Lotus // Stray Kids FF

[007- THEY'RE THE SAME STARS YOU'LL FIND IN CALIFORNIA ]

Changbin drove us to party while the two of us jammed out to whatever song would play off my phone. After about 10 minutes we pulled into a driveway. The outside of the house was lit dimly by porch lights and from what I could see, it was a fair sized house. Changbin killed the engine and pulled the keys out of the ignition.

I followed him inside up the steps and to the front door. He knocked once before inviting himself in. I trailed behind him, not wanting to get lost. Music was already blasting and there were a few people gathered in the kitchen.

"Changbin!" One called, placing his bottle of alcohol down on the counter. Changbin walked over, hugging all the people before immersing himself into the conversation. They were all speaking in Korean, so I stood in the background, leaning on the counter, waiting to be introduced.

Changbin noticed me standing awkwardly to the side. He quickly walked over and slung an arm over my shoulders. Every nerve in my body began tingling, not being used to Changbin being so close to me.

"Guys, this is Kaida. She doesn't know much Korean, but she'll gladly coach you on your english!" The boys around us began to giggle amongst themselves until one stepped forward. His hair was curly and his smile let his dimples display themselves.

"Hi Kaida! I'm Chan. Changbin's talked a lot about you and I'm very glad I can finally meet you," the boy said with a little wave after introducing himself.

"Its nice to-"

"Hi! I'm Lee Know, and this is Jeongin but he prefers I.N."

"It's nice to meet all of you," I smiled at the three boys. Changbin held a cup up, gesturing if I wanted a drink. I nodded my head in response, watching as he poured some tequila into the cup, then topped it off with some pepsi. Changbin handed me the cup and I thanked him.

"Cheers to new friends and making music!" Chan yelled as he held his liquor bottle in the air. We all cheered and took a sip from our drinks.

"Wow, you know how to make a good drink. Not too strong but not too soft," I say to Changbin as I set my cup down on the counter.

"Well the first drinks always gotta be a good one to ease you into getting drunk," he chirped back as the front door opened up and voices bellowed.

"Felix!! Hyunjin!!" Lee Know yelled as two more boys entered the house.

"Hey guys!! Seungmin and Han are just getting the alcohol out of the car and then they'll be in," the freckled one spoke as the other came around the counter to hug the other boys.

Two other guys walked in the house and I was quickly introduced to all of them. We basically just sat around the counter and drank while Chan would greet people as they walked into the house. The party went from 9 people to roughly 30 in a short amount of time.

Before I knew it, Changbin and I were out of the back porch, a bottle of Smirnoff ice in both our hands. The breeze was a little chilly for a February evening.

"So being my wingman isn't too bad is it?" Changbin asked as he leaned back on the railing, his elbows propped up.

"I guess I can tolerate it," I said back with a soft chuckle. Changbin reached a hand out, pulling me beside him on the railing. I don't think he even realized but as I stood beside him against the railing, his arm slipped down and around my waist. I felt my cheeks flush and every bone in my body go static.

"They're the same stars that you'll find in California you know," he broke the silence, pointing up at the sky. I followed his gaze up to the glowing balls of light.

"Well yea. But they're much prettier in California," I giggled, making Changbin shake his head at my witty comment.

"What do you wanna be after school?" He was quick to change the topic away from California.

"I guess I haven't thought much on that topic, but I'd say if my dad doesn't find work for me, I'd want to be a dancer," I shrugged my shoulders as I answered. I honestly had no clue what career path I wanted to pursue.

"Dancer? I didn't know you danced!"

"Well I don't, but I've always wanted to learn,"

"Hyunjin can teach you! Come to the company with me after school on Wednesday and Thursday! Hyunjin's an amazing dancer and I'm sure he wouldn't mind teaching you!" Changbin exclaimed as he was now standing in front of me, practically wagging his invisible tail like a puppy.

"Maybe," I sighed slightly as I adverted my gaze down to my feet. "I might be busy,"

Changbin nodded and took a sip of his drink, "Lets get back to the party,"

I followed him inside to where everyone was gathered. Lots of people were dancing and being stupid, meanwhile we found Han and I.N. in the kitchen on their phones and laughing.

"What are you guys watching?" Changbin asked as we approached closer. The two boys showed Changbin their phones, both playing the same video of a dog running into a screen door.

"You guys find the dumbest things funny," Changbin laughed as he shook his head. "Do you want another drink?" He asked me as he picked up another bottle from the fridge.

"Sure," I replied, realising my bottle was now empty. I placed it on the counter by all the other empties and grabbed the full bottle from Changbin.

Changbin took his place leaned up on the counter while I leaned up against the wall across from him. Out of habit, I lifted the unopened beer up to my mouth and popped the cap off with my teeth. I placed the bottle cap into my pocket and took a swig. As I swallowed the bitter liquid I realised the three boys were all staring at me.

"What?" I asked as I began to feel awkward.

"Did you just open that with your teeth?" Han questioned as Changbin and Jeongin stared deep into my soul, mouth slightly agape.

I glanced down at the bottle in my hand, "uh, yea?"

"How!?" The boy asked, standing from his position at the counter and taking a curious step closer.

"Um I- I dont know. I just kinda do it without realising," I take another drink from the bottle, uncomfortable with having everyone's curious eyes on me. As I swallowed, the boys went back to doing their thing, leaving me leaned up against the wall by myself.