The City of Seoul || Bang Chan ✓

✧.* Chapter 32 *.✧

The broadcast had come to an end, and as the final notes of the performance faded into the night, Danbi and her colleague Hanbin wrapped up their filming with a sense of accomplishment. After each captivating performance, they paused to capture joyful moments with the Idols for the fans, recording heartfelt video messages to wish them well for the upcoming new year. The whirlwind of activity had been stressful, but every second felt worthwhile.

As the crew took a break, Danbi eagerly sent off the first round of clips to their colleagues at the company so they could get a head start on the editing process for their final video.

"Good work, Danbi," Hanbin said with a beaming grin, carefully lowering the camera into its case. He turned to her, giving her a supportive pat on the shoulder, a small gesture that spoke volumes about their teamwork.

Danbi, her eyes sparkling with gratitude, bowed her head slightly. "Thank you. You did great as well, Hanbin," she replied sincerely, returning the compliment.

"You can head over to see your brother now," Hanbin suggested, his tone light and encouraging. "I don't need your help packing up the equipment; I'll finish that on my own."

For a moment, doubt flickered in Danbi's expression. "Are you sure? It wouldn't be an inconvenience for me to stay and help—"

"I'm positive," he interrupted her with a small laugh that resonated with warmth. "Go on, please."

With a grateful nod, Danbi bowed deeply once more and began to make her way toward the changing rooms.

"And Danbi?" Hanbin called after her. She halted and turned back, her curiosity piqued. "Yes?"

"Merry Christmas, enjoy it," he said, his words infused with genuine warmth.

The smile spread across her face, filling her heart with joy. "Merry Christmas to you too, Hanbin," she replied, her spirit lifted as she continued her journey to the dressing rooms, the festive spirit of the season lingering in the air around them.

✧･ﾟ: * ✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧ *:･ﾟ✧

Moments later, her brother made his way over to her, wrapping his arms around her tiny frame with a bone-crushing hug that lifted her off her feet. "Hello, hello!" he beamed.

"You did so well!" Danbi laughed, her laughter ringing like music as he twirled her around.

"Thank you, but you should tell that to yourself and everyone else," Minho replied with a beaming smile, his eyes sparkling. "The performances were amazing." Danbi nodded.

As Minho headed off to change out of his suit, Danbi found herself amidst a whirlwind of idols. Everyone greeted her warmly, bowing in respect, while she scanned the room for the eight young men clad in black and red outfits.

"There you are!" Felix's voice rang out, and he spotted her first. He opened his arms wide, inviting her into a warm embrace. Danbi couldn't resist, wrapping her arms around him as she melted into his hug.

"You did so well. I loved your performances," she said, gazing up at the Australian with admiration. Felix grinned down at her, his eyes shining. "Thank you, Bi."

"You all look like Santa's little helpers!" she teased, playfully snatching the cape off his shoulders and draping it around herself. Felix laughed, his joy palpable as he turned to the staff member to have his microphone removed.

"Another Santa helper!" Danbi exclaimed as she walked up to Chan from behind, yanking the hood of his jacket over his head in a playful gesture.

At first, Chan looked bewildered, but a smile soon broke across his face. "Hi, you," he said, his voice warm and welcoming as he bent down to pull her into his embrace.

"Did you like it?" Chan asked, letting a staff member pull his in-ears from beneath his shirt.

"I loved it," Danbi replied, her heart fluttering as a radiant grin spread across Chan's face, creating deep dimples that made her blush.

Unbeknownst to them, the remaining members watched the exchange with amused smiles, their eyes twinkling at the sweet interaction.

"Are you free tonight?" Chan's question hung in the air, but just as Danbi was about to respond, her brother reappeared behind her, a playful smirk on his face.

"Yes, she is," he interjected, pulling Danbi closer to his side with a protective gesture.

"But we wanted—" Danbi began, confusion knitting her brow. She had plans to spend a quiet evening with her brother, enjoying dinner with his members and their close staff since they had no scheduled activities for the last days of the year.

Her brother gazed down at her with a heartwarming smile. "We will spend plenty of time together in the coming days, Bi. The five of us can eat together another time." He leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to her head before bidding her goodbye and stepping away.

"Seems like I am," Danbi said, a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks, which did not go unnoticed by Chan, who looked at her with a mix of amusement and affection.

"We'll change then," he said, giving her upper arm a gentle squeeze. He turned and called for the other members to follow him. "Wait here."

As Danbi settled onto a plush couch, she watched, amused, as Stray Kids' Minho and Changbin bid farewell to two other male artists before strolling past her. Both winked playfully in her direction, prompting a soft chuckle to escape her lips.

"Are you coming with us?" Minho paused briefly, his bunny-like teeth flashing in a charming grin. Danbi nodded, feeling warmth surge through her at his friendly demeanor. "I wouldn't have taken no for an answer," he chuckled before vanishing behind the door, leaving a happy buzz in the air.