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Chapter Text

For someone who makes a living out of weddings, Baekhyun sure is cynical when it comes to happy endings. 

Sa loob ng mahigit sampung taon, Baekhyun has seen the most extravagant to the simplest weddings through his job as a wedding coordinator. Halos lahat ng ikinakasal talagang makikita mo yung pagmamahal nila sa isa't isa through their eyes as their other half walks on the isle. 

Aaminin nya, nakakakilig naman talaga. And he used to be one of those people na nangarap ng ganitong moment sa life nila. 

He used to dream about his perfect wedding. The perfect suit to wear, the perfect venue. He thought about the song that he'd like to be played habang nag-lalakad sya papunta sa kanyang groom. He composed his wedding vows and imagined himself tearfully reading it to the love of his life while their guests bawl about their fantastic love story. 

At syempre, hindi nawawala sa bawat imagined moments nya ang taong gusto nyang pakasalan: si Chanyeol. 

They met in a wedding din, a few years back when Baekyun was just starting his training as a wedding organizer. Ironically, nagsimula at natapos ang kanilang pagsasama during sa kasal. 

They story sounded so promising, sila yung tipo ng couple that everyone expected to get married sooner or later. When he told his friends about the news of them getting married, walang nagulat ni isa sa kanila. 

"Ah, sige congrats." 

"Oh tapos?" 

Ganun lang ang naging reaksyon nila. 

Not even their parents got shocked, ang sabi nga nila naghihintay na lang silang magsabi sila ni Chanyeol. 

And it's not that they weren't happy about it, they were ecstatic! 

Their wedding was supposed to be the wedding of the year. Lahat ng kilalang tao sa industriya ng wedding necessities kilala ni Baek and he's made such great relationships with those people kaya lahat sila handang bigyan sya ng wedding that he deserves. Afterall, Baek was the best wedding organizer in the country. Dapat lang na sa turn nya to get married, kasing bongga din ngmga na-morganize nyang weddings and wedding nila. 

And it was. 

Their wedding did not disappoint from the church to the reception, sa damit, set up ng venues hanggang sa kahuli-hulihang detalye. Halatang pinagtulungang ayusin ng mga pinaka-mahusay sa wedding industry. At halatang hindi rin tinipid. 

Perpekto ang lahat. 

Baekhyun looked and felt fantastic. His bridal car was fucking exquisite! Hindi nya in-expect na isang vintage Rolls Royce ang maghahatid sa kanya sa kasal nya at lalong hindi nya in-expect na sa Manila Cathedral pa sya ikakasal! 

Even the weather was perfectly fine, maliwanag pero maulap, para bang maski ang kalangitan nakikisama sa kasal nila. 

Now the only imperfect thing during that day was the fact that his future husband was late. Pero he expected nothing less from Chanyeol, sanay na sya sa kupad nitong kumilos. For thirteen years na sila ay nagsama, kabisado nya na ang nobyo nya. Kung kelan mahalaga ang okasyon tsaka male-late. He probably got so anxious at sumama na naman ang t'yan. 

Baekhyun chuckled at the thought habang naghihintay sa loob ng Rolls Royce na nakaparada na sa pintuan ng simbahan. 

"Para ready na pag-dating ni Yeol...:" he thought.

Baekhyun was ready. 

The entourage was ready. 

The lights, the flowers, the musicians, and the whole crew was ready. 

But... Chanyeol wasn't yet.

And that's unfortunate for his perfect little groom waiting cluelessly inside his bridal car waiting excitedly for his long-awaited wedding ceremony that will never be. 

"Oh, ingat kayo ha? Tawag lang kayo pag may kulang or any other issues at all, standby lang ako rito sa shop. Kyungsoo ha! Yung mga bilin ko! Big event yan, please don't make a mistake para di sila madala." tuloy tuloy ang litanya ni Baekhyun habang pinanonood na nagmamadali paalis ang mga trabahador at ang business partners nya on to an event that they organized. 

"If you're going to be a nervous wreck the whole three hours na naman, nako, bakit kaya hindi na lang ikaw ang sumama doon at ako na tatao rito?" Kyungsoo retorted with his hand on his waist. 

Their partner-slash-friend scoffs, "You know I don't like weddings." the last word leaves a bitter taste on his tongue. 

His friend rolls his eyes, "Ewan ko sa iyo. Oh, sya, iwan na namin kayo ng perfectionist ass mo rito."

Baek hears the chimes on the door clink when his friend shuts it pero nanatili ang kanyang palad na naka-prente sa counter as silence devours the shop na parang kanina lang ay puno ng ingay. 

His shoulders drop when he sighs. His sight falls upon the scar on his left ring finger, a permanent reminder of his painful memory about the wedding that never happened. 

Apat na taon mahigit ang lumipas matapos ang araw na habangbuhay nagbigay ng dahilan kay Baekhyun to never attend weddings again. Although, he continued in the business mainly because marami talaga ang humahanap sa serbisyo ng shop nila, never na uli pumunta ito personally sa mga ino-organize nyang kasal. 

"I will give you the wedding you want and more but on one condition: please do not ask me to attend personally." Yan ang deal breaker for the famous wedding coordinator. Kung hindi papayag ang client, then di bali na lang. Madalas tuloy syang napaparatangan na diva or snob, but the people in his life knew exactly why he does that. 

Apat na taon ang ginugol ni Bakehyun para makaahon sa lungkot at trauma na binigay sa kanya ng ex nya. He spent a hefty amount of money to go to therapies, yoga, anything that could help him forget. Kahit sandali lang, kahit paunti unti. 

Thankfully, he was able to pacify his grief and continue living his life. And while the burden of the pain still remains, ikaw nga ni Nadine Lustre, tuloy pa rin ang buhay ni bading. 

Mas nag-prosper ito career-wise dahil sa negosyo na lang nakatuon ang pokus nya at syempre, he grew into a better and more self-loving person. Sa loob ng thirteen years, binuhos nya ang pagmamahal sa ex nyang gago, so when he left, Baekhyun started to pour all his love to himself muna. He deserves it. 

It all paid off. Baekhyun is living a better life now. He's still surrounded pa rin naman ng mga taong mas kaya syang mahalin kesa sa ex nyang hunghang. Actually, nagpa-misa nga ang mga kaibigan nya nung araw na natauhan si Baek. 

"Panginoon namin, mahabagin! Salamat po at inuntog nyo na ang gaga ninyog anak!" Sigaw non ni Jongdae when he told them over coffee at his place na tapos na sya. 

"Tapos na tapos na ako." 

Laking pasalamat t alaga ni Baek sa mga kaibigan nyang kahit paulit ulit ang payo sa kanyang never nya sinunod nung sila pa ng ex nyang tarantado, hindi sya iniwan at pinagsawaang damayan sa lahat ng oras na umiiyak sya, nagpapaka-tanga at nagpapaka-alila. They were his pillar when all along he thought it was his ex. Minalas man sa pag-ibig, at least di ba? Winner sa circle of friends. 

He breaks out of his stupor and carried on with work. Naglinis muna sya ng mga kalat na iniwan ng team nya as they prepared all the things needed at the wedding. Then, Baekhyun sat in front of the computer and killed time by auditing their sales. Hindi na nya napansin na lumipas na ang umaga at hindi pa sya nakakapag-lunch. 

At past one in the afternoon, he hears the familiar chimes on the door at mabilis synag tumayo to greet the potential clients with a smile. 

There entered a young man with chubby cheeks and twinkling eyes. He was suddenly reminded of his younger self. 

"I used to look this cute until I met that disaster of a trash bag..." he thought. 

"Hello po," the young man approaches him. 

"Hi! Welcome to Bells of Byun! I'm Bakehyun. How can I help you?" 

"I'm Haechan po, nice meeting you." the boy shakes his hand. "Um, I'm here to inquire po..."

"Ah, yes. It's whose wedding?" 

Haechan's youthful face glows even more when he smiles, "Mine po." 

Baek was a little bit surprised. The boy cannot be a day older than twenty-one, but oh well. Ganun nga siguro ang panahon ngayon. 

"Well, allow me to treat you to some drinks to congratulate you, Sir. Shall we sit at the couch so we can talk more comfortably?" 

The owner of the boutique escorts the young man to the couch and served two flutes of champagne. "Do you not have company? What about your fiancee?" 

Haechan looks at his watch, "He's almost here na daw po. Just stuck in traffic." 

"So it's another he." he thought feeling not surprised at all. Sikat kasi ang boutique nila especially sa LGBT couples. 

"May I ask ilang taon ka na? Sorry ha, I'm just really curious." 

"Ah, I just turned twenty-two po. Same kami ng boyfriend ko. I know it does sound too young to be getting married but we have been together since we're fourteen. Secret relationship po until I came out to my family only a few years ago. Kahit po mahirap na tago yung relationship namin he's been wonderful through it all, kaya po sure na sure na po kami sa isa't isa." 

Baek smiles fondly. "He truly is like me when I was young." 

"Sorry ha, oversharing na naman po ako!" 

He shakes his head, "It's fine. Your story is quite nice. Anyway, would you like to walk me through your wedding preferences if meron na?" 

The two of them talked for the whole half an hour. 

Haechan said they prefer to have an intimate but elegant na wedding by April next year. their preferred venue is somewhere rustic and close to nature. "Mahilig po kasi kami ng boyfriend ko na mag-hike together kaya po as much as possible near the forest sana or somewhere with the same feel. An open area would be nice din." 

"May estimated number of guests na ba kayo? I can show you some suggestions now but I would need kahit estimate lang ng guests so I can discuss it with you-"

"Sorry, I'm late!" the chimes on his door sounded again and together with the voice of the newcomer, it attracted both of them to whip their heads to the direction of the entrance. "Hi, Kuya B." 

Stood before him is Mark who used to be so young, so short and so patpatin when he last saw him. There he was, Baekhyun's ex-baby bayaw and probably one of the few kids he tolerated and genuinely liked. 

A gasp escapes his mouth which made Mark laugh loudly as he walks towards his favorite Kuya ever. "Hi, Kuya B!!!! I'm so glad natyempuhan ka namin dito ni Haechan." he shamelessly goes in for a tight hug. 

"Ang tangkad mo na! Oh my goodness, Mark!!!" he cups the face of the boy- no, man before him. "Oh, I have missed you so much!"

"I missed you, too, Kuya. Kamusta?" their gaze softened. "You're doing well?" 

Baek nods. "I am. Eh ikaw?" 

"Doing awesome," he makes his way to his fiance and snakes an arm around Haechan's petite waist. "I have him." 

"So, kilala mo pala ako?" he directed his question at Haechan who shyly grins at him. "Ikaw pala si Hart Hart na nakita ko dati sa notification?!" 

The trio bursts out laughing. "Shucks, Kuya B you still remember that?" 

"Oo naman no! Nako, ako lang pala nakakaalam ng existence nya ano? Mabuti na lang hindi ko ichinismis. god, I can't believe you're getting married. You!? My baby bunsoy! Ganon na ba ako katanda talaga na pati ikaw eh ikakasal na rin?!" 

"Don't worry, Kuya B. You're still as beautiful as you were in sixteen nung una kang pinakilala ni Kuya sa amin." 

Ah. 

And there it is. 

"Oo nga pala, kapatid nito yung..." 

His smile wavers. "Right. So... I'm flattered na dito mo naisipang magpunta for your wedding. Anyway, shall we talk business then?" 

The couple were easy to please. Halos lahat ng suggestions ni BAek, sangayon sila. They said they trust his taste, after all hindi naman sila ang first client nito. May iilang bagay lang na hindi sila nagkasundo. Una, ayaw nilang pastor ang mag-kasal sa kanila. Haechan's parents knows a governor na pumayag na mag-kasal sa kanila so that is one. Pangalawa, they don't want roses sa flowers. Tulips at Lavanders ang gusto ni Mark at Haechan, ibabagay di sa motif nilang cream and periwinkle. 

Lastly... 

"Kuya B, please? Yan na lang talaga ang request ko. Ako naman ito eh? Once in a lifetime event ko ito, gusto ko nandun ka." 

Baek turns his back on the boy. Kung meron mang hindi nagbago kay Mark, yun ay yung pagka-mapilit nya. "Mark, you know I love you pero I just can't. Kahit kanino ka mag-tanong hindi na talaga ako nagpupunta sa w- look, no. Okay? Sorry. Anything but that." 

He was replied by silence. When he turns around, he finds Mark sporting a dejected look. 

Napapikit ng mahigpit si Baek. Hanggang ngayon what Mark wnats, Mark gets pa rin talaga. Bunso nga naman...

"Mark," 

"Kuya B, I know what my jerk ass brother did to you. trust me, nagalit din ako sa kanya pati sila Mommy at Ate. I could only imagine what it made you feel and I do understand why you hate the idea of coming to my wedding-" 

"Bunsoy naman, it's not because it's your wedding. I really don't go to weddings anymore. In general." 

"Ayun na nga Kuya. Can't you make an exception? Just this once? For me. Please Kuya B? I want all the important people in my life there and kahit baligtarin natin ang mundo, you're as much of a brother to me as my biological brother is. Just... thirty minutes- no! fifteen! Kahit fifteen minutes lang, I want to see your encouraging smile habang kinakasal ako." 

Ah, meron pa palang isang bagay na hindi nag-bago. 

And that is Baekhyun's incapacity to say no to this not-so-baby bunsoy. Haaay, iba talaga ang epekto sa kanya ng mga Park. 

Naturally, his team was very much taken aback nang sabihin ni Baekhyun during one of their team meetings that he will personally manage the Park-Lee wedding. 

"Talaga, Sir B?" 

"OMG for real po?!" 

"Baek, are you sure?" 

He shrugs it off with a chuckle, "Gulat na gulat yarn? Dati naman ako talaga nagpupunta on-site ha? Wala lang, for a change. Na-miss ko na kasi." he replied without looking away from his ipad. 

Jongdae and Kyungsoo exchanged worried looks. Alam naman nila kung sino ang ikakasal at kung bakit pupunta si Baek. 

"Ilang taon na nakalipas, he still can't turn down that man's brother." Dae said nung sila na lang dalawa ni Soo. They excused themselves for a yosi break na may konting chismis at sino pa ba ang topic kundi ang kaibigan nila. 

"May remnants pa rin ng kabobohan na natira sa friend natin. :Hindi ata concentrated yung holy water na ginamit ni father sa Baclaran." 

Jongdae laughs at Kyungsoo's remark. "Gago..." he takes one last drag from his Marlboro black and put it out. the other does the same. 

"Sa tingin mo magiging okay yun si bading? Of course nandun ang demonyo pro max, tangina Dae, what if patumba na talaga natin yun?" 

"Four years ka nang gigil don." 

"Actually, mahigit isang dekada na. Simula pa lang di ko na gusto yung kapre na yun, sana pala nung aksidente ko syang naatrasan ng van di ko na inapakan yung brake." 

"Ulol, wag ako, Soo. Alam kong di aksidente yon. Katabi mo ako tapos nung umaaray si Chanyeol kasi nagulungan paa nya di ka pa huminto. You stopped nung ipit na sya sa pader! Tangina, sabay baba ng van na parang nagaalala with the plastik omg nasaktan ka ba?" Jongdae claps while throwing his head back in laughter. "Award si bakla konserndt." 

"Dapat nga di ko na tinigil pag-atras hanggang naging piyaya na sya dun." 

Sasagot pa sana si Jongdae nang may sumabat sa kanila, "Sabi na eh, duda talaga akong aksidente yon." Baekhyun emerges from the backdoor, tinataktak ang yosi rin nya sa likod ng palad. 

"Andyan na pala ang dakilang Kooyuh." 

"Inamoka, Soo pati si Mark susungitan mo napakabait non. Wala naman syang kinalaman sa kaululan ng Kuya nya." 

His friend simply rolls his eyes. 

"Kayo talaga. Move on na tayo di ba?" 

"Move on na nga ba?" pambubuyo ni Jongdae. 

"I'll just be there as the organizer, nothing more. Kung magkita man kami doon, who you na sya sa akin. Ano ba kala nya sa sarili nya? Gold?" 

"Sige, sabi mo eh..." 

Two days before the wedding, Baekhyun and his team went to Biñan na agad to set the place and rooms of the grooms and their families. Inayos na rin nila ang mismong paggaganapan ng kasal at nag-meeting with the other involved people such as the supplier of the flowers, staff ni Governor Daez and the others. 

Business as usall ang Bells of Byun team for the whole time na nandoon sila. 

Si Kyungsoo ang in charge sa food at cake kaya halos di nila ito nakita. Isinama na rin nya ang partner na si Jongin although he is off limits sa kitchen but he has been helping diligently with the other tasks. Si jongdae naman, kausap yung make up artists, flower arranger, modista at yung media team. 

Si Baekhyun naman, mostly overseeing lang ang ginagawa at communication with the grooms and their assistants. Part din kasi ng package na may personal assistant sila na magcocoordinate kay Baekhyun ng mga bagay gaya ng if papunta na sila. 

"Okay, sige. Ingat kayo Rowoon ha? Call me anytime na may kailangan kayo." 

"Noted po, Boss B. Text ko po kayo kapag on the way na kami at pag nasa SLEX na tomorrow." the guy said on the other end of the line. 

"Okay. Pahinga na muna kamo sila. Mahaba-haba ang ganap nila bukas." 

When Baekhyun drops the call, naramdaman nya ang pagkalabit sa kanya ng isa sa mga staff nya. "Sir. Dinner na daw po tayo." 

"Ay, oo sige! Kanina ka pa ba dyan?" 

"Hindi naman po. Bumili po ng Bulalo sila Sir Jongin tapos may niluto naman po na lechon kawali si Sir Kyungsoo." \

"Wooow! Sige sige tara na!" 

So far, everything is going well naman. Baek prays na sana hanggang matapos ang kasal, walang mangyaring gulo o aberya. 

The grooms and their families and a few of their friends arrived at the hotel first thing in the morning at syempre, sinalubong ito ng BoB Team. 

Baekhyun couldn't help but feel anxious dahil there's a possibility na ma-meet nya uli ang damuho nyang ex but thankfully, pinaraya sya ni Lord sa maagang distasteful encounter dahil wala naman pala. 

Yun nga lang... 

"Baekhyun?! Oh, it really is you! Anak!" Mark's mom practically runs to hug Baekhyun at kasunod ang Ate nila na naki-yakap din. 

The moment was full of squeals and awkward smiling from the man habang yung dalawang nakatatandang babae, hindi magkamayaw sa pangungumusta at yakap sa kanya. 

"Mom, please."  Mark could only call on weakly. 

"Ma, Yoora..." pero isang htawag lang ng tatay nya sa Mommy at Ate nya, lingon agad. "Let the boy breathe, ano ba naman kayo?" 

The elder Park comes to shake his hand briefly. "It surely is nice to see you again, Baek. I hope you're doing well, hijo." 

The warmth of his greeting crept up to Baekhyun's heart. It's been a while since he's been referred to as hijo ng padre de pamilya ng mga Park na tinuring nya na rin na sarili nyang ama noon. Mr. Park helped him so much noong panahon na... 

Ah, wag na natin pagusapan. You get the idea. 

"Hi, po. Yes, I am. Kayo po?" 

"We're great, kita mo naman ang sisigla yumakap sa iyo ng mga to." 

Baek grins at the family. "Uh, could I offer you a coffee po? We prepared breakfast for everyone. And then by ten, we'll start the wedding rehearsal po so that by twelve, makapag-lunch na. Yung modista po is also on their way na para ipasukat sa inyo yung mga damit para if ever po na need ng adjustments, magawa nya na po agad." 

"Baek's jumping right into business. Sobrang serious ha, medyo di ako sanay." Yoora commented. 

Their once bayaw-to-be simply gave her a smile. Napakalayo sa expected nilang reaksyon ng dating Baekhyun na kilala nila. He's more timid and reserved, more business-as-usual. Gone were the days na palaging ready makipag-harutan sa kanila ang binata. 

Though this made the family sad, hindi na nila ito ipinahalata sa kanya. Ano nga naman ba ang karapatan pa nilang mag-feeling close when their Chanyeol left this kind boy in the altar and shattered his pure heart into pieces that they may not be able to recover. 

Hindi rin nila masisisi ito if he wants to keep his distance from the family of the man who left him. 

Kakasimula pa lamang ng wedding rehearsal and Jongdae is currently briefing everyone with rules and necessary information na kailangan malaman ng lahat ng guests especially ang mga abay. 

While his friend is giving instructions, kinailangan nyang lumabas sandali para sunduin si Yeon. He's the owner of the flower supply shop na palagi nilang kinokontrata. After working with each other for more than two years now, they're both familiar na with how the other works and their preferences. Taecyeon would always come at least thirty hours before the wedding para ipa-quality check ang flowers kay Boss B , ayaw kasi ng huli na kung kelan last minute tsaka tatakbo para bumili ng mga kailangan. 

"Hey," Yeon gives him a gummy smile bago sya nito niyakap. as always, he smells like a  burst of flowers. "Kelan pa kayo dito dumating? This place looks nice." 

"Yesterday afternoon. Oo nga eh, halos wala naman kaming kailangan ayusin kasi ang ganda na. Kumain ka na ba? Tara, may naka-hain pang lunch sa may gazebo." 

The taller man nods before picking up the left over baskets of flowers na hindi pa nadala ng mga kasama nya. The two of them made a beeline to the catering. Chinikia muna ni Baek ang binata habang sinasabayan ito mag-merienda. "Traffic ba?" 

"Medyo. Kaya bukas baka umalis din kamim as soon as the wedding ends. Ikaw?" 

"Hmm, baka rin right after." 

"Sabay ka na sa akin? Nagdala ako ng separate car, hidi kumasya sa isang van yung flowers." 

Baek hums in comtemplation and then agrees. "Sige. Around six siguro tapos na ang programme. Sila Dae na bahala here." 

"Okay. goods yun. Daan tayo sa bilihan ng espasol, bilin ni Lola." Yeon unconsciously reaches for the dried leaf that rested over Baek's hair at inalis ito. 

Kumportable na sila sa isa't isa kaya actions like this doesn't faze Baek anymore. They're more like friends than business associates, kadalasan tuloy tinutukso na sila ng mga tao. 

Kyungsoo even remarked once, "Hilig mo sa mga malalaki tenga! Di na ako magugulat if you date Dumbo the Elephant." 

Honestly, for Baek, Yeon isn't such a bad choice. Gentleman ito, funny and intelligent, bukod sa lahat, borta ito. At yan ang tipo ni Baek.

Yun nga lang, feeling nya hindi pa sya ready. 

"Haaay! Kelan ka pa kaya magiging ready? Pag patay ka na?" minsang sagot ni Dae sa kanya. 

Meanwhile, back inside the garden, Dae acted as the officiating person kunyari habang rehearsal. Supposed to be, unang papasok best man kaso yung best man late daw. Magi-istand in na sana muna si Rowwon nang may nag-announce ng kanyang arrival. 

"I'm here! I'm here! Sorry, excuse me, sorry late ako." and there he is... clad in a plain black shirt, a black cap and a dark-washed pair of jeans looking effortlessly handsome. "Sorry, Mark. The pila in terminal four was so long tapos traffic pa." 

Kyungsoo and Jongdae share a knowing look. 

Ayan na yung demonyo pro max. Eksena pa, late amputa. 

Terminal ? domestic? All along nasa Pilipinas tong gagong to?

They're thankful na nasa labas ngayon ang kaibigan nila na kasama si Yeon. Para di na sila muna magkita nitong hudas na ex nya. Yun nga lang, kanina pa pala nakita ni Chanyeol si Baekhyun. He's been outside the gate fifteen minutes ago pa. Akala nya nandun si Baek to welcome him kaso may biglang humarang sa view. 

And then he saw how the other guy touched Baek's hair or maybe he petted him? Whatever. Nakakapikon. 

Kaya na-late si Chanyeol kasi pinanood nya muna kung gaano kasaya si Baekhyun sa iba. At putangina, it hurts how even fucking gorgeous that little man has become. Ganon ba talaga pag nahihiwalay sa toxic na jowa? Gumaganda talaga lalo? 

Or siguro he just took Baek for granted ng sobra kaya ultimo ganda nito, nakalimutan na nya kung paano ma-appreciate noon. 

Chapter Text

From Kyungsoo: B. Dyan muna kayo ni Yeon ha? Wag ka muna papasok here. Kami na bahala.

To Kyungsoo: Hahaha why? Tapos na kami kumain check ko lang yung flowers.

From Kyungsoo: Okay, sige dun ka muna. Wala lang. Haha

 

"Weird," Baekhyun mutters as he closes his flip phone and slides it into his pocket.

"Sino?" Yeon asks as they walk side by side papunta sa dirty kitchen kung saan nila aayusin ang mga bulaklak. They'll secure it sa fridge so it wouldn't wither agad.

"Sila Kyungsoo, wag daw muna ako magpunta doon."

Yeon grins at him, "Baka gusto nila ma-solo kita?" the two of them chortle.

Their relationship is quite platonic. They do like each other's company and once upon a time, they fond each other attractive din naman but to the both of them, the other is simply just a friend that they like to spend time with once in a while. Kahit anong tukso sa kanila, hindi sila nadedevelop eh.

The kitchen was hectic pagdating nila. Yung mga staff din kasi ni Kyungsoo nagpe-prepare na for tomorrow. The place will be too cramped if sisiksik pa sila so Baekhyun asked Yeon's team to bring the flowers na lang to his room. "My fridge is huge enough if tatanggalin ko muna mga laman." he said.

Yeon told his guys na kumain muna sa gazebo at sila na ni Baek ang bahala sa mga bulaklak. Uuwi na rin kasi yung iba sa kanila dahil may ibang orders pa. There were only the twoof them on the bed habang busy silang nagaayos ng mga bulaklak. The main door was left open which lets anyone walking down the hall see the two of them when they pass by which was excatly what happened when demonyo pro ma- or uh, Chanyeol walked towards the room given to him. Nagtaka pa ito kung bakit may kwartong iniwan ang pinto na bukas and when he peeped inside, he saw Baekhyun, his beautiful Baekhyun laying on the bed with half of his body dangling habang katabi yung lalake kanina.

They were laughing loudly, making funny remarks at each other. The scene brought pain right through Chanyeol's heart. "Puta, ako dapat yan. Ako dati yan." As he was glaring, he's lost in his thoughts that he did not notice Baekhyun sat up and looking directly at his direction with an unreadable expression. A smile creeps on Chanyeol's lips.

"Do you need something?" tanong nung lalakeng kasama ni Baek. Chanyeol could somehow see some similar features on the stranger. Matangkad, matipuno, malaki tenga. Hindi nya maiwasang isipin that Baek still bases the looks of his new lovers according to his ex. Chanyeol is the standard, i believe.

Yeol ignores the other guy and smiles directly at Baek. "Hi, Baekhyun... It's nice to see you again." Again, the other throws a blank expression. Chanyeol awkwardly clears his throat. "Um, B-Baek can we talk?" The smaller immediately stands up and walks straight towards his direction which made him assume na pumayag agad ito. Ganun naman talaga si Baekhyun, kausapin mo lang ayos na. He's a very understanding and giving person. Basta magpaliwanag ka ng maayos-

SLAM!

Chanyeol is left dumbfounded nang sumara right to his face ang pintuan and suddenly, Baekhyun is gone from his view. "Pinag.... sarahan ako ng pinto...?"

Obvious ba? Deserve.

The event place has been bustling with people as early as six in the morning as they prepare for the event.

Baekhyun has been up since four in morning, contacting the hair stylist na supposed to be, kagabi pa darating. Apparently, her phone is off at ang chika ng katrabaho nya, nag-away daw sila nung asawa nya kasi nakabuntis ng iba yung lalake. 

"Baka po brokenhearted tapos hinanap muna sarili nya." dagdag pa nung kasamahan nito. 

"Di ba pwedeng hanapin nya sarili nya after the wedding? Kulang na nga kayong dalwa kasi labing-lima tong mga me-make up-an tapos nawala pa sya?" Inis na sabi ni Kyungsoo while they were at the lobby of the garden. Ang sakit sa sulo ng mga unprofessional na tao, sinasabay ang problema sa bahay sa trabaho nila. 

"Paano ngayon yan? Wala ka bang ibang kasamahan na pwede rin tumakbo dito? Or kaya mo ba ito mag-isa?" 

"Sir Baekhyun hindi naman po ako facepaint artist sa children's party na maglalagay lang ng butterfly sa noo nila tapos po tapos na." 

Jongdae throws the lady a sharp glare. "Tinatanong ka ng maayos, Teh wag mo kami pilosopohin kung ayaw mo maglakad pauwi mula dito hanggang Montalban! Tandaan mo nagpirmahan tayo ng kontrata, pag dinemanda namin yung kasamahan mo, damay ka. Umayos ka kung ayaw mong lagyan kita ng eyeshadow gamit ang kamao ko." 

Inawat na ni Baek ang kaibigan while gesturing at the lady to go. "Tama na, tama na. Isa na nga lang sya aawayin nyo pa, lalo tayong magkaka-problema." 

Pare-parehong naka-busangot ang mukhang tatlo ng datnan ni Jongin kasama ang asawa ni Jongdae na si Sehun. Sya ang in charge sa videography at photos kaya gabi pa lang dumating na rin sya. Agad umakbay ang dalawa sa mga partners nila. 

"Anong nangyari, Bhie?" 

"Yung isang muk-ap artist waley, niloko daw ng asawa baka di makarating." Jongdae replies. 

Tahimik na nag-iisp si Baekhyun kung sino ang pwedeng tawagan. Kung marunong lang syang mag-make up eh di sana sya na lang. His friends notice his frustration pero kahit gusto nilang tumulong sa kanya, right now they all have something to do rin. 

Kyungsoo pats the other's back lightly, "Balik muna ako sa kitchen, B. I will try rin if meron akong pwedeng matawagan." 

"Ako rin, B, puntahan ko muna sila Rowoon. Maya maya gigisingin na namin yung grooms." 

"Sige, thank you." 

Nauna nang umalis ang apat at iniwang kunot pa rin ang noo si Baekhyun. Pag minamalas ka nga naman talaga ano? Nagkataon na maraming kasabay na kasal at other events ang kasal nila Mark kaya booked lahat ng kilala nyang artists. Kahit na taasan nya ang offer, walang kumakagat. Eh kung kagatin nya na lang kaya yung make up artist na um-indian sa kanila? Imbyerna. 

Suddenly, someone slides a cup of coffee on the bench na kinakaupuan nya. He's not even surprised to see Yeon standing there with a goofy smile. "Kape ka muna bago ka mamroblema." 

The smaller lets out a  frustrated sigh while scooting to make room for his friend. "Salamat. Bakit bumangon ka na kaagad? Ang aga pa." he glances at his watch, it's not even eight o'clock yet. 

"Eh ikaw? Natulog ka ba?" 

"Natulog naaman kaso tinawagan ako ni Dianne, di nga raw makakarating yung kasama nya. Perwisyo, uwi na kaya tayo?  Bakit ba kasi ako nagpunta pa dito eh." 

Yeon laughs as he yawns, "Oo nga, bakit ka ba kasi andito? Grabe ha, first time ever kita nakasama sa event. What makes this wedding an exemption?" 

Tanga-tangahan habang humihigop ng kape.

Alam naman ni Yeon ang istorya kung bakit may wedding ban si Baekhyun. Last night, he was finally able to put a face to the nickname demonyo pro max after that brief fiasco in the room. Hindi nya man tinanong but by B's reaction and expression, "Ah, ayun pala yun..." 

B scoffs, "Wala, tanga. Gusto ko lang bakit ba. Na-miss ko ma-stress on the spot, pakialam mo ba? Ano, did you check on the flowers na? Baka na-lanta. Yeon, we cannot afford another problem pa ha, yung-" 

Taecyeon wraps an arm around the smaller's shoulders and pulled him closer whilst squeezing him gently. "Heh, okay yung flowers. Okay ang kitchen, okay ang mga abay, okay ang lights at sounds, okay lahat B. Yang make up artist lang problem mo, wag ka magpaka-stressed. May kilala akong artist na nagme-make up sa mga kontesera, tatawagan ko maya maya. Alam ko naghahanap ng raket yun, ako na susundo taga-Tagaytay lang yun eh. Tangina ang aga aga, nagsusungit ka." 

It takes Baekhyun a few seconds before relaxing against Yeon and then replying, "Gago ka, mamaya magmukhang rarampa sa stage yung mga groom ko?" 

The both of them laugh. 

"Hindi, magaling yun pramis. Pucha para kang baguhan sa mga ganito ha, nagpapakain sa stress? Kala ko ba ikaw ang best wedding organizer sa Pinas? Bakit pressured na pressured ka dyan? Hmmm, I wonder..." 

"Wonder mo mukha mo." He pushes Yeon lightly before standing up, ready to go back to work. Tama si Yeon, hindi sya basta bastang wedding organizer lang. Ilang big names naa ang nabigyan nya ng bonggang kasal tapos itong small wedding lang na ito, magpapatalo sya? For a minute he forgot how awesome he was. "Balik na ako sa loob, magpapa-prepare na ako ng breakfast nang masimulan na tong kalokohan na to." 

"Ocakes, anong oras ko ba ise-set up yung isle at arko?" 

"Maya maya. Tubigan nyo ha, baka mag-wither agad. Kumain na ba mga kasama mo?" 

"Oo. Ako di mo ko tatanungin kung kumain na ako?" 

"Hindi." sagot nito sabay lakad palayo habang naka-ngiting pinapakinggan ang tawa nung higanteng iniwan nya. Mabuti na lang at maaasahan si Yeon, over and beyond ang effort na tumulong sa kanila. 

He's still unconsciously smiling as he walks down the trail with his eyes concentrated on the screen of his phone, ka-text nya kasi yung drivers ng mga shuttle na susundo sa ibang guests. He didn't take notice at the person blocking his way until he bumped against him.

"Oh, god sorry! Hindi ako nakatingi-" his concern melts at napalitan ng inis nang nakita nya kung sino ito. 

"Baek, good morning." his ex-boyfriend is sporting a dorky grin while offering him a box of doughnuts. "Here, kain ka muna." 

Baek pays him no mind at dere-deretsong naglakad uli, this time he walks faster. 

"Baek, sandali! Baek, ang layo ng dinrive ko sa SLEX stop over ko pa to binili-" 

"Sino ba may sabing bumili ka nyan? Patawa ka." 

Chanyeol's longer legs enables him to catch up with Baekhyun kahit na anong bilis nito mag-lakad. He gently grabs on the smaller's arm but to his dismay, he pulls away. His disgust-stricken expression sends a dagger through Chanyeol's heart. The warm smile that his former fiaancee used to give him has now been replaced by a cold glare. 

"Wag mo nga akong hawakan! Marami pa akong dapat gawin, masyado kang abala." Aguy. 

"Saglit lang naman, Baek... I won't take too much of your time." 

"You wasted too much of my time already when we were together, di ka pa ba kuntento?" Aguy (2). 

Despite being six foot one, Chanyeol was made to feel small by his ex's stare. "Sorry... G-Gusto ko lang naman makausap at makamusta ka, Baek." 

"Mr. Byun," 

He looks lost at his reply. "W-What?" 

"Mr. Byun ang itatawag mo sa akin, hindi Baek. Hindi Baekhyun or B. Don't call me by my personal nicknames because they're reserved for people who are close to me. You're no longer under that category, you're just a mere family member of my client. So refer to me as Mr. Byun, maliwanag po ba Mr. Brother ng Groom Number One?" 

And once again, Chanyeol is left dumbfounded by Baekhyun. 

After lunch, umalis si Yeon para sunduin yung kaibigan nyang make-up artist. Luckily, he brought along another artist kaya in total, tatlo na sila. Solved ang problem ni Baek. 

They let the grooms rest muna until two p.m. tapos sinimulan na nilang paayusan habang kino-chronicle ni Sehun at ng team nya ang pre-wedding ganap ng dalawang grooms before the actual wedding which will begin at four-thirty. They were in separate rooms, of course. 

Si Boss B, syempre busy patakbo takbo kung saan saan to check on the progress ng team nya. Once in a while, nagpapa-update din sya sa mga assistants ng groom kung may problema. Nagsisimula na rin dumating ang ibang guests na sinundo kanina kaya sya rin ang uma-asikaso sa mga ito. 

And if he noticed his qannoying ex hovering around him again, di nya na ito pinagaaksayahan ng pansin. Busy sya no, accomodating unimportant people like that man isn't in his schedule right now. 

The rest of the afternoon went by smoothly until four p.m.. 

A staff calls the attention of Boss B kasi may isang abay daw na nagka-wardrobe malfunction. Kailangan ng expertise ni B sa sewing. Being the profeshzunal that he is, palaging may mahiwagang belt bag si B na parang bulsa ni Doraemon na ang daming mahuhugot na gamit. Mula sa hairspray, suklay, candy, Popranolol, lip balm, extra buttons, perdible, sewing kit at wet at dry tissue, kumpleto ang mahiwagang belt bag nya. 

"Which room?" tanong nya sa staff nya. 

"214 po. Napunit ang pants." he simply nods at her sabay takbo paakyat ng hotel all while sinusuot ang sinulid sa butas ng karayom. Talent nya yan eh. 

Baekhyun knocks on the door announcing himself, "Excuse lang po, tahiin ko lang po yung pants nyo." 

When the door opens, "Okay," it's his ex again wearing his signature dimpled smile.

"Putang-" it took everything in him para hindi ipagpatuloy ang murang kumakawala sa labi nya that is already pressed into a thin line. 

He turns to leave but Chanyeol was too quick to let him walk past him again. "Saglit kasi!" 

"Chanyeol wala akong time sa mga kagaguhan mo, utang na loob ha! It's thirty minutes before your brother's wedding, it's Mark for god's sake pati ba naman tong kasal na to balak mong sirain?!" Oof... Aguy (3). 

That one struck the right nerve. 

Chanyeol's jaw tighten, "Gusto lang naman kitang makausap, Baekhyun ano ba ang dapat kong gawin just so I could talk to you for one damn minute?!"

"Wala!" pagtaas ng boses nito. "Wala kang dapat gawin kasi ayaw na kitang makausap! Hindi mo ba ma-gets?! Oh eto na, para malinaw! Chanyeol Park, lubayan mo na ako suyang suya na ako sa pagmumukha mo!"

His ex bites his tongue, looking away to stop his tears from falling. "Baek... naiintindihan ko naman kung bakit ka galit. I deserve all your rage, I just want to-" 

"Ano? Apologize? Don't you think that apology is way past its due? Tangina, magso-sorry ka after four years?" he chuckles  humorlessly at the man cowering in front of him. "Will your apology take back the embarrassment after mo akong hindi siputin sa simbahan? Will that god damn apology put back together the soul that you crushed? Naghintay ka ng apat na taon bago mo ko harapin? Anlaki mong tao pero duwag ka, Chanyeol. Duwag ka." 

Duwag ka. These two words resonated in Chanyeol's ears ng paulit ulit even after Baekhyun deserted him. 

Ano pa nga bang maisasagot nya dyan? Eh totoo naman. 

Baekhyun was worried that after his litany at Chanyeol ay hindi din ito sumipot sa kasal, eh sya pa man din ang best man. 

"Hobby nya bang di sumipot sa mga kasal?" Jongdae whispered a snide remark when they noticed the absence of the best man. It's been a few minutes kasi, sya na ang next na lalakad pero di pa rin nila ma-tanaw. 

Ipa-hahanap na sana sya ni Baekhyun when they spot him from afar, half jogging and half running to the isle. Baek rolls his eyes. 

Some things never change, pa-importante pa rin. 

Jongdae notices the redness on Chanyeol's nose and eyes, mukhang ummiyak. Pero hindi na nya binanggit, ano naman pakialam nila kahit mag-wala pa yan sa harapan nila ano. Duduraan nya pa yan. 

Chanyeol's expression was sullen as he walks towards the front. The man kept his eyes down hanggang dumating ang kapatid nya. He gives Mark a hug and congratulated him before going to take a sit in front of a grand piano right beside the altar. Mark asked his Kuya to play the music sa pag-pasok ni Haechan kasi. 

And damn, it's like everyone's rubbing salt on his wound further kasi ang ni-request ni Mark na tugtugin nya ay The Luckiest ni Ben Folds. The same stupid song na theme song ng paboritong movie ni Baekhyun na mahigit halos buwan buwan ay pinapanood nila noon every movie marathon Mondays nila. Every Monday nights kasi ang sabi ni Baekhyun they should make it a tradition to do something nice on the start of every week para buong linggo nilang maaalala yun at may pampa-good vibes sila kahit tiring ang week nila. Yung Movie Mondays nila na by the last few years ng pagsasama nila ay either tinutulugan nya na or he completely skips it because it has gotten boring and tiring na parang yung relasyon nilang dalawa. And yes, he told this to Baekhyun one time when they had a fight which Chanyeol started when the former asked him nicely if he could spend more time with him that week kasi lately he's been feeling na distant si Chanyeol, which is totoo naman and fuck he shouldn't have said that. 

There are so many things that he shouldn't have said and done, at least not to Baekhyun, the only person in the world who tirelessly listen to all his bullshit, to all his rants, to all his ideas na walang katuturan. The same man who, since they were seventeen, has been kthere to support him through all his endeavors kahit minsan, pamilya nya nga mismo hindi na naniniwalang kaya nya. Lalo na yung time when he decided to go to med school and his sister said hindi kaya ng utak nya, sino ang nag-encourage sa kanya hanggang sa matagpos nya ang med school? Eh di si Baekhyun! Si Baekhyun na minsan, ultimo assignments at research nya ginagawa na rin for him kasi alam nitong pagod na ang boyfriend nya kahit the said boyfriend just spent his weekend getting shitfaced sa BGC with his new-found med school buddies. The same Baekhyun who picked him up from his sulky ass nung bumagsak sya sa first take nya ng board exam and the Baekhyun na araw gabi syang nire-review at inaalagaan at chini-cheer which is why on his second take, top four lang naman si Chanyeol. 

And then, the same Baekhyun whom he forgot to mention sa speech nya nung na-recognize sya ng university nya sa pagiging topnotcher ng boards. Pero the same Baekhyun na nag-effort pa rin na ipag-prepare sya ng party kasi deserve nya yun, ang talino at ang galing nya, it's all because of Chanyeol's hardwork. The same Baekhyun na unti unti nyang pinabayaan deliberately kasi he was too busy living his amazing life as an amazing doctor in an amazing hospital. The same Baekhyun na kahit na anong mangyari, palaging naghihintay sa kanya sa bahay, nagpe-prepare ng makakain nya at nag-aalaga sa kanya kahit na hindi sya nagte-thank you. Kahit na hindi na sya naga-i love you, too. 

In the end, it's the same Baekhyun na hindi nya sinipot sa araw ng kasal nila kung kelan sana ang entrance song nya rin ay itong putanginang The Luckiest ni Ben Folds because they share too many fond memories habang pinanonood ang movie na theme song ang kantang ito kaya ang sabi noon ni Baekhyun sa kanya, "I want this song for us, Mahal, I love you more than I have ever found a way to say to you, di ba yan yung favorite line mo dito? It's perfect for us."

To this day, Chanyeol hates himself kasi at that same moment, all he could think about was, "No, it's not perfect. We're not as well kasi I'm not ready for this yet. My life is too damn good para lang magpatali agad sa iyo, Baekhyun. I still have a lot of things to discover and do, ayoko pa. Ayoko sa iyo." 

If the guests noticed the brother of the groom ugly crying while playing beautifully on the grand piano, they took it as a heartwarming moment because they thought he is that happy for his brother and his soon-to-be husband. 

Maloloko ni Chanyeol ang lahat sa ganitong excuse pero si Baekhyun hindi kasi si Baekhyun lang ang may alam ng ibig sabihin ng kantang ito para sa kanilang dalawa. Sya lang ang nakakaalam bukod sa pianista kung ano ang naging ambag ni Ben Folds at ng pelikulang About Time sa relasyon nila ni Chanyeol. At putangina, kung nakakapag-time travel lang din si Chanyeol kagaya ni Tim, he would have done anything in his power to go back to the times when he had been a complete fucking trash of a boyfriend kay Baekhyun and change his words and actions. He would have gone right back to the day of their wedding, June sixteenth when they were only thirty years old. 

Too bad he isn't Tim. 

Sa huli, hindi rin naka-alis ng maaga si Baekhyun. 

Nothing went according to his plan. His team needed him there hanggang sa natapos ang ceremony at reception. Even Yeon decided that he'll stay and help them para may kasabay na rin pauwi si B. 

Around ten past nine that evening, Baekhyun together with his friends, watched the last van of their team speed away while they remained there. May mga kotse din kasi silang dala kaya hindi na sumabay sa team pauwi sa  office. Si Jongin at Kyungsoo may personal na lakad tapos si Jongdae at Sehun naman, lsusunduin pa ang kambal nilang anak sa bahay ng parents ni Sehun in Tarnate. 

They took a break at the back, far off from the continuing celebration of the newly weds. Kyungsoo, Baekhyun and Sehun were smoking whilst Jongdae was enjoying his last cup of gin and tonic. Beside them, si Jongin at Yeon, nakikitawa at nakiki-kwento lang. 

"Bhie, tama na yang yosi mo ha. Iuuwi mo pa yung amoy kila Jonghun at Daehun." paalala ni Jongdae sa jowa nya. Obediently, the other puts off his cigarette and then joined his lover on the side, giving Jongdae a kiss on his temple before sitting on the rock with him. "Good." 

"Hoy, mga talande, anong oras kayo bbyahe? Dun na ba kayo matutulog kila Tita Amor Powers?" they giggle at the mention of the nickname they gave Sehun's mother, kamukha daw kasi ni Eula Valdez. "Sana dun na kayo matulog, baka borlogs na din ang mga bata. Gigisingin nyo pa pag binyahe nyo." 

Baek agrees with Kyungsoo. "Oo nga, kawawa naman. Sunday naman bukas hayaan nyo na sila mag-sleep over doon." 

"Anong kawawa, sila ang may gusto umuwi kasi napangakuan nitong tatay nila na dadalhin sila sa mall bukas to buy new toys." Jongdae points at his partner who gave them a silly smile. "Ngiti ngiti ka pang ulul ka, ikaw magbabayad sa lintek na Lego na yan bukas. Pag naglaro sila, ikaw din magligpit." 

"Bhie, stop ka na rin mag-inom ang dami mo nang sinasabing bad words eh. Bad ang alak sa health." Sehun segues while taking the glass from him. The others take pleasure in watching the couple banter, ganyan naman lagi ang dalawang yun, bardagulan ang love language nila ever since. 

Enjoy na sana kaso may dumating na panira ng tawanan. 

"Ayan na pala ang tunay na bad sa health." Kyungsoo lets out a snide remark nang makita si Chanyeol walking towards them apprehensively. 

"Uh, hello K-Kyungsoo... Jongdae...." he forces a smile at the two and their husbands while Baekhyun's best friends look at him scornfully. "I just... Baek, kung pwede sana tayong-" 

"Bawal!" 

"Hinde!" 

Baek's friends answer for him na sabay din inaawat ng mga asawa nila. Maski si Yeon ay tumayo na para paalisin sana si Chanyeol pero pinigilan sya ni Baekhyun mismo. 

Sa isip ni Baekhyun, Huli naman na... pagbibigyan ko na, it's about time I face this scumbag once and for all. 

He takes a few steps and already, gusto na syang kaladkaerin pauwi ng friends nya. "Baek, ano ba! Makikipagusap ka talaga sa gagong yan?!" 

He looks at them and said with finality in his voice, "Yes. Trust me on this one, Dae and Soo..." and with that, they watch him as Baekhyun walks away with the person who stole almost twenty years of his life and wasted every bit of it. 

Apat na taong nag-ipon ng lakas, tapang at tamang salita si Chanyeol for this moment, pero isang, "Anong gusto mong sabihin? Paki-bilis, sabihin mo na nang maka-uwi ako." lang ni Baekhyun, na-blanko na utak nya. 

"Ano?" he further urges. nang walang sabihin ito ay lumakad paalis si Baekhyun but Chanyeol suddenly starts speaking. 

"Sandali! Baek, fuck, wait lang naman... I'm sorry. Baek, please... I'm s-sorry..." he never sounded more desperate. 

"Yan lang? Okay na ba? Pwede na akong umalis?" 

Chanyeol racked his brain, paano ba nya sisimulan, saang parte ba ng kagaguhan nya sya hihingi ng tawad? "S-Sandali, Baekhyun please wag ka muna umalis." 

Tangina, akala mo kung sinong nakakaawang maamong tupa. 

"Hindi ko alam kung... kung paano sisimulan." 

Baekhyun rolled his eyes, "Pati ba naman yan ako pa rin ang gagawa para sa iyo?"

"I'm sorry," he said whilst looking down in shame and despondency. 

"Puro I'm sorry ha. Para saan ba yang sorry mo specifically? Andami mo kasing ginawang mali." 

"Alam ko, Baek, that's why I'm here to apologize kahit na alam kong huli na ang lahat." 

"Oh? Alam mo pala eh, so ano pang ginagawa natin dito? Uwi na tayo pagod na ako. Pagod na pagod na ako."

When he turns his back to Chanyeol, his ex started, "I was so selfish, Baek. Thinking back, I realized na sobrang selfish ko pala at naka-focus ako sa sarili ko lang... Sorry dahil kinalimutan kita. B, I'm sorry if I took everything from you and didn't even give back half of the love you gave me sa loob ng thirteen years. Minahal naman talaga kita, I just lost my way kasi... Tangina, ewan ko ba pero sobrang bobo ko. Nalunod ako sa takbo ng buhay ko noon, masyado akong natuwa and I felt like for the first time good things were happening to me."

Baekhyun kept his back at him while he listened. 

"Hindi ko naisip na all along, good things have been happening naman na to me because you were there. Lahat ng nangyaring tama sa buhay ko, ikaw ang dahilan. Wala ako kung di kita nakilala, Baek... and I was a fucking moron to forget that."  by then, Chanyeol was full on crying. He looks back at the life they could have had kung hindi sya naging tarantado. "Hindi ako papasa sa lecheng boards na yan kung hindi dahil sa iyo. You gave me all the love I never deserved ro receive at ang kapal ng mukha ko para isiping hindi pa ako ready to marry  you because I thought I was still too young... Akala ko noon, masyado pa akong maraming dapat gawin, makilala..." 

"Nanghinayang ako magpakasal agad kasi akala ko may makikilala pa akong mas okay. Baka sumusubo ako sa bagay na pagsisisihan ko lang pero putangina. Putangina talaga, I have never regretted anything more than what I did to you." Chanyeol falls knees first on the grass, choking on his sobs. "It killed me when I realized how much I hurt you, Baek. Instant regret washed over my being when I landed in Cebu." 

"Tangina! Nasa Cebu ka lang pala, Chanyeol?" Finally he turns to show his face which ultimately broke Chanyeol's heart even more dahil sa pagdaloy ng luha sa  mukha ni Baekhyun. Umiiyak na naman sya dahil na naman sa kanya. "Bakit hindi ka bumalik?! Kung nagsisisi ka, bakit hindi mo ako binalikan!"

Repressed anger and anguish resurfaced as Baekhyun hears Chanyeol's explanation. "Hinintay kita! I knew what you did but fuck you, Chanyeol, I still stayed and waited like a dumb lap dog in the cathedral kasi I trusted you! I trusted your love for me, hindi ka dumating!!!" lumapit ito kay Chanyeol grabbing him by the collar. 

He lets Baekhyun violently shake him and slap him, he took whatever he could get because Yeol knew he deserved it. 

"Hindi ka bumalik!!!" He screamed until he couldn't anymore. Napaupo na lang din sa harapan ni Chanyeol ito, nanlalambot at nannginginig sa bawat paghagulgol nito. Hindi pa rin nito binitawan ang damit ni Chanyeol kahit na may ilang butones na ang natanggal, kahit nagkanda-punit punit na ito. Hinayaan lang sya ng binatang saktan sya nito. 

In a tired hush, he added, "Hinintay kita... araw araw akong bumabalik sa simbahan kasi hinihintay kita, kahit na pinagmukha mo akong tanga sa harap ng lahat. Kahit na pinagmukha mo akong gago, kahit kaladkarin ako nila Kyungsoo pauwi bumabalik at bumabalik ako sa simbahan Chanyeol, kasi... kasi sabi kong ganon, mahal ako non! Mahal ako ni Chanyeol kaya alam kong babalik sya, hindi pwedeng hindi! Kailangan nya lang siguro ng konting oras," Baekhyun pauses to wipe his tears. 

"Kailngan nya lang ng oras para mag-isip. S-Siguro may nagawa akong mali o kaya kasi ang kulit ko eh! Pinipilit ko syang magpa-kasal, pag bumalik sya sasabihin kong hindi ko kailangan ng kasal. I just need him, wala nang kasal! Bumalik lang sya... Kaso, Chanyeol... anim na buwan, araw araw, nandun ako para hintayin ka... pero hindi ka dumating.Tapos sasabihin mo sa akin ngayon na you regretted it instantly, bakit hindi ka bumalik?!"

"Baek, I was terrified of the consequences-" 

"Tangina naman, Chanyeol alam mong kahit anong gago mo tatanggapin kita ng buong buo kasi ganon kita ka-mahal! Ganon ako ka-tanga sa iyo! Punyeta, lahat ng kaya kong ibigay binibigay ko sa iyo kahit pagpapatawad na hindi mo hihingin ibibigay ko! Jusko, lahat ginawa ko, naging tagapag-luto mo, labandera, researcher, reviewer tangina para mo na nga akong yaya! Thirteen years! Labing tatlong taon, Chanyeol. Sa iyo yan lahat. Binalewala mo, tinapon mo." 

They stay quiet for a long time, probably savoring the last moments, savoring the last straw. 

"Yeol... tama na,"  he weakly mutters. 

The taller grabs him into a tight embrace while begging and sobbing, "Wag, Baek! Wag, hindi pwede, a-ayoko! Nandito na ako oh? Th-This time hindi na kita iiwan, Baek, babawi ako, please love I'm sorry!"

Baekhyun is too weak to fight back so he just shook his head. 

"Babawi ako! Please! Lahat gagawin ko, this time aayusin ko na, love naman... please! Baekhyun! Please! Do anything you want to me, saktan mo ako, bawian mo ako, kahit ano! Just stay, please... Baek nagmamakaawa ako." 

"Para ano? Para maging kagaya mo ako?! Yeol, tama na! Hindi ko kaya maging gago kagaya mo!" 

As Baekhyun tries to remove the other's grip, Chanyeol is forcefully peeled away by someone else from Baekhyun. 

Yeon shows up, effortlessly removing Baekhyun from his ex's arms and walking away with Baekhyun in tow leaving the latter's ex lover pleading and bawling like his whole life depended on it. 

On him. 

The rest of that night was a blur to Baekhyun. 

Yeon, as promised, drove him home. 

They spent the whole car ride not bothering to say one word at each other. When Yeon pulls up in front of his passenger's house, he circles to the other side of the vehicle, opened the door and removed Baek's seatbelt before carrying him in all his fragility into his house and then his room. 

Yeon gently places him on his bed, removed his shoes and jeans and covered him with the blanket. He wipes his dry tears before pecking him on the forehead. "It's been a long week, matulog ka na, Baek. I'll be here when you wake up." 

And sleep he did. 

A week has passed since that painfully awful reunion. 

Baekhyun decided to tell his friends and family about a decision he's been meaning to make for the past few years. 

"Huh?! France?! Biglaan naman yan, Baek?" 

"Is it because of that asshole?"

He shakes his head at their questions, "In-offer sa akin to five years ago. I always held back kasi natatakot ako. But I'm turning thirty-five, I think it's time I leave my comfort zone. I'm doping this kasi gusto ko, hindi dahil nandito si Chanyeol. My life decisions do not involve him anymore." 

And though it took them much time to accept his decision, Dae and Kyungsoo ended supporting their friend just like always. If he ever finds himself one day crestfallen once again because he made another wrong decision, andyan lang sila to pick him up, dust him off and walk him through the end of it. Kagaya ng palagi. 

And when the day came for Baekhyun's unanticipated flight, they all made sure na ihahatid nila ito at makakapagpaalam sila ng mabuti sa kaibigan. 

"Galingan mo doon, baka mamaya papa-alipin ka sa mga foreigners ha? At uuwi ka every five years! Yan ang deal natin, kung hindi punyeta ka lilipad ako doon at kukurutin ko singit mo!" Kyungsoo warns him playfully as they hug. " I love you, B. Tatawag ka madalas." 

" I love you too, K. And yes, I will." 

"Taena mo ka, sinasabi ko sa iyo pag ikaw di ka sumaya doon gago ka sasabunutan kita! Pag nalaman kong sinasarili mo na naman mga problema mo doon ikakahon kita tapos ipapa-ship kita pauwi dito!" sabi naman ni Jongdae when it was his turn to hug Baekhyun. "Tangina ka, bakla pagod na pagod na ako gabayan ka bilang ina mo mas malala ka pa sa kambal, ayusin mo na yan utang na loob at labas!"

"Yes po, ina ko." he chuckles. "I promise i'll be happy." 

Of course, nandun din sila Jongin, Sehun at Yeon. The last one especially took his time hugging Baekhyun and kissing him in the cheeks, "Kung di ka lang talaga baliw baka ikaw na lang jinowa ko." biro nito. 

"Hayaan mo, makakahanap ka rin ng mas matino at mas mentally at emotionally stable. Pero wala ka nang mahahanap na kasing ganda ko." 

Yeon throws his head back in laughter, "Tama." 

When they finished saying good bye, Baekhyun checks the time on his watch and the notifications on his phone. 

"Oh, may inaantay ka pa bang iba?" tanong ni Sehun. 

He was about to answer when Chanyeol appears from a corner, heaving from running too fast just to get there on time. 

"Anak ng! Anong ginagawa dito nitong tubol na to?!" Galit na tanong ni Kyungsoo. 

"Baek! Sandali-" 

"Umalis ka na nga! Sino bang may sabi na pwede ka pang magpunta dito? Hanggang dulo ba naman?!" 

"Dae, it's fine. I told him to come see me." 

His friends both look at him like it was the stupidest fucking thing he has ever said. Rerebat pa sana yung dalawa pero hinatak na sila paalis ng mga asawa nila. Yeon walked away with them but not before shaking Chanyeol's hand. 

Nang makaalis na ang lima, Baekhyun tells him to come with him. 

They find a deserted area in the airport where the floor to cieling windows enabled them to watch the airplanes on the tarmac. 

"I still have twenty minutes before I need to go," Baek said without looking away from the airplanes. "Wag na nating sayangin ang oras for the endless apologies, Yeol." 

The taller understood him. "Thank you for letting me say goodbye, B. Tama ka nga, hindi ka gago katulad ko. You could have left without telling me rin but you're too kind to give me this final moment." 

Baekhyun doesn't say a word. Instead, his right hand reaches to intertwine with Yeol's left. 

For the first time in such a long time, they feel the comfort of each other's warmth again. 

"Yeol, I have never regretted loving you. Kahit kailan hindi ko yun pagsisisihan. You were it for me eh, kahit sobra mo akong sinaktan. I don't think I will be able to lover another person as much as I have loved you. Iba yung atin eh, kahit hindi tayo sa huli, I knwo in my heart that you're my soulmate." 

Chanyeol closes the distance between them by embracing the person he considered his whole damn world for almost two decades. "And you... mine. Salamat Baekhyun, salamat kasi hindi mo hinayaan na matapos tong libro natin na galit ka sa akin at ako, puno ng pagsisisi. Hindi ko masasabi na hindi kita iisipin from time to time, na hindi ko iisipin yung what if's natin because for fuck's sake that will forever plague my mind. You will forever plague my mind. Baekhyun, you are my one true love. And I'm sorry if I made you feel any less than that, napakabobo ko kasi eh." 

"Buti alam mo," he jokes. 

A genuine smile crept on his ex lover's lips. "I meant it when I said na wala ako kung wala ka. Kaya thank you rin for that, you made me the person that I am now. Sorry kung hindi ko ito nasabi sa speech ko seven years ago ha? But that's the truth, I wouldn't have made through anything kunghindi dahil sa iyo at alam kong di ako deserving but I'm one lucky guy to have experienced your love. Mahal na mahal kita, I won't be able to ever move on from that pero ikaw? Please move on from me. Forget about me and all the pain I gave you. Find someone else who deserves you and when you find that person, pangako, Baekhyun, I'll be the happiest person for you. When you find that person, do extend my utmost gratitude for him. Hmmkay?" 

"I will," he said as he pulls away from him. "Good bye, Chanyeol." 

They savor the moment until it was finally the end. 

"Good bye... Baekhyun." 

Chapter Text

As Baekhyun watches the newly weds kiss in front of the altar, he cannot help but smile. 

More than twenty years in watching the same scene over and over again, but he will never get tired of this. Knowing na isa sya sa mga tao who made someone's dream wedding happen, how could he not smile? How could he get tired of this? 

My god, I love my job!, he thought as he claps for the couple.

"Rowoon," 

"Yes, Sir Baek?" 

"Take over." he said as he hands him the earpiece that they use for communication with the whole team. "My job here is done." 

Rowoon grins proudly at his boss and mentor, "Another successful wedding, Sir B. Idol talaga kita." 

He winks at the younger man and takes his leave with a light heart. He steps out of the same cathedral that used to remind him of his painful past pero look at him now, he has triumphed over his fears and his past. He's a better person now at forty than he was ten years ago noong nakaupo sya sa parehong hagdan na ito at naghihintay sa taong hindi babalik para sa kanya. 

But maybe, in this story, thirty-year old Baekhyun was waiting for the wrong man to come back. Siguro, thirty-year old Baekhyun was waiting for this man right here, forty-year old Baekhyun who has completely healed and who has finally learned the most important lesson in his life: He should not wait for someone else to give him the happy ending that he deserves, he could give that to himself. He is his own closure.

Despite all the things he cannot do and the things that he does too much. 

At kung may darating man sa buhay nya ulit, eh di dumating sya. Pero hindi na uli nya uulitin ang mga pagkakamali nya noon. Above anybody else, sarili nya ang pinaka-mamahalin nya. 

"Fancy seeing you here, Mr. Byun." 

His attention focuses on the man in front of him, and instantly, his lips curves up into a beam. It's been too long since he last saw him, and he's still as handsome as the last time. 

The tall guy takes another step up the staircase until he's levelled with Baekhyun's face. "Do you need a ride somewhere?" 

"Hmmm, maybe." he appreciates the familiar pair of big, floppy ears on either side of his head. 

"Could I offer to drive you, then?" 

His smile grows wider as he nods. "Sure." 

The man takes him to the motorbike parked below the staircase. He sweetly puts the helmet over Baekhyun's head as the smaller opens the visor.

"Hello, Baekhyun." he said as the other peeps through the window of the head gear. 

With gleaming eyes, Baekhyun replied, "Hello, Yeo..."