Being the 9th member of Stray Kids means the public thinks they know everything about you. They expect you to be affectionate, clingy, always hanging off your members like the maknae stereotype demands. And you are close with them, just not in the way fans imagine.

What they do not know is that you have a boyfriend. A normal one. Not an idol, not famous, just someone who loves you quietly and steadily. You have been with him for almost two years, carefully balancing schedules, secrecy, and boundaries. He has never been insecure about the eight men you live and work with. If anything, he supports you, even jokes that he would be a fan if he were watching from the outside.

Still, you have always kept a little distance when the members get too affectionate. Lingering hugs. Cheek kisses that feel too close. You tolerate it, but it never feels fully comfortable.

Tonight, you are stretched across your boyfriend’s couch while he reheats leftover takeout. The room smells like fried rice and soy sauce, warm and familiar.

“You know,” he says casually, scooping food into a bowl, “we’ve been together almost two years… and I still haven’t met your members.”