Chapter 24: Day 3
The fluorescent lights of the Stray Kids dorm flickered to life, signaling the start of another chaotic day. Bang Chan, the ever-responsible leader, groaned and wrestled himself out of Hyunjin's surprisingly strong grip. Hyunjin, still half-asleep, mumbled something about wanting cuddles, but Chan just ruffled his hair and headed for the kitchen.
The smell of burnt toast already permeated the air. Felix, perpetually sunshine personified even at ungodly hours, was attempting to make breakfast. Seungmin was meticulously wiping down the counter, looking like he regretted every decision that led him to this point. Trailing behind them was Changbin, who surveyed the scene with a grim expression, muttering about pre-dawn culinary disasters. Their polyamorous relationship was a strange, beautiful blend of chaos and comfort, as only they understood.
"Morning, sleepyheads," Felix chirped, offering Chan a blackened piece of… something.
Chan politely declined. "Morning, Lix. Maybe we can order in today?"
Meanwhile, in another room, the 'Triple Threat' – Lee Know, Han Jisung, and I.N – were entangled in a pile of limbs and blankets. Lee Know, a notorious early riser, was already poking at Han's cheek, trying to wake him up. I.N, the maknae, clung to Han like a koala, refusing to let go. Their relationship was a quiet, supportive haven amidst the storm of 3RACHA's creative process and Lee Know's sardonic wit.
By mid-morning, the dorm was a whirlwind of activity. 3RACHA – Chan, Changbin, and Han – were huddled in the studio, composing a new track fueled by copious amounts of coffee. The dance line – Lee Know, Hyunjin, and Felix – were rehearsing their routine in the living room, punctuated by Hyunjin's dramatic sighs and Felix's encouraging cheers. Seungmin and I.N were in the kitchen, attempting to salvage the burnt toast situation (with limited success).
Dance practice was, as always, a mix of impressive athleticism and comedic mishaps. Hyunjin's focus waned whenever Chan walked past, Lee Know's deadpan commentary kept everyone grounded, and Felix was a ray of sunshine, always ready with a pep talk. By lunchtime, they were all sprawled on the floor, exhausted but satisfied.
Dinner was a loud, boisterous affair. They ordered enough Korean food to feed an army, and the dorm transformed into a scene of competitive eating and playful bickering. Chan tried to maintain order, but the others were too far gone, devolving into inside jokes and theatrical reenactments of past mishaps.
Their evening live stream was a masterclass in organized chaos. They answered fan questions, performed snippets of their songs, and engaged in ridiculous challenges, all while trying to outdo each other for airtime. At one point, Hyunjin attempted to do a backflip and nearly knocked over the camera, sending everyone into fits of laughter.
Later, as they wound down, the dorm was filled with a quiet hum of activity. 3RACHA were back in the studio, fine-tuning their track. The dance line were stretching and relaxing, while I.N and Seungmin played video games in the living room. Felix and Changbin were curled up on the couch, watching a movie.
Then, at approximately 3:00 AM, the chaos escalated to a whole new level.
Chan's phone buzzed. It was a group chat. The title: "BANGTAN×STRAY KIDS = CHAOS".
He squinted at the screen, confused. It was full of members from both groups.
Jimin (BTS): HIIIII STAYYYYYYY!!!
Han (Stray Kids): Uh… Hyung? What's going on?
J-Hope(BTS): Surprise!!! We're adopting you! 😂
Hyunjin(Stray Kids): Adopt us?! Like… kittens? I'm kinda into it.
Felix(Stray Kids): HELLO!!!! 💜💜💜
Suga(BTS): Jimin, did you seriously just add them at 3 AM? I need my beauty sleep.
Jimin (BTS): But Hyung, we're having fun! Plus, maybe we could play a funny game.
I.N(Stray Kids): Omg this is exciting.
Lee Know(Stray Kids): Is this some kind of fever dream?
Changbin(Stray Kids): I should have known better than to expect a normal night.
Chan sighed and rubbed his temples. He looked over at Hyunjin, who was already typing furiously.
Chan (Stray Kids): Jimin-hyung, what's the plan here?
RM (BTS): Yeah, Jimin, explain yourself. I was actually sleeping.
Jimin (BTS): Okay, okay! How about we play Never Have I Ever? BTS edition meets Stray Kids edition! It'll be fun!
V (BTS): I'm in! This is gonna be legendary.
Jungkook(BTS): I've got some good ones saved up!
Seungmin(Stray Kids): Oh god...
The group chat exploded with messages as both groups jumped into the game with reckless abandon.
Jimin (BTS): Never have I ever dyed my hair a color that I immediately regretted.
Hyunjin (Stray Kids): 😭 (Don't judge my orange phase!)
J-Hope(BTS): Hyunjin. That hair was the most beautiful I have ever seen.
Suga(BTS): Never have I ever written a diss track about a member of my own group.
Changbin (Stray Kids): …Oops. 😅
Han (Stray Kids): Changbin-hyung, you're gonna get us killed!
RM (BTS): Never have I ever accidentally broken something expensive while trying to be cool.
Chan (Stray Kids): I plead the fifth. (But that computer was an accident, I swear!)
The game continued late into the night, revealing secrets and kinks that would forever alter the dynamic between the two groups.
V(BTS): Never have I ever had a crush on a member on my own group.
Jungkook: I'm so dead,
Jimin: Me too.
I.N (Stray Kids): Never have I ever snuck out of the dorm in the middle of the night to get street food.
Lee Know (Stray Kids): Uh...😅
Han (Stray Kids): He took me! It was delicious!
Felix (Stray Kids): Never been someone I'm dating.
Changbin: that would be me.
Seungmin: same.
Jimin(BTS): Never have I ever practiced my dance moves in the shower.
J-Hope(BTS): who hasn't?
Hyunjin(Stray Kids): I do it all the time.
As the sun began to rise, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, the group chat slowly quieted down. Exhaustion had finally caught up with them all.
RM (BTS): Okay, guys. This was fun, but I think we all need to sleep.
Chan (Stray Kids): Agreed. Thanks for the chaos, hyungs.
Jin (BTS): Anytime, kids. We'll do it again soon!
The Stray Kids members, bleary-eyed but grinning, finally retreated to their rooms. The night had been a whirlwind of laughter, secrets, and unexpected connections. As Chan drifted off to sleep, he couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement for what the future held. This night was a new beginning, a chance to forge new friendships and create even more chaotic, memorable moments with their newfound BTS family.