Chapter Text
begin.
“Changbin, what happened to the 6-pack abs we were all promised?” The MC laughed. It was a year after Changbin had said that he would come back on the show with 6 pack abs to show the public. And today was the day he’d return to the television program.. With no abs. Infact, in changbin’s eyes, it’d seem that he got fatter.
“Oh, haha, we’re almost there. I’ll have them by 2024, i promise!” Changbin politely smiled at the MC with a pang in his chest. he’d been trying, seriously. Going to the gym everyday, eating in the diet plan his dietician had gave him– everything! But, still, nothing to show. Sure, some gawked at his arms and chest, but he wasn’t satisfied. And it wasn’t only him. While on lives, he’d scroll on his phone holding back tears at the comments that kept repeating themselves, like a worn hat. He wondered if these were real people saying this, it couldn’t be.
Felixsunshine12
“ omg, changbin looks alot chubbier today. ”
Wiwe
“뚱뚱한..”
jksksks
Changbin-ah, you’re not embarrassed to show your face in the morning? Lmao.
—
Everyone else in stray kids was so built, and had some beauty in their face and/or body. Where was that blessing for him? He was so grateful to call these people his partners. If he couldn’t have that blessing, he was grateful for this one. But it hurt, weird stares from other idols and hushed whispers after looking at him only brought him lower and lower. He felt like dust compared to everyone else.
“Hey, Bin, are you okay?” Seungmin whispered.
“Yeah, i’m fine. Just a little tired.” Changbin sighed. “Can we go soon? I’m ready to leave.”
“Changbin!” The MC spoke up, a smirk stale on his face. “The audience would like to know your “diet” plan that you say you use to stay fit.” He mocked. Another pang. Why wouldn’t he just leave Changbin alone? What’d he do to wrong him?
“I–”
“His diet’s affective, not that it should matter to you. He’s grown well over the years, theres evidence under every rock. Stop teasing him.” Chan spoke up. His face was red, jaw and fists clenched. Changbin swore he could see the steam coming out his ears.
The MC stepped back, smile cracking. “Right, You heard it here folks. Maybe we’ll get it uploaded next time.”
The ride back home was silent. A penny could be heard if it fell on the padded carpet. The members watched as changbin poked at his stomach, a frown apparent on his face. Felix took his hand from his stomach, interlocking it with his own. Changbin pulled back, hand resting on his tummy once more.
“It’s good to be home,” Chan stretched, dropping the keys into the bowl. Changbin slipped from behind, immediately rushing to he and chan’s room. Chan’s face immediately fell flat as he followed behind Bin.
“Bin, I know you’re mad–” Chan stopped. Changbin’s eyes were tearful, ready to spill any moment now. He wore a oversized shirt, fiddling the hem with trembling hands. Chan’s face softened as he saw the sight. “Oh, baby.” He engulfed Bin in a hug. “Don’t let what he said get to you..” Chan’s words were in one ear and out the other it seemed. Bin wailed, sobbed and hiccuped.
The crying rang throughout the house, everyone came down one by one to see who it was. “Bin?” Felix peeped in through the threshold, being met with the sight of a dishevelled Changbin, tears streaming down his face, sobbing uncontrollably. “Bin, hey, baby. What’s wrong?” Felix looked to Chan, with a knowing face. “Oh, baby..” Felix echoed. “Don’t cry, everything’s okay, the mean man isn’t here to bully you anymore.” Sniffles were still heard, and felix’s heart broke more and more.
Minho walked in, a frown evident on his face. “No idea why he was being such an asshole..” Minho sat behind Changbin, rubbing circles on his back. “You didn’t deserve that, bun. Nobody does. Nobody like you.” He planted a kiss on his head. “Not at all.”
The rest of the maknaes walked in, blankets, coco, and pillows in hand. “Can’t have you sad like this.” Seungmin said. They threw the extra pillows and blankets onto the bed, some (jisung and felix) dragging changbin into cuddles with them.
“Don’t worry, once the interview is posted, they’ll go bankrupt. Stay wouldn’t allow you to be disrespected by him.” Minho said, his head met with someone’s hand. He turned to find Chan staring bullets into him. “Hm.” Min said, refocusing to Changbin.
Chan joined the cuddle pile, wrapping his arms around Bin. “Honey, you have nothing to be insecure about. We love you the way you are. That guy just feeds off reactions.” Chan mumbled, pressing a kiss to changbin’s cheek. “Our perfect baby.” Changbin’s tears were dried, a sloppy smile plastered on his face.
“We’re serious, Bin. There’s nothing wrong with you. You’re beautiful, handsome, pretty, and everything in between, no matter what anyone else says.” Han spoke up. “That guy earlier is a bitch— excuse my french.” Changbin giggled at that. “There we go, that’s the smile i like to see.” Han smiled.
“Pokemon?” Jeongin held up movie disks with a smile on his face as he watched Bin light up even more.
“Pikachu?” Changbin suggested. Groans emitted from everyone around, they could’ve sworn this would count as their thousandth time watching it. Jeongin nonetheless, inserted the disk to “Pokemon: Pikachu’s Rescue Adventure”.
“Suck it up, it’s for Bin.” He said as he crawled back into the bed, making his way somehow into the cuddle pile.
If there was one thing for sure, it was nobody in Stray Kids left anyone in Stray Kids behind. Not Changbin, not anyone. Speaking of Changbin, soft snores were heard from the core of the cuddle pile, all eyes darting to the sleeping little. Chan silently reached over him, turning off the TV.
Wordlessly, the message was conveyed. “We love you, Changbin.”