[M] 1: The Fake Ticket (1/1)

It was a special day for Baekhyun – no, it isn’t his birthday. It isn’t his anniversary with his girlfriend either (not like he even had one). It was the first day of selling SNSD solo concert tickets. And Baekhyun couldn’t possibly let this pass. He’s finally in Seoul and he’s finally got his mother’s consent (and money) and he is a huge sone.“I’m going out. See you later, eomma.”Baekhyun passed by the living room and saw his mother walking to him while her arms are crossed and her eyes are filled with disappointment and disbelief. “Where do you think you’re going, huh, Byun Baekhyun?”“Out? To buy tickets?”“No one’s going out unless you unpack your things and unless your appa already comes home.” Baekhyun’s mother nodded to herself and he knew his mother thought her words were absolute. It isn’t as if Baekhyun would immediately comply. He is stubborn.“I’d do the unpacking later, eomma.”“My Baekhyun! You call your eomma, ‘eomma’ but you don’t listen to her!” Baekhyun sighed. If he was stubborn, surely enough, he inherited it from her. “C’mon Baekhyun, we just moved.” She said and Baekhyun heard that she was back to her tone full of authority.“But I’m going to buy tickets.”“That can wait, Baekhyun. You have to unpack and wait for your appa to come home. It’s been years since you last saw him...” Baekhyun wasn’t even surprised when his mother changed her tone again. He knew well how bipolar his mother could get. From strict to sweet, real quick.“Appa can wait. Unpacking could also wait. It’s not like we’re not going to meet when I come home later. It’s not like my things would run off or something, also.” Baekhyun says, “I’m going to buy tickets for SNSD’s solo concert.”It was Baekhyun’s turn to nod to himself. He waved goodbye to his mother and walked to the front door. But his mother was really stubborn. She walked ahead of Baekhyun and turned to face him while her arms are widely spread. She blocked Baekhyun’s way. “No one’s leaving.”“Eomma, please get out of the way?” Baekhyun held both of his mother’s arm and tried to put it down but his mother just spread it wider.“When I say no one’s leaving, no one’s leaving. Honey, listen to your eomma.”“Please get out of the way.” Baekhyun repeated and he felt himself already losing patience. He wanted to pull all of his hair out because of frustration. When Baekhyun moved left, his mother would block him. When he moved right, his mother would also block him. Baekhyun felt like he was playing with a child. They were at it for almost five minutes when Baekhyun completely lost his patience yelled at his mother.“It might get sold out, eomma. Get out of my way!”Baekhyun regretted it. His mother raised her right eyebrow and had the look that he was very familiar with – she’s in strict mode. She crossed her arms and Baekhyun prayed his mother wouldn’t possibly---“Unpack your things and wait for your appa or I’ll take my money and you’ll say bye bye to your girls’ generation concert?” Baekhyun knew it.“Why are you like this, eomma?” He groaned and his mother gave him a triumphant smile. She’s back on her sweet mode but Baekhyun couldn’t disobey her this time after her warning. He knew she meant it.    Baekhyun had no choice but to unpack and wait for his father to come home. After a few chats with his parents, he immediately went to the ticket center. It was three in the afternoon and he was extremely excited to get a ticket--- His happiness didn’t last though.When he arrived and talked to the lady behind the counter, his heart dropped as she said the exact five words that Baekhyun didn’t want to be combined in one sentence.“It’s already sold out, sir.”Baekhyun felt like crying. It’s depressing how he lost the chance to see his favorite girl group for the first time. Sure, there might be other concerts in the future but when? How long did he have to wait? Yes, there would probably be fansign events but the fansign event in Seoul happened weeks ago. Again, he asked himself when? How long did he have to wait?“Are you sure it’s sold out?” Baekhyun asked again and the lady nodded.Baekhyun nodded in understanding and the lady gave him an apologetic smile. This sucks, he thought before leaving the ticket center.    The reason why Baekhyun agreed to move back to Seoul, his birth place, was mainly because of the solo concert. Not because his parents got back together after getting divorced ten years ago. It’s because of SNSD. He was comfortable at the quiet countryside he came from – he had good grades and great friends. Everything was working well for him and his mother but because of the romance that bloomed once more between his parents, he was forced to move to the city. He didn’t like the idea at first but when he discovered that SNSD’s going to have a concert in Seoul, he didn’t think twice about agreeing to move.Baekhyun slowly walked to the bus stop. He was gloomy. He thinks the heavens has punished him and let him not get any tickets for his idols’ concert. It’s so unfair. He was mumbling to himself how unfortunate and unlucky he was when a tall guy approached him.The guy didn’t look suspicious at all – he was wearing all black accessorized with a snapback and a mask with a bear print. Cute, Baekhyun thought. What made him more credible in Baekhyun’s point of view is his mention of SNSD. “Do you want to buy an SNSD concert ticket from me?”“I beg your pardon?”“I asked if you want to buy an SNSD concert ticket from me.” The stranger chuckled. Baekhyun wondered how the guy got one and just when he’s about to ask, the said guy already answered. “My sister likes a girl group and I thought it was girls’ generation so I bought two for us online but I discovered she was a fan of 2NE1. I knew we couldn’t attend anymore and refunds aren’t allowed so...”“I’ll take it!” Baekhyun was ecstatic. He wasn’t as unfortunate and unlucky as he thought. Maybe the world is fair afterall.The two negotiated. Baekhyun still took the ticket even though the tall guy gave it in a much higher price. All for SNSD.Baekhyun wished he saw the face of his angel. The guy didn’t even show his face but he did gave Baekhyun his phone number which he was told to call whenever he needed anything or whenever he felt like calling.    Calling Angel-ssi...The number you’re trying to dial is out of coverage area. Please try again later.    The day of the concert came and Baekhyun was still left unanswered by his angel. Did something happen to him? He wondered and was worried about the guy but his worries were washed away when he remembered that this isn’t the day to think about things but to enjoy. He’s going to see his queens.“I’m so excited!” Baekhyun sang as he clung onto his bestfriend’s arms. “Jongdae! I’m finally going to see them!” He said with glee and Jongdae rubbed his temples. Baekhyun flashed a smile at his bestfriend. He was thankful that Jongdae came with him today. He didn’t have anyone to invite since he didn’t have friends yet because school is still months away. “Thank you for coming to Seoul for me.”“You’re the best.” Baekhyun added the two went to their respective seats---“Excuse me, sirs. I’m one of the staffs. I just want to have a word with you two in the staff’s office.” A male wearing glasses said. He was accompanied by two guards. Baekhyun looked at Jongdae who is also looking at him and shrugged before looking at the three male infront of them.“But the concert’s about to start. Could we do that later?” Baekhyun looked at the watch on his left wrist and saw that there are about ten minutes left before the concert starts.“It’s about your passes.”“What about the tickets?”“Come with me.” The staff said and the two were forced to come to the staff’s office. Baekhyun didn’t know why but he felt nervous. When they got to the office, they were both asked to sit down as if elementary students in trouble.Baekhyun was about to speak when the staff started to ask questions. “Where did you buy the tickets?”“From a friend.” Baekhyun answered fast. He thought that the faster it’s done, the faster he goes back to the seats they were supposed to be.“May I know the name of your friend?”Baekhyun was about to answer ‘Angel’ but paused immediately. That wasn’t the tall guy’s name. He only realized it today. He didn’t really got the boy’s name. He barely knows the guy.“I don’t know...”He saw Jongdae’s surprised expression and he also saw the staff nod and fix his eyeglasses. “I already figured that out.”“As you can see, the tickets you have wasn’t real.” The staff added and Baekhyun froze. “You were scammed.”“I... I was sure... it was real.” Baekhyun felt like crying – the same feeling he experienced when the lady behind the counter said the tickets were sold out. The staff shook his head and took out two pieces of paper.He raied the one on his left, “This is the real ticket.” Then raised the one on his right as he continued: “While this, is the ticket you bought from the person who scammed you.”“Baekhyun, it’s official.”Baekhyun snapped out of his despair and stared at his bestfriend with confused eyes. “What official?”“You’re gullible.” Jongdae glanced at the ticket that the staff is holding out then stared back at Baekhyun. “Even a kid would notice how different the two tickets are.”“I didn’t know what the real ticket looked like! How would I compare?” Baekhyun was frustrated all over again. The ticket being fake meant them being kicked out of the dome. He couldn’t have that.“You could’ve atleast searched, Baekhyun. That’s why some genius kid invented google.”“I swear everything the tall guy said sounded legit!”“It only sounded legit because you heard SNSD. If someone said SNSD was coming to our school, I know you’d believe it immediately---”“I don’t want to interrupt but do you remember that face of the tall guy you’re talking about? Because there’s a chance for us to track him down and you could get your money back.”At that moment, Baekhyun felt like when the heavens poured down stupidity to the world, he was outside and took it all. He is so dumb.“Oh...” Jongdae realized where this is all going. “You didn’t see his face, did you?”Baekhyun slowly nodded and saw how the staff shook his head and how his bestfriend looked like he was going to burn him alive. “Why the hell would you buy for someone who looks entirely suspicious because he can’t even show his face?!”“His mask looked cute! I thought he was nice! He said his sister didn’t want to go so he just decided to sell their supposed-to-be tickets! I thought he was honest!”“Yeah!” Jongdae snorted. “And if I said my sister wanted to buy an alligator, you’d also think it was true, right?”“But you don’t have a sister!”“Yes! And that’s exactly my point! That tall guy also doesn’t have a sister for heaven sake and just made some story up!”“Well, I’m sorry if I didn’t ask if he had one! He wouldn’t answer the truth anyway---”“Could you please have this lecture outside the venue, instead? The concert is already about to start.” The staff interfered and Baekhyun almost died when he realized what the staff just said.“Aren’t we supposed to see the concert too?”“You have fake tickets so it’s a no.” The staff said and just like that, they were kicked out of the venue and Baekhyun was already crying his eyes out. This sucks.    Jongdae pulled Baekhyun who wanted to go back to the entrance and take his right to watch the concert. “Jongdae-ah! Let’s go back there and see the concert!”“Don’t be stuborn, Baekhyun. You don’t have a ticket.” Jongdae heard Baekhyun sob. He felt sad to see his bestfriend not attending girls’ generation’s concert. He knew how the boy loved SNSD. Back in the countryside, Baekhyun always listened to SNSD and when there are competitions, it’s either Baekhyun sings SNSD’s Into the New World in singing contests or dances SNSD’s I Got A Boy in dance competitions. Baekhyun also completed their albums. Jongdae knew he was a total fanboy of the girl group.“I just... just wanted... to see them.” Baekhyun said in between sobs and Jongdae patted his back.“There’s always another concert. Next time, we’ll definitely go there.” Jongdae promised and Baekhyun cried once more. What a crybaby, Jongdae thought and patted his friend’s back once more.“When? How long will I wait?”“Patience is a virtue, Baekhyun.”“What if eomma wouldn’t allow me anymore because I lost a big amount of money in this concert?”“It wasn’t your fault you were scammed.”“I was gullible.” Baekhyun sniffed and Jongdae gave him the tissue he bought because he knew Baekhyun wouldn’t stop crying. If SNSD makes Baekhyun happy, SNSD also makes Baekhyun sad.Jongdae knew that SNSD is basically Baekhyun’s life. He loves them so much. From their debut up until now and he would be lying if he said he wasn’t impressed with Baekhyun’s loyalty to the group.“I hate the tall guy who scammed me.” Baekhyun started picking on the demon who he once thought was his angel. Jongdae hailed a taxi and felt really sorry for the driver because Baekhyun couldn’t stop complaining about the tall guy and how he wanted the guy to  rot in hell. Jongdae could see how the driver flinched when he heard Baekhyun said he’s going to burn the tall guy’s house if he found him.“He didn’t mean it.” Jongdae assured the driver with a smile.“I meant it! I’m going to sue him for the rest of his life!” Baekhyun wiped his tears and sniffed once more. Jongdae patted his head.“No, no you won’t.”“This really really really sucks.”     “I hope you find a part time job and pay what you lost to nothing, honey.” Baekhyun knew his mother was in her strict mode right now. He nodded before lowering his gaze.“I’d find one immediately, eomma...” Baekhyun found himself stuttering. He knew his mother well. She could be in sweet mode and be nice to you as if you’re in heaven but when you upset her, you could say goodbye to heaven and say hello to the depths of hell.“You better.” His mother said, “And also, I won’t be giving you any allowance anymore.”He had the urge to complain but his mother already left him in his room. Baekhyun sighed and laid on his own bed. He messed his brown hair and curved as he hugged the pillow before covering his face and letting out all his frustration by screaming. This is all the tall guy’s fault.    “How’s the part time job?”“I found one and had some rookie orientation and workshop this vacation. I’ll start working later.” Baekhyun informed as he went down his father’s car.“That sounds nice. What is it?”“At some cafe near the campus.” He waved goodbye to his father and started to walk inside the school premises. It was still early in the morning and there are only a few students around. Baekhyun started to walk to the high school building while his phone his still against his ear.“Cafe? But aren’t you bad with drinking coffees?”“I’m going to make coffee. Not drink them. So I think it wouldn’t be a problem.” Baekhyun assured his bestfriend on the other line.“When does your class start? Mine starts next week.” He heard a sigh from Jongdae.“Don’t sigh. You’re still lucky. Mine starts today. I’m already on the way to the high school building.”“Don’t get lost.” Baekhyun rolled his eyes and heard a laughter on the other line.“The kid of the cafe’s owner also studies here and we’re friends. We’d meet later so he’d tour me around and help me adjust. So I wouldn’t necessarily get lost. Anyway, tell me what’s up with you. I’m the only one who keeps on talking here.“Nothing new about me...” Baekhyun heard Jongdae paused before speaking again, “Oh! There’s something! Do you remember Minseok? I think he’s dating some Chinese kid named Luhan.”“Jealous?” Baekhyun walked to the school building. “Who’s Luhan---” His next question was just a faint whisper when he saw a tall guy with curly hair, removing his mask with a cute bear design. The same mask as the tall guy who scammed him.“Why would I be jealous? I like girls not dudes.”Baekhyun closed his eyes and opened it again. It is him! He stared at the tall guy meters away from him.“It’s not like I like him or something?”Who would’ve thought that he’ll saw his scammer here in his school. And to top it all off, he’s a student of the school – he’s wearing the same uniform as Baekhyun’s.“Baekhyun? Are you still there? Hello?”Baekhyun started to walk fast. He approached the tall guy while pointing his index finger at him. “Hey you!” He called the guy’s attention and he successfully did. The tall guy looked down at him with a confused expression.“Y-you! You sold me fake tickets for SNSD’s solo concert!” Baekhyun was furious. Sharply glaring at the tall guy’s confused eyes, pointing his index finger at him accusingly.“What?! Me?!” The other guy pointed to himself, eyebrows furrowed and eyes still confused. “Why the hell would I do that?!”“Stop lying, you liar! You scammed me!” He shoved his finger closer, almost touching the tip of the taller’s nose.Suddenly, the tall guy’s confused eyes was gone and he held both Baekhyun’s shoulders, “Listen carefully, little guy, if you’re gay and that’s one of your ways to get my attention, stop it because it’s not working. You see, I have a girlfriend and I don’t date boys.” He now showed a smug smile before patting Baekhyun’s shoulders.“Hey scammer! First of all, I’m not gay! Second of all, give me your number and pay me or I’ll report you to the police!”“What? Pay you? Report me? Get my number?!” The tall guy now pointed his finger at Baekhyun. “You’re impossible! Is that the new way of flirting now? How many times do I have to tell you I’m taken and I don’t and will never date boys!”“How many times do I also have to tell you I’m not gay? Stop playing with my mind like how you did months ago! It will not work anymore! Just give me your number and pay me!”“What the hell are you even saying? I can’t believe it’s the first day of classes and I’m already meeting some weirdo!”And with that, the tall guy sighed and shook his head before turning his back on Baekhyun. But Baekhyun is stubborn. He didn’t want to leave the suspect free without paying so he positioned himself and prepared to kick some butt and by that, Baekhyun did it literally.