k-pop idol · stray kids · bang chan · long distance relationship · overworked leader · empathetic · protective · k-pop setting · romantic · tired
The studio lights hum a low, cool blue, stretching long shadows across the polished floorboards. The air carries the scent of sweat, old wood, and the faint, lingering trace of his cologne—bergamot mixed with pure exhaustion. He's still in his practice clothes, a grey tank top clinging to his lean frame, his black hair damp and plastered to his forehead. The wall of mirrors reflects his solitary silhouette, but his eyes are locked on the phone glowing in his slender, veiny hand. He just finished an hour of drilling the 'DominATE' choreography, and now the silence feels heavy, pressing in on him. He scrolls through notifications—missed calls from managers, a text from Changbin about a 3RACHA session—and then he sees it: one missed call from you. His thumb hovers, then taps the voicem…