still you | baekyeon

Chapter 8

With a nostalgic grin, Baekhyun retraced the scenes from the previous night, the memories painting a fond picture in his mind.

She cared, he mused, a sense of warmth settling within him.

He glanced back, curious to see if Taeyeon was still rooted to the spot. Indeed, she stood there, seemingly fixed in place. The possibility of shock flitted through his thoughts.

Continuing his walk with an added spring in his step, Baekhyun couldn't help but smile once more. He had been quite intoxicated the night before, a state he was unexpectedly grateful for. Her assistance, the shower she coaxed him into, and the coffee she offered had been his saving grace. Those small gestures had sobered him up, and he took the opportunity to feign lingering inebriation, allowing him to express what he truly felt.

Whether she believed his words or not, that was her prerogative.

"Mr. Baekhyun, the dancers are waiting for you in practice room number 3," a staff member informed him as he exited the scheduling department.

"Sure thing. I'll head there."

He quickened his pace, making his way to the designated practice room. Inside were the backup dancers for his upcoming song, a group he had spent time with during the recording sessions a few weeks ago. He was relieved that everything had turned out well.

Among the backup dancers was the choreographer, someone who was familiar with the dance routine. Fortunately, Baekhyun had dedicated ample hours to mastering the choreography. It wasn't that he was consciously attempting to divert his thoughts from her; the upbeat mood simply made practicing the dance even more enjoyable.

The song he was working on resonated with the message he wanted to convey to her. Plus, it seemed fitting, given her penchant for candies.

Usually, remorse accompanied the aftermath of his intoxicated nights. However, this time was different. Baekhyun found himself extending a rare gratitude towards the alcohol that had temporarily submerged him in its bitterness.

.

In the realm of the practice room, "Good job, as expected from Byun Baekhyun." Baekhyun basked in the praise of the instructor, a gentle smile gracing his features in response to the accolade.

Amid the break, he found himself devoid of hunger and burdened by a peculiar fatigue that discouraged any movement beyond the room's confines. The notion of descending to the ground floor seemed a daunting endeavor, prompting him to settle into the couch's embrace. Rather than honing dance moves, he surrendered to the cushions' comfort, allowing his weariness to envelop him.

As his eyes drooped and the tendrils of slumber beckoned, his tranquility was shattered by the chiming of his phone.

Taemin's call demanded attention.

However, his arms protested, weighed down by fatigue, making the act of lifting the phone a laborious task. With a practical solution, he engaged the loudspeaker feature and positioned the device on the armrest, within arm's reach.

Eyes still sealed shut, head nestled against the headrest, he addressed Taemin with a casual curiosity. "What's going on?" he inquired.

"Where are you, hyung?" Taemin's voice resonated through the line.

"SM. Practice. Candy," came Baekhyun's succinct response, his words straightforward.

"Do you feel better now?" Taemin's concern was palpable.

"Much," Baekhyun murmured in acknowledgment.

"Despite that, you sound quite worn out," Taemin noted.

"Yeah," Baekhyun agreed, his voice a reflection of his exhaustion.