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The announcement of Taeyeon and Baekhyun's collaboration sends shockwaves through the entire music industry, setting social media platforms ablaze with excitement, controversy, and anticipation.
As news of their upcoming project spreads like wildfire, it quickly becomes the number one trending topic across all major platforms.
Taeyeon, with a mixture of nerves and excitement, scrolls through the comments section of the announcement post.
She sees a flood of reactions, ranging from overwhelming support to vehement opposition.
"This is incredible! I've been waiting for this moment for years!" one fan exclaims.
Another writes, "Finally, the collaboration we've all been dreaming of!"
However, as Taeyeon dives deeper into the comments, she encounters a different side of the reaction.
Some fans express disappointment and frustration, feeling betrayed by the decision to collaborate with Baekhyun, "How could she do this? After everything he put her through," one comment reads, dripping with resentment.
Another fan expresses concern, "I hope this doesn't reopen old wounds for her."
Pressing the hide button on these sections, Taeyeon tries to focus on the overwhelming positivity surrounding the announcement.
She knows that this collaboration is a significant moment not only for her but for the industry as a whole, also especially for those who are battling for their lives.
Suddenly, Baekhyun appears beside her, breaking the silence with a gentle greeting.
"Hey, Taeyeon," he says softly, his voice carrying a mixture of empathy and understanding.
Caught off guard by his presence, Taeyeon looks up, meeting his gaze with a hint of apprehension in her eyes. She can't help but notice the sincerity in his expression as he urges her not to dwell too much on the negative comments.
"I saw a lot of things on the Internet too. Don't think about it too much, I'll ask my team to take it down as soon as possible."
His words offer a glimmer of reassurance amidst the sea of uncertainty.
"Thanks, Baekhyun," Taeyeon murmurs, her voice barely above a whisper.
Despite the lingering awkwardness between them, she appreciates his gesture of support.
Tentatively, she engages in small talk, exchanging a few fleeting conversations as they make their way into the meeting room.
Inside, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation and excitement as they join the discussion about the upcoming collaboration. Taeyeon and Baekhyun sit across from each other, their eyes meeting briefly before turning their attention to the agenda at hand.
"Regarding the song selection, we have come up with the idea of you both working for the lyrics together," the representative of the Never Alone, Woo-Young, suggests.
"It'd be much more meaningful as a sense of comfort directly to the fans." He continues, "We were supposed to come up with pop or alternative/indie genre, but when it comes to you both, the fans have been eager to listen to ballad."
The idea catches Taeyeon off guard, her mind racing with a myriad of emotions at the prospect of collaborating so intimately with Baekhyun.
Across the table, she steals a glance at him, searching for any hint of his thoughts on the matter.
Before Taeyeon can gather her thoughts, Baekhyun speaks up, his voice steady yet tinged with a hint of vulnerability.
He expresses his willingness to take on the task of writing the lyrics himself, a decision that surprises Taeyeon and the others in the room.
"I think I can handle the lyrics alone," Baekhyun says, his tone gentle yet determined, his eyes meeting Taeyeon's briefly before flickering away.
Knowing her, she would be really uncomfortable to be near him within such a long period. He should've already be grateful when she agreed to the collaboration.
Turning to Taeyeon, Baekhyun seeks her opinion, his gaze searching hers for any sign of agreement or hesitation.
"I can help you though..."
In that moment, a silent understanding passes between them, a shared acknowledgment of the complexities and uncertainties that lie ahead.
Baekhyun blinks, caught off guard by Taeyeon's unexpected offer. His mind races, trying to process her words.
He then clears his throat, meeting Taeyeon's gaze.
"I... I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-" he stammers, his words laced with genuine guilt, "Of course, of course."
Taeyeon offers him a soft smile, her eyes reflecting sincerity and understanding, "It's okay."
"We're looking forward to it," Woo-Young smiles as he exchange gazes between the two.
When the meeting finally comes to an end, Woo-Young shakes hands with the artists, asking for everyone's good care throughout the project. He then asks for the managers to follow him out to collect several documents that were left in his car, leaving Taeyeon and Baekhyun alone in the room.
The air hums with a mixture of lingering conversation and a palpable tension.
Taeyeon exchanges a faint smile with Baekhyun, their eyes briefly meeting before she starts to stand up, ready to leave the room.
Baekhyun, sensing the moment slipping away, moves quickly. He reaches out and gently takes Taeyeon's hand, his touch warm against her skin.
"Wait," he says softly, his voice barely above a whisper but filled with urgency.
Taeyeon pauses, her heart skipping a beat at the unexpected touch and the intensity in Baekhyun's voice.
Sensing her reaction, Baekhyun slowly releases Taeyeon's hand, his fingers lingering for a moment before he reluctantly lets go. "I'm sorry," he murmurs, "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."
"It's okay," she whispers, her voice soft yet steady.
Baekhyun takes a breath, the weight of the moment heavy between them. He searches for the right words, his mind racing as he tries to convey.
"I- I'm sorry for volunteering to write the lyrics alone earlier. It was very stupid of me, of course I want to do it with you. N-no, it's not like I want, but yeah, I want to since it's our project together. But I was just afraid that you'd be uncomfortable to write it with me, therefore before you even could speak, I-"
"Baekhyun," Taeyeon chuckles as she halts his words, "Take it slow."
There's a flicker of relief in Baekhyun's eyes as her laughter rings through his ears. It's been a while.
"I know what you were thinking Baekhyun. It's okay, I understand."
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• To be continued. •
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The Verse of Us
Fanfiction˗ˏˋ let them hear, make them listen. 'ˎ˗ when a collaboration project unexpectedly reunites them, old wounds are reopened, and the lines between personal and professional become increasingly blurred.
