A Very Special Person

     Their breakup was somewhat amicable. It seemed like their love fizzled out in the ten years they were together. For the first year of college, they were friends until Chanyeol built up the courage to confess. Facing possible rejection and humiliation was better than living the rest of his life with the thought of what if­ lingering in his mind. Much to his surprise, Baekhyun, the ever confident, sassy male, had bashfully admitted his feelings for him too. Chanyeol had never been happier.

     Their first few years together were great. It took a year before they decided to cohabitate. There were small arguments as they became accustomed to each other's habits. Eventually they found a nice groove and fell into their own special routine.

     Chanyeol started working at his father's company after graduation as planned; Baekhyun interned at one of the top law firms. Work kept them both busy. They came to an agreement to not stay late at work and go on dates at least once a week. The plan worked for a few months, but then work got in the way again. Chanyeol's father gave him more responsibilities; Baekhyun's firm started piling more cases on his desk. It led to late nights at the office, takeout for dinner, and constant fighting due to stress. They stopped sleeping in the same bed after that. Chanyeol took over the guest room. Baekhyun let him.

     Baekhyun's parents were always supportive of him. Which is why they were supportive of him when he came out in high school. Naturally, they were also supportive of his relationship with Chanyeol. They had even met said man multiple times, spending a few holidays together. They treated Chanyeol like their own son; Chanyeol treated them with the utmost respect.

      Chanyeol's parents, on the other hand, didn't say much when he broke the news of his relationship with Baekhyun. Chanyeol had never came out to his parents. It was more like a declaration of his relationship. They didn't say much other than to keep it out of the media. Baekhyun had met them once over lunch. There wasn't much words exchanged. Mr. Park ate quietly. Mrs. Park asked trivial questions to feign interest. Her tone of voice was offensive. It was like she was talking to child. Baekhyun bit his tongue simply because they're Chanyeol's parents. Chanyeol tried his best to start a decent conversation. Eventually, Baekhyun escaped the torture with the excuse of work and left the Park family to finish their meal alone.

     Mrs. Park had showed up at their apartment one evening. Chanyeol was still at work. Despite wanting to tell her to leave, Baekhyun invited her in. She declined his offer for a drink. Didn't even bother to sit down. The disgust in her eyes was distinct. Their relationship was less than ideal, but they accepted it for Chanyeol, she told him. Apparently, he has women lined up to date him. She said she wants Chanyeol to have kids and be normal. Baekhyun didn't know what to say without upsetting her, so he kept his mouth shut. She hadn't expected them to last so long, but it was getting out of hand. There weren't any threats, and they both know Baekhyun didn't need the money if she had offered. It was implied for him to end their relationship. She saw herself out of the apartment.

     There were a few big fights they had throughout their relationship. They fought over unwashed dishes and the toothpaste stains around the sink. They argued about each other being more committed to work. There were even implications of them cheating on each other.

     The biggest fight had been over a dog. Chanyeol had suggested getting one, hoping it'll mend their relationship in some way. Something that can help them spend time together again. Baekhyun refused. He didn't want to raise a living creature together when their future was so questionable. Chanyeol couldn't understand why. They love each other. Why would their future be unclear? Baekhyun didn't want to bring a dog into their relationship if it was all going to end one day. He had told Chanyeol he wasn't ready. They were both too busy to spend time with each other. How can they have time for a dog?