The soft ping of the elevator signaled my arrival at the ground floor. Stepping out, I was met with the bustling energy of the JYP Entertainment building. Internally, I steeled myself for what awaited beyond those glass doors—cameras, reporters, and the unpredictable world of the media.

Sure enough, as the doors slid open, a flurry of camera flashes greeted me. A horde of reporters stood in the lobby, microphones extended like weapons, ready to seize any statement or reaction. The air crackled with tension as questions were fired at me from all directions.

"Hyejin, can you confirm your relationship with Taehyung?"

"How did your trip with him come about?"

"Are you worried about the impact on your career?"

Maintaining my composure, I stepped forward, ignoring the chaos without letting it consume me.

I kept my gaze forward, a determined expression on my face. The security team formed a protective barrier around me, guiding me through the crowd. Yeon, a towering presence, spoke with authority.

"No comments at this time. Please give us some space."

The reporters persisted, but Yeon's firm stance deterred them from getting too close. As we approached the exit, the intensity of the media frenzy reached its peak. The glass doors swung open, revealing a chaotic scene outside.

A barrage of camera flashes blinded me momentarily as the shouting from the reporters echoed in the open space. Yeon ushered me towards the waiting vehicle, a sleek black van with tinted windows. The security team formed a tight perimeter, ensuring no one breached the boundaries.

Once inside the van, the outside world muffled into a distant hum. The reporters' shouts were reduced to background noise, and the tinted windows shielded me from prying eyes. Yeon took a moment to assess the situation before turning to me with a nod.

"We'll take the back exit to avoid the crowd at the front," he said, his voice calm and reassuring.

As the van sped away from the chaotic scene, Yeon maneuvered skillfully through the bustling Seoul streets. The paparazzi, relentless in their pursuit, tailgated us, their cameras flashing like strobe lights in the rearview mirror.

"Hold on, Hyejin. We'll lose them," Yeon assured, his eyes focused on the road ahead. The tension in the air was palpable as the chase intensified.

"Why are they so persistent?" I muttered, frustration evident in my voice.

"They smell a story, and they won't stop until they get it. But we'll make sure they don't get more than they bargained for," Yeon replied, his tone unwavering.

As the pursuit continued, Yeon skillfully led the paparazzi on a strategic chase, weaving through narrow alleys and side streets. Despite his composed demeanor, I couldn't help but notice the subtle glances he stole in the rearview mirror, his eyes meeting mine briefly before returning to the road.

"Are you okay, Hyejin?" he asked, his voice softening. "This is a lot to handle."

"I've dealt with worse," I replied, brushing off the concern. "Let's just get this over with."

The van eventually reached the back entrance of my apartment building, but the paparazzi were relentless. Yeon skillfully blocked their view as I slipped into the building, grateful for the temporary respite.

Yeon joined me in the elevator, and as the doors closed, he flashed a sly smile. "Looks like we managed to shake them off. I told you I've got things under control."

I nodded, a hint of skepticism in my expression. The elevator ascended, and Yeon's demeanor shifted slightly. He leaned against the wall, closer than necessary, his eyes lingering on mine.

The elevator pinged, and the doors slid open to my apartment floor. I stepped out, feeling a strange mixture of relief and exhaustion. Yeon followed closely, his eyes scanning the hallway as if anticipating trouble.

"You handled that well back there," he remarked, his voice low and edged with a hint of admiration.

I offered a small nod, my mind already racing with thoughts of what awaited me inside my apartment.

As we approached my unit, Taehyung stood up from the floor, his eyes widening with a mix of concern and relief.

"Hyejin, are you okay?" he asked, his voice tight with worry.

Jimin, standing beside Taehyung, shot a skeptical glance at Yeon. The tension in the air was palpable, a silent standoff between Taehyung and my bodyguard.

"I'm fine, Taehyung," I assured him, stepping past Yeon. "Just another day in the life, you know."

Taehyung's gaze lingered on me for a moment before shifting to Yeon. "Who's this?" he asked, his tone firm.

"Yeon, my bodyguard," I answered, shooting a warning look at Jimin, who seemed ready to interrogate Yeon on the spot.

Yeon, with a cocky grin, extended a hand toward Taehyung. "Nice to meet you. I keep things safe for Hyejin."

Taehyung's jaw tightened, but he shook Yeon's hand, the unspoken tension lingering in the air.

Jimin, still suspicious, crossed his arms, sizing up the situation.

Yeon, unfazed, glanced at his watch. "I've done my job for the day. Hyejin is safe and sound. I'll leave you two to catch up."

As Yeon made his exit, the atmosphere in the hallway lightened, but Jimin's eyes followed him until he disappeared from view.

"Everything okay?" Taehyung asked, turning his attention back to me.

"Just a little shaken up," I replied, leading him into my apartment.

Jimin followed, his guard still up.

As the door closed behind us, I could feel the weight of the day settling in. The media circus, the paparazzi chase, and now the scrutiny from someone within the company – it was all too much.

Taehyung took my hand, his concern evident. "I was worried about you. I rushed here as soon as I found out."

I managed a tired smile, appreciating the support.

Jimin, sensing the need for a moment of privacy, excused himself to give us some space. Taehyung led me to the living room, and we sank onto the couch, the events of the day catching up with us.

"Did that guy bother you?" Taehyung asked, a hint of protectiveness in his voice.

I squeezed Taehyung's hand, feeling the warmth of his fingers against mine. "Nah, Yeon's just doing his job. Bodyguard duty and all that."

Taehyung raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "Is it just me, or did he seem a bit too interested in doing his job?"

I chuckled, leaning against him. "You're imagining things."

Taehyung's gaze softened, and he traced circles on the back of my hand with his thumb. "Well, if he steps out of line, you know I'm here to protect you too, right?"

I grinned, appreciating his lighthearted concern. "I've got my own personal superhero, huh?"

He winked, his eyes sparkling. "Absolutely. Hyejin, the unstoppable force in the face of tabloid chaos."

We shared a quiet laugh, the tension of the day slowly melting away. Taehyung's presence was a comforting anchor, grounding me amidst the storm of media speculation.

"Seriously, though," he said, his tone gentler, "how are you holding up?"

I sighed, leaning my head against his shoulder. "It's a lot, Tae. I'm just glad you're here."

His fingers traced soothing patterns on my arm. "We'll get through this together, Hyejin. I promise."

Just as the moment settled into a comfortable quiet, Jimin's voice interrupted, clearing his throat dramatically.

"Sorry to interrupt the love fest, but I thought someone ordered dinner. I'm starving," he said, a playful smirk on his face.

Taehyung and I exchanged amused glances, realizing we had momentarily forgotten about the outside world. I couldn't help but laugh, the day's tension finally giving way to a lighter atmosphere.

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