still you | baekyeon

Chapter 31

Sitting in the CEO's office, the gravity of the situation settled over the room. Both Baekhyun and Taeyeon bowed as they entered, offering a gesture of respect to the assembly of high-ranking figures. The CEOs, department heads, managers, directors – a consortium of influence – had convened.

"Please, have a seat," the CEO's voice resonated, inviting them to occupy the available chairs. The tension in the room was palpable, everyone keenly aware of the gravity of the situation.

Taking a deep breath, Baekhyun exchanged a quick glance with Taeyeon before moving to a sofa with an open space beside him. He waited for her to sit, then took his place beside her.

As they settled, the atmosphere grew more solemn. The gaze of the entire room converged on them, and the CEOs studied their demeanors.

"Taeyeon, are you alright? Did you sustain any injuries?" Chairman Lee Soo Man's concern was evident in his inquiry.

"Y-Yes, sir. I'm alright," Taeyeon replied, her voice betraying a hint of trepidation.

Baekhyun instinctively placed a reassuring hand on her back, gently rubbing it to convey his support.

The tension among the officials was palpable, and his manager cleared his throat, signaling Baekhyun to remove his hand. The unspoken message was clear: maintain decorum in front of the company's upper echelons.

He complied, sitting up straight and composed.

"Please provide us with a detailed account of what transpired that night," Lee Soo Man's voice was measured and commanding.

Taeyeon glanced at Baekhyun briefly before her gaze returned to her fidgeting hands. Her narrative began with her journey home from a song recording for a drama OST at SBS.

The room was hushed as she spoke, recounting how she had felt followed by two suspicious black cars. Her voice trembled as she explained how the cars blocked her, her panic palpable even in her retelling.

Baekhyun ached to hold her, to offer comfort, but he remained still, his hands clenched in his lap.

"Why is Baekhyun involved in this, Taeyeon?" CEO Lee Sungsoo's inquiry echoed through the room.

Baekhyun's heart skipped a beat, his pulse quickening. He braced himself for what was to come, but the CEO silenced him with a raised hand, preventing him from speaking.

Gazing downward, he suppressed his urge to react, glancing at Taeyeon, whose hands continued their nervous dance.

Baekhyun's name resurfaced in the conversation, and he watched as the CEO's gaze turned to him, eyes searching for answers.

"Baekhyun, perhaps you are connected to the suspects?" The question hung in the air, weighted with implications.

His brows furrowed in bewilderment, his manager moved to defend him, but the CEO's interruption cut him off.

"Baekhyun, please respond."

Surprised by the question, he replied, "No, sir, I am not. I am also a victim."

Lee Sungsoo shifted his attention to Taeyeon, who continued her testimony, recounting how she had called him in her desperation.

"Why were you with her, Baekhyun?"

"I received her call while I was returning from TvN, approximately half an hour before I reached home. She was frightened, so I instructed her to come directly to my apartment building, as it was nearby. I arrived at the parking lot, where her car was cornered by the two black vehicles. I was worried for her safety, and the next thing I knew, she was with me."