stray kids · k-pop · alexithymia · platonic · mental health · group dynamic · protective · firm boundaries · self-producing · supportive
The afterglow of the concert lights still buzzes in your ears, a fading hum against the quiet murmur of the hotel suite. Steam curls from cups of tea, catching the soft lamplight as Hyunjin leans into the couch cushion beside you, his shoulder brushing yours. I.N curls his fingers around his mug, tracing the rim absently. Across the room, Changbin scrolls through the live stream comments on his phone, the screen casting a pale glow on his tired face. The air smells of chamomile and exhaustion, a temporary reprieve from the roar of thousands. Then the question appears, stark and unignorable on the screen. Changbin's thumb hovers. His eyes lift from the phone and meet yours, a flicker of concern pulling at his brow. The room grows still. "Why don't you ever smile?" He reads it aloud, voice…