hearts at odds | baekyeon

17

Amidst the bustling airport, Taeyeon stands around with her colleagues, feeling a mixture of anticipation and apprehension swirling within her. Her physical state is not the best for air travel, but this opportunity is too significant to turn down.

The conversation she had with Baekhyun a week ago echoes in her mind. He had half-heartedly asked if this trip was advisable when she informed him. She assured him she had received the approval from her doctor.

That was it. Their conversation ended there and then. Now, she is surrounded by the hum of travellers. She takes in a deep breath, giving herself the final mental preparation for the journey ahead.

Out of sight, out of mind.

She knows deep down, the chances of Baekhyun seeing her off is highly unlikely. He probably is working diligently already.

Her thoughts are interrupted by her colleague's persistent voice.

"Shouldn't he at least send you off?" Daeun's nagging tone adds to her inner turmoil.

Taeyeon shrugs, offering a faint smile. "He sent me off from home I guess."

She doesn't feel good that her colleagues are lecturing Baekhyun about this. Also, she is cursing internally at them for bringing up her husband because whatever mental preparation she gave herself about Baekhyun's absence has been crushed. She now longs to see him before she will not see him for the next 3 days.

"What do you mean you guess?" The colleague gasps in disbelief.

"Out of the months you have been married, he has only drove you to work once. Once."

"I'm not that weak! I can still drive."

Daeun, already married with two kids, goes on and on about what Baekhyun should be doing instead of treating his wife this way. In fact, her family is here to send her off.

Taeyeon does question the whole marriage from time to time. She forced Baekhyun into this marriage out of duty for the unplanned child. But was it really the wisest choice? He can be a bastard at times, but recently, she feels that he has changed drastically. Anyway, getting a divorce is out of the question.

As her colleagues embrace their loved ones with goodbyes, she takes a step back, observing the sweet moment with a sense of wistfulness. She can only sigh softly, feeling a pang of loneliness amidst the vibrant atmosphere.

This is exactly how she feels whenever she goes for her regular check up on the foetus. Everyone appears in pairs except for her who goes alone. She wouldn't blame Baekhyun for it. Their circumstances are unique and he is a busy man after all.

Lost in her thoughts, she lowers her gaze to the ground like her shoes are the most interesting thing.

No expectations, no disappointments.
No expectations, no disappointments.
No expectations, no disap–

It is in this quiet pensiveness that a voice pierces through the noise – a voice calling her name.

Startled, Taeyeon turns to the owner of the sound, her heart racing as she tries to make sense of who could possibly be calling out to her.

Recognition dawns like a sudden burst of light.

Standing before her is Baekhyun – the very man she has kept out of her mind. Shock draws across her pretty features, her mouth slightly agape, feet anchored to the ground.

Time seems to have stand still as they face each other. Their eyes charged in a moment of overwhelming emotions.

She notices him panting slightly, coupled with a look of relief on his face.