The Shadow Of A Trainee | Bang Chan ✔️

Chapter 4.

Mirae's P.O.V

It had been two days since Jeongin and I had cooked together, and in those short days, our bond had unexpectedly deepened. What started as a simple activity in the kitchen quickly turned into something more-a budding friendship. Jeongin, usually so reserved, had started to open up to me.

I sat on my bed, headphones on, completely lost in my music and songwriting. It was something I'd been working on for a while, but I was far too shy to share it with anyone. The soft hum of the music helped me focus as I tapped away on my laptop, trying to find the right words for the song I was writing. I hadn't even noticed when the door creaked open.

When I finally did, I nearly jumped out of my skin. There, at the corner of my bed, was Jeongin, smirking like he'd just caught me doing something I wasn't supposed to. I fumbled to close my laptop, cheeks flushing.

"Whoa, hey! What are you doing here?" I asked, my voice betraying my surprise and embarrassment. He hadn't even knocked!

Jeongin's smirk only deepened. "What were you working on just now? You looked super focused."

I hesitated, trying to downplay it. "Oh, it's nothing. Just... you know, stuff."

But Jeongin wasn't going to let it go that easily. Without warning, he reached for my laptop, and I let out a startled, "Hey! Don't-!" But it was too late. He had already seen it.

His eyes widened as the screen revealed my song lyrics and music production software. I felt my cheeks burn even hotter. "Okay, fine! I'm trying to write a song. It's embarrassing, though, so don't make a big deal out of it."

He blinked, clearly surprised, but in a good way. "You write songs? That's actually pretty cool. You shouldn't be embarrassed."

His words of encouragement made me feel a little better, but I quickly shifted the conversation. "So, what brings you here, anyway?" I asked, desperate to move on.

Jeongin scratched the back of his neck, looking a little nervous. "Well...we're friends now, right?"

I raised an eyebrow at him. "I guess so. Why?"

He took a deep breath, and I could tell whatever he was about to say was important to him. "I...need advice. Love advice."

Now I was intrigued. Jeongin, asking me for love advice? "Oh? Go on, then."

"I like this girl," he confessed. "She's in a girl group, her name's Lia. I don't know how to talk to her, though. Stray Kids and her group are doing a collaboration on stage for an awards show, and we'll be practicing together starting tomorrow. I have no idea what to say to her."

I smiled, sensing just how nervous he was. "You've got this, Jeongin. Just be yourself. Start with small talk. Ask her about her day, or how rehearsals are going. You don't need to overthink it. Most of the time, it's the simplest conversations that mean the most."

He visibly relaxed at my words, his tense shoulders loosening as he let out a breath. "Yeah...that sounds doable. Thanks, Mirae."

"Anytime," I replied, happy to help.

Then, with a playful smile, he suggested, "How about we go make some juice? I could use a drink after all that emotional sharing."

I chuckled and agreed, following him to the kitchen. As we worked together, chopping fruit and blending it into refreshing juice, I couldn't help but feel a warmth spread through me. It was nice, this newfound friendship. When I handed Jeongin his drink, he paused for a moment, looking at me as if trying to say something unspoken.

And then, without warning, he stepped forward and pulled me into a sudden hug. "Thank you, Noona."

I stiffened for a second, caught off guard by the hug, but then I softened, hugging him back. "You're welcome, Jeongin."