The twelve year old Byun Baekhyun was sitting at the top of a playground structure, his arms around his best friend, who was currently crying his eyes out. Baekhyun had to bit the inside of his cheek to prevent himself from crying along with him.

He hated seeing his best friend cry, but he understood why he did. His mother was sick, and Baekhyun couldn't even imagine how painful it was for Chanyeol. Baekhyun raked his brain for anything to distract Chanyeol from his grief, and then something came to him. It was something his mother would say, but he didn't fully understand it, although for some reason, he thought it be would suitable now.

He hugged his friend closer and laid his cheek on the top of his head. "Chan? Do you want to know something?"

Chanyeol sniffled and mumbled through his tears, "What?"

"Life's too short to have regret in the heart," Baekhyun whispered.

Chanyeol pulled away from Baekhyun, his eyes curious, still with tears in them as he asked, "What does that mean?"

Baekhyun laughed and lunged forward, throwing his arms around Chanyeol and tackling him down as he cried, "I don't know! I heard my mom say it once and I thought it sounded smart! And it worked! You're sadness is gone."

Chanyeol laughed too and cried, "You're right! Wow, you're so smart, Baekkie!"

Baekhyun laughed and playfully shoved Chanyeol, crying, "Tag! You're it!" before he quickly ran to the slide and went down it.

Chanyeol laughed and cried, "Why do you always have to push me?"

Baekhyun just laughed as he ran away; Chanyeol chasing after him.

But those words that Baekhyun had taught Chanyeol, 'Life's too short to have regret in the heart'. They would stay with him, and with the years to come they would become like a mantra to him. An armor, in a way, for Park Chanyeol would have many regrets that he had to protect against his heart.

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