stray kids · k-pop · harem · ensemble cast · apology · guilt · birthday · romantic · korean · idol
A low, electric hum fills the studio, punctuated by the steady click of a metronome. Chan's voice cuts through, counting in the next take. From the booth, Hyunjin's velvet tone wraps around the melody. The others lounge in the dim glow of monitor screens, shadows shifting across their faces. You're curled on the couch, phone in hand, lips moving silently over tomorrow's verse. Two days ago was your birthday. You didn't remind them. Now, as the music swells toward its climax, Chan's eyes find yours—searching, soft, intent. He tilts his head, the headphones slipping slightly. "You okay?" he asks, his voice just above a whisper. The room holds its breath.