still you | baekyeon

Chapter 29

In the midst of laughter and amusement, the girls entered an empty elevator as its doors slid open.

"HAHAHAHA, it's so funny! Did you see Taeyeon's reaction?" Hyoyeon exclaimed, her laughter ringing through the confined space as she clapped her hands in delight.

"Did you catch that 'tss'? Her eyes looked like they were about to pull Yoona's hair!" Sooyoung chimed in, joining the laughter and sharing a high-five with Hyoyeon.

As the elevator descended, Yuri added, "Taeyeon really looked intimidating. Great job, Yoona. Let's see if she'll be mad at you."

"Hahaha, I hope not. Of course, I'm quite the actress. Why wouldn't I do well?" Yoona responded with pride. Turning towards Sooyoung, she reached out her hand in a playful mock gesture for Sooyoung's black card.

"Not now. We're not done yet," Sooyoung teased with a smirk.

Yoona playfully sighed in defeat, "Ah, I saw that coming."

"I told you, never trust Sooyoung," Tiffany added, sharing her wise perspective.

Upon reaching the parking area, bustling with people, Tiffany let out an expletive in response to the situation.

"Call her. I'll call Baekhyun," Sooyoung instructed, prompting the group to disperse and head to their respective cars.

Amidst a crowd of reporters, who were engrossed in something nearby, they managed to slip through unnoticed.

This was certainly not a favorable situation.

Quickly retrieving her phone from her pocket, Yoona started driving while dialing Sunny's number. As she waited for Sunny to answer, she couldn't help but wonder how the news had spread.

"How did they find out? Did someone leak it?" Yoona muttered to herself, her mind racing.

"Hello?" Sunny's voice came through the line, sounding groggy as though she had just woken up.

"Unnie, it's Yoona."

"Oh, Yoona. Did you go to see Taeyeon? Is she okay? I'm sorry, I couldn't make it. My schedule's packed."

Unsure of how to break the news, Yoona replied, "Unnie, that's not why I'm calling..."

"What's wrong?"

"There are reporters outside Baekhyun's apartment. They already know what's happening. Can you call Boss Lee Soo Man? He's probably aware already."

"Baekhyun? What are you talking about?"

"It's a long story, unnie. Byun Baekhyun saved her from those guys. We spent the night at his place."

"Oh, I see. Okay, I'll call him. Let me know if everyone's gathering. I'll try to join," Sunny assured before ending the call.

Taking a deep breath, Yoona felt the weight of the situation sinking in. They're back to the scandal again.
.

He handed her a plain black hoodie, which she accepted and put on. He carefully pulled the hood over her head, and then handed her a mask and aviators. Together, they left his apartment, his left hand holding hers.

Observing his grip, she remarked, "Your hand."

Innocently, he raised his right hand that was previously tucked in his pocket, his eyes meeting hers. He didn't release her hand.

She rolled her eyes at his childish behavior. "Tss."

As they walked towards the elevator, they exchanged a knowing look, understanding their unspoken agreement.

Arriving at the elevator, she felt her phone vibrating in her pocket. Recognizing the caller as Tiffany, she answered, "Hello?"

"Taeyeon!"

Beside her, Baekhyun's phone also rang. He glanced at the screen and informed her, "It's Sooyoung noona."

Curious, she asked, "Tiffany, is there a problem?"

"Where are you now?" Tiffany's tone sounded urgent, almost panicked.

"I'm—"

"No matter where you are, just go back to Baekhyun's apartment."

Her forehead creased with confusion. "Huh? Why?"

"There are reporters outside, it's dangerous!"

Baekhyun's eyes widened at the news, his surprise mirroring hers. They exchanged alarmed glances just as the elevator doors slid open, revealing a barrage of camera flashes.

"Shit," Baekhyun cursed under his breath. He pulled her close into a protective embrace and confidently stepped out of the elevator, greeted by a cacophony of voices from the waiting reporters.

Seeing the swarm of journalists, she inwardly berated herself for not anticipating this situation.

Thankfully, guards were stationed nearby, creating a path for them to move. Baekhyun held her tightly as they maneuvered through the chaos, his arms offering her a sense of security.

Opting to leave the building, they dashed outside before the reporters could infiltrate the elevator. The barrage of questions followed them, a relentless barrage of curiosity.

"What happened with Kim Taeyeon's incident? Why is Byun Baekhyun involved?"

"Did the accident happen here at Baekhyun's apartment? How did you end up here?"

"Are you two still together?"

"Is it true that you were with Byun Baekhyun before the incident occurred?"

"Who do you think the suspects are? Why would anyone target you?"

The onslaught of questions continued until they reached Baekhyun's car. He swiftly opened the passenger door for her and guided her in, before quickly making his way to the driver's seat. With practiced calm, he ignored the reporters and drove away at a rapid pace.

Inside the car, she stared down at her trembling hands, trying to will her tears to stay at bay. She had foreseen the likelihood of this situation, yet not quite in these circumstances.

Baekhyun took her left hand into his own, holding it firmly. "I'm scared," she whispered.

Despite his own trembling hand, he kept his grip strong. Nervousness radiated from him, but he remained steadfast. "Everything will be fine. Trust me," he reassured her.