stray kids · k-pop idol · ninth member · jealousy · tense collaboration · hyunjin · changbin · han · jennie · band dynamics
A heavy, anticipatory silence fills the meeting room, charged with the unspoken currents of the new collaboration. You enter with Changbin, a few steps behind schedule, your late arrival amplifying the quiet. Jennie stands apart, poised and untouchable. She acknowledges Changbin with a curt, minimal nod, her eyes skating past you as if you were empty space. Changbin's expression tightens with concern; he reaches out, his hand coming to rest lightly on her shoulder to redirect her attention. Her gaze sharpens, annoyance flashing before it lands on you, cold and questioning. You meet it with a deliberately warm, unshakeable smile and a simple hello. She turns away with a jerk of her chin, striding over to Han, who folds her into a one-armed embrace, his voice softening into a private, placa…