Collision

Waves of Change

Chapter 6

Two weeks had swiftly passed since the whirlwind of promotions for the "5-star" album, and the air was charged with a subtle shift. The topic of Maxine had become an unspoken refrain among Stray Kids, a delicate balance maintained to shield Han Jisung from the lingering pain of his past. 

Patricia, too, had kept her silence, ensuring that Han's name remained untouched during her conversations with Maxine.

Although the Stray Kids members still observed the shadows that danced in Han's eyes, they bore the understanding that the time for action was drawing near. The end of promotions marked the beginning of their plan – a plan crafted with care and driven by the sincere desire to bring solace to their friend.

On a crisp evening, Stray Kids gathered for a live stream on YouTube, a platform that had become a virtual stage for them to connect with their beloved STAYS. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as they addressed the camera, gratitude reflected in their eyes.

"Hey, STAYS!" Chan's voice echoed with warmth as he greeted the online audience. The live chat erupted with messages of love and support.

"We just wanted to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for the incredible support you've shown us during the '5-star' comeback," Felix chimed in, a smile lighting up his face.

Hyunjin, holding the camera, panned to each member as they shared their heartfelt sentiments. "Your love and dedication have made this comeback truly special for us. We're grateful beyond words."

As the live stream continued, Changbin, known for his rap skills, added a freestyle verse, expressing gratitude for the awards and wins garnered during the comeback. Bang Chan, with his leadership charm, wrapped up the live stream with a group hug and a resounding "Thank you, STAYS!"

After the live stream, Stray Kids gathered for a group meeting in their practice room. Chan, the leader, had a glint of excitement in his eyes as he addressed the group. "Alright, everyone, I have some good news. We've been working hard, and I think it's time for us to take a break. How about a week in Jeju Island together?"

The room erupted in cheers and applause. The prospect of a vacation was a welcome respite for the group. Changbin, ever the enthusiast, exclaimed, "Jeju Island sounds amazing! Let's do it!"

Chan continued, "In our 2-week vacation, we'll spend the first week together, and then you can have the remaining week to spend with your families. What do you guys think?"

The agreement was unanimous, and the excitement among the members was palpable. They quickly packed their things and headed home to their respective dorms, eager for the adventure that awaited them in Jeju Island.

On another front, Patricia and Maxine found themselves having a cozy ladies' night in their living room. The soft glow of fairy lights created a warm ambiance as they chatted and sipped on their drinks. Patricia, with an infectious enthusiasm, expressed her excitement about the upcoming company trip to Jeju Island.

"Max, can you believe it? A whole week in Jeju! Our company is seriously the best for treating us to such a lavish trip. I can't wait to relax on the beaches and try all the local food," Patricia gushed, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.

Maxine, caught in the infectious enthusiasm, couldn't help but smile. "It does sound amazing. A week away from the city might do us good. I'm actually looking forward to it."

As the night progressed, the two friends fell into a pleasant rhythm of conversation, laughter, and the occasional clink of their glasses. The drinks flowed, and the chatter continued until they both succumbed to the drowsiness that accompanies a night well spent.

Before drifting into sleep, Maxine felt a surge of anticipation within her. Maybe this trip to Jeju Island was exactly what she needed – a chance to unwind, make new memories, and, just maybe, find a way to keep Han off her mind. 

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The tranquility of the ladies' night in Patricia and Maxine's living room was disrupted by a sudden stir. Patricia, roused from her slumber in the middle of the night, found herself blinking away the remnants of sleep. A soft glow emanated from her phone, its screen revealing the time – a quiet hour when the world outside was bathed in shadows.

As Patricia sat up, her gaze fell upon Maxine, who remained peacefully asleep on the sofa. A flicker of concern crossed Patricia's features, and she decided to reach out to someone. Pulling out her phone, she scrolled through her contacts until she found the number she was looking for.

"Yeah, I think it's best if we all gather in the café," Patricia spoke in hushed tones, careful not to wake Maxine. "What do you think? Our company will have a stop there for like 2 hours before we head to our hotel."

The voice on the other end, tinged with quiet determination, responded, "Okay then. We'll be there. Just make sure that you're with Maxine, okay? We'll do the rest."

Patricia nodded, even though the person on the other line couldn't see her. A sense of shared purpose hung in the air, a silent understanding between friends who cared deeply for one another. With a final affirmation, Patricia ended the call and glanced back at Maxine, still in peaceful slumber.

As she observed her friend, Patricia couldn't shake the twinge of worry that lingered beneath the surface. Maxine, despite her calm exterior, had weathered the storm of a past relationship, and Patricia knew that healing wasn't always a straightforward journey.

"I hope you find happiness in this trip," Patricia whispered to the sleeping Maxine, her words a quiet wish that lingered in the air. With a gentle touch, she adjusted the blanket over her friend, the act a subtle expression of the protective bond they shared.

The night resumed its stillness, the quietude broken only by the rhythmic breaths of the two friends in the living room. Unbeknownst to Maxine, a plan had been set in motion, orchestrated by those who cared for her well-being. The café stop in Jeju Island held the promise of whispers in the night, conversations that would unfold beneath the canopy of stars, steering the course of hearts toward a destination unknown.

As Patricia settled back into her makeshift bed, a sense of anticipation hung in the air. The waves of change, initiated by the quiet actions of friends in the depth of the night, would soon reach the shores of Jeju Island.