SAVED ☆ Bang Chan [COMPLETED]

17

“Think it’s about time we tell them, don’t you?” He asks me quietly, and after a pause, I nod. He pulls me up to my feet and I look at the other boys.

“I’ve kind of got something to tell you guys,” I say, ignoring the rush of blood echoing in my ears. I'm surprised when even Minho's usual placid face changes into one of concern, and my heart throbs painfully inside my chest.

“Here?” He asks, looking dubious as he glances around the grounds.

I shake my head. There’s an hour before people will start going to their form rooms. “Can we go to our form room? No one else will be there.”

Jisung nods. “Of course. Let’s go guys.”

We make our way to our form room in silence, Chan and I walking behind the group, his hand entwined in mine reassuringly. He lowers his voice so the others can’t here.

“Don’t worry sweetie. They’ll be very understanding,” he tells me, squeezing my hand. I squeeze it back as I nod, grateful for him.

The nine of us enter the dark room, heading for the back desks. I sit at my own and they all bring chairs around the small table, making a small crowd around me. Hyunjin sits with his legs around the back of the chair, arms resting on the top of it which his chin leans on. “So. What’s up, Y/N - ie?”

I smile at him playing with my name but it quickly turns into a look of apprehension as I try to start my tale. Once I begin, I find the words gushing out of me like a powerful current, and I can’t stop.

The boys listen with careful attention, Chan sat next to me with tissues to help me through the difficult parts which make it hard for me to talk. He helps me through my story with subtle gestures: fingertips on my arms, hands running through my hair and encouraging smiles. After what seems like a life time of speaking, I finally finish and look properly at the boys at infront of me. I’m touched to see all their eyes glistening, and I catch a quick glance of Changbin’s wet cheeks before he bows his head and pulls his cap further down his head.

Jeongin gets up from his seat and moves my desk aside to sit on my lap and throw his arms around my neck, hugging me tightly. His tears trickle onto my neck and I feel the backs of my eyes pricking again as I hug him back.

“You’re amazing,” he says, giving me a watery smile. “I want to be brave like you one day.”

I splutter with touched laughter at that, and he gets off of me, replaced with a red faced Hyunjin who stands me up before wrapping himself around me. As if on cue, the rest of them follow suit and before long we’re stood at the back of the classroom, just one, huge, group hug.

When they finally pull back, I can’t help but laugh in relief, resulting in a domino effect and soon we’re all laughing our hearts out, diminishing the dark mood that had settled itself in the room.

“I’m glad you told us,” Seungmin says, poking my cheek. “You can trust us.”

“Thanks Seungminie,” I say as I blow my nose, hard. I sense Chan stood behind me and I lean backwards into him, seeking out his warmth.

“I’m sorry I jumped on you, God I feel awful now,” Felix apologises, looking utterly heartbroken. My heart goes out to him and I get up and hug him as best as I can. He looks surprised but hugs me back, his warmth radiating through me like rays of sunshine.

“Don’t apologise. You couldn’t have known. It’s okay, Lixy,” I smile at him and he gives me his sunny smile back.

***

“Okay settle down guys,” our form teacher tells us, standing infront of the classroom with a stack of papers. “I’ve got an important piece of information for you all.”

This hushes the chitter chatter and all twenty nine faces give their attention to the woman at the front.

“Tomorrow is the annual school camping programme. You’re all required to attend as part of your studies, especially since it is on school grounds,” she says, brandishing the papers infront of us. “These letters have more details, and you must get them signed. No excuses.”

This causes another babble of talk to erupt as everyone begins to discuss the new event. I feel my stomach clench with anxiety. I hate the dark.

I look over at Chan who is studying my expression, realising it’s not a positive one. “What’s wrong sweetie?”

“I don’t like the dark,” I whisper, trying to make sure no one else hears. I’m unlucky, however, as the girl infront of me who happens to be one of Leah’s new best friends overhears it and whispers it to her. Leah’s eyes widen in delight and she stands up to yell.

“Everyone! Y/N is a baby - she’s scared of the dark!”