「 ✦ Jeongchan oneshots ✦ 」

「 ✦ Stressed ✦ 」

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ⁿᵒʷ ᵖˡᵃʸⁱⁿᵍ ⁻ ˢᵗʳᵉˢˢᵉᵈ...

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It was late at the studio. The soft hum of the overhead lights cast long shadows over the desks, where papers, headphones, and half-empty cups of coffee were scattered about. The usual energy of Stray Kids was subdued tonight. Most of the members had already left, leaving behind the sounds of clicking keyboards, the occasional scribbling of a pen, and the tired sighs of their leader, Bang Chan.

Jeongin, perched on the couch in the corner of the room, was idly scrolling through his phone. His eyes kept flicking toward Chan, who was hunched over his laptop, eyes narrowed in concentration. The leader had been at the studio for hours, trying to finish up a new track they were working on. It wasn't unusual for Chan to pour so much into his work, but tonight, something felt different. His usual calm, steady demeanor had been replaced with an edge—something Jeongin could sense, even from across the room.

"Hey," Jeongin called softly, setting his phone aside and standing up. "You okay?"

Chan didn't look up immediately, tapping at his keyboard, but his response was clipped. "Yeah. Fine."

Jeongin, a little unsure but not wanting to press too hard, moved closer. "You've been at it for hours. Maybe you should take a break."

Chan's fingers stilled for a moment before he let out a frustrated sigh. His gaze flicked up to meet Jeongin's, but the tightness around his eyes was evident. "I don't have time for breaks right now, Jeongin. I have to finish this. We need it done by tomorrow so just stop. You aren't helping."

The bite in his tone and words made Jeongin pause. He wasn't used to hearing Chan snap like that—especially not at him. But he didn't say anything, simply nodding quietly and stepping back.

"Sorry..I'll just... go get something to drink," he murmured, not wanting to make the situation worse.

Chan watched him turn away, but the knot in his chest tightened. He hated the way he'd spoken to Jeongin. He knew it wasn't right, but the pressure of everything—the upcoming comeback, the responsibilities as a leader, the weight of expectations—was getting to him. Still, he couldn't let it fester. Not with Jeongin.

Before Jeongin could make it to the door, Chan's voice stopped him.

"Jeongin, wait."

Jeongin froze. He was a bit scared as Chan's tone still sounded a bit stern. His back was still turned, but he didn't move any further. The silence stretched between them for a moment before Chan stood up, walking over to him. He stood a little closer than usual, his voice softening.

"I... I didn't mean to snap at you. I'm just stressed and—" Chan cut himself off, running a hand through his messy hair. "I didn't want to take it out on you. You've been nothing but supportive."

Jeongin finally turned around, slightly relieved, giving him a gentle smile. "I know," he said quietly. "I get it. You're under a lot of pressure. But you don't have to go through it alone, Chan. You know i'm always here for you."

Chan felt a wave of guilt wash over him, his heart aching. He stepped forward, carefully taking Jeongin's hands in his. "I'm sorry. I was frustrated, and I didn't mean to make you feel bad. You're my boyfriend, and I should be able to rely on you... without lashing out."

Jeongin squeezed his hands, his smile not faltering. "It's okay. I know you're trying your best. But, you know, you don't always have to carry everything by yourself. Let me help you, okay?"

Chan nodded, feeling the weight in his chest ease just a little. "I'll try. I promise."

The air between them softened, the tension lifting as Chan let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. He gently pulled Jeongin into a hug, his arms wrapping around him tight, as if holding onto something that would help steady him.

"Thanks for being patient with me," Chan murmured against Jeongin's hair.

Jeongin rested his head on Chan's shoulder, his voice light. "You're my leader, Chan. I'll always be patient with you— i'll always be here."

They stood like that for a few moments, the weight of the day slipping away with each heartbeat, each quiet breath. Chan finally pulled back, smiling at Jeongin, the stress in his eyes now replaced with something softer. He softly kissed the younger on his cheek, having his hands play in Jeongin's blonde hair.

"I think," Chan said, his voice teasing just a little, "you deserve a reward for being so understanding."

Jeongin raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eye. "A reward? What kind of reward?"

Chan grinned, pulling him back toward the couch. "How about a movie night? No work. Just us, some snacks, and a stupid action movie."

Jeongin chuckled, settling beside him. "Now that sounds like a reward. But just being here with you is a reward~ But i guessss we could" Jeongin said teasingly with a bright smile.

Chan leaned back, his arm around Jeongin's shoulders, hands intertwined, and for the first time in hours, he felt at ease. Even when the world was heavy, they could face it together.

And that, he realized, was all he needed.

Jeongin, was all he needed.

"I love you so much"

"I love you too channie"

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