still you | baekyeon

Chapter 21

Byun Baekhyun listened from his spot inside the van as Chanyeol brought up Lee Hyeri's closeness to Taeyeon. He couldn't help but notice the subtle interaction between Jongin and Chanyeol, and he decided to feign ignorance by focusing on the passing scenery outside the window.

They arrived at the TVN studio and received instructions from the production team about their appearance on "Amazing Saturday." The show began, and Baekhyun found himself immersed in the entertaining atmosphere. Positioned between Jongin and Chanyeol, he sat beside Lee Hyeri, a senior who was two years younger than him.

As the cast interacted and introduced themselves, the game commenced. The first song to guess the lyrics of was Hyoyeon's "Dessert."

"Ah, Hyoyeon noona," Chanyeol mentioned, a comment that didn't escape Baekhyun's attention. He sensed Kai's gaze on him but chose to ignore it, maintaining his focus on the game.

"It's convenient that you're from the same company, right?" Mr. Donghyun inquired, to which Baekhyun smiled and nodded. Hyeri chimed in, "Then we're in good hands with EXO's ace."

The segment played a part of Loopy's rap, and Chanyeol's quick guess skills came to the forefront as he accurately identified the lyrics in one attempt.

After the round, the cast enjoyed a delicious dish from Jeonju, savoring the flavors during a well-deserved 20-minute break before moving on to the next game. The excitement of the show was contagious, and Baekhyun found himself thoroughly engaged in the experience.

.

After a long and exhausting day, Baekhyun found himself lying on his bed, his frustration evident for some reasons he didn't what, as he hit his own head. He realized that he was spiraling into his own thoughts until a sudden phone call broke his reverie, snapping him back to reality. Grateful for the interruption, he answered the call, his voice weary.

As he greeted the caller with a casual "Hello," Baekhyun's demeanor changed abruptly upon hearing the trembling voice on the other end – a voice he recognized all too well. His fatigue seemed to vanish as he straightened up, focusing on the conversation.

"B-Baekhyun... I-I'm scared..." Taeyeon's words sent a jolt of worry through him, pushing him to sit up fully in bed and glance at the caller ID to confirm her identity.

"H-hello?" he stammered, concern evident in his tone as he waited for her to speak further.

"B-Baekhyun..." Her voice quivered, and Baekhyun felt a surge of urgency, his heart racing as he imagined her in distress.

"What's the matter? Where are you?" He questioned, his voice quickening as he instinctively grabbed his jacket and sneakers, readying himself to leave.

She hesitated, leaving a heavy silence hanging in the air. "Where are you??" Baekhyun pressed, his worry growing more palpable.

Then he heard her say, "I-I just drove from... from SBS. Two black cars, I'm t-trying to go fast, one might o-overtake and sandwich me..."

Fighting against his own anxiety, Baekhyun advised her urgently, "Listen, go straight here, you'll be in trouble if you went straight home alone. I'll be waiting at the parking area, park at 1B you'll find me there."

He waited for her response, his tension building as he clutched the phone tightly. But silence persisted on the other end, making his unease intensify.

"Taeyeon?" he called out, his voice almost desperate.

No response came, and Baekhyun's heart raced with worry. "Taeyeon! Can you hear me?!" he cried out, uncaring of the people around him.

Still, no answer came, sending panic coursing through him. "Taeyeon--"

"One's trying to o-overtake..."

His heart clenched as he demanded, "Where are you now??"

"I... I can s-see the building. Baekhyun, Baekhyun p-please s-save me again..."

Baekhyun's determination surged as he assured her, "Okay okay, just do what I said, yeah?"

In a matter of seconds, he spotted her car entering the parking area, but his heart sank as he witnessed a black car suddenly overtake hers, causing her to stop. The cars came to a halt, trapping her.

Dread churned within him, urging him to action. He sprinted towards them, his adrenaline pumping as he took on the men who had emerged from the black cars.

As he successfully fended them off, he ran to Taeyeon's car, her safety his top priority. "Taeyeon! It's me, please open the door!!" he shouted, his voice frantic.

Finally, she managed to unlock the door, and Baekhyun wasted no time in pulling her wrist, urging her to move. Leaving the two men on the ground, they hurried towards the elevator, Baekhyun's anxiety spurring them on.

Inside the elevator, Taeyeon clung to him, her trembling form seeking comfort. Instinctively, Baekhyun wrapped his arms around her, offering solace in the midst of her fear.

"It's okay... I'm here, you're safe," he reassured her, his touch gentle as he rubbed her back, his heart aching for her. The sobs he heard only intensified his desire to protect her, his own worries momentarily forgotten as he held her close.

In that moment, their individual struggles and conflicts seemed distant – what mattered was the safety and solace she found in his arms.