still you | baekyeon

Chapter 10

Baekhyun's gaze lingered on the closed elevator doors, his thoughts circling back to her earlier question. How could he not know her favorites? It's not like he hadn't caught himself being an almost-obsessed fan, secretly watching her shows.

His unplanned free day, thanks to a delayed photoshoot, meant he had nothing to do except roam around aimlessly. And here he was, somehow ending up on the second floor for reasons he couldn't fathom. He scratched his head, puzzled.

His feet took him back to the elevator, this time determined to get down to the ground floor. Going home seemed more appealing than staying in this weird building.

He nodded to the trainees he passed, flashing them a friendly smile. He was about to head to his car in the parking area when he spotted a familiar figure not far from his parking spot. It was Taeyeon, standing around, lost in her phone.

He looked around, wondering where her van was. Something was off. Did her van leave without her? That seemed unlikely, but he knew reality often had surprises up its sleeve.

His eyes scanned the onlookers, remembering that people were always around, watching. He cursed himself for momentarily forgetting that he couldn't escape their scrutiny.

He shifted his gaze away, heading straight to his car. He pondered how Taeyeon would get home safely. Taxis and buses weren't safe options.

An idea sparked in his mind. He drove to a far corner of the parking lot, a place where no one really parked. He could see her from here, but others couldn't see him.

What was she doing standing there so conspicuously? Was she even aware of all the eyes on her?

He sent her a message.

Go to the lonely black Mercedes in the dark parking lot. This is Heechul. Sit in the front seat. It's safe here. Taxis aren't a good idea. Let me take you home.

He knew she'd never follow his message if he used his name. Only Heechul's name could make her feel safe.

Watching her, he smiled when he saw her move towards the car. She would listen to Heechul.

When she got into the car, he locked the doors. He waited for her to realize that Heechul wasn't really there.

As she turned to look at him, her eyes widened, then she glanced at the backseat, probably expecting to see Heechul there.

"Wasn't Heechul supposed to be here?" she asked.

"I used his name because I knew you wouldn't come if I used mine," he admitted with a smirk.

Her brows furrowed, and she tried to open the door, only to find it locked. Unlike others who might panic, she just sat there, her expression calm.

"Why did you message me? What do you want?" she asked directly.

"Why were you standing out there? And where's your van? I noticed it missing when I got here."

"My manager's girlfriend was taken to the hospital."

"Ah, I see. So why didn't your manager wait for you?"

"What if you see yourself on the same foot as him? Won't you do the same?" She asked as part of the explanation.

She looked at him, her gaze unwavering. "Can you just take me home?" she asked.

"Do you have any plans for the day?" he inquired, noting it was still early in the morning.

She shook her head slowly, looking tired.

Starting the car, he pulled away from the corner, the engine's hum punctuating the air.