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The bright flashes of cameras and the constant murmur of the crowd created an almost tangible wall around the members of Stray Kids as they stood in the backstage area of a packed event. Hyunjin adjusted his stance, his long coat brushing against his legs as he glanced around. The space felt smaller than it actually was, the swarm of staff, performers, and media pressing in from every direction.
He tried to breathe evenly, focusing on Chan's steady voice as their leader exchanged pleasantries with a staff member. But with each passing second, the space seemed to shrink, the air thinning as more bodies crowded the room.
"Hyunjin?" Seungmin's voice broke through his spiraling thoughts, soft but laced with concern. He was standing just to Hyunjin's right, his head tilted slightly as he studied the subtle tension in his friend’s posture.
"I'm fine," Hyunjin replied quickly, his voice tight. He forced a small smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes.
"You don’t look fine."
Seungmin’s words pulled the attention of the others. Chan glanced over, frowning when he noticed the sheen of sweat on Hyunjin's forehead and the way his shoulders seemed to curl inward.
"Hyun," Chan said gently, stepping closer and placing a hand on his arm. "Do you need to step out for a bit?"
Hyunjin hesitated, torn between the desire to push through and the overwhelming need to escape the growing pressure around him. His chest tightened, and his vision blurred slightly at the edges.
Felix stepped forward, his voice low and soothing. "It's okay if you need a break. We can cover for you."
The words were a lifeline. Hyunjin nodded shakily, allowing Felix and Chan to guide him through the maze of people toward a quieter corner.
Once outside the crowded backstage area, Hyunjin took a deep breath, the cool air hitting his skin like a balm. The tightness in his chest began to ease, though his hands still trembled slightly.
"Take your time," Chan said, his hand firm and reassuring on Hyunjin’s shoulder.
"I’m sorry," Hyunjin murmured after a moment, his voice thick with frustration. "I didn’t mean to—"
"You don’t have to apologize," Chan interrupted, his tone firm but kind. "We’ve got your back. Always."
Felix crouched down slightly to meet Hyunjin’s eyes. "Do you want to talk about it, or just sit for a while?"
Hyunjin shook his head, offering a faint smile. "Sitting is fine. Thanks."
As the others quietly gave him space, Hyunjin felt a rush of gratitude. They didn’t push, didn’t pry. They simply stayed close, a comforting presence that grounded him as he regained his composure.
Later that evening, after the event had ended and they were back at the dorm, Hyunjin found himself sitting on the balcony with Minho. The city lights stretched out before them, casting a warm glow against the night sky. The rest of the group had retreated to their rooms, giving him the space he hadn’t asked for but desperately needed.
Minho handed him a mug of tea, its steam curling lazily into the cool air. He didn’t say anything at first, just settled into the chair next to Hyunjin, sipping his own drink.
"You’ve gotten better at it, you know," Minho said finally, his voice calm and steady.
Hyunjin raised an eyebrow, taking a sip of his tea. "At what?"
"Grounding yourself when it gets bad."
Hyunjin let the words sink in, his fingers tightening slightly around the mug. "It doesn’t feel like it sometimes," he admitted softly. "Today was… rough."
Minho nodded, leaning back in his chair. "What triggered it this time?"
Hyunjin hesitated, the words hovering on the tip of his tongue. He hadn’t told anyone in the group the full story—not because he didn’t trust them, but because revisiting it felt like reopening a wound that never fully healed.
But Minho’s patience, his quiet understanding, made the moment feel safe.
"It was when I was younger," Hyunjin began, his voice barely above a whisper. "I got stuck in an elevator. Alone."
Minho didn’t interrupt, his gaze steady but soft, encouraging Hyunjin to continue.
"I was maybe ten or eleven? I don’t remember exactly. But I do remember the power going out. The elevator stopped, and the lights went out. It was pitch black. I screamed for help, but no one came for a long time."
The memory brought a lump to Hyunjin’s throat, but he swallowed it down, pressing forward. "It felt like hours. I couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think. By the time they opened the doors, I was—" He broke off, his fingers trembling slightly.
"You don’t have to finish," Minho said gently.
Hyunjin shook his head. "I was a mess. I didn’t want to go anywhere near an elevator after that. It took years before I could even step inside one again, and even now, it’s… hard."
Minho set his mug down on the small table between them. "That’s a lot for anyone to go through, let alone a kid."
"It’s stupid," Hyunjin said, frustration lacing his voice.
"No, it’s not," Minho said firmly. "Fear isn’t stupid. And you’re stronger for facing it every day, even when it feels like you’re not."
Hyunjin looked at him, a flicker of relief softening his features. "Thanks, Minho."
"Anytime," Minho replied, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "And if you ever need someone to talk to—or sit with you when it gets bad—you know where to find me."
Hyunjin nodded, the weight on his chest easing slightly. The fear hadn’t disappeared, but sharing it made it feel a little less overwhelming.
—
It had been a quiet day, a rare break in Stray Kids' hectic schedule. The members had spent most of the afternoon lounging in the dorm, catching up on sleep, playing video games, or scrolling through their phones. Hyunjin had been sketching in his room, the sound of laughter and chatter from the living room filtering in like background music.
By late afternoon, the peace was broken when Chan suggested they head out to a nearby mall. "We could grab some food and hang out a bit. It’s been a while since we went anywhere together."
The idea was met with unanimous approval. After a quick change of clothes and a reminder to keep a low profile, the group piled into their van and made their way to the mall.
The outing started off well. They kept their caps and masks on, blending into the crowd as they wandered through the shops. Hyunjin felt relaxed, even laughing as Felix tried on an oversized hat and struck exaggerated poses for the group.
But things took a turn as they were heading back to the van. They decided to take the elevator down to the parking level, avoiding the crowd outside. As they stepped inside, Hyunjin hesitated for a fraction of a second before following Jeongin in. The rest of the group waited for the next elevator, wanting to avoid overcrowding.
The doors slid shut with a quiet ding , and the elevator began its descent. Hyunjin stayed close to the wall, his fingers brushing lightly against the cool metal, grounding himself.
Halfway down, the elevator jolted to a stop, and the overhead lights flickered before going out completely, plunging the small space into darkness.
Hyunjin’s breath hitched audibly, and Jeongin immediately turned toward him. "Hyung? Are you okay?"
"I…" Hyunjin pressed his back against the wall, his hands trembling as the familiar weight of panic began to settle on his chest. The space felt impossibly small, the air thick and suffocating.
Jeongin fumbled for his phone, using its flashlight to illuminate the elevator. "It’s okay, Hyung. It’s just a power outage. They’ll fix it soon."
Hyunjin didn’t respond, his breaths coming in shallow gasps. He slid down the wall until he was sitting on the floor, his knees drawn to his chest.
Outside, the rest of the group realized something was wrong when the elevator indicator stopped moving. Minho’s stomach dropped when he heard from a staff member that the elevator had stopped between floors.
"Who’s in there?" Chan asked, his voice tight with urgency.
"Hyunjin and Jeongin," Felix said, paling visibly.
Minho’s jaw tightened. He remembered the story Hyunjin had shared just days ago. Without wasting a moment, he approached a staff member. "You need to get them out. Now. "
"We’re working on it," the staff member said, already on the phone with maintenance. "It might take a bit—"
"That’s not good enough," Minho snapped. "He’s claustrophobic. If you don’t hurry, it’s going to get bad."
Inside the elevator, Jeongin crouched down next to Hyunjin, speaking softly. "Hyung, listen to me. Try to breathe with me, okay? In through your nose, out through your mouth."
Hyunjin shook his head, his eyes wide with fear. "I can’t—Jeongin, I can’t—"
"You can," Jeongin insisted, his tone firm but gentle. "I’m here with you. You’re not alone."
The flashlight’s beam wavered slightly as Jeongin shifted closer, placing a hand on Hyunjin’s shoulder. "Focus on my voice. Count with me. One… two… three…"
Hyunjin tried, but the panic was overwhelming. His hands were clammy, his vision swimming. "I feel sick," he whispered hoarsely.
Jeongin felt a surge of panic himself but pushed it down. "It’s okay. Just keep breathing. We’re going to get out of here soon, I promise."
Outside, Minho was pacing, his frustration boiling over. "How much longer?" he demanded.
"Another ten minutes," the maintenance worker replied, adjusting his tools.
"Make it five," Minho said sharply, his voice leaving no room for argument.
Felix grabbed Minho’s arm, his expression worried. "Hyunjin’s strong. Jeongin’s with him. They’ll hold on."
Inside the elevator, Hyunjin’s breathing was rapid, his chest heaving. Jeongin gripped his shoulder tighter. "Hyung, look at me."
Hyunjin’s gaze darted to Jeongin, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.
"We’re getting out of here," Jeongin said firmly. "The others are just outside. They won’t let anything happen to us."
After what felt like an eternity, the elevator shuddered, and the lights flickered back on. A loud clank echoed as the doors were pried open.
Hyunjin was pulled out first, and Minho and Chan immediately steadied him as he stumbled forward.
"You’re okay," Minho said, his voice steady as he guided Hyunjin to sit down.
Jeongin climbed out next, looking shaken but relieved. "He did okay," he said, his voice soft.
Hyunjin buried his face in his hands, his breaths still uneven. Minho crouched in front of him, his tone gentle. "You’re safe now, Hyun. Just take your time."
Felix handed Hyunjin a bottle of water, and Chan rubbed his back in slow, reassuring circles. The group stayed huddled around him, a silent reminder that he was never alone.
The ride back to the dorm was quiet. Hyunjin sat in the corner of the van, staring out the window, his head resting against the cool glass. Minho sat beside him, close but not crowding him, while the others kept their voices low, giving him the space he seemed to need.
When they arrived home, the group lingered, their usual playful chatter absent as they watched Hyunjin head to his room without a word.
Chan exchanged a glance with Minho, concern etched across his face. "Should we talk to him?"
Minho shook his head. "Let him have a moment. I’ll check on him later."
True to his word, Minho knocked softly on Hyunjin’s door about half an hour later. When there was no response, he opened it gently, finding Hyunjin sitting cross-legged on his bed, his sketchbook open but untouched in front of him.
"Hey," Minho said quietly, stepping inside and closing the door behind him.
Hyunjin glanced up but didn’t speak. Minho took that as permission to sit on the edge of the bed.
"You scared us today," Minho said after a moment, his tone light but sincere.
"I scared myself," Hyunjin admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.
Minho nodded. "That’s okay. No one expects you to be perfect all the time."
Hyunjin let out a shaky breath, running a hand through his hair. "I hate this, Hyung. I hate how weak it makes me feel. I couldn’t even think straight in there. If Jeongin hadn’t been with me…"
"But he was," Minho interrupted gently. "And you weren’t weak, Hyunjin. You were scared. There’s a difference."
Hyunjin frowned, his gaze dropping to his hands. "It didn’t feel that way."
"Fear doesn’t make you weak," Minho said firmly. "And letting us help you? That’s strength, not weakness."
Hyunjin didn’t respond right away, his fingers absentmindedly tracing the edge of his sketchbook.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Minho asked.
Hyunjin shook his head. "Not right now."
"Okay." Minho leaned back slightly, giving him space. "But when you’re ready, I’m here. We all are."
Hyunjin’s lips curved into a small, grateful smile. "Thanks, Hyung."
The next few days were filled with small but deliberate gestures from the group. Felix left a bag of Hyunjin’s favorite snacks on his desk. Jeongin casually suggested they take the stairs instead of the elevator when they went out. Chan pulled him aside during practice to remind him that it was okay to take breaks if he needed them.
Hyunjin noticed all these things, and though he didn’t say much, he felt the warmth of their care. It made the overwhelming fear from the elevator incident feel a little less suffocating.
One evening, as they were winding down after a long day of schedules, Hyunjin found himself sitting in the living room with Chan and Jeongin. The others had drifted off to their rooms, leaving the three of them in a comfortable silence.
Hyunjin glanced at Jeongin, who was scrolling through his phone, and then at Chan, who was sipping tea. Clearing his throat, he broke the quiet. "Jeongin… about the elevator."
Jeongin looked up immediately, setting his phone down. "Yeah?"
Hyunjin hesitated, fiddling with the hem of his sweatshirt. "I didn’t thank you. For being there. For helping me stay… somewhat sane."
Jeongin’s expression softened, and he gave a small shrug. "You don’t have to thank me, Hyung. I just wanted to help."
"You did," Hyunjin said earnestly. "I mean it. I don’t know what I would’ve done if I was alone in there."
Chan leaned forward slightly, his voice gentle. "You’ve been doing well, Hyunjin. It’s okay if it doesn’t feel that way yet, but you are."
Hyunjin looked down, his shoulders relaxing a fraction. "I’m trying."
"And that’s all we ask," Chan said.
After that, the conversation moved on to lighter topics, but Hyunjin felt a little lighter, knowing he had people he could lean on.
A few days later, the atmosphere in the dorm was subdued. Hyunjin’s usually vibrant energy seemed dimmed, replaced by a quietness that worried everyone. He still joined practices and schedules, but his smiles didn’t reach his eyes, and he often retreated to his room as soon as they got home.
One evening, the group gathered in the living room while Hyunjin was napping—something he’d been doing a lot lately. Chan looked around at the others, his expression serious. "We need to talk about Hyunjin."
Felix nodded, concern evident on his face. "He’s not himself. I mean, he’s still doing everything he needs to, but… it feels like he’s somewhere else."
"I’ve noticed he’s not eating as much either," Seungmin added, frowning. "He barely touched his dinner last night."
"I tried asking him how he’s doing," Jeongin said quietly. "But he just smiled and said he’s fine. He didn’t want to talk."
Minho, who had been unusually silent, finally spoke up. "I think the elevator incident shook him more than we realized. And… knowing where his fear comes from now, it makes sense. It’s not something he can just bounce back from."
"So what do we do?" Felix asked, looking around at the others.
"We can’t force him to talk," Chan said, his tone thoughtful. "But we can make sure he knows we’re here. Little things, like we’ve been doing. Giving him space when he needs it but also showing him we’re paying attention."
Minho leaned back against the couch, his brow furrowed. "And if it gets worse? What if he keeps shutting us out?"
Chan sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Then we encourage him to talk to someone who can help. A professional, if it comes to that."
In his room, Hyunjin tossed and turned in his bed, tangled in his sheets. His sleep had been plagued by vivid nightmares—flashes of being trapped in the elevator, the walls closing in, suffocating him. Worse were the memories of his childhood, of the day he had first felt that terror, locked and screaming for someone to let him out.
In his room, Hyunjin tossed and turned in his bed, tangled in his sheets. His sleep had been plagued by vivid nightmares—flashes of being trapped in the elevator, the walls closing in, suffocating him. Worse were the memories of his childhood, of the day he had first felt that terror, locked in the closet, screaming for someone to let him out.
He jolted awake, his chest heaving and his forehead damp with sweat. The faint glow of his bedside lamp illuminated the room, and he ran a shaky hand through his hair.
Sleep felt like an enemy now, and he dreaded the night. He had been trying to push through, telling himself he’d get over it eventually. But the exhaustion was catching up. His reflection in the mirror showed dark circles under his eyes, and his movements during practice were slower and less precise. He hated it.
Why can’t I just move on?
Hyunjin sat up, burying his face in his hands. He felt stuck, unable to open up about how much he was struggling, not wanting to burden the others.
The next day, during practice, his fatigue became harder to hide. Halfway through the choreography, he stumbled, catching himself before he fell but drawing everyone’s attention.
"Hyunjin!" Chan called out, immediately stopping the music.
"I’m fine," Hyunjin said quickly, waving them off.
But his trembling hands and pale complexion told a different story. Minho stepped forward, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Hyunjin, sit down."
Reluctantly, Hyunjin sank to the floor, his head bowed. "I’m sorry," he mumbled.
"You don’t need to apologize," Chan said firmly. "But you do need to tell us what’s going on."
Hyunjin hesitated, his lips pressed into a thin line. His throat felt tight, and the words wouldn’t come.
Felix crouched beside him, his voice soft. "Hyunjin, we’re worried about you. Whatever it is, you don’t have to handle it alone."
Hyunjin shook his head, his hair falling in front of his eyes as he avoided their concerned gazes. "It’s nothing. Just tired."
Minho exchanged a glance with Chan, both unconvinced. "You’ve been saying that a lot lately," Minho said gently, crouching to meet Hyunjin’s eye level. "We’re not asking to push you. Just… don’t shut us out, okay?"
Hyunjin hesitated, then gave a small nod. "Okay."
The group didn’t press further, sensing that Hyunjin wasn’t ready to talk. Instead, Chan called for a break, and everyone dispersed to give Hyunjin a moment to himself.
Over the next few days, the members subtly found ways to support Hyunjin.
In the mornings, Felix started making Hyunjin’s favorite tea, leaving it on the table without comment. Minho took it upon himself to adjust the practice routines, giving the group more frequent breaks to rest. Jeongin casually invited Hyunjin to join him for walks after dinner, a quiet way to get him out of the dorm and some fresh air without making a big deal of it.
Seungmin, who often played the role of the group’s quiet observer, began leaving books and small sketches on Hyunjin’s desk—just things he thought might bring him comfort or inspire him.
And then there was Chan, who checked in subtly during practices and schedules, making sure Hyunjin wasn’t pushing himself too hard.
One night, Hyunjin found himself sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of Felix’s tea. He had noticed all the little things the group had been doing, and while he hadn’t said much, it warmed him.
Jeongin wandered into the kitchen, rubbing his eyes. "Hyung, you’re still up?"
Hyunjin nodded, taking a sip of tea. "Couldn’t sleep."
Jeongin sat across from him, resting his chin in his hand. "Want to talk about it?"
Hyunjin gave him a tired smile. "Not yet."
"That’s okay," Jeongin said, his tone light. "But when you do, I’m here. We all are."
Hyunjin’s heart ached at the sincerity in Jeongin’s voice. He nodded. "Thanks, Jeongin."
While the group’s small gestures couldn’t erase Hyunjin’s struggles, they reminded him that he wasn’t alone. Little by little, the weight on his shoulders felt less crushing, and he began to feel like he could face his fears—not all at once, but one step at a time.
—
It was a busy day with back-to-back schedules, including a fan event in a high-rise building. The group arrived early, shuttled into the building’s private elevator to reach the event floor. As the doors slid shut, Hyunjin visibly tensed, his hand clutching the strap of his bag.
Felix, standing beside him, noticed immediately and subtly stepped closer. "You okay, Hyunnie?" he whispered.
Hyunjin nodded stiffly, his jaw clenched. "Yeah. Just… tired."
The elevator ride was smooth, but it felt like an eternity to Hyunjin. When the doors finally opened, he was the first to step out, taking a deep breath as if the air on the other side was different.
The fan event started, and for a while, things seemed fine. Hyunjin’s smiles were soft but genuine as he greeted fans and signed albums. The members occasionally exchanged glances, aware that he wasn’t at full energy but grateful he was pushing through.
Then, during a short break, disaster struck.
A fire alarm blared throughout the building, and an announcement came over the speakers, instructing everyone to evacuate. Staff members quickly ushered the group toward the emergency stairs.
As they descended floor after floor, the stairwell began to feel more crowded, with people from other floors also evacuating. The noise of the alarm, the press of bodies, and the claustrophobic space began to overwhelm Hyunjin.
By the time they reached the fifteenth floor, Hyunjin stopped abruptly, his back pressed against the wall, his breathing shallow and rapid.
"Hyunjin?" Minho turned, his voice cutting through the chaos.
"I… I can’t…" Hyunjin stammered, clutching his chest.
Minho immediately stepped in front of him, shielding him from the growing crowd. "It’s okay. We’re here."
Chan gestured for the others to move ahead with staff while he and Minho stayed with Hyunjin. Felix hesitated, but a reassuring nod from Chan sent him reluctantly down the stairs with the rest.
"Hyunjin, listen to me," Minho said firmly, kneeling to meet his eyes. "Focus on my voice. You’re not trapped. We’ll get out of here."
Hyunjin shook his head, tears streaming down his face. "I can’t breathe. I—"
"You can," Chan interrupted gently but with authority. "Slow down. Look at me. In through your nose, out through your mouth. Just like this." He demonstrated, exaggerating the movements.
Minho placed a hand on Hyunjin’s shoulder, grounding him. "We’re not leaving you, okay? We’ll go at your pace."
It took several agonizing minutes, but with their help, Hyunjin’s breathing steadied enough for him to stand. They continued down the stairs slowly, the crowd thinning as they reached the lower floors.
When they finally exited the building, Hyunjin collapsed onto the nearest bench, trembling. The rest of the group rushed over, Felix immediately wrapping an arm around him.
"We’re okay," Felix said softly. "You’re okay."
Hyunjin nodded weakly, the tears still falling. "I’m sorry."
"Stop apologizing," Chan said, sitting beside him. "You don’t have to carry this alone."
The others crowded around, their presence a shield of warmth and support. For the first time, Hyunjin let the walls he’d built crack.
"I’ve been having nightmares," he admitted, his voice barely audible. "About the elevator… and about before."
Minho, understanding what he meant, placed a hand on Hyunjin’s knee.
"I’ve barely been sleeping, and every time I try to, it feels like I’m back there, trapped." Hyunjin’s voice broke, and Felix’s grip on him tightened.
"You should’ve told us," Seungmin said softly, his usual blunt tone replaced with gentleness.
"I didn’t want to bother you," Hyunjin said, looking down.
"You’re never a bother," Chan said firmly. "We’re your family, Hyunjin. Let us be here for you."
Hyunjin looked around at their faces, each one filled with unwavering support. For the first time in weeks, the weight on his chest lightened.
"Thank you," he whispered, his voice cracking with emotion.
After that, the group didn’t need words. Their closeness spoke louder than anything, a bond unbreakable even by fear.
The aftermath of the evacuation incident lingered heavily in the dorm. Though Hyunjin had opened up, it was clear the experience had left him shaken. The members were more attentive than ever, balancing their usual playful camaraderie with a quiet vigilance.
Hyunjin spent the day after the incident resting at home. Chan had spoken with their management to adjust the group’s schedule, giving Hyunjin the time he needed. Despite their reassurances, Hyunjin couldn’t shake the guilt of feeling like he was holding everyone back.
That evening, as the others returned from practice, the dorm was unusually quiet. Felix peeked into Hyunjin’s room, finding him sitting on the floor with a sketchpad, staring at a half-finished drawing.
"Hyunjin," Felix called softly.
Hyunjin looked up, startled, but quickly smiled. "Hey."
"Can I come in?" Felix asked.
Hyunjin nodded, setting the sketchpad aside. Felix sat cross-legged beside him, glancing at the drawing. It was a delicate sketch of the group, mid-laughter, their bond captured in every stroke.
"It’s beautiful," Felix said, his voice warm.
"Thanks," Hyunjin murmured, his gaze dropping.
Felix hesitated before speaking again. "You know, it’s okay to take your time. No one’s expecting you to bounce back immediately."
"I know," Hyunjin said quietly. "But it feels like… like I’m stuck. Everyone else is moving forward, and I’m here, trying to keep up."
"You’re not alone in this," Felix said firmly. "We’re all here with you, Hyunnie. Every step of the way."
Later that night, the group gathered in the living room. Chan had called for a casual meeting, sensing they needed a moment to regroup.
"First off," Chan began, "Hyunjin, I want you to know that none of us blame you for what happened or for how you’re feeling. You’re allowed to struggle, and you’re allowed to lean on us."
Hyunjin, seated between Felix and Jeongin, looked down, his fingers fidgeting. "I just… I hate feeling like this. Like I’m broken."
"You’re not broken," Minho said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. "You’re human. And if anyone here ever made you feel like you have to be perfect all the time, that’s on us, not you."
Jeongin piped up, his voice soft but steady. "Hyung, you’re always there for us when we need it. Let us do the same for you."
Seungmin nodded. "We’ll figure this out together. No pressure, no expectations. Just us"
Hyunjin swallowed hard, his vision blurring with tears. "Thank you," he whispered, his voice breaking.
In the days that followed, the group worked as a team to create a more supportive environment for Hyunjin. They rotated responsibilities to ensure he wasn’t overwhelmed, gave him space when he needed it, and subtly encouraged him to talk more openly.
Chan suggested they bring in a professional therapist who could help Hyunjin navigate his feelings. While hesitant at first, Hyunjin agreed, knowing it was a step toward healing.
Though the road ahead was long, the group’s unwavering support gave Hyunjin the strength to face it, one day at a time. The nightmares still came, but they weren’t as terrifying when he remembered he wasn’t alone.