An Innocent Criminal [Chanyeol X Reader]

11

"Hi Baekhyun oppa! Did you bring what I asked you for?" Jieun eagerly inquired as he stood at the doorway of their home. Baekhyun nodded with a warm smile, confirming that he had indeed brought what she requested. Jieun reciprocates the gesture with her own smile, relieved and grateful. "Good," she uttered softly.

"Where is Chanyeol? I want to meet him," Baekhyun stated, setting down the groceries on the table. "He's in his room," Jieun replied, following Baekhyun as he made his way towards Chanyeol's room.

Baekhyun's expression was serious, a stark contrast to his usual playful demeanour, which caught Jieun off guard. "Did you watch the news?" Baekhyun continued, his tone heavy with concern. "Your brother was asked about you, and he expressed disappointment in you. He even insinuated that you coerced Jieun into changing her statement, suggesting that you've somehow scared her into silence. Now everyone is scrutinising your every move, claiming that you've intimidated her. The backlash against you has intensified, dude."

Chanyeol never anticipated such words coming from his brother. Despite being stepbrothers, he believed their bond to be strong, but now he was confronted with the harsh reality that his brother's loyalty might not be as steadfast as he once believed. Chanyeol's disappointment in his stepbrother grew, overshadowing his feelings towards his stepmother.

"I'm grateful that they haven't been able to track us down since we changed our numbers before we ran away," Baekhyun continued, his voice laced with worry. "However, I don't think I can visit you again anytime soon. The authorities still suspect my involvement, and I don't want to jeopardise your safety. Even though this place is secure, I urge you both to remain vigilant and stay safe. This time, I was fortunate enough to evade capture, but we can't rely on luck forever." Baekhyun directed his gaze at Chanyeol. "I'm doing my best to find evidence to prove your innocence, so don't lose hope." Chanyeol nodded slowly, acknowledging Baekhyun's efforts. With that, Baekhyun left the premises.

Jieun looked down at the ground, breaking the tense silence. "I guess it's all because of me. I shouldn't have said anything. I'm so foolish," she lamented, frustration evident in her voice. Chanyeol reached out to comfort her, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. "No, it's not your fault. I don't know who's behind this, but someone is determined to tarnish my name. They want to bring me down, but I won't let that happen. We just have to be patient until we find concrete evidence," he sighed heavily, burdened by the weight of the situation. "I know that they harbour a deep hatred towards me."

"But why do they hate you? You're a good person. Sure, you can be rude and cold sometimes, but you're not as bad as they make you out to be," Jieun playfully teased, hoping to bring a smile to his face. And indeed, her efforts succeeded, as Chanyeol couldn't help but laugh at her words. He playfully pinched her cheeks, momentarily forgetting the gravity of their circumstances. However, as soon as he realised his action, both he and Jieun were overcome with a mix of flustered embarrassment and affection.

Days turned into weeks, and Baekhyun tirelessly searched for evidence that could prove Chanyeol's innocence. He combed through various sources, analysed records, and interviewed potential witnesses. However, his efforts yielded no significant breakthroughs. Each dead end he encountered weighed heavily on his shoulders, and he couldn't help but feel frustrated at the lack of progress.

Baekhyun would occasionally update Chanyeol and Jieun on his findings, sharing his disappointment but assuring them that he wouldn't give up. The trio became a tightly knit unit, offering each other unwavering support and comfort in the face of adversity.

Amidst the chaos and uncertainty that surrounded them, Chanyeol and Jieun found solace in their blossoming connection. One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow across the room, they sat together on the balcony, their fingers intertwined.

Jieun rested her head on Chanyeol's shoulder, feeling his steady heartbeat against her cheek. The gentle breeze rustled through their hair, creating a soothing melody as they sat in silence, enjoying each other's presence.

Chanyeol's gaze turned tender as he looked at Jieun, marvelling at the strength she had shown throughout their ordeal. He brushed a strand of hair away from her face and tucked it behind her ear, his touch gentle yet filled with a depth of affection.

"Jieun, in the midst of all this chaos, I find peace when I'm with you," Chanyeol confessed softly, his voice carrying a mixture of vulnerability and devotion. "Your unwavering support, your love—it gives me strength to face each day, even when everything feels uncertain."

Jieun looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with unspoken emotions. She squeezed his hand, her touch conveying a world of reassurance. "Chanyeol, you've shown me a love that transcends all obstacles. Your resilience and unwavering spirit inspire me every day. We may be facing challenges, but together, we are unstoppable."

As the night sky adorned itself with twinkling stars, Chanyeol leaned in closer to Jieun, their breaths mingling in the air between them. The proximity sent a wave of warmth and anticipation through their veins, heightening the intensity of their connection.

Chanyeol's thumb traced gentle circles on the back of Jieun's hand, his touch carrying a tenderness that spoke volumes. Their eyes locked, a silent understanding passing between them, filled with unspoken desires and the promise of something more.

In that moment, they allowed themselves to be vulnerable, to let their hearts speak the words their lips couldn't articulate. The world around them faded away, leaving only the ethereal ambiance of their budding love.

Under the starlit sky, Chanyeol whispered, "Jieun, I never thought I would find someone who could see through my walls and understand me like you do. With you, I feel a sense of belonging, a completeness I never knew was possible."

Jieun's heart swelled with affection, her voice soft and filled with sincerity. "Chanyeol, you've opened up parts of me I thought were lost. With you, I feel safe, cherished, and understood. Our connection is something truly special, and I'm grateful to have you in my life."

As they sat in each other's embrace, their hearts beating in harmony, they relished in the beauty of their growing love, allowing it to blossom in its own time. In the quiet intimacy of the night, they knew that their bond was something worth treasuring, a love that had the potential to transcend even the darkest of days.

Amidst the ongoing investigation, Chanyeol and Jieun continued to live their secluded lives, cautious of any sign of danger. They cherished their moments together, finding solace and strength in each other's embrace. Together, they explored the boundaries of their love, growing closer with each passing day.

As the chapter drew to a close, the unanswered questions loomed overhead. Who was behind the plot to incriminate Chanyeol? Would Baekhyun ever uncover the evidence they desperately needed? And most importantly, would their love and resilience be enough to overcome the mounting challenges they faced? The journey ahead promised uncertainty and peril, but their determination burned bright, fueling the hope that justice would ultimately prevail.