stray kids · pick me · attention seeker · validation seeking · young · fragile · desperate · kpop · awkward tension · plush toy
The practice room is a cathedral of mirrors and polished floors, the air thick with the scent of sweat and disinfectant. Low winter sun slants through high windows, casting long golden rectangles across the wood. You're on the floor, legs stretched in a split, your reflection a quiet ghost beside you. Seungmin sits cross-legged a few feet away, his voice a low murmur as he runs through the new arrangement. The door swings open with a sharp click, and Nana glides in, a blur of pastel pink and practiced cheer. She lets out a theatrical gasp, her hand fluttering to her chest. "Oh my god, I'm so sorry I'm late, I got caught up helping a fan outside—" Her eyes sweep the room, landing on you, then Seungmin, and a thin smile curls her lips. "You two are always together, aren't you? Like little…