Once A Park : Cry For Love

Graduation Day

Baekhyun walked to the stage to gave his valedictory address, as expected Baekhyun was the top honor. He tried to keep his voice steady despite of the stage fright he is currently experiencing. He made his speech short but inspiring. He scanned the crowd looking for Chanyeol and saw him sitting beside his uncle- the school's director. Baekhyun suddenly feels more conscious under his husband's intent gazed, he looked away and finishes his speech while thanking heavens that he delivers it without embarrassing his self. He was applauded by the whole school beside Chanyeol who keep his arms crossed on his chest. Baekhyun feels sad despite of the cheerful occasion. He knows that Chanyeol was not here for him but for Dara who's graduating with him today. He saw her earlier looking all pretty and happy when she walked with her parents. Baekhyun swallowed the lump in his throat as he thought of his dear mother. Mom, are you watching me today? Did I make you proud? I miss you so much. A tear escaped from Baekhyun's eyes and he quickly wiped it away. Not here Baekhyun, don't let these people around pity you. He knows people already felt sorry for him for doing the graduation march alone without his parents or a friend to walk him but Baekhyun tried to ignored the pitiful looks that  people were giving him. The whole school knows anyway that he was an orphan.

After the ceremony Baekhyun rushed out, wanting to get away from the place. Everybody were having fun taking pictures with their families, friends and loved ones. He saw Chanyeol and Dara with her parents outside goofing with the camera. Dara was holding a big bouquet of tulips and a bunny plushie with a " Congratulations " written on the bunny's shirt. Baekhyun didn't realize that he stopped in his tracks and stares at the happy couple. And here I am, the so called husband who can't celebrate my achievements with him. Baekhyun's heart was breaking once again, he blinks his tears away when he met the serious eyes of Chanyeol. His husband's face was unreadable as he stares back at him. Baekhyun gulped and turned his back for he cannot control his tears anymore. Feeling more sorry for himself.

Baekhyun was feeling so down and empty despite of what he achieved today. He have no family or friends to share and celebrates it with and Chanyeol will never ever do it for him. He wiped his tears again and continued walking away when he suddenly heard someone called his name.

" BAEKHYUN! "

Baekhyun turned around when he heard the familiar voice and couldn't contained his shock when he saw Minseok standing five meters away from him with a big bouquet of assorted flowers and box of expensive chocolates and what seems like a small paper bag. He had a big smile on his handsome face but it was turned into a frown when he saw Baekhyun's tearful face. He rushed to his friend who's frozen from where he was standing, still in shock while his beautiful eyes keeps tearing up.

" Baek, are you okay?" Minseok held his friend's beautiful face with his one hand while his other hand was holding the flowers, the box of chocolate and the little paper bag from a top jewelry shop. His heart hurts as he wiped his friend's tears.

" Minseok, h-how? W-why are you here?" Baekhyun still cannot believed it. He was not expecting him to come, two days ago Jongdae was rushed into the hospital for food poisoning. They were supposed to come together for his graduation but because of Jongdae being in the hospital they canceled their flight to attend his graduation. While Luhan was in China for a family occasion that he can't missed because it's their family's annual tradition. And Baekhyun understood, he felt sad but he knew his friends will be with him if they could.

" How's Dae? " Baekhyun was worried for him.

" He is okay now Baek. He will be discharged tomorrow. " Minseok assured him.

" But why you're here? You should be with Dae.. "

" It's okay Baek. Actually, this is his idea, he felt bad for being sick before we come here. And we don't want you to be alone in your special day. So, when the doctor told us that Dae condition is getting better, he urged me to come since we already booked our plane tickets. But he can't be discharged so soon , that's why I came alone. " Minseok explained to him.

Baekhyun was speechless and tears keeps coming, he was beyond touched of his friend's gestures. " Please Baek stop crying, are you that happy to see me?" Minseok joked though he knew that it's not the real reason why Baekhyun was crying. He can saw the familiar pain in the smaller's beautiful eyes. The pain that only shows whenever Park Chanyeol is around.

Minseok came just in time for Baekhyun's speech, he called his boyfriend who watched Baekhyun via video call, they were so proud of their friend. After the ceremony, he saw Baekhyun rushed out of the hall and he followed him. He saw when Baekhyun stopped as he watched Chanyeol and Dara with a pained expression. The same pained expression Baekhyun has every time he sees Chanyeol.

" Congratulations, Baek! You did well with your speech!" He gave Baekhyun a hug , trying to hide the irritation that building up inside him as he met Chanyeol's eyes who's watching them from the distance with a clenched jaw.

" Thank you, Minmin." Baekhyun truly felt grateful of Minseok's presence. He smiled at him and hug him back, unaware of his husband's darkened gaze.

" Let's take a picture of you so you can bring it to your mother. " Minseok take out his cellphone and snaps pictures of him and Baekhyun. Then he called Jongdae.

" Baekhyunee! " Baekhyun smiled as he saw Jongdae's face . " Congratulations! And I'm truly sorry for not making it.." Jongdae apologized.

" Don't be sorry Dae, it's okay. How are you? "Baekhyun can still see that Jongdae is still wearing a hospital gown.

" I feel a lot better now. Don't worry about me." Jongdae assured him. " I hope my boyfriend didn't forget your gifts.." Jongdae said seriously.

" No, honey. I got it all! " Minseok said. " Take this Baek, the flowers are from Dae, and the chocolates from me. And this is from Lulu. " he gave Baekhyun the small paper bag.

" T-thank you.." Baekhyun started tearing up again.

" Oh please, Baekhyun don't cry! " Jongdae scold him softly.

" I-I'm sorry. I can't help my tears.. " Baekhyun wiped his eyes dry again.

" Today is a special day! You should celebrate with Minseok. He will take you to a good restaurant to eat and maybe take you to see your mother. How about that? " Jongdae said excitedly over the phone. To which Baekhyun just nodded. " You two should go now and enjoy. I will call again later. Love you both!" Jongdae waved him goodbye.

" Thanks again Dae and rest well.." Baekhyun then cut the call and gave the phone back to Minseok.

" Do you feel better now, Baek? " Minseok asked to which Baekhyun just nodded. He glanced again where Chanyeol was and saw him holding hands with Dara. He turned his back and walked towards the parking lot and Minseok followed him.

Chanyeol watched Baekhyun's receding back, his anger starts rising up again.

A/N: My eyes literally closes a lot of times while typing this chapter but I really wanted to give you guys an update. My apologies for any mistakes and will just edit it again in the morning. Thanks a lot! 🍓JD🍒