Make Me STAY

Hold my hand

Once all their cases had been collected, Rose had all the members of Stray Kids gather in one apartment while she did a sweep of the apartments for any forgotten items.

"Last chance to check you've got everything."

The guys all patted their pockets before nodding their heads, apart from Jisung.

"Wait! My headphones!"

Minho, who was standing behind him, lifted the headphones which were around Jisung's neck and placed them over his ears. The rapper's eyes widened.

"Okay, let's go!"

Hyunjin was still in his clingy phase. He sat next to her in the car and rested his head on her shoulder. The younger members teased him endlessly for his public displays of affection.

"Hyung, let Noona breathe!"

"She's mine, why should I?"

Hyunjin shot back without hesitation, squeezing Rose's hand tighter.

Jisung gasped dramatically.

"Oh my God, he's so gone for you, Noona."

Rose just rolled her eyes playfully, but she couldn't deny the warmth that bloomed in her chest.

The journey to LA was just as chaotic as Rose had expected. Between keeping track of everyone and getting through the airport in a timely manner, she barely had a moment to breathe. When they finally got on the plane she sighed in relief.

Hyunjin sat next to her.

"Noona? What do you have in your bag? It's so big."

"The things you all forgot."

"Did I forget anything?"

"No, but I did help you pack."

"Whose stuff have you got then?"

"Jeongin's phone charger, Felix's fluffy socks, Seungmin's earplugs, Chan's adapter, and don't tell him, but I grabbed some of Changbin's snacks."

Hyunjin laughed.

"That still doesn't warrant such a big bag."

"Well, I've got things for every situation. Medication, pens and paper, spare t-shirts, stuff like that."

"Do you always take all those things when you travel?"

"Only when I'm travelling with Stray Kids."

Felix leaned across the aisle.

"What was that?"

"Noona, has your fluffy socks."

"What? Really?!"

Rose got the socks out of her bag and passed them to him.

"You left them on your bed."

"I put them out to pack them. Thank you, Noona. You're the best!"

The flight was long, but Hyunjin made it easier. He played with her fingers absentmindedly as they watched a movie together, occasionally turning to steal glances at her. Every time she caught him, he grinned sheepishly and squeezed her hand.

At one point, he dozed off and she pressed a soft kiss to his hair, as she tucked the blanket around him.

By the time they landed, she was exhausted, but she still had work to do. After checking into the hotel, Rose was immediately pulled into coordinating schedules, making sure everyone knew their room assignments, and confirming details with staff.

She had barely been in her room for five minutes when there was a knock at the door. She didn't even have to guess who it was.

"Jinnie."