As you meandered along the shoreline, the gentle rhythm of the waves lapping at the sand and the soothing whispers of the sea breeze through the palm trees, a familiar figure emerged from the horizon. Your heart skipped a beat as you recognized your best friend, his silhouette growing more defined with each step he took toward you. The vibrant hues of the setting sun cast a warm glow upon his features, highlighting the excitement in his eyes and the broad smile that stretched across his face.

His stride was purposeful, yet relaxed, the epitome of a carefree soul approaching to share an adventure. As the distance between you narrowed, the anticipation grew, and you could almost feel the joy emanating from him. The grains of sand danced around your feet as you moved closer, the sound of the waves a crescendo to the moment. When you were within arm's reach, he opened his arms wide, as if to embrace the world, and the smile on his face grew even more radiant.

"Hey there, dear!" he exclaimed, the sound of his voice a melody that resonated in the salty air. "How are you?"

You mirrored his enthusiasm, your own smile blossoming in response. "I'm just good," you said, feeling the warmth of his presence wash over you. "And what brings such cheer to your day?"

He leaned in, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "You're not going to believe this, but we're filming something over there," he nodded discreetly in the direction of a small gathering of people. "Some kind of Game of Thrones scene, and guess what? They need someone to play Hyunjin's dragon!"

You couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of it all. "They do, do they?"

"Yes," he confirmed, his excitement unabated. "And the director said it would be totally cool if you joined us. You know how much I've talked about you, and they're all eager to meet the person who's got everyone talking. You're going to be a hit, I just know it!"

With a shrug of your shoulders, you considered his proposal. The day had been relatively uneventful, a canvas of free time just waiting to be painted with memories. "Why not?" you replied, a hint of curiosity tingeing your voice. "I've got nothing on my schedule today, so I might as well give it a shot."

And so, you joined him and his siblings, who were already deep in their roles. The beach had been transformed into a makeshift Westeros, with costumes and props scattered around. The director, a burly man with a boisterous laugh, waved you over, explaining the scene with grandiose gestures. You were handed a costume, a clever combination of fabric and imagination that allowed you to become the mythical beast.

The scene unfolded with the dramatic flair of a Shakespearean play. The boys, dressed as their favorite characters, recited lines from the show with surprising accuracy, their passion for the story evident in their performances. As for you, you embodied the dragon with a surprising ease, feeling the power of the creature surge within you as you roared and flapped the makeshift wings.

The camaraderie was infectious, and before you knew it, you were fully invested in the narrative, weaving in and out of their dialogue with fiery breath and dramatic movements. The sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the sand, yet you remained absorbed in the fantasy world you had all created together.

In those moments, the beach became your stage, the waves your audience, and the salty air your applause. The simplicity of the setup was a stark contrast to the grandeur of the story you brought to life, and the joy of participating in something so ludicrous and fun was a feeling you hadn't experienced in quite some time.

As the scene wrapped up and the laughter and applause subsided, you couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie and accomplishment. Your friend beamed at you, his earlier prediction proven true—you had indeed stolen the show. And as you shared a knowing look, you realized that sometimes, the most unexpected moments are the ones that truly make a day unforgettable.

◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥

As you meticulously folded the damp towel to absorb the beads of sweat that had accumulated on your forehead from the intense workout session, a familiar figure approached you, his footsteps resonating with a friendly confidence that was unmistakably Bang Chan's. His athletic build, glistening with a sheen of perspiration, was a testament to the rigorous exercise he had also endured. In his hand, he clutched a water bottle, condensation running down its surface as if it were a treasure retrieved from the depths of a desert.

"Hey there!" He greeted you with a smile so bright it could have illuminated the darkest corners of the room. "I.N has been talking about you non-stop. I'm Bang Chan, the leader of Stray Kids, and it's really nice to finally meet you."

You looked up, surprised and slightly out of breath. "Hi, I'm Y/N. It's nice to meet you too, Chan." The way your names rolled off his tongue made you feel a sense of belonging, a warmth spreading through your body despite the coolness of the air-conditioned gym.

He offered his hand, and you took it, his grip firm yet gentle. It was a perfect blend of strength and care, a reflection of the leader he was to his group and soon to be, to your friendship.

Without warning, I.N appeared by your side, pulling you away from your brief encounter with Bang Chan. His eyes sparkled with excitement and something else—nervousness? It was an emotion you rarely saw on his face, and it intrigued you.

"I'll go home with you, okay? There's something important I need to talk about," he whispered, his voice a soft melody in the bustling gym. The shyness in his tone was foreign, and it tugged at your heartstrings, making you wonder what could have possibly made your outgoing best friend so self-conscious.

"Sure, I'd love that. I'll wait for you while you say goodbye to the others," you replied with a knowing smile, trying to ease his tension.

As you made your way to the edge of the cooling area, the sound of the city's vibrant nightlife hummed in the background. The neon lights painted the streets in a symphony of colors, and the occasional whoosh of a speeder overhead reminded you of the futuristic world you lived in.

I.N soon joined you, his brothers' farewells echoing in the distance. He looked at you with a mix of excitement and vulnerability, something that was as rare as a quiet day in the bustling metropolis.

"So, I wanted to tell you something," he began, his voice a little shaky. "What would you say if I told you I had a crush on someone?"

You couldn't help but snicker at the sight of your best friend, the one who usually had all the answers, looking so uncertain. "I'd say that's great, I.N! You should totally tell them. It's always nerve-wracking but worth it in the end," you encouraged, giving him a playful nudge with your elbow.

He took a deep breath, his eyes searching yours for reassurance. "Yeah, I think you're right," he murmured, a hint of resolve in his voice.

As the two of you walked in the direction of home, the rhythm of your steps syncing naturally, the neon lights cast dancing shadows on the pavement, telling a silent story of the life that thrived in the city that never slept. The air was alive with the scent of street food and the distant sound of laughter.

Suddenly, you were jolted from your thoughts by the sound of a scuffle from a nearby bar. A figure emerged from the shadows, a young Togruta, her lekku fluttering in the wind as she chased after someone. Her cheeks were flushed with anger, and her eyes gleamed with determination.

"Thief!" she yelled, her voice echoing through the alley.

You and I.N stepped aside, allowing her to run past, her footsteps leaving an imprint of urgency in the air. But as she passed, she paused for a fraction of a second, her gaze locking with yours. In that moment, something profound happened—the air around you seemed to thicken, and your heart skipped a beat. The mark on your chest, a symbol of fate, burned with an intensity that was impossible to ignore.

The Togruta, noticing your reaction, stopped abruptly. Her blue eyes, filled with the same surprise you felt, searched yours. The connection was palpable, a silent conversation passing between you.

"I'm sorry," she panted, her chest heaving from the exertion. "Thank you for not getting in my way."

But before she could turn to leave, you felt the universe shift. The mark on your chest was a beacon, and it was telling you that she was your soulmate. The realization was as sudden as it was overwhelming, leaving you speechless.

I.N, noticing the sudden tension, placed a hand on your shoulder, gently squeezing it. "Is everything okay?"

You nodded, unable to find words to explain the tumultuous emotions swirling within you. The night had just taken an unexpected turn, and you knew your life would never be the same.