Behind the Mask - Hyunjin x reader

The auditorium was packed. I don't know who said 143 people signed up for this, but there was clearly more than that. 

Which of course was a good thing. The boys had worked so hard, not only on this routine, but ever since they founded their dance crew, so they deserved this level of recognition. 

But this was doing nothing to calm my nerves. 

Nope, it only made me even more nervous. 

We were backstage, as an other act was performing on stage. We would be up in about 15 minutes, so I had a bit of time to stretch and fix up my makeup. 

Jisung was bouncing on his feet like he physically couldn't contain his excitement, while Minho looked as calm as ever, sitting on the floor with his airpods on. They each had their own way of coping with stress, I guess. 

I turned towards Chaewon, who was fixing up Felix's hair. She shot me a reassuring glance. 

- You're gonna kill it, Y/n. You look fab. 

I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding, forcing a small smile, while Felix grinned at me through the mirror. 

- You always do.

But before I could respond the sound of a door creaking open and a collective gasp made me turn around. 

And come face to face with a young man I had never seen before. He had curly hair and facial features which kinda reminded me of some sort of fox? 

He stood there, hands in his pockets, smiling, as all the boys looked at him like they had seen a ghost. 

- Uh... did I just walk into the wrong dressing room, or is nobody gonna say anything? the guy said, tilting his head slightly with amusement. 

There was a moment of silence, where no one dared to say anything, before Jisung let out a shriek  

- What the hell...?!

And he threw himself at the boy, holding him so tight I though he might suffocate him. 

- I can't believe it's you, Jeongin, the boy sobbed. 

The moment the name clicked in my head, I watched as the others snapped out of their daze. 

- Oh my gosh, Innie, Felix sobbed, throwing himself in the younger's arms as well. 

Jeongin let out a soft laugh, wrapping Felix in a tight hug. 

- Surprise!

The initial shock then melted into chaos and happy tears. 

- No way! Are you serious right now?! Seungmin practically yelled, eyes wide open as he ran up to them, and soon, they all joined the group hug. 

- How- when...? You were supposed to be in the hospital! Minho stammered, his eyes clearly watery, a sight I never expected to see in my lifetime. 

- I got special permission, Jeongin grinned, taking the time to look at each of the boys. I couldn't miss this, no way I was gonna let you guys go on stage without me here.

- Aww, Innie, Han pouted, going in for another hug. 

The scene warmed my heart. The boys were so surprised, and so happy. They deserved this so much, they had worked really hard for this showcase, and knowing that their friend was there to support them could only motivate them to give it 100% on stage. 

- Dang, don't make me cry before we go on stage, Chan groaned, blinking up at the ceiling like he was trying to push the tears back in.

- Welp, too late for that, Felix sniffled.