from afar | baekyeon

Chapter 5

"I wanted to surprise you," the boyfriend's voice rang out, his eyes flickering between Heechul and Baekhyun. "But it looks like I'm the one who got surprised," he added, a warm smile curving his lips as he bowed respectfully, his gaze fixed on Baekhyun's face.

Taeyeon and her boyfriend strolled towards them, the former sharing the introduction. "Oh... Uhm, guys, I'd like you to meet my boyfriend."

Heechul rose from his seat, extending his hand for a handshake while offering a manly hug. "Of course, I've run into you quite a few times. It's a pleasure to see you again."

Baekhyun followed suit, standing up and raising his hand for a handshake. "Byun Baekhyun," he introduced himself.

"Kwon Hyuk." The boyfriend accepted the handshake briefly before releasing it, a hint of reserve in his demeanor.

The revelation of the boyfriend's real name was a surprise to Baekhyun. "You can call me Dean," he added, his smile unassuming. His attention then shifted back to Taeyeon as he handed her the bouquet of flowers he had brought.

"I was worried they might wilt before I could give them to you, but fortunately, they're still fresh. I bought them on my first day in Vancouver."

Taeyeon's delight appeared boundless as she embraced him once more. Baekhyun watched the two of them, his gaze locked on their interaction. An undeniable pang of discomfort coursed through him at the sight of her in someone else's arms—a role he longed to reclaim.

That should be me.

Dean's gaze shifted to Baekhyun, catching his eye. Feeling a rush of self-consciousness, Baekhyun averted his gaze, focusing on something else in the room.

"How was your flight?" Taeyeon inquired, releasing her hold on Dean while her hands remained at his waist.

"It was delayed a few hours. I should've been here a while ago. Jetlagged. I'm thinking I should catch a quick nap." Their hands were now intertwined, a display of their intimacy.

Observing the affectionate exchanges between the couple, Baekhyun felt a mix of emotions. The sweetness they exuded was palpable, albeit bittersweet to witness. He wished he could smile genuinely, but a surge of bitterness held him back, a reminder of the emotions simmering beneath the surface, hidden from view.

Yes, he was envious, but did he really have the right to be?

"Well then, let me show you to your room." Taeyeon latched her arms around Dean's waist, preparing to lead him away. But before they departed, Dean gently cupped her cheeks, locking their gazes.

Baekhyun shifted his gaze away, the weight of the atmosphere becoming unbearable. Seeking a distraction, he reached for a slice of pizza, attempting to occupy his thoughts with something other than the conversation that was unfolding before him. But his efforts were in vain as the couple's dialog continued to infiltrate his awareness.

"No worries, you have visitors. I'll make it up to you as soon as I wake up, alright? Have fun." The sound of a kiss followed, fading away along with footsteps.

"I'm sorry, he's two days early," Taeyeon's laughter held an awkward note as she settled on the couch next to Heechul. Across from them, Baekhyun found himself seated, his position affording him a clear view of the scene.

Her cheeks were flushed intermittently, her smile infectious and genuine—a happiness he hadn't witnessed directed at him in quite some time.

As the trio launched into a game of PUBG, Baekhyun seized the opportunity to immerse himself in the diversion. Thankfully, his laptop was on hand, having been in Heechul's car. Taeyeon employed her PS5, while Heechul, seemingly unfazed by the oversized screen of his iPad, held his own in the game.

It became evident that Taeyeon's gaming skills surpassed his initial expectations. Underestimating her due to her gender, he had initially taken on a protective stance, particularly when she was part of his team. To his surprise, she exhibited prowess that exceeded his own. He chuckled at the irony of the situation, deriving amusement from this singular notion.

Amid the gameplay, Heechul interjected with a question that redirected the conversation. "Did your boyfriend travel abroad for work?"

Taeyeon's smile resurfaced, and she seemed to be lost in her thoughts of her significant other. "Yes," she replied, her voice tinged with pride. "He's collaborating with Lauv."

The mention of the name spurred Baekhyun's recollection. "Lauv? The 'I Like Me Better' artist?" His fame had certainly grown with that song.

"That's the one!" Taeyeon confirmed, an undertone of pride evident in her tone.

Nodding along, Baekhyun found himself contemplating his own accomplishments. Were they ever a source of pride for her, akin to the satisfaction she derived from her boyfriend's achievements? The question lingered, unresolved, as the trio delved back into the world of gaming.

"You must be incredibly proud," Heechul's sincere smile conveyed his happiness for his friend.

Taeyeon responded with a simple smile, her gaze distant as if reflecting on something dear to her heart. "Absolutely," she affirmed, elongating the word 'so' with genuine admiration.

Heechul's inquiry then shifted, delving into the more complex aspects of her relationship. "Do you ever worry that he's become too busy? Does he manage to make time for you?"

Silence hung in the air as Baekhyun awaited her response, his curiosity piqued, and his ears attuned to the conversation playing out beside him.

"What do you mean by that, oppa?" Taeyeon pouted, seemingly perplexed by the question. "I mean, I'm busy too. He's occupied with his music both here and abroad. But tight schedules don't seem to hinder us. He always finds a way to call me, to make his presence felt despite the miles between us."

Heechul's questions then took a more personal turn, pressing into the heart of the matter. "Why did you fall in love with him?"

Baekhyun maintained his focus on the laptop screen, his ears attuned to their words, even as the conversation seemed to grow heavier.

Taeyeon hesitated before answering, her voice carrying a mix of emotions. "Oppa, you've asked me that before. Why ask again?" Her pout persisted.

"You know how forgetful I've become lately. Humor me, tell me again."

An amused sigh escaped Taeyeon before she embarked on her response. "Gosh, I'm starting to feel like he can't be loved. And isn't this a bit awkward?" Her head movement, though not directed at him, appeared like a gesture intended for Baekhyun's amusement.

"Pay him no mind. He's plugged into his music, see?" Heechul reassured her, though the truth of Baekhyun's selective hearing remained hidden.

"Now tell me," Heechul urged once more.

Baekhyun continued to focus on his screen, the gameplay proving an effective distraction from his racing thoughts. Yet, his ears remained attuned to the words spoken beside him.

Taeyeon hesitated for a moment, perhaps grappling with the weight of her answer. Eventually, she began to speak, her words flowing with sincerity.

"Well, he's genuinely sweet, kind and gentle. Sometimes, he's delightfully weird, in a way that's endearing and cute. But what truly captivates me is how he consistently makes me feel cherished, like I'm the most precious thing in his life, the most beautiful woman in the world. He's my completion, the one who prioritizes me above all else. His care and thoughtfulness are unwavering, and he's always managed to bring a smile to my face. We rarely argue, and while some might perceive that as not being real, it feels perfect to me. He's everything to me, aside from my fans and my career, of course. Traits that I couldn't find in any other man, not even in you, oppa."

As her words washed over him, Baekhyun grappled with the weight of his own shortcomings, admitting to himself that he had made mistakes. Yet, one truth remained undeniable: his love for her had been absolute.