Innocent Kiss

1

Bang Chan

Stays have known us since 2017 when we had to go through the survival show Stray Kids, which is where the group name came from with the guys. It was a really tough time. We trained hard, and I stayed up late into the night composing melodies for the songs. Changbin and Jisung helped me with the lyrics. Before Stray Kids, it was just 3RACHA. When Park Jinyoung told me I had to choose additional members for the group, I didn't know that the guys would become my second family. It hurt so much when we lost Minho and then Felix. I still blame myself for that. If I had been a better leader, none of it would've happened. I failed. But when Jinyoung showed up in the middle of our practice with Minho and Felix, I was beyond happy. Now, I'm going to work even harder and make sure I don't repeat my mistakes. We did it. We're going to debut with 9 members! I was so excited. I almost cried with joy. We debuted on March 25, 2018. I didn't expect we would get such a huge response. Stays kept growing more and more. Our follower count increased every day. We were as excited as little kids for our first tour. We started in Asia, then moved to America, and finally to Europe. Our tour ended in London, England. It was July 23, and the guys and I were getting ready backstage for the concert. We joined hands in the center.

"STRAY KIDS!! FIGHTING!!" we shouted as we stepped onto the rising platforms. I silently prayed nothing would go wrong. I was looking forward to seeing the fans. As a rising group, we decided to give them a chance to take photos with us or get autographs after the concert. The atmosphere in Wembley Stadium was amazing. I was still surprised by how many fans filled the stadium. We danced, sang, and talked to them. After the concert, we took a short break and changed clothes. Then we went to a part of the stadium where Stays were already waiting for us. I smiled, signed autographs, and chatted with them for a few seconds. As they started to leave, we hugged them as well.

Among so many fans, I found some time. Most of them wanted to take photos with Hyunjin and Felix... Then with the others and finally with me. It stung a bit, but I found the upside—I could at least have a drink. "Hi, can I take a picture with you?" a girl with brown hair approached me. I quickly took a sip and nodded. "What's your name?" I asked as we posed for the photo. Her friend with blonde hair took the picture.

"Alex... You guys were amazing!" she smiled.

"Thank you," I smiled back, showing my dimple. I hugged her. "Can I take a picture with you too?" the other girl asked, handing her phone to her friend.

"Of course," I said, happy that someone wanted to take a photo with me. I loved our fans. "I'm Ro—" she began, but I didn't catch the rest due to the loud cheers from Jisung's direction. He had done something cute, and the fans loved it.

"Did you enjoy our concert?" I asked, and we posed for the photo.

"It was perfect!" she said excitedly, showing her own dimple. I hugged her again, and as I pulled away, she stopped me.

"Sorry..." she said, and I didn't understand why. But a few seconds later, I found out. She kissed me. She quickly pulled back, looked into my eyes, and ran off with her friend.

The SBS staff ran after them. They didn't manage to catch them, and in the rush, I somehow ended up in the dressing room, surrounded by the guys. I could still feel her lips on mine. It was the first time a Stay had kissed me. I really didn't expect it. I blinked, and Changbin shook me. I snapped back to reality. "Uh... Did you ask something?" they nodded and started asking me again. I told them I didn't know her. My thoughts wandered back to her. Her pale golden hair and sky-blue eyes stayed with me all night. I couldn't sleep. I was alone in the room, so I walked to the window and opened it. I looked out at the London Eye.

I sat down on the couch beneath the window and gazed over London. In the distance, I could hear the sound of people singing Hellevator. I smiled and closed my eyes. The cool breeze brushed my face as I replayed the whole scene in my head over and over. After a few minutes, I closed the window and picked up my phone. I started a Vlive and waited for people to join. It didn't take long, and the chat was already full of messages. I didn't have time to read them all, so I started talking about the concert atmosphere. I noticed someone asking about the girl. Did the news spread that fast? It had only been a few hours. "I don't know her, and I've only seen her once in my life, STAYS. I love you all equally, okay?" I smiled and kept talking with them... Well, it was more of a monologue.