𝐏𝐋𝐔𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐄 •ﻌ• [ᴄʜᴇɴᴊɪ]

9: ꜱʟᴇᴇᴘᴏᴠᴇʀ

Chenle stood in his bedroom, packing a small bag for the sleepover. He carefully folded his favorite pajamas, a soft pair decorated with stars and moons, and placed them on top of his pillow and a blanket. Despite the excitement that buzzed around him, a nagging worry about sleeping at night lingered in the back of his mind.

❝Okay, Chenle,❞ he muttered to himself. ❝It's just one night. You'll be fine.❞

He grabbed a few essentials—a toothbrush, his phone charger, and a book—and zipped up his bag. With a final glance around his room to make sure he hadn't forgotten anything, he slung the bag over his shoulder and headed out the door.

Jaemin's apartment, which he shared with Jeno, was a short walk away. As Chenle approached the building, he could already hear the sounds of laughter and chatter spilling out from the open windows. Taking a deep breath, he pushed open the door and was immediately greeted by the sight of his friends sprawled around the living room.

❝Chenle!❞ Haechan called out, waving him over. ❝Come on in! We're just getting started.❞

Chenle smiled and made his way over to the group. Jaemin and Jeno were busy setting up a stack of board games on the coffee table, while Mark and Renjun were digging through a pile of snacks.

❝Hey, Chenle,❞ Jisung said, appearing at his side. ❝Glad you made it.❞

❝Wouldn't miss it,❞ Chenle replied, feeling a little more at ease with Jisung's reassuring presence.

✧˖°.𖹭🧸

They spent the next few hours immersed in games and laughter. They played everything from classic board games to video games, the room filled with friendly competition and playful banter. Chenle found himself caught up in the fun, his earlier worries momentarily forgotten.

❝Who knew you were so good at Mario Kart, Chenle?❞ Mark said, shaking his head in disbelief as Chenle claimed another victory.

❝Beginner's luck,❞ Chenle said with a grin, his confidence boosted by the praise.

As the evening wore on, they transitioned to eating junk food. Pizza boxes were strewn across the table, along with bags of chips and bowls of candy. Chenle helped himself to a slice of pizza, savoring the cheesy goodness.

❝This is the life,❞ Renjun declared, leaning back against the couch. ❝Good food, good friends, and no worries.❞

❝Exactly,❞ Jaemin agreed. ❝And it’s only going to get better. Movie time!❞

✧˖°.𖹭🧸

They settled in front of the TV, debating which movie to watch. After much deliberation and a few mock arguments, they finally agreed on a comedy. The room dimmed as the opening credits rolled, everyone finding a comfortable spot to relax.

Chenle found himself nestled between Jisung and Renjun again, feeling the warmth of their presence on either side. As the movie played, he laughed along with his friends, the humor helping to lighten his mood. Yet, as the night grew later, his worries began to creep back in.

He glanced around the room, noticing how everyone was slowly succumbing to tiredness. Jaemin, Jeno, and Renjun had already decided to share a room, their playful banter drifting from down the hall. Mark and Haechan were curled up on the couch, having fallen asleep in each other’s arms, a soft snore escaping from one of them.

Chenle's heart started to race as the reality of bedtime approached. He was sharing the guest room with Jisung, and the thought of lying awake, unable to sleep, filled him with anxiety. He gathered his bag and pillow, following Jisung to the guest room.

Jisung opened the door, flicking on the light to reveal a cozy room with two single beds. Chenle placed his bag on one of the beds, his movements a little stiff with nervousness.

❝Looks like it’s just us,❞ Jisung said with a smile, setting his things down on the other bed.

❝Yeah,❞ Chenle replied, trying to keep his voice steady.

As they changed into their pajamas, Chenle couldn’t help but steal glances at Jisung. The younger boy’s cheerful demeanor and easy smile had always made Chenle feel comfortable, but now, it also made his heart flutter. Jisung caught him looking and flashed him a grin, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

❝Are you okay, Chenle?❞ Jisung asked softly, his voice filled with genuine concern.

Chenle felt his cheeks heat up and looked down, fiddling with the hem of his pajama shirt. ❝Yeah, I’m just… a bit nervous about sleeping.❞

Jisung stepped closer, his expression gentle. ❝It’s okay. We’re here together, and if you need anything, I’m right here.❞

Chenle nodded, feeling a mixture of embarrassment and gratitude. ❝Thanks, Jisung.❞

Jisung’s smile widened, showing off his cute, squishy cheeks. The sight made Chenle’s heart pound, and he felt his face grow even warmer.

❝Don’t worry too much, Chenle,❞ Jisung cooed, reaching out to pat his shoulder. ❝We’ll get through the night just fine.❞

Chenle’s blush deepened, and he looked away, trying to hide his flustered expression. Jisung chuckled softly at the sight, his playful demeanor putting Chenle at ease.

❝Alright, let’s get some sleep,❞ Jisung said, turning back to the bed.

Chenle climbed into his bed, pulling the blanket up to his chin. Despite his earlier worries, the warmth of the room and the presence of his friends helped soothe his anxiety. As he glanced over at Jisung, who was settling next to him, Chenle felt a sense of comfort he hadn’t felt in a long time.

Jisung gave him one last reassuring smile before turning off the light. ❝Goodnight, Chenle.❞

❝Goodnight, Jisung,❞ Chenle replied, his heart still racing but now with a mix of excitement and a budding sense of security.

⸻🧸
Vote and comment <3

[Unedited]