Work Text:
Lonely Street
"Thank you so much, STAYs!"
Kim Seungmin bowed his head, waving to the sea of cheering fans as they bid their final goodbyes. Dallas marked the last stop of their grueling tour. The weight of the moment hung in the air like an unspoken farewell.
Usually, tonight would be a celebration—a wild party to close out the tour, or maybe tomorrow, before they boarded a plane back to Korea. But this time, the mood was different. The company—no, JYP himself—had told them they’d get a break. A full month. A treasure in their line of work. To the members, it was like a divine blessing. They were so relieved that when asked if they still wanted to party, Minho declined immediately, asking only for the date the break would begin. His face was set in stone, his voice a poker-faced monotone as he murmured, "I miss my cats," so convincingly that even Chan sighed in quiet defeat.
The members buzzed with excitement, already making plans. Changbin and Jisung, loud and animated, couldn’t stop talking about heading home. Hyunjin, ever the skeptic, kept his plans to himself, while Jeongin made it clear he was going home too.
Chan and Felix? Obvious. Seungmin had glimpsed their tickets to Australia on Chan’s laptop last time they hung out.
The van was filled with chatter and joy, but Seungmin barely registered it. His phone had rung, slicing through the warm atmosphere like a sharp blade.
He silenced the call without checking. He already knew. His fingers trembled as he shoved the phone deep into the pocket of his oversized hoodie. Pulling the hoodie tight over his head, he slipped on a mask and cap, hiding his face from the others. The sight of his mother’s name on the screen had sucked the light out of his mood. He pretended to be tired and sat in the far corner of the van, sinking into the shadows as the others laughed and chattered around him.
Minho, Chan, Felix, and Seungmin shared one van, while the others were in another.
Seungmin was known for being quiet on rides. He’d often fall asleep almost immediately. The members teased him about it, calling him dazed and spacey, but Seungmin never took their jokes to heart. He’d sulk from time to time, but he could never truly hold a grudge—not against them. They were his family.
He closed his eyes, willing himself to fall asleep like usual, but tonight, sleep wouldn’t come. His mind was too heavy. His body ached for rest, but his thoughts kept circling back to the name on his phone screen.
Back at the hotel, Seungmin had almost forgotten the call. The warm shower had lulled him into a false sense of peace. But as he lay down, the phone rang again, its shrill tone echoing through the silence.
Alone in his room, Seungmin retreated to the bathroom to answer.
"Mom," he murmured, the word dripping with exhaustion.
"Are you done with your activities yet?" Her voice was as cold and distant as ever.
"I just got back to the hotel." He gave her nothing more. He knew she wasn’t interested in the details.
"Good. I personally requested a break for you, but your company wouldn’t allow it. So I made it happen for everyone instead. I need you to come home tonight, Seungmin. We’re in Dallas."
Seungmin’s chest tightened. The suddenness, the demand, it all felt like a punch to the gut. He hadn’t known anything about this. But as his gaze flickered to the members' happy faces, he swallowed his complaints. Instead, he asked quietly,
"What did you do to convince the company?"
"Nothing much. I think they were planning to give you all a break anyway. We just extended it a bit. We’ve already paid for you, and I need you tonight. I’ll be busy starting tomorrow. It’s an order, Kim Seungmin."
The words "use you" lingered in his mind, filling him with a hollow, bitter emptiness. She had used him, defined him like an object. He wanted to scream, to refuse, to tell her he wasn’t something to be "used." But there was no point. This had always been his reality.
A knock on the door pulled him from his thoughts. Seungmin opened the bathroom door, straightened his expression, and went to the bed. When he opened the door, he was met with the familiar laughter of his members.
They smiled widely as Seungmin tried to shut the door, but Changbin, always quick, tackled him onto the bed. Seungmin let out a small whimper as they piled onto him, laughing.
Felix, Jeongin, Jisung, and Changbin were sprawled across his bed, their infectious energy momentarily lifting his spirits. They were in their usual PJs, looking ready for mischief.
"Why are you all in my room?" Seungmin asked, though he wasn’t truly annoyed.
"We’re having a party in Chan’s room!" Jisung exclaimed, his voice full of excitement. "Hyunjin’s still showering and told us to go ahead. We came to check on you since your phone was busy."
Seungmin smiled softly. Jisung's lively energy always managed to brighten his mood, even if just for a moment. But tonight, the weight in his chest felt heavier than ever.
"I wish I could join, but my mom’s in Dallas. She wants to see me tonight," Seungmin explained, giving them his best puppy-dog eyes in hopes they wouldn’t be too disappointed.
"That’s unfortunate," Changbin said with a giggle, while Felix’s smile faltered, concern flickering in his eyes.
"We’ll update you if we don’t get too drunk," Jeongin said quietly, though Seungmin heard the soft undertone.
"Okay, but I might not be able to answer. My mom told me she has work for me." Jisung chuckled and teased him while Seungmin playfully glared.
"So, shoo! I need to pack—" Seungmin didn’t finish before Felix stepped closer, his gaze intense.
"Why are you packing?" Felix asked, his voice low. Seungmin bit his lip, hesitating before pulling out the excuse.
"Remember the vacation? Mom knows about it too and told me to take a break with her here before heading back to Korea."
Seungmin’s voice was empty, drained of emotion, but he prayed Felix wouldn’t notice.
"But we just finished the tour," Felix murmured, his expression troubled. Seungmin smiled at him, a real smile this time, his heart softening for his sweet best friend.
Without thinking, Seungmin wrapped his arms around Felix, pulling him into a tight hug. He didn’t speak about his family issues, but Felix had always been his source of light. He was Seungmin’s sunshine, his warmth. In Felix’s embrace, Seungmin felt a small, fragile part of himself wanting to break free. He wished he could be vulnerable, wished he could cry in their arms, let it all out—the misery, the loneliness, the cold indifference of his parents. But he couldn’t.
Instead, he kissed Felix’s cheek and let go. Felix liked affection, and Seungmin didn’t mind giving it. He craved it too. The love he felt from his members was his only solace, his only happiness. And of course, there were the fans—their unwavering support always a bright spot in his life.
"Why are you two acting all giddy?" Changbin asked after a while.
"Because Yongbok here is about to cry," Seungmin teased, and Felix pouted, making everyone laugh.
With that, Seungmin successfully pushed them out of the room.
His smile faded the moment the door clicked shut. The familiar emptiness returned. His phone buzzed with a message from his mother’s secretary, informing him that they were already waiting in the parking lot. He didn’t want to leave, but he had no choice.
A few minutes later, there was another knock.
"Good evening, Seungmin." Mr. Lee waved playfully, smiling as he entered.
"You’re early, Hyung," Seungmin said, forcing a grin.
"Don’t worry about the time. Take it slow. Your mother may have ordered me to rush, but I’m in no hurry. I watched your concert—you were incredible, Minnie." Mr. Lee smiled warmly, and for a moment, Seungmin felt a small, grateful warmth.
Mr. Lee was the only one who had ever supported his dreams. He’d been his mentor, a steady figure in the storm of his life. As Seungmin sat down, he felt a fleeting sense of comfort—one that would vanish all too soon.
This part of the story emphasizes Seungmin's deep emotional struggles, his conflicting loyalty to his family, and the relief he finds in his group. Here's a more dramatic revision of the section:
"She’s been restless because of the international federation. I know you don’t like being dragged into this. I can always tell your grandpa about it. No one will force you to help the company, Seungmin-ah." Mr. Lee’s voice was gentle, laced with sympathy as he glanced at Seungmin with apprehension.
For a moment, Seungmin’s heart softened. Mr. Lee understood him. He always had. It was rare for someone to see him beyond the title of Kim—the prestigious, suffocating name that held so much weight in the business world. But Seungmin knew the truth. It didn’t matter how much understanding Mr. Lee had, how kind he was. Seungmin’s fate had been sealed the moment he learned to read.
The Kims had their expectations, and Seungmin was no exception. His family’s wealth, their influence—it was a burden he’d carried all his life. Yet, he had always rebelled, finding his escape in music, in the exhilarating thrill of performing.
He’d never used his family’s connections when he auditioned. No one knew the full extent of the Kim family’s power or the crushing pressure Seungmin had faced. To the public, the fans, he was just Kim Seungmin, Stray Kids’ main vocalist. They didn’t see the layers beneath—the business world’s notorious Kim, the heir shackled by his parents’ disapproval. They didn’t know how much Seungmin had fought to stay true to his dreams, to the group that had become his life.
Seungmin’s fingers dug into his journal, the pages filled with scrawled thoughts, fragments of hope. There were nights when he re-read his entries, grateful that it wasn’t a dream. He was Kim Seungmin of Stray Kids. He wasn’t the disappointment his parents believed him to be. He had fans who loved him, who found healing in his voice, even though he often felt wrecked inside. Seungmin smiled bitterly, letting the thought wash over him: Even broken, I bring happiness to others.
A single tear escaped before he realized he was crying. His chest tightened as emotions surged, but he stayed silent. Mr. Lee smiled gently, letting him sob in peace.
Seungmin’s thoughts drifted back to that one time, the first time his parents had hit him. He had cried silently in the backseat of the car, biting his lip to hold back his sobs. Mr. Lee had been the one to drive him near the Han River. They had sat there in silence for what felt like hours, and Seungmin had broken down, his heart heavy with insecurities, doubts, and the unbearable weight of expectations.
The world had felt cruel then, like it existed only to hurt him. He had wanted to disappear, to stop fighting. But Mr. Lee’s presence, his unwavering support, had kept Seungmin grounded. It was in those quiet moments, with only the sound of the river and the faint hum of music, that Seungmin had found a flicker of hope.
"I’m okay," he whispered now, forcing a sheepish smile as he wiped away his tears. Mr. Lee nodded, his hand gently patting Seungmin’s head, his expression proud.
"You’ve grown up so well, Minie. I’m proud of you," he said, his words simple but heavy with meaning.
Seungmin returned the smile, though his heart was still heavy. Mr. Lee gathered his things, and Seungmin followed him to the door, feeling the weight of what awaited him: the inevitable meeting with his mother.
As they reached the hotel entrance, Seungmin’s chest tightened. He wasn’t ready, not for her, not for the confrontation he knew was coming. His steps slowed, his mind racing as he tried to steady his nerves.
And then, he saw them.
Felix, Chan, and Hyunjin were walking down the street, laughing with plastic bags in hand, fresh from a convenience store run. Their carefree laughter was like a breath of fresh air in the suffocating atmosphere. For a moment, Seungmin almost forgot the weight pressing down on him. He wanted to be with them, to bask in their joy, to pretend that everything was fine.
But then, reality hit him.
He turned, searching for Mr. Lee’s car, desperate to leave before his members noticed. He was about to slip away when a hand grabbed his wrist.
"Minie?" Hyunjin’s soft voice pierced through his thoughts.
Seungmin froze, his heart skipping a beat. He knew his eyes were red, his face still puffy from crying, but he hadn’t expected them to notice so soon. Chan and Felix were by his side in an instant, their faces clouded with concern.
"Did you cry?" Chan’s voice was sharp, his leader instincts kicking in.
"No?" Seungmin’s voice wavered, betraying him. He touched his cheek, realizing with a sinking heart that he hadn’t put on his mask. He hadn’t expected to run into them like this.
"Liar," Felix said, his voice low and commanding, sending a shiver down Seungmin’s spine.
"Are you okay, Min?" Hyunjin’s eyes were wide, his hand gently brushing Seungmin’s cheek. The softness in his touch made Seungmin’s chest tighten with emotion.
But Seungmin couldn’t stay. Not like this. Not when his world was unraveling.
"I’m just tired. Someone’s picking me up," he lied, forcing a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.
The members exchanged worried glances, not convinced. Before they could press further, Mr. Lee’s voice cut through the air. "Sir Kim."
The formal tone made Seungmin’s heart sink. His members turned to look at Mr. Lee, confusion and curiosity flickering across their faces.
"Seungmin?" Hyunjin’s voice was filled with disbelief.
Seungmin tried to brush it off, waving his hand dismissively. "He’s just messing with you guys. Don’t worry about it."
But Felix wasn’t buying it. He stepped in front of Seungmin, his posture protective, as he glared at Mr. Lee. Chan and Hyunjin flanked him, creating a barrier between Seungmin and the man.
"Who are you?" Felix asked, his deep voice carrying an authority that surprised even Seungmin.
"I’m Sir Kim’s chauffeur. I was sent by his mother," Mr. Lee explained calmly, bowing slightly.
"Lee," Seungmin interrupted, his voice cold and distant, sending a shiver through his members. They had never heard him speak like this before.
Mr. Lee understood the silent command and bowed deeply before retreating.
"Ignore him. It’s just a prank," Seungmin tried to joke, but the tension in the air was thick.
"Are you sure you’re okay?" Chan asked, his tone serious.
"I’ll be fine, hyung." Seungmin forced another smile, though inside, he was anything but fine.
"I'll be going." Seungmin hurried towards the car, his steps quick and purposeful. The others exchanged uneasy glances, their suspicions immediately heightened when two sleek, black cars followed closely behind his.
It felt like a scene straight out of a drama, leaving them frozen in shock. When they returned inside, Han’s loud voice and Changbin’s booming laughter filled the air. Minho watched them, his usual smirk playing at his lips, while Felix remained unusually quiet. Hyunjin, always the expressive one, fidgeted restlessly. Even Chan’s attempts to lift the mood fell flat, the tension so thick it was impossible to ignore. Minho noticed it all, his sharp gaze catching every nuance.
"So, what happened?" Minho asked, his voice low but direct, eyes trained on Felix, whose behavior was uncharacteristically off.
"We ran into Seungmin," Hyunjin blurted out, his voice trembling. He paused for a moment, visibly struggling before managing to collect himself and continue.
"What’s so strange about that?" Jisung piped in, curiosity evident in his tone.
"The man who picked him up… he looked like a CEO, okay? It was weird how he spoke to Seungmin," Hyunjin added, a flicker of discomfort crossing his face.
"He said he was sent by Seungmin's mother, but... everything about them felt formal," Chan explained, though his own confusion was still apparent.
"The guy was wearing a suit. Not just any suit—a ridiculously expensive one. I know the brand, I’ve checked them out before. And there were two cars convoying with Seungmin. The way he spoke to him—so polite, almost… deferential. Seungmin thought he’d covered up the fact that he’d been crying, but it was so obvious," Felix chimed in, rolling his eyes. The rest of the members stared at him, stunned.
"But Seungmin’s family is rich, right? His grandfather, at least," Jisung pointed out, trying to make sense of it all.
"He’s never once mentioned his family to us," Minho interjected, his voice cold and matter-of-fact.
"Something shifted when the guy called him ‘Lee,’" Hyunjin mumbled, barely audible, but the weight of his words hung in the air.
"Yeah! His tone—it was full of authority," Chan said, his voice growing more urgent, trying to piece together the puzzle.
"Hyung?" Jeongin’s voice broke the intensity, his brow furrowing as he walked in on his hyungs’ serious conversation. He’d just returned from his room to grab something, but the atmosphere stopped him in his tracks.
"Have you noticed Seungmin acting weird lately?" Changbin asked, eyes narrowing at the youngest.
"He’s always been a weird nerd, hyung," Jeongin retorted, his sass cutting through the tension, but it didn’t lighten the mood.
"Not like that! Aigoo," Jisung giggled nervously, trying to defuse the stress, but it was clear the encounter with Seungmin weighed heavily on everyone’s mind.
The conversation eventually fizzled out after Minho made a teasing remark at Jeongin, and the group retired for the night, completely forgetting about Seungmin for the moment.
Seungmin, however, was far from their minds. All he wanted was to sleep. But his mother had other plans, throwing him into work as soon as the concert ended, her demands relentless. His phone lay discarded somewhere, forgotten amidst the pile of papers he was forced to read. Mr. Lee, his mother’s right-hand man, brought him tea in a futile attempt to ease his exhaustion, but Seungmin was too drained for any remedy to work. What he needed was rest, but instead, he was knee-deep in proposals, reviewing and marking them up, preparing for yet another presentation in the morning. The clock ticked past 2:00 AM, and he sighed. He promised himself he’d work for just another hour before collapsing into bed.
After five brutal days of overworking, his body finally screamed for relief. His mother had left for Paris, giving him a brief reprieve. His bandmates were already back in Korea, filling the group chat with pictures from their family vacations. Seungmin couldn’t bring himself to care. He was too far gone.
"I want to go home," Seungmin whispered to himself, his voice barely audible. He stood on the patio, the cold biting at his skin, but it did little to pull him from his thoughts. The wind cut through him, but the chill was nothing compared to the loneliness settling deep in his bones.
There were moments when Seungmin cherished solitude, finding peace in the quiet. But this wasn’t one of those moments. This isolation reminded him too much of his mother’s suffocating control, the constant pressure to live up to her impossible standards. His brief respite was shattered when his phone rang—his mother, again.
Three weeks passed before Seungmin finally received a call from Jeongin. He answered, his voice cool and businesslike as he signed yet another proposal.
"Hyung?" Jeongin’s soft voice greeted him.
"Hello." Seungmin’s voice was devoid of emotion, the same neutral tone he used in meetings with executives.
"Minho hyung said he’s treating the 00-liners to lunch. Where are you? I’m bored—I finished my lessons early," Jeongin’s voice was light, unaware of the storm raging within Seungmin. The elder checked his phone but found no message from Minho—not since the night he’d left the hotel.
"I’m busy, Jeongin-ah. I’m not with them. Let’s talk later," Seungmin said gently, his voice softening. He waited for Jeongin’s usual reminder not to overwork himself, and when the younger teased him about missing him, Seungmin couldn’t help but chuckle.
It was no secret among fans and the members that Seungmin and Minho had a strained dynamic. There was always a line between them, drawn clearly by their vastly different personalities. Seungmin had long since lost count of how many times Minho had openly expressed his dislike for him. Seungmin had accepted it long ago, understanding that not everyone would like him. They respected each other’s talents and roles in the group, but they never crossed that line into friendship. Sometimes, Seungmin wondered if it was his fault. His mother had instilled certain behaviors in him that seemed to rub Minho the wrong way. But Seungmin didn’t blame him—it was natural for people to dislike others for reasons they couldn’t control. He had made peace with the fact that, in some situations, he simply wasn’t likable.
---
"Seungmin, you’re good at what you do." His mother’s voice pierced the quiet afternoon. She had dropped by the office, where Seungmin had been using her space temporarily.
"My flight to Korea is tomorrow," Seungmin said flatly, hoping for some acknowledgment.
His mother’s cold gaze bore into him, a mocking glint in her eyes. She didn’t need to say anything for him to feel the weight of her disapproval. Her presence alone was enough to make him feel small, no matter how many times he’d endured her suffocating judgment.
"Why? You still have a week," she said, her tone dripping with indifference, as though his very existence was an inconvenience.
“I can cover the damage. I’ve been working overtime just to stay here,” Seungmin said, his voice steely. His gaze was unwavering as he formally addressed her, clearly indifferent to her opinion on the matter.
“Useless,” she spat, her voice dripping with disdain as she made no effort to lower her volume or conceal her contempt. “You’ve been toiling away as a mere lackey in your company, despite lacking any real talent. My friend’s daughter adores your group—imagine my humiliation if one of them were to recognize my son as one of its members! Their sons have made names for themselves in the business world, while you’re still playing in the park like a child. Pathetic!” Her voice rose to a shriek, each word a dagger aimed at Seungmin. She stared at his vacant expression, undeterred in her quest to wound him further.
“Can we stop at the convenience store, hyung?” Seungmin asked his driver, his eyes bloodshot and his breath ragged. The older man nodded silently and drove him to a nearby deserted park. A few passersby lingered, preoccupied with their own lives, oblivious to Seungmin’s presence. He hurried out, found an empty bench, and collapsed onto it.
The sunset bathed the pavement in a warm glow, transforming the scene into something almost serene after the harshness of the ocean view, separated from the land by a tall white railing. Yet, for Seungmin, it only accentuated his isolation and despair. His eyes remained dry, but the weight in his chest was unbearable. It was a familiar anguish, the same wounds inflicted by his mother that time had failed to heal. They were fresh and bleeding once more, draining him of his will to continue. He longed to rid himself of these scars and start afresh.
Seungmin’s solitude was shattered by a text message from Chan, inquiring about his whereabouts because they were ready to begin preparations for their next comeback.
His heart pounded fiercely. The only thing keeping him alive was his love for his dreams, the members, and the fans. When his phone rang, he answered with a voice carefully modulated to sound composed.
“Hyung,” he greeted, though Chan’s confusion was palpable on the other end.
“Minnie, you’re still not in Korea?” Chan asked, his tone bewildered. Seungmin bit his lip, realizing he had forgotten to switch off his roaming number.
“Yes, hyung,” Seungmin responded, his reply curt and devoid of detail.
“Is that Minnie, hyung?” Felix’s voice cut through, a hint of concern in his tone.
“Minnie! How are you, man?” Felix’s English accent brought a fleeting smile to Seungmin’s face. His gaze lingered on the sun as it dipped below the horizon.
“I’m okay. What’s up?” Seungmin asked, a spark of excitement in his voice at hearing his members again.
“We’re early at the practice room. Hyunjinie is in the restroom with Jeongin. Changbin hyung, Chan hyung, Minho hyung, and Jisung are all with me,” Felix said, his enthusiasm evident.
“I’m jealous! I’m still caught up in vacation mode,” Seungmin joked, though Felix’s exaggerated whining in response barely reached him.
“Come back now, Minnie,” Changbin’s voice came through, firm yet inviting.
“No! Let him stay there!” Minho interjected, followed by laughter from Jisung and the others. But Seungmin felt a hollow ache in his stomach. Should he stay or return?
“Do you think so?” Seungmin whispered, his voice barely audible over the weight of his emotions. The emptiness persisted as he gazed at the stunning view before him, its beauty only deepening his internal turmoil.
“Hey! The schedule!” Chan’s voice cut through the chatter, silencing the teasing.
“Hyung... I...” Seungmin choked up, tears streaming down his face. He sobbed uncontrollably, the other line falling silent as his cries filled the void.
“Hey... What’s happening, Minnie?” Felix’s voice was tinged with worry.
“I don’t think I can come back, guys...” Seungmin murmured, his exhaustion and despair palpable. His mother’s grip on him was unyielding, and he was utterly drained.
“I don’t think I’ll be singing on the new album,” Seungmin cried, his distress evident as his members tried to comfort him from afar.
“Seungminnie... What are you saying?” Chan’s voice now held an edge of anger and disbelief. Felix’s murmurs were indistinguishable, lost in the chaos of Seungmin’s emotions.
“I’m leaving the group, hyung,” Seungmin declared after a long silence. The shockwaves of his words hit hard, eliciting furious reactions from Jeongin and Hyunjin.
“What the hell are you saying, Kim Seungmin?” Hyunjin’s voice was filled with outrage, causing a gasp on the other end.
“Jinnie, I’m sorry... I don’t think they’ll take me back. Tell the members about your feelings... I... I’m not there to support you and—”
“Stop right there, Kim. You have no idea how much you mean to us… to me! Don’t you dare tell me to accept you leaving the group! I will never forgive you!” Chan’s voice was a roar of raw emotion. Seungmin’s tears clouded his vision, leaving him lost and uncertain.
“Seungminie, please—tell hyung what happened. Why are you suddenly saying these things?” Changbin’s voice, choked and raspy, betrayed his tears.
“I’m sorry... Changbin hyung, thank you for everything.”
“Seungmo...” The tremor in Seungmin’s breath was palpable as he heard another voice crackle through the phone. He bit his lip, managing a faint smile as he responded softly to Minho.
“Can you explain? Can we see you? We deserve to know why you’re doing this, don’t we?” Minho’s voice was uncharacteristically gentle yet firm. Minho had always been the rock of the group, and Seungmin trusted him to help the others come to terms with this.
“You know, hyung, I’ve always admired you, right?” Seungmin said with a hint of resolve. “You’re strong, and I know you’ll guide the others through this.”
“What are you talking about, Seungmin?” Minho’s voice hardened, brimming with concern and frustration.
“I know you never cared for me, hyung. It hurt, but I understand. I can’t make everyone happy. Still, I cherish you for being a part of my memories. I’m just relieved that there’s one person who won’t be devastated by my departure. Thank you, hyung, for everything.” Seungmin felt a semblance of relief after speaking to Minho. The silence that followed suggested acceptance, or at least resignation.
“Where the hell are you?” Felix’s voice, dark and full of anguish, pierced through the line, making Seungmin flinch. A whimper echoed faintly, but he couldn’t identify its source.
“Felix...” Seungmin’s whisper was laden with sorrow for his best friend.
“I knew something was wrong that night. I knew you were crying, but I... I let you go, and now look what’s happened because of your stubbornness!” Felix’s roar was a painful jolt to Seungmin.
“Felix, I’m so sorry... Being with you was one of the greatest things in my life. You will always be my best friend. I love you.”
“Don’t give me your sentimental speech, Kim!” Felix’s voice was a fierce storm of anger and pain.
“Minnie, please. Tell us what happened. Don’t leave us in the dark,” Chan’s voice was pleading, but Seungmin couldn’t reveal the truth about his mother.
“Chan hyung... You will always be the best leader. Tell Han and Jeongin that they shouldn’t worry about their voices. They’re beautiful, and Stays have always been proud of them.” Seungmin sighed deeply, feeling lighter after talking with the members. He was determined to no longer be a burden, knowing his mother’s threats would no longer endanger them. He would hold these memories close to his heart.
“Hyung...” Jeongin’s voice, trembling with concern, made Seungmin’s breath hitch. His baby brother... Seungmin was vulnerable around their youngest.
“Where are you?” Jeongin’s tone was urgent and serious.
“Dallas,” Seungmin mumbled, and Jeongin’s quiet hum followed.
“Are you really going to leave us? Did someone force you into this?” Jeongin’s breaths were shaky, and Seungmin’s worry for him grew.
“The person I hated most in the world... I’m so exhausted and I can’t be a burden any longer,” Seungmin whispered, his focus narrowing to Jeongin’s voice.
“Who made you do this, hyung?” Jeongin’s voice was fierce with determination.
“What? Are you going to fight her?” Seungmin’s laugh was hollow, filled with grim humor.
“Yes. For you,” Jeongin responded without hesitation.
“You can’t fight Mom, Jeongin-ah,” Seungmin’s voice was a fragile whisper.
“Did she hurt you, hyung?”
“She did, and hyung is so, so tired. It hurts so much.” Tears streamed down Seungmin’s face, mingling with his anguished sobs.
“I didn’t want to leave... but... she’ll hurt all of you.” Seungmin’s sobs grew more intense, his face soaked with tears as Jeongin’s attempts to comfort him reached his ears.
“I wish I could see you all... but I’m done being selfish. I love you all. Please, don’t forget me.” Seungmin whispered, his voice breaking, before ending the call.
The sun had disappeared, leaving only the cold, lonely light of a streetlamp in the park. The darkness pressed heavily on Seungmin’s heart. He cried again, the pain suffocating and unbearable.
He had no memory of the next morning or how he ended up in his room, still in the previous day’s clothes. A painkiller and a glass of water sat on the bedside table. Seungmin took them, feeling the crushing weight of a headache and the sting in his eyes.
Days blurred into an endless cycle of monotony for Seungmin. Each morning, he awoke, went to work at the company, and never touched his phone again, opting for a new one instead. His smile had long since faded, and his mother’s relentless torment left him sinking deeper into despair. His eyes, once full of life, were now hollow. He moved through his days like a machine, the numbness allowing him to forget the anguish that gnawed at his chest.
Seungmin grew weary of his dreary routine. The passage of time had become a blur since he last spoke with his members at the park. One lunchtime, seeking a brief escape, he grabbed takeout from his favorite fast food place. He returned to the park, his driver leaving him alone to eat in solitude.
In the daylight, the park bustled with energy. Seungmin finished his meal quickly, his eyes catching sight of people dancing a few meters away from the bench where he sat. As he listened to a song from his beloved sumbenim, he couldn’t help but smile, singing along to the chorus. But then the next song played, and Seungmin’s voice caught in his throat.
[Lonely Street by Stray Kids]
‘Just stray...’
‘Astray...’
‘Just stuff it all ’cause I’mma go on my way’
He blinked rapidly, as if the familiar waves of comfort were washing over him, filling his veins with warmth. His heart raced wildly against his chest. The overwhelming surge of emotions hit him like a freight train. He missed them so much. What was he doing? Why had he given up? Why was he not with his members right now?
Kim Seungmin, you fool...
“So you’ve decided to isolate yourself here?” A deep voice from behind him made Seungmin freeze, his heart pounding furiously.
“Our Minnie is lost, how about that?” Jisung’s voice followed, filled with both amusement and concern. They were close now, and after a deep breath, Seungmin turned to face them.
“You found me, huh?” Seungmin whispered, a grin spreading across his face despite the sadness.
“Yes, shithead. You drove Felix and Hyunjin insane. We couldn’t control them!” Jisung whined, rushing forward to envelop Seungmin in a tight hug. The familiar scents and warmth felt like coming home.
“We found our puppy,” Minho said as he stepped forward, wrapping Seungmin in his arms. “I like you so, so, so much, you stupid pup,” Minho declared with a loud, firm voice. “Never pull a stunt like that again. I won’t forgive you next time.” He threatened, and Jisung chuckled, recounting how shocked Minho had been after the call.
“Minnie,” Changbin’s voice was softer, but a tear fell down his cheek, causing Seungmin to flinch. Guilt flashed in his eyes.
“Seungmin,” Chan murmured, embracing him so tightly Seungmin felt his bones creak. He groaned, but Chan only kissed his cheek. “Miss you, my pup,” he whispered, cradling Seungmin’s face gently.
Felix, eyeing him with a mix of relief and anger, exhaled deeply before pulling Seungmin away from Chan’s hold.
“You have no idea what the past days have been like for me, Minnie. Waking up every morning, feeling empty because my best friend pulled a pathetic drama on me and left me behind. Do you think I can survive alone? No, Kim Seungmin. I can’t make it without you. You complete me. We were supposed to face this together, not you alone and me left behind. Together. Do you hear me?” Felix’s voice trembled with raw emotion as he spoke in English.
“If you ever leave us again, I’ll return to that hellhole, and it will be your fault. I won’t be the same. You’ll be guilty until the day you die.” Hyunjin’s voice was a low growl as he back-hugged Seungmin, pressing kisses to his crown.
“Brave of you, puppy, going off alone without your owner’s permission.” Jeongin’s voice joined the fray as Felix finally released Seungmin from his tight embrace.
“Jeongin is terrifying, Minnie. We couldn’t even talk to him without him growling at us,” Jisung said dramatically.
“Are you sure he didn’t go feral?” Seungmin joked, but received a fierce glare from the maknae.
“So, hold him tight, Hyunjin, Minho, Felix, and Changbin. Seungmin will never escape us again,” Chan commanded.
“What?” Seungmin’s eyes widened in shock as he felt his feet leave the ground.
“Hey! Minho hyung! Put me down!” Seungmin’s voice rose in alarm, but thankfully, the crowd around them remained oblivious.
“Wahhhh! Cute! Is that Seungmin being carried?” Seungmin heard a group of girls exclaim nearby.
“Shit. Let’s go before we attract more attention. Stay still, pup.” Felix instructed as they exited the park.
“Be a good boy, Minnie,” Jeongin mumbled, grinning at his hyung.
Seungmin surrendered, collapsing into Minho’s arms.
Finally, or perhaps,
what a relief,
he was finally home.
Fin.