I can't live without you.. || Chanmin

Through the storm

The rain fell in torrents outside the recording studio, the steady drumming of drops against the windows punctuating the quiet hum of machinery inside. Bang Chan sat in front of the large mixing console, headphones covering his ears, eyes focused on the computer screen in front of him. The dim light from the monitor cast shadows across his face, highlighting the strain in his brow, the faint lines of exhaustion beneath his eyes.

He had been here for hours, working on perfecting the new track, ensuring every beat, every note aligned with the vision he had for Stray Kids' upcoming album. It was their biggest project yet, and the pressure to deliver something extraordinary was relentless.

But even through the haze of fatigue, he smiled. Creating music had always been his passion, his anchor. In times of chaos, it was the one thing that made sense. Still, tonight, something felt off. Despite the long hours and countless revisions, the track wasn't quite clicking the way he wanted.

A soft knock on the studio door interrupted his thoughts. He pulled off his headphones, turning to see Seungmin standing in the doorway, a slight smile on his lips. He was holding two steaming cups of coffee, offering one to Bang Chan as he stepped into the room.

"Thought you could use a break," Seungmin said, setting the coffee on the table beside him.

Bang Chan chuckled, taking the cup gratefully. "You know me too well, Min."

Seungmin shrugged, leaning against the wall. "I figured you'd still be here. I didn't see you leave with the others, and when I heard the rain, I knew you'd be in full work mode."

Bang Chan sighed, taking a sip of the coffee. The warmth spread through him, easing the tension in his shoulders just a little. "Yeah, I've been stuck on this one part for hours. It's like I can hear it in my head, but when I try to put it down, it just... doesn't sound right."

Seungmin nodded, understanding all too well the weight Bang Chan carried. As the leader, he always pushed himself harder than anyone else, taking on responsibilities that weren't just his own but the entire group's. He wanted to make sure everything was perfect-for their fans, for the team, and for himself.

"Want me to listen?" Seungmin offered, stepping closer to the console. "Maybe a fresh set of ears will help."

Bang Chan hesitated for a moment, then nodded. He trusted Seungmin's instincts. Despite being one of the younger members, Seungmin had an ear for detail, and his insight had often been the missing piece when Chan found himself stuck.

He hit play, and the track filled the room. The deep bassline thumped through the speakers, the melody weaving in and out like a conversation. But as the chorus hit, Bang Chan could feel it-the slight disconnect, the subtle imbalance. He watched Seungmin's expression as he listened intently, eyes closed, absorbing the music.

When the track ended, Seungmin was quiet for a moment, thinking. Then he opened his eyes, meeting Bang Chan's.

"I see what you're going for," he said slowly, "but it feels like the vocals are getting drowned out by the instrumental in the chorus. Maybe if we pull back on the synth and let the harmonies carry that part, it'll give the vocals more room to breathe."

Bang Chan blinked, surprised by how quickly Seungmin had zeroed in on the exact issue he'd been struggling with. He hadn't even realized it himself until now. "You're right," he murmured, turning back to the console and making a few adjustments. "Let's try that."

He played the track again, and this time, as the chorus built, the harmonies soared, clear and powerful, blending seamlessly with the instrumental without overwhelming it. The change was subtle, but it made all the difference.

Bang Chan grinned, a weight lifting off his shoulders. "That's it. That's exactly what it needed."

Seungmin smiled softly, his arms crossed. "Sometimes, you just need a second pair of ears, hyung. You don't have to carry it all by yourself."

Bang Chan looked at him, the words sinking in. He knew Seungmin was right, but it was hard to let go of that burden. As the leader, he often felt responsible for everything-for making sure the music was perfect, for ensuring the members were okay, for keeping their dream alive. It was a lot to bear, and sometimes, it felt like too much.

But moments like this reminded him that he wasn't alone. He had Seungmin, the rest of Stray Kids, and a team of people who believed in him. And more than anything, they had each other.

"I know," Bang Chan said quietly, his eyes softening. "I just... I want to make sure everything's perfect. For you guys, for STAY, for everyone who believes in us."

Seungmin's expression turned serious, his voice gentle. "And we appreciate that. But you don't have to be perfect, Chan. None of us do. We're in this together. So lean on us when you need to."

Bang Chan felt a lump form in his throat, the sincerity in Seungmin's words cutting through the exhaustion. He reached out, ruffling Seungmin's hair affectionately, earning a playful swat in return.

"You've grown up a lot, Min," Bang Chan said with a smile. "I'm proud of you."

Seungmin laughed softly, his cheeks tinting pink. "Thanks, hyung. But don't get too sentimental on me now."

They both laughed, the tension in the room dissolving into easy camaraderie. The rain still fell outside, but inside, the warmth between them made everything feel a little lighter.

Bang Chan looked back at the console, his heart lighter too. The storm would pass-both the one outside and the one in his mind. And when it did, he knew he'd come out the other side stronger, with his members by his side.

Together, they'd weather any storm.