•

"Taeyeon?" A voice calls, my eyes widened. It's Baekhyun. I quickly wipe the tear trails on my face with the sleeves of my black hoodie.

"Baekhyun...sorry I'll go." It was a late night at the SM building. No one was suppose to be here.

I look at him and he stares back at me. An unreadable expression across his features. His orbs peering over my fake smile and hollow words to the point that I wanted to hide.

He didn't say anything as he took slow steps in my direction. I was unmoved as I stare down at the wooden flooring, unsure of what to say or do.

I awaited for him to say something when his arms suddenly encircled around my body. My face gets buried into his warm chest. I flutter my eyes closed when his scent fills my nose.

He rubs my back, his hands soothing the throbbing wounds covering my body under my clothes. "It's okay." He calmly states.

My breath bursts free and becomes uneven at his words. I realize my tears are wetting his shirt once I sniff. We stay like that for 5 minutes. Him embracing me while I'm letting the locked up emotions flow out.

I dig my fingers into his shoulder when my heart aches from Minjae's words and the menacing face he makes with every injury he inflicts on me. I hide my face in Baekhyun's shirt.

"I let him do this to me." I thought.

I really tried. I did.

He holds me tighter. "Just let it out. I will hold you for as long as you need." His voice is calm and affectionate. I can't remember the last time I've had that.

I close my eyes. The sleepless nights catching up to me. My mind feels numb and soothing. I feel myself slip from reality's grasp yet the same warmth holding me close.

Let me stay.

•

The return of Baekhyun. Sorry, my chapters have been shorter lately. I honestly had this chapter for a long time. I was building up to this moment too.

Sometimes all we need from someone is their care and support when we go through bad situations. Don't ask questions or place judgment just show that you care. That's what is needed.

-Jiselle