Do we let it go? · Y/n story by @jojomcqueen

The fluorescent lights of the press room hummed overhead, cold and sterile. The stylists had fussed over them all morning—pressed their shirts, fixed their hair, powdered their faces—but none of it could hide the tension hanging thicker than the Seoul humidity.

Bang Chan

clears throat, voice rough Alright. Everyone ready?

His eyes found yours for a split second. A beat. Then he looked away.

Lee Know

As ready as we'll ever be.

Changbin

cracking his knuckles Let's just get it over with.

Felix stood closest to you, his hand hovering near your elbow. He didn't touch you, but you felt the warmth of his concern radiating like a second skin.

Felix

quietly, in English You okay?

Hyunjin

muttering How is any of us okay?

Seungmin

sharp Hyunjin.

Han

bouncing on his heels, too fast Feels like debut all over again. Except worse. Way worse. My heart is doing that thing—

Lee Know

instantly calm, hand on Han's shoulder Breathe, Jisung.

The door clicked open. A staff member poked their head in, clipboard in hand.

Staff

Five minutes. They're ready for you on stage.

Jeongin let out a long, slow breath beside you, his usual playful smirk nowhere to be seen.

Jeongin

Here we go.

Chan paused at the door. He didn't turn around fully, just angled his head enough that his jaw caught the light.

Bang Chan

low, for everyone No matter what they ask. We're Stray Kids. We get through this together.

Then he walked through.