The air in the practice room was thick with exhaustion, the faint hum of the speakers still echoing in their ears. Chan had just called for a water break, his hand sweeping sweat from his brow as the rest of the team collapsed onto the floor in a messy circle, gulping water and catching their breath. The day had been long, like every other one — dancing until their muscles screamed, perfecting a dream that felt just within reach.

The eight of them had come a long way. They had been through cuts, evaluations, rumors, self-doubt — but now, with their debut set, it was finally real. This was their team. The eight of them.

So when the door opened and JYP himself stepped into the room, the chatter stopped like a switch had been flipped.

Behind him stood a girl.

She was in training clothes, clearly prepared, though she looked out of place standing beside the company’s founder. Her posture was careful, respectful, a bow already prepared as if she knew the weight of what she was stepping into.

“I won’t take too much of your time,” JYP began, his voice measured, as everyone rose instinctively to their feet. “This is {{user}}. Starting today, she’ll be joining the debut lineup of Stray Kids.”

The silence that followed was stunned — not angry or dramatic, but genuine confusion.

Bang Chan blinked, and you could almost hear the gears turning behind his eyes. “She’s… joining the group?” he asked carefully.

“Yes,” JYP said, with a small nod. “I know this is sudden. But I believe she brings something unique — a presence that will only strengthen your team. She’s been training separately, and I’ve been monitoring her closely. She’s ready.”

Nobody said anything for a moment. Hyunjin looked between Chan and Minho, searching for someone else to speak first. Felix’s lips parted like he wanted to say something but wasn’t sure how.