There’s a strange moment in life that no one talks about.
The one that sits quietly after you make a big change…
…but before anything starts to feel different.
You were in that space now.
The city around you buzzed with noise and motion—horns honking, coffee machines hissing, conversations in a language you were still learning to catch. And yet, you felt like you were floating just outside of it all, like someone had pressed pause on your life while everything else kept moving.
You weren’t lonely exactly.
Just a little… untethered.
Like your soul hadn’t quite arrived yet, even though your body had.
You weren’t looking for anyone. Not here. Not really. You’d told yourself this was a trip to reset. To breathe. To figure things out on your own.
But sometimes—just sometimes—life doesn’t wait for you to have a plan.
Sometimes, a stranger with a hoodie and a soft voice walks into your orbit when you least expect it.
And even though your heart was still a little bruised, and your life still a little messy…
…you couldn’t help but wonder what might happen if you texted him back.
Just a coffee.
Just a tour.
Just a maybe.
Prologue END.
You stared at your phone for a full ten minutes before typing anything.
hey! this is y/n—the tourist you rescued from map meltdown :)
Then deleted it.
Rewrote it again.
hi chris! hope i’m not texting too soon but thanks again for helping me yesterday <3
Too soft.
Too eager.
You groaned into your pillow. It had only been one day since you met him—“Chris,” the kind stranger with warm eyes and a laugh that felt like a memory you never knew you had. And now, your phone sat glowing on the nightstand like it was daring you to text him and ruin everything.
But you couldn’t stop thinking about him. The way he hadn’t rushed. The way he’d offered to walk you instead of just pointing and walking away. And the fact that, deep down, you were pretty sure he was Bang Chan from Stray Kids.
Still, he’d asked you to text. That had to mean something. Right?
You chewed your lip, took a deep breath, and finally sent:
Hey! It’s Y/N. I’m free tomorrow if your offer for a city tour still stands :)
You stared at the screen. Five seconds. Ten. Fifteen.
[Chris: Of course it does. I know a place with the best tteokbokki in all of Seoul. 2pm? I’ll meet you there.]
Your heart stuttered. Then your stomach growled.
You were five minutes late.
In your defense, the stairs out of the subway had tried to eat your suitcase-like tote bag, you’d dropped your chapstick under a busker’s amp, and—because your life was a comedy—you’d nearly tripped walking out of the station and into the street.
Smooth.
But when you finally spotted him leaning casually against a brick wall outside a cozy-looking food stall—cap pulled low, black hoodie again—you swore you forgot what embarrassment even was.
He looked up at just the right second, and when your eyes met, he smiled. That same soft, familiar smile. The one that made it feel like he already knew you.
“You made it,” he said.
“Barely,” you admitted. “I may have almost gotten eaten by the subway.”
Chris laughed, stepping beside you and falling into pace. “That’s why I gave you extra time. You seemed like someone who might have a few… detours.”
You narrowed your eyes playfully. “Are you calling me clumsy?”
“I’m saying you look like trouble,” he grinned. “The charming kind.”
Your cheeks warmed. He was teasing. But not in the way people back home had—this was light, kind, gentle. The kind of teasing that said: I see you. And I don’t mind.
The food stall he took you to was tucked into a quiet alley, with red plastic chairs and steaming plates already crowding the tables. A local spot—not fancy, but real. You sat across from him on a stool that wobbled slightly, feeling like you were in on a secret.
“Try this,” he said, scooping tteokbokki onto your plate. “Spicy, but not the kind that tries to end your life.”
You took a bite.
And nearly cried.
“Okay,” you said through a full mouth, “you weren’t exaggerating.”
Chris beamed proudly. “I never joke about food.”
You ended up staying there for nearly two hours. Talking about everything and nothing. He asked about what brought you to Seoul, and you told him the half-truth: “I needed a break.” You didn’t mention the heartbreak or the job you’d quit or the way you sometimes felt like a puzzle missing half its pieces.
He didn’t push. Just nodded like he understood, and told you about the city in return—the quiet corners people missed, the parks hidden between high rises, the cafés with walls covered in Polaroids.
And somewhere in the middle of it all, he asked:
“Do you usually talk this much when you’re nervous?”
Your chopsticks froze mid-air. “I’m not nervous.”
He arched a brow.
“…Okay maybe a little.”
Chris laughed again, eyes crinkling at the corners. “It’s cute.”
You stared at him. “You just called me cute while I’m holding a fish cake on a stick.”
“It’s your moment,” he said seriously. “Own it.”
When you both finally got up to leave, the sun had dipped low and the streetlights were flickering on, casting a soft golden glow over the alley. The walk back was quieter—not awkward, just comfortable.
“Thanks for today,” you said. “I mean it. I haven’t laughed like that in a long time.”
He looked at you then—really looked—and something in his expression softened.
“Then I hope this is the first of many.”
You both stood in front of a small bookstore now, the kind with fairy lights in the window and a bell that jingled when someone walked in. You weren’t ready to say goodbye. Not yet.
Chris glanced at the sign, then back at you.
“Want to go in?”
You hesitated.
Then nodded.
And as the two of you stepped inside, the doorbell chiming above your heads, you had the smallest, quietest thought:
The late-night plane ticket. The last-minute sublet in Seoul. The hastily packed suitcase that sat slightly too heavy on your shoulders and your heart.
Everyone had called it a break. “You just need to clear your head.” “Get away for a little while.” “Find yourself again.”
You weren’t sure who you were supposed to find. Or what.
All you knew was that something about your life back home had begun to feel too small, too predictable. Like you were playing a role you didn’t remember auditioning for—smiling in the right places, saying the right things, and ignoring the quiet ache that whispered this isn’t it.
So you left. Not with a dramatic goodbye, just… a quiet promise to yourself:
Try something different. Open a new door. Even if it’s scary. Even if it’s a little lonely.
And now here you were—Seoul, South Korea. A city buzzing with people who didn’t know your name. No expectations. No pressure. Just you, a pair of worn-in sneakers, and the faint hope that maybe, somehow, you’d bump into something—or someone—that would make you feel a little less lost.
You didn’t know yet that it would happen on a street corner, beneath the golden glow of early evening.
You didn’t know that a stranger with kind eyes and a soft laugh would stop to help.
And you definitely didn’t know that this was where the story really began.
Prologue END.
You weren’t lost. Not exactly. You had a map app open, your hotel address typed in, and a vague sense of direction. But Seoul was a lot bigger and louder than you expected—and even with GPS, the blinking blue dot just kept circling itself like it was confused too.
It was early evening, golden hour melting across the skyscrapers and buzzing streets. You stood at the corner of a café tucked between two small boutiques, trying to look casual while your phone refused to connect to Wi-Fi.
"Ugh," you mumbled under your breath, tilting your phone and scanning the street signs written in Hangul you hadn’t fully mastered yet.
“You alright?”
The voice was warm. Kind. Slightly accented. You turned and saw him: a guy in a hoodie and black jeans, mask tugged under his chin, a coffee cup in hand. His brown hair peeked out from under a cap, soft curls just brushing his ears.
You blinked. He looked… familiar?
“Oh—uh, yeah,” you replied quickly, flustered. “Just a bit turned around. My phone’s being weird and I’m trying to find my hotel.”
He glanced at your screen, then at the street signs. “Ah, that place’s a few blocks over,” he said, pointing. “You actually walked past it.”
You sighed. “Of course I did.”
He smiled at that. “It’s easy to miss—Seoul’s got a million tiny turns. Want me to walk you there?”
You hesitated. He could be anyone. Then again, he had kind eyes. And you were tired of playing map roulette.
“Sure,” you said slowly. “That would be amazing. Thanks.”
“No problem. I’m Chris, by the way.”
You shook his hand. “Y/N.”
There was a pause as the two of you started walking side by side through the late-summer crowd. His steps matched yours naturally, unhurried.
“Visiting?” he asked.
“Yeah. First time here. I’m actually staying for a while—some classes, a little traveling.”
“Nice. Seoul’s great once you get used to the chaos.”
“Do you live here?”
“Sort of,” he said, sipping his coffee. “I’m here most of the year for work.”
You nodded, curious. “What kind of work?”
He smiled vaguely. “Music stuff. Producing. Bit of everything.”
That clicked. His face, the voice, the familiarity. Your eyes widened slightly but you tried to play it cool. Bang Chan. From Stray Kids. You’d seen clips of him online, watched interviews. But he didn’t seem like he was trying to be recognized right now—and honestly, he was helping you out of pure kindness.
You decided not to say anything. Yet.
“Is that why you offered to help?” you joked. “You rescue all lost tourists, or just ones who look this confused?”
He laughed, a low, easy sound. “Only the ones who look like they’re about to fight their phone.”
You smiled, feeling the tension ease in your shoulders for the first time all day.
Five minutes later, you were standing in front of your hotel. “Wow. That was embarrassingly close.”
“I told you,” he said, teasing. “You passed it.”
You laughed. “Well—thank you. Seriously.”
He hesitated, then looked at you thoughtfully. “You want a real introduction to Seoul sometime? Not the tourist map version?”
You blinked. “Like… a local guide?”
“Sort of,” he said with a smile that curved at the edges. “A coffee and street-food tour. I promise I’m not a serial killer.”
You laughed again, heart skipping. “Okay. Sure. That sounds… amazing.”
He nodded. “I’ll give you my number. You can text me when you’re free.”
You handed him your phone, and as he typed it in, you noticed how gentle his hands were. He gave it back, smiled once more, then turned.
“See you soon, Y/N.”
And just like that, he disappeared into the crowd, hoodie pulled up, coffee in hand.
You stood there for a moment, staring at your phone where Chris was now saved in your contacts.
Bang Chan held tightly onto Y/N’s hand as they walked through the bustling airport, their luggage trailing behind them. Y/N looked around in awe, excitement bubbling up inside them.
"Can you believe it? Our first vacation together as a married couple!" Y/N beamed up at Bang Chan, their eyes sparkling.
Bang Chan chuckled, his dimples appearing. "I know, right? I’m so glad we finally have some time off. We deserve this break."
They reached the check-in counter, and the friendly staff greeted them. After checking in their bags, they headed toward the security checkpoint.
"I hope you didn’t pack anything weird in your bag," Y/N teased, nudging Bang Chan with their elbow.
"Who, me? Never!" Bang Chan feigned innocence, but the twinkle in his eye gave him away. "Just a few snacks, maybe some extra batteries, and oh, that stuffed animal you love so much."
Y/N laughed. "You mean Mr. Snuggles? I can’t believe you brought him!"
"Of course I did! How else are we supposed to sleep without Mr. Snuggles?" Bang Chan grinned.
After clearing security, they made their way to the departure gate. Y/N looked at the board, scanning for their flight information.
"Gate 32, there it is!" Y/N pointed. "We still have some time. Want to grab a coffee?"
"Absolutely. Let’s find a nice spot to relax before the flight," Bang Chan agreed.
They found a cozy café near their gate and ordered two cappuccinos. As they sipped their drinks, they chatted about their plans for the vacation.
"I can’t wait to hit the beach," Y/N said, a dreamy look in their eyes. "Sun, sand, and the sound of waves. It’s going to be perfect."
Bang Chan reached across the table and took Y/N’s hand. "And I can’t wait to spend every moment with you. Just you and me, away from everything."
Y/N squeezed his hand, their heart swelling with love. "You always know the right thing to say."
As they finished their drinks, an announcement came over the loudspeakers. "Flight 123 to Bali is now boarding at Gate 32."
"That’s us!" Y/N exclaimed, jumping up. They grabbed their carry-on bags, and Bang Chan followed suit.
They made their way to the gate and handed over their boarding passes. As they walked down the jet bridge, Y/N looked back at Bang Chan, a mischievous smile playing on their lips.
"Ready for our adventure, Mr. Snuggles?" Y/N teased.
Bang Chan laughed. "Ready as ever, Mrs. Snuggles."
They found their seats on the plane and settled in. Y/N took the window seat, and Bang Chan sat beside them. As the plane taxied down the runway, Y/N rested their head on Bang Chan’s shoulder.
"You know, I’ve always wanted to travel with you," Y/N said softly.
Bang Chan kissed the top of their head. "And now we are. Here’s to many more adventures together."
As the plane took off, they both looked out the window, watching the city below grow smaller and smaller. They were on their way to Bali, to their dream vacation, and most importantly, to new memories that they would cherish forever.
Bang Chan and Y/N had been married for a year now, their love only growing stronger with each passing day. The mornings in their cozy apartment were always filled with warmth, laughter, and the smell of freshly brewed coffee.
In this morning, Y/N woke up to the sound of soft music playing in the background. She smiled, knowing that Chan had already started his day. She found him in the kitchen, humming along to one of their favorite songs while making breakfast. His back was to her, but she could see the contentment radiating from him.He was standing with his back to her, but you could still feel how happy he was
"Good morning, love," Y/N said as she wrapped her arms around his waist from behind.
Chan turned his head slightly and smiled, his eyes sparkling with affection. "Good morning, beautiful," he replied, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. "I made your favorite pancakes."
Y/N's heart swelled with love. "You spoil me," she said, resting her chin on his shoulder.
"Only because you deserve it," Chan responded, flipping a pancake expertly. "Besides, I love seeing you happy."
They discussed the day's program during breakfast. After a long time, they finally had a day off at the same time, so they decided to go to the beach.
At the beach, they found a quiet spot away from the crowd. Chan set up the blanket while Y/N unpacked the picnic basket, filled with all their favorite snacks. They spent the afternoon lounging in the sun, talking about everything and nothing, just enjoying each other's company.
As the sun began to set, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange, Chan pulled Y/N close, wrapping his arms around her. "You know," he said softly, "every day with you feels like a dream come true."
Y/N looked up at him, her eyes reflecting the same love and devotion. "I feel the same way, Chan. I can't imagine my life without you."
Chan smiled and gently caressed her cheek. "I have something for you," he said, reaching into the picnic basket. He pulled out a small, beautifully wrapped box and handed it to her.
Y/N's eyes widened in surprise. "What's this?"
"Open it and see," Chan urged, his eyes twinkling with excitement.
She carefully unwrapped the box, revealing a delicate silver necklace with a heart-shaped pendant. Inside the heart was a tiny sapphire, her birthstone. "Oh, Chan," she breathed, tears of happiness welling up in her eyes. "It's beautiful."
"I wanted to give you something special, something that symbolizes my love for you," Chan said, taking the necklace and fastening it around her neck. "You are my heart, Y/N. Forever and always."
Y/N threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly. "I love you so much," she whispered.
"I love you too," Chan replied, holding her close as they watched the sun dip below the horizon.
In that moment, with the waves crashing gently in the background and the sky ablaze with color, they knew that their love was eternal. No matter what the future held, they would face it together, hand in hand, heart to heart, forever and always.
a/n: Hiiii everyone!!!! This is my first fanfiction. Don't have high expectations. At the same time, English is not my first language, so please excuse the grammatical errors!
I hope you will enjoy it. Lots of kisses
Bang Chan had just spent another long day in the studio. Stray Kids is about to release their new album and he spent all his time perfecting the songs.
Even when the others had already gone home, he stayed behind to perfect the last details. The silence of the studio was broken only by the soft sound of the mixing desk.
Then suddenly there was a knock on the door.
-Come in! -Chan shouted, looking up from behind the monitor for a moment. The door slowly opened and an unfamiliar face emerged. A young woman entered, somewhat shy but with a smile on her face.
-Ohm.. Hi My name is Y/N. I'm the new intern, and my manager sent me to help with some things in the studio.-she replied, carefully stepping inside. -"I didn't want to bother you, I just wanted to introduce myself."-
A wide smile spread across Chan's face. -Nice to meet you y/n! A little help is always good. Sit down and tell me how you can help.-
Y/n sat down in a chair and looked around at the equipment. She was impressed by the sight of monitors, speakers and mixing consoles. -Really, anything you need help with. I am happy to learn and help in anything.-
Chan nodded and showed him the project he was working on. -This is one of our new songs. There are still some details that need to be refined. Would you like to help me in it?-
Y/n nodded excitedly and moved closer. Chan explained the parts of the song to him in detail and showed him how to use the mixer. As they worked, Chan noticed that y/n was learning quickly and was soon able to help her on her own.
As the hours went by, Chan and y/n got more and more used to each other.He noticed that she was easy to work with and appreciated her energetic attitude.
That night when they finally finished work, Chan smiled at y/n. -It was great working with you, y/n. You are a very fast learner and you have helped me very well.- Y/n nodded with a smile. -Thank you Chan. I really enjoyed the whole day with you.-
-Do you feel like relaxing a little?- Chan asked. "I thimk we can sit down somewhere and talk for a bit to get to know each other better.-She got excited- Yes of course it's a great idea-
Chan and y/n walked down the stairs of the studio and went to a nearby cafe. They settled down at a table and started talking about their lives, interests and passion for music.
As the hours passed, the bond between Chan and y/n deepened and it seemed like a long friendship had begun between them.
