Reply 2010 - CHANBAEK FF

28 : new year, old us *

Present, 2023

(31)

The venue for the New Year's Eve party is Sehun's new house in Gangnam. This gathering also counts as a late housewarming celebration. Guests vary from Sehun's close buddies, same-aged relatives, high school classmates, and friends from university, up to military comrades, previous and present co-workers, and his fiancee's acquaintances.

Delicious food, refreshing beverages, and expensive alcohol are present at every table. People are engrossed in lively conversations as the living room bustles with excitement, waiting for the new year's countdown. As the hosts, Sehun and his wife-to-be make sure to check on their visitors and see to it that they're having a good time.

Tonight's theme is High school throwback, so everyone is wearing their own version of high school uniforms. Picture a bunch of adults clad in various uniforms of their alma mater, the school where they graduated high school. It's like an assembly. It's like a quick trip down the memory lane, reminiscing about the unforgettable moments they experienced when they were still teenagers.

Chanyeol and Baekhyun are no exception. They are wearing matching uniforms from the high school they both graduated from. Jongdae also went to the same high school as them but he chose to wear the PE uniform so that he's not coupling with the two.

To have something to wear, Baekhyun borrowed his brother's old uniform in senior year. Thankfully, it still fits him. Meanwhile, Chanyeol had his uniform tailored just for this event. He must match with Baekhyun no matter what.

So, seeing these similar uniforms on each other brings back nostalgic memories of 2010. Both of them were filled with youth and innocence, with hopes and passion, as they ventured their friendship and dreams together. It only felt like yesterday. And now it's already the New Year, their thirteenth as best friends.

"Ten... Nine... Eight...!"

And their first as a couple.

"Come on, everyone! It's starting!"

The countdown promptly begins, excited voices blending into the wild night. Friends and couples gather around the spacious balcony to watch the sky for the fireworks show, prepared to welcome another milestone.

"Seven... Six... Five... Four....!"

Counting down, Jongdae and his wife have their hands intertwined. Sehun and his fiancee are whispering to each other and laughing. Jongin and Kyungsoo (who finally made up, by the way) are hugging and sharing an affectionate smile.

"Three... Two... One!"

Meanwhile, Baekhyun, who is surrounded by people, stands alone in the center, his worried gaze searching for Chanyeol amongst the crowd. Chanyeol hasn't returned yet from his bathroom break. The man is either still stuck in the food section or finding his way towards him.

"Happy New Year!"

Cheers and laughter erupt, followed by the clinking of glasses for a celebratory toast. As soon as the clock strikes twelve, colorful fireworks burst outside. They all fish out their phones to take pictures and videos of the vibrant display.

"To new beginnings and success! Cheers!"

"Cheers!"

Friends exchange heartfelt hugs, couples share intimate kisses. Baekhyun is teasingly pulled in by his buddies to hug him, but none of them is Chanyeol. A minute after midnight passes and he's already close to sulking, when Chanyeol, at last, appears in front of himㅡbehind him, rather. His lover tackles him for a sneaky back hug, hoisting him above the ground.