Chapter Text
“We’re proud to announce the new survival show, Stray Kids. Through the show, we as a company would be able to decide who is ready to debut in Stray Kids.”
When Jisung heard that from the staff member, he rolled his eyes in annoyance and bit his cheek. Wasn’t he supposed to debut normally? Like you know, Chan chose him all those years ago, so Jisung assumed they’d debut together. But no, JYP thinks it’s a perfect idea to throw the survival show into the mix. Is there a way to opt out of it and just drop the idea of being an idol all together? It’s painful enough that he’s forced to debut with Hwang and now they had to film more content together?
“Maybe finally they’ll kick you out for good?” He made a snarky remark towards Hyunjin, who was sitting on the opposite side of the room.
He still can’t wrap his head around why did Chan pick him to join the Stray Kids? This dude had nothing to offer besides his face. And he’s supposed to be a rapper. The most half assed rapper Jisung saw in his entire 17 years of life.
“Or maybe you’ll be finally put in your place and you’ll get back on the streets?” Hyunjin spat out from his place, under the mirror, completely ignoring the staff member, who didn’t seem bothered by them.
She was here only to deliver the news, not to discuss their issues. They’d have a manager assigned to deal with it. Chan was silently fuming because of their behavior and Jisung could sense it from a mile away. Or more from like the roughly half a meter between them. But you can’t blame him. Chan knows very well what Jisung thinks of Hyunjin and he shouldn’t expect anything else. Especially that now the risk of losing his debut chance was on the table and he’s not about to lose to some lame dude named Hwang Hyunjin. Over his dead body.
“The shooting of the first episode will begin in two days. It’s expected from you to create the song and the choreography, as you’ll be competing against Team2 for a chance at debut.”
With that, the woman left the room and Jisung knew already the show was going to be staged and they would win in two days. But you have to do what it takes to keep the drama spinning. He could notice Felix barely understood anything and Chan was explaining the terms to him in English, before addressing all of them.
“Alright guys. It’s really important, so focus please. We finally have a chance at the debut, so let’s give our best, right?” He stood up, so he could get a better look at the people he cherished the most in life. Except for his parents, of course. “We should create the lyrics and the choreography today. I’ll be able to create the music overnight or find something suitable in my drafts.”
Jisung knew he’d be the one to write his own part. Not that he didn’t trust Chan or Changbin, because he was ready to die for the 3RACHA. But he didn’t want anyone interfering with his one shot at fame. They quickly divided the work between themselves and, much to Jisung’s dismay, Hyunjin was also supposed to work at his own lyrics. He chuckled under his breath because he knew it was going to be a disaster. Well, let his enemy shoot himself in the foot. Jisung can’t complain. Everyone around him seemed exhausted, and Jeongin was even dozing off against the mirrors. The lengths this kid goes are insane. Chan took it upon himself to wake their maknae up, to help Minho with the choreography. Those are going to be insanely long two days.
*
Turns out the next two months were insane, and Jisung was left exhausted mentally and physically. Of course, he was never at risk of elimination, but Minho, his best friend, was eliminated. Instead of Hwang, which was ridiculous in Jisung’s opinion. It also almost lead to another physical interaction between them and Changbin stepped in the last moment, breaking the two of them apart. Jisung also sprained his knee somewhere in the middle of the show but didn’t dare to tell anyone because he was afraid of elimination. Now they were preparing for their actual debut and the swelling went down. Jisung was satisfied. Until he saw the choreography. But he came so far, even Hyunjin wasn’t able to stop him.
“Shall we start the practice?” The choreographer asked the boys and Jisung took a deep breath. “On my count.”
Jisung wouldn’t be himself if he didn’t trip to Hyunjin on purpose, making it look like an accident. But he got the same treatment and was ready to throw hands. Through the next couple of hours, Chan was shooting them warning glances, and it was the only thing that was keeping them moderately in line. When the woman left after a couple of hours, to let them do self practice, Hyunjin blew up.
“You dance like a fucking scarecrow.” He voiced his complaints, towards Jisung, obviously. “How the fuck did they not eliminate you?”
“I don’t know. Ask that yourself. You almost got eliminated.” Jisung turned around with a furious expression. “Maybe if you were a better rapper, you wouldn’t be such a disgrace? Pretty privilege, I guess.”
Both of them knew it was risky to talk about the survival show that ended not so long ago. Especially with Minho and Felix around. But for them, there were no holds barred. Everything was on the table. From physical appearance to family members.
“At least I can improve my rap. You can’t change that ugly ass face of yours.” Hyunjin scoffed, leaning against the wall.
“Stop.” Chan interfered before Jisung got a chance to say anything else. “I don’t want your hatred to interrupt our practice. When you enter the room, leave your problems outside of the door. Even if that means ignoring each other.” He ordered, seriously pissed off, and it was hard to make him this mad.
Jisung was usually the first to argue about things like this, but Chan looked angry. Even his nostrils were moving as he was trying to hold his emotions at bay. So Jisung backed off, going to drink some water. He’s doing this only for the sake of Chan, and once he leaves this room, he’s going to make Hyunjin’s life a living hell. Unless he’s going to pass out on his way back to dorms. Because that also sometimes happens. After the short water break, they resumed the practice, with Minho helping them to perfect the moves. Jisung was trying his best to avoid even as much as looking at Hyunjin because he knew then he’d break the agreement with Chan. Also, he was more concerned about his knee than anything else.
“You looked stiff.” Minho approached him after the practice, settling next to him in a car. “I know you’re not the best dancer on the planet, but still you’re better than this.”
Oh, how happy Jisung was that Minho was brought back in the end. What would he do without the one person that wasn’t afraid to point out his mistakes? Because other trainees were afraid of him, rightfully so. Jisung rested his head on Minho’s shoulder and closed his eyes.
“I don’t know hyung. I think I’m tired.” He muttered, so no one else could hear it. It’s a bad thing to admit his weakness in public. “I’ll get some sleep today and tomorrow will be good as new.”
He should also wear some knee protectants. Chan wears them all the time and nobody questions it, so hopefully he would gain the same amount of attention. He can’t wait to rest in his bed, listening to Jeongin’s quiet snores, as he was falling asleep. It’s better than any ASMR. That’s why he walked to his room, ready to throw himself onto the bed, and was surprised when he saw Jeongin’s things were gone.
“Where are Jeongin’s things?” Jisung went to the living room where all members were spending their free time and saw that Hyunjin was as confused as he was. What the fuck is going on?
“In my room.” Seungmin said, and Jisung calculated things quickly in his mind. “We did some changes, and he’s living with me for now.”
The only three person room in the dorm was occupied by Chan, Minho and Changbin. So does that mean Jisung gets the entire room to himself? That’s actually amazing.
“While Hyunjin is your new roommate.” Chan announced, hiding his smirk.
He and Bin may or may have not come up with a plan, to hopefully help them to get over their problems. If it would lead to more issues, they’d swap back, but for now, they were curious how it would work out. Treat it as a social experiment. Especially that Chan, as a leader, was sad when his group wasn’t getting along fully.
“Yeah, fuck no.”
“Are you insane hyung?”
Two boys voiced out their complaints, glaring at each other with furious eyes. Chan acted like he didn’t hear their argument and went to his room to finally get some rest. He left the tedious task of figuring everything out everything for Jisung and Hyunjin. Jisung scoffed in disbelief and ran to his room before Hyunjin got the same idea and locked the door behind him, leaving Hyunjin outside.