"The show should be starting soon!" San smiled, jumping up on the counter so he could turn on the live TV to the stage. They all settled in as they waited for the show to start.

Hongjoong sat by Seonghwa, his hand resting on Seonghwa's thigh. He gave it a tight squeeze and Seonghwa looked over at him. He smiled and wrapped an arm over Hongjoong's shoulder.

"This show is going to change the future of kpop, you know," Seonghwa whispered.

"I know. Just imagine how many other groups we'll get to work with in the future. I'm just glad Atiny has been so supportive. Stay, too."

"Yeah, me too."

"Guys! It's showtime!!" Woo called out, he and San jumping together in excitement. Hongjoong and Seonghwa smiled at them, shaking their heads. Yunho pulled out his headphones, pulling up a chair to sit by the two of them.

They all waited in anticipation but no one entered the stage.

"Aren't...aren't they supposed to be out there already?" San mumbled.

Seonghwa shot Hongjoong a worried glance but Hongjoong shook his head.

"There's probably just some sort of delay. It happens all the time. Remember that time they couldn't get our spotlights working so we had to wait an extra ten minutes?"

"Where did Yeosang and Jongho go? They've been gone for a long time," Wooyoung asked, looking around.

"I think they went to the bathroom after Mingi. But all of them should be back by now," Yunho sighed, twisting his hands together.

"Mingi did say he wasn't feeling good. Maybe he threw up or something?" Wooyoung suggested.

"Maybe I should go look for them," Yunho said, moving to stand. But Hongjoong shook his head.

"I'm sure Mingi's fine. They'll be back any minute. If they're not back in 5 minutes I'll go find them."

"Okay," Yunho nodded, sitting back down.

"Woah! What was that?!" San shouted, jumping out of his chair and pointing at the screen.

The other four turned, trying to see what he was looking at.

"What? What did you see?" Hongjoong asked.

"I don't know-something just flew across the screen."

Everyone sighed, relaxing a bit.

"It was probably just a glitch," Seonghwa smiled reassuringly.

"No, it was definitely there! I saw it! It looked like something big!" San argued, getting closer to the screen to see if he could catch it again.

"San, you're seeing things. You really think a fan would throw something at the curtain?" Wooyoung laughed but San didn't let his eyes leave the screen.

"Maybe they're just upset that it's taking so long," Yunho joined in.

"I saw something," San muttered.

Seonghwa felt bad so he walked over and crossed his arms on San's shoulder, resting his head on his hands.

"I'll watch with you. In case you see it again."

"I saw it," San whispered.

Hongjoong checked the clock and realized five minutes had passed. Jongho, Yeosang, and Mingi hadn't come back yet.

What were they doing?

"I'm going to go check the bathroom. They should be back by now," he said, moving towards the door.

"I'll come with," Yunho said, standing up.

"It's fine. I'll be right back. They need to get ready soon," Hongjoong smiled, opening the door and heading into the hallway.

Seonghwa felt his eyes getting tired and was tempted to give up but he kept seeing how determined San was.

He seemed genuinely worried.

It was a little strange that Stray Kids hadn't gone on stage yet. Maybe there was something wrong.

Just then Seonghwa jumped, as a large shape darted across the stage, through the curtain.

"There! That! Did you see that!?" San yelled, his finger pointing at the screen.

Seonghwa had stepped back, staring at the screen.

"Yeah. What...what the hell was that?"

"I don't know! But it's big! Like-almost the size of a person!"

"Yeah...maybe we should go ask around. Is there a headset in here?"

Yunho looked around and found one on the far side of the room. Seonghwa walked over to it, connecting to the sound crew.

"Hey, is something happening out there? We keep seeing strange sha-"

Seonghwa yanked the phone away from his ear as what sounded like growling blasted from the other end of the line.

"What?? What did they say??" San asked, coming closer.

Seonghwa slowly set the phone back down.

"That was weird."

"What??" San was practically pacing as he flitted back and forth in the front of the room.

"They...growled at me?"

Everyone stopped and stared at him.

"What?" Yunho asked, moving to stand.

"Is this a joke?" Wooyoung laughed, trying to hide his concern but he ran his hands through his hair nervously.

"I don't...I don't know. It was almost...monstrous."

"Call them back. I want to hear it," Wooyoung demanded, marching over to the phone.

Seonghwa didn't stop him.

"Hello?? Is this some kind of sick prank? The show was supposed to start-"

Wooyoung quickly threw the phone down, backing away.

"What the fuck?!" he cursed, looking up at Seonghwa with wide eyes.

"I...I don't know."

"Guys...guys-isn't that-aren't those the Stray Kids members? Two of them?" San called and they all stumbled forward, trying to see the screen.

"That's Changbin! And their leader!" Wooyoung shouted, stepping closer.

They all watched in confusion.

"Why are they just standing there? What are they holding?" San asked.

"Where are the rest of them?" Yunho asked.

Just then they watched as the two members moved to a fighting stance, just as a mass of people rushed onto the stage.

"Woah! They can't be that close!" Wooyoung yelled as the crowd rushed forward but they all froze when they saw Changbin swing his metal box into the skull of one of the people in the crowd, sending the girl flying backwards into the crowd.

All they could do was watch.

"They're..." Seonghwa started.

"Killing them," Yunho finished.

Just then a face appeared right in front of the camera and all of them nearly fell backwards at the sight. A face with blood red eyes and a jaw covered in gore. The figure clawed at the camera, mouth open, trying to find a way to tear it down. After a few seconds, the camera went dead.

Seonghwa fell down to the couch, the blood drained from his face.

"Hyung...what the fuck was that?" Wooyoung asked turning to him.

"Hyung...was that-a zombie?" Yunho whispered.

"Were all of those people...zombies?" San asked, his eyes filling with tears.

"Hyung! What about Changbin and Chan!? There's no way they can take all of them on! We need to help them!" Wooyoung cried, jumping out of his chair and running to Seonghwa.

"Hyung! What about Yeosang, Jongho, and Mingi!? And Hongjoong!! They don't know! We need to tell them! Hyung are you listening to me!?" Wooyoung shook Seonghwa by the collar, but Seonghwa wasn't processing anything.

Zombies?

Were there really...zombies?

So much blood.

So many...

What could he possibly do?

"Seonghwa! Fuck! I'll go by myself!"

Wooyoung turned to run towards the door but Seonghwa grabbed his arm, holding him back.

"Wait! We need to have a plan."

"There's no time!" Wooyoung yelled, his eyes starting to form tears.

"If we run in without using our heads, no one will be making it out of there. You need to slow down, Woo."

"What about Atiny?" San asked quietly, tears already streaming down his cheeks.

"We'll do our best to save everyone we can. But we need to think this through. Okay?"

San nodded and Wooyoung sighed, wiping his tears and nodding as well.

Seonghwa nodded, pulling them close.

"I can't...I need to...I need to find them."

Seonghwa looked up just as Yunho opened the door and dashed down the hallway.

...

Jongho walked with Yeosang to the bathroom, only half-listening to whatever he was saying.

He always found it a little annoying that Yeosang refused to go the bathroom alone when they were at a new venue. But it also meant he had an excuse to spend a few extra minutes alone with him. And...he had something he needed to tell him.

Alone.

"-but they didn't let me pay with the company credit card so they wouldn't let me eat the chic-Jongho? Are you even listening to me?" Yeosang asked as they stepped into the bathroom.

"Yeah, sorry. I'm just a little...spacey," Jongho smiled in embarrassment.

"Well, you missed a very devastating story," Yeosang sighed, stepping into a stall.

Jongho walked over to the mirror, fixing his hair.

"Hey! Are you covering your ears?" Yeosang called from the stall.

"Aish-yes, they're covered. Pee as freely as you'd like," Jongho sighed, putting his hands over his ears. It was so stupid. It wasn't like Yeosang would ever know if he actually did it or not. He just trusted his word.

But he did it anyways. Not like he wanted to hear him peeing.

As he heard the flush, he took his hands down, doing one last check in the mirror before Yeosang exited the stall to wash his hands. Jongho cleared his throat, moving closer to Yeosang.

"Hey, Yeo. So...there's something I need to tell you."

Yeosang nodded, stepping around him to grab the paper towels.

"Okay. Oh-if it's about the mic switch, Hongjoong hyung already told me. I switch with Hyunjin now instead of Jeongin."

"It's-not that."

"Okay, then what is it?"

Yeosang stood still, waiting for the answer before he finished drying his hands. Jongho felt his cheeks flush at the intense eye contact.

"Yeosang, I..."

Jongho felt his face get warm and he quickly straightened up. He needed to just say it. To just blurt it out.

"I'm waiting," Yeosang laughed, resuming his hand drying.

"I like you."

Yeosang looked up at him.

"What?"

Jongho hadn't anticipated a question. He didn't know what else to say, so he just repeated himself.

"I like you."

"Like...you have a crush on me?"

Jongho's face went red. But he nodded.

Yeosang laughed, giving him a playful elbow in the side.

"Don't mess with me like that! Just because Woo teases me all the time doesn't mean you can! He needs to get a new line. Now he's got you in on it?"

Jongho didn't know what to say. That wasn't what he'd expected at all. How was he supposed to defend himself?? His out was so easy. He could just pretend it was a joke. He wouldn't have to face it. He could get away without ruining their friendship.

Or...

He could try to make sure he knew, once and for all.

"Seriously, Jongho. I expect shit like that from Wooyoung but I didn't think you'd ever sink so low."

The words jabbed him right in the chest. His face grew red and he looked at his feet.

"Sorry. I knew you'd be nervous so...I thought it might lighten the mood."

It was a pretty strong rejection. If Yeosang had any interest in him, he would've at least gotten flustered.

Suddenly, a toilet flushed causing both of them to turn as Mingi slowly stepped out from his stall.

Jongho's face was glowing with embarrassment and he turned away. But as Mingi started washing his hands, it became clear that he somehow hadn't picked up on the situation before him.

As he walked past them to grab paper towels, Jongho could hear the rap echoing from his AirPods and he sighed, practically falling to the floor in relief.

He'd been listening to music. He hadn't heard any of it.

"Why are you so red?" Mingi asked, staring at Jongho.

Jongho crossed his arms.

"Why are you staring at me?"

"Come on, Jongho. We should head back. The show's about to start," Yeosang said, excitedly hooking arms with Jongho.

But Jongho looked away.

"I actually wanted to rehearse a little more and the bathroom had pretty good acoustics. I'll meet you there in a few."

Yeosang pouted, pulling his arm back and crossing them over his chest.

"Aww, you could've said that earlier. Oh well. Mingi? You ready to go?"

Jongho was grateful there hadn't been much push back. He was on the brink of tears.

"Actually, I was going to rehearse some of the moves for my rap in Fireworks. It's still a little foreign to me so I just want to make sure it's perfect."

Jongho felt his blood run cold.

Damn it. He couldn't hold his emotions in much longer. Why couldn't Mingi run his moves in the dressing room?? There were plenty of mirrors!

"Ugh, fine. I guess I'll just walk back alone. But if something happens to me, it's on you two," he sighed in annoyance before walking out of the bathroom.

They fell into an awkward silence as Mingi walked over to the mirror next to him. Jongho tried not to let the tears behind his eyes form. He didn't want Mingi to know anything about it. It was humiliating.

He took a deep breath and composed himself, turning to face Mingi.

"Hey, hyung. Are you feeling any better?" he asked, trying to make some semblance of conversation to fill the awkward silence.

"Yeah. Turns out I was just a little nervous. Plus too many flaming hot Cheetos. They did not sit well in my stomach."

Jongho laughed, a sound he hadn't expected to come out of him at the moment.

"You're so fucking weird," Jongho smiled, shaking his head as Mingi smiled back.

"Did that make you feel any better?"

Jongho's smile fell as he turned to Mingi in confusion.

"I kind of...heard everything. I didn't want to make a big deal out of it in front of Yeosang so I put my AirPods in. Are you okay?"

Jongho bit his lip, trying not to let the tears form.

Mingi always had a way of getting to the root of things.

"It's fine. I was just messing around."

"Jongho...you can talk to me. I'm your hyung."

"I said it's fine. Clearly he doesn't seem to be interested," Jongho muttered.

"Do you want a hug?"

Jongho looked up in surprise as Mingi hesitantly spread his arms. The endearing look in his eyes burst through Jongho's well-laid barrier and he nodded, burying his face in Mingi's chest as the tears began to fall.

He'd always thought there was a chance. At least a small one. After all, Yeosang always wanted to spend time with him, even when Wooyoung had already made plans. And he was different around Jongho.

When it was just the two of them, Yeosang really opened up. He seemed so comfortable.

He seemed like...just maybe...

But he had read everything wrong.

He'd just been imagining it. All of the signs. They weren't real.

He was an idiot to have thought so.

He slowly pulled away as he wiped his face, smiling shyly in embarrassment.

"Sorry."

"It's okay. You know I'm here if you need me."

Jongho nodded, turning to the mirror to see how red his face had gotten. Thankfully it was mostly just his swollen eyes that gave him away, but he'd have to hope they would calm down pretty quickly.

"Hey, Jongho?"

He turned to Mingi.

"Yeah?"

"If I'm being honest...I think Yeosang does think of you as more than a friend. I'm not sure if he knows that but...I wouldn't give up yet."

Jongho rolled his eyes.

"You're just saying that to make me feel better."

"I mean it. We've all seen it."

Jongho didn't want to know who he meant by "we." The other members talked about them?

"Well, I think I'll wait a while before trying that again, so you don't have to worry about me."

Mingi nodded and stood uncomfortably, not really knowing what else he could say.

Jongho eventually decided his face had cleared up enough to face the rest of the members and started heading for the door, Mingi following quietly behind him.

But as his hand reached for the handle, the door swung open, knocking him off his feet and into the tile wall behind him. Yeosang burst into the bathroom, slamming the door shut behind him.

Mingi ran to help Jongho up, but Jongho refused his hand, sitting up on his own.

"What the hell, Yeosang?" he groaned.

But Yeosang didn't respond. He just stood, his back pressed against the door. His eyes wide. His breath ragged. His forehead damp.

"Damn, how fast were you running?" Mingi laughed and but Yeosang had no reaction.

Jongho stood back up, hesitantly moving towards Yeosang.

"Yeosang. Why did you come sprinting back here?" Jongho asked, trying to meet his eyes, hoping he couldn't tell that he'd been crying. But Yeosang's eyes were focused on the wall.

"Hey, what's up with him?" Mingi asked, stepping closer.

"Yeosang. Talk to me. You're starting to scare me," Jongho said, his volume rising.

Finally, in the quietest whisper, Yeosang spoke.

"Zombies. Fucking zombies."