still you | baekyeon

Chapter 30

Upon entering her apartment, they immediately embraced each other, the embrace a refuge from the turmoil outside.

"Are you okay? How are you feeling?" His hands cupped her cheeks, his concern evident in his eyes.

"I-I don't know," she admitted, her voice wavering.

He held her close once more, his arms offering comfort. "Everything will be fine... Alright? We'll be fine."

A solitary tear slipped down her cheek, mingling with the embrace. She clung to him, finding solace in his presence.

The thought of her family crossed her mind; their worry must be unbearable.

"Let's get your things packed. You'll be staying at my home temporarily," he suggested.

Her hesitation was immediate. "W-what? Baekhyun, it'll be dangerous—"

"But it will be more dangerous if you stay here alone. Let them think what they want, but I won't risk your safety. Something might happen to you."

Her protest wavered under his conviction. "You don't have to—"

"But I want to. Please trust me on this," he urged, his hand finding hers.

Together, they entered her bedroom. He opened her closet as she fetched a bag, the process beginning swiftly.

"Let's hurry while the reporters aren't here yet. I messaged my lawyer; he said he'll call us once the reporters have left," he informed her, his voice steady.

Nodding, she focused on the task at hand.

"We'll go to SM," he stated.

"Why?" she inquired, puzzled.

"Our presence is needed there. Will you change?"

Nodding again, she grabbed a random outfit before heading into the bathroom for a quick shower.

Emerging from the bathroom, she found him seated on her couch in the living room.

"Are you done? You should dry your hair; it's cold outside," he reminded her.

She concurred, sensing the chill in the air. "Ahh, yes. Wait here." She retreated back to the bathroom, fetching the hair dryer.

"Let me." His voice startled her as she turned, finding him standing behind her.

Before she could object, he'd taken the hair dryer from her and begun to gently dry her hair. His fingers combed through her damp locks, the gesture surprisingly soothing.

In mere moments, her hair was dry and in place. "Thank you," she murmured, genuinely appreciative.

He took her hand and led her back into the living area, his presence unwaveringly protective. It was as if he was guarding her against the world beyond those walls.

.

"I believe there are reporters outside," Baekhyun's voice broke the silence as they neared the SM Company building.

Peering out the window, Taeyeon's heartbeat quickened at the sight of a throng of reporters, cameras aimed their way. A wave of unease swept over her, but his hand in hers offered a small comfort. "Are you ready?" he inquired.

Her response was lost in her racing thoughts. Ready? Not at all.

"Let's go," he said, planting a gentle kiss on her lips before stepping out of the car. A circle of bodyguards encircled them as they moved, forming a protective barrier around Baekhyun's car.

The cacophony of noise outside grew louder, a chorus of questions and camera clicks mingling in the air. Bodyguards awaited her exit, but it was Baekhyun who opened her door, making her heart race even faster. She squeezed his hand as they stepped into the tumultuous scene. The clamor intensified, voices blending into an incomprehensible buzz.

The onslaught of camera flashes assaulted her senses. She tried to focus, but the barrage was overwhelming. Amidst the chaos, questions rained down on them, a jumbled mess that she struggled to decipher.

Holding her hand, Baekhyun guided her through the barrage. But then, a piercing accusation cut through the noise, "You bitch, you seduced our Baekhyun oppa!" The vitriolic words were accompanied by a cold, wet sensation as a slushie struck her face.

A collective gasp swept through the crowd, her shocked expression mirrored in the faces around her. The frozen beverage had hit its mark, drenching her in icy humiliation. Stunned, she stood frozen, unable to react as the cold liquid trickled down her skin.

"Shit," Baekhyun's expletive punctuated the scene. Swiftly, he used his handkerchief to wipe the slushie from her face, his grip on her hand never faltering. His protective stance was evident as he drew her closer to shield her from further harm.

Amidst the crowd's clamor, they finally reached the safety of the building's entrance. The heavy door closed behind them, shutting out the chaos.

With the immediate danger abated, she couldn't hold back her tears any longer. Her body trembled as she wept, her pent-up emotions finding release.

Baekhyun's arms enveloped her, offering solace in the midst of the storm. "I'm here, I'm here. Everything's gonna be okay," he whispered soothingly, his hand rubbing her back.

"Don't cry, I'm here," he murmured, his words a balm to her distress.

When he finally let go, their manager approached, a pragmatic tone overriding the emotion of the moment. "I knew this was gonna happen. Take a shower and change. Wear this," he instructed.

Baekhyun's attire also bore the slushie's mark, evidence of his protective act earlier. Their managers led the way, directing them to the restroom facilities.

As she emerged from the shower, Baekhyun was waiting, his presence a source of strength. "Come on," he urged, holding her hand once more.

His confidence remained unwavering as they navigated through curious stares. They proceeded toward the elevator, his grip on her hand steadfast.

"Our managers are waiting for us in the CEO's office," he informed her, his voice reassuring despite the tumultuous circumstances.

"What should we say to the media? Mr. Lee Soo Man might inquire," she asked, voicing her concern.

"Do you love me?" Baekhyun's question caught her off guard, its timing perplexing.

Brows furrowing, she regarded him with surprise. "W-What? Why are you asking that out of the blue?" Her words stumbled out, a mixture of astonishment and puzzlement.

"Just answer me," he pressed, his gaze unwavering.

"A-All right... I-I don't know, honestly," she stuttered, her reply awkward and uncertain.

She felt his smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes.