An Innocent Criminal [Chanyeol X Reader]

18

As Chanyeol and Jieun sat side by side, their hearts open and vulnerable, Jieun began to share her story with him. She spoke of her family, how her mother had left the country with her older sister after a divorce, leaving Jieun behind with her grandmother.

"They always ignored me," Jieun confessed, her voice tinged with sadness. "My older sister was the only one who showed me love, but it wasn't the same as having a complete family." She looked down, her gaze fixed on her hands. Taking a moment to gather herself, she continued, "I enjoy spending time with you because we understand each other. We both know what it feels like to be young souls longing for love." She let out a soft laugh, trying to lighten the weight of the conversation.

Chanyeol nodded, his eyes locked onto her. "You know, my stepmother started off well, but things changed. She treated me poorly," he revealed, his voice filled with a mix of pain and resignation. Jieun's eyes searched his face, curiosity and concern evident in her gaze. "And what about her children? Did they treat you the same way?" she asked tentatively.

Chanyeol took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before answering. "My stepsister wasn't particularly kind, but she wasn't cruel either. However, Jonghyun, my stepbrother, was different. He was always nice to me, never mistreated me." Jieun's words had shaken him to the core, challenging the perception he had of his stepbrother. "That's why your accusations caught me off guard. But I know there must be a reason behind your words," he said, gently taking her hands in his, seeking the truth in her eyes. "Please, tell me."

And so, Jieun proceeded to recount the events surrounding Sulli and Jonghyun, sharing the painful truth that had led her to suspect him. Chanyeol listened intently, his heart heavy with each revelation. It was a lot to process, a shocking revelation that shook the foundation of the trust he had placed in his stepbrother.

As the memories of that fateful day played in Jieun's mind, she couldn't help but feel a pang of regret. She had been so close to finding out the truth, only to be interrupted and left in uncertainty. She shared the details of her failed attempt to uncover the identity of the person behind the closed door, leaving both of them yearning for answers.

"Why would they use you? Out of everyone, why did they target you?" Chanyeol's frustration seeped into his voice, his eyes reflecting his confusion and anger. Jieun shrugged helplessly, her gaze filled with a mix of sympathy and empathy. "I wish I had an answer, Chanyeol". Chanyeol's frustration bubbled to the surface. "Should we expose everything to everyone?" he pondered aloud, his voice tinged with exasperation. Jieun's head shook gently, her eyes pleading for caution. "No," she replied, her voice soft yet resolute. "We must gather solid evidence before unveiling the truth. Jumping to conclusions won't serve us well. Let's keep calm and strategize. But for now, we must remain calm and gather concrete evidence before confronting anyone. We can't afford to make hasty accusations without solid proof," she pleaded, her hand gently squeezing his in reassurance.

Chanyeol's eyes locked onto Jieun's, his gaze piercing through the doubts and uncertainties. Her presence had become an enigma, stirring emotions within him that he struggled to comprehend. His heart raced with a strange mix of affection and longing. "What are you doing to me, Jieun?" Chanyeol wondered silently, his lips curving into a tender smile.

Their serious conversation was interrupted by a sudden eruption of laughter. Jieun's contagious giggle echoed in the room, and Chanyeol couldn't help but be captivated by her joy. "You have a way of bringing lightness to even the darkest moments," he confessed, a twinkle in his eyes. "It's like you have a secret stash of jokes and laughter hidden away."

Jieun playfully nudged his shoulder. "Well, someone has to lighten the mood around here. We can't let the heaviness of the situation consume us entirely, right?" Her playful banter danced in the air, casting a delightful spell over the room.

Chanyeol grinned, unable to resist joining in the lightheartedness. "You're absolutely right. So, Jieun, tell me, do you have any more jokes up your sleeve? I could use a good laugh."

Jieun pretended to ponder, tapping her chin with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. "Hmm, let me think. Ah, got one! Why did the scarecrow win an award?" She paused, building up the suspense. Chanyeol leaned in, captivated by her comedic timing. "Because he was outstanding in his field!" Jieun burst into laughter at her own pun, and soon Chanyeol's laughter joined in, filling the room with their shared mirth.

"You know," Chanyeol began, his voice tinged with playful humour, "despite all the chaos and drama surrounding us, I can't help but feel like we're characters in some crazy romantic comedy."

Jieun giggled, her laughter filling the room with its infectious joy. "You're right," she replied, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "We've got all the classic elements: the misunderstandings, the dramatic revelations, and of course, the two main characters falling for each other against all odds."

Chanyeol leaned closer, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "So, does that mean we're destined for a grand, sweeping romantic gesture?" he teased, raising an eyebrow.

Jieun playfully rolled her eyes, her cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and amusement. "Oh, please. I think we've had enough drama for one day. Let's save the grand gestures for another time."

They both erupted into laughter, the tension of the situation momentarily forgotten. Their shared humour created a bond between them, strengthening the connection they had forged through their trials.

As their laughter subsided, Chanyeol's gaze softened, his eyes locking onto Jieun's. "You know," he confessed, his voice tinged with vulnerability, "there's something I want to say, even though it might not be the right time or place." He paused, uncertainty flickering in his eyes.

Jieun's heart skipped a beat, her curiosity piqued. "What is it, Chanyeol?" she asked, her voice filled with gentle encouragement.

Chanyeol took a deep breath, his words lingering in the air as he carefully chose them. "I want you to know that, despite everything, I... I care about you deeply. You've become such an important part of my life, and I can't imagine going through all of this without you by my side."

Jieun's eyes widened, a mixture of surprise and warmth flooding her heart. She reached out, placing her hand atop his, offering him a reassuring squeeze. "Chanyeol," she whispered, her voice filled with tenderness, "I feel the same way. You've brought light into my world when everything seemed dark. We may not have all the answers right now, but I want you to know that you're not alone in this. We'll face it together."

A soft smile graced Chanyeol's lips as he met Jieun's gaze. In that moment, they understood the unspoken connection that bound them, the unspoken promise to support and uplift each other as they navigated the stormy seas of their lives.

As they sat there, hand in hand, their hearts entwined in a delicate embrace, a sense of hope began to bloom within them. They may not have all the answers, and the road ahead may be treacherous, but together, they were determined to uncover the truth, heal old wounds, and forge a future filled with love, laughter, and a touch of mischief.

In that moment, as their laughter intertwined, Chanyeol and Jieun found solace and strength in each other. They may have been facing a daunting journey of uncovering the truth, but they were determined to face it together, buoyed by the unbreakable bond they had formed.

With their hearts entwined in a delicate dance of emotions, they basked in the warmth of their connection, cherishing the rare blend of understanding, romance, and lightheartedness that blossomed between them. Little did they know that their shared laughter would become their guiding light, illuminating the path toward a future where love, laughter, and unshakeable trust reigned supreme.