The Shadow Of A Trainee | Bang Chan ✔️

Chapter 23.

Mirae's P.O.V

"So... you're now Stray Kids' assistant, I see."

I looked up, blinking as Hyungwon's familiar voice pulled me from my thoughts. He stood in front of me, the same easy grin on his face that I remembered so well. I couldn't help but laugh, feeling a rush of warmth spread through me.

I shrugged, giving him a playful smirk. "Oh, you know me. I'm not just any assistant. I'm their fairy godmother in disguise. Who else would remind them of how charming they are every five minutes?"

He laughed, and the sound of it felt like a balm to my soul. All the weight I'd been carrying, the weariness, the loneliness that had become a quiet companion—none of it seemed to matter in that moment. It was like the past two years vanished, and suddenly, I was just Mirae, standing in front of my best friend.

"It's so good to see you," I said, unable to hide the relief and happiness in my voice. "I thought you'd forget all about me while you were off being a soldier."

Hyungwon's hand ruffled my hair, just like he used to. "Forget you? Are you serious? I've been waiting for this day for two years. I need to catch up on everything I missed."

I felt my grin widen. "Wait... is that why you're here? Just to get the latest gossip about me?"

He smirked, letting his words hang in the air for a moment. "Maybe... and also to tell you something."

I crossed my arms, raising a brow. "Come on, Hyungwon, don't leave me in suspense! Tell me already."

"Alright, alright." He laughed, rolling his eyes. "I signed with JYP as a solo artist."

My jaw dropped, and for a moment, I couldn't move. Then, I threw my arms around him, squeezing him tight. "Wonieee! That's amazing! You have no idea how happy I am for you. And you'll be around more often! Finally, I'll have someone to talk to... and someone to drag out for coffee whenever I need a break."

We laughed together, slipping back into the easy rhythm we'd always had.

"Just don't get sick of me," he teased, nudging me with his elbow. "You know I'm way more entertaining than those kids you're running around after."

I rolled my eyes, grinning. "Oh, right, because you're such a humble star."

But then, his smile softened, and I saw something deeper in his eyes as he glanced at Stray Kids, who were wrapping up their practice. He looked back at me, his expression suddenly serious.

"So, Mirae... you're still doing this? Working as an assistant for all these groups?" His voice was gentle, laced with concern. "What about your own dreams?"

I forced a smile, trying to brush it off. "Dreams don't exactly pay the bills, Hyungwon. Besides, I'm used to this now."

But he kept looking at me, his eyes so full of worry that I felt exposed, like he could see right through my facade. I shifted, turning to watch the Stray Kids members collecting their things and getting ready to leave. They were laughing, carefree as they headed home, and for a moment, I felt a pang of envy.

"What's wrong?" he asked softly, noticing the shift in my mood.

"Nothing," I replied, hoping my smile looked convincing.

He gave a low chuckle. "Mirae, I've known you for too long to fall for that. You always say it's nothing."

I felt a sigh escape me, the weight pressing down on my shoulders. I was about to tell him... about the way Chan had been treating me lately, the coldness, the distance that seemed to grow every day. But before I could say anything, I heard Chan's voice behind me.

"Mirae, it's time to go home," he called out. His voice was as calm as ever, yet the underlying impatience stung. "No need to clean up after us tonight. There's still a lot of laundry to get done, and we're all exhausted."

I nodded quickly, feeling my heart sink. As I glanced back at Hyungwon, I saw the sadness in his eyes. He'd always known me better than anyone else, and he didn't have to say a word to understand the quiet hurt I felt. The knowing look he gave me almost undid me.

"I'll tell you everything later," I whispered, pulling him into one last hug. His arms wrapped around me tightly, and I felt safe for just a moment longer.

As I walked toward the elevator, trailing behind the others, I could feel his gaze on me. I wanted to turn back, to tell him everything, but the distance had already crept back in. My bright, fleeting happiness from seeing him began to fade as I followed Chan and the others out of the building.

And just like that, the familiar numbness settled back in.

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An unscheduled update. Hope you're all enjoying the story.<3 <3 <3