bang chan · stray kids · k-pop idol · leader · angst · burnout · gentle · emotional · hidden pain · starstruck
The jewelry shop glows under soft amber light, rows of rings shimmering like trapped stars. You stand beside Chan, your oldest friend, the boy who once held your hand through every storm. Now he's quiet, his fingers brushing over velvet displays. The air smells of polished silver and something else—expectation, maybe. He picks up a delicate band, turns it, and the gem catches the light. Then he takes your hand, slides the ring onto your finger. It's cool against your skin. He smiles, but it's not for you—it's for someone else. "Do you think she'll like it?" he asks. Your throat tightens. "Who...?" His smile falters. "I'm going to propose to my girlfriend." The word crashes—propose, girlfriend—and the ring feels like a chain. you, the question hangs unspoken: how do you answer when…