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beautifulchris · 2 months ago

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broken promise

pairing: seo changbin x fem!reader, seo changbin x jo serim

summary: what happens when you see your childhood best friend after 10 years, knowing there was a promise of love between you two?

genre: angst, fluff, childhood best friends to friends!au, non idol!au, established relationship!au, happy ending!!

wc: 2,9k

tw: reader's boss sucks, playful threats

notes: 🐭 anon this is for you! i hope i did your idea justice. italic is reader's thoughts! is that an open ending? yes, yes it is. feedback is always appreciated!

networks: @kflixnet @k-labels @straykidsland @kwritersworld

permanent tag list: @soobin-chois @exfolitae @linos-catnip @prettymiye0n

stray kids tag list: @raethethey

You've been typing on that computer for the last three hours, yet the current task was not quite completed. Between the short deadlines and electricity mishaps, today hasn’t been good to you. Not that it was any of your boss’ business, as he put it a couple hours prior, and I quote: “I do not care if it doesn’t work, you better work this out quickly if you want to keep this job!”

You did try, for the customers, but at the end of the day, you were feeling exhausted and helpless. Useless.

It hadn’t always been like that. When you were a kid, you’d always help your classmates and younger kids. If you witnessed, even one of your classmates, bully anyone, in recess or anywhere else for that matter, you’d jump into the fight to protect the weak without a second thought. You’d feel powerful and useful. Changbin admired you for that.

Changbin.

Your childhood best friend.

He was part of the weak, but you made sure he was untouchable. Let’s just say you scared your fair share of bullies. A few years passed and you were inseparable; your parents were close friends so you’d spend the weekends and holidays together besides school.

Two weeks after Changbin turned fourteen, you were both seated on a rug on the beach, enjoying the summer holidays together at his parents’ beach house. The sun was setting, people were leaving to go dine somewhere else. You turned to stare at his side profile. He had a soft smile on, the sunset reflecting on his dark orbs, the light making his skin golden.

“Binnie.”

“Yeah?” he replied, facing the baby pink and light yellow clouds above the ocean.

“If we don’t find love in like 10 years, will we get married?”

He laughed for a good minute. “What are you on about?”

“I don’t know,” you admitted, “I guess the atmosphere has something to do with it.” He hummed. “But do you agree?”

“Ask me again.”

You nudged him. “You’re not gonna laugh at me this time?”

He looked over his shoulder in your direction, lips pressed as to suppress a giggle. “I’ll try.”

“If we don’t find love by the age 25 or so, will we get married?”

He faked thinking, a hand on his chin. “Sure, we can. I’m certain you’ll find someone by then, though.”

“Me? Why?” you asked, curious. “I thought you were the one that was gonna find someone first.”

He shrugged. “You’re an amazing girl. If you think I will, why propose this?”

“Just felt like it. Thanks for the compliment Binnie, you’re the best best friend I could ask for.”

“I know,” he smirked while you pulled your tongue out.

A week after that, your parents left the city, taking you with them. For years, you couldn’t see your best friend, who eventually became a childhood best friend as you grew up apart and stopped talking.

The drive home from work was spent singing your heart out to your karaoke playlist to evacuate the stress. You were seriously contemplating quitting your job when you opened the door to your parents’ house.

You let out a long sigh and the voices quieted down in the kitchen. “I’m home!”

Thank your lucky stars it was the weekend. A good shower and—

“Honey, come in the kitchen please!” You didn’t like the tone your mom used, it reminded you of the day she told you you’d have to pack your bags and leave your whole childhood behind.

What you discovered upon entering the room was far from everything you could expect.

A young man was standing there, strangely looking like…

Wait.

What?

Seo Changbin, in the flesh, was sitting on a chair next to your mom. Your dad was propped up against the counter.

“Look who’s here! Surprise!” Your mom’s excited voice, your dad’s big smile with a thumbs up and Changbin’s awkward stance… that was too much.

You mumbled about needing a shower and did just that. After about 30 minutes of washing yourself and overthinking, you came back to the kitchen where they were still talking, except it was almost time for dinner.

“Hi,” you greeted everyone. “Sorry about earlier, it was a shitty day.”

Your mom got up and hugged you. Her hugs always comforted you.

“I’m sorry bun, do you want to talk about it?”

“Not right now. I see that an old soul has joined us.”

Changbin got up. “Hey Y/N, how have you been?”

He wasn’t like you remembered. He looked like he spent the last decade at the gym. It was a nice view. Although you hoped he didn’t do it because you weren’t there anymore to protect him.

He seemed to hear your thoughts. “Ah, yeah, I work out a bit. I’ve become what you could call a gym rat.”

Shaking your head—were you staring???—, you cleared your throat. “I’m alright. How are you?”

“I’m good, thanks. I asked if I could stay for a few days, and your parents said yes. I hope you don’t mind?”

“It’s nothing Changbin-ah, you’re family!” your mom chimed in.

If I don’t mind? We haven’t seen each other in ten years and you’re appearing in the kitchen out of nowhere after I thought about you on my way back from work. But do I mind?

“I don’t. It’s nice to see you again.”

“Likewise.”

“I’m starving,” your dad said as he clapped his hands. “Who wants salad?”

“Dad, seriously?” You needed something more than a salad right now.

“Just kidding, your mom made Changbin’s favorite!”

Typical. You turned to your childhood best friend. “So, how are you here?”

“Turns out our parents still talk to each other, so when I said I wanted to come to this city, they arranged something for me.”

“When your mom told me I was so happy! We haven’t seen you in so long. I knew Y/N would be delighted to see you too. You’re welcomed in our home any time, always.”

He bowed to your mom. “Thanks, ms.”

“It's nothing! As I said before, we only have two rooms, so we put a mattress in Y/N’s bedroom. Are you both ok with that?”

Oh, I haven’t thought of that.

“Sure.”

“Yeah.”

“Oh, love,” your mom told her husband, “it reminds me of old times, when they were inseparable.” She turned to you and Changbin. “We always thought you’d end up together, especially with your silly—sorry, endearing—promise of marriage at 25, was it? That will be next year.”

Changbin looked lost while you were uncomfortable with the memory, putting your head in your hands. As classic parents, they enjoyed reminding you of your awkward past.

Changbin laid down on the thick mattress while you did the same on your comfortable bed. You stared at the ceiling, your hands crossed over your stomach.

“I see you’ve kept your promise.”

What? How could he even—

“You said you’ll always hang that OneRepublic poster. It hasn’t aged.”

Ah.

“But we did.”

He chuckled. “We did indeed. I came here for an appointment with a client tomorrow morning. And to surprise my girlfriend. What are the odds of her being in the same town as you?”

You felt your heart shatter at his words. Girlfriend.

“Why not go to her directly?”

There was a lump forming in your throat.

“And missing the chance to see you again? No, thank you. I didn’t forget about you Y/Nie, I’m sorry. I’m really glad I get to see you again and I genuinely would like for us to be friends again. It might not be like before, but we can work something out, what do you think?”

The silence was loud as he waited for an answer. He could’ve come to his girlfriend without seeing you and you would’ve never known he was here. But he chose to be here in your house. It had to mean something, right?

Finally, after gathering enough courage, you replied. “Yeah. We can be friends. Are you meeting her soon?”

“Cool,” he smiled. “Yeah, I’ll wait for her outside her house tomorrow, after work.”

“Uh, this is your plan? Waiting for her at her house is a bit creepy. Why don’t you ask her to go somewhere?”

“Ah, you’re right. I can send her a message to meet at a café or something.”

You nodded, even if he couldn’t see you clearly from the floor. “Tell her you have a surprise prepared for her.”

“Where should we go? Do you know any cute and romantic places?” he asked as he typed on his phone.

“Sure. There’s a super cute café a few blocks away, its name is Lovestay. I’m sure she’ll love it.”

What am I doing?

“Thanks Y/Nie, you’re the best.”

“Of course Binnie, I’m here for you. Always.”

“You know, about the promise of marriage… I honestly forgot about it. And since I have a girlfriend, the promise doesn’t stand anymore… right?”

You don’t know how you’re keeping your composure, because you have a strong desire to cry.

“No, it doesn’t. It was only if we were both single, and even so, that would be too weird with the circumstances.”

“I agree. I’m glad we’re on the same page.”

“Me too, Binnie.”

You spent most of the night catching up, recounting each other's anecdotes of your school years, explaining your respective jobs, spilling the latest tea. The more you talked, the less the situation overwhelmed you and the more you felt at ease.

Changbin became a music producer, with a flourishing soundcloud account. He was now a pillar at the gym, even giving tips to newbies. He loved his job. He loved his girlfriend. He was happy.

In contrast to you, he had his life together.

You hated your boss. You were single. You were still hung up on your childhood best friend. You were unhappy.

Seeing him had filled you with joy until you learned about his girl, and you were even helping him surprise her. What a loser.

The next day, he went to his appointment according to plan, then he came back for lunch happily. After that, he changed for his date and insisted on showing you his outfit. It was simple, yet complimenting him nicely.

“Do I look good enough?”

You look perfect.

“Yes, you look fine. Now go, it’s better if you’re there before her.”

“You’re right.” He was fidgeting nervously. “Can you come with me?”

You shook your head in disbelief, clearly judging him. “Are you out of your mind?”

“What?” he asked, surprised by your reaction.

“Who goes to see their girlfriend and brings another girl with them? Now, go.”

“Ah, you’re right.”

“You said that already,” you sighed, pushing him out of the house.

“Ok, I’m going. Wish me luck!”

“Good luck kid!” your dad shouted from the stairs.

He came back late that night. He told you all about it in detail. Details you did not wish to know about. But he seemed genuinely happy, which warmed your heart, instead of breaking it this time.

Your mom had asked you about your job, and you went on an angry rant about your boss, then Changbin and your feelings for him. First, she apologized for bringing him here without asking you first and, therefore, without knowing how you felt about him. Second, she cursed your boss out and told you to do whatever you felt comfortable doing. She would support you either way.

You thanked her and told her you would think about it, and that it was ok for Changbin to be here even if it felt weird.

You had spent the remainder of the day overthinking about your old friend and what he meant to you. After a thorough analysis, it struck you that the fact you kept the promise unconsciously made you turn down every possibility of a romance. You blamed the timing every time.

You also came to the conclusion it was perhaps more of a nostalgic, longing feeling than love. It wasn’t like you spent the last decade heartbreakingly waiting for him to return to you. You realized you had been missing your best friend, not your crush.

It was sunday morning, and you were slowly waking up.

The second you opened your eyes, you were met with Changbin’s wide opened ones looking at you. “You’re finally awake!”

“It’s an illusion,” you groaned, closing them again.

“I was thinking and I’d love for you to meet her! Please?”

“Who?”

Friendly reminder: you just woke up and were far from your daily eight hours of sleep.

“My girlfriend, you know, the love of my life.”

“Right. Sure. Is she ok with it though?”

“Of course, she actually asked for it.” You opened your eyes again, staring straight at him.

“She did?” He nodded. “Don’t tell me you talked about me yesterday?!”

He blatantly ignored your question. “She invited us to her place. Let’s get dressed and go!”

“Wait, right now?”

“Yeah, why?”

“It’s ten in the morning on a sunday, give me time to adjust.”

“You haven’t changed. Come on,” he got to his feet, “get up!”

You whined, holding your blanket tightly. “Give me five minutes.”

“Don’t make me put you out of your own bed.”

“Don’t you dare.” You put a finger up and frowned.

“I really want to, though,” he pouted.

“Do it and I’ll make sure you never see the light of day ever again,” you threatened.

“You can’t hurt me, I’m all buff now.”

He contracted his muscles and you laughed loudly. “I could still take you.”

“Try me.”

You smiled. “In five minutes.”

“Your five minutes were up two minutes ago.”

“You were counting?!”

“Well, yeah.”

You crossed your arms, pouting. “Fraud.”

“You’re a fraud,” he countered as he rolled his eyes playfully.

“Let me sleep!!”

“No.”

Twenty minutes later, you were out of the comfort of your house and walking alongside Changbin to see his girlfriend.

You were walking like a condemned woman while he was making little happy noises and jumping around.

It was definitely too early for you.

You took the bus for about fifteen minutes, then walked five more minutes. She lived in an apartment on the third floor, at least that was where Changbin was knocking.

A beautiful woman answered the door soon after. Long black hair, soft skin and features, a little bit shorter than your friend, cute smile.

For a moment, you stared at her without saying a word. You were in awe at how pretty she looked.

“Y/N,” Changbin called, clearing his throat, “I present you Serim, my girlfriend. Serim,” he turned to her, “this is Y/N, my childhood best friend.”

Snapping out of it, you raised your hand for her to shake but she hugged you instead. It took you and Changbin by surprise, the look you two shared confirmed it.

“Binnie talked about you so much, I was impatient to meet you!” She let go of you. “Sorry, I should've asked first,” she whispered, smiling sweetly at you. “Please, come in!”

She moved away for you to enter, which you did, Changbin following suit, an amused smile on.

“Do you want something to drink?” Serim asked after closing the door.

“Water would be nice, please.”

“Me too love,” Changbin said before getting closer to her and kissing her temple.

“Be right back, make yourself at home!” Serim grinned before disappearing into the kitchen.

You entered the living room and sat on the dark green couch, admiring the room. There were plants on either side of the soft and comfortable couch, a long and packed library on the side, a big tv screen in front with leds behind it and a collage of posters on the other side and all around the large door leading to the kitchen and entrance.

She came back soon after with the drinks, put them on the table then sat next to you. Changbin sat on the armchair next to her.

“Y/N, I’ve heard so much about you! I found out we were in the same town when I moved in three months ago. Binnie spent all this time organizing his trip.”

“Yeah, I had the chance to get the rendezvous yesterday,” he added.

“You were lucky," you nodded. "Serim, you have a lot of style by the way, I adore your living room.”

“Thank you! Changbin is actually no stranger to the decor, he helped with the posters.”

“Good job guys, it's so cool! So, how long have you been together?”

“Yesterday marked our first year together,” Changbin said, looking at his girl lovingly. She took his hand in hers and turned back to you.

“Of course, he didn't say a word. Thanks for contributing to the surprise, Y/N.”

“I'm glad I can be of any help.”

“You're an angel,” she said in all honesty.

Serim was an awesome girl, you were glad they found each other.

On monday morning, you quit your job and definitely left the building under the yelling of your boss—well, former boss.

Changbin was moving in with Serim soon after finishing preparing everything in his city. As a music producer, he could live basically anywhere but he had to move a lot.

You two were talking almost daily, and you were seeing Serim often as well. She gave you the idea of downloading a dating app, to ‘see how it goes’.

On thursday, you were going to a job interview at 3pm and to a date at 5pm.

Who knows what will happen next?

thank you for reading! if you enjoyed, let me know! here's stray kids' masterlist

#i'm taking the next tag as a compliment 🥴#only u could turn an angsty situation into such a fluffy fic #when i saw you rb it i was like 'omg not that one' i'm not that proud of it but since it was a request…#thank you for reading nonetheless!!#kimchi 🪼#lovely moots 💕#feedback✨#moon.reblogs

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