The Shadow Of A Trainee | Bang Chan ✔️

Chapter 25.

Mirae's P.O.V

The cafe was warm, cozy, and filled with the faint aroma of fresh coffee and pastries. I sat by the window, tapping my fingers on the table, my eyes drifting over the people passing by outside. It was strange to finally have a break, to sit here waiting for Hyungwon without worrying about the next schedule, the next event. I had missed him so much, but between Stray Kids' whirlwind schedules and his own busy life, I hadn't seen him in forever. A few minutes later, I looked up, seeing him come back from the counter with our drinks.

He slid into the seat across from me, grinning like the Cheshire Cat. "I can't even believe I'm finally sitting here with my amazing best friend," he said, a smile in his eyes. "And we actually have time to catch up."

I laughed, shaking my head. "Honestly, there's nothing new for you to know, Hyungwon. Everything's the same with me."

He raised his eyebrow, his lips curling into a playful smirk. "Sure, sure," he said, voice dripping with sarcasm. "As if I didn't see how Bang Chan was treating you when I came by the practice room last time. Come on, Mirae. Spill the tea. I'm all ears, and maybe I can help."

I felt a rush of warmth on my cheeks and took a deep breath, letting it out in a long sigh. "You know me way too well. It's creepy, actually," I joked, laughing. He joined in, but there was that mischievous spark in his eyes that told me he wouldn't let this go until I'd told him everything. So, I gave in.

"Fine," I started, my voice hesitant. "So, it all started when I first became Stray Kids' assistant..."

And just like that, the memories started flowing out. I told him everything—how tough it was at first, how they all practically ignored me. "But then Jeongin, the youngest, wanted to be friends with me. And for some reason, Chan hated it. I asked him why he was treating me that way, and that's when he told me about the old assistant—the one who'd betrayed them. I got why he was cautious. But after that, he gave me a chance."

Hyungwon listened, nodding thoughtfully, not saying a word as I continued.

"After that, things got a lot better. The members warmed up to me, and I started to feel like I belonged there. I even spent some amazing moments with Chan... like that night we stayed at the recording studio talking about music, or the time we drank tea together in the garden." I couldn't help but smile as I remembered those quiet, unexpected moments. I lowered my gaze, feeling my cheeks warm again. "And... um, there was this one embarrassing incident."

I could feel his curiosity growing, and I finally looked up at him with a shy grin. "So, I... kinda tripped and almost fell when I was in Chan's room once," I admitted, cringing as I spoke. "It was so embarrassing—He was just in a towel, okay? He caught me, and we were so close for a moment. Our noses even brushed." My voice drifted off, that moment flashing in my mind. "After that, though, everything changed. He became so cold and distant. It's just orders now, tasks... no real conversation."

Hyungwon was still silent, watching me closely, his expression unreadable.

I sighed, glancing out the window. "At first, I thought maybe he was just stressed from work. The new album, the awards, all the pressure. But then I saw him laughing with everyone else—he was even laughing and hugging Ryujin from ITZY all the time. They look so close. But with me..." I trailed off, swallowing back the strange ache in my chest. "It's just me he treats this way."

Hyungwon didn't say anything for a moment, then gently lifted my chin with his hand so I was forced to look at him. His gaze was soft, knowing. "Rae-Rae," he murmured, a hint of a smile on his lips. "You're jealous."

I stared at him, blinking in shock. "What are you saying? Are you crazy?"

He chuckled, looking completely unbothered. "Yes, you're jealous. You care too much about how he's treating you. You're upset that he's acting differently with Ryujin. And I think I know why." He paused, his gaze unyielding. "You still have feelings for him, Mirae. Remember when you had that tiny crush on him years ago? You said it faded, but it didn't really go away. And now, after everything that's happened, it's stronger."

I opened my mouth to protest, but no words came out. His words were too close to the truth. He was reading me, understanding me in a way no one else could. And yet, I still felt the need to deny it.

"Think about it," he continued, his voice calm and logical. "Why else would it bother you so much? It's not just the way he's treating Ryujin or the others. It's because deep down, you wish he was that close with you. Ever since the trainee days you watched him and his band mates from a far distant afraid to even interduoce yourself to them and just wished to be close to all of them but most importantly you wanted to be close to Chan"

I fell silent, the truth of his words sinking in.

"And here's something else to consider," he said, leaning in closer. "Maybe Chan has feelings for you, too. He's pushing you away because he can't risk getting too close. Company rules, protecting Stray Kids—it all makes sense."

I laughed, a little too bitterly. "Chan? Stray Kids' leader? Having feelings for me? That's ridiculous, Hyungwon. I'm... I'm nothing to him."

Hyungwon just smiled knowingly, crossing his arms. "Maybe. But... maybe not."

We sat there, our laughter fading as we both fell into a thoughtful silence. After a few minutes, I couldn't help myself. "So... how could I know for sure if Chan really feels that way?"

Hyungwon's eyes lit up, and he leaned in with a mischievous grin. "Simple. We'll test it. You and I will hang out a bit more. Or hangout with other members and be close to them even more; like make a movie night, hug them, make a sleepover in your room—make it look like you're living the best days of your life. If Chan really has feelings for you, I bet he won't stay silent."

My heart pounded with the thrill of the idea. "You think he'll... get jealous?"

"Absolutely," Hyungwon nodded. "If he really cares, he won't be able to hide it. We'll make it subtle, but we'll get our answer. And, Rae," he added, smiling, "you'll finally know how he really feels about you."

Excitement and uncertainty swirled inside me, but one thing was clear; with Hyungwon by my side, I felt ready to take the leap and find out. Whatever happens next, this vacation had just taken a very interesting turn.

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xoxoxo