Pairing: Bang Chan x Female Reader | Stray Kids & Female Reader
Tags/Warnings: Pure fluff, some crack, humor, friends being friends, the childishness in us will never go away, some love talk 👀
While being an adult is hard, there's always that inner child that you can let out to lift your spirits. Overcoming your trauma little by little, friendship bonds strengthening, and questions that still need to be answered…you can say life has become an enigma.
“Italics in quotes” = Speaking in Korean/different language.
Full sentences in just Italics = Readers personal thoughts.
I'm curious what you guys think Hwan is gonna do. Like, where do you think their friendship is going to go?
Again, sorry its a bit late! Been busy with my new job and schedule. I now have to wake up at 3AM every morning, so uh…that's different LOL. Also my days off are different each week, in some form of pattern, so im still trying to figure out a good day to post chapters regularely. And, of course, thanks you to my bestie @thebibleophile for reading through it, giving feedback, and editing when its needed 🥰 you’re the Minho to my Chan! The shoes to my feet! The pepperoni to my cheese! My EVERYTHING!!!
Anyway, thanks for your patience and support! Hope you all like this chapter 🩵
P.S: I just want to say thank you for supporting this story and giving me motivation. There’s not many of you who express that, but it really means a lot. You have no idea how proud i am of myself for getting to ten chapters in this story, and I really believe I’ll get to actually finish this book. Finishing books is VERY rare lmao. So, thank you so much. I love you all.
💙 HEY CHILD — X Ambassadors
Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11
"How did it get so late?"
It was still a bit early in the evening, but the bright blue of the sky had been slowly changing to something darker. Splotches of orange and purple spreading over the city, as if it were a watercolor canvas, the colors taking control to cover everything it could. It was beautiful, something you couldn't help but to pause and take a picture of with your phone.
"It's only six," you respond to Hana, quickly catching up to match her and Hwan's steps on the sidewalk, whilst shoving your phone back in your pocket. After your three hour lunch at the café, you three decided to move on to checking out some random shops and snagging some snacks or drinks from nearest vendors. Now, you were all walking to nowhere in particular. At this point, you were starting to get quite exhausted, feeling your energy depleting over time.
"Only six?" Hana scoffs in disbelief, her gaze trained on the darkening sky as you walked. With her next to you, you made sure she didn't steer off of the path while she's distracted. "Ah, I guess its almost the end of the year, huh?"
She's right. You've been attending college here for a couple months now, which leaves…two more months of the semester left. You hadn't realize the amount of time you have left here in Korea, and…it makes you feel all kinds of things. Excitement to be back home and see your family and friends again. But, also sorrow, because you'll be leaving this beautiful place, as well as your new friends.
So little time, so many things you want to do.
Hwan shoves his hands in the pockets of his sweater, shoulders shivering for a mere moment. "Yeah, its getting cold."
Noticing the cold slip into his form, it seems to cause a reaction to you, as a shiver runs through your body instantly. Your teeth chatter, and your shoulders scrunch up in retaliation.
With it being October, you're a bit surprised snow hasn't come down yet at this time of year. In America, where you're from, the land would be covered in the cold white texture by now, depending on where you are, of course. You continue to forget that you're in Korea from time to time.
"A park!" Hana's sudden exclaim grabs your attention, bringing your gaze from wherever you were looking at to your best friend running off without you and Hwan. The man in your three-person group is quick to follow, a chuckle bubbling out of him. You're right behind them, realizing you all had entered a public park.
At this time of the day, there weren't too many people around on this side of the city. You could see a couple adults walking by themselves or with others, probably getting some exorcise or headed to a certain direction. But, there were no kids occupying this playground.
A giggle leaves your lips as you watch Hana plop down on a swing set instantly, her excitement quite infectious. There were only two, though, and you were a bit sad you couldn't swing with Hana, seeing that you'll have to wait. But, just as you approach, you notice Hwan walk off to the side, leaning against the pole holding the structure up, leaving the second swing open for you.
With a happy skip, you rush over to the swing and sit on it, eager to catch up to Hana's pace that she's already got going for her.
"You can't catch me~" Hana taunts, the wicked laugh leaving her lips making you grin in amusement. The pure childishness is what's making your energy come back so quickly. While you all are young adults, the child within you could never leave, and you're just happy you can embrace that with your new friends.
"Oh, I definitely can!" You challenge, already kicking your legs to get that height going.
Hwan's smile widens, and he runs around behind you. "I got you!" He calls your name. You're a little confused at first, until you feel his hands flatten against your back once you've swung towards him, and he gives you a hefty push.
You squeal in delight, hyping him up for being on your side. "Hey! That's cheating!" Hana protests.
The next few minutes are filled with a childish competition between you and Hana, with Hwan on your side as he pushes you to beat your best friend in the race. When you get high enough, you can feel your body slowly hop off from the seat just from the mere strength of the swings, but you clutch onto the chains tightly to make sure you don't fall off.
Soon enough, the both of you slow down to a standstill, now just sitting on the swings to hang out and talk. Hwan resorted to sitting on the ground beside the pole he stood by earlier, on your side. He picks at the gravel on the playground, tossing small rocks around or fidgeting with them.
"Hey, Hana, how far did you say you got on Genshin Impact?" Hwan breaks the silence, looking up at the woman.
You're quick to notice that this conversation isn't for you, as you don't know the game too well. While Hana and Hwan chat about the video game, speaking a language you don't understand, you decide to check your phone for a moment.
Your legs kick mindlessly, slow as you just sit there. The light of your screen flicks on once you tap on it, seeing a few notifications that you scroll through. But, your face lights up at the sight of your idol's name. Christopher seemed to have messaged you not too long ago, and you're quick to tap on it.
You couldn't help the smile that spreads on your face, completely oblivious to the conversation going on around you. And, without hesitation, you tap on the keyboard of your phone to reply.
Hey! Sorry for the late response. I'm at a park right now with my friends.
A small laugh leaves your lips at his response, finding it quite humorous that he thinks you didn't know his schedule by now. Well, not in a creepy and detailed way, of course. Just that he works ungodly hours. You quickly flick your gaze up, though, to make sure your friends didn't notice your sudden attraction to your phone. Luckily, Hwan and Hana were quite immersed in their conversation, with the man now standing beside Hana to show her whatever is on his phone.
Ooohhh thats right. you're a fan! I remember
Don't say it like that 😭 makes me sound so creepy
Don't worry. I know you're not that kind of fan
Anyway, you're with friends? Hana, i'm guessing?
Yeah. Hana and a friend from college. We're all just hanging out at a park.
I was gonna ask if you wanted to check out that ice cream place? That I mentioned before.
You had completely forgotten he had told you about an ice cream shop that recently opened. Some kind of shop that's open 24/7, or something. Either way, ice cream sounded really good…and even better with Christopher.
Before you can respond to your idol, about to tell him that you weren't sure how much longer you and your friends would be hanging out, Hwan's voice takes you out of your stupor.
"Well…I should probably get going. I have a really early class tomorrow," he says dejectedly, clearly sad that he had to go. Hwan stands up straight, stretching his back a little from being hunched over Hana to talk about whatever was on their phones.
Hana mocks a pout, shoving her phone in her pocket as she lightly swings in her seat. "Lame. Can't believe you have to adult."
Hwan grins, chuckling quietly as he steps away. "I know, right?" Then, he pauses. You watch curiously as he just stands there for a moment, his gaze falling on <i>you</i>. He doesn't say anything, as though he was debating on wanting to say something. He flicks his eyes to Hana, then, seeing that she's there to witness this.
His confidence seems to dwindle, however, and he just gives you both a quick awkward wave. "Uh, see you later. It was nice to meet you, Hana."
Hana doesn't reply, but she gives him a more enthusiastic wave with a smile, watching him leave the playground. You waved as well, wishing him a safe walk back home. You're still a bit surprised that this day had come, with Hwan meeting Hana. You had a lot of fun, and you're glad a few things have been done and over with, such as your friends meeting, and telling Hwan about the assault.
Things were starting to look up for you. Honestly, you couldn't be any happier.
Once Hwan's form disappears behind some trees and buildings, you tell Hana about your messages with Christopher just then. You didn't mind if Hana hung out with you, but you were secretly hoping it would just be you and Christopher—
Ah…it seems you keep doing that. Despite the oath you made of only thinking of the idol as a friend, your mind likes to get ahead of itself. But…two friends can hang out by themselves, right? Just like you and Hwan.
"I should be getting home, too. I have work in the morning," Hana tells you while you both get off of the swings. The woman gives you a warm smile, "But I'll stay with you till Chan is here. I don't want to leave you alone at this time."
That was a smart idea, you had to admit. You hadn't thought about it, and now that you are, you're a bit anxious to be out like this by yourself. "Thanks," you hum thoughtfully, walking side by side with her, "I really appreciate it."
You don't waste any more time texting Christopher that you can meet him for ice cream, and he responded pretty quickly about being there soon. With the ice cream shop on a map on your phone, you begin to follow it with Hana right by your side.
This may be a good time, anyway, to talk about today. What did Hana think of Hwan? Was she comfortable? Does she think they can all hang out again sometime? It was important to you, because having more friends like that just made your heart feel so full, and you loved it. You loved the attention, the feel of their care for each other.
"So…" You begin, glancing at Hana, "What do you think of Hwan?"
Hana catches on quickly, realizing you're about to interview her. You tend to do this with certain things, like after you've watched a movie together, or checking out a place you liked but she's never been to. "He's…alright."
The reluctance was as plain as day. It made you grin in amusement, knowing she's putting up a front. "Uh-huh…just alright? Come on, you two bonded over that game!"
"Okay, fine," she huffs, rolling her eyes playfully. "He's pretty cool. He seems to like you, too."
It may have taken you a bit longer to process her words. Your feet suddenly stop, brows furrowing in confusion and disbelief as you stare at your best friend. She stops a couple steps ahead of you, looking at you with an almost equal expression.
"Did you just say he likes me?" You gawk out, completely surprised. You genuinely hadn't thought of it that way. Sure, what he said at the café about you was sweet and made your heart flutter a little, but you just figured that was a guy being a guy to a friend that's a girl. It's normal…isn't it?
Gosh, can it be any more obvious you didn't have too many friends your whole life?
You weren't offended in the least, of course. The idea was amusing. It actually has you quite flustered. Hana notices, and she chuckles at your reaction. "I mean…yeah. The way he spoke about you earlier during lunch? That's a dead give away." Hana then tilts her head to the side a little, "Did you really not notice?"
"Um…no," you say in lighthearted defense. Now that the topic is in the air, you're starting to think of all of the times you hung out with Hwan. How he was so nice and offering his notes to help you. How he'd always try to pay for the lunches or drinks you'd have together when studying. The way he…looked at you.
"Wow, that's…" you were practically speechless, your cheeks flushing red.
"Awe, look at you!" Hana teases gently, "You totally like him."
"No! I don't!" The words fly out of your mouth before you can even think. But…it's the truth. As much as you like him as a friend, you…don't find yourself liking him more than that. All of the small gestures, all of the nice things he said about you, it makes your heart flutter. But…its just basic flattery. It's not enough to make you…swoon. "I…I really never thought of him as more than a friend…" You admit quietly, the playful expression you both shared starting to become a bit more serious.
Hana stares at you for a moment, studying your reaction. Finally, she shrugs, "Well, it's not like you have to think of him that way. Just thought I'd point it out, y'know?"
You nod quietly, your feet going back into motion beside your best friend. It was just something that woke you up, it seems. Something that dawned on you, and now making you have so many questions. Both about Hwan, and yourself. Do you really only see him as just a friend? Maybe he'd be a good boyfriend? Maybe you do like him, you just haven't realized it? Maybe, because you're so inexperienced or dealt with some toxic people before, this is something you can try out?
The ice cream shop wasn't too far away. You both get there before Christopher, talking mindlessly about small things until he arrived. With Hana just now having met Hwan, you're eager to set up future friend dates together. Maybe explore more of Korea before you have to leave.
A shiver runs down your spine once more from the cold late evening air. With you two on the bench, quietly talking about anything and everything to fill the silence, you kept your gaze on your surroundings. It's a large city, full of lots of people, so it wasn't a surprise to see quite a few people on this kind of street at this time. Going to and from the different shops or restaurants, dressed in business wear for work or casual outfits for a fun hang out, just like you and Hana. And, eventually, you hear a pair of footsteps approaching a little quickly. Boots scrape against the concrete as Christopher jogs up to your bench. He wears a pretty casual outfit, but it had a bit more style then all of the other times you've seen him in person. Baggy washed black jeans, and a regular tight-fitting t-shirt underneath an open zipper hoodie. He wears a black beanie on his head, covering most of his long bleached silver hair, and a mask of matching color covering his nose and mouth.
Heavy breaths leave him once he reaches your relaxed forms, looking like he had just ran a couple blocks to get there. "Hey!" Christopher pants, taking a moment to rest his hands on his knees.
You raise your brow in slight confusion and surprise to his abrupt approach, wondering why on earth he ran all the way there. It's not like they were in any hurry. But, Hana seems to have read your mind, and speaks up before you could, "Did you run here?"
He lets out a breathy giggle, straightening his back and resting a hand on his hip. He has to pull the mask down under his chin to breathe properly. "I didn't want to keep you waiting."
"It's no rush at all," you reassure, but your lips quirk up in small amusement. He was so sweet…
"Ah, well," Christopher waves his hand to dismiss your worries, back to normal now that he caught his breath. "I needed a run, anyway."
Hana rolls her eyes, but she stands up from the bench and pats his arm casually. "Alright, well, you two have fun. I'mma head home."
You give your best friend a happy wave, thanking her for hanging out for the day. Your gaze doesn't train on her for too long, turning to look up at the man now standing before you. He had also whipped around to meet yours in that moment, "She didn't want ice cream?"
"Oh, no. She wanted to go home and rest, since she works her second job tomorrow," you shake your head. "She just stayed with me till you arrived, so I wasn't alone."
"Ah, gotcha. That's good," he nods, reaching up to fix the mask back over his mouth and nose. "Ready for some ice cream?" With a beaming smile, you nod. Christopher chuckles, stepping by your side to enter the shop you've both talked about a couple weeks ago.
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