A Distraction // Bangchan

Chapter One

It was a crisp autumn morning in Seoul, the kind of day where the sun felt just warm enough to enjoy the cool breeze that danced through the golden leaves. Lauren had settled into a comfortable routine over the years since she moved to Korea. The hustle and bustle of the city didn't faze her anymore. She'd grown to love the energy, the noise, the constant movement of life around her. Today, she had some free time between meetings and decided to treat herself to a quiet moment at her favorite coffee shop.

The café was nestled in a quieter street off the main road, with floor-to-ceiling windows that let in the soft, golden light. She opened the door, the familiar smell of freshly brewed coffee mixing with the scent of baked goods. Lauren smiled to herself as she approached the counter, exchanging pleasantries with the barista in fluent Korean. After ordering a latte, she found a cozy seat by the window and pulled out her laptop to do some light work.

She was in the middle of reviewing a project proposal when something—or rather someone—bumped into her table. The sudden jolt caused her to look up, startled, just as a figure stumbled back slightly, an apologetic look on his face.

"I'm so sorry, I wasn't paying attention," the man said in Korean, his voice low but clear, with a hint of an Australian accent that she picked up on immediately. Lauren blinked, her eyes meeting his, and for a moment, the world seemed to stand still.

The man before her was striking—handsome, with soft, tousled black hair and warm, expressive eyes. His mask was slightly lowered, revealing a sharp jawline, and though he was dressed casually in a hoodie and baseball cap, there was something about him that seemed familiar. Her heart skipped a beat, and she suddenly realized who he was.

Bang Chan. Leader of Stray Kids.

She had heard of Stray Kids before, of course. It was impossible to live in Korea without hearing their music or seeing them in advertisements, but she'd never really followed them closely. And yet, here he was, standing right in front of her, looking slightly flustered.

"It's okay," Lauren responded with a warm smile. "No harm done."

Chan looked relieved, but then his eyes lingered on her a little longer than necessary. He seemed caught off guard for a moment, as if he wasn't expecting to run into someone like her. There was something magnetic about her striking blue eyes, framed by her long dark hair that cascaded over her shoulders. She exuded confidence, but there was also a softness in her expression that drew him in.

"Are you... are you American?" he asked, curiously, noticing her accent despite her perfect Korean.

Lauren nodded, chuckling softly. "Yeah, I moved here for work a few years ago. I'm a project manager for a marketing company. My name's Lauren", she smiled.

Chan raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "Your Korean is really good."

"Thank you," she replied, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, feeling a little self-conscious under his gaze. "It took a lot of practice."

For a moment, they stood there, the sounds of the café fading into the background as they shared a quiet smile. There was an undeniable spark, something that neither of them could ignore. But then, almost as if reality snapped back into place, Chan's eyes darted around the room. He was careful, always careful. As an idol, he couldn't afford to be seen talking too closely with women, let alone one as beautiful and captivating as her. Rumors spread fast, and he had learned the hard way to be discreet.

He took a step back, creating a bit more space between them, and Lauren noticed the shift immediately. His demeanor hadn't changed, but the subtle caution in his body language was unmistakable.

"Sorry," Chan said softly, glancing around again. But suddenly he leaned forward against the chair slightly. "Do you come here often?" He asked, his voice lower now, almost conspiratorial, as if he didn't want anyone else to overhear.

Lauren smiled, nodding. "Yeah, it's one of my favorite spots. It's quiet, and the coffee's good."

Chan hesitated for a moment, then leaned in slightly, his eyes locking with hers again. "Maybe I'll see you here again sometime?"

Her heart fluttered at the suggestion. There was a softness in his tone, something almost vulnerable, and it made her smile. "Maybe," she replied, her voice equally soft.

He nodded, as if sealing a silent agreement, then glanced around once more. "I should go before anyone recognizes me," he said, his voice tinged with regret. "But it was nice meeting you Lauren. I'm Chan."

"Of course," Lauren replied, her smile lingering. "It was nice meeting you,too."

And just like that, he turned and walked away, pulling his cap lower and slipping out of the café as discreetly as he could. Lauren watched him go, her heart still racing from the unexpected encounter. She had run into a few idols in the past. It was common in Korea. But something was different — it wasn't just the fame that had left an impression on her. There was something deeper, something genuine about him that lingered in her mind long after he'd gone.