A Distraction // Bangchan

Chapter Fifteen

The next few days passed by in a blur for Lauren, though every moment she wasn't busy was spent thinking about Chan. The memory of their kiss lingered, replaying in her mind whenever she had a quiet moment to herself. She could still feel the heat of his hands on her waist, the intensity in his eyes, and the way his lips had moved against hers like he couldn't get enough. It had been perfect, but now, the rush of that night was followed by a lull she hadn't anticipated.

She knew Chan had a packed schedule with the band—practices, meetings, and endless obligations that came with his world. He had warned her it wouldn't be easy finding time to see each other, but that didn't stop the growing sense of longing every time her phone lit up with a message from him.

Late in the evening, as she was settling onto her couch with a book in hand, her phone buzzed beside her. A smile tugged at her lips as she reached for it, already knowing who it was before she even checked the screen.

Chan: Hey, I've been thinking about you. It's been a crazy few days, but I didn't want you to think I forgot about you 😊

Lauren's heart fluttered at his message. She knew he was busy, but the fact that he took the time to check in, even with his hectic schedule, made her feel more connected to him. She quickly typed back, trying to keep her tone light despite how much she missed him.

Lauren: You? Forget about me? Never crossed my mind 😆 How's everything been? Surviving the chaos?

There was a short pause before his next message came through, and she could almost imagine him smiling as he typed.

Chan: Barely surviving. But thoughts of you are keeping me going. I might need you to save me soon 🙈

Lauren laughed softly to herself, the playfulness in his message easing some of the tension she had been feeling. She missed seeing him, but the flirting, even through text, kept things light and fun. She could feel the pull between them even through their messages, and that made the wait more bearable.

Lauren: I'm on standby. Ready to save you whenever you need me 😉

His next message came quickly, and this time, it carried a bit more sincerity.

Chan: Seriously though, I can't wait to see you again. But I'm stuck with work for a few more days. Soon, okay?

Lauren felt a warmth spread through her chest at his words. It wasn't just the flirting that kept her interested—it was the way he seemed to be just as invested in this as she was, even with everything he had going on. She appreciated how real he was with her, never letting the playful banter get in the way of honesty.

Lauren: I'm looking forward to it. I know you've got a lot on your plate. Just let me know when you're free 😊

The response came almost instantly, and she could picture him, sitting somewhere with his phone in hand, smiling as he read her message.

Chan: As soon as I can, you're the first person I'll see. Promise.

Lauren smiled to herself, setting the phone down for a moment as she leaned back into the couch. The anticipation of seeing him again made her heart race. And even though it was frustrating to wait, it made her realize how much she was starting to care about him. This wasn't just a fling or some fleeting connection—it felt like something real, something worth waiting for.

Her phone buzzed again, pulling her out of her thoughts.

Chan: What about you? How's your week been? Anything exciting or just thinking about me all day? 😏

She grinned, quickly typing back.

Lauren: Just the usual—work, thinking about you, you know, the important stuff. 😉 But I think you're the exciting part of my week