Harmless || Stray Kids ✔️

26

Changbin

"I'm worried about him," I tell Minho. We were hanging out in my room, talking over what happened today. I trusted him enough to tell him what Chan's fear was. "He always does this. Whenever he's scared, he pushes us away. He wasn't asleep when you knocked, I know it. He doesn't want to face us."

"What happened, Changbin? What's he so afraid of?"

"Us hating him, I think."

"Oh, no... what did we do?"

I stare down at my lap, watching my fingers rub over my palm. "Degraded him. Told him things he's been avoiding. He's not good enough, he's the worst leader, we don't want him here. I'm sure there's more to it, but that's all I heard before I... yeah."

Minho covers his mouth, his eyes wide. "Oh, my god. We need to talk to him."

"Can't talk to him if he doesn't want to talk."

"He doesn't need to talk. Just listen. We should tell the others-"

"No, we need to wait until he wants to tell them. Right now, I'm the only one who knows. I'll persuade him, somehow. He knows it wasn't real, he just needs some reassurance."

"Okay... do you think you'll be okay alone tonight or do you want me to stay?"

"Stay, please."

"Okay. Let me borrow some shorts."

-

Minho's hand is gripping mine when I wake up. We're sweating, but it sends some relief to me. I'm not alone just yet. I still have time.

My friend is already awake when I sit up. He lets my hand go, scowling as he wipes his hand on my sheets. "You're gross."

"You're the one who grabbed my hand."

"Did not."

"Shut up."

"Hey guys," Chan knocks before coming in. "Family meeting in a few minutes. Meet in the living room."

"Okay. We're coming, hyung."

-

"What's up?"

We're all sitting on the couch and floor as we wait for our leader. He begins to talk soon, explaining his fear. Everyone looks at him with horror, guilt pooling in their eyes.

"Changbin-"

My breath escapes me when I open my eyes from blinking. I only blinked. I blinked for barely a second. They are gone. The boys are gone. The couches look untouched.

I'm alone. The dorm was eerily silent. Sighing, I stand. Maybe I could distract myself while I waited this out. I grab my shoes and coat, biting my lip as I leave.

How could this happen so suddenly?

It wasn't going to last for long. They'd be back. I know that. I have to stay strong. That's all.

I walk down the street, noticing that there was no one else there. Was I seriously by myself? Am I truly alone in this retched world?