EXO ONE SHOTS

It wasn't until a week later when Chanyeol finally came out from his crafting room. His butler was worried sick. The god didn't think to eat, sleep, or even put down his tool during the past week. The butler had no idea what he was working on, but it seemed pretty important. Chanyeol never dismissed a message from his parents since he was born. It was the first time the god ever rejected a message.

"I'm going out," Chanyeol said.

"Where to sir ?" the butler asked with concern.

His master looked as if he was about to drop dead in the next minute.

"I'm going to Aphrodite's," Chanyeol said as he grabbed his over cloak and flung it across his chest over his shoulder.

"Sir, might I suggest you get a bit of rest before you leave ?" the butler suggested.

"I'm not tired-" but Chanyeol's words were cut off when he saw his own reflection in the mirror before the front doors; And seeing his tired look, he finally realized the growling in his stomach. "Alright. I'll visit her tomorrow."

"I'll prepare some food. Meanwhile sir, please take a shower," the butler smiled as Chanyeol accepted his plea.

The maids hurriedly prepared the bath. When they saw Chanyeol walk into the elaborate, white marble bathroom, they blushed at his top bareness. Although he was considered the ugliest god, he still passed as one of the most beautiful beings, and the human girls who served the gods couldn't help but swoon at his beauty and even so with the other gods.

They bowed as Chanyeol stepped into the bath. Once he was comfortable, one of the girls brought a cloth strainer with some dried flower petals and other mixes of fragrant plants to help with soothing his tensions and slowly swerved it around in the pool. Chanyeol relaxed with a sigh as the scent of the floral herbs put him to rest.

Chanyeol decided to dunk his whole body into the deeper part of the pool. He closed his eyes and thought about what he was going to say to Y/N. Just then, Chanyeol's butler came into the bathroom with a tray full of Chanyeol's favorite simple delicacies. As he placed the tray down next to the pool, Chanyeol splashed out from under deeper waters and flung his head back. He raked his hands through his hair then rubbed the excess water off his face.

The sight made the girls blush. His perfect body was different from the other gods. His body was tan from working near fire and his muscles were defined through hard labor. Other gods had wonderful bodies but most were light-skinned. The sight of water dripping down his delineate abs made the girls imagine things they shouldn't know till marriage.

"Sir, your replenishments," the butler noted.

"Thank you," Chanyeol smiled lightly.

He moved back to the edge of the pool and sat on the level. He reached for some grapes before digging into the main dishes. He stuck out his tongue to hold onto a grape with the help of his top front two teeth. The gesture made the girls gape.

"Sir, might I sugge-"

"You suggest a lot of things," Chanyeol laughed but still allowing the man to say what's troubling him so.

"Might I suggest you don't seduce the maids ?" the butler finished, taking Chanyeol's words lightly, knowing his god wasn't being serious.

"Seducing ?" Chanyeol questioned looking at the girls, clearly not understanding what his butler was saying.

"Sir, even if you yourself believe you're ugly, you're still inhumanly beautiful to mortals and other beings aside from the gods," the butler tried to keep in a smile, adored by the way Chanyeol was so humble.

"Is that so..?" Chanyeol looked confused. "But I don't know what I did to be seducing them."

The girls giggled at his statement, making the two males look towards them; One of two glaring at them for their impertinence, and the other still confused as to what he did or said that was so funny, and also, seductive.

"But what's the point ? I can't seduce the one I love, let alone make her laugh," Chanyeol sighed.

"Give it time, sir. I'm sure the goddess of Love wouldn't hold back once she knows you better," the butler smiled warmly.

"Well, so much for that.. We're to get married soon," Chanyeol scoffed.

"Really, my lord ?! Congratulations !" the butler clapped in glee.

"No need, I'm sure she hates me more at the moment," Chanyeol sighed.

"What do you mean ?"

"Father and Mother forced- no... suggested," Chanyeol slouched. "And which god or goddess will defy the god and goddess of the gods and goddesses ?"

The butler let out a laugh. When Chanyeol looked at him, the man shook his head, telling him his words sounded too repetitive. Chanyeol shrugged and ignored the insight.

"I'm sure she'll come to love you, sir," the butler smiled.

Chanyeol replied with a weak smile. He dismissed them all wanting to be left alone with his thoughts. He needed to prepare what he was going to say to her tomorrow. And he didn't have much time since the wedding was to be held the day after tomorrow. He closed his eyes and tried to focus, but the growling in his stomach clouded his thoughts.

Food first.

-----

"Lord Hephaestus, my lady," I turned around as I heard the maid announce who's come to visit.

I rolled my eyes at the name. The wedding was to be held tomorrow, and I was really hoping I could spend more time alone for this one last day. But he just had to visit.

"Come in," I replied.

The door opened and I saw Chanyeol with a slight blush in his face. He pursed his lips together in a shy matter and slowly walked in. The maid closed the door behind him, leaving us alone. I stared at him as he avoided eye contact.

"Is there a reason why this couldn't wait till tomorrow ? You know we're going to be living the rest of eternity together," I asked, sounding more rude than intended.

"I-I just... I just w-wanted to tell y-you some-something before... ummm... to-tomorrow... " he stammered, bringing his right hand up to scratch the side of his head, a habit of his when he was talking to me and probably when he was baffled.

I waited for him to go on, but he didn't. He just stood there and looked at me as if he was waiting for an answer.

"Well ?" I asked, giving him the 'permission' he's been waiting for.

"O-oh, r-right... umm..." he seemed to hesitate for a bit but then made his way closer to me.

His huge build always made me uncomfortable. Ares, his brother, was the god of War, but why was Chanyeol taller than him ? It never made sense to me why. There were gods whose responsibilities required a bigger build than Chanyeol's required, but Chanyeol was bigger than any of them. Was this also the reason why I don't like him ? Because I feel inferior ? But that shouldn't be the reason because all the gods were bigger than I was and I like them stable.

As he was making his way closer to me, each step he took made something in my stomach churn. It wasn’t a pleasant feeling and I wish he would stop getting closer, but since we’re going to get married and I have to spend the rest of eternity with him, I sucked in some air through my nose and tired to ignore the feeling in my gut.

“I just wanted to do it the right way instead of just flying with it,” he blushed.

Just when I thought his face couldn’t turn into an even darker shade of red than now, he surprised me by getting down to his knees and taking something out from his pocket. This caused him to flush even darker. And seeing the small box in his large hands, I knew instantly what he was about to do.

He slowly opened the miniature box in his hands and revealed a delicate silver ring with thin lines of vinery carved in. There were glistening diamonds embedded in a row; Seven in total, three on each side and the one in the middle being slightly bigger than the others. The ring itself wasn’t all that fancy but I could tell that the engraving and the stones were carved intricately with much attention. The cuts of the stones were so precise that they seemed to shine brighter than most of the stones I’ve seen.

It was simple, yet beautiful. I’ve heard from others that he locked himself with his work for the past week, but I guess the reason was to make me a wedding ring. I stared at him who seemed to take a moment to gather his words. And seeing him made something stir inside of me.

“Y/N, my love. Aphrodite, the goddess of Love and Beauty, will you marry me ?”

His voice was steady, unlike the usual stutter that he always had. His eyes were filled with honesty and plead, love and affection. I could feel the heat rushing into my face. Why ? I was proposed to by many gods before, it wasn’t anything new. But distracted by the way his fierce eyes were staring into mine, I nodded without realizing. But I would've had to say 'yes' anyways.

His eyes turned into a bright red and it seemed to sparkle. His lips curved up into a wide smile which I have never seen before, since he's always frowning and looking like a puppy who needs to go pee. He hastily took out the ring from the box and reached out to grab my left hand. I flinched at his touch. His hands were really warm and I couldn’t help but think they made me feel safe rather than feeling disturbed like how I would usually feel.

He slid the ring into my fourth finger. And at the touch, the ring illuminated into a light blush of pink and the diamonds seemed to sparkle brighter than when the ring was off. I kept staring at the ring, not knowing how to feel about the way it fit perfectly on my finger, and so I didn’t realize Chanyeol’s face falling from the excited smile he had a few moments ago.

“Do you not like it ? Should I fix something ?”

I glanced up to see that Chanyeol was now back on his feet and closer than I last remember. He was hovering over me with his hands protectively on each side of my elbows. His right thumb gently rubbed against my upper arm and his left hand had a firm yet gentle grip on my elbow. His touch tickled my skin and I could feel his worry.

I avoided his eyes by lowering my head. I still didn’t know what this was. The feeling in my chest felt uncomfortable. It felt as if something was grabbing onto it and no matter how much I wanted to get rid of it, it was still there, gnawing at my patience. I felt like I was suffocating and I couldn’t breathe properly.

I gazed back at the ring on my fourth finger and the thought of him locking himself up in his work place the past few days just to make this ring popped up inside of me. My brows furrowed even more when I imagined him working so hard for this little object that probably wouldn’t have much meaning to me. Do I even appreciate the effort ?

“Love…?” Chanyeol’s voice was almost a whisper as he lowered his upper body to level his eyes to mine.

But as soon as I heard his raspy voice calling out to me in plea to say something at the least, the tightening feeling in my chest intensified. I needed to get away from him. I needed some space to breathe and I couldn’t do that with him looking at me the way his was.

“I need some rest,” I turned my head away and cringed myself free from his soft hold.

I felt his arms drop and still felt his worry. But he didn’t move from where he was. He just stood there.

“No, I’m not going to back out of the marriage. I really am just tired and would like some rest,” I assured him.

“Alright, then you're really okay ?” He asked timidly.

I nodded. Chanyeol took a step away but then he pivoted and moved in closer to give me a kiss on top of my head.

"I'll see you tomorrow ?" his voice was low and deep.

And again, there was that uncomfortable feeling that was pricking at my chest. I nodded again, hoping he would leave already and relieve me of having to feel these odd sensations. Chanyeol left with a weak smile. I stood still where he left me and tried to calm down from the uproar inside of me. His last expression left me broken. The way he looked at me was so filled with emotion I feel the love he has for me every time we are near. And knowing this, it makes my heart clump up to the point where it hurts.

The fact that I would have to live with these feelings for the rest of eternity made me wonder if I was really up for this marriage. But even if I was against it, which I was from the beginning, I don't have the power to oppose Zeus and Hera. If they want me to marry their son, there is nothing that I can do to decline.

I looked down to the ring that was still sparkling bright pink and looking gorgeous. A slight smile curled up on my lips without me knowing. And in that moment, I thought it wasn't so bad to marry a man who was so passionate about the work he does with such a kind and gentle heart. But when I realized I was smiling, I shook my head to get rid of the thoughts going through my brain.

"It's just marriage," I assured myself. "Just marriage."

I was really hoping the feelings that were cluttering up in my chest would leave when Chanyeol left, but it was still there; Maybe even worse than when he was here.

-----

"You're so beautiful," Artemis complimented.

I blushed and thanked her for her kind words. I was sitting on a couch as Apollo and Artemis stepped into my waiting room in Hera's temple which was the grandest wedding temple of all. I was all dressed for the wedding and the siblings came to give their wedding blessings. Or at least Artemis was giving her congratulations.

"Finally settling down. Thought you would never," Apollo smirks.

"Oh please, you haven't even gotten married so you have no right to say anything," I rolled my eyes at him.

"Touché," Apollo shrugged in agreement.

Artemis rolled her eyes. She came over to sit on the couch next to me. The young goddess' eyes were glittering with adoration and excitement.

"I'm so glad you're marrying Hephaestus. I think he's the perfect match for you," she laughs.

I gave her a look of question.

"Everyone knows he's deeply in love with you, and honestly I think you are the same. You just haven't realized it yet," Artemis smiles.

Now my expression turned from question to confusion.

"Oh please Aphrodite, you cannot be the goddess of Love and not love this man," Artemis rolled her eyes.

"She'll figure it out," Apollo laughed when I couldn't answer Artemis' statement.

What she said was true, but I was pretty sure the feelings I had for Chanyeol wasn't love. It couldn't be. I love everyone but the way I feel about him is different from the others. I feel so suffocated when I'm near him and I don't think that is the feeling of Love. Trust me, I know.

"What do you mean 'figure it out' ? Don't you guys think I would know what love is ?" I ask, a bit annoyed at the fact that they thought this way.

Seeing the way the both of them awkwardly clear their throats and broke eye contact with me told me that they knew they've just offended me.

"Of course, we don't mean to offend you. It's just that from our perspective-"

"We'll just go," Apollo interrupted his sister. "We'll see you when you walk down the aisle."

And with that, Apollo pulled Artemis by her wrist and left the waiting room. There were others who came to visit after the twins had left and they all congratulated me. I accepted their blessings with a smile, but what the twins said was still stuck with me.

Soon, I was lead by one of Hera's servants to stand at the entrance of the wedding hall. It was then when I realized I was actually going to get married. And to the one being in the whole universe I felt uncomfortable around. My heart started to speed up and my breathing became uneasy.

I tried to even out my breathing. The girl noticed my worried expression and asked if I was alright. I gave her a nod with a weak smile. The girl's concern calmed me down a bit. At least, I wasn't shaking anymore And in just a few seconds, the girl let me know that the doors will open. I gave her another nod. I dropped my head and closed my eyes to take another soothing breath before everything started.

I heard the door open. I lifted my head and slowly opened my eyes. There was sweet music playing softly. The girl gave me a polite nod, signaling for me to start walking. It was then I averted my eyes towards the end of the aisle and saw Chanyeol. He seemed more gentle than his usual overpowering masculinity. His white attire wrapped delicately around his wide chest and the strand fell at the back of his shoulders.

Chanyeol's expression was filled with astonishment, just like everyone else in the room. But his face turned into a wide smile with eyes shimmering with excitement. He looked like a puppy getting a treat, or even a kid at a candy shop. It was cute. My lips twitched into a slight smile at his innocence.

The two of us didn't break eye contact the whole time I was walking down towards him. And each step of the way made my heart tremble more actively, but it wasn't as unbearable as all the other times I've had these feelings in my chest.

When I finally reached the end of the aisle, Chanyeol reached out his right hand to me and I took it without a second thought. He pulled me up the stairs and we stood alongside each other as we faced Hera. She had endearment in her eyes and a loving smile. I gave her a smile back when we met eyes. Her eyes squinted in affection. And after a few words from her, she turned her attention to Chanyeol.

"You may now recite your vows," Hera nods.

My eyes widened. I didn't know that I was supposed to prepare a vow. No one told me. I gave Hera the look of confusion, but her eyes never met mine. I felt Chanyeol's calloused hands sliding into mine. I turned my head to him and saw that his whole body was facing me. I moved my body to do the same. He reached out for my other hand and held onto it with an assuring grip.

I looked into his eyes, hoping he could tell that I was taken aback. But just as I wanted to telepathically tell him I was unprepared, I felt as though he was telling me that it was okay with the way his eyebrows lifted with an understanding curve of his lips. The gesture made my heart flutter.

"Y/N, I know that I wasn't really the one you were looking for. I know that I have a lot of aspects missing from the requirements of being the husband of the goddess of Love. I can't offer much. I'm not like other gods who are outstandingly good-looking, I'm not mighty like them and can't go out to the battlefield to protect the ones that I love, and I honestly don't know anything about women so I can't promise you the happiest life. But what I can promise you, and trust me when I say I will pull through, is that I will love you for the rest of eternity and more."

Chanyeol started with a slight quiver in his voice, but the more he said, I felt him becoming more confident in what he was saying. I felt the sincerity in his tone and his eyes glistened with pure honesty and love.

"Ironic, really, because you're the goddess of Love. And I'm sure you've felt the love I have for you multiple times. I don't know if you're willing to accept it and I knew you were uncomfortable with it, but it's the first time I've ever felt this way. I will admit, there were times when I was questioning my love for you. I would constantly ask myself if this was really love or if it was just obsession on my part. But the more I tried to disregard all these emotions, I found myself falling deeper in love with you."

Every word he was letting out and the form of his expression shook me. The way his facial features changed to whatever he was saying, his eyes that were filled with emotion that he seemed as if on the verge of tears, and the way he lightly tightens his grip to certain phrases and words that were meaningful to him; everything seemed so full of affection.

"I know this marriage isn't something you intended and of course you deserve the best, but I promise to love you more than anyone can. I fell in love with you from the moment I set my eyes on you. I never imagined you would be mine, and yes, I've tried and desperately wished, but never have I believed that you would be mine. And even if I have your body, I might never be able to have your heart. So I will love us twice- thrice as much; maybe even more. However much I have to, to fill for the both of us."

I saw the tears swell up in his eyes, leaving them red. He was putting so much effort into holding them in. It pained me to hear the words from his mouth. He has confessed before, multiple times. But never has it been this emotional. Just imagining him keeping all these emotions to himself during all those times I didn't accept him made me feel so guilty.

I've felt the guilt before. But never has it been this bad. I responded to him quietly with a light squeeze to his hand. And in that moment, his eyes widened in surprise at my response to him for anything. Of course he would be startled. I never responded in any way, especially through body language.

"I... I love you so much..." a teardrop trickled down his cheek.

His brows were furrowed in confusion. He let out a sigh full of pent up emotions. I let go of his hand to lift mine up to smoothly wipe his tears. Once our skin made contact, he closed his eyes and more tears ran down both sides of his face. He let out another weary breath. And for the first time, I felt something other than annoyance from the discomfort or guilt towards him.

There was silence. But none of it seemed awkward nor did I feel out of place. I didn't care what others had in mind while we were just standing here. All I wanted and needed was for him to know - to feel - that he was now at peace. I haven't prepared anything for him, but I made a vow myself to be true to him.

"...I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride..." Hera's voice was soft, gently breaking the silence.

Chanyeol slowly opened his eyes. Eyes red from the tears. He asked me if it was alright for him to kiss me through the lift of his brows and yearning eyes. I gave him an apparent grin and nodded.

He quickly pulled me in by the back of my neck with his free hand. Our lips locked instantly and I jumped at the sudden intrusion of personal space. His other hand let go of mine to hold onto my waist, holding me in place. His lips were unexpectedly soft. I imagined him to be rough and dry, but they were the complete opposite. Instead, they were warm and I felt a pleasant shiver down my spine.

I felt safe in his arms, and very much loved. Although I knew that he had an unconditional love for me,  never have I thought that I would come to feel the same way for him. The moment I felt the thrill of his warm lips, I realized that I would come to love him, just like how everyone has told me.

Chanyeol delicately removed his lips from mine, leaving me feeling a bit empty. I opened my eyes to see that his were still closed with his brows furrowed again. I lifted my hand to cup the side of his face. He flinched at my touch and opened his eyes in surprise. I gave him an assuring smile, telling him that it was okay. His brows gradually relaxed and his lips curved into a weak smile.

He brought his hand up to meekly hold onto my wrist. He then turned his head towards my palm and gently placed his lips at the center of it. I blushed at the loving gesture. I didn't realize that others were clapping and cheering. It just felt like the two of us, but I couldn't ignore them as soon as I heard them. I turned to the congratulations and the blessings.

Chanyeol's hand parted from my waist and grabbed onto my hand that was rested on his arm. I glanced at him with a wide smile and he returned it. We started walking down the aisle as others threw flower petals as we walked down. And in all my life I've never felt happier.

-----

The wedding was long. Gods and goddesses drank till they started to forget who they were. Even the servants joined in on the celebration. But Chanyeol and I escaped the party and headed to his- our home without letting go of each others' hands till we got there.

Chanyeol was like an excited puppy. He kept talking about all the things he's prepared for me during the week he was away. He started with the ring but before he could finish, he felt that he had to build a master bedroom, my study, my shrine, a garden, and more. He wanted everything to fit the goddess of Love perfectly. He was excited to show me everything that he's built.

I was excited as well. I needed to tell him. These feelings that's been growing inside of me since the reception. I wanted to let him know that he is in the same position as I. But I also didn't want to interrupt his delighted bragging.

Once we stepped into his mansion of a house, he pulled me towards everything he wanted to show me. It was a mess though. He couldn't decide on one thing and so we ended up going back and forth multiple times. But it was okay. I loved listening to his voice. His positivity flourished my love for him even more, making me question why I avoided him all those years.

He then finally wanted to show me the garden. I followed him; but I don't think I have much of a choice than to follow since our hands were still holding onto each other. Once we stepped outside, a small tree in the center of the garden gradually started to light up in a pleasing glow that was easy on the eyes. It evenly lit up the whole garden but had a dim radiance. The beauty left me speechless. All I could do was gape at the brilliance.

"Do you like it...?" Chanyeol asked cautiously.

I turned to him, giving him the same expression.

"Umm.. Look," he seemed to have taken my reaction in the wrong way.

He pulled me towards a little terrace. It was elevated so that we had to take a few steps. A bench was built onto the lower part of the wall which only came up to about my waist so that it was open but I could still rest my back onto it. Behind the terrace was small pond with little fish swimming inside. I smiled at the pleasant atmosphere of the garden.

I turned to see that Chanyeol had been staring at me with a gentle smile as well. Once our eyes met, he slightly jumped and avoided my eyes.

"I- there- I built you a new... umm... s-shrine..!" Chanyeol laughed awkwardly as he tried to lead me to show me the other things he built into his home for my convenience.

But instead of following him, I stood my ground and pulled on the hand that I was holding onto. He turned around at the resistance. He first glanced at my hand then moved his gaze up to my eyes. I lowered my gaze onto our hands as the urge to say the words that have been running in my mind since the reception has been growing inside of me.

"Is something wrong...?" Chanyeol leaned in by bending his upper body to see my face.

Instead of answering him, I stepped backwards to sit on the bench of the terrace while pulling him with me. He easily followed and sat next to me. His hand gripped my hand a bit tighter with a slight tremor, as if he was scared of what was to come next.

But even though we sat down, I couldn't bring myself to say the things that I wanted. Instead, both my hands were playing with his fingers, slightly rubbing the knuckles of his big hand, tracing his every outline. His hands were hard and rough with calluses due to his line of work. But even so, it wasn't uncomfortable. It was rather warm and sturdy.

"Y/N...?" Chanyeol asked, his voice vibrated with uneasiness.

"Chanyeol-ah..." I felt his hand flinch, clearly in surprise. Of course. I've never called him by his name, but only by his name of the gods. I heard soft whimpers of him trying to make out words. But before he could say anything, I felt that I had to say the things I was holding.

"Chanyeol-ah... You know, at first, I thought the feelings I had for you were negative and it was because I didn't know what it felt like to love someone. Funny how I'm the goddess of Love, but didn't even know that the feelings I had for you were love." I let out a meek laugh.

"The first I met you was that one meeting of the great gods. It was about the war and you were required to come. Before that, even though there were celebrations and parties that were held, you never attended, so I never got the chance to meet you. And honestly, since I was the goddess of Love, I had the same feelings for everyone. But when we finally met eyes, I felt this feeling inside my stomach. I thought I was sick that day. But the more we met and the more we interacted, I realized that it was only when we met and interacted. I thought it wasn't love because I am the goddess of Love. And also because the feelings I had for others and the ones I had for you were so different.

The day you came over to tell me how you felt for the first time, the feelings I felt from you were so overpowering, I was taken aback. I could feel the intensity of the feelings you had for me. And at that time, all I wanted to do was avoid you cause everything that involved you like my feelings and also yours was so new to me.

But I realized today that you're the only one I felt this way for. And once I've accepted to let you into my heart, and let the love you have for me to fill me up, I finally knew that the uncomfortable feelings weren't really uncomfortable.

I know that I've been rude, impolite, ignorant and many more to you. And the more I think about how you had to go through every insulting word that came out of my mouth, it fills me up with so much guilt. So I don't know if I have the right to tell you this now...

But... I love you..." I looked up to see that Chanyeol's face was agape with tears flowing from his big red eyes, lips quivering, and even his hand trembling with feeling.

The sight of him sent a dagger to my heart.

"I'm so sorry for making you go through such a painful experience... How hard it must've been to feel so much love only to be shut down by the exact source. If you were ever to shut me out... I-" Chanyeol tightened the grip of his hand and shook his head violently, letting me know that that will never happen.

Seeing how much he needed me to know that he will never leave me made my heart ache even more with the love I have for him. Tears blurred my vision of him, but I tried so hard not to let them fall. I had no right to shed a tear.

"Although I'm the goddess of Love, I had so little knowledge of it myself... But you were patient with me... Waited for me... And I'm so thankful for that. So I vow to never leave you as well. I will love you unconditionally as you have done for me. Just thinking about how it must've been so hard for you..."

Chanyeol shook his head again.

"I hope you forgive me for making you go through so much pain..."

His hand let go of my now limp hold and wiped my cheek. It was then that I realized I was crying. I lowered my face, ashamed that I let that happen even when I knew it wasn't my place to. But Chanyeol brought his other hand to cup both sides of my face. He gently forced me to meet his eyes. When I saw him, he had a calm smile of understanding. And in that moment, my heart burst with the feelings of gratitude and warmth.

"You don't have to feel sorry at all, my love... Loving you is a privilege... I'm so grateful that you came into my life. Of course I wished for more but I never wanted to force anything on you. So please don't feel you need forgiveness for anything. You are here with me now, and that's enough for me. You have no idea how much joy you give me just by being in existence even during the time you hadn't realized your feelings. Now that you say you love me, I feel as though I could die of happiness. So please, don't dwell on the past. There's nothing to forgive. I love you, and you love me, there is nothing more to do than that. So let's do only that." Chanyeol smiled. "Yea..?"

I closed my eyes and nodded at his question, giving him a bashful smile with a sigh of relief.

"I love you..." Chanyeol softly kissed my eyelid then moved to down to my lips, giving me short consecutive pecks.

"Y/N, I got you some flowers," Chanyeol smiles sheepishly as he hands me a bouquet of flowers.

Yet, the flowers aren't really real. I stare blankly at the bouquet of flames in the shape of roses. The petals move as if the flowers were actually alive and dancing. It was quite beautiful and honestly, if he gave this bouquet to another girl, anyone from a human to a goddess would most definitely appreciate the effort and the creativity. Some may even fall for him. But it was different for me. In fact, it irritated me.

My eyes moved up from the flowers to see the shy stupid grin Chanyeol had on his face. I don't know what it is about him, but everything he did just annoyed me. Everything about him just irritated me. And I'm the goddess of Love for crying out loud. I love everyone. EVERYONE !

Heck, Hades was going to take a serial killer far earlier than his due date because he was messing up Hades' system but I had love for the man so I spared him another chance by giving him a wife that he comes to love. Hades strongly opposed, but what can he do. He can't hate me cause no one hates me. I'M THE GODDESS OF LOVE. I am Love itself.

But this god who does nothing but help other gods prepare for their battles, who protects us by building our safe haven, who has done nothing but try to show me how much he loves me, is annoying the hell out of me. And all I want him to do is leave me alone and stop pestering me with gifts he's handmade with his fire.

It's sweet, and I want to love him. I really do. But something about him doesn't quite click with me. I've thought on this for years... Decades... CENTURIES. But no matter what he does, I can't help but show him a pathetic look and turn away from his sincerity. And I regret it every time, but only long after the deed is done.

I see Chanyeol's face drop from the shy bashful twinkle in his eyes to the hurt puppy pout of his lips. His big eyes were visibly watering up. I can’t help but think he has too much tears. For a god who's very rough and beaten with his line of work, his heart is very gentle and fragile. I know for a fact he's going to go cry to Apollo, and Apollo will blame me for disturbing his work. And I know I will regret this later when I listen to Apollo tell me what I'm doing wrong, but as of right now, I can't wait to get rid of him.

"Haphaestus, I'm tired. You can give the flowers to Demeter or someone," I waved him in dismissal and looked away cause I could no longer bear to see his tears drop down from his eyes.

"You... want me to give fire to... the goddess of Harvest...?" I could tell Chanyeol's voice was confused, hurt, and shaky from his emotions.

"Hestia then," I snapped and glared at Chanyeol who jumped at my outburst.

I sighed at his timid attitude and so decided to try to talk him into leaving me alone as gently as I could.

"I'm tired, Hephaestus. Please. Leave me be," I tried to sound less annoyed then I actually was.

I turned away from him again and closed my eyes since keeping my eyes open made my headache worse which started when he first walked into my door.

"Okay..." Chanyeol choked.

I heard the sound of his footsteps make their way to the door, but then they stopped right before he actually left the room.

"Y/N, could you possibly call me by my given name...?" he asked softly, almost like a whisper.

"... Later ..." I sighed.

"O-okay..."

And soon enough, I heard him leave the room and shut the door behind him. I then opened my eyes and turned around to see the empty room. I sighed again at the playback image of his hurt expression. I felt my guilt crawl up to me. It's been coming faster than usual these days.

At first, I didn't feel a thing. Then Apollo started judging me, telling me how Chanyeol goes and tells him what happened, but he would never blame me for all the horrible things I've said or have done towards him, and that was the start of my guilt. It began to grow as he became more persistent. No, I may be lying. He might not be so persistent, and instead I might be the one who is getting short tempered for the same little things he's been doing.

But when I actually see him face to face, I get annoyed and don't even want to deal with the likes of him at all. Not even for a minute. Was it because I know I'm going to feel guilty later and so to save myself, I don't want to face him at all ? Or is it cause I don't want to seem like a fake ass bitch when I'm the goddess of Love and I should be giving love to everyone ?

These same questions and thoughts have been running through my brain since the beginning. But I have yet to find the answer. I don’t know how this even started. The first time I saw him was at the gathering of the gods about a few years after I arrived at Olympus. I knew he was the god of Fire and I’ve only heard of him. I wasn’t too interested since there were other gods like Ares, who was a hunk, and Apollo who was even better.

Chanyeol was known to be very dedicated to his line of work. I respected that he was so diligent but I didn’t have the urge to actually meet him. During one of the meetings the gods held about some problems amongst the mortals, I met Chanyeol for the first time. He was the only god I haven’t met so I recognized him almost instantly.

He was talking to his brothers Apollo and Ares. They seemed to get along quite well despite the fact that he was less godly attractive than the two. I was never one to judge by looks, but you would think Apollo and Ares would rather be around those who were equally attractive. But as I was observing the three, Chanyeol turned his gaze and our eyes met instantly. For a second, his eyes flashed dark red and I felt something turning in my stomach. It was very uncomfortable. I swallowed the lump in my throat with a troubled look and turned away from his stare. He was definitely different. It wasn’t that I didn’t like him. It was more uncomfortable for me to be around him, or better yet, him around me.

I walked out my balcony door and saw the view of Olympus. The clouds were spread far out, who knows how far. Olympus is full of gods and goddesses who own massive homes. Of course, there are those who don't live in Olympus, but we have more than enough already. I looked down from my balcony and saw that Chanyeol left my front door and was walking towards his own home.

But he stops his tracks, turns about 30 degrees. He seemed like he was going to take a step but stops and turns back 30 degrees again. I didn't have to guess hard to know what he was debating about. And sure enough it was about whether or not he wants or should go to Apollo's. After turning back and forth multiple times, looking like a huge idiot (since he has such a massive build), he finally decided he was going to go back to his house.

Even as he was walking home, I see him tripping on his own feet. Luckily for him, he didn't fall on his face. If he did, I was sure the guilt in me would disappear. But instead he didn't, catching himself quickly. And even though I was only looking at his back, I could tell he brought his hand up to his heart, trying to calm it down, since he clearly was surprised by his self-inflicted blunder.

"You're so stupid," I whispered as I shook my head.

I didn't want the image of him to linger in my thoughts any longer than the amount I’ve already seen so I turned around and went back inside.

I looked around my room, thinking of what to do to get the thought of him out from within me. It was still too early to go listen to prayers, but since mostly everyone prays to me, I was never out of prayers. And since I'm behind anyways, I decided to go to my temple and listen to prayers, answer a few of them if I deem acceptable, and maybe even bless a few unbelievers with the gift of Love.

-----

"What are you doing here ?" Chanyeol asked, clearly surprised to see his closest brother in front of his doorsteps, waiting for him even before he got back home.

"My sword has become a bit used. I was hoping you can tinker it a bit for me ?" Apollo shrugged with a grin. "And I was kinda bored. Thought I might spare you your emotions. Come, I know you went to Aphrodite today. Tell me what happened."

Chanyeol smiled in gratitude and invited the god into his home. The two went down to his work area to fix Apollo's sword as Chanyeol was going to tell him everything that happened.

"Why do you think she doesn't call me by my given name ?" Chanyeol asks, working Apollo's sword as if it wasn't anything difficult to him.

"Don't take it to heart, she doesn't call me by my given name either," Apollo smirked.

"But you don't need her to call you by your name," Chanyeol frowned.

"Touché," Apollo nodded. "Well, why do you want her to call you by your given name so badly anyways ?"

Chanyeol was silent for a while, still sharpening Apollo's sword.

"...Cause it's more intimate...? Everyone calls each other by their god names and it feels distant..." Chanyeol finally answered after about 5 minutes of silence.

"So why won't you call me by my given name ?" Apollo asked.

Chanyeol looked up and rolled his eyes at Apollo.

"I do, cause I love you, brother" Chanyeol chuckled.

"Yea... You do, actually," Apollo shrugged again. " Well, Aphrodite doesn't seem to love you then."

And with that, Chanyeol decided that if Apollo shrugs one last time, he's going to throw him out of his home and dull out his sword before giving it back to him. Cause he really needed to be reminded of the obvious. He turned back to his work in front of him as Apollo kept looking around, picking up little trinkets he's been working on yesterday and examining them with bored interest.

"Do you think maybe it's cause I'm not handsome...? I mean, she is the goddess of Beauty... I should at least be appealing to a certain point, don't you think ?" Chanyeol looked up to see Apollo looking at him with a confused look that screamed 'you crazy'.

And with that, his arm paused midway before hitting the hammer on the scorching blade in front of him.

"What...?" he asked uncomfortably, remembering to move his arm to hit the blade.

"You do know you're a god right ?" Apollo asked.

"I'm not stupid, Apollo," Chanyeol rolled his eyes as he kept working on the sword.

"You know, you already surpass the highest level of beauty a man could have-"

"Human man. I'm a god. And I know for a fact I am last in line when it comes to looks amongst the gods," Chanyeol corrected him.

"Don't be ridiculous. In my opinion, Hercules is the ugliest," Apollo joked.

"No one cares for your opinion," he scoffed, clearly seeing he's joking, since Hercules is one of the most popular beings in Olympus, and he's only a demigod.

"Is that so ?" Apollo's eyes gleamed. "And is that the reason why you always come to me for advice and even ask me if it's your appearance that's the matter ?"

Chanyeol's arm came to halt once again. His lips turned into a frown. He glanced up to see Apollo shrug and half of his face flinched in disapproval. Chanyeol's eyes rolled back to his work. He was almost done anyways. It was more work to dull the blade out now.

Apollo went back to waiting, bored out of his mind as he played with his fingers. After a few drumming on Chanyeol's carving table to the beat of his hammer hitting the blade of the sword, Chanyeol was finally done. He slipped the blade into the cool water next to him then pulled it out the check the blade. He quickly sharpened the sword and handed the weapon to his brother.

"Thanks," Apollo nods as he flings it around a bit on the side.

"Now get out of here," Chanyeol chins towards the door.

"What, no dinner ? I thought this was a date," Apollo smirks.

"Shut up. Go home. It's late," Chanyeol smiles, finding his friend's sarcasm somewhat amusing.

"Alright, I'm going," Apollo turns around. "I have to go set the sun for Artemis anyways."

"You left the sun up..? It's 3 in the morning for the huma-"

"For the gods, you idiot," Apollo shook his head and finally left the room leaving Chanyeol feeling like a fool.

Once he was left alone, Chanyeol sat down on the seat Apollo was in to review his work from last night. He wasn't the best at making fine jewelry, but he tried the best that he could, only hoping that Y/N will at least look at it twice. He thought about the roses he's made this morning for her. He left it with one of her maids asking her to put it somewhere Aphrodite will be able to notice it.

Of course it hurt how Y/N rejected his love, and not even once but multiple times. But Chanyeol couldn't blame her. She was the goddess of Love and Beauty. He couldn't help but fall in love with her the moment he laid eyes on her.

He's heard of her before she arrived. She was who and what everyone talked about before she even got to Olympus. Some say Hermes almost forgot how to fly when he first saw her. Hermes, the god who's seen more beautiful women than any of the gods combined. You can't blame him though, he couldn't help but see them cause he's the one who sends all those love letters and gifts to Zeus' lovers in his stead so that Zeus had a smaller chance of getting caught by Hera. Not that he's never gotten caught. In fact, he got caught every single time.

It took Chanyeol a few years before he finally met her in person. Unlike the others, he was always busy with his work, whether it's providing for the gods or for the humans. He believed that he wasn't the best looking god out there, so he gave up on love. His rough callused hands weren't the kind that any woman would want holding onto them, let alone a goddess.

Even still, Chanyeol was a romanticist. He dreamed of falling in love with someone who didn't mind his general roughness, or his cruel line of work which always leaves him sweaty and smelly. And when he heard of the goddess of Love and Beauty, he couldn't help but wonder if she would ever see him in love with a woman who loves him just as much.

What he didn't expect was to fall in love with her. Was it the fact that she was so beautiful ? More than the other goddesses he rarely gets to see only through meetings for important matters since he's working most of the time, even through parties. Was it because she was the first one who actually asked him a question about what he does ? Or was it only because she's the goddess of Love ? No matter who you were, you were drawn to her. Even Hades has a soft spot for her even though he says he loathes her and they argue all the time.

Whatever the reason, Chanyeol couldn't deny his obvious feelings. He tried many times to try to have her accept his love. But it wasn't easy. She's the most popular amongst the gods and goddesses, whether it be to the humans or the gods. It was always hard to approach her.

Chanyeol picked up the chunk of diamond he's been working on. It was the next gift he was working on to give to Aphrodite. And probably the last. Chanyeol sighed at the memories running through his head. All the gifts he tried giving her, all the times he's told her he loved her, all the glances they've exchanged. And it hurt to know that it was all one-sided. Of course, he knew that already. But it still hurt to finally have to let go of his feelings.

Chanyeol always felt guilty of expressing his feelings to Y/N. He wasn't sorry for his feelings, but he was sorry for bothering her with them. It always seemed to annoy her, how persistent he was. The last thing he wanted was for her to have any sort of negative feelings in her. And if he believed he was the purpose of it, then he would bring his love to a stop.

Chanyeol caressed the piece of diamond in his hand with his thumb as a teardrop fell from his eye.

-----

"My lady, there's a message for you," the maid interrupted.

I nodded, letting her know I heard her. But I don't take my eyes off the large glass orb in the center of my shrine. I had my arms crossed as I debated whether or not the man the girl is praying to me about is the right choice for her. Although he's not a bad man, and I'm sure he'll be good to her, I wasn't sure he would love her. It seems as though he sees her as a younger sister rather than a love interest.

Instead, I flung my hand to the right to move the orb to another prayer. This time, a prayer from a man who's praying about the girl before.  He's praying for her happiness rather than asking me for her love. Now, this man truly loves the girl. I could see that he treasures her happiness and well-being more than his own.

A smile crawled up at the edge of my lips and I couldn't help but feel the love this man has for the girl. It always made me happy to know there still were those who prayed for others than for themselves. I lifted my hand and slightly touched the orb. The orb glowed once but before it went onto another prayer, I gently tapped the orb twice and with that, the prayers faded away and all that was left was just a glass orb.

I turned over to the maid who was patiently waiting for me to finish and handed me the paper. After I thanked her, she bowed respectfully and left the shrine. I opened the piece of paper and read the message. It was from Zeus. He summoned me because he had important matters he needed to discuss with me. I raised an eyebrow, wondering what in the world he needs to discuss with me.

I walked out and summoned someone to get the chariot ready. Soon after, a maid told me that everything was ready. Once I got settled in, the driver started the chariot. It wasn't long till I reached Zeus and Hera's mansion. It must be the grandest of all the Olympian gods, and like always, I was in awe of the new decorations displayed outside the front steps.

A maid of the household lead me to where Zeus was and announced that I've arrived. When the doors opened, I realized it was a leisure room. To my surprise, Zeus and Hera were seated at a table on the balcony. Hera invited me in and I awkwardly  went forward. Zeus stood to open the seat for me and I sat down, still not understanding the situation.

Everything was out of place. Zeus at home with Hera, Hera smiling at me, and the two of them having tea. Together. I was seated in between them, so I kept turning my head from Zeus to Hera, then from Hera to Zeus.

"How was your day, Y/N ?" my eyes widened when I heard Hera's voice calling my given name.

"E-excu... F-fine...?" I stuttered, thinking it would've been rude if I asked her why she was being so affectionate.

"I'm glad," she smiled.

I was clearly shocked by her change in attitude towards me. Hera didn't really like me. Or so I believed since everyone told me she didn't like me. Of course, the reason being that I haven't married anyone yet. Being the goddess of Marriage, Hera would like nothing more than to see me settled down. She's not even my mother, but she definitely cares about my marriage more than my actual mother does.

"So... What was the important matter you needed to talk to me about ?" I turned to Zeus, taking a moment to avert my eyes away from Hera's sweet smile.

"You're mother, Hera, and I have been talking..." Zeus starts, forcefully trying to pull off a calming smile.

"Yes...?" I couldn't help but get a gut feeling of where this was going.

"It's about your-"

"No..." I cut Zeus off, with a bit of plea in my voice.

"You can't stay single forever Love," Hera came in.

"Oh, please no," now they heard the plea in my voice.

"Love-" Zeus started.

"You can't make me marry someone !" I burst.

"I'm sure you'll come to love him," Zeus smiled with concern.

And with that sentence, I knew exactly who they were pairing me with.

"Hephaestus ?!" I asked in disbelief, knowing he's the only one I didn't love among all the gods.

"Honey-" Zeus put a hand over mine, trying to calm me down, but I quickly avoided his touch.

"Really Zeus ?! Hephaestus ?"

"Love, please," Hera tried to calm me down.

I turned to see that Hera was mortified at the way I acted upon rage.

"I'm sorry," I dropped my head down.

I heard both of them sigh. There was a long silence before I felt a soft pair of hands holding onto my shoulders and a firm hand holding onto my hands that were clamped together on top of my thighs. I looked up to see their eyes full of affection.

"He loves you so much... I'm sure you know better than anyone," Hera softly reminded me.

My brows started to crinkle, trying to dismiss the unwanted feeling.

"And although he doesn't pray to you for the love to be returned, we know you feel his love even from separate homes," Zeus rubbed his thumb on my hands.

I sighed and averted my eyes away from them to see two birds having fun on a birdbath.

"And you know better than anyone that when the man loves the woman to the point where her happiness is more important than his own, then the love between them is bound to be filled with joy," Hera smiled with hope.

I sighed through my nose, not wanting to open my mouth to indicate I have something to say in this ridiculous matter. Honestly, I had a lot to say on this matter. But I can't oppose the god and goddess of all the gods.

"We know..." Hera assured me by gently rubbing my shoulders soothingly. "We know you're not ready to love just one god when you're the goddess of Love... But honey, you need to at least settle down."

I gazed into Hera's eyes and felt the concern she had for me. Coming from a similar line of work, I guess I understand a bit of where she's coming from. Sharing the load will lessen the weight.

"Plus, no one is telling you to be super committed to him," Zeus let out a laugh. "You're just like me ! Loving one person then moving onto the next ! Heck, I could be the god of Love !"

Hera's hands stopped instantly and her eyes glared at Zeus.

"That doesn't give you the right to go around sleeping with every female in the universe !" Hera exclaimed.

"Trust me honey, I haven't slept with EVERY female," Zeus scoffed.

"You do not want to test me, Zeus," Hera's eyes were blazing with rage now.

"This is why I don't want to get married," I sighed as I shook my head and stood up to leave, breaking myself free of their hold.

"Don't be like him, Love," Hera commanded. "He's just a playboy who can't keep it in his pants. I know you know better."

"But you love me," Zeus beamed a killer smile and Hera's face turned red; It could just be out of rage, seeing her expression wasn't that of a flustered lady being wooed by a handsome gentleman.

But we all knew what Zeus said was right. I felt the love from both of them to the other and it was definitely a very strong bondage between them. I told them it wasn't necessary to walk me out and so they wished me a fare trip back home.

As I was going down the steps of their home, I saw Chanyeol walking up. My eyes narrowed at the sight of his surprised expression, clearly asking why I was here. He was so easy to read, it was uncomfortable.

"W-what are you d-doing here ?" Chanyeol stammered, following me back down as I walked past him.

"What ? I can't visit them when I want to ?" I rolled my eyes.

"N-no, it's just t-that I-" he tried, but I was already stepping into my chariot and told the driver to go.

"Bye," I give him a hallow glance and then turned my gaze forward as the chariot started moving.

"O-oka- b-by-e," he waved quietly.

I have to live with that annoying stammer for the rest of my life...

I had no idea how many times I sighed on the way back home, but I'm sure I'll hold the record now.

-----

"What was Y/N doing here ?" Chanyeol asked his parents who were surprisingly together.

He couldn't believe his dad was actually home. It was his mother who called for him, saying it was an emergency. But seeing how the two of them were together and the fact that Aphrodite was just here about 5 minutes ago, told him something was up.

"Chanyeol !" Hera's face had the widest smile Chanyeol has ever seen in years.

"Hello mother," Chanyeol met his left cheek with his mother's right and puckered his lips to make the kissing sound.

"Eh-hem, I'm here as well," Zeus spoke loudly to get his son's attention.

"Sure, hey, what's up dad," Chanyeol nodded.

"Is that all I get ?" Zeus asked in disbelief. "I'm your father !"

"Well, stop flirting with other girls and I'll treat you like a father and not some pubescent little brother."

Hera couldn't contain a laugh from leaving her. Chanyeol was by far her favorite son. Only because he is more like her and not like his father who goes around trying to get every girl to lay in bed with him. And even her other sons were so confident in themselves, they go around wooing any girl they lay eyes on. She still loved them, of course. All of them. Even Zeus.

But Chanyeol held a special place in her heart. He works hard and keeps himself busy with his work. He loves 1 goddess and although she doesn't return his feelings, he is loyal to her. Hera can't help but believe that Chanyeol is the exact replica of herself. And so she wanted to do anything she can in her power to have him be with the only woman he ever gave his heart to, and will give his heart to.

Others say that she doesn't really like Aphrodite cause she's more beautiful than Hera was or that she was jealous of Aphrodite's popularity when Hera used to be the one closest to Love. But that wasn't the case. Even if Aphrodite was more popular than she was, or even if she was more beautiful than Hera, those were not the reason to why Hera has been so sour to Aphrodite.

It was all because her son, who is so much like herself, fell in love the same way she did. He fell in love with a goddess whose job is to love everyone whether romantically or innocently. And that was no different than her love, who goes around seducing others when she was waiting all day and night for his return to show her the same attention he gives to others.

Hera was the one who brought it up to Zeus, and the two of them agreed to talk with Dione together. Dione accepted their proposal right away, feeling content her daughter has the blessing from the goddess of Marriage.

"You what ?" Chanyeol stood up from his seat, unable to contain the panic from rising inside of him.

"She said yes," Hera quickly followed him up, trying to calm him down with the good news.

"And you let her ?" Chanyeol turned to his father, without fully hearing his mother's words.

"Yes, but-"

"I can't believe the two of you would do that !" Chanyeol cut Zeus from trying to justify himself.

"Honey, she said ye-"

"Great, now she hates me..." Chanyeol slumped back down in his seat. "I was already pushing her too far... Now there's no way we could at least be friends even after I give up on this unrequited love."

Zeus scoffed and shook his head. He reached for a bunch of grapes and popped on into his mouth. Chanyeol heard his mockery, but didn't think to bring it up. He was already depressed enough. Hera on the other hand, shot Zeus a glare for the millionth time today. Zeus caught her eyes as he was about to put another grape in his mouth. He put the grapes on the plate in front of him, understanding the meaning behind Hera's glare.

"Chanyeol, sweetheart...?" Hera cooed, placing her hands on his back with a motherly touch. "Y/N agreed to marry you."

Chanyeol flinched. He lifted his head and saw the soft sincere smile on his mother's face.

"W-what ...?" he stuttered.

"You're getting married," Zeus said, lifelessly.

"Fuck !" Chanyeol cursed as he stood up to leave.

"Hephaestus ! Language !" Hera gasped and called out to Chanyeol.

"Please mother, I'm thousands of years old !" Chanyeol shouted as he made his way out of his parents' home.

He quickly went back to his house. Chanyeol barged into his home and hastily went to his work area grabbing the right utensils he needs as soon as he arrived. He started working on his new project and kept working till he was content with his piece.

[Sehun ! I passed the written test ! I scheduled my driving test to 2 weeks from now. Could I ask you to probably teach me ? Please ?]

I couldn't help but smile at how she asked me. Of course I was down to teach her. I even offered to not too long ago. But I know how she is. She never wants to be rude so she asks even if she knows the answer. I quickly text her back, but instead of saying yes,

'What will you give me in return ?'

And sure enough, a reply comes within 30 seconds.

[That's not fair ! You offered !]

'It's been a while. Have you checked the expiration date ?'

[What ?? You can't put an expiration date !! That's really not fair TT]

My smile widened at the image of her pouting while texting, clearly taking this literally. She was too easy to tease. Not that I'm a sadist, but she's really cute when she's in her whiny mode. Which is quite odd knowing how I get annoyed at even the slightest bit of a pitch in a girl's voice. But Y/N is always different.

'You owe me.'

[...Fine... I'll buy lunch...]

'Dinner.'

[But dinner is more expensive !]

'Exactly.'

[...I hate you...]

'What ? You want to pay $80 for driving lessons ? Okay, fine with me.'

[No !! Sehun TT I love you TT]

By now, my smile has turned into low giggles. Sounds disgusting and I can't even understand why I always get all giddy when I'm making fun of her, but I can't help it. It tickles my heart to see the words. But my mind instantly drifts off and my smile is gone in an instant and an unsatisfied expression with my brows furrowed takes its place... I deeply sigh at the thought that depresses me every time...

If only we were more than friends...

---

"Sehun-ah ~" I see Y/N frantically waving her arms as she runs towards me.

A gradient smile placed on her soft pink lips. I try my best to keep myself from running towards her, meeting her halfway, and pulling her into my arms for a tight embrace and giving her kisses all over her face. It was hard at first to keep myself calm, but I've gotten used to it during the years.

I carefully watch her running across the empty parking lot of our school and I couldn't help but depict the future. She wasn't far now, only a few steps but I bet she's going to trip on her own fee- yep. She did. But good thing I was fast enough to catch her.

"Tsk. Watch your step and don't run," my tone came out colder than intended but I guess she's used to it, since she knows I'm not one to express myself.

"Heh, sorry," she giggles while sticking out her tongue and raising her eyes with her head low.

She doesn't even know how adorable the expression she's portraying is. It's the exact reason why my face always cringles up when she does it, wishing she only did that in front of me and not where others can see her.

If you're going to think this way, just make her yours already, Sehun.

I keep telling myself, but it's not always easy as it seems. Like I said, I'm not an expressive person and if I go back to the time when we first met, I'm still worried that she's going to be afraid of me again. We were introduced by our mutual friend, Chanyeol, but unlike him, since I was always quiet and had a serious, almost annoyed -- blank, in my defense -- face on, she wasn't so fond of me. Better yet, since she's very shy, she was quite afraid of me.

On the other hand, my first impression of her was 'cute'. And if anyone knows me, I really like cute things. I know. Surprising for a guy like me, right ? You'd think I'm into clubbing, drinking, and big breast cougars. Well, that's what most people will think, based on "how rich my family is", "how I am so good-looking", and just cause I have such a face. But believe it or not, I'm a simple guy. I like walks in the park, playing with my dog, and just going for a drive to the beach.

And being the simple guy that I claim myself to be, I like simple girls. Girls like Y/N, who doesn't plaster her face with so much make-up, who doesn't try get to me by playing innocent, and who doesn't really know me from what she's heard but knows me from spending the time to get to know me.

So yea, little things like sticking out her tongue as she giggles apologetically drives me insane. But I can't be too forward and tell her my feelings cause she's the type to take things slow. Funny, how liking someone turns you into a very observant person. I feel as though I know every little detail about her.

"Okay, so should we start ?" she looks up to me with sparkling eyes.

I nod, with the slightest smile. Barely anything. She smiles widely and reaches to open the driver seat's door. I make my way over to the passenger's seat. It was quite awkward. I never imagined I would be sitting in the passenger seat of my own car. And I'm not too sure if I'm 100% comfortable with having someone else drive my car; but it was good, cause I was with her.

"So, I know the basics. Don't worry too much on telling me how to start the car or you know... driving," she laughs. I smirk. "I guess, just be with me as I practice driving around ?"

I nod in approval as I wave my hand, signaling to her that the car is all hers. She giggles in excitement. Her small hands softly strokes the wheel handle. I slightly cock my head questioning what it was that she was doing.

"Hehe, hi baby. I'm going to be the one taking care of you today okay ? Daddy is still in the car so don't worry about being alone with me. I won't do anything to hurt you, so please bear with me, okay love ?"

Then Y/N dramatically threw her around the wheel, hugging it while patting it like she was trying to comfort it as if it was a living creature in pain. I let out a snort unknowingly. Y/N swiftly turned her head to glare at me but I quickly avoided her eyes by turning my head towards the window while covering my mouth with a fist.

I felt her intense stair on the back of my head, and so I tried to keep the laugh in but the air left my nose, breaking the silence in the car.

"Stop laughing !"

"I'm... not laughing," I tried.

"Then say it to my face !"

I swallowed in the laughter trying to leave me and turned myself back around to face her. Little did I know that she was now leaning closer to my side with her elbows resting on the armrest in between our seats. The both of us froze. My eyes locked into hers. This was the first time we had our faces so close to each other. My eyes roamed down her delicate features and were fixed onto her lips slightly open with her front two teeth slightly showing. I swallowed the urge to kiss her and brought my eyes back up to her meet her eyes.

As soon as our eyes met, her eyes widened and started to wander to a different place at every blink trying to figure out where to put her eyes on. I wouldn't have minded just staring at each other all day. But it wasn't long till she turned her face forward and avoided the contact.

"L-let's d-drive...!!"

I kept my eyes on the side profile of her face. Her cheeks were flustered bright pink, she bit her bottom lip and blinked twice, looking like she was thinking about something. Then she shut her eyes and slightly shook her head, as if she's getting rid of a thought. I hold in a laugh while trying to figure out what's going through her head that's making her look this adorable. But I don't question it as she started the engine.

"Okay, since there's no one here today, how about just driving around as freely as you want ?" I say, just to chase the tension away, since it seemed she wasn't going to talk first.

Y/N nodded. She stepped on the break and turned the gear into drive, but when she lifted her foot and stepped on the pedal, the car pushed forward hard enough for both of our heads to hit the head rest. Y/N quickly stepped on the breaks realizing her mistake. The forced pushed both of us forward. I felt my heart rate speed up faster than when I was with her.

"Yah !" I shouted out of instinct.

I saw Y/N flinch at my outburst. I then realized I raised my voice at her for the first time. I wasn't mad, I was just surprised. And I should probably tell her that, since she's looking like she's committed the worst crime possible. So I cleared my throat and told her I was sorry, but she came back with a sorry as well.

"You're car's... pretty sensitive..." she bit her lip.

"Try stepping on the pedal more slowly and gently," I sighed.

Y/N nodded and tried. But again, the car lashed out and then came to a quick stop. I sighed again as she apologized. Good thing there wasn't any cars or parking blocks at each parking spot. But I couldn't take this anymore. My patience has finally hit its limit.

"Park the car," I finally tell her.

Y/N looked guilty. She did as I said and I got out of the car. Y/N put her head down as I closed the door and kept it there until I got around the car and opened the door to the driver's seat.

"Get out," I said, coming out more harsh then intended.

Her lips pursed into a frown, looking like she could cry any minute. She slowly undid her belt and stepped out the car, still not making eye contact with me. As soon as she was out, I sat at the driver's seat. I pushed the seat back until there was enough space in front of me, but also close enough for me to reach the pedals.

"Get in," I say, trying to sound softer than before.

Y/N finally lifted her head from the ground and looked at me with big eyes, clearly not understanding the situation. Since she's so easy to read, I give her the answer to her unspoken question.

"Since you don't know how to control your pressure on the pedals, I'll show you."

But seeing her reaction, which was just standing there still looking confused, I sighed in surrender and pulled her by her wrist but gently enough so that she fell into the seat without hurting her. She gave in and sat down on the space available.

"Take your shoes off," I told her.

She did as I said and I took the shoes from her and put it on the floor in the passenger seat. She then made herself more comfortable by wiggling into the seat. And in that moment, I was starting to regret my suggestion. But it was too late to back out now. Y/N was fully in the car with both her legs in the car. I sighed inwardly and closed the door.

"Seatbelt ?" Y/N asked as she looked back, shifting a bit on the seat.

"Yeap..." I tried then reached for the belt.

I pulled it around Y/N and clipped it in. The belt caused Y/N to rest her back fully against my chest. The way her body fit perfectly into my embrace felt like heaven. There's nothing I would ask more of if only I could keep her in my arms like this all the time. I sighed at the thought.

Then I realized another heartbeat other than my own. I blinked and tried to focus my senses and in doing so I realized her heartbeat was just like mine, beating rapidly. I let out a soft scoff, happy to know I'm getting some kind of reaction from the contact. I get a slight glimpse of her cheeks from the back and see that she's turned bright red.

"Shall we start ?" I asked.

"Y-yes...!" she jumped.

"Alright," I chuckled. "Put your right foot on top of mine. I'm going to drive so that you know how to control your pressure."

Y/N nodded as she took in a deep breath. She let it out shakily, indicating she was ready. I placed my foot with hers on top of mine on the break and put the car into drive. As I slowly lifted my foot, I felt her concentration from how she went stiff as I stepped on the pedal. It made me smile.

"Hands," I stated, and she instantly lifted her hands to hold the wheel.

I brought her hands up to cover the back of mine so that she knows how to handle the wheels while turning them. Her fingers weakly slipped in between mine when I lifted my hand a bit to turn the wheel. I felt her fingers trying to find their way out from in between mine, but I held them in with a slight grip, not wanting her to escape.

"Se-Sehun... Can we stop the car for a second...?" she asked cautiously.

I raised my eyebrows in question, but still complied to her request. I slowly brought the car to a stop and put the gear in park. I didn't let go of the wheel, still not wanting her to move her hands. But to my dismay, she broke free from my not-so-hard grip and took in a deep breath.

"I think... This is enough for today...?" I could just feel her bite her lips.

"Why ? It's only been like 5 minutes since we actually started to do something," I tried to low-key convince her to stay longer.

"Well, like... I think I'm good on the pedal part," she breathed.

"...."

There was a long silence between us, and I don't know if it was just me, but I could hear the sound of our heartbeats beating together. And I couldn't tell who's was faster.

"I'll get out of the car now," Y/N suddenly stated and started to reach over to grab her shoes.

But before she got far, I grabbed her wrist.

"Wait..." I said, but it came out softer than I wanted, almost a whisper.

I brought her hand back in front of her and now my arm was around her waist. I slowly let go of her wrist and gently made my way to her hand, slipping it under her palm so that I can hold onto it by interlocking our fingers. I moved my left arm and her hands quickly lifted off my hand. I brought my left arm around so that I was now hugging her by the waist. Y/N flinched at the touch and her body was still stiff.

"Umm... S-Sehun...?"

"Mmm," I answered, letting her know she can say what she wants to.

"What... Are we doing...?" she sounded confused, but also troubled.

My brows came to a frown, realizing she might not appreciate these actions. I sighed. I knew I should be letting go of her, but I really didn't want to. And my indecisiveness caused me to rest my forehead on the crook of her neck. I closed my eyes, feeling as though I couldn't hold these feelings inside me anymore.

"Y/N..." I felt her head turn slightly towards me, and so I lifted my head a bit to meet eyes with her.

She blinked multiple times with the bright red color in her cheeks.

"I like you..." I whispered, embarrassed to say it louder.

Her eyes widened while her lashes fluttered. Her face started to flush even more. But the fact that she wasn't pushing me away gave me the confidence to continue.

"No, I love you..." I said as I rested my cheeks on the back of her shoulder, still looking into her eyes which weren't as wide anymore.

"You drive me crazy in everything you do, and I can't help but feel like I want you all to myself... I want to make you mine and keep you in my arms forever..." I calmly blinked, although my eyes were roaming around her features trying to see if anything about her expression showed some kind of rejection or even acceptance.

But instead, I decided to ask her the question.

"Can we be more than friends...?"

After hearing the question, Y/N turned her head forward and dropped them to look my arms that were wrapped around her securely. I then felt her soft hands on my left arm, and then she gave me the slightest nod.

I lifted my head and my eyes widened. I wanted to make sure she said yes. I had to make sure. And so I let go of her hand and brought my hand up to her face to have her turned towards me. Our eyes met for a brief second before hers roamed off.

"Really ?" I asked, almost sounding scared to hear otherwise.

Y/N brought her left hand and grabbed onto my wrist that was holding onto her face. Her lips curled up into a sheepish smile.

"Me too..." she giggled. "I like you too."

And with that, I might've lost my mind. I couldn't help myself and went forward to place my lips on hers. And just as I imagined, they were soft, sweet, and I needed more. Y/N was stiff with tension. I lightly licked the bottom of her top lip asking for entrance and she slightly opened her lips allowing me entry, and once the kiss deepened, her body loosened up and melted in my arms.

Her reaction was just so precious, it made me smile.

The breeze was cool. It's almost spring but there was still some chill in the air. I take in a deep breath preparing myself for the day. It's not every day I get to feel the way I feel today. Today was special. I couldn't wait to go see him. I haven't seen him for quite a while. It's been so long. I should've told him before, but I never got the chance. But I will today. It was finally D-day.

 Kyungsoo-yah, hi. This is kind of awkward right ? Like what's with a letter all of a sudden. Just hear me out. Or better yet, read. So remember when we first met ? I remember it like it was yesterday. You were playing soccer with your friends, and my class was doing a deep clean. I went to take the trash out. And at that time, one of your friends kicked the ball too hard and it rolled towards me. The closest to the ball was you so you made your way over. Let me say, at first, you weren't really my type. But I change my mind now. I know I know, I'm really selfish for wanting so much in a guy. But hey, 173cm wasn't really what I was looking for. I know I have no right to talk about heights cause yes, I am short as well. But give me a break ! I barely knew you back then. Now that I've gotten to know you for 8 years, I can safely say that you're really charming and I have to admit, you're good-looking. Doesn't mean you're the most handsome ! I never said that ! You can deny it all you want, but come on ! Sehun ! He's like a greek god ! For crying out loud, God gave him all the blessing that was supposed to be for me... But rest assured, he's not the one I fell for. Yes, by now, you've guessed that this is a love letter. Which is correct ! I am confessing to you. It's really corny and cheesey, and most people will say I'm not even doing it right. But whatever ! I'm expressing myself the best way I can possible and I deem correct. At first, I thought it was just a little crush. But then you started to be really endearing. Like that one time, I went home late cause of after school activities, and not only did you wait for me until I ended, but also walked me back home. And also that one time you called me out of nowhere to come out when I was in my room all bored and depressed. When I went out to greet you, you surprised me with amusement park tickets. You made my day. Remember the roller coaster ? It was my first time and I wasn't feeling too good after the ride, but you helped me feel better by sitting down with me for about half an hour till I got myself together. Seriously, I can't ask for a better person to fall for. And just to be fair, you're the most handsome in my eyes. The way you smile when you see something cute like the little penguin we saw at the aquarium; the way you cry when the older brother sacrificed his freedom and comforts just for his little brother's well-being; the way you laugh when Chanyeol or Baekhyun trip on their own feet and fall on their face; and even the way you get angry at me cause I came home late that one time after work when my coworkers and I went out for drinks, but the fact that you couldn't stay angry with me for long cause I would talk you into forgiving me, promising you that I would never stay out late again. All these things are the reason to why I fell for you. People say you don't need a reason to fall in love, but we do have them. It's just how inquisitive you are about it. It's a shame I've only noticed these things after a long period of time. It was quite a surprise to me when I found out you had feelings for me. But trust me when I say, I had the same feelings for you as well. I just didn't know it back then. I'm so sorry for keeping you waiting. I promised myself that I wouldn't keep you waiting, but I did it again. I made you wait another year before I finally decided to tell you how I feel. So I won't keep you waiting anymore.

I love you.

  "And I'm going to go see you.

 So stop waiting, Kyungsoo.

 I'm on my way."