Stray Kids 9th member - Our Black Swan

4. Practice, practice and practice

Axl's P.O.V.

Constantly moving around in my bed, I try to desperately find sleep. Lying on my back, on the left side, the right side, on my belly with one leg slightly brought towards it, I tried every position. But I couldn't shut down my mind. Seems like Sandman didn't want to pay me a visit tonight... I guess since it is a new bed and a new home with people I am not familiar with yet, I just couldn't sleep.

My eyes burning, I sigh as I pick up my phone. What time is it? 5a.m.. I should get up and make myself a hot drink. I won't sleep now anyway...

Quietly, I step out of my bed and exit the bedroom. Changbin is still profoundly asleep. I can tell just by the little snore coming out of him. As for Chan, I didn't see him. Well, his bed is empty. Is he already up? When did he leave the room if he is awake? I didn't hear him leave... I guess I did sleep a bit then.

I walk down the stairs as quietly as possible to reach the lower floor. The TV is on. The light coming from the kitchen and the light from the TV screen are the only illuminating source in the area. At least it's not blinding my tired eyes.

- Hey! Why are you already awake? Did I wake you up when I left the room? I hear Chan greeting me, keeping his voice low to not wake up the others. Their rooms aren't too far. Most of the boys are sleeping upstairs but some of them have their room downstairs.

- No, no, I... I struggle sleeping in new places. I can fall asleep anywhere and take naps but having a full night... It's complicated, I softly reply, keeping my voice low as well. I approach the kitchen's counter to sit on a stool.

- I understand. It doesn't feel like your own bed yet, he states understandingly. I nod positively. It doesn't feel like home at all... Don't worry. It will come, he tells me with a comforting tone. I crack a smile, appreciating his words. Would you like something to drink? He kindly offers.

- Yes, please. Something warm, I accept as I guide him towards what I'd like.

- Something warm... I can make you a hot chocolate, a coffee, a cappuccino, an Americano, or a tea. What would you like? He questions before showing me that kind smile with those dimples. It's really adorable!

- A hot chocolate and a tea if possible, I respond with a smile.

- Of course, he turns around and makes the hot drinks I demanded. To be honest, I would have done them myself. But I don't know where the stuff is so I watch him do. I'm trying to remember where everything is, so, hopefully, tomorrow, I won't have to look in every cabinet. Here. Choose your flavor for the tea, he places a box with tea bags of different flavors in front of me. There's not a lot of choices but it will be enough. I thank him when I hear the water already boiling. You want something to eat with your hot drinks? He proposes.

- Hum... Maybe in a few minutes. I'm going to go get my Korean book and study a bit first, I reply before getting up and quietly walk back to my room. Changbin is still sleeping like a baby. He is lucky. I love my sleep but I can't manage to stay asleep. Damn brain won't let me... Anyway, in my bag, I discreetly grab my book and a pencil before going back to the kitchen.

- Here are your drinks, I hear Chan informing me as he shows me the two cups on the counter. I thank him as I sit back on the stool. Across from me, Chan sips his... Juice? I guess. I didn't see what he got and I didn't see a tea bag in it. Maybe he threw it when I went to get my stuff. And it cannot be coffee since there's no coffee scent in the area. Well, it seems to be a cold drink anyway. Blowing on my tea, I open my book and start to practice my Korean. Do you need any help? He asks me after a few minutes.