Chrono (Chan x reader)

Back In The Trenches

"I have to peeeeeeeee" Hyunjin whined from my back seat.

We are just about over the border between North Carolina and Virginia. I have been listening to Hyunjin complain about anything and everything and then throw a concert right after. At least he's making sure I don't fall asleep behind the wheel. Albeit unintentionally but still.

"We are legit almost to Deep Creek! Can you wait?" I retorted, glancing in my mirror to look at him for a second.

"Ugh, fine I'll wait. But if I piss my pants in your car it is NOT my fault!" He answers, crossing his arms with a huff.

I shake my head with a slight smile. He's dramatic as hell but it makes for great entertainment. Honestly I could go for a potty break too so I'm not really that annoyed with him.

"Hey Minho, can you ask Chan if we can stop at the Hardee's before Deep Creek? I think it's safe to say that we all probably need a bathroom break and to stretch" I ask him, not bothering to take my eyes off the road to look in his direction; I know he's awake.

"Sure, I think you're probably right" He answers, pulling out his phone to oblige.

How did I know he was awake? Because he has not slept the entire time we've been on the road. Every time I told him to take a nap he replied with "I need to be awake in case you need me to drive or Chan needs to get in contact with us." Sooo, yeah I knew he would be awake.

Jeongin has been asleep since we left Popeyes. The poor thing hasn't said a word since we left Greenville. It breaks my heart to see such a sweet kid so sad.

"He said we could stop" Minho informs me.

"Thanks" I respond, acknowledging his words.

Now to focus on not crashing my car.

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"WOOOOOO, feels nice to not be sitting" I say as I exit my car, stretching my arms over my head.

"GOTTA PEE GOTTA PEE GOTTA PEE" Hyunjin yells as he runs past me and into the Hardee's.

His loud ass made the people in the drive through and parking lot stare at us.

I move out of sight behind the van because I don't like people's eyes on me. It gives me the fire tingles like when someone I don't know or like touches me. Like I can physically feel their eyes on my skin it's nauseating.

"Are you okay Y/N? If you need me to drive I can" Minho says as he appears from the side of the van.

"I'm okay, I have no problem driving. I just needed a minute out of sight is all" I answer, giving him a smile so he's convinced enough to drop it.

My plan works as he smiles back and joins the rest in a conversation. Being back alone I close my eyes and take a deep breath. Here in 30 minutes I'll be right back where I came from. But this time I can't go home. And neither can the others. What are we going to do?

I don't have parents I can convince to let everyone stay with. My only friend is Lilith and she can't go home either. Given that the boys have been gone for years they probably don't have a home to go back to anyways. Unless it was paid off and independent of city utilities.

Okay now I'm considering taking Minho up on that offer to drive. My heart rate is out of control. I can't be having an anxiety attack? I haven't had one of those in years. Is it?

As I ask myself that question I feel the familiar feeling of tightness in my chest and up my neck.

Damnit.

Okay, no big deal. I know what to do.

Box breathing.

In for 7, hold for 5, out for 8.

I do just that. Keeping my eyes closed so I can focus on calming down instead of my busy surroundings. Without being able to see what's around me I actually start to ground myself with the noises. The boys are having a conversation about whether they would still love each other if they were a worm, the passing cars are just gusts of air except for the occasional truck, the engines of cars in the drive through are just background noise. Most importantly, my own breathing is helping to keep me as grounded as possible.

"You okay?" Chan asks, appearing out of nowhere beside me.

"OH SHIT, I mean yeah I'm good" I reply, definitely not standing up from falling on the ground in response to being startled.

"You sure? I've seen that method of grounding. You don't have to tell me but I do want to listen if you want to talk" He says, helping me stand the rest of the way.

"I appreciate that. I'm fine, really. Had an anxiety attack out of nowhere, I can't quite place what triggered it" I said, dusting off my ass and steadying my breath again.

"Ah, got it. Maybe it's because you're back in Virginia? We're all pretty anxious too so it would make sense" He responds, moving to lean against the van with me.

"Probably" I say, staring at the clouds as they pass.

We fall into a comfortable silence. Just being in each other's company.

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"Annnndddd, we're in Virginia Beach!" I exclaim unenthusiastically from my drivers seat.

My not funny ass earned groans of annoyance in response.

Fair.

"Okay, I'm going to do my best to follow Chan but in the event that we get separated, where the fuck are we going?" I ask Minho, keeping my focus on the road and Chan's van.

"We're going to an old hideout. If we get separated I know the way" He answers, chuckling softly.

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We did get separated but Minho got us here just fine.

Their old hideout is on the outskirts of Virginia Beach almost to Chesapeake. There's not many people near it and it's covered by a lot of trees.

"I haven't seen this place since Jeongin was in high school" Minho said to himself from beside me.

I pulled next to the van and parked my car, turning it off and unlocking my doors. Minho, and Hyunjin got out to stretch. Jeongin didn't move an inch.

I take a glance into the back seat and see that he's out like a light.

Oh sweetheart.

I get out and stretch myself before opening Jeongin's door. Carefully, I unbuckle his seat belt to relieve some pressure off of him.

"Jeongin! We're here baby!" I whisper yelled, gently shaking him awake.

"Mm, mhm" He responds, opening his eyes and stretching a little in his seat.

"I know sweetheart. It's gonna be okay. Let's get you in a bed how about that?" I say, offering my hand for him.

He nods and takes my hand to step out of the car. Once he's fully out and stable he lets go of my hand to stretch fully. I close the door and walk with him to join the others.

"So! We're back!" Chan says, obviously trying to stay as positive as possible for the rest of us.

"Yeah, back in the trenches" Seungmin says, hardcore side eyeing Chan.

Honestly he's not wrong.