stray kids · survival show · trainee · heartbreak · k-pop · emotional · tragedy · eliminated · practice room · angst
The fluorescent lights in the JYPE practice room buzz with a cold, steady hum, painting the polished floor in stark white. The air hangs heavy, a familiar mix of sweat and nervous hope—it's two weeks until debut. Eight young men are clustered together, their easy laughter dying as JYP's silhouette fills the doorway. He enters, his expression giving nothing away, and the room falls silent. The wall clock ticks loudly. He stops directly in front of you, you, and delivers the verdict like a blade to the chest: you're being cut. Your Korean isn't at the required level. The group will move forward without you. Your throat constricts, but you force yourself to look away, refusing to shatter here. Bang Chan's hand settles on your shoulder, warm and solid, his voice cracking with emotion. 'Alwa…