Only one? [male Chaeyoung x TWICE]

(15) worried sick

The table felt like a little sanctuary in the bustling food court, where laughter echoed like music.

Chaeyoung, Nayeon, and Chaerin were immersed in the kind of happiness that seemed to suspend time.

Chaeyoung, as always, was effortlessly funny, making Chaerin giggle uncontrollably while Nayeon found herself laughing so hard her cheeks hurt.

It was rare to see Chaeyoung this relaxed.

He was usually so focused on responsibilities—school, work, his future—but here, with his sister and Nayeon, he was just himself.

Nayeon couldn't help but notice how tender and protective he was with Chaerin.

The way he leaned down to fix the stray hair from her face or listened intently to her rambling stories about school—it melted Nayeon's heart.

It wasn't just that he cared; it was how he cared, how he made the people around him feel so valued, so loved. For Nayeon, this outing was for Chaerin's sake, but in truth, it felt like it was for her, too.

It had been so long since she'd had this much fun with Chaeyoung.

Watching him light up as Chaerin beamed with joy felt like witnessing a side of him she didn't always get to see. His laughter, his warmth—it was intoxicating.

Chaerin was finishing her slice of pizza when she looked up at her brother. "Oppa, can I go to the bathroom?" she asked innocently, tilting her head.

Chaeyoung immediately frowned, his protective instincts kicking in. "Not by yourself," he said firmly, crossing his arms.

"Oppa!" Chaerin pouted, folding her arms in defiance.

"I'm not a baby! I can go on my own."

"You're nine," Chaeyoung countered, raising an eyebrow.

"That's practically a baby." Nayeon stifled a laugh, watching the siblings banter like normal loving siblings.

She found it adorable how stubborn Chaeyoung could be when it came to Chaerin's safety.

"Please, Oppa?" Chaerin pressed, her wide eyes shimmering with determination. "

I'll just go to the bathroom and come right back. Pinky promise!" Chaeyoung hesitated, glancing at Nayeon as if looking for backup.

She simply shrugged, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. Finally, he sighed and extended his pinky. "Alright, but if you're not back in five minutes, I'm coming after you."

Chaerin's face lit up, and she locked her tiny finger with his.

"Pinky promise!" she chirped before darting off toward the restroom. Chaeyoung watched her go, his eyes narrowing with concern. He barely lasted a moment before starting to push back his chair.

"Nope. I changed my mind. I'm going to get her." But before he could stand, Nayeon reached across the table and placed her hand over his.

The gesture was gentle but firm, and it stopped him in his tracks. "Chaeyoung," she said softly, her voice laced with reassurance.

"Give her a chance. She's growing up." Her hand lingered on his, and for a brief moment, the world around them seemed to blur. Chaeyoung glanced down at her hand, then back up at her.

Her touch was warm, steadying, and somehow... comforting.

"You're right," he relented, leaning back in his chair, though his posture still screamed worry.