Chapter 1 (1/1)

Minseok sipped at his coffee, staring lifelessly at the spreadsheet on his computer. The radio was playing in the background, though he hardly noticed it between concentrating on his work and the standard drone of voices and computer hums in the office. The girl in the cubicle next to him was chattering away on the phone with a business partner, and Minseok was supposed to get this spreadsheet done by the end of the day along with another massive heap of work. He'd gotten so used to working too much, it was almost depressing.       He'd been working this job for about a year now, having moved to the big city after college in the countryside. Any sense of magic or awe had long since worn off. Life was just a constant cycle of working, brief socializing, and sleeping. It was boring, but Minseok didn't really know how to change it. Nothing around him seemed to be changing either.       Sometimes, he thought about what his life would have been like if he'd stayed in his small town. Truthfully, he'd never minded being in such a small place, but his friends all seemed to find it stifling. Minseok had to admit that for most of them it was, given the careers they'd wished to pursue. He'd never had any big goals like that though. The only reason he was even in this city was to follow after his best friend who'd moved here some years before.       A song began to play on the radio, filling the office with the strong, but warm voice of a young man. Minseok sighed at the sound. Of course this song would play as soon as he began thinking about his friend from his old town. This was his song after all.       Byun Baekhyun. He and Minseok had been friends since high school. Back then, they'd been inseparable, but Baekhyun had wanted so much more than to just waste away in a small town. He'd dreamed of becoming a singer, and as soon as he was old enough, he'd left Minseok and their small town behind in order to become a trainee at a talent agency. He'd asked Minseok to come with him, but the latter had lacked the confidence at the time. Now that Minseok thought about it, he was glad he'd stayed behind and gotten an education first. His job may have been dull, but at least he felt confident and had a stable source of income. He never would have made it in the world of entertainment like his friend.       Baekhyun had naturally flourished in the show business. He debuted surprisingly early, since he was overflowing with talent and potential. In the past 5 years, he'd released several singles, a few mini albums, and 2 full length albums, which was quite an accomplishment in Minseok's eyes. Baekhyun was in a completely different world from him now.       It was actually hard for Minseok to stomach the fact that Baekhyun was so successful now. In the beginning, he'd constantly compared himself to Baekhyun, which led him to feel inferior. Now he wasn't too upset. Rather than feeling like he was lagging behind, Minseok felt like he'd been left behind. Despite how close he and Baekhyun had been, once the latter had moved, their relationship had become strained and distant. Baekhyun had tried to keep up through texts and emails, but once his career really took off, Minseok was an afterthought. Only on very special occasions would Baekhyun contact him, such as birthdays, holidays, or anniversaries. By the time Minseok had moved to the same city as Baekhyun, the other was too busy to even call Minseok on his own birthday.       It was a lonely existence. A month after receiving no call or message from Baekhyun in regards to his birthday, Minseok was still bitter about it. He didn't want to admit it to anyone, but he'd moved to this particular city just to be closer to Baekhyun. He'd hoped in some way that the lack of geographical distance would somehow repair their relationship, but it seemed that listening to Baekhyun's songs over the radio was the closest he would get.       Minseok sighed and glanced at his calendar. His eyes widened when they spotted a certain upcoming date that had been marked months ago. Minseok always made sure to write it down each time he got a new calendar. Normally, he didn't even need a reminder for the date, but with the way things had been at work, this year it had mostly slipped his mind. Baekhyun's birthday was coming up in a week.       Minseok rolled his eyes and flipped his calendar face down on his desk. Part of him wanted to be bitter about it and ignore Baekhyun out of spite, but the truth of the matter was, he was dying to talk to him again, and his birthday was the perfect excuse. He wanted Baekhyun to be successful, but he also resented how popular he'd become. He felt like a complete stranger now.       He continued typing away at his spreadsheet. He breathed a sigh of relief when he finished everything right before the workday ended. He handed in his work to his supervisor and gathered his belongings before heading home. Once he was in his car in the parking lot, he glanced at his phone, skimming through his contacts. His finger stopped on Baekhyun's name and he hesitated for a moment. Finally, he opened up a message and started typing. To: BaekhyunHey! It's been a while, hasn't it?It's almost your birthday, right?Still got time for a boring old bumlike me?       He tossed his phone into the cup holder and started the car with a sigh. He almost jumped when his incoming text notification sounded. He picked his phone up again and his jaw dropped when he saw that Baekhyun had responded. He hadn't even expected a response, let alone an immediate one. He swiped his finger across the screen and opened Baekhyun's message. From: Baekhyuni'll call u :)       Minseok raised his eyebrow. It had been ages since Baekhyun had bothered to call him. He heard his voice more over the radio than he did anywhere else. Awful as it was, he fully anticipated Baekhyun to blow him off and not call him this time either. He was pleasantly surprised seconds later when his phone began vibrating in his hand and playing a tune, showing Baekhyun's display picture, in which he had large round glasses and a wide, cheeky grin. Minseok gulped and swiped his finger over the green phone, holding it to his ear.      “Hello?” He asked.      “Hey! Did I catch you at a bad time?” A peppy voice asked from the other end.      “No, I just got off of work. I would have figured you'd be the busy one.”      “Oh, I'm plenty busy,” Baekhyun sighed, laughing a bit at the end. “But I wanted to talk to you.”      “It's nice to hear from you,” Minseok commented, leaning back against the headrest. “For a minute there, I was thinking you'd forgotten about me.”      “Minseok, never,” Baekhyun said sadly. “I know I've been busy and a shitty friend, but I'd never forget you! That's actually why I wanted to call you...I wanted to know if you were busy next week.”      “Just the usual 9 to 5 job. What about you? Don't you have a music show appearance and a fan signing?”      “Several,” Baekhyun grumbled. “But I asked for the evening of my birthday off, and you know there's no one I'd rather spend it with than you.”      “Flattery isn't going to get you anywhere,” Minseok teased.      “So that's a no?” Baekhyun pouted.      “You know I can't say no to you. Of course I'll spend the day with you. That's why I texted you in the first place.”      “Right,” Baekhyun chuckled. “We're going in circles now, aren't we? So I'll text you later with more details. I have to go for now, but it was so nice to hear your voice again.”      “Alright. You should call me more. Then you'd hear it more often.”      “I'll do my best. See you next week, alright?”      “Yeah. Good luck with all the celeb stuff.”      “Thanks!”       They said their goodbyes and hung up. Minseok frowned slightly, since the phone call had hardly lasted more than a couple of minutes, but he knew Baekhyun was probably really busy and downright exhausted. Just those few minutes had managed to completely dispel all the bitterness Minseok had felt for him over the past month though. In the end, no matter what Baekhyun did, Minseok would always adore him and come crawling back.       Minseok smiled softly and selected a song on his phone before plugging it into his car to play over the speakers. As he drove home, the sweet, strong voice that had graced him on the phone minutes ago was now singing of lost love and longing. Minseok really was a hopeless fan, but he couldn't help it. Ever since they were teenagers, Minseok had always loved Baekhyun.       When he got home, he made himself a simple dinner and started thinking of what in the world he would get a celebrity for their birthday. Baekhyun was fairly simple to please, but Minseok still tried to go above and beyond. It was force of habit at this point. At least he had an week to think about it. When he finally laid down to rest, all complaints of his mundane life had left his mind. Instead, he was dreaming of finally seeing Baekhyun again. ~*~      Minseok and Baekhyun agreed to meet the evening of his birthday. Baekhyun would be busy during the day, mostly doing surprise fan related activities. He'd reserved his entire evening for Minseok though, and the latter felt pretty honored for once. Baekhyun had even gone so far as to reserve a private section of a restaurant, though he swore this was for his own peace of mind and Minseok's privacy. The latter couldn't even fathom living in the limelight like Baekhyun did.       Minseok was still struggling to figure out what to get as a gift. What on earth was he supposed to buy Baekhyun? A celebrity could afford any array of accessories, and from what Minseok saw on TV, he wasn't lacking them. Baekhyun used to be quite the gamer, but did he even have time to play games anymore? If the bags under Baekhyun's eyes in his recent TV appearances were any sign, then Minseok was assuming he didn't even have time to sleep these days.       Minseok groaned as he walked through the mall, ruffling his hair in frustration. He'd never been good at giving gifts, but this time, the stress was almost unbearable. He wanted to make an impression and give Baekhyun something meaningful, but he couldn't even begin to think of what that would be. It was depressing not even knowing what Baekhyun himself wanted or needed.       Finally Minseok stumbled across a figurine store. He was getting downright desperate at this point, so he figured it wouldn't hurt to look. Baekhyun had been obsessed with video games in the past after all. Minseok was sure he could find something for him there. Luckily, he found a figure of one of Baekhyun's all-time favorite game characters and immediately bought it. There was no way Baekhyun wouldn't love this, even if he didn't game anymore. Thank goodness for nerdy hobbies. He brought it home and wrapped it. He could only hope that Baekhyun hadn't already bought one.       The rest of the week seemed like a blur to Minseok. It was like he was living just for that one day to spend with Baekhyun. If being friends with Baekhyun was always going to be like this, maybe Minseok shouldn't have moved here after all. How had he become so desperate and needy?       Finally, the day arrived. Since it was a high class restaurant, Baekhyun had told Minseok to dress appropriately. That left him panicking for a while over which suit to wear, but he ultimately decided on a navy blue one. When he'd finished primping himself in the mirror, he grabbed Baekhyun's present and headed to the restaurant.       Walking inside was like walking into a completely different world. The restaurant was massive, with a high ceiling and marble interior decoration. The carpet was a deep, wine red. Even wearing his best suit, Minseok felt extremely out of place. He paled when one of the waiters asked him about his reservation. Had Baekhyun used his real name or an alias? Was Minseok allowed to say he was with Baekhyun or would he be on the news by tomorrow morning? While Minseok was stumbling over words and trying to decide what to say, another figure trotted over and placed a warm hand on his back.      “He's with me,” a familiar voice stated. “Reservations for Byun Baekhyun.”      “Right this way, sir.”       Minseok let out a sigh of relief and turned to look at Baekhyun. His heart skipped a beat when he laid eyes on the boy beside him. Baekhyun had been good looking even in high school, but now he was almost inhumanly so. He seemed to be glowing, though perhaps that was the highlighter his makeup artist had used, and the smokey eye shadow surrounding his eyes had Minseok internally screaming for mercy. How on earth had his Baekhyun turned into such an amazing person?       Baekhyun cocked his head to the side and raised his eyebrows at Minseok. That was when the latter realized he'd been staring rather unabashedly at his best friend turned celebrity.      “S-Sorry...” Minseok muttered. “Shall we go?”      “Of course~” Baekhyun agreed merrily.       The waiter showed them to their table and Minseok took a seat across from Baekhyun. He wasn't sure he would be able to survive an entire dinner staring at the gorgeous celebrity. Menus were brought out next and the two ordered their food a few minutes later. Once they were left to their own devices, Baekhyun started talking.      “It's been so long,” he sighed. “I haven't seen you in person since high school. You've really shaped up with the businessman look~”      “I can say the same for you. Seeing you on TV is nothing like seeing the real deal. Nothing like high school either.”      “You watch me on TV?” Baekhyun asked, both amused and somewhat flustered. “It must be really awkward and embarrassing...”      “Not really,” Minseok shrugged. “If anything, it just makes me miss you. You suck at keeping in contact, you know? You don't even answer my messages most of the time.”      “I know, I'm sorry,” the celebrity pouted. “We were recording for my latest album and I had a lot of personal drama going on while trying to keep up with show appearances...”      “It's fine. You've got a lot on your plate now. I'm amazed you made time for me at all, especially on your birthday.”      “Of course I'd make time for you! There's no one else I'd rather be with. I was serious when I said that, Minseok. I know I've been bad at keeping in touch, and meeting up with you is honestly like a dream come true. I don't want this to be how things are from now on. You've always been part of my life, you know? I don't want to lose that.”      “Wow, what a confession before we've even started the dinner,” Minseok teased. Baekhyun puffed his cheeks up and glared. “But I feel the same way. I missed you so damn much. I actually moved out here a year ago just to be closer to you.”      “Really...? Just to be closer to me?”       Minseok felt his cheeks heat up. Of all the things he'd wanted to tell Baekhyun, that was not one of them. The other seemed to be pleased to hear it though, so Minseok figured he'd let it go this time. The wide smile on Baekhyun's face was already melting away Minseok's nerves and tough guy pride.      “Don't make a big deal out of it,” Minseok huffed. “Did you really think I would let you live up the city life all by yourself?” Baekhyun laughed and shook his head.      “Honestly, I'm too busy for the 'city life.'”      “So am I,” Minseok groaned. “I hate my job. I wasted 4 years in college for this crappy set up.”      “It's really that bad?” Baekhyun asked sadly.      “I'm overworked and underpaid for the amount of stress I'm under. I'm gonna be gray by 30 and bald by 40.”      “Nah, you'll still look like you're 10.”      “Shut up!” Minseok snapped. Baekhyun laughed again and it was music to Minseok's ears. How he'd missed that sound. “What about you? Is being a celeb all it's made out to be?”      “I dunno,” Baekhyun mumbled, resting his head on his palms. “I mean, I get paid well and I get to sing, so that's great. But there's so much more to it...I have to watch what I eat, what I say, who I'm with. Rumors are so easy to start. Not only that but dating's pretty damn hard too.”      “Crazy fangirls?”      “There's that, then there's the press, the lack of privacy and time...It's honestly not worth it, so I've been focusing on my music.”      “Hmmm,” Minseok hummed, somewhat impressed. “Very idol-like of you to say.”      “Shut up,” Baekhyun whined.       Minseok smiled and was about to continue teasing him, but the waiter brought their food. Minseok tried his hardest not to gawk at the perfectly arranged plate in front of him, but something like this was pretty fascinating for a commoner. Baekhyun seemed to find it amusing because Minseok caught him smiling sweetly. He couldn't even be mad because it had been 5 years since that smile had been directed at him, and he was going to enjoy every second of it.       Once the waiter had left, the two ate at a leisurely pace. The conversation became a little more natural with food in front them and ice breakers out of the way. Talks about jobs quickly turned into more personal topics and actually catching up for all the years spent apart.       They finished dinner and their plates were taken to make room for the dessert. While they were waiting, Minseok decided that was as good a time as any to give Baekhyun his gift. He leaned over and picked up the somewhat large box that he'd wrapped and handed it across the table.      “It's not really anything exciting,” he started. “But I tried. Happy Birthday, Baekhyun.”      “Minseok, you didn't have to...”      “Well, tell me that after you see what a crappy gift it is,” the other laughed. Baekhyun rolled his eyes.      “I doubt that. Can I open it now?”      “Of course!”       Baekhyun carefully tore at the wrapping paper and Minseok couldn't help but find himself staring at the delicate, somewhat dainty fingers picking at the tape. Everything about Baekhyun was just so beautiful. It really wasn't fair. When Baekhyun finally peeled the wrapping away, his jaw dropped. He was silent for some time, so Minseok started panicking.      “Was it a complete failure?” He asked nervously. “I didn't know if you had it already or if you even cared about that stuff, but...”      “I'd been wanting this for so long but I hadn't gotten around to ordering it or picking one up at a store. I've been so busy...”      “So you like it?” Minseok asked, his spirit rising slightly.      “I love it! You know me so well,” Baekhyun said gently, smiling and hugging the figurine box close.      “I dunno about that,” Minseok laughed. “I mean, I'm missing about 5 years of knowing you now.” Baekhyun shook his head.      “That doesn't matter. You still know me better than anyone else.”       Minseok flushed and nodded awkwardly. He wasn't used to Baekhyun being this open and praising. He'd definitely become much more confident since becoming a celebrity. Finally, Baekhyun sighed and placed the box on the ground.      “Your turn now!” Baekhyun exclaimed and Minseok furrowed his brow.      “My turn for what?”      “For a gift, dumbass,” the other deadpanned. “I missed your birthday back in March, so I wanted to make up for it now. We're celebrating both our birthdays tonight.”      “Baekhyun...”      “Close your eyes and hold out your hand!”       Minseok rolled his eyes, but did as told all the same. He fully expected Baekhyun to drop something onto his palm, but instead the boy slid something over his hand and fastened it around his wrist. When Baekhyun retracted his hands and gave Minseok permission to look, the latter found a very expensive watch wrapped around his wrist. His jaw dropped and he stared at it in awe.      “Baekhyun...This is too much...”      “No, it's not,” the singer huffed. “It was in my budget and you deserve the best, so I bought it.”      “Baekhyun...”      “Don't you dare tell me you won't accept it or I'll bludgeon you with the figurine you just bought me,” the boy threatened. Minseok couldn't help but laugh.      “Fine, I'll accept it.”      “Good! Wear it with your suits! It looks good on you~”       Minseok couldn't help but smile. He was grateful that the world of fame hadn't taken Baekhyun's carefree nature from him. He was still the same old brat he had always been in high school. Now he was just rich and known throughout the nation.       Dessert was brought out soon enough and Baekhyun and Minseok chatted away while inhaling the beautiful, absolutely delicious cake. Following that, Baekhyun took care of the entire check, forcing Minseok to let him treat since it was expensive and he'd been the one who called him here. Minseok wasn't normally one to let others pay for him, since he preferred to go dutch, but he would allow it this one time since Baekhyun was insisting. Frankly, Minseok was just sad that the time with him was coming to a close.       At least, that had been what he'd assumed. As they were heading away from their table, Baekhyun sighed, looking beyond disappointed. Minseok stopped and grabbed his hand.      “What's up?” He asked worriedly.      “I don't want to go home,” Baekhyun pouted quietly. “There's probably paparazzi waiting outside and I'd be all alone in my house and I don't want to deal with that on my birthday...”      “Wow...Can't you get someone to deal with them? Like the police?”      “If it gets bad enough, yeah...Still doesn't change the fact that I'm alone.”      “Do you have a schedule tomorrow?”      “Not til the afternoon.”      “Do you want to spend the night at my place then?”      “Wait, really?”      “Yeah,” Minseok shrugged. “I don't mind one way or the other. I'm off tomorrow and I would love to be with you for a little while longer. Are you allowed to stay at a commoner's?”

“Of course, don't be ridiculous,” Baekhyun laughed. “As long as we're inconspicuous, it should be fine.”      “Alright. Don't expect much though cuz I'm not that rich.”      “Minseok...I don't care about that kind of stuff, really. I might be a celebrity, but that doesn't mean I became an asshole.”      “Right...Just saying. Should we get going then?”      “Yeah. Do you mind driving your car around to the back of the restaurant? Less people watching...”

“Yeah, sure.”      “Alright. I'm going to call my manager and let him know I'll be staying with you. He'll pick me up for my schedule tomorrow.”      “Sounds good. Be right back!”       Minseok rushed off to get his car and Baekhyun shot a quick text to his manager. He didn't really bother to wait for the reply before heading to the back of the restaurant via a few waiters' instructions. When he got outside, he saw Minseok waiting in his car and rushed over, hopping in the front seat. He beamed a smile at the other and soon, they were off.       The car ride was mostly silent. Minseok had opted to listen to some music, but he'd forgotten that he'd been listening to Baekhyun's CD. He flushed as Baekhyun's recorded voice resounded from the car speakers, but the smile on his friend's face only grew wider. As they drove along, Baekhyun began to sing quietly along. After all, the real deal was so much more amazing than the recording.       When they got to Minseok's apartment, Baekhyun waited in the car until Minseok was certain the coast was clear. After that, he ducked out, keeping his head low while following Minseok up the steps to his apartment. Minseok couldn't even begin to understand what it was like to be so constantly wary of your location and whether people recognized you. Being a celebrity definitely had its down sides.       As soon as they were behind a closed door, Baekhyun instantly relaxed, heaving a sigh and leaning against the wall. Minseok smiled softly at him and kicked his shoes off before heading into the apartment, inviting Baekhyun to follow behind. He headed straight to his bedroom and slid his suit jacket off, hanging it on its hanger. Baekhyun headed into the bathroom and painstakingly washed all his makeup off, returning as the same Baekhyun Minseok had grown up with. The latter looked Baekhyun up and down, noting the boy was still in dress clothes.      “Would you like to borrow some casual clothes?” Minseok asked. “It would beat sleeping in a tux.”      “God, yes!” Baekhyun whined. “I hate wearing these kinds of things, but you know...image.”       Minseok nodded and walked over to his dresser, pulling out an old, but extremely soft shirt and some sweats, then tossed them at Baekhyun. The latter caught them with grace and instantly started pulling his tie off and unbuttoning his shirt. Minseok couldn't help but smile. Baekhyun was still comfortable enough to undress in front of him. It was probably a strange thing to be happy about, but it meant that they still hadn't completely lost the intimacy they'd once had with each other.       Minseok pulled some of his own clothes out and quickly changed as well, tossing his dress clothes in the hamper. After, he turned to face Baekhyun, who was already happily plopped on Minseok's bed, digging into his figurine box and pulling it out to observe the detailing up close and make sure it wasn't broken. Minseok sat beside him, smile beaming as Baekhyun gawked.      “You like it?” He asked. Baekhyun nodded rapidly.      “I love it! I can't believe you still remembered! You're honestly the only one who would ever give me a gift like this.”      “Really? You don't share your gamer hobbies with all your other celeb friends?”      “First, you assume I have friends,” Baekhyun laughed. “Second, of course not. I mostly have acquaintances who don't really care much about that stuff. You're the only one~”      “That's too bad,” Minseok sighed.       Baekhyun's phone suddenly vibrated and he pulled it out, checking the number. Judging by how intensely he rolled his eyes, Minseok assumed it was someone that Baekhyun couldn't even care to give the time of day to. The boy ignored the call and was about to slide his phone back into his pocket, but it began buzzing again.      “Oh my God, leave me alone!” He grumbled.      “Stalker?” Minseok asked nervously.      “Not really...At least not the typical kind. “It's, uh...One of the acquaintances of mine...We dated for a while, but I just wasn't feeling it with him, so I cut it off. He's been hassling me ever since and now he thinks he should get to talk to me on my birthday, I guess. I'm just going to put my phone on silent.”      “You dated someone?” Minseok asked. Of all things to focus on, he chose that. Baekhyun grimaced slightly.      “Nothing big, just seeing each other every now and then...We, uh...did sleep with each other though,” Baekhyun admitted, looking at Minseok guiltily.       He had no reason to act like he'd wronged Minseok, and the latter had no reason to feel wronged, but somehow, both of them seemed to feel this way. Minseok felt like he'd been punched in the gut. Baekhyun had slept with someone? This was shocking on a couple levels, the least of which was the fact that Minseok loved Baekhyun and would give anything to be in that position, were he not such a damn coward.      “You slept with him...?” Minseok asked, his voice quiet and hurt. “What about your condition?”       Baekhyun flinched at the mention. The truth of the matter was, Baekhyun was anything but a normal guy. In addition to having male reproductive organs, Baekhyun also had female ones. It was a birth defect, but his parents had never gotten reconstructive surgery for him, since they wanted Baekhyun to make his own choices about his body. To Minseok's knowledge, Baekhyun had yet to do anything to alter his body, leaving him with both a penis and a vagina.       Baekhyun used to be extremely self conscious about it and wouldn't ever tell anyone. Minseok had only found out when they became close friends, and he'd never treated Baekhyun differently, which was to this day one of the things the singer swore he loved most about Minseok. The latter took care of Baekhyun in several situations as well, carrying lady products around and coming to his defense and comfort when Baekhyun needed it. Minseok had thought their relationship was special, that no one else was close enough to know about Baekhyun's secret. Now, it seemed even people Baekhyun wasn't close to had a more intimate relationship with him than Minseok did. That hurt a lot.      “Honestly, that's part of why dating is a hassle,” Baekhyun sighed. “I have to be careful with who I trust that secret to and honestly, it's never worth it in the end, so I'm blowing off dating for a while.      “I see...” Minseok muttered.       He had no right to be so sad, but he just couldn't stop. Baekhyun seemed to notice his discomfort as well, because he flailed his arms slightly and tried to rapidly change the conversation.      “Anyways, back to gaming, I honestly don't really have time to play anymore,” Baekhyun shrugged. “I miss it, but that's the price I pay for being successful.”      “You wanna play now?” Minseok asked, liking the switch of topics. He motioned to his computer. “I've got a gaming desktop and a good keyboard and mouse.” Baekhyun let out a pitiful whine.      “Fine, twist my arm!” He huffed.       Minseok laughed as Baekhyun hopped off the bed and stomped over to the computer. He followed after his friend and logged in, allowing Baekhyun to sign into his account on the game and play as his own character. Minseok pulled up a chair and sat beside him, watching for hours as Baekhyun got his ass handed to him in the game, pouting and yelling.       Minseok was honestly exhausted, but somehow Baekhyun was still going, or rather losing, strong. This must have been the power of a celebrity, functioning on virtually no sleep. Minseok couldn't stop his yawns from coming out as Baekhyun died for what felt like the millionth time. He really hoped Baekhyun didn't think he was bored, but a long day at work plus a night out with Baekhyun had him exhausted. It was also well into the early morning of the following day now, and Minseok wasn't used to staying up so late. He leaned on Baekhyun's shoulder, hoping the latter would either get the message or be ok with him falling asleep on him.      “Ah, I'm so rusty,” Baekhyun whined. “You remember how I used to kick ass at this, right?”      “Well, you haven't played in forever. It makes sense,” Minseok mumbled yawning again. Baekhyun glanced at the time and gasped.      “Holy shit, it's late! We should probably go to bed, huh?” Minseok hummed sleepily. “Damn, I wanted to win once...”      “You can play it some more next time you come over,” the other yawned, rubbing his eyes.      “Next time I come over, huh?” Baekhyun asked, smiling at the sound of it. Minseok nodded and got to his feet, tugging on Baekhyun's sleeve.      “Let's sleep, I can't keep my eyes open anymore,” he pouted.       Baekhyun got to his feet and held Minseok's hand as the latter guided him over to the bed. They pulled the covers back and crawled in, snuggling close together. They'd slept together like this for years, any time they'd stayed over at each other's houses. Minseok was thankful Baekhyun didn't act distant or shy this time either. It probably would have hurt him even more if he had.       Despite how Minseok's eyes burned, he couldn't help but stay up and watch Baekhyun doze off. The bags under his eyes seemed dark, and Minseok's heart fell slightly. Baekhyun must have been working so damn hard. He wished he could do something to help the boy.       Minseok reached out and ran his fingers through Baekhyun's bangs, brushing them out of the way. The boy sighed at his touch, unconsciously scooting closer, and Minseok smiled gently. He loved Baekhyun so much. As great as it had been to reconnect, he knew this moment would possibly be the last one for a really long time. It was hard loving someone who had such big dreams, especially when they didn't involve him.       Minseok leaned forward cautiously, staring at Baekhyun to make sure he was asleep. When he'd decided it was safe, he pressed their lips together softly. The kiss didn't last long out of fear of waking Baekhyun up, but it was enough to sate Minseok, at least for now. He closed his eyes shortly after, exhaustion quickly taking over. He didn't see Baekhyun's eyes flutter open slowly, nor his cheeks flush. He vaguely felt Baekhyun snuggle closer to him though. ~*~      The following morning, Baekhyun got up first. Minseok slowly woke up to the sound of Baekhyun whining and apologizing on his phone to what Minseok assumed was his manager. When Baekhyun finally hung up, he came back to the bed and looked at Minseok guiltily.      “Sorry, did I wake you?” He asked.      “No, not really. Was that your manager?”      “Yeah...He's coming to pick me up in about an hour.”      “We should make breakfast then...You can't go on a full schedule with no food.”      “Sorry to put you out,” Baekhyun mumbled. Minseok simply smiled, got up, and ruffled his hair.      “You aren't putting me out. I need to eat too, and I care about your health. You're too skinny now.”       Baekhyun laughed and rolled his eyes. After, they went to Minseok's kitchen and quickly whipped something together. Baekhyun ate rapidly and went back to Minseok's room to change into his tuxedo while the other cleaned the kitchen. When he came back out, Minseok couldn't help the small gasp that escaped. Even with his hair somewhat tousled, his dress clothes messily thrown on, and no makeup adorning his face, Baekhyun was absolutely breathtaking. How had the boy Minseok had grown up with turned into such a person?      “Thanks so much for letting me stay...” Baekhyun muttered, flushing slightly. “I really had a lot of fun with you. It was the best birthday I've had in a long time. And thank you for this!” He held up the model and Minseok beamed at him.      “Of course. You're always welcome here, you know? I know celebrity life is hard, but don't be a stranger. I don't want to go so long without seeing you.”      “I'll try. I really will. I missed you too much to do that again...Besides, you live here now, so seeing you should be a lot easier!”       Before they could say much else, Baekhyun's phone rang and he answered it, frantically speaking to the person on the other line. Whoever his manager was, he kept a tight leash on Baekhyun, but that was probably for the best. Baekhyun quickly said goodbye to Minseok, hugging him tightly, then rushed out the door, griping at his manager the entire time. Minseok sighed, letting the emptiness set into his small apartment once more. As much as he loved Baekhyun, he didn't trust the boy to stick to his word. He was already bracing himself for things to return to exactly the way they were before.