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The air buzzed with excitement as Stray Kids stepped onto the stage, greeted by the deafening cheers of their fans. The group was in the middle of promotions for their latest album, and every event seemed bigger and more energetic than the last.
Hyunjin loved performing, and tonight was no different. As the spotlight moved across the stage, his gaze swept over the sea of fans. Signs with his name and the group's logo filled the venue, waving enthusiastically in the air.
It was during their encore that he noticed them again.
In the front row, a young fan held a bouquet of purple tulips, Hyunjin's birth flower. Their bright smile stood out in the crowd, and Hyunjin gave a polite nod in their direction before moving on with the performance.
“Another bouquet?” Felix teased backstage after the concert, nodding toward the flowers in Hyunjin’s hand.
“Yeah,” Hyunjin replied, setting the bouquet down carefully. “I think they’ve been at every event so far this comeback.”
Chan raised an eyebrow. “Dedicated fan, huh?”
“Looks like it,” Hyunjin said with a shrug. He didn’t think much of it. Fans often had their ways of showing admiration, and lilies were a thoughtful touch.
As the weeks went on, the fan became a fixture at their events. Whether it was a concert, fan meeting, or public schedule, Hyunjin could count on seeing their familiar face in the crowd. They always brought flowers, sometimes with a note tucked inside:
“You’re my inspiration.”
“You’re perfect in every way.”
At first, the messages seemed sweet. Hyunjin would smile and thank the fan politely whenever he had the chance. But as the notes grew more personal, unease began to creep in.
During a live stream one evening, Hyunjin was sitting in the dorm with Jisung, answering questions from fans. His phone vibrated on the table, the screen lighting up with a call from an unknown number.
“Who’s that?” Jisung asked, glancing over.
Hyunjin shook his head. “No idea. It’s been happening a lot lately.”
The call ended, only to start again seconds later.
“Maybe it’s a spammer?” Jisung suggested.
“Probably,” Hyunjin muttered, silencing the phone and continuing with the stream.
But the calls persisted. Sometimes they came late at night, waking him from sleep. Other times, they buzzed through rehearsal, distracting him. The unknown number felt like it was haunting him, always there, always watching.
The group began to notice the pattern.
“Doesn’t it feel like that one fan is always around?” Seungmin commented one day as they sat in their van, heading back to the dorms.
“They’re just loyal,” Han said, though his tone lacked conviction.
Felix frowned. “Yeah, but it’s... I don’t know. It’s starting to feel a little weird.”
Hyunjin didn’t respond. He stared out the window, his hand resting on the latest bouquet of lilies he’d received. The notes were becoming cryptic, the words almost possessive:
“You don’t need anyone else.”
“I’ll always be here for you, even when others aren’t.”
Hyunjin clutched the flowers tightly, a lump forming in his throat.
The van pulled up to the dorms late in the evening. The members filed out one by one, their conversations quiet after a long day. Hyunjin stayed behind for a moment, staring at the bouquet in his lap.
“Coming?” Felix asked, standing by the open door.
Hyunjin snapped out of his thoughts and nodded, tucking the lilies under his arm as he stepped out. The chilly night air sent a shiver down his spine, though he wasn’t sure if it was the weather or the thoughts swirling in his mind.
Upstairs, in the safety of their shared space, the dorm buzzed with the usual post-schedule chaos—members showering, ordering late-night snacks, or scrolling on their phones. Hyunjin sat on the couch, unwrapping the lilies and pulling out the note tucked between the stems.
This one was different. The handwriting was the same—neat, almost elegant—but the words were shorter, more direct:
“I’m closer than you think.”
Hyunjin’s heart skipped a beat. He looked around the room, suddenly hyperaware of his surroundings.
“What’s that?” Seungmin asked, peeking over Hyunjin’s shoulder.
Hyunjin quickly folded the note and stuffed it into his pocket. “Nothing. Just another message.”
Seungmin frowned. “From that fan? You know, the one with the tulips?”
“It’s fine,” Hyunjin replied, forcing a smile. “Probably just a coincidence.”
Seungmin didn’t look convinced, but he didn’t press further.
That night, Hyunjin struggled to sleep. The note played over and over in his mind, the words taunting him in the quiet darkness. He lay awake, staring at the ceiling, when his phone buzzed on the nightstand.
A notification lit up the screen: Unknown Number: “Did you get my flowers? I hope you liked them.”
Hyunjin sat up, his breath hitching. His fingers hovered over the keyboard, but he didn’t respond. The message was followed by another:
“You looked beautiful tonight. Just like always.”
A cold sweat broke out on his forehead. The realization hit him like a punch to the gut—this wasn’t just admiration. This was obsession.
The next morning, Hyunjin sat at the kitchen table, stirring his cereal without much appetite. Bang Chan walked in, rubbing his eyes.
“You look like you didn’t sleep,” Chan said, pouring himself a cup of coffee.
Hyunjin hesitated. “I didn’t.”
Chan raised an eyebrow. “Something wrong?”
Before Hyunjin could answer, Felix walked in, holding his phone. “Hyunjin,” he said, his voice tight, “you should see this.”
He handed his phone over, showing a photo posted anonymously on a fan forum. It was a candid shot of Hyunjin, taken late the night before. The caption read: “Goodnight, my love.”
The photo of Hyunjin on Felix’s phone was more than unsettling—it was a clear sign that whoever this fan was, they were no longer respecting boundaries.
“This was taken last night,” Felix said, his voice trembling slightly. “Hyunjin, you didn’t go outside alone, did you?”
“No,” Hyunjin replied, his throat dry. “I was in my room the whole time.”
The members exchanged uneasy glances.
“Then how…?” Han trailed off, his voice faltering as the weight of the situation sank in.
Bang Chan stood abruptly. “We need to report this. This is beyond just being a fan—it’s stalking.”
Hyunjin hesitated. “But what if it’s nothing? I mean, maybe it’s just someone who got a lucky shot—”
“No,” Chan interrupted firmly. “This is serious, Hyunjin. If we don’t do something, it’s only going to get worse.”
Their manager took immediate action after hearing all this. Security was doubled at events, and stricter protocols were put in place for the members’ schedules. Fans were no longer allowed to bring gifts directly to the members, and personal contact during fan signs was heavily restricted.
Despite the measures, the messages persisted, even if Hyunjin blocked the number and reported it, they kept coming. The same unknown number sent texts daily, sometimes with photos of Hyunjin from their most recent appearances. The captions grew more unnerving:
“You looked tired today. Are they overworking you?”
“I know you’re being watched. Don’t worry, I’ll protect you.”
Hyunjin tried to focus on work, but the stress was beginning to show. He was quieter during practices, more withdrawn during group meals.
One evening, after a particularly grueling day, the members gathered in the living room to discuss the situation.
“We can’t keep living like this,” Seungmin said, his frustration evident. “This isn’t fair to Hyunjin—or any of us.”
“We’re doing everything we can,” Chan said, running a hand through his hair. “But this person… they’re persistent. They know how to slip through the cracks.”
Hyunjin sat silently, staring at his phone. Another text had just come in:
“I saw you today. You smiled at me. You’re so kind.”
But Hyunjin hadn’t smiled at all that day.
The strain was palpable. Despite management’s best efforts to tighten security, the fan continued to find ways to push boundaries. The purple tulips and cryptic notes started appearing at the dorm entrance, bypassing all measures. Hyunjin stopped reading the messages, but the content was impossible to ignore.
During a live broadcast one evening, as Hyunjin and Seungmin chatted casually with fans, a message appeared in the chat:
“I see you right now.”
Hyunjin froze, his fingers hovering over the keyboard. The comment was followed by an image—a photo of the street outside their building, timestamped just minutes before.
Seungmin noticed the shift in Hyunjin’s demeanor and ended the broadcast quickly. “That’s it for tonight, guys. Thanks for tuning in!”
As soon as the live ended, Seungmin turned to Hyunjin. “That wasn’t normal. We need to tell Chan.”
Hyunjin nodded, his stomach churning with unease.
The following week, Stray Kids had a private schedule at a studio in Seoul. Security was tight, with only staff and the members allowed on-site. Hyunjin felt a small measure of relief—finally, a chance to work without constantly looking over his shoulder.
During a break, the members scattered to different rooms. Hyunjin stayed behind in the dressing room, scrolling through his phone and enjoying the rare moment of solitude.
A soft knock on the door interrupted his peace.
“Come in,” he called, expecting one of the staff.
The door creaked open, but no one entered. Confused, Hyunjin stood up, his brows furrowing.
“Hello?” he called, stepping closer to the door.
A voice whispered his name.
“Hyunjin.”
He froze. The voice was eerily familiar—soft, almost tender, but with an unsettling edge.
Before he could react, a figure stepped into the room. It was the fan.
“You’re always so busy,” they said, smiling as if nothing was wrong. “I thought I’d surprise you.”
Hyunjin’s heart raced as he backed away, his mind scrambling for a way out.
“How did you get in here?” he demanded, his voice shaking.
The fan tilted their head, as if puzzled by his fear. “I just wanted to see you. Don’t you understand? I’m doing this for us.”
Hyunjin’s hand moved to his phone, but the fan noticed and lunged forward, grabbing his wrist.
“Don’t!” they hissed, their grip tightening. “You don’t need to call anyone. I’m not here to hurt you.”
Hyunjin struggled, his pulse pounding in his ears.
Just as panic threatened to consume him, the door burst open. Security rushed in, followed by Chan and a few staff members.
“Let him go!” Chan shouted, his voice filled with authority.
The fan hesitated, their grip faltering. Security pried them away from Hyunjin and restrained them, dragging them out of the room as they screamed in protest.
“You’ll regret this, Hyunjin!” they yelled. “You’ll miss me! You’ll see—you’ll need me someday!”
Hyunjin slumped into a chair, trembling as the door shut behind them. Chan was at his side in an instant, his hand on Hyunjin’s shoulder.
“Are you okay?” Chan asked, his voice gentle but firm.
Hyunjin nodded shakily, though tears threatened to spill. “They just… showed up. I didn’t know what to do.” Chan kneeled in front of him, resting his hands on Hyunjin’s knees.
“We’ll figure something out,” Chan said, his voice filled with conviction. “We’ll make sure you’re safe. I promise.”
The incident left everyone on edge. Management took immediate action, involving law enforcement and banning the fan from all future events. Hyunjin was given time to recover, but the experience left a scar.
The atmosphere in the dorm was tense. After the confrontation, the members had gathered in the living room, their usual laughter and banter replaced by silence. Hyunjin had retreated to his room, clearly shaken, leaving the others to process what had happened.
Chan sat with his elbows on his knees, staring at the floor. “I can’t believe it got this far,” he muttered.
“We all saw the signs,” Han said, his voice unusually serious. “The tulips, the messages… we knew something was wrong.”
Felix fidgeted with the hem of his sweater. “But we didn’t think they’d go this far. Sneaking into a private schedule? That’s… terrifying.”
“It’s not just terrifying—it’s a violation,” Seungmin said, his tone sharp. “Hyunjin shouldn’t have to deal with this. None of us should.”
Jeongin, who had been quiet until now, spoke up hesitantly. “Do you think he’ll be okay? I mean, he looked… really scared.”
Chan sighed, running a hand through his hair. “He’s strong, but this isn’t something you just bounce back from. We need to be there for him, all of us.”
Later that night, as the dorm quieted down, Felix knocked softly on Hyunjin’s door.
“Come in,” Hyunjin called, his voice muffled.
Felix found him sitting on his bed, a sketchpad in his lap. He wasn’t drawing, though—just staring at the blank page.
“Hey,” Felix said, sitting down beside him. “You okay?”
Hyunjin gave a weak smile. “As okay as I can be.”
Felix hesitated. “We’re all worried about you. Even Jeongin’s been pacing around like a nervous puppy.”
Hyunjin chuckled faintly, the sound more out of politeness than humor. “I don’t want to drag everyone down.”
“You’re not dragging anyone down,” Felix said firmly. “and none of this is your fault. We want to help.”
Hyunjin nodded but didn’t reply.
In the living room, the rest of the group was still awake, unable to sleep after the day’s events.
“What if this isn’t the end?” Han asked, voicing what everyone was thinking. “What if they try something else?”
“That’s why we’re taking every precaution,” Chan said. “Management is working with the authorities. Security will be tighter. We’ll be careful.”
“But what about Hyunjin?” Seungmin asked. “He might say he’s fine, but we all saw how scared he was.”
Jeongin, curled up on the couch, looked up. “What can we do for him?”
“Be there,” Chan said simply. “Remind him he’s not alone. He needs to feel safe with us, even if the world outside feels dangerous.”
The group nodded in unison, the unspoken promise hanging in the air: they would protect Hyunjin, no matter what it took.
The next few days, the presence of the fan subsided, giving Hyunjin and the rest of the group a break from all the anxiety it gave them.
The next day, Hyunjin remained quiet, his usual vibrant energy subdued. The other members took turns checking in on him, offering small gestures of comfort—a cup of tea from Felix, a joke from Han, a quiet moment of companionship from Jeongin.
Hyunjin appreciated their efforts, even if he didn’t have the energy to say so. Each gesture reminded him that he wasn’t alone, that he had people who cared about him, who would stand by him no matter what.
But as the days passed, the scars of the incident lingered, and Hyunjin couldn’t shake the feeling of eyes on him, even when he was safe at home.
It had been a week since the confrontation, and while the tension in the dorm had eased slightly, it was far from gone. Hyunjin was trying his best to move forward, immersing himself in drawing and rehearsals, but the unease lingered, like a shadow he couldn’t shake.
The other members rallied around him in quiet ways: Han constantly cracked jokes to make him laugh; Seungmin made sure his favorite snacks were always stocked; Felix spent hours with him, whether in comfortable silence or lighthearted conversation. Chan, ever the leader, was vigilant, checking in on Hyunjin and ensuring their security measures were ironclad.
But the sense of safety they had been trying to rebuild was shattered one evening when Hyunjin’s phone lit up with a new message.
Hyunjin was in the middle of sketching when his phone buzzed on the table beside him. At first, he ignored it, lost in the rhythm of his pencil strokes. But when it buzzed again—and again—he sighed and picked it up.
The sender was unknown.
His stomach twisted as he unlocked his phone and opened the message.
“Did you like my surprise last time? Don’t worry—I’ll see you again soon.”
Attached was a photo. Hyunjin froze as he recognized the street outside their dorm, taken from an angle that suggested the sender was just outside.
“Hyunjin, dinner’s ready!” Felix’s voice called from the kitchen.
Hyunjin’s hand trembled as he clutched the phone. He stood abruptly, the sound of his chair scraping against the floor startling even him. Felix appeared in the doorway, concern flashing across his face.
“Hyunjin? What’s wrong?”
Hyunjin couldn’t find the words. Instead, he handed Felix the phone, his breath coming in shallow gasps. Felix’s eyes widened as he read the message, his grip on the phone tightening.
“Chan!” Felix shouted, his usual soft tone replaced by urgency.
The dorm erupted into motion. Chan appeared in seconds, followed by the rest of the group. Felix handed him the phone, and Chan’s face darkened as he read the message.
“This has gone too far,” Chan said, his voice firm. “We’re calling security. Now.”
Hyunjin sat on the couch, his head in his hands, as the others surrounded him. Jeongin placed a tentative hand on his shoulder. “Hyung… we’re here, okay? They won’t get to you. We won’t let them.”
Hyunjin nodded, but his expression was distant, his mind racing.
Within the hour, a team of security personnel arrived, sweeping the area outside the dorm. The sender was nowhere to be found, but their presence had been confirmed—a discarded coffee cup near the building bore the same handwriting as the notes Hyunjin had received.
The group sat in the living room, tension thick in the air as the head of security briefed them.
“We’re increasing surveillance around your dorm and schedules,” he said. “Your safety is our top priority. If anything like this happens again, notify us immediately.”
Hyunjin nodded, his jaw set. For the first time in days, a flicker of anger sparked in his eyes, overtaking the fear.
That night, the dorm was quieter than usual, a heavy tension settling over the space like an unwelcome guest. Hyunjin sat at the kitchen table, the faint hum of the refrigerator the only sound in the room. Before him was a steaming cup of tea, untouched, its aroma faint in the air.
He stared at it, his thoughts spiraling in a loop of frustration and fear. The message, the photo—it had been too much.
Chan entered the kitchen, his footsteps soft, but Hyunjin didn’t look up. The leader pulled out a chair and sat down beside him, his expression calm but concerned.
“Tea’s getting cold,” Chan said gently.
Hyunjin finally spoke, his voice quiet but sharp, like a blade dulled by overuse. “I don’t know how to stop feeling like this.”
“Like what?” Chan asked, leaning forward slightly.
Hyunjin’s fingers curled into fists on the table. “Like I’m being watched. Like I’m… powerless.” His voice cracked on the last word, but his jaw clenched, forcing it steady again. “I hate it, hyung. I hate feeling this way.”
Chan reached out, placing a hand on his shoulder, his touch firm but comforting. “You don’t have to have all the answers right now. It’s okay to feel scared. It’s normal.”
Hyunjin shook his head, his frustration boiling over. “But I’m not just scared. I’m angry. This person—this stranger—they think they can control me, make me feel small. I don’t want to live like this, hyung. I can’t.”
The intensity in his voice startled Chan for a moment, but he quickly recovered, his grip on Hyunjin’s shoulder tightening slightly. “That anger? Use it. Let it remind you that you’re not helpless. You’ve got us, Hyunjin. You’ve got yourself. You’re stronger than they think.”
Hyunjin’s eyes burned with unshed tears, but his expression hardened. “I won’t let them win,” he said, more to himself than to Chan. “I won’t let them keep doing this to me.”
Chan nodded, his eyes steady. “That’s the Hyunjin I know. You don’t have to fight this alone, though. We’re in this with you, every step of the way.”
For a long moment, Hyunjin didn’t respond. Then, slowly, he reached for the tea, wrapping his hands around the mug. The warmth seeped into his fingers, grounding him.
“I’m done being scared,” he said, his voice firm, though a flicker of vulnerability remained in his gaze. “They don’t get to take away my life.”
Chan smiled softly. “That’s the spirit. But remember, you don’t have to prove anything to anyone. It’s okay to take things one step at a time.”
Hyunjin nodded, taking a sip of the tea. The bitterness felt grounding, a reminder that he was still here, still standing.
As he sat there with Chan, he felt the first stirrings of something he hadn’t in days: resolve.
The next morning, the dorm was a flurry of activity as usual, but the atmosphere felt subtly different. The unease of the previous night hadn’t completely dissipated, but there was a shared determination in the air—one that Hyunjin’s resolve had sparked.
As the group gathered around the dining table for breakfast, Hyunjin’s presence was noticeably different. He sat taller, his expression more focused. Though the tension in his shoulders remained, his eyes held a spark of determination that hadn’t been there in days.
“Morning,” Felix chirped as he set a plate of toast in front of Hyunjin. “Made your favorite. Eat up, okay?”
Hyunjin managed a small smile. “Thanks, Lix.”
Han, munching on a rice ball, leaned over to peer at Hyunjin. “You look less like a ghost today. That’s a good sign.”
“Jisung!” Seungmin chided, smacking his arm lightly.
“What? I’m just saying!” Han replied with a grin, unbothered. He turned back to Hyunjin. “Seriously, though. It’s good to see you looking a bit more like yourself.”
Hyunjin glanced around the table, taking in the subtle ways his members were trying to lift his spirits. Felix’s careful preparation of his breakfast, Han’s teasing but supportive comments, Seungmin’s protective scolding, and even Jeongin’s quiet, watchful gaze.
Chan cleared his throat, drawing everyone’s attention. “Alright, listen up. I talked to management again this morning. They’ve tightened security for us, but that’s not all. We’re going to work together to make sure none of us feel unsafe, especially you, Hyunjin.”
Hyunjin blinked in surprise. “What do you mean?”
“I mean,” Chan said, his tone firm, “we’re going to be more careful, but we’re also going to keep an eye on each other. If you feel off about anything—anything—you tell us. No more brushing things off.”
The others nodded in agreement.
“Also,” Seungmin added, his voice thoughtful, “we’ve been working on a buddy system. None of us go anywhere alone unless absolutely necessary. And if you need space, that’s fine, but someone will always know where you are.”
Hyunjin felt a mix of gratitude and guilt. “You don’t have to do all this just for me…”
“Hyung,” Jeongin said quietly, his gaze steady, “we’re doing this because we care about you. You’d do the same for any of us.”
Hyunjin’s throat tightened. He looked down at his plate, his hands curling around the edges of the table. “I don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything,” Felix said, sliding into the seat beside him. “Just let us be here for you.”
Han nudged him playfully. “And maybe crack a smile once in a while so we know it’s working.”
Hyunjin huffed a small laugh despite himself, and the sound seemed to brighten the entire room.
Later that day, Hyunjin was in the practice room, working through a new choreography. His movements were sharp, precise, each step fueled by the lingering anger and frustration he was learning to channel.
Felix joined him first, matching his movements with ease. Then Han and Seungmin trickled in, turning it into an impromptu group session. By the time Chan arrived, the room was alive with energy, their laughter mixing with the music as they experimented with different routines.
“You’ve still got it,” Chan said, clapping Hyunjin on the back after they finished a particularly intricate sequence.
Hyunjin wiped the sweat from his brow, his chest heaving. “Thanks, hyung. Feels good to move.”
“Feels good to see you smile,” Chan replied, his own grin wide.
As they gathered their things to head back to the dorm, Hyunjin felt lighter, the weight on his chest easing ever so slightly. His members’ unwavering support reminded him that he wasn’t alone in this fight.
And for the first time in days, he felt like himself again.
A week later, Stray Kids had their first public event since the confrontation. It was a fan sign—a smaller gathering in a controlled environment. Security had been significantly increased, with staff stationed at every possible entry point and near the members at all times.
Hyunjin sat at the table between Han and Felix, a calm but focused expression on his face. He wasn’t entirely at ease, but he’d decided not to let fear dictate his life anymore.
Fans approached one by one, their excitement palpable. Hyunjin felt a flicker of nervousness each time someone came forward, but he channeled that energy into genuine interactions.
“Oppa, your dancing inspires me so much!” a young fan gushed, placing a small gift bag in front of him.
Hyunjin smiled warmly, his voice steady. “Thank you. That means a lot to me. I hope you keep pursuing what you love, too.”
As the line moved, he felt a hand gently squeeze his arm. He glanced over to see Felix giving him a subtle nod of encouragement.
“You’re doing great,” Felix whispered.
Hyunjin nodded, his resolve solidifying.
Halfway through the event, something shifted. A fan stepped forward, their demeanor slightly off. They wore a hoodie pulled low over their face, and though they smiled, it didn’t quite reach their eyes.
Hyunjin’s stomach churned. Something about them felt familiar, but he couldn’t immediately place it.
“Hyunjin,” they said softly, their tone too intimate. “It’s nice to finally see you again.”
His hand froze mid-signature, his eyes snapping up to meet theirs. The fan slid a small box across the table, their fingers lingering on it.
“I got this just for you,” they said, their gaze intense.
Felix immediately picked up on Hyunjin’s unease. He shifted closer, his hand resting on Hyunjin’s back in silent support. Han glanced over, his smile faltering as he caught the tension.
Hyunjin forced himself to respond calmly, his voice firm. “Thank you, but we’re not allowed to accept gifts directly. Please hand it to staff.”
The fan’s smile wavered, and their hand twitched as if they might reach for him. But before they could, security intervened, stepping in smoothly.
“Ma’am, please step back,” one of the guards said firmly.
The fan’s expression darkened for a brief moment before they turned and disappeared into the crowd.
Hyunjin exhaled shakily, his hands gripping the edge of the table.
“Hyung,” Felix murmured, his voice low. “You okay?”
“I’m fine,” Hyunjin replied, though his voice was tight.
Chan, seated at the end of the table, motioned for a brief pause. As the members gathered backstage for a quick break, he turned to Hyunjin, his expression serious.
“That person,” Chan said. “Was it them?”
Hyunjin nodded slowly. “I think so.”
Weeks had passed since the unsettling encounter at the fan sign. Life had slowly returned to a sense of normalcy. The members carried on with their schedules, and though Hyunjin occasionally caught himself glancing over his shoulder, he found solace in the group’s support and the increased security measures.
The sasaeng’s presence had seemingly faded into the background. No more mysterious notes or purple tulips appeared at the dorm. No more messages or unsettling calls disrupted their routines. For the first time in what felt like months, Hyunjin began to relax.
Even so, the members remained vigilant. They never let Hyunjin go anywhere alone, and Chan frequently checked in with the security team. The fragile peace held, and everyone clung to the hope that it would last.
The group had just landed in Korea after a whirlwind overseas event. The members were visibly tired, their steps sluggish as they made their way through the bustling airport. Fans crowded around the barriers, cheering and waving signs, but the group kept their heads down, their masks and sunglasses hiding their exhaustion.
“Stick together,” Chan instructed, his voice calm but firm. “We’re almost there.”
Hyunjin walked in the middle of the group, his cap pulled low and his mask hiding his face. He kept his head down, gripping the strap of his carry-on tightly. Despite the increased security, he couldn’t shake the gnawing feeling of unease in his stomach.
As they approached the exit, the crowd seemed to swell. Fans pushed against the barriers, their cheers growing louder. Security worked to maintain order, but the sheer number of people made it difficult.
Amid the chaos, a voice rose above the rest—a voice that made Hyunjin’s heart skip.
“Hyunjin!”
Instinctively, his eyes darted toward the sound. Through the sea of faces, he spotted them: the sasaeng. The hooded figure moved with alarming speed, slipping past the barricades and charging straight toward him.
“Hyunjin! Wait!”
Before he could react, the sasaeng broke through the line and lunged at him. Their hands gripped his arm, yanking him off balance.
In the chaos, they tackled him to the ground. Hyunjin’s head struck the hard tile floor with a sickening crack, and a sharp, blinding pain shot through his skull.
“Why won’t you talk to me?!” the fan screamed, their voice a mix of desperation and fury. “I love you! Don’t you see that?”
Hyunjin blinked, dazed. Warmth trickled down the side of his face, and when he reached up instinctively, his fingers came away slick with blood.
“Get off him!”
Chan’s voice thundered over the chaos. He surged forward, grabbing the fan by their shoulders and wrenching them away from Hyunjin. The sasaeng flailed, screaming incoherent pleas, but Chan’s grip was unrelenting, Changbin coming in to help him keep the sasaeng restricted. His usual calm was replaced with a fiery protectiveness, his jaw clenched in fury.
Security finally arrived, pulling the sasaeng away as they struggled and yelled, “Hyunjin! Don’t let them take me! I love you!” Their cries grew fainter as they were dragged away.
Chan turned immediately, dropping to his knees beside Hyunjin. His sharp eyes scanned the scene: Hyunjin’s pale face, the blood streaking his forehead, and his slightly unfocused gaze.
“Hyunjin, look at me,” Chan said, his voice steady but laced with worry.
Hyunjin blinked, his head lolling slightly. “Chan... it’s fine. I’m fine.”
“No, you’re not,” Chan snapped, his hand gripping Hyunjin’s shoulder to steady him. “Don’t try to move too much. Stay still.”
The other members surrounded them, their faces etched with worry, creating a protective barrier around them. Separating them from the unfolding chaos of the scared, and increasingly angry, fans. Felix crouched beside Hyunjin, gently taking his hand. “Hyung, can you sit up? We’ll help you.”
With Chan and Felix supporting him, Hyunjin slowly pushed himself upright, wincing as the movement made his head throb.
“Careful,” Seungmin said, his voice calm but trembling slightly. He hovered close, ready to assist.
Blood trickled down Hyunjin’s temple again, and Han quickly reached into his bag, pulling out a pack of tissues. He handed it to Chan, who pressed it against Hyunjin’s forehead.
“Let’s get him out of here,” Chan said. “Hyunjin, lean on me, okay?”
“I’m okay,” Hyunjin mumbled, though his legs wobbled as he tried to stand.
“Don’t push yourself,” Minho said, stepping in to support Hyunjin’s other side. Together, Chan and Minho carefully guided him toward the exit, flanked by the others.
The van was waiting just outside, the driver and manager already alerted. The group quickly loaded in, Chan helping Hyunjin into a seat while Felix sat close, ready to catch him if he swayed.
“Hyunjin, stay awake,” Chan said firmly, his hand steady on Hyunjin’s arm.
Hyunjin blinked slowly, the adrenaline fading and leaving him dazed. “It’s just a scratch,” he murmured, though his voice was weaker than before.
“No, it’s not,” Changbin countered, his tone unusually sharp. “You hit your head hard. You’re bleeding, Hyunjin. That’s not ‘just a scratch.’”
Felix dabbed gently at the blood with a clean tissue, his brows furrowed in concentration. “It’s still oozing a little,” he said softly. “Hyun, how are you feeling? Does your head hurt a lot?”
“Feels heavy,” Hyunjin admitted, wincing as Felix’s hand brushed near the cut.
“Manager-nim,” Chan called to the front, “we need to go to the hospital. Now.”
“I’m already on it,” the manager replied, glancing back briefly. “Hyunjin, hang in there, okay? We’ll be there soon.”
The van sped through the streets, the atmosphere inside tense and quiet except for the soft reassurances from the members.
Seungmin reached into his bag and pulled out a water bottle, unscrewing the cap. “Hyung, take a sip. It might help you feel less lightheaded.”
Hyunjin managed a small nod, taking the bottle with trembling hands. Chan steadied it for him as he drank, careful not to spill.
“Does it hurt too much?” Felix asked, his voice tight with worry.
“It’s not... unbearable,” Hyunjin said, though his eyes remained half-closed.
“It doesn’t matter,” Minho said firmly. “You’re still going to get it checked.”
Chan’s hand rested on Hyunjin’s shoulder, his thumb brushing comfortingly against the fabric of his jacket. “We’ve got you,” he said softly. “You don’t have to worry about anything else right now.”
The van screeched to a halt in front of the emergency entrance, and the members wasted no time helping Hyunjin out. A nurse met them at the door, quickly assessing the situation before leading them inside.
As Hyunjin was taken for treatment, the others stayed close, their worry evident in their hushed voices and restless movements.
“Why does it feel like this is all our fault?” Felix whispered, his voice trembling.
“It’s not,” Changbin said firmly, though his clenched fists betrayed his own frustration. “The blame lies with that fan, not us. What matters now is that Hyunjin gets better.”
Minho nodded, placing a hand on Felix’s shoulder. “Hyunjin’s strong. He’ll be fine.”
The group sat together in the waiting room, their solidarity a quiet testament to the bond they shared. Whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them as one.
The fluorescent lights of the hospital waiting room buzzed faintly, adding to the tension that hung in the air. The members sat in a tight circle, their postures tense, exhaustion etched into their faces. Felix had his head in his hands, his leg bouncing uncontrollably. Minho leaned against the wall, arms crossed tightly, his face a mask of forced calm. Han and Seungmin whispered softly to each other, their voices too low to be heard.
Chan stood near the manager, his jaw tight, hands resting on his hips. His gaze was fixed on the double doors that Hyunjin had been taken through, silently willing someone to emerge with good news.
“What exactly happened back there?” the manager asked quietly, glancing at Chan. “I need every detail for the report.”
Chan let out a slow, measured breath. “It all happened so fast. Security was holding the line, but the crowd was too much. That sasaeng somehow slipped through while everyone was distracted. I saw them rush Hyunjin, but I couldn’t get to him in time.”
The manager frowned, his expression darkening. “And they managed to tackle him to the ground?”
“Yeah,” Chan said, his voice tight. “Hyunjin hit his head hard. There was blood right away.” He paused, running a hand through his hair. “They were screaming at him, completely unhinged. If I hadn’t stepped in...”
The manager shook his head, his hands clenching into fists. “This has gone too far. We’re pressing charges. I’ll handle it with the legal team, but this sasaeng needs to face consequences.”
“They absolutely do,” Chan agreed, his voice firm. “They’ve been stalking him for weeks, leaving gifts and messages. We’ve tried to tighten security, but it’s clearly not enough. They need to be stopped.”
On the other side of the room, Felix looked up, his eyes red-rimmed. “Hyunjin didn’t deserve this,” he muttered, his voice shaking.
“None of us do,” Minho said softly, his gaze still fixed on the floor. “But Hyunjin’s been the one dealing with it the most.”
Seungmin, always the voice of reason, spoke carefully. “This isn’t the time to dwell on what should or shouldn’t have happened. What matters is that Hyunjin is okay.”
Han nodded, his usual upbeat demeanor replaced by quiet determination. “When he comes out of this, we’re going to make sure he knows we’ve got his back. No more of this ‘handling it alone’ stuff.”
The doors finally swung open, and a doctor stepped out, clipboard in hand. The group immediately rose to their feet, crowding around her.
“Is he okay?” Chan asked urgently.
The doctor gave a reassuring nod. “He’s stable. The cut on his forehead was deep, but we cleaned and stitched it. We’re monitoring him for signs of a concussion, but so far, everything looks good.”
Relief washed over the group, and Felix visibly sagged against Han.
“Can we see him?” Minho asked.
“Yes,” the doctor said with a small smile. “One or two of you at a time, for now. He’s awake but still a bit disoriented.”
Chan and Felix were the first to enter Hyunjin’s room. He lay on the bed, his head wrapped in a clean bandage, his skin pale against the stark white sheets. His eyes fluttered open as they approached, and he managed a faint smile.
“Hyunjin,” Chan said softly, pulling a chair closer. “How’re you feeling?”
“Like I got run over,” Hyunjin muttered, his voice raspy. “But I’ll live.”
Felix sat on the edge of the bed, his hands trembling slightly as he reached for Hyunjin’s. “That was scary,” he whispered.
“Sorry,” Hyunjin said, his smile turning apologetic.
“Stop that,” Chan said firmly. “You have nothing to apologize for. This isn’t your fault.”
Felix nodded, squeezing Hyunjin’s hand. “We’re just glad you’re okay.”
As they talked, Chan’s expression hardened slightly, his protective instincts kicking in again. “Hyunjin,” he said quietly but firmly, “the manager’s already working with the legal team. We’re pressing charges against that sasaeng. This ends here.”
Hyunjin blinked, surprised. “Pressing charges?”
“Absolutely,” Felix said, his voice steady. “They’ve been stalking you, sending you those creepy gifts, and now this? They crossed every line. We won’t let them get away with it.”
Hyunjin nodded slowly, his expression a mix of gratitude and lingering unease. “Thanks, guys. For everything.”
“You’re family,” Chan said simply, his voice warm. “We take care of each other.”
Over the next few days, the dorm was quieter than usual. Hyunjin had been discharged from the hospital with orders to rest, and the members were taking turns keeping an eye on him. Though he tried to downplay the incident, the bandage on his forehead and occasional wince when he moved too quickly told a different story.
Felix hovered the most, often bringing Hyunjin snacks or gently reminding him not to strain himself. “If you keep moving around, you’ll rip the stitches,” he’d scold, his tone light but firm.
Han, ever the mood-lifter, spent his time trying to make Hyunjin laugh, even if it was just with silly impressions or bad jokes. “Laughter’s the best medicine,” he declared one evening, earning a small chuckle from Hyunjin despite his exhaustion.
Minho and Seungmin balanced their usual teasing with genuine care, often sitting with Hyunjin in comfortable silence or watching movies to distract him.
One evening, after checking on Hyunjin and finding him fast asleep, Chan decided it was time to address the elephant in the room. He set up his laptop in his room and started a live broadcast, his face unusually serious.
The chat flooded with comments almost instantly.
“Oppa, what happened at the airport?”
“Is Hyunjin okay?”
“We’re so worried!”
Chan leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, and sighed. “Hey, everyone. I wanted to go live because... well, I think it’s time we talked about something important.”
He paused, choosing his words carefully. “As you’ve probably heard, something happened at the airport a few days ago. Hyunjin got hurt because someone decided they had the right to invade our personal space.” His voice was steady, but his jaw tightened as he spoke.
“I’m not going to sugarcoat this,” Chan continued, his tone sharper now. “What happened wasn’t just a ‘fan being excited.’ It was dangerous, reckless, and completely unacceptable. We love and appreciate our fans more than we can say, but there has to be a line. And when that line is crossed... people get hurt.”
The chat slowed as viewers hung on his every word.
Chan’s eyes flicked to the camera, his gaze intense. “Hyunjin is okay, but he could’ve been seriously injured—or worse. And let me be clear: we won’t tolerate this. The person responsible is facing legal action. No exceptions.”
His hands clenched briefly before he exhaled and softened his tone. “I’m not saying this to scare anyone, but because I need you all to understand how serious this is. We’re people, too. We have boundaries, and they need to be respected.”
In the hallway outside of his door, Felix and Han peeked out from Hyunjin’s room, having heard snippets of Chan’s broadcast. “He’s really laying it all out there,” Han whispered, impressed.
Felix nodded, his expression solemn. “Good. People need to hear it.”
Inside the room, Hyunjin stirred, his eyes fluttering open. “What’s going on?” he murmured groggily.
“Chan’s live,” Felix said softly. “He’s addressing what happened.”
Hyunjin blinked, then managed a small, tired smile. “Of course he is. That’s Chan for you.”
As the live broadcast neared its end, Chan leaned closer to the camera, his expression softening. “I know most of you would never cross those boundaries, and for that, we’re so grateful. Your love and support mean everything to us. Just... let’s keep it safe, yeah?”
He smiled faintly. “And don’t worry too much about Hyunjin. He’s strong. We’re taking care of him. He’s got us, and he’s got you guys..”
The comments poured in, full of encouragement and promises to respect their boundaries.
Chan signed off with a small wave, closing the laptop and sitting back with a sigh. Minho walked in, handing him a glass of water. “You did good, leader,” he said simply.
Chan took the glass, a weary smile playing on his lips. “Thanks. Let’s just hope it makes a difference…and that I don’t get into too much trouble”
The morning after Chan’s live broadcast, the dorm was unusually quiet. Hyunjin, still recovering, was propped up on the couch with a blanket draped over his legs. Felix sat beside him, scrolling through his phone.
“Hyung,” Felix said softly, holding up his phone. “You should see this.”
Hyunjin squinted at the screen, his head still aching from the injury. The hashtag #ProtectHyunjin was trending worldwide, accompanied by messages of support from fans.
“What happened to Hyunjin is unacceptable. Let’s make sure this doesn’t happen again.”
“Thank you, Chan, for speaking out. Stay strong, Hyunjin!”
“We love you, Hyunjin. Take all the time you need to recover.”
Hyunjin blinked, his eyes glistening as he handed the phone back to Felix. “They’re really supporting me, huh?”
“Of course they are,” Felix said with a warm smile. “They love you.”
The rest of the members gathered in the living room, each of them holding their phones, reading through the overwhelming outpour of love and solidarity from fans.
“Chan’s live really hit a nerve,” Han said, scrolling through the messages. “People are finally taking this seriously.”
“Good,” Minho said firmly. “It’s about time.”
Seungmin nodded, sitting down next to Hyunjin. “It’s not just fans, either. I saw a few industry professionals speaking out about sasaeng culture. Chan’s words sparked something.”
Chan walked in, rubbing the back of his neck. “What are you all looking at?”
Felix grinned, waving his phone. “You, hyung. You set the internet on fire.”
Chan chuckled, a little sheepish. “I just said what needed to be said.”
Over the next week, Hyunjin’s recovery continued steadily. The members stuck close to him, taking turns making sure he had everything he needed. Even Minho, who usually preferred tough love, found himself doting.
“You’re not getting up,” Minho said one afternoon when Hyunjin tried to move from the couch to the kitchen. “Tell me what you need, and I’ll get it.”
“I’m fine, hyung,” Hyunjin protested, but his wobbling legs betrayed him.
Minho caught him before he could fall. “Yeah, you’re totally fine,” he said dryly. “Sit down. Felix will bring you whatever you need.”
Felix, overhearing, popped his head into the living room. “You want tea? Cookies? Both?”
Hyunjin sighed, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Tea’s fine. Thanks.”
One evening, Hyunjin sat alone on the balcony, gazing at the city lights. His head still ached if he moved too quickly, and the scar on his forehead was a stark reminder of the airport incident.
Chan stepped outside, pulling a chair beside him. “Can’t sleep?”
Hyunjin shook his head lightly. “Just thinking.”
“About what?”
Hyunjin hesitated. “About everything. How this all started. How it almost got worse. I hate that I let it get this far.”
“Hey,” Chan said firmly, placing a hand on his shoulder. “This isn’t on you. None of it is. You didn’t let anything happen. That sasaeng crossed a line—a line they never should’ve even approached.”
Hyunjin glanced at him, his expression uncertain. “You think this will really stop others from doing the same?”
Chan nodded. “I do. We’ve taken steps legally, and we’ve made it clear we won’t stand for this kind of behavior. But more importantly, our fans are with us. They want to protect you as much as we do.”
Hyunjin smiled faintly. “Thanks, hyung. For everything.”
“Anytime,” Chan said, grinning. “You’re family. We don’t let family fight alone.”
The next morning, Hyunjin woke to the smell of pancakes. He shuffled into the kitchen to find the members bustling around, a spread of food already laid out on the table.
“What’s all this?” he asked, his voice groggy.
“It’s ‘Welcome Back to the Land of the Living’ breakfast,” Han announced, flipping a pancake.
“We figured you deserved something special,” Seungmin added, pouring juice into glasses.
Minho placed a plate in front of Hyunjin and smirked. “Eat up. You need your strength back.”
Hyunjin looked around the table, his heart swelling with gratitude. “Thanks, guys. Really.”
“Don’t get too emotional,” Han teased, setting a stack of pancakes in front of him. “You’re going to need the energy for practice once you’re fully healed.”
Hyunjin laughed softly, the first genuine laugh since the incident. For the first time in weeks, he felt at ease, surrounded by the people who cared for him the most.
It had been a little over three weeks since the airport incident, and the members were gradually resuming their schedules. Hyunjin, while eager to get back to work, was still under strict orders to take it easy. The bandage on his forehead served as a constant reminder of the chaos they’d endured, but he was determined not to let it hold him back.
Their first activity as a group was a low-pressure photoshoot for a magazine. The atmosphere in the studio was warm and welcoming, with the crew going out of their way to make Hyunjin feel comfortable.
“You look great, Hyun,” Felix said, adjusting his own outfit as Hyunjin stood in front of the mirror.
Hyunjin touched the edge of the bandage self-consciously. “I feel like it’s all people are going to see.”
“It’s not,” Chan assured him, stepping over. “They’ll see how strong you are. How you didn’t let this stop you.”
Hyunjin smiled faintly and nodded. “Thanks, hyung.”
During the shoot, the other members subtly took the spotlight when Hyunjin seemed overwhelmed. They cracked jokes, posed dramatically, and made sure the mood stayed light. By the end of the session, Hyunjin was laughing with them, his earlier nerves forgotten.
Several weeks later, the group prepared for a live broadcast—Hyunjin’s first public appearance since the incident. The dorm was buzzing with activity as they set up the cameras and gathered snacks for the fans.
“Are you ready, Hyunjin?” Minho asked, adjusting the angle of one of the cameras.
Hyunjin took a deep breath, glancing at his reflection in the window. The scar on his forehead had faded to a light pink line, but it was still visible. “Yeah,” he said, though his voice wavered slightly. “I’m ready.”
Chan placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “We’re all here with you, mate. You don’t have to do this alone.”
As the live began, the members greeted their fans with their usual energy, chatting about recent events and joking around. The comments flooded in almost immediately.
“Hyunjin, it’s so good to see you!”
“You look amazing, don’t worry about the scar.”
“We missed you so much!”
Hyunjin leaned closer to read the messages, his heart swelling with gratitude. “Thank you,” he said softly. “I missed you guys, too.”
Changbin wrapped an arm around Hyunjin’s shoulders. “He’s been working hard to recover. Don’t worry, our Hyunnie’s as strong as ever.”
The live continued with playful banter, updates about their projects, and plenty of lighthearted moments. As it went on, Hyunjin grew more relaxed, his usual spark returning.
Toward the end of the live, Chan addressed the fans. “We just want to say thank you for all the love and support you’ve shown Hyunjin and all of us. It means a lot to know you have our backs.”
Hyunjin nodded, his eyes shining. “I don’t think I can ever thank you enough. You guys make everything we do worth it.”
When the cameras were off and the dorm fell quiet, Hyunjin sank into the couch with a deep sigh. “That... wasn’t as scary as I thought it would be.”
“You did great,” Changbin said, handing him a bottle of water.
“We all knew you would,” Jisung added with a grin. “You’re Hyunjin, after all.”
Hyunjin smiled, his heart lighter than it had been in weeks. For the first time since the incident, he felt truly at peace, surrounded by his brothers and the unwavering support of their fans.