still you | baekyeon

Chapter 1

(THIS IS PURE FICTION.)

Kim Taeyeon's car pulled up at the usual Starbucks Coffee spot with a rumbling engine that matched the growling in her stomach. She was hungry for more than her usual apple breakfast today. Two weeks of non-stop apples had her craving a change.

Stepping out of the car, she adjusted her cap and headed towards the entrance. Her heart felt heavy, though she tried to act casual. Even though she wanted a warm breakfast, sitting alone in that café didn't sit well with her. Being Kim Taeyeon, the famous Korean entertainment star, had its good and bad sides. One downside was the constant scrutiny of her every move.

With a determined nod, she decided to get her order to go. No need to deal with curious stares from other customers. Her image was her priority, and she wanted to manage it her way. Waiting in line, she couldn't help but wonder why she hadn't brought someone along. A friend, an acquaintance, anyone. But there she was, by herself, surrounded by strangers.

Finally, at the counter, she placed her order, glancing around to make sure nobody was giving her too much attention. The barista didn't seem to care much about her hideous appearance, which was a nice change. As she went to pick up her order, she caught sight of someone entering the café from the corner of her eye. Her heart skipped a beat as she recognized the tall figure and distinctive features.

Byun Baekhyun...

She knew it was him immediately. The unexpected sight of him sent a wave of emotions rushing over her. This was not how she wanted her morning to go. She thought about slipping away before he can even notice her, but it was too late. Their eyes met, and for a moment, everything stopped.

"Crap," she muttered under her breath, cursing her luck. She looked away quickly, hoping he didn't see her recognition.

Of all people she's gonna run into, why did it have to be him?

She turned on her heel and practically fled the café, holding her warm cup and the paper bag tightly against the chill she felt.

The encounter left her flustered, and she was frustrated with herself.

Why did I get so worked up over seeing him?

They were just two people who had crossed paths in the past, nothing more.

As she got back in her car, she took a deep breath and closed her eyes for a moment. It had been a while since she was out in public without an entourage, without someone always by her side. It had felt liberating, but now, sitting there in her car, it felt lonely.

With a sigh, she started the engine and drove away from the parking lot. The encounter with Baekhyun was fresh in her mind, and she couldn't help but wonder how he was doing. It had been years since they last spoke, and she had heard bits of his success through the grapevine. She was genuinely happy for him, but a part of her felt a sense of longing.

Is he happy?

As she drove home, the morning's events played over and over in her mind. The unexpected encounter had stirred up memories she had tried to forget. Memories of laughter, shared secrets, a time when things were simpler. She had gotten used to being on her own that she almost forgot what it was like to have someone to lean on.

"No," she whispered to herself, gripping the steering wheel tighter. She couldn't let herself go down that path. Her career was her focus now, and she had worked too hard to let anything divert her from her goals.

Back at her apartment, she let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. The smell of coffee filled the air, a reminder of the morning's unexpected turn. As she sat down with her breakfast, she made a silent promise. She wouldn't let chance meetings or old memories distract her from her path.