ⓘⓢⓛⓐ | ChanBaek

Part 1

It’s Baekhyun’s favorite time of the day.

The sun started hiding itself on the horizon, creating a beautiful pattern of colors on both the sky and the sea. As always, Baekhyun finds himself getting lost in the mesmerizing view. His heart leaps in joy each time his hands mimic the colors he sees on the canvas. Each stroke on his paintbrush is delicate and important in completing the whole picture. The purple, pink, and orange hues are his favorite shades to play around with, and adding the sparkles using white paint and glitter for additional shine on each wave on the sea is like the cherry on top.

Baekhyun finds peace when creating art. Settling on this beautiful island is the second-best decision he ever made.

The best one was when he decided to leap.

He added his initials at the bottom-right part of the canvas to complete his work. He can’t help but fall in love with his own creation. Each time, he never forgets to thank his mother for giving him this gift.

“Do you see this, Mom? This one’s so beautiful, just like you.” Baekhyun giggled. He stared at the sunset one last time, waving goodnight to his mom, who now lives in both his heart and the sky, before deciding it was time to close his shop for the day.

“Is your shop ready for tomorrow, Hyunnie?” If not for Mrs. Cha’s sweet voice, Baekhyun would’ve jolted in surprise. The old woman appeared behind him out of nowhere while he was busy collecting his succulent displays from outside his shop.

“Aish— Mrs. Cha, you surprised me again!”, he pouted as a joke, making the woman laugh.

“You are so cute when you’re shocked. You really can’t blame me.”, she teasingly replied.

Baekhyun smiled back and then recalled her question.

Is it tomorrow already?

“To be honest, I’m not sure if I’d open my shop tomorrow.”, he responded, looking down at the succulents he was holding.

“Eh? Why not? It’s about time these precious plants find their new home, don’t you think?”, she asked, trying to convince the young man.

“I just.. I don't know. I doubt the tourists would be interested in my succulents anyway—ouch!”, his reply received a pinch on his shoulder. It doesn’t actually hurt. He just liked teasing Mrs. Cha since she reminded him of his momma.

“Your shop is the only one on this island that sells succulents, books, paintings, and even coffee all in one! You offer such a variety, yet you think no one would come?”, the old lady shook her head.

“Well.. the books were included when I bought the shop so—aw!” Baekhyun cried in pain as the pinch got a little harder this time. Honestly, he already ran out of excuses. Mrs. Cha and the town head have been convincing him to open his shop for the week-long event that the island is hosting starting tomorrow.

“It’s been a while since we opened the island for visitors. Two years since the pandemic— you can’t let this opportunity slip, hijo. It’s time to meet new people and get more sales.” Worry seeps along with the woman’s words. Baekhyun got into the island just weeks before the pandemic hit the world, and he’s been her neighbor since then, yet she never saw him with anyone. The natives love him for his gentle aura, but he’s not hanging around with friends like the other people his age does. She doesn’t understand why he’s so aloof and distant, and as much as she respects his privacy, she feels sad seeing the poor child always being alone.

Baekhyun knows that the lady is just taking care of him, and he appreciates her so much.

He’s just.. afraid.

His life has been at peace these past two years, and he wants to keep it that way.

He just.. doesn’t want to be found.

“If you’re uncomfortable, I can ask Yuri to help you entertain customers tomorrow. I can handle my shop—”

“—no need to do that, Mrs. Cha. I– I can manage tomorrow." Baekhyun felt guilty. He didn’t intend to make her feel worried.

The lady squinted her eyes, “If I don’t see that sign reading Open tomorrow, I’ll pull you out of bed myself.” She tried lowering her voice to make it sound like a threat, but her sweet nature gave her away.

Baekhyun giggles, “I know you will, and I don’t like to be pinched first thing in the morning.”, he joked back, making the elder roll her eyes but flash a cheerful grin.

How can he say no to this nice lady?

“I will open my shop tomorrow, don’t worry, Mrs. Cha.”

Yes, he decided it was time to let go of his fear. Two years of serenity should be enough to make him stronger.

It’s just five days and a few tourists anyway.

What could possibly go wrong?

-*-*-

xoxo, Tinkerbell ☆