❛ 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐞𝐡𝐲𝐮𝐧. 𝗇𝖼𝗍 𝖺𝖽𝖽𝖾𝖽 𝗆𝖾𝗆𝖻𝖾𝗋

≡ Such an actor ≡

Chaehyun can't remember the last time he released music alone without the comfort of his members being right there on the same track. It was a while ago, and that's all he knows. His past two mini albums now nothing but a blur, though they remain as important to him as the rest of NCT's discography, he can't remember the last time he paid them any mind. To be honest, he acts like they don't exist and not because he hates them, but purely due to the fact that they just bring him back to a time where he was at his lowest.

He wasn't recording anything original, he had no plans of releasing his own material for the time being, but he was preparing to bless the world with a cover of one of his favourite songs at the moment. Still, it was nerve-wracking being in the studio knowing that he was the main focus for the fans, usually, he's comforted by the knowledge of boys being on the track with him, taking away the focus off any potential mistakes he makes. In other words, people aren't likely to notice the things he does with other people there to take the attention.

Now Chaehyun is classified as an Ace. He's good at what he does and is a complete all rounder with enough confidence to fill up three whole space ships. But even the most confident of people find problems with the work they produce sometimes. Chaehyun is never 100% satisfied, even though everyone praises him for his flawless talents, he is extremely hard on himself. He hears the mistakes in every recording, and when his members are on the same track with so much going on at once, it calms Chaehyun's nerves knowing that people were less likely to notice with so many other things to focus on.

Anyways, after a lot of convincing from the boys, Chaehyun had decided to give in and finally record a cover after an outcry from fans about the lack of 'Lachlan music content'. He was nervous, which is exactly why he dragged his fellow 98 liner along with him to somehow ease the worries. Hopefully, Jungwoo's optimism and cute smile could keep Chaehyun's nerves at bay.

"Are you nervous?"

"I'm Kim Chaehyun, I don't get nervous."

Despite the spit of utter confidence, Jungwoo caught the subtle treble of Chaehyun's fingers, which gripped the lyric sheet tightly. Deciding to move on, Jungwoo settled on a topic that probably wasn't any better, but the curiosity was killing him.

"How are you holding up?"

Chaehyun glanced up from the papers with a raised eyebrow. "You mean the whole breakup thing?"

Jungwoo nodded. "Yeah. How are you?"

"Fine," Chaehyun replied smoothly.

This time, Jungwoo was the one to raise a brow. "Are you sure? You can talk to me, you know that right?"

Chaehyun hummed. "Course. But there really isn't anything to talk about. It's been months, i've healed. It's been done for a while, why should I continue to let it hurt me when he's fine not even thinking about me? I have moved on, besides, I have other interests now."

Jungwoo gasped, launching himself forward. He rested his hands on Chaehyun's knees, and wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. "Other interests? In what? Do you have a crush, Kim Chaehyun?"

Chaehyun tsked and whacked Jungwoo's head with the lyric sheets. "I didn't bring you here to pry into my love life."

Jungwoo sat back in his chair with a pout, missing the way Chaehyun's lips lifted slightly as he returned his gaze back to the words on the paper.

"I'm bored."

"Same, your face gets quite disinteresting after some time," Chaehyun replied.

"I didn't come here to be insulted."

Chaehyun leaned forward and patted Jungwoo's cheek. "Jungwoo baby, how long have we known each other now? You know insults are my form of affection."

"I think i'd prefer you to show your affection in food."

Chaehyun laughed. "Am I the one going through the break up or you? You should be treating me."

"But you just—"

Chaehyun cut Jungwoo off with a loud cry, falling back into his chair whilst covering his eyes with both hands. He pretended to sob. "I miss him so much Jungwoo! It hurts! I think-" Chaehyun sniffled dramatically. "I think the only cure is for my precious friend to treat me to some steak!"

"Steak?!"

Chaehyun's cries got louder, giving Jungwoo a headache.

"Okay fi-"

"Great let's go." A tearless Chaehyun jumped up, and grabbed his jacket from the sofa before heading out of the studio, promising to come back soon and record the song.

Jungwoo scoffed. "What an actor. He's not sad at all!"

"Kim! You promised me steak, let's go!"

"Why is he always so demanding?" Jungwoo grumbled as he collected his own things and headed out of the studio.

Fifteen minutes later, Jungwoo was sat across from a very happy Chaehyun, who was busy munching on his steak. It cost a pretty penny, and there wasn't an ounce of guilt on Chaehyun's face for making Jungwoo pay so much.

"I can't believe you dragged me with you to a record a song, then manipulated me into buying you steak."

"I'm utterly torn apart, Jungwoo," Chaehyun spoke with a mouthful, looking rather chipper for someone who was 'heartbroken'. "Have some empathy."

"You said you were over it."

Chaehyun scoffed. "I was hiding my devastation."

"Sure you were."

Chaehyun jabbed a piece of steak and leaned across the table, shoving it into Jungwoo's mouth before leaning back, taking a piece for himself.

"That's really good."

Chaehyun nodded in agreement. In that moment, his phone lit up indicating a notification. Chaehyun peered down at it for a moment, before grabbing the device with haste and leaned back into the booth with gleeful eyes.

Jungwoo raised an eyebrow. He had caught a brief glance at the screen and it appeared to be an Instagram notification. Who's post was warranted a reaction like that?

"What's that about?"

Chaehyun cleared his throat and placed his phone back on the table. Face down.

"Nothing, just Jaehyun asking for one of my protein bars."

Jungwoo nodded, he was suspicious but decided that it wasn't really his business. He didn't pry.

"Anyways, what song are you releasing?"

"Intimate Moments by Isaac Dunbar. One of my very favourites lately. Have you heard it?"

Jungwoo shook his head. "No, but I'm sure you'll do amazing."

Chaehyun smiled, and pushed his half finished steak towards Jungwoo. "Finish it. I'm annoyed you didn't get anything for yourself, and I refuse to leave this table until i've seen you eat something."

Jungwoo didn't object, and pulled the plate closer.

"Thanks Hyung!"

"We're the same age, Jungwoo."

"Oops! Force of habit."

"Just shut up and eat your steak."

"You're grouchy lately!"

"Jungwoo, eat the goddamn steak."

__________________

please excuse how bad the ending is, i truly had no idea how to end this! i have kind of had chae on hold recently and that is purely because i just haven't had motivation for one, and for two, i haven't really been keeping up with nct.

i am also still trying to ease myself into writing for him again—and in general. the last five months have been a little hard but i'm trying to make a comeback in writing more frequently.

thank you so much for reading, this wasn't proofread but i hope you enjoyed anyway.

you're greatly appreciated 💚

— blue x