The Shadow Of A Trainee | Bang Chan ?

Mirae's P.O.V

*Next Morning*

Sunlight streamed through the windows, waking me slowly. I blinked, adjusting to the light and realizing I was still on the couch, nestled against Chan's chest. His arm was still draped around my shoulders, holding me close. I froze for a moment, my heart racing as the memory of last night came flooding back.

He looked so peaceful in his sleep, his messy hair falling over his forehead. I couldn't help but smile as I studied him, feeling a warmth spread through me. But my moment of tranquility didn't last long.

"Awwww, look at this!"

My head snapped up to see Hyunjin standing in the doorway with his phone raised, taking a picture.

"Hyunjin!" I hissed, trying to untangle myself from Chan without waking him. But, of course, that didn't work.

Chan stirred, groaning softly as he blinked himself awake. His eyes focused on me first, a sleepy smile tugging at his lips. "Good morning, Mirae," he mumbled, his voice deep and raspy from sleep.

"Morning, lovebirds!" Hyunjin interrupted, grinning like he'd won the lottery.

Chan sat up immediately, his eyes narrowing. "Hyunjin, what are you doing?"

"Oh, nothing," Hyunjin said innocently, still holding his phone. "Just documenting this beautiful moment for posterity."

"Delete that," Chan ordered, running a hand through his hair to compose himself.

"Absolutely not," Hyunjin replied, already backing out of the room. "This is prime teasing material!"

---

By the time Chan and I made it to the kitchen, the chaos had already started. The rest of the members were gathered around the dining table, laughing and talking, but their attention quickly turned to us as we walked in together.

"Well, well, look who finally decided to grace us with their presence," Changbin said, smirking.

"Good morning, lovebirds," Jeongin chimed in, mimicking Hyunjin's earlier words.

I groaned, my face heating up as I quickly moved to grab a glass of water. "Don't start," I muttered.

"But Mirae, we're concerned," Seungmin said, his tone laced with mock seriousness. "Sleeping on the couch like that can't be good for your back. Chan should've carried you to bed like a proper gentleman."

Chan sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose as the teasing continued. "Alright, that's enough," he said, though his tone lacked any real bite.

"Or," Felix added, a mischievous glint in his eye, "maybe Chan didn't want to let her go."

That earned a round of exaggerated "oooohs" from the rest of the group.

"Felix, you're supposed to be the nice one," I said, glaring at him half-heartedly.

Felix just grinned, shrugging. "I couldn't resist."

As the teasing died down, breakfast became a lively affair. The members were their usual chaotic selves, and I found myself laughing more than I had in days.

"Pass the eggs," Han said, reaching across the table.

"Use your manners, Han," Lee Know replied, slapping Han's hand away.

"Please, may I have the eggs?" Han asked dramatically, batting his eyelashes.

"Here you go," Lee Know said, handing him the plate. But just as Han reached for it, Lee Know yanked it back. "Oops. Too slow."

"Hyung!" Han whined, making everyone burst into laughter.

Meanwhile, Jeongin had taken it upon himself to make me a cup of tea. He placed it in front of me with a proud smile. "Here, Noona. Tea for our brave guardian angel."

"Thanks, Innie," I said, smiling at him.

Seungmin leaned over, smirking. "Don't let it go to your head, though. You're still technically our assistant."

"I don't see you doing any assistant work today," I shot back, raising an eyebrow.

Seungmin feigned offense. "Excuse me, I personally supervised the toast."

"Oh, wow. Toast. Such a monumental contribution," I teased, making the others laugh.

---

After breakfast, the teasing continued as the boys went about their day. Chan had tried to get them to tone it down, but they were relentless.

"You're glowing today, Mirae," Hyunjin said as we passed each other in the hallway. "Must be that VIP treatment from Chan."

"Hyunjin!" I called after him, but he was already gone.

Even Lee Know got in on the action. While I was folding some laundry, he leaned against the doorframe and said, "You know, Chan's been extra happy lately. I wonder why."

"Lee Know, not you too," I groaned, throwing a sock at him.

He dodged it easily, smirking. "Just saying. You've got the leader all flustered."

Despite the teasing, the day passed by quickly. I found myself growing more comfortable with the way Chan hovered around me, his small gestures of care speaking volumes. Whether it was brushing his hand against mine as he passed me something, or casually draping an arm over my shoulder while we watched TV, he seemed determined to show me how much he cared without saying it outright.

By the time evening rolled around, I couldn't stop smiling. The members' playful antics, combined with Chan's quiet attentiveness, had made the day one I'd never forget.

As I curled up on the couch later that night, Chan sat down beside me, his presence warm and comforting. "Rough day?" he asked, his voice soft.

I shook my head, smiling. "No, actually. It was kind of perfect."

He reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "Good," he said, his eyes meeting mine. "You deserve that."

And just like that, the teasing and chaos of the day faded away, leaving only the two of us in the quiet glow of the living room.

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