still you | baekyeon

Chapter 23

Upon the sound of the door opening and closing, Taeyeon's eyes fluttered open, leaving her fellow group members in a state of bewilderment. Despite her wakefulness, she had heard everything that had transpired during her supposed slumber.

Sitting up in bed, her back pressed against the headboard, she contemplated the situation. Her thoughts echoed with everything she had overheard – every whispered concern, every accusation, every caring inquiry.

Approaching her, Tiffany was the first to speak. "Taeyeon, are you okay?" The others followed suit, their worry evident as they clustered around her.

Offering a subtle nod, Taeyeon released a sigh and glanced at her hand, where the sensation of his lips lingered. Tiffany's inquiry continued, "Do you want something?"

With a soft, grateful smile, Taeyeon responded, "I'll go get you water, unnie." Yoona, eager to assist, promptly moved toward the door.

Addressing her friends, Taeyeon questioned, "Why are you all here? Aren't you busy or something?" She was wary of inconveniencing them.

Tiffany's voice brimmed with incredulity. "How can you ask something like that? Of course, we'll be here. Something almost happened to you, Kim Taeyeon!"

Amid their concern, Taeyeon attempted to assure them, "I'm... I'm okay." Despite her words, her true feelings were far from okay.

Hyoyeon interjected, offering words of solace. "It's okay to not be okay. Don't force yourself to feel okay or you'll burst. Do we have to take you to the hospital?" Her empathy was palpable.

Sooyoung chimed in, "It's dangerous outside, Hyoyeon. There are lots of people out there. Maybe we should call a doctor." She reached for her phone, but before she could make the call, Taeyeon interjected, "I'm okay, really. I was just shocked by the sudden happenings, but I'm okay." She offered a reassuring smile, encouraging them.

However, her attempt to reassure was thwarted as a sudden wave of dizziness and a throbbing headache overcame her. She closed her eyes, attempting to regain her composure.

Tiffany's frustration surfaced again, as she questioned, "Why were you alone? Wasn't your manager with you? Fire him immediately and find a new one." Yuri stepped in to prevent Tiffany's tirade from escalating.

"He's not feeling well," Taeyeon offered as an explanation.

Tiffany continued, seemingly on a roll. "An assistant? A stylist? You should've brought someone with you."

"I don't need a stylist. I was just recording a song," Taeyeon responded, trying to quell Tiffany's concerns.

Tiffany's curiosity then turned to the heart of the matter. "Why him? Why did you call him instead of someone else?" Her focus was squarely on Baekhyun, and the room fell into an awkward silence.

Unable to contain her frustration, Tiffany's tone grew more pointed. "She said she's okay! I just want to know why, of all people, she called her ex-boyfriend!"

Taeyeon remained silent, her gaze fixed on her hand, the lingering memory of his lips still present.

As the tension lingered, the door creaked open once again, revealing Yoona with a glass of water. "Unnie, drink this," she offered, breaking the uncomfortable silence.

Taking the glass, Taeyeon responded, "Thank you," before taking a few sips.

Tiffany's frustration found voice again. "Do you know what we saw when you were asleep? Do you know what we heard the moment we walked into this room?"

Taeyeon's group members were clearly grappling with a mix of concern, confusion, and frustration. The room was charged with emotions, and Taeyeon found herself caught in the center of it all.

.

Upon reaching the parking area, Byun Baekhyun took the initiative to announce his presence. Disguised to ensure anonymity, his surroundings were filled with curious onlookers, all unaware of his true identity. The presence of only police officers and detectives provided a sense of privacy, sheltering the unfolding scene from prying eyes.

A hushed exchange of words drifted to his ears from behind. "Sunbaenim, isn't he Byun Baekhyun?" A rookie officer's voice held a note of intrigue. Another officer promptly silenced the speculation. "Hey, watch your mouth, you rookie," came the retort.

A trio of police officers, led by Officer Jung Man Se of Seoul Suseo Police Station, approached him. "Sir, I'm Police Officer Jung Man Se of Seoul Suseo Police Station, is the victim your relative?"

With a calm demeanor, he answered their inquiry. "She's—a friend."

"Here's the stuff we found inside his car, even her driver's license, the car isn't damaged, the suspects left so fast." A ziplock bag containing her belongings was handed to him, evidence of the swift departure of the suspects from her car.

He inquired about the CCTV footage, and Officer Jung Man Se confirmed that the altercation had been captured on camera. The presence of blood left behind by the thwarted assailants was highlighted, a fortunate turn of events aiding their investigation.

A phone was presented, displaying the surveillance video. He accepted the offer to have a copy of it for safekeeping as evidence. His attention returned to the police's activities, noting their meticulous scan of the surroundings.

"Thank you, it's done," he acknowledged, handing back the phone and concealing his own in his pocket. The mention of his lawyer's impending arrival from Incheon underscored the gravity of the situation.

The officer's curiosity couldn't be contained. "Is she Kim Taeyeon? The superstar Kim Taeyeon?" He responded with a cautious nod.

"Ahh, That's why you want no cameras allowed. This issue will be big if that's the case," The officer's realization of the implications prompted him to enforce a strict no-camera policy, recognizing the potential media frenzy.

With a request to fill out information for the investigation, he hesitated briefly before deciding to provide his name. Handing back the completed paper, he observed the officer's widened eyes and took the moment to unveil his identity by removing his mask. The gasps that reverberated through the onlookers were anticipated, yet he had chosen to reveal himself on his own terms.

A familiar voice called out his name, prompting him to turn. "Byun Baekhyun," Lawyer Shin's greeting was met with a handshake. Offering his hand to the officer,

Baekhyun introduced Lawyer Shin as a friend from Songdo, the officers gave a nod and salute of respect before discussing things with each other.

"Go on, I'll take it from here. She needs you." With a knowing glance, Lawyer Shin urged him to prioritize being by her side.

Baekhyun gave reassuring pat on his shoulder, "I trust you."

He was aware that the investigation was now in capable hands. Despite his urge to be involved, he recognized the significance of offering her his unwavering support in the aftermath.