The Shadow Of A Trainee | Bang Chan ?

Mirae's P.O.V

The energy in the arena was electric, the deafening cheers of STAYs shaking the very walls as Stray Kids kicked off their concert. Backstage, I stood with Hyungwon, eyes fixed on the massive screen broadcasting the boys' performance in real time.

Chan, with his boundless energy, led the group into their first song, their synchronized moves and flawless vocals captivating everyone in the crowd. Hyunjin twirled effortlessly, his long hair whipping around as he danced with his usual grace, while Han, Lee Know and Changbin jumped around, hyping up the fans with their playful energy. Felix’s deep voice sent shivers through the audience, and Seungmin and Jeongin's vocals blended beautifully, making the moment feel almost magical.

Hyungwon nudged me, grinning. "Look at them. They’re literally setting the stage on fire."

I chuckled, my eyes glued to the screen. "Felix looks like he’s having the time of his life with that giant SKZOO puppet."

On stage, Felix had abandoned the choreography for a second to give his enormous BbokAri plush a tight hug, rubbing its head affectionately before spinning it around.

Hyungwon burst out laughing. "And there goes Lee Know, pretending not to care, but he’s totally about to jump in and steal it."

Sure enough, Lee Know side-eyed Felix before casually sauntering over, yanking the plushie from his arms. Felix gasped dramatically, clutching his chest as if he’d just been betrayed.

"You traitor!" Felix shouted into his mic, making the crowd explode in laughter.

Hyungwon snorted. "Man, this concert is pure chaos. I love it."

I smiled, watching as the boys continued to dance and interact with the fans. Their joy was contagious, making my nerves temporarily fade into the background. But then, after a few more high-energy songs, the music faded, and the members gathered in the center of the stage, catching their breath.

Chan wiped sweat from his forehead, his dimples deepening as he grinned at the audience. "Alright, alright, let's take a little break before we all pass out."

The crowd responded with laughter and cheers, and the boys took turns greeting Stays, teasing each other, and answering questions fans had prepared on small banners.

I let out a shaky breath, suddenly feeling nervous again. My moment is coming soon.

Hyungwon must have noticed because he placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Rae-Rae, you got this. Just be yourself."

His words instantly calmed me, and I gave him a small, grateful smile.

Then, on stage, Chan suddenly raised his hands, signaling for everyone to quiet down. His wide smile remained, but there was a different emotion in his eyes—something softer, more vulnerable.

"Before we continue having fun," he said, "there’s someone I’d like to invite on stage."

Murmurs spread through the crowd, some fans gasping, others whispering in curiosity.

"Who could it be?"

"No way, is it...?"

Chan chuckled at their reactions. "Wait a second," he teased before turning around and walking toward the backstage area.

My breath caught as he approached, his eyes locking onto mine. He didn’t say anything, just reached out his hand.

I hesitated for a second, but then I heard Hyungwon’s voice behind me.

"Go now. I’ll be right behind you," he whispered with a smirk.

I looked at him, confused, but before I could ask what he meant, Chan gently took my hand, guiding me toward the stage.