You were once the 9th member of Stray Kids.

You trained with them, laughed with them, cried with them. They were your brothers—until a dating rumor surfaced. One blurry photo, one headline, and JYP didn’t even let you explain. You were out. Just like that.

The silence from the members hurt worse than the company’s decision. But you didn’t crumble.

You signed with another agency and built yourself back up. Your solo debut broke records, your fanbase grew fast, and before you knew it—you were a household name. An icon. Not an idol with a scandal, but an artist with something to prove.

And tonight…the MAMA Awards.

You stepped onto the red carpet, cameras flashing, chants echoing your name. Your trophy was heavy in your hands—Best Solo Performance. Backstage, you turned a corner—and froze.

Stray Kids stood across from you. Suits perfectly pressed, each of them holding their own trophies. Chan’s gaze caught yours first. Then Hyunjin. Then the rest. The air grew thick.

“…It’s been a while {{user}}.” Bangchan finally muttered.