hearts at odds | baekyeon

09

Drowned in a sea of emails, Taeyeon's inbox is overflowing with messages clamouring for her response. Scattered around her are also reports waiting to be reviewed and finalised.

Before heading over to Yoona's birthday party, she has been engulfed in an endless cycle of productivity and exhaustion.

Meanwhile, Baekhyun has returned home from work a tad earlier to prepare for the party. Taeyeon has been grumbling about her girl friend's decision to invite his friends. Not that Baekhyun has a say in this.

He approaches her concentrating with the tasks on hand. "Are you almost done?"

He tries to ask as calm as possible as his prods into her business. He doesn't want it to come off as hurrying her.

She looks up from her laptop, a slight furrow forming on her brow as she thinks over his question. Her eyes reflecting  exhaustion and stress that weighs heavily upon her.

"I need a little more time." Her tone apologetic. "Can you give me a few more minutes?"

Understanding her need to complete her work, he nods to acknowledge her request.

Since Baekhyun is already dressed up and ready to leave the house anytime, he pulls out the chair beside her. Zero lays comfortably on it, looking up when he feels the vibration. A small smile plays on his lips as he notices the chair is actually occupied. He lifts the dog up as he settles on the chair.

He reaches out to ruffle the fur, eliciting the excited wagging of tail. Zero nuzzles against his hand for attention. Smiling fondly, he plays with the dog as they wait for Taeyeon to complete her work.

When she is finally done, she lets out a satisfied sigh, her arms stretching above her head to relieve the tension that has built up on her neck and shoulders.

"Sorry for taking so long."

"We are still on time."

She quickly freshens up, changing her home clothes to a simple dress while Baekhyun double checks he hasn't forget anything, especially Yoona's present.

She holds onto Zero as they head out of the door, excited to meet her girl friends whom she hasn't meet for months. They only hope they don't start a war and embarrass themselves in front of their friends.

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Once they arrive at the party, the vibrant sounds of laughter and soft music greet them. Yoona's face lights up in sheer delight when she catches them coming in. With a joyful grin, she rushes over to them, her arms outstretched in a welcoming embrace.

"Taeyeon unnie!" She exclaims, her excitement palpable. "It's been so long since I last met you! How have you been?"

"The same."

"What do you mean the same? You have this! Can I?" Yoona eagerly gestures towards the baby bump, eyes shining with anticipation

Taeyeon understands her younger friend's unspoken request instantly. She nods with a warm smile, allowing her to feel the gentle curve of the growing belly.

Yoona squeals with excitement upon coming contact with the bump. "I can't believe you are growing a life inside."

It's all fascinating to her. Taeyeon is even the first in their friend group expecting a child.

"Stay safe and healthy in there!" Her voice bubbling with joy.

As her hands linger on the bump with affection, Baekhyun interjects the sweet moment between the girls.