STRAY KIDS: THE 9TH MEMBER

Chapter 23

*Changbin POV*

Finally, every thing seemed to be back on track, and we were practicing like we were meant to. Filming for the show would begin just a few days before the showcase. I was nervous. Firstly, I wasn't sure if I could do well on stage, and secondly, what was I meant to do, do everything in order to win or allow Aera to get her shot to finally debut? Although that would mean that Chan would be stuck again...or even-

No! I can't think like that! I told myself. Aera would want us all to do our best.

"You okay, Hyungie?" Felix's concerned voice cut through my thoughts. Practice was over and we were picking up our things. I looked up and blushed.

"Oh, I'm fine, just glad everything is somewhat back to normal." I smiled.

"Yeah same." Felix sighed. "We have to do well. For Channie Hyung's sake. And for Aera Noona cause she's want that."

It was as if he had read my thoughts.

"Yeah, I know. Wanna practice more together?" I asked him with a small smile.

"Of course. Anything with you is great Hyungie!"

I felt my ears go red and I started to stammer. "Y-yeah same w-with you L-Lixxie!"

He giggled and led me to the dorms.

*Jihoon POV*

I didn't see Aera much. Didn't even get to text her. She was too busy with practice. I mean that was kinda good, gave me more time to rehearse how to confess to her with Bomi's assistance. It felt so weird having someone help with such a personal matter, but Bomi always made sure I was comfortable and eased me into the different scenarios I could potentially be confessing to my childhood friend in.

"Okay, Jihoon-ssi, let's take this from the top. I know this is weird, but cmon we've been at it for weeks." Bomi said, patting my back softly.

"Sorry Noona. I just...won't it sound too planned? Too scripted? I want everything to be perfect but not sound fake, you know?" I pouted. "This is so hard."

"I know. We can take a break if you want." She suggested, getting up.

"Yeah that'd be great." I followed her into the kitchen.

"Tea?"

"Sure."

"Sugar?"

"One please."

"And cookies?"

"How could I say no?"

She laughed and prepared the tea and cookies, then sat down, sliding my mug towards me.

"You nervous?" She asked me as she sipped her tea.

"About?"

"Did you seriously forget about the movie we worked so hard on?"

I blinked rapidly. I had indeed forgotten, my mind had been so warped around Aera.

"Oh gosh, you did." Bomi laughed. "Well, the premier is soon, so you should ask Aera to be your date."

"But the showcase-"

"Shit! Why is there always something coming in between the two of you?!"

"You sound like it's your relationship." I laughed.

"Can't help it. I feel attached since I'm helping you make it happen ya know."

"Yeah. Thanks by the way."

"No worries, though you've thanked me enough." She grinned and began to dunk a cookie in her tea, a habit she'd gotten from hanging out with me.

"Can I be honest?" I said quietly.

"Of course."

"I feel like things keep getting in between Aera and I because we're not meant to be." I hung my head sadly.

"Jihoon-ah! No, don't say that!" She said softly. "I'm sure everything's gonna work out for you. You just gotta have faith."

"Okay."

It was silent for a little, just the sound of sipping tea and crunching cookies filling the air.

"Oh also," I said. "Who's your date?"

"I-" Bomi began to blush. "J-just a friend."

"Mhmm. Looks like someone else needs help with their love life, other than me I mean." I began to tease and she pouted, slapping my arm. That just made me laugh even more. Almost falling off the kitchen stool.

*Hyunjin POV*

Seungmin and I were cuddling on my bed, dead tired after all the practicing we had been doing.

"Gosh I wish debuting would be easier." I groaned.

"Yeah, but then that takes out the joy of seeing all your hard work pay off." Seungmin pointed out, nuzzling my chest with his cute nose. I giggled softly.

"True." I paused. "But who would've thought Chan could jump back into dancing and singing so quickly."

"I'm a little worried about him to be honest." My boyfriend said. "It's not healthy for him to go back to such intensity so quickly."

"Yeah. Not like he'll listen to us."

"No, but he might listen to Aera Noona."

"True, but she's probably too busy to deal with him. Lixxie and Innie could help. He loves them so much."

"Yeah he does. I'll tell them of the situation and together, we can probably get him to slow down a little. And if not, then the seven of us should be able to convince him." Seungmin says.

"I love how smart you are."

"Specially with you."

He laughs and places a soft kiss on my lips making me blush. Even though we had been together for a little while, every single bit of physical contact from him makes me feel butterflies in my stomach.

"I love you." I whispered to him as I felt him drift to sleep. He giggled softly and whispered back the words, "I love you more."

"Nuh-uh!"

"Shhh...I do. Now sleep I'm so tired."

*3rd Eye*

Hyunwoo sat quietly as his makeup artist, Sam, applied more foundation to his forehead.

"You okay?" He asked him.

"Yeah." He replied quietly. "Just really tired, Hyung."

"Did you have a long night?"

"Kinda."

"I'm here for a reason dude,"

"To do my makeup?"

"Well that and for you to speak to me. I made sure to get this position just for you. Now talk to me."

A little background information on Sam and Hyunwoo's relationship: the two had met when Hyunwoo was translating something in English for him, since he was unfamiliar with the language, being half Japanese and half Korean. Since then, he would always come to him for translations and their bond grew. Hyunwoo thought of him as his older brother.

"So what happened."

"Nothing." Hyunwoo sighed.

"Yeah not confusing at all." Sam packed the brushes he'd used away and looks at Hyunwoo with worry. "I'm just looking out for you."

"Yeah I know." Hyunwoo gets up. "I have to get on set but I'll talk to you later."

Sam looks at his watch. "We have twenty minutes, so tell me what's going on."

Word count: 1050

-Aria 💜