The City of Seoul || Bang Chan ✓

✧.* Chapter 33 *.✧

An hour later, the Idols and a few friends of the group, including Danbi, found themselves cozily nestled in a bustling BBQ restaurant, their favorite haunt. The air was filled with the aroma of grilled meat and the hum of chatter and laughter. 

„Can you please hand me this, Chan?" Danbi asked softly as she lightly tapped his arm, her finger pointing at a dish that was just out of reach for her. Chan met Danbi's gaze, his eyes followed the direction of her outstretched finger. 

„There you go." He held the bowl out with a smile, his expression a mixture of attentiveness and warmth as he watched her carefully transfer a generous helping of food onto her steaming bowl of rice.

„Thank you." Their eyes locked for a fleeting moment, both of them smiling warmly before returning their focus to the conversations around them.

Throughout the evening, Chan's subtle care for her became a tender dance of generosity; he shifted pieces of grilled meat onto her plate, ensuring her favorite side dishes were within reach, all without her uttering a word about her needs. Each time his gaze fell upon her, a smile blossomed on his face, spreading warmth that felt almost touchable between them.

✧･ﾟ: * ✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧ *:･ﾟ✧

"Here's your coat," Chan said, a warm smile playing on his lips as he held it out for her. The fabric felt cozy and warm from the temperature of the room as she slipped into it. The Idol wrapped her chunky scarf around her neck.

Danny felt a flush warm her cheeks as she whispered, "Thank you."

Their friends had already stepped outside, waiting outside the restaurant, but Chan had chosen to wait for her return from the restroom.

"Let's go." He wanted to reach out for her hand, yearning to feel her warmth between his fingers, but a moment of realisation washed over him as he remembered they were still in public. Danbi, however, shared his desire and gently squeezed his hand in the safety of the private dining room before letting it go and stepping out into the cold. 

A smile spread across Chan's face at her tender gesture as they began to walk side by side. His features were hidden behind a mask and a beanie pulled low.

After bidding a heartfelt farewell to the owner, they stepped onto the glistening, snow-covered streets of Seoul, their breaths turning into puffs of warmth that mingled in the crisp air. Laughter erupted from the group as some members engaged in a snowball fight, their squeals piercing the chill, while others had fun creating whimsical snow angels.

"Chan?" Danbi called out, her voice soft as she approached him after winning the snowball fight. He was helping Felix shake off the snow that clung to him after his tumble into the snow.

"I think I'm going to head back to my place," Danbi confessed, rubbing her arms in an attempt to ward off the biting cold. Exhaustion painted her features; the last few days had been a blur of hectic schedules and sleepless nights. All she craved was the comfort of her bed.

Felix noticed her exhausted state, concern creasing his brow as he instinctively rubbed her upper arms to keep her warm. "Chan could drive you home," he suggested. "You look like you could fall asleep standing. It's unsafe to drive in this condition, Bi."

Danbi had no retort to his reasoning and nodded in agreement, all too aware of the heaviness pulling at her eyelids.

Chan exchanged heartfelt farewells with the others; the members of Stray Kids made Danbi promise that they would meet again in the next few days.

As they walked back to where Danbi had parked her car in the private parking lot for staff members of the music show company, a comfortable silence surrounded them, both relishing the simple joy of each other's presence.

"Here," Danbi said, her gloved hands brushing against his as she handed him the keys upon arriving at the car. Together, they began to clear the fresh layer of snow that coated the vehicle's hood, laughter escaping at their clumsy attempts. The car was clear, but now they were covered in snow again.

"Let me do that," Chan offered, stepping behind her to grab a tool from the trunk to dust the top of the vehicle. 

"Thanks," Danbi replied, turning to face him, suddenly freezing in her movements after realising how close he was. Chan leaned in, his gaze searching her eyes, his hands framing her on either side, caging her in between his body and the car.

In that heartbeat, the world around them faded into the background—the only sounds were the soft crunch of snow beneath their feet and the quickening rhythm of their breaths. Time had stopped. 

"What if someone sees us? Who shouldn't?" Danbi whispered, her heart pounding in her chest as she searched for any excuse to regain her composure. Yet, the reasoning felt weak in the face of Chan's proximity.

"There's no one here," he murmured, inching closer, the warmth of his breath caressing her skin as their foreheads gently met. She could feel the electricity of their closeness, overwhelming and intoxicating.

The soft glow of a nearby streetlamp wrapped around them like a golden halo, illuminating their faces as time seemed to stretch, heavy with the promise of an unspoken moment waiting to bloom. 

"Can I kiss you, Danbi?" he asked, his pulse quickening as he steadied himself. His voice hoarse. The intensity of the moment made it feel as though he had just sprinted a marathon, adrenaline coursing through his veins.

A wave of anticipation surged through him, and he was thankful to find a solid grip on the car, for otherwise, his trembling hands might revealed the whirlwind of nerves churning within. The warm evening air wrapped around them, heightening the tension of the moment, as he held his breath, waiting for her response.

Danbi was unable to articulate a response. The mere sound of his question sent her mind swirling, leaving her unable to form thoughts.

All he received in reply was an almost imperceptible nod. Time frozen, hearts racing as they leaned closer, breathing mingling in the charged air between them.

A grin, one that Danbi had come to cherish, spread across Chan's face. He gently pulled her closer, his hands cradling her face, his touch featherlight yet electric, and lowered his lips to hers.