Idol [Lee Felix of Stray Kids]

76. Real Life

Everything was going perfect two days ago. Or so AiDi thought.

His birthday—falling on Christmas Day—was supposed to be a joyous occasion filled with laughter, warmth, and cheerful memories. He was back home with his family, celebrating alongside Hana, baby Charlie, and his friends from Stray Kids, who had come to join in on the festivities. The air was filled with the sweet scent of baked goods, the sound of holiday songs playing softly in the background, and the love that swirled around like glittering snowflakes. It was everything AiDi had longed for.

But then, the evening took a turn. A turn that would shatter the happiness he had so carefully wrapped around himself.

His father's relatives arrived late in the evening, and it was then that everything began to unravel. All too soon, his cousin Dawn's presence filled the room in the most obnoxious way; she was already making her way toward Hyunjin with an energy that dripped with flirtation. AiDi felt the icy claws of dread grip his insides. As he watched, Dawn wrapped herself around Hyunjin, her laughter too loud, her body language too inviting.

Hyunjin—his Hyunjin—was all smiles, leaning into the playful banter, completely unbothered by AiDi's existence just a few feet away. The internal hurt twisted like a dagger, each moment of them together feeling like a betrayal. Didn't Hyunjin remember the promises they had made, the discussions about their relationship, the commitment to rebuild after Hyunjin's mistakes?

AiDi's heart sank further, recalling how Hyunjin had gone live just before Christmas and categorized their relationship as mere friends, trying to quell the revelations of their more intimate moment. Hyunjin pushed to portray a distance that simply didn't exist when he had been in AiDi's arms just days before.

Dawn knew about them; how could she not? She stalked AiDi's Instagram diligently, liking every post that advertised their closeness, gloating over the pictures where AiDi and Hyunjin had shared sweet moments. And yet here she was, flaunting herself in front of the man AiDi had once believed would stand by his side no matter what.

During the Christmas party, while AiDi played with baby Charlie on the floor mat, the rest of their family prepared dinner in the kitchen. The laughter and joyous conversations slowly dulled for AiDi, who with every glance at Hyunjin and Dawn felt a piece of him splinter away. It was painful to observe as Hyunjin chuckled at something Dawn had said, carelessly allowing her to lean closer, her arm draping over his shoulder.

The other members of Stray Kids—Han, Lee Know, Bang Chan, Changbin, Seungmin, and I.N.—had also taken notice of the way Dawn seemed to monopolize Hyunjin's attention. Their expressions twisted with confusion and concern as they exchanged looks laden with unspoken understanding.

What happened next shocked everyone. I.N, often amicable and reserved, broke the suffocating silence that had overtaken the atmosphere. Unable to contain his frustration any longer, he stepped forward and, without warning, punched Hyunjin squarely on the jaw.

"That was unexpected!" someone gasped.

The room fell silent as every eye turned to the youngest member, who stood glaring down at Hyunjin, unwavering in his anger. Jeongin was fueled by a deep-rooted sense of loyalty and protectiveness toward AiDi, and it pushed him to disregard the age difference between them.

"You promised me you wouldn't hurt him!" I.N fumed, voice sharp and cutting, as he pointed an emphatic finger in AiDi's direction. "Yet you're doing exactly that by letting this girl be all over you when you should be trying to fix your relationship with him!"

Hyunjin cradled his cheek, eyes wide with shock and hurt. He searched the room for sympathy but found none; instead, his gaze landed on AiDi, who had lowered his head in defeat, ashamed and heartbroken. The visual tore at Hyunjin—I've hurt him again.