The morning sun filtered through the leaves of the trees lining the school courtyard, casting dappled shadows on the ground. Students moved about in a hurried shuffle, eager to escape the confines of their classrooms and embrace the fleeting moments of freedom. Among them, you walked with an almost tangible heaviness in your steps, your thoughts a whirlwind of regret and anxiety.
For weeks now, Lee Chan had been the victim of your harsh words and relentless teasing. It started as harmless banter but soon spiralled into a full-blown campaign of humiliation. You never intended for things to get so out of hand, but now, as you walked toward his usual spot by the bleachers, you were filled with a gnawing sense of remorse.
"Hey, Chan," you said, trying to sound casual as you approached. He looked up from the book he was reading, his expression guarded but polite.
"Hi," he replied, his voice neutral. He closed his book slowly and placed it on the bench next to him. It was clear that he had already braced himself for whatever might come next.
You took a deep breath, the weight of your guilt pressing heavily on your chest. "Can we talk?"
Chan's eyes narrowed slightly, but he nodded. "Sure."
You sat down next to him, the silence between you thick and awkward. The once comfortable distance between you now felt like a chasm, filled with the echoes of all the hurtful things you had said.
"I owe you an apology," you began, your voice trembling slightly. "I've been a terrible person to you, and I really want to make things right."
Chan's gaze softened just a fraction, but he said nothing, allowing you to continue.
"I thought it was funny at first, but I didn't realize how much I was hurting you. I've been thinking about it, and I'm really sorry. I should have never treated you like that."
Chan was silent for a moment, his fingers fidgeting with the corner of his book. Finally, he looked at you, his eyes reflecting a mixture of hurt and vulnerability. "It wasn't just the jokes, you know. It was the way you always seemed to single me out, like I was some sort of target."
You winced, guilt tightening around your heart. "I know, and I'm sorry for that. I didn't mean to make you feel like that. I was just... I don't know, trying to fit in or something. It was stupid."
Chan nodded, and for a moment, the two of you were engulfed in a heavy silence. The sounds of the bustling school courtyard seemed distant, as if the world had shrunk to just the two of you.
"I appreciate your apology," Chan finally said, his voice soft but sincere. "It means a lot that you're willing to own up to it."
You felt a wave of relief wash over you. "Thank you for accepting it. I really want to make it up to you, if you'll let me."
Chan raised an eyebrow. "Make it up to me? How do you plan on doing that?"
You hesitated, then a small smile tugged at your lips. "How about starting with being friends?"
Chan seemed taken aback by your suggestion. "Friends?"
"Yeah," you said, nodding. "I know it might be a lot to ask, but I'd like to get to know you better. Maybe we could hang out sometime, just the two of us."
Chan's expression was thoughtful, and he seemed to weigh your words carefully. "Alright," he said eventually. "I guess we could try that."
Relief and happiness mingled in your chest, and you found yourself smiling more genuinely than you had in weeks. "Great! How about we start with lunch today? There's this new café downtown that I've been dying to try."
Chan hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Sure. That sounds good."
As you walked together to the café, the tension between you slowly began to dissipate. You found yourself sharing small talk, and to your surprise, Chan was a good conversationalist. His reserved nature melted away a bit as he spoke about his interests—music, books, and his dreams for the future.
The café was cozy, with soft lighting and a warm atmosphere. You ordered a couple of sandwiches and coffees, and as you sat down at a corner table, the conversation flowed more easily. The awkwardness of earlier seemed like a distant memory.
After lunch, you took a stroll through the nearby park. The day was pleasant, and the gentle breeze carried the sweet scent of blooming flowers. Chan seemed more relaxed, and you found yourself enjoying his company more than you'd anticipated.
You reached a small, quiet pond with a wooden bench overlooking it. Chan took a seat, and you followed, sitting close enough to feel the warmth of his presence. The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden hue over everything.
"Thank you for giving me a chance," you said quietly, glancing at him. "I really appreciate it." Chan looked at you, his eyes reflecting the warm light. "It's been nice, actually. I didn't expect this."
You smiled, feeling a flutter of happiness. "I'm glad."
There was a moment of silence, and then Chan did something unexpected—he reached out and took your hand in his. The gesture was simple, but it carried a depth of emotion that words couldn't quite capture.
You looked at his hand in yours, then back up at his face. He seemed slightly nervous, but there was a gentle determination in his eyes. Slowly, he leaned in, and before you could fully comprehend what was happening, he pressed his lips against yours in a soft, tender kiss.
It was a gentle kiss, full of the unspoken emotions and the promise of new beginnings. You felt a shiver run down your spine, your heart racing in response. When Chan pulled back, his cheeks were slightly flushed, and his eyes searched yours for a reaction.
You smiled, your heart swelling with a mix of affection and relief. "I didn't expect this either," you said softly.
Chan chuckled, a hint of shyness in his smile. "Neither did I. But I'm glad it happened."
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a final golden glow over the park, you and Chan sat together, hand in hand. The world seemed to hold its breath, as if acknowledging the new chapter that had begun between you.
In that quiet, golden moment, you knew that things were different now. The path ahead might still have its challenges, but for the first time, you felt a sense of hope and possibility. And with Chan by your side, you were ready to face whatever came next.
︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿
Word count: 1085
Author's note: Please let me know if I have spelling or grammar mistakes. Requests are also open <3
YOU ARE READING
Seventeen One-Shots
FanfictionJust a collection of Seventeen One-Shots that I will be posting on Wattpad as well as Instagram. The one-shots will have no 18+ content. Updates will be every other day. I apologize if they get inconsistent, school is starting again for me but I'll...