You're gently guided over to a small group of familiar faces, but now much more up close and personal. Stray Kids. The real Stray Kids. It feels surreal, like you've stepped into a dream, or a story you've only ever read about. Your heart races as Changbin motions for you to come closer, and the moment you do, Chan's face lights up with a welcoming smile.

"Hey there, angel cakes," he greets with a playful wink, his voice as warm and familiar as a long-lost friend. "I'm Bang Chan, and these are my brothers, Stray Kids," he says, casually pointing to each member like they're just another part of the family. One by one, the boys smile at you—each a little different, but all carrying the same energy of warmth and mischief.

You stand there for a second, the whirlwind of it all catching you off guard. The band, the flashing lights, the attention—it's all happening too fast for you to properly process. Your wings flutter slightly in nervous confusion, but you manage to nod your head, a small smile tugging at your lips, even if your thoughts are still a little disjointed.

Hyunjin, noticing the slight hesitation in your movements, steps forward with a gentleness that surprises you. He reaches up, cupping your cheek with a soft hand, and his voice is low and reassuring. "No need to be shy, angel. You're the one who's royalty here, you know."

The words send a rush of warmth through your chest, though you're not entirely sure how to take them. His eyes are kind, like he truly believes it, but royalty? You barely know these people—how could that possibly be true?

You smile and chuckle softly, tucking your hands between your own arms as if trying to steady yourself in this overwhelming moment. "Thank you, Hyunjin, but I'm no one's royalty," you say with a soft laugh, unsure how to respond to such an unexpected compliment.

Hyunjin's smile softens, his eyes crinkling at the edges. Then, without warning, he pulls you into a gentle hug, enveloping you in warmth. The others—Changbin, Chan, even Lee Know—all gather around, joining in the embrace. The feeling is overwhelming, like a safety net catching you, and it makes your chest tighten with something you can't quite identify.

You stand there, arms wrapped around you, surrounded by Stray Kids. You don't understand it. This isn't just kindness—it's a depth of feeling that seems almost too much, too soon. The other guests at the party watch with curiosity, but the moment feels like it belongs only to you and them. Why were they doing this in front of everyone?

Before you can even ask yourself the question, you hear a familiar voice cutting through the buzz of the party—JYP's voice. He approaches with a knowing smile, as if this was all part of the plan. "Ah, boys, you found her at last, didn't you?" he asks, eyes twinkling with something almost playful.

Chan, breaking from the hug, nods eagerly, his energy never wavering. "We did, sir. Can we take her home?" he asks, almost too casually, but with a hint of excitement in his tone.

JYP chuckles, clearly amused by the situation. "Of course," he says, waving his hand as if to dismiss the rest of the night with a mere flick. "Now let's leave. This party was boring anyway."

You blink, not sure if you're imagining things, but you can't help but feel a little lighter. They were taking you home? From a fancy party to whatever lay ahead—just like that. You're surrounded by warmth, not just from their embrace, but from the overwhelming sense of belonging, even in the most unexpected of moments.

As JYP motions for the group to follow, you can't help but feel like the night has just begun. The world outside this little bubble of Stray Kids and their quiet laughter feels so far away, and for once, you're ready to step into it.

◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥

The car ride is a mix of casual chatter and laughter, the sound of the boys' voices filling the air as you get to know them a little better. As the night deepens, you find yourself learning more about them—what they like to do in their downtime, what their favorite foods are, and the stories that make them who they are. They open up in a way that makes you feel like you've known them much longer than a few hours. From Felix's goofy antics to Hyunjin's thoughtful observations, they're all a mix of personalities that balance out perfectly, making it easy for you to slip into the rhythm of the conversation.

I.N, who has somehow attached himself to you, clings to your side with a quiet enthusiasm, his warmth seeping through the thin fabric of your dress. Felix is right behind him, leaning against your shoulder with a smile that lights up the dim car interior. Hyunjin, ever the affectionate one, finds a way to wrap his arm around your shoulders, pulling you closer with a chuckle. You let them stay close—there's something comforting about the way they make you feel welcomed, safe in their presence.

As you listen to the boys share old crush stories and embarrassing moments, you can't help but smile at how easily they laugh at themselves. They tease Chan about his high school crushes, and he in turn retaliates with teasing remarks about Hyunjin's not-so-hidden celebrity crushes. It's like you've slipped into this bubble of laughter and shared moments that, for the first time, feels like home.

Suddenly, the car grows quieter as Chan shifts his focus. His hands gently reach out to take yours, his touch warm and steady. The sincerity in his eyes is almost too much to bear. "Also," he says, his voice soft but full of meaning, "you are one of us now, Y/N. You'll never feel alone in our home, I promise you that."

His words hit you harder than you expect. A wave of emotion rises in your chest, and you feel the corners of your eyes burn as tears gather there. It's not the words, but the certainty behind them. The boys weren't just saying it to make you feel better—they meant it. The weight of it, the promise that you would never have to be alone again, makes your heart swell. It's the kind of reassurance you've been craving, without even knowing it.

Hyunjin, ever the protector, pulls you even closer with a gentle, reassuring squeeze. "Hyung is right," he says, his voice teasing but still so full of warmth. "You'll grow tired of us because we'll be giving you so much attention, you'll be drowning in it," he adds, his smirk contagious.

You laugh, a soft sound escaping you as you shake your head. "I don't think I'll mind," you tease back, the warmth of the moment filling you up in a way that feels more comforting than anything else.

Without thinking, you extend your wings, the soft feathers brushing against the others as you wrap them in a protective embrace. It's the first time you've done this—letting your wings surround others like this—but with them, it feels right. Like you're offering them a part of yourself, and in return, they're offering you theirs. It's a quiet connection, but it speaks volumes.

"It's truly a great day," you murmur, your voice full of gratitude. The boys are silent for a moment, as if they, too, feel the weight of the moment. Then, Felix chuckles, his head resting against yours.

"Yeah, it really is," he says softly, his tone warm and content.

The car ride continues on, but the energy in the car has shifted. It's no longer just about getting from point A to point B; it's about the journey, and the new bond you're forming with them. And for once, you don't feel like an outsider anymore. You're part of something now. Part of this unexpected family.

And somehow, with them by your side, you know you'll never feel alone again.