still you | baekyeon

Chapter 32

Inside the descending elevator, an unusual gesture caught Baekhyun's attention. Taeyeon's grip on his arm tightened, her eyes tightly shut, and her other hand clenched into a fist. Concerned, he gazed at her, asking about her condition. "Are you alright? What's happening?" he inquired, a tinge of worry in his voice.

Her eyes remained shut as she spoke softly, her words sounding strained. "I'm fine, my vision just became blurry for a moment. I'm okay now," she assured, though he sensed something amiss beneath her forced smile.

Not wholly convinced, Baekhyun persisted, "Are you sure you don't need to see a doctor? You're looking pale." He noticed the fading hue of her lips and felt his worry intensify.

Declining his offer of medical attention, she responded, "No, I'm alright now," her gaze meeting his despite the unease in her eyes.

Responding to his concerns, Baekhyun wrapped his arms around her and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. "If you're feeling unwell, don't hesitate to tell me," he urged, his embrace offering comfort and reassurance. However, his concern remained, and he kept his eyes on her as the elevator doors opened.

Guiding her out, he maintained his focus on her well-being, holding her elbow and wrist, offering his silent support. Her intermittent closing of her eyes did not escape his notice, a detail that heightened his worry.

As they made their way to the exit, both managers were waiting, and Baekhyun cleared the path for their departure. Bodyguards formed a protective circle as the growing crowd outside heightened the tension. Baekhyun adjusted Taeyeon's hoodie, ensuring her face was shielded from the flashing cameras. Her manager questioned her well-being, to which she replied that she was fine with a nod.

Navigating the throngs of people, insults and taunts were hurled their way, directed at both of them. Baekhyun's grip on Taeyeon's hand tightened unintentionally, drawing her comment that he was causing pain. He released his grip quickly, his apology swift.

Offering whispered words of comfort, he covered her ears with his hands, trying to shield her from the vitriolic words of the crowd. However, he couldn't prevent her tears from forming. As the crowd's hostility escalated, Taeyeon suddenly collapsed, falling unconscious in his arms.

Shocked initially, Baekhyun quickly regained his focus, his urgency evident as he knelt to support her. Panic set in as he called for his manager and held her limp form. Gently, he whispered to her, cupping her face, before lifting her in a bridal carry. Fueled by concern, he sprinted towards their waiting car.

Amidst the hateful cries, he ignored the venomous words of the crowd. His priority was Taeyeon's well-being. Entrusting his car keys to his manager, he placed Taeyeon in the backseat before his manager sped away. Her manager occupied the front seat, and the car raced towards their destination.

Holding Taeyeon close, he pleaded for her recovery. Unconscious in his arms, she was his sole focus as he whispered his concern and love, tears falling unchecked from his eyes.

Her manager expressed his concern, noting that this was the first time she had ever fainted, even after her strenuous concerts.

Suppressing his emotions, Baekhyun clenched his lips tightly in response to the overwhelming guilt he felt. He blamed himself for the situation, and the weight of it was almost suffocating.

After a tense few minutes, they arrived at the nearest hospital. The emergency team swiftly took charge, rolling Taeyeon's unconscious body on a stretcher into the emergency room, accompanied by a flurry of medical personnel.

Baekhyun aided them by pushing the stretcher, holding her hand tightly as they rushed to the emergency room. He whispered words of encouragement to her pale face, his attention solely on her throughout the chaotic journey.

His thoughts were consumed by Taeyeon, the rest of the world a distant blur.

As they approached the entrance to the emergency room, a nurse stopped Baekhyun from entering. His eyes widened, and his mouth hung slightly open in surprise.

"Baekhyun!" The voice of Tiffany, a familiar presence, broke through his thoughts. He turned to find the source.

"What happened to Taeyeon? Is she okay?" Tiffany's concerned inquiry was accompanied by the rest of the Girls' Generation members.

"She fainted," Baekhyun responded with a detached tone, his emotions buried deep.

"Fainted? How?" Sooyoung questioned, her surprise evident. "You mean she actually fainted? That's unusual; Taeyeon almost never faints," Seohyun chimed in.

"Actually, this is the first time she's ever fainted," Sunny added, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

Baekhyun nodded, his expression distant as he leaned against the sterile white wall. The feeling of exhaustion and guilt weighed heavily on him.

Tiffany, known as Tiffany Young, lowered herself to his level with concern in her voice. "Are you alright, Baekhyun?"

Managing a nod, Baekhyun's gaze shifted downward as he closed his eyes, his mind swirling with a storm of thoughts.

Stay strong, Taeyeon. Stay strong.