The Shadow Of A Trainee | Bang Chan ✔️

Chapter 16.

Mirae's P.O.V

The ride to the filming location felt longer than it probably was, or maybe that was just because I was too aware of Chan sitting beside me. Most of the other members were either asleep or talking quietly among themselves, while Chan had his earphones in, staring out of the window. He seemed distant, lost in thoughts, and I could sense the tension radiating from him.

I shifted slightly in my seat, careful not to get too close. I could feel him keeping his distance, so I decided to do the same. I didn't want to make things uncomfortable, but it was hard not to think about everything that had happened between us recently. I kept sneaking glances at him, hoping to catch a hint of what he was feeling, but his face was unreadable.

His emotions were probably just as mixed as mine. But unlike me, he didn't seem to let his show. He seemed frustrated, and that only made me more confused. Was it something I did? Or said?

Finally, we reached our destination. The place was beautiful, with plump trees and vibrant, colorful flowers everywhere. A large house stood in the distance, and I could already see the camera crew setting up for the shoot. The others started greeting the crew, shaking hands, and catching up with familiar faces from previous shoots. I stayed back, unsure of where to place myself. No one really noticed me, of course. They were all here for Stray Kids.

I stood at the edge of the group, waiting. Maybe someone would come over and ask who I was or at least say hello. But no one did. I wasn't upset, though — this wasn't about me.

That was until a woman from the crew came over, a bright smile on her face. For a moment, I thought maybe she was coming to introduce herself, but instead, she asked me to help with the kids who had come with their parents, who were part of the crew.

I glanced toward Stray Kids, hoping someone would step in and clarify that I wasn't here to be a babysitter, that I was part of their team, their assistant. But they were all too busy talking about the episode's concept. I caught Chan's gaze, and for a second, I thought he might say something. But all I got from him was a silent look that felt like a cold nudge "Didn't you hear her? Go."

That stung more than I expected.

I nodded to the woman, forcing a polite smile, though I could feel my chest tighten. I wouldn't let the disappointment show. I followed her to where the kids were, trying to shake off the feeling of being overlooked. It wasn't that big of a deal.

When I got to the kids, they greeted me with polite bows, each of them introducing themselves. "I'm Jisoo," one of the boys said with a grin. Another chimed in, "My name is Haejin." The third boy, a little more shy, whispered, "I'm Daehyun." The girls followed, one with bright eyes introducing herself as "Yuna" and the other, a little quieter, as "Seojin."

I crouched down to their level, offering them a warm smile. "It's nice to meet you all. My name's Mirae, and you can just call me Mirae, okay?"

We started playing in the garden, and before long, I forgot all about the awkwardness from earlier. Their energy was infectious, and I found myself genuinely enjoying the time with them. They were sweet, playful, and so full of life. But then, suddenly, a shout broke through the laughter.

I turned just in time to see one of the boys, Jisoo, pushing Haejin, who stumbled back a few steps. My heart raced as I ran over to them. "What happened?" I asked, my voice gentle but firm.

Haejin rubbed his arm, glaring at Jisoo. "He hit me because I didn't share the ball."

Jisoo crossed his arms defensively, refusing to look at Haejin. "He wasn't playing fair."

I sighed, crouching down between them. "Hey, fighting doesn't solve anything," I said softly, looking at both of them in turn. "Do you know what's more important than winning or getting the ball? Being a friend. Friends share, they listen, and they help each other. You can still play together and have fun, right? Isn't that what matters?"

They both looked away, still pouting.

I decided to try something different. "You know what?" I smiled. "There's a song I know, and it's about the gift of friendship. Do you want to hear it?"

Without waiting for an answer, I started singing "A Gift of a Friend" by Demi Lovato.

".....Someone who knows when your lost and your scared

There through the highs and the lows

Someone you can count on, someone who cares

Besides you wherever you go

You'll change inside

When you, realize

The world comes to life

and everything's alright

From beginning to end

When you have a friend

By your side

That helps you to find

The beauty of all

When you'll open your heart and

Believe in

The gift of a friend

And when the hope crashes down

Shattering to the ground

You, you'll feel all alone

When you don't know which way to go

And there's no such leading you on

You're not alone...."

My voice wasn't anything special, but I sang from the heart, hoping the words would resonate with them. As I sang, I noticed the kids were slowly starting to relax, their arms uncrossing. They were still quiet, but the tension between them seemed to melt away.

What I didn't realize was how loud I was singing. It wasn't until I glanced up that I saw the crew, and even Stray Kids, looking in my direction. My face flushed as I realized they'd heard me.

And that's when I noticed Chan. He wasn't just looking at me; he was listening. His eyes softened, and for a moment, the distance between us didn't seem so far.

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A/N:

I hope you are enjoying the story. 

May you all have a great day.