(You are Felix) Felix and Hyunjin were inseparable.

Ever since their trainee days, they had been each other’s shadow—always together, always supporting one another. Being in Stray Kids only deepened that bond. Fans adored their dynamic. They were the loud laughter in backstage videos, the tight hugs after performances, the whispered encouragements before going on stage. No one doubted they were best friends, the kind that nothing could break apart.

But what fans didn’t see was the pain Felix carried behind his bright smile.

He had a herniated disc in his lower back, something he’d been dealing with quietly for years. It made simple things—like standing too long or sudden movements—feel like someone was stabbing him in the spine. Despite regular rehab sessions and constant check-ins with the team’s doctors, the pain never fully went away. He had good days and bad days. And unfortunately, their world tour had more bad days than good.

Hyunjin knew, of course. He always knew. He’d seen the way Felix would wince when tying his shoes or how he’d sit down slowly with trembling hands braced on his knees. He worried constantly, but Felix always brushed it off with a grin and a soft, “I’m okay, really.”

Now, they were in the middle of tour prep for one of the biggest shows yet. The arena was packed, lights blinding, music booming, and fans screaming their names. But backstage, just minutes before going on, Felix was hunched over on the couch, clutching his lower back, breathing shallowly.

Hyunjin crouched in front of him, brows furrowed in panic.

“Lix… we don’t have to go out. We can delay—”

“No,” Felix interrupted, forcing a smile despite the sweat already beading on his forehead. “They’re all waiting for us. I’ll be fine. I just need to move slowly.”

Hyunjin didn’t believe him, but he nodded anyway. Because he knew how much Felix hated letting people down.

The concert started. The lights, the energy, the adrenaline—it all surged around them like electricity. Felix pushed through the first few songs, even managing to dance without showing the pain that roared in his lower spine. Hyunjin kept sneaking glances at him between choreo, watching the way Felix's movements became stiffer, slower.

Then it happened.

During the fourth song—God’s Menu—right in the middle of a turn, Felix’s knees buckled. He clutched at his lower back, eyes wide with pain before his body gave out completely. The mic slipped from his hand. He collapsed, right there on stage.

Gasps erupted from the crowd.

Everything seemed to stop.

Hyunjin didn’t hesitate. Before anyone else could react, he was already at Felix’s side, dropping to his knees beside him.

“Felix!” he shouted, shaking his shoulder gently, his voice barely audible over the panicked buzz of the audience. “Hey, look at me, please—Felix!”

Felix’s face was pale, lips trembling, and his eyes fluttered open for just a second.

“I… I’m sorry…” he whispered.

“Don’t you dare apologize,” Hyunjin choked out, voice thick with fear and emotion. “Just hold on, okay?”

Staff rushed the stage. The rest of the members stood frozen for a moment before joining them, worry etched into every face. But Hyunjin never let go of Felix’s hand, not even when the medics arrived. Not even when they rolled him off stage.