hearts at odds | baekyeon

27

Savoury aroma wafts through the humble abode as Baekhyun cooks a simple lunch for his family.

Taeyeon, on the other hand, is surrounded by colourful blocks, story books and stuffed toys. In the midst of the playful chaos in the playpen sits Baekho, his chubby cheeks flush with excitement at anything his mother does.

Baekho is now a very active 14 months old boy filled with endless curiosity of the world. His eyes always sparkle with every new discovery. Today is no different, but the mother senses something more from her son's every action.

He has been pulling himself up on objects around the house lately, and taking tiny steps along the edge of the playpen for weeks, his grip gradually loosening with each determined attempt. Today, he even lets go briefly before plopping down with his excited giggles.

Taeyeon decides to try her luck today. She lifts the boy up again so he is on his two chubby legs. Automatically, he grabs his mother's pinky tightly. A very playful grin appears on his face that resembles so much like his father.

He lifts one foot out and places it in front of the other tentatively. He starts off wobbling the steps, but still managed to keep his balance.

"Baekhyun!" Taeyeon calls out from the living room.

All he hears is urgency in her voice. He quickens his pace from the kitchen, her voice barely making it through his rising panic.

His heart pounds loudly as he rounds the corner into the living room, where he freezes in front of the playpen.

He was expecting an accident or something more serious to happen. However, it turns out to be his toddler taking his first steps towards the stuffed elephant lying at the end of the playpen without any help.

Taeyeon follows him right by his side while Zero trots protectively behind him, ready to cushion the fall if he trips.

With a determined expression, Baekho takes a more confident step forward. The father's eyes widen in surprise and happiness as he watches his son achieving a new milestone.

Baekhyun scrambles for his phone, and thankfully it's in his pocket. He hits the record button, but his eyes are glued to his son. He tells Taeyeon to sit at the finishing line as takes over to stay by his side.

Instead of uttering lines of encouragement to Baekho, the parents decide to keep their volume down to avoid distracting their son.

Step by step, as the little boy moves forward, he becomes more motivated when he looks up and see his mother at the end. His small arms stretching out for her, eager to be in her arms.

"Come on sweetheart, you are so close to mama!" Baekhyun urges softly as he pauses the recording so his attention is only on his son.

Only two more steps before he gets a hug from Taeyeon.

Their world stops. The only sound is the soft patter of Baekho's feet against the play mat. They find themself holding their breath, caught in the magic of the moment.

Before he reaches his mother, he stumbles over himself, plopping on the mat and starts giggling cheerfully as though someone clicked the laughing button on him.

But the fall did not matter. He had achieved it. His determination paid off and he took his first steps.

Taeyeon instantly picks him up from the ground and showers his face with kisses. "You did so amazing, baby! I'm so proud of you!"

She holds him close, feeling an overwhelming amount of pride and a hint of bittersweet emotion. Her baby is growing up so fast. The months might be long, but the years are definitely short.