27 Minutes

Chanyeol runs.
He moves his feet so fast not minding the stares he is receiving from the persons hes passing
by. He needs to run fast, he needs to run as fast as he could; run like he never run before.


So Chanyeol runs.




***

Chanyeol, open the door. Baekhyun screamed while he rummaged through his bag,
searching for Chanyeols bedroom key. Baekhyun always keep a duplicate copy because this
situation happened a little over ten times.

Chanyeol, I know youre in there. Open the damn door.

Still no answer. Baekhyun sighed while he was clearly frustrated. Things inside his bag were
thrown away but theres no sign of the key. Baekhyun was getting worried, he can feel his heart
tightening.

Chanyeol, please, open the door. He begged, hoping that Chanyeol could hear the
desperation in his voice. Baekhyun did not stop searching, it could have been placed in between
the pages of his books or notebooks and after a few tries, finally, Baekhyun found it and as if it
was mocking him because it was just placed at the mini pocket of his bag.

Baekhyun swore he could have punched himself but that can be done later. Chanyeol was more
important.

Scurrying, Baekhyuns hands were trembling as he unlock the door. And as soon as the door
was opened, what he saw broke his heart. Like what he felt every time this happened. Seeing a
crying Chanyeol always makes Baekhyuns heart shattered into pieces.

Baekhyun with slow steps made his way towards Chanyeol.

No words were needed as he wrapped his arms around the crying giant. Once Chanyeol felt the
hands enveloping him, his cries got louder.

Once the sobbing subsided, Baekhyun wiped Chanyeols tears away.

Baek Chanyeols voice cracked as he continues to sob on Baekhyuns chest. Why do I always
get hurt?

Baekhyun slowly push Chanyeol to see a better view of the taller mans face. He cupped
Chanyeols face and smile, These are just bumps in the road Yeol. Youll find someone soon.
Someone that will always make you smile. That someone that will heal every wound in your
heart.

It was always like this, every time Chanyeol cries, Baekhyun will always be there to support him,
to make sure Chanyeol will be alright. Baekhyun was always there every heart break, every
tear, every loss and every pain.

I hope so Baek. I hope I can find that someone soon. Chanyeol murmured silently as
Baekhyuns heart breaks into pieces. Im always here Chanyeol. It was not Baekhyuns first heart
break, but one of the many he already experienced.

Chanyeol just failed to realize that it was Baekhyun, that it is Baekhyun, that it will always be
Baekhyun that someone who made Chanyeol smile, that someone who is making Chanyeol
smile and that someone that will make Chanyeol smile.





***


Baek, do you like someone? A fifteen year old Chanyeol dropped a sudden question.
Baekhyun could only look at him surprised.

Before Baekhyun could ever respond, Chanyeol beat him to it, Because Baek, I think I
do like someone Chanyeol never left Baekhyuns eyes and Baekhyun felt like choking on his
own saliva while his stomach was making those weird creeping pain.

I think I like..Chanyeol started, I like Su Hyun. With his 100 watt smile, Chanyeol
proudly uttered. Baekhyun should be given an award.

You look good together. The shorter boy responded flashing a wider and more
blinding smile.

We do, right? Chanyeol was celebrating in happiness as he got his best friends
blessing.

But the other one got his first heart break - the first of many heart breaks.



It was after six months when Chanyeol experienced his first heart break. Su Hyun had
dumped him saying Chanyeol wasnt good enough and she needed to focus on her studies.
Chanyeol was broken but Baekhyun helped him to pick up the pieces of his broken heart.

It was always Baekhyun.



***

Why dont you just date Baekhyun?

They were third-year college students, Chanyeol had been searching for the perfect
person countless time but he always ended up weeping from a broken heart.

Chanyeol eyed Kris with a look that says seriously.

Dont give me that look Yeol. Youve been with him for too long and hes perfect. Kris
commented.

Thats the problem Kris, weve been together for so long, and were best friends. Best
friends arent supposed to be in love with each other.

Sighing, Kris felt defeated. If thats what you say so but dont come crying to me if
Baekhyun leaves you for some other man.

Chanyeol laughed hysterically, Baekhyun will never leave me Chanyeol with full
confidence uttered, And besides, if ever Baekhyun falls in love with another man, Ill be the
happiest. Thats the only thing I could wish for.

Kris shrugged, Lets just see then.


***



Do I look good?

You always look good Chanyeol. Baekhyun commented, he always does.

Youre only saying that because youre my best friend. Chanyeol pouted as he stripped off his
shirt and tried another one.

Chanyeol standing slowly, Baekhyun walked towards the taller male and handed him an
overly ugly piece of clothing. Here, try this.

Seriously? It was the most horrendous shirt in the store but Baekhyun was more than serious
as he handed over the shirt to Chanyeol. Youve got to be kidding me.

Still smiling, Baekhyun waited for Chanyeol to grab the shirt. Chanyeol was protesting but
Baekhyun doesnt budge.

Youre serious? It wasnt a question. Baekhyun just smiled in victory.

I swear Byun Baek. Still, Chanyeol was muttering words but he took hold of the piece of
clothing and slowly tried it on.

Baekhyun went beside Chanyeol and stare at the mirror in front of them. Chanyeol was still
busy looking at the shirt and commenting on how unpleasant the shirt was but Baekhyun
tapped his shoulder and pointed the mirror.

Chanyeol studied himself.

You look good whatever you wear. Baekhyun smiled, for me you will always look good
Chanyeol. Baekhyun preceded to the cashier.

Chanyeol stared at his reflection. The shirt really looked ugly. It really looked ugly on him but
the way Baekhyun uttered the words, a smile was forming on his lips.

Chanyeol, if you dont change quickly, Ill leave you.






Chanyeol bought the ugly shirt.



He wore it in the party paired with skinny pants and leather jacket.
He looked dazzling.




Chanyeol really looked good.
Baekhyun helped him a lot.
He thanked Baekhyun a couple of times while the latter just smiled and shrugged, Anything for
my best friend



On that night, Chanyeol got laid.



And her girlfriend was beyond pleased.


As Chanyeol unfold the story to his best friend with every detail as clear as it happened,
Baekhyun could only smile and come up with a witty response Congratulations, youre not a
virgin anymore but deep inside Baekhyun was hurting.

And Chanyeol never realized.



***
Baek, why arent you dating any body. In front of the mountains of books, while both
guys are preparing for their exams, a question suddenly popped out in Chanyeols mind leaving
Baekhyun caught off guard.
It was too long before Baekhyun could respond, with tightly pressed lips and furrowing
eyebrows, he muttered a simple, no time, I need to study And he continued taking down
notes from the books but Baekhyuns mind was left wandering while his heart rate sped up.
Chanyeol wasnt satisfied, I think you should start dating someone Baek. Eyes focused
on Baekhyuns face, the latter wasnt looking afraid hell do something he will regret.
You should Baek, because you see, you need someone to take care of you, not that I
wont take care of you anymore, I will, Ill forever will but Chanyeol held Baekhyuns hands.
That latter felt chills running down his spine from the sudden gesture. I feel like youre putting
your attention towards me that you forgot to make yourself happy too. I want my bestfriend to
be happy, you know.
Chanyeol wasnt prepared for Baekhyuns answer.
Im the happiest when Im with you Chanyeol. It was a slip of the tongue and
Baekhyun could not undo it. Baekhyun only realized when he saw Chanyeols face and he knew
he was screwed. Baekhyun has been harbouring his feelings for his bestfriends for years
already. Since the first time he saw Chanyeol when the latter moved in to the house beside
Baekhyuns. They were 13 years old back then and now, theyre in their twenties, Baekhyuns
feelings didnt diminish, and they grew over the years.
And Baekhyun decided, it was more than enough for him to be Chanyeols best friend
and nothing can break it.
Because youre my best friend.
Baekhyun continued after a long pause. Chanyeol beamed and laughed softly.

***
So, its really okay? Kris asked for the fifth time.
Baekhyun and I are best friends. Nothing beyond that point. It was the fifth time
Chanyeol answered Kriss queries. Chanyeol was getting tired of Kriss constant interrogation.
So its really okay if someone wants to date Baek? And suddenly everything changed,
Kriss voice was so serious, Chanyeol stopped from his tracks to face the taller guy behind him.
Why are you asking me this?
Because I want to make sure you dont have feelings for him Chanyeol.
And then Chanyeol felt a tug in his heart.
Before I make my move.
Chanyeols breathing had momentarily decreased as if every fiber of his body needed to
processed what had just been thrown at him.
So, is it really okay?
Same question as the first one but with a whole lot of different meaning and needed
answer. Chanyeol stared at Kris searching for a hint of sarcasm or prank or whatever because it
all seemed surreal.
So? Kris waited for an answer, rather, Kris waited for an approval.

Kris smiled, his famous gummy smile as the words slipped of Chanyeols mouth.
Of course.

***
Baek, which one? Chanyeol raised two necklaces, one with a heart shape pendant, the
other one is with a half moon.
I think Seuhyun will like the one with the moon. Baekhyun softly answers while his
eyes wander off to some other things.
Well, I remember her telling me she like moons. Okay, Ill take it. Chanyeol quickly
handed over the jewelry to the lady and had it wrapped. It was 2 weeks before Christmas and
Chanyeol dragged Baekhyun to accompany him at the mall to buy presents. The older male
could not refuse.
So, have you made any plans this Christmas? It was casual inquiry and it wasnt
supposed to have any hidden meaning but Chanyeol just needed to know.
I think Ill spend Christmas with Kyungsoo and Jongin. Not clearly looking up Chanyeol,
Baekhyun let out the words without bitterness. Chanyeol and Baekhyun had been friends for
nine years and all their Christmas was celebrated together but this year will be different;
Chanyeol made plans without Baekhyun in it.
Im really sorry Baek. And Chanyeol was indeed feeling guilt. Ever since Baekhyuns
parents died when they were 16, Baekhyun would always celebrate his holidays with
Chanyeols family but this Christmas, Chanyeol isnt bringing Baekhyun.
Its really okay Yeol. And it will be good for you and Seuhyun so they can meet Mama
and Papa Park.
Do you think mom and dad will like her?
I think they will do.
But you see whenever I introduced my girlfriends to them, I feel like they dont
approve of any of them. Chanyeol wasnt disappointed, he was just curious because his mom
would always ignore every girl he brought home and instead his mom would talk with
Baekhyun over the phone or video chat with the young mam. Chanyeols dad would have the
decency to welcome the guest but would quickly excuse himself and afterwards will join Mama
Park.
They just dont want their baby boy bringing girls. Baekhyun laughed. But Im sure
Mama Park will be happy.
But shes happier when shes with you. I bet shell be angry because youre not coming
home this year. Chanyeol doesnt have the courage to tell his mom Hey mom, I asked
Baekhyun to not come to Christmas this year because my girlfriend wanted to meet you and she
wanted only the two of us so yeah, Baekhyuns not coming home. It was an asshole move,
Chanyeol knows but he really his girlfriend so he asked Baekhyun not to come home with them
to which the latter approves.
Sometimes Chanyeol thinks, her parents love BAekhyun more than him, not that he
digresses, of course he likes it his parents taking care of his best friend.
Chanyeol wasnt aware that Baekhyun already made a call telling excuses to Mama Park
She was sad but she said she understands. Chanyeol eyes widen.
You already called mom?
Yes, I told her Kyungsoo and Jongin invited me and promised her to visit some time
soon.
Youre the best Baek! With that, Chanyeol suddenly hugged Baekhyun, happiness
overpowering him.
Anything for you, Chanyeol. Baekhyun softly whispered.
Chanyeol was still at bliss, But can you please let go now? Baekhyun quietly
murmured, People are staring Baekhyun continued while slowly pushing Chanyeol away.
Chanyeol faked a tear.
Drama King.
The moment was perfect, Chanyeol felt his heart could explode because of the joy hes
experiencing, and no one can make him smile like Baekhyun does.
But the happiness was cut short when a familiar voice greeted them.
Byun Baek.
Chanyeol noticed how Baekhyuns face lit up a thousand fold.
Chanyeol isnt feigning the sharpness in his voice What are you doing here Kris?
And hello to you too, Chanyeol. Im here to buy presents
Were buying presents, you can join us so we can help you choose. Baekhyun
genuinely offered.
Really? Is it okay, I might be disturbing your date.
Chanyeol was supposed to respond with Yes, youre disturbing our moment but
Baekhyun beat him too it.
Of course, its okay, Yifan.
Kris softly laughed. I like you calling me that.

There was something in BAekhyuns laugh that Chanyeol wasnt sure about. Theres
something the way Kris smiles at Baekhyun that Chanyeol wasnt comfortable about. Theres
something about the way Kris can make Baekhyun smile that Chanyeol was so sure he hated
the whole thing.
And then theres something about how Kris said the words so casually to Baekhyun I
guess, well be spending our Christmas together that Chanyeol can feel his heart tightening in
pain.
And theres something about how Baekhyun answered with a sheepishly smile that
Chanyeol felt his world crashing down on him.

***
It was a the 24
th
of December, Chanyeol decided to ditch home and celebrate Christmas
at Kyungsoos place together with Baekhyun and they were preparing for the party when
Kyungsoos temper got over him.
It was another slip of the tongue, not Baekhyuns nor Chanyeols but Kyungsoos.
Fuck! Kyungsoo cursed loudly.
Kyungsoo His boyfriend, Jongin, was too worried not only for Kyungsoo but for
Chanyeol as well.
Kyungsoo, is it true? Chanyeol asked, eyes piercing into Kyungsoos soul.
Kyungsoo swore he could end his own life. It was purely a mistake on his part, he did not
want to reveal Baekhyuns secret for nine years but Chanyeol had pushed him no Chanyeols
idiotic brain had pushed Kyungsoos limit.
What you said about Baekhyun liking me, is it true? There was desperation in
Chanyeols voice.
You really are an idiot. Kyungsoo can only utter.
Chanyeol smiled, I owe you my life Kyungsoo. And Chanyeol quickly headed towards
the door.
Kyungsoo sighed, and hugged his boyfriend, I just hope Chanyeol can make it.


Before Baekhyun says yes to Kris.



***
It was the day after Baekhyun, Chanyeol and Kris had met at the mall that Chanyeol
realizes that he loves Baekhyun.
Kris made him realized that he would not want to see Baekhyun with any other man,
that he would not like it if Baekhyun smiles for other man, that Chanyeol will hate it if Baekhyun
cares for other man.
He was stupid for not realizing it soon enough that it was Baekhyun all along.


***
Chanyeol hurried to the shop they went two weeks ago. He needed to buy that piece of
jewelry that Baekhyun adores.

This is the only one left sir. Only five of those are sold here in Korea. Your girlfriend will be very
happy.

The sales person was full of smiles as she persuades Chanyeol into buying the overly expensive
white gold.

Chanyeol once again stared at the shining piece of jewelry. The beauty of it was screaming in
his face. It was the perfect present. Chanyeol recalled his memory. The memories of certain boy
back hugging him; a certain boy who kisses his cheeks ever so frequently; a certain boy who
always wipes away his tears; a certain boy who sings to him during those nights when
Chanyeols heart was broken; a certain boy who means everything to Chanyeol. Chanyeol
smiled to himself, Ok. Im taking this one. Money cant buy happiness but I will certainly be
happy to see him smile thats my happiness.

The lady smiled flashing her perfectly white teeth, Good choice sir. Ill have it wrapped in a few
minutes. Whats your girlfriends name, sir?

Chanyeol grinned widely.


Baekhyun.


He has decided to confess and make Baekhyun his.



***



Chanyeol runs back into Kyungsoos apartment hoping to see Baekhyun, hoping to clear
things up, hoping to say what he really feels.

Baek he said right after he opened the door.

It wasnt Chanyeols first heart break. It was one of the many times but this heart break
seems the most painful. No tear would want to escape.

Kris is kissing Baekhyun.

***


Chanyeol had been in the same predicament. It has been 5 years and Chanyeol wasnt
the bravest man out there. After some time he finally made up his mind. That Christmas eve, he
wasnt brave enough to snatch Baekhyun away from Kris. He didnt have the courage to make
Baekhyun his so the time when he saw the two kissing he just faked a laugh and congratulated
him earning a despicable look from Kyungsoo but now, after fhe would not want to make the
same mistake. It took him five years he wanted Baekhyun and he wanted Baekhyun to be his.

He is searching everywhere to find him again, to tell Baekhyun that he loves him. He
loves Baekhyun more than hell ever know. More than Baekhyun will ever know.

Chanyeol wanted to say sorry for all the things he had done - for all the deceit, lies and
everything else. Chanyeol regreted those wasted times along with those missed opportunities,
the lost memories and the misspent times.

So Chanyeol runs



Chanyeol runs for his life trying so hard, praying to all the gods that he wont be late, that he
wont waste another time.

So Chanyeol runs

Wishing he can still be with the one he loves.





Byun Baekhyun.



***


Panting, Chanyeol reached his destination. With his heart hammering wildly, he opened the
grand door.


Chanyeol cried like he never cried before. Everything was getting cleared, flowers were being
picked one by one, and chairs are being cleaned. It was over. He was late.



Weddings over, youre 27 minutes too late.



And Chanyeol felt like dying.



***

Chanyeol slowly walks, his legs are getting numb from all the running he had done but the pain
coming from his legs are no match for the pain hes feeling from his heart.

He is late. The last chance he had was now pulverized into pieces. He could not turn back the
time. The last chance he got to confess his love, to make the one he love happy all were put
to waste.

The wedding is over Baekhyuns wedding was over.

Chanyeol missed the chance to tell Baekhyun how much he loves him.
Chanyeol missed the chance to tell Baekhyun how much he loves him too.