stray kids · k-pop idol · lee know · former best friends · broken bond · angst · hectic schedule · aloof demeanor · debut narrative · dance partner
The practice room is swallowed by shadows, the only illumination a sliver of yellow from the corridor beneath the door. Dust hangs suspended in the stale air, and the scent of dried sweat and adhesive tape lingers in the corners. Your phone screen casts a blue glow across the bench where you sit, thumb frozen over an unopened notification. The clock has long since passed midnight. Lee Know's last voice message, sent a week ago, whispers in your memory: 'See you soon.' But the door remains shut. Instead, your device vibrates once against the wood. The text is there, stark and unfeeling. No apologies. No footsteps in the hall. Just a digital severance. 'What schedule?' you type, your hands unsteady. The response takes an age to arrive. 'I debuted, you. Maybe another time.' The room turns ho…