Between Stages And Home
Practice
JYP
Hello everyone let's start the story
The practice room was buzzing with energy as Stray Kids went through their choreography for what felt like the hundredth time that day. Sweat dripped down their faces, their breaths heavy, but they pushed through, the beat of the music demanding their full attention.
Lee Know’s voice cut through the air, sharp and precise like his movements.
A collective groan rippled through the members, but no one dared argue. He was their performance leader, after all. Even Bang Chan, usually the one calling the shots, knew better than to question Lee Know when it came to dance.
Han wiped his forehead with the sleeve of his oversized hoodie and shot a look at Changbin, who was standing beside him.
Han Jisung
If we collapse, do you think they'll just leave us here overnight?
Changbin chuckled, stretching his arms.
Seo Changbin
I don’t know, but if I die here, I want my tombstone to say, ‘Died trying to perfect Lee Know’s choreography.
Felix, lying dramatically on the floor after the last run-through, chimed in
Lee Yongbok
I'll make sure it's engraved in gold.
Han snickered before turning his gaze to Lee Know, who stood in front of the mirror, checking the group's formations. Even though he looked tired, he still had that unwavering focus in his eyes, the same one Han had admired since they were trainees.
Lee Minho
Han, stop staring and get into position
Lee Know called out without even looking at him.
Han felt heat rise to his cheeks.
Han Jisung
I wasn’t staring! I was... observing! There’s a difference!
Seungmin, ever the instigator, smirked.
Kim Sungmin
Sure. Observing his soul?
The members laughed, and Han rolled his eyes, muttering under his breath as he got into formation.
They ran the choreography one last time before Bang Chan finally declared practice over. Everyone groaned in relief, collapsing onto the floor or grabbing water bottles like they had been stranded in a desert.
Han flopped down beside Lee Know, their shoulders brushing. He let out a dramatic sigh.
Han Jisung
If I die tonight, I want you to know that I always secretly admired your ability to look this good while being evil.
Lee Know took a sip of water, unimpressed.
Lee Minho
You won’t die, and I’m not evil. I just have high standards. You should be thanking me for making you a better dancer.
Han Jisung
I’ll thank you in my next life. Right now, I want food and sleep.
Lee Know smirked, stretching his legs out in front of him.
Lee Minho
Then hurry up and change so we can eat. You’re treating.
Han gasped, clutching his chest.
Han Jisung
Excuse me? When did I agree to this?
Lee Minho
You didn’t. But I worked harder than you today, so it’s only fair
Han Jisung
That’s debatable.
Lee Know said, standing up and offering a hand to Han.
Lee Minho
Now come on. I’m starving.
Han stared at the outstretched hand for a second before taking it, feeling a strange flutter in his chest as Lee Know pulled him up effortlessly.
It wasn’t unusual for them to be close—they had always been. But lately, there was something else, something that made Han more aware of the way their hands lingered a little longer or how Lee Know’s gaze softened in ways it never did with the others.
Shaking off the thought, Han followed him out of the practice room, ignoring the knowing looks from the rest of the members.
This was just another day in their chaotic lives. Right?
Late-Night Talks and Unspoken Words
JYP
Welcome In Next Chapter Hope you will keep supporting 😉
After an exhausting rehearsal, the members finally made it back to the dorm. The atmosphere was familiar—half of them sprawled on the couch, the other half digging through the fridge for a late-night snack.
Seo Changbin
Who finished the fried chicken?
Changbin’s voice rang out from the kitchen.
Then, Felix, sitting suspiciously close to an empty takeout box, mumbled
Lee Yongbok
I have no idea.
Seo Changbin
Lix, you can’t even lie properly.
Bang Chan chuckled from the couch.
Christopher Chahn Bahng
Just order more, Binnie.
Seo Changbin
I would, but my wallet is crying.
Han, who had been lazily lying next to Hyunjin, smirked.
Han Jisung
I’d offer to pay, but someone already declared I’m treating today.
He shot a look at Lee Know, who was scrolling through his phone beside him.
Lee Know didn’t even glance up.
Lee Minho
You’re not paying for this. I want chicken, too, and I don’t trust you to order the good one.
Han Jisung
Excuse me, I have excellent taste!
Lee Know finally looked at him, raising an eyebrow.
Lee Minho
Really? Because last time, you ordered sweet potato pizza.
Felix gasped in betrayal.
Lee Yongbok
That was you?!
Han Jisung
It was an experiment!
Lee Minho
And it was a failure
Lee Know deadpanned before getting up.
Lee Minho
Fine, I’ll order. You can pay next time.
Han Jisung
I feel like I’ve been scammed.
Hyunjin, who had been listening the whole time, laughed.
Hwang Hyunjin
You have. But you walked into it willingly.
The conversation continued with their usual playful chaos until, one by one, the members started retreating to their rooms. Han, however, found himself still sitting on the couch, scrolling aimlessly on his phone when he noticed Lee Know getting up.
Lee Minho
You’re not sleeping?
Lee Know asked, stretching his arms.
Lee Know gave him a look before tilting his head toward the balcony.
Curious, Han followed him. The night air was cool, a refreshing contrast to the heat of their practice earlier. They stood side by side, looking over the quiet city.
For a moment, neither of them spoke. It wasn’t an uncomfortable silence—it was the kind that only existed between people who didn’t need to fill the space with unnecessary words.
Lee Minho
You looked tired today
Lee Know finally said, voice softer than usual.
Han Jisung
You’re one to talk
Lee Minho
I know my limits
Han rolled his eyes but smiled.
Han Jisung
I’m fine. Just… a lot on my mind, I guess.
Lee Know didn’t push, didn’t demand an explanation. Instead, he leaned against the railing and said
Lee Minho
You should take better care of yourself.
Han Jisung
Says the guy who lectures us about resting but never sleeps before 3 AM.
Lee Know turned to him with a teasing glint in his eyes.
Lee Minho
I don’t sleep late. I just exist at night.
The conversation died down again, but something about the moment felt heavier, like there were things neither of them were saying.
Then, almost hesitantly, Han spoke.
Han Jisung
You ever think about… what life would be like if we weren’t idols?
Lee Know tilted his head slightly.
Lee Minho
What, like a parallel universe where we’re just regular people?
Lee Know hummed in thought.
Lee Minho
Maybe I’d be a choreographer. Or a vet.
Han Jisung
I can see that.
Han Jisung
I don’t know. Music is kind of all I have. Without it, I feel like I wouldn’t know what to do.
Lee Know looked at him then, something unreadable in his gaze.
Lee Minho
That’s not true.
Han Jisung
Oh? You have a different theory about my life?
Lee Minho
Yeah. In any universe, you’d still be annoying.
Han gasped, shoving his shoulder.
Han Jisung
Wow. so touching.
Lee Know laughed, but after a moment, his expression softened.
Lee Minho
I’m serious, though. You’d find your way. You always do.
Han blinked, caught off guard by the sincerity in his voice. For a second, he forgot how to respond.
The moment stretched between them, heavy yet comforting. Eventually, Lee Know sighed and turned back toward the railing.
Lee Minho
We should sleep. Another long day tomorrow.
Han nodded, but as they walked back inside, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something had changed.
Or maybe… something was just beginning.
JYP
See you in next chapter bye bye
Between Fans and Hidden Glances
The venue was buzzing with excitement as fans filled the hall, holding banners, albums, and plushies of their favorite members. Stray Kids had just finished soundcheck, and now they were backstage, getting their hair and makeup touched up before heading out for the fan meeting.
Han sat in the makeup chair, half-asleep as the stylist fixed his hair. Beside him, Changbin was scrolling through his phone, occasionally chuckling at whatever meme he had found.
Seo Changbin
You look like you haven't slept in days
Changbin commented, glancing at Han.
Han Jisung
Because I haven’t. Blame Minho for keeping me up with his deep philosophical balcony talks.
Lee Know, sitting in the next chair, gave him a side-eye.
Lee Minho
I didn’t force you to stay. You were the one being dramatic about alternate universes.
Han Jisung
I was not being dramatic.
Felix, passing by, snorted.
Lee Yongbok
You’re always dramatic.
Han clutched his chest in mock betrayal.
Hyunjin, sipping his iced Americano, leaned against the counter.
Hwang Hyunjin
l'm more interested in the fact that you two were having a deep talk in the middle of the night. That’s very... couple-coded."
Han nearly choked on air, while Lee Know just rolled his eyes.
Han Jisung
Hyunjin, if you don’t leave, I’ll tell STAYs you snore like a chainsaw.
Bang Chan clapped his hands.
Christopher Chahn Bahng
Alright, enough chaos. We’re starting in ten minutes.
The members got into position, preparing for the doors to open. Han could already hear the excited chatter of fans from the other side of the curtain. As always, the energy of STAYs never failed to lift his mood.
The moment the fan meeting began, the room exploded with cheers. One by one, they introduced themselves, greeting the fans warmly. The event followed the usual structure—Q&A sessions, fun games, and of course, the highlight: the one-on-one fan interactions.
Han sat at his assigned seat, greeting each fan with a bright smile as they approached.
Fan
Jisung-oppa, you’re so cute in person!
one fan gushed, placing a small plushie in front of him
Han Jisung
Am I cuter than Lee Know-hyung?
Fan
You both are cute together!
Han almost dropped his marker.
Fan
I love Minsung moments! You two always have the best chemistry!
Han coughed, quickly scribbling his autograph.
Han Jisung
Haha, yeah… we’re just naturally like that.
Across the table, Lee Know was casually signing an album when he overheard the conversation. He smirked slightly but didn’t say anything. Instead, he took the plushie a fan handed him and placed it beside him.
As the event continued, Han couldn’t help but notice how fans kept bringing up Minsung.
Fan
Jisung-oppa, what’s your favorite thing about Lee Know-oppa?
Han hesitated, then answered
Han Jisung
Uhh… I guess the way he takes care of us, even though he pretends not to.
When it was Lee Know’s turn to answer a similar question, he simply said
Lee Minho
Han’s biggest talent is making me laugh even when I don’t want to.
The members, of course, picked up on the shift in energy between them. Hyunjin and Seungmin exchanged knowing looks, while Felix just smiled as if he had been expecting it.
The fan meeting ended with a group photo, and after waving goodbye to the fans, the members finally retreated backstage.
Kim Sungmin
That was fun, but my hand is cramping from all the signing.
Hwang Hyunjin
Same, but at least we got quality Minsung content today.
Changbin patted his shoulder.
Seo Changbin
Just accept your fate.
Lee Know, as always, remained unbothered.
Lee Minho
If you all have time to tease, you have time to pack up.
As the members filed out, Han lingered behind for a moment, watching Lee Know from the corner of his eye. He had always known they were close, but lately, it felt like even the fans saw something he wasn’t ready to admit.
Maybe it was just the way things had always been between them.
Or maybe… it was something more.
JYP
Bye Bye see you in next chapter
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