The Shadow Of A Trainee | Bang Chan ✔️

Chapter 28.

Mirae's P.O.V

*Next morning*

I woke up early with a burst of energy, an idea already forming in my mind. After last night, it felt right to do something special for the guys. I'd been so caught up in the whirlwind of everything going on with Chan that I'd nearly forgotten the joy of just being here with all of them.

So, I decided to set up a breakfast picnic in the dorms' garden.

It took a bit of careful planning and some quiet footsteps to keep from waking anyone up, but soon, the outdoor table was filled with an array of food. I'd prepared everything from pancakes and fresh fruit to scrambled eggs and bacon, even making sure to include Seungmin's favorite bagels and Jeongin's beloved chocolate chip muffins.

One by one, they started filing out, looking half-asleep but pleasantly surprised by the sight in front of them. Felix was the first to join me, his face lighting up as he noticed the spread.

"Wow, Noona! This is incredible," he said, grinning widely as he grabbed a muffin. "You didn't have to do all this."

"Just thought we could change things up a bit," I replied with a smile, setting out some freshly squeezed juice. "Besides, after last night, I think we all deserve a nice, relaxing morning."

Jeongin and Han came next, the two of them immediately racing over to the table. Jeongin beamed at me, his face filled with excitement as he spotted his muffins. "Noonaaa, you're the best! You always know just what we need!"

"Yep," Han chimed in, giving me a wink. "If we didn't already have Chan as our leader, I'd say you should be in charge."

I laughed, shaking my head as I handed him a plate. "Please, one Chan is more than enough for this group."

And then, as if summoned, Chan appeared in the doorway, still rubbing the sleep from his eyes. He glanced around, clearly taken aback by the setup.

"Good morning, sleepyhead!" I called out, smiling as I waved him over.

His eyes softened as he took in the sight of everyone gathered around, laughing and talking over breakfast. "Wow... Mirae, you really outdid yourself," he said quietly, his voice warm.

I felt my heart skip a beat at the look he was giving me—something so soft, so genuine. "I just thought we could all use a nice start to the day," I murmured, feeling my cheeks heat up under his gaze.

Felix, noticing the moment, gave me a playful nudge. "Yeah, and Noona's been extra thoughtful today. She even made Chan's favorites," he added, giving Chan a knowing smile.

Chan's eyes widened a bit, glancing at me with that same warm expression. "You... really didn't have to, Mirae."

I shrugged, hoping he couldn't see how flustered I was. "Well, you're always taking care of everyone. So, maybe today, I wanted to take care of you guys."

Lee Know and Changbin joined us, the two of them exchanging a look as they picked up on the atmosphere. Lee Know arched a brow, giving me a small smile. "Someone's in a good mood today," he said, glancing between Chan and me.

I rolled my eyes at him playfully, though my heart was racing. I couldn't deny that seeing Chan's reaction made everything feel even more worthwhile.

As we all sat down to eat, the conversation flowed easily. Han was cracking jokes, Changbin was groaning about how much he'd eaten last night, and Jeongin was already talking about what movie we'd watch next time. The laughter and camaraderie in the air felt like a warm blanket, wrapping around us as the sun began to rise higher in the sky.

At one point, Chan reached across the table, his hand brushing against mine as he handed me the syrup. The touch was so brief, so light, but it sent a shiver through me. I looked up, meeting his eyes, and the world seemed to fall away for a moment. He gave me a small smile, one that held a quiet intensity I couldn't ignore.

And just like that, I knew Hyungwon was right. I felt it deep inside—the way my heart sped up, the warmth that spread through me at the slightest touch, the way Chan's every little gesture seemed to mean so much more.

I had fallen for him. Maybe I'd been falling for him for a while, but now, sitting here with him and the guys, it was impossible to deny. I loved him more than I ever could have imagined.

But the doubt lingered, like a shadow. Did he feel the same way? Could he feel the same way? I'd caught those moments, those fleeting glances, but was that really enough to believe he cared for me like I cared for him? Until he says something, I couldn't be sure.

Just as I was lost in thought, Seungmin nudged me with his elbow. "Hey, Mirae, you okay? You look like you're daydreaming over there."

"Oh, yeah, sorry!" I quickly tried to focus, feeling a bit self-conscious as I realized I'd been caught staring at Chan.

Hyunjin, who was sitting across from us, smirked. "Maybe she's just caught up in the romance of breakfast in the garden," he teased, winking at me.

The guys all laughed, and I tried to laugh along with them, but my heart was pounding. I glanced at Chan out of the corner of my eye, hoping he hadn't noticed how flustered I'd become.

But he was watching me, his gaze steady and thoughtful. He didn't say anything, but I could see a softness in his eyes that made my heart skip another beat.

"Well, I think this has officially been the best breakfast ever," Felix declared, leaning back in his chair with a satisfied sigh. "Thanks to Noona's incredible setup, of course."

The others cheered in agreement, and I felt a surge of happiness at the warmth and appreciation they were all showing. But the best part of it all was that quiet smile on Chan's face, the way he looked at me with something close to admiration.

As we finished up and started clearing the table, Chan lingered nearby, helping me gather the plates. When we were alone for a brief moment, he looked at me, a small smile playing on his lips.

"Mirae," he said softly, his voice carrying a warmth that made my heart flutter. "Thank you. Really. I know I don't say it often enough, but... I appreciate everything you do. For me. For the team."

I felt my breath catch, the sincerity in his words hitting me like a wave. "Chan... it's nothing, really. I know that you've done so much for all of them. I just wanted to... give a little bit back."

His gaze softened, and he reached out, his hand gently squeezing my hand. "You're more than just an assistant, you know. We wouldn't be the same without you."

And in that moment, it felt like my heart was about to burst. I knew I couldn't say anything, couldn't let my feelings show. But that small gesture, those simple words, were enough to make me feel like maybe, just maybe, he felt something too.

As I watched him walk back to join the others, my heart full and my mind racing, I couldn't help but smile to myself. Whatever happens, I am here, with him and the rest of Stray Kids. And for now, that is enough.

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A/N:

I love how Mirae let go of Hyungwon's plan and began to spend her days as she've always wished with the members.

As for the updating with new chapter the whole week, I would like to say that this is the last update this week; because I have to take my time to write and edit new chapters.

We will meet again on Sunday. Hope you're enjoying the story so far.

May you all have a great day. Happy Thursdays!! ♡♡♡