Reply 2010 - CHANBAEK FF

25 : exes & why's part 2

Present, 2022

(30)

[Hello...?]

A soft, gentle female voice whispers into Baekhyun's ear. He pauses for a short moment as he tries to envision the face of the woman on the other line.

"Hello."

Eight years ago, was it?

[Oh, my gosh... It's really you, Baekhyun...]

Has it been that long since he heard Suzy's voice? Her voice is still the same just like what he remembers from a long time ago. It sounds kind and soothing. It's feminine and sweet. Baekhyun won't lie. This feels refreshing and nostalgic but that's completely it. He's just glad she seems to be doing well.

[I can't believe I'm talking to you again after so many years.]

"How are you?"

[I'm doing good. How about you?]

"Me, too. I've been well."

[I met Yoora at work. I got your number from her when I found out you guys know each other.]

"Yeah. That's what she told me."

[This must be awkward for you. Sorry.]

"It's okay."

[Uhm. I can't talk about it over the phone so can we just meet in person? If it isn't too much to ask?]

"Is it necessary to meet up?"

[Preferrably, yes.]

"I guess this must be a big deal."

[You could say that.]

"Then, can I ask one question first?"

[Of course. Go ahead.]

From the living room, Baekhyun transfers to the balcony so he can get some whiff of fresh air. It's a crescent moon tonight and there are lots of stars in the sky.

[What is it that you wanted to ask me?]

Resting his elbows on the railing, Baekhyun clears his throat and says:

"Are you still single?"

Waiting for the reply on the other line, nothing but dead silence is heard. It's almost deafening.

[Oh.]

Realizing the weight of his words, Baekhyun quickly backs it up to explain himself. He's a tad flustered yet he makes sure not to show it through his voice by keeping calm and composed.

"Uh, I didn't mean it to sound that way... I just wanna know if this whole thing is like what Yoora noona was talking about. Because if that were the case then I can't do it."

[Ah, yes. I get what you mean! Yoora must've misunderstood my intentions. Don't worry! It has nothing to do with that. I know it's embarrassing to say this after so many years but I actually reached out to you because of my job. I was hoping you could work with me.]

Taking a huge sigh of relief, Baekhyun's worry disappears. At least now he doesn't have to be anxious that she might be interested in rekindling what they had before.

"Is that so? Let's hear what kind of work it is."

[Okay. I'll do my best to convince you. I'm apologizing early for being rude. I shouldn't be asking you this over the phone...]

"It's fine. I'm listening."

It's a formal and civil conversation. Suzy talks about her intentions while Baekhyun listens, nodding his head once in a while. The words they use are carefully chosen and filtered to avoid saying something unnecessary and unfitting.