Mischief Managed (Stray Kids Oneshots)

Under The Stars | Bang Chan

The city was quiet, its usual buzz softened by the stillness of night. You and Chan strolled along the path by the river, the moonlight casting a gentle glow over everything it touched. The stars shimmered above, so clear tonight that you could almost count each one. But despite the serene beauty around you, you could sense something weighing on Chan's mind.

He walked with his hands shoved into his pockets, his shoulders slightly hunched, as though carrying an invisible burden. Every now and then, he'd look up at the sky, lost in thought, before sighing and glancing away. You gave him space, hoping he'd feel comfortable enough to share whatever was on his mind.

After a few minutes of quiet walking, Chan finally broke the silence. "Do you ever feel like... you're not enough?" His voice was soft, almost hesitant, like he wasn't sure he wanted to hear the answer.

You stopped, your heart clenching at his words. "Chan... you're one of the most incredible people I know. Why would you feel like that?"

He gave you a small, sad smile, shrugging as he looked down at his feet. "I guess it's just... I don't know. Some days, it's hard to see what people see in me. Everyone thinks I have it all together, but... sometimes I feel like I'm just faking it."

You took a deep breath, stepping closer to him. You could see the exhaustion in his eyes, the faint lines of stress etched onto his face, and you realized how much he'd been carrying on his own.

"Chan," you said gently, reaching out to take his hand. "You don't have to have it all together all the time. And you're not 'faking' anything. You're just... human. And that's okay."

He looked at you, his expression softening as he held your hand, drawing comfort from your touch. "I just... I want to be strong for everyone," he murmured. "For the members, for the fans... for you. But sometimes, I feel like no matter what I do, it's not enough."

You squeezed his hand, pulling him to a nearby bench. Once you were seated, you reached up, tucking a stray strand of his hair behind his ear. "You don't have to be 'strong' all the time, Chan. We all have insecurities, and I think... it makes you even stronger to admit them."

He stared at you, as though trying to find some hidden truth in your words. "I guess I never really thought of it that way."

A gentle smile spread across your face as you continued. "Look, we all see this incredible, talented person who would do anything for the people he loves. But it's okay to lean on us sometimes too, you know? You don't have to do everything alone."

His eyes softened, and he let out a shaky breath, his hand tightening around yours. "Thank you. I didn't realize how much I needed to hear that."

You looked up at the stars, feeling a sense of peace settle over you. "Whenever you feel like this, just remember that you're cherished, Chan. By so many people, including me."

He followed your gaze to the stars, his expression thoughtful. "I guess it's easy to forget when things get tough."

You leaned your head against his shoulder, feeling his warmth next to you. "Then I'll remind you, as many times as it takes."

A comfortable silence fell between you, and for a moment, the world around you seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of you under the vast, starlit sky.

"Thank you," he whispered, his voice barely audible over the gentle rustling of the trees. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

You smiled, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze. "You'll never have to find out."