An Innocent Criminal [Chanyeol X Reader]

22

As Chanyeol and Jieun found themselves alone, a sense of nervousness tinged Chanyeol's demeanour. He mustered the courage to break the ice, wanting to express something heartfelt to Jieun. "I... I wanted to tell you something," he stammered, his nerves palpable. Jieun's attention was immediately captured, and a warm smile adorned her face, encouraging him to continue. But just as Chanyeol was about to share his feelings, their moment was abruptly interrupted by the arrival of Baekhyun, who hurriedly approached them with an air of urgency.

"Everyone is waiting for you both. Come on, let's go!" Baekhyun exclaimed, barely pausing to catch his breath. Without giving Chanyeol a chance to finish his sentence, Baekhyun patted his friend's shoulder before darting off. Chanyeol exchanged a disappointed glance with Jieun, realising that their conversation would have to wait.

Outside, the scene resembled a graduation day celebration, filled with a mix of joy and bittersweet sentiments. The group looked at one another, knowing that their paths would diverge as they embarked on their individual journeys. Despite the uncertainties of the future, they clung to the hope of maintaining their close-knit bond and making time to reunite.

Jieun's gaze swept across her newfound friends, starting with Baekhyun, Sehun, Yeri, and Irene, and finally settling on Chanyeol. A wistful smile curved her lips, her heart filled with a tinge of sadness at the thought of being separated from Chanyeol after having shared so many precious moments together. However, a sense of happiness bloomed within her, knowing that they had successfully resolved the challenges they faced and had forged unbreakable connections.

"Jieun-ah!" Baekhyun's voice broke through her thoughts, drawing her attention back to the present moment. She looked at him, her eyes reflecting curiosity. Baekhyun leaned closer, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Promise me, if I text you asking to meet up, you won't ghost me, okay?" he teased, punctuating his words with a hearty laugh. Jieun's laughter echoed his own, and she nodded, flashing an 'okay' sign, promising to be responsive and present.

As the group bid their farewells, their hands waving in synchronised motions, Chanyeol found himself lingering a moment longer, his gaze fixated on Jieun. A tinge of sadness and longing clouded his expression. He mustered the courage to express his sentiments, but his friends called out to him, their voices filled with urgency and excitement, diverting his attention.

With a hint of disappointment, Chanyeol quickly spoke up, his voice laced with sincerity. "I'll talk to you later. When I message you, please reply. I'll be waiting," he pleaded, hoping to convey his desire to stay connected. As he hurried to join his friends, his words echoed in the air, a faint chant of devotion. Chanyeol waved animatedly at Jieun, his actions bordering on comical as he refused to let their connection fade into the distance. Jieun couldn't help but chuckle, finding his antics endearing, and she waved back, reciprocating his affectionate gesture.

The surroundings were bathed in a golden hue as the sun began its descent, casting a warm glow over the group. The air was filled with a mix of emotions—joy, nostalgia, and anticipation. Laughter and conversations intermingled, creating an atmosphere brimming with camaraderie and a shared sense of accomplishment.

In the midst of their light-hearted banter, humorous moments punctuated the farewell scene, eliciting bursts of laughter. Baekhyun, always the joker of the group, couldn't resist a playful prank, sneaking up behind Sehun and tickling him, causing Sehun to burst into uncontrollable laughter. Yeri, the ever-energetic spirit, twirled in circles, her infectious giggles resonating through the air. Irene shared a lighthearted joke, prompting everyone to burst into fits of laughter, momentarily forgetting the weight of the recent challenges they had faced.

With each wave and smile, the group dispersed, heading off on their separate paths, while cherishing the memories they had forged together. Though uncertainty loomed in the air, hope prevailed, and the promise of future reunions and shared adventures lingered like a warm embrace.

Jieun stood amidst the fading light, watching as her friends disappeared from view. A swirl of emotions danced within her—gratitude for the support and strength they had provided, excitement for the future, and a touch of sadness at the temporary separation. But above all, she carried with her a renewed sense of self, an unwavering belief in the power of friendship and the bonds forged through adversity.

As she walked away, Jieun held onto the memories and the laughter, carrying them like precious treasures in her heart. And in the depths of her being, she knew that no matter where their paths led, their intertwined destinies would forever connect them, reminding them of the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of friendship.