Strong hands gripped the neck of Cleo's shirt, hauling her the remaining distance through the door. Her face pressed to what she instinctively recognized as Chan's chest, Cleo allowed herself to feel what had just happened. Her right hand still intertwined with Han's she pulled him in to join the embrace. Chan was running a hand comfortingly through her hair, muttering reassurances when a shout sounded down the hall, "Jisung!".

Minho had come barreling around the corner, headed straight for the trio. His face stricken, he stopped short of the trio. Han extricated himself from Cleo and Chan before folding into Minho with a sob. He tilted Chan's head back to examine him, checking for injuries. Satisfied that Han was physically intact he enveloped him once more. From over the top of Han's head Minho made eye contact with Cleo, "Thank you for getting him back to me". Pressing his lips to Han's hair, he turned them both around and made for the green room.

Cleo let herself be comforted by Chan for a moment longer before pulling away, "I should probably go see if Han's okay…".

"Minho's got him. Are you okay?", Chan kept hold of her hand as he spoke.

"I'm okay, just glad that's over. I don't know how you handle crowds like that."

Chan shrugged, "Honestly, you just get used to it. Plus, the barrier usually holds", he finishes with a wink.

At his return to teasing Cleo rolled her eyes and ran a hand through her hair. Wait…

"Chan! My hat! It must have fallen off! Oh my god, there's going to be pictures everywhere. What do I do?"

At that exact moment Chul rounded the corner, one look at his face confirmed to Cleo that she was in big trouble. She instinctively stepped behind Chan, who noticing the look on her face, turned to face Chul.

"You ridiculous child, what the hell were you thinking?"

"I-"

"Quiet! I don't want to hear your excuses. You've done enough damage. Lord knows the tabloids will cook up some ridiculous story between you and Han. I'm calling you a car, you're going back to the hotel- now."

Cleo kept her gaze trained on her shoes. He's right. She was likely to be the cause of a huge public scandal for Stray Kids and with this happening in such proximity to the fan's death, who knew how it would affect them.

She was just nodding in agreement with Chul, feeling the hotel would be the safest place for her, when Chan stepped forward.

"Absolutely not. She's staying here, with me."

Chul stared at Chan, shock written all over his face.

"Chan you cannot be serious. Do you know how this looks? You're the leader, you have to consider the good of the group over your own…", he sneered at Cleo, looking her up and down, "misplaced desires."

"I am considering the group. Cleo is good for us. And if you look at her like that again I have no problem replacing you. I suggest you speak with security regarding the faulty barriers because as far as I'm concerned, the lack of safety is your fault- not Cleo's."

Color rising to his ears, Chul spun around and left without another word. The set of his shoulders indicating a deep displeasure. Cleo couldn't help but notice him shoot her a nasty glare as he took the corner, but Chan had already returned his gaze to her face.

"This was not your fault, but I need you to be more careful. I don't care if you're photographed, we can handle a scandal, what the group can't handle is losing you so soon after accepting you. Promise me you won't put yourself in danger again?"

Cleo's face still felt hot from the encounter with Chul. She couldn't meet Chan's eyes as she nodded. She felt a finger under her chin, tipping her face upwards until her eyes met Chan's. He opened his mouth to speak before seeming to think better of it and snapping it shut again. He held her gaze before pressing a kiss to her forehead and pulling her to the green room where the rest of the boys were waiting.

As they walked into the room a thought stirred at the back of Cleo's mind. Tabloids. Her face was going to be published worldwide. What if Jason… Interrupting her train of thought, Felix threw himself against her with an audible "uumpff". Soon I.N. and Han had joined the embrace. Han reached out, pulling Minho in behind him and Chan led over Hyunjin and Changbin until they were all wrapped tightly together. For the first time, Cleo let herself feel Chan's words that she really was part of the group.

They lingered in that moment, a palpable sense of relief surrounding them, until Changbin leaned back and casually inquired, "Hey Cleo, what happened to my hat?"

His tone was joking but Cleo still felt her heart drop. Chan stomped on his foot.

"OUCH, what was that for?"

"I'll buy you a new one, just drop it for now okay?"

At the seriousness in Chan's tone, Changbin's smile disappeared, "Yeah sure, no problem. I didn't even like it that much…".

They broke apart. Hyunjin keeping an arm around Felix and Minho gripping Han as if worried he might disappear. Chan took his place in front of them all.

"We've had a hard 24 hours, but we are strong together. Let's give a performance we can be proud of, in memory of Soo."

Everyone nodded in agreement. Chan clapped his hands together, "Get to wardrobe and makeup, you all know what to do."

They took turns in the makeup chairs, being poked and prodded until they were no longer who Cleo had come to know as her friends, but Stray Kids. In between they kept Cleo company; sharing stories and jokes. I.N. and Changbin taught her Cham Cham Cham and Kai Bai Bo, the penalties becoming increasingly ridiculous until, while attempting a headstand, Changbin nearly sent a staff member flying and Chan put a stop to the games. Felix introduced Cleo to Genshin Impact, which she watched with feigned interest until Minho requested her assistance lacing up his complicated gloves.

He stood in front of her, stony faced with his arm extended while she wrestled with the laces. Despite the silence Cleo was surprised to find she didn't feel awkward. Minho would speak when he had something to say and there was something comforting in sharing a space with someone and not feeling obligated to talk. Besides, he had asked for her help specifically; he must not dislike her company. As she finished the final knot, Hyunjin strolled by with a teasing comment, "Oh look, a cat caught in string." Minho, unfazed, reached for a box of tissues. Hyunjin's laughter halted abruptly, his face paling as he swiftly retreated. Cleo, perplexed, glanced at Minho, who just shrugged and sauntered off in the opposite direction, leaving her alone with a bemused expression.

Just before they had to leave for the stage Chan found Cleo and brought her to the wings of the stage, letting her know that if she stayed there she should have a good view of the performance and remain unseen by the crowd. Changbin followed close behind with a chair he'd poached from the makeup team, looking extremely proud of himself. Felix gave her one last hug before taking his place on stage while Han squeezed her hand as he passed. Minho was the last of the group to make his way to the stage as he handed her a bottle of water with a nod and a smile before taking his position.

In a departure from their traditional loud and dramatic entrance, they walked on stage together holding hands. Chan stepped up to the lone microphone at centerstage and addressed the crowd,

"Tonight, in the face of heartbreaking loss, we gather here as one family—Stray Kids and Stay. Last night, a cherished member of our community left us, leaving an unimaginable void. Our thoughts and condolences go out to all those affected, especially their family and friends.

Last night we found ourselves at a crossroads, questioning whether to proceed with the concert tonight. After careful consideration and with the family's blessing, we've chosen to continue. Our stage will be a tribute to celebrate the life lost."

Chan glanced towards the wing where Cleo was seated in the darkness before returning to the crowd,

"Music, our common language, will be a source of healing. Let tonight be a testament to our resilience, our shared bond, and the enduring power of Stray Kids and Stay."

As he finished and returned to the line, grasping hands with Felix, the crowd applauded, and the Stray Kids bowed deeply. The lights cut out, sending the stage into pitch black, and the concert began.

About halfway through the show Cleo felt the hair on the back of her neck rise. Startled, she turned to find Chul glaring at her. Doing her best to appear unbothered she turned her attention back to the performance. Unfortunately, Chul was not so easily deterred. Within seconds he had approached her from behind, clearing his throat to get her attention. Bracing herself for what was sure to be an uncomfortable interaction, Cleo shifted so both Chul and the stage were in her line of sight.

With a sigh he began, "You and I both know you don't belong here. I don't understand Chan's fascination with you, but I do know that he will get bored of your novelty eventually."

Cleo schooled her expression into one she hoped appeared neutral, "I don't know what you mean. I'm only here for a few more days and all I want to do is help".

Chul dropped what small amount of politeness had remained, sneering at Cleo, "The only thing you're helping to do is to ruin their reputation. Your presence is a distraction, and Chan will realize that soon enough. Don't get too comfortable. Once your little adventure here is over, you'll fade away, just like the rest."

Her heart stopped and stuttered. The rest? Her distress must have been visible on her face because Chul walked away, looking pleased with himself. On the stage she could see Chan glancing over at her, he must have witnessed at least part of the interaction because he looked concerned. Cleo shook her head and tried to smile. Not wanting to be blamed for any mistakes in his performance, she did her best to convey she was fine despite the unsettling encounter with Chul.

Chan's gaze lingered on her for a moment longer, but he eventually redirected his attention back to the performance. Determined to maintain her composure, Cleo refocused on the stage as well. The music, the lights, and the energy of the crowd enveloped her, providing a temporary escape from the thoughts that swirled in her mind.

But as the performance continued, Cleo couldn't shake off the unease that had settled in her stomach. She mulled over Chul's words, wondering if there was any truth to them. Despite her attempts to reassure herself and Chan's words over the past few days, a seed of doubt had been planted. With each passing moment, she found it harder to concentrate on the show, her mind preoccupied with the unsettling thought that her presence might indeed be causing more harm than good.

As the end of the show drew closer, Cleo made up her mind. She would enjoy her last few days in Korea, while hopefully staying out of the news, before returning to her normal life. She would consider her week with Stray Kids a gift but leave it in the past. There was no use getting attached to people who lived halfway around the world from her. She was certain they would forget about her within a few days of her departure regardless. With a clear plan in mind she set her shoulders, getting ready to celebrate with the boys as they exited the stage.

As they ran off stage towards her, Cleo didn't have to pretend to be happy. Joy and excitement radiated off of them and she couldn't help but be infected with it. Changbin reached her first, picking her up and spinning her around, her feet flying off the ground. He set her down with a grin that she returned in equal measure. From behind the curtain she could hear the crowd chanting and cheering. The sound so loud she could have sworn the stage was shaking from it.

Cleo thought she was beginning to understand the appeal of performing. The adrenaline rush paralleled the intensity she felt in the Emergency Department when treating a critical patient. And both experiences shared a primary objective: healing. While Cleo embraced medicine to help mend people physically, Stray Kids, in their own way, offered a different form of healing to their fans. She felt a pang in her chest at the thought that her time with them was so limited. Transfixed, she watched as Felix and Hyunjin did a silly dance while I.N. laughed along, Changbin slung an arm around Seungmin, Han and Minho shared a private joke, and finally her eyes settled on Chan watching the group, his affection for them palpable. This was what she couldn't risk ruining but what she so desperately wanted to be a part of.

It took some time for them to come down from the adrenaline high of performing but eventually they were in the vans headed for the hotel with promises of dinner, ice cream, and games. In a higher energy repeat of the night before all nine of them met back in Chan and Felix's room after changing into pajamas. In a surprise move by Seungmin, multiple bottles of Soju had appeared and after Chan's weak protestations and some jokes at I.N.'s expense, "Are you sure you're old enough?!", they settled in with their drinks and takeout containers.

Chanbin was the first to suggest drinking games to, "Properly introduce Cleo to Korean traditions". Feeling confident in her drinking ability Cleo agreed, antagonizing Changbin by claiming she could, "drink him under the table". Chan groaned at this proclamation.

"Now you've done it. He's too competitive to let this go."

The spark behind Changbin's eye confirmed Chan's prediction.

"We'll start you off easy, how about 3-6-9?", suggested Chan with a glare to Changbin. And with that Changbin launched into an explanation of the rules. Cleo did her best to follow, it seemed rather simple. Clap for a number with a 3, 6, or 9 in it. She got through a few rounds before making a mistake and being handed a drink. Just as she started to feel more confident in her ability however the group began to call for Changbin to choose a new game.

"How about 'Bunny Bunny'?"

This was significantly more difficult for Cleo. Even with Chan and Felix doing their best to help, and sometimes even covering her mistakes, she lost nearly every round. At this point she was nearly through an entire bottle on her own (Changbin was pouring her shots and she had a feeling they were fuller than was strictly necessary). Looking concerned, Chan called for a new game- suggesting Cleo choose.

Cleo considered her options, standing up to pace around the group while she thought. Snapping her fingers in mock realization she proclaimed, "Thunderstruck is something we can all do well at, it takes no skill!".

She returned to the circle, seating herself next to Seungmin who had Changbin on his other side. "I'll go first, the rules are easy. You start drinking when you hear the word 'thunder' in the song Thunderstruck by AC/DC. You keep drinking until the word 'thunder' is said again and the person to your left starts. We just keep going around until the song is over", she explained while thumbing through her phone for Spotify.

Changbin scoffed, "Too easy". But Cleo just smiled sweetly before topping his drink off and pressing play. They each get through their first sips with no problem when it comes time for Chan to drink for the second time. He started his drink with an eyeroll that quickly widened as the seconds ticked by with no "thunder". Cleo continued her innocent act as she filled a second glass, passing it to Changbin as he emptied his first. Finally, the turn passed to Seungmin and then to Cleo and Felix before landing on Chan. Cleo froze when she realized Chan was stuck with the other long continuous drink. Changbin, however, was delighted and following Cleo's lead from before poured Chan a second drink to replace his first when emptied. Chan just raised his eyebrows as Cleo and finished his round without complaints.

When the song ended Changbin clapped a hand on Cleo's back, "Well played! I probably deserved that".

And so, the night continued. With no show the following day it was decided they would sleep in and meet for lunch in the afternoon. It was nearly 3am when Cleo realized that she and Chan were the only two left in the room. I.N. had fallen asleep early and Seungmin hadn't returned from bringing him back to his room. Minho and Han had disappeared together shortly after. She wasn't sure when Changbin and Hyunjin had left, or where Felix was. Her and Chan had spent most of the evening talking to one another and were currently seated against the headboard as he recounted an embarrassing moment from grade school. They both dissolved into giggles, Cleo leaning against Chan to keep herself propped up. He swung an arm around her, tucking her in close.

She felt her heart speed up at his touch. Clumsily she tried to extricate herself from him. It had been awhile since she'd stood, however, and the Soju was hitting harder than expected. She stumbled and tipped forward, failing to remove herself from his proximity and instead knocking him back onto the bed and landing directly on top of him. All the air left her lungs as she found her lips inches from his. A blush heating her face she mumbled apology after apology and attempted to scramble away. Chan's arms locked around her waist, keeping her in place. As his arms caged her in Cleo stopped struggling to stand. Chan's face was soft and unguarded as he gazed up at her. Neither of them spoke. Slowly he tipped his head towards hers, she felt her eyelids flutter closed as their lips met.

Cleo felt a warmth spread from where their lips met down to her toes. She deepened the kiss, leaning into his gentle pressure as her hands came up to tangle in his hair. Chan groaned into her mouth before gripping her tighter. Too soon he pulled away from her. Panting slightly, he tilted his forehead to meet hers, "We probably shouldn't be doing this…".

His words were like a bucket of ice down her back. Before he could react, she'd pulled out of his grip and was standing at the side of the bed. She was mortified. What had gotten into her? Stammering an apology she grabbed her shoes and was headed for the door. She'd made it no more than 3 steps when Chan caught hold of her arm. He spun her around and enveloped her in a hug. "Please, don't leave", he murmured into her hair.

Cleo leaned back to look at him, confused, "but you just said…?"

"I meant we've both been drinking, not that I didn't want this", with a tug he pulled her back to the bed. "Stay here tonight with me"

Despite the alarm ringing in her mind that it would be dangerous for her to continue to get closer to Chan, she allowed herself to be pulled into bed and under the covers. He tucked her into him, wrapping his arms around her. With his right hand he rubbed circles across her ribcage. Cleo shivered, she hadn't felt so safe and cared for in years. Surrounded by Chan's warmth she drifted to sleep.

Sun was just peeking through the blinds when the door was thrown open with a bang. Neither Cleo or Chan had time to react before a phone was sailing across the room and onto the bed, hitting Chan in the shoulder.

"I FUCKING TOLD YOU "