Better, Best, and Byun Baekhyun [KAIBAEK / CHANBAEK]

3

T h i s i s t h e c o n t i n u a t i o n

•••••

Tightening his grip on his bag, Baekhyun deeply breathes to somewhat calm and motivate himself to act normal. After his encounter with Jongin, Baekhyun decided to attend his next class. He spent the last 25 minutes of the subject he ditched on reading a random book from the library, though his attention was not entirely directed to it.

His parents know his relationship with Chanyeol and they have no problem with it since Baekhyun already admitted that he's gay when he was younger. They would ask questions about Chanyeol from time to time, but it was more of reassuring questions like 'does he treat you well?'. Being the only child, he is aware that his parents would be more concerned of him.

On his way home, Baekhyun contemplated if telling his parents about their break-up would be a good idea. His mother always remind him that she hates liars. But in this case, not telling the truth is not completely the same with hiding the truth. He is not lying until she ask then he answered with a lie.

Besides, Baekhyun has no more details to reveal aside from their break-up. He can't just say that Chanyeol has been giving him the coldest treatment for the past few months which leads to their dying relationship because his parents would be furious. Who wouldn't be? Although Baekhyun can reason out that they simply outgrew each other, Baekhyun knows that his parents would still be suspicious on Chanyeol and not on him.

Upon entering their house, Baekhyun kept on wishing that his mother wouldn't ask anything about Chanyeol, which is nearly imposibble because their names are already intertwinned on others' minds.

"Chanyeol has a training again? He should pay a visit soon. Do you still go to school together?" His mom was sitting on the sofa while watching a drama, but as soon as she saw Baekhyun, she bombarded him with questions about Chanyeol.

"He's been busy and will be busier because he joined a lot of organizations this year. Chanyeol wants to have an impressive record as a fresh start on college," Baekhyun said with a 'it's not a big deal' kind of tone. He tried to sound like a normal understanding boyfriend in front of his mom, not like he isn't. Baekhyun felt his guilt take over him, but he has no better choice.

"He's still a freshman though. He needs to warm up a little."

"Yeah. I'll tell him. Mom, I'll take a nap so don't bother me for a while, okay?" Before leaving, Baekhyun kissed his mother's cheeks and hug her tight. He badly needs to be alone right now, but his mother's presence always gives him strength.

Baekhyun pictured a negative scenario once he told his mom right away. He needs to have a closure with Chanyeol. He has the rights to know the exact reasons of their break-up.

But maybe at the back of his mind, Baekhyun didn't inform his mom because he's still hoping.

Maybe they still have a chance.

Baekhyun had barely enough sleep yesterday because his mind was full of what ifs. What if he did something that made Chanyeol lose his interest to him? What if there is really a third party? What if someone made a rumor about him cheating and Chanyeol believes it?

ugh.

He just can't believe the fact that Chanyeol ended their 3 years relationship. Baekhyun also finds it hard to be enthusiastic in college like the other freshmen because of the break-up. He reminded himself that he needs to put some extra efforts if he wants to get his dream job, but it is easier said than done.

Roaming his eyes on his surroundings, Baekhyun realized how lonely he is without Chanyeol. He has no friends to meet and talk for the whole day, unlike almost everyone he is seeing. Some of them are running towards their friends, looking like they got a big gossip to share with them. Others are calmly discussing random topics as they walk themselves to their room.

Don't even mention those couples. Baekhyun tried to avoid being bitter and jealous about others, but he can't help but think what would his day be if Chanyeol is on his side. They'll probably be walking together while guessing what would their professors make them do or just plainly walking with their hands intertwinned.

Sigh. Looking on his wrist watch, Baekhyun noticed that he is 30 minutes early for his first period which made him look like a lost puppy in the school's lobby.

"Baekhyun?"

Baekhyun turned around and saw an unfamiliar student. He's quite sure that they belong on the same age group, but her small frame and fresh-looking face made her appear younger than her actual age.

"Yes?"

"Can you give this to Chanyeol? He left immediately after class yesterday; he didn't even bother to check his things. I hope you don't mind. By the way, I'm his classmate. Please don't get jealous." After doing a bow, Chanyeol's classmate hurriedly left before Baekhyun could utter a proper response.

"I don't get jealous easily though... and how am I supposed to give this to Chanyeol?" Baekhyun scans the gray hoodie to check if it really belongs to Chanyeol. He had seen Chanyeol wear the hoodie a couple of times when he feels lazy to dress up, Baekhyun even borrowed it before. Although Chanyeol's hoodies are big for him, he finds it comforting and cute.

Baekhyun carried the hoodie on his arms and started looking for Chanyeol. As he look for Chanyeol, Baekhyun heard some curious whispers about him walking alone. It suddenly made him conscious. They're not really a popular couple in the university unlike when they were on highschool, the students just like to make everything an issue.

Lowering his gaze to avoid the eye contacts, Baekhyun walks fast as he can without disturbing anyone so he could breathe peacefully again. When he noticed that he's finally alone in the hallway, Baekhyun slowly walks and began to think the places where he could find Chanyeol, which only made him realized that Chanyeol didn't really share anything about his life in college. He doesn't know the organizations, if there are any, that Chanyeol participated in. Chanyeol keeps on telling him that he's busy so Baekhyun had no choice but to do things alone.

Having no confidence to make friends doesn't help either. Chanyeol was not only his boyfriend but also his most trusted friend. Having Chanyeol made him feel like he doesn't need any strong connection with others anymore.

"Where the hell are you?", he uttered while catching his breath. He already looked everywhere- cafeteria, rooftop, gymnasium, library, empty rooms, everywhere. There is no sign of Chanyeol.

"Ugh. Park Chanyeol."

Baekhyun stressedfully massaged his head and decided that he'll just leave the hoodie on Chanyeol's locker.

Well.

He could have done that earlier to save time and effort, but he wants to see Chanyeol. He desperately needs to talk to him.

"Where the he-"

"I'm here."

•••••

E n d o f t h e c h a p t e r