Hard to Love - (chanbaek)

54

The front door closed, and Daehyun finally dragged his feet to the door. He wanted to stay a few more minutes and see Baekhyun but, he did have files and documents to look over. He was still the leader of the Royals since his little brother wasn't ready. Baekhyun was still in training, and his skills were excellent, but... his mindset wasn't. Daehyun opened his car door before sitting down.

Does Baekhyun even want to become a leader?

What if I'm forcing him to do this when he just wants a normal life?

He released a troubled sigh feeling a headache linger close. Tugging on his seatbelt, he began the car.

I guess I'll have to ask him next time...

Back in the house, Heechul was throwing the nicely washed vegetables into the pot. The boiling water was simmering from the high fire the oven gave off. Chanyeol quietly watched the older cook in peace.

"Do you need any help?" Heechul turned around with a smile. He caressed his non-existent beard and pretended to think. Chanyeol swore he saw a light bulb appear above the olders head when he made a shocked face.

"I know! Go check up on Baek. He usually falls off the bed... maybe that was the thump we heard a few minutes ago-" He watched the tallers face morph into complete panic. He excused himself and ran off to his boyfriend's room. Heechul turned back to the stew and silently chuckled. He knew the thump was actually from the container he had accidentally kicked. But who do you think he is? He is Kim Heechul! He obviously had to give the taller a little push and have him take care of his fragile nephew.

Five-year-old Baekhyun ran after the tiny soccer ball. The heavy clouds against the sky began to turn dark. Thunder rumbled loud enough to scare the dogs around the area. Baekhyun paid no attention and chased after the ball. The wet grass under his sneakers squished together with every step.

The ball kept rolling away. Every time Baekhyun would reach out, it would magically run away from him. He was sure that a demon possessed the ball. Truth be told, it was actually his fault. Every time he reached the soccer ball, he would accidentally kick it again. He kept chasing the ball for a few minutes while his Uncle proceeded to laugh at him.

His foot slipped on the wet grass, his bum hit the ground, and his elbow got scratched against the thrown rocks. The small cut on his arm was enough to make the boy cry.

"Wahhhhhhh!"

Heechul sighed and helped the boy up.

"I told you. I said you'd fall, but you didn't listen." Baekhyun hiccuped before releasing another loud cry.

"Wahhhhhhh-"

"I'll buy you ice cream."

Magically, the crying had stopped. Baekhyuns mind was full of ice cream. He had forgotten about his small scratch.

"Ice cream! I like!" Heechul ruffled his hair and smiled. His grin quickly faded as he felt the tiny droplets fall on his arm. It began to drizzle rather quickly. Heechul covered the toddler with his jacket and sprinted to his car.

"The ice cream will have to wait for now."

The memory made him chuckle. He remembered how he would always take care of the little boy whenever his parents had to work. Even until now, Baekhyun is 18, and he still takes care of him. But Heechul doesn't mind. He likes taking care of the younger, and he even has a goal.

Make Baekhyun eat cucumbers.

Although he thinks it's quite impossible, he will still try. For the moment, Baekhyun wasn't alone anymore. He finally had someone special who cared for him deeply.

He imagined Baekhyun smiling with his tall boyfriend. A smile so big that it could make his cheeks hurt. Heechul softly grinned at the thought. It felt nice to know that someone could protect the small fluff ball. As much as Baekhyun pretends to be strong and ready to be a mafia leader... his uncle could see right through him. He's just a fragile boy who hides behind a powerful mask, a mask that prevents others from seeing his pain.

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Chanyeol held his chest relieved, Baekhyun was sleeping peacefully on his bed. He carefully sat himself next to the older who silently snored. The bed was soft and smooth; Baekhyun shuffled around, his right leg slightly above his left. The taller gently ran his fingers against the honey-like hair. His boyfriend nuzzled closer to the warmth, his lips softly mumbling incoherent words.

Chanyeol took the time to observe the smaller. He looked very innocent when he was asleep. The usual mischievous and flirtatious eyes were now closed, revealing his long eyelashes. His eyebrows were raised, and his small button nose made Chanyeol coo. The slight blush that spread upon his cheeks and his pink lips that were slightly open. Saying he looked like an angel would be an understatement. He looked ethereal, just sleeping without disturbance. It was a wonderful sight... until tears started coming out.

Baekhyuns eyebrows furrowed, and his eyes squeezed tight. His head shook as his lips quivered in fear.

"I'm so sorry... please don't leave me." The first tear fell against his cheek, slowly sliding down onto the white bed. More tears accompanied the first, making Baekhyuns nose grow red and stuffy.

"I-I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to lie." His eyes tightened even more. The nightmare was making his body tremble with fright. Chanyeol quickly panicked and wiped the tears away. The soft touch was enough to wake the smaller who was stuck in a terrible dream.

Baekhyun opened his eyes as he tried to control his heavy breaths. His lungs craved more air but received small amounts every second. Tears still ran down his face in a quick manner.

His negative thoughts were interrupted by a firm hug. Chanyeol held him tight, letting Baekhyun know he wasn't alone. He straddled the taller before stuffing his head against the other's shoulder. The quiet sobs that left his mouth were still enough to make his body shake.

He'd usually wake up from a nightmare and not be able to breathe. The cold loneliness hit him severely as he wrapped himself in a bunch of blankets and still shivered. He would bury his head into his pillow to silent his sobs. He didn't want to be a bigger burden and wake his uncle at such a late time.

This time he wasn't alone. He had someone to hold onto and lean on. Someone who could hold him and comfort him softly. The warmth of another person was enough to reassure Baekhyun.

They hugged in silence.

Chanyeol caressed the smallers back and gently kissed his head. Baekhyun let out his troubled whimpers, he held onto his boyfriend firmly. His fingers grasped onto the clothing; he feared that the taller would disappear. He didn't want to be alone. He wanted to be with Chanyeol.

"I-Is this a dream?" He lightly pinched the taller, making him laugh. Chanyeol kissed his slightly red nose.

"No, baby... I'm here, don't worry."

It was nice to have someone who truly cared. Someone who would stand beside you at all times, but...

Until when would it last.

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