The Shadow Of A Trainee | Bang Chan ✔️

Chapter 19.

Mirae's P.O.V

*Another week later*

I was in the practice room alone, wiping down mirrors and sweeping the floor like I had every day this week. My arms felt like lead, my legs barely holding me up. But I told myself this was my job, and I'd get through it. Just as I was about to finish, I heard footsteps and looked up to find all of the boys filing into the room.

"Alright, Mirae," Han announced, hands on his hips, "we're staging an intervention. No more practice-room cleaning for you."

I blinked, caught off guard. "Uh... an intervention?"

"Yes," Changbin said, rolling his eyes like it was obvious. "An intervention where we force-feed you snacks and tell you how amazing you are because clearly, someone around here doesn't appreciate it."

Before I could react, Hyunjin grabbed the broom out of my hands and waved it dramatically, like a sword. "Mirae, you are officially relieved of cleaning duties," he declared. "From now on, I'll be the self-sacrificing hero who tackles the dust bunnies." He paused, glancing at the floor. "Actually... on second thought, maybe not. But you get the point."

I let out a small laugh as Seungmin held out a juice box, offering it to me like it was a rare treasure.

"Hydration," he said, in the same serious voice Chan uses when practicing dance moves. "Essential for survival. Now drink up before you pass out or something. We don't need more drama in this group."

I couldn't help but smile as I took the juice. "Thanks, Seungmin."

Meanwhile, Lee Know was lounging against the mirror, watching me with a smirk. "You know, Mirae, if Chan is being a tyrant, just give him my patented death glare. Works every time. Or at least, it'll confuse him long enough for you to escape."

The guys laughed, and even I let out a giggle. The fact that they were all there, standing up for me, made my heart feel lighter.

"Oh! And if Chan ever complains about your cooking again,""Jeongin piped up, "we'll stage a rebellion. 'No salt, no peace!'" He pumped his fist in the air, and the others echoed him, making me laugh harder.

Felix leaned in, a mischievous glint in his eye. "And if he still doesn't get it, we'll teach you some 'Australian weird phrases' to throw at him. Trust me, that'll throw him off." He grinned, already whispering some in my ear.

As I laughed, Han reached into his pocket and pulled out a chocolate bar, holding it out like a peace offering. "Here, eat this. You need some sugar, and trust me, it'll make everything better. Chocolate has magical powers."

Jeongin nodded, eyes wide with fake seriousness. "Also, remember that if you need an alibi for a 'mysterious incident' involving Chan's favorite pair of shoes, I've got you covered."

"Guys, this is insane," I said, laughing until my cheeks hurt. "I don't deserve all of this..."

Lee Know shot me a sharp look. "Of course you do. You've been putting up with way too much lately, Mirae. You're one of us, and we're not about to let you burn yourself out because someone's being unreasonable."

The other members nodded in agreement, each one offering some silly, supportive comment that had me chuckling despite myself. It was hard to believe they all cared so much, but looking around at their determined faces, I could feel the warmth spreading through my chest.

---

Chan's P.O.V

I didn't mean to listen. I'd only gone back to the practice room to grab my jacket, but the sound of their voices stopped me in my tracks. From just outside the door, I could hear all of them, each one doing their best to lift Mirae's spirits. Every joke, every kind word, every silly comment filled the room with laughter, and Mirae's laughter was like music to my ears.

But with every word they spoke, a dull ache formed in my chest. I'd been cold to her on purpose, creating distance, trying to convince myself it was the right thing to do—for her sake and for mine. Yet hearing how they all stepped in to take care of her, to make her smile when I hadn't... it made me feel things I wasn't ready to admit.

A part of me was grateful, relieved even, that they were there for her. Seeing her struggle and not being the one to help had been harder than I'd let on. And deep down, it pained me to know that I was the one who'd driven her to this point, even if I'd had my reasons.

She deserved this—the support, the care, the laughter. And standing outside that door, listening to her laugh with them, I felt my eyes sting, emotion welling up inside me. The boys' words, their protectiveness toward her, only reminded me how much I wished I could go back to the way things were before.

But for now, all I could do was listen, feeling the warmth and pain in equal measure as her laughter echoed through the practice room.

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A/N:

More drama is coming, so stay tuned. <3