Idol [Lee Felix of Stray Kids]

90. Real Life

The backstage area pulsed with energy and excitement, the air electrically charged with the exhilaration of performance. "You were amazing!" AiDi shouted, his eyes gleaming as he launched himself into I.N's arms, the two of them sharing a moment of pure delight. AiDi wrapped his arms around I.N's neck, laughing as he peppered him with kisses, his joy spilling over in a cascade of affection. "You always know how to put on a performance!"

I.N chuckled, expertly balancing AiDi in his embrace, the ease of their camaraderie evident in the way they moved together. "You aren't too bad yourself, you know!" he replied, grinning back at AiDi as he spun him around playfully. The sound of their laughter and the happiness radiating from them filled the bustling backstage area, creating a little bubble of joy amidst the chaos.

Meanwhile, Hana stepped over to greet Felix, her wide smile lighting up her face as she held their one-year-old daughter, Charlie, in her arms. The little girl babbled and squealed in delight upon seeing her father. "You were amazing as always," Hana called out to Felix, her voice warm and filled with admiration.

Felix's smile deepened as he leaned down, his cheeks dimpled with joy, allowing Charlie to shower him with a slobbery kiss on his cheek. In turn, Hana captured a sweet moment of intimacy with Felix, giving him a soft kiss on the lips, her heart fluttering at their connection.

As the bustling crowd began to settle, AiDi was gently set back on his feet by I.N, allowing him to rejoin Hana and Felix just as the rest of Stray Kids began filtering back from their changing rooms. This would be their second show in Sydney, which meant they had two full days to relax before flying to Japan for their first concert there—a prospect that sent waves of excitement through the group.

However, amidst the joy of the reunion, Hyunjin lingered a few steps back, consumed by a maelstrom of emotions as he observed AiDi and I.N. They were wrapped in their own world, lost in playful teasing and laughter, completely unaware of the heavy gaze directed their way. While Hyunjin was genuinely happy to see his friends thrive, a deep sense of longing combined with heartache settled in his chest.

It weighed heavily on him that he had lost what he considered the love of his life to his bandmate. He never thought that a single mistake could alter the dynamics of his life so devastatingly. Now, as he watched AiDi connect with I.N, he felt as if he had inadvertently handed over the one person he cared for most to someone else, shattering the delicate bond they once held. The thought made him ache—a hollow echo of what could have been and the painful realization of his own shortcomings.

"Alright, let's get changed so we can head out," Bang Chan's voice called out, breaking through Hyunjin's thoughts. He clapped his hands together, and the rest of the boys around him reacted accordingly, laughter mingling with shouts of agreement as they left for the changing room to freshen up.

While the boys went to change, AiDi, Hana, and baby Charlie lingered in the lobby, watching the chaos of staff members moving with purpose, packing up equipment and preparing it for transport. The air was filled with the smells of sweat and perfume while the sounds of distant cheers and lingering fanfare ensconced them warmly.

"Be honest with me," Hana said, shifting her focus back to AiDi as she gently swayed the stroller that held a peacefully sleeping Charlie. The softness of the moment paled in comparison to the seriousness underpinning her words. There was an edge to her tone that made AiDi look up, brow furrowed.

"You're not using I.N to get back at Hyunjin, are you?" she questioned, her gaze piercing through the lighthearted atmosphere.

AiDi blinked, taken aback by the directness of the question. "No," he replied without a moment's hesitation, his response firm. "Absolutely not. I love I.N, and I'm not just saying that. I know it's still early to even call it love, but I really do. He's been a fantastic friend since we met, and he's always supported me, even before everything that happened with Hyunjin."

Hana nodded slowly, understanding the hurt her brother had endured after the entire whirlwind of events with Dawn. She could vividly recall when AiDi had first confided in her how heartbroken he felt after realizing Hyunjin didn't establish boundaries when it came to Dawn's advances. Those late-night conversations had been filled with tears, frustration, and the raw pain of betrayal; her brother's heart had shattered, and it killed Hana to witness it.

Jimin had reached out hours after the fallout, checking in on AiDi, his tone heavy with concern. "I'm really sorry, AiDi," he had said, "I didn't mean for my sister to come between you and Hyunjin." AiDi had appreciated the gesture, assuring Jimin it wasn't his fault but rather a situation needing careful navigation. Jimin had promised to speak to Dawn, to ensure she would learn the importance of self-respect and recognizing uncomfortable dynamics.

"I know it's hard to move on from one person after everything we've been through," AiDi continued, his voice quieter now, filled with introspection. "But it's for the best if we focus on being happy with someone else. I want Hyunjin to find someone who will make him feel as happy as I.N makes me. I want him to feel how we used to make each other happy," he emphasized, searching Hana's face for understanding.

A smile spread across Hana's face as she nodded, pride swelling within her chest. "You've truly grown since moving to South Korea, AiDi," she praised gently, her heart warmed by the transformation in her brother. "You used to be so closed off and hesitant to share your feelings, but now... look at you! You're so open to love, to happiness. It's remarkable, and I'm incredibly proud of you."

AiDi's gratitude shone in his eyes, and he felt a warmth spreading through him. "Thanks, Hana. That really means a lot. I just want everyone to find happiness and to heal, including Hyunjin. We had something special, and I don't want him to feel lost, just because of what happened."

Their agreement faded into the muted backdrop of cheerful chaos as the rest of the boys re-emerged from the changing room, their spirits high. A wave of teasing banter swept through the group as they approached AiDi and Hana, their energy contagious.

"Alright, who's ready for some pizza?" Felix shouted amidst laughter, also eager for everyone to get moving. The festive tone was infectious, lifting spirits as the members began to gather their belongings and shift toward the exit.

AiDi exchanged a glance with Hana, who encouraged him with a nod, bridging the connection between them. Despite the mixture of emotions swirling within him, he felt invigorated by the sense of belonging that surrounded him, the warmth of friendship propelling him forward, even as memories of heartache lingered at the edges of his thoughts.

As they made their way outside, the cool night air greeted them like an old friend, refreshing and invigorating after the energy of the venue. The city of Sydney sparkled around them, alive with vibrant energy, yet beneath that layer of excitement, shades of uncertainty danced in Hyunjin's heart.

As they stepped out onto the bustling streets, the mixture of joy and apprehension carried through the night—a balance of hope and heartache intersecting with every laugh shared, every teasing comment exchanged. Hyunjin remained slightly behind, his heart heavy as he thought of AiDi and I.N, yearning to bridge the gap that his mistakes had created.

In the soft glow of streetlights, they moved together, bound by the threads of love, laughter, and complexity. Hyunjin felt a yearning in his chest—the urge to reclaim the closeness they used to share, to mend the fractures of friendship that had formed. Each interaction was a push and pull; each joke lingered with the bittersweet taste of lost time.

As they embraced the vibrant atmosphere that surrounded them, they were both policed by the honest threads of their shared experiences—a tapestry of connection woven with joy, mistakes, and the hope of healing. The night was alive with possibility, each step echoing the promise of tomorrow, a reminder that despite all the pain, there was still a path forward.

Underneath the stars that hung like dreams above them, the uncharted territory of their relationships awaited them—a canvas waiting to be filled with the narratives of newfound beginnings. They walked together into the night, ready to embrace whatever came next on their journey, bound by friendship but dappled with the complexities of love and the lingering ache of heartache. It was their story, unfinished but filled with the potential for brighter days.