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Chapter Text

JYP spared no expense promoting their newest reality experiment.

Within forty-eight hours, thousands of hopeful women applied for a chance to date Christopher Bang Chan, leader of the rising K-pop group Stray Kids.

Every applicant filled out the same forms: age, nationality, languages, zodiac sign, MBTI, blood type. Proprietary AI handled the first sweep, flagging anything that didn’t fit the company’s carefully built algorithm of compatibility.

From thousands, the list shrank to two hundred. Then staff interviews cut that number again… and again.

When the final twenty remained, their glossy profiles were printed, stacked neatly in manila folders, and delivered to the dorm. Each one represented a perfect match…on paper.

Bang Chan had demanded that he and his members have the final say over who made it onto the show. The company eventually agreed, though not without hesitation.

Handing over control to their idol was never part of the plan…

The noise and excitement die down about 30 minutes into the task. Open pizza boxes, coffee-stained notes, and discarded paper airplanes were the only evidence they’d made any progress. 

The chaos of the table fuels Chan’s growing irritation. He’d spent his whole career learning what everyone else wanted from him. Now, when it came to what he wanted, the silence in his head was deafening. The answer? Nowhere to be found.

“What's got you spinning hyung?” Hyunjin plops into the chair next to him, gesturing to his hands. Chan follows his gesture to see he was once again spinning the ring on his index finger, his telltale sign that he was spent and tired. 

“Nothing too heavy. Just a long day in the studio and this” he gestures to the chaos before him. “Is not my forte” 

“Well good thing I have notes.” Seungmin offers from the opposite end of the table. Chan smiles but the lack of dimples confirms it’s perfunctory. 

Changbin lets out a low whistle. “Hyung, they’ve got your type pegged.” 

The file in question is already being shoved into his hands.

“How unfortunate for them that I don’t have a type,” he snarks. 

“Yeah,” Felix said, smirking. “You just somehow collect strays and call it a band.”

“I like who I like. Never been able to narrow it down myself.”

Laughter erupted around the table. Chan rolled his eyes, a small smile his only response.

Matilda “Tilly” Carter. (AUS)
Her glamour shot performs its sole duty of showing the best of her features in every possible way. Her red hair catches the sun's rays and strands of golden rust shine through the layers as if she has caught the sun herself and harnessed its light. 

Her crystal blue eyes calm, while her ruby red lips excite. She has a duality that feels tangible.

And yet, Chan felt nothing. 

Stunning, absolutely. Interesting? How was he supposed to know from a file? He was around stunning women often. Looks only went so deep.

His internal spiral stopped when Minho leaned over his shoulder. “Good to know the company has favorites.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Changbin shoots back. 

“It means you are company-coded Binnie. You saw what they did. Good find.” He winks and smirks, efficiently ending the banter before Binnie can find the insult. 

Minho stalks back to his chair, leans back and throws his feet on the table like a feral hoodlum before grabbing the next folder. 

All Chan could do was roll his eyes. He is too tired to scold him at this point. 

Closing his eyes, he slowly leans his head from shoulder to shoulder in an attempt to release some of the tension that had been building throughout the day.

Tilly’s folder is pulled from his hands and carted away by Seungmin before he even has a chance to open it.

“Pssst.” A file slid across the table. Minho’s grin was cat and mouse, pride flickering in his half-lidded gaze, ego tucked behind his knowing smile.

Rinah (리나 / Ri-nah) Kim (KR).
The photo pulls his gaze immediately. Not a headshot. No filter or editing. He isn't even sure she knew the photo was being taken, but there is a warmth to it that calls to him.

Society would call her plain, simple. But the person who took the photo captured the beauty in that too: Rinah sat on a park bench, sunlight spilling through the trees, resting on her pale skin. Her eyes were closed, her smile soft, her face tilted toward the warmth.

Chan glances down the table. The other files blur together, every woman prettier by the world’s standards. He looks back at the one in his hand.

How did you sneak through? 

He opens the file, curiosity overriding the dull anger that’s been living in his chest all night.

AGE: 34. Circled in Bright red 3 times. That’s a bit excessive.  I'm 28… Have they ever heard of a “Noona”?  

Job: caretaker and part-time teacher. Cool. Both are respectable positions. Cancer… ENFJ… Type T.

The AI review was brutal and his blood heated. “Too average to elevate the idol image.” The words leave a bad taste in his mouth as he reads them out.

He scoffed. “Guess being normal’s a crime now.”

Han leaned closer. “They actually wrote that?”

“Right here,” Chan said, tapping the paper. “Apparently, compassion’s bad for brand alignment.” 

Hyunjin threw another file in the air. “She’s still miles better than this influencer who said her life goal is to ‘get 1 million followers on IG.’”

“What's wrong Jinnie? Worried she might steal the visual spotlight?” Jeongin teased. He ducks just in time to dodge the paper ball Hyunjin hurled in response. 

Chan exhaled sharply. “They polished that one until she shines, then tore this one apart in red ink. At least this one has a damn soul.” He threw the folder on the table.

Anger bubbled in his chest. He knew exactly how brutal it was to have every inch of your life picked apart. 

You mean like you have for the last fifteen years. 

Rinah Kim might not know what she was signing up for. He hadn’t either. None of them had.

Han steps into his line of sight.“Walk with me?” Han tilts his head. 

Chan stands abruptly, sliding the folder to Seungmin. “She is a yes.” Minnie nods.

That's all Chan needs before nearly running from the room. 

The Tranquility Garden lived up to its name for everyone except him.

Fifteen years of running seven chaos gremlins around the world, producing nearly three hundred songs, negotiating with the company like it was a second language… and somehow this, this pile of twenty photos, felt heavier than all of it combined.

Why it was so hard wasn’t a question he was ready to answer for himself.

Chan sat staring out at the cityscape as the lights flicker and the nightly routine of rest takes shape.

Please, he thought, let peace find me the way it finds everyone else. 

“Want to talk about it?” Han’s voice came soft behind him.

“Nope.”

Han sat anyway, settling onto the bench beside him. “Then I’ll talk. You can just sit there and look broody.”

“Great,” Chan muttered. “My favorite activity.”

“No matter what happens here, we’ve got you hyung.” Han leans over to rest his head on Chan's shoulder. “Don’t let the years of carefully crafted truths and secrets steal this opportunity from you.” 

Chan felt a poke in his shoulder. When he looked over Han had his puppy eyes on full blast. “We just want you to give yourself a chance. That's all we ask.”

Sighing heavily, Chan shakes his head. “You have been trained too well Han-ah.” a chuckle betraying his cold demeanor. 

The door opens and Minho saunters towards them. “Still broody? Or has Jisung won you over?” All three men laugh, further reducing the tension in Chan's chest.

“He’s working on it.” Han’s smile beamed with pride and joy. 

Minho pulls an apple from his pocket, tosses it in the air, Chan catches it and lobs it back.

"What are you doing?" Chan asks.

"Showing you how easy this is." He tosses it to Chan, who catches it reflexively. "See? You didn't even think about it. You just... caught it."

He tosses it back. Minho catches it without looking.

"That's what this is, hyung. Stop overthinking. Just catch what comes to you."

“I just…” he started, then stopped. “Who am I to decide who’s worthy? Who am I to cut twelve people from even having a chance?”

Han tilted his head. “Who else should pick the women you would be dating?”

Before Chan can respond, Minho is speaking at him. “If you hate the system, change the rules. Pick people you want to genuinely get to know. But stop acting like you’re some burden people have to tolerate. Any woman who ends up on that list isn’t settling. She knew what this job entails, and she applied anyway. If she made it this far, she is one of the lucky ones.”

Chan stared at him for a long moment, then laughed quietly. “When did you get so wise?”

Minho grinned. “I’ve been watching you for years. Some of it had to rub off.”

Han raised his non-existent drink in mock salute. “To Minho, our resident therapist.”

Minho nods. “To Chan, our resident idiot.”

“Cheers,” Chan said, and for the first time that night, the smile on his face didn't feel forced. 

Stepping back into the room, Chan takes a deep breath, and looks around the room. “Alright, let's finish this.” 

The boys fill the room with cheer and chants, the realization that he may finally be on board allows an electrified and excited energy to fill the air. 

Felix leans close, his voice low enough to keep it between himself and Chan. “We need to know you want this too. You have our support no matter which way you fall, mate.” 

“Yeah, guess I have been a bit of a broodish boar today.” The cool metal on his ring grounding him as he reflects on the day’s event. “Full send.” A curt nod towards Felix has the younger aussie member lighting up. 

“I have compiled these 10 as suitable. Tilly and Rinah are pretty well cemented but take a look at the rest.” Seungmin hands him a stack of files but has stapled a note page to each detailing the ways they are different from the other 9 and what strengths they possess that he identified as “Chan coded” needs. 

“You always were the best student of the bunch.” Chan looks to the 2nd youngest and adoration fills his chest, his heart filling as he clocks each member and finally can see what his irritation had been hiding all day. 

They wanted this for him, but more so, they wanted to do this for him. This meant something to them and his selfishness made him blind to it. 

“Sorry for today.” The statement barely above a whisper. 

A paper ball hits him. Laughter erupts from the shock that paints his face. Chan blinks but finds the culprit; Jeongin, just as he is launching the next attack. 

He catches it and with cat-like reflexes returns it, the ball hitting the maknae square in the forehead and bouncing back to the table. 

Chaos descends as the group takes a much needed break from the monotonous task.

The playful energy sweeping through the room work to dispel any fears and anxiety Chan may have been clinging to. 

Paper balls fly past, hoots and shouts echo around the room, and Lee Know sits back in his chair fingering through the files once again. 

Confident the team will avoid involving him out of fear of retaliation, he keeps his attention to the task at hand. 

Picking through the files an error catches his eye. The sounds around him fade away as he compares applications between a few of the contestants. 

How did they miss that? He wonders as he makes a note in his phone of the discrepancy. He starts tapping out a message. Further investigation required. He thinks as the wheels begin to turn. 

“Hey… I know that grin. What are you up to?” Minho can feel Chan’s stare but is completely unbothered by the leader’s tone and ‘need to know’ ways. 

“Me? Oh… nothing.” He locks his phone and begins to sort the 10 finalists into categories, the smirk not quite leaving his face. 

“Right, and my name isn't Christopher.” Changbin and Hyunjin clock the sarcasm and saunter in behind Minho, peeking over his shoulder. 

“If you would like to meet my air fryer, please lean in closer.” The threat works and both boys giggle as they back away quickly. 

“Playtime’s over, sit down and help out, OR off to bed. The choice is yours.” Minho doesn't even bother to look up as he commands the room to get back on task. 

All 7 fill in the seats around him, files slowly being handed out and notes from Minnie being discussed. 

By 2am, each member has selected their ‘choice’ and 8 finalists sit neatly in the Yes pile. 

Chan looks at them. Rinah Kim. Matilda Carter. Mia Park. Ji-yoo. Hye-rin. Minji. Soojin. Ryuni.

"I have a good feeling about those 8," Felix says.

"Production's going to push Tilly," Lee Know observes. "Hard."

"Let them," Changbin says. "They have forgotten that Chan will always blaze his own path. He’ll pick who he likes and they will have to follow it"

I.N. looks at the files. "What if none of them work out?"

"Then we tried," Chan says. "And that's more than I was willing to do an hour ago."

Hyunjin raises his glass. "To fate and be willing to let it have its chance."

The others join. "To fate."

Lee Know doesn't toast. He's staring at his phone, reading the reply.

"What?" Chan asks.

"Nothing." Lee Know smirks. "Just thinking."

"That's dangerous," Han laughs.

"Always is." 

Tapping a quick reply, he pockets his phone and sits back.

You know, I know, Lee Knows. Minho's cat-like smile grows.

Chapter Text

Present Day - Seoul
1 Day before production.
POV Rinah (리나 / Ri-nah)

“I am never flying ever again… The end…”

"Welcome to Seoul, Miss Kim. I am Mr. Choi. I have been assigned as your personal driver for the duration of your stay." 

“Pleasure to meet you.” With a generous smile that crinkles the edges of his eyes, he extends his hand for her bag and leads the way to the car.

As they crest the bridge, Rinah looks out the window, admiring the Han River. The way the sunset mirrored off the water is almost too perfect. It’s as if she is watching a cinematic opening to a K-Drama … 

The realization hits her square in the chest. She was truly doing this. She was actually here, in Seoul, being chauffeured by the company to take part in the show and truly attempt to date Bang Chan. The pounding in her ears signals that her heart was beginning to pick up on the panic slowly rising in her chest. 

She was on the way to try and date the leader of one of the most popular K-pop groups in Korea and she was freaking out. Frantically pulling her phone out, she shoots a text off in a panic.

Rinah: This was a massive mistake. I am in no way prepared for this and I blame you with every single ounce of my 5 foot tall person.
Lexa: Girl, breathe. I am sure it's just culture shock. YOU ARE FINE. YOU DO belong there and you are going to meet a K pop superstar in like… less than 24 hours. LIVE your best life and let yourself dream a little.
Rinah: About that… What exactly am I supposed to say to Mr. Thousand-watt smile, Bang Chan when I DO meet him Lex? Because everything I am playing out in my head is going to be front page news of how the first contestant was sent home packing before the show even started due to being a complete and utter embarrassment. 
Lexa: You are practicing what you plan to say? 🤣🤣Riri! Promise me your first stop will be the bar for a glass of wine. You need to find your zen and stop panicking. He is just one guy. THIS trip should be a whole experience for you. Please, at least try to enjoy it? Halmi and I are sitting down to watch the news, do us a favor and don't make headlines tonight ok 😘 
Rinah: I promise I will do my best to try… but I make no promises about not being a headline🤞🏽

The driver pulls off the highway and begins to wind through the busy city streets. Rinah is trying to take everything all at once and it is quite literally impossible. The people? The Lights? The buildings? 

She had never been anywhere quite like this, and it was cementing the growing suspicion that she had made a huge mistake.

Hours later, lying in the dorm, that feeling hadn't faded. Imposter syndrome is a real thing, and Rinah is drowning in it.

Phone pressed to her chest, arm draped across her eyes, she does everything she can to quiet the chaos spinning her thoughts into a doom spiral.

Seven hours.

That’s all she has before she meets Christopher Bang Chan, and possibly walks into the single most important moment of her thirty-four-year-old life.

Sleep. She needs sleep.

Thirty-four years of surviving life and loss hadn’t taught her how to be calm, only how to keep moving and those habits were kicking her ass tonight.

A ping drags her out of the spiral.

Lexa: I know you’re thinking “This is dumb, I don’t belong.” I’m here to tell you that 1) Yes the fuck you do, and 2) Everyone there is lucky you even got on that plane. Go find the stars, girly pop. They’ll help ground you 🫶🏼
Rinah: Fucking how?? Did you light a candle or some otherworldly means to spy on me?
Lexa: PLEASE… you’re logged into Discord and showing online 🤣 NOW go find some air 😘

Sighing, Rinah drags on a hoodie and slippers, slipping out of the dorm as quietly as possible.
Another ping echoes down the empty hallway, sharp against the silence.

Lexa: I need a pic to prove you’re ACTUALLY doing the things 😜
Rinah: You know we aren’t allowed. You being the reason I am even here, would be the last one I would accuse of planning my return trip already. Miss me that much? ROFL

She steps into the elevator and stares at the numbers. The realization that she has no idea where anything is leads her to just press a button at random. The metal doors close around her with a hollow click.

Another ping before the doors open.

Lexa: I can see why they picked your profile. Chan does love his rules… you’ll fit right in.

Phone pocketed, Rinah starts walking.

The building is so… millennial-coded. Gray walls, blue carpets, rows of windows. Nothing screams ‘biggest entertainment company in Korea.’

If anything, it feels sterile, like an office building that accidentally made music history.If stardom is supposed to look like this, she thinks, it has a terrible sense of humor.

She peeks through a classroom window, catching a flash of motion… someone rehearsing. Her eyes lock with theirs, and she ducks, mortified when the door opens.

“Hey.” A strong voice, warm and close. 

She looks up to find Hyunjin in the doorway, damp hair clinging to his temples.

Fuck me.

“You’re one of the… girls?” he asks carefully in English.

Rinah switches to Korean. “Contestants. Yes. I’m Rinah.” She bows; he mirrors it with an easy grin.

“What are you doing wandering around at… midnight?” Looking toward the clock to confirm the late hour.

“Truthfully? Looking for fresh air. Maybe the stars if it isn't too much to ask.” Her lips tilt into a shy smile.

“Can’t sleep.” She offers in explanation.

He nods, half-smile tugging at his lips.

“Ah. The garden. Roof level. Turn right off the elevator, end of the hall. Best place for thinkers to reset.”

“Thank you.” She gives a small bow and beelines for the elevator.

When she’s gone, Hyunjin unlocks his phone, sends a message.

🥟: Stray headed your way I think
🐺: ?
🥟: The Noona
🐺:👀 

He laughs once, sets it down, and turns his music back up.

Five minutes later, Rinah stands before a door marked Tranquility Garden.

“Sounds perfect,” she mutters, pushing it open.

A cool breeze greets her. Lavender, mint, cedar. Beneath it, something warmer… vanilla, citrus… out of place but comforting.

She closes her eyes and breathes until her shoulders drop. The city hum fades. Water trickling nearby adds to the soothing aura of the place.

When she opens her eyes, they track upward, seeking the stars that have never once failed her. Even through light pollution, a handful still burn bright.

Letting out a shaky laugh, she turns to follow the sound of water.

“Hey.”

The jump is instant. So is the phone flying five feet through the air. It lands with a thud, but a much faster, much larger, definitely male hand reaches it first.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.” 

Rinah tracks the arm to the voice and freezes. Silver hair. And a smile that short circuits her brain. “Um…”

Run. Run and never look back. Pack your things. You’re done. This was fun while it lasted, but maybe find a hobby that doesn’t involve gawking at idols like a goldfish.

A hand extends toward her. She stares at it, decides touching him will probably kill her, and stands on her own instead.

“Sorry… I didn’t know anyone else was here.” She folds her arms, feeling far too seen. “Didn’t mean to intrude.”

“No apology needed. This is a space for anyone who needs it.” Her shoulders drop a little, her gaze still not fully meeting him, but the tension easing from her is enough for now.

“I should have said something sooner... You just looked like you needed a minute.” His smile is soft, gentle.

“It’s okay. I’m ok. Really. Just been a long day. My nerves are a little shot from…” she gestures at the building, “well, all of this.” She waves at him last, half-teasing. “You included, no offense.”

He laughs. “Yeah, it can be a bit much, eh?” He steps closer, phone extended. “Rinah, right?” 

She nods, but something in the way he meets her eyes catches her off guard. The male gaze has never worked on her… but the way his eyes are softer in person makes her heart skip. 

Is it an idol power? Can they train men to do that?!? Never let the men find out, all women are doomed if they do.

Reaching for the phone absentmindedly, their fingertips graze one another. The sharp inhale that follows is pure reflex, a familiar scent sparking sudden realization 

“It was you.” More accusatory than she intended.

He tilts his head. “I’m sorry?”

“Oh… um. When I came out here, I smelled vanilla and citrus but couldn’t place it. I didn't even think to look for the why.”

She snaps her fingers. “First to die in a horror film, clearly.”

He snaps his fingers in response. Cocking his head to the side playfully. “I mean, you didn’t even check the corners. Never know who could be on the roof of a building that’s supposedly locked down.” He winks and sits. The invitation is obvious.

She hesitates. “Are we… allowed… to be up here?”

“Don’t know. Don’t plan on asking. I’m sure they’ll tell us tomorrow if we aren’t.”

Sighing, she sits across from him. “If I get sent home because of this, Christopher…”

“Ooo, full name already. I see, I see.” His grin widens.

Rolling her eyes, she looks back to the stars. “I should at least thank you. I was trying to ground the chaos in my head. This building doesn’t exactly make it easy.”

He nods slowly. “I didn’t really know what to do. I froze. Don’t give me too much credit. I just don’t see many people out here. It took me six months to find this place. How’d you find it in six hours?”

“Hyunjin, actually.” She laughs. “I was wandering and snooped in the wrong window. He caught me and gave me directions.”

“Ah. That tracks.” He bites his lip but doesn’t explain.

“I should probably head back. I didn’t mean to interrupt your peace.” She stands, but his voice stops her.

“Or… stay. If you do leave, just know it’s not because I needed you to.” The challenge in his tone is soft but clear.

She turns, half-smiling. “Here I was trying to be polite. How rude of me.”

His delighted laugh says she played right into his hand.

Rinah looks up at the stars again, words spilling before she can stop them. “Chan… what are we doing? Not right now, I mean, but all of this. The show. Is it real for you?”

He leans forward, listening. Looking into his soft eyes undoes her resolve.

“Oh, screw it.” She inhales sharply, determination setting in her eyes. “I’m thirty-four. I don’t honestly know why I’m here.” 

She grabs the ring at her neck rubbing the soft metal. “Am I just a sideshow for ratings? Because I don't know if I'm supposed to want something real from this." He doesn't respond right away. "What are you looking for from all this?”

He exhales slowly. “I … don’t know what I want, honestly.” His gaze lifts to the sky. “I’ve never imagined a world where I would be allowed to have someone and not have to hide them.”

He spins the ring on his index finger, eyes unfocused.

“Love is the answer people want to hear. But love, for me, is an emotion that comes in waves that crash over you only to recede. What happens when the tide goes out?” 

He pauses, voice lower. “Peace though… peace is being able to breathe fully for the first time. A quiet kind of respite from the world.

Consistent. Dependable. It's knowing that no matter how chaotic everything else gets, you have that one person, that one place that feels like home even when nothing else does.”

“You mean, like what you are to your members?” Her voice is barely above a whisper.

His eyes raised to find hers. He didn't know how she saw that so clearly when he couldn't. He nods

“More importantly. You are not a sideshow. You were hand-picked, and you do belong here. I didn’t want this to be a circus. Not for me, not for any of you.”

Rinah’s heartbeat slows with the words.

She nods, voice small. “That’s… kind of you to say.”

Then, lighter, “What brought you here, Rinah? I’m a twenty-eight-year-old idol with seven chaos gremlins and zero free time. Why apply?”

“Funny thing… I didn’t.” She laughs. “My best friend and my halmeoni sent it in behind my back.”

He blinks. “Your halmeoni sent your application to date an idol?”

“She did indeed. Apparently, I needed to ‘take more risks’ or something.”

His eyebrow raises. “Yet… you are still here.”

The question was left unasked. “That I am.” 

He grins. “Halmeoni’s a legend.”

“That she is. I’m lucky to have them.”

“I’m glad they sent it.”

She meets his eyes, certain now that he means it. Truly means it.

“Yeah,” she whispers, glancing back at the stars. “Me too.”

And damn it, she means that too.

Chapter Text

Present Day - Seoul
Day 1 of production.
POV Rinah (리나 / Ree-nah)

A shrill beep ripped her from the dream. Her eyes snap open, and she begins scanning around the room. As the fog clears, she turns to look for her phone, and the ache in her neck has her groaning.

The bed is absolutely terrible, and she is going to pay the price for it. The way her lower back aches in unison with her neck has her pulling up Amazon and ordering a topper.

There is a small movement on the bunk frame, signaling her roommate Mia was also stirring. “Good morning!” Rinah offers quietly.

“Ugh… it is so early.” They both laugh softly.

The clock reads 5:05 a.m. “It is that indeed. Are you one for coffee, Mia?”

“Tea normally, but coffee may have to be my vice today.”

“Let’s go see if they stocked us with the needed supplies to tackle whatever they have for us today. Adventures are always better when done in good company.”

Sliding off her bottom bunk, the aches only grow. She stretches in a few different ways, attempting to loosen the joints and ease some of the ache.

Mia is slowly lowering herself from the top bunk when her foot slips and she falls back, Rinah barely catching her. “Oh, my. Are you okay?” A not-so-subtle laugh escaping with the question.

“Define okay?” Mia looks up, and her big brown eyes melt Rinah right on the spot.

“Any pain anywhere?”

“Only from the too-stiff block of stuffed cardboard they call a mattress.” She offers as she moves away and toward the kitchen.

“I was worried it was just my old bones. Good to know they are just awful for everyone.”

The other two women wait in the kitchen. All four of them are pretty in their own ways. Mia has big brown eyes, almost cartoon-like in their expressiveness. Her cheeks carry a natural rosy hue that highlights her youth. Dark onyx hair frames her face, soft and romantic, almost artful.

“Mia and Rinah, I assume?”

“Yes. Hi! Nice to meet you. I’m Rinah.”

“Soojin. Pleasure to meet you both.” Soojin is tall and thin. Her eyes are the color of hot cocoa, mirroring the openly welcoming and homely vibe that radiates from her. Her long blonde hair flows like a gentle wave as she turns to grab cups. “Coffee? Tea? They have thankfully supplied us with both.”

“Tea sounds wonderful,” Mia gushes.

“That is Minji.” Soojin gestures to the person who is half in the fridge.

“Good morning,” Rinah offers. A thumbs-up over the top of the fridge door is all the response she gets.

“Not much of a talker, that one,” Soojin says quietly.

All four women find their morning rhythm and begin to settle into their own natural rhythm. A few hiccups here and there as they find the best way to share the singular bathroom that has been provided, but by 8:00 a.m. they are all ready.

A knock at the door has them all turning their heads. Thirty seconds go by and no one moves a muscle, so Rinah steps forward.

"Good morning, ladies. Filming begins in thirty minutes. Please gather in the main hall."

Holding the door, she steps back as the other three girls begin to file out. Minji is bringing up the rear. Her crystal blue eyes are a stark contrast to her jet-black hair and tan skin. “After you.” Her voice is velvet and languid. She bows to Rinah and grabs the door.

Rinah bows and steps out, her heart racing a bit at the intensity of the visual contrast with the contacts in. Should I have bought contacts? Shit...

First stop: the equipment room. Each woman is fitted with a microphone and battery pack, taught how to turn them on and off. The bulky equipment adds weight, both literal and metaphorical. The idea of being recorded for the rest of the day settles heavily over them.

“Will these record constantly?” Minji asks the technician.

“No, only when the green light is on.”

Minji's light immediately switches to red. The girls giggle.

Each woman signs for her equipment, claims a small carrying case, and they're ushered down the hall to an intimate conference room. Cameras cover every angle.

A breakfast buffet lines one wall. The four of them fill small plates with fruit and find their assigned seats at two round tables near the center.

Comfortable silence settles as they wait for further instruction.

“Do you think we will meet him here?” Mia asks quietly as she looks around.

“I would assume that is why the cameras are here, unless they are hoping for a cat fight,” Minji offers deadpan.

The other three girls blink. “This is for prime-time TV. I assume some of us were picked to add dramatic flair or comedic relief.”

Rinah is the first to laugh. “I couldn't agree more. I feel like I am a pity vote. A nod to ‘noonas everywhere all around the world’.”

Minji chuckles and nods. “I am the nod to the neurospicy weird girls.” She winks.

“That makes me the girl next door,” Mia sighs loudly into her teacup.

“You are very cozy and cottagecore-coded,” Soojin replies.

“I am not sure which group I represent, but your theory is likely correct given the projected popularity of the show.” Her half-smile betrays her words. She hadn't thought about that angle.

A chorus of giggling drifts in through the open door. The tones are light, airy, and musical. As the sound gets louder, Mia instinctively reaches for Rinah’s hand under the table and holds on tightly.

Rinah’s chest tightens. Mia’s anxiety is fueling her own. Minji’s doubt echoes the thoughts that spiral in her head. Soojin’s realization hits Rinah square in her chest.

All these things she felt last night, and all these things are back tenfold.

Her thoughts are halted when three women walk in. Each of them stunning, but in entirely different ways.

The first is all red hair and sea-glass eyes… Ariel incarnate, Rinah thinks. Behind her, a woman who looks like she stepped straight out of a Disney movie, posture perfect and smile luminous. The Princess. And the last? Sharp blazer, sharper gaze. Corporate Mogul, Rinah decides, watching her take in the room like she already owns it.

“The visuals,” Rinah realizes. Her gaze dropped instantly to the laminated tabletop, a silent, internal surrender. And that makes us the fillers.

The doubt and anxiety fully solidify in her gut. Chan was only being polite, and she was delusional to read any further into it. Her heart sank a bit. A tiny piece of hope and magic from the night before, stripped away at the realization that her intuition was indeed spot-on.

Mia’s hand squeezing hers pulls her attention from the table. “You don't get to check out if I don't.” She smiles and nods. Rinah nods in agreement.

“The visuals,” Minji offers quietly. Rinah has to cover her mouth to stop from laughing out loud.

“Minji, get out of my head, please,” She whispers. Their table giggles quietly. “There is barely enough room for my own self-doubt in there.” She winks. Minji gives a two-finger salute and smirks.

The three visuals sit, and conversation between them seems to halt as they eat. None even glanced in the direction of the other table. Rinah does her best to keep her eyes on the girls at her table, but something keeps nagging at the back of her mind, and her eyes keep drifting of their own accord.

“Minji,” lowering her voice to barely above a whisper. “Something feels… I don't know… off?”

She nods. “It’s the mics.” Rinah’s eyes track, and sure enough, the mic packs they are fitted with fit in their pockets. Less bulk, and way less awkward. “But… those don't turn off,” She whispers.

Rinah raises her brows. “How do you know that?”

“I trained to be an idol for a few years. I was eventually cut for being too ‘off-brand,’ but those are the performance headsets. I would bet money on it.”

Rinah nods slowly. “Well, they can keep them. They don't need to hear all of my thoughts.”

“Why are there only seven?” Soojin asks. The other three peeked and confirmed they had completely missed that detail initially.

All of the promos promised there would be eight contestants. Having only seven was very odd.

“I don't know. They were pretty clear about having to be here before shooting commenced, ‘or else.’ Hopefully whoever it was is okay.” The concern is clear in Mia’s answer.

“Are you always this bright and cheerful? Or…” Minji asks point-blank.

“Minji, that was rude,” Rinah says flatly as she gives Mia’s hand a gentle, reassuring squeeze. “I am guessing you have a hard time with that?” She asks, eyebrows raised. “Not everyone can walk into something like this and be as ‘collected’ as you.”

Minji nods. “Sorry. My intention was genuine curiosity, but my own anxiety got the better of me, and humor is my go-to fallback. Apologies, Mia.”

Mia nods. “Glad to see there is a bit of human in there somewhere,” She retorts quietly. The joke barely landed, but it hit harder because of it. The table giggles and pulls the focus from the others.

“Sorry,” Rinah offers when she meets the gaze of the closest woman.

“It’s okay.” Her voice is soft, her tone like silk. “I’m Hye-rin. Rin for short.” She bows politely in her seat. The Princess has a name, Rinah notes internally.

“This is Rinah, Mia, Soojin, and I am Minji,” She offers, meeting the model’s gaze with ease. Minji is close enough for the effect to be obvious. Rin’s blush deepens a few shades of pink. Didn't waste all those years training for nothing, she thinks sarcastically.

“Beautiful contacts,” She comments.

“Thank you.” Minji’s half-smile tells them she knows that already as she leans back and pulls the focus of the final two. “Hi, I'm Minji.”

“Tilly.” The accent sits thickly in the word. Of course Ariel is Australian… A bright smile parts her lips, her dimples on full display. She is clearly the ace here, and she knows it.

“Ji-yoo.” The Corporate Mogul completes the trio. “Where are you all from?” She asks, peering around both tables.

The seven women enter into conversation, learning about one another. On the surface, it is all formal and polite. The undertones are clear, however: information farming, sizing up the competition, and power-playing dynamics for top spot have begun.

Rinah and Mia sit quietly, watching the verbal sparring match between Minji and the three visuals. Soojin is piping in where she can, but is struggling to keep pace.

Minji is enjoying the back and forth, reveling in the reactions she draws from each of them.

The banter stops abruptly when the attendant calls out, “Ladies. Follow me if you will.” All seven women stand, moving toward the door. Rinah and Minji choosing to pace at the rear.

“So the cameras in here were for a cat fight,” She muses. “Interesting.”

They are led into a room that is so bright the girls are squinting as their eyes adjust. Production lights line the walls, all pointing to the space behind the mobile staging curtains.

“Ladies.” The women are greeted by JYP, the owner of the company. They all bow to show respect to the elder. He bows in return, lower than them, to show gratitude.

“The final contestant had a blip with her travel visa and will be arriving tomorrow. As you will quickly learn, the shooting schedules are more of a suggested timeline. Today will be your two-minute, first-impression, one-on-one interviews with Chan. Then you will head into that room there,”

He points off to the right, “and my tech crew will show you how to use the devices you were given this morning to self-record your first impression, thoughts, feelings, and anything else.” He pans quickly between them all. “Any questions?”

They all shake their heads. “Perfect. Go ahead and line up there, just behind the curtain, and they will call you forward one at a time.”

The women begin to walk when he adds, “Oh, and Ladies. Good luck.” His smile was genuine. “He is very lucky to have the interest of every single one of you. Don't let him charm you too hard.” With a wink and a slight bow, JYP walks out of the room, leaving the women standing there stunned.

“Wow… awkward,” Minji remarks. The entire group giggled wildly.

Rinah even spots a few people on the production team giggling. “Minji, you are something else, you know that.”

“Well aware,” Her smile beaming.

Tilly takes the first spot, to the surprise of absolutely no one. Ji-yoo and Rin file in behind her. Soojin and Mia take the next two spots, and Minji pushes Rinah to the second from last position.

“Ladies first,” She winks.

“Are you not also a lady?” Rinah scoffs to stifle her laugh.

“Fair point. But I am also the comedic relief. You… I think you are more than just the noona pity vote, and I am dying to find out if he notices.” She wiggles her eyebrows.

Rinah’s eyes linger on her, trying to read what sits beneath the grin. “Minji,” Rinah checks her mic pack is red, then Minji's. “Why are you here? I don't get the feeling you are all that interested in the prize.” Her voice is barely above a whisper.

“Ah, caught that, did ya? Chan is an amazing idol, probably one of the best out there persona-wise. I am curious if the person behind the mask matches. Curiosity had me fill in the app. Fate brought me here… who am I to question fate?” She shrugs.

“Cheeky. I like it,” Rinah smiles into her laugh.

“Don't sell yourself short, okay.” Minji nods curtly, then flips her mic to green and winks. “You really saved a litter of kittens from a burning building? Tell me more.” Minji’s velvet-smooth voice was now pitched higher to that of a fan-girl, the theatrical gasp an added dramatic flair.

Rinah’s cheeks heat. “What are you doing?” She whispers incredulously.

“Helping you win over an idol, of course.” Minji winks. Rinah hadn't noticed, but she was now at the front of the line.

The assistant calls Rinah forward, and before she can register what's happening, she is being ushered through the curtains.

The quiet hits her first. Her eyes pan around to take it all in. The space is decorated with minimal furniture but is welcoming and inviting.

Cameras are placed sparsely to catch the scene from all angles, but only three production staff are in the area. Their all-black attire blending with the curtain has the space more intimate and less voyeuristic.

A rug and two high-back chairs sit in the center, framed by an electric fireplace. He leans over and catches her gaze in his, causing her pulse to kick.

She walks confidently forward. He stands, and they bow in greeting. She takes her seat, his eyes finding hers again.

“Is this where I begin?” She asks politely.

His smirk flashes for a second before his idol mask slips back into place. “They’ll let us know when everything is ready. For now,” he exhales, “we sit and wait.”

Rinah nods. “Are we forbidden from talking before then?” She looks to the closest assistant, who shrugs.

Chan’s smile grows, his dimples peeking. Rinah sits back. “How’s your day been? I imagine the typical day of an idol is exhausting.”

“I didn't get near enough sleep, but I’ve managed well enough, I think. How was your first night in the dorms?” His fingers laced in his lap. “I hope it was comfortable.”

Was he asking about them last night? Surely he knows the beds are absolute shit. YOLO, Ree.

“Best night I’ve had in recent memory, honestly. Please pass my thanks to production?” Her smile was practiced and camera-ready. She could play, if she felt inclined.

“I can do that. They will be very grateful for the high compliment.”

The production assistant leans over to the sound technician, just barely in earshot of the pair. “What are they talking about? Can you pick up her mic?”

Rinah turns and quickly flips her mic to green. Her cheeks heat again at the realization she forgot in the flurry of being ushered out. Chan can’t hold his laugh back and fakes a cough into his hand to cover it.

“Rinah, may I bother you a moment?” The assistant walks out. “We are not able to hear you. May I check your pack?” Rinah stands and unclips the pack from her pocket.

The assistant removes the pack, murmuring she would be right back.

Chan’s voice dropped to a level so faint she was sure she was making it up. “For what it’s worth, it was the best night I’ve had in recent memory, as well.” He added, even softer, “Thanks for taking the chance.”

Nope… definitely not making it up.

Her body stills to keep from looking behind. Knowing the cameras are all trained on her, she does her best to play it cool. She may not be mic’d, but they could read her expression, or her lips.

The assistant returns. “Here we go.”

Rinah plugs the pack in and the light goes green. “Testing?” She says, looking up. A thumbs-up from the man behind the sound booth is all the confirmation she gets.

She is ushered to sit, the assistant running off to the side quickly.

“Okay, folks, ready?” The pair nods. “Just keep it friendly and easy. Your two minutes starts in… 3… 2…” He holds one finger up. Rinah turns to Chan, his face now every bit the one fans see on TV. She chuckles and smirks.

“Hello, Rinah-noona,” He says. Her brow quirks. She had figured he would use -ssi, the neutral honorific for a stranger. Noona implied more… Interesting.

“Hello, Chan-ssi.” She bows politely, using the formal honorific.

“Fancy meeting you here.” Charm dripping off every word.

Her smile beams. “Ohhh, I see, I see. Are we pretending I am not auditioning for a reality show and contending for a fair chance at being asked out on a date by none other than your very charming self?” Mischief and playful energy radiating from her grin.

“Is that why we are here? Production told me this was a fan meet, but you are dressed too prettily for that. Apologies.” There is a giggle off to the side, but neither dare to look.

She sits straighter, schooling her features, then crosses her ankles and tucks them under the chair. “I can play an adoring fan. Ask me anything.”

He laughs and leans forward. “Who is your bias?” The smirk on his face is one of pure menace. The mask is not entirely gone, but not fully seated either.

She nods, impressed. “Unfortunately, I must confess that Jackson Wang is my ultimate bias. He was more my generation.” She nods politely.

Giggling from the curtain tells her that Minji is truly enjoying the banter. Chan’s dramatic shock, however, almost has her losing her calm facade. She coughs into her hand to delay the break, but is silently begging him to move on.

“If it was going to be anyone, Jackson and BamBam would be my choices, too. I can't fault you for having good taste.”

“Really? I would have assumed it was BamBam or Sungjin. Sung will be heartbroken to know he didn't make the list.” Chan’s laugh lights up his whole face.

“Oh, wooooow.” He nods.

“Cut. Rinah, if you can sit there for a moment, we would like to get a few camera angles. Just talk like you were.”

“Jackson? Really?” Chan leans forward a bit more.

“He’s going to have a field day with that if it makes it to air,” Chan exclaims, pulling his phone out.

She eyes his hands. “You aren't texting him, are you?”

Chan's eyes meet hers. “If I were?”

“I’d maybe die right here on the spot,” She confesses quietly.

“Ohhhh, so Jackson could make you a fan-girl? I was beginning to think you didn't have a fan-girl bone in your body.”

“I fear that fainting at idols for me is reserved for Jackson and Mark. I have followed GOT7 since 2015. Loyal to a fault,” She says nonchalantly.

He laughs, shaking his head. “I will never live this down. I pray that statement never sees the light of day.” Grabbing his mic, he says, “Please, spare me the shame, skigi.” The pair of them laugh heartily.

A sweet, easy silence falls between them. Neither breaks eye contact. Rinah hears her name being called, but hesitates. “I hope… your night is comfortable.” She offers quietly, looking away before he has a chance to respond.

He watches her leave, silently wishing for more time. "Comfortable..." Was that an invitation? Only one way to find out.

“Hello Christopher.”

The mention of his full name, delivered on a velvet voice, seemed to vibrate with familiarity, startling him. He looked over—and was met with a familiar pair of striking blue eyes.

He coughs into his hand. “Nice to meet you…”

“Minji.” She bows.

“Minji-ssi.”

Minji turns awkwardly to take her seat in the chair, but Chan catches why: red light, instead of green. He clicks his off quickly.

“If I didn't know better, that one is going to change things for you.” Her voice is low and soft. She is looking around the set, but it’s all smoke and mirrors.

“You always did know me better than most,” His voice is barely above a whisper. “How?”

“Story for another time. Let’s give them a show, shall we?” She looks over, one brow raised.

“I’ll follow your lead, Minji-ssi.” A low scoff slips out. “Missed having you around.” His voice drops even quieter.

“Meh. You just couldn’t find anyone to spar with who’s better than me.” Her smile hides a laugh.

“I always hated how often you were right.”

“Maybe this time you’ll listen to reason.” Her head tilts slightly. Nothing a camera would catch.

“Trainee days feel like a lifetime ago. I could’ve done a lot of things differently.”

“Different life back then. You’ve grown up.” She glances over, her smile genuine. “Grown up looks good on you, oppa.”

A quiet chuckle escapes him this time.

“Alright, you two ready?” They lock eyes and nod. "Bring it." The challenge is clear, the air electric between them.

Minji: (Voice bright, professional, for the camera) “Now that we are on the record, Christopher Bang, let’s talk strategy. If you had to pick a partner for a reality dating show, would you choose the one who is already famous—a known entity—or the one who has loyally followed your journey for years?”

Chan: (Idol mask back on, charmingly evasive) “That’s a very tactical question, Minji-ssi. I’d have to say the connection that feels most honest. Fans always appreciate the honesty of a genuine spark.”

Minji: (Leans in slightly, conspiratorial, though still audible) “Of course. But the noonas watching at home are going to demand more than just a ‘spark’ with the obvious choice. They want to see the long game played, oppa. A nice, comforting choice. They want to be able to trust you, right?”

Chan: (Grin widening in amusement.) "If the question is will I choose with my heart or my bank account, I assue you and the fans I will be following my heart here. Hopefully that is an acceptable answer?

Minji: (Turns her focus to the camera, a sly look in her eyes) “And one final, important question, Chan-ssi. When it comes to a partner, do you prefer a sleek, high-maintenance race car that looks great on the track, or a reliable, comfortable four-wheel drive that will absolutely go the distance?”

Chan: (His smile falters for a half-second before his composure returns) “I think I prefer a partner who can handle any terrain, Minji-ssi.”

Minji: (Nods slowly, satisfied) “Duly noted. Your two minutes are up.”

Chapter Text

Present Day - Seoul
Night 1
POV Rinah

Dorm B, “the fillers,” file in. The day’s events took their toll, and it showed in the way shoes were haphazardly kicked off, bags discarded on the table, and jackets hung over the chairs.

“Dibs!” Minji calls out. The other three watch her run over and fling herself on the couch, grabbing the remote off the wall and turning the TV on.

Rinah tilts her head. The other two shake theirs and head to their rooms, clearly intending to get to sleep as soon as possible.

When both doors close, Rinah walks over and sits at the opposite end, tucking her feet underneath her. “You trained here, didn't you?”

A slow clap. “Wow. That is much faster than I expected. Brownie points go to the noona.”

“So… you know Chan and the other members?”

“Nah, they were too big by the time I came around.” Her smile is soft and easy, and the lie rolls easily off her tongue. She was trained to deceive, lie, and protect the truth. This was child's play in the grand scheme, even if she hated every moment.

“You are just a giant mystery.” Rinah laughs. “Good night Minji.” She reaches out and squeezes the younger woman's shoulder, moving toward the room. When the door shuts, Minji sighs loudly.

Back less than 24 hours and the lies are falling like silk. Some things never change here. She switches the TV off and pads off to her room.

Minji laid down in her bed, staring at the ceiling. Her phone vibrating, pulls her from her thoughts.

P.I.T.A: Heard you might be back in town.
Nae: You heard correctly. 😈
P.I.T.A: 🤣 Busy tonight?

A familiar sense of mischief creeps over her. Tapping a response out, she sends it off quickly. Tapping her phone as she waits for the reply.

Down the hall, Rinah has stacked every fluffy jacket, hoodie, and piece of clothing she can spare on the too-firm mattress under the sheet in an attempt to make it more bearable. Mia is doing the same.

“I ordered toppers, and they should be coming in the next day or two.” A squeal of delight is the only answer she needs.

“Thank you Noona. Truly.” Arms wrapping around her torso from behind.

“No reason we have to stay uncomfortable.” Rinah laughs. “Hopefully the clothes give us a small respite, otherwise I may go find a spot on the grass outside somewhere.”

They crawl into their beds, laughter bouncing gently around the room. “Goodnight Mia-yah.”

“Goodnight Noona.” Her voice is sing-songy and sleepy. Rinah feels the effect of the full day**,** but her heart and brain are in no way going to slow down.

The hum of the dorm is a comfort for Rinah. Today was more than she expected, in more ways than she could have ever anticipated.

Rinah: Well day 1 I think was a success AND I didn't make any headlines. 🫶🏼

Checking the time, it was near 11p. Lexa must have gone to bed for the night. Her screen lights up, only it isn't a text. It’s a Bubble notification.

She had subscribed a month ago when she found out that she had made it to the final 20. He was active nearly every day, so this was pretty on par for him.

[11:47 PM]
오늘 정말 긴 하루였어요
(Today was a really long day)
근데 잠이 안 와요 ㅠㅠ
(But I can't sleep ㅠㅠ)
[11:48 PM]
Sometimes I wonder if other people feel this way
Like you're supposed to be resting but your brain just... won't stop
[11:49 PM]
Been working on something new
Can't tell if it's good or if I'm just tired lol
[11:50 PM]
아 맞다, 오늘 날씨 정말 좋았죠?
(Oh right, the weather was really nice today, wasn't it?)
별 보이는 거 같아요
(I think I can see stars)
[11:51 PM]
Found a quiet spot to think
Sometimes you just need air, you know?
[11:52 PM]
[Photo: Garden at night, string lights glowing, empty bench visible, the moon in the background]
[11:52 PM]
이런 곳에서 생각 정리하면 좋아요
(Places like this are good for organizing your thoughts)
Anyway
Hope you all had a good day 💙
Rest well, Stay 🌙

He is there now... Rinah’s heart stops. There have been many moments where her replies on Bubble felt very seen and replied to. But this... this was a direct aim right at her in response to her earlier invitation during the interview.

She taps out a reply.

[11:54 PM]
I hope the stars bring comfort and peace Chan 🫶🏼
Rooftops are the best place to find such things. 😜

She slips off her bunk and into her oversized hoodie. Mia’s soft breathing confirms she is out. Opening the door and being sure to close it quietly behind her, she doesn't see Minji duck back into her own room.

Rinah slips out the same way she did the night before. Minji eyes the door curiously. Interesting… didn't peg you for a rule breaker. Pulling her phone out, she taps a few strokes, then takes off after her new roommate.

Curiosity and a protectiveness of Chan winning out over anything else she could spend her time doing.

She’d promised herself she wouldn’t get involved again. But old habits die hard. If she was a betting woman...and she most definitely was...she knew exactly where Rinah was headed.

[11:55 PM]
[Artist Replied to you]
The stars do look good tonight
Better with good company though
[11:56 PM]
[Artist Replied to you]
You should come see for yourself
If you can't sleep either…

A few minutes later she is pushing the exterior door open and walking toward a very happy Chan. “You subscribe to my bubble.” Pride beaming from his smile.

All she can do is laugh. “I am pretty sure half the world subscribes to YOUR bubble, Christopher."

Looking down at his phone “Nah, only like… 1 mil people or something like that.”

“How in the world do you even manage something like that?”

“I can show you, if you’d like?” She nods. He taps the seat next to him and she hesitates for a moment.

“I don't bite.” Don’t say it… A sly grin creeps onto his lips.

“I am weighing the risk. While they haven't said we can't do this, I am damn sure sitting that closely would be cause for concern that would land us both in trouble should a picture or something…”

Chan stands and comes to rest just beside her. His shoulder connecting with hers.. “You said sitting… This isn't sitting.” Warmed vanilla caresses her face as she studies him.

“How did you make it this far with such a ‘bend the rules don't break them’ attitude.” She asks honestly.

“I make JYP a lot of money I suppose.” Shrugging as he laughs. He smiles, but the exhaustion lingers just under the surface of the comment.

“I usually don't bend any rules that would make or break anything in such a way that reflects poorly on the company. Only ones that could maybe put me in the dog house.” He winks.

“And me at the moment.” She bumps him.

“Ah, but see… that risk is no worse than sneaking out to the garden to hang out with a 28…”

“29” She whispers.

“29… year old idol and stare at the stars.” He points up.

Her gaze follows and her breath catches. The stars are so much brighter tonight.

Chan can't take his eyes off her.

The peace she finds in the stars is palpable. It’s almost as if they recharge her in some way.

“Can you tell me why the stars have such an effect on you?” He asks softly.

“I’m not really sure.” Her eyes stay trained to the sky. “They have always just been there. Night after night. Never faltering. They move around a bit, but they are always there. Hidden during the day, sometimes at night. But wait long enough and you will get to see them again.”

Rinah’s confession has thoughts of her parents springing to her memories. A single tear slips out and she lets it fall.

“I’ve never thought of it that way. That could be a truly incredible song honestly. It has all the parts needed.”

Laughing. “It feels like something Seungmin would belt out and make Stay’s collective heart crack and shatter.”

“You would write it… longing for something. Someone? To return.” She shakes her head.

“Not in a romantic way.” Her voice is quiet but steady. “It’s about things that fade, I guess. The kind you can only visit in memory.”

He doesn't press. Her eyes are a sea of emotions and he wasn't sure how close the storm was.

A click of the door sounds. Chan is the first to step back and look over, Rinah quickly mirroring him.

“I’m going to guess you didn't check the corners either tonight?” She says softly as a laugh begins to form in her chest.

“Guess that makes me the second one to die?” He looks sideways at her, and neither of them can stop the laughter that follows..

“Do we chase them?” She asks…

“I don't think so? Probably make it worse if they have the worst intentions. But judging by the exit, I don't think it is going to be an issue.”

“What does that mean?” Rinah sits in the spot he offered earlier, risk be damned. She taps the open space beside her and he doesn't hesitate.

“It means they let the door click. Loud enough for us to notice. I happen to know that door closes fairly quietly most days.”

“So they let us know… they were watching. They know we are breaking the unspecified rules…and they are.. fine with it?”

Chan nods. “Technically, no one said we couldn’t meet outside of production. But rules here have a way of showing up only after someone broke them.”

“I used to sneak out all the time as a trainee,” he says, voice low. “Cameras everywhere back then too. You learn to spot the ones that don’t blink.”

“That sounds like something Lee Know taught you.”

“Do you have all of us pegged so accurately, noona?” the laugh still lingering in his speech as he looks down at her.

She shakes her head. “Do I? Not in a million years would I have guessed you were a rooftop-at-midnight, staring-up-at-the-stars with an older woman type of K-Drama man, but here we are.”

Her smile reaches her eyes, deepening the faint creases he hadn’t noticed before.

“You are really hung up on being older, aren't you?” He watched the creases disappear slightly as her smile dropped, wishing to make them return.

“You would be too, roles reversed.” Her reply was short and curt.

“It would be different for a man. It makes it hard to understand from my perspective”

“Society would say my worth as a potential partner depreciates with each passing year … once you hear it enough you start to fall for the lie too.”

Chan studies her, unsure whether to argue or agree. The silence between them stretches, heavy but not uncomfortable. He reached for her hand, his thumb brushing the skin of her wrist, a silent challenge to the very rules they had just discussed. The silence was heavy now, but the stars were still bright.

Chapter Text

Present Day - Seoul
Day 2 of production.
POV Multi

A softer chorus of chimes rouses Rinah from sleep. Silent thanks to herself for changing the alarm tone. She far prefers the soft whimsical sound over a shrill beep that raises her heart rate. 

She stops the alarm and checks for messages. Nothing new, which strikes her as odd. Lexa should have sent something by now.

She pulls up the thread to see if maybe she checked it while sleeping, but her first message still shows delivered, not read. 

Rinah: I am going to require proof of life. Please let me know you are at least still among the living. 🫶🏼

She swipes and pulls up Bubble. Her fingers hover, thoughts of last night spiking her pulse and rendering her unsure what to even say. She types and deletes a few times before settling on fun, flirty, and grateful.

[5:15 AM]
Grateful for the chaos, the company, and the man who somehow gives both. 🫶🏼 #NoonaRinah

She sends it before she can second-guess herself. The likelihood he'll find it in the sea of replies is low, and that feels poetic and just the right amount of chaos to have her skipping into the kitchen for a cup of coffee. 

7:00 AM

Minho stands watching, waiting. She should arrive any moment, and Chan should be coming down these stairs headed for rehearsal. He couldn't have planned it better if he tried. Arms crossed as he leans against the wall, he sighs impatiently. His cat-smirk firmly in place.

Steps approaching tell him someone is coming close. The cadence tells him it's Chan. Without missing a beat, the van pulls up to the curb.

"Hyung."

Chan looks up. "Yeah?"

Minho nods toward the window. "Number eight just arrived."

Chan walks over and follows his gaze. "How do you know?"

Minho doesn't look at him, just keeps watching. "You know. We know. I know." Playful grin firmly planted on his lips.

"Is THIS what you've been all cat-and-mouse about?"

Minho pulls a file from behind his back, handing it over.

Chan opens it. "Lexa?" Recognition hits his features, but the stitched brows tell Minho he'll have to lead this particular horse to water. "Where have I heard that before?"

"Rinah."

"Wait. Rinah's..."

"Best friend. Yes." He nods, disinterested in the journey to get to the best part.

Chan looks down at the file, back to Minho, back at the file. His jaw sets in a tight line.

"What the hell, Minho. This is a show where I'm supposed to DATE someone. Now I have to eliminate one of them. Lexa's Rinah's best friend. That's..."

"Lexa isn't for YOU." Minho is completely unbothered by Chan's rising emotions, still staring out the window, waiting for the reveal.

Chan blinks. "Then why is she..."

Minho finally meets Chan's glare. "Who among us is into dark, alternative vibes and loves the twisted, gritty side of life?"

Chan stares.

Then the light bulb flicks on. His eyes brighten, grin painting his face. "Oh. OH. Changbin's gonna die."

"I know, right." Minho bobs his head in satisfaction.

"But you…wait. You BROUGHT her here? For Changbin?"

"And for Rinah. You don't need another option when the one I think you need is already here. I just... fudged the scales. A little. Maybe." He pauses. "I'll never admit it."

"You rigged my dating show."

"Correction. I IMPROVED your dating show."

A full-bodied laugh erupts from Chan. "You're insane."

"You're welcome." He flaps a hand toward the excited leader.

They both look out the window.

Lexa steps out of the van. Leather jacket. Ripped tights. Dark makeup. Crystals hanging from her bag. She looks at the building like she's deciding whether to burn it down or walk inside.

"She's... a lot."

"She's perfect." Minho sings.

"For Changbin." Chan clarifies.

Shaking his head. "For chaos."

"You're enjoying this way too much."

"I really am." Minho almost bounces away from the window, curious to see how the rest of the day unfolds.

7:30 AM

A loud discussion in the hall, lively and energetic, has Rinah’s interest piqued. Mia and Minji both appear and the three together head to open the door. Curiosity winning out over socially acceptable eavesdropping. 

Rinah opens the door and gasps. 

“Surprise.” Lexa’s face is akin to a parent on Christmas morning. All pretense forgotten, Rinah pulls Lexa into her arms. Tears begin to flow. 

"You know her?" Tilly's voice pulls Rinah's attention. All the Dorm A girls stand in the hallway, each one looking absolutely stunning 

“Yes. How do you?” The tone comes across possessive, not friendly. 

"She is the eighth contestant," Tilly states matter-of-factly before turning to head back into her own dorm.

Rinah's face drops. She pulls Lexa back by the shoulders, holding her at arm's length. 

"You're what?" her voice breaking.

Lexa's laugh is full-bodied, unrestrained. "I said surprise. Don't hate me for forgetting to mention I'd be joining you inside this ridiculously secure building."

"What the" Rinah looks directly at the camera and mouths the word fuck. Lexa loses it again wrapping her arms around her best friend.

Rinah holds her. Grateful she is here, and thoughts spiraling at the implication that she now has to root for her friend, or eliminate her and she wasn't sure she could do either.

“Are you going to invite me in? Or shall we spill all the tea in the hallway.” Rinah laughs as more tears fall, then turns to pull her best friend into the dorm with her. 

“You dorm is a fucking closet.” Minji cackles from the couch. Lexa leans around Rinah, Minji waves when their eyes meet. Fire and Chaos dance between them. “I’m Lexa.” A slight bow

“Minji.” She throws a peace sign but doesn't move from her spot on the couch. “These girls didn't know and I didn't have the heart to tell them,” 

“To tell us what?” Rinah is looking between the two girls completely baffled.

“Easier to show you I think.” Her smile drops as she grabs Rinah’s hand and leads her back toward the door.

“Mia! Come on!” Minji is jumping from the couch to follow, dragging Soojin along too. “You both need to see this too.”

Lexa stops in the doorway and turns abruptly. “You knew. You knew, and you said nothing?” 

Minji shrinks back a fraction. But finds her composure quickly. “Nothing to be done. We have no power here. You’ll learn that soon enough.” The tone is clean and clear. All playful mischief gone. 

Rinah’s heart sinks. The finality and pain in the statement resonates deep.

Lexa turns back and leads the girls down the hall. She tap the key, and opens the door. Dorm B is greeted by warm light flooding through the doorway.

“Girls, I have brought friends and I don't particularly care if you approve.” Lexa states matter of factly as she leads the 4 other women through the door. 

Tilly, Hye-Rin and Ji-yoo stand in the kitchen too stunned to speak.

Rinah’s eyes are wide as she takes it all in. The contrast is night and day. Her tears threaten to fall again but for entirely different reasons.

Where their dorm was a couch and tv, theirs had coffee tables and rugs. Where B dorm had a folding card table, this one had a breakfast nook. Where one had scrap the other had gold.

“I’m so sorry Ree.” her voice so soft, as she lays her hand on Rinah’s shoulder. 

“I don't understand. Did one of the girls provide all of this?” The question was aimed at Minji.

She shakes her head. “This is a senior trainee dorm. The further the ranks the better the accommodations. We are in what would be a Year 1 dorm. This is for seasoned artists who have already debuted.” 

“What are you all talking about?” Rin walks over, genuine curiosity and concern in her expression.

“The company seems to have decided the favorites vs the expendables long before you all came here.” Lexa says deadpan.

“What do you mean?” 

A heavy sigh escapes Rinah’s throat. “Easier to show you.” Turning and walking back out into the hall, their dorm door opening  and all women filing in.

Tilly’s gasp says it all.

The silence is thick and heavy. 

Silent tears begin to fall and Rinah lets them. Lexa wraps her arms around her waist.

“While I can't begin to explain how they thought this was ok. I think I have a solution.” Tilly’s voice is sweet and sincere.

“We have 2 bathrooms, and plenty of beds. You 4 should move across the hall. If we all help, we can have you out of this dump in less than 20.” 

All the women are stunned silent. No one moves.

“Alright…You heard her, let's pack it up.” Minji’s voice breaks the silence. “Move move move… before she rescinds the offer.” 

Within 20 minutes all 4 women are packed back into the 2 suitcases they were allowed and move across the hall. Beds are assigned and essentials unpacked, and by 8:30 they are all dressed and ready for the 9a call time. 

The women are led to another auditorium. Lights, cameras and crew are milling about. Different stations are strewn and it appears there may be some kind of obstacle course. The instructions for today’s shoot was to wear comfortable clothes, with a warning of physical activity. All 8 women had prepared well for what lay before them, the premise still lost on who and what they were going to be asked to do however, 

“Ladies, good morning!” JYP approaches them with his cheery smile and chipper voice.

They all bow. “Today will be chaos but… that is basically Chan’s entire existence. It was the best way we could think to, well, expose you all to the chaos that is stray kids.” As if on cue, all 8 members of stray kids come walking out from the opposite side of the room

The girls are every shade of red at the rushed introduction. “Please turn your mics on and the two groups will head to the green room to hang out and get the jitters sorted. There are cameras in there so keep your best Facecards and tongues handy. Editing is expensive.” He winks

The girls are giggling and helping one another turn mics on. Rinah is specifically not looking for Chan, instead waiting to see where the next spot they need to go may be and helping to care for all the other women. “If I didn't know better…” Lexa snarks quietly. 

“Shhh.” Rinah chides. “Today, you are a contestant and not my best friend who can read me like a book. Please?” Her eyes pleading where her words cannot. 

“Fine, but you are going to spill the beans later Ree.” She winks and plays guard dog as the boys approach. “Good morning strays.” She bows dramatically. 

Hyunjin steps forward to match her flair. Bowing, “Good morning to you!”  then spinning. His english is cute, and it catches lexa by surprise, she laughs as he dances off.

“I like her a lot.” Minji says quietly to Rinah.

"You and her... same energy, different body." Rinah chuckles as she walks toward the green room, noona energy engaged. She stands by the door, counting each woman as they pass.

"Hey." Chan leans casually against the wall behind her.

"Chan-ssi. Hope your day’s been a good one." Her eyes stay fixed on Minji, who’s loitering near the back of the group. Everyone else is accounted for.

"Better now." The comment lands low.

She swallows, steadying her breath. "I imagine having the entire band together makes things easier for you." Her tone is gentle, sincere.

He laughs. "Those boys are chaos. They solve as many problems as they cause."

He pushes off the wall, stepping into her line of sight. "I heard the clouds should clear by nightfall. Stars out in full view."

She watches him join the others, Hyunjin greeting him with a grin. The boys shove each other playfully, the women drifting to their side.

"Some things never change, huh?" Minji murmurs behind her.

"Reminds me of a school dance." Rinah laughs softly. The pair walk in shoulder to shoulder.

Five minutes later, JYP enters holding a velvet bag.
"Ladies, if you could, please."

The eight members hang back while the women step forward in a single line.

"Reach in and grab one item, but don’t show anyone."

One by one, they pull small figurines from the bag. Rinah peeks and sees a tiger resting in her palm.

"Boys."

All eight men rush over, bumping and laughing. Rinah smiles. Chan looks completely at ease around them, his real smile replacing the stage one. A part of her wishes she could just watch them like this, see the invisible threads that hold them together.

"Please hold up your figurine and match with your partner for the day."

Rinah isn’t looking for him, but Chan can’t stop looking for her.

He spots her tiger and deflates when his own flamingo means they won’t be paired. The disappointment surprises him

"I’ll trade you," Lee Know says easily, holding up his own tiger.

"No, that wouldn’t be fair. Go, have fun. Be nice, for god’s sake."

"I’ll promise no such thing." He pivots on his heel and heads straight for Rinah.

Chan glances around and finds Tilly holding a pink figurine. He schools his expression, paints on his practiced smile, and bows.

"Guess it’s us.” 

"Guess it is." Her picture-perfect smile flashes for the camera.

Across the room, Binnie lifts his figurine and Chan nearly loses composure when he sees Lexa holding the matching one. From the look on her face, a storm is already brewing.

"Oh, he’s in trouble," Tilly teases.

Chan can only nod.

A crew member steps forward. "Quick announcement. Hot mics for the rest of the day, please." She peers over her glasses until everyone nods

 "Okay. We’ll start with Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, and Felix. The other pairs, please cheer and camp it up. Fans love a good show."

She bows and gestures. "You four, this way please."

"Felix." Minji smirks, circling him as she flicks his mic off.

"If I didn’t know better, Nae, I’d think you arranged this pairing just to torment me." His grin is bright and nostalgic

 "Would that I could. But fate had other plans. Sorry for ghosting the other night. Something came up."

He tsks. "Figured you’d have outgrown your meddling ways, noona."

"Can’t be helped. Our older brother’s an idiot."

Felix snorts, shaking his head. Minji nods toward Lexa and Binnie approaching, neither leading, neither following.

"Well, that’s going to make great TV."

"Who is that?" Felix squints.

"Lexa.

 "She wasn’t one of the final eight..."

"You were there when they picked?" Minji blinks.

"How do you think you got here?" He smirks.

She scoffs. "By wit and luck, obviously."

"You made the final twenty. I pushed you to the final eight. You’re welcome."

"Why me? I’ve never had a thing for Chan. Should’ve picked someone who did."

He tilts his head. "I imagine you already know the answer."

Her gaze flicks to Rinah and Tilly.

 Felix switches both mics back on.

"They’re a pretty pair, aren’t they?" she sighs.

"Rinah and Chan? Absolutely. Too bad they didn’t get paired today. Would’ve loved to see what she thinks of competitive Chan."

Lexa and Changbin finally reach them, silent and bristling.

"Cat got your tongue, Binnie?" Minji teases.

His eyes widen in instant recognition. 

"More like I told him to stop talking or I’d trip him and forfeit the competition," Lexa says dryly.

"She," he points at her, "is impossible."

"Bin," Minho mutters as he moves to his mark, "she’s here to annoy you and support her."

Binnie exhales through his nose.

"Nae," he whispers, "how do we end up in these situations?" Then louder, clearly for the camera,"not like we have a comeback to prep or anything, Chan-hyung!"

“Nae?” Rinah leans out looking to Minji. She shrugs. “Don’t know them my ass.” She mouths silently.

Laughter ripples. Rinah catches the subtle shift. Chan’s real smile replaced by the polished idol version. He leans toward Tilly, easy and charming.

"Stare any harder and you’ll burn holes through him," Lee Know murmurs, flicking her mic back off.

She nods in thanks, and turns her eyes down. “Tell me Rinah, why did you come? Lexa, put your app in. You still boarded the plane.” 

Her face snaps to his. She blinks slowly. “I came because the people I love told me to take a chance on me.” 

He nods. “And now?”

“Now she knows she has worth.” Lexa offers. 

“And she knows Chan likes her…” Minji adds. 

“You really have a scary support system, you know that?” Binnie’s eyes are darting between the two women who are flanking Rinah, and they all break out in laughter. 

“What is happening over here?” Chan says as he moves in closer. One brow raised. The 6 of them look at one another but no one says a word. The awkward silence sends them into another round of full-bodied laughter.

Chan catches the moment Rinah looks to him. Catching her, felt almost as good as keeping her there.

"Places please!"

The pairs spread out:
Group 1:

• Lane 1: Chan and Tilly
• Lane 2: Lee Know and Rinah
• Lane 3: Minji and Felix
• Lane 4: Lexa and Changbin

Chapter Text

Present Day - Seoul
Day 2 of production.
The Games
POV Multi -> Chan -> Minho -> Chan

"Places please!"

The pairs spread out:

Group 1:

• Lane 1: Chan and Tilly
• Lane 2: Minho and Rinah
• Lane 3: Minji and Felix
• Lane 4: Lexa and Changbin

“Games are simple. Each partner takes a turn wearing the hat while the other throws the rings. 3 rings each to move to the next obstacle.” 

“Potato sack race. You must each have one leg in the sack and make it from one end to the other without falling. If you fall, you start over.  “

“From there the band member will guide the women through the maze with his words. Once she reaches the center, they swap. She will need to guide him on a path to collect 3 trinkets to move to the final task which will remain a mystery.”

The room’s energy is electric. After long days of flights, rehearsals and stress between them all. This was actually the first bit of fun for any of them.

“Ready to lose, Chann-ah?” Minho calls out. 

He is standing with his chest out, arms crossed. Chris smiles with his tongue pushing his cheek out. The boys knew he hated that nickname. Minho knew only he could get away with it. 

“Minho, you may be able to dance me under the table, but you are not winning today.” His real smirk is out and on full display.

“Awww Chann-ah. That’s Cute.” He mirrors the tongue in cheek movement and Chan’s ears go red. Rinah snorts. Tilly joins her, both watching the peacocking unfold.

“Tilly maybe we should have paired together to let these two have the room.” Rinah teases.

“See you at the finish line losers.” Changbin calls out. 

Lexa just rolls her eyes. "We will be meeting them there..." She pauses, eyes narrowing at Changbin. "Not a chance in hell we beat either of them if we can't even communicate without wanting to murder one another."

“Maybe if you weren't so bossy we could find common ground, Princess.” Changbin retorts and then squeals as Lexa stomps her foot on his toe while smiling.

“Hey Tilly, try not to let the fearless leader there fall on his pretty face. The fans will blame all of us.” Minji calls out. The room erupts in cackles.

“Bold of you to assume she can stop him from making a fool of himself” Minho quips in response.

“Places, please….” The announcer starts…

"Good luck, guys. You're all gonna need it by the sounds of it!" Hyunjin calls out from the sidelines. Group 2 lounges on the sidelines, already entertained. 

“Get ready. When the gong chimes, you are free to start!”

Chime…Chime…Chime… GONG!

Binnie, Minho, Tilly, and Felix start with the hat. Minho kneels, and this gives Rinah the advantage. She makes all three rings quickly, and they swap. Minho makes them in quick succession. They are the first pair to race to the next station, Felix and Minji hot on their heels.

Chan and Tilly move slowly, both laughing with each miss. He starts diving, attempting to spear the rings she throws. Eventually, they are the third to finish.

Lexa pegs Binnie in the face a few times, laughing harder each time. “Kneel down, you oaf.” The second ring bounces off his hat. "Kneel. Still. Stop. Talking." She punctuates each word with a gesture. 

He goes silent. Stays perfectly still. The third ring lands clean. "See? You CAN follow directions." She grins, victorious. 

"Only when they make sense, Princess." They swap. She kneels with exaggerated poise, chin up, eyes daring him to comment. 

He doesn't. Just makes all three rings in quick succession, smirking the entire time. 

"Show off," she mutters. 

"Learned from the best." They race off, Changbin laughing. "I didn't know princesses could kneel..." She aims an elbow at his stomach. He dodges, grinning.

Minho and Rinah begin the sack race slowly. Their hands are clasped as they start at a walking pace. “Stick with me. Hold the bag with that hand and me with the other. Now, Left… right… left… right…”, and they make it to the other side without missing a single beat. 

Rinah throws her arms around Minho jumping and yelling in celebration. Minho shakes his head at the unexpected gesture as Felix and Minji squeal, signaling they too have finished. 

Minho turns that direction and his eyes land on Chan and Tilly as they take a nasty tumble. All because Chan was watching him and Rinah. Idiot.

[Bang Chan POV]

The ground is hard. Burlap burns against his palms as he pushes upright.

He should be watching his own lane. Should be focusing on the potato sack race with Tilly.

Instead, his eyes track Rinah and Lee Know finishing their turn. She's jumping, laughing, hugging Lee Know like they just won something that actually matters. Her arms are wrapped around his neck and she is smiling wider than he’d seen all day.

"Sorry…sorry, I..." Chan scrambles upright, offering his hand.

Tilly takes it, laughing it off. "It's okay. Let's try again."

But her smile doesn't quite reach her eyes. And Chan knows she noticed where he was looking.

Walking back to the start he looks up just in time to see Minho climbing the tower of the maze… looking right at him shaking his head. Yeah… I deserved that.

[Minho POV]

Chan deserved that head shake. And the look on his face says he knows it. Rinah's already adjusting her blindfold, waiting. Professional. Unlike some people.

"Please continue forward until you hit the hay, then take a left."

She navigates slowly but follows his voice exactly. Obedient. He files that away.

"Here?"

"Yep. One sec." He scans the maze, mapping the most direct path. Too easy. He could do this blindfolded himself. Actually, that's next.

"Left. Left. Forward. Right." Pause. "Your OTHER right, noona."

She course-corrects without complaint.

"Steady. Left, right, right."

His voice stays calm, even. She doesn't hesitate. Doesn't second-guess. Just moves and trusts.

Interesting.

They finish clean. No backtracking. No panic.

When she pulls the blindfold off, he's already smirking. "Not bad for someone who can't tell left from right."

"You said YOUR right. How was I supposed to know which right you meant?"

"Fair point." He tugs the blindfold over his own eyes, still smirking. "Your turn to keep me alive, noona."

She huffs. 

"Oh, and Chan just got here." He adjusts the fabric, making sure it's secure. 

"Please do your best to keep an eye on me. You can gawk at him later."

The smack to his shoulder is immediate and hard.

He grins wider. "Violent. I like it."

"I should walk you straight into a wall for that comment alone."

"You won't."

"How do you know?"

"Because you're a good person." She scofs, but he hears the laugh beneath it.

He tilts his head, listening for her position. "Also, Chan's watching. You'd feel bad if I got hurt on your watch."

Another smack. Softer this time.

He laughs quietly. "See? Told you. Now that he can see you barely even tapped me"

She sighs loudly. Dramatic. He hears paper rustling. "Not that you'll be able to see them, but we're collecting purple rings."

"Purple. Got it. Lead the way, noona."

"Forward five steps."

He moves without hesitation.

[Bang Chan POV] 

"Forward five steps."

Rinah's voice carries across the space. Calm. Certain. Lee Know moves without hesitation. Chan's chest tightens at how well they work together. He should be studying the maze layout. Planning the route. Figuring out the most efficient path. His competitive side is screaming at him to get his head in the other game but he can't find his focus. 

Instead, he's listening, watching. 

"Stop. Left turn."

Chan's fingers find his ring. Spins it once. They're in sync. The kind that comes from trust, not practice. The kind that was going to send him into oblivion soon enough if the heat creeping into his body was any indication. 

He built a family by choosing strays. What if she doesn't choose him? What if he wasn't her perfect match but Minho was…

"Three steps. Reach right, shoulder height."

Minho finds the ring on the first try.

"Efficient." Minho quips.

"I try to be. Listening to your instructions helped" She responds.

Chan's jaw tightens. He trusts Minho. Seven years of brotherhood. Survival shows where they barely made it through. Late nights in the studio when everything felt impossible and Minho stayed anyway. 

So why does watching him with Rinah feel like swallowing glass?

"Flattery. I like it. What's next?"

It's not jealousy. Can't be… but why does it sound like flirting… Minho is his brother. Rinah is what? A contestant? Someone he met in a garden twice?

But she sounds amused, she looks like she is truly enjoying herself… The way she did before cameras. Before production. Before everything got complicated.

"Back two steps. Right turn. Forward until I say stop."

"Dangerous. What if you forget to say stop?"

"Then you hit a wall and learn a valuable lesson about trust."

Minho's laugh is quiet but unmistakable. They are both having the time of their life while he spins out…Chan spins his ring faster.

"Chan?"

Tilly's voice pulls him back to the present. He blinks. Refocuses. "Yeah. Sorry. What?"

"I asked if you wanted to review the map before our turn." She's holding the maze layout. 

Her expression is patient. Understanding. It makes him feel worse.

"Right. Yeah. Let's do that."

But his eyes drift back to the maze. To Rinah standing on the platform, map in hand, guiding Minho with the kind of ease Chan knew he had with people.

"Stop. Reach down. Low. Left side."

Ring two.

"You're good at this, noona."

"You're good at following directions. Shocking, honestly."

"Only when they're worth following." Minho's response churns in Chan's gut.

Rinah's laugh cuts through the noise and his chest tightens more. When's the last time she laughed like that with him? The garden. Midnight. It had quickly become a favorite soundbite.

"Chan." Tilly's voice is softer now. Different.

He turns. Really looking at her this time, guilt settling in his chest. She's not smiling anymore.

"You don't have to pretend with me," she says quietly. Her hand touches her own hip, right over her mic pack. Making sure he sees the green light. 

He glances down to see the mic is green. The cameras are rolling, her mic is hot. She is aware and saying it anyway. He looks back at her. 

Determination, and a need to gain control sits heavy in his chest. "I'm not pretending." The conviction falls flat, and his confidence plummets.

"You are." Her voice stays gentle. Kind. "And it's okay. But maybe figure out what you actually want before you lose it." 

She looks out to Rinah.

The words land like a punch. He wants to say something but she is already walking toward the starting line.

He stands alone, spinning his ring. 

The only sound is Rinah, signaling his brother around a maze. It could have been him. It should have been him. He turned down the chance and now he was forced to watch…

"Stop. Right turn. Two steps. Reach up. Center."

Ring three.

"See? You didn't let me crash." Minho states as he removes the blindfold and begins running to meet his partner at the platform.

"You didn't give me a reason to." Rinah is climbing down and walking toward the exit, not even glancing his way.

Chan closes his eyes. The banter bouncing off the walls in his head, a dull ache setting in. The noise deafening his senses. He breathes in, slow and deep. Holding it in, then letting it out slowly. The attempt to slow his racing pulse fails.

“Come on.” He hears Tilly call out. Opening his eyes he walks forward. All he can do is try and be better and get through all of this. 

Tilly is waiting at the maze entrance. Professional smile back in place for the cameras. Taking their position, he studies the map closely. 

Chan grabs the blindfold, placing it on Tilly with a gentle touch. “I’m sorry I was distracted. I’ve got you.” 

“How about we get through this without injury, and we can call it a win?” His smile is patient and easy. 

“Fighting.” He whispers. 

“Fighting.” 

Chan takes another steadying breath. He has concentrated through worse. He can do this. Tilly has done nothing wrong here and deserves to not be made a fool of on Prime TV. 

He guides her through the first half. Only losing track of the path once. Rinah laughing pulls his attention for a split moment and Tilly walks into a wall. 

“Sorry, one step back and turn left.” 

She makes it to the center. Blind fold off, handing it to him. “Almost done.” 

Her smile doesn't reach her eyes. 

He nods. Placing it over his eyes, he focuses on what he can hear. Unfortunately, the sound that finds him is Rinah, and it drowns out all others. 

“Chan, can you hear me?” Tilly’s voice calls down. 

“Must be all those years in front of the loud speakers. Apologies!” 

“5 steps forward then turn right.” Tilly gives directions best she can, but his focus is split. 

Rinah's laugh cuts through clearer. Sharper. He loses count of his steps. "Five steps forward then turn right." 

He moves. Thinks he moves anyway. His hand finds empty air where a wall should be. 

"Chan, stop. You've gone too far." The ring spins. His pulse hammers behind his eyes. How long has he been in here? 

"Back three steps. No, your other…Chan, stop." 

Minho's voice echoes from somewhere. "See? Told you." Rinah's response is muffled but amused. His chest tightens. 

"Chan?" Tilly sounds worried now. "Can you hear me?"

“Time” An announcer calls out.

Chan pulls the blindfold and begins walking toward the exit. Head hanging. The headache that had begun was now rolling and throbbing and the lights were all too bright. Every sound bounced through his too thick skull as he followed Tilly toward the sidelines.

"Hey, you okay, hyung?" Seungmin falls into step beside him. Chan nods without looking up, and keeps walking. 

“Group 2 head over! Group 1, you may take a seat on the sidelines.” 

Seungmin falls back to take his place. Chan looks up, watching the group all file over ahead of him. 

“Christopher.” 

A slight pressure at his hip. She turned his mic off. He rolls his eyes. Of course she did.

“Want to talk about it?”

“Not particularly, no.” He glances over his shoulder but starts walking and avoids holding eye contact. 

“Figured that would be the case but something's up.” 

"What." The word lands flat. Final. "Seriously. What do you want me to say?" He stops mid-step, turns to face her. Hands fly out in a dramatic shrug that feels too big for the space.

“Nothing at all.” She throws her hands up and walks away. 

"Nae…" She doesn't turn around. 

He lacks the conviction to follow her. Lacks the words for what would be a half-assed apology anyway. 

Chan takes slow cautious steps forward. Rinah and Minho are in the bottom row. He passes them, not meeting either of their eyes. He doesn't need his anger showing on camera. The news would have a field day and he doesn't have the capacity to deal with it. 

"Binnie."

His eyes pop up from a quiet discussion with Lexa.

“Gym sessions after?” 

Changbin's expression shifts when he sees Chan's face. No questions. Just a thumbs up. 

Chan nods. He'll work it off there. Has to. 

"Group 2, places please!"

The energy shifts immediately. Hyunjin stretches like a cat, all fluid grace, offering his hand to Hye-Rin with exaggerated chivalry. Han's already bouncing on his toes, Mia laughing at whatever rapid-fire commentary he's providing. Seungmin and Soojin move to their lane with quiet competence. Jeongin and Ji-yoo look nervous but determined.

"Lane assignments confirmed. Get ready!"

The room erupts in cheers. Felix whoops from the sidelines. Minho settles back to watch, arms crossed, already analyzing their competition.

Chan pulls out his phone. The screen is too bright. He turns the brightness down but it doesn't help. Everything is too much. He sits at the back, thumbing through his phone. Nothing that needs his immediate attention. Time for a bubble update. 

He takes a few selfies. Opening the app. A message is flagged. 

[5:15 AM]
Grateful for the chaos, the company, and the man who somehow gives both. 🫶🏼 #NoonaRinah

She sent it before sunrise. Before the cameras. Before she laughed with someone else.

For him. Only him. He screenshots it. The flash sends a throb into his skull.

He drags the beanie low, blocking out the light as the throb behind his eyes returns with a vengeance. 

The gong sounds. Chan’s head protests.

Han goes into full chaos mode immediately… diving, rolling, making Mia laugh so hard she can barely throw straight. They're dead last but having the time of their lives.

Hyunjin and Hye-Rin move with practiced ease. He kneels perfectly still, and she lands all three rings like she's done this professionally. They finish first.

Seungmin approaches it like a math problem, coaching Soojin through angles and trajectory. "Slightly left. Now release." It works. They're second to finish.

Jeongin keeps apologizing every time Ji-yoo misses. "It's okay! Take your time!" She's giggling too hard to aim properly.

In the bleachers, someone laughs. Chan doesn't look up but doesn't recognize it as Rinah either.

Rinah leans close to Minho, her voice low. "When was the last time he slept? Ate? Do any of you know..."

He shakes his head. "He has never been good at staying on top of either of those things."

"Thought so." 

She stands, nods toward Chan. “Come on.”

Minho stands and they slowly begin to walk over to where Chan sits clearly not wanting company. “Rinah, I hope you know what you’re doing,” he whispers.

She stops abruptly. Reaches over and shuts his mic off, then hers. The silence in her earpiece is immediate. Cutting. They're off the record now. 

"That man is 10 minutes away from a meltdown due to burnout. We can't just sit and let it happen on camera. Are you in or out?” Her voice low so no one hears them.

Minho stares at her. This woman just shut down production audio without permission. Just diagnosed his leader from across a room. Just asked if he's willing to stage an intervention in the middle of filming. 

She's either brilliant or insane. Probably both. 

"Fuck." He exhales. "In. All in."

"Can you find some water and something for his head?" 

Minho's brow furrows. 

"Beanie over his eyes, flinching at loud noises. I think he's got a tension headache. Tylenol if you can find it?" 

Minho's eyebrows raise. "How do you…”

“Water first. Questions later.” 

She turns toward the back bleachers. Chan hasn't moved. Hasn't looked up. Just sits there spinning that ring like it's the only thing keeping him grounded. 

Ten minutes. Maybe less. She's seen this before. Burnout doesn't announce itself with trumpets. It's quiet. Insidious. It looks like a leader sitting alone at the back of the room, beanie pulled low, smile too tight, holding himself together with pure stubbornness. 

She knows that look. Wore it herself once. Not today. Behind her, Minho's smirk is audible in his voice. "Go get him, noona." She does. 

"WAIT WAIT WAIT!!!" Han's already off-balance before they've taken a step. Mia's shrieking with laughter as they stumble forward in the least coordinated display anyone's witnessed today.

Hyunjin and Hye-Rin glide through like it's choreographed. Flawless. They finish and aren't even winded.

"Left, right, left, right," Seungmin counts out the rhythm. Soojin matches him perfectly. They cross the line smooth and efficient.

Jeongin and Ji-yoo fall twice but are laughing so hard neither cares. "We're doing great!" Jeongin insists from the ground. Ji-yoo just nods, breathless.

Chan's phone buzzes. He ignores it.

"Hey." 

His heart skips. He doesn't move.

"Hey." Louder this time. 

He flips the beanie up. Smiles.

Rinah's eyes are narrowed on him. Studying him. “You look like shit.” 

“Is your mic on?” Anger in the words. 

“Yeah, I am a total dumbass... Obviously it isn’t” The sarcasm thick. 

She sits beside him, close enough that their shoulders almost touch. Chan scans the room, worried cameras would pick it up as too close.

“Forgive me for being concerned. Or don't. I don't actually care.” 

“If you don't care why are you sitting here?” He didn't mean to be an ass, he just couldn't do this here and now. Cameras and crew and staff and members everywhere. This was not the roof, nor the time. 

She watches group 2 as they work through each task. The other 4 were cheering and hooting. Taking time to contemplate her response. "Because Chan, you don't get to tell people when they can care for you." 

He doesn't respond. Can't. The words hit too close to something he's been running from. He crosses his arms over his chest and stares out toward the groups. Jaw tight. Ring spinning faster. 

She knows he heard her. That's enough for now.

The maze splits group 2 further.

Hyunjin guides Hye-Rin with the smooth confidence of someone who memorized the layout during Group 1. They're surgical. Precise. Done in record time.

Han talks Mia through it with his usual mile-a-minute energy. "Okay so basically forward but like not TOO forward you know what I mean? Perfect okay now…" She's laughing the entire time but they finish.

Seungmin's directions are clinical. "Forward four steps. Left ninety degrees. Forward two steps." Soojin executes flawlessly. They're second again.

Jeongin is so encouraging it's almost ridiculous. "You're doing amazing! That's perfect! Okay maybe a little left but still AMAZING!" Ji-yoo is grinning the whole time.

Final standings: Hyunjin and Hye-Rin first by a mile. Seungmin and Soojin second. Han and Mia third. Jeongin and Ji-yoo last but couldn't care less.

"Group 2, excellent work! Take a seat, everyone. We'll break for fifteen before the final challenge." 

She pauses. "You really look like shit."

“Can you stop saying that?” He pulls the beanie back over his eyes and leans back. The throb behind his temples is sharp enough to make him wince.

“Sure, but I'm going to sit here while you process whatever dumbass thought spiral is happening in your head. Then we are all going to complete the tasks, finish the episode. And you, Christopher, are going to get some real sleep tonight.” His heart skips…

“No stars then huh?” The statement is cold. Solidifying for him that she was over it. The spectacle. The magic of the idol. He was too much. 

"Thought you'd argue about the sleep thing." She pauses. "As for the stars... I seek them every night. Up to you on that one."

Silence. His ring spins. Her breath is steady beside him. The room erupts in laughter somewhere, but it sounds underwater. He counts his heartbeats. Loses track at seven. 

Chan doesn't know how to clear it.

So he doesn't try.

The announcer's voice cuts through. "Final challenge! Everyone to your places!" The room moves. Bodies shifting, voices rising. 

He waits to see what she does.

She doesn't move.

Neither does he.

“Midnight?” His voice cracks

"Midnight. Then sleep." She agrees.

Chapter Text

Present Day - Seoul
Day 2 of production. The Games

POV Multi ->Minho -> Chan

[Bang Chan POV]

"Final challenge! Everyone to your places!" 

Chan leans forward, intent on standing. His stomach rolls. The nausea hits so hard he stays firmly seated, head dropping into his hands. Breathing through his nose. Out through his mouth. Don't throw up. Don't throw up on camera. 

"Chan, you need to eat something." Rinah's voice is soft but he hears the concern underneath. Hears shuffling as she stands. Footsteps moving down and away. 

He can't respond. Can't lift his head. Between his stomach and the vice grip around his skull, all he can do is sit and not look up. The cameras can't catch this. Can't see their leader falling apart. 

Just breathe. Just keep breathing. 

His hands are shaking. When did they start shaking? 

"Hyung." Felix's voice. Close. "I've got you." A hand on his back. Steady circles. Grounding. 

"Can't…" Chan's voice cracks. "Can't do this." 

"I know." Felix's hand doesn't stop moving. "Just breathe. We'll figure it out." 

Footsteps. Multiple people moving. Chan can't look up to see who. The production assistant's voice cuts through. Professional. Efficient. "If we could get everyone to their positions…" 

"No." That's Minho. Sharp. Final. Chan's eyes stay closed but he hears it. Hears his brother stepping in.

[Minho POV]

Minho doesn't let her speak. "Ten more minutes."

She glances at her clipboard, then back at him. "We're already behind schedule…"

"Ten. Minutes."

His eyes don't leave Chan. The beanie pulled low over his eyes again. Felix sitting stoically behind him, rubbing his back. The panic on Felix’s eyes sits plainly.

The assistant clocks Chan’s shut-down. The still shoulders, the motionless ring. "I'll get you your ten minutes," she says, and retreats.

Minho turns. Catches Felix's eye first. A slight tilt of his head. Rinah is moving toward them, a small orange and a banana in her hand.

She kneels on the bench seat below, placing the orange in his hand first. Her body blocking the closest camera’s view. She stays there until he finishes both items. Then sits a seat away, allowing Felix space to keep working the small circles near the base of his skull in an attempt to help relieve the head pain.

Slowly, the members begin moving closer. First Minho. Then Changbin. Hyunjin. Han. One by one, they come. 

Lexa stands from where she'd been watching. Moves toward the circle without hesitation, and plops next to Rinah, threading her arm in and weaving their fingers together. Rinah’s stone-like features soften at the gesture.

Tilly follows suit. Slower. Uncertain. But she comes sitting on the opposite side leaving space between her and Chan.

Minji positions herself at the front edge, a few rows below him. Arms crossed. Guard dog energy. Making sure no one interrupts.

Mia hovers near the back. Soojin beside her. Both of them are watching as each person moves in. Learning what it means to love someone like this.

Minho is the last to move. He walks past the camera operator who's still filming. Doesn't tell him to stop. Let them see this. Let the world see what it looks like when the person who holds everyone together finally breaks. He stands a few rows up behind Chan. Hands in his pockets. 

[Bang Chan POV]

Chan hears shuffling but doesn't lift the beanie from his eyes. He doesn’t need to, he feels their presence as if they are an extension of his own.

The massage continues. Felix. He'd know those hands anywhere. 

A bump against his side almost knocks him over. Buff. Warm. Aggressive affection. Changbin. 

Someone lays their head on his thigh, pulling his hand to their chest. One tap. Three taps. Four. I love you. Han. 

Arms wrap around his shoulders from behind. He leans back into it. Spice and cinnamon. The embrace tightens. Hyunjin. 

More presence. More warmth. They're all here. Every single one of them. 

And then the softest touch. Someone settling between his legs on the floor below. Leaning back against him. Chan's free hand finds small shoulders. Baby bread. The maknae who doesn't do skinship unless someone is hurting. Jeongin. 

That's what breaks him completely. Not the exhaustion. Not the jealousy. Not the cameras or the pressure or the weight of leading. It's Jeongin. Trusting him. Leaning into him. Even now. Even like this. 

The sob rips free before Chan can stop it. And then another. And another. In front of the cameras. The crew. The contestants. His members. There's no stopping it. 

Hyunjin's arms tighten. The vibration from his own tears echo in his chest as he holds Chan. The embrace acts as an anchor for Chan. 

Minho's voice cuts through. Soft. Singing. The opening lines of "Cover Me." 

Seungmin joins. Humming the melody beneath. The others weave in. One by one. Building the harmony they've built a hundred times before. 

But this time it's different. This time it's not a performance. It's a promise. We've got you. We'll hold you. You don't have to carry this alone. 

Chan opens his eyes through the tears. And sees them. All eight women sitting closely. They're singing too. 

Eight women who owe him nothing. Singing his song. Showing up for him. For his brothers. For themselves. 

When he meets his members' eyes, it isn't judgment he sees. Only love. Support. Compassion. The tears keep flowing but something in his chest loosens. He's not alone. He's never been alone. He just forgot how to let them carry him.

He looks down, Han belting out the verse he normally does. “Yeah, I tried to hide away from all the sorrow and pain. But little did I know that I was going insane”

Chan hums, not trusting his words, as he follows along with the group. Tears are still silently falling, as Hyunjin and he sway to the melody.

He feels more arms wrapping around him as the song ends. All the members piling in for a group embrace. A stark reminder of why he is here. They sit there, a Stray Kids huddle puddle. 

The last note fades into silence. No one moves. They're all breathing together. Existing in the same sacred moment. 

Someone squeezes his hand. Han, still holding on. "You good, hyung?" His voice is careful. Gentle. 

Chan's voice is wrecked. "Yeah." 

"Liar." But Han's smiling. Understanding. 

"I will be," Chan corrects. Means it this time. 

"Yeah. You will." Han squeezes once more. "We'll make sure of it." The members start pulling back slowly. Giving him space. Not leaving, just... allowing him to breathe. 

Hyunjin's arms loosen but don't let go completely. Just shifts his hold. "You don't have to be okay all the time," Hyunjin whispers. "That's what we're for." 

Chan nods. Can't speak yet. 

"Fighting," Minho says quietly from behind him. The word echoes around the circle. Members first, then the women join in. 

"Fighting." 

"Fighting." 

"Fighting." 

A promise. A commitment. Felix grins, trying to lighten the weight. "Chan hyung, we have one more task. Then I say we fuck off for the rest of the day. Take the girls with us and just go exist outside all of this. What do you think?" 

Chan manages a laugh. Small. Real. "I think I trust you. And that it's not the worst idea I've ever heard." 

"Let's get this over with," Chan sighs heavily.

The boys break off one by one. The throbbing pain in his head keeps him from jumping up to join the procession. 

A hand shoots out. His eyes are met with the striking blue ones of his past. A water bottle and tylenol extended. “Take them, and don't try to act tough with me. I know you better than most remember.” Teasing him has his smile slowly returning. 

"Thanks Nae. Still not entirely sure how you are back here. Tell me about it later, yeah?" She nods, and wanders off toward Felix. 

Taking two pills he keeps his eyes closed. 

[Multi POV]

Lexa approaches Changbin where he's sitting with the members. Wordless, she holds out a protein bar. He looks up. Takes it. "Thanks." 

"He's your leader." Not a question. 

"Yeah." 

"You'd do anything for him." 

"Yeah." He unwraps the bar. Takes a bite. "Wouldn't you? For yours?" 

She thinks of Rinah. Still sitting beside Chan. Hasn't moved. "Yeah." 

"Then we're the same." He breaks the bar in half. Offers her the other piece. She takes it. Sits beside him. They eat in silence, watching their people hold each other up. 

"Next time," she says quietly, "we help carry them together." 

"Deal, Princess." She doesn't correct him this time.

"Chan-hyung.” Seungmin says quietly as he sits.”Your body needs rest. This is not about her, or the show. You’re running on empty" 

"I know that." The statement was not convincing.

"But you couldn’t stop watching her with him."

"...Yeah."

"You know that's not rational, right?" 

"I know."

"When's the last time you ate? Slept more than four hours?" Chan feels Seungmin’s careful inspection of him. 

Silence.

"You’re out of gas, hyung. This is burnout. Not true jealousy. Manufactured to give your emotions a place to live"

"How do you know?"

Her voice answers him. "Because if I was shopping around, Chan, would I still be sitting right here with you?"

He pans to his side. She never left. She stayed.

“Because it was never about them. You trust him implicitly and she knew before we did that you were crashing. That sound like something you should be jealous of?” Seungmin rises, a quick nod of acknowledgement before he makes his way down the bleachers.

“Places. 2 minute warning.” 

“Come on.“ She says. His heart begins skipping. “Let’s finish this.” Her smile is soft and easy. Her energy radiates calm and confidence into him. She extends her hand out to him, and he takes it. Cameras be damned.

She stops and looks over to Tilly, tilting her head slightly.

Tilly joins them, grabbing Chan’s other hand. He smiles and laughs. “I don't deserve any of your kindness.” 

“Kindness is not based on our mistakes Chan-ssi.” She reaches for his hip and turns his pack on. A slight nod of reassurance as she does the same for hers. They hear a clatter and see Lexa snagging Rinah’s other hand. Their smiles are radiant.

Lexa leads the charge, the 4 of them hand in hand as they climb down, laughing along the way.

Minho greets them at the bottom, hand out to Rinah. She curtsies, takes it, glances back at Chan once, then lets Minho lead. Changbin runs over bowing dramatically before Lexa, hand extended out. She gives him a slap then bolts, but he keeps pace, laughing the whole way.

“Chaos.” The adoration in his tone is rich and clear. “Pure and utter chaos.” A laugh escaping him. Tilly’s laugh joins in as they walk to get into their spot. 

"Okay." The announcer's voice cuts through. "Now that we're all here. Here's the game." Packets are being handed out. The pairs flip through. Han’s excited chatter breaks the silence. 

“Lyrics challenge. His Strong Suit since he helps write most of the songs.” Minho offers as an explanation. 

“Can’t win them all.” Rinah replies.

“Who says?” Minho scoffs at her, making her laugh again. 

She immediately sits on the ground while flipping through the pages. Minho joins her and they begin scheming. Chan watches the interaction with a new light. Jealousy felt like the right word but it wasn't. She fits… the group. His members. It scared the hell out of him. 

Other pairs watch and begin to do the same. Chan settles beside Tilly. The air between them still carries the weight of earlier, but she doesn't move away. 

"I'm sorry," he says quietly. "About all of it." 

"I know." Her smile is gentle. "You don't have to keep apologizing. Just... take care of yourself, okay?" He nods. Means it this time. 

Across the room, Rinah and Minho are already deep in strategy. She's muttering to herself, pen poised. He's watching her with that amused cat-smirk. 

"Ready to lose again, Chann-ah?" Minho calls out. Chan actually laughs. 

"Not a chance, hyung." The room feels lighter already.

“Each song will play for 15 secs. You will have 1 minute to write the lyrics on your page before the next clip plays. Good luck contestants!” 

The first clip plays and chaos ensues. 

Han is rapping the lyrics out quickly as he is scribbling just as fast, Mia leaning over his shoulder correcting the scribbles.

Changbin yells the lyrics wrong but VERY loud. “That’s cheating my guy…” 

“Shhh. It’s strategy.” He pipes back at her. She shakes her head and keeps writing. 

Chan has his eyes closed as he recites them slowly, Tilly writing them down. 

Rinah's pen moves fast. Minho leans back, arms crossed, grinning. "Show off."

"You literally wrote this song..."

"And?"

"And? Would you like to discuss what it's about?" She whispers. His mouth shuts quickly. "Check the lyrics please." 

The buzzer sounds.

"Time! Next song!" The announcer calls out. 

─── Second song. Third. Fourth.

Papers shuffling. Laughter. Groans when someone blanks.

Across from them, Hyunjin is belting out completely wrong lyrics with full conviction. 

"Pabo, that's not even the right song," Hye-Rin says through laughter. 

"It's my TRUTH." 

"Your truth is INCORRECT." His gasp is theatrical. 

"Betrayed by my own partner!" The room erupts.

Seungmin and Soojin work in complete silence. Both perfectionists. Both are correct. Each checking the other’s work and confirming with curt nods.

I.N. gave up halfway through and was drawing doodles on his page. He's drawing elaborate cartoons in the margins… tiny Chan with a crown, baby bread with musical notes. Ji-yoo is hunched over her paper, determined. Focused. "Time!" 

She slumps. "I don't think I got any of them." 

Jeongin shows her his doodle page. "But look, I drew us." It's stick figures with smiles. She laughs anyway.

─── Final song plays.

Chan's eyes snap open. Tilly shakes her head. “I don't think I know this one?” She hands him the pen and paper and he begins scribbling. “Not surprising. It isn’t an official release and has only been performed one time” 

Minho watches. Rinah closes her eyes, mouthing the words. She's got it. Impressive. One of Chan's solo tracks that never made it to an album. A gift to Stay during a live. She starts writing. Not just the lyrics. Every word.

Minho watches. Then looks across the room at Chan. Chan isn't watching the game. He's watching her, a slow smile on his face. Minho's cat smirk returns.

Yeah. I chose right.

"Time! Pens down!" The announcer tallies scores while assistants collect pages.

"In last place... Changbin and Lexa!"

"WHAT." Changbin's outrage is immediate.

"You wrote the same verse twice, my guy." Lexa pats his shoulder. "It's okay. We can't all be lyrical geniuses."

Laughter ripples through the group.

Changbin stares at his paper. "I was... strategizing."

"By writing the same words twice?"

"It's called emphasis."

"It's called you panicked." She's trying not to smile. Failing.

He turns to her, indignant. "You were the one who said to write fast!"

"I said write CORRECTLY fast. There's a difference."

"You're enjoying this."

"Immensely." She grins. "This is what you get for calling me Princess for 4 hours straight."

"You ARE a princess. Look at you." He gestures vaguely at her whole existence.

"And you're a rapper who can't remember his own lyrics."

"They're not MY lyrics! Chan wrote them!"

Across the room, Chan's laugh cuts through. Real. Loud. The first genuine one all day.

Changbin stops. Looks over. Sees his leader actually SMILING.

"Worth it," he mutters.

Lexa follows his gaze. Her expression softens. "Yeah. Worth it."

Their eyes meet. Something shifts.

"Next challenge," she says quietly. "We actually try."

"Deal."

"And you stop calling me Princess."

"...I'll think about it."

She shoves him. He grins.

"In first place..." Minho straightens. Rinah doesn't. "Minho and Rinah!" Minho pumps his fist. Rinah laughs, surprised. Across the room, Chan is smiling. Not his stage smile. The real one.

“In Second place… Han and Mia.” Han hops up and is squealing, pulling Mia to jump around right alongside him. 

“In Third place… Seungmin and Soojin. I will need all 3 pairs to report for glamour shots and personal interviews. The rest of you are done for the day”

Felix and Minji walk straight to Chan. “Still up for fucking off?” The green light on his pack has Chan rolling his eyes. 

“Go turn equipment in, let's meet in the lobby.” Everyone but the 3 pairs and Chan head toward the tech room.  

He leans against the wall watching the staff pose them for Promotional shots. Minho and Rinah get 2 poses. Han and Mia are posed 6 times. Seungmin and Soojin get 2. 

“Was wondering when you would notice.” His heart jumps, he thought she had left with Felix. 

“Nae…” 

“Christopher.” 

“I see it.”

“Gonna do anything about it?”

“Bet your ass I am.” His eyes meet hers. “Go get that mic off. We have scheming to do.” He watches her back as she saunters off. 

Other side of the room Changbin watches from the sidelines as Han and Mia get repositioned for the sixth time. His jaw tightens. "You seeing this?" 

Lexa appears beside him. "Yeah." 

"They're not even pretending to hide it." 

"Nope. Should have seen the dorms" His brows furrow. “B group was in trainee dorms. A got placed in the ‘Debuted Senior Artists’ dorm.” His hands curl into fists. 

"Hyung is watching too." They both look at Chan, leaning against the wall, cataloging every angle, every extra shot, every manipulation. 

"Good," Lexa says. "We're gonna need proof." 

Changbin's head snaps toward her. "You're in?" 

"I’ve been in…" Her eyes are steel. "Rinah doesn't play games she can't win. Neither do I." 

"Atta girl." This time she smirks. "Took you long enough." She smacks him but not nearly as hard this time. “Progress.” His smile broadens.

“We should go tell Chan about the dorms. He doesn't know yet clearly if you hadn't heard.” Lexa stalks off toward Chan.

“Hyung.” Chan looks up to see them walking his way. “Any chance minji filled you in about the dorms?” Shaking his head he pushes away from the wall to meet them. Binnie giving the run down quickly.

“Tilly was the one who suggested it first?” His eyes are as wide as saucers. 

“Yeah, turns out. Us women aren't heartless. All the “chan coded” contestants have hearts of gold. It is quite gross actually. Very lovey dovey type feel.” Lexa teases, causing Changbin to snort. 

“That’s a wrap. Thank you all! Head through that door there. Food is being provided in the green room for any who are hungry.” 

Minho sees Chan waiting for them and decides to hang back. His job of playing middle man is done for the day. Rinah reaches him first and walks through the door, Chan falling in behind her. Minho laughs audibly. 

“Guess we are going to have to watch our own backs from now on” Han quips, noticing the leader not taking up his position at the back of the group per usual. 

“Guess so.” Minho agrees. 

“Minho?” A sweet and small voice asking for him. Soojin steps closer. “We all see it. I just wonder if you have any idea what happens next? With the show. There are 5 more weeks of filming… how do they do that if Chan has already picked?”

Minho blinks at her. Contemplating the issue he hadn't thought to ponder before. “I don't know, but I bet we can all figure it out together.” He tilts his head toward the exit, and leads them all towards the equipment turn in.

Five more weeks. Eight women. One choice already made. How DO they navigate this? He turns his mic in and quickly heads back towards the green room

Catering trays line one wall. The lighting is harsh. Fluorescent. Wrong. Chan walks in last behind Rinah. Surveys the space. The cameras in the corners. The staff lingering by the door. This isn't freedom. This is just another set. 

Felix catches his eye. Tilts his head toward the hallway. The one that leads deeper into the building. Away from cameras. Away from production. Chan understands immediately. 

"Hey," Felix says loudly enough for the room. "Anyone else starving? I'm thinking we raid the practice room stash." 

Hyunjin perks up. "The emergency ramen?" 

"Exactly." 

"I'm in," Han says immediately. One by one, the members catch on. The women follow their lead. 

"We should probably head back to the dorms," a production assistant suggests from the doorway. 

"In a bit," Minho says smoothly. "We need to debrief first. Member meeting." The assistant hesitates. 

"We won't be long," Chan adds. Leader voice. Final. She nods. Backs out. The door closes. 

"Hyunjin and I will be right back." They take off down the hallway, grinning like they're up to something.

Chapter Text

Present Day - Seoul
Night 2 of production. 
POV Multi 

Changbin stands in the hallway, shoulder pressed to the wall, a lazy grin curling at the edge of his mouth. “So,” he says to Chan, “we still fucking off or what?”

Chan looks around at the others gathering their bags. 15. One missing. The last of the lights in the studio flicker off. He hesitates…

“We all need this, you included. Minho won't let anything go sideways.” His voice is pleading.

Rinah rounds the corner, hair loose now, mic pack gone.

The thought of going their separate ways decides for him “Yeah. We are.” Chan starts toward the corridor that leads deeper into the building instead of toward the exit.

Han squints. “You’re serious?”

“Completely.” Chan glances back, a spark behind the exhaustion. “If we walk out that door, they'll be watching. Inside, we’ve got a few hours of freedom before anyone notices.”

Rinah looks on curiously. “You’re planning to hide in your own building?”

He smiles. “Borrow it for a bit.” He extends a hand out to her. She hesitates then takes it. Giggling as they start running.

Minho shakes his head but follows anyway. “Then let’s make it count.”

Felix cheers, Han and Mia grab the snack trays from the green room, and suddenly all 14 of them are moving, laughter spilling into the hallway as the door shuts behind them.

The B-level practice floor smells like detergent and old bass lines. Emergency lights buzz overhead, just bright enough to catch their reflections in the mirrors.

Someone plugs in a speaker; someone else kicks off their shoes. “Movie night,” Han declares. “Unplanned, unapproved, absolutely essential.”

By the time the first song hits, jackets are tossed, laughter ricochets off glass, and the tension of the day dissolves.

For the first time since the show began, no one’s performing for the cameras. They’re just a group of adults, breathing the same air, existing in the same space. 

Felix, Changbin and Tilly pull phones out and start gathering people to do the latest TikTok trends with them. 

Lexa drags Rinah into a TikTok dance. She's laughing, stumbling over the moves, but trying. Felix coaches her through it. "No, no, like THIS…" 

She mimics him. Gets it wrong. Tries again. Changbin's recording, commentary running: "And here we have noona Rinah attempting to keep up with Australia's finest…" 

"YAH!" She throws a shoe at him. Misses. The room erupts. 

Soojin, Lexa, and Minji put the boys oversized hoodies on, hoodies up, hair tied back. Rinah is deemed good enough to press record. They have face masks to obscure their features and pretend to be back up dancers when it's Felix’s video. But swap with Tilly's. 

Hyunjin and Rin are having a dance off. Hyunjin pulls Rinah into the dance-off next. She's terrible. Absolutely terrible. But she's TRYING, and that's what matters. The boys are cheering like she's winning. Mia, Han and the other girls mingle between the two “shows.” cheering and joining in. 

Minho watches from his corner. Catches Chan watching too. The look on his leader's face says everything. She's not performing. She's just... here. Being herself. And Chan loves her for it. 

Han drags her over to the gaming station next. "You any good at Mario Kart?" 

"Terrible." 

"Perfect. Ji-yoo needs competition at her level." 

Rinah plops down between Seungmin and I.N., controller in hand. She's asking questions, laughing at herself, fully engaged. Twenty minutes pass like this. Rinah rotating through the chaos. Not the center of attention, just... part of it. One of them. 

When she finally extracts herself and heads toward Chan's corner, she's flushed and happy and TIRED. And he's been watching the whole time.

Chan watches Rinah walk his way and he can't hold his smile back. 

“This spot taken?” He shakes his head. She turns and slides down the wall, plopping to the floor a moment later.

Chan slides down next to her, eyeing the bag in her hand. She looks down, then back to him.

“Ready?”

His smile returns, dimples soft in the low light.

Popcorn sails toward him and bounces off his forehead.

“Sorry. Terrible shot.”

Laughter spills between them.

“Not too terrible. You did get the first challenge pretty damn fast.” She holds the bag out and he grabs a handful. 

“Pure luck. Don't go thinking I have any athletic ability beyond that.” She pauses, then finds his eyes, holding him in her own. 

“How are you?” She searches there for any hints and clues but the low light offers little help.

“Tired.” The evidence, even in low light, is visible in the way his shoulders are dropped low. 

His hands lazily draped over his legs. Ankles crossed but his feet falling bonelessly to the sides. 

“You have earned a night of real rest Chan. When are you planning to cash in on it?” 

“I want to see the stars. Then sleep. Promise.”

“I will hold you to that. Other than the food I handed you earlier, have you eaten today?” He points to the bag in her lap.

“Pop corn does not constitute a meal. Hold this.” She sets the bag in his lap as she stands. Her hands graze over his and he holds his breath, wanting to keep the contact.

She pulls away an instant later and is jogging over to the snack table. She doesn't seem to notice, her mission taking precedent.

She piles the plate high enough he worries it might buckle. 

When she makes it back, she returns to sit on the floor but closer this time. Only enough space for the plate to sit on the floor between them. 

“Eat.” No room for argument. 

He smirks. “Ladies first.” Her eyes meet his. “You’re gonna lie and tell me you ate today, noona?” The blush at this distance is unmistakable. 

“Takes one to know one.” He plops a pretzel from the plate into his mouth. She echoes the action. 

Han curses causing everyone in the room to look toward him. A projector flickers to life. The wall glows white. Cheers come from all over, followed by laughter and giggling.

“Movie night. There are extra nap rolls in that closet for any that want to stay. If you’d like to head back to your dorm Minji has offered to escort you, find her.” 

Minho’s instructions are clear. Time to wind down. You can stay and watch or head out. No other options will be entertained. 

Felix and Tilly jog over to the closet and begin handing out the mats. Two rectangle areas are set up. Members on one side form a pile, the girls using the boys hoodies as pillows all lay close, affectionate but not as overboard as the boys. 

“Do you think Minho is going to yell at us for not joining the puppy piles?” Rinah asks, her voice barely perceptible in volume. 

Shaking his head. “Leader privileges. I get away with a bit more when it comes to Mom.” They both have to stifle a chuckle. 

Minho hears them, and ignores them. Chan gets whatever he needs to get out of the funk. His time is ticking and he needs to know he is going to be ok before he leaves. 

The music starts, and the room settles into a comfortable silence. Minho speaks over the intro music. “I am going to set up a camera to record so they can't say we did anything but watch a movie, but you all deserve to at least know it's on.”

“We probably all should if we have them. They wanted us to record personal vlogs right?” Mia asks. 

Minho contemplates for a moment. “I don't see how it can hurt. If you brought yours, set it up around the room.” Rinah hops up, Chan closes in behind her as they retrieve their bags and set theirs up in the corner they were just occupying. 

3 others follow suit and grab their Selfie cams out. Setting them up, around the room near outlets. Different angles, different heights. 

Han turns the lights out and red lights are visible all around the room. Recording from all angles. “Back in the cage we go.” Rinah says quietly before pressing record on her camera.

Chan was thankful the lights were out so she couldn't watch his face fall. He was used to it… always being watched, always being “on.” 

He didn't think how heavy that would be for a non-idol. She feels it now. She is choosing to stay, but would that last? Could she do this the rest of her life…

Minji walks the perimeter, checking each camera. Crouching to check a few of them, adjusting the angles as she goes. Peeking the view and then adjusting again before moving on.

Minho watches from across the room. Tracks her movements. Sees her tilt the lens away from their corner.

He crosses to her. Silent. She knows his footsteps by now.

He looks at the camera. Then past it. Sees what she's blocking: the route to the exit. The blind spot she just created.

His eyes flick to Chan and Rinah in the corner. Then back to the camera. Understanding clicks.

Minji pulls out her phone. Swipes. Hands it to him without a word. 

Garden photos. Two different nights. Different clothes. Same two people. 

Minho's cat-smirk returns. 

She’s covering for them. Brave.

He hands the phone back. Nods once. Then he moves.

Checks the nearest camera. The jacket reads as a body. Dark fabric. Right build.

He walks to the corner. Unlaces his shoes, and shrugs out of his hoodie. Setting them just inside the frame. Pointing the toes toward the pile like someone stretched out to sleep.

Same brand as Chan's. Same size. He checks the angle again.

From the camera's view: hoodie, shoes, members. One leader, accounted for. He walks around and sees it works from all angles and deletes any previous footage of the room, showing him and Minji setting things up.

He pulls out his phone and sends a quick text. Chan's phone buzzes in his pocket. Minho looks up. Catches his eye across the room. Nods toward the door.

Chan glances at the setup. At the shoes. At the blind spot Minji carved out. His jaw loosens. The first real exhale all day. Minji nods, pulling her hood up as she walks over to slip in next to Lexa. 

Minho settles onto the floor. Head on Han's stomach, but he doesn't close his eyes yet. He pans around the room, satisfied with the work done.

Good, he thinks. Let them have the garden. Let them have the stars.

He turns his eyes toward the movie. Satisfied.

The movie continues to play, some romcom Han picked. Nobody's really watching. Tilly's asleep within ten minutes, head on Felix's shoulder. He doesn't move, just shifts slightly to make her more comfortable. Hyunjin and Hye-Rin are whispering commentary, making each other laugh at the terrible dialogue. Across the room, Seungmin shushes them. They don't stop. 

Jeongin's pretending to watch but his eyes keep closing. Opening. Closing longer. Mia's doing Changbin's hair. Just... playing with it while he sits in front of her, leaning back between her legs. His eyes are closed. He might be asleep. Might just be content. 

Lexa's sitting with Minji and Soojin, the three of them actually watching the movie, passing popcorn back and forth. Quiet. Easy. 

Chan watches it all from his corner. His family. These women who walked into their chaos and just... fit. 

"You're thinking too loud." Rinah's voice is barely a whisper. 

"Am I?" 

"Mmhmm." She shifts slightly closer. "What about?" 

"How this is the most normal I've felt in months." She doesn't respond right away. Just watches Hyunjin throw popcorn at Han for talking over a scene. Watches Minho shift to let Soojin use his leg as a pillow. Watches the pile of humans just... existing together. 

"Yeah," she says finally. "Me too." The movie keeps playing. The room gets quieter. One by one, people stop fighting sleep. Han's snoring within the hour. Mia's not far behind. The hoodies-as-pillows situation becomes a full puppy pile. 

Minji turns the lights down further. The projector glow is the only light now, casting everything in blue-white. Rinah checks her phone. "It's almost eleven." 

Chan's heart skips. An hour. He has an hour before… 

"You should rest first," she says quietly. "Even just twenty minutes." 

"Can't. If I lie down now I won't get back up." 

"That's the exhaustion talking." 

"That's the truth talking." His eyes find hers in the dark. "I'll sleep after. Promise." 

She studies him. Sees the determination there. The fragile resolve. "Okay," she says finally. "After." She looks around, the room has grown quiet. 

Rinah finds Chan’s eyes on hers. He tilts his head toward the door. Too afraid to speak the question aloud, but asking all the same. 

Chan and Rinah nod and leave on silent feet. Using the flashlight on his phone to guide them. To avoid cameras they take a longer route but arrive within 15 minutes.

Stepping out, the air is crisp enough to see their words. Rinah was in long sleeves but the chill would keep her from staying too long. 

Which was fine, she decided. They needed sleep. Both of them burning the candle at both ends was going to do nothing good. 

She wraps her arms around her waist as her eyes track to the sky. The night sky is completely clear. 

“Helloooo.” She says sweetly. 

Chan’s smile at the sound can't be helped. The way she greets the stars made his chest fill. It was adorable and he was absolutely a sucker for it.

He notices her breath, then her attire. He quietly shrugs his hoodie off and moves closer to her, holding it out. 

She smells the vanilla and citrus on his approach and turns to him. A grateful smile. “No, we probably shouldn't stay long anyway.” 

Her eyes go back to the stars. “We both haven't been getting enough sleep. I just wanted to see them before turning in.” 

“While you may be happy to just say hello, I’m afraid I am your escort and need a bit more time”  His arms wrap around her shoulders. “… with them.” She smiles at the pause, and at the idea that maybe it wasn't just the stars he wanted to spend more time with. The warmth in his embrace was an instant relief from the chill, his touch a welcome comfort. 

He had put the hoodie back on, and it was now serving to keep them both warm. “Ok. You win for now.” She rests her head back, tucking in under his chin, his vanilla scent wrapping around her only helped put her mind at ease.  

They stand and watch the stars, the city humming and honking in the background. The gentle buzz of electricity. She hums the first few lines to Cover Me. He joins her as they decompress from the day. 

They stand in comfortable connection, just them and the stars. His breath is warm on her cheek. Her body is warm against his chest. The embrace serving them in all the ways that matter.

“Thank you” His voice so close to her ear has her smiling like a school girl. 

“Please, never thank me for being a good human.” She moves slightly to look back, her eyes on his. “You flew too close to the sun. We caught you this time. Not just me, but your members too. We just showed up when you couldn't do it for yourself.” 

He stopped listening when his eyes found hers. The proximity beating down the doors of his resolve. 

She turns back around sooner than he would have liked and leans back into him. He takes one deep steadying breath, attempting to recover but her amber perfume only stands to make him wish they had more time. 

Her body shivering against his chest is his cue. He’s stolen all the time he can with her today. 

“Let's get back. You are going to wear this hoodie when you lay down and I am not taking no for an answer.” She nods and he drops his arms, letting her step away. 

The warmth of her in his arms was a comfort he wanted back. She begins walking back and he follows, head down. He runs ahead and opens the door for her before stepping inside and lighting the way back with his phone.

This time she has grabbed onto the sides of his hoodie to keep up. He gets “lost”, not ready to disconnect completely yet. 

20 minutes later they are walking back in on silent feet. She let go as they approached the door. He shrugs out of his hoodie and plops it over her head before she can protest. 

She is shoving her arms through, but it is adorably big on her. “You may not get this back. Hope you know that.” She buries her face in the neckline. His soft laugh is the only response she gets. 

The practice room is still. The movie's ended. Someone turned it off. Just the emergency lights now, and the red camera blinks. They move carefully. Silent feet on wooden floors. Every step feels too loud. 

Rinah's hand finds the back of his shirt. Holding on. He slows, letting her keep pace. The spot in the middle is the only space left. Of course it is. The universe has a sense of humor. They check the camera angles. Find the path with the least exposure. It's not perfect. Nothing is. 

Chan hesitates at the edge of the space. This is it. Lie down next to her, surrounded by everyone, cameras recording, and hope Minho's decoy holds. Or leave. Go to his room. Maintain distance. Play it safe. 

Rinah's already lowering herself to the floor, careful not to disturb anyone. She looks up at him. Waiting. Not pushing. The choice is his. He lies down beside her. She settles on her stomach, facing him. The hood drawn up hides most of her face, but he sees her eyes in the shadows. Watching him like she's memorizing this. 

"Sleep," she whispers. 

"You first." 

"Together?" His chest tightens. 

"Yeah. Together." 

He pulls the beanie down over his eyes. Not because he doesn't want to look at her. Because if he keeps looking, he won't sleep. Won't be able to stop himself from reaching out. 

Her breathing evens out first. Soft. Steady. The sound of it pulls him under. 

For the first time in weeks, Chan sleeps. 

Across the room, Minho's eyes snap open. He sees where they've settled. Sees the angle. Smiling until a red light blinks above them.

His stomach drops. 

Craning his head sideways there is a camera sitting next to the projector. Trained right at the pair.

Fuck

He sits up slowly. Careful not to wake Han. Eyes on the nearest camera. He could stand. Walk over. Turn it off right now.

But that's suspicious. That gets flagged. That makes it worse. He'll delete it in the morning. First thing. Before anyone reviews the footage. He lies back down.

First thing.

Chapter Text

Present Day - Seoul
Day 3 of production. 

POV Multi

[Minho POV] 6:00 AM

Minho’s eyes flutter open. The room is still dark; the sounds of sleep still linger all around him. Good. I have time. Sitting slowly so not to rouse anyone in close proximity he scans the room, counting. 15. Everyone is still here. 

Standing he walks toward the exit, slipping out to head to the tech room. His phone tells him it’s 6a. Here is to hoping they don't start early. He rounds the corner and stops in his tracks when he sees Minji exiting the room he was headed for. She spots him and heads his way. They both duck back down the hall. Walking quietly. 

They find an open classroom and duck in. “They already pulled it.” Her words make his stomach somersault. 

“That complicates things.” 

“Nothing we can do except be better going forward.” She is staring out from the window., contemplative. 

“Nae, why are you doing all of this? Why are you here?”

“Minho, it's too damn early to play 20 questions.” Her shoulders are tense, her tone confirms she is mad as hell. 

“Just one then. Why are you helping them?” 

She halts and flips on him. Eye’s open and her features are fiercely sharp. “Because fuck the system. Fuck what they require of you all. You all deserve to have your cake and eat it too.” She glances over her shoulder, seeing if maybe she got too loud and drew attention. 

“You came back… to fight the system? Am I hearing that right?”

“Maybe.” Her eyes turn back to the window. “Maybe I just missed all of you assholes and knew they would never let me step foot in here again so I found a loophole.” This time she earned the laugh.

“Thank you.” His voice low, soulful… sad? 

When he turns, his eyes shine wet in the half-light. She stands still, assessing. 

“No problem Minho.” She pauses. “At the risk of you biting my head off… are you ok?”

“Trying to get there.” He nods, turns to leave and pauses at the door. “I just turned 27, Nae. Clock’s been ticking, and time is almost up.” He walks out without waiting for a response. 

Unsure where to go, he heads to his dorm. He saw the email notification with the details of his enlistment but hadn't opened it yet. The silence of the always busy dorm hits him.

The silence was too damn loud. 

[Bang Chan POV] 6:30 AM

He wakes and the realization of where he was hits softly. The memory of holding her under the stars brings the smile back across his lips. His arm is extended toward her, hers reaches for him in the same perfect way. He can just barely see her face peeking out from under the hood that was hiding her from the room.

The door opening startles him. Sitting up quietly he watches Minji walk in, she finds his eyes and nods her head to the hallway. Getting up quietly was no simple task. His joints cracked and popped in places they probably shouldn't at his age, but years of performing was bound to have some side effects. 

Binnie stirs but stays sleeping. The rest stay out cold. Chan slips out, following Minji further down the hall. 

“Slight problem Channah. One camera was pointed right at the two of you while you slept. Production has the footage already.” 

“Fuck.” Contemplating. “I mean… could be worse. We didn't actually do anything. Just reached for one another like a poorly written k-drama? Usable footage later on…” She smiles at his attempt to find the silver lining. 

“You haven't looked at your phone I’m guessing? Updated filming schedule.” 

He pulls his phone out of his pocket but it's dead. “Dead.” He shoves it back and reaches for hers; she hands it over without question. 

“So… they’re just going to keep us apart.” His heart sinks. “Get enough footage of me with the others to make a good show. Again, it could be worse.” He is trying so hard not to panic, and it’s hard to watch. 

“Channie. Whatever they decide, we’ll work to undo. They are not going to be allowed to bully you into submission. Just don't lose your head, alright?” 

He blinks, handing the phone back. “What is that supposed to mean Nae? Yesterday was a fluke alright.” 

“Chan…” She crosses her arms across her chest. “You have never been falling for a woman who by every measure that I can see is your perfect match, and the company who has made it their job to fuck you over 8 ways from sunday is now getting involved to tear you two apart. Nothing about this is normal.” 

He bites his lip and nods. He knows she has him dead to rights there. 

“You and your 7 chaos gremlins made it this far but coloring outside the lines and not apologizing for it. You’ll find a way around this. Just going to take time to see the right angle. Go charge your phone. I’ll text soon” She pats his shoulder, and disappears into the hall.

[Rinah POV] 7:00AM

She wakes with a groan. Her neck is stiff; her hands are numb from using them as a pillow. Sleeping on the floor was the dumbest idea she’s had in a long time. She pushed herself to her elbows, letting circulation prickle back into her hands when another groan pulls her attention. 

“Lexa,” she whispers. Daring blue eyes peek over sleeping bodies toward her. Rinah nods to the hallway and they both begin to slowly stand and exit. Lexa peers down at the abandoned hoodie and shoes that had been laid behind her, questions and curiosity have her brain spinning. 

They head for the elevators. “Are we going to discuss why you’re in Chan’s hoodie, Ree? Or is that another thing we aren’t talking about?” She didn’t mean for it to sound so hurt, but it’s hard not to be. They share everything, but since getting here they’ve barely had time to connect and, in forty-eight hours, so much… too much… has happened. 

“Fuck, sorry. That came out way more emotional than you deserve..” She pauses as they walk in silence. “We really haven't had time to catch up, think maybe we could do that this morning?” 

“I am sure we will make it work.” Rinah weaves her arm into Lexa’s. “Lets find some food first and head to the dorm. I am sure we have another full day of filming. “ 

“And… the hoodie?” Lexa giggles. 

“It was cold.” Rinah’s smile tells her she won't be getting more information at the moment. They hop into the elevator.

Their phones buzz at the same time. “Must be production.” 

Both women lean against the wall as they read the notification. “Ree…” 

“Fuck.” Rinah is walking faster toward the dorm. Lexa falls in step with her. 

Inside, Rinah heads straight to the room. Her bags are gone. She checks: Mia’s, Minji’s, and Soojin’s are gone too. She sprints to their first room, but the key doesn’t work.

“Ree.” Lexa’s tone pulls her from her temporary panic. “Breathe.” 

Lexa grips her shoulders, eye to eye. “Before you panic, they clearly moved you. We don’t know where unless your email says where. Facts only. They know we weren’t here last night. They moved your dorm. The filming schedule changed. Time to wake everyone and game-plan before they divide us. Got it?” 

“They are moving all the dorms Lexa…” Rinah points to the email. 

“Fuck. They are going to divide us again. Listen… we will figure this out but we need to go wake everyone up… now.” Ree nods. They’re back in the elevator before the doors fully open.

Rinah pulls up bubble
[6:45 AM]
🚨⚠️Need to 🗣️ #NoonaRinah 

They make it back and open the door, jarring a few awake. 

“Binnie.” Lexa hisses. His eyes shoot open. “Can you text Minho and Chan? We need them here. Production’s on the offense.” He nods and reaches for his phone. 

Lexa walks around to shut cameras down but they have already been turned off. 

“Got them already.” Minji is standing in the corner of the room. 

“Creepy. And, thanks.” 

“They have footage.” Minji’s voice is quiet. Rinah is going person to person, waking them and asking them to check their notifications. 

“Of? Us having an unsanctioned party last night?” Lexa is watching her, wanting to understand the weight of the situation. 

“Proof that Chan isn't playing the game. That he is not choosing their pick.” Lexa’s slow nod is enough to convey understanding. 

“Let’s put our heads together. Not long til they find us and split us up.” Both join the growing group of barely awake idols and women as Minho walks in. 

“Where is Chan?” Lexa asks. 

“His phone was dead. I'm not sure where he went.” Rinah’s heart skips. The bubble message won't be seen until later… She pulls up the message, unsends it. She doesn't need him panicking. 

“Well we are going to have to talk this through without him, you can fill him in later.” He nods. 

“Hey all! Listen up! Unsure how long we have before they find this room but as you are all becoming aware, the film schedule has changed. What you may not be aware of is last night they went to the girls' dorm and all of Dorm B’s bags are missing.” The room erupts in murmurs. Lexa throws her hands up

“This is not the win they think it is.” Lexa tries to bring them back but fails.

Minji steps up. Lexa nods. And steps back. 

Minji’s voice is marginally louder. “Listen up. You saw the schedule, and the dorm changes. They're splitting us up. We are easier to control that way. Exchange numbers now. Use apps they can't monitor: KiK, Snap, TikTok. If something feels dramatic, it probably is. Play into it but check in with each other.” Everyone moves quickly. The command is clear.

Lexa and Minji pull Minho to the side. “It’s not great but we can't give up. Between the three of us we have each group covered.” Lexa whispers.

Minji’s eyes pull her in and hold her. “I’ve got her Lexa. I won’t let her spiral.” Lexa squeezes her shoulder. 

Minho takes a deep breath. “I’ll keep an eye on Chan.” He doesn't elaborate, they don't ask for more.

“And I am going to work with Tilly. She is the show favorite, we will keep them happy so it doesn't get worse while we see what else is headed our way.” Lexa states. 

The three of them exchange information in multiple places. 

Footsteps thunder down the hall. Time’s up. Two staffers enter. Groups A and B are marched out. A gets on the elevator first. Lexa nods to Rinah as the doors close. Rinah’s heart skips. She knows they are all safe, but this… this is dramatic for no good fucking reason. 

When the doors open her group is ushered in, but they don't go to floor 8. Mia’s hand weaves into Rinah’s as they are taken to the ground floor and out the doors where a black SUV is idling, door open and waiting for them. 

Rinah stops in her tracks. Arms out, to halt the three women behind her. She moves them behind her further and none of them move. “Excuse me, is anyone going to tell us where we are going? This is very smoke and mirrors.” Neither staff member answers.  

Rinah speaks louder. “I'm not letting these girls hop into that SUV until someone tells us what is going on.” Rinah stands between the handlers and the three girls. 

“New accommodations miss.” 

“Not good enough I’m afraid. We don't work for JYP. You do not get to cart us around like cattle. Get me your boss, or a supervisor or these lovely people on the street become painfully aware of four women in distress.” Her voice was low. The threat was crystal clear. 

The handler swallows. Escorting them back inside to a waiting area. 

Ten minutes later, her phone vibrates. She doesn’t check it; unsure where the cameras are. For now, she holds Mia in her arms. Minji and Soojin watch from across the room. Small nods tell her all are ok.

Rinah glances down at her sleeves. Chan's hoodie. Still wearing it. Her stomach drops. Looking around she sees the others. Mia in Han's. Minji in Felix's. Soojin in what has to be Minho's, judging by the puppy emblem on the cuff.

A laugh escapes. Can't help it.

The girls follow her gaze. Clock it. All four of them are branded by the boys they're not supposed to be close to.

The laughter spreads. Loud enough that the handler glances over. Let him look.

[Bang Chan POV] 7:30 AM

He was sitting in JYP’s office waiting. Being stopped by staff on his way to the dorm and it has set him on edge. They claimed it was an urgent meeting and they couldn't reach his phone but the vibe was off. 

The clock ticked away… each tick growing louder. Time passing only fueling the anxiety settling in his chest. His dead phone sat like a brick in his pocket. 

The weight of not being able to contact any of the members sends his panic humming. He stands, scans the room. A charger peeks from under the desk. He pulls the cord and plugs in.

The clock ticking taps against his chest with each passing second. He fiddles with the cord to make sure it's attached…. Waiting. An eternity later, the phone struggles to life. 

2% battery. Notifications flood the screen but he ignores them. He opens the band group chat. Typing fast before it dies again.

[7:35a]
🐺: Got pulled to jyps office. Phone dying. Will update when I can.

He hits send. The screen goes black. The door opens and JYP walks in followed by two men Chan doesn't recognize. 

“Chan?” JYP looks from him to the desk and back.

“Phone was dead, apologies. Using your charger while I waited.” His Idol smile is locked in place as he set his phone face down on the desk. 

“Good morning.” He bows to each as he comes from behind the desk. Leaving his phone plugged in. 

“Wish that is were.” JYP says, wistful. “Please, take a seat.” 

Chan’s smile stays but he swallows hard. “Am I in trouble here?” Looking between all three men. 

“Should you be?” One of the unnamed men asks. 

“Not that I am aware of.” Chan shrugs, then laces his fingers in his lap and turns his attention to JYP. 

“Interesting. So taking all 8 members plus all 8 female contestants to the basement for an all night party doesn't strike you as a good reason to be in trouble?” The taller man asks.

“We’re all adults, last I checked?” Chan offers. He swears JYP’s mouth twitches before a cough

“Even so. The implications…” the other man begins. 

“What implications?” Chan tilts his head inquisitively.

“Well…intimacy of course.” Chan’s face doesn't change. 

“I repeat. We are all adults; last I checked?” He looks between them. “Did you review the footage we captured?”

“We have a few clips…” the shorter stalkier man offers as he pulls his phone out and holds it out, video playing.

The video shows Chan on his back, another body across from him, face hidden by a hood. The footage is sped up, but it’s clear: hands inch toward each other until fingers are fully extended. And hold, inches apart. 

Chan watches the clip. Twice. Internally committing it to memory. Externally, he looks bored.

"This is exactly what you wanted. Tension. Connection. The audience will eat this up." He hands the phone back. "You should be thanking me.

The silence in the room is tense and thick. Their implications had fallen flat. Chan was not scared, he was pissed. He was not going to back away from this… from her. JYP sees it.

“It is. But we have 5 more weeks of filming. It’s a contract…” His pause was intentional. “And we must deliver.” JYP needed to get through to him in the only way he could. The mixed company was not his plan but the network insisted on having representation. 

Chan’s nod is almost imperceptible. He catches it, the other two do not. “When you load your phone you will notice there has been a change in the filming schedule. You will be eliminating two contestants tonight…”

“What?” Chan sitting straighter. “I can't do that. I haven't even had time with all of them.” 

“Chan, don't sit here and play games. You don't need to know them. You have already picked.” The taller man comments. JYP holds a hand up and rolls his eyes. 

“Please, don't speak unless it's an opinion of the network. You do not know my artist, nor have all the info. I will handle Chan. You are only here to make sure your interests are upheld. I am here to show you they will be.” 

He looks back to Chan. "Two tonight." Chan's jaw tightens. He wants to argue. He wants to say it's impossible. But the taller man is watching. Waiting for him to break contract.

"Two tonight." He agrees.

Chapter Text

💜Author Notes💜
Double chapter post in celebration of "Do It" topping charts and breaking records! Please help us keep them in the top spots and stream a Spotify playlist while reading 🫶🏼
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5nT3mLicy6H35Uyf0PP9o4?si=d1fa3fb9a6fd4b31
...Now onto the chaos!

Present Day - Seoul
Day 3 of Production. 

POV Multi

[Rinah POV] 8:00 AM

The handler steps in. “Quick change of plan ladies. Follow me. We are not leaving the building yet, so please don't make this harder right now.” 

Rinah stands. “Please tell us what is going on?” Her voice is pleading. Sorrowful and panic laced in every word. It resonates with the handler. 

“Just change of schedule. That is all they told me. I am sorry I don't have any more information.” She could see he genuinely didn't have more he could give her. 

“Ok.” Rinah nods and the 4 women stand and follow to the elevator. They get off on the 4th floor and are headed into a conference room. 

The other 4 women are already seated there. Each showing small signs that they are ok. Cameras in each corner give clear indication something was about to be filmed.

Rinah watches as each woman gives the signal. Tilly tucks her hair behind her right ear. Lexa pretends to get an eyelash out of her eye. Ji-Yoo yawns, and Rin tilts her head side to side in a stretch. 

All physical cues discussed this morning. They will refine them more later, but for now… they suffice. 

“Please sit. They won't be long.” Rinah and the other three take positions on this side of the room. All 8 women sit, quiet, contemplative. 

“Minji, you look a little warm.” Tilly’s voice is sweet and soft. 

Without missing a beat, she is shrugging the hoodie off and storing it in her lap. Mia and Soojin follow suit. Rinah looks between them… but decides quickly she is not removing hers. Lexa’s smile is that of pride.

The minutes tick by and the women sit in silence. None looking at one another. On camera it must look incredibly awkward. In reality, they all agreed to “distance” and let the show runners make up their minds that way.

The handlers are back, followed by JYP, two unnamed men, and Chan. Idol smile locked in place. His eyes meet Rinah’s and hold for just a moment before looking toward JYP. 

“Hello Ladies. Unfortunately our filming schedule changed a bit as you should have all been made aware. It has moved the first elimination to now.”

The air recedes from the room. Every woman in the room goes stone still. “It is sudden but could not be avoided. If you are eliminated, the handlers will escort you to your room to collect your things and a hotel will be arranged for the night while we work on further accommodations.”

“Question about that. Dorm B’s ‘things’ seem to have moved…” Lexa blurts. JYP look at her directly. His brows frowning as he turns to the two men on his left. 

“Apologies, we must have forgotten to mention the women got upgraded accommodations.” The taller of the two offer to JYP. “You’r things are in the vehicle just outside ladies. Apologies to you as well for not giving you any notice of the change.”

Chan’s muscle in his jaw twitches. JYP turns from the men and addresses chan directly.

“Chan.” JYP turns. “The teleprompter has the main script down but the choice is yours.” If you could stand here for a moment while they check angles. They will let you know when to start. Chan gives a curt nod.

“Good luck ladies.” JYP bows and heads out. The two men follow, but the handlers stay. 

“Give us a minute.” 

“Chan you know we can't.” The man protests.

“There are 5 cameras in here, you know you can.” He doesn't look at either of them.

The handlers shuffle out. Chan’s smile dips. He looks around the room, meeting each set of eyes. Holding them in his for a beat before moving to the next. “I just want to say, it has been a pleasure to meet every single one of you. Thank you for giving me your time, I am sorry it will end like this for most of you and I need you to know… I see you and I am sorry. You are all more than worthy.” 

A voice comes over a speaker. “Ready when you are Chan.” 

He pauses once more. Taking a deep breath he steps back to stand on the mark. 

“Thank…” He begins but is cut off.

“Actually. Rinah? Can you please remove the hoodie. It is swallowing up too much of the light…” the voice calls out. 

Chan watches the request register. Her eyes go wide, her cheeks flush in anger. She slowly stands, removing the hoodie. Folding it carefully. Sharp lines. Perfect folds. She is being meticulous, letting the cameras catch it all. When she is done the sleeve is perfectly placed. His wolf on full display. 

“Thank you. You can set it on your lap for now.” She slides it and sets it in her lap under the table. A nod to him to continue. 

“Is that all?” He asks the air. 

“Yes, please continue.”

His smile is tilted, the idol mask slipping slightly. “As I was saying.” 

“Thank you all for coming. I appreciate your time and efforts but the first elimination is upon us. While you all are amazing women, I am only one man. Ji-yoo, Soojin. I am so sorry but your journey ends here.” 

Ji-yoo nods, pausing to look down into her lap. Disappointment clear, but understanding sat in her smile too. Soojin just smiles. Both women stand and bow toward Chan, who answers with a bow so low he almost folds in half, then they exit gracefully. The handlers greeting them and walking them out. 

“Done.” Chan says to the air. 

The silence that follows feels like a win for the group. No theatrics or dramatic exits. Al grace and poise. The women left with the same dignity they entered with.

“Um… yeah. All done I guess... Everyone can return to their dorms.” The voice in the box says. Chan starts to leave, but stops in his tracks at the next question.

“Which would be where exactly?” Rinah’s voice is laced with anger. Chan turns to her. 

“What do you mean?” He asks before thinking. 

“Oh. Um… one moment.” The women sit silent. 

“What do you mean, where?” Chan asks again. Concern and irritation edging the words. 

“They are moving the dorms as you heard.” Mia offers. “But they haven't told us where any of us have been moved to.” Her voice is quiet. 

Chan turns toward the door.

"Chan." Rinah's voice stops him.

He looks back. Her eyes are wet. She nods. Words are too much for the cameras staring at them all.

He bows his head and storms out, heading right for JYP's office.

[Bang Chan POV] 8:30 AM

Chan doesn't knock. JYP's office door slams open. The two network men are still there, packing briefcases and startle at the entrance.

"Where?" His voice is low. Controlled. Barely.

JYP looks up. "Chan…"

"Where."

The taller man adjusts his tie. "The contestants have been relocated to appropriate accommodations. You'll see them at tomorrow's scheduled filming."

"That's not what I asked."

"It's all you're getting." The man snaps his briefcase shut. "You have press interviews in twenty minutes. I suggest you spend more time preparing to uphold your part and less time questioning us about ours."

Chan's jaw locks. He looks at JYP, his expression says what he can't: I tried.

The network men leave. The door closes. Chan stands there. Fists clenched. Ring spinning.

"They moved them without telling anyone. Not even the handlers knew where until an hour ago." JYP's voice is quiet. Tired.

"Where."

"A hotel. Across the city. Separate floors. Security on each level."

Chan's stomach drops.

"They're making sure you can't…"

"I know what they're doing." Chan cuts him off. Turns toward the door.

"Chan." JYP's voice stops him. "You have five more weeks. Don't throw it all away in one night."

Chan stops. “Throw what away? This sham of a contest? Did you know they put them in two wildly different dorms. A trainee dorm VS an artists dorm. I am sure you can guess which group got the better end of that deal. They have been pushing the less ideal candidates out the door since before they got here… One of us has to do something. Who is advocating for the contestants Jay?” 

JYP’s eyes drop. “I thought I was.” Chan scoffs loudly and turns.

He leaves without waiting for a response. The door shutting harder than he meant it to.

POV Minho [2:00 PM]

Minho walks out of JYP's office, the warning still ringing in his ears. He needs to find Chan. Now. 

[2:05 PM - Group Chat]
🐱: Dorm. Now.

Chan's already in the hallway when Minho arrives. They share a look, no words needed.

Entering the dorm, Felix, Han and Hyunjin are there waiting. Chan tilts his head and they all head toward the room. Minho turns the music player on. The bass rattles the floor; it’s the only space they control.. “Speak quickly.” directed to Chan

“They moved the girls to a hotel across town. We are not allowed to have contact with them outside of the show…. Um, I had to eliminate two this morning…. Ji-yoo and Soojin…”

Minho cuts in. “I was given a warning, any more meddling and I will face disciplinary action. “

Chan blinks. “Like what? Kick you from the group?” Minho shrugs. “I’ll raise hell Minho.” 

“No. I am not what is important here. Stop. Think. We need to find the loophole.” His tone leaves no more room for Chan to argue. “I will be fine. I can keep my nose clean.”

Felix holds his phone out. “We established a few ways to communicate. Normal socials. Kik, Snapchat…. And obscure ones like google docs. We can still talk to the girls for now until they find out.” 

Chan pulls his phone out. Opening the app store.

"This action is restricted by your administrator."

He tries again. Same message. "They locked me out." His voice is flat. "I can't even download apps. I haven't been restricted like this since pre-debut."

Felix's face falls. Han curses under his breath while looking at his phone.

Hyunjin swaps phones. ”It will work until it doesn’t.” He nods.

Hyunjin shows him how to use the document. “She doesn't have access, but the other girls do. They will help.” 

“What do you mean ‘She doesn't have access’?” His eyes searching the group.

“They have her completely locked down according to the other girls.” Hyunjin whispered quietly. “No one has seen or spoken to her all day.” He pulls up the group chat

[Group Chat - 1:47pm]
Lexa: Anyone heard from Rinah?
Minji: No. Tried texting. Won't deliver.
Mia: Same. I'm on 5th floor. She's on 3rd. Security won't let me down.
Lexa: I'm literally 3 doors away from her. They won't let me out of my room.
Tilly: This is fucked up. Boys anything?
Hyunjin: Nothing on our end…

Chan’s stomach turns. Lexa was 3 doors away, and hadn't heard from her… wasn't allowed to leave. Text’s not going through. 

“How are they doing that…” Chan is struggling to understand, process, comprehend. 

“We will figure something out Chan. You keep playing your part.” Felix looks him in the eyes. “We are not giving up but don't let them think we are organizing.”

“Fighting.” Hyunjin says. The other three put their hands in the center, echoing the team chant. 

POV Bang Chan [4:30 PM]

His schedule today was back to back until past midnight. No breaks. No chance to talk to anyone outside production teams. He'd stolen twenty minutes to see the boys, but production found him and dragged him to his next engagement. 

They plan to just work him into exhaustion each day, that was his punishment for acting out. It’s efficient. You can’t question orders when you’re too tired to think.

Well earned. Could be worse he supposed, they could have force him to eliminate her. 

He spent the morning in interviews about the show. Fed questions, with fed practiced answers about how excited he was to have this opportunity. Tilly’s name had been leaked, her profile was all over social media. 

Someone inside confirmed she was a contestant. She already has a following on social media, new hashtags popping up daily. The first episode was due to air in 2 weeks, and his fans ‘had to know if there were any feelings developing.’ 

“You’ll have to tune in to see. Can't give anything away so soon.” His Idol smile is on full display. 

“Not even a hint?” The female reporter asks.

“Not even a hint.” He shakes his head. The managers move in and usher him out to the next interview. 

He spends the entire day being ushered from one interview to another. Food was shoved into his lap in the car, giving him the perfect excuse to not pull Hyunjin's phone from his pocket. When there isn't food, he pulls his beanie down and pretends to sleep. 

Thought’s of how to get everyone out of this racing through his head as he drags his feet into his dorm just past 1. Kicking off his shoes and collapsing into bed was all he had the energy to do.

POV Bang Chan [2:15 AM]

Chan wakes up in a cold sweat, his pulse racing as if he’d just run a marathon. A nightmare expelled him from sleep and had him on his feet in a moment... Hyunjin's words echoing in his head as he moves about the dorm.

“They have her completely locked down according to the other girls,” Hyunjin whispered quietly in his mind. “No one has seen or spoken to her all day.”

Rinah... isolated, alone, panicked... and it is all his fault. Keys in hand, he flew down the stairs two at a time. He is in his personal SUV within minutes, GPS telling him he will arrive at 2:42 a.m. He has twenty minutes to game-plan what and how he is going to get to her.

The streets of Seoul at 2:30 a.m. are a ribbon of soft light and minimal traffic. He drives too fast, fueled by nothing but cold-coffee adrenaline and sheer, desperate necessity.

Pulling up, he can already see two doormen approaching his vehicle before he even parks. Show time. He swings his door open and steps out, tossing the keys to the man on the right.

“Keep it warm if you can. I won’t be long.”

“I’m sorry, but only authorized personnel are allowed on the premises.”

“Are producers not authorized?” They look between them. “Gentlemen, I am not here to get either of you in trouble. I will make a bloody scene if I have to... I’ve had zero fucking sleep, and there are six women inside this building that no one on my team has heard from since 9 this morning. You will move and take me to your supervisor, or your faces can be the ones they see when I go live to report my concerns.”

Both men turn and escort Chan into the building. A woman in business attire walks toward him.

“Bang Chan, I presume?”

He nods. “Yes. Are you the one in charge of the contestants here?” His questions are kind, inviting.

“I am. Before you speak, you are not going to be allowed to see any of them, so let’s move on to your next request. What else can I do for you?” Making it clear from the start she can’t give him that, but maybe she can help in other ways.

“Is there a place to sit and talk? It’s been a long day, and I’m afraid I haven’t yet slept.” She nods and leads him behind the desk. A small office sits there. She taps a white-noise machine with her foot.

“Keeps the clerks from eavesdropping,” she offers as she closes the door behind him.

“To keep from wasting any of your time, I’m going to cut right to it. This morning the contestants were unfairly punished for the actions of idols. They were ripped from their accommodations without warning. They weren’t given notice to contact family or friends, and no one has seen or spoken to any of them since 9 a.m. yesterday. I’m here to make sure these women are being treated fairly and with compassion.” His voice is low and soft, emotions boiling to the surface, speech fractured.

“They’re here because of me. They don’t deserve to suffer harsh punishments. I knew what I signed up for when I became a trainee... when I became an idol. These women did not.”

“Understood. Let me look into it” She nods. “Anything else I can do for you tonight?”

“Get me a bed?” He jokes.

“Done.” She stands and walks to the counter. “Room 10. Bottom floor. I won’t log you officially... but we will have to tell them where you are when they show up. Sleep. You’re going to need it.” Her voice is so low he has to strain to hear it.

“Thank you.” She hold her hand out.

“I’ll move your car. Just... go get sleep.”

Chapter Text

Present Day - Seoul
Same Day. Day 3 of Production

17 hours earlier…

POV Rinah [9:00 AM]

The SUV’s pull up to a hotel. Rinah, Mia and Minji in the first car. Lexa, Tilly and Hye-rin getting out of the 2nd vehicle. All 6 converge to one group.

“This is dramatic.” Lexa states.

“This is calculated.” Minji offers.

“Right this way ladies if you will. The bell hops will bring your bags up.” All 6 women begin shuffling forward.

“Tilly and Hye-rin please follow Markham.” The Handler bows at the introduction. 

“Just the two of us?” Tilly asks.

“Yes, unfortunately they didn't have rooms all on the same floor so we did have to split things up a bit differently.” The handler’s smile is sweet but it doesn't reach her eyes. “Please. Head on up and get settled. Breakfast should be along shortly.” 

Tilly and Rin look at the other ladies and nod before walking to follow the new handler.

“Mia and Minji, you lucky girls are with me.” Mia grabs Rinah’s hand in a death grip. “Oh dear girl, get a grip. No harm will come to you.” 

“Can we not walk with them?” Lexa asks. “This seems a little fucking insane honestly, she has a right to be afraid of you.” 

“We have done nothing to earn that kind of fear. Let’s go ladies. Schedules to keep.” The handler walks off toward the elevator. 

“Come on Mia. I got you.” Minji offers her hand and Mia takes it. “Dont lose your heads ladies.” She winks at Lexa and Rinah before they walk to follow.

“That leaves us.” A male voice speaks. Lexa bristles. 

“Excuse you? Who the fuck are you?” Rinah asks. 

“Just the doorman lady. You can either follow me or head right back out those doors and find your own way home. The choice is yours.” He turns without another word and heads to the elevator. 

“Fuck.” Rinah mutters under her breath. She and Lexa follow the man. He presses floor 3. When he opens the room door they both go to enter but he stops Rinah. “Only one.” 

“What? What do you mean?” Lexa stares at him with rage seething. 

“Are you dumb? This is your room. Her room is elsewhere. It isn't that hard to understand, truly.” 

“It’s fine Lexa. Go shower and rest. We’ll see each other in a bit.” She hugs Lexa tightly, then peels away to follow the lump of a doorman.

Three doors. She counts them as they pass. 303. 305. 307.

She enters and he lets the door slam behind her with a thud.

The lock clicks.

She sits on the bed, Chan’s hoodie in her arms. 

She buries her face in the neckline. Vanilla and citrus. Chan's scent wrapping around her like a promise.

The tears come fast. She doesn't fight them.

She falls sideways on the bed, hoodie clutched to her chest, and lets the solitude swallow her whole while she processes the emotions that had threatened to drown her all morning.

POV Rinah [10:00 AM]

Her door opens suddenly and a cart with a tray of food is pushed in quickly, the door shutting behind it just as fast as it had opened. Rinah didn't even have time to see who brought the cart in from her spot on the bed before they were gone. 

She stood to look at the offering. Eggs, pancakes, fruit, and a cup of black coffee. No creamer or sugar. She goes to open the door, but the cold brass handle doesn't budge. 

It’s locked. Her heart skips. 

She pounds on the door, the flat of her palm making a dead, hollow sound. “Hello?” She waits.

”Why is this door locked?” No answer.  

“HELLO?” She yells again but no answer comes through. 

She pulls her phone out of her pocket. The service bar icon remains stubbornly gray. She has no bars. The icon indicating it is attempting to connect just keeps spinning, a small, mocking spiral of defeat.

She tries Lexa's number anyway. Sending…

She attempts to join the hotel WIFI but it is asking for a password. She picks up the phone in her room but there is no dial tone. Checking the cords, they are all plugged in… her heart starts racing. 

She looks around the room and finds absolutely nothing with the password. She runs to the window to see if she can get bars but they do not move. Cars are moving in the distance.

People are walking in and out of the hotel lobby.  She tries to force the window open, shaking the frame hard, but there is no handle. It is sealed, silent.

She pounds on the window but not a single person looks her way.  She runs back to the door and knocks louder and more persistent. 

“Hello?? Please someone answer me?” her words clipped and pleading. Silence the only answer in return.

Tears are fully flowing from her eyes as she sinks down against the door. The hoodie clutched in her arms is the only thing that seems to keep her from completely losing her mind. She knew he would find a way… he had to.  Eventually she curled onto the bed and fell asleep.

POV Rinah [1:00 PM]

Food arrived while she slept and it woke her. Another cart. Another tray pushed through the door before it slammed shut. Another missed opportunity to try and get someone to tell her something.

Salad and water this time. It sits on the desk next to the untouched breakfast, wilting. 

She stares at it. Doesn't move to eat. She was brought here, and left. She sat listening for footsteps but her floor was heartbreakingly quiet. 

Rinah was a caregiver, a school teacher. Her world, her very soul was built around the structure of human connection and feeding into or off of those around her. 

Whether it's a 2nd grader learning to write, or her grandmother forgetting medication. The human connection is what fed her soul, kept her stable.

They'd isolated her completely. They cut her off from everyone with one fell swoop of their mighty sword. The isolation swallowed her every thought.

The silence is so all-consuming. The only sounds were her footsteps, her breaths, the irregular pacing of her heart… occasionally a door would open and close, startling her. The absence of sound was slowly taking the air from the room. She walked from one end to the other, arms wrapped around the hoodie, doing what she could to keep the panic from taking lead.. 

She wasn't sure what she had done so wrong, how she was supposed to get out, or how she had even allowed it to happen in the first place. The desperation taking over the space in her mind where hope used to live.

She sat at the window. Watching cars move through the city. Watching people walk in and out of the hotel lobby below… all free to come and go. Her own captivity felt completely foreign to her but blatant in contrast. 

Exhaustion pulls at her again. From the day, from the fight, from the solitude… and instead of fighting it, she accepts it.

She moves to the bed, hoodie clutched in her hands. The scent is not as strong as it was this morning. Her tears must have washed some of it away, she realized.

We have no power here… Minji’s earlier statement came back to haunt her. She had tried to warn them all… no one had listened. 

There is nothing else she can do, except wait. Wait for what's next. Wait for Chan. Wait for something… anything.

POV Rinah [5:00 PM]

Her phone buzzes. A notification. Bubble update from the official Stray Kids account. Some promotional thing. Proof the app still works even when nothing else does.

She stares at it. Then opens her own Bubble thread with Chan.

The last message was from yesterday. Before everything.

Her fingers hover over the keyboard. What does she even say? I'm trapped. I'm scared. I need you. Too much. Too raw for something that might end up screenshotted and spread across the internet.

She types carefully. Keeps it light. Keeps it coded.

[5:15 PM]
May the stars provide comfort and peace #NRK
IM OK. Please also be OK.
Still here, Still fighting 💪🏽

She sets the phone face-down on the bed. Stares at the ceiling.

He's busy. He has schedules. He'll reply when he can.

She waits.

The phone stays silent.

Still hours and hours until morning. Until filming. Until she sees anyone.

She shifts her position on the bed. Picks up her phone. No new notifications.

She opens a game. Closes it. Opens her photos. Closes them. Opens her texts. The failed messages to Lexa, Minji, Mia still sitting there. Sending...

She locks the phone. Unlocks it. Checks Bubble again.

Nothing.

She sets it down. Picks up the hoodie. Buries her face in it.

The scent is fading. Or maybe she's just gotten used to it. Noseblind to the only comfort she has left.

Time crawls. The light outside shifts. Golden hour approaching.

She watches the shadows lengthen across the floor.

Waiting.

Always waiting.

Eventually she picks it up again. Opens the thread. Reads her own messages back. They sound desperate. Manic. Like she's unraveling.

Maybe she is. Battery is at 20% and her bag was never brought to her, so she has no way to charge it.

She locks the phone. Sets it on the nightstand. Doesn't check it again. Hoping to preserve the battery, she rolls to her side, hoodie in her hands.

POV Rinah [7:00 PM]

Dinner arrives the same way. Cart. Tray. Door slam.

She doesn't get up this time. Just watches from the bed as the covered dishes are rolled in. Knowing they will be joining the graveyard of untouched meals, she rolls back over to look at the window.

The light outside is different now. Golden. Fading. Sunset.

She used to watch sunsets with her Halmeoni. In the garden at home. Waiting for the stars together.

Now she has no choice but to watch alone through sealed glass in a room that smells like wilting salad and cold eggs.

Her phone sits on the nightstand. Face-down. She hasn't checked it since 5pm. What's the point? Nothing has changed. 

She would hear a notification come through in this silence. 

The hoodie is still in her hands. She brings it to her face. The scent is almost gone now. Just fabric and her own tears.

She should eat. She knows this logically. Her body needs fuel. But the thought of moving, of chewing, of swallowing... it feels impossible.

She pulls the hoodie over her head instead. Too big. Swallowing her whole. The sleeves hang past her fingertips. The wolf on the cuff barely visible in the dimming light.

She curls onto her side. Watches the city lights blink on one by one as the sun disappears.

Time moves differently here. Slower. Heavier.

She closes her eyes. Doesn't sleep. Just exists in the space between waking and dreaming where nothing hurts quite as much.

POV Rinah [10:00 PM]

The door opens. A duffel bag hits the floor with a thud. The door slams before she can react.

She stares at it from the bed. Her bag. Finally.

She doesn't move right away. Just looks at it like it might disappear if she gets too close.

Eventually she stands. Unzips it. Everything's there. Clothes. Toiletries. Charger.

Charger.

Her phone is at 5%. She plugs it in with shaking hands. The charging icon appears. Relief floods through her so fast it makes her dizzy.

Not that it matters. No one's trying to reach her anyway.

But at least she won't be completely cut off. At least she'll have something when morning comes.

If morning comes.

She checks the time. 10:07 PM. Filming starts at 8am. Maybe 9am. Production never sent the schedule.

Eight hours. Maybe ten.

She can do eight hours. She's done worse.

The bathroom light is harsh after sitting in the dim room for so long. She turns on the shower. Lets the water run hot while she peels off clothes she's been wearing since this morning.

This morning. When she stood in that conference room and watched Chan eliminate two women. When she still thought she'd see Lexa later. When she didn't know what isolation actually felt like.

The water is scalding. She doesn't adjust it. Just stands under it and lets it burn.

She washes her hair. Uses the hotel soap that smells like nothing. Scrubs her skin until it's pink and raw. Proof she still exists. Proof she's still here.

When she gets out, the mirror is fogged. She wipes it clear. Stares at her reflection. Red eyes. Pale skin. She looks like someone who's been crying all day.

Because she has.

She brushes her teeth. Braids her wet hair. Pulls on clean clothes. Leggings. A t-shirt. Normal things that feel impossible.

The room is dark now except for the city lights filtering through the window. She leaves the bathroom light off. Sits on the edge of the bed.

Her phone says 10:34 PM. 17% charged.

She picks up the hoodie. Still smells faintly of vanilla and citrus. Or maybe she's imagining it now.

She pulls it on over her clean t-shirt. Burrows into it.

Eight hours. Maybe ten.

She can survive eight hours.

She's survived worse.

She lies down. Pulls the covers up. Closes her eyes.

Sleep doesn't come. But she stays there anyway. Waiting for morning. Waiting for filming. Waiting for proof that this wasn't permanent.

Just eight more hours.

POV Rinah [6:20 AM]

Her phone says 6:20 AM. 87% charged.

She's been staring at the ceiling for hours. Sleep comes in fits. Ten minutes here. Twenty there. Never long enough to escape.

The cracks in the plaster make patterns. She's counted them three times. Lost track twice.

Counting is easier than thinking.

Her body aches from lying still. But moving requires energy she doesn't have.

The hoodie is still on. She hasn't taken it off since she put it on at 10pm. The fabric is warm from her body heat. The scent is gone completely now. Just cotton and her own sweat.

She closes her eyes. Opens them. The ceiling hasn't changed.

Six hours. Maybe four. Until someone comes. Until this ends.

She can do four hours.

She has to.

Footsteps in the hallway. Voices. Low. Urgent.

She doesn't move. Doesn't sit up. Security, probably. Or handlers checking rooms.

Not for her. Never for her.

The voices fade. The hallway goes quiet again.

She pulls the covers higher. Closes her eyes.

Just three more hours…

A loud, ear-splitting screech begins. The sound jars her from her solitude. Her eyes snap open and a bright, blinding silver light flashes. Covering her ears, Rinah is temporarily disoriented by the sights and sounds assaulting her in every direction.

💜Author Notes 💜
This was a tough one to write, and my only hope is I did it justice. I hope the isolation and slow degradation of the day can be felt. Being pulled from everything and having no say, a total loss of autonomy, being left alone. I truly hope I encapsulated it well enough without adding trauma.

I know ending on two heavy chapters before Friday is brutal. I promise, promise, relief is coming. The next chapter shifts gears. They won't stay in the dark.

Thank you all for being on this journey with me and these characters! If this chapter hit too hard, please take care of yourself. 🫶🏼