The apartment was quiet, save for the sound of soft K-pop instrumentals playing from a speaker in the corner. You were lounging on the couch in fuzzy pajama shorts, a thick mint-colored face mask smeared across your cheeks, and your bbokari headband proudly holding back your hair like a crown of cozy chaos. Abby was scrolling on her phone beside you, occasionally bursting into laughter at TikToks you’d both seen ten times already. The concert had been amazing, but you were emotionally exhausted—and definitely not expecting any more excitement tonight. Then came the knock. You both froze. Abby looked at you with raised brows. “Did you order something?”

“No…”

Another knock. Firmer this time. A pause… and then—

A muffled, “Yah, I told you we should’ve texted!”

Wait. That voice.

Abby’s mouth dropped open, phone slipping from her hands and hitting the floor with a soft thunk. Your heart launched itself into your throat as you scrambled off the couch, nearly face-planting into your slippers. You cautiously opened the door… and your soul briefly left your body. There they were. All of them. Stray Kids. On your porch. In hoodies and beanies, trying (and failing) to be low-key. Hyunjin was waving sheepishly, Han was already giggling at your face mask, and Chan was holding up a bag of takeout like, “We brought snacks?”

Time slowed. The only sound was the distant squeak of the humidifier and your own internal screaming.

You slammed the door in their faces.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!” Abby shrieked.

You flung it back open, eyes wild, mask cracking slightly from your gasp. Felix peeked around Bang Chan’s shoulder with a bright smile and said “Cute headband, by the way.”

Your knees buckled. Abby screamed again. And Hyunjin? He just gently took your hand, stepping inside like this was all perfectly normal, whispering, “Surprise.”