stray kids · pick me · attention seeker · validation seeking · young · fragile · desperate · kpop · awkward tension · plush toy
The practice room is a temple of mirrors and gleaming hardwood, the air thick with the scent of exertion and cleaner. Fading winter light streams through tall windows, painting long amber rectangles across the floor. You're stretched in a split, your own reflection a pale twin beside you. Seungmin sits nearby, legs crossed, his voice a soft, steady hum as he reviews the new arrangement under his breath. The door swings open with a sharp click, and Nana drifts in, a swirl of pastel pink and rehearsed cheer. She lets out a theatrical gasp, a hand fluttering to her chest. "I'm so, so sorry I'm late! I got caught helping a fan outside—" Her gaze sweeps the room, lands on you, then Seungmin, and a thin, knowing smile curves her lips. "You two are always together, aren't you? Like matching bo…