An Innocent Criminal [Chanyeol X Reader]

13

Chanyeol burst out of his room, his heart racing, convinced that Jieun had betrayed him. But what he found outside was a scene that shattered his fears and replaced them with sheer delight. The hallway was transformed into a whimsical wonderland. Balloons of all shapes and colours adorned the walls, casting a playful atmosphere. Twinkling fairy lights enveloped the space, illuminating the air with a soft, enchanting glow. And at the centre of it all, a magnificent cake stood, a work of art in its own right.

Chanyeol's eyes widened in awe as he took in the sight before him. His gaze fell upon a banner hanging above that proclaimed, "Don't worry. Be happy." A smiley face adorned the banner, eliciting a chuckle from him. He turned to look at Jieun, who stood sheepishly behind him, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. His heart swelled with affection for her as he grinned, unable to contain his happiness. He approached her and enveloped her in a warm, tight hug.

In that embrace, time seemed to stand still. The world around them faded into the background as they savoured the moment. Chanyeol's heart overflowed with gratitude, and he whispered, "Thank you," his voice brimming with sincerity and joy. Jieun, her own happiness radiating, responded softly, "You're most welcome," her words carrying the weight of her affection.

As they held each other, a mixture of emotions coursed through Chanyeol's veins. He closed his eyes, and memories of his mother's love flooded his mind. He recalled the tender moments, the birthday surprises she had orchestrated with so much love. Though it wasn't his birthday, the gesture filled him with a profound sense of warmth, a longing for the motherly love he had lost.

A quiet voice echoed within him, wondering if his mother would have believed in his innocence, if she would have stood by his side. Jieun, understanding his unspoken thoughts, nodded gently, her eyes filled with compassion. She looked at him with tenderness, assuring him, "Don't worry. I will always be here for you, no matter what."

Reluctantly, they released their embrace, their eyes locked in an intense gaze. It was as if their souls intertwined, connecting on a profound level. Chanyeol found himself captivated by her petite stature, her beauty shining brightly in his eyes. He couldn't help but be drawn to her, wanting to hold her close, to protect her, and to love her.

Jieun directed his attention to a small table adorned with delicate candles, their flickering flames casting a soft, romantic glow. The aroma of Chanyeol's favourite scented candles filled the air, enveloping the room in a calming fragrance. The table was set with a modest yet thoughtfully prepared meal, showcasing Jieun's culinary skills.

As Chanyeol took in the scene before him, his heart swelled with a mix of emotions. He couldn't help but feel deeply touched by Jieun's gesture. It was a stark reminder that despite the turmoil and uncertainty surrounding them, there was someone who cared deeply for him and wanted to bring a sense of solace and joy to his life.

Jieun, sensing the weight of Chanyeol's emotions, gently touched his arm, her eyes brimming with sincerity. "I wanted to create a moment of respite for us, a moment where we can forget about everything else and just be ourselves. I know it's not much, but I hope it brings a little bit of comfort."

Chanyeol turned to face Jieun, his gaze filled with a mixture of gratitude and vulnerability. "Thank you, Jieun," he whispered, his voice laced with emotion. "I appreciate everything you've done. It means more to me than words can express."

A tender silence hung in the air, enveloping them in a cocoon of shared understanding. In that moment, the weight of their troubled circumstances seemed to fade into the background, allowing a genuine connection to flourish. And as they sat down together, bathed in the soft glow of candlelight, they began to savour the meal, cherishing this precious respite from the world outside.

Little did they know that this intimate dinner would mark the beginning of a deeper bond between them, one that would transcend their current circumstances and open the door to a love they had never expected. And as the evening unfolded, their hearts danced to a silent melody, each step bringing them closer to a future neither of them could have predicted.

"Thank you, shawty," he whispered, his playful wink and mischievous smirk adding a touch of lightheartedness to the moment. Jieun's lips curled into a pout, and she responded, "You're such a jerk," her comment laced with playful banter. Chanyeol chuckled, his laughter a testament to the comfort and joy she brought into his life.

Meanwhile, Baekhyun found himself in the company of his close friend and teammate, Oh Sehun. Curiosity burned in Sehun's eyes as he questioned Baekhyun's decision to help Chanyeol and Jieun run away. "Baekhyun hyung, why did you help Chanyeol hyung and Jieun to run away?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine curiosity and a hint of doubt. "Isn't Chanyeol a criminal? And Jieun proved it, didn't she?"

Baekhyun's eyes widened in shock at Sehun's direct questioning. The weight of the situation bore down on him, and he struggled to find the right words to defend his actions. The doubt in Sehun's voice echoed through his mind, causing a flicker of uncertainty to taint his own beliefs. However, Baekhyun knew he had to remain resolute in his support for his friends, even in the face of scepticism.

Before Baekhyun could respond, Sehun's piercing gaze met his, searching for answers. A tense silence enveloped the room, carrying the weight of their unspoken doubts and conflicting perspectives. The uncertainty lingered, casting a shadow over their friendship.

Baekhyun's heart sank as he realised the depth of Sehun's doubts. The bond they shared had always been strong, built on trust and camaraderie, but now it faced its greatest challenge. A sense of helplessness washed over him as he struggled to find the right words to assuage Sehun's concerns.

Sehun's expression remained stoic, awaiting Baekhyun's response, but none came. The silence grew heavy, the unspoken tension mounting with each passing second. Baekhyun's shock paralyzed him, rendering him unable to articulate the reasons behind his unwavering support for Chanyeol and Jieun.

Sehun sighed, breaking the silence with a heavy exhalation. "I hope you know what you're doing, Baekhyun hyung," he said, his voice tinged with a mixture of concern and disappointment. "But I can't help but question if you're making a grave mistake."

With those words, Baekhyun was left stunned and uncertain. The weight of Sehun's doubt hung heavily in the air, casting a shadow over their friendship. As the room fell into an uneasy stillness, Baekhyun was left grappling with his own convictions, unsure of how to bridge the gap between their differing perspectives.

The future remains uncertain, and the truth they sought seemed elusive. Baekhyun could only hope that time would reveal the answers they all sought and that his steadfast belief in Chanyeol and Jieun would not be in vain.