Idol [Lee Felix of Stray Kids]

45. Real Life

As the vibrant city of Tokyo slowly faded into the background, the excitement from the second leg of Stray Kids' Manic Tour still lingered in the air. The boys had just wrapped up an exhilarating series of performances that left fans breathless and yearning for more. But amidst the adrenaline and the buzz of the tour, a different type of celebration was on the horizon. It was a moment cherished not just by the members of Stray Kids, but by their friends, family, and fans alike. It was the first birthday of their beloved baby girl, Charlie.

With a few precious weeks before they continued their journey to Seoul, Hana and Felix decided it was the perfect opportunity to throw a lavish celebration for Charlie. Their vision was grand—an unforgettable day that combined warmth and glamour, laughter, and love. They wanted to create an enchanting atmosphere filled with the music and friendships that surrounded them. But this wasn't just any birthday party; it would be a star-studded affair, with an impressive guest list that read like a who's who of the K-pop world.

Hana took charge of the decorations, ensuring that every detail reflected the magical personality of their little princess. From delicate pastel balloons to twinkling fairy lights, she meticulously crafted an enchanting environment that would dazzle not just Charlie but all the esteemed guests. Felix was equally engaged, juggling invitations and coordinating with their friends while sharing moments of joy with Charlie and AiDi, their loyal companion.

The day of the party arrived with an air of anticipation. The sun peeked through the clouds, brightening the elegant venue filled with laughter and happy chatter. As guests began to arrive, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. First to grace the party were the members of BTS. Jimin, a close cousin to the photographer Hana, was beaming with happiness as he carried in a beautifully wrapped gift—a plush, cuddly toy shaped like a character from a popular animated series that Charlie adored. Each of the BTS members brought their unique charm into the party, mingling and offering sweet, tender moments with the birthday girl.

As the celebrations progressed, other prominent groups began to trickle in. Next came Ateez, their charismatic presence filling the room with much-loved energy. Hongjoong and Seonghwa couldn't resist kneeling down to play with Charlie, their infectious laughter blending seamlessly with the tones of her giggles. The cypher of camaraderie was palpable, encompassing the bond that these young artists had formed over years of shared experiences, hard work, and dreams.

TxT soon followed suit, bringing their youthful spirit and vibrant style to the occasion. Yeonjun and Soobin presented Charlie with a colorful music box that played a sweet lullaby, prompting the birthday girl to twirl with delight in her mother's arms. The joyous sounds of K-pop music intertwined with the magic of childhood, creating an ambiance filled with pure bliss.

And the excitement didn't stop there. A wave of energy swept through the venue as Seventeen members arrived. Their synchronized dance moves and playful interactions with Stray Kids added an air of festivity. Joshua gifted Charlie a charming little book filled with fairy tales, igniting the spark of imagination in the heart of the one-year-old. It was a gift that would undoubtedly lie in the memories of her early years.

BlackPink, BILLIE, LE SSERAFIM, Astro, and ITZY added to the magical atmosphere, each pair elegantly engaging and connecting with little Charlie, who was the center of attention. With a bit of shimmering face paint and colorful accessories, many of the artists couldn't resist joining in on the fun, creating beautiful playful moments that would become cherished memories for years to come. Lisa took time to dance with Charlie, her grace and charm drawing giggles from the little one.

The bonds shared among the artists mirrored those of family. Stray Kids showered Charlie with love, taking turns to hold her, tickle her, and ensure she felt as adored as she truly was. Hyunjin twirled her in the air like a princess, while Changbin playfully entertained her with silly faces, making her erupt in delightful fits of laughter. It was a wonderfully chaotic celebration that would leave a lasting impression on everyone involved.

As the party reached its crescendo, the time came for cake—the pièce de résistance that Hana had baked with love. Adorned with delicate frosting flowers and topped with a single sparkly candle, Charlie's cake was not just a treat but a masterpiece. Surrounded by her loving parents and her marvelous uncles, the atmosphere grew still as everyone gathered around to sing "Happy Birthday." Charlie's wide-eyed wonder at the raucous chorusing was nothing short of magical.

Delighted squeals erupted as she blew out the candle with a puff, a sign that welcomed a year filled with love, laughter, and endless adventures. After the cake was served, each artist took turns sharing heartfelt wishes for Charlie's future. They spoke of dreams, love, and the bonds of family, each message sinking in deeper than the last.

As the night drew to a close, the celebration transformed into an after-party filled with even more music and dancing. The vibe shifted to one of nostalgia and togetherness as all the artists gathered to share stories, experiences, and dreams for the future. The room was abuzz with heartfelt conversations, laughter, and the kind of camaraderie that filled the air with warmth.

Charlie, nestled in the safety and comfort of her parents' embrace, drifted off into a sweet, peaceful slumber as the world around her vibrated with love. She might be just a baby now, but the connections forged on this special day would surely shape her journey in ways yet to be imagined. As Felix and Hana shared glances that spoke volumes about their shared joy and aspirations for their daughter, they knew this was just the beginning.

In the heart of the city, enveloped by the starlit sky, Charlie's first birthday became more than just a celebration. It was a moment where friendship, love, and dreams intertwined, leaving behind precious memories that would last a lifetime. Every artist, every laugh, and every joy-filled moment came together to signify the importance of family—chosen and biological—and the bonds that would only grow stronger as they all continued to shine in their respective realms.

As the clock struck midnight, the echoes of laughter and songs slowly faded, but the love lingered, a testament to a groundbreaking first birthday filled with stars, dreams, and memories that would pave the path for a beautiful life ahead for little Charlie.