secret pain | baekyeon (on-going)

Chapter 29

Suddenly, the lights dimmed, a hush fell over the crowd, and the first notes of Baekhyun's solo track resonated throughout the arena. The spotlight focused on the center stage where Baekhyun stood, microphone in hand, ready to captivate his audience.

Song after song, Baekhyun delivered a phenomenal performance. His voice was pitch-perfect, his dance moves sharp and fluid, and his charisma was undeniable. But throughout the performance, his eyes would occasionally drift towards the reserved section, trying to catch a glimpse of Taeyeon and Liam.

During a quieter ballad, their eyes met. It was a fleeting moment, but enough for both of them to convey a myriad of emotions - pain, longing, understanding, and a glimmer of hope. Liam, noticing the exchange, tugged at Taeyeon's sleeve and whispered, "Mommy, does Uncle Baekhyun know we're here?"

Taeyeon gently squeezed his hand, "Yes, sweetheart, he knows."

As the concert neared its end, Baekhyun addressed the audience. "Thank you, everyone, for being here with me tonight. This concert, this moment, it's not just about the music. It's about love, understanding, and second chances. It's about family."

There wasn't a dry eye in the arena. Fans were deeply moved, sensing the profound personal significance behind his words.

After the encore, as fans began to make their way out, Taeyeon felt a hand on her shoulder. Turning around, she found one of Baekhyun's managers. "Baekhyun has asked if you and Liam could meet him backstage."

With a nod, Taeyeon took Liam's hand, and the two made their way towards what they hoped would be a new chapter in their shared story.

The backstage was a whirlwind of activity. Crew members were packing up equipment, stylists were busy collecting outfits, and various staff were congratulating each other on the successful concert. Amidst all this, Taeyeon felt the weight of anticipation, her heart thudding in her chest. Liam clutched her hand a little tighter, sensing the gravity of the impending meeting.

They were led to a quieter part of the backstage area, where Baekhyun's personal dressing room was located. The door was slightly ajar, and soft music could be heard from inside. The manager knocked lightly, and a voice beckoned them in.

Inside, the room was dimly lit with warm lighting. Baekhyun sat on a couch, looking a little worn out from his performance but his eyes sparkled with an emotion that Taeyeon couldn't quite place. As they stepped inside, those eyes locked onto Liam, who, for the first time, seemed shy.

There was an overwhelming silence. The weight of years of unsaid words, misunderstandings, and lost moments hung heavily in the room.

Finally, Baekhyun cleared his throat, kneeling down to come to eye level with Liam. "Hey there, champ," he said softly, a smile touching his lips. But deep down inside, there's a feeling of nervousness coming through Baekhyun.

Liam, peeking from behind Taeyeon, replied with a small, "Hi."

"Congrats love... i'm so proud." Taeyeon hesitantly stepped closer, and closed the distance between them, wrapping her right arm around his waist while the other arm is holding the bouquet of flowers for him, as she gave him a peck on his cheeks then held him tight, expressing her love and support.

"Thank you, I love you. I'm sorry..." He whispered as he closed his eyes and rested his head on his girlfriend, savoring her embrace that's been so long since he last had. Oh god how much I missed her.

Liam, picking up on the palpable emotions filling the room, looked between Taeyeon and Baekhyun, trying to make sense of the situation. He could feel the tension, the undercurrents of emotions, the unsaid words between his mother and the man he'd come to adore as Uncle Baekhyun.

Then, with the innocent clarity only a child could have, Liam stepped closer to Baekhyun, "It... It was a great show... dad." he said, more like unsure, eyes wide and filled with hope.

Baekhyun, taken aback, could only stare down at the boy, his heart racing, emotions swirling inside. The word 'dad' echoed in his mind, and a flood of memories and realizations hit him. All the moments he shared with Liam, the undeniable bond they felt, and the resemblance that now seemed glaringly obvious.

His eyes welled up, his voice choked with emotion. "Come here, my little one."

Liam's face broke into a bright, joyous smile. "Daddy," he whispered, wrapping his arms around Baekhyun's neck.

The weight of the revelation, the years lost, and the promise of the future, all culminated in that one moment. Baekhyun held Liam close, tears streaming down his face, feeling the warmth and heartbeat of his own flesh and blood. The room was thick with emotions, the boundaries of the past starting to blur.

Taeyeon, watching the scene unfold, felt a mix of heartache and relief. The pain of the past decisions and the happiness of seeing her son finally in the arms of his father intertwined. She stepped closer, joining their embrace, the three of them locked in a moment of pure, raw emotion.