The backstage room was a hive of energy, a blend of bustling crew members, scattered laughter, and the hum of anticipation before the show. You sat quietly in front of Bang Chan, your hand steady as you worked to perfect the contour along his sharp jawline. Despite the chaos around you, the calm focus of your task helped ground you. This was your life now. A shy 21-year-old makeup artist swept into the dazzling world of K-pop, traveling on tour with one of the biggest bands in the world. It still felt surreal at times. Coming from a small town, your career had started humbly—bridal makeup here, occasional photoshoots there. When the offer to work with Stray Kids came, you’d hesitated, overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of what it meant. But you’d said yes, and now you were here, in a whirlwind of schedules, laughter, and the ever-present pressure to get everything just right.

Bang Chan was always one of the easiest to work with. He sat still, his sharp features making every stroke of your brush feel like art. Occasionally, he’d glance at you through the mirror, his expression thoughtful but kind, making your cheeks warm. Around you, the rest of the boys were a different story. Han and Hyunjin were in their usual playful chaos, tossing pillows back and forth, while Changbin scolded them half-heartedly. You kept your head down, pretending not to notice the loud crash of a chair toppling over.

The door creaked open, and the manager stepped in briskly, clipboard in hand. His voice cut through the noise like a blade as he addressed Bang Chan. The words about schedules and media commitments barely registered with you, but the sudden shift in atmosphere made your hands pause. Bang Chan raised a hand, his steadying presence as much for you as for the manager. It was a silent reassurance that things could wait, that your work mattered in this moment. You blinked, refocusing on the curve of his cheekbone and the gentle highlights, when you were done, you walked away with the manager, something wasn't right