secret pain | baekyeon (on-going)

Chapter 5

(present)

With an excited burst of energy, the 7-year old young Liam, darted out of Taeyeon's bedroom, his joyful voice echoing through the house as he called out, "Grandma!!!" Spotting his beloved grandmother, his feet carried him faster.

Seeing her grandson approach with such enthusiasm, Taeyeon's mother quickly knelt down to his level, opening her arms wide in anticipation of his embrace. The two collided in a loving hug, a testament to the deep bond they shared. Pulling back slightly, she looked into his eyes with a mix of affection and playful sternness, "Liam, have you been behaving yourself? Have you been a good boy to your mom?"

Grinning from ear to ear, Liam puffed up his chest, bursting with pride as he replied, "Yes, grandma! I did just like you told me. I didn't give mommy any headaches at all!"

Liam's face took on a sudden seriousness, making him look adorably determined. "Actually, grandma, it's study time now," he announced with a sense of importance.

Taeyeon, ever supportive, responded, "Alright then, let's get to those math problems you mentioned earlier." They headed to Liam's study area, a cozy corner equipped with all the essentials for a productive study session.

As they began to tackle the math problems together, Taeyeon found herself taken aback by just how quickly Liam grasped the concepts and solved the equations. It was evident that he had a natural aptitude for math. The pride in her heart swelled as she witnessed her son's academic prowess.

After working through a significant portion of the problems and feeling confident that Liam was comfortable continuing on his own, Taeyeon gently squeezed his shoulder. "You're doing great, Liam. Keep it up. I'm going to chat with grandma for a bit."

Leaving Liam engrossed in his studies, Taeyeon approached her mother, who had been observing them from a distance. Their eyes met, and without words, the mutual pride and admiration for the young boy's diligence and intelligence were evident. Taeyeon broke the silence, "He's really something, isn't he?"

Her mother nodded, her face softening with affection, "He truly is. And with your guidance, he's bound to achieve great things." The two women then settled into a deeper conversation, discussing Liam's future, their hopes for him, and the importance of nurturing his growing talents.

.

"Liam, it's time to say goodbye to Grandma." Taeyeon's mother approached the boy who's still drowned on his studies, given his determination to study hard and his sense of love for learning.

With the sun beginning its descent and casting a golden hue outside, it was time for goodbyes. Given the lengthy journey from Seoul to Jeonju, Taeyeon's mother needed to get on the road to ensure she wouldn't be driving too late into the night.

"Bye grandma! I'll see you soon." Liam wrapped his small arms around his grandmother's waist then came back to his math work after bidding his goodbye.

Both ladies chuckled with the little boy's response, "Let's just let him be. He's always like that even in Jeonju." Her mother said, recalling how once young Liam got engrossed with his studies, he won't be intruded.

As they stood by the door, Taeyeon enveloped her mother in a tight hug. "Drive safely, mom. Thank you for today," she whispered.

Promising to visit again soon, Taeyeon's mother her a final kiss before heading out, leaving behind a warmth that lingered even after her departure.

The evening was calm, and Taeyeon began preparing dinner for Liam and herself. However, just as they were about to sit down, the doorbell rang. A tad surprised, Taeyeon opened the door to find Tiffany, her American friend, standing with a bright smile and a bag of takeout in her hand.

"Tiffany! Why didn't you tell me you were coming?" Taeyeon exclaimed, her surprise evident but genuinely pleased to see her friend.

Grinning cheekily, Tiffany responded, "Thought I'd drop by and catch up. Plus, I thought you and Liam might enjoy some treats." She lifted the bag,

Liam's eyes lit up at the prospect of the delicious food Tiffany always brought along. "Aunt Fany! Did you bring the macarons?" he asked with hope.

Tiffany winked at him, "Maybe... you'll have to open the bag and see."

The trio settled down, and the dining table was soon filled with laughter and conversation, the bonds of friendship and family reinforcing the importance of these spontaneous, cherished moments.

"Liam, let's call it a day and continue your math work tomorrow, shall we?" Her mother insisted, afraid that Liam would be too engrossed that he might forget about his sleeping schedule.

"Good night Aunt Tiffany... Thank you for the treats, see you soon!" Liam gave his mom's friend a kiss on her cheek just as what he asked for. Taeyeon, then, sent her to her bedroom and prepared himself to sleep after a short night shower.

Once Liam's eyelids grew heavy and sleep beckoned, Taeyeon gently tucked him into bed, planting a soft kiss on his forehead. With the little one safely cocooned in the world of dreams, she made her way back to the living room where Tiffany awaited.

Taking a deep breath, Taeyeon broached the topic that had been on her mind. "Tiffany," she began hesitantly, "about that toy microphone you gave Liam..."

Tiffany, sensing the gravity in Taeyeon's voice, looked up, her expression one of genuine concern. "Yes?"

"It's not that I'm not grateful," Taeyeon continued, "but I told you about my fears. Of him getting too involved, of him wanting to be in the limelight... just like us."

Tiffany nodded, "I know, Taeyeon. I just thought it was a harmless gift, something he'd play with and then move on. I never imagined it would become such a big part of his world."

Taeyeon sighed, her face reflecting a mix of concern and weariness. "It's just... every time he sings into that microphone, it's a reminder of the life I've tried to shield him from. And now, with Baekhyun's dating news..."

Tiffany leaned forward, placing a comforting hand on Taeyeon's. "I know. It must be tough for you, given everything."

"It's not about me," Taeyeon interjected, "It's about Liam. How do I explain to him who his father is when Baekhyun himself might not be ready? And now, with this news, it's just..."

Tiffany squeezed her friend's hand reassuringly. "Life has a way of throwing curveballs, Taeyeon. But whatever happens, you're not alone in this. We'll figure it out together."

With a tremble in her voice, Taeyeon added, "I just wish that when the time comes, Baekhyun would be open to accepting Liam, accepting his role as a father. And I genuinely hope his new girlfriend can accept the fact that he has a child. My heart aches thinking about how all of this might impact my son."