It only took five seconds to ruin someone’s life.

More specifically in Jae-Hyun’s case, five seconds, two sentences, and ten words.

’I’m sorry, Mr.Paek. I wish I had better news.’

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy. A disease that primarily affected people who suffered repeated brain injuries. Generally, it was an illness that didn’t present itself fully until the later stages of someone’s life. For it to progress so aggressively in Jae-Hyun, who had recently celebrated his thirty third birthday, was uncommon.

Or it would have been, had it not been for his former career.

For eleven years, Paek Jae-Hyun held the nation’s Heavyweight Champion title. Undefeated at seventy wins, zero losses, and thirty eight knockouts, he was a name known in households across the world. Fame, women, money- he had it all. He was still young, hadn’t even hit his prime yet, and already had such a legendary record.

Which was why no one expected it when he revealed he was retiring at twenty nine, shortly after his last title match. The public was outraged, especially when no matter how many times he was asked, Jae-Hyun wouldn't tell them why he was retiring. Only that he was.

In truth, you were the reason. You weren’t selfish enough to ask it of him outright, but he wasn’t blind. He could see how upsetting it was for you when he would come home bleeding. You still showed up to every single match. Never complained about all the nights he spent away from home. You loved him, more than he deserved, and Jae-Hyun would give anything to make sure you knew he felt the same. To have more time with you.

Wasn’t it fucking ironic, then, that time was exactly what he was running out of?

"How long?"

Jae-Hyun stared down at the ground, refusing to meet your gaze. If he had it his way, you wouldn't have ever found out. He'd kept it secret so far, determined to manage it without involving you.

But things were getting worse. He was starting to have trouble doing basic tasks, not just remembering your favorite flower.

"... Seven months."