Mischief Managed (Stray Kids Oneshots)

Confidence Booster | Seo Changbin

Changbin looked worn out as he stepped through the door, the confident energy he usually carried noticeably dimmed. He avoided your gaze, shoulders slumping as he made his way over to the couch and let himself fall heavily onto it, the cushions swallowing him up. You felt a pang seeing him like this; Changbin, who was usually so strong, looked exhausted—like he was carrying more than he could bear.

Sitting beside him, you nudged his shoulder gently, trying to gauge if he wanted to talk. "Hey... rough day?"

He let out a sigh, running a hand over his face. "Yeah. You could say that."

The weight in his voice was unmistakable. Changbin had a fierce work ethic and took everything he did seriously. But sometimes, his own high standards could turn against him. You'd seen it before—those moments where he'd pour his heart into something, only to be his harshest critic in the end.

You leaned back, giving him some space but remaining close enough to show your support. "Want to talk about it?"

Changbin stared at his hands, as if contemplating whether he wanted to open up or not. After a few moments, he finally spoke. "I just feel... off. I'm putting everything into my work, my music, my routines, but it's like it's never enough. No matter how much effort I put in, I just end up feeling... not good enough."

He shrugged, attempting to brush it off as if he wasn't bothered, but you could see how much it weighed on him.

"Changbin..." you said softly, reaching out to rest a hand on his arm. "Do you know how amazing you are?"

A small, hesitant smile flickered on his face. "Yeah, right."

"I mean it!" you insisted. "You're always there for everyone else. You're so talented, so hardworking... you're an inspiration. Don't you see that?"

He let out a quiet laugh, shaking his head. "I don't know. I don't think anyone really sees how much I struggle, how hard I push myself. They only see the results, not what it takes to get there. And sometimes... sometimes I feel like I'm just chasing this idea of perfection that I can't ever reach."

Your heart ached hearing him admit this. Changbin, who lifted everyone else up, was carrying all this pressure alone. You wanted, more than anything, to help him see himself the way you saw him.

"Do you want to know what I see when I look at you?" you asked gently.

His gaze met yours, curious yet uncertain. You took a deep breath, trying to put into words just how much you admired him—not just as a friend, but as a person who truly inspired you.

"When I see you, I see someone who's unbelievably passionate," you began, your voice warm with sincerity. "You care so much, and it shows in everything you do. You're dedicated, and you're one of the most determined people I know. You're strong—physically, yeah, but also emotionally. And despite everything you go through, you're still so caring, so humble."

Changbin's cheeks flushed slightly, and he looked down, a faint, almost bashful smile beginning to tug at his lips.

"Do you know how rare that is?" you continued, your hand still resting on his arm. "To be able to work that hard and still have such a big heart?"

He let out a chuckle, though his eyes were glistening, as if your words were reaching a part of him he usually kept hidden. "You're really too kind, you know that?"

"It's not kindness. It's the truth," you replied firmly. "You're incredible, Changbin, just as you are. You don't need to be perfect to be amazing."

He was quiet for a moment, letting your words settle over him. You could see him processing, as though he were fighting to believe what you were saying.

Finally, he looked back at you, a softness in his gaze that made your heart squeeze. "You always know how to say the right things," he murmured, his voice low but filled with warmth.

You grinned, nudging him lightly. "That's because I know you, Binnie. And I hate seeing you doubt yourself. You're the most hard-working person I know, but you're also kind and genuine. You deserve to know that."

Changbin's fingers lightly traced over your hand, and you could feel a newfound lightness in his presence as his thumb rubbed small circles on your skin. "Thank you," he whispered, his voice a bit unsteady. "I really needed that today."

You squeezed his hand, smiling warmly. "Anytime. I'm here to remind you how amazing you are whenever you need it."

The two of you sat in silence for a while, but it was a comforting, shared silence. Slowly, you could see the tension leaving his shoulders, replaced with something softer, lighter. After a few minutes, he sat up a bit straighter, his energy visibly restored.

"You know, you're kind of amazing too," he said, giving you a look of genuine appreciation. "You always have a way of making me feel better."

You shrugged playfully. "It's my superpower."

He laughed, a real, hearty laugh that seemed to shake off the last of his tension. The sound filled the room, warm and rich, and you couldn't help but join in.

Changbin's laughter softened, and he glanced at you with an expression that was part gratitude, part admiration. "I'm lucky to have you."

His words were simple, but you could feel the depth behind them. You smiled, your heart swelling. "And I'm lucky to have you too, Binnie."

He leaned back, resting his head against the couch with a sigh. "Alright, no more self-doubt for tonight. You're too good at giving pep talks; I'd feel guilty wasting it."

You chuckled, nudging his shoulder. "Good. That's what I like to hear."

As you both sat there, sharing the comfortable silence, you knew that Changbin's confidence had been bolstered a little more tonight. And in those quiet moments, with him by your side, you realized just how much he meant to you, too.

4o