still you | baekyeon

Chapter 18

Frustration compelled Baekhyun to pound the steering wheel repeatedly, the rhythmic thud echoing his inner turmoil. Weariness eventually overtook his anger, and he rested his head against the wheel, allowing tears to flow unchecked. His eyes remained shut, oblivious to the entrance of another person into the car.

"What's bothering you?" Heechul hyung's voice carried genuine concern as he entered the car. Earlier, he had reached out to Heechul seeking comfort and advice regarding the complicated situation involving her.

"She's involved with someone else..." He confessed, his voice tinged with disappointment as he recounted the revelation that had shaken him to the core. His eyes remained closed, his head still pressed against the steering wheel.

"A boyfriend? Who are you referring to?" Heechul's tone held an undertone of confusion, mirroring the puzzle that had yet to be pieced together from the fragments of his disclosure.

"You heard me correctly. It's hard to believe, isn't it?"

"Are you sure about this? How did you find out?" Heechul's questions conveyed his own bewilderment, reflecting his attempt to grasp the situation from the scattered details.

"I witnessed them together. He emerged from her room in the middle of the night, and she even confessed 'I love you' to him right in front of me," he recounted the events of the previous night, his memory still fresh with the ache.

"Ah, it's about Taeyeon."

"What?" His brows knitted in confusion as he lifted his head, seeking Heechul's presence in the car.

"I was only addressing the situation with Taeyeon. I'm not familiar with the other person you're referring to," Heechul clarified, his words tinged with his characteristic sense of humor.

"She truly said that? It's astonishing. I had thought she might be bisexual," Heechul's casual observation earned him a playful punch from him, the frustration and irritation evident in his gesture.

"Are you crying? Seriously, are you gay?"

A wry smile tugged at his lips in response to Heechul's candid remark. "Perhaps I shouldn't have asked for your advice."

"I'll speak with her. Don't jump to conclusions just yet. Taeyeon having a boyfriend? It's a stretch to imagine. Even you, one of the most talented idols, couldn't meet her standards. How unfortunate," Heechul's straightforwardness led to another friendly punch.

"Easy, man. I'm just trying to lift your spirits."

"I appreciate your efforts," he retorted, the sarcasm evident in his tone.

"Don't mention it. Now, let's tackle the real issue. Do you still hold feelings for her?" Heechul's question cut to the chase, drawing a furrowed brow from him as he regarded Heechul skeptically.

"No, I don't. You should know that. Seriously," he responded, his tone tinged with sarcasm.

"I KNEW IT!" Heechul's exclamation was accompanied by an exaggerated applause, prompting an eye roll from him.

"Kindly exit my car. Your presence isn't helping."

"I'll speak to her, Baekhyun. It's important for you both to converse. Clarify things and resume your friendship," Heechul reassured him before stepping out of the car.

'Just be friends.'

The sentiment reverberated within him, a stark reminder of the challenges they faced.

Was the universe conspiring against them?

Even their most trusted confidants seemed to resist the notion of their relationship.

Could this be a sign? Should he relinquish his pursuit?

He had already surrendered to the situation. A foolish endeavor, perhaps.

The engine roared as he drove aimlessly, seeking solace and a breath of fresh air. "I simply need some space."

And there was a single destination that had always provided refuge.

.

At a coffee shop, Heechul initiated a conversation to Taeyeon by asking, "Can we talk?" Seated across from each other, he peered intently, displaying an unusual seriousness.

Taking a sip of her Iced Americano, she nodded in agreement. "Go ahead, you're already speaking."

"Is there something you need to share?" Heechul oppa inquired directly, his gaze unwavering. The shift in his demeanor was palpable.

"What do you mean?" Her heart fluttered with trepidation, sensing the gravity of the discussion.

Heechul oppa remained focused. "Why didn't you tell me about your boyfriend?"

"Boyfriend? Are you serious?" She managed to control her voice, preventing it from rising too high.

Glancing around the coffee shop, she observed that the other patrons were engrossed in their own conversations, oblivious to their discussion.

"You were with him last night, right?" Heechul oppa persisted, seemingly unruffled by her demeanor.

"Are you referring to that man?" She indicated Baekhyun's picture on the wall, using a subtle gesture.

"No, wait, were you with Baekhyun last night?" Heechul oppa leaned back, crossing his legs.

She rolled her eyes at his less-than-subtle approach.

"He thinks that?" She sighed, trying to convey her frustration.

"So it's true, you were with him," Heechul oppa mused, leaning forward as if to create an air of confidentiality.

"Oppa, are we still on this topic? I've already told you, he's a complete stranger," she reiterated, growing slightly exasperated.

He feigned hurt, adopting a playful tone. "Oh, that's harsh. Don't speak about him that way, Taeyeon. He's also my friend."

She shook her head dismissively. "I don't care about that. If you approached me just to ask about that, I'm disappointed."

"I'm disappointed too. Disappointed that you didn't share that you're already in a relationship. Come on, tell me. Who's the lucky guy?" Heechul oppa leaned in, as if sharing a secret.

"I've already told you, I'm not in a relationship. And if anyone told you otherwise, I might consider taking legal action," she muttered.

"Are you sure? So who was with you last night?"

She wondered what he was trying to uncover.

"Wait... Did he tell you that he saw someone with me last night?"

She suspected that he knew precisely who she was referring to.

"I won't tell unless you reveal who you were with last night."

"Must we keep revisiting this? I was with Jiwoong oppa the entire night for god's sake. He stayed over at my place and left in the morning. Are you suggesting that he assumed Jiwoong oppa is my boyfriend?"

Heechul oppa fell silent, his brow furrowing as he contemplated her explanation.

Shaking her head, she felt a sense of pity. He had clearly jumped to inaccurate conclusions about her.

"He believes I have a boyfriend? Well, let him. It would be better." she said as she took a final sip of her coffee.

She stood, ready to leave, when Heechul, still preoccupied in thought, managed to detain her.

"When will this end, Taeyeon? I don't understand you two. Especially you. Come on, just talk to him please."