from afar | baekyeon

Chapter 3

"No!" Baekhyun's heart raced at the urgent plea that sliced through the air. He halted in his tracks, a sharp shiver crawling down his spine, though his back remained turned, shielding him from view.

"I-I didn't mean you can't be here... Just, take a seat. I'll rustle up some snacks." His nerves seemed to betray him as he swiveled around, catching her figure as she moved towards the kitchen, presumably to fetch some treats.

He couldn't let her continue. "No." His words intercepted her like a barrier. A small smile played on his lips as he reached out, the intention to leave etched in his gesture. But her voice pulled him back once more.

"Wait, you're not planning to walk, are you? There's no other car around except Heechul's. Don't tell me you're going to hoof it?" She interrogated with an air of disbelief, her words highlighting a predicament he had been hoping to avoid.

He was mute, silenced by the irrefutable truth she presented. The reality was, he had no inkling of how he'd traverse the distance home without a tiresome trek that stretched over hours.

"Um, someone's picking me up from the main road. Don't stress," he fibbed, hoping fervently that his statement would hold up under scrutiny.

"Don't try to pull one over on me. How could you arrange a pickup without your phone?" Heechul chimed in, brandishing the very device Baekhyun had been missing. An exasperated sigh weighed heavily in Baekhyun's chest as he squeezed his eyes shut, grappling with the mixture of disappointment and vulnerability that flooded him. Clearly, no one was going to be easily fooled by his weak ruse.

"I can manage on my own. Just... enjoy yourselves." Baekhyun's voice quivered with both irritation and resignation. He shot a disdainful glare at Heechul, who was acting in his usual childish manner, making a show of hiding Baekhyun's wallet and phone in his pocket before sticking out his tongue playfully.

Baekhyun's gaze shifted, turning to face Taeyeon with a semblance of composure. "Well, then... I suppose I should head out. Thanks for the warm welcome." The words slipped out, a bit shaky, as was often the case when it came to her. He scolded himself internally, rallying to gather the courage he needed.

With a deep breath, he straightened himself, giving her a respectful nod. Their relationship wasn't close enough for informal farewells, after all.

"N-No, please. U-Uhm, just stay a while. I'll... I'll whip up your favorite snack. S-Sit down. Make yourself at home," she urged, going so far as to straighten the lounge pillows on the couch, creating an inviting spot for him.

Her kindness struck him, and he couldn't help but think, She's really nice, a thought that reverberated through his mind.

Should I give in? His mind battled itself, contemplating whether to return and take a seat. A sigh broke free from his lips, surrendering to his true inclination.

"Oh, Baekhyun... Baekhyun, Baekhyun... To convince you, we might need Taeyeon to convince you. Man, you're quite the character," Heechul's mocking words came incessantly, enveloping Baekhyun with playful embarrassment.

He shot Heechul a glare, an attempt to silence the commentary that was chipping away at his pride.

"U-uhh, oppa, could you help me with the snacks?" Taeyeon's plea cut through the banter, her discomfort apparent. She seemed to be in genuine need of Heechul's assistance.

"What? I'm here just to be your chef now. Do remember, I am a guest here," Heechul retorted, suppressing an almost eye-roll. The spotlight was on him due to Heechul's antics, and he was the one who ended up feeling exposed.

"Please?" The unease in Taeyeon's voice was palpable, her expression a subtle pout directed at Heechul.

"No." Heechul's response was as blunt as it was unyielding. "You go ahead, rustle up the food. I'm famished," he added with an air of bossiness.