Soul in the System: Chanjin

Preparing for Prom

The tension with Jae began to fade in the days following their confrontation. True to his word, Jae backed off, though his presence still lingered on the periphery. Hyunjin had reassured Chan repeatedly that their relationship was strong, and while it took time, Chan began to believe it. After all, Hyunjin had chosen him—not because he was perfect, but because he was him.

Now, however, a new kind of energy filled the school. Prom was just around the corner, and the excitement was palpable. Hallways buzzed with talk of dresses, tuxedos, and elaborate promposals. It was impossible to escape the fever, and their friend group was no exception.

At lunch one day, the usual table was abuzz with chatter. Felix was animatedly showing photos of potential outfits to Jeongin and Seungmin, who were equally enthusiastic. Minho and Jisung, ever the calmer duo, exchanged amused glances as they watched Felix's relentless enthusiasm.

"So," Felix said, turning his attention to Hyunjin and Chan. "What are you two planning? Or are you just going to stroll in looking hot without giving us a good story to gossip about?"

Hyunjin smirked, leaning back in his seat. "Oh, we'll definitely be looking hot. As for the rest... I don't know, maybe Chan's got a surprise up his sleeve."

All eyes turned to Chan, who blinked, his usual calm demeanor momentarily faltering. "A surprise?"

Hyunjin tilted his head, his grin playful. "Well, yeah. I mean, everyone's doing these ridiculous promposals. It'd be a shame if my superstar boyfriend didn't sweep me off my feet."

The table erupted into laughter, but Chan's mind was already racing. A promposal? He hadn't thought about it, but now that Hyunjin had mentioned it, the idea lodged itself firmly in his head. Hyunjin deserved something special—something that reflected just how much he meant to Chan.

"Don't worry," Chan said finally, his voice steady. "You'll get your moment."

Hyunjin raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Oh? Should I be scared or excited?"

"Both," Felix teased, nudging Hyunjin. "Chan's going to set the bar so high no one else will even try."

Chan didn't respond, but a faint smile tugged at his lips. He was already forming a plan.

That evening, Chan sat at his desk, his thoughts swirling. Promposals were meant to be creative, grand, and meaningful, and he wanted to make sure his would leave no doubt about how much Hyunjin meant to him. He thought back to their conversations, to the things that made Hyunjin light up.

Then it hit him: Bratz dolls.

Hyunjin had spent hours gushing about how much those dolls had inspired him as a kid—their confidence, their boldness, their unapologetic nature. It was a part of him, just like his love for fashion and drama. If Chan was going to do this, he'd have to incorporate that piece of Hyunjin's identity.

The next day, Chan pulled Felix, Jeongin, and Jisung aside before lunch.

"You need our help?" Felix asked, his eyes lighting up. "Say no more. We're in."

Chan nodded, his expression serious. "I need to make this promposal perfect for Hyunjin. He deserves something meaningful."

"Perfect for Hyunjin," Jeongin said thoughtfully. "That means... bold, flashy, and completely over the top."

"Basically a spectacle," Jisung added with a grin. "So, what's the plan?"

Chan explained his idea, watching as their faces lit up with excitement.

"Brilliant," Felix said, clapping his hands. "Absolutely brilliant."

"You're officially setting the bar for all promposals," Jeongin declared. "No pressure."

Chan smiled faintly, his confidence growing. "Let's do this."

When the day of the promposal arrived, the school was buzzing with anticipation. News of Chan's plans had spread, though the details remained a mystery. Hyunjin, for his part, played it cool, though his curiosity was evident in the way he kept glancing at Chan throughout the day.

Finally, as the last class of the day ended, Felix and Jeongin appeared at Hyunjin's locker.

"Come with us," Felix said, practically bouncing on his toes.

Hyunjin raised an eyebrow. "What are you two up to?"

"You'll see," Jeongin said with a sly grin. "Just trust us."

They led Hyunjin to the auditorium, where a small crowd had gathered. The lights were dimmed, and a spotlight illuminated the stage. At the center stood Chan, holding a box in his hands. Behind him, a giant banner hung, reading: "Be My Bratz Doll at Prom?"

Hyunjin's breath caught as music began to play—a remix of a Bratz-themed track that Felix had created just for the occasion. Chan opened the box, revealing a custom-made doll. It was styled just like Hyunjin, complete with his favorite fashion accessories and his signature smirk.

The crowd erupted into cheers as Chan stepped forward, his gaze locking with Hyunjin's. "Hyunjin," he said, his voice steady despite the roar of the crowd. "I know prom is just one night, but I want to spend it with you. Because every day with you feels like the best kind of celebration."

Hyunjin stared at him, his lips parting in stunned silence. Then, slowly, a grin spread across his face.

"Are you kidding me?" he said, his voice full of laughter. "You're absolutely insane."

Chan tilted his head. "Is that a yes?"

Hyunjin launched himself at Chan, throwing his arms around his neck as the crowd cheered louder. "Of course it's a yes, you idiot," he said, his voice muffled against Chan's shoulder.

Chan smiled, holding Hyunjin close. "Good. Because there's no one else I'd rather go with."

As the crowd dispersed, Hyunjin and Chan lingered in the empty auditorium, the banner still hanging above them.

"You really went all out," Hyunjin said, his voice soft. "No one's ever done something like this for me before."

Chan reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind Hyunjin's ear. "You're worth it."

Hyunjin looked up at him, his eyes shining. "You keep raising the bar, you know. How am I supposed to keep up?"

Chan smiled, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to Hyunjin's forehead. "You already do."

For the first time in weeks, Chan felt completely at peace. Whatever challenges lay ahead, he knew they would face them together—starting with the prom of a lifetime.