An Innocent Criminal [Chanyeol X Reader]

20

The dimly lit bar hummed with energy as people chatted, laughter echoing through the air. Soft music played in the background, creating a soothing ambiance. The walls were adorned with vintage posters, their faded colours adding a touch of nostalgia to the space. Warm golden lights cast a cosy glow, illuminating the bar counter lined with an array of gleaming bottles, reflecting the skilled bartenders expertly crafting cocktails.

The bar was bustling with patrons, each engrossed in their own conversations or lost in the melodies floating from the stage where a live band performed. The air was laced with the mingling aromas of rich coffee, fragrant spirits, and the occasional waft of delectable dishes being served from the adjacent restaurant.

The seating area consisted of plush leather booths and sleek wooden tables, where groups of friends and couples enjoyed their evening. The clinking of glasses and the occasional burst of laughter created a cheerful symphony, while waitstaff gracefully weaved through the crowd, ensuring everyone's needs were met.

In one corner of the bar, Irene and Yeri strategically positioned themselves, keeping a watchful eye on the surroundings. Irene's posture exuded confidence as she leaned against the high-backed barstool, her eyes scanning the room with a mischievous glint. Yeri, standing slightly apart, maintained a composed yet observant demeanour, her mind focused on the unfolding plan.

As Irene and Yeri conversed, their voices were masked by the lively atmosphere, ensuring their plot remained concealed from prying ears. Occasionally, Irene's laughter would ring out, drawing fleeting attention from those nearby, who would then return to their own conversations, unaware of the intricate scheme unfolding in their midst.

The bar's ambiance provided a perfect backdrop for Irene and Yeri's operation, with its intimate setting offering enough privacy to carry out their deceptive act. Amidst the lively atmosphere, the two friends strategized, their expressions a mix of determination and excitement, as they plotted to extract the truth from Jonghyun while keeping their intentions hidden from the unsuspecting crowd.

Yeri's earpiece crackled with Irene's voice. "Yeri, he's finally here," Irene whispered excitedly. Yeri, stationed at a distance, wished her luck through the phone, saying, "All the best! Fighting!" She watched intently as Jonghyun approached Irene, unaware of the impending plot.

Jonghyun took a seat next to Irene and greeted her with a warm smile. Irene, oozing with seductive charm, responded with a smirking glance. Their conversation quickly turned flirtatious, gradually delving into more provocative territory. Jonghyun, feeling a surge of confidence, boldly suggested, "How about we spend the night together?" Irene, seizing the opportunity, leaned in and whispered in his ear, "Sounds good." The unexpected advance caught Jonghyun off guard, causing his cheeks to redden as he involuntarily flinched. He couldn't deny that Irene's boldness intrigued him.

Seizing the perfect moment while Jonghyun was absorbed in his thoughts, Irene discreetly added a special substance to his drink. She guided him to finish it first, subtly manipulating him with her allure.

As the door to the private room closed behind them, Irene's seductive demeanour remained intact. She guided Jonghyun to a plush sofa, the softness of the velvet enveloping them both. The room's dim lighting cast a romantic glow, heightening the atmosphere of secrecy and intimacy.

Jonghyun, still under the influence of Irene's charm, was drawn deeper into the illusion she had created. His cheeks flushed, and his heart raced with anticipation. But before he could make any further moves, the effects of the drug Irene had discreetly added to his drink began to take hold.

A sudden wave of dizziness washed over Jonghyun, causing his head to spin and his limbs to feel heavy. He stumbled, his legs giving way beneath him, and collapsed onto the bed in the room. His vision blurred as he struggled to regain his balance, the world around him spinning in a disorienting dance.

Irene and Yeri, who had been observing him closely, rushed to his side in concern. Their plan had taken an unexpected turn, but they were determined to press on. They exchanged worried glances, realising that the drug had taken a stronger effect than anticipated.

The room's opulent surroundings seemed to swirl around Jonghyun as he lay there, his senses dulled by the drug's influence. He could vaguely hear Irene and Yeri's voices, their worried tones floating in and out of his consciousness. The elegant tapestries and intricate artwork on the walls merged into a blurry haze, their details lost in the haze of his befuddled mind.

The room itself seemed to echo with a sense of mystery, its air heavy with the weight of the secrets it had witnessed. The soft carpet beneath Jonghyun's prone form absorbed his weight, cocooning him in its plush embrace. The room's luxurious ambiance, which had once held an air of allure and intrigue, now became a backdrop for his disoriented state.

As Irene and Yeri desperately tried to elicit the truth from him, the room's intimate setting took on a surreal quality. The chandelier's sparkling crystals flickered in his blurred vision, casting fragmented reflections that danced across the walls. The melodious tunes emanating from the discreet sound system echoed in his ears, mingling with his confused thoughts.

Amidst the haze of his drugged state, Jonghyun's mind struggled to grasp the gravity of the situation. The room, once a symbol of secrecy and hidden desires, now became a confined space where his vulnerability was laid bare. Within its walls, the unfolding events held the potential to unravel the web of deception he had been entangled in.

Irene swiftly dialled Yeri's number, signalling her to enter the room. Yeri responded promptly, making her way to Irene and Jonghyun's location. Together, they devised various strategies to extract the truth from him, but to their frustration, Jonghyun remained tight-lipped, refusing to divulge any information. Irene groaned in annoyance, exclaiming, "Why is he being so difficult?" Yeri nodded sympathetically, acknowledging the challenge they faced. Yeri suggested, "Should we call for backup?" Irene, recognizing the need for additional assistance, gave a nod of agreement.

Meanwhile, another woman was engrossed in a phone call, her voice filled with worry. "Where on earth did Jieun disappear to?" the person on the other end anxiously inquired. The young woman sighed, feeling helpless. "I've searched everywhere, but she's nowhere to be found," she lamented. Confusion clouded her thoughts as she contemplated Jieun's sudden disappearance. "She even blocked my number. I can't understand why she's so mad at me," she pondered, wondering what could have caused their rift. The voice on the other end urged her to continue the search, emphasising the urgency of finding Jieun. With a determined nod, the young woman hung up the phone, resolved to locate her friend.

As she pondered Jieun's possible whereabouts, the young woman couldn't help but feel a sense of longing. "Jieun, it's time for you to come back to us," she whispered to herself, reminiscing about their shared moments. She began to piece together fragments of Jieun's personality and preferences, considering the places where she might have sought solace or found temporary refuge.