A Distraction // Bangchan

Chapter Eighteen

Lauren made herself another cup of coffee and settled back onto the couch, her thoughts drifting to Chan. The texts from him had left her feeling warm and connected, even though he was on his way to Japan for the next week. But now that she had some free time, she realized there was something she'd been curious about for a while.

Despite everything that had been developing between them, she still didn't know much about Stray Kids' music. She had heard of them, of course, and knew how talented Chan was from their studio session and the concert, but she hadn't taken a deep dive into their world yet.

Setting her coffee down on the table, Lauren grabbed her laptop and opened YouTube. A quick search for "Stray Kids" brought up a list of their most popular music videos, and she was immediately struck by the sheer number of views on each one. She clicked on the first video that caught her eye—"God's Menu"—one of their biggest hits, according to the search results.

As the video loaded, the pulsing beat hit her first, followed by sharp, synchronized choreography that immediately captured her attention. The music was intense, fast-paced, and had an energy that pulled her in right away. The production was sleek, with bold visuals and rapid cuts between scenes that made it hard to look away. And then there was Chan—front and center, exuding confidence and charisma as he moved with the rest of the group. His stage presence was undeniable, and Lauren felt a small thrill seeing him in his element.

She watched, captivated, as the video unfolded. The music was powerful, blending genres in a way that felt fresh and unique, and she found herself nodding along to the rhythm. Chan's leadership was clear—his voice strong and commanding, his movements sharp and precise as he guided the group through the performance. There was something magnetic about the way he carried himself on stage, a stark contrast to the warm, gentle person she had gotten to know so well.

When the video ended, Lauren sat back, letting out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. She smiled, feeling both proud and impressed. Seeing Chan like this—so confident, so talented—gave her a new appreciation for everything he had mentioned about the demands of his career.

Curiosity piqued, she clicked on another video—this time, a more recent release called "Back Door." Once again, the music hit her immediately with its upbeat, catchy melody and intricate choreography. Stray Kids had a way of pulling you in, and as she watched, she found herself getting more invested in their style, the way they fused different sounds and visuals to create something entirely their own.

Lauren watched a few more videos, each one showcasing different aspects of the group's versatility. From high-energy anthems to more emotional, introspective tracks, she could see how they had garnered such a loyal following.

After a while, Lauren's curiosity led her to watch some of their behind-the-scenes content. She found a few videos where Stray Kids interacted more casually, laughing and joking with each other during rehearsals and interviews. It was fun seeing Chan in a different light—still dedicated and hardworking, but more relaxed, his playful side showing as he teased his members and cracked jokes.

One particular clip caught her attention: an interview where Chan talked about the group's journey, the challenges they had faced, and how much it meant to him to lead a group like Stray Kids. He spoke with such passion and sincerity that it made her heart swell. She could see how deeply he cared about his group and their fans, how much work he put into every detail to ensure that they continued to grow and succeed.

By the time she had watched several more videos, Lauren felt like she had gained a whole new perspective on Chan's world. It wasn't just about the music or the performances—it was about the dedication, the countless hours of practice, and the strong bond he had with his group members. She admired him even more now, understanding how much responsibility he carried as the leader of Stray Kids.