#but that doesn't invalidate what Minho is thinking/feeling

[softstraykidshours]

~skz reaction to their partner being ashamed of their stretch marks/cellulite~

pairing: ot8 stray kids x gn!reader

genre: fluff, angst, headcanon

length: 550

warnings: general insecurities about stretch marks and cellulitis

a/n: this is a request from a lovely anon, brb i'm crying over this concept

chan

he won’t advocate for himself, but he will always advocate for you. he's constantly complimenting you and calls you out when he hears you talking bad about yourself. he will find a way to subliminally compliment your stretch marks or cellulite without directly calling attention to it, because he knows you hate drawing attention to it, but he still wants you to know that he thinks you're the most beautiful person he has ever seen.

minho

he won't outwardly say anything, but he makes you feel better about your insecurities by doing certain actions. he loves touching you wherever your stretch marks or cellulite are. if he knows you’re being extra critical of yourself one day, he pays extra close attention to that spot, drawing little shapes across the cellulite or gently tracing each and every stretch mark.

changbin

when you first tell changbin you’re self conscious about it, he asks you why. when you tell him, he gives you a long list of reasons as to why that's actually his favorite part of you. he’s genuinely confused, because you’re perfect to him, so he can't fathom that you would find something bad about yourself.

hyunjin

the second you bring up that your hate your cellulite or stretch marks, he's immediately asking if he can paint you. this artsy fartsy boy will find a way to help you embrace your insecurities by doing one of those paintings where the stretch marks are in glitter or gold. he thinks every part of you is art, and he wants you to see yourself that way too.

jisung

he hates to hear you say such untrue things about yourself, but he is so nervous about saying the wrong thing and making everything worse. so he is going to be asking you what you need to hear or what would help you best in this situation. he is very attune to your emotions, so once he learns what helps you best he is so quick to enact it every time.

felix

he showers you with so much love. if you ever even hint about something negative about yourself, he is going out of his way to make you feel so beautiful and loved. he’ll leave little notes for you, shower you with kisses when you get home, make you your favorite dinner, etc. he just wants you to know that he loves all of you so so much and would do anything for you.

seungmin

seungmin will always gently bully you about basically anything but never about your appearance. that is the one area where he is flip flopped. he makes sure to compliment every part of you, including your cellulite and stretch marks, because he is completely enraptured by you. in fact, his comments are so excessive to a point where it's borderline body worship.

jeongin

he is most likely going to chan for advice. he’s still new to relationships so he doesn’t have much experience when it comes to how to compliment a partner who’s self conscious about certain things. he wants to handle it right and make sure you know he thinks you're beautiful without invalidating your feelings, so he gets some advice to ensure he doesn't say or do the wrong thing.

[literaturewithliz]

Heya! May I request a romantic male Harry Potter (Golden Trio era), Narnia, and Maze Runner matchup? Thank you so much ❤️

𝗦𝗘𝗫𝗨𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬/𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗦: Transmasc (AFAB) Genderfluid, Biromantic and Pansexual; He/They

𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘: 21 years old, 5'1.5", Southeast Asian (Filipino). Chubby with messy shoulder length brunette hair, chocolate brown eyes, and a small beauty mark on my forehead. Feminine Tomboy or Soft Vintage (like Malia Tate's style from Teen Wolf) but loves to wear Korean makeup style

𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬: Libra-Scorpio cusp, Slytherin with patronous spirit of Hummingbird, INFJ, my enneagram is 4w5 and Neutral Good. I may have a slight introverted tendencies and awkward/anxious nature, I describe myself as fiery, swears like a sailor, confident, jokester, and, passionate. Religious, super talkative, sometimes hyper (because of excitement), giggly (I always laugh/snort for stupid reasons), nerdy, also sweet and nice though I can be aloof, intimidating, and scary when I get so angry. I tend to become really fiesty, stands boldly on what I believe (claiming myself as a realist though some of my views doesn't makes sense), unbothered to be myself, stubborn, young-at-heart, clumsy unfortunate and inattentive. Would don't give af towards the people that I hate, sarcasam and savagery is my main language. But on the other side, I overthink a lot and cry over small things many times which I sound like a drama queen, and a perfectionist that provokes even more, yet recognizes a soft spot for dumb jokes, cheesy pickup lines and prefer people with a good sense of humour who see myself as equal. Chill in academics, but very competitive that manages to the top even for my dreams---I'm very dedicated on what I want for my life, and I display modesty and gracefulness towards some people that deserves respect. One notable feature about her is her multi-potentiality due to being naturally gifted in artistic fields (this includes singing).

𝗟𝗜𝗞𝗘𝗦/𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗦: Arts, choir, poetry, karaoke, literature, history, makeup, beauty pageants, eating, random conversations, expanding my knowledge in Christianity, biography about saints, cute minimalistic things, reading interesting stuffs, talking about social issues, and creative writing, chilling both indoors and outdoors

𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗟𝗜𝗞𝗘𝗦: Stereotyping, obligation (without a logical reason), getting excluded, being interrupted, invalidating my feelings, judgemental people, telenovelas, hypocrites, dirty bathrooms, blackout, lightning, firecrackers, toads, snakes, cockroaches, toxic masculinity, misogyny, fake woke individuals, colonial mentality, and absurdly girly things

𝗛𝗢𝗕𝗕𝗜𝗘𝗦: Drawing, singing, dancing when nobody's around (I'm very bad at it), sharing nerdy or opinionated thoughts, walking like a model (if I ever feel so confident), sleeping, listening to music (2000s, rock, kpop, and EDM), chatting or browsing on social media, watching videos on YouTube, making terrible jokes/puns, watching cartoons, writing, cooking, reading interesting things, and conceptualizing my artworks. I also used to study Italian language a bit

Thanks so much for the request! Also, thank you for being so descriptive! Really helped me narrow matches down quicker.

Maze Runner

I match you with Minho!

I think you two have so much in common. Both with a fiery and passionate nature. Your sometimes hyper and joking attitude goes with his really well. However, y'all also have differences. You're aloof and nerdy, whereas he's always aware and grounded. I think he loves your nerdyness though. As for hobbies, Minho's only hobby, if you could even call it that, is running. However, he loves that your so interested in loads of stuff. I think he would adore hearing you sing. He'd tease you about it, but he knows he loves it.

Harry Potter

I match you with Ginny Weasley!

Y’all give off power couple vibes. Hardcore. The firey attitude you both share compliments each other really well. Y’all are both confident and talkative people, so y’all are the life of every party. I think Ginny wouldn’t mind at all that your a “drama queen”. She’s really physically affectionate, I think, and so she’s perfectly fine to cuddle you while you cry. On the other hand, she’s extremely independent, so she can definitely understand when you want to be alone. You say your a perfectionist, and I think Gin could really help you not stress yourself out. Like, unless she’s doing something that gets her excited, or she’s mad, she’s so chill. She could definitely help you remember that we’re literally on a rock in space and nothing matters.

Narnia

I ship you with Peter Pevensie.

I think Peter loves your attitude. And your dedication is really admirable to him. You said that you want a partner who sees you as equal, and that describes Peter perfectly. Y'alls relationship is built upon trust and respect. I feel like y'all are 50% taking on the world, and 50% cuddling and being cute.

Thanks for the request! Also, you seem so cool like can we be friends?

[minhoinator]

By My Side, a Hogwarts AU (4/?)

homesick - “Why hadn’t his parents responded to his letters yet?

He had sent them dozens, several a week in fact. He would trek up to the owlery with Kibum when he wanted to send his grandma or mom something. Geum-nun would take the letter in her talons and fly away with Nutmeg -- but she never once came to the Great Hall. Minho’s heart sank every morning when he heard the flapping wings of the owls, and this morning was no exception.”

read on AO3 / master list // first year - muggle-born, sorted, first day

@lockandminkey @minhosbowties @sapphicshawol @spoo-key (if anyone else who wants to be tagged in this, just let me know!!)

* - * - *

A cacophony of fluttering wings drew the attention of nearly every student in the Great Hall, Kibum included. He slid forward in anticipation, watching the mass of owls as they flew into the room in search of their young owners. He spotted Nutmeg as soon as the small, tawny owl appeared in the window – his grandmother’s bright red ribbon binding the package instantly recognizable in the light of the morning sun.

Finally.

It had been about a week since his last care package from his grandmother and, because of that, he and Minho had been out of studying snacks for three days.

Nutmeg released the package before he landed on the table, pecking lightly at Kibum’s hand. “Hey, Meg,” he said, patting his owl’s soft head fondly. “Good job.” Nutmeg flew off then, back to the owlery with the others.

“Woah! What are those?” Callum asked, leaning across the table to inspect the Muggle treats Analecia Torr pulled out of her package from her mum. She peeled back the packaging one of the Aero Bars and broke it into pieces, offering it to the other first years closest to her.

“Thanks,” Kibum said and stuffed the segment into his mouth as he unwrapped his care package. He sputtered in surprise, almost spitting the Muggle treat out across the table when the chocolate started fizzing against his tongue. Swallowing with what he hoped was a subtle grimace, he looked over to see Analecia watching Kibum and his fellow Slytherins. Kibum coughed. “It was…interesting.”

She giggled and took a bite of the Double Decker candy bar. “Why else do you think I shared?”

Kibum snorted and resumed unwrapping his own care package.

My darling Kibum~ the letter began. Kibum flushed a bright pink, taking the parchment out of the package and holding it in his lap beneath the table so he could read it with a little bit of privacy. I’m glad you’re enjoying your classes. Nothing is more exciting than your first year at Hogwarts. I hope you’re taking time outside of your studies to make all sorts of new friends.

Kibum glanced up from the letter and at his dorm and classmates sitting around him. They were nice and he was enjoying getting to know them, but he wasn’t sure if he considered them friends yet. Growing up, it had been hard for him to keep friends, what with how frequently he moved around the world. From Korea, to Canada, to America, and now England…it had been rough. Jonghyun was his first real friend in England, but then even he moved away.

He sat up a little straighter, looking over the other Slytherins and the Gryffindors and the Ravenclaws to find Minho at the Hufflepuff table. Minho sat a little off from the group, still interacting with his fellow Hufflepuffs by laughing as one of them told a story. Kibum smiled, his gaze growing distant until he blinked and brought himself back to the present.

Minho was the closet friend he’d ever had, even though they’d known each other for barely a month.

I baked some extra butterbeer cookies to share with your friends, but you can keep the pumpkin pasties all to yourself. I know they’re your favorite. Kibum licked his lips and pulled open the package the peek inside.

There were two little brown bags, one fuller than the other, and a small tin dosirak. He tapped the lid with the tip of his finger, smiling. Still warm. Grandma always enchanted the dosirak to stay hot until he was ready to eat it. He wanted to open it up and look inside, but he was worried that it might break the spell. Only one spoon though, as usual. He and Minho would just have to share again.

In addition to the homemade food, there was also a couple of chocolate frogs and a box of Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans. He’d have to make Minho try those again – Kibum secretly hoped that he’d get another earwax one just so he could see Minho’s disgusted expression again. He chuckled to himself as he pulled out the jelly beans, his hand freezing in mid-air when he noticed a camera lens staring back at him.

Also, his grandmother said as he returned to the letter, looking for an explanation. I found this while I was rummaging through the attic for things to give to the church. It’s the first camera I got your mother, and she used it to document her time at Hogwarts. I thought you might enjoy doing the same. She signed the letter as she always did, With all my love…

Kibum folded the letter tightly and slipped it between the brown bags before he grabbed the camera out of the box and pulled the package to his chest as he excused himself from the Slytherin table. As calmly as he could, so as not to jostle his new treats, he made his way past the other house tables to Hufflepuff’s.

He slid into the empty space beside Minho, who had just now noticed his presence, as he had been far too engrossed in one of his dormmate’s tales. His already big eyes widened and he hurried to swallow his mouthful of toast and eggs and gravy. “Hey,” he said, hiccupping the short greeting.

“I got more snacks,” Kibum said with a grin, sliding the package over for Minho to inspect. Also, my grandma sent me this,” he hooked his arm around Minho’s neck and pulled him closer as he held out the camera to capture the moment. Minho smiled instinctively, as did Kibum, and he pressed the tiny button at the top.

Click!

Kibum blinked away the imprint of the flash on his vision and Minho rubbed his eyes. He released Minho from his hold as the camera made a soft whirring sound, both transfixed by the sight of what looked like a piece of paper with a large black block on it spitting out the front of the camera.

“Oh, it’s a…a…” Minho’s brow furrowed, and he said polaroid in Korean. Kibum’s eyes widened in recognition, saying the word in English and Minho repeating it. Kibum nodded when he got the pronunciation right and patted his back in silent praise.

He pulled the undeveloped picture from the front of the camera, watching the black turn to a less solid gray. Minho exclaimed at the slight movement that started to appear with the color and huddled closer to Kibum as the picture came to life.

Riiiing!

Both boys jumped at the sound of the bell – they only had five minutes to get to their first class. Kibum shoved the polaroid into the box and tied it back up. “I don’t think I have enough time to head back to my dorm,” he said, chewing the inside of his cheek. Minho brought his backpack up onto the table, his textbooks clunking heavily on the tabletop. “Are you sure?”

“No. I just wanted to show you my backpack that you’ve seen a hundred times.”

Kibum punched his arm with an amused roll of his eyes and Minho grinned at him “See you after lunch!” he called over his shoulder as he darted back to the Slytherin table to collect his own textbooks.

* - * - *

The screech of chalk against the blackboard brought Minho, the other Hufflepuffs, and the Ravenclaws to attention. All of them looked to Professor O’Neely as he continued writing, undisturbed by the noise. Minho squinted at the cursive script on the board and pretended to scribble in his notebook along with the others as they diligently took notes.

He wasn’t sure, but he thought O’Neely was talking about gnomes. That was what the last illustration in his Defensive Magical Theory textbook was about. Gnomes were squat little creatures, their head as big as their body with warts and wire-y hair poking out in every direction. Minho’s nose wrinkle in disgust when he flipped back to the illustration.

O’Neely droned on, and Minho was sure that it was interesting, but it was hard to focus when he could only understand a word or a sentence here and there. Sighing, he flipped another couple pages back, trying to find the picture of the werewolf he had seen a couple days ago. Once he found it, the next page flipped itself over to reveal the photograph that Kibum took earlier.

Minho grabbed the picture, holding it gingerly in his palm and watching it in awe. Kibum’s arm tightened around his neck and pulled them closer together. His own smile grew in the photograph and he looked from Kibum to the camera. Then, a bright flash and Minho watched as Kibum blinked and his own smile faded ever so slightly.

The scene had reset and started again.

Minho watch it six times in full before he felt the eyes of his Ravenclaw deskmate on him. He flipped the photograph over and tucked it back into his textbook.

Defense Against the Dark Arts ended soon enough and Minho collected his things, stuffing them into his tightly-packed backpack. He froze when he saw the red ribbon holding Kibum’s care package together. Gulping, he zipped up his backpack and slung it over his shoulder, following after the Hufflepuffs on their way to Charms.

Why hadn’t his parents responded to his letters yet?

He had sent them dozens, several a week in fact. He would trek up to the owlery with Kibum when he wanted to send his grandma or mom something. Geum-nun would take the letter in her talons and fly away with Nutmeg -- but she never once came to the Great Hall. Minho’s heart sank every morning when he heard the flapping wings of the owls, and this morning was no exception.

If it were Minseok, then...no. Minho pinched his arm through his robe until he winced, driving away the thought momentarily.

He took a deep breath as he dropped his backpack on the floor by his desk and settled into his seat next to his desk and dormmate, Finnigan Reilly. He was ripping strips out of his Standard Book of Spells and rolling them into tiny balls before flicking them off their desk into the bushy mass of the Gryffindor girl's hair before them.

Flitwick stepped up to the podium as Finnigan peeled off another strip. They were still studying the Levitation spell. Minho looked around as everyone else brought out their wands -- a first for Charms class. His hand trembled as he reached into his backpack for his cedar wand and he rolled it back and forth between his fingers.

“Win-gar-dium-le-vi-oh-sa,” he said slowly under his breath, repeating it over and over again exactly as Kibum had taught him. He could do this.

Flitwick said something -- he had a hard time understanding his higher pitched voice -- and Minho glanced around to see what the others were doing. They set their wands down on their desks and Minho copied them, folding his hands together over it.

“Wingardium Leviosa,” Flitwick said and the class followed with Minho a second behind. The two Gryffindor girls ahead of him turned around and giggled, Minho shrinking a little in his seat. Flitwick nodded, smiling, and went to the end of the line of desk and passed the first student a bag. The class recited the spell again after Flitwick.

In the bag, there were individual white feathers. Once Minho got his, he twirled it against his cheek, smiling at the soft sensation. It calmed him, if only a little, and he placed it on his desk like Finnigan did.

Flitwick was back behind his podium and tapping his wand on it. “All right, do you remember the movements?” Minho picked up his wand and did a slow swish-and-flick in the air. The others did the same and Flitwick clapped happily. “Go ahead and pick up your wands, now, and try the incantation and the motion together.”

Minho gulped. He stared down at his feather, listening to Finnigan repeat the spell three times before his feather started to float. He gripped his wand tightly, did the motion, and said the spell. The feather sat completely still.

Minseok would have done this, first try.

Tears pricked in the corners of his eyes and he bit the inside of his lip. He blinked them away and tried again. And again...and again. Class ended and the other students left for lunch, leaving Minho behind to stare at his feather. His wand was in his lap, having rolled there after he dropped it, and his head was in his hands.

Was he even a wizard? Could he actually do this?

Maybe there was another eleven-year-old wizard named Choi Minho running around out there in England and Minho got his letter by mistake. Maybe Minseok was actually the wizard of the family and the letter to Minho was just addressed wrong. Maybe...maybe he should just go home and stop pretending like he belonged here.

He sucked in a deep breath and tried to ignore the trembling in his bottom lip. “Mr. Choi?” Minho looked up at the sound of Flitwick’s voice -- he hadn’t realized that he was still in the room. “Is everything all right?”

“Yes,” he lied, sniffing as he started to pack his things.

“Are you sure? You were hitting yourself.”

Ah, that explained the slight ache at the crown of his head. “I’m okay.”

Flitwick watched him -- Minho could feel his gaze -- as he finished packing his things. Once he was almost to the door of the classroom, Flitwick cleared his throat. “Don’t be too hard on yourself, Mr. Choi.” Minho nodded and left the room, passing by the Great Hall on his way to his house.

The chatter of the students inside was noisy and obnoxious, and Minho was honestly not in the mood for it. He unpacked his backpack once he was in the safety of his room, refilling it with his afternoon class books and Kibum’s package.

Kibum...

Minho turned and went over to the mirror by the door. He wiped his runny nose with the back of his hand and dried the tears he didn’t remember crying. He smacked his cheeks once, twice...he couldn’t let Kibum know that he had been crying. Kibum might think he was stupid and not want to be his friend anymore. Minho’s eyes welled at the thought, and he smacked his cheeks again, hoping to maybe scare away the unwelcome tears.

He checked his appearance three more times until he felt that he looked all right enough to be seen. Once he grabbed his backpack, he was out the door and back in the open corridor. He made his way down to the Great Hall and stuffed his hands in his pockets and stared at his feet, still wary to go inside. From the sounds of it, lunch was wrapping up and they’d all be going to their next class anyway. It was only a matter of time, now, until...

“Min-hooo!” Kibum called out happily, linking their arms together once he reached him. Minho grinned at him before returning his attention to the ground. “Did you eat? I didn’t see you in there.”

Minho just shrugged and Kibum smacked his shoulder. “Hey!” Kibum clicked his tongue and shook his head as he grabbed Minho’s shoulder and turned him around to dig into his backpack. He rummaged in there for quite a while, long enough for Minho to try and turn around. “What are you doi -- “

“Shh.” Soon enough, Minho heard Kibum zipping up his backpack. He came around to his side again and handed him a pumpkin pastie. “You have to eat something for lunch. You won’t be able to focus in class.”

He took it and nibbled on the folded edge of the dough. “Thanks.”

Kibum smiled, nodding down the corridor, and Minho trailed after him as headed down the hall to the Transfiguration classroom. The rest of the day passed by in a blur for Minho, which was all right. He could just look at Kibum’s notes later and figure out what he missed today.

Minho wasn’t hungry at dinner either so he skipped it as well, choosing instead to stay in his room. He laid on his bed and watched the time tick, tick, tick by on the alarm clock by his bed, slowly sitting up and rubbing the top of his head once it read 7:55 pm.

He found Kibum waiting for him on the seventh floor under the unnecessarily large tapestry of trolls doing ballet. His backpack shifted against his back as he came to a stop by Kibum’s side. Kibum squinted, looking him over. Minho pursed his lips and looked away, instead watching the wooden door as it materialized in the solid stone wall. Once the lock unclicked, Kibum stepped forward and opened the door, pushing it open for Minho to enter first.

It was an old storage closet that they discovered in their first week here. They had been on the hunt after they finished classes for a place for them to study privately. It appeared to them one day when they were making fun of the tapestry -- Minho had been twirling like one of the trolls when Kibum noticed the door in the wall that had not been there before.

Since then, they met there every night at eight.

Minho crouched on the floor, unpacking his backpack and Kibum’s package, while Kibum dropped his rolls of parchment on the shelf and started lighting the candles.

“How was your day?” Kibum asked, his voice a little more subdued than normal, as he unrolled his parchment.

Minho passed him his package and nodded. “Okay. What about your’s?”

Kibum squinted again. “Great.” Minho crossed his legs and leaned back against the wall. “Which class do you want to start with?” He simply shrugged and Kibum sighed. “Let’s go with Charms.” Minho’s heart sank as he sifted through his textbooks to find his Standard Book of Spells. Kibum grabbed the dosirak out of his package and shook it vigorously before tapping it on his knee and grabbing the spoon.

“W-were you able to lift the feather?” Minho asked, his stomach growling when Kibum opened the tin.

“Yup!” He said around his first bite, passing it to Minho. “Took me a couple of tries, but yeah. You?” Minho’s chin quivered and he looked own at the dosirak in his hands, shrugging. “Oh,” Kibum said, his voice soft. He patted Minho’s shoulder and shifted until he sat next to him. “Is that what’s been bothering you all day?”

“Sorta,” Minho said, his voice coming out in a kind of blubber. He grimaced and sniffed, knocking his head back against the wall. Kibum’s hand was soon at the back of his head, rubbing the spot where he hit the wall. The silent action made Minho lose what little control he did have over his tears. “I guess...I guess I’m just a little homesick. I miss my f-family. And -- “ he tried to knock his head against the wall, but Kibum’s hand cushioned it. “I’m probably just tired.”

“Probably. But that’s okay.” Minho sniffed and looked down at the dosirak, his tears welling up again. “You can finish that if you want.”

They didn’t study much that night.

Actually, they didn’t study at all. Kibum kept asking him questions about his friends and his favorite things back home in Korea while he ate. By the time they closed the door and went their separate ways for the day, Minho’s heart felt just a little bit lighter.

The next time Kibum received a care package, there was a second dosirak and spoon inside...just for Minho.

* - * - *

A/N: As for the Minho hitting himself bits...do you all remember when he was on Splash? @ the 2:36m mark, he hits himself on the head and face, and that is what I was referring too...I've seen several other gifs and whatever of it but I feel like it's important...to me it is, at least.

[juicylivy]

Comfort

Pairings: Yang Jeongin x Bang Chan

Genre: fluff, angst.

Words: 2.4k

Summary

Jeongin has a horrible nightmare, luckily his boyfriend and members are there him.

────────•°•❀•°•─────────

Sleep. It was something that Jeongin liked a lot. Falling into that deep state of mind, where you entered your own alternate universe. It's as if, you've left your own body, but you're still breathing. It's an escape from everything and a thing that calms the mind. Though at that moment it wasn't to him.

He was standing in the middle of a big empty house, filled with furniturs, picture frames hanging on the walls, and different types of plants placed all around the facility. It was a place that should've been filled with the laughter and joy from a sweet family, but it was deserted - not a single sound was heard in that spacious mansion. This was weird. Why was it so silent? Jeongin turned around several times, trying to look for his members. Tried to look for Minho, HyunJin, and Jisung in the living room playing video games, find his boyfriend Chan in his studio working on a track with Changbin, ran towards the kitchen to perhaps see Seungmin looking through the fridge for what could be edible, and Felix who always sat at the table in the dining room, either playing on his phone or writing lyrics. But none of them were to be seen - where were they? Everything was a sad grey color and  A note sat on the kitchen aisle, Chan's neat handwriting scribbled across the white piece of paper. He sighed in relief, thinking that they had gone shopping for groceries, or snacks that they had almost run out off. He also thought that his sweet boyfriend could've found some sort of prank to pull on him. But when he began reading the note, he saw that, that wasn't the case.

"Innie, dearest Jeongin. This is a goodbye letter. JYP-nim couldn't see you fit for the task as the 8th member of Stray Kids anymore due to your lack of enthusiasm and hardwork and honestly, we thought the same. We couldn't picture you in this group anymore because of it. And... This is gonna be heartbreaking and I'm so sorry, but Innie, this is also a goodbye to our 2 years long relationship. It just doesn't feel right anymore for me - you must've felt it too. The spark has died down and trying to keep us together would be a waste of both of our times... I'm sorry Innie, but this is goodbye."

A great shot of shock and immense surprise ran through his body all at once. Thoughts left his mind and he stared into distance. He knew he was lacking in the new comeback, he knew he had some trouble remembering the new dances and with the recording of their new tracks too m, but was that really something he could be thrown out of the group for? Was this a good enough reason for his members, whom he saw as brothers, to agree and leave him without a notice? And most importantly, how was it that Chan suddenly decided to also abandon him? As his leader, lover, and best friend, it was kind of his job to try and find some way to keep him in the group. He knew how much he valued them all and his career.

It had to be a dream. Something as shallow as this couldn't be anything other than a bad dream. He shook off the shock, determined to try and escape this reality. Pain was said to be a good way to break out from a dream, so he tried pinching his arm as hard as he could, and winced as the pain filled his lower left arm. It didn't work. He tried once more, but with biting instead, but that wasn’t helping either. He tried repeatedly with various forms of ways to inflict injuries, but to no avail. He couldn't wake up.

At last he gave up and sat down on the floor up against the wall that connected the living room and the kitchen. Could this be real? Did everyone actually leave him alone? At this point it seemed to be true. He was indeed all by himself.

Slowly the discovery settled in his heart and it broke into tiny puzzle pieces scattered on the floor, not able to be put back together. His body began to shake softly as the tears started running down his face. How had it come to this? After those two years of being a group, after the struggle they all had to go through to debut, they'd seriously get him out of the group, and their lives, just like that? Soon the grief got too great and he couldn't handle it anymore, resulting in him beginning to sob uncontrollably. He wished he could turn everything around and been more into the dance practices and shown more enthusiasm with recording. He wished he could've saved his and Chan's relationship, and seen that the spark was dying. What was he supposed to do now? He was all by himself in that huge empty place with no sounds and-

“Jeongin!”

Someone was yelling for him... What? Gradually the scenery faded, morphing into a blur.

"Innie!" Chan screamed for him, shaking his body vigorously.

Jeongin shot up in bed, tears streaming down his face and little sobs leaving his mouth. He frantically tossed and turned trying to see if he had finally escaped the horror that was his dream.

He had.

Everyone was sat around his bed in his and Jisung's room, worry plastered on their faces. Chan was right in front of him, tears in his eyes. He let out a loud cry and flew forward to cling onto his lover in such a harsh way, Chan ended up coughing.

"Channie!" He cried out. Never in his life had he been so glad to see him.

"Shh, Innie. I'm right here, love," Chan soothed and rubbed his back comfortingly. His was voice groggy from seeing his boyfriend cry out so loudly in his sleep. The others chimed in sitting all around him in his bed, hugging him and telling him reassuring and loving words. Little by little, his crying died down, and he could breath now without hiccuping. Inhaling Chan's sweet cologne helped him calm down entirely and he was at last back to normal. His boyfriend released him from the embrace slowly and stared into his red eyes, a little soft smile displaying on his face.

"Baby, what happened?" He asked with a honey like tone to his voice and caressed Jeongin's cheek.

"Yeah: You got us all terrified there," Changbin said sounding distressed from the left, being one to hug him from behind.

"I almost lost it when I saw you crying here, and not being able to wake you up," Jisung explained, his voice equally as groggy as Chan's, but also saddened. His face dropped a bit, hearing what they felt - he had made them all wake up in the middle of the night, because he had a nightmare. Sure there was nothing he could do about it, but it didn’t feel nice.

Jeongin sighed and gathered up his strength and courage to talk about his horrifying dream. While explaining the dream slowly the room was completely silent, everybody listening thoroughly and patiently to his stammering story of his nightmare. He was feeling awkward talking about it so soon after, but he'd have to tell his brothers this eventually and the fastest way to get over something was to talk it out with someone.

When he finished speaking he looked down at his legs, fidgeting with his fingers. He felt a little uncomfortable with everyone being so quiet and looking at him, but it didn't last long until everybody began to aggressively show him love and affection, giving him all sorts of comforting words and reassurances.

"That's absurd! Stray Kids isn't whole without you! And throwing you out of the group just because you didn't show too much enthusiasm is dumb and shallow." Minho looked angry and perplexed, but his voice was emitting reason and care towards him as he sat in front of him with his feet in his lap. Jeongin was a little taken aback by his exclamation, but ended up smiling, because he knew that Minho didn't intend to invalidate his feelings. He was only sad and hurt by the dream Jeongin had and it was only reasonable he felt that way. 

"Yeah, and Jeongin, we would never agree to such stupid logic. You're one of us and that's how it'll be. We all know that you love us, so if you had difficulties, we would at least try to help you out of it, since we love you too." Seungmin explained, sitting down beside his right hip on the floor, smiling sweetly up at him. He grinned shyly at his words; it was unusual for Seungmin to be that soft. Though he was affectionate around him and a person he could lean on.

"Exactly. You're our maknae, our bean worm, and as your big brothers, who love you, we will always protect you and support you." Felix tightened his arms around his waist, leaning his chin on his shoulder. Jeongin laughed wholeheartedly at the nickname and his worries began fading.

"Baby." Jeongin immediately turned his attention to Chan sitting in front of him, his hands holding his hips. He turned bright red at the adorning look his boyfriend's face held, his deep brown eyes filled with love only for him. "You know I love you more than anything, right?" He carefully nodded while holding eye contact. "Then you know, I wouldn’t leave you. I don't want to be without you, so if you should go away, I would go with you. I'll always be yours and by your side, my love."

Jeongin grinned, being filled with happiness. He knew that, but after what happened just minutes ago, this was what he needed to hear. He leaned forward, pulling Felix and Changbin with him, and pressed his forehead against Chan’s. Both of them were smiling, also when they shared a loving kiss, getting gag sounds and applauds.

“Does this mean we’ll have a sleepover in the living room?” HyunJin asked hopefully, looking around at the boys. Laughter erupted among them at his cute question, but all sprang up and began gathering mattresses, duvets, and pillows. Chan and Jeongin waited with joining them and stood up in each other’s arms. Jeongin’s head was leaned against Chan’s shoulder, arms around his torso. He was getting lost in his embrace until he spoke up.

“I love you, baby. Remember that, if you get another dream about me leaving you, or whatever the situation should be. Just know, that it won’t happen. I won’t leave you.” Jeongin looked up and smiled at him.

“I love you too, Channie. Always. And I’ll try to remember it,” he replied and Chan planted his lips firmly on his again. The kiss was more passionate than any other they had shared, and Jeobgin could feel it all over his body. When they finally broke apart, they took each other’s hands and walked out to the others in the living room.

Chan never left his side. Not even while preparing the sleeping area in the room. When he had to go get more pillows, because they lacked a few, he’d go with him, when he’d get some snacks from the kitchen to cozying up with before bed, Chan was right behind him. He was like his little puppy, and Jeongin loved it. He loved being cared for this much. It filled him with security and joy to know this talented, caring, and loving man was his and his alone.

Settling down into the large fluffy bed that was made in the living room was heavenly. He felt so safe lying in between his brothers and with Chan hugging him from behind. The others were having small talks while eating the chips and candies.

“Thanks guys...” Jeongin spoke up weakly from under the blankets. The members shut up immediately upon hearing his voice and turned to him looking shocked. “Thanks for doing this for me. I really appreciate it.”

“Anytime man, we love you!” HyunJin giggled, showing him his famous eye smile and Jeongin couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight.

“No need to thank us. We did this because we wanted to help you and make you feel comfortable, but you’re welcome our sweet Maknae!” Jisung replied patting his legs.

“And honestly this also gave us the opportunity to have this sleepover here. I’ve really missed this; all of us being together this close,” Changbin said thoughtfully, making people snicker. “Not that we need you to have more nightmares for us to sleep here, but you know!” He quickly saved and everybody began laughing loudly. They started teasing him, making him whine.

“Thanks Changbin,” Jeongin said after they’ve calmed down. Changbin smiled warmly at him and nodded.

“Always here for you, bro.” He pulled out his fist and he bumped it, making the explosion afterwards.

They all decided to sleep to get ready for tomorrow’s work and everyone settled closely together, no one left uncuddled. Jeongin turned around in Chan’s embrace and placed his head on his chest.

“Goodnight Innie,” Chan huskily said, the others tuning in.

“Goodnight everyone.”

This turned out to be the best night he’d had in a while, despite the horrible dream he had.

——

Stray Kids’ manager was walking up the stairs towards the front door of their dorm, early in the morning, making sure the Kids got up and ready for the day. He sighed as he turned the key in the lock and opened the door. It had been a rough night for him and waking up today was hard.

As he was about to yell out a good morning throughout the dorm, he was met with an endearing sight, he hadn’t seen in a long time; the boys had gathered around in the living room, on a huge self-made bed, all sprawled up on each other’s bodies. Warmth spread out in his heart at the view which resulted in an equally warm smile to appear on his face. Something must’ve happened last night to make this happen, because they hadn’t done this in a long time.

Thinking this thought he figured he’d give them the sleep they needed, and he could also use a little rest, leading to him taking a pillow that had been thrown out from the bed and a blanket and lay on the couch above them.

He whispered a small: “sleep well.” and went to sleep alongside them