Paint It Black [ ChanBaek ]

2

Chanyeol pauses as he hears someone say, "Excuse me?"

He takes off his earphones and sees a guy around his age who looks even paler than he does, with windswept copper brown locks matted on his forehead and soft features that some people might call pretty.

The boy points impatiently at the keyhole, holding a key in his fingers, and says, "This door won't open."

Chanyeol stares at him questioningly. He hadn't noticed anyone when he reached his door.

"Well, you need to twist it at a certain angle, otherwise, it won't unlock," Chanyeol says. He's used to it by now. He didn't expect anything better from this rundown apartment.

"I've been trying, it doesn't work," the guy says, his eyebrows furrowed. He stretches the key forward to Chanyeol.

Reluctantly, Chanyeol grabs the key and walks towards the door, which is quite similar to his, scratched and dented with chipped brown varnish. But it is dusty and unused. The apartment hasn't been rented since Chanyeol started living in the building.

He inserts the key, giving it a quick jiggle, twists it halfway, and the door unlocks with a click.

"Ohh thank you," the guy says, sounding relieved.

Chanyeol drops the key in his palm and nods.

"I just moved in," the guy says while opening the door, which makes a groaning sound. With the door now wide open, Chanyeol sees the dust particles reflecting the now sinking sun rays like pixie dust over the window.

"Well, I should get back," Chanyeol takes a step backward towards his own apartment. The air is starting to smell musty.

"Don't be surprised if I knock on your door soon if I can't open mine," the guy wipes his dusty hands on his ripped jeans.

His lips are curved into a small smile, Chanyeol imitates a similar smile, gives a slight nod, and turns around.

"I am Baekhyun."

"Chanyeol," he says, shutting the door without sparing another glance.