Chanyeol waited nervously in the very small group of people that would be getting a small photo OP. And when he stepped forward and presented his bracelet they scanned it in. And he was surprised to see them move him to the front of the line. He felt nervous like he was intruding on something he shouldn't have. There were both cursory stares and glares of annoyance. He was happy to see the girl he had sat beside in the photo OP group with him and he smiled at her.
Baekhyun came out and he was wearing something new again. A soft peachy pink shirt that said Baekhyun EXclusive world tour 2020 across the front of it and nice soft acid wash jeans with white and blue sneakers. His hair was pinned back on one side with a cute little blue barrette and his earrings were so long they almost touched the black choker around his neck.
He smiled at all of them and waved gently. The moment Chanyeol met his eyes, his smile widened. But Chanyeol thought they actually were tinged with sadness for a moment.
"Everyone gather together, please. I need everyone's attention." A large man shouted loudly and when they all settled Daehyun cleared her throat.
"My name is Daehyun. I will be getting you all settled so that you can all have a great picture with Baekhyun today. I need you guys to go where I tell you and if anyone wants to be together in the same photo, please let me know immediately so I can do my best to make that happen. NO shoving or rude comments, there will only be one photo taken per group. She said, emphasizing the no on no shoving or rude comments.
"Please try to remain calm, smile and have a good time. We do not have time to do retakes for bad hair or makeup or poses. So while you wait in line, please make a final check to hair and makeup, and think of what you want to be doing for a pose. Please keep our hands to ourselves unless offered as well. Thank you for your cooperation. Remember to line up at the side to receive your treat bag from Baekhyun and photo. If you have a meet and greet after please remain in your seat and we will come and get you once everyone else has been released from the stadium." She said it all politely and calmly but was also giving each person a measuring stare as she talked. As if signifying these rules were important and were strict. Any funny business and you were kicked out.
He had a feeling they had to enforce the rules a fair amount of times with how she was looking at the crowd of people.
She started chatting with someone else as soon as she finished. And then a moment later someone brought in a chair and put in right in front of where Baekhyun was standing.
Daehyun walked up to him. And Chanyeol smiled at her. She smiled back.
"Ah, if you can go sit in that chair. Just put your stuff back there in that corner okay."
Chanyeol turned and looked to the area where she was pointing and nodded. He walked over and put all of his bags down. Then turned to look directly at the chair. Baekhyun turned around and he looked up, catching Chanyeol's eyes.
Chanyeol tried to shove down the weird feelings that were stirring inside him, wanting to ignore their existence. For now, it was picture time. He could figure out his feelings later.
He smiled gently. Trying to hide the feelings he didn't understand. He wanted to figure it out, but also was a bit resigned.
He walked over and sat down. He looked straight forward hoping that he looked interested in the people in the group in front of him. A couple of people smiled at him really big and excitedly pointed at him. And he felt something warm on his ear.
He turned his head slowly only to freeze. His mind melted and reformed thought. His brain a jumble of craziness. And he turned back to look forward. 'Why is he leaning over your neck. Why is he leaning so close? What is he doing? Didn't they say no skin contact... Ah! What do I do!!!'
"Park... Chanyeol." He shivered as Baekhyun said his name gently into his ear.
"Do you want to make a heart pose? High five? Or do any other pose?" His voice was warm and gentle and tickled all across Chanyeol's flesh. Causing goosebumps and tingling all across his body.
Chanyeol paused. 'Think, think, think... Make a decision already. He is waiting for you, you turtle!'
He turned back and his heart calmed as luckily Baekhyun had straightened up and was now just nodding politely as people were brought in on all sides of him.
"Uh... a high five, maybe?" Baekhyun nodded at him in agreement.
"Ah, if everyone can look forward, please. I will do the countdown and then you guys can smile." The photographer said politely.
Chanyeol looked around there were lots of big excited smiles everywhere. He held back a nervous chuckle, feeling excited by the energy in the room.
The photographer started the countdown. And Chanyeol turned to high five Baekhyun. Baekhyun held out his hand and smiled. And at the moment their hands met something happened and Baekhyun let out a surprised yelp. And Chanyeol found his hand grasping Bakehyun's tightly as Baekhyun wobbled slightly off balance. He watched Baekhyun closely and Baekhyun quickly regained his balance. And looked over Chanyeol turned to look and saw that a shorter girl in heels had fallen over and caused everyone in the back row to lose their balance.
Chanyeol smiled at her as her face flushed with embarrassment. Tears welled in her eyes.
"I am sorry I was trying to balance on my tiptoes to be taller. She said sheepishly."
Baekhyun held out his left hand to her and smiled it's okay. "Are you alright? Is your ankle hurt? I have a doctor here If you need one..."
"Ah... no, it's okay, I'm fine." She protested feebly.
"Can we get a doctor over here to check on her please."Baekhyun's tone was gentle but worried.
Chanyeol watched the girl who proceeded to look more and more embarrassed tears brimming ready to burst out.
He saw Baekhyun smile.
"It's okay, we will take another picture after for everyone... Okay. Just go get checked, I want to know you are alright. I won't be able to smile until I know you are okay." He said sweetly.
She flushed crimson and let the gentleman waiting for her to take her hand and lead her away.
"Sorry, everyone. Would it be alright if we took another one? Are you okay with waiting for us to take another picture? Baekhyun asked the second group who was waiting patiently.
Chanyeol turned and just from their faces all smiles and swooning adoration told him there wouldn't be a problem at all.
Baekhyun smiled, charmingly out at them, then turned around to look at this group.
"Sorry, no one else is injured? Right?" He asked very gently and everyone shook their heads no.
"I'll have to inconvenience you for a little longer and ask you to stay here with me for a little longer in your spots okay? "
They all brightened at that.
"Sorry to be a pain. But everyone is doing good right so we can do it!" He said cheerfully. Chanyeol smiled. He seemed so kind, so genuine, so polite.
'How could this be anything like the person be saw three hours ago?' It was like that person was a figment of his imagination.
"Did you guys enjoy the concert? What was your favorite part?"
"Ahhh... that's one of my favorites too."
"I really loved all the stuffed animals you guys threw me today. I can't wait to put them on my bed when I get home." Baekhyun started chatting with everyone in the stadium people from both groups calling out answers like they were old friends just catching up. And Chanyeol turned away happily to check and see how the girl in the corner was doing.
She looked fine and seemed to be nodding along with what the nurse was saying.
Chanyeol turned away. He felt completely content. The atmosphere was good and everyone seemed to be happy despite the delay. And that was when he realized.
'I am holding hands with someone...'
***