An Innocent Criminal [Chanyeol X Reader]

12

It was a quiet evening, and Chanyeol and Jieun found themselves engrossed in a deep conversation in Chanyeol's room. The room was dimly lit, casting a warm glow that created an intimate atmosphere. As they shared their fears, dreams, and vulnerabilities, an unspoken connection between them grew stronger, forging an unbreakable bond.

Their words flowed effortlessly, creating an uncharted realm where their hearts could find solace. Each story they shared unveiled a new layer of their personalities, and as they delved deeper into their pasts and dreams for the future, they found themselves drawn closer together, their souls intertwining in a beautiful symphony of understanding.

Time seemed to slip away as they lost themselves in the enchanting dance of conversation. Their voices softened, their laughter filled the room, and every moment they spent together felt like a stolen glimpse into an alternate reality—a world where only the two of them existed.

As they leaned in, hanging onto each other's every word, their proximity became inevitable. The gravitational pull between them intensified, the magnetic force of their connection growing impossible to resist. It was as if the universe conspired to bring them closer, entwining their fates in an intricate tapestry.

In the midst of their heartfelt conversation, Chanyeol's hand brushed against Jieun's, causing a jolt of electricity to surge through their veins. Their eyes met, and in that fleeting moment, they glimpsed the depth of emotions mirrored in each other's gaze. It was a silent acknowledgement, a shared recognition of the profound impact they were having on one another's lives.

Caught up in the intoxicating energy of the moment, they leaned in, their breaths mingling in the small space between them. Time stood still as their faces drew closer, the air heavy with anticipation. But just as their lips were about to meet, a rush of shyness washed over them, halting their movements.

In that moment, they both pulled back, their cheeks flushed with a mixture of desire and self-consciousness. Their eyes darted away, avoiding the intensity of the connection they had momentarily glimpsed.

Chanyeol immediately averted his gaze, his cheeks flushing with a mix of embarrassment and uncertainty. Jieun, on the other hand, couldn't tear her eyes away from the floor, as if it held some fascinating secrets. The silence between them grew heavy, and Chanyeol cleared his throat, breaking the tension.

"I think... I should go rest," Chanyeol muttered, his voice betraying a hint of unease. Jieun simply nodded in response, her lips forming a tight line. "I have a new drama to watch," she added, her voice barely above a whisper.

Realising the importance of maintaining a clear focus amidst their challenging circumstances, they retreated, finding solace in the familiar boundaries they had established. They gave each other some space, their hearts yearning for more but understanding the need to tread carefully.

And so, the moment slipped away, leaving behind a trace of unspoken longing and a promise of future possibilities. In their hearts, they knew that their bond was something special, something worth exploring when the time was right.

Little did they know that this moment of fleeting closeness would be etched in their memories, serving as a reminder of the magnetic pull that existed between them—a pull that could not be denied forever. And as they continued their journey to uncover the truth, they couldn't help but wonder if fate would conspire once again, bringing them back to that precipice of possibility, where their hearts would finally have the courage to leap into the unknown.

~

Despite the lighthearted exchange, a sense of unease lingered within Jieun. The weight of Chanyeol's defamatory situation burdened her heart, knowing that she played a part in it. She vividly recalled the conversation she overheard in the investigation room, which had shifted her perspective. Fear gnawed at her, as she considered the potential consequences of her actions, knowing that Chanyeol might not believe her side of the story.

"Chanyeol-ssi, have you had a chance to watch that new drama you were talking about?" Jieun inquired, hoping to distract herself from the mounting worries. Chanyeol nodded, his gaze distant. "Yeah, I watched it," he replied with a subdued tone.

Before Jieun could engage further in conversation, she abruptly decided to lock the door, her mischievous smirk betraying an unknown agenda. Chanyeol froze in confusion, his mind racing to grasp the sudden change in atmosphere. Why had she locked the door so unexpectedly? Doubts began to creep into his thoughts. "What if Jieun is trying to assist Minjae in his plan to imprison me again? What if she orchestrated our escape only to use it against me later?" Chanyeol's mind spun with trepidation.

Panic surged through Chanyeol's veins, and he rushed towards the door, pounding on it desperately. He pleaded with Jieun to unlock it, his voice laced with a mix of fear and anguish. However, Jieun's response only deepened his distress. She coolly stated that she needed to accomplish her "mission," leaving Chanyeol feeling utterly helpless and betrayed. The one person he trusted and loved seemed to have turned against him in the cruellest manner.

Meanwhile, Jieun busied herself with her secretive task. Her plan was unfolding, and a sense of accomplishment fueled her determination. Every detail had been meticulously arranged, and she stood outside Chanyeol's room, taking a deep breath to steady her nerves. She hoped with all her heart that he would appreciate her efforts.

With a mixture of anticipation and trepidation, Jieun turned the doorknob and cautiously stepped into the room. What she encountered left her both relieved and heartbroken. Chanyeol sat slumped on the floor, his posture mirroring the weight of his emotional turmoil. Slowly, he lifted his head, his eyes meeting Jieun's as she stood before him, a gentle smile gracing her lips.

"What the hell did you do?" Chanyeol's voice cracked with a mixture of anger and pain, his words laced with confusion. Jieun, however, remained surprisingly calm, her smile unwavering. She beckoned him to approach, her eyes radiating a quiet confidence. "Come, let me show you what I've done for you," she said, her words carrying a mixture of anticipation and hope.

Chanyeol's heart raced with conflicting emotions, unsure of what awaited him. Cautiously, he rose from the floor and approached Jieun, his steps hesitant. A surge of curiosity mixed with trepidation coursed through his veins as he prepared himself for whatever revelation lay ahead.