The Shadow Of A Trainee | Bang Chan ?

Chan's P.O.V

The room was buzzing with a quiet energy as all of us sat together, waiting for the moment that would change our lives. The concert is only a little while away, but instead of rehearsing choreography or going over setlists, we are here—together—about to make a decision that will define our future.

I sat on the couch, leaning forward with my elbows resting on my knees, running my fingers over my phone. The weight of what I am about to do pressing heavily on my chest, but I know it is the right thing. The only thing.

Across from me, Felix was sitting on the floor, leaning against the couch, his fingers playing idly with the hem of his sleeve. Hyunjin was sprawled out on another couch, his long legs stretched over Jeongin’s lap, who kept swatting at them in annoyance. Lee Know sat at the far end, flipping through his phone, looking calm but observant as always. Changbin had his arms crossed, staring at the floor as if deep in thought, while Seungmin sat beside him, spinning a pen between his fingers. Han was fiddling with a pack of snacks, popping pieces into his mouth as if we weren’t about to do something insane.

Hyungwon was on his phone, his eyebrows slightly furrowed, but he was listening. He always was.

And then there was Mirae.

She sat beside me, hands clasped in her lap, her knee bouncing anxiously. I could see the way her fingers trembled slightly, the way she kept biting the inside of her cheek. I didn’t need to ask to know what was on her mind. The moment she steps on stage tonight, the world will know her name. Her face. Her connection to me.

It scares her.

But she is doing this for us.

I reached over, slipping my hand into hers, squeezing gently. She turned to look at me, her eyes wide and vulnerable, but I only smiled at her.

"We’ve got this," I whispered, and she exhaled deeply, nodding.

Then, I cleared my throat.

"Alright," I said, my voice cutting through the quiet conversations in the room. Everyone looked up at me, eyes filled with anticipation.

"I’m calling JYP now," I announced, holding up my phone. "And I’m going to tell him that we’re not re-signing our contracts."

The room tensed, but no one spoke.

I took a deep breath and continued, "I know how he is. He’s going to try and manipulate us, to scare us into staying. But we’re done. If he wants to keep us, it’ll be on our terms. Not his."

I looked around at the boys. They had followed me through every storm, every hardship, every doubt. And now, I need to know if they are ready for this final stand.

"Are we all okay with this?"

There wasn’t a single hesitation.

Felix was the first to nod. "Whatever you decide, I’m with you."

"Me too," Hyunjin said firmly.

"You’re our leader, our Hyung," Jeongin added. "You’ve always done what’s best for us."

Lee Know leaned back, a smirk playing on his lips. "He won’t know what hit him."

Changbin cracked his knuckles. "Let’s end this."

Seungmin exhaled through his nose. "It’s about time."

Han simply grinned. "Can’t wait to see his reaction."

Mirae squeezed my hand tighter, and when I looked at her, she mouthed, I’m proud of you.

With that, I inhaled deeply and pressed the call button, putting the phone on loudspeaker.