An Innocent Criminal [Chanyeol X Reader]

9

Chanyeol turned the doorknob, entering the room to find Jieun engrossed in watching TV. The sound of the door alerted her to his presence, and she finally looked up. "Let's eat. I made some instant noodles since I was feeling lazy. I hope that's okay," she said softly as she served him a bowl.

"I do mind," Chanyeol replied, causing Jieun to glance at him, wondering if he was serious. But her worries vanished as she noticed the mischievous glint in his eyes. She pouted, and he couldn't help but purse his lips, knowing he had successfully teased her. "You waited for me," she confirmed, to which he simply shook his head.

[Flashback]

"I'm back. Where's my lunch?" a ten-year-old Chanyeol asked his stepmother. Her cold response shattered his excitement. "It's in the kitchen. Get it yourself," she replied dismissively. Disappointed, he couldn't help but think, 'If only my mom were alive and here with me.'

[End of flashback]

Jieun gently tapped Chanyeol's shoulder, sensing his sombre mood. "Are you alright? Come on, let's eat," she encouraged, taking a seat at the table. While she read the news headlines on her cellphone, one caught her attention: "The famous footballer Park Chanyeol is missing." Jieun let out a heavy sigh and powered off her phone, shifting her focus to the TV. Soon, she became engrossed in the program.

Chanyeol couldn't help but steal glances at Jieun, amazed at how she treated him kindly despite his coldness towards her. Besides his close friend, no one had ever treated him so well.

"Are you finished eating?" Jieun asked, her eyes reflecting a cute charm. Chanyeol felt his heart race, but he managed to nod slowly. He stood up, intending to wash the dishes in the kitchen. However, before he could do so, Jieun took the bowl from his hands and smiled at him. "I'll take care of it. Go and get some rest. You must be tired," she said sweetly, walking towards the kitchen. As she washed the dishes, Chanyeol couldn't resist stealing glances at her. 'Is she always this kind?' he wondered to himself.

Moments later, Chanyeol found himself sitting on the couch, his mind filled with conflicting thoughts. Jieun's presence was stirring something within him—a sense of warmth and comfort he hadn't experienced before. He couldn't help but wonder why she was treating him so well, despite his initial coldness towards her. It puzzled him, yet he found himself drawn to her, curious to uncover the depths of her kindness.

As the evening continued, Chanyeol and Jieun engaged in casual conversation, discovering shared interests and exchanging stories from their past. With each passing moment, their connection deepened, revealing hidden layers beneath their initial impressions of one another.

Meanwhile, in a dimly lit room, Minjae sat alone, brooding over his failed attempts to locate Chanyeol and Jieun. Frustration and anger consumed him as he contemplated the consequences of their escape. Determined to bring them back, he formulated a new plan—a plan that would leave no room for mercy. His eyes burned with a sinister determination as he set his sights on his next move.

Back at the house, Chanyeol found himself growing more captivated by Jieun's presence. Her genuine care and affection began to melt away the walls he had built around himself. For the first time, he allowed himself to believe in the possibility of

finding solace and love amidst the chaos of their circumstances.

Little did they know that their lives were about to be thrust into an even greater turmoil, as dark secrets and hidden agendas began to unravel. As they embarked on a journey filled with danger, intrigue, and unexpected alliances, Chanyeol and Jieun would discover the strength within themselves and the power of their connection. Together, they would face the challenges that awaited them, determined to unravel the truth and reclaim their freedom.

Stay tuned for the next thrilling chapter, where love and resilience collide, and the lines between right and wrong blur in the face of adversity.