No one's POV

A year ago

The body lying still under the MRI machine looks nervous. It can't be helped. This is the third time he'd undergo full medical check up. No one in his family knows about this. He kept it secret for fear of burdening them again. He doesn't want his family to worry again.

After the extensive clinical tests, he was shown back to the doctor's office to wait for his doctor. He was told to stay and rest. After a few minutes, the doctor arrived and sat on his chair. He heaved a sigh and looked seriously at the male sitted in front of him.

" Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. HCM. It's a heart disease causing the wall of the heart to thicken making the flow of blood in the veins slow down. This is the reason why you suffer fainting spells, exhaustion and fatigue, chest pains, shortness of breath, palpitations and this may also cause sudden death. This could lead to fatal death." the doctor sadly explained. The shocked male gasped at the findings.

" What can I do, Doc? Is there any option for me? What medication should I take?" the male asked looking faint. Why must this happen to him? His kids are too young for him to leave them behind. They need a parent to guide them. Tears glistened in his eyes.

The doctor look worriedly at the male and gave him an option. He needs to undergo surgery again. He can choose from one of the three surgery.

Septal myectomy - During this surgical procedure, the surgeon removes a small amount of the thickened septal wall of the heart to widen the outflow tract (the path the blood takes) from the left ventricle to the aorta.

Ethanol ablation. First, a cardiologist (heart doctor) performs a cardiac catheterization to locate the small coronary artery that supplies blood flow to the septum. A balloon catheter is inserted into the artery and inflated. A contrast agent is injected to locate the swollen septal wall that narrows the passageway from the left ventricle to the aorta. When the bulge is located, a tiny amount of pure alcohol is injected through the catheter. The alcohol kills the cells on contact, causing a small "controlled" heart attack. The septum then shrinks back to a more normal size over the following months, widening the passage for blood flow.

Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICD). ICDs are suggested for people at risk for life-threatening arrhythmias or sudden cardiac death. The ICD constantly monitors the heart rhythm. When it detects a very fast, abnormal heart rhythm, it delivers energy to the heart muscle to cause the heart to beat in a normal rhythm again.

"As of today, I'll be giving you a special meditation. For now, you need to continue taking it. You need to inform your family about this. And decide which among the three surgeries you would undergo." the doctor warmly advised him.

"Doctor, is it okay if I ask which among the three surgeries can assure me high rate success?" he nervously asked. His hands slightly quivering.

"I'm sorry Baekhyun, I can't give you 100% guarantee. It's all 50-50 chances. And I am also suggesting that you decide when to undergo surgery. Decide on it as soon as possible. Your symptoms are getting more and more frequent. And it's actually getting worse every day. The possibility of a sudden heart fatal attack is growing. You need to do it as soon as possible." the doctor gave him fair warning, shaking his head as he said so.

When Baekhyun walked out of the doctor's office and went straight to the pharmacy to get his medications, his mind kept wandering. If and when he undergo surgery, he wants his kids to be with their dad. He needs to let Chanyeol know of his kids. They need a stable parent to take care of them. Coz no matter what happens to him, Chanyeol is still their father. And he has the right to know of them even if he doesn't want to do anything with him. He's sure that the taller won't turn his back on his children. As the smaller walk towards his car, he had a sudden chest pain attack. He opened his car and sat there for a while, trying to relax himself. He took the bottled water and the medication. Drank two capsules and laid his head on the steering wheel of his car. It's time. He need to settle everything. Time is running. He might not make it. He bowed his head and say a silent prayer.

*******

Present time

Nobody's POV

Baekhyun stared long and hard at his phone. He's been typing then deleting messages over and over again for more than half an hour now. His fingers fiddling on the keyboard hesitantly. He's undecided still whether to call or just chat the man. What if Chanyeol doesn't want to talk to him? What if the only reason the taller wants is to get custody of their kids? Is he ready for it??? Will he be willing to give up his children just to ensure their future??? After a while and exhaling deeply, he finally dialled the number and crossing his fingers, praying that it's not his PA again that he'd be talking to. He doesn't want another stressful argumentative conversation with the latter. It's distressing enough that the woman lurks around the giant like a hawk and blocking his number after that one fateful night when he decided to contact Chanyeol and that dreadful woman answering the phone, calling him disgusting names. The phone rang three times before it was answered. He hesitated for a moment and fiddled with his fingers before speaking.

"Annyeongheseyo. May speak to Chanyeol please?" Baekhyun timidly asked, his voice almost a whisper that he knew the other person on the line might have a hard time hearing him. When a minute passed and no one spoke and all he can hear is a choking sound and heavy breathing, he knew that it is Chanyeol on the other line. So he asked if the taller is still there. He heard a choking sound and got worried of the taller. Then a rustling sound as if the other person is rushing out somewhere based on the footsteps made. He thought his call will soon be dropped because it was unexpected by the taller so he felt a little sad but when he heard Chanyeol speaking hurriedly over the phone, he smiled.

" Baekie???... Baekhyun? Is that you??? Is that really you??? Ah... ah... I...thought you would never contact me...after what I did to you 8 years ago." Chanyeol unbelievably spoke stuttering while doing so. His voice filled with mixed emotions. Excitement, because Baekie called him. Embarrassed, because he knew of the wrong things he did to the latter. Disbelief, flustered. But the most is happiness. Because finally, he's talking to him. Chanyeol really never thought that after all that he did, Baekhyun wouldn't even want to contact him. But here he is, calling the taller. Making the contact for the first time. He felt humbled and ashamed. " I asked your mom if she can give me your number but she declined saying I should just wait if ever you decide to contact me so she told me to just leave my phone number and wait for you to call me. I was supposed call your brother now and try to beg him to me your number. " Chanyeol continued speaking as he placed the phone between his shoulder blade and cheek so he can get a glass and a pitcher of water. He drank it straight up as he wait for the smaller to reply. He nervously waited, his hands shaking.

" Ahm... I am kind of hoping if I can ask you some favor? I... Ahm, I know this is so sudden and I have no right to do so, but ahm..." Baekhyun hesitantly spoke. His voice inaudible almost.

"No, it's okay, Baekie. You can ask me anything. You have every right to. Just tell me what I need to do and I will do it willingly." Chanyeol cut in to ensure the smaller of his eagerness and to lessen the awkwardness between them. He even nodded his head like as if the smaller can see him. The nickname slipping smoothly from his mouth. The urge to keep the smaller talking so he can listen to his angelic voice is so strong, he can't stop himself breathing rapidly. He didn't even noticed the tears slowly falling on his face. He closed his eyes and silently send a small prayer of thanks to God for this wonderful gift.

Baekhyun smiled on the other side of the line. Hope flows through his veins. His heart filled with happiness to hear the giant's deep soothing voice. He missed this. He missed his giant so much. Though theirs was a short lived shared moments, he still treasured it. Kept it inside his heart for the longest time. He proceeded to tell Chanyeol his favor and the taller agreed without any hesitations. After a few minutes more of awkwardly asking each other how they are doing and telling them their goodbyes, Baekhyun ended the call feeling light hearted. His eyes watering. He gulped and heave a sigh. One down....two to go.

Baekhyun readied himself. He prepared some snacks for the twins so that once they get home from school they could have a few minutes rest and a snack. Then he'll talk to them. He realized that prolonging the meeting between their father and his kids is making him more stressed out. They need to talk this out. He doesn't want for things to happen too late. The twins will need their father as an anchor in case he didn't make it. And whatever happens, no matter what, blood is still thicker than water. His children will soon open up to their dad. Everything will be alright. He hoped.

He took out all the ingredients he will need to cook Yeol's favorite carbonara pasta and homemade baked cookies and for Chanhyun, a cheesier baked Mac n Cheese with toasted garlic bread. While preparing the snacks, he sent Kyungsoo a message of thanks for the advice last night when he called him about his plan of contacting Chanyeol. It has always been Kyungsoo who is there for him during those times he was so depressed. Tao went back to China already and Kris left with him to talk to their parents about their relationship. Lucky for them because their parents aren't like old people whose idea of a marriage is only for men and women. They believe that their sons happiness is what matters most. And lucky for Tao because Kris stood up for him. Kyungsoo stayed by his side. Together with Kai. They became his anchor and confidante. They already know of his medical situation. Though he hadn't told his family yet. Kyungsoo is a great friend who listens and never interfere with his decisions. He only gives his opinion if and when he was asked to. That's why he told him first of his desire to contact Chanyeol again, hoping he'd be able to finally get in touch with the taller. It was indeed a fortunate day for him because Chanyeol was the one who answered the call. As the food were ready he heard the typing of their house code, followed by the slamming of the door and running footsteps.

" Appa, we're home!!!!!" said the twins in unison. Baekhyun just shake his head in exasperation. These kids really. As if he didn't know they're already home when they're so loud in coming. He smiled and turn around to give them a tight hug and a kiss on each other's forehead.

"Okay, go get change into comfy clothes and wash your hands properly. I made you both your favorite snacks." he said as he gently pushed them into the direction of their upstairs bedroom. He waited patiently as the twin comes down hurriedly straight to the kitchen and sat on the kitchen counter's high chair. Baekhyun smiled warmly at his kids. They're both so precious to him. His eyes turned glassy with tears.

"Appa, are you okay??? Why is your eyes turning red?" Yeol stared at his dad, worry etched on his young face. Chanhyun looked at her dad as well but continued to eat.

"Yeol, Chanhyun, appa has a very important thing to say. I need you two, to listen to what I'm gonna say carefully and try to understand that I'm going to do this not because I'm being selfish and thinking only about myself but for both of you to have a stable foundation in the future. Please know that I have only your best interest in my heart with this decision." Baekhyun said looking at his children seriously. Both the twin's eyes are expectant.

Yeol looked at his appa's face filled with seriousness and what he was about to tell them finally dawned on him. He straightened his posture and get ready for what his appa's gonna say. He understood how his appa feel. And it's about time that he let go of the anger. His grandma Byun told him that his real dad didn't know his appa got pregnant when they parted ways. Maybe.... just maybe, his real dad truly want to get to know them. He sighed and just look straight at his appa. He loves his appa so much as he loves his twin sister and he would do anything for them to make them happy.

*****

Chanyeol's POV

I stared at my phone for the longest minute right after the call with Baekhyun ended. I was still a little flustered to hear from him. I wiped the tears that I felt falling from my face. I didn't even know I was crying awhile ago while we're talking. It's like a dam burst open and pooled down my eyes. For eight long years, I haven't heard his angelic voice. I haven't heard news from him. Haven't seen his lovely face. God!!! This kills me. What he said on the phone left me dumbfounded. He wants to see me. To talk to me. And he wants me to meet our children. He wants them to know about me. He told me that he was happy to finally get in contact with me after six years.

Huh??? Wait. Six years????!!!! The twins are already seven years old. He told me that himself a few minutes ago. Does this mean Baekhyun called me two years after I left???!!! That'll mean the twins are already one year old when he tried to contact me. Why didn't I know of that???? I thought hard and tried to remember. I called my manager Amber Liu and asked her if Baekhyun ever called him before in the past but she said no since it's my PA who have been handling my personal calls. And it suddenly clicked in my mind...that day, at the hotel in Paris after my photoshoot with Tommy Hilfiger fashion clothing and interview with Vogue. Damn it!!!!! Why have I not remembered it. It was that same day that Seo Jung confessed to me about her growing feelings for me and how she violently reacted when I refused to accept it, told her she knew who I love back then and that if she continues to pursue me I'll tell my manager to replace her then. Shit!!!! Then it must be Baekhyun she was talking to that day when I walked out of the shower as she shouted at the person who's calling me on my phone and told me it was a sasaeng who found my number. So the next day she asked Amber to change my phone number. Fuck!!!! Dumb shit!!!! She purposely lied to me and made me lose my chance of reuniting with Baekhyun and my kids!!!! She ruined my life and my family!!! Fuck!!!!

Flashback

It was a tiring day after the photoshoot with Tommy Hilfiger fashion clothing line. They chose me as their model since I got the height and the looks for it. Seo Jung Hyun, my personal assistant chosen by my agency tidied up all my belongings and carried it all to the van outside the hotel where the photoshoot was held. She's nice, though a little bit possessive about me. Said she's just protecting me from sasaengs. I let her be since she's good at her job. Shinwoo, my bodyguard slash driver and also a good friend of mine kept reminding me that I should be wary of my PA's attitude because it might cause a setback if I allow her too much to interfere with my work. She's just my PA anyways not my manager. Amber Liu, my manager told me the same thing and even warned me to keep everything professional between us. She told me that Seo Jung has been acting weird these past few days so I have to be cautious of her.

When we arrived at the hotel's penthouse, I went straight to my room to take a shower. I placed my phone on my bedside table and get inside the bathroom. I stripped all my clothes after making sure that the door is locked. As I opened the shower I heard a knock on the door and Seo Jung calling my name, telling me there's an incoming call. I told her to just let it be.

After the shower, I went out to find her talking to someone on the phone. Her harsh words reverberating inside my room due to its hostile sound. " Don't ever call again!!! Chanyeol doesn't want to have anything to do with you, you good for nothing piece of shit. Whore!!!" I heard her shout to the one she's talking to on the other side of the line as she dropped the call and threw my phone on the bed violently. When she turned around and saw me gaping at her, face looking shock at her rash attitude, she avoided my gaze and bow her head at the same time looking guilty. I asked her who is she talking to on the phone but she answered a bit distraught saying nothing, just a slutty sasaeng. She told me that she'll talk to Amber about changing my phone number then got out of my room in haste.

End of flashback

I dialed a number I've memorized by heart. He's one of the best in the industry. A lawyer of great caliber. Together with his wife who happens to be an investigative reporter, they make a great team. Ji Chang Wook and Park Min Young are the best in their line of work. I want to make Seo Jung Hyun pay for destroying my one chance of a good life with my family and for hurting Baekhyun without my knowledge. I told the couple to find anything that I can put to court against that woman. I also hired a private investigator to find some dirty things on her. I'll make sure that woman pay for what she did.

After the call, I placed my phone on the couch. I stood up and walked towards the kitchen to get another beer from the fridge. As I was about to take a swig on the opened can of beer, I heard my phone ringing again. I hurriedly walked to the living room and get my phone. It's a video call coming from Baekhyun. I felt my heart beat so fast excitedly. When I tap the accept button and the video connected my eyes went wide with utmost shock. Happiness filled my heart and I couldn't for the life of me, stay standing so with my body feeling weak I sat up heavily and just look at my phone. Tears are now streaming down my face and I just don't care. I really really don't care. I'm just so so happy right now.

********

Author's note.

Hello chingus, this update...is for all of you. I hope that you will all continue to read my book and please feel free to comment about what you think of it so far. Happy reading. 😊😊😊😊

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