•

"TaeTiSeo." The presenters announced our group's name for the Popularity award. Minjae embraces me and pecks the crown of my head to which the fans cooed at.

EXO, Red Velvet, and other group members stand up and cheer for us as we quickly walk up the stage to thank the production team and fans. Lastly, hinting at the date for our upcoming group comeback. 

Then we're escorted backstage to change into our stage outfits for our performance. It only takes about 20 minutes to dress.

"How many performances before us?" Seohyun asked one of the staff passing by our dressing room.

The staff frantically checks the many papers on their clipboard. "Two so that means you need to be ready by the stage." She instructs. "If you are all set. I will direct you."

Seohyun glances over at me and Tiffany. We nod and follow the staff member back towards the stage through the many white hallways. We arrive near the stage, practicing the steps for Holler.

"Tae." Tiffany said while I'm visualizing the steps in my head.

"Taeyeon Kim." She calls again. I look up at her. Her eyes are directed at someone behind me. I peek over my shoulder to see Baekhyun being directed by a staff member.

He's in a black tuxedo and dress shoes, a microphone in hand. He walks up the steps of the stage. He immediately catches sight of me and Tiffany. I briefly look back at Tiffany. She smiles and goes to Seohyun, leaving me alone to talk with Baekhyun. We stand awkwardly face to face. 

"So, Minjae came here with you?" Baekhyun started.

I softly nodded, "Yeah, the event coordinators invited him." 

"That's good." He said looking down briefly in thought for what to say.

"Will you be performing soon?" He settled.

"Yeah, very soon." We fell into silence for a few moments until I decide to break it. Deciding it is the perfect time to say what has been on my mind. I internally sigh.

"Baekhyun. I'm sorry that I suddenly-"

"It's alright, Taeyeon." It didn't seem alright, not earlier. "I understand, you had a packed schedule." He glanced down at his feet.

Packed schedule? A packed schedule was only half the truth of the matter. "Yeah...I did."

"But I also really wish I could've done more for you." I said sincerely. He was having a hard time and I regretted abandoning him. 

I wanted him to know that I cared. That it wasn't some forced task even if the company forced it at first.

"Taeyeon!" Tiffany calls my name. I find Tiffany, Seohyun, and back dancers walking onto the darkened stage.

I quickly said, "I have to go." And smiled at the younger singer. I fix my dress before I exhale a breath and head to the stage. I take two steps forward when I feel soft slender fingers delicately wrap around my left hand. 

I look over my shoulder down at our linked hands. I'm suddenly at a loss of words from something so small.

"Thank you." I shift my attention onto Baekhyun when he speaks. The ends of his lips are curved upward into a gratifying smile. A subtle red on his cheeks. My chest lightened up.

I remember when he would look at me exactly like that. We can't go back. I heard the little voice in my head state.

"And remember to sing like it's the only thing you have to give." He slowly releases my hand.

"Taeyeon. We have to go." Tiffany drags me away from Baekhyun, who remains on the side stage.

•

Hello, everyone. I extended the dialogue for Baekhyun and Taeyeon because before it was shorter. I was slightly unsure of their interaction. I erased and rewrote their conversation many times to something I thought fit. I hope this is good. I also wanted to include some nostalgic feelings to their convo. Thank you for reading and 80+ votes. I appreciate the support. 

- MoonBae🌸