stray kids imagines

bangchan | in the quiet storm

ʳᵉᵠᵘᵉˢᵗᵉᵈ ᵇʸ LunaPuna14389
-------------------------------
angst. fluff / 1664
-------------------------------

the rain was relentless, hammering against the windowpane as if trying to drown out the heaviness in your chest. you were curled up on the couch, wrapped in a blanket that felt more like a flimsy barrier against the world than any real comfort.

the apartment was quiet, save for the rain and the occasional groan of the building settling. you hadn't moved from this spot in hours, limbs stiff and achy, but the thought of shifting even a little felt impossible.

you heard the familiar jingle of keys at the door before it creaked open. chan’s footsteps were gentle, cautious.

you didn’t look up, didn’t move, but you heard the soft rustle of him shedding his jacket, the thud of his bag hitting the floor.

“hey,” he murmured, voice so tender it made something in your chest twist painfully.

you swallowed, your mouth dry. “hey.”

chan crossed the room, sinking down beside you on the couch. his presence was warm, comforting.

you could feel his gaze on you, searching your expression even though you kept your eyes fixed on the rain.

“rough day?” he asked, but there was no pressure in his voice, only concern.

“yeah,” you whispered, feeling like your voice would crack if you spoke any louder.

“do you want to talk about it?”

you shook your head, feeling the shame creep in. it was stupid, really, how something so intangible could feel so heavy, so paralyzing. the darkness clung to you like a second skin, impossible to shed.

“that’s okay,” chan said softly. “you don’t have to say anything.”

silence settled between you, but it wasn’t the suffocating kind. chan shifted closer, his arm sliding around your shoulders, pulling you gently against his chest. his heartbeat was steady, a calm rhythm that contrasted the chaotic mess in your head.

he didn’t speak, didn’t try to pry or fix you. instead, he just held you, his thumb tracing small, soothing circles against your arm. you found yourself leaning into him, letting his warmth seep into you.

“it’s okay to feel like this,” he murmured after a while. “it doesn’t make you weak or broken. it’s just... something you’re going through. and I’m here. I’m right here.”

his words sank into you slowly, like rain soaking into parched earth.

“I’m sorry,” you choked out, voice strained and thick with unshed tears. “I shouldn’t be like this. I shouldn’t... burden you with it.”

“hey, no,” chan’s voice was firmer now, but still laced with kindness. “you are not a burden. not now, not ever. I care about you. I love you. and loving you means being here, even on the bad days. especially on the bad days.”

the words shattered something inside you, tears slipping free before you could even try to stop them. your shoulders shook, your breath coming out in uneven gasps. chan didn’t pull away. he only held you tighter, his arms anchoring you as you let the storm inside you rage and spill out.

“I’ve got you,” he whispered, his lips brushing against your temple. “take all the time you need.”

minutes passed, or maybe hours. time was slippery when you were caught in that heavy fog. but eventually, the tears slowed, your breathing evened out. chan’s fingers kept moving, brushing through your hair now, his presence as steady as ever.