The City of Seoul || Bang Chan ✓

✧.* Chapter 35 *.✧

„What's wrong, Bi?" Chan inquired softly, treading his fingers through the hair at the nape of her neck on Danbi's shoulder as he studied the girl whom he adored from the depths of his heart. She was fidgeting with her fingers, her brow knit tightly in concern, clearly lost in her own thoughts.

After a heartwarming Christmas Day spent with her brother, Danbi had come over to the dorms to stay until the Idols returned to work for New Year's Eve. There was a warmth in the air mingled with the soft glow of fairy lights that still adorned the room, but an almost touchable tension hung between them.

„You can talk to me about everything," he urged gently, pressing a soft kiss to her head while his hand instinctively rubbed soothing circles along her side, hoping to offer her some comfort. Danbi nodded slowly, her eyes reflecting a mix of apprehension and trust as she finally turned in his embrace to meet his gaze.

„I'm just so scared," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper, and in that moment, Chan understood exactly what she meant.

The past few days had felt like a blissful escape, wrapped in the warmth of their ever-growing feelings and the joyful spirit of the holidays. They had shared laughter, stolen glances, and moments of intimacy, choosing to ignore the weighty topic that loomed over them—the topic that had nearly shattered their friendship once and still lingered like a shadow over them.

„I know and I understand that, Bi" Chan replied, gently tucking a few strands of hair behind her ear, his thumb caressing the soft skin of her cheek. His eyes held sincerity as he continued, "I want to be with you." There was a weight to his words, a promise of commitment that resonated in the quiet room. "In every way—with everything."

Danbi's heart raced at his declaration. "I want that as well, but we experienced firsthand how it can go if we're not careful, Chan." She searched his eyes, her pulse quickening as the memories of their past flooded in.  Her chest grew tight. "I don't want to be the reason for any scandal or risk your career."

"You won't," Chan assured her, his fingers softly tracing her jawline. "What happened to us before has taught us a lot, and we will be more careful, but we are allowed to date." His eyes sparkled with possibility, a vision of a shared future glimmering between them.

"And I want to date you," he added, a smile breaking across his face, warmth radiating through his entire being, meaning every single word. "I want to take you out, go on lots and lots of dates, go on holidays with you, and introduce you to my family as my girlfriend."

As the weight of their unspoken wishes settled in the air, Danbi felt her anxiety slowly melt away, replaced by the glow of happiness that spread across her face.

"Please," Chan murmured, lowering his voice, his breath. "Let us try this together." Their foreheads touched, and in that tender moment, the world around them faded into the background, leaving just the two of them.

Her response was simple; she rose onto her tiptoes and bridged the distance between them, pressing her lips against his with a sweet, hesitant kiss. Her hands found their place on his stomach for support, a feeling of safety enveloping them both as they separated, foreheads still resting against one another.

"Thank you," she whispered, her heart swelling with gratitude. Danbi had never encountered someone as understanding and caring as Chan. He made her feel cherished, protected, adored, and accepted in a way she had never experienced before.

Chan kissed her forehead, pulling her close into the warmth of his embrace. "I will do anything for you, Bi." It was a promise—a vow that reverberated through their hearts.

✧･ﾟ: * ✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧ *:･ﾟ✧

As the group began to gather for their scheduled rehearsal the next day, anticipation buzzed in the air. The younger members invited Danbi to join and watch them rehearse, but she had plans with her brother that she couldn't miss.

After changing into a cozy outfit, having borrowed one of Chan's oversized hoodies that enveloped her in his scent, Danbi sat at the Idol's desk to apply her makeup as Chan contentedly watched her from his bed, a playful pout replacing the earlier solemnity on his face.

"I don't want you to go," he admitted, his expression a blend of childlike disappointment and affection, which made her heart swell with warmth. Setting down her makeup brushes, Danbi turned to him, gently squeezing his hand after she leant over and offered him a reassuring smile.

"We will see each other most likely tomorrow," she promised, her eyes sparkling with hope. "And if not, I'll call you later after you are done."

His smile returned, bright and sincere, as he leaned in to press a soft kiss to her lips. "I will meet you in the living room," he said, standing up with a wink, leaving her to finish without any more interruptions.

Watching him leave the room, Danbi felt a surge of tender emotions. She finished her makeup, taking a moment to glance in the mirror to appreciate the little transformation, and joined the other artists in the living room shortly after.

As everyone left the dorms and met in the underground parking lot, vans arrived to transport the idols to the company. Danbi's brother had arranged for her a car to pick her up.

"I will text you once we are done, Bi," Chan said, flashing her a bright smile as he pulled her close for one last kiss on her forehead and a quick peck to her lips. The other members beamed at the couple, charmed by the blossoming relationship and happy to see their leader so content.

"Have fun, boys." Danbi hugged each of them goodbye. Danbi waved before slipping into the car that drove her away to her brother's place, her heart light with the possibility of what was to come.