”

“I wanted to tell you something…” Kyungsoo sighed. “Some things in this world are worth knowing.”

“Okay…” Baekhyun stared at the ground. He kicked a small rock with his feet. “Tell me what you want to say.”

It took a moment for the latter to started, but when he did, Baekhyun did not mistake Kyungsoo’s concerned tone of voice. “I care about you… I always will.”

“I know…”

“I can’t help but feel like I have to protect you, even if you’re not mine to protect anymore. It doesn’t feel wrong to me.”

Baekhyun nodded to himself. “I know, and that’s fine.”

“I know you’re happy with him, and I don’t want you to think I’m telling you this because I’m bitter. That’s not my intention, Baekhyun.” On the other line, Baekhyun could hear Kyungsoo’s grip on the phone. The latter was struggling with himself. “Remember what you said about being damaged. Don’t forget that.”

“What’re you talking about, Kyungsoo?”

“He hasn’t told you yet, and I gave him enough goddamn chances.”

The brunet shook over the unknown. “Kyungsoo, what is it?”

“Baekhyun, Chanyeol’s ex-girlfriend is pregnant.”

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Like Night and Day 34

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