Kingdom: Legendary Love || 2min

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ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ : EXCALIBUR (Kingdom)

1:05 ───|────── 3:08

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ᴠᴏʟᴜᴍᴇ : ▮▮▮▮▮▮▯▯▯

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~

Just like how everything was planned,  the host started off the show once every group had gotten settled. The members sat in front of the large TV screen, tense as The Boyz and their performance 'No Air (A Song of Ice and Fire)' was introduced.

Boom! The memorable Kingdom sound blasted out as the screen went black. Then slowly, the camera panned to an underwater scene where one of the members was seen struggling with chains. It caught everyone's attention as it cut to the actual stage filled with frozen, icy props. Seungmin's jaws were slacked open throughout the whole performance as The Boyz rocked the stage with their famous song. The screen slowly darkened, signaling the end, and by then, the groups started worrying about the ranking because The Boyz did so well. Despite that, they still applauded and cheered for them like the good friends they are. The chatters soon died down as Changmin appeared on the screen again. He complimented the performance and welcome iKON to the stage.

The deafening sound was heard again and iKON's performance started. The younger groups watched in awe of the amazing vocals and raps. Minho watched as the more energetic members started singing along to Love Scenario and Killing Me. He also couldn't resist taking a look at Seungmin who was also bobbing his head along. Unfortunately for him, Seungmin turned back and caught his glance redhanded. Minho immediately looked away which made Seungmin raise a confused eyebrow but slowly turn back and continue to focus on iKON. iKON ended their nostalgic stage with a round of applause from the other groups.

Then, it was the long-awaited performance from BTOB. The inner producers in 3racha jumped out and they started discussing endlessly how the theatre version of Missing You was arranged so well but Jeongin shushed them up.

~

Finally, as BTOB's performance came to an end, the staff in Stray Kids' waiting room jolted up and started ushering the members out of the room toward the stage. The group professionally greeted the cameramen and crew. A signal was given as a deadly silence filled the air; it was time for the final rehearsal and testing.

Seungmin acted with all his might: trembling, crawling, grasping just like he had practiced for days. After his part was over, he repositioned his mic and jogged over onto the high platforms. It was where the chorus would be filmed. Soon after he arrived, the pre-chorus ended and the first few beats of the main part rang into Seungmin's ears. From a corner of his eyes, a running Felix jumped up the huge, white platforms to dance in the center. Felix safely landed and the group began dancing as a whole.

As much as he wanted to, Seungmin couldn't focus but instead stare worriedly at the widening gap between the two platforms. His frown deepened as Felix was just right above the gap, his foot nearly falling in. Seungmin, because of the distraction, didn't manage to keep up with the other members during the group choreography. He could only let out a sigh of relief when Felix's part ended and they got off the wobbly platforms.

Unfortunately, this wasn't the only problem that occurred during the rehearsal.

Chan gasped and panted for air as he dashed across the stage. C'mon! I can't miss it! He thought in a panic. He struggled to climb up the stairs to his spot and sadly missed the first line. No... Chan looked so discouraged as he arrived singing out of breath. Feeling guilty towards the group, he performed with all his effort until the end.

The final rehearsal ended and the members headed towards the wide screen to monitor their not-so-successful performance. Seungmin, knowing he didn't focus and sync well with the members during Felix's part, bit his lip in concern. The others kept turning their heads around to check on him. "I was worried about Felix," Seungmin muttered softly.

"Don't worry too much, I'll be careful!" Felix gave his frowning friend a grateful smile.

Assured that Felix will be safe, Seungmin nodded happily. On the other hand, with a heavy heart, Chan stared at the monitor in a trance. He didn't want to let the group down but he didn't know how he could reach his spot in time. Slumping down onto the plastic chair, he furrowed his eyebrows and shut his eyes in disappointment. Suddenly, the tender fingers of someone touched his forehead and started smoothing out the wrinkles. Chan felt himself enjoying and melting under the soft touch of this person. "Hyung, stop frowning, you'll get wrinkles like a grandpa." A voice whispered.

Chan's eyes snapped open immediately and locked eyes with the youngest member standing in front of him with a comforting smile. Chan looked down embarrassed, "I'm so sorry I couldn't make it..."

"Hyung, don't be so sad! We know you tried your best and I'm sure you'll get there in time for the actual performance." Jeongin's warm hand made its way to gently cup Chan's cheeks.

Jeongin stared deeply into Chan's eyes with silent encouragement that finally brought a slight smile onto Chan's face. The older stood up and started leaning in toward the younger who suddenly became aware of the current situation. Jeongin's heart started racing faster and faster as the tip of their noses nearly brushed against each other. The feeling sent thrilling, electrical jolts down his spine. What's he doing? Is he-?

Chan's head slumped and rested on the younger's shoulder, interrupting his thought. Jeongin's face turned crimson in a split second as he froze in place. "Thanks, Innie," Chan mumbled into the other's collar.

Jeongin did nothing but silently embrace the older, and they stayed there for a little while longer.

~

The lights dimmed as the members got into their position. It was finally showtime! Every member started their parts anxious and stiff, but sooner or later, their fluid movements became liquid-like and perfectly matched the thumping pulse of the music. Some members' acting was so awfully real that the other idols were quickly immersed in the story. When his part was coming next, Chan started rushing towards his spot by jumping over long wires, pushing past the equipment, and sliding through gaps between crew members. He gritted his teeth as sweat beads began forming at the nape of his neck. Nearly there! Throwing himself onto the platform, he made it just in time. As he sang his heart out, he couldn't help but feel relieved after the pressure had been thrown off his shoulders.

When the camera cut to the next member, the corner of Chan's mouth lifted up into a bright smile. Even though he was on the other side of the set, he could see Jeongin giving him a playful thumbs-up. "He's really something..." Chan chuckled as he happily jogged off to the side.

~

Stray Kids ended their powerful performance with an equally impactful ending. Once the filming stopped, the members bowed to the camera crew and happily went off the stage. They high-fived each other proudly as they walked through the corridor back to their waiting room. Settling back on the couch in the waiting room, there was restless chatter and compliments thrown at each other. "Hyung! At the start, you did so well!" With wide, excited eyes, Seungmin looked at Minho with admiration.

Minho, surprised by the sudden attention from the younger guy, choked on his water and started coughing uncontrollably. Flustered, he dashed out of the room to hide in the bathroom nearby. The sound of the door slamming shut made Seungmin stand up in worry. "Oh no, did I say something wrong?"

Changbin shook his head and shared a look with Felix who blurted out, "Nah, he's just shy~"

Confusion showed on Seungmin's face as he hesitantly sat back down.

After escaping to the bathroom, Minho glared at his blushing self in the mirror. Lightly slapping his cheeks, he sighed and a small smile appeared on his red face.

"Kim Seungmin-ah... What the hell are you doing to me?"

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