As the night draped its comforting veil over them, Tiffany's heart fluttered with the remnants of fear from the night's ordeal. Seeking solace and security, she turned to Taeyeon, finding refuge in her presence.

"Tae, can you...stay with me tonight?" Tiffany's voice trembled softly, her vulnerability exposed in the gentle glow of the bedside lamp.

Taeyeon nodded, her eyes filled with understanding and a silent promise of protection. Together, they slipped beneath the covers, their bodies gravitating toward each other, seeking warmth and reassurance in the darkness.

As Tiffany began to drift into the realm of sleep, her phone buzzed softly, a reminder of the chaos that had ensued earlier. With a sigh, she responded to her manager's inquiry, assuring her of her safety and promising to provide more details in the morning.

Beside her, Taeyeon sensed Tiffany's lingering unease, a palpable tension that hung heavy in the air. With a tender caress, she turned to face Tiffany, her gaze soft yet searching.

"Tiffany, there's something I've been meaning to ask you," Taeyeon's voice was gentle, tentative, as if afraid of the answer she might receive. "Are we...more than just friends?"

Tiffany's heart skipped a beat at the unexpected question, her mind racing with possibilities. "You mean...you want us to be..." she trailed off, unable to articulate the sudden rush of emotions swirling within her.

Taeyeon nodded, her eyes shimmering with hope and vulnerability. "Yes, Tiffany. I want to be more than just friends. I want to be your girlfriend," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "I want to protect you, to cheris