still you | baekyeon

Chapter 22

Baekhyun's attention was fully focused on the phone call, discussing the necessary actions with the police. "Yes, yes. Do what you must. Check the surveillance cameras," he instructed, his voice determined. "How about the victim, sir? Can we ask her questions?" the voice on the other end inquired.

Baekhyun's gaze flickered to Taeyeon, who lay on his bed with her back turned to him. He shook his head slightly, even though the person on the phone couldn't see him. "No, not this time. She's traumatized," he responded, his voice holding a protective edge.

"And you, sir? We just need to find a lead so that it'll be easier for us to find the suspects," the voice continued.

Baekhyun's attention remained on Taeyeon, his thoughts filled with concern for her. "Sure. I'll be at the area in a few minutes. I'm just waiting for somebody to look after her," he explained, his eyes never leaving her form.

"Thank you, sir."

Baekhyun's gaze lingered on Taeyeon for a moment longer before he ended the call. He sighed softly, feeling a mix of frustration and helplessness. He wished he could take away her fear and pain, but he knew that only time and support could truly heal her wounds.

His thoughts drifted to his earlier conversation with the police as he stared at his phone screen. He found himself hoping for a message from Heechul, a friend who might offer some guidance or solace. But the screen remained empty, and Baekhyun was left to face his emotions alone.

His focus returned to Taeyeon as he walked closer to her. She lay there, seemingly asleep, her face partially obscured. His heart ached for her, and he couldn't help but reach out to caress her forehead gently with his thumb. The touch was tender, an attempt to soothe her even in her slumber.

Observing her breathing softly, Baekhyun's emotions churned within him. The sight of her in this vulnerable state only deepened his desire to protect her. He stepped even closer, kneeling beside her to get a better look.

With a conflicted expression, he finally leaned down and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. It was a gentle gesture, a promise he silently made to himself. "I'll make sure they'll go to jail. I don't know what kind of crime they planned to commit, but I'll make sure they'll pay for scaring you," he whispered, his voice tinged with determination.

He lingered by her side, his hand brushing against her cheek with a gentle touch. "Let me do this while you're not aware," he murmured, his words filled with both longing and a touch of sadness.

Baekhyun's actions continued as he reached out to search for her hand beneath the blanket. When he found it, he held it gently, his fingers intertwining with hers. He lifted her hand to his lips, pressing a series of tender kisses on her skin.

His emotions overwhelmed him, and he found himself confessing what had long been kept hidden within him. "I'm so in love with you," he admitted in a hushed tone, as if speaking the words aloud could somehow bring him solace.

Baekhyun was lost in his own thoughts and emotions, unaware of his surroundings. He stared at Taeyeon's peaceful face, feeling an overwhelming sense of love and protectiveness. He held her hand close to his heart, his grip gentle yet firm, as if vowing to shield her from harm.

But his private moment was abruptly interrupted when he heard gasps from the door. Startled, he turned his head to find five women standing there, their eyes wide and expressions shocked. Caught in a vulnerable moment, Baekhyun's heart raced as he realized the truth had been exposed – his feelings for Taeyeon were laid bare in front of them.

Baekhyun quickly let go of Taeyeon's hand and stood up as the other Girls' Generation members entered the room. He felt a mix of embarrassment and awkwardness at being caught in such a vulnerable moment. Hyoyeon cleared her throat, breaking the silence, "The door was open, so we just went in," she explained, her tone somewhat awkward.

Yoona chimed in, "Heechul oppa called me saying that something happened to Taeyeon unnie, so we rushed here. We didn't know this is your apartment."

The attention turned to Taeyeon, who was still peacefully asleep. Sooyoung stepped closer, likely wanting to check on her. Baekhyun could feel their concern for her and appreciated their support.

Baekhyun took a deep breath, attempting to calm himself down. He clenched his fist unconsciously as he remembered the faces of the men who had frightened Taeyeon. The memory of that incident fueled his determination to protect her.

As the questions began to flow, Baekhyun explained the situation to the Girls' Generation members. "I don't know what their intention was, but two men followed her," he shared, his voice carrying a mix of frustration and anger.

Trying to regain his composure, he took a deep breath and continued, "She called me saying she's in trouble. She's from SBS, so I thought it would be best if she came straight here."

Tiffany raised a question about the incident happening at his apartment. Baekhyun nodded, his gaze still focused on Taeyeon. "Yeah, that's why she had no other choice but to call me," he replied, his voice tinged with a sense of responsibility.

As the Girls' Generation members shared their own experiences of receiving Taeyeon's call before she called him, Baekhyun's heart went out to her. He understood the fear and urgency that must have driven her to reach out to anyone who could help.

Feeling grateful, the members thanked him for saving their sister. Baekhyun mustered a small smile and responded, "I'll be at the parking area. The police need me there. Please look after her. You can stay here; it's dangerous outside. If you need anything..."

He reached into his wallet and handed them a piece of paper. "Here's my phone number. Please take care of her," he said, his tone sincere. Yuri offered a reassuring smile, and Baekhyun appreciated the understanding that passed between them.

Baekhyun's gaze returned to Taeyeon, still peacefully lying on the bed with her eyes closed. "Please don't ask her questions yet; she's still traumatized," he reminded them, his protective instincts strong. The members nodded in agreement, assuring him that they would handle the situation with care.

With one final glance at Taeyeon, Baekhyun whispered to himself, "Hope you're okay." His concern for her was evident in his eyes as he turned and left the room, his thoughts consumed by the events of the day and his determination to keep her safe.