Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The night sky shines, sparkling just above the Han River, creating a mesmerizing mirror effect of the glistering sky. Despite being the tourist attracting place, the neighborhood remains silent, calm with not many people strolling in the middle of the night on a random Friday.

The silence was comfortable. Saving the muffled noises of the restaurants and people walking around drunk, enjoying their hangouts with their friends after a long week.

Headphones covering the ears, blocking any kind of external noise with a soft hum of a melody, a mask covering the idol life he sometimes tired of, and the black hoodie effortlessly camouflaged at the night. Bang Chan walks through the deserted night. Peace, the emotion he felt after never-ending comebacks and soundtracks released this year. ‘Maybe we really should take a break’ Chan sighs as he looks up at the bridge of the Han River, deciding take a stroll.

The comforting calmness was disturbed by the phone ringing. Chan let a long sigh before picking the call which turned out to be his little evil bunny. Chan couldn’t help but smile fondly before answering the call. “Missing me already Lino?”. The person who called, scoffed, lacking any real venom, “You need to sleep if you need to be dreaming hyung. It’s getting late where are you? I swear if you’re still at the company-” Chan cut him mid-sentence just as Lee know was about to get started the very much familiar rant “Lee know I’m taking a walk alongside the Han river. I’ll be back home in a few minutes.” Chan felt the familiar warmth spread through his heart. Oh how he would sacrifice his life for the kids happily.

As soon as Chan and Lee know bid their bye, Chan looked up realizing he’s unknowingly walking on the bridge over the river. He looked down while walking, looking nowhere else but his slightly dirtied shoes.

Chan looked up for a split second and the world froze for him. There, right on the same bridge he’s standing, saw an angel- or maybe someone as heavenly as an angel.

Chan doesn’t know if he made the most stupid or the bravest decision but he volunteered his legs to move towards the angel. As he made his way, he pictured the way she looked gorgeous, glowing white dress, long straight black hair and perfect features, if Chan didn’t know anything new, he would have fallen in love.

Chan took slow and deliberate steps towards the angel, leaning to the river’s wall, he felt grateful for the mask or else he would have been caught for smiling like a creep. Gathering enough courage Chan cleared his throat to get her attention.
Chan all but was startled when he felt the angel jumped in surprise. He raised his arms in a surrendering position silently indicating he meant no harm. After a moment and two he could see the wheels turning in her head and for a moment he feared the angel might have recognized him.

“Hey” Chan tries to greet her politely in order to not scare the innocent soul more than he already did. He knew when people first see him, they fear him due to his intimidating nature.
“Um… Are- Are you talking to me…?” If Chan wasn’t starstruck with her beauty, he is love-struck by the honey-dipped voice of hers. “Yes- I mean is there someone else here?” Chan answered perplexed looking around little confused. ‘Why would she even ask such a question’ but brushed it off.

“I mean- never-mind.” The angel swallowed her reply mid sentence. Chan was again confused but brushed it off, who would say their life troubles to a random person.
“What are you doing on a middle of the bridge, in the middle of night… alone.” Chan tried to keep the conversation going, something uniquely special about her made him want to be by her side.

Chan internally rolled his eyes to himself at how easily this anonymous angel looking girl could make him feel so comfortable. “Relaxing… it’s been a long day” She replied cryptic. Chan wanted to ask more but who is he to ask more about her personal life.

Before Chan could keep up the conversation, the angel introduced herself “I’m Yuna Kim. Yours?” “Chan- Bang Chan” replied Chan a bit too eager and was embarrassed when Yuna chuckled at him. Just as Chan was about to continue unfortunately, he received a call, again.

Cursing his fate he picked the call and grumbled a hello to the speaking without seeing the name on the display and instantly regretted when he heard a familiar deep voice on the other line.

“Hyung you’re taking an eternity.” Whined Felix on the other side and Chan chuckled at his child-like antics. It’s really been a stressful comeback and after moving into new dorm arrangements this is the first time they agreed to have an ot8 dinner at Lee know’s and Han’s dorm. “On my way little one.” He said and Felix jokingly threatened that he would starve if Chan wouldn’t join for the late-night dinner. Chan promised he’ll be there before the clock struck two though taking a mental note that its half past one already.

Chan slipped his phone into his pocket and turned to face Yuna to bid a proper farewell but to his surprise he met with nothing but the same old lonely bridge with the moon and stars above his head. Chan was confused and waited for only a hope for the angel to magically appear again. Unfortunately he had to reluctantly started to walk back to the dorms.

For a split second he thought she might have jumped into the river. But he didn’t hear any water splashing sounds, so he assumed that she should have walked away when he was distracted while he was on the phone.

On his way back he couldn’t stop thinking about Yuna a name he might never forget. Chan laughed to himself sarcastically for letting his thoughts spiral to a girl whom he might never meet again but he really hoped he would though. Something about the angel had caught Chan’s attention and let’s say he’ll call her the mysterious angel. “She was right in front of me one second and then the other disappeared into thin air.” Chan chuckled dryly.

Chapter Text

It was a quick 30 minutes’ walk from the Han River to the dorms. Chan walked as fast as he can and known for being incredibly athletic, he reached faster than he should. Despite Chan being delighted to have dinner without having to worry about tomorrow’s schedule he still had a lingering disappointment about his encounter with the mysterious girl.

The moment Chan set foot in his dorm freshly cooked home food and the voices of his family hit him making his heart swell with affection towards his members.

The living room was spread with different types of food, chopsticks and members tucked under the soft duvet, a movie ready to be played.

What made Chan almost tear up was the empty spot between lee know and Jeongin. On the ground sat Hyunjin cuddled to Changbin, Seungmin in the armchair. The sunshine twins cuddled up beside lee know. Oh how much he missed being with his members.

“I was about to file a missing complaint hyung” Changbin joked when he saw Chan in their doorstep. Chan gave him a genuine smile, took of his hoodie, leaving him with the black tank top, before he joined the boys. “Thanks for not causing trouble Bin” Chan teased back, before settling in the empty spot, basking the comfort of the boys.

The movie started, the soft glow in the middle of night. The boys soon became a tangle of bodies, but no one complained and Chan had to restrain every muscle in his body from taking photos of the moment, though he might already have taken a couple of them.

Though Chan was content with things right now he still couldn’t help but wander his thoughts to the girl he met barely an hour ago. Don’t get him wrong, he’s just an open and curious person with clear priorities and principles.

Being the second oldest, Lee know eventually became Chan’s pillar emotionally. If anyone knew the deepest secrets of Chan apart from Chan’s mom, then it’s lee know. Lee know could simply tell what mood Chan is in just by looking in his eyes, and Chan could never hide his emotions when it comes to lee know, no matter how hard he could really try.

As soon as all kids fell asleep hugging each other to a point where no one can say who is curled up to whom. After lee know and Chan made sure everyone is out cold, they gently stood up to clean the living room.

Lee know stopped Chan who was picking the dirty dishes on his tracks. He gently took the dishes and put them aside before crossing his arms and giving Chan that look.

“What is bothering you hyung?” Lee know questioned straight to the point. He doesn’t like sugarcoating questions. “I don’t know what you’re talking about Minho” Chan tried to hide it, again, how nervous he was about the question. He doesn’t want to trouble the younger. “You were never good at hiding your troubles from me. Spill hyung I promise not to judge… hard.” Lee know reasoned out. Chan huffed before dragging a chair in the dining hall and inviting lee know to sit as he sat on the chair.

“I met a girl, a mysterious one while coming back home” Chan started which made lee know tensed up almost instantly. It’s nothing out of the blue for them to meet mysterious people given how famous they’ve become. They cannot go anywhere without cameras blinding their eyes and mics shoving in the throats.

“Do you think she could be a sasaeng? Hyung we need to file a complaint.” Lee know blurted running his hand through his soft, black hair. He had his fair share of sasaeng encounters in the past. He doesn’t want Chan to go through that and incase she followed-

“I don’t think so Min. I mean she even said her name. I suspect she is a sasaeng. She just seemed too sweet, too good for a ‘sasaeng’ character” Chan diffused his worried and hunched forward. “She disappeared” Chan added, looking up he found Lee know blinking eyes, confused.

Never in his life did Chan comment on a random girl on a random Friday, that to something positive. Lee know was genuinely confused.

“Disappeared?” Lee know repeated confused. To which Chan nodded. “We were talking until Lix called. After I ended the call and turned to her to say goodbye she just disappeared” Chan said, more confused. He wasn’t bothered much back then but now thinking about it just tugs something in his heart. He couldn’t exactly explain it.

“Hyung you weren’t sleepwalking at that time right?” Lee know asked carefully not to trigger a negative reflex from Chan. Apart from Chan’s mom only Lee know is aware that Chan has a different type of sleepwalking. He’s half conscious and half not. Whenever that happens Chan hallucinates that the dream to indeed happen. To everyone’s shock Chan remembers the dreams as if it really happened and at times Chan, especially during hard and stressful schedules, he finds it difficult to differentiate which one was a dream and which is reality.

“Lee know I really didn’t I was wide awake, and you called me too. I can’t talk if I’m sleepwalking. You know that.” Chan reasoned out, his shoulders suddenly stiff.

Lee know exhaled deeply before apologizing. But even lee know found it weird how can a fully grown human can just disappear into thin air that too in the middle of the Han river, unless they jump off.

Lee know knew better than further interrogation, it’s better to rest. Maybe Chan was a bit stressed but didn’t say it out loud. “Hyung I guess it’s better to just forget about it. We need rest hyung. It’s been a long year.” Lee know suggested trying his best get Chan out of the disappearing girl situation. Chan nodded and hugged Lee know as a thank you before returning to cleaning duty.

It was clear that Chan was not going to sleep anytime soon, and Lee know knew better than to push him.

After cleaning Lee know settled back on the couch, beside Han who was hugging Felix. Lee know wrapped his hand around Han’s waist and saw Chan returning to his room before drifting to the land of dreams.

Chapter Text

It has been barely a couple hours the boys went to sleep. The outside world painted black, moon about to fade giving birth to the next morning.

A pile of bodies, wrapped around each other, comfortable and warm. Few on the floor and few on the couch. Yes it’s uncomfortable, but they missed their night outs.

Felix, slowly twisted against Han to make his back feel more at ease. Sure the position he is will never be comfortable, his back against the couch, hugged by Han who is sandwiched between him and Lee know.

Felix suppressed a whine, failing to find a comfortable position, he stood up untangling himself from Han’s death grip without waking him up and slowly made his way to the bathroom.

Chugging a glass of water and two painkiller medicines, Felix got out of the bathroom and went straight ahead to Han’s room. He sluggishly got in his bed; his back supported by soft pillow. He felt the numbing pain refusing to leave yet, his eyes watered at the discomfort, suppressing a sob, he fell into a painful, restless sleep.

Han stirred missing the familiar warmth even in his sleep. He whined clinging to Lee know before opening his eyes disoriented. Lee know unconsciously patted Han, easing him back to sleep. Han did fall asleep for a second but woke up realizing Felix was indeed not there.

His first instincts was to check the bathroom, noticing there was no light emitting from the bathroom, he tried to untangle himself from Lee know to check where Felix was.

Lee know being the light sleeper woke up as soon as Han tried to untangle himself. He was at first confused but then saw the slight worry on Han’s features. He sat up and whispered to Han “Did you have nightmare Han-ah?” he asked, stroking Han’s cheek softly with his thumb. Han shook his head, dismissing his worry and pointed towards where Felix lay with slight panic, indicating that Felix was missing.

Lee know instantly blamed himself for not noticing that before. How did Felix slip without him noticing. Han and Lee know made their ways to all the room. There was relief when they found Chan asleep. Noting the time to be around 5 in the morning, they went straight to Han’s room for the final check.

Han was both surprised and worried when he found a whimpering Felix, clutching his back, tears rolling from closed eyes. It was clear that he was trying to suppress his sobs, making sure not to disturb anyone’s sleep.

Within a heartbeat Lee know and Han went to Felix, Lee know taking the place behind Felix supporting him to sit up and then rubbing soothing circles, behind his back while Han took the place near his legs trying to get Felix answer him.

After a couple of hours Seungmin woke up. With all the noise coming in, he checked the source. First shocked then understanding. Not wanting to crowd the couple who is talking Felix down, Seungmin informed Lee know he’ll be preparing the breakfast. After a quick nod from Lee know, Seungmin fleshed up and made his way to the kitchen. He decided to make something simple after handing a glass of milk and toasted bread to the couple so that they could feed Felix and then give him his back medicines.

One by one everyone filled the dining hall and their first instinct was to notice the missing trio. Seungmin took his time explaining the situation. They all agreed not to disturb the trio, though their worry was skyrocketing every time they heard Felix high-pitched scream.

Chan was the last one to wake up, surprisingly. He washed up pretty quickly, styled his messy, curly hair and entered the dining hall. The hall was not quiet but there was an invisible tension on everyone’s tense shoulders. Chan sat on the table across Hyunjin who was eating. He notice Changbin, Lee know, Han and Felix were absent in the hall. He knew Changbin went to the gym but where are the others? He wondered.

It was Seungmin who served Chan his breakfast, placing the two hot toasts, an egg and few strips sizzling beacon on the side. “Coffee or juice hyung?” Seungmin questioned. Chan considered coffee for a moment but realized he was wide awake for any intake of coffee “Juice please.” he replied deciding sugar would be enough for the day. They didn’t have much to do considering its their day off today.

Seungmin nodded, pouring a glassful of orange juice and placing beside the breakfast plate. “Enjoy your food old man.” Seungmin teased before walking away. Chan huffed out a sarcastic laugh at the menace puppy before focusing on the food.

When he spot Jeongin doing the dishes as usual, ‘it won’t hurt to ask’ considered Chan. “Innie where are the others?” questioned Chan tried to keep his tone as casual as possible. I.N tensing up added more fuel to his already burning worry. “Lixie hyung’s back is acting again. Han hyung and Lee know hyung are with him.” Jeongin answered hoping not to spill too much worry in his tone. “He woke up with a bad back.” He added.

If Chan had a good feeling about the morning earlier, he seriously questioned that. Leaving the leftovers on the table, Chan made his way towards Felix’s room. He paused at the door, taking a deep breathe before stepping inside the room.

It pained Chan each time to see anyone of the kids to be anywhere near uncomfortable, but now Chan could feel his heart shatter when he saw Felix crying his eyes holding his back with face morphed into what he called pain, Han sat near his legs comforting him and Lee know behind him rubbing soothing circles around Felix’s lower back. Felix's head tucked under Lee know's neck. Both were trying to distract Felix by talking to him but failing miserably.

Felix’s eyes were red indicating that he has been crying for a while now. Felix almost screamed when Lee know rubbed applying too much pressure, his face turned red and blotchy making the freckles more prominently. A thin layer of sweat covered his body making his clothes and hair stick to his clammy body.

Chan paced towards Felix and sat next to Han, crouching to look into his eyes. “Is it too much baby?” Chan question trying to get Felix say something so that he could decide if he is coherent enough. “I can’t. It’s too much Chris. I can’t.” Felix stuttered between his sobs. Chan looked at Lee know eyes browed together in worry for answers. “Woke up like this Chan-hyung. He drank some milk and had his painkillers but the pain stubbornly stayed.” Lee know countered. Chan nodded both understanding and thanking.

“I’m taking him to the hospital. Take care of the kids. I’ll update if there is any news. Han I need you to pack Felix’s hospital files.” Chan stated with no-negotiation tone leaving no room for argument. It was a blessing that Changbin went to the gym else he would be throwing a tantrum for accompanying Felix.

Chan stayed by Felix’s side till Han came back with the hospital files. In the meantime Lee know called Felix’s doctor and Chan made a mental note to thank him later for that. Chan slowly coaxed Felix on his legs, Felix yelped every now and then whenever he felt his back muscles protest against the activity.

Lee know quickly took the other side to provide extra support. I.N tossed the keys to Chan while they were on their door step, Hyunjin and Seungmin tieing Felix’s and Chan’s shoes. Chan thanked the youngers before supporting Felix to the car along Lee know.

Settling Felix in the passenger’s seat and adjusting the seat as flat as possible for their sunshine, Chan took the driver’s seat and waved Lee know reminding him about the promise before driving away.

Felix fell asleep through the way, Chan decided not to disturb the little peace he had, carried Felix inside the hospital upon arriving.

Dr.Ahn Minhyuk, took over from Felix from Chan the moment they arrived. Once the doctor noticed a sleeping Felix, a warm smile spread over him before instructing for a stretcher. He asked Chan to wait outside though, clearly not allowed to disturb the medical procedures.

Chan sat down in the waiting seat messaging Lee know about them reaching and a sleeping Felix escorted to the emergency ward. Once he received a thumbs up emoji, Chan closed his phone, sighing exhausted. He ran his hand through his curly, unbrushed hair, turning his gaze from the plain cold floor to the end of the corridor.

Chan breathe caught in his throat, when he saw the person at the end of the hallway. A vision he burned in his memory, a memory he wrote it in his bones and a past he would never forget even if it was a mere 10 minutes encounter.

“Yuna…” Chan whispered, not trusting the universe to bring them together again. He let out a shuddering breathe fisting his hands. He was too stunned, too overwhelmed to even acknowledge anything else in the world apart from the figure, glowing just like the past night, that fateful night the first sight of the mysterious girl.

Chapter Text

The world narrowed for Chan to the angel barely 20 feet ahead of his. He felt his palms and fingers turn cold. He wanted to move but something in him didn’t, he couldn’t and even Chan didn’t know why. She is right there, in front of her then why is he stuck, like a caged animal.

Chan flinched when he felt a hand on shoulders, firm and grounding. He turned, facing the person and recognized Dr. Ahn. Chan apologized and bowed only for the doctor to wave off Chan’s worries.

“How is Felix?” Chan asked both hesitant and eager at the same time. “He’s fine. Nothing to worry. His back was not able to take in all the strain Felix put it through. Once the drips are done, we can discharge him.” Dr. Ahn briefed. Half of Chan’s worry was diffused when he heard that his little sunshine was all good. He nearly went into a cardiac arrest when he saw Felix struggle to even stand upright due to the pain and lord don’t get him started with amount of tears, it could fill a kids pool if not more.

After receiving a green light from the doctor, Chan made his way straight to Felix’s room. The sight tugged the dad string in his heart. A part of him was happy to see his sunshine free from pain and the other blamed himself for not noticing the strain Felix has put on himself.

Chan sat near the bedside, holding Felix’s warm hands contrast to his cold ones. Why are his cold? He has no idea... His hold firm, soothing circles on the back of Felix’s palms. He smiled knowing Felix would be back to his cheerful self in less than a day and everything will go back to normal. Or so he believed.

Knowing Felix wasn’t going to wake up any time soon, Chan’s thoughts swirled back to angel he preferred to call even after knowing her name. Placing a gently kiss on Felix’s forehead, Chan stood up and left the room. He quickly texted Lee know updating the condition of Felix, Chan started to go around the hospital corridors in hopes to see the angel. He wants to know ask million questions and all of that demanded answers.

Chan was about to turn left from his current position when he found whom he’s been searching for, the angel, his angel if he can call that. Once again he could feel his heart beat thrice as fast as it should and his breathe hitching with every step he took closer.

“Yuna…” Chan recited her name to her softly gaining her attention. For a second she didn’t respond but then the other she turned around to face Chan, her face morphed into a mix of emotions but fear being the most prominent one.

Before Chan could even speak further she signaled Chan to come after and she started to sprint through the hallways. She halted after making sure they were not under anyone’s point of eyesight, she smiled at Chan.

Chan took a minute to catch his breath, his face a light shade of red. After a couple of minutes of gasping for air, Yuna turned towards Chan her expression a mix of worry and something else Chan couldn’t place his finger at, again.

“How is Felix?” Yuna asked without thinking twice. Realizing she made the wrong move when she saw Chan stiffen up. She explained instantly “After the night I found you, I thought you were quite handsome so I stalked you on Instagram. After knowing you’re famous, I tried not to let my interest grow to something else, so I just started to stan you guys. Today I came for my monthly checkup and I saw you carrying Felix, so I figured he must have fainted or something.” Yuna didn’t even give enough time for Chan to process before bowing deeply and apologizing for stalking. She was genuinely sorry and Chan felt it, and who was he to persecute an angel when he himself was an ordinary human.

Chan chuckled at the pure horror settled inside Yuna. He met a lot of stalkers but no one accepted like Yuna did and technically speaking she wasn’t stalking, she was exploring. He couldn’t feel happier knowing she is just a baby stay of age 1 day.

Somehow he found it cute.

“it’s alright. I’m not mad. Just surprised if anything.” Chan stated relaxing right after her. Just as Chan was about to try and get to hug her, she stepped back creating a ‘X’ sign with her hand indicating her displeasure. Chan frowned when he saw that. “I hate physical contact. Please.” Yuna explained with sincere voice and Chan being the gentleman he is, apologized for not asking for her consent before acting.

Yuna checked the time on the wall clock and excused herself from Chan and Chan obliged her wish. Although he wanted to spend a little more amount of the present time with her, she still had a life and he has to get back to Felix before he wakes up.

Chan doubts that, its been a little over 15 minutes and he doubts if Felix is up. Just as Chan came back from his thoughts and was about to bid a good farewell, she disappeared, again.

Chan tilted his head in confusion but brushed it off. There are a lot of corridors and its not Han river to think she jumped off.

Chan trusted the destiny one more time to bring them together again or else he would stalk her Instagram like she did. He chuckled at her childish demeanor. ‘Why do I always deal with kids’ Chan thought lovingly about his members and Yuna.

He reentered the room and found a peaceful Felix still dozing off in the bed. Looks like the painkillers are still making him drowsy. Chan pulled a chair beside him, settling on the chair before brushing off the hair strands on his face. ‘I promise to protect everyone of you little one’. Chan promised to himself.

“I promise to protect you and the others from the devil’s threat Chan.” Promised a guarding angel after listening to Chan’s selfless promise.

Chapter Text

Chan and Felix returned to the dorms after the hospital visit. He was prescribed with a heavier dose of painkillers for a brief period of time to make the pain more manageable. Apart from that no other complications where there or so did Dr. Ahn say.

Felix was in and out of conscious even after reaching the dorm. The dosage did its wonder on Felix while Chan supported him throughout the journey.

The pair was greeted by Changbin, not the one whose playful or loud but the jaw clenched, muscles tense and cold eyes, of course Chan expected this.

If Felix is protected by Chan, pampered by Lee know he is infinitely loved by Changbin. He doesn’t show it but Changbin will fight with hell and heaven for Felix and that made Chan proud.

Changbin instinctively took Felix from Chan’s grasp and carried him to Felix’s room for the rest he deserved. Chan smiled before handing over the hospital files to I.N.

As the lunch time was approaching soon, he expected Lee know in the kitchen but to his surprise Seungmin was still in the kitchen. “Did the evil bunny really fleeted from his kingdom for his lover?”

Mocked Chan leaning on the dining table. Seungmin scoffed before replying “I’m feeding 8 grown ass men. I deserve a thank you old man.” Chan laughed out loud before hugging Seungmin from the back “Is this enough or should I kidnap you to my room?”

Chan jokingly questioned practically the squeezing the shit out of him. Seungmin wriggled in the tight grip “I’m going to chop your hands if you don’t let go of me hyung” Seungmin threatened showing a knife even though he never meant that. Chan backed of surrendering to the puppy before starting to help him with the soup.

“Where is the king of the kitchen?”Chan asked while stirring the boiling soup. “Hyung went to the store with Han. We are running out of groceries.” “So he did fled from his kingdom with his lover.” Chan joked again and Seungmin clicked his tongue. Chan was really excited to share about the meet up with ‘his’ angel with Lee know. The thought brought a light shade of red on his cheeks. He thanked heavens for back facing Seungmin else he would tease the love out of him.

Just as Chan and Seungmin were arranging the dinner table along with I.N. Lee know and Han re-entered the dorm.

Under any normal condition Chan would hug them, welcoming them with a smile but seeing Han support Lee know with a red cloth around Lee know's arm.

His heart dropped to the stomach.

Chan froze.

His breathe was knocked out of his lungs.

His heart shattering into pieces like a broken mirror.

The cloth wasn’t red in a fashionable way, it is fully drenched with Lee know’s blood. Han was already had tears streaming down his cheeks, he was suppressing his anxiety for Lee know, to help him.

“LEE KNOW!!!” Chan rushed to the pair in the door step. He wanted to ask a million question. Two of his members suffered pain on the same day. What kind of leader was he?

Seungmin rushed to the bathroom to get the first aid kit. Chan scream alerted Changbin in the room. He immediately came out closing the door behind him softly, he rushed to the source of the scream.

Changbin eyes widen, his jaw dropped ever so slightly. It’s almost impossible to attack Lee know. He is always on alert, especially if he had anyone from the maknae line.

Changbin helped Chan to move Lee know the living room. Lee know was not swaying on his feet yet but they refused to leave Lee know unchecked.

Guilt.

The only emotion that swirled through Chan’s entire heart. If he was mindful enough to set them a bodyguard, he could have avoided Lee know coming home, bleeding.

Chan requested I.N to take Han to other room. He did enough, he doesn’t need to see how bad Lee know was injured. Of course, it could be Han who wrapped the wound but wounds turn ugly by time.

Chan nearly sobbed when he heard Lee know hiss trying not to scream when Chan re-opened the wound. It didn’t seem too deep for stitches but definitely needs to be sterilized before it gets infected.

By the time Seungmin came back with a basin of water, few white, clean towels and first aid kit, Chan managed to shed few tears unable to stop the overflowing guilt inside him. “It’s not your fault hyung.” Seungmin stated as if he read Chan’s mind. Chan nodded nonetheless.

Chan borrowed whatever Seungmin bought, thanking him. Chan started to wipe of the blood slowly, apologizing every now and then whenever he heard Lee know hiss. He noticed the bleeding has stopping, “This is going to hurt Min.” Chan warned before getting some cotton and disinfectant liquid. “Just- just get it over hyung.” Lee know spoke, his voice trembling, out of fear or pain or maybe both, Chan didn’t know.

Lee know yelped loudly, only to be shushed by Changbin hugging him. He might come out as a strong, pain bearing member but Chan knows how much he is sensitive, physically and mentally. Chan apologized before pressing the disinfectant harder to stop the wound from getting infected. Nothing in the world would make him prepared for the blood curdling scream Lee know let out.

Changbin silently rubbed circles on Lee know’s back and kept him away from looking at his hand. After what felt like an eternity Chan wrapped the wound into a tight bandage. Placing a gently kiss over the bandage, Chan whispered a sorry and hugged Lee know and Changbin, swallowing them in his broad shoulder.

“What happed Min? Talk to hyung aegi please.” Chan begged after wiping the salty tears that fell from his red rimmed eyes. His cheeks red from crying and breathes came in shallow as he fought to speak.

“Take your time aegi. Whenever your ready yeah.” Encouraged Chan. He could feel his heart break more but forced himself to calm down and speak. Lee know clutched Chan’s hoodie hem tightly, anchoring, grounding himself.

“Sasaeng” Blurted Lee know, fear evident with how much his voice broke and all Chan saw was red.

Chapter Text

Lee know and Han entered the convenient store. It wasn’t crowded but not fully empty either. Han pushed the cart while Lee know checked the groceries, price and quality before placing in the cart. Neither of them spoke, the silence was calm and comfortable.

“We need ice cream hyung. Lix has been whining for it.” Han explained pushing the cart behind Lee know. His voice muffled, speaking through the mask. Lee know nodded in acknowledgement.

Han placed the cart near Lee know and went to buy the ice cream. The counter was just few feet from where Lee know is, thus Han was not yet out of Lee know sight.

Lee know placed the sauce in the cart and started to push when he caught the sight that made his heart skip a beat. He froze for split second, his mind screaming otherwise.

A man, strong, in full black outfit covered from head to toe and Lee know couldn’t even see a inch of his skin when he prepared to stab Han who is unaware of the danger behind him.

“HAN!!!” Scream ripped out of Lee knows through before he could think of anything else, legs moving on instincts, with only motive - protect Han at any cost.

Lee know moved, faster, his legs straining with the force, barely making a barrier right before the man in black could hurt Han.

Lee know let out a sharp scream of pain when the knife sliced right on his arm, creating a bash and the blood started flowing instantly. He expected the pain to be worse or maybe it’s just the adrenal coursing right now.

Before lee know could actually process anything, The hot sauce rack swayed, just a little before falling all over the man in black. Lee know clenched his teeth as the wound burned yet shielding Han from the danger.

The man in black let out series of screams as the hot sauce burned right in his eyes. He turned his hands trying to find something, anything to cool his burning eyes. He tried to stand, trying to push the rack of him, fortunate to the kids he slipped, legs and arms grazed more due to the broken pieces.

Han was in a deep discussion with himself with the flavor he should choose. He was contemplating whether to buy chocolate or butterscotch or both considering they are eight of them.

Han was startled to the core when he heard Lee know scream his name followed by rushed, heavy footsteps.

By the time Han turned around he found Lee know infront of him, shielding, bleeding. Oh God he is bleeding. Then, all of a sudden the rack broke loose tossing the hot sauces on someone.

Fear and anxiety coursed through equal measures in his system. His breathe stuck when he noticed the dark red stains of blood on the white floor. His first instinct was to tie a cloth but he couldn’t find one. He forcefully pulled the cloth from the table, ripping it, tying it over Lee know’s hands before placing a ice cream tub to numb the pain. He was shocked himself that he could do the first aid and not actually breakdown.

Han’s eyes were red rimmed. He was fighting his own anxiety and tears for Lee know who might could’ve been hurt even badly, he could’ve been hospitalized and God he could’ve had died. The thought itself ripped a heartbreaking sob from Han.

By the time Han completed tying the cloth, he realized they had audience. He immediately left the mess as it is, excused from the crowd and walked towards the dorm.

As the convenience store was just a few blocks apart, they always walked down the road. They never complained that. Having a walk was always refreshing, but now Han cursed the fate in all the languages he knew as they had to walk.

Han was about to call Changbin but Lee know stopped him. “By the time we go home, Chan hyung will be back. Changbin will freak out Hannie.” Lee know explained but Han didn’t reply just nodded, eyes never leaving the red stained cloth. Lee know could feel the muscles in his shoulders tense as he tried to keep his emotions in check.

As Lee know expected, Chan arrived and was plating the table with food. The moment they entered, Han let his tears flow, Han let go of the anchor he had been holding on for so long.

All Han knew was I.N escorting him into a room. The moment he entered the room, he clutched into I.N, tight, stubborn and started crying. His sobs shaking his little frame. I.N wrapped his around Han whispering comforting words.

By the Han stopped crying, exhaustion took over and he fell into a restless sleep. I.N covered duvet over a red faced Han. I.N was himself trying his best not to cry. Is it a sick way of universe to say that SKZ is going to have a hard time? Is this fate indicating more dangers are yet to come? First Felix had to go to a emergency hospital visit and not even a meal later Lee know was nearly stabbed.

By the time I.N came back to the living room, Lee know was treated for his wound but the fear didn’t leave him. The uncertainty in his voice as he explained to Chan spoke volumes. He learnt what happened from Han but that doesn’t justify anything that happened.

“I’ll call the police and make sure he never breathes free air again.” Changbin stated before dialing police number and officially making complain. I.N assumed someone had informed the company, else Chan would have already be yelling through the phone.

Chan helped Lee know to Han’s room. Lee know stubbornly said he wouldn’t stay away from him. They agreed to his demands, he’s traumatized and would certainly not leave Han for a while.

“I.N we’re checking the cameras after a while. Get dressed. Changbin and Seungmin stay and watch over for us.” Chan pulled his leader card with that.

Chapter Text

Chan and I.N entered the convenience store. The first look they had was the cleaners cleaning the sauces and the managers yelling at the workers for being unprofessional and causing a huge loss.

I.N winced at the manager’s tone towards the workers. He felt little sympathetic towards them, on the other hand Chan had an unreadable emotion masking his face.

Both of them walked towards the manager. “Mr. Bae” Chan called out, confidence slipping from his tone, as he looked at the other’s name tag. Chan shoulders straighten up, leaving no room for compromises.

“I need to check the surveillance cameras.” Chan said, or more like ordered. But the manager wasn’t calm, he was smoking red. “and who are you? I am not obligated to follow you.” The manager said without wasting a beat answering Chan.

I.N stepped in diffusing the situation when he saw how the nerves in Chan’s arms and neck popped out. “How much for us to see the recordings?” I.N didn’t wait but went to straight to business.

“Do I look like I accept bribery?” Manager asked raising an eyebrow. Relaxed at the offer. And a smirk that spoke evil intentions. “Yes” I.N answered without a second thought.

As they expected, the manager demanded a huge amount. Chan didn’t matter to the money he wanted to know who had enough guts to hurt his members. Just so could skin them alive.

The walk to the control room was short. A lazy security sat on the chair, not caring about anything happen around him. Chan and I.N were left alone, manager dragging the guard along with him.

Chan being good at everything, started to work on the computers. He learnt a few tricks in his school, and also having stays who can actually hack made him learn a bit more about stuff he’s doing right now.

I.N stood behind Chan and watched the cams carefully. “Hyung pause. We got the footage” I.N almost squealed in happiness at how fast they found the footage.

Chan played the video slowly analyzing every detail. The video rolled on and Chan kept his concentration locked onto the monitor. That’s when he saw, the guy lee know described, the black dressed guy with a sharp knife launching into Han and the chaos broke. Chan mentally noted two things. The green snake tattoo on his left side of neck and him being a left hander.

Chan played another angle of the footage just incase they get lucky. Jeongin stopped him. He turned confused, facing an even more confused jeongin staring at the paused footage. “What’s wrong I.N?” “The rack. How did it fall all at once? And on its own?” Chan frowned even more. H replayed the footage again. If he said he didn’t believe his eyes, it would be a lie, at this point he didn’t believe science. The rack so still, even a full packed person would find it difficult to knock off just fell, without anything actually triggering the fall.

“Do you think the footage is tampered hyung?” Jeongin questioned. Chan contemplated. If they actually could tamper the footage, they would actually remove the attacker and not the savior. Chan didn’t want the younger to spiral more, he just nodded and copied the footage into his mobile. He made sure to talk with the IT team tomorrow at the company.

Paying the greedy manager, they left the store. Chan and Jeongin didn’t speak a word throughout their journey back to the dorms. They had their own thoughts to deal with.

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Once the two of them entered the dorm, police was already there, Lee know huddled to a tense Han answering the questions. The instincts kicked in and Chan marched right towards them but was stopped by other officers. Changbin came to them letting know he is actually the owner of the house.

“Do you remember anything about the possible suspect?” One of the officer asked, sitting across the couple and one beside him taking notes and a recorder. Both of them shook their head. “I do.” Chan interrupted. All the focus snapped to Chan. Lee know relaxed and Han ran to hug Chan to only cry his fears out. Chan rubbed circles around Han’s back before Changbin asked Han to sit back with police.

“And you are if I may ask?” The officer asked politely yet doubtfully. “ Chan bhang. Their leader and emergency contact.” Chan replied bowing, showing respect. “Officer Kim.” Introduced officer himself. “What do you know about the suspect and how?” Asked the officer and Chan explained his trip to the store, showing the evidence to the officer. “ I think the footage was tampered or something but I don’t why and how.” Chan expressed his doubts. The footage made no sense when the subject is focused on the rack, and the tech guy from the police team has strongly said that the footage was not tampered.

Officer Kim talked with his team with team, shoulders stiff and face masked with unease. The team quickly notes whatever the Kim speaking about.

“All right. Thanks for the co-operation Mr. Lee and Mr. Han. I promise to bring justice and get the suspect behind the bars.” Officer Kim bowed and left the dorm followed by his team. Once the guests were gone, Chan dropped on the couch, closing his eyes feeling a headache coming. This is messed and fucked up.