still you | baekyeon

Chapter 26

"I'm sorry, I was just carried away. U-uhm..." Baekhyun's voice wavered as he cleared his throat, attempting to regain his composure. "Do you need something? Water? Are you hungry? Stay here, I'll go get you something to eat." He rose from his seat, a flurry of nervous energy propelling him forward. However, before he could take more than a step, a gentle yet firm grip caught his wrist, halting his movement.

"Don't go..." The plea in her voice tugged at his heart, causing him to furrow his brows as he looked down at her.

"I-I'm gonna get you something to eat; it's nearly morning. You haven't eaten yet." He tried to reason, gently pulling his hand from her grasp.

"Ask the girls, they'll understand," she suggested, her voice carrying a mix of vulnerability and insistence.

"No. They're my seniors. I'll be back," he affirmed, his determination unwavering as he took a step towards the door, his intent to leave the room.

She seemed to relent, allowing him to pass through the threshold and exit her immediate space. Baekhyun walked out into the common area, where the girls were sitting on the couch, their concern palpable.

"How's she?" Hyoyeon inquired, the worry in her tone reflecting her genuine care.

"She's fine. C-can you look after her? I'm gonna go get some food for us," Baekhyun requested, his gaze flitting between them.

A chorus of nods greeted his request as the girls stood up, ready to provide the comfort and support Taeyeon needed.

Stepping out of the room, Baekhyun made his way down to the parking area, his disguise still in place. Thoughts of the harrowing incident from the previous night weighed heavily on his mind, and his clenched fists betrayed his lingering agitation.

Upon reaching his lawyer's side, he inquired about the ongoing investigation. "How's the investigation?" he asked, his voice a mix of concern and anticipation.

"We don't have enough evidence to solve the puzzle. The blood will take days to examine. But don't worry, we're doing our best to find the suspects. We're on the verge of solving two more pieces," Lawyer Shin reassured him, offering a glimmer of hope in the midst of uncertainty.

Baekhyun nodded slowly, his eyes still fixed on the scene in front of him, his mind churning with a mixture of determination and anxiety.

"How's Ms. Kim Taeyeon?" Lawyer Shin inquired as he turned his attention toward Baekhyun.

"She had a nightmare, something bad has happened to me. But her friends are there," Baekhyun responded, relaying the update on Taeyeon's condition.

Lawyer Shin nodded in understanding, absorbing the information Baekhyun provided.

Amidst their conversation, a police officer approached them, his focus directed at Baekhyun. "There are fingerprints found on the window of the car and on the front. Sir, do you remember how the suspects touched the car?" he asked.

Baekhyun pointed towards the window, recalling that he had lightly tapped it a few times as he tried to convince Taeyeon to come out. "That fingerprint's mine," he admitted. Then, he indicated an area near the car's light. "And that, I think, is one of the suspects'."

The experts took over, diligently examining the fingerprint evidence as part of their investigation.

"Take a break. You're working hard," Baekhyun offered, his hand patting the police officer's shoulder in a supportive gesture before bidding him farewell and explaining that he was headed to grab some food.

"Watch yourself," the officer responded, his tone filled with gratitude as he rejoined the investigative team.

Baekhyun made his way back to his car and swiftly drove to a nearby convenience store. Inside, he gathered packs of ramyeon and a variety of other items. His selection leaned heavily towards sweets, remembering Taeyeon's preferences.