The next morning passed in a blur. Felix tried to convince Cleo to join them at the show, but she couldn't bring herself to face Chul or the crowd that was sure to be gathered. Instead she convinced Felix that she needed some time to relax and pack before they embarked on the next leg of their tour. She promised to pack all of the members suitcases as part of her new job as theTour liaison. The chuckle Chan started was quickly stifled by her glare. She was determined to contribute in some way or form to Stray Kids if they were insistent on hiring her.

Cleo made her way from hotel room to hotel room packing the belongings of each member. For the most part her task was limited to folding clothing and ensuring all toiletries were appropriately packed. For a. group of men, they were decidedly neat and tidy. Once she had each bag packed and set at the doorway, ready for departure, she returned to her room.

With the room to herself Cleo figured she should call Allie, it had been a few days since she'd answered any of the texts she'd received. With a sigh she opened the Facetime app and pressed Allie's name.

Allie answered the call after one ring.

"Cleo what thefuck"

"Hey, it's nice to see you too…"

"Dude, where the fuck are you? Shit's gone crazy over here. Did you know Jason's dead? The police questioned me and Katie about it, they said you were out of the country? When the fuck did that happen? I had to lie to the police and say I knew you'd left so they didn't think you were running away. Did you run away? Did you kill Jason? Are you a fugitive? Am I going to jail?"

Allie said all of this very quickly, not letting Cleo interrupt to answer any of her questions. As accusatory as her words were, Allie's expression was one of excitement, she was enjoying the idea that her friend was running from the law. Before Cleo could speak another square popped up on her screen, Allie had added Katie to the FaceTime.

"YOU'RE ALIVE" Katie practically screamed into the phone, "holy shit, Allie and I were taking bets on if you were dead in a ditch somewhere. Girl, what the fuck happened?"

Cleo hadn't realized how much she'd missed her best friends. She couldn't help but laugh at their reactions to her short disappearance.

"Hi guys it's good to see you too." She rolled her eyes but kept smiling.

"So, did you kill Jason?" Allie interjected.

"and, where are you?" Katie was squinting at the screen as if looking for clues to her location.

With a sigh Cleo stood and walked to the window, turning the camera to point outside at the skyline. "I'm in Brazil with Chan…"

"Shut up!", that was Allie.

"I'm so jealous!", and that was Katie.

Cleo switched the camera back to her, "And before you ask again, no I did not kill Jason." She'd already decided not to tell them that she knew who did, the less people who knew Minho was there, the better. "What did the police have to say?"

Katie waved a hand in front of her as if to dismiss the conversation. "Honestly nothing. They just wanted to know when the last time we saw him was and if you'd mentioned being in contact with him. They seemed pretty indifferent to him. But tell me about Brazil! Is it amazing? How long are you staying?"

"and have you had sex with Chan yet?"

Cleo's jaw dropped at Allie's question, she could feel her cheeks heating.

"Oooo, actually, screw Brazil. I want to know that too." Katie's expression was serious as they waited for Cleo to speak.

"That's not... It's not like… No, I haven't." Cleo hid her face behind a hand, resisting the urge to throw her phone across the room.

"What the fuck Cleo."

"Literally, how have you not?"

"Aren't you sharing a bed?"

"What's stopping you?"

Cleo twisted the hand in front of her face until she was holding her middle finger up at the two of them. "You act like I don't want to! I have no idea if he even likes me like that. I'm probably just some charity case for him or something. Or, God, what if we do have sex and he decides he doesn't like me anymore?"

Allie rolled her eyes. "Have you seen how that man looks at you? There's nothing to be afraid of, he's beyond in love with you."

Katie was nodding along knowingly. "Also, he flew you to another country, TWICE. I'm sure he wouldn't mind getting some of that puss-"

Cleo really did throw her phone. She could hear the other two laughing as she waited a moment before picking the phone up again. "Are you two done?"

It took a few moments for them to stop laughing at Cleo's discomfort. Finally, when they'd settled down Cleo spoke again. "I'm going to be traveling with them for the tour, would you guys want to come to Chicago for the show?"

"Duh, of course we do!"

"You'retouringwith them?"

Cleo shrugged. "Until the hospital takes me back Chan said I can work for them as some sort of assistant. At least I'll be making a bit of money."

Allie snickered, whispering "Sexy secretary" under her breath. Cleo purposefully ignored her.

"The show's in two weeks, do you want to come or no?"

"Allie, shut up, of course we'll be there Cleo! Send me a playlist, I'll listen to some of the music before."

The rest of their conversation passed in a series of jokes and stories. Cleo described her day in Sao Paulo while Katie and Allie updated her on the latest gossip at work. Everything felt extremely normal despite the miles between them. Cleo couldn't help but feel left out as they talked her through the newest dating scandals between coworkers. She both wanted and dreaded returning to her life. She knew that without Jason she was safe, there was no reason not to return, but at the same time she couldn't imagine slipping back into her previous life. A life without Chan or any of the other Stray Kids no longer held any appeal. She knew that by integrating herself into their lives she was setting herself up for scrutiny in the public eye, but she found it hard to care.

Chan and the rest of the members returned late, close to midnight. They had little time before their flight for New York. Cleo had been dozing in bed when they arrived but was quickly awakened by the door springing open. Felix bounced his way into the room, riding the energy from their show. Chan strolled in after, slightly more relaxed but obviously buzzing. He greeted her with a kiss to the forehead and a grin. "How was your evening, Cleo?"

"How was my evening… how was the show? Tell me all about it!"

Felix and Chan took turns filling her in on the more interesting points of the performance while changing and washing up for the flight. Eventually it was time to leave and the three of them met the rest of the members at the elevator. Cleo had worn the most nondescript outfit she could come up with; simple pants, a plain t shirt, and a mask made her ensemble. She'd even thrown a band aid over her wrist tattoo on the off chance a fan site photographed her, so it would be harder to identify her as the same person who had been accused of inappropriate behavior with Han months earlier.

At the airport she made a point of sticking to the middle of the group of stylists. Despite Chan's repeated anxious glances in her direction she maintained a steady eyeline straight ahead, without any improper glances in the Stray Kids direction. She was relieved to board their flight with little to no attention, taking her seat at the back of the group without complaint. From the corner of her eye she could see Chan turning in his seat, attempting to catch her gaze but she steadfast refused to look in his direction. She would not be to blame for any negative media surrounding Stray Kids.

She instead spent the flight attempting to get to know the stylists and staff that surrounded Stray Kids. At first, they seemed reluctant to speak with her, they'd seen her with Chan too often to believe she was merely another staff member, but eventually she was able to break down their walls and befriend at least one or two of them. Jisoo was the first to respond to her attempts at friendship. She was eager to practice her English and as such was more willing to speak to the strange American girl that had suddenly joined their midst. They quickly discovered a mutual love of wine and TikTok, scrolling through each other's FYPs and comparing the suggested videos. Cleo spoke in stilted Korean while Jisoo attempted English, each offering gentle corrections and pronunciation guidance to the other. Jisoo was an assistant, meaning she ran errands and filled positions as needed. She explained she often retrieved coffee or found solutions for wardrobe emergencies. She hoped to eventually rise through the ranks to become a primary manager for a group one day.

As Jisoo and Cleo chatted throughout the flight Cleo couldn't help but notice the attention of a junior stylist. She was sat in the row ahead of them but seemed to continually be turning to listen to their conversation. Eventually Cleo couldn't help herself and tapped on the woman's shoulder.

"Hi, my name is Cleo, what's your name?"

The girl blushed crimson but stuttered out "Y-Yuna, my name is Yuna"

"It's nice to meet you Yuna. What do you do for Stray Kids?"

As Yuna hesitantly explained her role as an assistant stylist Cleo couldn't help but smile inwardly, she hadn't felt this relaxed during a conversation in entirely too long. She'd always loved meeting new people, but Jason had long since taken that joy from her. He'd never wanted her to speak to anyone he didn't approve of, and he didn't approve of anyone.

As the flight continued, Cleo found herself engrossed in conversations with Jisoo and Yuna, gradually breaking through the initial reservations of the Stray Kids staff. She learned about their roles, aspirations, and even shared some lighthearted moments about their experiences with the group.

By the time they landed Cleo, Jisoo and Yuna had exchanged contact information, followed each other on social media, and agreed to seek each other out during the different scheduled events. Jisoo had been quick to inform Cleo that Chul had demanded the staff avoid and shun Cleo. When Cleo told her to listen to him and save her own career, she'd been equally as eager to decline her suggestion, stating she'd rather be friends with someone who was kind than listen to a creep that made her skin crawl.

Their arrival to JFK was met with a frenzy of activity. Cleo could see Chan hesitate as they exited the plane, glancing back at her as if he wanted to wait and walk with her. She waved him on, turning to help Yuna with her multiple bags. Her, Jisoo, and Yuna balanced the many carry-on bags they'd been tasked with carrying as they navigated through the crowd to the baggage claim. As she passed through the doors marked "no re-entry" her eye immediately caught on a face towering above the rest. "T!"

Her face split into a grin to match his as she rushed forward, dropping the bags she was carrying at the last second and leaping into his arms. "Hey, little miss. How've you been?"

The force of his hug had lifted her off her feet and she let herself hang there for a moment, completely enveloped in his grasp. After he set her down she grinned up at him, "I can't believe you're here! What are you doing here anyways?"

"He and Axel will be joining us for the American portion of the tour." Chan had appeared over her shoulder, shaking hands with T.

"We wouldn't turn down a chance to see you again." T winked in her direction. Chan shook his head, a smile playing across his lips. She felt his thumb graze over her hand, glancing around nervously she quickly tucked her hands into her pockets, shooting him a pointed look.

"Well I'd better get back to myjob. See you at the hotel T!" and picking up her bags she returned to group of staff that had formed near the baggage claim. As they retrieved all the luggage, the boys and staff made their way to the pick-up area outside the airport where half a dozen blacked out vans awaited them. Cleo made to turn for the same van as Jisoo and Yuna but T caught her by the elbow and steered her into the same van as Chan. The two girls gaped at her as she shrugged and was led away.

Once in the van, Chan reached for her hand, his expression strained. She tried to give him a reassuring smile, intertwining her fingers with his and squeezing. The hotel they checked into was nicer than any Cleo had experienced. The lobby was grand, adorned with chandeliers and velvet furnishings. Cleo soaked in her surroundings, trying not to appear too awed at the extravagance. The hotel in Sao Paulo had been nice but nowhere near as lavish as this. The moment they entered the elevator and were away from the prying eye of "journalists" Chan threw a protective arm around Cleo, holding her tightly to his side and whispering, "You're still with Felix and me, I hope that's okay."

Cleo's stomach summersaulted at his words, but she nodded her assent. Once they'd reached their floor she deposited the extra bags she'd been carrying (half of which Chan insisted he hold for her) in Yuna's room before following Chan to their room to unpack. They'd be in New York for 4 days before heading to Atlanta. After Atlanta they'd be visiting Chicago, Seattle, Los Angeles, and Dallas before the final leg of the tour began in Europe. Chan had provided Cleo with an itinerary the previous day and she'd spent some of the flight working out how she could be of assistance to the boys on the tour. She was eager to discuss her ideas with Chan, but one look at him told her it would have to wait.

Chan had thrown himself onto the bed, facedown, and was groaning at the sunlight streaming in through the windows. Taking pity on him, Cleo crossed the room to draw the blinds before moving to unpack the essentials from each of their bags. She hummed quietly as she worked, intent on her task. Once she was satisfied she turned back to Chan. He'd sat up on the bed and was watching her with a soft expression. He patted the bed next to him, indicating she should sit with him. They had the room to themselves, Felix had run off looking for Hyunjin after dumping his bags on his bed. Cleo crawled up next to Chan before sitting cross-legged in front of him. He frowned, obviously expecting her to curl up next to him.

She watched him for a moment, letting herself appreciate the curls in his hair and the dimple that always appeared when he looked at her. He tipped his head to the side, obviously confused by her behavior. She shook her head before slowly unfolding her legs. Keeping her movements deliberate, giving him as many chances as possible to protest, she moved forward on the bed before swinging a leg over his. Settling herself in his lap she brought her lips to his.

Chan hesitated for a moment before intertwining his fingers in her hair and pulling her closer, deepening their kiss. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing gently into him. Her heart was pounding so hard, it wouldn't have surprised her if Chan could feel it through his shirt. His lips parted, and her tongue slipped in. He let out a soft groan, encouraging her further. She rocked forward on her hips, feeling him harden beneath her. Reaching down, she grabbed the edge of her shirt and pulled it up over her head, leaving herself in only a bra and leggings on top of him. Their kiss was broken due to her movements and he glanced down at her chest before pressing his forehead to hers. Before she could take another breath, he placed one arm behind her shoulders and flipped them on the bed so that he was on top, his hips between her legs. A noise somewhere between a giggle and a gasp escaped Cleo as her back hit the bed.

"What are you doing to me?" He mumbled, his lips pressed against her ear.
Cleo slipped her hands under the hem of his shirt, tugging it swiftly over his head before throwing it across the room. She had just recaptured his mouth and hooked her legs over his hips when she felt Chan pause. "Is everything okay?" she murmured into the crook of his neck.

"Wait, Cleo, maybe we shouldn't do this." He pulled away from her, panting slightly, his eyebrows creased in the middle.

Cleo felt the blood drain from her face, her fears of not being good enough suddenly at the forefront of her mind. "Why?"

"Just, you know, after what happened to you? I don't want to…"

A low buzzing filled Cleo's ears. "You don't want to what? Touch me? Be with me?"

Chan opened and shut his mouth, his expression one of pure confusion. Cleo couldn't even look at him. It was so much worse than him just not liking her, he was repulsed by what had happened to her. All she could think washe doesn't want me because of Jason. She couldn't be in that room anymore, couldn't stand the idea that Jason had sullied her so completely that the person she felt safest around could no longer bear to touch her.

She leapt from the bed, "forget it." Cleo pulled on her shirt and began moving towards the door.

"No, Cleo. That's not what I meant! I just don't want to make things worse…"

"Worse?" Cleo snaps, "you think being with me is going to make things worse? I'm not something that needs fixing. If you don't want to be with me just say so. It's not like I need your pity."

He gaped at her from the bed, unsure how things could have gone so wrong so quickly.

"I'll see you later, Chan."

She felt tears burn in her eyes as the door swung shut behind her. Glancing up and down the hallway, she saw that she was alone. Making a split-second decision, she opened the door two down from her and Chan's room, disappearing behind it.

"Wait…" Chan tried to scramble off the bed, looking frantically for his shirt on the floor. "Cleo, come back." But the door had already slammed behind her. He continued searching for his shirt, cursing himself, when he heard another door on the floor open and shut quickly. At least he knew she hadn't gone far. Tugging his shirt back on, he made his way to the … felt like they were making progress in becoming closer to each other, but he just had to open his mouth. This was probably something they should have discussed before getting into this position, but how was he supposed to know she even wanted him like that? And how could she think he didn't want her? Of course he wanted her!

No one was in the first room he tried. The second room held Changbin and Seungmin, who were in their respective beds and scrolling on their phones. They looked up simultaneously, just in time to see Chan slam the door shut again. Glancing at each other, they got up and followed him out, wondering what on earth was going on. In the hall Chan was trying another door, "Chan! What're we doing for din-". He slammed that door shut as well. A few seconds later, a confused Felix stuck his head out and, seeing Seungmin and Changbin looking equally bewildered, opened the door completely. He joined them, followed quickly by Hyunjin and Jeongin.

Acting as an unwitting pied piper, Chan tried the door two down from his own, the rest of the members shuffling as close behind as they dared. Behind this final door Cleo was sitting on a bed with Han, Minho on the chair beside them. The three of them had been speaking in low voices, Han with his arm around Cleo's shoulders. As Minho noticed Chan in the doorway, he stood, blocking Cleo from his sight. "Maybe now isn't the best time, Chan."

Chan's answering glare had Minho putting his hands up in defense. He pushed passed Minho until he was standing in front of Cleo and Han on the bed. She refused to meet his gaze, instead keeping her eyes trained on her hands knotted in her lap. Han's eyes flicked back and forth between the two, obviously unsure what to say. Chan hooked his thumb towards the door, indicating Han should leave. With an apologetic look at Cleo, Han got up from the bed and joined the other 6 huddled at the entrance to the hotel room.

"Cleo," Chan began, his voice low and firm, "listen to me. There is no one in this world I'd rather be with than you."

Cleo continued to fidget with her hands, spinning her ring around and around her finger. He reached out, covering her hand with his. "Cleo, look at me."

He held his breath, counting until she raised her eyes to look at him. Tears clung to her lashes, threatening to spill over, and it took everything in him not to reach out and wipe them away. "Nothing about you is broken and there is nothing in your past that scares me. Since we met you're the only thing I think about and the only person I want to be with."

He'd knelt down so their faces were level. Several tears had fallen down her cheeks as he spoke. His concentration faltered and without realizing it he'd reached out, cupping her face with his hand and wiping away a tear with his thumb. Cleo leaned into his touch.

"Do you understand what I'm saying, Cleo? I want us to be together," he said, his eyes locked onto hers. "If that's what you want too?"

Cleo's eyes widened, and for a moment she forgot there were 6 other people peering anxiously at the two of them. The weight of his words hung between them as she held his gaze. Her breath caught as time seemed to stand still. Without breaking eye contact, she nodded, a small, genuine smile playing on her lips despite the tears that were continuing to flow. "I… I want that too Chan."

An audible sigh of relief echoed from the peanut gallery, quickly followed by several giggles. Changbin wolf whistled, which was abruptly cut off as Seungmin elbowed him in the ribs. Minho muttered a not so quiet, "finally". Chan rolled his eyes at the interruptions, a grin splitting his face as he tugged Cleo to him, their lips crashing together. The group really did cheer then, with Jeongin yelling over the chaos, "Does this make you our mom?" His outburst caused Cleo to pull away from Chan, doubling over in laughter. She flung an arm out towards the group and, with Felix in the lead and Changbin dragging Seungmin, they crushed Chan and Cleo in a hug.