The Shadow Of A Trainee | Bang Chan ✔️

Chapter 10.

Chan's P.O.V

When Mirae said she just wanted to feel like she belonged among us, my heart ached for her. There was something so sincere about the way she said it. And at that moment, I felt guilty for not trusting her sooner.

She was different. Not like our previous assistant, who had left a bitter taste in all of our mouths. Mirae was kind hearted, thoughtful—someone who fit into our lives in a way that felt natural. I was 90% sure I had misjudged her.

But there was something else, too. Something I didn't understand.

Every time I looked at her, my heart started to race, pounding so hard that I could swear she'd hear it. I didn't know what this feeling was, and I didn't want to find out. I brushed it off, telling myself it was nothing. Just... tiredness, maybe.

Still, I couldn't help but steal glances at her from time to time as we sat quietly in the garden.

Suddenly, a loud noise burst from inside the dorm, breaking the peace. Mirae laughed, and the sound was so warm and genuine that I couldn't help but join her.

At the same time, we both said, "The kids are up," and then burst into more laughter. It felt... easy. Light.

I stood, extending my hand toward her. "Come on. Let's go see what they're up to."

Mirae smiled and slipped her hand into mine. The moment our hands touched, a strange warmth spread through me. My heart stuttered in my chest, and I knew from the way her cheeks flushed slightly that she felt it too. But we both pretended it was nothing, brushing the moment off as we headed inside.

When we walked in, holding our tea cups, we were met with wide-eyed stares from the boys.

"Well, well, well..." Lee Know smirked, folding his arms. "Look who decided to have a little tea date."

Hyunjin wiggled his eyebrows, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Are you two... hiding something from us?"

Seungmin, ever the dry humorist, chimed in. "I guess tea tastes better when you drink it outside in the garden... together."

I rolled my eyes at their teasing, trying to keep my expression calm. "We were both awake early, so we thought we'd enjoy some quiet before the chaos."

Right on cue, Felix and Jeongin ran toward Mirae, wrapping their arms around her in a playful hug.

"Good morning, Noona!" Felix beamed, squeezing her tightly.

Jeongin grinned up at her, his voice playful. "We missed you!"

Before Mirae could respond, Seungmin—who usually avoided such displays of affection—joined them, throwing his arms around her as well. "We want breakfast!" he demanded, his tone unusually playful.

That sent all of us into laughter. Even Seungmin couldn't keep a straight face.

Then Han bounded over, grinning from ear to ear. "Yay! Maknae line hug from Noona!"

Mirae was laughing now, her face lit up with amusement as the four boys clung to her. She shot a desperate look at the older members. "Help. Please."

I couldn't help but chuckle. Watching her get smothered by the maknae line was probably the best thing I'd seen all week.

When the boys finally released her, she let out a breath and shook her head in mock exhaustion. "Wow, that was... quite the hug."

---

Mirae headed to the kitchen, and soon the air was filled with the delicious smell of breakfast. She worked quickly, preparing everything with care, and before long, she called out, "Breakfast is ready!"

The boys rushed to the table as if their lives depended on it, jostling and racing to grab a seat. I chuckled at the sight. They were always like this, chaotic, loud, and full of life.

I sat down next to Mirae as the boys dove into the food, chatting and laughing between bites.

After a while, Mirae leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table. "Okay, listen up," she announced over the noise. "After breakfast, everyone should have their own time to relax. Then, we'll head to the company this afternoon for recording."

The boys gave various nods of acknowledgment, though they were mostly focused on their food.

As the conversation buzzed around us, I scooted a little closer to Mirae and leaned in toward her. "See?" I whispered, nodding toward the boys. "This is what I meant. Their chaos always fills my emptiness."

Mirae turned to me, her eyes warm with understanding, and gave me a smile so beautiful it made my heart skip a beat again.

And once again, I cursed myself.

Why was my heart racing like this? Why did it feel like every smile from her reached some hidden part of me I hadn't realized was waiting for something?

I pressed my palm to my forehead, groaning inwardly at myself. Get a grip, Chan.

But when Mirae glanced at me again, that same smile lingering on her lips, I knew deep down that whatever this feeling was... it wasn't going away anytime soon.

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A/N:

I hope you enjoy this cute little chapter as I did writing it.