The Prince of K-Pop || Bang Chan FF

Chapter Eighteen

          It was the best Stray Kids show that had ever happened in the entire history of SKZ. The drama of the "Best Leader" chant made the already engaged audience extra present. The energy from the crowd was palpable which seemed to turn the eight members on stage from Idols to gods of music. The head of this pantheon was none other than Bang Chan who seemed to have unlocked a new level of performance. His level up did not diminish his members; it electrified them so each person reached a new height.

          It was positively amazing.

          The team did exactly what Chan had said to do the night before. The teaser for a new Stray Kids comeback made the audience roar. Declaration of a new 3racha mixtape made the stands vibrate. The icing on top was the three men performing a new song while the members hyped them up. It was an epic evening.

           When it was all over Fred looked to Naty with a small smile, "There's a hotel I know nearby. I have a friend that'd like to meet you there."

          Naty grinned happily as she nodded her head, "I think I'm free."

          The two stood to leave but were met by Tara, "I know you think you have won but you didn't see the first half of the show. Stays may want the drama but the company wants consistency. Chris is in deep shit because of you. Face it, Naty, you are bad for business."

          "And you are bad at reading the room. We'll have this talk tomorrow," Fred walked past her then paused on the steps to look at Naty, "Coming?"

          Naty felt a twisting sickness in her gut as she nodded and followed Fred away from Tara. Her mind replayed the events of the weekend and the woman's words and found that she was correct. Naty was bad for business.

          If Chan was able to go through a horrible break up without Stays knowing, what did it mean that just her presence disturbed the whole weekend?

          Her mind drifted to her conversation with Ashley and then to her conversation with Pearl. It was not okay to have so many panic attacks. Perhaps, she truly wasn't strong enough to handle the stress of dating an Idol. And perhaps Chan couldn't handle the stress of dating her.

          Clips of the beginning of the show were already being posted. It was clear he was not okay. His dancing was weak, light dim, and stage presence nonexistent. His vocals were still amazing but cracked often as if on the verge of tears. Tara had been correct.

          These thoughts plagued Naty as she waited for Chan on the rooftop terrace. It was mostly empty except for an older couple far across the way. Naty felt a deep sadness in her heart. It was lovely to see them enjoying each other but she couldn't shake the sadness of her and Chan not even being able to get 1% of that.

          "Naty?"

          She turned around in time to feel the warm embrace of Bang Chan. For the first time he lifted her off the ground and she laughed with joy at how much harder this hug was from all the others. It was clear that he had just come from a shower and wet hair left drops on her face. For a moment all of the events before were forgotten. All that mattered was Chan and his arms around her.

          "I'm sorry," he sighed as he finally pulled away, "I'm just so happy to see you."

          "I'm so happy to...," Naty had to pause, "...see so much of you!"

          Chan blushed, "Sorry, I rushed."

          Naty laughed and tried to look at anything else. Chan wore a simple white shirt and jeans but that shirt! She could see every muscle as the fabric clung to his wet skin.