still you | baekyeon

Chapter 3

Baekhyun stood there, bewildered by his own actions, questioning the impulsive decision that had led him to Taeyeon's apartment. Confusion clouded his thoughts, and he debated whether to retreat from the situation he had unwittingly stepped into.

Why did I even come here?

Before he could make a move, however, the door swung open, revealing Yoona, Hyoyeon, and Yuri – a trio of formidable seniors known for their strength and unity. Their eyes widened in surprise at his unexpected presence.

Instinctively, Baekhyun attempted to explain himself, his words tumbling out in a rush. "I-I didn't mean to be here, noona. My feet just... led me here, I promise."

The corridor behind him suddenly erupted in chaos, a chorus of shouts and camera flashes heralding the arrival of the press. Panic surged through him as he watched them approach, the turmoil threatening to engulf him.

With swift decisiveness, Hyoyeon stepped in, pulling him into the apartment and promptly locking the door. Baekhyun's heart raced, his breath coming in shallow gasps as he struggled to process the whirlwind of events.

Hyoyeon's frustration was palpable as she confronted him, her voice a mix of exasperation and genuine concern. "What were you thinking?"

He found himself speechless, unable to offer a coherent response. The weight of their disappointment and worry bore down on him, amplifying his own internal turmoil.

"Is she okay?" The question escaped his lips before he could filter it, his genuine concern shining through his turmoil.

Their expressions softened slightly, though their frustration remained apparent. Hyoyeon's voice carried a mixture of annoyance and genuine care as she spoke. "Baekhyun, I don't want to be angry with you, but you're endangering our friend's well-being. Wasn't the scandal six years ago a lesson that you two need to stay apart?"

Baekhyun's voice remained stuck in his throat, his guilt leaving him unable to respond.

Yuri's voice joined the chorus of admonishment, her words cutting deep. "We all witnessed the toll that the hate took on her, Baekhyun. We saw her suffer quietly, watched her transform from the vibrant person she was. We saw her battle depression on her own. Were you blind to all of that?"

He struggled to find the right words, to express the storm of emotions within him, but his attempts fell short.

"I... I..." He stumbled over his words, unable to form a coherent response.

Exasperation gave way to a raw outpouring of emotion from Yuri.

"I'll stay with Taeyeon unnie. You both need to sort this out." As Yoona retreated into the apartment, presumably to check on Taeyeon, Yuri and Hyoyeon's eyes remained fixed on him, their expressions a complicated mix of frustration, concern, and hurt.

"We can't let you leave, not with paparazzi outside. What's our plan now?" Hyoyeon's voice carried a hint of desperation as she turned to Yuri for guidance.

The weight of his actions sank in even further as he absorbed the full weight of their words. Yuri's voice, tinged with pain, held a plea that reached deep into his heart. "Baekhyun, our friend was finding her strength again. Then you re-entered her life, and now she's shattered once more. We have to protect her now more than ever. Are you willing to let history repeat itself, possibly with even graver consequences? Face it, Baekhyun, your fans share a significant portion of the blame. She's facing unwarranted attacks, and though she's been resilient, this situation is different. It's explosive. What possessed you?"

Tears welled up in Yuri's eyes, her emotions raw and unfiltered. Hyoyeon, too, struggled to contain her own feelings.

"This is my fault," Baekhyun realized with a painful clarity. His selfishness had clouded his judgment, leading him down a path that now threatened to engulf Taeyeon once again.