Idol [Lee Felix of Stray Kids]

85. Real Life

"That was amazing you guys," Hana said as soon as Stray Kids emerged  backstage after thanking the fans for joining them and that they are looking forward to seeing them again the next day as it would be their last show in Melbourne before they traveled to Sydney for their next two shows.

Hyunjin was walking towards AiDi but I.N beat him to it and watched as AiDi smiled up at him when I.N got close. He clenched his jaw as he watched his bandmaster—I.N—and the boy that he's in love with —AiDi—being close.

"I.N has been there for him since day one," Seungmin said as he stepped up close and watched scene in front of them, " even though we all know his feelings towards AiDi, we also know he wouldn't do anything to jeopardize your guys friendship."

"He's being flirty with him," Hyunjin said through gritted teeth, his eyes narrowing as he continued to observe the exchange. He could sense the tension rising in his chest, each pang of emotion sharper than the last. "And AiDi is reacting."

Seungmin studied Hyunjin's expression, recognizing the mix of envy and frustration swirling within him. "What do you want him to do? Just ignore the feelings he has for him? Especially after the whole Dawn situation during the holidays."

"It was nothing," Hyunjin replied in exasperation, "how many times must I say this?"

It may have been nothing," Lee Know stated having heard the conversation between them, "but it's not solely on the fact that you didn't stop her from being all over you and then saying, "I didn't think it would a big deal. We were just getting to know each other since she's your family." You really think that was a wise thing to say after he saw you and her with her being all over you?"

"Let's not forget when you said " I thought it would be okay. We were just talking! I didn't want to cause any trouble during the holidays! Dawn is family." Han added as he also joined them while they watched as Bang Chan, Hana, Felix, I.N and AiDi watched over the video footage AiDi had shot during the show. "I don't think I've ever seen or heard someone so heartbroken as I did that say."

Hyunjin clenched his jaw as his friends and fellow Stray Kids members weren't helping with his current situation with AiDi.

"AiDi will talk to you once he's ready." Seungmin said just as Bang Chan, Felix, Hana, AiDi and I.N walked over to them,

"Let's get changed and then we can head out." Bang Chan said and the group nodded, "where's Changbin?"

"Bathroom," Lee Know said, casting a bemused glance toward the door. And just as he finished speaking, Changbin walked in, towel draped casually over his shoulder.

"What's up?" he asked, a quizzical brow raised as he took in the group's collective expressions.

"Nothing! We're just getting ready to head out," Felix said, nodding toward the door. "Why don't you two," he suggested while looking at Hana and AiDi, "wait for us outside?"

"Okay!" Hana nodded enthusiastically, intertwining her fingers with AiDi's. "I'm going to call Mom to let her know we're on our way and will tell Charlie that her APPA misses her and is excited to see her after a long few hours away from her."

"Sounds good," Felix replied cheerfully, addressing Hana with a soft smile as he leaned down to plant a quick kiss on her lips. AiDi returned the gesture of support by giving Hana's hand a gentle squeeze before they exited the room, leaving the boys to their private discussions.

Once the door clicked shut, AiDi's absence felt palpable. Hyunjin couldn't shake the thoughts swirling in his mind, thinking of how to approach AiDi and communicate how he felt. He noted how I.N and AiDi shared a glimmer of happiness in the short moments they had spent together, flirting gently while they reviewed video footage of the concert. The casual intimacy they exhibited struck a nerve; it felt like each smile exchanged was a ripple that gently narrowed the distance between them.