Work Text:
It was a cold winter evening when a knock echoed through the house. Inside the kitchen, Bangchan and Lee Know were busy cooking dinner. Without looking up, Lee Know snapped, voice sharp with frustration,
"Someone get the door!"
Hyunjin sighed, irritated, but he got up and made his way to the door. When he opened it, he froze. Standing in the doorway was a girl, shivering, wrapped tightly in a blanket. Her appearance sent a jolt of concern through him.
"Are you okay, girly pop?!" he asked, his voice filled with genuine worry.
The girl shook her head weakly.
Without wasting a second, Hyunjin helped her inside, leaving the rest of the Stray Kids members utterly confused. As they saw her, they quickly surrounded her, offering clothes to warm her up and bowls of food to comfort her. Lee Know, still not pleased about this sudden stranger showing up at their door, watched the scene unfold with a mixture of disbelief and frustration. How had this girl ended up out there all alone? Why did she come to them for help?
Bangchan was in the kitchen, gently washing the dishes. Seungmin, ever the caretaker, was preparing her food. Changbin, mischievous as always, flashed a wink her way, only for Han to stomp on his foot in playful reprimand. Meanwhile, Felix was in the living room, making it as cozy as possible for their unexpected guest.
I.N, with his usual curiosity, asked the girl her name.
"Isabella," she replied softly.
Lee Know, noticing how quiet and reserved she seemed, motioned for Felix to help her with brushing her hair. Felix, always the empath, went over to her room and gently started brushing, taking his time. They spoke for a while, their conversation flowing easily. There was an undeniable connection between them—one that Isabella couldn’t quite place, but felt deeply.
Later, Felix helped her downstairs, guiding her in some warm, comfortable clothes. The entire group had been kind to her, making sure she felt safe, but Felix seemed to hold her attention the most. At dinner, they all gathered around, and Isabella found herself seated between Felix and Han. As the evening went on, the members of Stray Kids eagerly asked her to share her story. She spoke, and they listened intently, hanging on every word.
The next day, the time had come for Isabella to leave. Her thoughts were occupied with the worry of her family, who must have been frantic by now. The members were all sad to see her go, knowing they had made a lasting impact on her, and she on them. As Bangchan drove her to the airport, Changbin and Lee Know tagged along.
"We're all really sad to see you go," Lee Know muttered, "If only you didn’t have anyone waiting for you back home."
Isabella’s eyes glistened with sadness as she replied, "Don’t worry, I won’t forget any of you... especially the strangers who helped me when I needed it most."
As she stepped out of the car and approached the terminal, she felt a sudden pull in her heart. That was when she saw him. Felix. He was running towards her, his breath visible in the cold air. Her heart skipped a beat.
He reached her, grabbed her wrist, and pulled her into a tight embrace, not showing a hint of wanting to let go. For a moment, neither of them spoke—just stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms. After what felt like an eternity, they finally pulled away, though neither of them wanted to.
"Did you really just run five miles through the snow?!" Lee Know shouted in disbelief, his voice a mix of annoyance and amazement.
Felix didn’t respond to him, though. His gaze never left Isabella’s face, and the look in his eyes spoke volumes. He wasn't going to let her slip away so easily.
Bangchan, watching from the car, couldn’t help but smile to himself. He knew this was just the beginning of something new. Something special.
THE END