The Shadow Of A Trainee | Bang Chan ✔️

Chapter 27.

Mirae's P.O.V

Movie night at the dorms was exactly what we all needed. With the break in the schedule, I had decided to organize a cozy, no-pressure night with the guys. My hope was that it would help me reconnect with everyone—and maybe, just maybe, get some answers about Chan's recent behavior, even if I wasn't actively seeking them out.

I spent the day shopping, picking up all the snacks I knew each member loved. I even went out of my way to grab Chan's favorite takeout, a little gesture I hoped would show him that I hadn't changed—that I still cared about him just as much as before. Maybe showing him that I was the same Mirae would ease whatever tension had been building up between us.

By evening, I arrived at the dorms with bags full of goodies and a stack of movies that ranged from action to comedies and some classic horror (for Felix's sake, of course). The guys were already in their pajamas, sprawled around the living room. There was a light-hearted chaos in the air, and it felt so natural, so comfortable, that I almost forgot all the uncertainty I'd been feeling lately.

"Movie night!" I announced, setting down the bags of snacks and receiving a round of excited cheers. Han and Seungmin rushed over to inspect the snack bags, like kids in a candy store, while Felix's eyes sparkled at the sight of the movie selection.

After a few minutes, Chan walked in, a slight smile on his face as he looked around the bustling room. His eyes met mine, and for a moment, something softened in his gaze. "Hey, Mirae," he said, his voice a little quieter than usual.

"Hey, Chan," I replied, trying to keep my tone light. "I hope you're hungry. I got your favorite."

He blinked in surprise, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. "You remembered."

"Of course, I did." I shrugged, acting casual, but I could feel my cheeks heating up. "Movie night wouldn't be complete without all the essentials."

The night started with an action movie, everyone squeezing onto the couches and floors with blankets and pillows. Jeongin was already digging into the snacks, while Changbin and Hyunjin tossed popcorn at each other from across the room. Felix had taken the spot next to Chan, but as I was about to settle on the floor, he gave me a nudge and motioned toward the open seat next to him and Chan.

I hesitated for a split second before sitting between them, my heart racing at the proximity to Chan. I could feel the warmth radiating from him, and every little shift he made seemed magnified in my mind. He seemed more relaxed than he had in weeks, though—like he was allowing himself to let go of whatever had been weighing him down.

As the first movie ended, I headed to the kitchen to refill some of the snacks. A few moments later, Chan walked in, quietly helping me gather some bowls.

"So..." he said, his voice gentle. "Thanks for setting this up. It's been a while since we've all just... hung out like this."

I looked up at him, surprised by the sudden softness in his expression. "No problem. I thought it'd be fun to just, you know, relax with everyone. It's been pretty intense for all of you."

He nodded, his gaze dropping as he fiddled with a napkin on the counter. "Yeah... things have been intense."

There was a moment of silence, and I realized this was a rare, unguarded moment from him. I wondered if I should say something, but before I could, he continued.

"Felix... he told me I should relax more." He let out a small, almost self-conscious laugh. "Said I've been too tense lately."

I felt my heart skip a beat, recognizing this as an opening—maybe even a small breakthrough. "He's right," I said softly. "You don't have to carry everything alone, you know. The others... they look up to you, but they're also here for you, too."

Chan looked at me, his gaze unreadable, yet softer than usual. "Sometimes it's hard to remember that," he admitted. "It feels like... if I'm not always on top of things, then something might slip."

I nodded, understanding. "But you've got a whole team who's ready to catch anything that does. They trust you, Chan. We all do."

He gave me a small smile, and for the first time in a long while, it felt like the wall he'd put up was beginning to crack, just a bit.

We finished up in the kitchen, and as we rejoined the others, I felt a little lighter. Maybe this was a step in the right direction—a way to show him that I was here, that I'd always be here.

The second movie was a comedy, which brought about nonstop laughter and teasing. By the time it ended, my sides hurt from laughing so much, and it felt like we were all kids again. It was so easy to just be myself here, and as I glanced at Chan, I caught him laughing freely, looking relaxed and genuinely happy.

The night wore on, and soon only a handful of us were left awake. Felix had fallen asleep on the couch, his head resting on Jeongin's shoulder, while Han and Seungmin were sprawled out on the floor, blankets wrapped around them. Chan and I ended up in the kitchen again, putting away the leftover food and dishes.

"So," he said after a moment, leaning against the counter, "how have things been with you? Outside of work, I mean."

I looked up, a bit surprised by the question. "Oh, you know... just the usual." I shrugged. "Nothing too exciting."

"Hyungwon's been keeping you busy, though," he said, and I thought I saw a flicker of something cross his face.

I bit back a smile, trying to keep my tone casual. "Yeah, he's been a great friend. Just... keeping me company."

Chan's gaze dropped for a moment, and when he looked back at me, there was a hint of vulnerability in his eyes. "That's good," he said softly. "You deserve someone like that. Someone who's... there for you."

His words hung in the air, and I felt my heart pounding as I searched his expression. There was something he wasn't saying, something hidden beneath those words. But I knew pushing him for answers wouldn't help. He had to come to them on his own.

I nodded, offering him a gentle smile. "Thanks, Chan. That means a lot."

We fell into a comfortable silence as we finished cleaning up, and for the first time in weeks, I felt like maybe things could go back to how they were. Maybe even better. If I just kept being myself, maybe time would reveal the truth.

As I was about to leave, Chan stopped me, his hand resting on my shoulder. "Mirae," he started, his voice quiet. "I... I just wanted to say... thank you. For tonight. For... everything."

I looked at him, my breath catching at the sincerity in his gaze. "Of course, Chan," I whispered, giving his hand a gentle squeeze. "I'll always be here."

He held my gaze for a moment longer, and I thought I saw something flicker in his eyes—a warmth, a tenderness I hadn't seen in a long time.

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A/N:

Finally, Chan's walls are falling down slowly.

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