An Innocent Criminal [Chanyeol X Reader]

29

As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the surroundings, Taeyeon and Jieun found themselves sitting on a park bench. The gentle breeze rustled the leaves, creating a soothing melody that accompanied their conversation. Taeyeon's eyes sparkled with curiosity, while Jieun couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort in their growing friendship.

"So, Jieun, spill the beans! Tell me all about your adventures with Chanyeol," Taeyeon exclaimed, leaning in closer with a mischievous grin on her face. Jieun chuckled and began recounting their dates, the funny moments, and the times they got into silly arguments.

"Let me tell you about the time we went to this fancy restaurant," Jieun started, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "Chanyeol accidentally knocked over his glass of water, and it spilled all over the waiter's shoes! The poor guy tried to stay professional, but we could see the struggle on his face. We burst out laughing, and it was so embarrassing, but also hilarious!"

Taeyeon erupted into laughter, her joy contagious. "Oh, that sounds like a classic Chanyeol moment! He's always finding a way to make us laugh," she said, wiping away tears of mirth. Jieun nodded, feeling a warm connection forming between them.

Their conversation continued, weaving through funny anecdotes and shared experiences. They spoke about their favourite movies, childhood memories, and even their most embarrassing moments. The park around them buzzed with life as families played nearby and birds chirped in the distance.

Baekhyun, who had been quietly observing their interaction from a distance, couldn't resist joining in. He sauntered over, wearing a playful smile on his face. "I couldn't help but overhear your laughter from afar. Mind if I join the fun?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of mischief.

Taeyeon's eyes widened with surprise, and a blush crept onto her cheeks. "Baekhyun, you sneaky eavesdropper! Of course, you can join us," she replied, trying to hide her flustered state. Jieun chuckled at their playful banter, enjoying the newfound camaraderie.

The three of them spent the rest of the evening engrossed in laughter and conversation. They shared stories, jokes, and even attempted to teach each other silly dance moves. The park echoed with their laughter and the joy that filled their hearts.

"Hey, can we go visit mom? She's been asking about you," Taeyeon cautiously asked Jieun, hoping for a positive response. Jieun nodded, her curiosity piqued. "Sure, I'll give it a try," she replied, her voice filled with a mix of anticipation and uncertainty.

As the sky darkened and the stars began to twinkle above, they realised how time had flown by. Reluctantly, Jieun bid Taeyeon and Baekhyun goodbye, promising to meet again soon for more laughter-filled adventures.

Walking away from the park, Baekhyun couldn't help but feel a sense of happiness and gratitude. He had discovered not only a new friend in Jieun but also a new side to Taeyeon that he had never seen before. The world seemed a little brighter, and he couldn't wait to share more unforgettable moments with these newfound companions.

Curiosity got the better of Taeyeon, and she couldn't resist asking, "So, which year were you born? You look so young!" As she stood up, preparing to leave, Baekhyun looked at her and simply replied, "1992." He followed her, intrigued by her question. "Ah, in that case, you should call me 'noona' since I'm older," Taeyeon retorted playfully, stopping near her car.

She couldn't resist winking at him before getting into her car, leaving Baekhyun blushing furiously. Usually, it was Baekhyun who did the winking, but this role reversal caught him off guard. It was the first time someone had made him feel this way, and he couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement and a touch of embarrassment.

~

After a long day at work, Jieun stepped out of the bustling office building and made her way to the nearby cafeteria. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, enticing her senses. She found a quiet corner and settled into a seat, hoping to unwind and enjoy a moment of solitude.

However, her peaceful respite was short-lived. A group of girls, who were seated at a nearby table, couldn't resist casting judgmental glances in Jieun's direction. Their hushed whispers filled the space, carrying a malicious undertone that Jieun could feel even from a distance.

As the whispers grew louder, Jieun's curiosity turned into annoyance. She heard their words, laced with spiteful intent, as they began to discuss her and Chanyeol. Their words cut through the air like sharp daggers, penetrating Jieun's calm facade.

She clenched her fists, feeling the anger boil within her. Yet, she tried to maintain her composure, not wanting to stoop down to their level. She knew that engaging with them would only fuel their spite and satisfy their desire for drama.

But their relentless gossiping began to wear on her, gnawing at her patience. How could they be so consumed with meddling in the lives of others? Didn't they have their own problems to tend to? Jieun took a deep breath, summoning her courage, and decided that she couldn't let their toxic behaviour go unchecked.

Rising from her seat, she fixed a piercing gaze on the girls, her voice dripping with frustration. "What is your problem? Can you mind your freaking business and stop meddling in others' lives?" Jieun's words echoed through the cafeteria, drawing the attention of those nearby.

The girls, taken aback by Jieun's sudden outburst, exchanged nervous glances. They had thought their gossiping would go unnoticed, but now they found themselves confronted by the very person they had been talking about. Jieun's presence and unyielding demeanour were enough to send a shiver down their spines.

Realising they had crossed a line, the girls hastily gathered their belongings and made a hasty exit, their voices now hushed and filled with fear. Jieun watched their retreat with a mix of satisfaction and exasperation. She couldn't believe the audacity of some people to interfere in the lives of others without any basis or understanding.

As the room settled back into a semblance of tranquillity, Jieun returned to her seat, determined not to let the incident affect her. She knew that she and Chanyeol would continue to face such scrutiny and judgement no matter where they went. Society, with all its complexities, often found joy in tearing down those who dared to deviate from its expectations.

She sighed, feeling the weight of the world on her shoulders. The constant scrutiny and judgement could make life feel incredibly difficult at times. But she also knew that she couldn't let the opinions of others dictate her happiness or her relationship with Chanyeol.

With a renewed sense of resilience, Jieun reminded herself that they had each other, and together, they could overcome whatever obstacles came their way. She took solace in the love and support they shared, knowing that their bond was strong enough to withstand the storms of society.

As she sat in the bustling cafeteria, surrounded by a sea of unfamiliar faces, Jieun couldn't help but reflect on the complexity of life. It was a constant balancing act between staying true to oneself and navigating the expectations of others. But through it all, she vowed to remain unyielding, to hold her head high, and to face whatever challenges came her way with grace and strength.

And as she sipped her coffee, she found comfort in the knowledge that she was not alone in her struggle. Countless others had faced similar battles, and together, they formed a resilient community that defied societal norms and embraced the beauty of individuality.

Jieun's encounter in the cafeteria served as a reminder that while life could be difficult, it was also filled with moments of triumph and growth. She was determined to rise above the gossip, the judgement, and the societal pressures, carving her own path and embracing the love she shared with Chanyeol.

For in the end, it was their happiness and their truth that truly mattered, and nothing would stand in their way of living life on their own terms.