Collision

Nights of Companionship

Chapter 4

Finally being able to go home after the first day of promotions, the quietude of the dorm enveloped Han Jisung as he entered, the weight of the day's endeavors still etched on his features. Finally, the relentless rhythm of promotions for the "5-star" album had ceased, allowing Stray Kids a well-deserved rest. Their manager, before bidding them farewell, reminded the group that they will have a two-week vacation after the album promotions.

With a sense of relief, Han made his way to his room, longing for the sanctuary of solitude. The fatigue clung to him like a second skin, but the prospect of a temporary respite buoyed his spirits. He locked himself in, seeking solace in the familiar glow of his phone screen. His room, dimly lit, became a refuge from the outside world.

As he browsed through his usual YouTube videos, a melodic symphony of calming voices and soothing visuals, the door creaked open, shattering the silence. Changbin, ever the embodiment of exuberance, burst into the room with an enthusiastic "My Jisung!" before unceremoniously plopping onto Han's bed. Startled, Han glanced at him with a mixture of bemusement and exhaustion.

"What now, Hyung?" Han asked, his voice a weary undertone to the sudden intrusion.

Changbin, seemingly unfazed, looked up with a mischievous grin. "I need someone to devour midnight snacks with me!"

Han arched an eyebrow, a hint of skepticism in his gaze. "Please tell me it's not going to be your chicken breasts again."

Changbin chuckled, shaking his head. "Nope, nope. I've got pizza and cheesecake for you."

The mention of cheesecake sparked a glint of interest in Han's eyes. "You got me with cheesecake. Alright, let's eat."

In the living room, the two members of Stray Kids found themselves surrounded by the enticing aroma of pizza and the indulgent sweetness of cheesecake. The silence between them was companionable, the exhaustion of the day momentarily forgotten in the pleasure of good food.

As they savored the flavors, Changbin, with a mouthful of pizza, broke the quietude. "So, how have you been really holding up?"

Han, caught off guard by the sudden shift in conversation, glanced at Changbin, unsure of where the question was leading. "I'm good, I guess. It's been tough, but you know, I'll get through it."

Changbin, however, was not one to dance around sensitive topics. Swallowing his bite, he looked at Han with genuine concern. "What about Maxine? How are you handling that?"

The question hung in the air, a weighty reminder of the emotional turmoil that Han had been grappling with. He sighed, his gaze dropping to the remnants of cheesecake on his plate. "It's not easy, Hyung. I still love her, but she's made her choice."

Changbin nodded, sympathy etched on his features. "I get that, but have you thought about trying again? I mean, if it makes you happy, isn't it worth another shot?"

Han's eyes flickered with a mix of emotions. "Hyung, it's not that simple. Maxine broke up with me, and I don't know if it's fair for me to ask her to come back. Besides, there are things I didn't want her to go through – the stalking, the paparazzi. I didn't want her to endure all that just because of our relationship."

Changbin furrowed his brows, his expression earnest. "But if she's okay with it, if she still cares about you, why not give it another try?"

Han leaned back, the weight of his decisions settling on his shoulders. "I thought about it. But I don't want her to sacrifice her happiness and safety just for me. Maybe I'm just not the right man for her, and she deserves someone who can give her both love and a sense of security."

Changbin sighed, his gaze searching Han's eyes for any sign of doubt. "Jisung, you're selling yourself short. You're an amazing person, and if Maxine truly cares about you, she'd want to be with you despite the challenges."

Han mustered a small smile, gratitude flickering in his eyes. "I appreciate that, Hyung. But sometimes, love means letting go, especially when it's for the well-being of the person you care about."

Changbin patted Han's shoulder, the weight of their conversation lingering in the air. The living room, once filled with the scent of pizza and cheesecake, now bore witness to the complexities of love and sacrifice.

As they continued their late-night snack session, the conversation shifted to lighter topics, the bond between the two members solidifying with every shared laugh and shared moment. Han, though still carrying the echoes of a love he had lost, found solace in the camaraderie of his fellow Stray Kids member. The night, punctuated by the comforting sounds of their shared laughter, held the promise of healing – a healing that would unfold, not in the grandeur of a comeback stage, but in the quiet moments shared between friends in the sanctuary of their shared home.

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Did you hate me that much? We're meant to be

I told you, we're like stars in the sky

As time passed, we met and broke

The traces of it remain throughout the universe tonight