It was the best Stray Kids show that had ever happened in the entire history of SKZ. The drama of the "Best Leader" chant made the already engaged audience extra present. The energy from the crowd was palpable which seemed to turn the eight members on stage from Idols to gods of music. The head of this pantheon was none other than Bang Chan who seemed to have unlocked a new level of performance. His level up did not diminish his members; it electrified them so each person reached a new height.

It was positively amazing.

The team did exactly what Chan had said to do the night before. The teaser for a new Stray Kids comeback made the audience roar. Declaration of a new 3racha mixtape made the stands vibrate. The icing on top was the three men performing a new song while the members hyped them up. It was an epic evening.

When it was all over Fred looked to Naty with a small smile, "There's a hotel I know nearby. I have a friend that'd like to meet you there."

Naty grinned happily as she nodded her head, "I think I'm free."

The two stood to leave but were met by Tara, "I know you think you have won but you didn't see the first half of the show. Stays may want the drama but the company wants consistency. Chris is in deep shit because of you. Face it, Naty, you are bad for business."

"And you are bad at reading the room. We'll have this talk tomorrow," Fred walked past her then paused on the steps to look at Naty, "Coming?"

Naty felt a twisting sickness in her gut as she nodded and followed Fred away from Tara. Her mind replayed the events of the weekend and the woman's words and found that she was correct. Naty was bad for business.

If Chan was able to go through a horrible break up without Stays knowing, what did it mean that just her presence disturbed the whole weekend?

Her mind drifted to her conversation with Ashley and then to her conversation with Pearl. It was not okay to have so many panic attacks. Perhaps, she truly wasn't strong enough to handle the stress of dating an Idol. And perhaps Chan couldn't handle the stress of dating her.

Clips of the beginning of the show were already being posted. It was clear he was not okay. His dancing was weak, light dim, and stage presence nonexistent. His vocals were still amazing but cracked often as if on the verge of tears. Tara had been correct.

These thoughts plagued Naty as she waited for Chan on the rooftop terrace. It was mostly empty except for an older couple far across the way. Naty felt a deep sadness in her heart. It was lovely to see them enjoying each other but she couldn't shake the sadness of her and Chan not even being able to get 1% of that.

"Naty?"

She turned around in time to feel the warm embrace of Bang Chan. For the first time he lifted her off the ground and she laughed with joy at how much harder this hug was from all the others. It was clear that he had just come from a shower and wet hair left drops on her face. For a moment all of the events before were forgotten. All that mattered was Chan and his arms around her.

"I'm sorry," he sighed as he finally pulled away, "I'm just so happy to see you."

"I'm so happy to…," Naty had to pause, "…see so much of you!"

Chan blushed, "Sorry, I rushed."

Naty laughed and tried to look at anything else. Chan wore a simple white shirt and jeans but that shirt! She could see every muscle as the fabric clung to his wet skin.

"Stop," he nearly giggled as he took her hand and lead her to the railing.

"I'm sorry. I'll keep my eyes to myself," she teased before laying her head against his shoulder.

A soft sigh left him at the contact and they were quiet a moment just looking at the night sky. She could feel his body still alive from the show. His skin vibrated wherever she touched and she wondered if it was like this after every performance or just the really, really good ones.

"How did you know?"

Naty pulled back to look at the soft features of the man beside her, "Know what?"

"That I was really in my head about being a bad leader. Jisung and Jeongin said you started the chant. How did you know that was what I needed to hear?"

"I…" Naty looked down but Chan's hand reached up to her cheek so their eyes could stay locked. She lost her breath for a moment but answered when she found it, "I remembered what you said at In-N-Out. And remembered your face after what Tara said. And I don't know…you really are the best leader."

"Even better than R—"

"Of the fourth generation," she spat out before he could finish.

A genuine and full belly laugh left him that suddenly made her laugh too. Naty didn't think she was that funny but when Chan laughed, she felt like a stand-up comedian. He was such a beautiful person.

Chan shook his head, "Do you know how nervous I was when I saw you talking to Jungkook?"

"Oh, come on," she blushed, "You have to know by now that you're my ultimate bias."

His face lit up like a sparkler and he brought her in for another hug. In his arms the second time she couldn't help but recognize ALL THE MUSCLES. How did his hoodies and sweatshirts hide them so well?

It was another moment before Chan pulled away. His features were soft again but quickly they changed to a teasing tone, "I guess you don't mind I told Jungkook we're dating?"

"Dating?"

His face suddenly fell, "I mean. If you want— I'm not asking to— Would you like to?"

"Yes, but—"

"But?" he turned away to lean against the railing, "Lay it on me."

"I just…," Naty leaned against the railing too, looking out over the night beside the most amazing guy she had ever known, "I think we should take our time. This weekend was really rough."

"It was," there was desperateness in his voice that broke her heart, "I told Tara to just back off. Especially with today's success. Do you know how many sponsorship deals are coming in now? My idea eliminated all the rumors. They have to listen to me now."

Naty felt joy at the news but couldn't shake the pit in her heart that told her she almost ruined that, "What about the beginning of the show? I just think us having panic attacks all weekend isn't healthy. I just think I'm bad for business."

"You're great for business!" he nearly shouted as he gently held onto her hands, "People think that was scripted! And ignore the business stuff. Ignore what Tara and Ashley said. You are good for me."

"I can't," Naty admitted, "I can't forget what they said. It's all I think about. You're all I think about and they're right. I'm just not strong enough."

"Don't listen to them. Listen to me. Please? What you did out there was the strongest thing I have ever seen the partner of an Idol do. Ashley and Tara are wrong. This is right. My gut is telling me this is right. You are right!"

"I don't feel right, Chan. I feel horrible. I feel like I really did potentially ruin everything," there were tears in her eyes as she spoke and perhaps it was the blurred vision but she thought she saw tears in his too.

"But you saved it," he nearly squeaked.

"Fred saved it. He changed his mind and took me to the show instead of the airport," Naty felt her heart hammering in her chest, "I just think maybe we should wait until after the tour—"

"There's always going to be another tour!" he pulled away to look out at the railing and Naty could suddenly see him shaking just as he had been the night before, "There's always going to be another tour, another comeback, another show, another—"

"Hey," Naty didn't let him finish.

Instead, she wrapped her arms around him tight and whispered a mantra of soothing words. Chan slowly began to calm and relax his shoulders as he returned the hug. She could feel his hammering heart slow to a natural rhythm but didn't pull away until he did.

Chan kept his eyes low and away from her as he did, "I'm sorry. I got worked up. I'm going to grab us both some water so we can finish this conversation and so I can be an adult doing it."

The man didn't wait for a response. Naty leaned over the railing and put her hands over her face to hide her crying. She felt so horribly pathetic. No matter what she did it felt like the wrong move and all she really wanted was to be with Chan.

"I'm kind of a cunt."

Naty jumped at the sound of Tara's voice beside her, "What are you doing here?"

"Trying to apologize so just listen, alright." Tara snapped, "I'm kind of a cunt."

"Uh…okay?" Naty frowned.

"I'm kind of a cunt and I like it. It makes me good at my job and helps me weed out the individuals not worth my time. I like being a cunt," she continued.

"Okay," Naty narrowed her eyes on the woman, "How is this an apology?"

Tara sighed as she leaned against the railing, "Sometimes I take it too far and I'm sorry. Everything Chan just said was true."

"YOU WERE LISTENING."

"I was," she shrugged, "And it helped me realize something. If you were really just clout chasing you wouldn't be thinking about Chan or his career or anything I have said. You also wouldn't make yourself look soooo stupid with that best leader chant."

Naty scowled.

"What I'm saying is: I'm sorry and what Chan said is right. You saved the show today. I'm the one that potentially ruined it. I've been too harsh but you stood up to me multiple times and that says something," the woman looked into Naty's eyes, "Dating an Idol is incredibly difficult. Especially one like Chan. All eyes are on him, from every direction, and there is a lot of pressure on his shoulders. Stray Kids is having a huge moment and they are all under intense scrutiny. As the leader, Chan is getting eight times as much of it. You not only have to be a girlfriend but a public figure in Korean Pop Culture. It's a lot to handle but I think you can handle it."

"Are you saying you support me and Chan being together?" Naty was bouncing on her heels.

"I'm saying…I won't get in the way as much. Chan proved himself today and I'll stop doubting him. You two might be good together and I'm going to give you the chance to find o—"

Naty couldn't let her finish. She hugged the woman as tight as she could, "Thank you!"

"What is going on?"

Chan's voice separated the hug. He held two water bottles in his hand and a look of absolute confusion and distrust on his face. Tara rolled her eyes, "Chill, I just came to say…I'm backing off and am giving you the green light."

"Really?" Chan's eyes locked onto Naty with a shy smile, "What does that mean?"

"Just kiss already!" Seungmin shouted and it was then they realized the members had been hiding so they could listen to the conversation.

Chan immediately went into scolding leader more but Naty didn't care. She crossed the space between them and wrapped her arms around his neck as she guided his face to hers for a soft, gentle kiss. Of course, the Kids screamed, gagged, and made puking noises.

When they pulled away, Chan whispered, "Does this mean what I think it does?"

Naty nodded, "It does."

The smile that came onto Chan's face took Naty's breath away. Tara ushered the members away as Naty looked into Chan's eyes, "Are you sure I'm worth the everything that comes with this?"

"Naty Higuera, you have been worth it since the moment I saw you."

With that, Bang Chan dropped the water bottles and pulled her in for the kiss of a lifetime. In that moment, Naty felt all her fear and doubt vanish. Dating an Idol would be difficult but she shared the same sentiment. It was all worth it for her First Class Love.


The rest of the trip together was filled with calm and romance. Without the pressure of Tara and Ashley the couple had an amazing time together! Chan and Naty enjoyed each other's company in peaceful bliss. They had fun planning dates and subsequent disguises for them. The two also kissed—a lot!

Because their time had been so stressful, they made sure to take it very slow. Naty decided it would be best for them to sleep in separate rooms and Chan agreed. Of course, it was a sweet boundary to keep in light of their evenings ending around 3 a.m. But there was never a genuine chance for them to push things too far beyond kissing. Tara and Ashley still hounded them but this time it was Tara hounding not to have sex and Ashley hounding to use protection.

Naty got to spend more time with the Kids too. She was able to formally introduce herself at a dinner they all shared. The jokes at Bang Chan's expense were endless.

On their last night, Naty planned a lovely romantic evening joined by none other than "the dress." Chan could not keep his eyes or hands off of her. It was a beautiful ending to the start of a beautiful relationship with Chan.

Naty said so as Fred exited the vehicle to get her luggage. The way the flight schedule worked out, Naty had to leave a full day before Chan. The two stayed in the back of Fred's car to finish their goodbyes.

"Stay, stay, stay," Chan whispered as he pressed gentle kisses along her throat.

Her hands held fistfuls of his shirt to pull him closer, "I want to. You know I want to."

"So do it," his arm wrapped around her back to keep her close while the other held her face to press her neck closer to his mouth.

"Chan," she was breathless. Her hands moved beneath his shirt to press over the muscles she had become familiar with.

His hand dropped to gently grasp at her thigh as he pulled back to frown, "I know. I'm sorry. I just…I already miss you."

"I already miss you too," she pulled her hands from under his shirt and instead rested them on either side of his face, "I will call you when I land and I moved my trip up so I will spend a full month with you before seeing my friends."

He gave a cute little nod at her words before leaning in and kissing her one more time, "Okay. Call me, don't message. I want to hear your voice."

"I promise," she slipped her arms around his neck and he around her middle so they could hug as best as they could in the backseat of the car.

Fred knocked on the window to indicate that time was running out for their final embrace. Chan crushed her against his chest one final time, "Don't forget to drink water."

"And you get some rest," she replied.

They gave each other one final meaningful kiss and then she was out the door with Fred. Though the windows were tinted Naty could still see him pressing his face against it to see her. She laughed and blew him a kiss which she thought she saw him catch.

"Have a safe flight, Ms. Higuera," Fred handed the luggage over with little fanfare.

"Take care of yourself," Naty threw herself at the man for a surprise hug that he just barely returned. She pulled back then gave one last look to Chan, a little wave, and entered the airport. Though she never wanted to say goodbye to Bang Chan…she did need to use the bathroom!


Naty was unable to call Chan when she landed. In fact, she was unable to call anyone. She had used most of her phone battery to watch movies on the flight and had left her portable charger with Changbin on their group dinner. Naty turned off all notifications to preserve her phone life for the sake of the Uber ride home. She knew Chan was tracking her flight but also knew he would understand her choice to wait.

Of course, the Uber ride was long, boring, and filled with nonstop chat from the driver. Naty was so exhausted but maintained the conversation to avoid the risk of looking at her phone. It proved to be the right choice when her phone died as soon as she arrived to her apartment building.

Three flights of stairs had never been so difficult. Naty made a mental note to hit the gym as soon as possible. Though she didn't have a problem with how she looked, she did have a problem with taking ten extra minutes to carry her belongings. Naty had a small fantasy of Chan holding her luggage for her as they walked up the stairs to her apartment. Would he complain or would he stop at each step to kiss her as he did at each floor of the elevators?

The thought helped her get to her apartment door with a lot less gruff. Naty entered quickly and immediately put her phone on a charger. She then got to work making herself something to eat! It was so funny how quickly she went back into her old routine. All she had to remember her weekend now was the MILLIONS of pictures she made sure to take of her with Chan.

As her food cooked, she went to her phone to see it had turned on. She immediately opened her KaKaoTalk to call Chan but saw her group chat was going crazy. She opened it with expectation of humor only to see her name over and over again.

"Naty is this true?"

"HOW COULD YOU LIE TO US!"

"There better be a good explanation, Naty!"

"Guys, give her a chance!"

With similar messages going on for hours. She received private messages from them as well and calls she had missed in the tens of hundreds. She saw Chan's message next that simply read, "Call me. Don't look at Instagram."

Naty immediately opened her Instagram. Thousands upon thousands of brutalizing hate messages welcomed her. With the messages came the startling surprise that she had lost over 2/3rds of her following.

The woman nearly collapsed.

Tears burned her eyes as she googled her name. While she was on the flight an article dropped: "Social Media Influencer Naty Higuara is a Stray Kids Sasaeng." She read through the article and saw videos and pictures of Chan looking upset with fake explanations of Naty being the reason. They even said that Chan left the stage because she was there and only returned when security dragged Naty out.

Her first thought was: How could Tara do this to me?

Naty burned with pain and anger and shook as she called Chan's phone.

He answered immediately, "Naty!"

"Why would Tara do this?" she couldn't stop herself from crying.

"It wasn't me!" Tara was in the room with him, "This was a bullshit job with no facts at all, just speculation. My people are tracking down who did this as we speak."

"That's great but that…" Naty stopped herself from saying the wrong things to the wrong people and tried to control her breathing, "I'm just screwed. My followers are never going to trust me."

"Naty," it was Chan again, "I am so sorry you are alone right now but I'll make sure Stays know it's not true. Just go on V Live. I'm going to explain everything on Chan's Room."

She opened her mouth to tell him that Stays would not believe him and claim that he was being too kind to a stranger but she didn't want to yell. Instead, she took her phone to her room and turned on her laptop while he tried to assuage her. Naty responded as positive as she could but all she could think about was the loss of her sponsors and how she needed to update her resume.

"It's time," Ashley said in the background.

"Okay. Naty, I'm going to call you right after the Live, okay?"

"Okay," Naty sighed.

He said a few more kinds words but ultimately had to go. Naty waited on V Live, trying her best not to read the filthy comments piling up about her. She considered getting off until Chan's beautiful face popped up.

She immediately felt her body relax at the sight of him. Once again, she found his likeness to that of royalty. He appeared to be a regal prince addressing his people over a perceived injustice that had occurred in the public. She was reminded of the year she had avoided watching and why. It was true that the real thing was much better but seeing him at all was a special treat. She was reminded of the hours before in the car ride to the airport. It was a simple time she wished she didn't end.

"Okay," Bang Chan let out a deep, sigh. The man greeted Stays in both English and Korean along with thanking them for turning up to the shows. It was clear that he was nervous but he spoke with confidence until he got to the topic at hand, "I want to talk about California and the sasaeng—"

Before he could finish the chat went crazy. The full force of hate became so physical that the weight of it made her slump in her chair. Racist, body shaming, angry comments spewed. Most were comments checking in on Chan's well-being, she admitted that, but even those held venom toward her. She reached up to shut the laptop—

"Whoa, whoa, whoa."

Chan's hands were up as if to press pause on the onslaught of comments.

"Naty Higuera is not a sasaeng."

Bang Chan took in a deep breath.

"Naty Higuera is my girlfriend."