Mischief Managed (Stray Kids Oneshots)

In the Silence | Seo Changbin

It was late, and the city beyond the studio windows had already settled into its quiet nighttime rhythm. Changbin sat on the couch with you, his usually bright, confident energy replaced by something quieter, softer. You'd both had long days, and he had invited you over, texting you a simple, "Just need someone around, if you're free." You hadn't hesitated.

The studio was dimly lit, with the faint glow from the equipment casting a warm, soft light over the room. Changbin's focus seemed elsewhere, his gaze drifting absently toward his hands, which fidgeted in his lap. You noticed the faint lines of tension around his eyes and the way his shoulders seemed to carry some invisible weight.

"Changbin," you said gently, reaching over to place your hand on his. "Everything okay?"

He looked up, as if startled from his thoughts, and offered a small, hesitant smile. "Yeah, I'm... I'm alright. Just one of those days, you know?"

You nodded, understanding immediately. "Want to talk about it?"

He paused, as if debating whether to keep his thoughts to himself. But then, with a small sigh, he squeezed your hand, grounding himself. "It's just... sometimes I feel like there's so much I need to prove. Not just as a rapper or a producer, but as me. I work hard, but sometimes it feels like it's never enough."

You shifted closer, trying to catch his gaze. "Changbin, you know how much everyone admires you, right? Not just because of how talented you are, but because of who you are. You don't need to prove anything to anyone."

He gave a wry smile, though his expression remained uncertain. "I guess. I just—sometimes it's hard to shake the feeling. There's always this voice in my head pushing me, saying that if I stop, if I let up, then it'll all slip away."

You let his words settle, feeling the weight of his worries as if they were your own. Changbin was always the strong one, the pillar of strength for everyone around him, always encouraging, always working hard. To see him like this, so vulnerable, only made you want to offer him the same support he gave to others.

"Hey," you said softly, shifting to sit cross-legged in front of him on the couch. "You don't have to be strong all the time. You're allowed to feel tired, to doubt yourself. That doesn't make you any less amazing. It just makes you human."

He chuckled lightly, his fingers absentmindedly brushing against yours. "You always know what to say, don't you?"

You smiled, shrugging. "I think I've just spent enough time around you to know how your mind works."

For a moment, you sat in a comfortable silence, your fingers interlocked with his. He looked down at your hands, his thumb tracing gentle circles on the back of your hand, grounding himself in the warmth of your touch.

Finally, he spoke again, his voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you. For being here. I don't say it enough, but... it means a lot to me."

Your heart softened, and you gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. "I'll always be here for you, Changbin. Whenever you need someone to lean on."

He smiled, the tension in his face easing as he leaned back, letting out a long breath. His gaze drifted back to the window, where the faint lights of the city sparkled in the distance.

"Do you want to go for a walk?" he asked, breaking the quiet. "It might clear my head."

You nodded, and within minutes, you found yourselves strolling through the quiet streets, the cool night air refreshing against your skin. Changbin's hands were tucked into his pockets, his shoulders more relaxed as he walked beside you, matching his steps to yours.

The silence between you was comfortable, filled with unspoken understanding. Occasionally, he'd glance at you, a soft smile tugging at his lips, as if he were reassured by your presence.

Eventually, he stopped, leaning against the railing overlooking a small park, the city lights casting a gentle glow over his features. You joined him, leaning against the railing beside him.

"This... this is nice," he murmured, looking out at the trees swaying softly in the night breeze. "I forget sometimes how much I need to just... stop. To breathe."

You nudged him gently with your shoulder. "That's why I'm here, to remind you."

He turned to look at you, his expression unreadable for a moment. Then, a flicker of something tender crossed his face, and he reached out, taking your hand in his again. "You're... kind of incredible, you know that?"

You felt a blush rising in your cheeks, but you managed a smile. "Well, I try."

He chuckled, his thumb grazing your knuckles in a soft, absentminded gesture. "I don't know what I'd do without you. Honestly. You keep me grounded, remind me of what's important."

The sincerity in his voice made your heart skip a beat. You could see the gratitude in his eyes, a depth of emotion he usually kept hidden behind his confident exterior.

"You don't have to do everything alone, Changbin," you said softly, squeezing his hand. "I'm here. Whenever you need someone, I'll be here."

He held your gaze, his eyes shining with a quiet intensity. Then, with a gentle tug, he pulled you closer, wrapping his arms around you in a warm, comforting embrace. You melted into his hug, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath your cheek, grounding you in the warmth of his presence.

For a long moment, you stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, the world around you fading into a quiet stillness. Changbin's hands rubbed gentle circles along your back, as if he were savoring the feeling of being held, of being understood.

When he finally pulled back, he gave you a small, grateful smile. "I don't say it enough, but... you really mean the world to me."

Your heart swelled, and you returned his smile, feeling the warmth of his words settle deep within you. "You mean the world to me too, Changbin."

He chuckled, his cheeks tinged with the faintest hint of pink, and he rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly shy. "You know, I'm not really used to being this... open. But it feels nice, having someone who really gets me."

You grinned, nudging him playfully. "Well, you're stuck with me now. No backing out."

He laughed, and the sound was light, genuine—a sound that filled you with a quiet sense of joy. And as you continued your walk together, side by side, you knew that this was just the beginning of something beautiful, something real.

4o