❛ 𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐥𝐚𝐧. 𝗇𝖼𝗍 𝖺𝖽𝖽𝖾𝖽 𝗆𝖾𝗆𝖻𝖾𝗋

◎ In The Shadows ◎

"I could've sworn I heard something."

Mina let out a loud huff as Chaehyun twisted his body around to face the bushes, alarm covering every inch of his face. Biting her lip, Mina held back her giggles as she pulled out her phone and snapped a quick picture, ready to post on her Instagram account when she got home.

"Chae, it's the wind!" She shook her head, inching closer and curled her fingers around his wrist, ready to pull him in the opposite direction, but Chaehyun wouldn't budge.

Eyes set on the bushes, he bit the inside of his cheek. Taeyong had always told him to watch out for the shadows when out as anyone could be hiding in them and that scared him half to death. He wasn't scared of who could be hiding in them, those situations didn't bother him but he was more concerned about it being a fan listening in on his conversations ready to publish to the world.

Mina was an intern at SM, she was ready to head out to grab some coffee for all of the members who had been back at the building working hard when Chaehyun offered to walk her there since it was dark out. Mina had created quite a bond with Chaehyun, mainly because he was the first one to make her feel comfortable.

"Chaehyun if you do not move from that spot in five seconds I am leaving without you." Hands on her hips, voice stern she began to tap her foot. Chaehyun turned to face her with a raised eyebrow and she couldn't help but blush underneath his gaze.

Why does he have to be so goddamn hot?!

Rolling his eyes, Chaehyun took one last glance at the bushes before jogging towards Mina, bopping her on the nose as he passed. Scoffing, she slapped his arm playfully as the two began to head towards the local coffee shop.

"So, I heard you're in a bit of shit with your company?" She sparked up conversation, kicking the gravel underneath her feet as she stuffed her hands in her pocket.

"I wouldn't call it shit, a predicament maybe. An ex-whatever of mine is causing some trouble," explained Chaehyun with a sigh.

Mina nodded. "The mystery girl? Heard all about her. You really know how to get yourself in some trouble. The staff are gonna turn grey in a year with how much you stress them out."

Chaehyun smirked. "Grey hair is nothing on what they do to me. I've passed out that many times I'm suddenly used to it."

Mina felt a pang of hurt in her chest. She knew just how much pressure the boys were under, she had seen with her own eyes just what the company was doing to them and she felt glad that Chaehyun was sort of standing up for himself.

Taking a chance, she slid her hand into his and looked away. No going back. She expected him to pull away, but he didn't. Instead, he lifted their joint hands and stuffed them in his pocket, a smile spreading across his face.

Mina was a good friend and despite not knowing her long, she already understood him. He could see himself being close friends with her in the future.

"I care about you, Chae."

"Thank you...I care about you too."