Artifical Love

Chapter Forty

Chanyeol was not planning on eavesdropping on Luhan and Taehyung's conversation. His original plan is to just drop off some food and excuse himself for a few hours since his mom was nagging him to do some work related errands. But what he heard was something he did not expect, not from the Sunshine Baekhyun that he knows.

Taehyung frowns upon seeing Chanyeol, "I didn't know you were that kind of person Park. I really dislike you." He is about to walk away when Chanyeol grabs his arm, "don't do anything stupid. If you really care about Baekhyun, you will always prioritize him" Taehyung laughs after hearing this, "what do you know Park? You just came into his life. You don't know what Baekhyun has been through, heck you wouldn't even understand because you lack empathy. You're just a damned robot! So don't tell me that you love Baekhyun because you don't. You're using him to forget Kyungsoo and even if Baekhyun starts to love you, I will always get in your way"

Chanyeol wants to beat Taehyung, he holds his fist, something Luhan noticed. But Chanyeol decides not to, he doesn't want to hurt Baekhyun physically and this could even be Taehyung's test. "Don't act as if you know everything" Taehyung laughs, "then don't act as if you have feelings. I'm not dumb Park Chanyeol. Don't treat me like the rest of them" he then runs off.

Chanyeol sighs and turns to see Luhan who looks disappointed and sad at the same time. "I'm sorry Luhan" Chanyeol says and places the bag on the table. He is about to leave as well when Luhan spoke, "I want to tell you everything Chanyeol, but I know it's Baekhyun's right to open up to you. I hope you understand" Chanyeol nods in understanding, "I'm not in a rush Luhan. I know it must be hard on him"

Luhan takes this chance to ask the question he's dying to know. "Do you.... really love Baekhyun? Or are you going to be like Taeyeon?" Chanyeol was taken off guard, he knows someday he'll encounter this question but not this early. Luhan sighs, "I tried showing you my cold side but in this state I want to know because if I allow you to enter Baekhyun's life just so you can easily leave, then I'll blame myself forever. You might not understand but I really care about Baekhyun. He's like my brother and I hate it when he's hurt, the same as Taehyung. We both love Baekhyun and we want to make sure that everyone in his life, especially those he will love romantically will be able to accept him for who he really is"

Chanyeol nods, "I understand. I can't promise you anything, but one thing is for sure, as someone who's been through a lot, I know what pain feels like. I know what being left is like so I won't do the same thing" Luhan nodded, "I'll look forward to your words"

The ride back to his condominium is quiet. Chanyeol is distracted in his thoughts. He couldn't understand his own feelings, the same time he wants to prove to Taehyung that he really cares about Baekhyun because he knows that he does. He wants Baekhyun to be happy, to see that beautiful smile on his face again.

He stops his car in his reserved parking space and walks inside the building. His tracks stop when he saw a familar face by the door. "Kyungsoo.." he mumbles as Kyungsoo smiles at him. "I haven't heard from you for the last 2 days Chanyeol. I was worried"

Chanyeol offered Kyungsoo some tea as he sits across the latter. "I'm on my way to a business meeting.." he explains while Kyungsoo nods. "I wasn't planning on going here too. It's just your mom seemed worried that you're going off the wrong track" Chanyeol looks at Kyungsoo, he knows that the latter have researched on him and probably knows that he's in the hospital with Baekhyun. "I'm not off track. I know my responsibilities"

Kyungsoo drinks the tea, he looks calm but Chanyeol knows otherwise. If Chanyeol couldn't feel anything, Kyungsoo can't express his overflowing emotions making him look like a robot.  "I'm not going to be around the bush any longer. You need to remove this Byun Baekhyun out of your life. You've been distracted for 2 days, missed 5 meetings and even school. He is not a part of your future Chanyeol."

Chanyeol looks down, this is something his mother would say and though Kyungsoo would say these things, Chanyeol is sick of it. "Are you?" Kyungsoo's eyes widen, "what?"

"Are you a part of my future, Kyungsoo?"