Archive of Our Own

The award show afterparty had been much more eventful than Rui had expected. Despite the elegant appearance of the venue, and the subdued orchestra playing in the back, it was more party than anything. Managers had left after the actual award show, so it was a bunch of tipsy idols meeting up with friends.

No cameras, no rules, just them and and staff who signed NDAs.

Wumuti was off with some old friends from Boys Planet, and while Rui wanted to join in, she was content to sit at one of the tables and people watch. Hyun was talking with Seongwha over by the champagne table, the two looking nearly indistinguishable with Seongwha's bleached hair, while Haru was busy talking with some &TEAM members.

She could spot some Stray Kids members talking softly by the bathroom hallway, brows pinched. It was Bang Chan and Lee Know, by the looks of it. She had spotted Felix earlier in the evening, but the blonde was hard to miss.

"Rui, right?" A soft voice called. Rui looked over.

"Ah, Hyunjin-sunbaenim," Rui bowed slightly, watching the brunette take the free seat by her. "Nice to see you."

"You too," Hyunjin offered a wide smile. "It's your first award show, isn't it? How did you like it?"

Rui hummed, glancing out to the crowd again. The award show had been so boring. The music was amazing, and the performances were incredible, but so much of it was just talking and clapping. "It was… good," she said slowly. "Not like I expected, but still good."

Hyunjin nodded. "They're boring, usually," he sighed, "At least the afterparties are better. But Jisung's got a massive headache, so we'll probably have to go home and take care of him. He gets all clingy, and it's super cute, but sometimes I need to strangle him."

This felt like a lot for Hyunjin to be dumping on her. Rui nodded politely, taking a sip of her champagne to avoid saying anything. It's not like she really knew much about Stray Kids, besides the few SKZCode episodes she and Haru watched and whatever popped up on her Twitter feed.

"Ah, but if it helps him feel better, I guess," Hyunjin sighed again. He stared at Rui for a long moment, blush creeping over his cheeks. "That was a lot, wasn't it…?"

Rui shrugged. "Haru's been the same way, we pamper them a lot, so now they'll get a papercut and just wilt without attention," she snickered.

Hyunjin grinned, taking a sip of his wine. "Well, it's only natural to pamper the youngest. We try to pamper Innie, but he runs from affection! It's like he'll die if he admits he loves us!"

Rui chuckled, glancing out at the crowd. A part of her was still wary of paparazzi, lingering in small corners, trying to find anything to spin into a scandalous story. "I'm sure he loves you guys, he just shows it differently. Hyunnie won't let me kiss him either! It took him forever just to let me crawl into his bed at night."

Hyunjin nodded his sympathy. His face twisted, and Rui followed his gaze to Seungmin, standing by the bar and waving him over with a tense look. "That's my cue, I guess," he huffed. "I'll see you around, Rui-ah."

"Bye, Hyunjin-ssi," Rui waved as he left, watching him go before turning to people watch again.

Hyun had disappeared from his conversation with Seongwha, who had since begun talking to his group members again, his cheeks a bit redder than before. Haru was sitting on the steps by the orchestra, definitely drunk, by the way they were swaying, and Wumuti was completely gone from the floor. Proably in the washroom.

Well, she'd probably been sitting for long enough, may as well make some new friends.

Before she could really get far, a strong hand encircled her wrist, much too calloused to be any of her members'. She couldn't get a very good glance at him, but there wasn't much choice but to follow. "Come on, Felix, Hannie's already thrown up twice, we gotta go."

Oh. Great. Seo Changbin was kidnapping her. Because Han Jisung was vomitting. "Wait—"

"Where were you, man? We've been looking for you, and you disappeared. Felixie, Jisungie's been asking for you, he's already at the hotel, I stayed back to grab you, come on, come on."

"Right but—"

"No buts!" Changbin was pulling her out the doors and into the parking garage, letting her go as he slid into the driver's seat. Rui sighed, getting into the passenger seat and texting Wumuti.

Me:
don't wait up, getting kidnapped by changbin-ssi

jiejie:
what does that mean
rui
rui what are you talking about

Me:
he mistook me for felix and now he's driving back to their hotel
i'll text you the address when we get there
you also have my location, don't forget!!

jiejie:
????
TELL HIM HE MADE A MISTAKE???

Me:
too late, he's driving

jiejie:
RUI YOU'RE KIDDING

Me:
nope
love you!!
find felix before you go!!!

Rui snickered at Wumuti's concern, but really, it wasn't a terrible situation to be in. She knew Changbin wasn't the best at multitasking, and he was probably more concerned about Han than whether he grabbed the right blonde or not. She's explain eventually, but right now she was more interested in how long it would take her senior to notice.

They drove in tense silence, Changbin's knuckles white as he clutched the steering wheel, eyes trained on the road. His phone was hooked into a stand, blowing up with different texts. Rui didn't mean to snoop, but she couldn't help but look over.

Wifey:
he's begging for felix, please hurry

Channie-hyung:
drive safe, we're in my hotel room

Pup:
jisung's trying to overdose on pain meds, get felix here now

The Baby:
you can stop by a convenience store and bring some electrolytes, that'd be great

Scary Hyung:
do NOT listen to innie, i'm already at the store, just get yongbokkie to the hotel

Yongbokkie:
dude where did you guys go???

Rui winced. Changbin wasn't even paying attention to the texts, just turning off his phone every time the screen lit up. She glanced down at her own, which only had two texts from Haru, who sent her a scramble of letters, and then: "good luck, get selfies!!!!!!!"

"We're here," a keycard was dropped in her lap. "Go up, I'll park the car."

"Uh… okay…" He seriously hadn't noticed?! Felix was in a white suit for Christ's sake, Rui was in a… white… suit.

Shit.

She grabbed the keycard and slipped into the hotel. The number on the card read 14-3, so up to the fourteenth floor she went. The elevator doors opened, and she stepped into the egregiously lavish elevator.

The hotel she was staying at wasn't nearly as grand. Then again, Wumuti also made sure there were more interesting sights within walking distance, but still. The fourteenth floor was an insane luxury. The elevator was lined with marble, for god's sake.

She pulled out her phone, texting the address to Wumuti along with the room number.

The ride was smooth and short, and the elevator doors opened before Rui could really brace herself for anything. It was obvious which room was Bang Chan's, even without the keycard hint. There was gentle shushing and groans coming from room 14-3, obviously trying to soothe Han's headache.

Rui took a deep breath, scanning the keycard and opening the door.

The scene she walked in on was… odd.

Han was writhing on the bed, clutching his head like it would explode. Hyunjin was rubbing his back, and Bang Chan was shushing him while petting his hair. Seungmin and Jeongin were off to the side, watching quietly, matching grimaces on their face.

All lights except a desk lamp were off, and Rui could spot two cups of spilled water on the floor next to a bottle of painkillers. She slipped her suit jacket off, clearing her throat to catch someone's attention.

Bang Chan looked up, gaze softening as they landed on her. He stood from Han's side, rounding the bed and dragging her into a hug with a relieved sigh. "Thank god, Lix. Go, you know what to do."

She did not.

That didn't stop Bang Chan from pushing her towards Han, who reached out to drag her into the bed, whining into her chest. "Lix, it hurts," he moaned. "Please…"

"You're okay, it's okay," Rui hummed, voice dropping lower. She ran a hand through Han's hair, the same way she did to Haru when he wanted comfort. Han clutched her harder, whining into her shirt. "It'll pass, baby, just breathe."

She was ignoring Hyunjin's wide-eyed stare from the other side of the bed. She kept running her hand through Han's hair, rubbing circles into his back with the other.

"You're alright," she crooned, "Lee Know's coming up with some drinks and food, okay? Can you nibble on something for me? The painkillers will work better once you eat."

It really wasn't any different than dealing with Haru. Han nodded, propping his chin on Rui's chest. "You promise?"

Rui nodded. "I promise."

Han scanned her face a moment longer, eyes narrowing. He sighed, crawling fully on top of Rui and burying his face in her neck. "You can't lie to me, Lixie, I'll cry."

"I wouldn't lie to you," about anything else. "You'll be okay, Hannie, you'll be just fine, baby."

The door opened again, Changbin and Lee Know walking through the door. Rui tried not to tense as Lee Know's eyes narrowed on her. He stared a moment longer before setting the bag he carried on the other bed, pulling out a sleeve of tea biscuits and handing them over.

Rui reached for them, flinching as Lee Know didn't let go. "You're not Yongbok," he hissed softly. "Where is he?"

"Changbin grabbed me instead of Felix-ssi, I didn't know what to do…" Rui mumbled, her face flushing hot. "I texted Wumuti, she's bringing Felix-ssi as soon as she can."

Lee Know stared at her for a while longer, eyes flicking between her face and Han, sighing softly. "He's okay?"

Rui nodded. Lee Know let go of the biscuits, standing with a sigh. Rui unwrapped them, nudging one against Han's cheek. He turned his head, taking a bite of the biscuit with a soft grumble. "There you go, good boy."

"You smell pretty, Felixie," Han mumbled, taking another bite of the biscuit. "Really pretty…"

"Thank you." Rui risked a kiss on his forehead, earning a whine and a nudge to do it again. She did.

Lee Know began to corral the rest of the members out of the hotel room, humming "Yongbokkie's here now, get out, get out, let them rest."

Hyunijn stayed, lips pursed as he continued to stare at Rui. Once the door closed, he leaned closer, eyes boring into Rui's face. She turned, meeting his gaze with a wince. "I'm so sorry, I have no idea how Changbin-ssi mistook me for Felix-ssi, it was a complete mistake."

Hyunjin groaned, earning a kick in the knee from Han. "Of course, of course he picks the other pretty blonde. Damnit, I'll kill him."

"I'm sorry," Rui sighed, falling back against the pillow. "I probably should've protested more."

"No, no, his multitasking is terrible, this is his own fault. I'm so sorry, Rui-ah."

"It's alright," Rui hummed, pushing another biscuit against Han's lips. He chewed tiredly, eyes struggling to stay open. Rui pet his hair gently, careful not to scratch him with her nails. "One more bite, okay? Then you can fall asleep."

Han gave a small nod, opening his mouth to take a final bite of the tea biscuit. Rui brushed a crumb from his cheek, seriously resisting the urge to pinch them, nodding in satisfaction once he'd swallowed. "Good boy, just sleep now okay?"

Han let out a weak noise, going practically limp on Rui's chest as he succumbed to exhaustion. He was so warm, and Rui was regretting not having taken her suit jacket off. She was probably sweating her body glitter right off. Hyunjin nuzzled in close, apparently unashamed to rest his head on Rui's shoulder, watching the younger member sleep.

"Thank you," she heard him murmur. "Seriously, thank you."

"I didn't do much," Hyunjin shook his head.

"You did. Take the compliment, Rui."

There was no room to argue with his tone. Rui smiled, "well thank you, then."

She pulled out her phone, one text from Wumuti.

jiejie:
we're here, outside the door

Rui flipped her phone to show Hyunjin. "Could you open the door for them?"

Hyunjin nodded, gently crawling off the bed and moving to open the door.

Wumuti and Felix walked in, both looking exhausted and irritated. Felix relaxed as his eyes fell on Han, moving to lay next to Rui, gently drumming his fingers up Han's back. Hyunjin was talking with Wumuti, looking sheepish and embarassed.

"Jisungie," Felix hummed, brushing Han's hair back from his forehead. "Oh, wow, he's warm."

Rui nodded. "There's some drinks in the bag Lee Know-ssi left, if you want to put one on his neck. I can't… really reach it from here."

Felix leaned over them, grabbing the little bag and dropping it onto the bed. He pulled a drink out at random, putting it on the back of Han's neck. "Is he okay?"

"I think so," Rui felt way out of place. A bull in a China shop, really. "He fell asleep after a few biscuits, just before you and Muti-ah came in."

"That's Muti-noona to you, brat." Wumuti's voice was playfully stern. Rui stuck her tongue out, earning a sneer.

Felix snickered, dragging Han off Rui and settling him on the bed, removing the cold from his neck. "Thank you for stepping in. You really didn't have to, but… We really appreciate it. All of us."

Rui shook her head. "You don't need to thank me. I couldn't really… I know I didn't have to, but I would've felt worse leaving him in pain. I'm sorry, actually, I should've been more upfront about… everything."

"That's Chan and Changbin's problem," Felix began pulling Han's dress pants off. Rui hadn't even noticed he was still wearing the formalwear. She began unbuttoning his shirt. "Minho-hyung was scolding them in the hallway, so I'm sure they'll catch you to apologise before you leave."

"It's really not a big deal," Rui murmured, pulling Han's shirt off.

"It is." Three voices said at once. Wumuti and Hyunjin were staring at her, and Felix was busy throwing Han's shoes. Hyunjin scratched his neck. "You did us a huge favour."

Wumuti crossed the room, gently pulling Rui into a hug, her back to her noona's chest. "We should go now, Hyun and Haru are already at the hotel, and it's late."

"Right," Rui glanced at Han once more before turning and rising from the bed. She brushed down her suit, ignoring the tears and smudged makeup now decorating her shirt, and offered a smile to Hyunjin and Felix. "Good luck, it was nice to see you."

Felix waved, and Hyunjin dragged Rui into a hug, exhaling slowly. "You're an angel. I hope we see you around."

"Me too," Rui smiled as they pulled away, letting Wumuti steer her out of the room. She gave one last wave before the door shut, leaving them in the hallway with Lee Know, Chan, and Changbin.

"Ah, Rui," Lee Know's expression lightened as he pulled her into a quick hug, knocking their heads together like a cat. "Sorry for all the trouble, I really hope you aren't too upset about anything. Is there anything—"

"You don't need to do anything for us, Lee Know-ssi, it's alright," Rui laughed, glancing over at Chan and Changbin. They were standing against the wall, looking scolded beyond belief. "I'd just like to get home to my members, now."

"Of course." Lee Know smiled.

The elevator doors opened, and they stepped inside, the doors closing as Lee Know turned his sights back to Chan and Changbin. Wumuti sighed deeply, practically ripping her wig off. Rui followed, massaging where the lace glue had pulled too hard on her skin.

"I'm making us take self-defence classes before Haru dyes his hair orange and gets mistaken for Jeongin." Wumuti muttered.

"I could've weasled out of Changbin's grip, actually," Rui fought a smirk. "His grip was so gentle, I could've sneezed and broken free."

Wumuti glared at her. "If you do this again I'm leaving you with Stray Kids and taking Felix for ourselves. See how you like working with their overpacked schedules."

Rui just rolled her eyes.

The elevator doors opened, and she couldn't wait to get back to her own bed.