In Time (In Places Book 2)

Introduction

When I knelt on one knee and watch him bite his lip to stifle a sob, I definitely want this moment in that precious list I have in mind. And I wouldn't mind the place at all.

But Park Chanyeol does mind the time.

He would mind the now.

He would mind the answer.

"I..." Chanyeol started as he let out a breath. It's a low, nervous one and his eyes are partly showing fear. "I already don't know what I'll do or what would become of me if you go away, Byun Baekhyun. I don't know if I could even live another day if you suddenly get mad at me, if you leave, if you find yourself happier with another person.

"I can't even take the thought of you gone, do you know that? I can't breathe, I can't think, I can't even pull myself together whenever you feel distant, whenever jerks are hovering around, gawking at you." he looked down, gripping the ring in his fingers as he tried to calm himself. "Because you, Byun Baekhyun... You made me feel a kind of happiness I never knew I am capable of having. You made me love you in a way I never, ever loved anyone else before. You showed me things I never even knew existed. And I am afraid, totally afraid, to go out there and live my life if I wouldn't be living it with you."

Byun Baekhyun took one step down the stairs, one hand flying to cover his lips so he could stop his sobs. His heart, pounding against his chest, is hurting him in a way he never thought he'd like. Blood rushed to the tips of his fingers and ears, his face is blushing pink. With the back of his hand, he wiped the tears on his face and eyes as he continued walking towards Chanyeol's kneeling figure.

Slowly, Baekhyun knelt on his two knees, facing Park Chanyeol until their faces are a few inches apart. "Chan..." he stared into his eyes. "Why... Why now...?" he asked as he reached for the giant's face, brushing his cheek affectionately with his fingers. It was slow and soft, like he's afraid he's going to harm him.

Chanyeol's face fell and he frowned in confusion. "B-Baek--" But before he could even let the next few words out, Baekhyun reached for the pocket of his own shorts, opening a small zipper in one motion.

"I've been keeping this very close to me all this time, in case you'll see." Baekhyun murmured as he slowly withdrew a lone silver ring with a diamond embedded on one surface. It shined with the light and Chanyeol can't believe his own eyes. Baekhyun slowly held it between them, beside the one Chanyeol is holding and he can't help but smile despite his tears.

"You, Park Chanyeol, have done too much for me already, you know?" Baekhyun said, still smiling. "You've given me more than I deserve, you've given me way, way more than I could ever dream of. You've given me yourself." he whispered as he gently placed his palm against Chanyeol's cheek.

"You've given me this inhumanly handsome man with a big heart and a killer smile. You are wonderful, Park Chanyeol... And I love you. I love you and I will never get tired of telling you that and making you feel how much."

"So don't do this for me, okay?" Baekhyun grinned as he took the engagement ring Chanyeol is holding before the giant could stop him. He slipped it to his own finger, smiling to himself.

"B-Byun Baekhyun..." Chanyeol tried to protest but he's currently out of words. He didn't expect any of this.

The smurf held up the ring he's been keeping. He lets out a breath, his heart suddenly pounding faster than ever. "I'm sorry if this isn't as expensive as the one you gave me." he pouts as he looks at Chanyeol shyly. "I'm sorry if you even woke up early for me and I'm sorry if you look so handsome right now, I want to just kiss you and make love to you already... I'm sorry if I stole your moment..." He let out a giggle and the giant can't help but chuckle himself.

"But Park Chanyeol... You know, when I was younger, I never thought I'll meet someone like you. I never thought someone like you would even notice me. You are one hell of a guy and I... I just find myself falling more deeply in love with you every day." He peeked at Chanyeol through his lashes. "You are kind... and sweet... and cute... and handsome...and hot... and bursting with sex appeal."

Chanyeol let out a laugh and he slowly reached for Baekhyun's face with both hands, making the smurf look at him. "Hey, Byun Baekhyun. You don't have to ask me anymore, okay? It's--"

"No!" Baekhyun yelped as he covered Chanyeol's lips with his free hand. "I have one hell of a speech prepared and I ought to finish that, so listen!" he cleared his throat, still glaring at his guy. When Chanyeol nodded against his palm, he continued. 

"So Park Chanyeol, as I was saying, you are bursting with sex appeal... And you, being Mr. Perfect is making me wonder more for the reason on why you fell in love with me." He let out a slow breath. "I know we're still in college and we have a lot ahead of us, waiting. They could be bad things, or good things, or just-okay things." Baekhyun breathed. "But you know, Park? As I think about those things, I just keep seeing myself with you. No future is any brighter or worth looking forward to if it's not with you.

"So... marry me." Byun Baekhyun finally said in a low, velvety voice. "Marry me and never leave my side... Because I will never, ever leave yours. Park Chanyeol, please... Marry me." 

It was a heartbeat before Park Chanyeol placed a hand behind Baekhyun's neck, pulling him for a kiss. It was gentle. It was real. It was everything they wanted that very moment.  

"I'm yours." Chanyeol whispered between kisses. "I am forever yours." 

This is one of the moments when neither of them has to wait anymore.