He wondered around the hallways, familiar rooms welcomed him; memories came down running in his

mind, he allowed his legs to lead him along the corridor until he reached the end.
Halting, he smiled to himself. The sign above the door hadnt changed, still with silver paint. He traced
the letters, his heart tightening as he utter the words, Music Room
He let himself in, gazing the grand room. Nothing had changed, except for the new instruments lined up
in the corner. He diverted his gaze only to stumble into a very memorable beautifully crafted object.
Slowly, he walked, his feet once again leading him. The smoothness of it contradicted its age.
I bet, hell be happy, to see you without a scratch. Chuckling to himself, he pulled the seat and sat down
in front of the grand piano. Lifting the lid to reveal keys of black and white, sharps, flats, and naturals, he
tried to press some keys.
Do, re, mi, fa, sol, la, ti do Carefully pressing each key. Im not really good at this. He raised his
hands in defeat.
His minds traveled back in the days when a certain someone would play for him. Tears started to fall from
his eyes, hands covering his face and the voice that echoed in his mind.
It was just him in the room and the black piano.

Baekhyun, come back. Please





***

Oh, Chanyeol, Im glad youre here. Meet Baekhyun, hell be your partner for the concert.
In front of Chanyeol, stood a boy shorter than him, eyes looked as if they were made out of glass, skin too
white almost as white as milk. Chanyeols eyes traveled to the boys face, he wondered how young the
boy and at the same time marveled at his beauty. He thought that Baekhyun would be the perfect subject
for his photography project. He must be staring a little too long because Professor Kim had to snap her
fingers in front of Chanyeols eyes cutting the latter from his trance.
Chanyeol Professor Kims voice was stern and authoritative. Are you listening?
Professor Kim had been talking for a good five minutes, explaining how Baekhyun was the best music
student and he would be of great help in the year end performance of the art department. Again, Professor
Kims voice was strict.
Chanyeol.
Chanyeol just nodded, and a blush was creeping from his cheeks. Professor Kim sighed.
Thank you Professor Kim. Baekhyun bowed and looked at Chanyeol, the latter had to look away
because the shorter boys smile was so bright, Chanyeol felt his eyes could go blind.
When the two were already at the door, about to leave, they heard a voice, And Chanyeol, stop staring,
you might scare Baekhyun. Chanyeols face was never redder, Professor Kim really do know how to
embarrass him.
Baekhyun chuckled making Chanyeol feel awkward and stupid.
Im Baekhyun. The shorter extended his hand for the other one to reach, I think we need a better
greeting.
Ch-chanyeol.

Casual meetings turned into usual dates. The preparations for the year end perofomance were long done
but the practices in the music room never stopped. The classes halted but Chanyeol and Baekhyun still
enjoyed each others company all throughout the break. Chanyeol loved hearing Baekhyuns voice.
Baekhyun loved singing when Chanyeol plays the guitar. Chanyeol treasured every photograph he took of
Baekhyun while the latter smiling brightly at every shot.
There was no courtship as their friendship escalated day by day, so as their feelings for each other. Words
were not needed; everything was explained through their actions.
The subtle touching of the hands, the midnight walks, the late night conversations, the endless laughs and
cheesy jokes soon turned into intertwined hands and lasting hugs until Chanyeol found himself pushing
Baekhyun against the wall, while his lips savor the taste of the other.
It was the most perfect year for both of them. Love had blossomed, their feelings intensified. Time had
been cruel the following academic year, their schedules were clashing, and still they find time for each
other.

***
Your smile, I like taking photos of it. Chanyeol suddenly uttered while his camera lens was focused on
Baekhyun.
The latter grinned more widely, It exists because of you, Chanyeol.
Chanyeol felt his heart beating widely. Eyes wide, almost teary eyed as Baekhyuns words lingered in
him. He almost dropped his precious camera as he made his way towards Baekhyun but it was not
important anymore as he hurriedly captured Baekhyuns lips.
I love you Chanyeol whispered against Baekhyuns mouth.
I love you more Baekhyun responded in between the kisses.

It was a promise.
A promise to forever love each other.
***

Chanyeol, despite just being a student, job offers were thrown at him because his talent in photography
and other visual arts was impeccable. He had flair in his chosen career. Baekhyun on the other hand
graduated with flying colors. He was the top of his class, having flaunted his ability not only in singing
but also at playing various instruments. He was born to be a musician.
They got themselves a small apartment, both were satisfied, just the perfect distance for Chanyeols work.
They created a little space where they both set up as Baekhyuns recording place. Baekhyun had tried to
audition at different companies many times but all were rejected. Chanyeol felt sorry for his boyfriend.
He knew the older guy was frustrated, who wouldnt? Graduating as the best but Baekhyun hadnt won
any real life test.

***
If youre going to debut as an artist, Ill make a fansite for you. Chanyeol backhugged his boyfriend
while the latter was washing their dishes.
Baekhyun just laughed. I know, because youre my number one fan.
Will you sing for me?
Chanyeol had heard Baekhyun sing for thousands of times and he knew he will never get tired. He will
never be jaded.
I love you Baekhyun.
I love you more, Chanyeol.

***
All I ever wanted was to sing.
Baekhyun was smiling but deep inside he was hurting.
I want people to appreciate my voice, because this is all I can do. This is what Im good at. But maybe, I
am really not good enough.
Chanyeol silenced his boyfriend with a hug.
Shhhh.
Caressing Baekhyuns face, Chanyeol made a wide grin, Those companies did not know what theyre
losing. They will regret once you become a hit.
Baekhyun would always tell Chanyeol that the formers dream was to become a singer that can touch
peoples lives. It was carved in Chanyeols brain that the man he loved adored singing. And Chanyeol
wanted Baekhyuns dream to come true.
You have the most amazing voice I ever heard Baekhyun. Never doubt yourself.




***
Not a month had passed; a phone call brought the brightest smile to Baekhyuns face. It was the most
dazzling smile Baekhyun had shown, Chanyeol couldnt be any happier.
See.
Baekhyun jumped enveloping Chanyeol into a tight hug, the latter not minding the strength that the other
was exerting because he knew Baekhyun was happy and seeing him happy was Chanyeols dream.
Chanyeol filed a leave from work to help Baekhyun pack his stuff as well as to spend precious time.
They said that the trainings are a bit hard but some may take years before they debut. Baekhyun was
rambling, uneasiness and fear evident in his actions.
Chanyeol chuckled to himself making the shorter boy give him a quizzical look, What?
Youre cute.
Baekhyun furrowed his eyebrows.
I just. Chanyeol couldnt bear to continue. He tried to be civil, he tried his best to hold back his
emotions, not wanting to spoil Baekhyuns happiness but it was slowly killing him inside. The thought
that Baekhyun would live far away from him. The reality that Baekhyun wouldnt be there to welcome
him home. No Baekhyun to encourage him to take more photos, no Baekhyun to interrupt his work. No
Baekhyun to kiss him goodnight. Everything was overwhelmingly heartbreaking.
Chanyeol was not aware that tears were continuously falling from his eyes. He was a crying mess. He
never cried as much as he was crying. I-i-i am n-not s-supposed t-to c-cry. Every word was pang to
BAekhyuns chest as he can see Chanyeol sobbing furiously. Not a second went by, Baekhyun was crying
too.
I-Im s-so s-s-sorr, Baek. I p-promised myself n-not t-to c-cry. Chanyeol breathes heavily, emotions
wiping everything from him. Every word he uttered, he stuttered. Baekhyun continued sobbing, covering
his mouth so as not to produce loud cries.
They were both hurting.
They were both sacrificing.

I love you Baekhyun.
I love you more Chanyeol.



***

Its 365 miles away from here, Chanyeol. With quivering hands covering his face, Baekhyun tried to
stop his tears from falling.
Chanyeol slowly removed Baekhyuns hands and started to wipe the latters tears. The taller guy smiled,
It doesnt matter. He said, fighting back the tears.

No matter how far, no matter how long, I will wait for you, Baekhyun. I will wait for the day I can see
your smile again.





Ill wait for you, so come back.


***
The first days were hell.
As Chanyeol woke up, he tried to reach the other side of the bed, expecting to feel a body lying next to
him. Still eyes shut, he furrowed his eyebrows. Baekhyun was never the one who wakes up early, he
thought. Slowly, he opened his eyes, Baekhyun. He uttered, reality still not sinking.
His eyes traveled to their room, mind still not processing early morning facts. He unhurriedly stood up
from his bed and memories kept flashing; his legs wobbled, he remembered. He tried hard to stop the
tears from falling.
Baekhyun left him.
Hell come back. He promised me.
Chanyeol was sure. He was determined. Baekhyun will be back. He will.


On the second day, Chanyeol waited for Baekhyuns call. But it didnt come. Chanyeol thought
Baekhyun was just trying to adjust and he would reach him as soon as Baekhyun was settled. He was
trying hard to bite back the tears.

Chanyeol continued his photography but the spark he once had was slowly diminishing. He was the best
in his team but it was slowly subsiding.

Days turned into weeks. Chanyeol still havent heard from Baekhyun. He held on to Baekhyuns promise.
Its what keeps him living his life. It was mantra, Hell comeback. Every day he wakes up, and day by
day he would keep repeating, Hell come back. He will be back.
Chanyeol never heard a single word from Baekhyun.
No letters, no calls, no text, no news. Nothing.


Every day, I waited for him. Day by day, I longed for his smile. He never left my mind - my heart
though we're 365miles apart.



Three years had passed, Chanyeol was still waiting.


Hell come back.





***


Chanyeol! What are you doing here? Chanyeol was startled. Youre supposed to be taking pictures of
the concert! Kangin will be so mad. Sehun, Chanyeols bestfriend started pulling him from the stool as
he let Sehun dragged him out of the music room.


What is this Chanyeol? The voice was beyond angry. Chanyeols co-workers had been accustomed to
the voice and to Chanyeol being scolded, it wasnt the first time. They couldnt even count how many
times, Chanyeol was in this predicament.
These are all crap! How am I supposed to use this? The newly developed and printed photos were
scattered everywhere. I dont like any of them.
Are you even a professional?
Chanyeol was used to this; he was numb to be exact.
Ill give you a chance. It was not a warning, it was an ultimatum. Get it right Park, or else youre out.
Chanyeol just nodded.
Theres a concert in the other town. Take the best shots, or else youre fired.



***
You better work your ass off at that concert. Sehun warned, When the big boss says, last chance, its
the last Yeol.
Curling his hands into a fist, Chanyeol just sighed, as much as he disagreed, he needed this job. He
needed support or else how could he pay his rent, how will he survive a day.
Im not into this kind of music. Chanyeol gritted his teeth.
You are. Sehun chirped in, You were.
But, you cant do anything about it, you have to take good shots.
Chanyeol slumped in his chair, running a hand through his hair, frustration arising, I cant take good
photos anymore.
I know. Sehun smiled, You stopped.




3 years ago.


***
Im already here Sehun. Chanyeol, with his cellphone tightly pressed between his ear and shoulder
while testing his camera lens. Yes, I know. I will try my best today. Chanyeol sighed as Sehun, on the
other end of the phone continued to bombard him with advices and demands. Just get your fucking ass
here and help me instead of your fucking words. Damn it! Sehun.
Chanyeol furrowed his eyebrows in anger, his temper taking over him. Chanyeol can hear Sehun laughed.
See you in 10 minutes. Sehun shouted from the phone.


The photographers were now escorted near the stage. He witnessed how people were lining up, excited to
see the singer. Chanyeols mind wandered, he thought about a certain brunette, wanting to be a successful
performer. He quickly shook his head, not liking the idea of his memories rushing in.
After the brief instruction from the organizer, it was nearing the start. The fans were now standing at their
spots or sitting at their respective reserved seats. Chanyeol was amazed how the big dome were fully
packed with people.
Must be a popular guy. He mumbled.
He is. He just debuted last week and it is his first fan meet concert, my girlfriend was even there,
watching him. Another photographer from different company replied. I havent seen him.
Hmm
Yeah, And theyre all saying that hes handsome and all, well, we will know in a few.
The lights suddenly went off and the screams emanating from the wild hoard of fans were deafining,
Chanyeol swore his eardrums were damaged.
A line was sung, Chanyeol felt his heart beat racing.
Slowly the curtains were lifted up.
Chanyeols eyes grew wider, heart hammering against his ribcage. Sehun was already beside him, getting
agitated, pointing at the appearing figure.
Chanyeols mind could not process anything. Mouth agape, tears wanting to fall. Every line, every word,
the voice was so familiar, he coulnt hear anything else besides the voice of the guy singing his heart out.



Baekhyun.






It was 2 hours of agony. Chanyeol didnt take a single photo. He was too stunned, too surprised. He
couldnt wait for the concert to end. He rubbed his eyes a couple of times to check if his eyes were
deceiving him. From every angle, from every corner, Chanyeol was not mistaken. It was definitely
Baekhyun.

It is Baekhyun.



Chanyeol rushed to the backstage, having the privilege of an all access pass; he hurriedly run towards the
room. There were many people wanting to take photos of the man of the hour. Chanyeol waited until the
last of them walked out of the way. He couldnt weigh his feeling, anger and sadness were there but the
longing and wanting were overwhelming.
He waited for three years; he knew he could wait for a few hours.
Finally, the pile of reporters and photographers were diminishing, with his knees wobbling and his body
shaking; heart thumping against his chest, tears falling from his eyes, he walked slowly.

The same face, the same milky skin brunette, the same eyes, the same smile, the same Baekhyun.


And after a few seconds, the person who gave Chanyeol the brightest smile, the one who made his heart
pump wildly, the person he loved the most was standing in front of him, looking directly into his eyes. All
the anger was washed away, because no matter how painful those 3 years were, love took over him.

He loved Baekhyun and after three years, Chanyeol saw him again.

Baekhyun. Chanyeol whispered in between tears.
The brunette stared into his eyes, processing what Chanyeol just uttered.
Chanyeol cried harder





Who are you?