Mischief Managed (Stray Kids Oneshots)

Nightmares and Comfort | Seo Changbin

The night was still, the soft sound of rain tapping against the window creating a soothing melody. Inside the cozy room, Changbin lay nestled beneath his blankets, his face peaceful as he drifted into a deep sleep. But unbeknownst to him, the peaceful exterior masked a storm brewing in his mind.

As the night wore on, a nightmare gripped him. Dark shadows loomed over him, whispering his insecurities, and he felt a sinking dread in his chest. He saw himself on stage, but instead of the adoring fans, he was met with silence. The shadows closed in, and he felt utterly alone, drowning in his fears.

Suddenly, a loud gasp escaped his lips, and he bolted upright in bed, breathing heavily. The room was dark, the familiar shapes of his furniture now twisted into frightening silhouettes. Panic surged through him, and he felt his heart racing as he tried to catch his breath.

Just then, the door creaked open, and you stepped inside, your eyes wide with concern. "Changbin? Are you okay?"

He looked up at you, his expression a mix of fear and confusion. "I... I had a nightmare," he admitted, his voice shaky.

Without hesitation, you rushed over to his side, sitting on the edge of his bed. "Do you want to talk about it?" you asked gently, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

He shook his head, trying to shake off the remnants of the nightmare. "It was just... so real. I felt so alone."

Your heart ached for him, and you could see the shadows of doubt still clinging to him. "You're not alone, Changbin. I'm right here," you said softly, your thumb gently rubbing his shoulder. "You don't have to go through this alone."

He glanced at you, his expression softening. "I know, but in the dream, it felt like everyone had turned away from me."

"Sometimes our minds can play tricks on us, making us feel things that aren't real," you reassured him. "But you have people who love and support you, including me. I'll always be here for you, no matter what."

Changbin took a deep breath, letting your words wash over him. "It's just hard sometimes," he confessed, his vulnerability showing. "I worry about letting everyone down."

You leaned closer, your gaze unwavering. "You could never let us down. You're one of the most talented and hardworking people I know. You have so much love and support around you."

His eyes glimmered with unshed tears, the weight of his fears slowly beginning to lift. "I don't want to feel like this anymore."

You wrapped your arms around him, pulling him into a warm embrace. "Then don't. Let me help you. Just breathe with me," you whispered, your voice calm and steady. "Inhale... and exhale."

Changbin closed his eyes, focusing on your soothing voice as he followed your lead. With each breath, he felt the tension begin to melt away, the shadows of his nightmare dissipating with the rhythm of your breaths.

After a few moments, he pulled back slightly, looking into your eyes. "Thank you. I don't know what I would do without you."

You smiled softly, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead. "You'll never have to find out. I'll always be here, through the good and the bad."

He leaned in closer, resting his forehead against yours. "You really are my light, you know that?"

You felt your cheeks heat at the compliment, your heart fluttering in your chest. "And you're mine. Now, how about we distract ourselves for a bit? Want to watch something together?"

Changbin nodded, the corners of his lips lifting in a small smile. "That sounds perfect."

As you settled into bed beside him, you pulled up a show on your phone, the light illuminating the darkness of the room. With his head resting against your shoulder and your warmth wrapping around him, Changbin felt a sense of safety and comfort that chased away the remnants of his nightmare.

With you by his side, he knew he could face whatever shadows came his way, both in dreams and in reality. And as he watched the screen, surrounded by your presence, he felt a sense of peace settle over him—a reminder that he was never alone.