Mischief Managed (Stray Kids Oneshots)

Cheeks of Joy | Han Jisung

The soft glow of the setting sun filled the room, casting warm shadows across the floor. Jisung sat on the edge of his bed, absentmindedly scrolling through his phone. The laughter and chatter of his members echoed from the living room, but today, he felt distant, wrapped up in his own thoughts.

He had always been the one with the chubby cheeks, a trait that his friends often teased him about. While they would playfully poke at him, he couldn't help but feel insecure about them. Today, the playful comments stung a little more than usual, and he found himself retreating into the safety of his room, feeling the weight of his self-doubt pressing down on him.

As he stared at his reflection in the mirror, Jisung couldn't shake the feeling that his cheeks made him look childish. He sighed, wishing he could change that one part of himself.

Just then, the door creaked open, and you stepped inside. "Hey, Jisung! Are you coming to join us? We're about to order food!"

He forced a smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "I'll be there in a minute."

You stepped closer, noticing the tension in his shoulders. "You okay? You seem... off."

Jisung shrugged, avoiding your gaze. "Yeah, just tired, I guess."

You could see right through his facade. "Jisung, you know you can talk to me, right?"

He looked down, biting his lip. "It's just... I don't know. I feel insecure about my cheeks. They're too chubby, and everyone keeps pointing it out. I just want to look more mature, you know?"

Your heart ached at his confession. "Oh, Jisung..." You took a seat beside him on the bed, turning to face him. "Your cheeks are adorable. They're part of what makes you, you!"

He let out a small, frustrated laugh. "Adorable? That's not really how I want to be seen."

"Why not?" you asked gently. "There's nothing wrong with being adorable. It's part of your charm! Plus, it makes you unique."

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "But sometimes I just want to be taken seriously, like a real adult."

"Jisung, you're already a real adult. Just because you have chubby cheeks doesn't change that," you said, placing a reassuring hand on his knee. "Your talent, your passion, and the way you care about the people around you are what truly matter."

"But it's hard to see that when everyone is always joking about it," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

"I know it can be tough," you replied softly. "But think about how much joy your cheeks bring to those around you. You light up the room with your smile, and your laughter is infectious."

He glanced up at you, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly. "You really think so?"

"Absolutely! Every time you smile, it's like you bring sunshine into our lives," you said earnestly. "Besides, how many idols can rock chubby cheeks and still look amazing while performing? You're a superstar, Jisung!"

He chuckled, the tension in his shoulders easing just a bit. "A superstar, huh? That sounds nice."

"Of course!" you beamed, reaching out to poke one of his cheeks playfully. "See? Adorable!"

He let out a genuine laugh, and for a moment, the weight of his insecurities lifted. "Okay, okay! Maybe they're not so bad."

"Exactly! Now come on, let's go eat with the others before they finish everything," you encouraged, standing up and extending a hand toward him.

Jisung hesitated for a moment, then took your hand, allowing you to pull him up. "Alright, but you have to promise me something."

"Anything!"

"Promise you'll remind me how cute I am whenever I forget," he said with a playful grin, the familiar sparkle returning to his eyes.

You laughed, feeling a surge of warmth. "Deal! Now let's go!"

As you both made your way to the living room, Jisung felt lighter, the insecurities that had weighed him down slowly dissipating. Maybe he could learn to embrace his chubby cheeks after all, especially with you by his side, reminding him of the joy he brought to others just by being himself.

In that moment, he realized that it wasn't about fitting into a mold of what he thought he should be; it was about celebrating who he was and finding beauty in the little things—like the joy of his chubby cheeks and the love of those who saw him for the incredible person he truly was.